As promised, I guess I should really make some resolutions.
I always thing there's a surge of positivity around the New Year's eve mark, but that soon evaporates by the second week of January, whereby Christmas decorations are down, the magic is lost and it's still dark at half past four. The one beam of hope is that, three weeks ago, it was dark at half past three.
The days are, indeed, getting longer, in which we should all find some comfort. I certainly do! Everytime the sun comes out...to whatever extent, I have to go outside and absorb as much vitamin D as possible until twilight descends again. I HATE this time of year. I love the run up to Christmas part of winter; wearing lots of layers, bonfire night, fairy lights, etc...but January-into-Februaary is...well...rubbish, really.
With January comes the revelation that you have no money and no bank holidays until Easter. I fondly remember the days of the 'February Half Term'. What a joyeous time that was.
The only way that January can become a positive month is by looking at it as a 'new beginning' - the gateway to a fresh start. I will therefore proceed with a heap of resolutions, so as to turn January into a more productive time than just a former time of hibernation. Here goes:
1. To learn the violin. I've always wanted to, so I will. Why not?
2. To begin a more enjoyable form of exercise and not just my 4 mile round walk to work every day. Dance classes, perhaps. Maybe. Perhaps.
3. To decide on a qualification and start working towards getting it. Possibly my most important resolution.
4. To start an ISA, thus becoming a more responsible adult.
5. To make my lunch for work instead of buying it from the sandwich trolley.
6. To get my hair cut more often than every year.
7. To stop worrying about what people think.
8. To not give into the temptation of buying a Cockatoo.
9. To stop leaving clothes in piles all over my bed, moving them when i go to bed, and putting them back on it again the next day.
So there we have it, 9 steps to a new and improved me. If I were feeling especially cynical, I would rate each one with a percentage success rate. However, that would detract away form the otherwise positive attitude created by making resolutions in the first place.
I would've bought the violin already but, since discovering they come in a range of colours, I can't decide between red or metallic blue..."resolution 10: to be less indecisive"!