November’s “Someday” — Knitting

Time for a new “Someday” and I realize I never made the announcement last month that I was taking another hiatus.  I was out of the country for almost three weeks in October – not the time to take on a new “Someday”.  We were in Italy where, if I’d actually learned Italian earlier this year, I’d have been able to try out my new skill.  However, my realization during my Italian language “Someday” regarding my lack of skill with languages was reinforced during this trip.  I use the basics: per favore, grazie, si, ciao, but even after being there for more than two weeks I can’t say much more.  Perhaps if I were immersed in the language for a decade or two I’d be able to carry on a simple conversation, but I’m not terribly certain of that either.

So, I used last month as a hiatus and now it’s time for something new and this month I’m knitting.  As a teenager, I learned to crochet and made a typical granny square afghan along with coasters and a pretty cool mobile using little crocheted doilies dangling by fishing line from cut wire clothes hangers.  I tried a brief stint (15 minutes, maybe) of knitting, but it just wasn’t happening.  I see people knitting and I think it looks like a relaxing way to spend time, not to mention the beautiful scarves, sweaters, and blankets knitters be produce.

To kick off this month’s “Someday”, I’m attending a local knitting club’s monthly gathering this afternoon.  They’ve assured me they can get me started.  I’m determined to give this more than a 15 minute try and, since the meeting this afternoon lasts 2.5 hours, I’ll have reached my goal.  Seriously, I really would like to give this enough of a try to see if it’s a fit for me.  I’m a fidgety person and having something to do with my hands seems like a good thing.  Of course, it will be tough to eat popcorn or other snacks while knitting, but that’s probably another good thing.

New Month, New “Someday”

The calendar has flipped over to a new month which means it’s time to add a new “someday” to my journey.  This month I’m going to begin learning Italian in earnest.  I’ve piddled around with language in the past, but it’s not something that comes easily to my brain.  I’ve tried for a week or so (much like dieting), but I’ve always given up.  I love Italy.  I love the pace and the beauty of Italy.  I love traveling in Italy.  I would love to speak Italian so I can communicate better when I am there and also to keep a piece of Italy with me.

Reviewing the last three months, writing, for my blogs and in my journal, is moving along smoothly; writing my book (November’s “someday”) is lagging.  However, I have been giving the book’s content a lot of thought and my writing is usually done in my brain before I even begin to put words to screen.  I am meditating regularly (December’s “someday”) and feel the practice has taken hold as part of my daily routine.  I am walking and/or running daily and I am ahead of plan on the 1200-mile annual challenge I started last month (118.76 miles to date).  Now, it’s time to add language lessons and practice.

To begin this month’s “someday”, I’ve downloaded an Italian language program to listen to in my car.  I’m in my car a lot, so that seems the most reasonable way to get started.  I also joined an online language program I’ll use to supplement the audio program.

I’ll keep you posted.  For now, ciao!