Summer Project

Hello friends

Why have we started this project? Mostly it is because all of our friends are going overseas this summer, and we are stuck in Wellington (which is admittedly lovely, but not as exciting as South America). Moreover, we are generally interested in being absolutely fabulous, and acknowledge that at the moment we are only very fabulous. We are also unsure of exactly where our lives are going to take us (diplomacy? socialite housewifery? corporate lawyering? mid-level policy analysis?) but we feel that, wherever it is, we should have a range of skills - both those of the classical lady and the glass ceiling-shattering modern independent woman.

Consequently, we have embarked on a project of self improvement for the summer. As a starting point, we have constructed the following list, after which we will be much closer to being accomplished modern women:

Cooking
- Perfect the process of making macaroons
- Flowing from the above, hold a traditional high tea
- Gut and fillet a fish
- Gut and pluck a pheasant/duck/chicken/goose/similar
- Make a successful goat's cheese souffle
- Do a cheese making class
- Make our own pasta
- Hold a traditional Christmas dinner
- Make preserves for friends & family for Christmas
Life skills
- Learn to drive
- Learn to play tennis
- Go to the gym at least 4 times a week
- Attend all classes on offer at the gym at least once
- Become at least not laughably bad at video games (i.e. Wii tennis, Mario Kart, bowling)
- Play bowls
- Attend a first aid course
- Make our own soap
- Sew our own costumes to wear to Katy Perry
- Devise week-long fashion challenges
Cultural accomplishments
- Watch every season of Sex & The City
- Go to European Masters exhibition
- Attempt to read a Penguin Classic every week
- Attend Summer Shakespeare productions
- Watch classic films with excellent female protagonists e.g. Breakfast at Tiffany's, Thelma & Louise, All About Eve

We are interested in your thoughts on potential additions to the list, though we may ignore your opinion if your suggestions do not fit with our vision of fabulousness (but you should certainly pursue your own conception of the good life for yourself).

A number of you have already volunteered or been volunteered to help us with these tasks. If you have any special skills in any of the above areas, we would be more than grateful for your assistance. Particular areas of concern include tennis, driving, and acquiring a bird.

Much love,

Ella & Jenna