At the start of each new year I, like many people, make New Year's Resolutions - promises to myself about things I want to do, changes I want to make, objectives I want to achieve.
My New Year's Resolutions are about my interests and passions - music, art, history and food - and about staying fit and healthy.
Music has always been very important to me, as a listener, concert-goer and instrument player. I have recently started playing timpani, an instrument I realise I previously knew little about other than it being a type of percussion. And I'm about to start lessons as well - it's never too late!
I play in my local Civic Band, a great group of people of all ages who have fun playing music together. We recently played a Christmas Concert - my début as timpanist - and the traditional Epiphany concert in a local elderly citizens' centre. I love the feeling I get from playing music as part of an ensemble, and seeing the joy that live music brings to an audience.
Travel is also a lifelong interest of mine, and I am very excited about my forthcoming trips to 2 places I have never visited before: Rotterdam (NL) to visit a university in the cool Blaak district then Naples and Pompeii for food, art and history.
As for care of body and soul after the culinary delights of Christmas, I have taken up running again after a long break - many of my students run, and they have inspired me to lace up my shoes once more. I will also be visiting a spa to enjoy a few hours of relaxation.
My 2020 has begun on a positive note, with lots of plans. I hope your 2020 has started well too.