On the cards for 2011

This year will be my year of adventures.

I want to go to places I've never been and do things I've always wanted to do.

I plan to visit a farm in New Zealand owned by a very good friend of mine and hopefully learn to take care of some of the animals. I plan to hike up Mount Fuji in the summer and on my birthday, make it on the top to watch the sunrise. I want to visit Bali again, one of my favourite holiday destinations, and this time also visit a friend and stay in her new villa.

Before the year ends, I will be exploring Mexico while attending a family wedding there. So if you don't see me around, you'll know where I am!

I have one word: exercise. Since coming to Hong Kong, I've neglected it altogether. Laziness and a lack of motivation are the two main reasons I remain inactive.

For the new year, I plan on rectifying this by exercising twice a week, a few hours per day. Be it jogging, lifting weights or playing sports, hopefully I can get fit in 2011 and begin living a healthier lifestyle.

As a kid, I always enjoyed playing basketball, tennis and golf. They're activities I've always been interested in and are great ways to get fit and build endurance. And, yeah, getting more toned wouldn't be bad either.

This will be my year of the novel - writing one. Reading all those Conn Iggulden historical novels has inspired me. I just love his style and hope that I can write like he does.

Mine, of course, will be slightly different, a fantasy. But, you know what they say: "If you have an idea for a book, don't talk it to death". So I think I shall stop right there.

2011 is going to be my year of slowing down. Like most of us in Hong Kong, I have a tendency to spend my day running: to work, to a meeting, to dinner, etc. It feels like I'm always late and I don't take time to enjoy the things I do.

So, this year, I will take it slow - well, I'll try. I will wake up early to eat a proper breakfast; do more yoga; walk to the places I need to go; take time to read at home, rather than wasting my spare time on internet; buy more flowers for my flat; soak up the sun ... Wish me luck!

I hope 2011 will be my year of local discovery. As a Hong Kong resident for more than 20 years, it's a big joke that I know so little about home. Where on earth is Glass Island (better known as Tap Mun)? What's the difference between Silverstrand Beach and Silver Mine Bay?

It's time to abandon the big shopping malls in Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui, and spend my weekends discovering some of the most interesting but least known places in this vibrant city.

Taking a cultural walk along one of Hong Kong's oldest streets Shanghai Street, and Reclamation Street market - the few bustling street markets left in the city - would be an exciting idea. Visiting the Tai Po Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, home to more than 180 species, is definitely a relaxing ecotour. I'll start as soon as I shop for a new pair of walking shoes!

I decided months ago that 2011 would be my year of travel. The only place I ever seem to holiday is the UK: to see family and attend weddings.

But this year, I'm off to Auckland to work on a show at the Fringe Festival; Greece or Spain with my sister for girly giggles; Sri Lanka to see a friend get married in a traditional ceremony; the mainland, at some point, for a weekend; hopefully Belfast to see a friend I've been missing recently; and I haven't ruled out NYC next winter. My bank account may disagree!

2011 will be my year of living each day to the fullest. Here are my steps to that goal if you want to do the same ...

1 Get a recycled notebook and write down everything you have to achieve this year. Even better, typing it into my iPhone notes app will save paper.

2 Try to contribute more to preserving this fragile earth. I already recycle, but I could do more. Shopping less means less packaging and more money in my bank account. You all have enough clothes. Be creative and recycle your old clothes. Remember, fashion is cyclical, and less is more.

3 Make time for friends as well as myself. Everyone needs quality time with people they love - and that includes yourself.

4 Cook more and eat out less. By making your own meals, you can be more selective about food you eat. Buy Fairtrade and organic as much as you can.

5 I use to be a whizz kid with 3D Studio Max. But laziness got in the way and now I'm an old kid on the block. This year, I'm going to make it my mission to learn more software.

6 Cut down on the Coca Cola. I use to be cola-free, but tiredness became a bad habit and the sweet fizziness helped.

A couple more things: I want to improve my Putonghua and crave less for cupcakes. Cupcakes are so last season - Cake Pops are in. Google it if you don't believe me. Finally, I'm going to read more. I still haven't joined the library, but I will! It saves paper and money. You also get to hang out with the other literature lovers who make it their second home. Happy New Year, Young Posties!