Angus has the right idea. When it’s -39C with the windchill, just stay inside and curl up by the fire.

winter reading, originally uploaded by mintyfresh.

For years I have listened and read-along as hordes of colleagues, friends, and well-read bloggers headed to Austin in March (woo! no snow! no -39C temperatures! *ahem*) for the annual SxSW pilgrimage.

And finally, this year, I’m heading there too.

But like any trip, this means research! Largely because the list of bands and films and interactive panels is so very long that it’s impossible to get through in one sitting. So I’m listening to the shoutcast, making insanely complicated lists (with rankings!) based on the latest schedules so I can figure out exactly what to see, where to be seen, and when.

I suspect when I come back from SxSW I’m going to need a vacation.

This year I made no resolutions, save one: be great. No specifics.

It doesn’t apply to anything in particular. It doesn’t attach to a single, or lofty goal. It just is. And while 2011 has taken a little while to grow on me, I’m warming up to it, and to the challenge.

This year, I’m armed with a shiny new camera, I’ve got big plans, and I’m hoping to document as much of it as I can, here. Stay tuned.