Random shots in Italy

I decided to put up some random photos I took in Italy... so enjoy:

I just love this photo that I took at the Roman Forum.

Random shot of traffic in Rome while we were on our bus tour. It was nice to be off our feet for a little bit and we got to see a lot of Rome. If you are planning to go, I would highly suggest doing a bus tour of Rome your first day and then hitting the sites once you are rested from your long flight over!

So who would think it is safe to drink water in Italy? We all know (being the Arizonians we are) that you cannot drink water when you go to Mexico! So I was a little afraid to just walk up, fill up my water bottle, and start drinking. In Italy... it is ok to do that! Here is a photo of a place (seriously not sure what it is called) you can fill up your water bottle!

Speaking of drinkings.... while you were all in the early morning of work, we were enjoying Venice. Patty and I stopped at a little stand that sold cold beverages... aka: water, coke, and lovely bottles of bacardi breezers! So, why not? We are on vacation! We bought ourselves the delicious beverages and enjoyed every minute of it. Who knew you could walk down the streets of Venice with alcohol in your hand while your friends are back home working! I love Italy!!!

If you look close, you can see the clothes hanging out to dry. They do not have dryers because there is no room in their homes. They put everything out to dry. Now they did have drying racks in their house for the more "delicate" items but I still saw some had it all hanging out! {By the way, this is Genoa and I'll post photos of each place we visited over the month!}

Yep- tell me how the heck you pee here!!!? I had heard about the different toilets and the fact that some places you had to pay to pee (see tip below). A lot of places would have their toilet seats removed so needless to say when we would find a place to go to the bathroom as normal as possible, it was fabulous! This particular toilet we found on our way traveling to Cuneo. I had to pee bad... there was no way I was going to be able to hold it even though I wanted {is this TMI?}. Anyways Patty and I headed for the bathroom first while Brigid stayed behind with the luggage. We are at a train station and walk in to find this... OH NO I tell Patty, let's check out another bathroom... so we head to the next one on a different platform. We find the exact same thing! By now we are busting up laughing and asking each other how we are suppose to pee. DUH... squat! Ok- TMI but I have to say the entire time I was peeing I was laughing and so was Patty. Luckily this was the only toilet we came across like this but you will see the toilet below this has no toilet seat and we came across our fair share of these.

On a side note: As I said, some places charge you to use the restroom (I found this mostly in Venice, Brigid paid 1 euro which at the time was about $1.45 American dollars). Make sure you use the restrooms when you are eating at a restaurant or in a museum.

Some Italian men standing on a street in Rome. Everyone smokes there! That is probably the one thing I did not like about Italy and could not wait to come back to AZ for... non smoking EVERYWHERE!

The street signs throughout Italy

Another street shot in Italy. This again was on our bus tour.

Back to school

So today I started my class for my MBA. WOW! It is not hard yet but I am feeling a little intimidated. I know I can do this but let's face it, I do not have a lot of experience in the business world. Sure, I did purchasing for Scrapbooks, Etc. but is that enough to get me through this program? Reading the autobiography's of other students... these people have some experience! So yes, I feel a bit intimidated but you know, I am going to get through this. Did I mention this is only the first class and it is suppose to be easy! We will see. I will tell you this much though, I am really liking this online thing. I had decided to take one online class and then transfer to UOP's ground campus (like I did for my bachelor's degree) but this online thing, I am doing homework and interacting with other students (for points obviously) on my lunch break and as soon as I get home. I might stick this out with the whole online thing. Anyone else want to join me???

On a side note, did you vote? I did! I am not getting political but I like how I feel when I vote. Voting makes me feel smarter. I haven't followed the entire campaign but I definitely knew who I was voting for... now just to see if he wins! {Yes, Beck... No to O}

So that is my blog for today. I have some reading to do on managerial work so I should probably get that done.

Happy Voting Day!
Peace~

Heck-

I thought if I prepared a post the day before it would post on the day I posted it! Make sense? Well, I prepared the Rome photos to post today but... it now looks like I made 2 posts on Nov. 2! So much for planning ahead!
Ok- so let's discuss my day... READY?
Do you ever have one of those days were you just seem completely exhausted and you just want to go home, climb back into bed, and go to sleep? That was my day. The part I don't understand is why? I got almost 8 hours of sleep. I worked out today (which I have not done in over a week). Then I got to the point that people just started to irritate me. Not so much all people but people who have absolutely NO drive/motivation!
Ok- here is the thing. I start my MBA tomorrow, I'm freaking some. I know how much time it will take away from anything in this world I enjoy doing BUT I am making the sacrafice. Then I get a call from one of my students who after 2 classes decides she is going to quit because it is just too hard. Now, going back to school is hard but come on! Why do people have to give up on their dreams? Why do people have absolutely NO ambition? I spend a lot of time working with people to help them and encourage them to get back into school and work on a degree. A degree that will ONLY benefit them and then they call to say "I'M TOO LAZY". Seriously, do you think I want to give up some of my time to write a 10 friggin page paper? NO- but I know in the end the benefits it will only provide for me. Do I enjoy making more money now? YES! Do I want to travel more? YES! Do I want to be an example to Morgan and Faith? YES! Do I want to better myself? YES! So of course I am going to go back and get my degree because everything I want, I can obtain!
Seriously... I sound a bit negative tonight but it is out of frustration. Do not let people hold you back. Do not let your own fears hold you back. Set goals and obtain them. What is it you really want to do? Where do you want to go? What makes you happy? Where do you want to be in 10 years? And I think most importantly, something I always think about: What do you want people to say at your funeral? That sounds a bit morbid but it is the truth.
Ok, thanks for listening and trust me, you will soon hear me complain about those 10 page papers!
Happy Monday-
Peace!

Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum

Just a few pictures from Rome...

By making a commitment to post every day this month, that means the photos I promised will finally get posted here! Here are a few from my first day in Rome.

We went to the Colosseum and then to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.

The first 2 pictures are at the Colosseum.

3rd picture is taken from the Colosseum of the Roman Forum

Last 2 photos are at the Roman Forum. I love the last picture... of the cobblestone street. Just think of who walked along that street so many years ago!

Enjoy!

I Remember...

So the last couple of days I followed an old co-workers blog about her husband. He had cancer and the outcome did not look good. It made my heart very sad. She has 2 little ones and it made me remember....
Remember Paula and the last 2 weeks she was with us. I never journaled much about those days. But as I read Em's post... I remembered.
And I remembered that feeling when Em mentioned it did not look good and they would be taking her husband off the breathing machine. I remember the last night laying next to her bed afraid to go to sleep. I was afraid I would not be there when she passed away. I remember Steve {Becky's husband} assuring me that I needed to get some sleep and he would sit with her. I layed there on that chair/bed and cried. I do not know how long I cried, but I do remember Steve praying for Paula, Beck, and I.
I remember waking up the next morning and waiting for the test results. I remember the doctor telling us the 3 options and knowing the only one she would want: to be taken off the machines. I remember calling everyone I could. I remember calling my dad and just crying. I remember the 15+ people who came to her room to meet when she was taken off the machines and I remember singing worship songs for not very long before she passed away.
I remember being numb for a year. Most importantly I REMEMBER her.
Every day... I miss her. The numbness eventually goes away. The anger of her being gone... has not left yet. I wonder if it ever will.
So today, do not forget to tell those around you how much you love them. You never know when that person will be taken or when it will be your time. Choose to love and be happy {easier said than done sometimes}.
Always REMEMBER though.... Paula

National Blogging Month

Ok- So I started stalking this incredible blog of a woman living in Italy! Yeah, I'm obsessed. But... I do plan on visiting her lil B&B when I go back. Anyways, there is apparently a National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo) and I decided that I was going to attempt this. What does it mean? Well, you apparently post every single day for the month of November. This might be a good thing. Anyone else want to join in? I think it might be time for me to learn a few extra tricks to this blogging world and maybe I'll venture out and get a new look {don't hold your breath}.

So check back daily for updates and thoughts. I have a lot... I just don't always post them.

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.

Are You Bold?

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~

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~

Home

Rome: Brigid, Me, Patty at Saint Angelo's castle:
Rome: at the Roman Forums:
Michaelangelo: The David {Florence}:
Genoa/Ligurian Sea:
Playing soccer on the beach:

Gaiola {The Italian Alps}:
Me in Cuneo:
Venice:
Lido:

Another shot of Venice:
Dancing in Rome with Gabriel:
Leaving Italy :(


So I am home safe... What an amazing two weeks.

Itinary:
Rome: 15, 16, 17, 18
Florence: 19
Genoa/Nervi: 20, 21
Cuneo/Gaiola: 22, 23, 24
Venice/Lido: 25, 26
Rome: 27
JFK airport/home: 28

847 photos to upload and sort through so no worries, I'll have more up soon!

Italy

Yep... I'll be there- tomorrowish!

See ya in 2 weeks!!!

Ciao

Happy Birthday Faith!

Faith turns 9 on the 15th.

I love this kid. I remember when she didn't like me {she was 1}. She clung to Paula and wouldn't go to anyone else. The more I was around though... the more she warmed up to me. To the point when I volunteered in her class at church {with Paula} and then Paula bailed on being with the kiddos and I was still there... Faith would sit on my lap the ENTIRE time. She wouldn't go to anyone else. Since then... we bonded. So many stories of this child who is growing up!

Once again, I wish that Paula was here to enjoy these moments with her girls. She would be so proud of Faith. She is a sweet, caring, and loving girl and I am so proud to be a part of her life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAITH!

Happy Birthday Morgan

Morgan turned 11 today!

I remember the first time Paula and I scrapbooked together at a late nighter. Morgan was probably about 2 years old. Every single picture Paula picked up was of Morgan. She was crazy insane over Morgan {what mother isn't crazy about her adorable blonde haired, blue eyed daughter?}. Seriously though.... I was going to have to listen to this all night???

What a long way I have come since that night though. Now I am the one showing pictures of Morgan, telling stories about her and totally crazy about that blonde haired, blue eyed kid! How I wish Paula was the one doing it though... she would be so much better than me! And... I might add, so proud of her loving, caring, beautiful daughter.





Happy Birthday Morgan!

Would you rather....

find your one true love OR find a million dollars? Why?
My answer: Is the true love guaranteed to be your true love or is it like all the other true loves we think we found? Because if it's like all the others... I'm going for the money but requesting more! If it's guaranteed, I still want a back up guarantee that if the true love goes away, I get the money in the end (apparently that would mean he has an awesome life insurance policy!)
Did I put too much thought into this???

PS. I got this from Joey's blog.. thanks Joey!

Leave your answer in the comments section.

I am a....

I took this test today:

Encouraging Visionary

about you: You are a Visionary

Your imagination, self-assuredness, and knowledge of the world combine to make you a VISIONARY.

You have clear notions of how things could be, and the confidence to try to make them that way.

You enjoy having a routine, and prefer comfort and familiarity to risk and adventure.

Not needing others' approval to forge ahead, you are confident in your designs for the future.

Your imagination allows you to envision the world as a better place.

You're better at thinking of the big picture than you are with details, and you can see wonder in abstract things.

Style and appearances are important to you, and you have a good eye for beauty.

You are somewhat rigid in your beliefs, which comes from both confidence and an aversion to change.

You are good at creating works of art in forms with which you're familiar.

You're not one to force your positions on a group, and you tend to be fair in evaluating different options.

You're not afraid to let your emotions guide you, and you're generally considerate of others' feelings as well.

You prefer to have time to plan for things, feeling better with a schedule than with keeping plans up in the air until the last minute.


If you want to be different:

Appreciate the earthly, functional elements of things.

Your clarity of vision sometimes prevents you from being open to new ideas. Try expanding your horizon of experiences, and experimenting with novel ways of doing things.

how you relate to others: You are Encouraging

Your outgoing nature, understanding of others, and directness make you ENCOURAGING.

You want others to do well for themselves, and you generally believe in their abilities.

You often know what's good for people because of your caring nature and your worldview.

When you care about someone, you don't keep it to yourself: you are good at letting people know that you're thinking of them.

Because you trust people, you take violations of that trust very seriously.

You thrive in social situations, and even though you know who you like and who you don't like, you can interact well with many different types of people.

You have a healthy respect for people who have earned what they have, and you strive to be similar to successful others.

You are a loyal friend and a good listener.

If you want to be different:

Sometimes, in the course of being encouraging, you can be a bit judgmental—this can make it more difficult for others to follow your advice.

While you are an expert at getting the most out of the world and taking advantage of many experiences, you might gain some insight by taking the time to be alone, reflect on things, or just observe the goings-on in the world.

Dentist

Remember the days of being young and going to the dentist? Unsure what that man was going to do to you? Oh, I do! I did not like the dentist. I remember when I was about 12 or so I had to go for a cavity and I was terrified. My dentist was not the oh so friendly kid dentist and he prescribed me valium. I remember when I was done and my mom was paying that I reached for the door, missed, and almost passed out. My mom came running for me! {PS. my mother is a Saint!} Yep, I remember that day well... I still don't really care for the dentist!

So why the dentist story? Well, today the girls had a dentist appt with a man who sings to them. They really like him. Morgan went to the dentist years ago and had a bad experience... and let's just keep it at I finally took them to the dentist last May. Needless to say after all these years, Morgan has some cavities and Faith needed her 6 yr molar's sealed and some teeth pulled. So today was the day! Back to the dentist we went.

Now, I had it set up for Faith to have a little bit of valium {I'm wondering if it's bad I was jealous she had some!}. Morgan was going first and Faith would have the "fun" med so it would take effect before she got in the chair. Morgan did great! She went back on her own and came out fine. While she was with the dentist, he found 2 baby teeth to pull out so he did. (eww at gauze). Faith was in the waiting room with me slowly having the valium take effect. We went back to the dentist chair where I stayed. Faith did great! The valium helped, not to mention the laughing gas, and "sleeping medicine" (shots).

Faith is completely done with the work on her teeth. Morgan has to go back to have a couple more cavities filled. But I sure felt for them, especially Faith because I remember my fear of the dentist. We went to Border's after, got books, had lunch (and ice cream). All in all, it was a good day. The girls are doing much better.

Happy dentist Tuesday

Susan G. Komen walk

So today I told the girls the Susan G. Komen walk was coming up... {Oct 12 if anyone is interested}



their reply was "YAY"



We have walked every year since Paula passed away and every year, the girls are not too thrilled to walk 3.1 miles (Morgan enjoyed it last year!). I think they are getting it!



Just thought I'd share!



These pictures are from the walk in 06 {see how much Faith enjoys this event}. I didn't take many pictures last year and apparently do not have any from 04 or 05. I suppose that means I need to start taking more pictures!

Random singing by my father

So as we were driving {slowly} to Valdez, I realized there was NO music in my dad's SUV. He had cd's, great! Eric Clapton, Carley Simon, I don't even remember who else... slow, slow, slow... music. We had a 7 hour drive and no signal for a radio station. I told my dad we needed something a little upbeat.
My father not doubt, put in Dr. Hook and the next thing I know, we are listening to some song I've NEVER heard before and he is singing! My cousins, mom, and I were laughing. I almost peed my pants from laughing so hard. Here is a clip I took of my dad (sorry it's side ways, it will not let me rotate it!). I really wished I would have gotten more on video. Now you'll understand why I have the song The Cover of the Rolling Stone on my playlist!

1st Diamondbacks game (for the girls)

So I had the girls 4th of July weekend. On Sat. we went bowling (see post below) and on Sunday, I took them to their first Diamondbacks game. I'm not sure how much they enjoyed it. They would be bored, then they would get into the chants. I think all in all they had a good time. Apparently, every Sunday is kids day so when we walked through the gates, the girls received a free t-shirt! I love the 3rd photo where they both looked thrilled!

Bowling

I took the girls bowling a couple of weekends ago. We had a blast! They both did really good {even getting a strike or 2}. Of course we had the bumpers and amazing how crappy I still bowled! Here are a few pics.

Did I mention

in 45 days I will be on a plane to here.....

and hopefully sometime while I am there... I will be sailing here (above photo)

Master's program..... I think I decided

on my MBA with a concentration in Global Management. So if I decide to put the program to use, I'll have international business knowledge. Guess what that means? I might have to find myself a career that allows me to travel internationally. Yeah, I do not think I would complain about that one! Anyways, just wanted to let you all know my decision. I am planning to start Nov. 4. {deep breath}

SYTYCD - Chelsie and Mark - Bleeding Love

Love this dance! I actually voted for Chelsie and Mark this past week. I love her... because S. I. C. K. means sick!