I decided to title this blog, the content of which I have yet to determine, after a Marilyn Manson song that used to occupy my iPod in my early high school days.

Don’t ask me to fathom my taste in music at fifteen. I, too, am at a loss as to why my first ever Youtube username included the word “maggot” in it…a permanent testament to my intense passion for Slipknot at the time, I suppose. At any rate, I can’t ever erase that moment of stupidity because YouTube and Gmail decided to merge at some point, rendering the ability to delete old accounts obsolete.

But I digress. As noted, this is the new shit. It’s 2018, another year gone and another year older.

As is customary, let’s take a look back at the top 5 milestones of 2017 for Tania:

1. I got a new job. After an eternity of agonizing, a flurry of discontentment and self-doubt and quarter life crisis angst, I finally got not just any job, but an amazing new career full of the right opportunities, great people and good vibes.
2.  I returned to Florence. Plagued with dreams about Ali’s kebab and wandering down those familiar cobblestone streets, it felt damn good to come back.
3. I developed a fairly steady gym routine. Alright, I might have put on the pounds in the last few months, but getting into the habit of exercising regularly has helped tremendously, in more ways than one.
4. I became more financially savvy. This one may have come naturally with increased income, but I was able to reach finance targets this year that I’d never imagined.
5. I’ve been able to give back to those who gave me their unconditional love and support. Following the latter, being able to take my aunt on jewelry shopping sprees, or give my mom her every casual desire in the blink of an eye (and a little help from Amazon Prime shipping) means so much to this girl from the Bronx who has seen some rough times when it comes to money, hailing from a low-income family of 5.

I’ve followed the Times “Better Living” newsletter, and one of the tips they suggested to better keep to new years’ resolutions is to make more tangible, concrete goals. Not simply “go to the gym more” – go to 3 fitness classes a month. Drink only one cup of coffee. Eliminate chocolate from your diet in intervals.

2018 feels like its going to be a good year, because I’m going to make it one.