So this is the new year

Illustration: Sandra Suy

I've never really done new year's resolutions before, or if I have I probably didn't stick to them long enough to complete/remember/succeed at them. But I figure, why not start now! A new year is always a good excuse to kick into gear all those extra-curriculars you've been dreaming of starting. Here's our little list so far...

1. The usual - Exercise more! Workloads and busy lifestyles often get in the way of this regular yearly commitment, but we kicked off this morning with a brisk walk that left us huffing and puffing in the current Brisbane heat wave. And this week is definitely a good week for starting new things, with dance classes at Queensland Ballet recommencing this evening. I'm popping my pink slippers on again for the first time in 7 years in hope of better posture, a stronger core and some twirling fun.

2. The artistic - Fashion illustration is something I've always wanted to learn, but there never seems to be a class for it. Luckily some arty fashion-y ladies over at The Stitchery Collective have started up clothed life drawing classes to practice and improve your sketchabilities. The classes are running every Tuesday night this month.

3. The crafty - more crafternoons! Last year I had planned to make LOTS of stuff. This never eventuated. This year, however, will be full of sewing, knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching. I'll hopefully even get so confident with my regular crafting that I'll take my projects out in public to Piece Together's Stitch n' Bitch evenings. The first one is on January 19th at 7.30pm.

4. The literary - read more! I have an ever-growing enormous amount of beautifully written, interesting books in my house (the piles practically spilling out the windows), but I never seem to be able to read them as a fast as new amazing books come out. So this year I plan to always have one (maybe two) books on the go. The soon-to-be-read pile on my nightstand currently contains Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Vagabond by Colette, Colette's biography, and The Paris Wife by Paula McLain.

Hope you're all having a swell new year!