Executive decision...

Since I'm the one who owns and operates this blog spot (well, I don't know if I own it because I didn't pay for it... but I'm the one who manages it!), I made an executive decision to skip my March 1st entry. Why? Justice. See, February 29th gets skipped over three out of every four years and that just didn't seem fair to me... so I wanted the 29th to have a little longer to shine in the limelight. If I was being REALLY fair, I'd have let it have the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd... but I didn't want to be too generous, you know!

Besides that, my internet wasn't working last night when I went to write the blog.

This weekend has been a bit stressful. But at least I'm ALMOST finished with my 8-10 page paper due on Tuesday. Yay!

I've made new friends! My friend Cass's Mom and sister are visiting him for a week. I met them last night when they popped in, asking if they could use my internet access, and then I spent a good portion of today with them doing some touristy stuff after church. Here's a picture of us at the Colosseum:




I've decided something: I LIKE HAVING MOMS AROUND! Actually, I miss having Dads around too... but I think it would be difficult to get my Dad away from the farm, and (if we're being fair), my Mom's never been to Europe, and the last time I was in Europe with a parent it was with my Dad... So I guess it's Mom's turn! I even went to Orbitz.com to see how much tickets would cost to fly Mom over here. I can't go home for a week, and in all reality, I know she'd probably be just as hard pressed to get away for a week, but all these Moms keep coming through here with their daughters... and I guess I just want MY Mommy to come to! It doesn't help that her birthday is coming up... ;-) I admit, it crossed my mind to try to call my sisters and grandparents and Dad to see if we could all put money towards the ticket ($747!). BUT, there's a chance my parentals and some of the siblings might come next Christmas, so I guess I can wait that long. And I will get to see both my parents in June, which isn't so far away. Especially considering how this semester is FLYING!

I went for a walk last night (I'd been in the house writing a paper most of the day) and I took some fun night-time photos. Don't worry, I stuck to the well-lit areas where there are lots of people. I had my tennis shoes on too, so I could run away from any bad guys!




This is my "I'm a big, tough, haybale-bucking farm girl, so don't mess with me!" look. I employ it frequently!




A fountain by the Vittorio Emmanuelle II monument (aka: the wedding cake). That's Italy's flag on the flag pole... there wasn't any wind to work with, though.




The top of the stairs I ran up and down 3 times to get some good aerobic exercise without having to leave the touristy area and still wearing my chic jacket... :-)




This is on a main road heading towards the Colosseum. I saw some people running out to the center of the road to snap a picture, but I wasn't that stupid... errr, brave!

Pictures

Since my Mom is bound to start clamoring for some pictures, I thought I'd provide a pleasant surprise for when she next stops by... Enjoy!

Stopover in Colorado to visit my sister (and meet the gentleman in her life!)


our little Roman "family" reunites. L-R Roommates Ellen and Clara, with our friend Alex



The wonders of the printing press... My book list for this semester



The beauty of Rome


This is what I call "Streaming Sunlight in St. Peters"


I have yet to actually buy anything from this store, but it's my favorite sign to walk past! :-)


My new kitchen full of new friends!


Birthday celebration #1: Crepe Night

Presents for Birthday celebration #2

New Pics!

Here's some new photos... Enjoy!

I love surprises! :-)

The makings of Illuminate Me

In Luzern last summer

My siblings with my cool cousin Reid!

I think this one looks artsy or something... :-)

Heather is all dressed up purdy in this pictures, and I'm in my pajamas... go me! :-)

Snow pictures!

Oh, and here's some picts from the snow photo shoot!



Naturally occuring popsicles!




"Illumination"




"Is that SNOW I see?"



I'd just thrown a snowball.....

Hey everyone! I doubt anyone actually checks this anymore, but when I eventually go someplace else, and I'm using this blog again, it'll be here for your enjoyment! Anyhow, I got Gma's pictures onto my computer finally, so I am capable of uploading them on to here. Maybe they'll add a bit of a visual perspective to the trip! See you!

Auntie Cherille and Grandma at the Vatican

Val crosses a street in Pompeii

At the Trevi Fountain in Rome

Sunburned after the Cinque Terre !

A bunch of girls hanging out in one of the most beautiful cities (Venice! :-) ).

The girls caught in the downpour.

Before the storm on Lake Como

Auntie Cherille and I DURING the storm on Lake Como

Val and the wine distributor

Val and the sight from the cog train in Switzerland - beautiful! Both of them!

Welcome to Luzern!

With some of Val's family

12.8.2006

OK, so, I lied! Of course, I can't finish off this blog without adding pictures! Here's a few - I'll probably add some more in the next couple days!






















Living History Museum in Kiel



















Val, Heather and me on a train


















Ancient Roman Ruins (That's the remains of Caesar's Temple directly behind our heads)



















Looking out over the water from the Palazzo Reale in Pompeii



















Heath and me in front of Culzean Castle, Scotland