Friday, December 31, 2010

Au Revoir 2010


Remember when we were all freaking out about the “New Millennium” and how we thought the world was coming to an end (HOW ARE WE GOING TO FIX THE DATES ON THE COMPUTERS?!?!?)?

Well, here I am saying farewell to the 10th year after that conniption. Whew.

Looking back at the last year I’ve changed a lot in my life. I’ve stressed myself out to my wits end at a job that many would call their “dream job”. Okay, yes, designing award winning 5-star hotels all over the world is a nice thing to throw in the faces of those kids who gave you swirlies in high school, but working your ass off for 40, 50, 60+ hours a week? Sorry, but I’m not a workaholic and I didn’t want my job to be my life… not yet anyways. So I put my balls on the table and moved my life across the Atlantic, and parked my sweet little butt in Paris. I vowed to myself that I’d make a big change in my life, and see where it took me.

Me

So have I?

I’ve learned a lot since I’ve been here… I’ve mastered the art of the “chocolate soufflé”, unearthed the secrets behind the illustrious French macaron, and even learned how to fillet a rabbit.

Râble de Lapin

I’ve been here just shy of 6 months now, and without taking any French lessons, can now comprehend most of what people are saying. I can even *sometimes* understand Quentin’s older brother, Thomas, (who speaks very quickly) and in his words, “If I can understand him, I can understand anyone.” I have only started the brain-achingly difficult transition from speaking English to speaking French. That has been the hardest part. I think I’m getting there though… j'espère.

Looking back at my 2010 Resolution List, I wanted to see what I’ve stuck to and what I’ve… ahem… let slip through the cracks:

-Move to France

-Start a Blog (and keep up with it)

-Learn to speak French – Workin’ on it…

-Find a job in Paris – Does freelance Interior Design and Food Blogging count? Hehe.

-Read more books - I read a total of 3 1/2 this year! A new record for me!

-Get back into my daily yoga routine – Aahh… yeah, umm… I’m working on that one?

-Stop drinking soda – Grr… I just love Coke… what can I say?

So the few resolutions that I’ve been able to tick off my list from last year, I guess you could call more like “goals” but at least it’s something. Now to work on next year…


Here’s my 2011 Resolution List (and I’m going to be a little more specific this time):

-If you know how to say something in French, say it in French.

-Yoga routine 4 times per week

-Stop drinking soda!!!

-Do more traveling: Philippines, China, London, Spain, Egypt

-Read at least 5 books

Books


I’m making a 2011 Cooking Resolutions List also… only seems fitting:

-Cook more seasonally & sustainably

-Use more whole grains, less pasta

-Cook more French and Filipino food

-Cook at least 12 dishes out of your comfort zone (1 per month), and blog about them.

I think I’m going to stop there… If I put too many things on the list it’s likely that I won’t do them, so better to start small. I’m printing out these lists and taping them to my mirror! 2011 Here I come!

5 comments:

  1. Excellent resolutions!!! And BRAVO for making the big life change and moving over here. :-) Bonne année!!!!

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  2. You look so pretty! Love your resolutions.. can't wait to read about your adventures over the next year. Miss you bunches and hope to see you soon. <3
    Happy New Year!

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  3. Thanks guys! Bonne Année and Happy New Year to you!!

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  4. I'm so impressed with your list!! Your goals go WAY beyond the scope of NY resolutions! And I think you're living the best one-- being in Paris!! I totally know what you mean about "if you know something in French, say it in French"-- it's the best way to learn, and as I'm sure you know, if you plod through and try hard, the French people are very appreciative!! Love your blog!! So glad we've "met!"

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  5. Aw thank you so much! I'm so glad we've "met" too! Happy New Year to you and best of luck in 2011! :)

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