New Years Resolutions

Just looking back on last year's resolutions and I was quite surprised to see that this year, many are the same! In fact the only ones I kept were to run a race (Race for Life 5km July 2010) and travel to 2 new countries (I made 3: Denmark, Sweden & Prague).

I failed at going to Hot Bed Press regularly and when I did go, I don't think I was successful enough in my prints.

I failed spectacularly at finishing my NVQ through work, which was out of my hands. Basically due to cost cutting in the public sector, the NVQ's offered through my workplace no longer come with proper support (it used to be in the form of a person from Mancat who would meet with you every 2 to 3 weeks in your office) and I got non existent support from the assessor who I managed to get to see a grand total of 3 times last year. So I'm still doing the course, no rush now though, seeing as the recession has hit even harder and even if I did get my qualification I can't apply for a job in a higher band, thanks to the conditions of the NHS clearing house, which means I can only apply for jobs at the same rate of pay I'm on now. (thanks Labour and Cameron)

I didn't read a new book every month at least I don't think I did, I didn't keep track of what I did read. I really need another 2 weeks somewhere hot type holiday, I normally plough through one a day then.

I didn't learn how to use Illustrator, I did however buy "Illustrator for Dummies" which I started reading last week... I'm still not getting it however :(

I didn't try colour processing at home either, but I am still keen to try...


and lastly I really didn't keep my blog up to date at all.



So 2011

* Learn how to use Illustrator - even if I have to take lessons
* Read more, I wish I had a job that involved public transport instead of walking, at least then I'd have guaranteed daily reading time
* Visiting Hot Bed Press more often - I've already signed up for the Letter Press Course which is at the end of this month
* Crafting - Santa Mum bought me a rather nice sewing machine for Christmas, so now I just need to get off my lazy arse and make curtains & bags and whatnot out of the fabric I bought 4 months ago!
* Go out of my comfort zone - I've signed up for volunteering at Manchester International Festival once again, but this time I've put down my office skills and could very well find myself on reception, this face to face stuff is what my very shy self is terrified of. I've convinced myself it will be character building.
* Not sweating the little things - I spend far too much time getting wound up by other people's actions, especially when driving etc... As long as the other person isn't hurting anyone, I'm taking a deep breath and ignoring it. Life's too short to sweat other people's misgivings and being angry inside is not good for one's health or mental wellbeing.
* Lose weight - the age old new year resolution, well after literally packing on the pounds over Christmas (which for me started mid November!) I've joined Weight Watchers, doing well so far and feeling positive about getting my health back on track
* Organising our wedding - after 7 years of engagement, we've finally set a date (well by date I mean 2 week period), and now I need to book everything and start organising shit. Scary.