Italian Conversation & Other Things

I spent some time yesterday pondering all things 'adventure', not just in terms of new possibilities but also how I can take some of my existing activities forward. The easiest one to deal with is my ongoing attempts to learn the Italian language. It's time to move on to the next stage of that particular adventure and focus more on improvising my conversational ability, which is the aspect that's lagging behind. I was looking online for a local Italian conversation group and one of the options is a group in the Warminster U3A (about 20 minutes drive away) who meets once a week on a day and time that fits in with my other regular activities and who learn Italian under the guidance of a native Italian speaker. Although my previous experiences of other U3A groups hasn't been too promising I am ever the optimist and am thinking about trying again. 

The main benefits of this particular group for me are that it is an inexpensive option at only £18 a year, and if it works out there are other groups I'd be interested in joining at a (much) later date at no extra cost.  It's not computer based learning so pronunciation and grammar mistakes will be corrected and explained, and also that this particular group meets in a church hall rather than a private home so that suggests some scope for social distancing. It will also provide some much needed social contact and an opportunity to meet new people.

It also addresses my wish to rebuild the social side of life and to get out and about more this year. Whether I will actually rejoin the U3A and attend this conversation group ... well, your guess is as good as mine. Part of me thinks other people are being so much more social and have managed to stay well so why not me, and another part of me thinks it's too risky. However, the benefits of adding a regular social activity to a currently very solitary life cannot be underestimated and yes, there will be a risk, so I need to weigh the benefits against the risk and decide whether the risk is worth it to me. I've completed an enquiry form and asked to have a chat with the leader of the group to learn how the group is run, how many people regularly attend and whether they enforce Covid safety, etc. so for now I have to sit back and wait.

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4/365: one of the bridges at the marina

I met J for lunch yesterday - only 2 hours this time! - and also collected a bag of books and a jigsaw puzzle from her. I was planning to do some shopping after we'd eaten so opted to put them in the car rather than carry them around the store and then stupidly got straight in the car and drove home, completely forgetting the shopping! I'll have to manage with what's at home for a few days now. Back at home I made a start on the meal planning so will carry on and finish that today. It feels good to be back to my usual routine and, lovely as holidays are, I do generally feel better when I have some semblance of structure to my days. 

Piano lessons restart tomorrow, so I will need to buckle down today and make sure I can still play the pieces we decided on before the Christmas break but which have taken a bit of a back seat since getting the Les Misérables piano music as one of my Twelve Days of Christmas gifts.

Depending on how that all works out I'll reassess the decluttering I sorted out before Christmas and decide what to tackle first. Hopefully I'll have time to make a start but if not it'll be top of the list for tomorrow. 

Comments

  1. The conversation course sounds promising, doesn't it. I'm just not sure about the f2f aspect but I suppose we have to resume it at some point.

    You might find that, having taken some time to work on something different, the set pieces will be much improved. I do hope so anyway.

    Have a lovely day. xx

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    1. It's the f2f aspect that worries me and whether it is really worth the risk for this particular reason, i.e. learning a language. We will have to resume at some point but am I trying to do it too soon. I honestly don't know so I'll make a decision once I've spoken to the group leader ... it could go either way.

      I hoping that the break from the set pieces won't have set me back too much ... fingers are crossed!

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  2. That group does sound positive - but yes, do check the covid protocols. It could prove an excellent "adventure" - and maybe lead onto other friendships and activities. And have fu playing the piano (I love LesMis! "bring him home" always reduces me to tears, "Do you hear the people sing?" fills me with enthusiasm. They recently repeated the programme about Cameron mackintosh and his work on bbc2 (in the last fortnight) I found it fascinating. Did you see it?

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    1. I can't make a final decision until I hear from the group leader but at least I know the group is there even if I choose to wait for now because of Covid.

      Yes I saw the Cameron Mackintosh programme and also the one about how Matt Lucas became involved in Les Mis, and thought both of them were excellent. Empty Chairs at empty tables is the one that always makes me cry.

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  3. Speaking to the group leader is a good decision so you can make up your mind one way or another. Forgetting to do the shopping you had planned to do was something I'd do. I have a grocery delivery slot booked for Thursday and I'm relieved about that as I found the pre-Christmas supermarket shop way too busy for my liking.

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    1. Forgetting the shopping wasn't too bad as I have plenty here and was just wanting to pick up ingredients for some new recipes, so I won't starve. I still can't believe I did it though and you saying it's the sort of thing you'd do ... maybe it's an 'Eileen' trait! Annoyingly, the store was quiet so it would have been an ideal time for me.

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  4. It's so tricky to balance safety against the sanity of meeting other people. Wishing you luck!

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    1. Thanks Lyssa. I'm finding it hard to know what to do for the best.

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  5. Let's hope the language group leader is one who respects the safety first guidelines. We have been put into a 21 day semi lockdown & can only have 5 people (family & friends) & safety must be adhered to but this is for social (non business). I am sure your piano lesson will go well ... but that's part of the adventure, learning, developing your talent & skill :-)

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    1. That's what I'm hoping ... surely some people stick to the guidelines.

      Are you restricted to how often you can leave the house or is it more to do with how many people you can mix with? So not a good start to the year for you and I hope the semi lockdown achieves whatever it is supposed to. I'm surprised we haven't had something similar here. Are you still listening to Dr John Campbell?

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    2. We can leave the house as we please, no one checking (no secret police plots)(lol). Yes I do weekly have a catch up with Dr Campbell. I've added a link for you to read what is restricted. I knew it would happen so I was already preparing at Christmas for this - 21 days isn't too long really (!)(?)

      https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/full-list-of-ontario-covid-19-restrictions-for-modified-step-2-starting-jan-5-1.5726245

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    3. Thanks Mary-Lou. 21 days isn't too long assuming it is only for 21 days. At least Canada is doing something to address the situation and support its health service.

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  6. Hello Eileen,
    You do well to move forward with your projects!
    I'm also lacking in socialization and I will consider going back to senior university.
    The bridge is beautiful and the photo is spectacular!
    I wish you a good 2022, essentially in great health.
    Hugs,
    Ailime

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    1. Thanks Ailime. What will you study if you do decide to return to senior university?

      When the marina was build this bridge was rotated through 90° and now crosses the entrance to the marina basin. It used to cross over the canal (so if it hadn't been moved I would have a photo taken along the length of the bridge.

      I hope for a better 2022 for you and that you are able to see your children x

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  7. It's good that you are looking into how you can build on what you are already doing to add to your new adventures. I hope the Italian conversation group does follow Covid protocols and you feel comfortable joining them, if not right now, then, perhaps later. I feel I've done more socializing these past couple of weeks than in the entire year, before that! I'm not entirely comfortable with it and I think I'll retreat into my bubble after the almsgiving! I laughed when I read that you forgot to go grocery shopping and drove home, instead, because that's something I would have done! My daughter agreed! LOL. Sometimes, I think my mind is like a sieve!

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    1. I can always add it to the list if it turns out to be unsuitable right now but I can't really decide until I have spoken to the organiser. I feel ready to do more socialising but maybe I should stick to meeting 1 or 2 people at a time.

      Eileen said that forgetting the shopping is the sort of thing she'd do as well so, even though you don't have the right name, you can be in our gang if you'd like. It made me laugh that your daughter agreed that it's the sort of thing you'd do!

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    2. I can change my name to Eileen Bless, if that helps! :D

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    3. That's oaky, we'll let you be in our gang just the way you are 😊

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  8. Sounds like it would be an interesting group to join. Hopefully you'll be able to attend!

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    1. I'm still waiting to hear from the organiser. It sounds ideal for my needs but it all depends on their Covid arrangements.

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