18. Do 40 cover versions and post online (Part 4)

I've managed to learn a few more songs and post them online so please find below.

22. Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough (originally performed by Patty Smyth with Don Henley)

I've always loved this song and have played it numerous times in my living room on my own but, when I purchased my harmony pedal, I decided it was time to take the song live. So, here I am on 20th March 2016 at The Hare & Hounds in St Albans performing the song.

23. Dreams (originally performed by Fleetwood Mac)

On 25th September 2016 I performed with an incarnation of my band at The Flag in Watford. Fleetwood Mac are one of my favourite bands (post-Peter Green era). I love this song because of the lyrics and the easy chords! My band were phenomenal as always. Beautiful harmonies (and percussion) from Lauren Merrifield of The Caution Horses and The Faeries; superb guitar work and harmonies from Ben Eaton and the brilliant Carl Jorgensen tying us all together with his cool bass line.

24. Do You Want To Build A Snowman/Last Christmas - Mash-Up (originally from the Frozen motion picture/originally performed by Wham!)

One of my favourite mash-ups that I've done. It seemed to go down a treat when I had another visit to The Flag in Watford for a Christmas show on 10th December 2016. I've always loved "Last Christmas" as a Christmas song. When I learnt the chords to "Do You Want To Build A Snowman" to surprise my niece, I realised that "Last Christmas" would follow seamlessly afterwards. I practised this a few times and knew I was onto a winner. I had actually performed it a year before at The LP Cafe in Watford. Lauren Merrifield (mentioned above) said she absolutely loved what I'd done with the song, so it stuck. I dare say I'll be playing it in Christmas 2017 as well...and probably with the antlers!

25. A Different Corner (originally performed by George Michael)

George Michael's death hit me quite hard. I was never a massive fan like my sister who had found that his music had helped her through some tough times growing up. I just appreciated his music and songwriting and enjoyed listening to it. I am so thankful that I got to see him perform live. I'm not sure whether it was bought for me at the time or whether it was owned by my parents but we had a 12" vinyl version of this song in the house. Side A was the single and the B-side was an instrumental version. From what I remember it was a white cover with a black border around the edge and the title of the song and George's name was in black text in the centre. I would play the instrumental version over and over and sing over the top of it. After he passed away, I knew I had to cover the song. Clearly, Chris Martin got in there first but, I still wanted to do it anyway. So, I learnt it and performed it at The Bedford Tavern on 14th March 2017. 

26. Something Changed (originally performed by Pulp)

This is another song that was pledged for in my Pledge Campaign which was many moons ago now and I'm ashamed that I still haven't finished people's pledge videos - mainly due to the fact I don't like how I look on camera these days. I think I only have about 3 left to do. Nearly there. I have to say, I had to listen to this song A LOT to learn the lyrics and, even though I've never been a massive fan of Pulp in the past, I really, really like this song. I hope you like my version of it. 

14 covers to go!

40. Visit 40 cities in the UK (Part 1)

I FINALLY DID IT! After nearly seven years, I handed in my notice at my job. I'm moving to a job in the NHS. Very exciting opportunity. I'm going to be travelling around the country visiting Obstetric & Gynaecology departments at a number of Hospitals Trusts. Not sure of the nitty gritty yet but it's a good meaty project to sink my teeth into. I start at the end of March.

As I'll be doing a massive amount of travelling, I thought I would add this to my 40 list. I have visited a number of cities already. I'm not including the City of Westminster or the City of London - those are too easy as I've worked in both.

Alphabetically

1. Bath - for a birthday weekend with someone not worth mentioning. Lovely city though. Have you had a scone from Sally Lunn's? Wow!

2. Belfast - I've been twice. First time was for the National Hospital Radio Awards (the first time a group from Northwick Park Hospital had attended - since I was a volunteer anyway). The second time was last year for the BOA Annual Congress.

3. Birmingham - for another BOA Annual Congress.

4. Brighton - I've been a number of times with friends, a BOA Annual Congress and my Hen Weekend.

5. Bristol - I went to visit someone who I was going to be organising a fundraising event with for Joint Action but it never came to pass in the end.

6. Cambridge - I went for the day (I don't remember staying over) with someone else not worth mentioning. Nice city - lots of "sleeping policemen".

7. Chelmsford - I've done about three gigs here. A friend of mine with exceptional taste in music lives here.

8. Chester - One of my best mate's and I visited here on our way back from Liverpool. Walked around the wall of the city. Weather was a bit rubbish but the city was really nice - it has that "Ye Olde" vibe! I'd definitely go back.

9. Glasgow - my first BOA Congress and a hospital radio awards weekend (I'd forgotten my passport but luckily they let me on).

10. Liverpool - my absolute favourite city in the UK. BEATLES - need I say more? I've been a number of times with my best mate and some other friends (and also the first someone not worth mentioning). Also, went to a BOA Congress here. There is so much I still need to do here. Can you believe I have yet to do the Magical Mystery Tour? I can, at the very least, say that I have done a gig in Liverpool (at Constellations).

11. Manchester - again, a BOA Congress - also managed to fit in a gig on one of the evenings at the Thirsty Scholar. Matheus and I also have friends in Manchester and visited them last year.

12. St Albans - I know this is an easy one. It's the nearest city to me but I had never really spent any time in St Albans until my parents moved here. I've done a number of gigs here and eaten at many restaurants in the area. 

13. Winchester - I was here very briefly so you may think it doesn't count. I had a university interview at King Alfred's before I decided that university wasn't the road for me. I wish I'd gotten to see more of the city so I hope I can remedy this soon.

14. York - I visited this city with my school year when I was about 10 years old. I still remember every single place we went and what we did every day of that week. Matheus and I are thinking about visiting soon - it's his kind of place. 

Where will the next few months take me? Who knows! I'll keep you posted.

16. A-Z of cuisines (eat in the restaurants) (Part 1)

This was an idea I am pretty sure I got from my friend, Selena via a post on Facebook a while back. However, as it transpires, she swears blind it wasn't her unless she was drunk! 

Matheus and I painstakingly went through the alphabet and assigned a cuisine to each letter but we're still undecided on a few. If you, dear reader, can recommend any restaurants/cuisines, we would appreciate it.

A. Argentinian

B. (Undecided)

C. Colombian or Croatian

D. Danish

E. Ethiopian

F. French

G. Greek

H. Hungarian

I. Italian

J, Japanese

K. Korean

L. Lebanese

M. Mexican

N. Nepalese (do they even have a cuisine?)

O. Osterreich (had to resort to using German as Oman doesn't really have a cuisine)

P. Peruvian or Polish

Q. Qatari (again, do they even have a cuisine?)

R. Russian

S. Spanish

T. Turkish

U. Uruguayan

V. Vietnamese (minus the peanuts)

W. Welsh?

X. Xmas Islands (clutching at straws)

Y. Yiddishe (find somewhere that serves gefilte fish and cholent)

Z. Zambian

We've done a fair few of these already so I thought it would be a good idea to add this to my 40 list to encourage us to complete the list.

E = Ethiopian
Queen of Sheba, 12 Fortress Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 2EU

Matheus and I went out with our friends David and Sarah to their neck of the woods. They suggested Ethiopian and I was apprehensive at first. I can't really eat anything too spicy because of my Crohn's Disease. We took a nice long walk from their place to the restaurant in Kentish Town. It's called 'Queen of Sheba'. It was a tight squeeze and it was very busy. We selected our starters and main courses. The starter wasn't too spicy, from what I recall. The main course dishes came out as well as a big dish with a sponge-like pancake in it. What you have to do it tear bits off, tip your meat/vegetable dish contents onto the pancake and then scoop up your meat/vegetables with the pancake and eat with your hands. It was a great experience. Luckily, I managed to handle the spiciness of the dish. It was a very interesting experience and I would probably go there again.

Queen of Sheba

F = French
Brasserie Blanc, 8 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2LS

We visited this restaurant when Matheus' parents were over in London for his brother's birthday in 2015. I don't remember Matheus' Dad actually being there. I think he must have had a meeting that evening. In fact, I'm pretty sure that he wasn't there because the waiter was flirting with Matheus' Mum!!! Very good food. You would never get the impression that Brasserie Blanc is a chain.

Brasserie Blanc, Charlotte Street

G = Greek
Lemonia, 89 Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UY

Matheus wanted to take me out for dinner last summer so we thought that Greek would be a great option - reminded me of holidays. I'd been to the restaurant before and enjoyed it so I was looking forward to going with Matheus. Of course, we had the meze. Such good quality Greek Cypriot food. There was a LOT of food but luckily Matheus has a good appetite! The service was great - no ageism in THIS restaurant. Definitely felt the family vibe. I seriously could eat Tzatziki all of the time!

Lemonia

I = Italian
Conchiglia, 125 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 6RZ

Matheus and I visited this restaurant before cocktails at The Lucky Pig for Matheus' 30th birthday in August 2015. At the time we were there it wasn't very busy. The service was very friendly and the food was great. I only knew about it because I'd seen it previously when doing gigs at The Lucky Pig. Authentic Italian cuisine cooked and served by authentic Italians. All that was missing was the Italian landscape!

Conchiglia

S = Spanish
Iberica, 89 Turnmill Street, Farringdon, London EC1M 5QU

A year later, Matheus' birthday again and this time, after a long day walking around the Tower of London I take him to Iberica in Farringdon - convenient travel connection to get home. The menu was mouthwatering. We started with a little tapas and then went straight in for the seafood paella. It was to die for. It might also have been one of the only times that Matheus has seen me get really tipsy!!! I LOVE Sangria. Just typing this paragraph is putting me in the mood to go back again! When it got to dessert (and more Sangria), I had organised a birthday surprise - Matheus' brother! We tried Cava Sangria, which was nice - I prefer the red though. TAKE ME AWAY TO SPAIN! At least I'd be able to practice my Spanish - "mas Sangria, Por favor"! Read my Trip Advisor review here.

Our yummy paella at Iberica

SANGRIA!

T = Turkish
Divan, 2 Shenley Road, Borehamwood WD6 1DL

There are a number of Turkish restaurants in Borehamwood - three on our High Street (Shenley Road) alone! Our favourite is Divan. Their take away portions are huge. I always have the same thing - the grilled boneless chicken leg (Divan Tavuk Izgara) and Matheus will usually have one of two things - the Iskender (lamb with tomato sauce, yogurt, pide bread) or the spicy lambs liver (Ciger Tava). We have only ever eaten in the actual restaurant once or twice so this counts in our A-Z. We have also tried Likya - another Turkish restaurant on Shenley Road.

Divan

12. Obtain 40 albums in a single year (Year 4)

When compiling this list I was aware that there weren't a huge amount of albums from this year that I actually liked so I decided to include albums I bought last year that weren't necessarily released in that particular year. I also included compilations and soundtracks because I physically paid for and downloaded those too. I still, however, class EP under the "singles" category and not the "album" category.

Albums released in 2016

Band/Artist	Album
3 Doors Down	Us And The Night
Beatles	Eight Days A Week (Live at the Hollywood Bowl)
Brothers Osborne	Pawn Shop
Bruno Mars	24K Magic
Diane Birch	N O U S
Dierks Bentley	Black
Foy Vance	The Wild Swan
Gavin James	Bitter Pill
Haley Bonar	Impossible Dream
Heart	Beautiful Broken
J R Richards	Honore et Amore
Jack Savoretti	Sleep No More
Jake Bugg	On My One
Keith Urban	Ripcord
KT Tunstall	KIN
Lake Street Dive	Side Pony
Last Shadow Puppets	Everything You've Come To Expect
Lewis & Leigh	Ghost
Lissie	My Wild West
Lumineers	Cleopatra
Maren Morris	Hero
Michael Buble	Nobody But Me
Moulettes	Preternatural
Nashville Cast	Nashville Season 4 - Vol 2
Poets of the Fall	Clearview
Rooney	Washed Away
Sound Citizens	Swunk
Tegan & Sara	Love You To Death
Tom Chaplin	The Wave
Two Door Cinema Club	Gameshow
Ward Thomas	Cartwheels
We Used To Make Things	We Used To Make Things

My favourite album (not including The Beatles as this would be unfair) of 2016 was Brothers Osborne's Pawn Shop. A great country album combining cool upbeat tunes with melodic ballads - all beautifully sung with fantastic harmonies!

Other albums I purchased in 2016

Band/Artist	Album
Elle King	Love Stuff
Fiona Bevan	Talk To Strangers
Jose Feliciano	Grandi Successi Originali (compilation)
Kaiser Chiefs	Education, Education, Education & War
Nashville Cast	Nashville Season 4 - Vol 1
Scott Dean	Neon
Thriving Ivory	Thriving Ivory
Various Artists	BBC Radio 2: Sounds of the 80s

Just while on the subject of purchased music - a stand-out EP of 2016 for me was Zoe Konez (Between Darkness & Day).

A couple of stand-out singles were Forever Country by a great collection of Country music artists and bands and also I'm Glad It's Christmas (Once A Year) by Cold Callers.

2017 is already set to be exciting with releases from Ed Sheeran, John Mayer and possibly Haim to name a few.

24. Learn a ballroom dance (waltz or tango)

Christmas 2015 I received a great gift from my parents. My Mum scoured my 40 list for ideas and came across number 24. I got a voucher for dance classes with Dance2Gether and Mathijs could join in too.

We had our first lesson in Watford at Moonglow Studios with Samantha and I decided I wanted to learn to Waltz.

My face at the end of this video says it all I guess! So we're not as slick as those on Strictly Come Dancing but we made a damn good effort.

Our following lessons we did some more waltz and also tried some jive, which, to be honest, Mathijs couldn't quite grasp. I think he's better with the slower dances!

We did want to keep the lessons going but unfortunately life got in the way. Perhaps the fact that I'm posting this blog, finally, it might entice us to restart them.

21. Do something special with my niece, Lexie, every year (Year 2)

My gorgeous niece, Lexie, is five years old now...five going on fifteen! I had to plan my next afternoon with her carefully as I didn't want her to get bored. She really enjoyed the last afternoon we spent together Geocaching - the treasure hunt aspect of it was really exciting for her - but unfortunately, this year on the day I was spending time with her, it had been raining.

I went to pick her up and as I pulled into the driveway, she was waiting at the window with a beaming smile - she got very excited and ran to the door to let me in. She just melts my heart!

I had decided we would spend the afternoon at my place. She came in and her eyes immediately focused in on my Tower Bridge Lego. She really enjoys building Lego and is very good at following the instructions. She liked the fact that the bridge opened and that there were little Lego vehicles to drive along the bridge.

Lexie is also very much into Shakespeare and owns children's versions of some of the famous plays. I knew she liked Romeo and Juliet so I rented the movie Gnomeo and Juliet from LoveFilm.com. She really enjoyed the movie (this version obviously has a happy ending).

We then built a rocket ship out of a large empty plastic drink bottle, two smaller drinks bottles, wrapping paper and silver star stickers. We also created a launch pad out of a paper plate, tissue paper and plastic cups. She was very good at sticking the stars on. 

Our rocket!

We then had to make sure it could fly, so I filmed Lexie in slow motion a few times (mainly because she kept shouting "AGAIN, AGAIN"!). Below is the best video we filmed as she made a majestic leap!

I absolutely love spending time with Lexie and very much look forward to next year's 1 on 1 time.

Me and Lexie with our rocket and Tower Bridge behind us!

29. Post 40 online reviews (Part 1)

I  have finally set up a Trip Advisor account and have begun my task of posting 40 reviews online; which I feel will actually benefit the future of humankind. 

It started when I had exceptional service from a hotel we went to for my Dad's 60th birthday. We visited the Chace Brasserie at the Royal Chace Hotel in Enfield. I'd often driven past due to many hospital appointments at Chase Farm Hospital so thought it might be a good idea to try it out. We weren't disappointed. Read my review here. It received one "helpful vote" from a reader.

Royal Chace Hotel (Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor)

My second review was posted following an amazing meal at Iberica in Farringdon. Mathijs and I have an A-Z list of cuisines from around the world and so, for Mathijs' birthday, I took him to Iberica for Spanish food. We started with some great tapas and shared a divine paella. You can read about how we enjoyed the meal and service here. This review received two "helpful votes" from readers.

Our Perfect Paella

Sensational Sangria

What I didn't realise about Trip Advisor was that you can collect badges based on every review that you post. I just thought it was a great place to post reviews. This has now made it even more exciting for me to post reviews.

I love collecting badges (even virtual ones)

As you can see from the picture above, my reviews have had a lot of readers and I have one more review to post to receive a "Reviewer" badge (and 38 more reviews to hit my 40 before I'm 40 - three years to go)!  It also says on my profile that I have 233 points - 67 to get to the next level.

You can check out my profile here if you're interested.