Monday, December 31, 2007

2007 Reflections.

Looking back at 2007 and comparing it to 2006, this was a great year. To be honest, this year was much easier and more comfortable for me living here in France. I learned how to knit and found a hobby that helps to keep me relaxed. And through that, I've made some wonderful new friends. I learned how to really drive a stick shift (before I was just faking it). I started working with youth again and I love it. I started leading an English conversation class with a group of retirees who've not only been teaching me a lot, but have been making this opportunity a very memorable experience. I continued improving my French which has made life a lot easier. I started swimming again. I traveled to Munich, Prague, Berlin, Monaco, Serrento, Malta, Palma de Mallorca, Avignon, Montpellier, Cadaques, Carcassonne, and Toulouse for the first time. I've found a community of expats living throughout France and through them have made some friends. I tried tripe and frog legs for the first and last time. I learned how to switch the hard drives in our computer all by myself (obviously, a thrilling accomplishment for me). I learned that going home to California once a year is just not enough. I've also learned that I don't enjoy doing international travel alone. And I've finally come to peace with the notion that my husband will never put the remote controls away after he uses them no matter how many times I remind him.

2007 brought me a lot of smiles and frowns. Many celebrations and some tragedies. This was a year where I learned a lot about myself. Here's looking forward to an even more adventurous and eventful 2008. And I wish you all a wonderful start to the new year.

7 comments:

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

Happy happy new year to you as well; you have a great list of accomplishments here and inspire me to pursue some of those things myself as I continue to adjust to an expat life even after four years ;)

Jennifer said...

I loved reading your reflections. I'm so glad you are finding your niche (knitting, ex-pats, working with youth, and accepting your husband's remote-control-issues). Happy new year my friend!

Anonymous said...

May I wish you an even better or as equally satisifying 2008. . .

Suz. said...

Happy New Year, Emily! What a year of travels you have had. Truly lucky. Peace!

Karen said...

Tous mes voeux de santé, bonheur et réussite pour cette nouvelle année! But with so much good stuff in 2007 that you made happen, I'm sure you don't need the extra help. ;) The skiing is great and for as many people there are in town it hasn't been very crowded. Let me know when you guys come up!

Anonymous said...

happy new year, sounds like 2007 treated you well, I hope 2008 brings you an even better year!

The Late Bloomer said...

This is a great post! I agree, very reflective -- and it sounds like you had a good year in 2007 -- 2008 is bound to be even BETTER! You've accomplished a lot and come a long way in settling down to your life with your husband here in France. A great group of friends, your knitting, advancing your language skills, sharing with others -- you've really done SO MUCH! And all that traveling, that must have been wonderful.

I don't know if I'll get to travel as much this year, but I'm thinking at least a few short weekend trips away would be nice. We'll see!