My Little Sister

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

Eight months - eight months I have spent living in Rome, doing exactly as I expected; teaching English, learning Italian, eating gelato, drinking wine.

But one thing happened that I wasn’t completely ready for: becoming attached to a 4-year old bundle of happiness who has taught me more than I may have taught her. 

I’ve learned patience; that every little moment should be handled with care and consideration. I learned to appreciate the small things; talking a walk and picking flowers, playing on the swings for hours - all these activities plus so many more have lightened my spirit, brought joy to my heart.

As I pack my bags, and take down the pictures Bea has drawn for me, I reflect on our time together, and wonder when I will see her again. How old will she be? Will she remember our time together? Having a “little sister” is something to treasure forever and I can only hope I’ve made a positive impact on her. I look forward to seeing her grow and learn and even though I’m sad to leave her, I have no doubts I will see her again, because I don’t believe in “goodbyes”, just “see ya laters”

If I Can...So Can You

Scarred- But Strengthened

"Losing a game is heartbreaking. Losing your sense of excellence or worth is a tragedy."

Joe Paterno

I was 6 years old when I told my Dad I wanted to go to Penn State. Almost two decades ago I made a decision that many high school seniors can’t even make. I can remember that day so vividly; we were driving around in his black Buick heading to the University Creamery on a crisp Fall afternoon. 

I remember gazing at the campus out of the backseat window, to what, at the time, seemed so foreign to me - college life. The campus was unlike anything I have ever seen - it's beauty and peacefulness seemed to calm the most dangerous of storms.

My Dad seemed to regard my abrupt decision as the wandering thoughts of a child, but 13 years later, there we were again, packing my bags, buying my books and shipping me off to The Pennsylvania State University. 

The Pennsylvania State University.

The honor, the pride, the respect I felt being a part of this tradition, this brotherhood- this family. And now, every morning I wake up hoping it is all a dream; hoping the institution I put my trust in, my complete support in, is not actually facing what could go down in history as the worst  sex-scandal of all. Not even sex-scandal, it’s not like Spanier was sleeping with a student, or Joe Pa had a mistress. We are talking about the brutal acts by one sick individual towards innocent and impressionable children; towards our future. 

The actions of one man, the sick, twisted and revolting actions of Jerry Sandusky and the inaction by a few others has led to a damaged reputation of  a cherished and forever-loved university. Penn State is acknowledged as one of the best universities in the world; not just for sports, or for education, but for our research; our humanitarian work, our dedication to improving the world. 

My children, my children’s children will never know the Penn State I used to know - will never understand the Happy Valley I cherished; for its enchantment, its beauty - the complete happiness I felt in my heart as I walked around in my Penn State gear - proud to be a Nittany Lion. 

My heart still belongs to Penn State, I would never turn my back on the place that gave me so many things in life; an education, hope, strength.... 

But what hurts, and I mean I actually feel a stabbing sensation inside - is the betrayal. When I think that for over 13 years, Sandusky was able to abuse children, and no one had the balls to do something about it, not former-DA Ray Gricar, not Tim Curley, not Graham Spanier, not the janitor, Jim Calhoun, not the Centre County police - no one, I get angry, real angry. When I think then-graduate assistant Mike McQueary actually watched Sandusky physically sodomize a young child, and then waited 48 hours to even discuss it with someone, I get mad - I get so mad I want to punch a wall. I’m half the size of McQueary, and if had witnessed something like that, I would have killed the perpetraitor myself. 

These cowards, for whatever reason (and I can’t wait for learn the reasons behind their silence), did nothing to stand up to something so cruel, so in-humane - so completely and utterly wrong. Any human being with any decency would know what choice to make in this decision, the choice is obvious - and the men many of us trusted to protect us, serve our community, and help Penn State grow, didn’t make this obvious choice.

My heart breaks when I think of Joe Paterno. A man who spent his life dedicated to Penn State, not just for football, but for the bettering of our university - 

“Success with honor.”  

He was one man I thought would go down in the history books as a man of success without making the mistakes so many of the great hereos of our time make. 

A clean slate, with no black marks against him.

Yet again, I was fooled.

In my heart, I refuse to believe Paterno had any intention to harm; someone known for having such a good soul, such a good track record, such a love for the Penn State Community for over 50 years would never intentionally try to cover up for Sandusky; I believe he made a mistake, a human-error (yes, Paterno is human despite contrary belief), and this error has cost him more than we could have predicted.

I always wondered how Paterno would end his career. I imagined he would die on the field, right in Beaver Stadium. 

But instead, the tables of destiny have turned, and a hand-delivered note to his home ended in the firing of a living legend.

He admits he should have done more, and trust me when I say, every Penn State alum, fan and supporter wishes the same thing.

Today is 11/11/11...and as I reflect back on all the things I’m thankful for, Penn State comes to mind; I’m grateful for my education, for my experiences, for the opportunities PSU afforded me. I’m blessed. But today, I will not only reflect on my blessings, I will take a moment a reflect on the victims. The real issue to this story.

Penn State will revive itself; the actions of a few men will tarnish us, but not destroy. However, their actions have forever affected the lives of the victims. The young boys whose childhood was stolen from them, their innocence taken and replaced with Nike shoes and football tickets all to compensate for the horrendous actions of, not a man, but a predator. Jerry Sandusky. A sick man who preyed on children, who took advantage of Penn State and our communal love for family.

As time goes on, the wounds will heal.  They always do.  I pray they heal the fastest for those most affected by this tragedy.The pain we all feel for the victims, our school, our Alma Mater will subside in time and I believe the betrayal will vanish as we watch justice being served.  We will fight the war ahead and we will come out stronger, better.

No matter what, we will remained scarred - we will never forget November 7, 2011. But the scars will heal - Penn State University is not one man, it is 700,000 alumni and we will continue to adhere to the tradition we hold close to our hearts “success with honor” . No man, and no man’s actions can ever take that away from us.

Because We Are Penn State.

You Make My Dreams Come True!

Shattered windows, screaming Italians, crying babies.

That’s the type of mayhem I caused in Rome last night as a 15-year-old dream of mine came true.

Howie D, of the Backstreet Boys, (BSB has been my absolute favorite music group for almost two decades), gave ME a live shout-out on the Morning Zoo in State College. Yesterday, my friends PJ and Kelly, and the rest of the Zoo Crew interviewed Howie, and to my complete and utter surprise, PJ told Howie who I was - and not only did he give me a shout out, but he spoke to me in ITALIAN.

Yes, this 23-year-old college grad had heart palpatations, red cheeks, and a giddy, uncontrollable laugh for an hour. Wait, who am I kidding - I’m still laughing uncontrollably!

While living in State College and attending Penn State, I had the opportunity to work and play at the number 1 radio station in Centre County: B94.5. At B94.5, we did it all: from our morning show, to internships, fundraisers, events - you name it, we were involved in it. One of the guilty pleasures of the job came in the wee-hours of the morning as we interviewed celebrities, athletes, and game-changers from all over the world; Hanson, Lauren Conrad, Russell Brand - the list goes on.

But one of the most beautiful things about the job was watching PJ and the rest of the crew help fulfill wishes, and dreams of the little kids and teens listening to our show. Whether it meant tickets to a concert, or a sporting event, or inviting them to come and be live on the air with us, PJ made it come true.

The look in these children’s faces said it all, and even though I’m no child, PJ definitely put one of those smile’s on my face!

I can die a happy girl - BSB knows my name! So thanks PJ and B94.5, you came through in the clutch, and made this little girl happy, even from 4500 miles away!

Check out the interview below (my part comes in around 5:00) and don’t forget to LIKE the Morning Zoo on Facebook!

La Bella Vita

Acting A Bit Crazy

“Non c’e mai grande ingegno senza 

una vena di pazzia”

“There’s never a great genius without a hint of craziness”

It’s true, don’t you think?

Out of the millions of brilliant thinkers that have graced us with their presence, which of them followed all the rules? Which of them took the textbook steps to success? Take a look at Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, President Obama. All young, innovative thinkers who thought “outside of the box”; developed less conventional ideas and with some faith, leaped into the unknown in search of success.

I’m positive their friends and family thought they were crazy at some point. A black man running for the President of the United States; a young college student creating ANOTHER social media site. 

Crazy, absurd ideas.

But look at them now?

We look at Zuckerberg, and we applaud him for his entrepreneuship, or we look at Obama and feel inspired that he accomplished the impossible. 

And their critics are dumbfounded at their success; they can’t figure out how is worked.

Today, I had a great Italian lunch with Bea and her family, and while eating our strawberry tiramisu (assolutamente incredible...proprio), I saw this quote on the container home to this delicious confection. It was yet another subtle reminder to me, as it should be everyone, that a little thinking, planning and a little madness can go a long way. Why not reach for the impossible? Especially if impossible really is nothing.

I think acting a bit mad, amongst a world full of rules is only healthy. No one worth admiring ever followed all the rules. So take your ideas and run with them; do you what you have to do to succeed and make your ideas grow and flourish. If it means moving to Rome, do so, if it means selling everything you have a starting a business, do it. Take a chance, give in to your madness, and embrace your dreams.

You’ll never know what you can accomplish unless you try.

Facebook or Fate?

“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.”

Marcus Aurelius

Facebook. It never ceases to amaze me. 

Mark Zuckerberg is one smart cookie, who is constantly coming up with new ideas and these ideas continuously help advance my level of proscrination, all at the same time! 

It’s amazing. ;)

If you haven’t noticed, currently you can view your past stati (that’s plural for status, just FYI). It’s like an immediate “flash to the past”.

Most of my stati are lame, and I wonder 

“Why would you post that, Marissa?’

But today’s post is slightly less lame, and a bit more eye-opening. One year ago today, I posted on Facebook that I was going back to Italy.  

And here I am, back in Rome. 

I wonder if it’s any indicator of accomplishing your goals, or maybe it’s proof that life is decided by fate? Was I destined to return to Italy? And if so, am I accomplishing all that I am supposed to? 

Who knows, maybe I’ll make another Facebook status and see where it gets me next year.

Theme Song

You know how the time flies

Only yesterday

It was the time of our lives

We were born and raised

In a summer haze

Bound by the surprise

Of our glory days

I associate moments in time, people I meet, and experiences I have with specific songs. As soon as I hear a certain song, it’s as if I’m immediately cadapulted back into that moment. 

I think I may have found the secret to time travelling.

 Whenever I want to relive a moment in time, I choose a song, and my mind races to find the memory. Recently, there has been a moment I’ve been meaning to “find”, but I needed to right song. Well I found that song yesterday as I sipped Italian espresso on the balcony. 

It’s brought me relief, happiness, 

and has brought me to a place of contentment. 

The song is “Someone Like You” by Adele. Give it a listen, maybe it will catapult you to a moment in your life missing it’s “theme song.”

M&M Take Rome By Storm!

“You May Say I’m A  Dreamer, But I’m Not The Only One”
 - John Lennon

Two years ago I spent my summer in State College as a PR intern for the American Red Cross. While there, not only did I develop skills in my field of interest, but I met people who would become staples in my life. 

People I would be able to count on. 

Friends I could trust. 

That summer was a life-changing summer, for many reasons, and I feel blessed with the people who found a way into my life, for I am a better and stronger person because of them today.

Crazy how life comes around full circle

One of my dear friends I made that summer, Michelle, has been a huge part of my life for these past two years. We’ve laughed together, drank way to many Monkey Boys together, cried together, and now, we are working together!

Three weeks ago, Michelle packed up her bags and jumped on a plane to Rome to live with an Italian family and help guide and teach their children.

We both have dreams, dreams to take the PR world by storm someday, and we are both willing to leave our comfort zones and grow. Whether that means living in a foreign country or not, now, I have a dear friend next to me to take Rome by storm. Even if we pay 8 Euro for pictures with fake soldiers :)

Happy Father's Day Papa!

“A Father Carries Pictures Where His Money Used To Be. “

~Author Unknown

I wouldn’t be the person I am today with out the love and support of my dad. Constantly sacrificing his time, energy, and money (I’m expensive) to make sure me and my brother had the best upbringing and most opportunities to learn and grow into intelligent individuals.

From dance recitals to basketball games, he was there.

From prom and semi-formals, to car insurance and vacations, he gave up his own needs, for my wants.

He taught me to appreciate the little things; like a car ride in the country side,or the beauty of “mosying” around. He is truly more Italian than he realizes.

When I was a little girl, he would sing me songs to sleep, often, he made up his own lyrics, my favorite, was: 

“You Are My Sunshine”

“You Are My Sunshine

My Only Sunshine

You Make Me Happy

When Skies are Grey.

You’ll Never Know Dear, How Much I Love You

Please Don’t Take My Sunshine Away.” 

So here’s to you Dad! Thank you for everything you have done for me.

 I hope I can make you proud in everything I do!

 As they say in Italy, “Ti Voglio Bene Papa”

Happy Father’s Day :)

xoxo

In Love With Scooters

“Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.”

-Captain Jack Sparrow

I often speak of the simple beauty of Rome. The magic that surrounds this city. With every step taken on a cobblestone road, and every ancient landmark passed on the way to work, the atmosphere is simply enchanting.

One of my deepest desires, and wishes has been to ride around Rome, touring the city on a motorbike. When I was in Reggio, all my friends and I dreamed of riding a vespa. It’s a fear of mine, but as they say... 

“When in Rome.”   

I love the idea of touring Rome in the open air, 
with the wind in my face (despite realizing I will have major helmet head). I never thought I would get the chance to ride on a scooter through Rome, but yesterday,
 I crossed this wish off my bucket list!

Making a bucket list helped me realize the importance of adventure. Of facing your fears and diving head first into a world of unknown things and territories.

Helen Keller said it best, that
“Life is either a great adventure or nothing”.

I choose a great adventure.

So in the city with horrible, horrible drivers, a lack of respect for the rules of the road,  little cars, angry Romans, and scooters flying in and out of every corner of the city, I chose to hop on the back of a motorbike and conquer a fear.

Safe? That is yet to be determined.

The bike looked a little something like this:

The driver looked similar to this:

I might have seen death flash before my eyes, but, it was all worth it.  A tour around ancient Rome on the back of a scooter driven my own personal Jack Sparrow, I'll take it. 
A simple beauty driving around Ancient Rome, a simple treasure I will cherish.

In Perfect Time

“The best thing about dreams is that fleeting moment, when you are between asleep and awake, when you don't know the difference between reality and fantasy, when for just that one moment you feel with your entire soul that the dream is reality, and it really happened.”

These past two nights, I have had the most vivid and beautiful dreams; filled with people who have affected my life in such a way that just the thought of them warms my heart. I love that feeling, described in the quote above, where I am slowly awakening from my slumber, but my dream is so vivid and real. I believe I could reach out and touch those in my dream. But, they are so delicate, I’m afraid a touch will make them vanish.

Someone once told me a dream is a wish your heart makes.

If that is true, then my heart is wishing for the same thing every night.

When reality sets in, and I realize that beautiful music in the background of my dream is really the annoying “ping” of my alarm clock, I dread opening my eyes. 

But, I know that night after night, I will continue to dream, and my heart will continue to wish, and in all perfect timing, those wishes will come true. And I will no longer have to dream. <3

The Beauty of Italian

Part of my studying today consists of translating a poem from Danielle Steel's novel 'Batte il Cuore' which from what I understand, translates to mean heartbeats. The beauty of this poem is not hard to understand; whether in English, or in Italian...but I gave you both versions - just in case!

Batte il Cuore

Con il suo ritmo e il ticchettio,

chiedendosi che cosa sta facendo,

innocente, dolcissimo, dolci sogni,

battito del cuore

musica cara alle mier orrecchie

una mano da stringere per placare i miei timori

passi amarosi nella notte,

speranze custodite gelosamente

che splendono per sempre,

fulgidissimo amore dono del Cielo,

tenerissima, dolcissima ninnananna

miracolo di piccoli piedi,

scaturito da un unico,

inestimabile battito

che canta una dolcissima canzoncina,

il mio cuore al tuo apparterra sempre,

questo legame definitivo questo vincolo cosi sicuro,

nato del nostro amore, cosi forte e puro,

ora sussurra gentilmente

mentre il piccolo dorme,

il nostro amore sempre vivra`

e mentre la magica 

polvere di stelle si disperde nell’aria,

il mio cuore e per sempre,

in eterno, tuo.

Heartbeats

With its rhythm and the ticking,

wondering, what is it doing,

innocent, sweetness, sweet dreams,

heartbeats

music dear to my ears

a hand to hold to calm my fears

past loves in the night

hopes to treasure

that they shine forever

great love 

a gift from Heaven

tenderness, sweet lullaby

the miracle of small feet

rising from one unique,

priceless heartbeat,

that sings a sweet song,

my heart belongs to yours always

this definite link

this bond so true

born for our love

so strong and pure,

now it whispers kindly while the little one sleeps,

our love will live on forever 

and while the magic of stardust bursts in the air,

my heart is forever,in eternity, yours.

With words as beautiful as this, it is hard for me to not want to speak Italian all day, every day. So as I set a goal to study and learn more and more each day, take the time today to focus on something you want, and set aside time to make it happen. Feel inspired. <3

Sense of Urgency

"So from now on when you think of me, 

just remember that I could have been the best thing you ever had."

Outside of my window, the sun is sending it’s warmth into my bedroom. Somehow, there is a cool breeze today. Quite a relief since I feel like I’m going through the early-stages of menopause!

As I lay in my room, taking in the last few minutes of my siesta, I’m filled with a sense of urgency.

An urgency to do so many things. 

• Learn this language.
• Go on an adventure.
• Fold my laundry....obviously that will wait

This morning, I Skyped with one of my dearest friends back home in DuBois. We were, like usual, complaining about the complexity of the male species. No matter how detailed our conversations get, or how much advice we offer one another, we always seem to come to the same conclusion: men are stupid (ok that's a BIT harsh).

In her case, she has been holding back from expressing herself to someone she has been eyeing up for several months now. No matter what attempts she makes, he seems completely clueless to her feelings. 

As I’m listening to her, trying to relate my experiences to her situation, I came to this sensation, this feeling of urgency; the desire to stop resisting, stop holding back, and begin taking charge. 

I told her she needed to find this sense of urgency I had discovered, and take the “bull-by-the-horns” and go after what she wants.

I said she had to make it known to this person-of-interest how she really feels. In my mind, if she doesn’t at least open up and allow him to know how she feels, she will never know what “might have been.”

My past experiences, past and present relationships, and the like, all could have benefitted from my this advice...my own advice I’m giving to my friend! 

Hopefully, she considers my words, and realizes the sense of urgency in this situation.

This "epiphany" I had this morning helped me draw a conclusion about this complicated world. In order to get what you want in life, you CAN'T sit back and just wish for it, you need to stand up, go out into the world, and get what you want, desire, and deserve the most.

This notion doesn’t just apply to ventures towards the opposite-sex (or same-sex for that matter), it applies to life in general. 

Find urgency within you to accomplish what you want most in life, 

for we only have one life to live.

No regrets.

The Essence of Play

"The Essence of childhood, of course, is play, which my friends and I did endlessly on streets

 that we reluctantly shared with traffic." - Bill Cosby

A room full of toys; stuffed animals, barbies, coloring books. You name it, Bea has it all, somewhere. Toys and gizmos that would most definitely keep a child happy and occupied without a care in the world for days and days.

But I’ve come to realize it’s not the number of toys she has, it’s her imagination that is important. A gift from God that we must never lose - no matter how old and “responsible” we become.

Yesterday, after lunch, I sat at the kitchen table with Bea and watched her create Il Lago di Pasta, or, Lake Pasta. A simple kitchen bowl filled with Winnie the Pooh pasta, water, and Hello Kitty toys. 

Sounds simplistic, as it was, but as I watched her intently, I could almost see the gears in her head turning; she was developing a masterpiece and her imagination was taking her to far off places.  

For a good hour Bea’s creativity soared through the roof and I couldn’t help but smile. The energy surrounding her and her happiness at the simplest task was contagious.

It was then I realized the utmost importance of play. I recall craving long, hot summer afternoons at “Castle Park” with my mom and brother, or running my “Wolf Den” restaurant in the basement of my house. I could be anyone and anything I wanted to be, with a few toys and my imagination, I ran the world and 

accomplished all my dreams.

Through play and imagination we develop our sense of self - what we want to be when we “grow-up”.

If we can make our imaginations become realities at the age of 4, why now, when we are older, can’t we do the same?

I believe we can.

By watching Bea I realize I can let my imagination soar and I can accomplish anything I want. 

A little imagination, a pinch of creativity, and a towel to clean up the mess and we all can find our joys, even if they are as simple as Lake Pasta.