1st June - Smashing The Bucket List

You may recall, from a previous diary entry, my story on why - and just how long - I've wanted to swim with dolphins. In the end, this bucket list entry was sat upon my list for more than 20 years, but when the time arrived (last week), it certainly didn't disappoint. I felt every feeling I expected to feel in that moment. The wholesome serenity and serene inner warmth that a true blend of love, peace, and euphoria can bring. Running my hand over their back, and then belly, I could have stayed in that Sea all day if they'd let me. 

As for actually swimming with them, I was certainly surprised by how slippy they are. As their rubbery fins rebound out of the water, it's like trying to grab onto a lubed up strap-on with a fistful of margarine. Not to mention the fact they're now turbo motoring through the water like some sort of revved up Ferrari-brand water-truck. Truly magnificent creatures, and a huge part of my bucket list now ticked off. 

I can't actually stress the importance of a 'bucket list', by the way. In January 2016, I was told that by writing your goals/aims down, you are 75% more likely to achieve them, and every single day that's passed since then, the prophecy has proved true. I've achieved everything I set out to, during that timespan. These 'lists', they give you focus and meaning. They give you purpose, and a reason to work daily, knowing that your'e edging closer and closer to the financial possibilities which allow you to conduct such joyful experiences and deposit another huge chunky cheque in your memory bank. 

This Summer is proving a particularly fateful journey through my own bucket list. Whether that's volunteering in Africa, playing my own stand-up comedy gig and launching my poetry collection next month, or attending live sporting events like the Qatar World Cup, and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. I'm privileged to possess the mindset which so many strive for. In July 2017, I made a 5 year prediction, of where I'd like to be career-wise. Almost down to the exact day, that premonition will be coming true when I announce my next exciting piece of news in the coming weeks! 

On that note, actually, I'm also magnificently proud to reveal something which many of you already know. Last Summer, I was approached to work on an exciting documentary for Virgin Radio. I'd never worked as a radio producer before, so I was a little apprehensive about the size of this task, and the workload was huge. I was asked to detail a history of dance music through the eyes of the LGBTQ+ community, from the early days of house and disco in Chicago and New York, through to the Detroit techno movement, the acid house raves during the U.K's early 90s, and the trance boom from Netherlands towards the end of the century, right through to the modern day. The programme was narrated by Erasure's iconic frontman, Andy Bell, and on Saturday night, beat off stiff competition from the likes of Channel 4 and the BBC to win the 'Audio/Visual Production of the Year' gong in a glitzy awards ceremony at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium. The first step to such success...

... Starts with writing down your bucket list.