Sometimes Bliss = Cookies

Here you go Ellie, finally I'm writing on my blog again!

It's almost been a month since I've been here, and I can hardly believe it. Time is going way too fast, but I'm having the time of my life! I have to remember not to take any of this for granted even though I have a routine here. I still cherish every moment cause I know in two short months I'll have to say "see ya later" to it all.

Easter weekend here is incredibly busy. The amount of tourists walking around was unreal, but I had about three different ones come up to me asking for directions so that was definitely a confidence booster.

When I arrived I was so nervous that I was coming here all alone, but now I realize it was the best thing I could've done. The social butterfly side to me has definitely come out more, I've made so many new friends, and I get so excited to meet new people everyday.

Before I left I always hated hugs (sorry Mom) and any kind of human contact honestly. But after living here and pretty much hugging and kissing every person on the cheek, I can finally give my mom the proper hug she's been asking for since my early teens. Once I return be prepared for a hug long enough to make up for lost times, Mom.

Food food food food...

There are these chocolate cookies here called Pan di Stelle. I buy a family sized bag every week cause I'm completely addicted to them. Since I don't want to gain 50 lbs I figured I should have some sort of self restraint. Since I would not even hesitate to down every single one of these delectable cookies in one sitting, I decided that when I first open the bag I am only allowed to eat the broken ones. But now I find myself "accidentally" dropping the bag in the store, and then placing all the heavy cans on top of the cookies in the grocery bag.....so my self restraint has flown itself straight out the window.

I won't even tell you guys how many pizzas I've eaten here, it's too embarrassing.

Also, Andrea and Anthony, I think every single person in Rome knows that I have a new nephew back home, since I usually bring it up in every conversation with every person I talk to. I also, against their will, show them approximately 20 pictures of him. #ProudAuntie

So glad to hear the snow has finally melted back home! I asked God to send the warmth from here to there so thank Him for that.

A presto e tanti baci!!

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Finding Myself

I've always wondered what the phrase "find yourself" meant. There are no maps, GPS's, or compasses that will help you. You won't just walk down the street and see a big wooden box stamped with the letters "YOURSELF" on it. It doesn't work like that, but I think that's what makes life interesting. It's all trial and error. Unlike many things in life, "yourself" is something that you finally have complete and utter control over. No one can interfere unless you give them consent.

I was always rushing to find out what I want to do, where I want to live, who I want to marry, how many kids I want to have, etc. I could bore you with lists of all the things that have gone through my mind. Instead, I have to take a step back, remember why I'm here on this earth, and take it one step at a time.

Ok, sentimental part of this post is over.

ROME. My goodness I wake up every morning and just thank God that I've been given the opportunity to do this. That is, unless, I'm awaken by the Italian lady next door who decides to yell (what my guess is Italian profanities) at precisely midnight and 6:00am...But just give me 10 minutes in the morning to stop being angry at her, and then you can bet at 6:10am on the dot I am thanking God for all of this.

The city is beautiful, the streets are beautiful, you could see a leaf on the street and I'd probably describe it as beautiful. I don't know how the people ever get used to this. Even if I lived here for 10 years I feel like I'd still be bringing a camera with me everywhere just in case I needed to take a picture. Every walk seems like a new history lesson, and I feel like I have never learned so much in five days.

I had my first Italian class yesterday, and it was perfect. There is a Russian, Chinese, Korean, Canadian, Swahilian, and French person in the class. Talk about a diverse group, huh? We spend the first two hours working on Italian grammar, and the next two hours on solely conversation. None of us are allowed to speak our native languages, only Italian, so my brain starts to hurt by the 4th hour. I wouldn't trade it for anything though.

I feel like I need to go-go-go when touring the city, but I've now learned to slow down and take it day by day. I know I'll appreciate it much more in the end because I'll truly have experienced everything to the fullest. I have a whole list of places that I want to visit so I can't wait to put up all the pictures. Tomorrow I believe I'm headed to the Pantheon, so pictures will be up very soon!

Arrivederci!

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