New Things for 2014 - How did I do?

In 2014 - the year of trying something new I decided that I wanted to try new things, as inspired by Danny Wallace in Yes Man. I felt like I was in a bit of a rut and it was time to inject some excitement into my life. Or at least some more fun. I was rather ambitious and set myself the goal to try one new thing a week. I wasn't quite that successful; but I did try lots of new things. Here is how I got on...

New Things 2014

1. I made horseradish from scratch - it was terrifying and didn't taste the way I expected; but it was also a lot of fun.   Terrifying Trials of Horseradish - 2014 New Things

2. I went to a surprise party - the best part was the anticipation of when to say "surprise!"
The Art of a Surprise Party

3. I finished the first draft of my novel. It was a huge achievement; but really the start of all the hard work as I'm now discovering.


4. Ladies Night - I helped organise a charity club night, so not my thing as a book loving introvert. I did go; but after about twenty minutes decided that I'd done that and could check it off my list. Not my thing. The Book Worm goes Clubbing - Sort of...

5. Script writing - I decided to follow my passion for TV and do a course on writing for TV. We created our own soap opera set in Norfolk. It was fun; but my novel kept calling me and I decided I couldn't take the extra time the course needed to continue.

6. Mustard TV Debut - as a result of doing the course I was filmed for Mustard TV. Sadly I missed the actually screening of it as nobody knew when it was going to be on air; but that might be a good thing.

7. Flower Arranging Demonstration - I was asked by a local WI to give a demonstration on how to do flower arranging and lead a class. I learnt a few years ago and love it; but had only shown people I knew before. It was a lot of fun and everybody made some gorgeous arrangements.

8. I became an Auntie - that's probably the thing I'm most proud of, not that it took too much effort on my part; but I absolutely adore my niece and love being around her.

9. Dirty Nappies! - Being an auntie brings its fair share of new experiences, including nappies. I was a little reluctant at first; but I'm getting used to it now.

10. Felt Flowers - I've always fancied trying wet felting, so I was pleased to get the chance with my Craft Club. It was fun; but inexact and a little frustrating. I was pleased with my flower but it's not my new craft obsession.
 
11. Pub Quiz - I'd never been to a pub quiz before, so this was my first time and I loved it.

12. Disco Bingo -  a little like a pub quiz; but completely unique. Disco tracks, a manic DJ/Quiz master called Silvano. I can whole heartedly say I have never been to anything like it before.

13. Self editing course - I learnt how to edit my novel. It was enlightening and exciting, I've got a much clearer sense of what I need to do.

14. Entered a WI competition - I've always been a little overwhelmed at the idea of the WI competitions, they have a scary reputation so when my own WI organised their own I decided to enter. I entered the whole cakes, small sweets and paper crafts divisions.

15. Won a WI competition - I won the paper crafts round with my paper rose wreaths. I was delighted and completely amazed. You can see other rose wreaths I make here...

16. Discovered gluten-free food tastes good - I cut down on gluten during 2014, while I didn't notice any amazing health benefits, I did discover that gluten free food can be really yummy.

17. Made an item of clothing - I crocheted a hat for my niece. It was the first crocheted item I ever finished (currently the only) and I really enjoyed it.

18. I took over the running of the Clandestine Cake Club - this was not something I anticipated; but I'm really enjoying looking for venues and seeing everyone each month.

19. I met Deborah Harkness, one of my favourite authors.

20. I had a private cinema screening - this has been a long held dream to be the only people in the cinema. I choose Driving Miss Daisy with Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones. It was fantastic.
My own private cinema screening - a dream come true!

21. I met Garth Nix, another of my favourite authors.

22. First piece of custom designed clothing - my fabulous heels from Electric Heels, who took my ideas and created the most gorgeous shoe art ever.

23. Tried screen printing - it wasn't as hard as I imagined; but not as perfect as I would have liked. At least I managed to print a cute babygrow for my niece.

24. I went to the opera - turned out it was all in English, accessible; but maybe not authentic. I enjoyed it though.

25. I made Quince jelly and used my jam sieve. It turned out really well, tasted delicious, a bit like Turkish Delight. I love it on toast.

26. I stopped doing digital virtual experiences - this was the most unexpected first. The changes in EU law turned everything upside down and I had to close Live in Love in Laugh in. It was sad; but I've got a very special, new project I'm working on and can't wait to launch in the next few weeks, so watch this space...

Looking back on all the things I've tried for the first time in 2014, I'm amazed at just how many there are.  It adds up to one every two weeks. They've brought new challenges, new experiences and new skills into my life. Most importantly they've been a lot of fun. I look forward to seeing what New Things 2015 brings.