Tuesday, May 25, 2010

food, architecture, and nightlife

Before leaving for Italy, countless people raved to me about the food. The word “fresh” was always used and now after multiple Italian meals, is really the best and only way to describe the cuisine. One would think that after eating an entire cheese pizza topped off with grilled zucchini you would want a wheel burrow to roll you out of the restaurant – This is not the case. The ingredients being real and whole, void of any unnecessary ingredients such as preservatives, leave you feeling energized. Unlike the heavy full feeling you are left with after eating a #2 at In-N-Out.

The architecture here is breathtaking. Every building you walk by is ornate and so different than the next one. I actually find myself holding my breath at times looking up in amazement at the ancient buildings. On Saturday we visited the third largest church in Rome, San Giovanni in Laterano, and I was at a loss for words. I kept looking around in awe only managing to get out the word “Wow.” I had to include a photo of the detailed ceiling; however, pictures really don't do these structures justice.


Nightlife here is definitely an experience in itself. Our first weekend here just happened to be opening day for the summer club "Babel". These are held outdoors and this concept is one of my favorite things about Rome thus far. The weather Saturday night was cool and breezy, perfect for a night out. After grabbing drinks at a pub we headed down the cobblestone streets towards the outdoor party. Walking in heels on cobblestone is quite a challenge, but we survived only taking a few stumbles.

While it has only been three days, I feel like we have been here for weeks already. Every outing has proved to be an adventure in itself and I am excited to write about all of it.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Say What You Need To Say

After spending the weekend surrounded by my amazing girls, I realized how much they will be missed and how truly lucky I am to have such fabulous friends.

After finding out a high school friend had passed, I realized how blessed I am and that I don't say what I need to say often enough.

Regardless of his womanizing reputation and pure doucheyness, John Mayer is a brilliant songwriter (in my "professional" opinion of course). Here is a few lines from "Say" - One of my favorite John Mayer songs:

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You'd better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say

I feel compelled to list a few things that maybe I haven't said yet, but need to:
  • My heart is filled with so much love that I want to give it to anyone that gives me the chance to.
  • I believe in angels. I also believe that Tori, my best friend, is mine. I would be dead if she wasn't in my life.
  • I envy my friends who are continuing their education and know what they want to do in life. I still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up.
  • With that said, I'm so proud of each and every one of them. They continue to amaze me with everything they accomplish.
  • If it wasn't for one of my "exes" I never would have ran my first half-marathon a few weeks ago. Thank you.
  • My father's unconditional love and support got me through my last quarter at UCSB.
  • Tori's mom, Lori, may not be my birth mother, but she is my mom.
  • I miss and love my little sister more than she knows. I pray for her all the time.
  • Rachel gets my ass in gear and inspires me to follow my dreams and heart.
  • My Pop's makes me so proud it often brings me to tears.
  • I learn from each of my friends.
  • Without Jackie's encouragement, I never would have the confidence to start this blog.
  • This last Sunday was spent with my big sis and I had one of the greatest days laughing and bonding with her. I will never forget that day.
  • I am forever grateful for my mother giving me life and for everything she did in my early childhood.
  • I love my family and friends more than they will ever begin to realize.

Say what you need to say.