the last day in el paso

How exciting guys?!? I'm sitting here @ work still in complete disbelief that in less than 24 hrs we will be on that flight to Rome.I feel as if though I'm useless here @ work my mind is totally not here where its suppose to be. I'm way to busy jotting down things to take, making a checklist, etc etc. This weekend I got my euros, got th re adapter, bought things I needed splurged a bit on a few girl items. :) I also been hanging out w my family n friends just enjoying their company creating memories. Alrighty huns this marie signing out ciao !

Just thinking...

Does anyone else feel the way I feel about this???
      So as I am preparing to leave for this trip, I obviously have to make arrangements from my jobs and taking care of my dogs, etc etc. News travels fast, and I feel like the more people find out that I am leaving the more my list of " you better bring me something back" gets longer and longer. As it is I am a poor college student (depending on the scholarship $$$ just to feed myself)  and they think that I am this little rich girl that can afford to bring everyone and their grandma something back. I obviously can't afford to bring something back for everyone, if I could I would without any hesitation. I am feeling a little torn like who I am suppose to bring back souvenirs for (my immediate family and close friends is a given)  and how do I come back and not feel guilty or see their disappointed look on their face when I didn't bring them something back. you guys know what I mean jelly beans??!?!? This reminds me of a conversation I had with a group of friends all males may I add... ne way I got upset about something because I was assuming/expecting something from someone and when they did not come through I obviously got upset so there I was having my annoyed faces being your typical girl and my friend just got tired of it and he told me that I was wrong the entire time, I should NEVER assume anything, Y? because the minute I do its like I am setting myself up for some kind of disappointment. In the end, I learned that to never expect or assume anything from anyone or anything (of course there are circumstances where you have to but only when necessary) just let things be and you'll find more surprises that way and less quarrels and frustration that truly is not necessary.

Thursday's class

I couldn't help but feel excited and a little overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. I am getting this feeling of paranoia like I am going to forget something significant not to mention the thought that I could get picked pocketed! Though I feel that I will always remain cautious I am sure that I will have moments where I will let my guard down and BAM! my stuff gets stolen NOOOOOO!!! Anyway I really do hope that we all get along and create friendships that will continue after our journey.

Day 3 of class

Yesterday in class we discussed a poem about a pyramid that was built in remembrance of a man and his friends. The poem reminded me of that saying about how when somebody dies they become more famous such as philosophers and great scientists. We also discussed popes, in my opinion I am not to fond of popes especially since we read how "evil" they are. I really dont want to get into the subjet of religion.

Roman People and Short Poems

Mondays class brought to light that my image of Rome was not what I thought it would be. Rome is not full of romance and beauty but of war and "novella" drama. Like every other country Rome too has its heros and battles such as Romulus, the founder of Rome or the war of the slavery revolt. At the end of the class, I actually did learn a lot about Rome and only made me that much more excited to experience the city and make my own judgements.

Tuesdays class we read 2 poems that were a bit difficult but as we dissected the poem piece by piece it became fun. I loved Arlene's "i dont know card" I do the same except I just make note of it in my mind I should probably jot it down so I wont forget. But anyway after dissecting the poems I enjoyed what the author was depicting, a beautiful nostalgic image of what was once a lavish room full of life but has been engulfed by destruction and bad weather. It reminds me of the saying, " a man's garbage is another man's treasure." Every person has a place they love because of the memories or feelings they have when they refer to that place. My special place is Ruidoso, NM throught the years it has been deteriorating by the rain or the mines that were blown up. But to me I will always remember it being beautiful, lush, and green. Anyway whats with this Rick Steves guy, lol?!!!??! I love his facial expressions they make me laugh. He reminds me of Mr. Bean for some reason. In the end hes alright he entertains me, he makes me enthusiatic to go to Rome and find the mosaic decor and scultpures that were shown in his videos.  

Journal Entry #14 - "To Charlotte von Stein, 13-16 December 1786

This journal entry gave me the impression that a man was looking for something or an answer in Rome. They thought they figured out whatever it was they were looking for but a bump on the road has come along (the note) and the person feels lost like they were never on the right path. Suddenly, the person realizes that maybe he should just let things be and let things happen as they come and stop looking.

Hmmm.... what will my days look like during the meetings we will be having before we leave?....My schedule is pretty flexible like our classmate Vero, I too work at the county jail during the weekends which pretty much allows me to be free during the week. I have a second job but it is a flexible job they are always willing to work with my school schedule, the spring semseter would be over therefore it would be giving me more free time... I suppose I would just prepare things and run any errands before we leave.
What will I experience for the first time on this trip to Rome? Well for starters I've only traveled within the states and Mexico. Secondly, this flight will be my first really long dreadful flight ( I am terrified of flying). The closer it gets to departure the more nervous I get about the flight :/ but I just keeping telling myself that this fear of mine is worth the stress this is an awesome opportunity that I know I will never regret :) And finally I feel like this experience is going to change something in my life I'm just not sure exactly what but I just have a hunch.