hi loved this. took inspiration from you and just booked a ticket to your Cambridge gig because I've always wanted to be that cool person who goes to a comedy gig by themselves so I did it. plus it'll be the day before I turn 31 so it feels like it fits.
Ohhhh this is GREAT and not just cos you’re coming to see me (which is lovely thank you) but also - I started going to comedy on my own when I was about 31 and never looked back!! Laughing on your own?? Yes pls
First thing I read after failing to wake from a "power nap". Well, I did eventually wake up – thank God! – but look at the time. A mid-year goals grid is an excellent plan.
You left Taskmaster off your list of current stuff, but maybe you assume we all know, or maybe you filmed it so long ago that you've forgotten. Number one on my grid for tonight, anyway. Loving this series!
I’ve been having a menty b all day and everything I’ve started reading has been somehow slightly triggering but this really hit the spot, thanks Stevie 🙂
I've come back to say I’ve made a Joy Grid to cover the rest of the year. No self improvement, just a nudge to actually do some of the things I’ve always wanted to.
1. Get my arts and crafts on - have booked in a pottery painting and prosecco class already
2. Mum and me mini dates with the kids - I have 4 yr old twins, I'm not great at splitting them up for one on one time and I'm fascinated to see what they'd want to do.
3. Buy a piece of actual art - I've browsed art so often and have always chickened out of buying anything because I'm clueless.
4. See Christmas lights somewhere new - I love Xmas lights
5. Host a living room reveal party - genuinely excited about this. Have spent too long doing my living room up and we're almost there. I'm going to get a ribbon and a silly sized pair of scissors to celebrate.
6. Eat a smash burger - feels like something I should have done five years ago
i had this "do or do not, there is no try" star wars sticker on my coffee mug for ages and i never did anything. you're right, stevie, the trying is the thing. fuck it if it didn't work, you get the points anyway
Goddammit Star Wars!!!!! Yes you might not technically win (cafe serves seafood) but there is more than one way to win (you had a nice walk to the cafe and now can stop wondering what food the cafe serves)
For those thinking about interrailing on their own, I can confirm that I am an absolute idiot, and I managed to do interrailing on my own super easy. Turns out train stations are train stations no matter where you go, you look at the numbers on the board and they tell you where to go. Routes such as Amsterdam to Cologne to Berlin to Prague to Vienna to Bratislava to Budapest sound scary but they're all trains so you just go. They won't get you lost. Get off, spend a few days enjoying coffees and beers, get back on, job is a goodun. Everyone really does speak english too these days, which is sad but also makes things super easy.
It's definitely an age thing too, it's definitely harder to step out of your comfort zone in your 30s if you get set in your ways in many cases, but it's also easier in that you care a lot less about what other people think in your 30s than you may have done in your 20s, ha.
The key bit is as you've written - it genuinely doesn't matter if you fail, at least you've tried it.
As for driving Stevie, that is a definite confidence knock. I've seen people try to do it in their thirties and it's so much harder than those who passed at 17/18. The UK is also pretty damn strict though - if the interrailing is done, people will be shocked at some of the driving quality the further east you go, ha.
Love this!! Good luck with your grid! You were extremely brilliant on both podcasts and the horne section, I enjoyed a lot. Can’t believe they didn’t credit you with a feat. on Spotify, it’s clearly you! Maybe you could take Piper on a tour leg to a town you know someone so you don’t have to leave her in a hotel. See you soon hopefully 😊 xx
No.4 - Afternoon tea is a must, the fancier the better. When you come down to the south west you will spoilt for choice. Doesn't matter if its an activity you do often, just embrace and enjoy! Nom nom!
I'm having flashbacks to my driving instructor's terrified expression. I did pass eventually though! Took about four tries. I'm not one of life's natural drivers that's for sure.
Love the grid! I reckon the easiest way to do the things on the grid is tell yourself you'll write about them, so if it all goes horribly wrong, it just a better column. That one step remove is great for counteracting the strong urge to not risk anything unfamiliar.
I should totally do the Grid. I always end up going to the same cafe and getting the same thing because I know I like it. It's a real leap of faith when I try a different baguette on their menu.
I keep trying to book holidays and then panicking that I'll spend lots of money but not have as nice a time as I do sitting in my garden with a gin. It's tricky! But whenever I do go away I have a nice time, and even if it's bad at least it might make for a good story.
In any case thanks for sharing, I shall return to my cozy rut now.
ive gone to the canary islands three times in a row on holiday because the one time i branched out (kos) there were wasps the size of dogs and i spent the whole holiday in a state of terror. sometimes it's nice to do what you know you'll enjoy!!!
So on the Interrailing you just need to read the Seat61 website. He tells you exactly how to get from anywhere to anywhere with all the details, photos of what the train is like, photos of your route through the station in some cases, which hotels to stay in etc. He explains all about interrail passes everything! You can't go wrong. He's an institution.
Wow first time stumbling across your Substack and have to say I’m enthralled!!! I cackled out loud in my work bathroom. Thanks for the inspo and enjoy your day!!!
Hi, I loved this piece. I never set myself new years resolutions because I'm too scared I won't do them, but this feels like such an achievable way to set goals! Thanks for sharing!
hi loved this. took inspiration from you and just booked a ticket to your Cambridge gig because I've always wanted to be that cool person who goes to a comedy gig by themselves so I did it. plus it'll be the day before I turn 31 so it feels like it fits.
Ohhhh this is GREAT and not just cos you’re coming to see me (which is lovely thank you) but also - I started going to comedy on my own when I was about 31 and never looked back!! Laughing on your own?? Yes pls
ah fantastic - then I am on the right path for my thirties!!
First thing I read after failing to wake from a "power nap". Well, I did eventually wake up – thank God! – but look at the time. A mid-year goals grid is an excellent plan.
You left Taskmaster off your list of current stuff, but maybe you assume we all know, or maybe you filmed it so long ago that you've forgotten. Number one on my grid for tonight, anyway. Loving this series!
hahahahaha I forgot taskmaster. That’s very funny.
Your song on The Europe's Most Haunted House TV Show was awesome.
You know what I actually agree I surprised myself (also it’s such a fun song and mark from Horne section is the best)
You gots the pipes for it as well. It's a great show.
I’ve been having a menty b all day and everything I’ve started reading has been somehow slightly triggering but this really hit the spot, thanks Stevie 🙂
the grid is perfect for counteracting MBs! sending lots of love! xx
I've come back to say I’ve made a Joy Grid to cover the rest of the year. No self improvement, just a nudge to actually do some of the things I’ve always wanted to.
1. Get my arts and crafts on - have booked in a pottery painting and prosecco class already
2. Mum and me mini dates with the kids - I have 4 yr old twins, I'm not great at splitting them up for one on one time and I'm fascinated to see what they'd want to do.
3. Buy a piece of actual art - I've browsed art so often and have always chickened out of buying anything because I'm clueless.
4. See Christmas lights somewhere new - I love Xmas lights
5. Host a living room reveal party - genuinely excited about this. Have spent too long doing my living room up and we're almost there. I'm going to get a ribbon and a silly sized pair of scissors to celebrate.
6. Eat a smash burger - feels like something I should have done five years ago
I love all of these!
i had this "do or do not, there is no try" star wars sticker on my coffee mug for ages and i never did anything. you're right, stevie, the trying is the thing. fuck it if it didn't work, you get the points anyway
Goddammit Star Wars!!!!! Yes you might not technically win (cafe serves seafood) but there is more than one way to win (you had a nice walk to the cafe and now can stop wondering what food the cafe serves)
I like the grid.
For those thinking about interrailing on their own, I can confirm that I am an absolute idiot, and I managed to do interrailing on my own super easy. Turns out train stations are train stations no matter where you go, you look at the numbers on the board and they tell you where to go. Routes such as Amsterdam to Cologne to Berlin to Prague to Vienna to Bratislava to Budapest sound scary but they're all trains so you just go. They won't get you lost. Get off, spend a few days enjoying coffees and beers, get back on, job is a goodun. Everyone really does speak english too these days, which is sad but also makes things super easy.
It's definitely an age thing too, it's definitely harder to step out of your comfort zone in your 30s if you get set in your ways in many cases, but it's also easier in that you care a lot less about what other people think in your 30s than you may have done in your 20s, ha.
The key bit is as you've written - it genuinely doesn't matter if you fail, at least you've tried it.
As for driving Stevie, that is a definite confidence knock. I've seen people try to do it in their thirties and it's so much harder than those who passed at 17/18. The UK is also pretty damn strict though - if the interrailing is done, people will be shocked at some of the driving quality the further east you go, ha.
I love my grid! It sits on the fridge door and has cute drawings on it. (Pasta, wine glasses, pillars a la the Hercules musical).
Love this!! Good luck with your grid! You were extremely brilliant on both podcasts and the horne section, I enjoyed a lot. Can’t believe they didn’t credit you with a feat. on Spotify, it’s clearly you! Maybe you could take Piper on a tour leg to a town you know someone so you don’t have to leave her in a hotel. See you soon hopefully 😊 xx
No.4 - Afternoon tea is a must, the fancier the better. When you come down to the south west you will spoilt for choice. Doesn't matter if its an activity you do often, just embrace and enjoy! Nom nom!
I'm having flashbacks to my driving instructor's terrified expression. I did pass eventually though! Took about four tries. I'm not one of life's natural drivers that's for sure.
Love the grid! I reckon the easiest way to do the things on the grid is tell yourself you'll write about them, so if it all goes horribly wrong, it just a better column. That one step remove is great for counteracting the strong urge to not risk anything unfamiliar.
I should totally do the Grid. I always end up going to the same cafe and getting the same thing because I know I like it. It's a real leap of faith when I try a different baguette on their menu.
I keep trying to book holidays and then panicking that I'll spend lots of money but not have as nice a time as I do sitting in my garden with a gin. It's tricky! But whenever I do go away I have a nice time, and even if it's bad at least it might make for a good story.
In any case thanks for sharing, I shall return to my cozy rut now.
ive gone to the canary islands three times in a row on holiday because the one time i branched out (kos) there were wasps the size of dogs and i spent the whole holiday in a state of terror. sometimes it's nice to do what you know you'll enjoy!!!
So on the Interrailing you just need to read the Seat61 website. He tells you exactly how to get from anywhere to anywhere with all the details, photos of what the train is like, photos of your route through the station in some cases, which hotels to stay in etc. He explains all about interrail passes everything! You can't go wrong. He's an institution.
Wow first time stumbling across your Substack and have to say I’m enthralled!!! I cackled out loud in my work bathroom. Thanks for the inspo and enjoy your day!!!
Hi, I loved this piece. I never set myself new years resolutions because I'm too scared I won't do them, but this feels like such an achievable way to set goals! Thanks for sharing!
Well done on the walk to the new cafe but boooo to only seafood