I love new years. I love the freshness of it, the potential of it. After a good, restful break over Christmas – which I’ve been getting the last several years since I’ve been with the Boy, since we then to just rest, sleep, and have lots of food at his parents’ house over the Christmas period – I feel re-energised, and ready and excited to tackle new projects.

I’m not quite sure if it’s the element of rest.. that is feeling re-energised after a Christmas break, or if it’s the element of symbolism.. the idea of new beginnings, that buoys me up each new year. Or perhaps particularly this year.

Even though there’s still a lot of uncertainty in my life (over my job, the Boy’s job search, the Company, medium term outlook for the UK economy, and consequently our life, lifestyle, and travel plans), undertaking my own little mini ‘projects’ keeps me occupied and amused, and I’m finding that I’m reasonably cheerful in spite of the grey skies. I’m taking up French classes again this year – I’ve decided to drop a level so I’m less stressed about holding the rest of my class (who are more diligent and advanced then me!) back; I’m hoping to pass my practical driving exam (automatic) by the end of the month – fingers crossed; I’m taking up absolute  beginner’s ballet, which is surprisingly hard work, but I find the discipline quite relaxing; I’m organising some get-togethers at our place – I realise that I kind of like ‘entertaining’, in the sense of having a small group of friends over to have dinner and hang out in a more intimate setting, although the work it involves is exhausting (cleaning up before, cooking, then washing up after); and I’m trying to play match-maker (again), with hopefully better success this year!

For now, I’m optimistic and hoping for a great 2012, and the year of the Dragon.