Up with people
A week since the official start of the TYSIC, and all over the country (in some cases, other countries), people who don’t know each other are busying themselves with tiny but fulfilling tasks. The range of responses to this has been, as I’ve said enough by now, surprising and lovely. It’s also been slightly more than I can keep up with – well, that’s not quite true, I’ve read everything that’s been written, but it’s hard to do justice to everyone’s efforts here. I’d strongly suggest looking through the Comments from the last couple of blogs to get up to date with how things have been advancing. There are a lot of small-yet-significant moments, and a couple of remarkable claims from people who’ve got out of the blocks quickly. It might provide inspiration if, like a lot of commenters, you are struggling to get underway yourself.
Here’s a very brief survey of the week’s efforts:
-Someone wrote to Noam Chomsky and got an almost immediate reply, which made her day/week/life;
-Someone is busily tracking down bees for his beekeeping challenge, someone else has researched goats and chosen a breed to focus on;
-Lots of people writing, anything from a paragraph to a few thousand words;
-Lots of people practising musical instruments, including many who’ve never played a note before. One person has learned Mull of Kintyre.
-Plenty of people running or doing other forms of exercise. I like the idea two of them could have passed each other on the road. One TYSICer dug out his mountain bike, came off it, and broke his collarbone. This is perhaps the most distinctive performance so far.
-Someone got hold of two albums that had been recommended to her, listened, didn’t like them. Someone else tried swordfish and found it ‘awful’. This is all part of the process.
-People have applied for jobs. Waiting for the first person to answer the interview question ‘why were you drawn to this job?’ with the answer ‘I’m doing a ten-year self-improvement challenge’.
-Would-be travellers researched destinations/thought about how they were going to get the money.
-A couple of haircuts and one (unsuccessful) dyeing.
-A number of people have begun confronting low confidence issues by talking to strangers,
leaving the house at unusual times, or even just writing a comment.
…and lots lots more. Well done, everyone.
There have also been quite a few suggestions for ways we can all join forces, communal goals we can aim towards, and so on. I’m going to get my head around these over the next week or so (the first joint mission will be to convey the iPod to the winner of the Beg For An iPod game – which we will judge together next Monday). Remember there is a forum these days (www.markwatsonfans.com) for getting in touch with TYSIC colleagues: already there have been some heartening instances of people helping each other with the use of appropriate skills. But in the meantime I’m going to up the ante by setting your task for the days ahead:
Who can do the best/most spectacular/most difficult/weirdest thing in pursuit of their TYSIC, and post some sort of proof of it (picture, video, emailed copy of prison bail certificate etc), by next Wednesday?
This project isn’t meant to be competitive – not, at least, in a way that makes anyone feel under pressure, or insecure – but a bit of friendly rivalry does bring the best out of people, I think. And you don’t have to do anything scarily public, or show-off-y. Just something slightly beyond what you would normally have attempted. And if you can’t do anything prize-worthy, don’t be discouraged: keep the TYSIC going nonetheless. I will conjure up some sort of reward for the winner. But the real reward, philosophy fans, is within your own life. Etc.
Admin point: please put all entries as a Comment to THIS blog – even if it’s a link to a fuller record of your efforts - so it’s a bit easier for me to keep track. Ta.
To motivate you further, here is a comment which cropped up among the many when we started this up, and left me stunned for a while. I didn’t want to make a song and dance about it, but I’ve checked with the girl who wrote it, and I thought everyone should see it:
‘I am a week short of 17. I was diagnosed with cancer aged 12 and given 5 years to live. My goal for 2020 is to still be around and kicking. I’ve so many things still to do, and I’m not leaving till I’ve done them all. Anyone got 10 years I can borrow?’
Posted by Knox on May 8, 2011
I’ve realised I keep going on about the weight thing, and not really referred to any of my other goals. So, re: social anxiety – I have tried this week very hard not to translate lack of replies to e-mails/messages (to friends/fb friends) as meaning irritation, and just reminded myself that sometimes people don’t reply or take a while. i’ve also agreed to present at the UK stroke conference in November in Glasgow, to 150 people. The thought of this does actually make me feel physically sick, but there you go, I’ve agreed, so I’m doing it. (and it does mean I get a paid trip to Glasgow – huzzah!).
Posted by Helen on March 20, 2010
This week has been exciting, I shall tell you why. One of my best friends told me one year ago that she was gay but since then she hasnt had the confidence to tell anyone else at our sixth form. But this week was the week that it all changed and she asked me to help her tell people and it all went marvellously well and I’m just so happy for her and this week can only be described as extremely postive. So positivity challenge going well and i went a week without borrowing someones pen in lessons (i loaded my coat pockets with pens and refused to take said coat off, i got very hot some days) so that is one goal complete. Well done to everyone doing this X
Posted by Malinari on March 18, 2010
Sadly I’ve made very little progress this week, but hey I’ve still got over 9 years left, so no great cause for concern. This week has mainly been spent nursing my poorly kids and cleaning vomit out of the car – how can one small child store so much waste material….? And of course this momentous event happened just 5 minutes from the end of our homeward journey, nevertheless the car was filled (and it’s a big car too), we were practically swimming in the stuff by the time we got to the house. Ah well, it’s all part of the joys of parenting…….. It must be the unconditional love of our own children that inures us to the effects of cleaning up human waste matter – and if anyone hasn’t tried this – just imagine the sheer joy of cleaning vomit out seat belt buckles
While this opening doesn’t bare any relation to my challenge of keeping bees, I thought I would share the joy and help Mark prepare for ongoing journey of fatherhood
So all I’ve been able to do is wistfully read up about the awesomeness of Honey bees. So for this week I thought I’d share some amazing facts relating to these little critters, which I hope one day to “own”. Clearly as a Beekeeper you don’t really own the bees, as they can decide at any point to just clear off and set up their hive elsewhere, so I’ll have to make sure I’m extra nice to any bees I get
Bees are the ultimate Matriarchal society – If I were a bee, I wouldn’t want to be male – male bees (or drones) don’t even manage to live for a year – every autumn they get ousted from the hives to die all cold and lonely through the winter………
Queen bees can lay up to 2000 eggs a day! And the most of these will becomes infertile female worker bees.
At the height of summer a honey bee hive will have around 60,000 bees, and these bees work hard at keeping the hive a constant temperature of 34oC – living air conditioning.
Bees are one of the main pollinators for plant life, without bees we’d struggle to grow our crops, quite a sobering thought, so by keeping bees I’ll be helping the human race to survive
I’ll draw to a close now, this week I’ll be researching in detail all things honey related, as once I have some hives up and running (at this rate in many years time), I’ll be coaxing/stealing the honey from my hardworking little beasties
Posted by Marie on March 16, 2010
http://twitpic.com/18yd0u
^ The last of Saturday’s cigarettes. Let’s hope this is the only time I have to do that. Could get to be a very expensive habit otherwise!
Posted by Beth (@Doomed1) on March 15, 2010
I got a clubcard!!! How grown up am I?!?!?!
Posted by Marie on March 15, 2010
It’s been a hectic week, so I’m just catching up on all the blog posts I’ve missed now…
So, TYSIC… Where the smoking is concerned, I went back a step (or ten) and ended up buying a pack of cigarettes on Saturday. The first time I’ve done so all year. Rather than beat myself up about it though, I’m just going to remind myself that smoking at the weekend doesn’t mean I have to continue smoking. I can go without a cigarette today. And then tomorrow. And the day after that.
Self-confidence wise, I went to a Toastmasters meeting last week. I’ve already decided to go back, and to put myself forward to speak at the next meeting. It’s going to be incredibly nerve-wracking but I know I’ll be proud of myself once I do it.
Posted by Elizabeth on March 15, 2010
My challenge has actually gone pretty well. I have manage to blog pretty much every day, and if not at least do more blogs the next day to make up for it. The other part has gone extremely well. Last night I saw Chris Cox live and me and my sis hung around afterwards to get badges and generally say hi. He was lovely, and gave us autographs and hugs and chatted a bit. Here is a picture of the badge as proof that I did this:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a119/iremovenailpolish/ChrisCoxBadge.jpg
Even a few months ago I would have been too shy to do this, but the challenge had geed me up and have pleased I have started it.
Posted by Kirsty on March 15, 2010
Well, this is totally lame after amycool’s amazing Big Cheese Challenge (I’m in awe, and not just because it seems there are more turophobes around than I realised)…
I held some cheese. It was stilton. Proof:
http://i39.tinypic.com/2nqv6f8.jpg
(not pictured: me scrubbing my hand afterwards because, oh god, what if there was a microscopic hole in the bottom of the packet and some cheese got on me?!!)
And I’m also doing quite well on my writing challenge. The word count on my novel is now 20,000, which means I’ve doubled it since the TYSIC started.
This is sort-of proof, but you’ll mostly have to take my word (oh! pun!) for it:
http://i40.tinypic.com/rbbnec.jpg
Posted by margaret Pope on March 13, 2010
Mark we have watched you on various shows on TV. Some we have watched others we have turned off,your greatest things seems to be and this is not just you but Frankie Boyle and others that you think you will never grow old.I hope you do.We are pensioners in our early 70′s and had had a son who died on Monday from cancer which took 5 agonising weeks before he left us.You talk about your child and how much you love him and enjoy him ,we were the same with our son .He lived with his partner for nearly 19 years and she has no rights at all.I cannot tell you what we have gone through this past week trying to get through the red tape.She has no rights at all .Only we have the power of attorney,I know you will never get to read this email as it will be blocked probaly by your staff but maybe in future you and your other panelist can concentrate more on what the goverment does and less on our old people quirqs..We have lost 5 people in our family who never lived to draw an old age pension .Our son was 48 and his partner is 43.,and she is not even counted as one of our family. My husband who has a bad heart and high blood pressure has has had to deal with all this as I am disabled and never claimed a pension.So I beg you and all your friends who are on the panel games we love to watch you will leave us oldies alone and concentrate on the awful red tape our goverments put us through
Posted by Kate on March 13, 2010
I have two main challenges which are to feature in a play in the West End and to improve my general confidence/ be a happier person. So far, I have auditioned for a drama class and am currently awaiting confirmation as to whether I got in or not. And I had a French stranger that speaks no English stay in my house last week. I have to say it was slightly challenging, mostly due to my lack of French speaking skills. But I feel I have learnt something out of the experience.
Pleased everyone else seems to be getting on with their challenges nicely.
Posted by amycool on March 13, 2010
Result of my Big Cheese Challenge
Details and pictures can be found here:
http://tryingnottobelazy.blogspot.com/2010/03/big-cheese-challenge-results.html
In summary:
I consumed a small amount of three cheeses (good)
It was a very small amount (not so good)
It produced so much anxiety that I still feel a bit ill now (bad)
I hated the taste of all of them (bad)
I’m planning on a more gradual process over the coming months(good)
Posted by Laura on March 13, 2010
It seems as though the fates have been conspiring against my efforts to conquer my rage; firstly my laptop gets some horrific virus and won’t let me use the internet or use my Rosetta Stone course to practise my Spanish (which was another part of my TYSIC. Oh the irony); then my wood-burner half collapses mid-fire and I burn/squash/bruise my hands trying to fix it.
This week I shall be attempting yoga for the first time owing to its reputed ability at calming the mind. It also counts as part of the increased exercise I have vowed to do, so bonus.
In addition, I shall be arranging my first driving lesson since I fell apart after my mum died a few months ago. Small steps, but steps nonetheless…
Posted by Zoe on March 13, 2010
I was very interested to read your TYSIC Heather Jones. It sounds as though it’s very similar to my own in many ways.I’ll be looking out to see how you’re getting along. xx
Posted by Lucy Tucker on March 12, 2010
I know I am a bit late, but I’ve been very indecisive about this TYSIC, which is actually one thing I could work on. I think the one thing that I would really like to do, is to play cricket. Not professionally, not amazingly well, but I would like to have at least played a few matches and gotten better at it. I have never really played before but I love watching cricket, even if no one else does.
A lot of things go along with this aim, including getting fit, so these are things I can start doing now. I haven’t really done anything yet except think about it. As a first year uni student, I think it’s a good time to start doing new things.
Who knows, maybe I’ll be playing for England when I’m 28.
Posted by ElizabethD on March 12, 2010
1) I started a new file of my current writing project on my computer…which means there is a folder icon judging me every time I spend my night on twitter and youtube (and reading blogs) instead of writing
2) I went through the 4 plays I’ve written to see what it would take to get one of them ready to be sent around the country.
3) I’ve started going through the Dramatists Sourcebook (a listing of regional theaters here in the US) to see if anyone’s interested in the sort of plays I’m writing.
I’ve resumed blogging with a new TYSIC theme…and although I feel utterly embarrassed linking it through someone else’s (far superior) blog, I’m going to summon up my courage and link it anyway: http://lisadshell.blogspot.com/
Posted by amycool on March 12, 2010
Yesterday was a good day. I ran further and faster than ever before, I made a phone call I didn’t want to make and I finished a book from my list.
As for next week, I have decided to push myself further than planned with the (impossible) aim of doing the “most difficult” goal this week. Impossible because it’s probably only difficult to me and everyone will probably think I’m pathetic rather than brave.
Anyway, it’s in more detail here:
http://tryingnottobelazy.blogspot.com/2010/03/big-cheese-challenge.html
In summary,
I’ve never eaten “raw” cheese before,
I’m terrified of eating it,
I’m going to attempt to eat 3 different cheeses, each more scary than the last
I’m already starting to regret this decision but I’m sure it will be okay. :-/
Posted by EmmaT on March 12, 2010
Not much to report on my challenge apart from a bit of hill walking, running and gym visiting to start to get fit enough so I don’t become one of those ‘woman falls from a mountain’ or ‘woman was ill prepared for trekking’ disaster stories.
I have possibly roped in a friend to join my adventure, which is great because although I have done most my travelling alone this is definitely something I want to share with a ‘great mate’. Also then we can tell fantastically exaggerated tales of hardship to others!
Posted by max on March 12, 2010
I had planned to bike ~50km’s over the weekend but had to scrap that. Saturday was an awful day and sunday I had some work to do. Not an encouraging start, but hopefully with the winter gone the weather related excuses will vanish.
On the other front of my TYSIC, I’m still maintaining my blog and got my first 3 tumblr followers! all fellow TYSIC’ers. That was very positive.
There’s not much I can do for my PhD goal. I just have to wait until june, when I start. I just need not to screw up my current thesis.
I shall return next week with more positive bike related results
Posted by Meg on March 12, 2010
Well, as part of my TYSIC was to not let practical reasons like money get in the way of doing the things I want, I suppose it’s a good thing rather than a reckless thing that I’m blowing all my $ on a plane flight to Toronto and back to visit my friend who’s in school up there over spring break. I leave Saturday morning, and I am excited- not least because I have a bit of extra $ from my grandparents and I can legally buy alcohol in Canada.
I’m also meeting with a professor tomorrow to talk about declaring a linguistics major, so that will be good I guess.
When I’m home at the end of next week I’m going to apply for summer jobs/internships and hopefully that’ll go well.
Posted by Lally on March 12, 2010
Spoke to a stranger because I noticed she read Latin, took a test, applied for a job, made appointments, spoke to friends and did a couple of tiny home repairs. Tuned my instrument. Walked five miles. Counted blessings and baby steps. Smiled at several people as I ran errands. Received compliments, quite unlooked for, which felt like a gift!
Very tickled with all you are doing! You are inspiring, and just reading this blog and comments helps me be happier and more optimistic. Thank you.
Posted by Seamus on March 12, 2010
I just thought I might you update my TYSIC. It was to be on an album/play infront of 300+ people. Well, today I sat a music practical exam, which I think went quite well. Sure, it isn’t actually working towards my goal directly, but it is related, and it is all I have done, excluding practising my instrument, that is worth mentioning this week.
Posted by Heather Jones on March 12, 2010
This is my report on Week 1 (if I manage anything ‘above and beyond’ during this coming week to enter in the competition I will post again separately towards end of next week)
(By the way, sorry posting below is a bit long – I don’t currently have a blog to link to: may need to set one up)
My TYSIC Progress report (at end of Week 1) – Have I made any progress?
1. Improvement in my emotional wellbeing. Neutral week – not upward on imaginary graph BUT not downward either (keeping black dog days at bay & avoiding need for anti-depressants this year & beyond is part of the aim) Am therefore regarding it as a successful week. Working on rest of challenges below over next weeks/months/years will hopefully help with this challenge.
2. Sons & their future happiness (my role in their lives & helping towards their happy futures)
(a) Mother/Sons relationship: Progress: Yes (planned) Hoping to go out with both sons & husband for family lunch on Sat – although not yet confirmed with younger son; PLUS Comedy Gig booked – going with eldest son on Sunday evening (see 6 below); PLUS all 4 of us are going on trip together at Easter – to visit my parents (see 5 below).
(b) Positive approach to Girls in their lives: Progress: No – Failed to chat to younger son’s current girlfriend when she came round; But also Yes: some nice chats with elder son about relationships & female psychology.
3. Staying open to opportunities & taking risks/ trying new things:
Progress: Yes (planned) – Booked Australian Film Festival tickets for next week, despite nervousness about going on my own & coming home late on my own (haven’t been into central London on my own late at night for a v long time!)
4. Be more proactive generally. Not quite sure what I mean by this – ergo, nothing to report
5.Enjoy time with my parents.
Progress: Yes (planned) – Have Booked trip to see parents after Easter (whole family going over) Still to do: must also ring my mum soon – want to increase frequency of my phonecalls & haven’t done this yet
6.Go out to live entertainment more. Progress: Yes(planned) – booking made: going to gig with son on 14/3
7. NEW TYSIC – Relationship with husband – put a bit more effort in & nurture this
Progress: Yes (planned & actual) Husband now also being proactive – has suggested we go out for meals (etc) more frequently. Had enjoyable walks with dog together twice this week.
8. NEW TYSIC – Be less lazy & more productive daily (establish a sustainable level, not frenetic, but more than now!!!) – No progress. A few good days but still far too much laziness this week!
9. NEW TYSIC – STOP PROCRASTINATING – No progress Still far too much procrastinating this week!
Posted by Zoe on March 12, 2010
This summer I intend to cycle to Scotland from Nottingham with my pa in four days, and if I don’t make it, I’m blaming yous lot.
Every Sunday I intend to build up how many miles I can do in a day, last Sunday I cycled about 2 miles and ended up in a pub. It was great.
As well as this I am going to attempt every opportunity that pops into my life. For example; I received an e-mail today for a competition that allows the winner to travel the world over the summer. Even though the requirements say you must be confident on camera (and I’m a quiet idiot) I’m going to pretend that I am, just in case they don’t spot it. There are a lot of competitions I mean to enter and never do, I’m hoping that posting this will force me to.
Love.
Posted by Ashlea on March 11, 2010
It’s weird that i found this, because i actually started something very similar last year.
i decided to actually start doing something properly with my life, the result of which was me; singing in front of an audience; making a fleeting background appearance in a film; auditioning for a horror movie; meeting some of my idols; trained as a lifeguard; getting published (for the first time ever!)on Chortle and seeing some pretty amazing things around the world.
this year had slowed a bit, so, now, i’ve decided to start writing the ideas for books and blogs i’ve had knocking around in back of my head for numerous years…
Posted by Lisa Brunders on March 11, 2010
Evening Mark,
You’re very positive for a pessimist! Another great blog, don’t know how you keep doing it every day.
I signed up for singing lessons today!! Only a lose tie in to my tysic, become healthier. I think it will help with my breathing, I have asthma, and singing is supposed to make you happier, and that’ll make me healthier too.
I’m certainly stepping outside my comfort zone lately. And it’s empowering too.
Thanks Mark.
Posted by vikz on March 11, 2010
Hello.
I have started a blog (which is actually part of my TYSIC) to keep a note of my tysic efforts: http://taintedharmony.blogspot.com/
I don’t know if you have noticed this too, but when i make any sort of effort towards one of my goals, i end up discovering new things i really should add to the list. I think this self improvement challenge is going to be a lot more fluid and dynamic than i first thought.
I have ventured into the world of online dating recently, as a sort of stepping stone to some of my more distant goals. This has been filled with ups and downs. (I wrote about some of the “downs” here: http://taintedharmony.blogspot.com/2010/03/online-dating-tips-with-vicky-harsehole.html)
Anyway, I have made a little bit of progress with this as I have arranged a date (with a gentlemen who claims to be a wrestler of all things) on saturday. I just have to keep my fingers crossed that i can battle my “overthinking things” issue fairly sharpish (moves this to top of TYSIC list)
Best of luck to you, and all the other hard working people that want to make a difference to their future. I think it is a great idea and I hope that everyone keeps at it. I look forward to looking back each year and seeing how far we have all come
Posted by Iona on March 11, 2010
I unfortunately, I have not made any real steps towards any of my goals.
But, yesterday, my half-sister had a baby boy so at 16 I am now an aunty. It is incredibly exciting and so I have decided on a new goal: to be a good aunty to little Billy. This starts by visiting him for the first time (he lives in Leeds, I live in London) which will hopefully happen in a few weeks. I am super excited
Posted by Sheri on March 11, 2010
I think I have managed to convince my husband to stay in his crap job so he can fund me going to Librarian Grad School… I feel slightly ashamed of this.
Posted by Anna on March 11, 2010
Ooh, I got a mention! In a brief update, I’ve now listened to 3 albums, and I like the third one. This makes me happy. (Actually, Mark, it was one you recommended, so thank you)
There’s a more detailed account of my first week’s progress here http://tinyurl.com/yknl657
I know we’re only a week in, but so far I’m really enjoying all of this. It’s the kick up the rear end I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and start sorting my life out.
Posted by Someone on March 11, 2010
I didn’t think i’d got very far with my tysic of coping with people better this week, but then i realised a few days ago i went out t’pub with 2 housemates and 2 of their mates, one of whom i’d never met before and yet spoke to all night! So that’s progress, except possibly a bit blighted by my tipping over one guy’s pint right onto his lap and then slipping on and falling into someone’s sick on the pavement outside, quite monumentally in fact. But… I still got out of the house!
Since then though I failed to brave a half full cafe while my ‘rents stopped for some motorway breakfast, thus ‘making’ them sneak out some toast and a plate to the car for me. And a funeral where I didn’t excel at meeting distant relatives, but probably due to bad influence of like-minded people-hating sister and over-enthusiastically social brothers and dad. So.. mixed week. Everyone seems to be doing really well though, so… motivation in a cup right there! Nice ones:)
Posted by Bloomability (Beth) on March 11, 2010
My challenge (listening to one new album per week, read one book per week and write a blog 2-3 times) is going quite well, since I’ve only had to listen to one album/read one book so far.
I have rediscovered my love for Scott Westerfeld/ Steampunk/ just the Uglies trilogy itself, and the first album I’ve listened to (Imogen Heap- Ellipse) I’ve really liked, so that’s also very awesome ^_^
I don’t really have any way of showing my progress apart from a slowly growing iTunes library, and a longer blog entries page… ( I would post my blog link, but the blog itself is kind of embarrasing and more of a diary than a blog, tucked away in a teensy little corner of the internet. I made it as a personal record of my teenage years more than anything else) and maybe my bookshelf will extend to my ceiling again, but I don’t have a lot of money for books so most of those will come from the library.
So, yeah. It’s going pretty well. Next week I’m reading Pretties by Scott Westerfeld and listening to the Avenue Q soundtrack. I haven’t actually seen the show, therefore it counts.
Posted by James F on March 11, 2010
Today I am taking my first few steps to my dream of professional Dartistry, by registering for The UK Open Darts competition regional qualifiers on April 10th in London.. I am both nervous and excited.
I also am finally taking learning the guitar and I have learnt to play the complex track “Horse With No Name” The only song as I am Aware of that consists of two Chords. Pride Filled me
That is all, Brilliant Blog Mark. I love it
Posted by Corey on March 11, 2010
Wow, first of all ”Up With People” perfect song for making us feel that those stupid little things we get wound up about don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, especially when you see TYSIC comments that have been included in todays blog and comment section.
Every life matters and we all make a difference to our friends/family/strangers/workmates & pets even if we don’t recognize it at the time!.
To the person who ”if I could give you my life”…..your 18 years are not wasted, your time just hasn’t come yet!.
And to the ”I am a week short of 17” person. What a great thing you have done!, you’ve probably inspired the majority of us to go out and get our goals achieved or at least have a proper go at it. Thank you. The world should have more of your you in it!!.
Mine are still at the same stage. Going into my first music studio soon, and the next few months I’m recording. Might be a load of old bobbins but I don’t care. My comedy thing will be starting in the autumn when I go on a workshop course. And I have added a new one. I’m an adrenaline junkie, and have done the 3rd, and 2nd highest bungy jumps in the world. But the highest in Hong Kong is still out there, I want to get a group of like minded people together to go out and have a go. Anybody is welcome to join us!!
Good luck to all. Sorry about the long comment!
Posted by AlNapp on March 11, 2010
A very optimistic post Mark, what are you going to do for the next 511 weeks then?
Apologies if ths is posted twice, I tried to comment from my phone, but it does’t seem to have worked.
1st week has all been about clarifying TYSIC for me and finally getting around to redoing my blog: http://www.fromnought2sixty.com/
Oh and lurking on the #TYSIC tag on twitter, very interesting to read all your tweets & blogs, but boy you are making me feel old
Good luck all
Posted by Jen on March 11, 2010
My challenge was to be more social, which was a bit thwarted by going home for Spring Break on Friday. But before that I went to Capoeira with some friends, ate meals in the cafeteria with people rather than in my room, and crammed desperately for an exam with a classmate. I drove two of my friends home to break as well, turning a four hour drive into something besides an endurance trial of boredom.
This week has been less of a success, besides chatting with the bartender and the cell phone salesguy. Besides a haircut later today, that’s probably it until I go back to school on Sunday.
Perhaps I should’ve chosen a goal that doesn’t result in me detailing my non-existent social life every week. Or perhaps I should start doing more things worth telling stories about.
Posted by louise on March 11, 2010
I am a week short of 17. I was diagnosed with cancer aged 12 and given 5 years to live. My goal for 2020 is to still be around and kicking. I’ve so many things still to do, and I’m not leaving till I’ve done them all. Anyone got 10 years I can borrow?’
That is extremely moving. Hearing stuff like that also makes me feel I should make more of an effort in my life and stop letting my social anxiety rule it when there are people who have their quality of live taken away from them in such a terrible way. If you are reading this I hope that you fight the disease and accomplish all of your goals x
I made a lot of progress today, it goes in to detail on my blog…it’s quite lengthy. Basically contacted Chomsky (screengrab on my blog) and Dawkins (he never replied…God help him), I have a job interview (its at my sisters work so might not be as great a step as it sounds although she did say the first two rounds they actually were unaware I was her sister), I have attended every lecture and seminar this week and I attended the high court for the very first time this morning which will help understanding uni work a great deal, I am going to a nightclub (do people still call it this?) for the first time in five months on Saturday & I am meeting up with a male acquintance for dinner and drinks before seeing Stewart Lee on Monday.
Posted by Madi on March 11, 2010
I’m happy that my post has inspired so many people! i’ve set up my blog so that I can monitor my progress with my TYSIC challenge.
Posted by Hal on March 11, 2010
Small steps on two of my goals – one involves getting pregnant so I’ll spare you the details of my efforts…
The endometriosis awareness one has had a bit of a boost courtesy of the nice Endo Uk people who have provided me with materials so I don’t have to make my own. I think I have started to annoy my colleagues…next I’ll get onto annoying my friends. Then strangers I guess. Yay, enjoying this (mostly)
Posted by Sheard on March 11, 2010
almost forgot, proof of progress can be found at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Electric-Fusiliers/287328588234?ref=ts
alternatively search ‘electric fusiliers’ on facebook.
probably not prizeworthy, but it’s progress.
Posted by Sheard on March 11, 2010
Have yet to comment on here, but I did set myself a challenge last week and thought I would list my progress.
My TYSIC was to write and record 3 albums with the band I am currently in, without the lineup of the band changing. This is as much a challenge of keeping the four of us together as anything else, as Uni next year will send us to various areas of the country.
So far, we have finally published our facebook page, and uploaded two of our songs, after months of hard graft. Getting a lot of positive feedback on them too.
Nothing monumental, but a step in the right direction.
Good luck to everyone else on here
Posted by James on March 11, 2010
I got a mention! I have a nice picture of the damage done to my collarbone (or clavicle as I am now refering to it) that I’ll have to post, I’m hopefully having surgery next week so I can do a before and after shot. The injury has curtailed my TYSIC as it’s a bit painful, even typing this hurts. So for now I’m just going to concentrate on some other goals, already ‘obtained’ Rosetta Stone Spanish…
Posted by Lourdes on March 11, 2010
I’ve never had the courage to comment on here, but what the hell in the spirit of celebrating the first week I’m doing it.
There won’t be any prizes for me, since I tend to do things incredibly slowly.
I haven’t gotten a lot accomplished this week, but here’s what I’ve done so far at my blog.
http://lourdes228.blogspot.com/
Also good luck to everyone on their challenges big and small.
Posted by Jamie0S on March 11, 2010
Well that’s given us all a kick up the backside – a good thing to. Time to grab life by the balls.
Currently arranging a radio interview about the farm, and preparing a display for some event or other to drag in some volunteers.
Posted by Rebecca on March 11, 2010
a very inspirational lady – Thankyou for sharing your story, I send you much love and as much luck as there is in the world, looking forward to seeing in the New Year, 2020 with you xxx
Posted by Steph on March 11, 2010
Probably no prizes for me either. This week I watched a video on youtube of Hazel Irvine.
When talking about the next match for Higgins (O’Sullivan or Burnett) she said: “Either way it’s gonna be a cracker”.
My first step towards appreciating her is the fact that I liked the way her accent lent itself to this phrase. It was pretty cool. So I feel like I am on the way, even if I didn’t like the turtleneck she was wearing in the clip.
On the “learning adult things” front to do with finance, self-sufficiency and so on, I have emailed the university to which I am accepting their offer and inquired about this scholarship that I could apply for. Need to get as much as I can!
Next week’s action will include appying to sudent finance for grants and tuition loans. Big fun!
Posted by Gabi on March 11, 2010
My positivity and non worrying attitude worked. I got an A and 2 Cs which is getting me wayy on track to go to uni. Very happy. As for the standup I have almost got 2 minutes of a routine. I also wrote to 3 production companies and managed to get a spot where I can go to XFM studios and show my demo tape! Very exciting times.
Everyone’s efforts are insane, even seeing the productivity rate increase with every little bit are brilliant. Keep it up! x
Posted by Joe on March 11, 2010
“I always feel awful for the waste that my 18 years have been and I would love to be able to give my time to someone deserving of it- someone who’ll do something with it and make the most of living.”
That’s your self-improvement challenge right there.
PS Everyone feels a bit of a failure at some point (not least your average 18-year-old). The trick is to make life worthwhile when you need to. One day you’ll find a purpose if you haven’t already, and if you can’t think of big goals just learn to play the spoons or cook a nice meal or write a short story – something achievable and cheap. You’ll get better at each attempt, and you’ll feel better for having tried it.
Posted by John on March 11, 2010
I’ve got in touch with a national journalist to ask her to give me her thoughts on some of my writing (no response yet). I’ve also scripted and starred in a video application for a prominent digital channel as a multimedia reporter, so we’ll see how that goes.
I also monumentally fucked up my ankle, thus nixing my plan of picketing the Times and campaigning for them to give me a column.
Are there any other TYSICers from Notting Hill or west London? I’d love to go for a drink and pick all this over. And Mark, I’m going to continue cornering you after gigs as and when. Drink offer extends there too.
Best, everyone!
John
Posted by Katie on March 11, 2010
There’s not really much I can do for my TYSIC, I’ve achieved the first bit of it (get into the Uni). I’m going to an open day next week, so it’ll be nice to see the campus upon which all my dreams for the next 10 years hang first hand.
The other part of my TYSIC was to do something once a month that makes me happy/proud to be me. I’ve just failed my theory test by ONE FECKIN’ MARK (I’m not bitter. I’m not bitter) so I…I’m not really doing well on that one. Ah well.
Posted by Kate on March 11, 2010
I hope you’re including that splendidly optimistic closing comment in your own challenge?
Posted by Magnificent Josh on March 11, 2010
My TYSIC is of “giving a damn” is starting to seem pointless in a morose sort of way due to the collection today of an exam result I have dubbed “The Histor E”. This depresses me somewhat as it was a retake because I got a D last time. I thought I gave more of damn this time but looking back on it now, I didn’t really so maybe this proves how vital GaD is.
It makes me happy to have this little community living underneath you blog. It’s like ants underneath a sugary drink. I don’t want to let you guys down.
Posted by Rachael on March 11, 2010
That is a difficult one, the only thing I can think of is to go and steal some goats. I won’t though. I have decided that I am going to get them collars though, Tom will have a blue one, Tilly a red one and Tiny a green one.
Posted by Megan on March 11, 2010
I haven’t done much, admittedly, as I’m up to my ears in a superbad freelancing gig. Once I have my life/brain back and only have one job again, I will refocus.
I have spoken to some profs at U of O, but I can’t apply to a PhD program unless I can be a full-time student for the first two years. Unfortunately, I’m committed to a full-time job here (I’m the general manager of a cinema – the owner lives overseas so I *am* the office for six out of every eight weeks) until the end of 2011. I am, however, going to take a seminar or two to get back into the History groove. (My MPhil is from a weird little program in Birmingham that definitely wasn’t pure History.)
I am biking to work every day (even though there’s still snow on the ground), but this year’s biking adventure is probably going to be in Poland.
I haven’t written a single funny thing. I have had a radio script dancing around in my head, but when I go to write it down, I get bogged down in character background histories instead of dialogue. Bah.
Maybe I should start a new blog instead of clogging up the comments.
Posted by Someone on March 11, 2010
‘I am a week short of 17. I was diagnosed with cancer aged 12 and given 5 years to live. My goal for 2020 is to still be around and kicking. I’ve so many things still to do, and I’m not leaving till I’ve done them all. Anyone got 10 years I can borrow?’
If I could give you my life, I genuinely would. I think you could make much more of it than I possibly can. I always feel awful for the waste that my 18 years have been and I would love to be able to give my time to someone deserving of it- someone who’ll do something with it and make the most of living.
I admire your strength.
Posted by Chris on March 11, 2010
Good luck to everyone and keep fighting whatever your goals are. On a sidenote to that last story, it’s true, life is a gift, so try to do something with it, however small that might seem to others. In 1989, my mother was given 3 days to live, yet she managed 17 years.
Posted by Hannah on March 11, 2010
My TYSIC challenge has gotten off to a slow start, so don’t imagine I will be winning any prizes this week.
However, I started the week well and avoided a lot of my procrastinating ways. I’ve managed to track down a few possibilities for sandwich placements for my degree programme (en route to PhD!) so baby steps for the challenge.
The best bit about the whole thing so far has been meeting new people (albeit only virtually) that have been supportive even with my day to day ramblings. This week has descended from a good start to complete crapness and so all their kind words have been really appreciated.
Keep it up guys
Posted by Misha on March 11, 2010
I’m going to go and have a happy cry now.
It’s going to be a long 10 years if I keep doing this mind
Mull of Kintyre conquered (if not sung) it’s on to Bob Dylan next.
Posted by Jamie Cutteridge on March 11, 2010
As I set myself the challenge of getting married perhaps a spur of the moment proposal would win, however I imagine that carries a high possibility of failure