“Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by.” – Robert Frost

Today is December 29, 2010. It's hard to believe that in just a few short days, we will be entering not only a  new year, but a new decade. Those joyous few hours that lead up to midnight, so filled with excitement for what the new year will bring, are almost inevitably followed by the realization that this year will be no different than the last. People swear, every December, that the upcoming year will be different. That their resolutions will last longer than January, and that for some reason, this year, in particular, will be the year for them. Some may call me a naysayer, but I have never been on-board with the whole New Year's Resolution movement. I don't see the logic in waiting to start those much needed gym visits in January, when you could, and should start now. I've never been able to understand why people set unrealistic goals for themselves, instead of working toward something realistic. So naturally, given all my views on this issue, I decided to make resolutions this year.

I will clarify that these resolutions are not because it is almost 2011, and they are by all means realistic. Although I feel like a partial sell-out for doing this, I'm choosing to look at it as needed adjustments in my life. It just so happens that my trip to Italy and resulting change of perspective fall so close to the New Year. So regardless of the fact that I've completely forgone my rigid anti-resolutions stance, it seems only natural to now list the aforementioned resolutions.

1. As stated in the previous post, I need to calm down. My view on life and school work is that of a constant list of tasks to accomplish and problems to solve. Although I don't feel that this is necessarily a bad thing, I need to re-examine where I place my confidence. At this point my confidence is based almost solely in my academic and professional success, arguably leading me to the point of workaholism, at age 20. This is not healthy. So first and foremost, next semester, I will learn to appreciate all the little things in life. I will not get upset over a B+, rather, I will find value in relationships and experiences.

2. Next semester, and even after, I will take time to absorb things. To not only experience, but to absorb, process, and cherish. I will take TONS of pictures, and meet people everywhere I go. I resolve to go out of my comfort zone, so that upon my return I will actually feel that I learned Italian. And, I will eat whatever I want while in Europe, and not feel guilty.

3. Lastly, I will constantly remind myself of how blessed I am. I will take each and every experience I encounter, and try to adapt a new perspective. I will not just be a tourist, but I will learn and love everywhere I go. I will willingly stray from the beaten path, and take the road less traveled by.

Eagle Rock Reservation, Montclair, NJ

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

The countdown begins. In exactly 36 days I will embark on what I hope to be one of the greatest experiences of my life. I'll be spending the Spring 2011 semester studying Interior Design in Florence, Italy. I honestly can not believe that I'm able to do this. How am I allowed to 'study' and be in arguably one of the most beautiful and historic cities on this Earth? How is it that I'll have the opportunity to travel all around Europe, eat amazing food and experience life like I never have before? I have to keep reminding myself that this will actually happen-that I am not dreaming, and that somehow, I am not cheating the system. I will get 15 credit hours for the next semester, and gain a whole new perspective on design, and furthermore, life. At this point, though it's still a little bit hard to believe. 

Currently, it's December 20, just five days before Christmas. In all honesty, I have barely thought about Christmas. These last few weeks have been consumed by final projects and exams, and I haven't really had a second to stop and think. However, I've had Italy on my horizon for quite a while now. I can't wait to eat gelato outside the Duomo, (regardless of the fact that it will be January when I arrive) scarf down spaghetti bolognese while daintily sipping a glass of wine, and pretend to ignore the men who exclaim "Ciao, Bella" as I pass. ;) I'm so excited to experience a culture that isn't so absorbed in its capitalistic, and hard-working tendencies that it forgets the value of rest, relationships, and enjoyment. I don't want to feel guilty about relaxing or taking a long dinner. I want to enjoy my time, build relationships, and for once, calm down. 

So, my first steps, here in the US, will be to take some time to stop and smell the flowers. After all, it's the little things in life, right? 

Fort Worth Botanical Gardens, November 2010

Arrivederci!