Occupy Rome....Not So Peaceful

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Teresa

Italy, the home of cobblestone roads, ancient landmarks, tiny cups of espresso and an endless supply of cheese. Home to quiet afternoons, and evenings filled with Aperol Spritz and homemade pizza. The home of neautrality and peace - or so it seemed.

Since living here, I discovered, the hard way, the biggest danger in Rome - being robbed. Being robbed is no fun, but from my experience and knowledge, it beats the haneous crimes we see in America.

My opinion was changed over the weekend as I saw a “peaceful manifestation” or protest, turn into violent and destructive behavior. This peaceful occupation, organized for thousands of cities all over the world, was supposed to replicate the one occuring on Wallstreet in New York City. Instead, the “Black Bloc” as is was so bluntly named, was not just a group of protesters dressed in black walking the streets of Rome, it was ticking time bomb, ready to explode. There is an estimated 1.4 million dollars of damage done to the ancient streets of Rome; cars were burned, police vehicles attacked, and buildings set in flames. 

At this time, I’m slightly shocked at the behavior from the young Italians, but when the government won’t listen or make changes, it makes me wonder what the appropriate action should be. What should the people do? 

This doesn’t just go for the Italians, this goes for all countries experiencing separation between the people and their government.

When peaceful protests are heard only as a whisper, does violence and destruction create action, or will it just cause more distance between the government and it’s people?

Below shows the evidence of the destruction from October 15.

*Photos courtesy of Time online...

click on the link for full album Time: Occupy Goes Global

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.”

No Second Chances

"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, 

Love like you'll never be hurt, 

Sing like there's nobody listening, 

And live like it's heaven on earth." 

— William W. Purkey

As we work our way through our own story, we learn many lessons; difficult lessons that harden our hearts and turn us off from the beauty of the world surrounding us. Lessons which form us as we grow. We learn the people who weren’t ever supposed to let us down, let us down. You will have your heart broken and you'll most likely break others' hearts. You'll cry with your best friend because time is flying by, you’ll fight with your best friend, and maybe, you’ll even fall in love with them. 

But time is to precious. So learn to live the time that is given to you.

I vow too take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like I've never been hurt. Because this life of ours comes with no guarantees, no time outs, no second chances.  

Make a vow to tell someone what they mean to you, even if it hurts. When someone hurts you, tell them off, speak out, stand up for yourself. 

Vow to dance in the sand, and dance in the pouring rain, hold someone's hand, and comfort a friend.  Fall asleep watching the sun come up, stay up late, be a flirt, and smile until your face hurts.  

Don't be afraid to take chances. Don’t be afraid to fall in love. Don’t be afraid to fail.  So keep smiling. Keep trudging forward.

Because to live is rare, most people just exist. 

I Wish I Was On "Thomas the Train"

“Nothing is a waste of time 

if you use the experience wisely.” 

~Auguste Rodin

Too bad Thomas The Train isn't real...

Sunday night, after a perfect weekend in Reggio celebrating my birthday with my friends, I thought nothing could go wrong.

I was floating on cloud 9 from my happiness.

Then I woke up to the frantic sound of my friend's voice...

It was 5:45 in the morning, we had slept peacefully throughout the entire evening in our sleeper cabin; door locked tight, baggage secured, my purse wrapped around my head.

Michelle’s voice caused me to jump out of my bed.

“Marissa,” she said, “there were two men in our room, and they took my wallet.”

My heart stopped immediately. 

The other women in our cabin woke up. And started to panic.

So many questions went running through my mind.

How did they get in? What did they take?

Where did they go? Where was MY purse?

I rushed out of my cabin, ready to track down the thieves. My purse, which was wrapped around my head had been taken right from underneath me. Michelle’s wallet had been stolen, and a women’s briefcase was missing. 

“They would not get away with this,” I thought. 

But, there was a staggering feeling in my 

heart that  it was an impossible mission.

More and more people began waking up, all of the cabins had been broken into. The train stewards were on their phones, calling the police and searching for our things. 

Thankfully, my purse was found under a bed, everything intact, except for my phone. My body let out a big sigh of relieft when I saw my black purse in Michelle’s hands. And she let out a big cry when her wallet was uncovered stashed away in the bathroom, everything intact except 125 Euro.

For a thirty minutes, I panicked for the first time while living in Italy. I felt completely lost, without any clue on what to do. How could I have not woken up to someone breaking into our cabin, taking my purse from underneath me?

I was angry. Upset. Scared.

We could never properly identify the thieves, Michelle had only seen them leaving our room. And as the the train stopped in Rome, it was impossible to search everyone.

With good fortune, a phone and a few hundred Euro is nothing to be too strongly upset over. They are just material things. But the idea of having strangers so close to me as I lay sleeping is a feeling I would not like to experience again. 

We’ve been warned over and over again about the safety precautions to take when traveling, no matter where we go. 

But never did I imagine a locked door on a train guarded by stewards would be broken into.

Lesson learned. Lesson never to be forgotten.

I think I’ll carry my mace with me every where I go, and sleep with one eye open.

Birthday Wish

“No one else can ever make your choices for you. Your choices are yours alone. They are as much a part of you as every breath you will take, every moment of your life.” - Dr. Shad Helmstetter

For the second year in a row, I will celebrate my birthday in Italy. For many, a birthday is a day of celebration, filled with friends and family and cake (for me, gelato!). This Saturday, I’ll turn the lonely and highly-forgettable 2-3.

Forgettable - ironic since my word  is UNforgettable....

It’s that famous line “...Nobody loves you when your 23...”

Although I’m excited for my birthday, it will require time of reflection on my part - to look back and recall specific moments in time where I had to make choices; choices that have made me who I am today. 

Why do I have to do this? Since I live in the present, and not the past?Because the choices I have made have formed my persona and my current being. The choices I will make in the future need to be the right choices; thought-out with careful consideration and examined with a fine-tooth comb. No doubt I will falter along the way, we all do. Afterall, we are just human.

I think it’s important that we all take time to ourselves to reflect on the choices we make in life. 

Not for regreat, but for examination and understanding.

Every day I wonder if I made the right choice moving to Rome after graduating. And every day, when Bea learns a new word in English, or when we are swimming in the pool and she gives me an unexpected hug, or kiss, any doubt in my mind is wiped away. 

I’m having a positive impact on the growth of a child, and the joy in my heart could burst it wide-open when I see the excitement in her eyes, or hear that laugh of hers. 

How could this decision not have been the right one? How chould this choice not impact me in a positive way, especially since I am having a positive impace on someone else? This may not be a “real” job, but it’s a choice I made, and I will treat it delicately and act accordingly until my time is up. 

It’s no secret that choosing our path in life is a difficult and sleep-depriving task. But, I believe that the choices I have made up until now have only helped me to grow and gain knowledge and wisdom. 

So come Saturday, when I blow out my candles and devour my gelato, I will make a wish, a wish for my future. I will not be a “forgettable” 23-year-old, I will be unforgettable to everyone around me, and with careful consideration, the next chapter in my story will be a choice only I can make. And no matter what that choice is, I will be a stronger person because of it.

If It Makes You Happy

“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure”

~ Peter Marshall

I’m sure there is some cosmic rationale as to why finding the “right answers” to life are so difficult. Some people rely on faith to point them in the right direction, some rely on family to tell them what’s “best”, others rely on the natural process; finish high school, graduate from college and grad school, get a job... then marriage, a house, kids...etc.

But I can’t help if I feel life is not just a “process”. The legal system is a process, losing weight is a process, learning a new language is a process. But, in my opinion, life is not about the destination, but more about the journey.

Every day I feel the pressure to pick my “next step.” This Peter Pan advice is handed out so easily; family, friends. They think they are only helping me, offering me suggestions. The suggestions are getting old, the advice is repitive and cumbersome. 

But please don't forget, this is not your life to live, it's mine. I have to make these decision carefully and cautiously, but also, with my happiness in mind.

Maybe I’m failing; I graduated from Penn State in 3.5 years with a 3.87 GPA. I worked in all areas of Communications, networked, broadened my horizons. And I chose to move to Rome to teach English.

Why? Because my mind, body and soul told me too.

Every road pointed to Rome, and when nothing else manifested, my direction returned to Rome.

I’ve always known what I wanted. 

Always.

When I was 6, I told my Dad I would go to Penn State University. When I was 12, I told myself I would start varsity basketball my sophmore year of high school. When I wanted to learn Italian, I told myself I would - and I did. 

I’m a go-getter. And when my mind, body and soul knows what it wants - nothing can stop me.

I’m feeling the pressure. Just like any 23 yr.-old trying to figure out her next step. But if something makes me happy, it can’t be that bad, right?

No worries though, I'm not failing.
I’ll figure it out. 

I know I’ll figure it out, in the right time, at the right place.

I Love You...Goodbye

Ti Amo Sempre....Addio

I wanted a perfect ending.  Now I've learned that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle or end.

But how lucky am I to have had something 

so hard to say goodbye too?

Sometimes you have to let the ones you love the most be free. 

Letting go... that’s when love hurts the most of all. 

But when it hurts, you know it was real.

It’s weird when you know the end of something great is coming. 

You want to hold on, just for one more second 

just so it can hurt a little more. 

But now, the pain is too much to bear.

You see colors no one else can see, and because of your love, you gave me more to live for than you'll ever know. 

You will remain in my heart per sempre.

I love you...goodbye.

Girls - We Run This World

“It takes a woman twenty years to make a man of her son, and another woman twenty minutes to make a fool of him.” 

~Helen Rowland

You should never under-estimate the power of women. Behind our big smiles, mascara and hairspray, there is a strong, intelligent being who can see right through any act a person may portray.

The ego of a man is intriguing to me. I would love to be a fly on the wall in a men’s locker-room, or inside a frat house on the day of a football game. I want to hear what they say, watch how the behave, and understand their thoughts on females.

Friday night, Mr. “Model” thought he had me played; he thought he had an American ‘fool’. He spoke of religion and politics, with a worldly view on education and the like. 

But being brilliant is not great accomplishment if you lack respect towards people.

The disrespect he showed towards me and my friend Friday night has me boiling inside; I’m angered, frustrated and beyond hurt that someone could treat another human being so rottenly.

But, in the end, we won. And like usual, good prevailed over evil.

So as Meggie and I were cozy in our rooms, and he was sleeping under a bush, his model-esque persona transformed into a lonely, sick, and  immature boy without a home and nowhere to go.

Who's the fool now?

If anything, this should be a lesson to all. Always follow that simple, yet perfect Golden Rule. And NEVER, EVER mess with two highly educated females - you will not win, 'cause we run this world :)

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

Fulfilling Our Dreams

 Who ever says dreams don't come true? 

A dream is a wish your heart makes...and believe me, I'm a perfect example of conquering your fears and fulfilling your dreams, as is my friend Travis! 

On one of our final days together in Reggio last summer, Travis and I stood on a balcony over looking the sea, and the beautiful beach of Scilla.

Together, we promised each other we would return to Italy.

On Saturday, our promise to one another came true!

We both have returned to Italy; venturing off onto two different paths, but our promises, our dreams, came true.

I was thrilled to be with him in Rome. It was nice having a familiar face around! We ate Italian food, drank some wine (and some more wine), traveled around Piazza Venezia, and finished our evening eating gelato in front of the Pantheon...

The beauty of Italy is something we both treasure.

I’m excited for his adventures, and although we are missing many links to our Summer 2010 group, the memories remain in our heart, and on our minds constantly!

The Simple Joy of A Child

“If you carry your childhood with you, 

you never become older.” 

Tom Stoppard, Brittish Playwright 1937

I was blessed as a child to have a loving family dedicated to bringing me joy and happiness every day. My childhood was filled with many memories of happy, joyous days; trips to the park and to my grandma’s house, Disney shows on ice, weekends in Pittsburgh, Christmas celebrations, birthday parties...the list goes on. 

Even as I grew older, my brother and I knew we could always count of our parents to support us and to this day, they continue to give us the world. 

Childhood is a precious time in every life, and I’m beginning to realize that even more as I interact with a young child every day. I see the happiness the simplest things bring her; like a coloring book, or freshly-picked flowers from the side of the road.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all have the joy a young child feels day in and day out? As I watch Bea play, and tell stories to her parents, I’m immediately filled with happiness just seeing her smile.

This morning, I had Bea all too myself as her mom is in Texas and her dad had to fly to Milan this morning. Since she is so young, I know the sadness she feels when she wakes up and neither of her parents are here to greet her, but with patience and warm milk, her sadness evaporates to happiness (eventually).

As people grow older, and responsibilities mount - schedules to maintain, work to complete, bills to pay, many find it increasingly difficult to maintain a positive and optimistic outlook. For me, a warm and happy personality suits me, but I worry that as I get older, I will fall into the same routines that many people I know have fallen into - and their happiness is sacrificed for these ‘routines’.

This thought scares me. I never want to lose the joy I feel in my heart every morning when I wake up (even if I’m crabby and need 3 coffees to get my brain firing). I never want to lose the sparkle in my eyes, the same sparkle I see in Bea, or the carefree smile that overcomes me when my heart is about to burst.

I think it is important to interact with children, and see the simple joy of their happiness. It helps me realize that no matter what stresses we feel, or insecurities we have, if we take a few minutes everyday to enjoy life like a 4-year-old, we would have much more joy and innocence in our lives.

So that is what I strive for, and will continue to strive for - I want to carry the happiness I felt as I child, and am reminded of when I watch Bea, every where I go. And I think you should do the same! Stop and pick some wild flowers, or spend a day coloring - I promise your heart will thank you!

Four Weeks

“We don't have an eternity to realize our dreams, 

only the time we are here.”

It’s hard to believe, but an entire month has passed by since I packed my bags and headed through security at Philadelphia International. I was seeking out a dream; a wish my heart, mind and soul had craved for months and months and months.

In one month, I can honestly say I have learned so much; not only the fundamentals of a foreign language, but the difficulty of teaching a child, the strength of Italian espresso, what NOT to wear (including bathrobes), but, most importantly, I have learned a lot about myself. 

I’ve discovered strength; strength to get up every morning knowing that I have to challenge myself to adapt to a completely different culture.  Living out of my comfort zone is hard, but I’ve always liked a good challenge.

I have learned patience (and am still learning); I realize I need patience to successfully help Beatrice grow and learn, as well as developing patience while learning this language (I expected to be fluent in two weeks).

I have learned admiration; how to step back and admire the beauty of God’s creations. I know how to slow down and take in a sunset, or walk around the ruins of Ancient Rome and feel the power and magic they possess. I realize there is much more to life than the chaos I have experienced in my past. By stopping to smell the roses, I can enjoy life’s simple pleasures (and I save money too).

I have discovered loneliness; I live with a wonderful family, I’ve made friends, but I am on my own and lacking the security I had at home. But with this revelation, I seek the goodness and love that surrounds me day-to-day and I realize with time, this sensation will disappear.

Four weeks; it’s not a lot of time, but if I have learned this much in a month, I can’t wait to see where the next 5 months take me.