Week #24, #25, #26, #27, #28 & #29

I've been busy. Said no public servant ever. The weekly blog updates became fortnightly and then three weekly and now getting out to once every six weeks. The only person that claimed he would achieve more in six weeks and achieved less is Campbell Newman. Maybe I should rename this my Can-Do Bucket List. Probably not.

But unlike Campbell, Julia and elected representatives et al, I have actually got some runs on the board in the last couple of weeks. And I haven't hooked up with a hairdresser. Or knifed anyone called Kevin.

When I started the year with a 674-0 squash record, I was hopeful that the streak would continue to a glorious 800 games. And two weeks ago that became 804-0 and tonight 812-0. A streak that has stretched nearly eight years, multiple opponents, multiple venues, some close calls and a little luck along the way. Ramon was the lucky one that witnessed the 800th game. This is him sharing the happy moment

This is how he really felt

Bucket List Item #3 officially crossed off. Sweet.

Now onto Bucket List Item #6 - Making the kids' birthdays memorable. After the fanfare of Alex's Mad Scientist party, Bella's was a more low-key but equally memorable affair. It started with Rosy and I decorating her room. Just as we finished around 1am, she woke up, said "I don't want that" and demanded we remove all balloons, streamers and other birthday guff. Killjoy. See below for the obligatory "open presents in PJs" photo, "smiling happily at birthday cake eight times larger than her head" photo and bonus cute video of Bella and the almost-as-adorable robot bunny.

So was Bella's birthday memorable? Well I asked Bella the next day what she liked about her birthday. She told me stuff that matched up. I'm claiming memorable status. Bucket List Item #6 officially crossed off. Sweet.

So as I progressively tick off bucket list items at a rate far slower than I need to - am I learning any earth-shattering life lessons. You know - those life changing, light-bulb moments where your whole reality turns upside down - like the ones you discover during episodes of The Shire or Being Lara Bingle. If I look at the things that have slowed my progress - caring for sick wife and kids, travelling, seeing friends, eating ribs, drinking wine and generally living life, it's not all bad really. That doesn't mean I'm going to stop hunting down Carl Barron. You will be mine Carl. Oh yes. You will be mine.

Until next... you know...