This will probably be a boring post, so feel free to scan it and then leave an encouraging comment below. I wanted to actually be held accountable for my goals this year so I figure airing them out for all to see will help. Here goes:
Be more creative: I used to be a decent artist (like in high school). Over the last 5 years since I feel like I suck and I am too afraid to paint and draw anymore. I spend hundreds of euro on art supplies and never use them. In 2008 I will paint and draw. It’s time to bust out some art.
Blog more honestly: Sometimes I write posts and don’t publish them because I think you will think they are boring and then you will stop reading here. Then I think that I started this as an outlet for me, my frustrations. This isn’t to say you readers are not important. I just need to get over the fear my technorati rating will go down if I really write what I feel.
Go to the gym more and on a regular basis: I go but not as much as I need to. I also lie and say that the extra weight doesn’t bother me, but it does. I HAVE to do this.
Learn Italian, better, faster, stronger: Yeah I can make a sentence, but in 2008 I want to find the motivation to study on my own and actually not sound mentally disabled when I speak.
Stop being scared of the door bell: In 2008 my fear of the mail man and door bell ends. I can handle it. The mail man can handle it. I think my Italian is good enough to receive a package now.
Walk more: Unless I am going to school I avoid the center of Rome. I need to visit more museums, get outside and perhaps visit the Sistine Chapel (my dirty secret).
Make friends that won’t move away after a few months: I guess this means make Italian friends (that aren’t my husbands). All the Americans/other international friends are only here temporarily, which leaves me sad every few months.
Find a job/get my CELTA.
Be happier.
Clean the house more.
What are your resolutions?
Good luck! I want to learn Italian in 2008 as well as one of my goals. You may find it easier since you’re surrounded by it though, I’m just in the USA. I don’t know anything at all really, but I would like to get to the point where I can carry on a conversation with someone.
Sorry for rambling about my goals, good luck with yours!
Not a boring post at all Jessica!
Loved your resolutions. You’ll have fluent Italian in no time, watch. Well, I’ll be in Rome and I’m not going anywhere!
I’ll be following your blog lead… like you, wordpress, self-hosted domain, from the heart, and f* what Technorati may say! But boy it’s work!
Resolutions? Mine is to just settle down in Rome. I mean, most of my work comes from Rome, anyway, I just want a good routine and to decorate my own place knowing I’m not going anywhere…
I think you have a great list there! I was so happy when I went to Venice and had an entire exchange in Italian when I bought stamps for my post cards. And they understood me. Happy Day! You will get there, be patient
For mine. Find a new job, do yoga and exercise more, thereby loosing more weight. Trying to eat healthier…and buy organic! I need to save $$ to make it back to either France or Italy this year too
[...] My Resolutions… [...]
I still write in OD and my blog but people barely leave comments on them. Good luck
I don’t have any resolutions ’cause I never stick to them.
You are a good writer so don’t be afraid to post what you write. I am sure that you will be posting some pictures of your original 2008 artwork before we know it. Good luck in the new year.
You made me laugh out loud, I TOTALLY remember being afraid to answer the doorbell
I look forward to reading your posts in the coming year. Happy New Year!!
Good luck, Jess! I’m behind you all the way! And you blog great, everything you write is interesting, because they’re honest and they are about you. Keep living the dream, okay?! *huggles*
Sorry for the late shout-out, studying my butt off unfortunately
Liz
Why not come out of Rome to our expats book swap on February 9th in Otricoli? I’ve posted it on the expatsinitaly site under Calendar. Most of us are staying put, and many have places in the city as well. My advice for improving your Italian is to find someone you can exchange conversation with as you get on with other activities: take walks to some of the museums and other places you have resolved to see more of, the vegetable market, the Borghetto Flaminio market etc. Do half an hour in Italian, then half an hour in English.