This post was not inspired by Jersey Shore

Ciao Amore! (Hi Love)

I've decided to brush up on my Italian.

I know the basics and I understand better than I speak, but I'm disappointed that I don't know more. The funny thing is I took Italian classes all throughout elementary school and even took a summer course in Italy in grade 11. My summer trip ended up teaching me more about lax European drinking laws than how to communicate. Sidenote: my parents do not find this amusing. 

Even in Venice this past summer I would make fun of my best friend, who just added an 'o' to every word and said it with an Italian accent, hoping it would make sense. For example: to ask for a garbage she would say, "Garbagio?" Needless to say, the puzzled looks we got were endless.

So I recently purchased Let's Talk Italian, a complete 8 CD audio learning course. For under $15 (there was a 30% promotion going on) I can spice up my morning commute.

People who drive beside me probably think I'm having a really fun conversation on my bluetooth. Little do they know I'm actually reciting Italian words. I find this hilarious and quite sneaky of me. Most of the first CD I already know, but there are little things that I'm still learning.

My favourite word thus far is PERICOLO which means danger. Sidenote: This is no way to imply that I am a dangerous or bad driver.

Now this may sound ridiculous to some, and may warrant some teasing from my Italian friends but sooner or later I'll be sitting here.

So try something new and expand yourself or keep drinking that "haterade." 1


1-  Okay now that was inspired by Jersey Shore which is not a real depiction of Italian people at all, but trashy reality television entertainment that should not be taken for more than what it is: trashy reality television entertainment.

I know he cut off his ear but...

I took this picture of my sassy best friend Dana outside of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. She’s telling Van Gogh to “talk to the hand.” Lame 90s catch phrase, but I thought I’d use it.

Beyond having gorgeous paintings and a tragic artist existence Van Gogh also had some wise words to share:

"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore." 

Fear is a safety zone. The thought of going after a dream, an ambition or even a person can terrify us more than Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada. But what exactly is keeping us ashore?

Maybe: FAILURE, REJECTION, THE UNKNOWN, RIDICULE, FINANCIAL STABILITY, COMFORT, ROUTINE

This quote resonates with me because I can be the QUEEN of making excuses, over analyzing and then analyzing some more about reasons not to take that leap.  I like safety nets. I am always torn between my cushy reality and wham bam CHANGE. One thrills, scares and excites me while the other leaves me yawning, but safe.


But I’ve decided to take my step forward. I know the answers won't come right away because going forward is a journey. You'll have to fight hard one day and coast in absolute bliss the next.

No matter what failure, rejection or ridicule awaits you, I believe these two words will haunt you for years to come: WHAT IF?

We can all take a page from my former roommate who has started a challenge of doing things she fears and then blogging about them.

So what are you waiting for?  NOTHING. Do something you've been putting off or place your trust in the unknown. Let me know how it goes.

I love hearing your comments and feedback!