Good Omens for my Pride and Prejudice

Posted on September 15, 2010 by Glen McNamee

I recently gave up trying to read Pride and Prejudice, as I found completely uninteresting and rather hard to read. Sadly I’ll have to give a another attempt because it’s part of the BBC top 100 Reads, the reading of which I’ve set as one of my 40 things to do before I’m 40 goals. In it’s place I’ve chosen another BBC top 100 Read book, the infinitely more readable “Good Omens” By Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. I’ve also recently read the following graphics novels “Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” which is not the genius work certain Internet websites would have you believe and The Complete Maus which, if I was was a lazy tabloid journalist I would descirbe as the Schindler’s list of Graphics novels.

I would also give this post a horrible title like; Good Omens for my Pride and Prejudice.

40 Things – Five Years to Go

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Glen McNamee

Time is passing, it’s now less than five years until I will hit forty years old. So he’s an update on what progress I’ve made over the last year towards 40 things to do before I’m 40.

Updated 40 things

Have a piece of writing published - (10% Complete)

Obsolete Gamer

Learn to cook, properly. - (10% Complete)

I’ve started to cook the majority of my own meals, but they are only simple meals. I beginning to wonder, how I should define being able to ‘cook, properly’ properly.

Sort out a proper diet, so I eat many different health foods - (100% Complete)

After a bit of research I finally got a diet sorted a few months back. I’m now eating healthy and making sure I get all my required dietary supplements.

Have 15% or less body fat - (95% Complete)

I posted about my Body Fat being measured at 15.5%

Read all of the BBC Top 100 reads - (20% Complete)

Twenty books read now, and I can’t say I really fancy reading many of the ones left, but I’ll keep plodding on.

Join a Gym. - (100% Complete)

joining the gym

That’s it for now, hopefully I’ll get some more of this completed before this time next year. Keep an on posts using the 40 things tag for further progress,

The Next Step.

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Glen McNamee

So I’ve been a Gym member for 2 weeks and 2 days now.

I’ve signed up a for some Personal Trainer sessions at the Gym as there is an offer on these at the moment. The offer is, If I visit the Gym 20 times in my first 8 weeks, I will get these sessions for free. I’ve already visited eight times in just over two weeks.

Part of this Person Trainer session is getting a health check. The health check was quiet interesting, it turns out I’m in ok shape at the moment. You remember on the last post when I said I was going to focusing on my Body Fat Percentage. My Body Fat Goal on 40 things to do before I’m 40 is to get my body fat down to 15%. I’ve been measuring Body Fat using my cheap little body fat reader I’ve got. When I started the diet it was just over 25%. The week before I started the Gym the little body fat reader said I was down to just over 20%. However when I got my Body Fat measured properly during a health check at the gym, it was measured at a meagre 15.5%, which was a massive surprise. So I’ve almost inadvertently hit my Body fat goal for 40 things already.

The plan now, is to start putting on more weigh and build a bit of muscle. Lets see how that goes…

Diet Week 2

Posted on June 1, 2010 by Glen McNamee

The second Week of the diet and final week of detox was a lot easier than the first. I think I’d gone through Carb and Caffine withdraw in the first weeks, so the only thing I need to worry about in the second week was sticking to my three meals a day and not being tempted into eating any high-carb food that I would normally. It’s very tempting just to a slice of toast or even a chocolate bar, but I’ve just got to fight the urges.

I’ve been finding my energy levels return to normal after feeling very tired during the first, I think the important thing is to make sure I’m getting enough Protein. I’m eating a lot of eggs (about three a day) and also having Protein Drinks as well.

I only managed one session of Karate training, because of schedule conflicts on Thursday, but I managed to complete the week and the detox. I can now add another 5 carbs to my daily allowance.

My final total weight loss for the week was 4lbs, which makes me 12lbs lighter than when I started.

Diet Week 1 Part 2

Posted on May 24, 2010 by Glen McNamee

Day 5 – 156 Pounds

Slightly surprised I only lost a 1lb this morning, after last nights Karate training exertions I though it might have been a little more, I did however feel bit more tired today. Another omlete this mornings, although it was supposed to be scrambled, as I’m getting fond of my egg based breakfasts.

If I keep losing a 1lbs a day I’ll hit my goal in about a month, which would very cool, but I’m taking it one day at a time.

Day 6 – 155 Pounds

Another 1lb gone this morning, looks like a pattern is developing one, I will not mention again unless it changes. Scrambled eggs this morning.

Day 7 – 156 Pounds

Gain 2lb today, however this is because I weighed myself in the evening instead of the usual morning time. Horrible day today, felt a bit down and seriously considered quitting, however by evening I was fine again and wanting to continue.

That’s week one Completed!

Diet Week 1 Part 1

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Glen McNamee

For a long time I’ve been looking for a diet for a few reasons. I wanted a balanced diet that would tell me what and when to eat, as well has help me lose weight. It also had to be a Vegetarian, so I eventual found Rose Elliot’s Vegetarian Low-Carb Diet at the local library.

As the title suggests it’s a Low-Carb diet like the Aikens diet, but it’s hard mode as it’s Vegetarian too. So have an even smaller choice of foodstuffs. You can just eat stuff like Eggs, Salads, Dust and Cardboard.

Day 1 – Starting weight 162 Pounds.

First thing to do was weigh myself so, I got a starting weight 162 Pounds. These means I need to loose about 30lbs to hit my ideal weight. Although the internet has different ideas of what my ideal weight should be, it’s somewhere between 130lbs to 137lbs. Anyway plan B is I’ll know I’ve hit my weight when I’ve not got a big fat belly. My plan is to lose a pound a week and then I’ll be the correct weight for around Christmas.

Cooked myself Scrambled Eggs for breakfast. This was actually my first time making Scrambled Eggs, don’t laugh it’s true. Probably shouldn’t have gone to Karate, but I did anyway and it was OK.

Day 2 – 159 Pounds

Big weight loss this morning, that 1lb a week goal is looking a bit modest now. However I’ve been going through ketosis big time, suffering from headaches and tiredness. I had plan to see Iron Man 2, but had to cancel as I could manage it.

Day 3 – 158 Pounds

Lost a 1lb this morning. This morning breakfast was an omelet, again this was my first time make an Omelet and again don’t laugh. Feeling a lot better today even managed to walk all the way back home from the Riverside Stadium in the evening.

Day 4 – 157 Pounds

Another a 1lb loss this morning, I’m not sure if I should be happy or slightly worried. Today’s egg based cooking was a devilled egg, but I just did three simple three boiled eggs (again for the first time, don’t laugh). Went to Karate training again tonight when I probably shouldn’t have, it was a very hard session and I felt light headed and very tired at various points.

So that’s a 5lb loss in four days, not bad. I suspect after that Karate session there will be another sizeable loss in the morning.

Edit: The diet is part of my 40 things Goals to reduce my Body Fat.

40 Things Update – More Books.

Posted on December 13, 2009 by Glen McNamee

Another little update on 40 things to do before I’m 40. This update is just about the single reading based goal.

Read all of the BBC Top 100 reads - (13% Complete)

Finish reading John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, and then read Alice in Wonderland and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I’ve been picking of the short and easy to read books from the list. Will probably give this goal a rest over the Christmas period while I read other books.

I’m now 2.5125% complete with 2063 days to go.

40 Things Q4 2009 Update

Posted on November 4, 2009 by Glen McNamee

Right, it’s time for the first 40 Things update. These things are a nightmare to write. So from now on, I’ll only be doing a full update every quarter year. I will however provide updates on individual goals as they get updated.

This being the first update there isn’t a lot of progress anywhere, but there is some clarification of the goals themselves.

Jump out of an Aeroplane - (0% Complete)

Wow this is expensive. £330.00 for a Free Fall Package! This one can wait a while, will probably do it as part of the next item at some point.

Raise 1000 pounds for charity - (00.5% Complete)

50 odd quid raised so far with a Charity Walk. An Absiel for charity in December is coming next.

Bungee Jump - (0% Complete)

A Bungee jump can also be done as part of the raising money for charity thing, so no rush for this one just yet.

Go Skiing - (0% Complete)

I’m in no Rush to going Skiing either.

Learn to Surf - (0% Complete)

I’ll need to sort out a trip to some where warm before doing this one, I’d like to learn on a sun drenched beach somewhere rather than somewhere on the North-East coast.

Become a black belt in Karate - (70% Complete)

I am currently a 3kyu Brown Belt in Wado-Kai, I might make this before I’m 40 but it won’t be easy.

Have a piece of writing published - (0% Complete)

Need to keep practicing writing, I’m a long way from this goal at the moment.

Perform stand-up comedy - (0% Complete)

The temptation is to fine some obscure Comedy Club miles away from here on Open Mic night, but I think I’ll need to do a bit of perpartion first.

Dye my hair blonde - (0% Complete)

I’ve talked about doing this one for years. I need some special events as an excuse, also the wife is not keen on this one at all.

Buy a House - (0% Complete)

Hah! Moving on….

Get out of debt - (0% Complete)

3 Years of the car loan left, and a little bit of credit card debt. However Christmas is coming.

Learn to cook, properly. - (0% Complete)

The wife was over the moon when she saw this goal. I think I’ll defer this one until after Christmas.

Go to New York - (0% Complete)

Hah! Moving on….

Get Teeth straightened - (0% Complete)

I’ve got a form for the dentist, got a feeling this one will cost a lot of time, money and pain.

Have lazek surgery on my eyes - (0% Complete)

Will be getting my perscription checked in the new year. Will look into this them.

Get a nose job - (0% Complete)

Wow plastic surgery is expensive, crazy money just for a consultancy.

Learn a foreign language - (0% Complete)

I’ll be surprised if I get as far picking an Language. Hindi or Mandarin might be useful from a business point of view.

Run a marathon - (0% Complete)

I’ve not ran anything over 1km in years. I need to get back on the treadmill and get those legs working again.

Do 100 push ups, 200 sit-ups, and 20 pull-ups in a single session. - (17% Complete)

So my record is about 40-5-0. I currently don’t anything to do pull ups on.

Sort out a proper diet, so I eat many different health foods - (0% Complete)

I’ve been investigating this, this will be done with the Learn to cook goal.

Have 10% or less body fat - (0% Complete)

I Really need to get my Body Fat Monitor fixed, and find out what my current body fat is.

Arrange a big party or event - (0% Complete)

I have an event in mind, but it’s not for a while yet.

Make A Will - (0% Complete) <

Don’t really need to worry about this yet, as I don’t have enough of an estate to require a Will.

Go back into education and a qualification. - (0% Complete)

The logical step would be get an ITIL V3 qualification. I should really do that.

Run a successful website. - (0% Complete)

hah! Sore point at the moment. Will be a clear picture in the new year.

Produce a Podcast/Internet Radio Show. - (0% Complete)

I’ve go no excuse for not having done this yet. All I really need to do is set up my mic.

Learn to Dance properly. - (0% Complete)

Properly like proper dance lessons from a proper dance instuctor.

Meet some of my heroes. - (0% Complete)

This is hard because I’ve have a small amount of heroes and they are not your normal heroes.

Go to a music festival. - (0% Complete)

The big question is, do I count Middlesbrough Music live? I think not, as that would be too easy.

Set up a real retirement savings plan. - (0% Complete)

I have a personal pension plan, but I would like to set up my own saving plans. Need to sort out a joint new bank account first.

Put myself on the bone marrow transplant donor list. - (0% Complete)

First step is to start giving blood again.

Read all of the BBC Top 100 reads - (9% Complete)

I’ve read nine of these and I’ve got some of these books already on my ebook reader. Have just started to read His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

Speak in front of a large audience. - (0% Complete)

I have no idea, moving on.

Scuba Dive. - (0% Complete)

Waiting for that holiday in the sun.

Learn to play an instrument. - (0% Complete)

Does Guitar Hero Count? Joking aside it would be cool to learn how to play some songs of the Guitar.

See the northern lights. - (0% Complete)

Waiting for the hoilday in cold.

Sleep under the stars/Go camping. - (0% Complete)

Another one I’m in no hurray to do.

Have backstage passes at a big show. - (0% Complete)

No idea….

Go to an international sporting event. - (0% Complete)

Maybe some of the Olympics ?

Join a Gym. - (0% Complete)

Been on my list for four years, will stay on there for a while yet.

I told you it was a nightmare. If you made it through all that I shall reward you with this little fact I’m 2.18975 complete with 2100 days to go.

Zoe’s Place Midnight Walk Completed!

Posted on October 27, 2009 by Glen McNamee

Zoe's Bear

On Saturday night I the completed the previously mentioned sponsored Midnight Walk around Stewart Park, Middlesbrough in aide of Zoe’s Place.

I managed to raise about 50 quid from friends and family, and about approximately zero quid from the internet donations. Which is disappointing, as I thought people would donate, even it was a couple of quid. I had post a request on the ObscureInternet Forum, Twitter and Facebook, as well as this Blog, so a lot people would have seen it. Also I’ve given to other people when they have requested donations on line.

EDIT: I do have a internet donation, thanks to Daz Adams.

Anyway, enough moaning. I’ve not been put off, and Zoe’s Place has Santa Abseil Down The Transporter on Sunday 6th December 2009 which looks fine it could be fun. All I need to do is raise a minimum £100 in sponsorship.

Sponsor Me – Zoe’s Place Midnight Walk

Posted on October 19, 2009 by Glen McNamee

Zoe's Bear This is a bit of request for help. I trying to raise money for Zoe’s Place. Zoe’s Place is a home from home for babies/infants who have life limiting illnesses, terminal, special and complex needs. Zoe’s Place offers palliative and respite care for infants from birth to five years old. We receive very little government funding and rely on members of the public, companies and organisations to raise the £800,000 it costs each year to run Zoe’s Place.

It is holding it’s first sponsored Midnight Walk on Saturday 24th October in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough and Suzanne, myself and some friends are taking part. I’ve already raised a small amount from family and friends but as you can donate online, I’m hoping some of my eFriends (i.e. you) will also help.

The link to donate is; http://www.justgiving.com/c64glen/ and you can donate with a Debit or Credit card or even PayPal.

This is also will help towards my 40 Things (number 2).

Glen McNamee

My Personal Blog

Tag Archives: 40 things