New Year's Resolutions
![image](../../Assets/images/P0801x460/847SabriyaYear.jpg)
Sabriya: Yes, we do. It's not one of the big events known in Oman but we do celebrate New Year and we follow the same calendar as you guys do.
Fred: Oh, is that right? So, as New Year's is almost coming soon, do you have any New Year's Resolution?
Sabriya: Well, for the past maybe three or four years I've been trying to have different resolutions but I never manage to stick to them or keep them. However, this year, I think I've made my mind up on a resolution which I plan to keep and that is to limit or actually lessen my phone bill.
Fred: Lessen your phone bill. Wow. I can't imagine how big the phone bill was before if you want to change it.
Sabriya: Oh, my goodness it was so big. I mean, you know, you know how much I love talking on the phone so, yes, it was quite big and I intend to, you know, discipline myself a lot more. So what about you Fred?
Fred: What about my New Year's Resolution?
Sabriya: Yes.
Fred: Wow! My New Year's resolution... I would say more my New Year's resolutions. I have many, but I think I have to focus on one or two of them to make it happen, so number one, I think as many people out there, I would like to quit smoking.
Sabriya: Good for you.
Fred: Thank you very much.
Sabriya: Good for you.
Fred: Will you support me?
Sabriya: Definitely. No doubt about it. I will personally support you.
Fred: Thank you very much for all your support. I think it's gonna be very good for me. Not only because this is bad for my health, but you know, it's just something that I think will give me a lot of confidence if I'm able to to do this, to quit. I will say I am strong and confident in myself and I can do this. Now, my other New Year's resolution would be... I love my grandmother so much, but as I don't live close to her anymore, I feel that I'm losing a bit in my relationship with her, and so I would like to call her every week.
Sabriya: That is very sweet. That is so cute. I think that's something we should all have.
Fred: Thank you very much.
Sabriya: To have grandmothers and mothers and call them all the time.
same as you guys
![image](../../Assets/notes/N0801/847-A1-same-as-you-guys-99.jpg)
We follow the same calendar as you guys.
The phrase 'same as you guys' is an informal expression that means the 'same as you'. Notice the following:
- We have the same pollution problems as you guys.
- We are going to the same place as you guys.
resolutions
![image](../../Assets/notes/N0801/847-A2-resolutions-99.jpg)
I've been making different resolutions.
When we make 'New Year's resolutions,' we decide to do something positive or stop doing something negative in the new year. Notice the following:
- I never make resolutions.
- My New Year's resolution is to lose weight.
stick to them
![image](../../Assets/notes/N0801/847-A3-stick-to-them-99.jpg)
I never to stick to them.
To 'stick to something' means to keep doing it, even if it is very difficult. Notice the following:
- I don't make resolutions because I never manage to stick to them.
- Once we make resolutions, it's often difficult to stick to them.
made my mind up
![image](../../Assets/notes/N0801/847-A4-made-my-mind-up-99.jpg)
I've made my mind up.
To 'make my mind up' means we have made a decision about something. Notice the following:
- I've made my mind up to study Business.
- After thinking carefully, he made his mind up.
losing a bit
![image](../../Assets/notes/N0801/847-A5-losing-a-bit-99.jpg)
I feel that I'm losing a bit.
Here, the phrase 'losing a bit' is similar in meeting to 'missing something'. Notice the following:
- I'm losing a bit not spending more time by my family.
- He's losing a bit by not practicing English at every opportunity.
Vocabulary Quiz
her mind • losing a bit