More to life than work

I've decided to  make no mention of work or work-related matters on this  blog. It's more important to think about  what you do with  your leisure time. At the moment, I am desperately trying to improve my musical skills.  Having managed to  grasp the basics of   guitar and piano, I am  struggling to  move on with either.  There are lots of online lessons for  guitarists but there does not seem much for  the piano.

I am really excited about going to see Parsifal at the EN0 and I've begun reading Ernest Newman's masterly study of the  Wagner's   operas  'Wagner Nights' Also worth reading is  Michael Tanner's  study  entitled simply 'Wagner'-  what else!

I spent a lot of time at university in the  pub rather than the lecture hall! I'm starting to put that right now by studying some of  the writers that I missed!  First up is  Dante. I've just finished reading the  'Inferno' and   I am currently listening to  Yale University  lectures on  each canto.

Back on track

Back in the  gym. The aim is  to  burn 500 calories per session.  However, Veronica has pointed out that the  figures  displayed on the machine can be no more than an approximation  as calories  burned is  to  body  weight. May need to  consult one of the trainers.

New shows

Already bought tickets for some  great shows in  2011. First up will be the Manic Street Preachers at   Brixton Academy. I might be  a  bit old for this but Okailey - my eldest  daughter - has always been  a  fan,  because of that I've spent years listening to their albums.  

Soon after, Veronica and I will be seeing  Richard Wagner's Parsifal at the  ENO.

In March, we'll be seeing the  best  male jazz singer on the planet - Kurt Elling  - at the  Barbican.

New year resolutions

1. Improve fitness - increase   exercise  regime to  5 x 40 minute  sessions a  week.
2. Improve diet -  cut out  biscuits, cheese, and all fried foods except bacon!
3. Improve musical  skills -  practise scales on the keyboard once a  day. practise guitar once a day,  learn how to sight sing.
4. Avoid buying new  CDs, books,  etc.