La Vita Fiorentina: Anno Nuovo, Nuovi Sogni.

Yes, that is right. New Year, New Dreams.

It's hard to believe that I am more than half-way done with my Master's. I remember when I started and took the optional year off to make the process longer - I just forgot that time really does fly by. Now, all I have left to do is pass 2 classes and write a research paper. (Any ideas on what I should write it on? I have no clue!)

Either way, I am ready for what's next. I always say this, but the truth is that I am terrified. I just say this to make myself feel better and much more confident. I am at the point again where I need to start thinking about what I need/have to do next. I need to work on my CV/Resume, look for jobs, decided where I would like to live, decide whether I want to go back to Riverside/move to another city/move out of state, etc. It feels like I need to prepare myself for the ultimate test - and picking more than one answer is not an option.

I'm also a little sad to say that my routine of going somewhere every 10/11 months has come to an end. But, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had - and for the fact that I can say that I have 4 “homes” - Siena, Florence, Bordeaux, and Lyon. I might not know all the street names or the shortcuts, but I know how to get around these cities, know what places to eat at, what areas to avoid, and where to go whenever I need to get away. Finding a job in any of these cities would be a dream come true!

Anyways, one semester down and just one more to go. I’m looking forward to what these last few months have in store. As far as new goals, I think I’m just going to go with whatever happens. If I remember correctly, one of my goals from my first post was to keep this blog updated....oh, well.

As far as improving my procrastinating - I can say it’s gotten better, but I did pull 2 all nighters for class. But, I guess I can thank my roommate, Valeria for the training - I’ve stayed up several nights partying with her. Great times...and maybe some great memories? (Don’t remember a lot from several nights.)

My Italian??? Well, I feel much more comfortable speaking it, but I am at the point that now I tend to overanalyze what I want to say and make dumb mistakes. Compared to when I first got here, my Italian is about 100 times better. Thanks, Scuola Italiana.

As for my “nuovi sogni” - I just want to have an easy transition from school life to “real”life and be ready for whatever 2012 will bring into my life.

I wish you all the best in 2012.

Here are some pics from December and my trip to Paris and Lyon during Christmas break.