Wake up call

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Well, my wake up call was at 1 pm.  That's right, I woke up at 1 pm, and that was only because the hotel phone rang.  My immediate reaction, "WHO CALLS SOMEONE THIS EARLY IN THE MORNING?!?!??!" Answer phone.  Talk to Francesca; one of the teachers I met last night and she wanted to meet me at 6:15 pm to look at an apartment that the headmistress suggested.  Hang up.  "WHAT TIME IS IT?!?!?" Pick up phone.  Feels stupid because it is 1 in the afternoon.  I slept from 12:30 until 1 pm without getting out of the bed for any reason.  I vaguely remember waking up at some point and thinking, "ummmmm NO! Not waking up yet!"  However, I decided that 1 o'clock was too late, and though I could have easily gone back to sleep, I stayed awake.  I slowly got dressed and wrote down some addresses, etc.

Once I walked outside...it was starting to rain! Bleh! So I ran back upstairs and got my rain jacket.  I asked where the TIM store was so that I could go put euros on my cell.  They told me the direction and reminded me that it didn't open until 4pm.  Reopen I should say!  They also offered me a hotel umbrella (so nice of them), and I pretended to be on my way!  However, I made it like 15 steps and decided that in the rain and TIM store closed was NOT worth me walking.  So, i came back upstairs and laid down!  I didn't sleep.  I just ate a snack because I was beginning to get a little bit hungry and I talked to April and emailed people.  I finally drug myself out of the bed around 4 and headed out.

I found the TIM store and on the way there I practiced what I needed to say to them (and had also checked it on google translate to ensure that I was correct...did I mention that I'm type A and that it will be the death of me?!?!?).  However, the guy understood me...I understood him (okay, I understood 75% of him), and I got my cell phone worked out (for the moment at least!).  First thing I did was call my momma!! YAY!! Then I stopped to notice the beeeeeeaaaauuuuuutiful view of the mountains in the afternoon sun (pictures will be taken soon).  I also saw a Toyota Corolla...NOTHING like mine!  Then I walked just a bit more and made my way back to the main street in Cosenza.  Before I made it there hunger got the best of me and I stopped in this little cafe and had some "Pizza" and by that I mean bread with arugula and tomatoes and mozzarella on it...NOT heated!  It was good and only cost 2 euro! The guy understood my Italian...and I, his English!   Then I found the main street.  Here I found a Burberry store, a Swarovski store, ZARA (NYC thing...and other places, but not Bham), some other familiar things (familiar from US and Florence, IT), and then wait for it......WE HAVE AN H & M IN COSENZA!!!!!!!!!!! I walked in and found like 30 things I needed! Of course by need, I mean want!  I refrained, but for how long...how long can I NOT buy something cute?!?! 


After H & M I made my way back to the hotel to get directions (google maps) to the piazza where I was to meet Francesca.  It was the piazza that I saw the other night that has little "rides" and prize thingys like at a fair...and this looks like a permanent thing! I only had to wait a few minutes and then she was there.  So once we met up, she took me to meet the couple who was renting the apartment.  

The apartment:  It is behind a locked gate, on a relatively busy (main) street in Cosenza. The couple was very nice.  The wife was an English teacher with some of my teachers I am working with, and the husband  speaks a little bit of English, but mostly Italian and French.  This is an apartment they have in the city and rent to students.  However, they have no one in it right now so I got first pick of rooms.  This means that they suggested the largest room with a street view.  I had to get in one of those TINY Italian elevators to get to the 5th floor.   Once we arrived, the apartment was nice!  There are 3 bedrooms, but again, they dont have anyone there yet.  The kitchen is fully stocked...there is a washing machine...a bathroom...an extra room for a guest that has a balcony (they said that they sometimes rent that out, but rarely and only short term).  There is no tv and no internet (will explain this in a minute).  So it sounded great and the other good thing is that this couple receives the bills and they show them to me and I pay them.  The headmistress of one of my schools arranged this and was very nervous about me finding housing.  THey said that she kept telling them that she was worried about me and wanted me in a safe, quiet neighborhood.  She said that I was so pretty and young and she wanted me well taken care of!  HOW NICE!!!! So sweet!  I have met only nice people here and they are taking such good care of me, and for that I am beyond grateful.

I had this feeling before I even saw the apartment..this peace.  When I moved to NYC, the first apartment I looked at was the one I ended up choosing; something told me that Cosenza would be the same....and it was!  After I explained how important internet was to me, we went in search of a solution.  They were so kind to take me to three different stores, but in the end it just was not what I wanted or needed.  So, Lila (the lady who owns the apartment) asked her husband if they could get a contract for regular internet (like we have at home), if I was willing to pay.  I said, "YES! ABSOLUTELY!!"  They could have asked for the moon in return for internet, and I believe I would have said, "YES! ABSOLUTELY!!" So, for 40 euro a month, I will have internet. Some may think this is silly, but I have a need to be connected to my friends and family!  It will already be difficult enough to not have a television (though they said that they might work on this).  THe point is that I do NOT want to feel any more isolated than I already do!  I know it is just the first few days, but isolation and loneliness SUCK! So, for 40 euro a month I can eliminate that!  The catch is that it will take 3 weeks to have it set up, but when it is, I will have internet and an Italian phone (for Italian calls only!).  I should say that throughout the evening of them speaking rapid Italian all around me, there were a few times I wanted to cry! No, for real!  I kept thinking, "I just need someone here to help me know if I am making the right decision!"  I also didn't know what all they were saying, and I kept rubbing my fingers over my bracelet to remind myself that I am learning.  It worked for the most part, but I was still very overwhelmed and frustrated! 

After this whole ordeal, Francesca offered to take me to the hotel to cancel my nights.  I did NOT want to do this, but they kept insisting.  It worked out where I canceled it through booking.com and can just tell the hotel if I want to stay another night.  After we worked this out, Francesca offered to take me to her house for dinner.  We walked to her car and then drove to her house.  She lives in Castrolibero, which is like a suburb of Cosenza.  There were A LOT of hills and bumps in the road!  However, her house was very nice.  I flipped through the tv channels and almost had a freak out when I saw, "ESPN USA HD".  However, she doesn't actually have it!  This does mean that I need to figure out if anyone does have it and how I can watch the Alabama games!  Anyway, so for dinner she let me pick out my pasta, which I tried to pick out farfalle for April, but there wasn't enough.  She cooked some tomatoes & zucchini in the pan with oil and then cooked the pasta and mixed it together.  Simple, yet delicious.  She also took store bought pizza dough and put salt, oil, & freshly grated cheese on it and I think she put it in the broiler.  It was delicious!!  Then we finished it off with fruit because I did not want ice cream! Also, I think I drank like a gallon (liter) of water because I was SOOOO thirsty!  THe dinner was so simple, yet DELICIOUS!!!  I am so grateful for the hospitality that the teachers are showing me! 

She eventually brought me back to my hotel and the first thing I wanted to do was talk to someone!  Thankfully, April was there and could talk/skype!  I like getting to tell people about my experiences/what is happening because there isn't anyone here to share with!  THIS is why I need internet!  I need to be connected to the people I love!  So, once April had to go, I took a shower! Then I saw that my momma and daddy were on skype so I talked to them for a bit! :) It was so nice to see their faces..and my Chili, Bella, Coopy, Wicked, & Litta Girl!!!

After I stayed up waaayyy too late, I finally laid down and shut my eyes.

**Because I am finishing this today, I can tell you that it was NOT the most restful sleep I've had.  I woke up with anxiety about living alone...about being without internet...about how would I contact anyone...about how would Fulbright contact me?!?!  It was terrible! I did however get some sleep! 

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles

September 30th AND October 1, 2012
24 hours of traveling...I AM EXHAUSTED!!!

Yesterday morning I got up around 7 and ate my oatmeal for breakfast (already miss it), took my Chili for one last walk, showered, & got dressed.  It was reeeeeeeeeallly hard to leave my house.  It didn't hit me until I had to hug Chili and then put him outside.  It was hard to close my bedroom door too!!  I squeezed all of my animals, made sure everything was in the car, and we were off.  Oh, and Kelly and the girls called me as I was leaving...a beautiful surprise.  I just felt bad that I was crying when they called.

So we were off to the airport!   My mom dropped us off and ran back home to get a blanket I had forgotten.  I checked my bags and sat down with my daddy! I talked to my Aunt Susan and then my mom made it back to sit with us!  I did NOT want to go through security!  I ran to the bathroom before security and then it was time.  I definitely started crying and it was reeeeeealllly hard to let go!  I did eventually let go and went through security!  My bags were already weighing me down and everyone in line was looking at me like I was crazy because I was crying!  It just reminded me that you never know what people around you are going through...you never know why they are at the airport.

The flight to Atlanta was short and smooth.  While in Atlanta I got some water, talked to my momma, and talked to April on the phone!  I was beginning to get sad again because I knew once I shut my phone off on the airplane that it was official...I'd be on Italian everything...time, phone system, prices for phone calls, internet, language, etc.  So, with my luggage weighing me down I got on the plane.   

Surprisingly, for the person who used to be a nervous wreck on airplanes, I was very calm.  I felt this way the last time I flew to Italy.  I know it is due to the constant prayers from myself and others.  I know God was drowning me in peace, and I am so grateful for that! I was happy about the family sitting next to me as well! The mom was from Southern Italy (other side of the boot though), and she gave me a lot of information.  She said that people would be warm and welcoming, much like in the South (U.S.); she told me that the food was MUCH better than Northern Italy; hmm...she told me about the dialects, etc.  Her husband is American, but is fluent in Italian and they met in Italy.  She has been living in the U.S. for 10 years.  They were leading a tour group on a pilgrimage type trip for their Catholic church.  She told me that one of the things she loves most about the Catholic church is that you can go anywhere in the world, no matter the language, and understand the service because it is standard.  So, she was a nice person to talk to.

Gracie wanted me to watch good movies.  Well Gracie, you will be disappointed to know that I did not watch Hunger Games, though it was an option.  I did however watch "What to expect when you're expecting".  All this did was reassure me that I dont care to birth any babies...sooo...surrogates? Adoption for sure! Then I slept and eventually watched an episode of "The Big Bang Theory" and it was just as funny as promised!  I also watched "When Harry Met Sally" so that I could go to sleep to a familiar movie, and the last part of the flight I watched some of "Morning Glory"; again I chose a familiar movie, but this time it was because I knew I would not be able to finish it!

Food: THe in-flight food was good.  My dinner was pasta, a little bread thing, and a cinnamon brownie (weird, but good!).  They gave us a snack of a little turkey/cheese sandwich and I ate the meat and cheese.  Breakfast was this huge, HOT bread thing stuffed with veggies and cheese! It was soooo good; oh, and a banana!  I also had chosen wine to drink for dinner that night because it was free and I knew it would help me sleep!  It wasn't the best wine, but I just had a little bit and so it was fine! I mean what do you expect from airplane wine?!?!

ROME: So, I arrived in Rome, dreading dealing with all of my luggage for the next few hours.  First thing I did when I got off the plane was BRUSH MY TEETH!! Felt so good! Then I went and stood in the passport line with half the population of Italy! ;) No really, we were like cattle...and I was sweating and my backpack was HEAVY...I tried to just scoot my stuff with my foot as much as possible.  However, once I reached the passport guy it was ALL WORTH IT!!!! HE STAMPED MY PASSPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!! Some reading this may say, "duh, that is standard."  Well, I beg to differ my friends because they did NOT stamp it last time...even when I begged!!!  So, no need for tears or an International news story about the little American girl crying hysterically in Rome's airport over a passport stamp!  I was also very happy that my phone was working, so I was able to call my momma and daddy to let them know I was in Italy; this also allowed me to text April and Erin so that they could let others know I was there! Anyway, so after the passport, I got a luggage cart thing and then went to get my luggage.  On the way though, I stopped at this cell phone thing and they checked my Italian SIM card, and it is in fact working! Yay! So now I just have to reload it with euros, and/or get a plan (not likely though).  Getting my luggage was smooth, though for a minute I thought my big one was lost because they had taken some off of the carousel and then I spotted it! I went looking for the train, but ended up taking the bus and saved 11euro.  The ride into Rome was uneventful, but did prove to me that all parts of Italy are not the gorgeous old ruins and fields of grapes/olives/sunflowers that we picture!  I did however see A LOT of car manufacturers. 

The train station was difficult.  My luggage was SOOOO heavy and people would not get out of the way!   I had to get a number to wait in line for a chance to buy a ticket, but bought it with about 10-12 minutes to spare, and I was so happy that I got the eurostar train I wanted, which meant I did NOT have to change trains at all.  I ended up with first class so that I would have more room for luggage, etc. and I do not even care if someone thinks it was a rip off...it was AMAZING! The seat reclined so far back I was able to sleep soundly and there were very few people in there so it was quiet.  The scenery that I did see was BEAUTIFUL.  I woke up a few times and saw mountains/hills/fields/quaint little places.  I kept waking up thinking more time had passed than truly had and it kept freaking me out.  When I finally got the time straight, I had about 45 minutes until Paola.  So, I fought sleep and stayed awake, and am I ever glad that I did.   The last 45 minutes was spent watching the waves crash against the coastline.  I saw cliffs, huge rock formations, sandy beaches, people sunbathing, and beautiful sunshine! 

As we reached Paola, I began to get nervous about the luggage (which by the way, a man helped me get it on the train in Rome!).  Then, another man helped me get it off the train in Paola, and when he saw that I was a little confused about where to go in order to get a ticket to Cosenza (using my broken Italian and his broken English).  He was so kind and helped me find the elevator (glass thank goodness), and then the ticket office!! Yay for nice people.  THEN...I went to try and validate my ticket and could not find the box thing.  Another nice man, older man, started speaking to me and was helpful.  Then, one of the train station people helped me by taking my ticket to validate it so that I did not have to carry my luggage any further.  The nice older man stood there and talked to me.  I was able to speak some and he could see that he needed to speak slowly and simply!  He was so kind and helped me get my luggage on the train, and as I chose a seat a younger man helped me get it onto the luggage racks, and I ended up sitting near him.  Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers and for the fact that they recognized I needed help and offered it freely and willingly.  AMAZED...southern hospitality at it's best (just like the lady on the plane said it would be)! 

I called Virginia from Paola and she said that Lilla would meet me at the train station, and she gave me a brief description of Lilla.  When I got off the train I found her immediately, and she was talking on the cell.  As I approached her and she realized it was me, she started telling the other person, all in Italian of course, that I was blonde and pretty.  She gave me the double kiss and then we went to get in her car.  This was the first time I'd been in a car in Italy (well, last time I took 3 cabs...but this was different).  We were off to the hotel.  The car was a stick shift (so far the two cars I've been in have been stick shifts), but the funny thing was that she stalled the car like 5 or 6 times, and twice in the intersection.  So the reason that matters is...IT MAKES ME FEEL SO MUCH BETTER ABOUT MY STICK SHIFT DRIVING ABILITIES!!!!  I so desperately wanted to pick up the phone and call my daddy immediately to tell him about this!!! So then we eventually got to the hotel and she helped me check in and find my room.  Then she was off to go back to the school where they were having a meeting with their headmistress about their recent trip to Ireland.  OOOOH....Lilla told me that she once did this huge project on Martin Luther King Jr. and had been in contact with the tourist department in soooome city in Alabama, but she could not remember which city.  I suggested Birmingham, and she said, "YES!!" I said, "that's my hometown!!"  WHAT A SMALL WORLD?!?!?!? She also mentioned that she imagined me with very dark skin and dark hair (this will be important later).

Once in the hotel, she promised to call me later about dinner, which Virginia had suggested earlier.  So, I took a shower, got on the internet, skyped with my daddy, and did my regular Italian thing of talking to April on facebook (where our friendship first grew!).  The hotel is nice...smallish, but perfect for me!  Thankfully, they called the hotel phone to tell me that Lilla would be by to pick me up at 8:15 and that their headmistress wanted to come to dinner as well so that she could meet me (nerves set in immediately).  The other teacher, Valeria, called the hotel to welcome me as well!  Such nice people so far!

Lilla called to say she had arrived and I ran downstairs.  We met them half way and then road with Virginia to the restaurant.  I met a third English teacher from their school and the headmistress.  When they first saw me they kept saying how beautiful I was, which made me smile.  They were so, so, so welcoming and friendly (kisses and handshakes all around).  We drove to the restaurant (beautiful drive...even at night).  I ordered pizza, which they did too!  HOLY CRAP...the pizza was like ordering a medium pizza all for me...so I only ate the equivalent of like 1-1 1/2 slices and of course they thought it was because I didn't like it, but also attributed it to the fact that I was tired.  I had to explain that it was delicious, but I could not eat anymore! Welcome to Italy...where they want you to eat EVERYTHING!! ;)  It was really good though! We also had these appetizers...no clue what they were...fried cornbread type thingies...NO CLUE! They told me that my Italian was beautiful (what little I used).  I did not understand all of their Italian...we discussed my education, but that was difficult because they did not understand the word development.  THey did eventually ask me if I believed that environment effected things, and I explained that I believed it was a combination of genetics and environment (nature vs. nurture).  THey also discussed what to do with me and explained that they have to follow certain things in order for their students to receive their language certificates, but their 4 classes focus on literature (sign me up!), business (whaaa???), and some sort of science (whaaa???).  So, they talked about planning together, which I LOVE that idea.  I had to explain that I did not know details and they suggested that we might find out in Rome, which I am hoping is true!  Virginia told me that her husband is a doctor, so if I needed anything to let her know! This is good to know!!! They said that I would have 5 moms (the 4 of them and then Valeria from the other school)!  I will say, these women were SO nice and welcoming)!  They ordered dessert...I had strawberry gelato with "chocolate" and creme.  The chocolate was in the strawberry...hard to explain.  It was yummy and refreshing though!  Francesca (teacher) explained that she didn't like it because she didn't like chocolate mixed with her fruit! I explained chocolate covered strawberries, which they do not have, and told her I'd have to make it.  They were intrigued, and then began a discussion of apple pie.  I told them about Thanksgiving in Florence last year.  We also talked about American food and they asked if it was all unhealthy and fast food...no, but some and some out of a box!

After we finished eating, we drove to the headmistresses house, which was up a lot of hills, but looked nice from the outside.  Then we dropped Lilla off at her house.  Virginia and Francesca brought me back to the hotel.  Francesca has two children who are in Rome.  She offered to make me dinner or take me to lunch this week.  She also explained at dinner that they were SHOCKED that my parents let me move halfway across the world; Italian mothers do not do that and do not like it!  She said that it was hard enough to have her children move to Rome for school and work! 

Once in the hotel I lost it for a few minutes.  I was so overwhelmed by the Italian that I DO NOT KNOW!! I emailed people and skyped with April before her faculty meeting.  I think exhaustion had overtaken me!  I stayed up a little and talked and emailed, but then I changed clothes and CRASHED!!! 

View from my hotel room window

So long...farewell...

My last day in Birmingham was good!  I had breakfast and then my momma and I started out to do a few last things.  We ended up going to Whistle Stop, a street festival in Irondale, and bought a few things.  We mainly just walked around and looked.  We returned home for lunch a bit later and then headed out again to see if we could find a different suitcase to replace my small one I was checking.  We went around the world (Gardendale, Hoover, Patton Creek, etc) looking for one!  No luck though; however, we discovered it wasn't worth it!!  We went to Frances' house to help set up her skype. 

At home,  I finished getting things together, scrapbooked my last Pre-Fulbright things while Kimberly visited.  Her mom brought the most delicious dinner: chicken casserole, homemade mac-n-cheese, & potatoes.  It was delicious!  I scrapbooked while they were there; I had to multi-task!!!  After they left me and my momma went to wal-mart to get some snacks.  We ended up getting these compression bags to try in my suitcase as well! It was weird to leave Wal-Mart knowing that I wouldn't see one for a while!


So then we went home to try the bags, which meant unpacking one of my suitcases, and it was time for kick-off.  Packing was a nightmare and those bags ended up sucking.  My momma is taking them back!  THis was a HUGE source of stress.  However, ROLL TIDE!!! We won! 

It was well after midnight before I went to bed.  I actually slept pretty well, but did not reeeeeeeally want to leave!

I'm ready to eat...well, a little...I'm always praying...and will be loving from afar

A quote from the end of the movie "Eat Pray Love"

If you're brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be anything from your house to bitter, old resentments, and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or internally, and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue. And if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher, and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not be withheld from you.

I'm counting on it!  God will use this time for His glory!  

A day of surprises and deception!!!

 This story must be told:  Wednesday night my momma and I were Belk in Trussville when I received a text from Shari.  She asked if there was something we could do to celebrate my momma's upcoming 60th birthday!  I said sure and she agreed to plan.  I just invited Frances and then had to ask my mom some questions, which was difficult without leading her on to something going on.  I was really excited to surprise her, even if she doesn't like surprises, and to celebrate HER because she doesn't ever do that!  It was hard driving home from Belk because Shari was texting me and then my momma called Shari, and I was also having to get answers to questions like, "What is her favorite place to eat?" "What is her favorite cake?"

This blog would not be complete if I did not include my last dinner with my mom & Frances' 3L club.  These women have been so welcoming, kind, generous, and just all around wonderful to me.  They are so sweet to allow me to join them in having good fun, a ton of fun, lots of laughter, and of course a good glass of wine! ;) Thursday night was their auction for charity and we had delicious Lebanese food!  Like last year at the auction, I got a very cute purse, and it is going to Italy with me! We talked about them coming to visit, and let me take this opportunity to say to any of them that may be reading this: PLEASE come!  Just email me or facebook me when might be best for you and we'll work it out!  When we said bye to Frances, I knew I would see her the next night for my momma's birthday...but my momma didn't know that!  Then while we were driving home I was texting April and telling her that I wanted to see her again and I talked her into coming to Birmingham for my momma's surprise party!  This was fabulous because my mom loves April and I love April, and I wanted to hug her once more!  Now...can I teleport my other loves so that I can hug them too?!?!? So, April was now in on the secret and a part of it (important detail for later).  Also important to note that I was sitting next my momma in the car and was wanting to jump out of my skin from excitement and could not say a word.

So now, today was my momma's birthday, and it was a day full of surprises and deception; good deception that is!  I knew we had a busy day, but it got started earlier than I thought!  I took my Chili for a walk, because I am going to miss doing that!  I'm going to miss my dog so much, and I know he is going to miss me like crazy! 

So then I had to take a shower.  I was also supposed to have a skype date with April, which made me so happy! While I was on skype with April I was excited to see her face, but of course I knew I would see her later.  However, for my mom's sake I had to drag it out as though I wouldn't see April's face for a while.  We had to be somewhere at 10 (mom's work), so she was trying to get me to hurry!  I kept acting as though it was no big deal.  Then, I did hang up with April and got dressed.  Then, I was taking my laptop with me to read the dissertation as we were driving and I noticed I had a missed skype call from April, but it was after we had hung up.  So, I called her back and ended up carrying her all the way out to the car (yay for good wifi).  THen I put her in the car with my mom while I moved my momma's car.  So, April and my mom skyped for a few minutes (another small important detail). 

When we got to southside, we were lucky and got a great parking space.  When we walked into the department my mom looked in the break room where the tailgating food was supposed to be, and noticed that there was no food.  She said, "didn't you say they said 10?? (because I had asked on facebook)  SO then we stopped to talk to everyone and then they showed me the food...OH MY GOSH!!!! Cindy made this amazing cake for....ME!! Whaaa??? It is my momma's birthday and they made a surprise cake for ME!  I was shocked...floored...and it made me feel so special!  I am so lucky to have so many people in my life that are showing me love!!  I am so grateful to know that people are thinking of me, praying for me, and sending me off with love!  I cannot even describe the cake because only pictures can begin to do it justice:

Also, I should say that I looked at the cake and was in amazement, but it took me a minute to realize that the yellow brick road was in the shape of ITALY! Then I noticed that where my pictures was, there was something red at the bottom.  Of course I assumed it was the Ruby Red Slippers, but then I realized that it was a red star where Cosenza is on the map!  SO CREATIVE!!!!!! We had some good tailgating food and the cake was delicious (white cake...I'm pretty sure and the homemade frosting had an orange flavoring).  My mom's friends are so good to me!  I hope they take care of her while I am gone!! 
**So, my momma told April while they were on skype that she was sorry that she had rush me off of skype because....and she explained the surprise....sneaky sneaky April was in on TWO surprises now! 

The rest of the day was great.  I was able to talk to some of my favorite people: 1. Maria- whom I just love so much and she is always so insightful and thoughtful and just all around wonderful!  She always offers me a fresh perspective on things mixed with encouragement and love.  I just love her so much.  2. Mrs. Malissa- I just love me some Mrs. Malissa!  If I ever doubt that I am loved (by anyone other than my parents), all I have to do is call Mrs. Malissa!  It makes my heart happy to know that there are such wonderful women/role-models in my life!  My momma and I also went to get pedicures because that is what she wanted to do for her birthday!  Despite my aversion to this, and for good reason because it did hurt, we had a good time and my toes are Rockette Red (my own bottle...not at the place) and ready to go!  We also had Panera coffee.  The rest of the afternoon was spent packing some things and resting.  We also went to the airport and weighed my biggest suitcase and it was 50 lbs ON THE DOT!!!

THEN....we came home to get ready for my momma's dinner.  April called and said she was on the way and I was trryyying to drag things out so that we would get there after everyone else.  When we got there I jumped out of the car and ran in to "get a table"!  Then, I went and got my momma and daddy from the front of the restaurant and she started saying, "what did ya'll do?!?!?"  She was ACTUALLY SURPRISED to see Shari, Mike, Bear, Sharyn, & Frances.  Mr. Frieson was on his way and April was too!  I was so so so excited that she was truly surprised!  We had great food...great conversation...good laughs...and I think my momma really enjoyed it!  I was so excited that everyone came to help her celebrate because she deserved a night for her! I still cannot believe that we were actually able to surprise her...and that I didn't give anything away. 

Top: Mike, Shari, Bear, Sharyn, Mr. Frieson, & Frances Bottom: April, me, Momma, & Daddy

Our photographer took a million pictures and so they got silly

Daddy, Momma, & Me

Me and \a

Loving on my \a

I was excited to see April once more before I left!  I wish I could see all of my friends again.

When we got home I tried to finish packing...got stressed out...cried a little because I was so frustrated.  However, I got to talk to Erin!!!! :)  The advantage of her late nights is that I get to talk to her!!!  I miss her so much!!  Can she move to Italy with me?!?!? We did decide though that we will skype on Thanksgiving.  this seems like an eternity from now, but here is the reasoning behind it:  last year I was in Italy for Thanksgiving and Erin had to work.  It was the first time for both of us to be away from home.  However, it made my day so much better just to see her face and hear her voice.  So, we decided that no matter what happens that day, we will talk.  It will be our own new Thanksgiving tradition for as long as we live in different cities!   

I also talked to April once more and then finished packing some! 

I am truly blessed with the most wonderful people in my life!  I am so grateful, and I hope that they know that I do not take them fore granted.  God has been so good to grant me peace and strength during this time and I am looking forward to seeing what He has in store.  He has blessed me with the greatest support system that a girl could ask for, and I thank him EVERY DAY for that!  

TOMORROW IS THE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Logistics & thinking & bracelets...OH MY!!!

This past week has been all about preparing and tying up the loose ends!!  My to-do list has been shrinking AND growing...However, there are a few things I want to write about:

1. ABSENTEE VOTING:  It is no wonder to me why people do not vote if they cannot be there on the day and go to their voting place!  THEY MAKE IT SO RIDICULOUSLY HARD TO DO THAT IT IS ALMOST NOT EVEN WORTH IT!!!!  It took a series of like 10-15 emails (from like 3 different people), 3 or 4 things mailed back and forth, the most ridiculous taped together pdf file envelopes in the world, & annoyance all the way around.  I have finally voted, but I would not be surprised if I was in that statistic of votes from military/overseas citizens (the category I fell in to for the absentee voting) whose votes did not count.  They literally made it so much harder than it had to be, and I wanted to vote.  I want my vote to count; does this do anything to assure me that my vote really does count!?!? Unfortunately, NO!

2. I have the greatest friends in the world.  This past week I have received cards, emails, phone calls, gifts, etc. It is so encouraging to have such wonderful, loving, kind, giving, generous friends.  It makes my heart so happy to know that everyone is thinking about me, praying for me, and loving on me from afar!  I am beyond grateful for the gift of friendship! 

A few stories: 

The first is about my wonderful new bracelet.  So the other night I was reading one of the Fulbrighters blog from last year and she said that she wore a bracelet that said, in Italian, "I'm still learning!"  I thought this was a brilliant idea because she said it reminded her that every time she wanted to get frustrated with herself about not understanding someone or not being able to express herself, in Italian of course, that she was still learning.  I was telling April about this and jokingly mentioned that if I had one it would have to also say, "i'm not failing!"  I tend to equate not making an A+ or not being the best at something, with failure.  So, I set out to figure out how to make this bracelet.  I came up with some okay ideas, but then I received the most wonderful surprise in the mail.  April had let it slip that she had a surprise for me, but I had NO clue what it could be.  So, pictures are worth thousands of words:

The top part which says, "I'm learning"

The underside which says, "I'm not failing"

So, do you see that I have the greatest friends??

Theeeennnn...I got the CUTEST card in the mail from my best friend Erin.  It was a card that I saw a month or so ago in World Market and I sent Erin a picture of it because it reminded me so much of the two of us.  It is so perfect because one girl has on a blueish dress and the other a pink one; one has darker hair and the other has lighter hair; they are hugging; AND it says that another word for friendship is love, and I love Erin more than she knows!  The card was also extra special because my niece, Molly, had chewed the corners of the envelope!  I do miss my Molly Bug and my Maddie Patty! 

Theeeennnn....I got a sweet card from Meagan today (Thrusday).  So cute and had a post card for me from Louisville, which was perfect!!  I am so excited that Meagan is planning a trip to come visit me.  I was telling her today that my favorite thing about my friends planning to come visit me is that I will get to share that with just them.  Whatever it is we do will be just our memories!  Something that we will not have shared with anyone else; that makes it that much more special to me.  I like unique and meaningful things, plus I am a quality time person; thus, this idea makes perfect sense. 

Also this week I was able to skype with my Avery girls, which always brings a smile to my face, and then talked to Kelly on the phone!  I also talked to Mrs. Malissa briefly, and I already miss my people like crazy! 

3.  Making memories and pictures (of course!):
My momma took off on Wed, Thurs, & Fri!  We went to have coffee with my daddy and his best friend, and that was good because it was something they always do AND I had the best starbucks thing I've ever had in my entire life.  MY FIRST SALTED CARAMEL MOCHA; OH MY GOSH...so it was nice to just sit and talk with them and laugh!  

Me and my daddy!

Salted Caramel Mocha

Me and Mr. Frieson, my daddy's best friend

This week we also took Chili and Bella to Railroad Park so that I could take some nicer pictures with them.  Words cannot describe how much I will miss my dog!!     

I've had so much fun this week...and more is to come before Saturday night when I write my final post from the U.S.!!!

I'll leave you with a few fun pictures: 

It's my coach!!!

Riding on the buggy (shopping cart)

Me and my flat family

I apologize for the terrible formatting, but blogger is being annoying!

Happy Tears

Today I am brought to tears...HAPPY tears that is!!  The two main teachers that I will be working with, Virginia and Valeria, have been showing me so much kindness that I am just at a loss for words.  They have been so welcoming and encouraging already.  They have been patient with my questions and have continuously offered words of comfort.  They mention things before I even ask; they have mentioned numerous times that I will find friends and families to spend time with; both of them have said how excited they are and their students are to welcome me!  I am just speechless at their kindness and hospitality before I have even arrived in the city!  They are both working to help me find housing and arrange transportation to Cosenza and even once I arrive at the train station. I was very worried about the fact that this is the first year that Cosenza has had a Fulbright student and therefore I could not turn to a past Fulbright student for advice, etc.  No need though because these ladies (& a third teacher whom I have not spoken with directly, but who I hear is also excited to meet me) have been simply amazing!

This brings me to a few things I have to say:

1. GOD IS SO GOOD! He knows my needs and He meets them!  I KNOW that He is facilitating this!  I have been praying about these things for months now, and He is already answering those prayers.  I prayed for comfort and peace as the time drew close for me to leave, and I am overwhelmed by the sense of peace I've had.  I prayed (am praying) for warm and welcoming people and ta-da...I think  I've found them (and this is only the tip of the iceberg)! 

2.  I am still going to be so sad on Sunday when I have to go through security, and I KNOW there will be days when I just want my momma, daddy, friends, animals, home, etc. etc., but what a GREAT way to be welcomed into my new home of Cosenza.  They are making it very easy to be equally EXCITED and SAD.  Though this weekend I have a feeling sadness will win out, I am beginning to feel confident about the fact that happiness, joy, fun, and excitement will soon follow (I'm sure after a good night's sleep after 24 hours of traveling)!

3.  I LOVE MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!  My mailbox has been full of fun surprises lately, and I hear that more are arriving soon!  This makes me smile and I'm so excited!  Also, I want to send/receive letters & things while I am in Italy also.  That being said, I will send my mailing address to anyone who requests (once I have a permanent residence).  Facebook me, email me, or comment here and we'll get it together.  I LOVE to write letters and I think this is the PERFECT opportunity for me to do this with my friends and family!

OH MY GOSH...I'M MOVING TO ITALY!