Learning Italian - (Bucket List Part III)

Buongiorno mi amici...

Just an update on my quest to learn Italian... Sto imparando l'italiano da tre mesi. Ancora molto da imparare. Which hopefully I did not totally mangle, but it should translate to "I am studying Italian for three months.  There is still much to learn." Seriously, it has been quite a long time since I had to review the rules of grammar, but in another language no less! Prepositions, present indicative, past participles, present progressive and possesives, well really it is enough to make my head swim! 

I also do not always have time for as much studying as I would like. However, I have made a lot of progress and even surprise myself sometimes with how much I have picked up so far. I read better than I write and I still have some trouble with a verbal conversation, but I try not to be too hard on myself. After all, this is a self-taught program and not a traditional course.

I think one of my favorite parts about this whole experience has been the friendships I have made.  I don't know if I am just fortunate or if all the people in Italy are as lovely as the ones I have been writing to. I would not be as far along in my studies if it was not for their help. There is one friend in particular that I really owe a deep debt of gratitude. His unwavering patience and help have been invaluable.
 
Maybe in a few more months I will be ready for a lengthy conversation in Italian. The program I am using let's me speak the language and grades me on my pronunciation.  So far I have passed each test.  I am excited and can't wait for the day that I can converse a little more fluently.  My dream is to visit Italy at some point in my life and try out my new language skills.
 
Ciao, a presto!

Ladies: Single for the Holidays?

As the holiday season approaches I sometimes hear women lamenting about the fact that for one reason or another they don’t have a man in their life. Well fear not single ladies, you are not alone. There are many women who will be pulling off the holidays solo. Take advantage of this time and make the most of it! Remember, you are fabulous!

If you need a little help, I compiled a list of reasons to be thankful for not having a man in your life...

TOP 10 REASONS TO BE THANKFUL (for not having a man in your life)!

10. The passing of gas (in any form) will not be turned into a time-honored tradition.

9. You don't have to shop for a beer holster. (Yes, Virginia they really do exist.)

8. You can skip shaving for a day (or two or three…).

7. You can save money by not paying for 5 ESPN channels. (5? Seriously?)

6. Dirty clothes will be in the hamper, not on the floor.

5. The toilet lid is always down.

4. No fighting over whose parent’s house to visit for the holidays.

3. The leftover piece of cake you’ve been saving will still be there when you want it.

2. No eye-rolling when you bring home a new pair of shoes.

And the #1 reason to be thankful...

1. The shower remains a shower and NOT a giant urinal.