Ah, new beginnings.
Good to see that you
have resolve.

SEE
Sixth Annual Chicago Sketchfest
What: Performances by more than 100 sketch comedy troupes, including Chicago’s The Cupid Players and Canada’s Ms. Chickaburns.
Why: Bust a gut. (Don’t grow one.)
When: Thru Jan. 14. Opening night, Thurs., 8 p.m. (Cupid, Fri., 9 p.m.; Chickaburns, Sat., 11 p.m.).
Where: Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., at Racine Ave. (773-327-5252).

Impossible Cities: a Utopian Experiment
What: Theater-puppetry-dance-music blowout imagines a perfect world.
Why: Anything’s possible.
When: Thru Jan. 27. Opening night, Fri., 8 p.m. Thereafter, Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.
Where: Peter Jones Gallery, 1806 W. Cuyler Ave., 2nd flr., at Ravenswood Ave. For more info, call
312-458-0566.

DO
Spalicious
What: Cooking class has a healthful focus.
Why: Pamper your taste buds. (And break your Ramen habit.)
When: Thurs., 7 p.m. (Also Jan. 13 & 25.)
Where: The Chopping Block, 4747 N. Lincoln Ave., at Giddings St. (R.S.V.P. to 773-472-6700.)

BUY
In Moderation
What: You promised to spend less this year. (We’ll see how long that lasts.)
Why: You think you can. You think you can.
When: During a surge of willpower.
Where: A register? What’s that?

EAT
Less Dessert, More Leafy Greens
What: Diet, diet, diet.
Why: Popeye’s in, Olive Oyl’s out.
When: After one more chocolate bar. (Just
one, swear.)
Where: Chicago’s newest hotspot: the salad bar.