Bonjour Paris!

I visited Paris for the first time when I was 17 years old. It was love at first sight. I decided then and there that I wanted to live in Paris for at least a year....at some point in my life. Two more visits (age 19 & 23) and I was utterly convinced; Paris is the place for me!

11 years later and I'm looking forward to seeing this dream come true. I plan on moving to Paris this Fall (yes, 2010) with a couple of friends and staying for a year.

So much to do, so little time! Job, visa, housing--not to mention, learning French :) I'll keep you posted on my progress. Here's to the beginning of a grand adventure!

Au revoir!
Amietta
(my French name, given to me by a barista in Paris who didn't understand "Amanda")

There's nothing like checking it off!

It's September 1st and I'm checking off another 2009 goal and arguably the biggest one:

"Pay off ALL debt, except a college loan (maybe the college loan too!)"

Wouldn't you know, I'm even paying off the college loan. All I can say -- God is good! A completely unexpected financial blessing made it possible to pay of all debt in one day. Thankfully, God's finances are not limited by human circumstances (we're in a recession, right?).

How time flies!

I'd say my 2009 goal of blogging more frequently has gone out the window....except, I've been busy fulfilling other 2009 goals.  Just need to catch up here!  The update:

Amanda's 2009 To Do's:

• Find a way to make $$ with photography. --Created a Flickr Pro account & I'm uploading the past 2+ years of digital photos.  Might sign up for an amateur photography contest for The Fair. 
• Hand-craft all Christmas 2009 gifts.
• Start/maintain a regular work-out routine, keep a predetermined weight (not to be mentioned here). --Proud owner of a gym membership (as of today!). 
• Go on a trip with my siblings, their spouses and our cousins. One trip, many relatives. --Attending family reunion this summer....other trips TBD.
• Actively participate in a small group at church. --Check!  Co-leading a community volunteering small group, new member of the YP worship team, and helping out with the church cafe (small group of sorts).
• Purge my belongings--give to goodwill, recycle (now that I have my handy sewing machine I can refashion the clothes that are too big), and get rid of "stuff" I have no use for. --Busy the past few days purging & re-organizing my closet.  Gave my TV to Goodwill a few weeks ago--haven't missed it :) 
• Begin to sew and design clothing & household items. --Finish an (adorable!) apron, table runner and memo board. 
• Commit to a missions trip in 2010. --Spain or Poland with dad, details TBD.
• Host 5 parties at mi casa. 
• Read 2+ books a month.  Maybe even write a few reviews?
• Blog regularly (off to a good start). --An average of once a week has to count for something, right?
• Save a predetermined amount for a house/condo down payment.
• Pursue strategic friendships (no, I'm not talking about romantic relationships or networking)--the ability to grow and nurture friendships is something I need to work on.  
• Pay off ALL debt, except a college loan (maybe the college loan too!).