Friday, October 24, 2008

Me

So Jenny tagged me in this little survey... something I do not always do so here it is:
I am: who I amI want: to travel and see new places
I have: been to Italy and loved every minute of it
I dislike: dishonest, non-driven peopleI miss: my best friend in the entire universe, PaulaI fear: losing my parents
I feel: good about who I am
I hear: my television, Tyra talking to a 15 year old girl who wants to get married, NOW-I smell: cleanI crave: gelato in ItalyI cry: too much
I usually: get what I want
I regret: losing close friendships
I search: for time to get everything done in a dayI wonder: what the girls will be when they grow up
I love: home
I care: about peopleI always: try to do my best which can be a problem because sometimes I am too much of a perfectionist
I worry: about my father
I am not: as logical as I would like to be
I remember: driving with my grandpa when I was little, he let me skip church and took me for a drive!
I believe: that people can do anything they set their mind to
I dance: when I am drunkI sing: at the top of my lungs in my jeep, especially when the song has meaning
I don't always: eat what I am supposed to
I argue: when I am passionate about the situation
I write: in APA style for schoolI win: when I see happiness in the girls
I lose: my temper when other’s do not follow through
I wish: I can’t tell you my wish… it will not come true
I listen: to my parents advice {sometimes}
I don't understand: why God takes some people and leaves others
I can usually be found: in front of a computer

I watch: the ocean waves at sunset
I need: to have an INCREDIBLE month at work for a HUGE raise
I forget: to be grateful for what I DO have, instead of worrying about what I do not have
I am happy: that I went to Italy… and did it on my own!
So I took this fun little quiz... Are You Bold? Here is what it came up with:
You Are Bold When it Counts

You don't make a big fuss about getting what you want... unless it's really important to you.
Then you're as bold as you want to be. You just go for it!

You're often up for a little excitement and adventure. Well, as long as the cost isn't too great.
You enjoy risk, but not for it's own sake. Let's just say you've learned a few lessons about risk in your life.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

I gave in...


So all the talk about this book... made me a bit curious. However, there was NO way I was going to read a book with a guy named Edward~! And let alone, he's a vampire? Puhlease!
Then, I found the book for $5.00, bought it, left it on my kitchen table. Read a couple other really good books all the while that book still just sat there. I finally picked it up off my kitchen table after a couple months. So when did I decide to start reading this book I had absolutely NO interest in? Last weekend. I finished Twilight within the week. I picked up New Moon on Friday afternoon, started it yesterday and should be done by the end of the day... WHAT DID YOU PEOPLE DO TO ME??? Now, I need to finish the last 2 books before the movie comes out and you think that is cool, you have a month! Oh no... why? Because I start school on Nov. 4. I need to be done reading this ENTIRE series by then... I also need to post more photo's of Italy here... but you'll need to wait. See you in a couple weeks when I'm done reading!
Ciao, ciao~

Sunday, October 05, 2008

I don't even know where to begin. Can I just say that Italy was AMAZING! I've been asked what my favorite part was and everything was so different that I don't have a specific favorite. I LOVE the city and therefore Rome was incredible. We spent the most time in Rome seeing all the sites: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican, St. Peter's, Sistine chapel, Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps. We walked for days and days. We basically landed in Rome at 8:30 am on Monday, dropped off our stuff at the hostel and then went out for the day and it seemed to never stop for 4 days.
We found this little ristorante around the corner from our hostel and every night we were in Roma we were there for dinner. They had incredible bruschetta, not to mention lasagna, chicken, basically everything was fabulous! Service was fabulous too... adorable waiters!
After Rome, we headed to Florence where we basically spent half a day and saw the David. Also had the most incredible panini EVER! Salami and mozzarella. I ordered water to drink and they gave me a glass. The glass was broke so I left it on the counter and figured I'd just drink my water from the bottle... OH NO... you cannot do that in Italy. The little old woman brought me a glass to my table so I drank my water from a glass. I might add... no ice (ever). It's the little things you take for granted but I soooo have a new appreciation for ice. I even drank coke without ice!
After Florence, we were off to Genoa. It was beautiful there. We walked along Passeggiata di Nervi which looked over the Ligurian sea (aka Mediterranean sea). There was not any sand and people layed out on rocks! We finally found a beach with some sand but no seashells. Weird but still beautiful!
After Genoa we headed for the Alps (near Cuneo). We stayed with an old friend of Brigid's (Paolo) at Stiera Sport & Vacanza Villaggio. We went to a hot spring 20 km from the France border, a market, and white water rafting. This was probably the most relaxing time of our trip and Paolo was so much fun. Stiera Sport & Vacanza Villaggio is a great place! They have archery, kayaking, white water rafting, biking. It's a great get away from everything! The scenery is unbelievable and breathtaking. I thought I died and went to heaven there!
Next we were off to Venice. Again, another incredible city. We spent the day there, mostly at Piazza San Marco. Yes, every where you go is by boat. You can get around the city on foot via bridges but it's a lot easier via water buses. We stayed on the island of Lido which is close to Venice but cheaper. The beach was right across the street and the seashells on the beach were all intact! You could actually find a whole seashell unlike when you go to Cali or Hawaii.
Finally, we headed back to Rome on Friday so we could spend our last day in Rome for last minute shopping. When we got back to Rome, we went to our local ristorante and had some chicken. The waiters took us out dancing that night and it was definitely a night I plan to never forget! On Sat. we did our last minute shopping and went to Piazza Novona where I bought some drawings. I need to get them framed and put up in my house. I can't wait!!!
Finally on Sunday, Sept. 28th we were back on our way home. 8 hr 44 min flight from Rome to JFK. At JFK I was tired and exhausted and we had a hamburger (LOVE AMERICAN FOOD). We sat on the tarmac for 2 hours before we could take off... not the greatest thing to do when you are exhausted and just want to get home. We then had another 4-1/2 hour flight. We made it home safe and within a couple of days I was caught up on my sleep.
I can't wait to go back and explore southern Italy... hopefully meet some family as well. First though, need to finish my master's and learn some Italian.
Ciao~