What I Learned About Me

Lina has talked seriously about returning to Italy and staying there for a while. I'm a bit jealous, I will admit. What a wonderful chapter of her life yet to be written. We talked at great lengths about sacrifices we make and the chances we get. I don't want to trade my life - but MAN what would I do if I had more time and resources! :)

One of the reasons I wanted to take this trip, is because it was the last major thing on my "To Do" list before John and I started our family. I always figured I would get there some day, but finally decided what if that some day never came? I want to live and experience life now! I am so excited that John and I have made the decision to start our family and I am excited about what this chapter means for both of us. I hope that together we raise our children to have a broader appreciation for life outside their little pocket of WNY.

To me, my Italian heritage is such a major part of my personality and upbringing, but I didn't really know what that meant. It was comforting to be in a place where I felt I fit in. It helped me to understand some of the things that have been passed down from my great grandparents - and now I understand the "Whys" to the cultural things we do. I understand where we come from and I relish the passion and joy for life that is inherent in my genes. I don't want to lose that!

The leisurely pace at which Italians savor life is so comforting. Back in the States, when do we ever stop in a coffee shop and drink the coffee at the counter and chat with our fellow coffee drinkers - whether we know them or not? Our lives here are so un-personal. We go to our houses, use drive throughs as much as humanly possible and are missing out on the human interactions that make us - well - human! Why are we always in such a rush? Where are we trying to get to?

Lina and I joked that instead of chasing after the best vacation, we simply let it unfold before us and took the opportunities that presented themselves rather than trying to force it. Things were always right where we needed them to be with out looking! I think at times I try too hard to make everything "perfect".

Drea told me that while it's great to take the pictures, sometimes its good that your camera battery dies - this way you can actually SEE the things you are trying so hard to capture on film. (or memory card)

I really took the time to taste, smell, touch and feel my first Italian vacation. I had the opportunity to reflect on the life that I have built with my loving husband - and realized just how very lucky we are. I can't wait to bring him to Italy. Oh, he will go. I promise you that. There is so much I still want to experience, especially with him by my side.

I feel amazingly blessed to have a partner in life that has not only supported, but encouraged me to maintain my own identity. I know we both make sacrifices, but John is always willing (though sometimes grumbly) to let me explore and experience things. He is a good listener and loves to hear the stories. I hope he knows how much I love and appreciate that about him.

I plan to post more info about the places and things we saw. Post-Italy trip Fun Facts! :)
Ciao for now!