She's Going The Distance: Germany

I am definitely not one to make resolutions. Nor am I one to even keep them! That is why this time last year I decided to partake in the 101 in 1001 project -- setting 101 goals for yourself you intend to see through in 1001 days (roughly three years). I've completed a great deal of my goals with just under two years to go.

But that isn't the point of today's post. This year, I'm setting even bigger goals for myself. In efforts to get out and really explore more of my new home and also learn more about myself, I am pledging to do something new every week for an entire year in 2011. I may or may not be cheating by stealing some goals from my 101 list along the way ;)

It's my hope to blog about my new experiences each week, sharing with you all along the way! I'm not talking super ambitious here since I still am on a limited (no) income. Some weeks will be more impressive than others, but that's why this is going to be fun.

With that in mind, welcome to Week 1 of 52: Learn German.

Clearly I'm not going to be a fluent speaker in one week. That's absurd. But I do have an entire iTunes library of German podcasts, language tapes and various websites bookmarked in my Internet browser. I've had them for a very long time and have not once looked at them. I figure now is as good a time as any to get to it. I've been trying to dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to all of my German language resources and I'm hoping to grasp a lot of vocabulary in the upcoming weeks. While this is my new thing for this week, I plan on continuing it as long as I can.

Why German? Other than the various podcasts I already have, I think as someone who loves languages and literature it will help me in the future. I'm still waiting on my decision from Arizona State's French department for my entry into the Comparative Literature Master's program. It's been a thought of mine for a very long time to obtain a PhD in English literature. With that in mind, fluency in French is huge and I believe German would be eminently helpful if I ever decide to follow that path. Plus, comparative literature requires a third language anyways. Might as well add German to my list of acquired languages (English and French).

As a native English speaker, I am finding German very easy to understand on the surface. I'm sure as I delve beyond greetings and travel words, it will become more complex and possible even frustrating. But until then, I'm enjoying this experience.

Oh also, if you have Netflix, it's SUCH a great resource!! I've been watching foreign films streaming via Netflix on the PS3 and recently found this movie, that started my entire German kick: Seven Dwarfs. If you get the chance, check it out! It was HILARIOUS and of course, in the original German language.