http://dreaminginitalianthistime.blogspot.it/2011/11/today-has-been-pretty-good-day-i.html
So, I will start with Thursday...Thanksgiving day!! My thanksgiving day started out with giving thanks for the fact that the reset button on the router solved the lack of internet in my apartment, and it did not even require entering the loooong password again!! I double checked my suitcases and stuff and ate breakfast. I changed clothes once...not too bad...and then headed to school.
We could not get into the computer lab and so we had to wait for the guy to set up this other room. We eventually got started so that we could finish our Thanksgiving lesson. We started with the Macy's parade, and I was so excited to show the Rockettes and some of the parade. They asked me some questions about the Rockettes, which of course I was more than happy to discuss. We talked a bit about New York City and how some of them really want to go there. We talked about how big Macy's is...they discussed how they could come visit me in the U.S., and I was excited that they agreed with Valeria when she mentioned that this is a potential lifelong exchange program. YES...I would LOVE for them to come visit and for me to come back and visit them! They also asked me about football, so I pulled up youtube and showed them some footage from this year's LSU game, which I did not see and I so desperately wanted to watch the entire 10 minutes. However, I would call this class a success. It helps that a few of them are GREAT at English and therefore there is true conversation that is happening. That is my purpose here!!
So, then we were able to break out the food. I was really glad they remembered the food for a few reasons. 1. I wanted this to fill some time and give them a little taste of being thankful and then eating good food...a Thanksgiving tradition 2. I was needing a snack 3. One girl's mom made this amazing cake chocolate filled thingy that was rolled up...moist and AH-MAZING!! The students brought these cheese curl like things that apparently have an ad that says if you do not lick your fingers, then you have not fully enjoyed it. I was also able to take a picture with this class. This was also the first time I have had regular coke in I cannot tell you when. 
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| The amazing homemade treat |
For my break I ran to the bank and TIM so that I would have money for the trip, and credit on my phone. Then, I went back to the building and sat in the teachers' break room. This teacher came in that I have never met and I was so afraid she would talk to me and I would have NO clue what she was saying, but when she started talking to me, I understood everything she said, and I was able to answer in complete sentences and thoughts. Small victory my friends...and at this point, any victory is exciting.
My final class was Linda's. We had some conversation while we waited on her, and then we went to the lab. I did the Thanksgiving lesson, and my main students who understand the most were not there. So, we had to go through things a few times for comprehension, but it ended well. Linda kept giving me nods of approval and I felt good about things. The funniest moment was when we discussed "stuffing" the turkey and the concept of "stuffing your face!" Words escape me....it's one of those, "you just had to be there things".
It was nice to spend Thanksgiving day with so many wonderful reminders of the things I love about Thanksgiving. The Rockettes never fail to make me smile! Once I left school, I went straight home to eat, check my luggage, check bus/train times, and get ready for Naples. On my way home, I stopped to talk to the bus driver of the 27 bus which I was pretty sure went to the station. We had a complete conversation where I understood him, and I spoke in complete thoughts...success number 2 for the day! For lunch I had turkey lunch meat (therefore fulfilling my turkey for Thanksgiving quota), and some other stuff.
I was able to call April and tell her "Happy Thanksgiving" and talked to Nick for a bit before he left to catch his train.
I finally had all of my stuff together and walked out of the apartment at the EXACT minute I had planned to leave. I waited on the bus for a bit, and then it DEFINITELY took longer than the guy said it would. I was glad I had extra time...especially when the bus driver got off the bus for a bit. Then, while on the phone with my momma, I had a slight panic when they passed the train station. Luckily we were just making a loop to go back to it. I had to use the bathroom in the cafe, but was thankful for that because it was clean.
My train came, and it was a short trip to Paola where I immediately caught the train from Paola to Napoli. This was my first time on this type of train which had compartments that are so reminiscent of Harry Potter; there was even a guy that came by with food. When the guy came to check for tickets, he was talking to us about suitcases needing to be moved, and even though I responded in Italian, he figured me out and started speaking English to me. Even though I insisted on answering in Italian...he had my number...and thus he continued on in English. The amazing thing about taking the train from Paola is the view of the water that you get for miles and miles and miles. On this day, Thanksgiving, I was thankful for a BEAUTIFUL sunset to watch over the water.
The pictures simply do NOT do it justice...but you can see that it was beautiful. I just thanked God for everything and for such a beautiful sunset...He is such an artist.
I played on my phone for a bit, and I am really impressed with how long my phone data is lasting. I did get a very exciting email from one of Nick's teachers, Anna Paola. It was a GREAT surprise to find out that she actually owns a Montessori school!!! She knows a lot of people and has a lot of connections. She has offered a few opportunities to me, and I am so excited and will update as I figure things out. I text Nick and he said, "surprise!!" I was so excited about this!! I am amazed at the opportunities that are opening up! I know it must be God...it HAS to be!!!
I was getting so impatient to get to Naples. The train kept stopping just outside of the station, and I wanted to find someone and tell them how anxious I was to get off this train!! When I finally was able to get off the train, I found Nick at the end of the platform! He was so sweet and picked me up off the ground...which is really high because he is like 6'3. April, he even dipped me...just for you my friend!!
We decided to get something to eat at the cafe in the train station, and I started trying to call my daddy. We settled on a sandwich (me) and a slice of pizza (him) for dinner and we sat down to eat and wait on Mattea. Conversation was endless and we laughed a lot. We did some people watching and protected our bags and such...being that everyone had scared us to death regarding safety issues in Naples, we were quite paranoid. At this point, Mattea sent me a text saying that it was going to be a bit later for her train because the one she was on kept breaking down and she had missed her connection train. So, we knew we were going to be there later, but not much later. This was only the beginning for poor Mattea. **Ill post Mattea's blog when she writes it because it is a MUST read!!!** So, at this point we moved to one of the tables that had softer benches and a wall to lean against because we knew we were going to be there for a bit. I was just praying that Mattea would actually make it there, and make it there safely! I know she must have been freaking out, and I can guarantee you that my mom would have been getting panicky, crying phone calls if it had been me! We debated about leaving the train station, but it was just as easy to sit and talk while we waited. A few more text messages and phone calls later, we learned that Mattea was trying desperately to get to us and the trains and buses were failing her. At one point she sent Nick a text saying that she was trying to get to us, she was on a bus that she thought was going to Naples, and she would "literally pay you (us) money". This was followed by a "This is Mattea btw" text message. Nick's response was something to the effect of: because I know so many other people trying to make it to Naples and offering me money! I am not doing a good job of explaining this, but just know that it was hilarious!!
We tried to take some pictures of us waiting at the train station; you all know I like to document EVERYTHING. It was so hard to get a serious picture because we were laughing at a million different things. I did like the results of some though!
Then I had to find a bathroom...that was an adventure. The first ones closed at 10 pm and it was like 10:01, and so we had to go in search of other bathrooms. We found one...and boy was it much colder outside than it had been in the cafe/McDonald's area. There was a sad lady in the bathroom gathering all of her clothes into plastic sacks, and I was reminded that life in Italy is not always about traveling, beautiful landscapes, sunsets, and good food!
Not too long after the bathroom adventure, David arrived. We made a joke that David would want to know how long we had been waiting at the train station, because no one really knew that Nick and I have been talking and such. However, he did not address it until we had changed locations to another cafe across the street from the station when the train station cafe closed at 11. We were having to problem solve because Mattea was not expecting to arrive until 11:30 and David had to meet his landlords at 11:30 to get the extra key to our room. So, we went to this other cafe and the boys had coffee and David had some food. The bartender guy was so funny and they were all speaking with each other in Italian! I am so impressed with David's ability to put himself out there and meet new people and swim in the language! He is so much braver than I am. They laughed and joked for a while and David had A LOT of water because the bartender kept giving him more and more. Randomly, David looked at us and said, "are you guys dating??" When we laughed and looked at each other he said, "wait, did I choose the wrong verb?? Sposarsi?" This means, "married"? It was so funny and he said that he suspected in Rome, but he was happy for us! He had the exact reaction Nick expected though because he followed it up with "cool...I suspected...well, that's cool!"
So, David left us to go meet his landlords and we sat in that cafe until Mattea called to say that she was in the train station. She was telling Nick something (at the time I did not know what) and his response was a rather stern, "no, we're taking a cab!" I was so excited to see Mattea! It was so great to get another wonderful greeting full of hugs and love!! I was also excited to see that she had a Vera Bradley weekender with her! Mattea and I have so many things in common that it is sometimes unbelievable. So, then we grabbed a taxi and were headed to David's! The taxi ride was rather short, and I was just so excited for Mattea to be there!!
When we got out of the taxi, we were standing by this big tree in a large pot that appeared to be somewhat in the middle of the road...and a car was rather angry that we were there, but we figured it was just crazy Italian drivers. Oh no...we found out that we were definitely standing in the middle of the road. OOPS!! We discovered this when David was walking towards us and said, "hey, are you the people standing in the middle of the road??" Um, yes, yes we were!!!
So, then we walked with David to his apartment/the Bed and Breakfast. It is weird, so he lives in a room and a girl from China lives in a room. They share a bathroom and then there is a second bathroom for b & b guests. There is a shared kitchen and then some rooms for guests. The room that we were given had a queen sized bed and two twins. There was also a couch that could transform into a futon type bed. We settled in a bit and then sat down at the table with a bottle of wine and started listening to Mattea's journey to Naples. Again, I will post the blog when she posts it! The thing about this group of people is that they make me laugh sooo much!! We took pictures with our paper turkey that Mattea's mom sent and just had the best time. I was so excited to be with people who understand EXACTLY what I am going through and dealing with similar things! It is also helpful to hear how they are dealing with it. I think that we are all in agreeance that more guidance needs to be given to the new schools participating in Fulbright. Anyway, we are all having our own struggles, but it is helpful to talk to each other about it!! I am coming to really love and value these people...they mean so much to me, and I know we will be friend for life...even when we have gone our separate American ways. We laughed until my cheeks and abs hurt!!
So, what am I thankful for this year?? Last year I was thankful for these 25 things: http://dreaminginitalianthistime.blogspot.it/2011/11/giving-thanks.html
This year's list of 26:
1. My savior, Jesus
2. That I am happy...truly happy...the sad things have passed
3. THAT I LIVE IN ITALY!!!!
4. That I was fortunate enough to receive the Fulbright Grant for an English Teaching Asisstantship in Cosenza,Italy
5. My momma and daddy who love and support me and encourage me! Would not be here without them
6. My amazing friends at home who love and support me
7. To have some of the most amazing women in my life who inspire me in more ways that I can describe...I find it so valuable to have so many strong female role models
8. To have family members who love me and are cheering me on
9. The new and WONDERFUL Fulbright friends I have: Mattea, Nick, David, Myles, Andrea, Lindsay, and all of the others that I met in Rome
10.Nick..and the fact that he makes me smile and laugh until my cheeks and abs hurt
11.Virginia- who has welcomed me and loved on me and calls me her American daughter; Lilla- who has done the same and who is so sweet to carry me around the city (and train station)
12. Valeria- she is so kind and warm and loving
13.The amazing opportunity that has been granted to me to attend the Reggio Emilia Winter Institute in February where I will be able to visit the preschools and infant schools of Reggio Emilia
14. The amazing oportunities that are presenting themselves to observe in some Italian Montessori schools...I am finding many contacts here regarding Montessori and hope to come back with so much info about both of these approaches.
15. The teachers who have shaped my life: Elizabeth Laired, Daniel Hallman, Jeanie Cornelison, Mrs. Miz, Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Garrison, Mr. Rosensteil, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Allinder, Mrs. Baker (principal), Mrs. Frye (for many life lessons as well...and a love for reading and writing), and you can see last year for a more extensive list. There are others, but these are names that stick out! I always respected them, but now I have ever MORE respect for what they did and do!
16. For the entire department of HDFS. Mrs. Malissa, Dr. Tingle, Sherwood, Mrs. Hudson, Dr. Scofield, Dr. C-S, Mrs. Kirksey, Mrs. Horton, Dr. Stenett, April Kendrick, and of course Maria!
17. Everyone at the University of Alabama Children's program- too many to name, but I love you all!!
18. The close friendships that I have with some of the people from #s 16 & 17
19. All of the babies I have ever loved on who have made it easy for me to know what it is I love to do
20. THe opportunity to attend college and thus have these doors of opportunity open to me
21. The Italian teachers that I had and loved...they helped me get here to this amazing opportunity in Italy
22. My grad school friends: I would NOT be the person I am today without them. I miss and love them so much
23. The ability to walk without much pain these days
24. That God heals hearts and wounds
25. THe love that I receive daily via skype, email, facebook, blog, text messages, phone calls, etc.
26. That forgiveness can be found even in the most difficult situations. That love can be given even when it seems impossible. That God helps us heal broken relationships and hearts!! I am so grateful that He loves me enough to offer His grace and mercy daily!
One to grow on: I am thankful for friendship. The kind that is everlasting and deeper than the ocean; the kind that stretches bigger than the sky that separates the friends (physically)!!
**WOW, in comparing this list to last years, it seems I am thankful for most of the same things!! Blessed girl right here!!
My train came, and it was a short trip to Paola where I immediately caught the train from Paola to Napoli. This was my first time on this type of train which had compartments that are so reminiscent of Harry Potter; there was even a guy that came by with food. When the guy came to check for tickets, he was talking to us about suitcases needing to be moved, and even though I responded in Italian, he figured me out and started speaking English to me. Even though I insisted on answering in Italian...he had my number...and thus he continued on in English. The amazing thing about taking the train from Paola is the view of the water that you get for miles and miles and miles. On this day, Thanksgiving, I was thankful for a BEAUTIFUL sunset to watch over the water.
I played on my phone for a bit, and I am really impressed with how long my phone data is lasting. I did get a very exciting email from one of Nick's teachers, Anna Paola. It was a GREAT surprise to find out that she actually owns a Montessori school!!! She knows a lot of people and has a lot of connections. She has offered a few opportunities to me, and I am so excited and will update as I figure things out. I text Nick and he said, "surprise!!" I was so excited about this!! I am amazed at the opportunities that are opening up! I know it must be God...it HAS to be!!!
I was getting so impatient to get to Naples. The train kept stopping just outside of the station, and I wanted to find someone and tell them how anxious I was to get off this train!! When I finally was able to get off the train, I found Nick at the end of the platform! He was so sweet and picked me up off the ground...which is really high because he is like 6'3. April, he even dipped me...just for you my friend!!
We decided to get something to eat at the cafe in the train station, and I started trying to call my daddy. We settled on a sandwich (me) and a slice of pizza (him) for dinner and we sat down to eat and wait on Mattea. Conversation was endless and we laughed a lot. We did some people watching and protected our bags and such...being that everyone had scared us to death regarding safety issues in Naples, we were quite paranoid. At this point, Mattea sent me a text saying that it was going to be a bit later for her train because the one she was on kept breaking down and she had missed her connection train. So, we knew we were going to be there later, but not much later. This was only the beginning for poor Mattea. **Ill post Mattea's blog when she writes it because it is a MUST read!!!** So, at this point we moved to one of the tables that had softer benches and a wall to lean against because we knew we were going to be there for a bit. I was just praying that Mattea would actually make it there, and make it there safely! I know she must have been freaking out, and I can guarantee you that my mom would have been getting panicky, crying phone calls if it had been me! We debated about leaving the train station, but it was just as easy to sit and talk while we waited. A few more text messages and phone calls later, we learned that Mattea was trying desperately to get to us and the trains and buses were failing her. At one point she sent Nick a text saying that she was trying to get to us, she was on a bus that she thought was going to Naples, and she would "literally pay you (us) money". This was followed by a "This is Mattea btw" text message. Nick's response was something to the effect of: because I know so many other people trying to make it to Naples and offering me money! I am not doing a good job of explaining this, but just know that it was hilarious!!
We tried to take some pictures of us waiting at the train station; you all know I like to document EVERYTHING. It was so hard to get a serious picture because we were laughing at a million different things. I did like the results of some though!
 |
| My favorite |
Then I had to find a bathroom...that was an adventure. The first ones closed at 10 pm and it was like 10:01, and so we had to go in search of other bathrooms. We found one...and boy was it much colder outside than it had been in the cafe/McDonald's area. There was a sad lady in the bathroom gathering all of her clothes into plastic sacks, and I was reminded that life in Italy is not always about traveling, beautiful landscapes, sunsets, and good food!
Not too long after the bathroom adventure, David arrived. We made a joke that David would want to know how long we had been waiting at the train station, because no one really knew that Nick and I have been talking and such. However, he did not address it until we had changed locations to another cafe across the street from the station when the train station cafe closed at 11. We were having to problem solve because Mattea was not expecting to arrive until 11:30 and David had to meet his landlords at 11:30 to get the extra key to our room. So, we went to this other cafe and the boys had coffee and David had some food. The bartender guy was so funny and they were all speaking with each other in Italian! I am so impressed with David's ability to put himself out there and meet new people and swim in the language! He is so much braver than I am. They laughed and joked for a while and David had A LOT of water because the bartender kept giving him more and more. Randomly, David looked at us and said, "are you guys dating??" When we laughed and looked at each other he said, "wait, did I choose the wrong verb?? Sposarsi?" This means, "married"? It was so funny and he said that he suspected in Rome, but he was happy for us! He had the exact reaction Nick expected though because he followed it up with "cool...I suspected...well, that's cool!"
So, David left us to go meet his landlords and we sat in that cafe until Mattea called to say that she was in the train station. She was telling Nick something (at the time I did not know what) and his response was a rather stern, "no, we're taking a cab!" I was so excited to see Mattea! It was so great to get another wonderful greeting full of hugs and love!! I was also excited to see that she had a Vera Bradley weekender with her! Mattea and I have so many things in common that it is sometimes unbelievable. So, then we grabbed a taxi and were headed to David's! The taxi ride was rather short, and I was just so excited for Mattea to be there!!
When we got out of the taxi, we were standing by this big tree in a large pot that appeared to be somewhat in the middle of the road...and a car was rather angry that we were there, but we figured it was just crazy Italian drivers. Oh no...we found out that we were definitely standing in the middle of the road. OOPS!! We discovered this when David was walking towards us and said, "hey, are you the people standing in the middle of the road??" Um, yes, yes we were!!!
So, then we walked with David to his apartment/the Bed and Breakfast. It is weird, so he lives in a room and a girl from China lives in a room. They share a bathroom and then there is a second bathroom for b & b guests. There is a shared kitchen and then some rooms for guests. The room that we were given had a queen sized bed and two twins. There was also a couch that could transform into a futon type bed. We settled in a bit and then sat down at the table with a bottle of wine and started listening to Mattea's journey to Naples. Again, I will post the blog when she posts it! The thing about this group of people is that they make me laugh sooo much!! We took pictures with our paper turkey that Mattea's mom sent and just had the best time. I was so excited to be with people who understand EXACTLY what I am going through and dealing with similar things! It is also helpful to hear how they are dealing with it. I think that we are all in agreeance that more guidance needs to be given to the new schools participating in Fulbright. Anyway, we are all having our own struggles, but it is helpful to talk to each other about it!! I am coming to really love and value these people...they mean so much to me, and I know we will be friend for life...even when we have gone our separate American ways. We laughed until my cheeks and abs hurt!!
 |
| Our Thanksgiving...paper turkey and wine |
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| Nick, Me, Mattea, & David |
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| KISS THE TURKEY!!! |
This year's list of 26:
1. My savior, Jesus
2. That I am happy...truly happy...the sad things have passed
3. THAT I LIVE IN ITALY!!!!
4. That I was fortunate enough to receive the Fulbright Grant for an English Teaching Asisstantship in Cosenza,Italy
5. My momma and daddy who love and support me and encourage me! Would not be here without them
6. My amazing friends at home who love and support me
7. To have some of the most amazing women in my life who inspire me in more ways that I can describe...I find it so valuable to have so many strong female role models
8. To have family members who love me and are cheering me on
9. The new and WONDERFUL Fulbright friends I have: Mattea, Nick, David, Myles, Andrea, Lindsay, and all of the others that I met in Rome
10.Nick..and the fact that he makes me smile and laugh until my cheeks and abs hurt
11.Virginia- who has welcomed me and loved on me and calls me her American daughter; Lilla- who has done the same and who is so sweet to carry me around the city (and train station)
12. Valeria- she is so kind and warm and loving
13.The amazing opportunity that has been granted to me to attend the Reggio Emilia Winter Institute in February where I will be able to visit the preschools and infant schools of Reggio Emilia
14. The amazing oportunities that are presenting themselves to observe in some Italian Montessori schools...I am finding many contacts here regarding Montessori and hope to come back with so much info about both of these approaches.
15. The teachers who have shaped my life: Elizabeth Laired, Daniel Hallman, Jeanie Cornelison, Mrs. Miz, Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Garrison, Mr. Rosensteil, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Allinder, Mrs. Baker (principal), Mrs. Frye (for many life lessons as well...and a love for reading and writing), and you can see last year for a more extensive list. There are others, but these are names that stick out! I always respected them, but now I have ever MORE respect for what they did and do!
16. For the entire department of HDFS. Mrs. Malissa, Dr. Tingle, Sherwood, Mrs. Hudson, Dr. Scofield, Dr. C-S, Mrs. Kirksey, Mrs. Horton, Dr. Stenett, April Kendrick, and of course Maria!
17. Everyone at the University of Alabama Children's program- too many to name, but I love you all!!
18. The close friendships that I have with some of the people from #s 16 & 17
19. All of the babies I have ever loved on who have made it easy for me to know what it is I love to do
20. THe opportunity to attend college and thus have these doors of opportunity open to me
21. The Italian teachers that I had and loved...they helped me get here to this amazing opportunity in Italy
22. My grad school friends: I would NOT be the person I am today without them. I miss and love them so much
23. The ability to walk without much pain these days
24. That God heals hearts and wounds
25. THe love that I receive daily via skype, email, facebook, blog, text messages, phone calls, etc.
26. That forgiveness can be found even in the most difficult situations. That love can be given even when it seems impossible. That God helps us heal broken relationships and hearts!! I am so grateful that He loves me enough to offer His grace and mercy daily!
One to grow on: I am thankful for friendship. The kind that is everlasting and deeper than the ocean; the kind that stretches bigger than the sky that separates the friends (physically)!!
**WOW, in comparing this list to last years, it seems I am thankful for most of the same things!! Blessed girl right here!!
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