Ciao. Come stai?

YAY to surviving my first actual week of classes! This week has been a constant rush of ups and downs. Here's my "what to do" advice when things don't go the way you expect... (I'm no expert, but I have some experience!)

When you "miss" a class, (not to mention, on your first day)...
What happened: I woke up early for my first day of classes on Tuesday. I had a self-made class schedule prepared for weeks leading up to today, set up my clothes the night before and spent the morning getting ready and dressing up. (There was NO way I could miss wearing my new high heals on the first day!) That is--until I received the MOST horrifying text message from a friend in my class: "WHERE ARE YOU? Class JUST started!" I rechecked my "official" schedule on NYU's homepage. I thought a class that was scheduled for Tues/Thurs was Mon/Wed. As you can imagine, I nearly panicked, grabbed my things and was out the door in a heart beat. Ironically, I spent all morning making myself look presentable and I was about to, in fact, make a horrible impression! I sprinted 12 blocks...in 6 minutes...in high heals. Aside from looking absolutely insane, I was out of breath and messy when I arrived to class. What was I thinking?!
What to do: Don't sweat it. We all have our slip-ups. Enter class quietly and apologetically explain your situation to the professor at the end of class. If the professors a sweetheart like mine, she'll totally understand and forget about it! (Hey, it worked for me. Right??) As long as it doesn't become a habit, I see no harm done.

When you want to learn a new language, but it's just not sinking in...
What happened: I currently enrolled in an Intensive Elementary Italian course this semester--essentially two semesters condensed into one. (I know; daunting, right?) Anyway, I took the course because I think it would be really fun to be able to understand and communicate with my grandma, who only speaks Italian, on a higher level. We can only understand each other through broken languages (and mostly body language). But, it's only been two days in this class and I ALREADY feel overwhelmed learning it.
What to do: This is simple. Really commit yourself to the language and immerse yourself in foreign culture. Anything from frequently visiting Italian neighborhoods to taking a trip to the country itself. I went out a bought 3 Italian magazines and am working my way through the first. It definitely will take time and patience. Call me cheesy, but I am TOO eager and determined to want to learn it. Next fall I plan to study abroad in Italia! Mi piacere l'italiano. ;)

When you should be training for a race (that you predict will kick your butt), but you just can't find the time...
What happened: Classes started this week. I am still getting used to the hustle-and-bustle of life back in NYC and devoted little time to sticking to my training schedule. I have been so "off" schedule that I can barely remember the last time I was "on." (It was definitely over a week ago without training.) I stuck to strength-training moves for 20 minutes every day to make myself feel a little less "out-of-shape." But, the Ocean to Sound Relay (a race I had planned to run in for weeks) was Saturday. The race approached faster than I realized. What could I do? I was EXHAUSTED from a week of classes and reqadjusting; i just could not move from my bed.
What to do: Sure it's good to stick to a training plan, but it's not the end of the world to skip a day...or even a week or two. Rest may be good for you mentally and physically. (Think about how productive you have been in other areas of your life.) It certainly doesn't help stressing out about it. Believe me: you're probably more in shape than you think. I ended up completing the 5.8-mile race in 42 minutes (averaged 7:14 minute mile pace)--and our relay team came in first. I just had to give myself a little confidence before the race and say, "hey, you can do this...with or without training!" Consider this: you have 3 choices: 1) just go out and do it, 2) give yourself a little break and don't worry about the past, or 3) do some small strength-training moves/yoga while your working. (Sometimes taking small 5-10 minute breaks from your day can even make you feel more energized and prepared to work.)