Wednesday, June 27, 2007

I want...

I’m feeling a little sad and discouraged today, so I thought I would write a “wish list” of things I need to address. I’m a big list-maker, and seeing things written down makes me feel better. Feel free to offer any suggestions or input!

I want:

●To lose 32 pounds. I gained about 50 pounds after my father died, so I ended up hiring a trainer. I’ve already lost 18 pounds by following what my trainer taught me, and it really works, but it just takes time because it’s not a crash diet or anything.

●A new job. Not only have I lost interest in my current line of work, but I only get 2 weeks of vacation per year! That really doesn’t work for me anymore. I’ve been trying to get on with our university for almost a year, with no luck. I’ve now started looking other places, getting the word out to people, etc. I’ve decided I need a new job by October 1st. (Yes, there’s a reason for that date, but I don’t want to go into it unless it really happens!)

●To learn Italian. I took 2 classes at our local community college - they were nice and all, but they weren’t “real” graded classes. Considering I didn’t study once outside of class, it’s amazing I learned what I did. I can understand a bit when people speak (as long as they speak slowly!), but I can’t form a sentence at all! There are “real” classes at both our university and community college where I would have to do assignments, take tests, and receive a grade, so I would have to study. I’m about 95% sure I’m going to enroll in one for the fall semester.

●To stop thinking about something I shouldn’t be thinking about (long story…I may post about it soon…)

●To find a way to spend more time in Italy each year (which I'm hoping the new job/more time off will help me accomplish)


To be continued…

6 comments:

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

I'm a list maker too. Sometimes it helps just to get it out there, to see it in front of you. It sounds like you're already doing so much toward your goals--as we say in Italy, "piano, piano." Slowly, slowly. Breathe. Relax. Enjoy. Things will happen when they're meant to and not a moment sooner (or later) :)

Anonymous said...

Kathy, I live in Kansas City, Mo. since 1969.
When I emigrated from a small town in Sicily, I didn't speak any English, but I had no choice but learn it. Then it became my first language and Italian my secondary.

I finally got it back and I'm hoping in time to be speaking both equally well! It helps in that I'm teaching others Italian. (not formally).

Isn't it funny, how we learn differently? Some people are great at conjugating the verbs, but can't understand when it is spoken to them. I'm trying to figure out the best way to teach it.

You remind me of myself, only about 10-15 yrs. younger, with your wish list.

Good luck, keep your goals in front of you and they will become reality.

Kathy said...

Sognatrice - I have to remember that, "piano, piano". Sometimes I get impatient and want everything to happen RIGHT NOW! I do believe that things happen as they are supposed to, but I tend to try to hurry them along. Thanks for the reminder to enjoy!

Carole - That's great that you're re-learning Italian, I'm sure it will all come back to you soon!

I'm not sure of the best way to teach it. I want to learn the correct grammatical way to speak it, but at the same time, I want to know the conversational form of it. I suppose it will all happen eventually, especially since I can ask all the fluent Italian speakers around here for help!

Thank you for your support!

Anonymous said...

Kathy, it sounds like we are in the same space right now. l almost felt like l was reading a post to myself!!!
My suggestion would be to definately enrol in an italian class as learning something new will give you a sense of happiness and accomplishment. It will also not leave you too much time to dwell on those things that you rather not dwell on.
When you write your goals down make sure you are specific and come from a feeling place and are timed for when you want them. Then stay focused on what you want not on what you dont want. This will draw it to you quickier. (l might post on this soon).
What you believe you will achieve!!!

nyc/caribbean ragazza said...

I'm big on making lists (is it a Virgo trait?)., I think it really helps.

Taking formal Italian classes can be tough when you are working. The last thing you want to do is homework. However, I have learned so much and retained more than I thought. I haven't taken classes in months because of my work schedule, so I have forgotten some of the more complicated verb tenses. I hope I will pick things back up once I move.

Only two weeks vacation is outrageous. The U.S. takes the least amount of vacation days in the industrialized world. sad.

Kathy said...

Cleo - I must remember this: What you believe you will achieve!!! You might need to keep reminding me of that for a while! lol

NYC - you virgos and your lists! ;-) I'm not looking forward to working and studying, but I know it's the only way I'll learn. I'm sure you will recall the more technical stuff once you get all settled in Canada.

I cannot believe our lack of vacation time in the states. Two friends think I'm being unreasonable when I say I want a job with more time off. But I've seen companies out there who offer it, now I just have to get a foot in the door at one of them!