Rome is long behind us. We miss breakfast with our new friend Enzo and the fruit from Campo de Fiori, but another whole set of experiences has been awaiting us here. Florence has welcomed us and kept us running with tours, lectures and a trip into the Tuscan hillside to the home of Elaine Poggi, the founder of the Foundation of Photo/Art in Hospitals. We still have another lecture, a trip to Siena and San Gimignano, a cooking class AND a Tuscan bike tour...before we leave on Monday for Venice.
But let's go back to Monday's trip to Banfi! Talk about an amazing place with an amazing story. Banfi is a privately owned winery. It is owned by two Americans and has a great family history. They own 7000 continuous acres. Banfi has 27 different wines they produce. The top wines that they sell can cost upwards of $80 a bottle. The grapes for these top wines are hand picked by Banfi workers. They are then hand sorted and then computer selected to ensure top quality wine is made. Our tour of the winery was fantastic. We got to see from where the grapes are dropped off to the cellar where all the wine stored in barrel after barrel after barrel.
Once we were done with the tour, we headed up to the castle to have lunch. We enjoyed a three course meal. First we enjoyed a selection of Tuscan cured meats with a glass of Pinot Grigio. The second course was lasagnetta au gratin on tomato sauce with a glass of Belnero (not my favorite of the wines....too dry for me). Lastly, we enjoy a delicious dish of roast pork with rosemary flavored potatoes. The wine selection for the third course was Brunello di Montalcino. A lovely red wine...but I must say the Pinot Grigio was my fave!
After eating all the food, we had the opportunity to wander on the grounds of the castle. The rolling hillside made for some great pics. I am not afraid to lay on the ground to get the picture I want (and I have been laughed at several times for it). I love the pictures I was able to get. Such a beautiful place. Another must see spot for those thinking of touring Italy.
The rest of the trip into Florence was spectacular. There is something magically about the hillside. It calls out, "Come explore my beauty. Bring your camera. Get lost in this slice of heaven." Huge trees entwined with vines...with colors so vibrant and rich. As I posted before, a camera cannot capture it's true beauty (especially in a bus traveling quickly down the road).
By the time we finally got to Hotel California in Florence, we were all exhausted. We quickly met with the director of the Accent Center here, Michelangelo, or the "Steven of Florence". He helped get us all set up in our hotel, gave us maps and the itinerary for the rest of the trip. Then we all fell into our rooms and promptly passed out.
Tuesday morning was a short walking tour with Fraya, our tour guide. Great woman. She's an Australian living in Italy, who has extensive knowledge of art history. We had a little mix up about how long the tour was suppose to be and as a result, we were late to our luncheon with Elaine. We had the pleasure of taking two buses to get to Elaine's. At the last bus stop, we were greeted by Elaine's son, daughter, and friend's of theirs who took us up to Elaine's beautiful house. She prepared quite the feast for us. I ate the first course and then her flowers were calling to my camera....I couldn't help myself. I totally missed out on the pastas because there was do much beauty in all of her flowers. She also has numerous lemon trees surrounding her patio. Wait until you see the size of them.
Our time at her house was much too short. We were disappointed that we needed to say goodbye. I am hoping to interact with her more before the trip is over and/or when we return to the States. By three, we were heading back into the city to listen to a lecture on how art changed after the black plague. As health educators, we would have loved to learn more specifically about the plague and how the community was changed because of it. The lecture was rather dull.
By the end of the day, we again were exhausted. Kristen, Dana and I decided to stay in for the night. We shopped at the grocery store, where we bought day old bread, olive oil, some cheese, cherries, strawberries and some salami. We sat out on the patio to enjoy our cheap dinner.
Florence has not been my favorite place. I have not seen many Italian in this place. I think I have seen more people of Asian decent here than any other ethnicity. It really is a town of tourists. The roads here are more confusing than those we experienced in Rome. It feels more compact than Rome. Florence does have a healthy population of bicyclists, more so than moped drivers. However, they will run you over....so be prepared to run if you are in a crosswalk.
I guess that brings me to today's tour. The first stop of the day was Accademia, where we got to see the David. Absolutely magnificent! Truely a masterpiece! To slowly walk around it and to just take in it's details....wow! His expression changes from when you look from the front, to getting a side view. To phantom the tools Michelangelo needed to create the David is mind blowing. Just think of the tools we can readily use today...none of those were available to a genius like Michelangelo. Fraya said that Michelangelo didn't feel as if he created the statues. He was very spiritual and felt that God guided him to carve statues that were already in the marble.
Our second stop was Spedale delgi innocinti, an orphanage that was built by the silk makers guild. The architecture of this place was awesome. The arches were perfect half circles. The columns were spaced out with the same dimensions all the way around. Perfect squares. Wonderful artwork and interesting history about how babies were dropped off and the wet nurses that cared for the babies were all included in the story that went with the tour.
Our time with Fraya ended at the oldest pharmacy in existence in Florence. We then had a couple hours to ourselves before we had to be back to the Accent center for another lecture. Five of us went to the travel agency to get our train tickets for our return trip from Venice to Rome on June 1 and 2. It will be a LONG travel day, but we get to take the train overnight from Venice. We have compartments to sleep in and keep our stuff safe. It will be yet another adventure.
Thursday, we are headed to the Careggi Hospital to tour the geriatric ward. We are meeting Elaine there for the tour. I'm sure we will hear more about the importance of art and photos in hospitals from her. It's going to be a great day.
Ciao until then!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Traveling into the countryside
As I start this post, we are traveling from Rome to Banfi. The buildings of Rome have given way to rolling hillsides. Who knew there were so many shades of green. The trees and shrubs that cover these hillsides are such a dark green, dotted with the occasional shade of yellowish-green. The horizon is filled with one tree covered mountain after another. Workers can be seen working in the fields, be it planting or making hay. A view of the Mediterranean and all of it's ships made this girl long for home and Lake Superior I'm experiencing sensory oveload. Words cannot express the view and pictures will not capture the true beauty of this ride...
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Discovered Heaven in Rome!
On Saturday, we had the day to ourselves. Kristen, Cayla and I had every intention of making it to the Spanish Steps AND the Trevi Fountain. Steven from the Accent office suggested that we check out the wonderful garden at the top of the Spanish steps. We thought we'd go check that out. Little did we know that this little garden was NOT so little!
We climbed the 135 steps to the top of the Spanish Steps and went in search of Villa Boughese. Just outside of the garden, we had a view of the entire city. We then spent the next four hours wandering around the garden! Simply...unbelievable. Nature at it's finest. Huge trees, plenty of grassy areas to sit on for hours reading a book, fountains, places for kids to play soccer or cricket, a pond to take a rowboat ride in, flowers to photograph, a cinema, wildlife, and so much more.
There was even a ZOO. We spent the afternoon at the zoo in Rome. What an opportunity! We saw many of the same things we see in American zoos, such as monkeys, elephants, giraffes, lions and tigers and bears...oh my! In one of the buildings at the zoo, there was a exhibit on water and how we need to conserve it. A few of the posters in the exhibit were done by kids, who not only had creative ways to conserve water, but also stressed the importance of water in our world.
It was a REALLY long day! We never made it to the Trevi Fountain. By the time we left the zoo, we were in total diva status. We were in need of some good food....well, any food! Pizza was quick, easy and amazingly good as usual. Back in our room, we decided that we would get up at 5:30 AM and head to the Trevi Fountain to get some early morning pictures.
Well...............those plans didn't work! Either the alarm didn't go off or we totally missed it. We didn't get up until 10. I guess we needed the sleep. Felt great to sleep in...although I do miss my bed, pillows and snoring moose! =) We did make it to the fountain and of course, we threw in our coins. Like so many other fountains we have seen in Rome, the sculptures are astounding. Perhaps, we'll make it back before nightfall. However, this afternoon, we had a thunderstorm roll through.
On Monday, we journey to Florence. We will first spend the day at Castello Banfi winery, which was the first winery in the world to be internationally recognized for exceptional environment, ethical and social responsibility. Dr. Tornabene says our tour will focus on safety and health in the workplace.
I am leaving Rome with more questions than answers. The public safety/volunteer force within me is strong right now.
I want to know if they have volunteer fire departments or paid departments and what type of training these firefighter receive. This city has so many Smart cars. What types of training are available, especially when it comes to extricating people.
Also, with as much water as there is in this city, where are the sprinkler systems for buildings? My hotel has no sprinklers.
What types of fire prevention are taught to kids?
Is there a public safety division? What is included under the scope of public safety ( fire marshal, law enforcement, traffic safety)?
Do they have a program such as Juvenile Firesetters for kids who get caught starting fires?
Are there laws here similar to the Ted Foss Move Over Law. Although, I'm not sure where the police would pull someone over at. The roads are so narrow, that stopping would surely cause an accident.
What about car seats for kids? I saw some 18-24 month old just riding in a car being held by an adult. I know they have car seats because when we left the zoo yesterday, I saw several car seats in vehicles. Also, do they offer car seat clinics to help people properly install their car seats?
What is the seat belt law? Is there a fine for not wearing one?
What is the helmet law?
What is the accident rate here?
How many people die in house fires each year?
And so much more....
I am excited to start week two of our trip. Conversations about a summer internship for 2012 have been floating between Dr. Tornabene and me. We'll see what sort of information we can turn up first.
We climbed the 135 steps to the top of the Spanish Steps and went in search of Villa Boughese. Just outside of the garden, we had a view of the entire city. We then spent the next four hours wandering around the garden! Simply...unbelievable. Nature at it's finest. Huge trees, plenty of grassy areas to sit on for hours reading a book, fountains, places for kids to play soccer or cricket, a pond to take a rowboat ride in, flowers to photograph, a cinema, wildlife, and so much more.
There was even a ZOO. We spent the afternoon at the zoo in Rome. What an opportunity! We saw many of the same things we see in American zoos, such as monkeys, elephants, giraffes, lions and tigers and bears...oh my! In one of the buildings at the zoo, there was a exhibit on water and how we need to conserve it. A few of the posters in the exhibit were done by kids, who not only had creative ways to conserve water, but also stressed the importance of water in our world.
It was a REALLY long day! We never made it to the Trevi Fountain. By the time we left the zoo, we were in total diva status. We were in need of some good food....well, any food! Pizza was quick, easy and amazingly good as usual. Back in our room, we decided that we would get up at 5:30 AM and head to the Trevi Fountain to get some early morning pictures.
Well...............those plans didn't work! Either the alarm didn't go off or we totally missed it. We didn't get up until 10. I guess we needed the sleep. Felt great to sleep in...although I do miss my bed, pillows and snoring moose! =) We did make it to the fountain and of course, we threw in our coins. Like so many other fountains we have seen in Rome, the sculptures are astounding. Perhaps, we'll make it back before nightfall. However, this afternoon, we had a thunderstorm roll through.
On Monday, we journey to Florence. We will first spend the day at Castello Banfi winery, which was the first winery in the world to be internationally recognized for exceptional environment, ethical and social responsibility. Dr. Tornabene says our tour will focus on safety and health in the workplace.
I am leaving Rome with more questions than answers. The public safety/volunteer force within me is strong right now.
I want to know if they have volunteer fire departments or paid departments and what type of training these firefighter receive. This city has so many Smart cars. What types of training are available, especially when it comes to extricating people.
Also, with as much water as there is in this city, where are the sprinkler systems for buildings? My hotel has no sprinklers.
What types of fire prevention are taught to kids?
Is there a public safety division? What is included under the scope of public safety ( fire marshal, law enforcement, traffic safety)?
Do they have a program such as Juvenile Firesetters for kids who get caught starting fires?
Are there laws here similar to the Ted Foss Move Over Law. Although, I'm not sure where the police would pull someone over at. The roads are so narrow, that stopping would surely cause an accident.
What about car seats for kids? I saw some 18-24 month old just riding in a car being held by an adult. I know they have car seats because when we left the zoo yesterday, I saw several car seats in vehicles. Also, do they offer car seat clinics to help people properly install their car seats?
What is the seat belt law? Is there a fine for not wearing one?
What is the helmet law?
What is the accident rate here?
How many people die in house fires each year?
And so much more....
I am excited to start week two of our trip. Conversations about a summer internship for 2012 have been floating between Dr. Tornabene and me. We'll see what sort of information we can turn up first.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Two days combined....this could get long (just a forewarning)
Thursday was yet another beautiful day in Rome. Hotter than heck, but glorious nonetheless! I am getting some muchly needed Vitamin D. Every day has thus far been wonderful. Although I miss everyone, I do not regret my decision to take this class and experience Italy.
Yesterday, we headed to the Accent Center, where Paolo was our guest speaker. Paolo works for Caritas, a social service organization here in Italy. He works in the volunteer section of the organization. Caritas is a fantastic organization. Think of it as a version of CHUM Center, Damino, Lake Superior Community Health Center, AIDS resource center and social services all wrapped into one package. While Caritas is a Catholic organization, it is funded by donations. Employees of Caritas are not paid by the Church.
Every day, Caritas Soup Kitchen feed up to 600 people not only for lunch, but also for dinner. Food is not prepared on site. Donated food is cooked and sent to the soup kitchen. Dishing, cleaning, visiting with people who need a meal, and many other tasks are done by volunteers. Paolo said there are up to 30 volunteers working each meal. How amazing is it to think that there are sooooooooooooo many willing volunteers available to lend a hand!?!?
Caritas does more than just soup kitchens. They have health care centers for those in need. They have a beautiful house for people who are HIV positive to live in. They have a nursery for small children. They good out into the night and provide coffee and clothing to those homeless people who do not make it to the soup kitchens. Doctors volunteer their services to the health care clinics. Caritas reaches out to the gypsy camps to provide health care and mentoring for those children of gypsies. They have schools to teach Italian to immigrants. It sounds like a wonderful organization that is muchly needed in Italy.
I couldn't resist asking Paolo if they have the same shortage of volunteers as we are seeing in America. He said on average 15-20 people call a DAY asking to volunteer their time, services, make a donation of food or money. AMAZING! Caritas provides training to their volunteers for the many areas they work in. Volunteers are asked for a minimum of ONE night a week. Many do more than that, but really....one night a week. I simply cannot get over the fact that they have so many people who are willing to volunteer. I wish more Americans had that level of commitment.
Thursday afternoon, we trekked up to the Baths of Diocletian to meet Antonella again. She is an amazing guide, who has tied the subject of community health into each of our tours. During our tour of the Baths of Diocletian, she explained how in ancient days it was believed that an equilibrium between the elements (earth, water, fire, air) and the humors (black bile, phlegm, yellow bile, blood) produced health. They also believed that there was a link between good health and virtue. Health issues have been around much longer than one has ever thought of.
Our next stop was the Forum. But first, Antonella walked us back down the hill and brought us to Sicilian Caffè-Pasticceria 'Dagnino'. Dr. Tornabene treated us to the BEST cannoli from there. I think it was the first cannoli for many of us. Talk about amazing!
Sadly, when we arrived at the Forum, it was time to say ciao to Antonella. I hear she is coming to UMD at some point and will love to see her when she does.
Here I am, in the heart of Rome. The streets are cobblestone and to see grass seems to be a rarity...then you enter the Forum. Yes, there are all those ancient ruins, but the most amazing parts were garden areas and the view of the entire city. (Pics will be posted next week. Internet accessibility for uploading is limited right now.) It was such a serene feeling walking through those gardens, mixed amongst the ruins. If it had not been close to the time that the Forum was closing, I would have hung out longer.
Personally, I did not make it to the Coloseum (I'm told there really is not much to see within the Colosseum, so I'm not feeling like I missed anything that I couldn't see in other's pictures). The charger for my camera battery decided to stop working...making my first mission of Friday morning one of acquiring a new charger. I was able to find one in time to get the battery charged before we headed to the Vatican. I'm not sure there are enough descriptive words to describe the things we saw in the Vatican museum or for the Sistine Chapel. Astounding, marvelous, utterly amazing...these cannot come close enough. To simply think of the time, effort, and resources (that were considerably less than we have today) to complete such masterpieces is mind boggling. Statues, tapestries, frescos,the Sistine Chapel...all fine detailed works of art. To see Michelanglo's masterpiece in a book, does it no justice! To be in the Sistine Chapel and experience it first hand....completely profound. Certainly something everyone should put on their bucket list.
Last night we attended an opera performance at Chiesa All Saints, an amazing church in the heart of the business district. We passed shops like Tiffany's, Prada, and so many more high class shops. The arias were beautiful, and the tenor...was HHHHOOOOOOTTTTT!
Well, my roomies and I are off to more adventures today. More later! Ciao!
Yesterday, we headed to the Accent Center, where Paolo was our guest speaker. Paolo works for Caritas, a social service organization here in Italy. He works in the volunteer section of the organization. Caritas is a fantastic organization. Think of it as a version of CHUM Center, Damino, Lake Superior Community Health Center, AIDS resource center and social services all wrapped into one package. While Caritas is a Catholic organization, it is funded by donations. Employees of Caritas are not paid by the Church.
Every day, Caritas Soup Kitchen feed up to 600 people not only for lunch, but also for dinner. Food is not prepared on site. Donated food is cooked and sent to the soup kitchen. Dishing, cleaning, visiting with people who need a meal, and many other tasks are done by volunteers. Paolo said there are up to 30 volunteers working each meal. How amazing is it to think that there are sooooooooooooo many willing volunteers available to lend a hand!?!?
Caritas does more than just soup kitchens. They have health care centers for those in need. They have a beautiful house for people who are HIV positive to live in. They have a nursery for small children. They good out into the night and provide coffee and clothing to those homeless people who do not make it to the soup kitchens. Doctors volunteer their services to the health care clinics. Caritas reaches out to the gypsy camps to provide health care and mentoring for those children of gypsies. They have schools to teach Italian to immigrants. It sounds like a wonderful organization that is muchly needed in Italy.
I couldn't resist asking Paolo if they have the same shortage of volunteers as we are seeing in America. He said on average 15-20 people call a DAY asking to volunteer their time, services, make a donation of food or money. AMAZING! Caritas provides training to their volunteers for the many areas they work in. Volunteers are asked for a minimum of ONE night a week. Many do more than that, but really....one night a week. I simply cannot get over the fact that they have so many people who are willing to volunteer. I wish more Americans had that level of commitment.
Thursday afternoon, we trekked up to the Baths of Diocletian to meet Antonella again. She is an amazing guide, who has tied the subject of community health into each of our tours. During our tour of the Baths of Diocletian, she explained how in ancient days it was believed that an equilibrium between the elements (earth, water, fire, air) and the humors (black bile, phlegm, yellow bile, blood) produced health. They also believed that there was a link between good health and virtue. Health issues have been around much longer than one has ever thought of.
Our next stop was the Forum. But first, Antonella walked us back down the hill and brought us to Sicilian Caffè-Pasticceria 'Dagnino'. Dr. Tornabene treated us to the BEST cannoli from there. I think it was the first cannoli for many of us. Talk about amazing!
Sadly, when we arrived at the Forum, it was time to say ciao to Antonella. I hear she is coming to UMD at some point and will love to see her when she does.
Here I am, in the heart of Rome. The streets are cobblestone and to see grass seems to be a rarity...then you enter the Forum. Yes, there are all those ancient ruins, but the most amazing parts were garden areas and the view of the entire city. (Pics will be posted next week. Internet accessibility for uploading is limited right now.) It was such a serene feeling walking through those gardens, mixed amongst the ruins. If it had not been close to the time that the Forum was closing, I would have hung out longer.
Personally, I did not make it to the Coloseum (I'm told there really is not much to see within the Colosseum, so I'm not feeling like I missed anything that I couldn't see in other's pictures). The charger for my camera battery decided to stop working...making my first mission of Friday morning one of acquiring a new charger. I was able to find one in time to get the battery charged before we headed to the Vatican. I'm not sure there are enough descriptive words to describe the things we saw in the Vatican museum or for the Sistine Chapel. Astounding, marvelous, utterly amazing...these cannot come close enough. To simply think of the time, effort, and resources (that were considerably less than we have today) to complete such masterpieces is mind boggling. Statues, tapestries, frescos,the Sistine Chapel...all fine detailed works of art. To see Michelanglo's masterpiece in a book, does it no justice! To be in the Sistine Chapel and experience it first hand....completely profound. Certainly something everyone should put on their bucket list.
Last night we attended an opera performance at Chiesa All Saints, an amazing church in the heart of the business district. We passed shops like Tiffany's, Prada, and so many more high class shops. The arias were beautiful, and the tenor...was HHHHOOOOOOTTTTT!
Well, my roomies and I are off to more adventures today. More later! Ciao!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday in Rome!
Day two in Rome...sore feet, sunburnt, well fed, lovin' it! After breakfast this morning, we walked to the Isola Tiberina where we started our guided walking tour with Antonella De Michelis. The island was once used as a point of entry to the city from the river. Weary travelers who came to Rome were in need of food, housing, and medical assistance. It is said that the Serpent God, Asclepius, came to this island to heal the people of Rome from all the diseases they were dealing with. A temple was built in honor of Asclepius. People were not able to enter the temple, but went to it to be healed. The temple was shaped like a ship (which you will see in the pics. You will also see the shape of the serpent on the ship. This should look familiar). Still today, the hospital is located on the island.
After leaving the island, Antonella led us through the Roman Jewish ghetto. She shared with us stories of the different market plazas visitors to the city would encounter. One of the first ones would have been a fish market. Apparently fish heads were a delicacy (gross). Because we are health educators, she went on to describe the disgusting streets. Butchers did their slaughtering and threw the blood and guts in the streets. Barbers didn't just cut your hair. They were amateur surgeons. They could pull your teeth out and could perform bloodletting. The hair, teeth and blood also went into the streets. People living above some of these places, dumped their feces into the streets. We all quivered in disgust as we thought about living in that type of environment.
One of the highlights of the tour was visiting the marketplace Campo de Fiori. This is much like a farmers market. Lots of fresh foods to purchase. A great place to get pictures of vivid colors and people. The fruit is Ahhhh-mazing! Lucky for us, Campo de' Fiori is just up the street from our hotel, Albergo del Sole, which is the oldest hotel in Rome.
After Campo de Fiori, we headed to Piazza Noavona. Plenty of history here. This place is HUGE! It is shaped in a oval. Chariot races were held here. The Piazza Noavona was also once the city dump. Today, it has two fountains and is normally packed with artists during the day, selling everything from jewelry to paintings.
We finished our guided tour at the Pantheon. I got a few awesome pictures of the sunlight coming in through the top of the Pantheon. It is quite the structure. Maybe over the weekend, we'll be able to go back to check it out again. We have been plotting our weekend already. Trevi Fountain, Spanish steps are just two of our weekend stops planned.
Thursday will include a lecture in the morning at the Accent office and then we are off to the Forum and the Colosseum for the afternoon. On Friday, we will visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. That night we are attending an opera. I am looking forward to our tour of the Vatican.
My public safety side came out today. People, vehicles, bicycles and oodles of mopeds use the same small space wherever we walk. Hardly anyone wears a seatbelt in their tiny cars. However, it is rare to see someone who drives a moped without a helmet. I am hoping to find out what sort of laws there are on these two items. I'd also like to discover if they have any laws on cell phone use in cars. Although, whereas we as Americans are so totally obsessed with our cell phones and being on them ALL the time, it is rare to actually see someone on their cell phone here. Refreshing...even though I do miss being connected to everyone. =( I'd also like to find a fire station to check out.
I'll update again tomorrow. Hope everyone is enjoying my posts. I have pics to share, but they are currently uploaded to my Mobile Me account. I'm sure one of my zillions of friends could post the web address for my photos....right???
Ciao!
After leaving the island, Antonella led us through the Roman Jewish ghetto. She shared with us stories of the different market plazas visitors to the city would encounter. One of the first ones would have been a fish market. Apparently fish heads were a delicacy (gross). Because we are health educators, she went on to describe the disgusting streets. Butchers did their slaughtering and threw the blood and guts in the streets. Barbers didn't just cut your hair. They were amateur surgeons. They could pull your teeth out and could perform bloodletting. The hair, teeth and blood also went into the streets. People living above some of these places, dumped their feces into the streets. We all quivered in disgust as we thought about living in that type of environment.
One of the highlights of the tour was visiting the marketplace Campo de Fiori. This is much like a farmers market. Lots of fresh foods to purchase. A great place to get pictures of vivid colors and people. The fruit is Ahhhh-mazing! Lucky for us, Campo de' Fiori is just up the street from our hotel, Albergo del Sole, which is the oldest hotel in Rome.
After Campo de Fiori, we headed to Piazza Noavona. Plenty of history here. This place is HUGE! It is shaped in a oval. Chariot races were held here. The Piazza Noavona was also once the city dump. Today, it has two fountains and is normally packed with artists during the day, selling everything from jewelry to paintings.
We finished our guided tour at the Pantheon. I got a few awesome pictures of the sunlight coming in through the top of the Pantheon. It is quite the structure. Maybe over the weekend, we'll be able to go back to check it out again. We have been plotting our weekend already. Trevi Fountain, Spanish steps are just two of our weekend stops planned.
Thursday will include a lecture in the morning at the Accent office and then we are off to the Forum and the Colosseum for the afternoon. On Friday, we will visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. That night we are attending an opera. I am looking forward to our tour of the Vatican.
My public safety side came out today. People, vehicles, bicycles and oodles of mopeds use the same small space wherever we walk. Hardly anyone wears a seatbelt in their tiny cars. However, it is rare to see someone who drives a moped without a helmet. I am hoping to find out what sort of laws there are on these two items. I'd also like to discover if they have any laws on cell phone use in cars. Although, whereas we as Americans are so totally obsessed with our cell phones and being on them ALL the time, it is rare to actually see someone on their cell phone here. Refreshing...even though I do miss being connected to everyone. =( I'd also like to find a fire station to check out.
I'll update again tomorrow. Hope everyone is enjoying my posts. I have pics to share, but they are currently uploaded to my Mobile Me account. I'm sure one of my zillions of friends could post the web address for my photos....right???
Ciao!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Rome....beautiful
What an amazingly beautiful place Rome is. We arrived at noon on Tuesday, May 17. This was two hours later than our original flight plan. We encountered a delay in our flight from MSP to JFK. As a result, we had to catch a later flight out of JFK.
The flight was certainly another new experience in many ways.
1) I had never flown overnight.
2) I've never flown over the ocean.
2) HOLY cow was that a huge plane.
We sat six wide and it seemed as if the whole plane knew Italian. Yes....us Minnesota girls stuck out like sore thumbs!
I knew from just the food served on the plane that we were in for an awesome trip. At 39,000 feet, we were served a delightful meal consisting of our choice of fish or beef, wine or juice. We had cooked veggies, pasta and so much more.
After everyone was done eating and everything was cleaned up, it was lights out in the cabin. I had a hard time sleeping on the plane. I could feel every bump, every ounce of turbulence, every stewardess that walked by (they need to learn to walk on the balls of their feet....not the heels). In all, I may have gotten three hours of sleep.
This morning, we were treated with yogurt, coffee, croissant, and cookies. What a great way to start the day.....and then we got to Rome! I wish I could have had a window seat to see the spectacular sights from up above. Although it could not prepare me for what was to come.
Five of us left the airport headed for our hotel. Our cabbie, David, amazingly got us to the hotel in one piece. Driving here is scary! I've never driven as close to cars and other vehicles as they do here. They are not afraid to block oncoming traffic to get through. It's worse than Washington DC!
We ran into Dr. Tornabene as soon as we got to the door of the hotel. She got us situated in our rooms and then gave us a small tour. Even though I was exhausted, I was ready to venture out into Rome and take a zillion pictures. Both Dr. Tornabene and Dr. Vogelsang took the whole group out for gelato tonight. We enjoyed some great flavors...banana, mango, chocolate chip, lemon...the list goes on....delicious!
As I type this, I'm am currently sitting on the rooftop garden deck of our hotel. (It's 10 PM here/3:00 at home. My kids are getting out of school soon and will be heading to Robyn's last high school choir concert.) It is breezy and chilly out, but nonetheless....stunning! The sun has almost completely set. The sky is clear and a few stars twinkle in the sky. The smell of Italian food is heavy in the air. The sounds of the people on the streets is wafting it's way to the rooftop. Planes are soaring overhead. Earlier, the church bells were ringing.
Well, tomorrow will be another busy day. Walking tour of Rome, lunch at the Accent office, and Accent orientation. I need some sleep. Enjoy a few of the pics I took today.
The flight was certainly another new experience in many ways.
1) I had never flown overnight.
2) I've never flown over the ocean.
2) HOLY cow was that a huge plane.
We sat six wide and it seemed as if the whole plane knew Italian. Yes....us Minnesota girls stuck out like sore thumbs!
I knew from just the food served on the plane that we were in for an awesome trip. At 39,000 feet, we were served a delightful meal consisting of our choice of fish or beef, wine or juice. We had cooked veggies, pasta and so much more.
After everyone was done eating and everything was cleaned up, it was lights out in the cabin. I had a hard time sleeping on the plane. I could feel every bump, every ounce of turbulence, every stewardess that walked by (they need to learn to walk on the balls of their feet....not the heels). In all, I may have gotten three hours of sleep.
This morning, we were treated with yogurt, coffee, croissant, and cookies. What a great way to start the day.....and then we got to Rome! I wish I could have had a window seat to see the spectacular sights from up above. Although it could not prepare me for what was to come.
Five of us left the airport headed for our hotel. Our cabbie, David, amazingly got us to the hotel in one piece. Driving here is scary! I've never driven as close to cars and other vehicles as they do here. They are not afraid to block oncoming traffic to get through. It's worse than Washington DC!
We ran into Dr. Tornabene as soon as we got to the door of the hotel. She got us situated in our rooms and then gave us a small tour. Even though I was exhausted, I was ready to venture out into Rome and take a zillion pictures. Both Dr. Tornabene and Dr. Vogelsang took the whole group out for gelato tonight. We enjoyed some great flavors...banana, mango, chocolate chip, lemon...the list goes on....delicious!
As I type this, I'm am currently sitting on the rooftop garden deck of our hotel. (It's 10 PM here/3:00 at home. My kids are getting out of school soon and will be heading to Robyn's last high school choir concert.) It is breezy and chilly out, but nonetheless....stunning! The sun has almost completely set. The sky is clear and a few stars twinkle in the sky. The smell of Italian food is heavy in the air. The sounds of the people on the streets is wafting it's way to the rooftop. Planes are soaring overhead. Earlier, the church bells were ringing.
Well, tomorrow will be another busy day. Walking tour of Rome, lunch at the Accent office, and Accent orientation. I need some sleep. Enjoy a few of the pics I took today.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Next stop....Rome!
Kristen, Cayla and I are currently in the JFK airport waiting to board our plane to Rome. Due to a delay in MSP, we needed to take a later flight from JFK. We'll be taking off at 9:40 PM. So far it has been a REALLY long day, but we are still in good spirits. We have received word from our instructors in Rome that we will be having a gelato excursion tomorrow with them. I'm pumped, but missing my girls and friends already too.
Next post will be from ROME!!!!!!
Ciao bella!!!!!!
Next post will be from ROME!!!!!!
Ciao bella!!!!!!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Italy Bound
My dad had a saying, "Another New Experience." Every time we did something new and different, he would always end our experience with that line. And now...I am heading into yet 'Another New Experience'. Tomorrow morning, Kristen Gates, Cayla Gilbertson and myself are taking off for Italy. We are taking part in a May Term study abroad program that focuses on Art, History and Community Health. An adventure of a lifetime. My suitcase is packed and I think I have everything I need to be gone until June 2 (less than 24 hours before my daughter graduates from high school).
We will be in Rome starting May 17, where we will get a walking city tour through Rome. We'll tour the Forum and colosseum. I think I'm most excited our visit to the Vatican. I'm not Catholic, but I thinking this is going to truly be an amazing sight to behold.
On Monday, May 23, we'll head to Florence. On our way there, we will be taking a tour of the Castello Banfi winery. I hear this is going to be an fantastic spot to get pictures of the Tuscan landscape. In Florence, we will take walking tours to learn about the social, cutural, religious and political factors that shaped this "Renaissance Birthplace" and the health of the community. During our tour of Accademia, we will learn more about the David. We will get a tour of the Central Market and get to take a cooking class.
We will be guests of Elaine Poggi, who is the President and Founder of the Foundation of Photo/Art in Hospitals. The vision of the Foundation is to create a shift in the way people view hospitals, from cold and sterile to warm and welcoming with art and photos. Visit their website and check them out. Mrs. Poggi will take us on a tour of the Careggi Hospital.
Saturday, May 28th will be another amazing opportunity....a Tuscany Bike Tour. Can hardly wait to take a zillion pictures of EVERYTHING!!!
We finish up our trip in Venice, where we will adventure down the Grand Canal.
This trip will be the adventure of a lifetime. I'm ready.........ARE WE THERE YET???????
I'm hoping to blog about it while we are there...so bookmark this page and check back frequently.
We will be in Rome starting May 17, where we will get a walking city tour through Rome. We'll tour the Forum and colosseum. I think I'm most excited our visit to the Vatican. I'm not Catholic, but I thinking this is going to truly be an amazing sight to behold.
On Monday, May 23, we'll head to Florence. On our way there, we will be taking a tour of the Castello Banfi winery. I hear this is going to be an fantastic spot to get pictures of the Tuscan landscape. In Florence, we will take walking tours to learn about the social, cutural, religious and political factors that shaped this "Renaissance Birthplace" and the health of the community. During our tour of Accademia, we will learn more about the David. We will get a tour of the Central Market and get to take a cooking class.
We will be guests of Elaine Poggi, who is the President and Founder of the Foundation of Photo/Art in Hospitals. The vision of the Foundation is to create a shift in the way people view hospitals, from cold and sterile to warm and welcoming with art and photos. Visit their website and check them out. Mrs. Poggi will take us on a tour of the Careggi Hospital.
Saturday, May 28th will be another amazing opportunity....a Tuscany Bike Tour. Can hardly wait to take a zillion pictures of EVERYTHING!!!
We finish up our trip in Venice, where we will adventure down the Grand Canal.
This trip will be the adventure of a lifetime. I'm ready.........ARE WE THERE YET???????
I'm hoping to blog about it while we are there...so bookmark this page and check back frequently.
Friday, December 17, 2010
First Ever Band Concert!
Just wanted to share one of the songs from Aly's program last night. It was fun to hear the first band concert.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Just keep remembering...."I'm an Iron Girl. I can accomplish anything!"
Today will be an difficult day emotionally for me. As much as I LOVE to preach my story and the Move Over Law, it takes its toll on my emotions. Dr. Tornabene has asked me once again to teach Personal safety in her Health and Wellness class. I did this last semester and it was a great, but emotional experience. If you are around and want to see my lesson....it's today at 1:00 in Ed Endazhi-gikinoo'amaading 20.
My heart is also heavy this day for a friend. She must put her life-long friend down. Her dog Zora has had a great life for 13 long years, but unfortunately, Zora is having great difficulties walking and standing. They have tried a regiment of drugs and there was little success. We shall miss you Zora!
Have a great weekend all!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Creative Block or Burnout
WOW! I haven't blogged for awhile. While I do enjoy it, I haven't felt the desire to do so lately. Whereas positivity normally oozes out my pores (making my friends nauseous at times), I struggling to stay on top of some things.
I've been pouring my heart and soul into the program plan being designed by classmates Ruthanne and Elly. Our program plan focuses on teaching drivers the components of the Move Over Law. We just handed in paper three which was our proposed theoretical framework and interventions. We've gone into the previous two papers feeling that they were well put together and thought out. However, each has had serious issues according to our professor. It has been frustrating to put SO much work into a paper and not get the grade you thought you deserved.
My SMARTBoard assignment should be done, but I cannot see to pull it together. I think I've put so much time and effort into my other projects that I've lost my creative juices to keep creating...or it's just that time in the semester where EVERYONE could use a break.
Why can't we have a Spring Break in the Fall session? Thanksgiving is not going to be long enough. =(
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| Picture from http://www.theqshack.com |
Hopefully with a few days off and being surrounded by friends and family...(not that I won't be doing more homework during Thanksgiving too)...I can bounce back and finish the semester strong.
Here's wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving. Remember to give thanks for all you have. What is here today, may not be here tomorrow.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Mooooooooooove Over!
This past Wednesday I had the opportunity to teach a three to five minute presentation to an online class using UMConnect. The topic could be anything of our choosing. I chose a topic that I am quite passionate about...the Ted Foss Move Over Law. An unknown law to most motorists, yet one that is of utmost importance!!!
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| Trooper Ted Foss |
In August of 2000, Trooper Ted Foss had pulled over a speeding motorist. He had positioned his car behind the speeding motorist's mini-van and had his lights flashing. As he was issuing the ticket to the driver, a semi-truck veered off of the roadway, striking Trooper Foss's squad along with the mini-van and Trooper Foss. Unfortunately Trooper Foss was killed.
In response to this horrific accident, the Ted Foss Move Over Law (Minnesota statute 169.18, subdivision 11) was created and put into effect in August of 2002. The law is designed to give emergency vehicles room to work on the portion of roadway they are occupying by requiring passing motorists to leave a lane vacant between them and those parked emergency vehicles. The law also requires that drivers reduce their speed as they pass the location of the emergency vehicle(s) and road repair equipment. An emergency vehicle is defined by Minnesota statute as the following: towing vehicles, police vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, freeway service patrol vehicles, road maintenance trucks and construction vehicles.
To put it simply:
- If you are traveling on a roadway with two of more lanes, you must keep a lane away when passing a stopped ambulance, fire truck, or law enforcement vehicle, towing vehicles, road maintenance trucks, construction vehicles, and freeway service patrol vehicles.
- If you are not able to safely move a lane away, reduce your speed by at minimum of 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
- If you fail to take these actions you could receive a citation.
- Ignoring this law endangers the law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and tow truck drivers who provide critical — and sometimes lifesaving — services on Minnesota roadways.
I can tell you of three other accidents just in Minnesota that could have been prevented if drivers had slowed down and moved over. Three firefighters have been hurt or killed in roadside accidents. Captain Kim Granholm was stuck and killed in an chain reaction accident while at the scene of a car fire on Interstate 35. St. Cloud Assistant Fire Chief Don Billig was struck and killed while he was putting a barricade back into position. Just this year, firefighter Cory Broich, was struck at the scene of a car fire. Broich is lucky in the respect that he is still alive, but is still recovering from the accidents. His legs were severely damaged.
The stories of these four men is only a portion of the overall situation. We have loss of life, but we also have an economic impact on our state. According to the League of Minnesota Cities Trust Insurance (LMCIT), over $2 million dollars have been spent on the care of those city employees (firefighters, law enforcement, public works and parks workers) who have been hurt or killed by motorists while doing their job in the last ten years. League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust provides property, liability, workers' compensation and employee benefit needs to Minnesota cities. In some ways, LMCIT functions much like an insurance company. Cities pay a premium to LMCIT (from your tax dollars) and LMCIT pays claims and losses on the city’s behalf. To some $2 million over ten years may not seem like a lot, but in an economy where EVERY penny counts, $2 million could be used on better things.
People who don't move over or slow down...DRIVE me CRAZY! I wish I could pull them over and let them know the potential impact of their decision to not move over or slow down. I wish I could be the one that issues the tickets just for that! :-)
All I ask....PLEASE move over and slow down whenever you see a vehicle on the side of the road. This isn't a courtesy to whoever is one the side of the road...this is the LAW!!!!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Crazy at the Fire Hall
I've spent the better part of the last four days at the fire hall. Even though I am no longer a member of the department, the fire hall is still my home away from home. Every October when Fire Prevention Week rolls around, I can be found at the station imparting fire safety wisdom onto kindergartners and second graders in the Esko School district. I absolutely LOVE doing this.
Last Friday (10/8), 76 kindergartners (in three groups) eagerly entered the fire hall. They came to the station wearing their paper helmets and with an eagerness to learn and see the fire trucks.
With the help of fire department members:
...the kids learned the proper way to Stop, Drop, Cover Your Eyes and Roll; Get Out and Stay Out when there's a fire; and we took them on a tour of the station. I squeeze as much as I can in the 45 minutes I get to spend with them. They never cease to amaze me with their level of knowledge and questions (and of course the stories they can tell too). They are like sponges and soak in everything I am teaching them.
When we tour the station, I ask the kids to count how many fire trucks we have in the station (there are seven), to find more air tanks for our air packs, and to find the axes and ladders. I show them the difference between a regular hose nozzle that they would use and the BIG nozzle a firefighter uses to put out the fire. They even get to see where we hang our hoses to dry after a fire. The most exciting thing for the kids to do is walking through the cab of our biggest engine!
Saturday brought about another adventure at the fire hall. The family and friends of my husband, Kim, gathered to clean our section of freeway. This is something we do twice a year. We adopted the two mile stretch of freeway in which Kim's accident happened. We meet in the morning for coffee and donuts and then head out to clean. The freeway is a frustrating place for me to be. Even though we have a fire truck and a cop car watching and protecting us on the road, I still don't feel safe out there. That stretch of freeway claimed one of our own and I wouldn't want that to happen EVER again to anyone. Motorist who don't move over a lane away from the emergency vehicles (or even us for that matter) drive me insane! My anger comes out and I would REALLY like to throw a rock at the cars that don't move over. It is an educational experience to be out there when traffic is moving at 70+ MPH. I applaud the trucking companies that have taught their drivers to move over! Semi trucks ALWAYS moved over to the adjacent lane...and if they were unable to move over, they SLOWED down before cruising past us. Once we were done with the clean-up, we enjoyed a potluck lunch!
Monday morning was back to the fire hall. We traveled to the school to visit with the second graders. The second grade has four sections. We combine two together for our session with them. I created a Fire Safety Jeopardy game for them to play. We divided the kids into three teams to play jeopardy. It was the first time I used the Jeopardy game with a class. I believe it went well! The kids seemed to have fun! I told them to go home after school and ask their parents to check the smoke detectors in their house (Do THIS once a month).
I am grateful to the school for allowing us to come in and teach fire safety to the kids. Some schools do not allow that. I'm also grateful for teachers who believe this is an important subject for the kids to know. As long as the boys at the fire department need me to help out with fire prevention week...I'll keep doing it.
Here is the final Jeopardy question I posed to the second graders:
Last Friday (10/8), 76 kindergartners (in three groups) eagerly entered the fire hall. They came to the station wearing their paper helmets and with an eagerness to learn and see the fire trucks.
With the help of fire department members:
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| Scott Prachar |
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| Ben Dvorak |
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| Kyle Gustafson |
...the kids learned the proper way to Stop, Drop, Cover Your Eyes and Roll; Get Out and Stay Out when there's a fire; and we took them on a tour of the station. I squeeze as much as I can in the 45 minutes I get to spend with them. They never cease to amaze me with their level of knowledge and questions (and of course the stories they can tell too). They are like sponges and soak in everything I am teaching them.
When we tour the station, I ask the kids to count how many fire trucks we have in the station (there are seven), to find more air tanks for our air packs, and to find the axes and ladders. I show them the difference between a regular hose nozzle that they would use and the BIG nozzle a firefighter uses to put out the fire. They even get to see where we hang our hoses to dry after a fire. The most exciting thing for the kids to do is walking through the cab of our biggest engine!
Saturday brought about another adventure at the fire hall. The family and friends of my husband, Kim, gathered to clean our section of freeway. This is something we do twice a year. We adopted the two mile stretch of freeway in which Kim's accident happened. We meet in the morning for coffee and donuts and then head out to clean. The freeway is a frustrating place for me to be. Even though we have a fire truck and a cop car watching and protecting us on the road, I still don't feel safe out there. That stretch of freeway claimed one of our own and I wouldn't want that to happen EVER again to anyone. Motorist who don't move over a lane away from the emergency vehicles (or even us for that matter) drive me insane! My anger comes out and I would REALLY like to throw a rock at the cars that don't move over. It is an educational experience to be out there when traffic is moving at 70+ MPH. I applaud the trucking companies that have taught their drivers to move over! Semi trucks ALWAYS moved over to the adjacent lane...and if they were unable to move over, they SLOWED down before cruising past us. Once we were done with the clean-up, we enjoyed a potluck lunch!
Monday morning was back to the fire hall. We traveled to the school to visit with the second graders. The second grade has four sections. We combine two together for our session with them. I created a Fire Safety Jeopardy game for them to play. We divided the kids into three teams to play jeopardy. It was the first time I used the Jeopardy game with a class. I believe it went well! The kids seemed to have fun! I told them to go home after school and ask their parents to check the smoke detectors in their house (Do THIS once a month).
I am grateful to the school for allowing us to come in and teach fire safety to the kids. Some schools do not allow that. I'm also grateful for teachers who believe this is an important subject for the kids to know. As long as the boys at the fire department need me to help out with fire prevention week...I'll keep doing it.
Here is the final Jeopardy question I posed to the second graders:
Who can best prevent fires from occurring?
- A: Men, Women and Children
- B: Firefighters
- C: Police Officers
- D: Teachers
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Are You Richer than 75% of the World?
Have you truly ever stopped to think about all the things you have? A roof over your heard, a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear, running water, heat/air conditioning, a computer, the ability to surf the Internet, your parents, your siblings (even if on occasion you want to hurt them), money, a job. These things are part of my every day world, but there are so many out there that do not even have a roof to sleep under or running water.
In a world with 6.6 BILLION people, we live in a world of diversity! What does diversity mean to you? Everyone can have their own definition on what diversity is. When it comes down to it though, diversity is the simple meaning of differences among people. Whether its a difference from where people come from, how they look, how they talk, what they do or how they think and view things, diversity is all of that. It's what makes everyone who they are and it's what makes everyone unique and their own individual. It's the exploration of different people and accepting one another for who they are. It's the understanding of individuals and respecting them for what they believe in and who they are. Everyone has their own background, their own ways of life and it all falls under diversity.
I ask that you watch the video posted in this blog. It is mind numbing! What if you were one of the 100 in this miniature earth? Would you 75% richer than those around you?
Appreciate what you have and do your best for a better world! STRONG words!
In a world with 6.6 BILLION people, we live in a world of diversity! What does diversity mean to you? Everyone can have their own definition on what diversity is. When it comes down to it though, diversity is the simple meaning of differences among people. Whether its a difference from where people come from, how they look, how they talk, what they do or how they think and view things, diversity is all of that. It's what makes everyone who they are and it's what makes everyone unique and their own individual. It's the exploration of different people and accepting one another for who they are. It's the understanding of individuals and respecting them for what they believe in and who they are. Everyone has their own background, their own ways of life and it all falls under diversity.
I ask that you watch the video posted in this blog. It is mind numbing! What if you were one of the 100 in this miniature earth? Would you 75% richer than those around you?
Appreciate what you have and do your best for a better world! STRONG words!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Two Girls, Two Bikes....and a lot of goose poop?
Let me start off by saying I have a core group of girls that I consider to be my closest friends. Really...they are more than just friends. They are extensions of my family. I've known one for over 30 years (We were five when we met and we were at a BAR). Some I've been friends with since junior high, a couple have just been in the last ten years and one I've only known for the last three years (oh...we met in a bar too...hmmmm). As any friendship goes, there have been ups and downs...we fight, we make up. Our lives get too busy to talk, yet when we get a minute, we can pick up right where we left off. Their roles in our family are god-parents, "other moms," the other half of my brain, and villagers (It takes a village to raise a child...and I have a BIG one) These ladies all have a special place in my heart!
I'm singling one out for this blog (Be scared you other friends....you could be next). Three years ago, I met Jen. Her fiance, who seems to be a good judge of character, knew from the minute he met me that Jen and I would become good friends. Upon meeting one another, we discovered we have MANY things in common. We come from similar family structures, our personalities are much alike (almost scary at times....right Jen?), we love the same things...the list goes on. Long story short (because there is a point to this blog), she and I are very close!
During the spring semester at UMD, I was in a Health and Wellness class talking about SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realist and Timely) goals. As a part of the course work, we identified a health goal we would aim for. It could be as simple as becoming more flexible or as complicated as running Grandma's Marathon. As the time, I was working out once or twice a week, but didn't have any particular goal in mind. When looking for something that I thought I could physically do, I tripped upon the Aflac Iron Girl Series website. They were holding a duathlon (run/bike) in Bloomington in September, which at the time, was nine months away. I could visualize this as an attainable goal for myself...but having a friend do it with would make it even better. My first person I thought of was Jen. She worked out often and was just starting to run for 'fun.' =)
I sent her the information on the race and approached the matter as we needed to set a personal goal to aim for. Sure...we both were aiming for weight loss...but we didn't get more specific than that. She contemplated for a few days (I signed up for it right away) and finally decided that she too could do it! After all, there was NINE months to prepare for the race. Easy enough, right?
Training started - I started by focusing on the running, as I knew my biking would not be an issue. Jen focused on the running and didn't have a bike. I got a nasty cold five weeks into my training that knocked me out of the training routine for over a month. Each time we'd train, we let each other know what we had accomplished. We would have the occasional workout together, but much of our training was on our own.
Summer brought about the purchase of a new road bike for me. What a purchase! I LOVE my bike. It did take a bit to get used to the non-suspension that I was used to with my mountain bike...but it cruised! Jen, still focusing on the running, borrowed a road bike from a friend. There were times when Jen thought she was not meant to ride that bike. After a few short trial rides, she needed to bring it to the shop for some repairs and some other things. Through it all...she was concerned about being able to do the full 22 miles required for the duathlon. I didn't have any fears about her being able to do it. She is more physically fit than I am!
Over the summer months, we biked together all of TWO times. =) Once from Carlton to Mahtowa and once from 21st Ave E to the end of Park Point. This is our most memorable trip. AGAIN...something happened to JEN'S bike. She got a flat tire...6.5 miles away from the truck...and neither of us had an air pump. OH...and it was getting dark! We (wait, I) walked through goose poop in the park (barefoot), the shrubs tried to eat my bike, I tripped over a pipe (thought I broke my toes) and this was just in the first three miles of our walk back to the truck. WHAT A NIGHT! We giggled a lot that night!
Our training came to an end last Sunday (9/26). We fulfilled our goal! We competed in the Aflac Iron Girl Duathlon in Bloomington. Talk about an AMAZING experience! It is a day we will not forget. The day started early (4:45 AM). It was cold and a fog laid over the lake
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| Picture from Gretchen's hotel room overlooking Normandale Lake |
we would run around. We prepared our bikes in the transition area. We prepared our bodies and minds for what lie ahead...and we jumped a lot to keep our bodies warm (Temp was 47). Before I knew it, it was race time. Jen and I, because of an age difference, started in different heats. My heat started at 7:55 and she didn't start until 8:15. It was hard to leave my duathlonUnless you've been in that starting chute, one cannot fully understand the power of being surrounded by women, much like yourself, who are trying something for the first time or even a second time. The mood is upbeat and positive! People who don't even know one another are cheering for each other (and don't forget those spectators along the roads). This continued onto the course as well. It was not unusual to hear, "Keep it up," "You're doing great," "You can do it," while people passed you. It was a challenging bike course. The run was mostly flat and rather enjoyable.
My thoughts for the first 2 mile run...."gotta get to my bike!" That's my strong point. I even had some encouragement from friends along the route. Once I got back to my bike...I was ready to GOOOOOOO! Had a great ride! Got back to the transition area and prepared for the last two mile run! I just couldn't run....I power walked the whole thing! I WALKED across the finish line with my kids cheering me on!!! Talk about ahh...mazing! Then I had to wait for Jen to cross. This was torture! I didn't have any idea on how she was doing, where she was in the race or worst of all, if she'd been hurt. Time dragged on...and then, there she was! She crossed the finish line (running, unlike me) with style and grace! It was so good to see her and to marvel at what we had just accomplished. With no specific overall time goal in mind, we both finished the race in under three hours! Our overall goals included: having fun, stepping outside the comfort zone of our workout routines, and crossing the finish line! All of which were successfully accomplished!
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| Jen and myself at the finish line! |
In one monumental moment, we went from two girls with two bikes to the
QUACK-TASTIC
IRON GIRL DUO!
Thank you Jen for coming on this adventure with me. It was an honor to stand by you at the finish line and congratulate one another on a job well done! It has been life changing experience. I look forward to the next adventure we find to challenge our bodies and minds.
To those that are considering trying the Aflac Iron Girl Series, I strongly suggest you sign up. It is an experience you will never forget or regret. Remember, you control your destiny and you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. The following quote from James A. Worsham was included in an after event email from Aflac. "One of the biggest factors in success is the courage to undertake something." What will you undertake today?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Walking Down Destiny's Path
Think back....can you pinpoint one specific event that changed your perception of the world around you, challenged you to think outside the box or pointed you in a direction you never would have thought to go? Ever thought an event happened for a reason?
My life has been filled with plenty of life changing events. My parents divorced when I was quite young. I moved around a lot. I got new "bonus" parents. There was high school, new friends, those changes girls go through, boys...but the ones that have had the greatest impact on my life are these:
On the flip side, there's nothing worse than watching your father, who was nicknamed "Mighty Mouse", battle depression and multiple health issues, wishing you could do something for him. In the end, he did what he felt was best for him. The important part was that he loved us deeply, regardless of what was going on in our lives and being at peace with the knowledge that there was nothing we could say or do that would have changed the outcome.
Losing a parent, at any age, is difficult. Losing a spouse....especially at such a young age seems unbelievable. Possibly making it more unbelievable is the fact that the accident that claimed the life of my husband happened while we were at the scene of a car fire on Interstate 35. A chain reaction accident that claimed the life of one, severely injured four, and left all that were there that day emotional scarred is something no one should witness.
Yet, I did. I am living today to share a story and to teach a lesson. In future blogs, I will be sharing more about my story and why the Ted Foss Move Over Law is so important to me. I encourage people to ask questions about the subject matter. Don't be afraid to make comments or worry about hurting my emotional state. I have been through it all and I will GLADLY share my story. It's part of my healing process. Sharing my story and teaching about this matter is my destiny! =)
My life has been filled with plenty of life changing events. My parents divorced when I was quite young. I moved around a lot. I got new "bonus" parents. There was high school, new friends, those changes girls go through, boys...but the ones that have had the greatest impact on my life are these:
- At 17, I became a mom.
- At 19, I became a wife.
- At 21, I became fatherless (my dad committed suicide).
- At 23, I became a mom to a second child.
- At 26, I became a member of a volunteer fire department.
- At 27, I became a widow.
On the flip side, there's nothing worse than watching your father, who was nicknamed "Mighty Mouse", battle depression and multiple health issues, wishing you could do something for him. In the end, he did what he felt was best for him. The important part was that he loved us deeply, regardless of what was going on in our lives and being at peace with the knowledge that there was nothing we could say or do that would have changed the outcome.
Losing a parent, at any age, is difficult. Losing a spouse....especially at such a young age seems unbelievable. Possibly making it more unbelievable is the fact that the accident that claimed the life of my husband happened while we were at the scene of a car fire on Interstate 35. A chain reaction accident that claimed the life of one, severely injured four, and left all that were there that day emotional scarred is something no one should witness.
Yet, I did. I am living today to share a story and to teach a lesson. In future blogs, I will be sharing more about my story and why the Ted Foss Move Over Law is so important to me. I encourage people to ask questions about the subject matter. Don't be afraid to make comments or worry about hurting my emotional state. I have been through it all and I will GLADLY share my story. It's part of my healing process. Sharing my story and teaching about this matter is my destiny! =)
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
China Bound!
It's official! My youngest will be visiting China in the summer of 2011 as a People to People Student Ambassador. Her delegation leader left a phone message for her while we were out last night. Talk about one excited young lady!!!!
Now....the nerves have kicked in for the mom! :-) Tonight I started looking at the things she needs to have to be issued a passport. Two forms filled out...so far! Now....to find all the other paperwork to bring in. Birth certificate, SSN, driver's license and yes, a death certificate. Let the adventure begin!
Seventeen days in a foreign country....away from mom....exploring Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Hong Kong...experiencing the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Beijing Zoo (to see pandas), Terracotta warriors, a home stay, a service project...I'm tired just thinking about ALL the things they will do.
Will she even have time to miss us? Probably.........
Now....the nerves have kicked in for the mom! :-) Tonight I started looking at the things she needs to have to be issued a passport. Two forms filled out...so far! Now....to find all the other paperwork to bring in. Birth certificate, SSN, driver's license and yes, a death certificate. Let the adventure begin!
Seventeen days in a foreign country....away from mom....exploring Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Hong Kong...experiencing the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Beijing Zoo (to see pandas), Terracotta warriors, a home stay, a service project...I'm tired just thinking about ALL the things they will do.
Will she even have time to miss us? Probably.........
Monday, September 20, 2010
Autumn has arrived
SIGNS THAT AUTUMN HAS ARRIVED:
I am aware that this is warmer than some houses are kept. I have friends who keep their house at 64. Whenever we go there, we know to wear a sweatshirt with multiple layers. =) Often times, it doesn't matter what the temp is...it's about the company we are with!
Autumn also means packing up all the summer fun. I still need to head to the cabin to winterize it. I need to get the boat moved around in the garage so that we can park two vehicles in there again. I REALLY need to move my lawn at least ONE more time. The saddest part for me is putting away my deck furniture. I enjoy spending time on the deck, whether it is reading, enjoying a good dinner off the grill or play with the dogs.
I will officially end summer next Sunday (9/26). I am competing in the Aflac Iron Girl Duathlon in Bloomington, MN. It is a 2 mile run/22 mile bike ride/2 mile run. I spent many hours on my bike this summer. I'm ready for the bike part. The running.....that's is where I struggle. I'm not a runner. I dragged along my friend Jen on this journey, although we have been unable to train together. She's the runner. I'm the biker. If it was a relay, we'd do AWESOME! =) I'm not going for time. I'm going to simply push myself to do something I've never done before. The scary part is not knowing what to expect or what exactly will happen as this is my first race EVER! Adrenaline will kick in and I'll be excited once the race starts. The goal is to have fun!
- The air is crisp.
- The leaves are changing.
- The temps are dropping.
- The heat is on in the house.
I am aware that this is warmer than some houses are kept. I have friends who keep their house at 64. Whenever we go there, we know to wear a sweatshirt with multiple layers. =) Often times, it doesn't matter what the temp is...it's about the company we are with!
Autumn also means packing up all the summer fun. I still need to head to the cabin to winterize it. I need to get the boat moved around in the garage so that we can park two vehicles in there again. I REALLY need to move my lawn at least ONE more time. The saddest part for me is putting away my deck furniture. I enjoy spending time on the deck, whether it is reading, enjoying a good dinner off the grill or play with the dogs.
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| http://www.irongirl.com/Events/Bloomington.htm#axzz10525EHTv |
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Sitting, Waiting, Creating destiny
My youngest is waiting for a phone call. It is a phone call that could result in her going down an adventuresome pathway. This past summer, Aly received a letter from People to People inviting her to spend 17 days exploring China in the summer of 2011. When I first told Aly about the opportunity, I figured she would be noncommittal, but she shocked me by stating that she REALLY wanted to go.
I don't know if any of you have had any experiences with People to People (if you did, I'd love to hear your story), but I do know that it is an honor to be invited. A teacher or former People to People traveler has to recommend you for participation as a Student Ambassador. Someone out there thought highly enough of Aly's personality and talents to recommend her for global travel. To who ever you are....thank you!
Even though you get invited, there are steps that must be taken before you can be officially called a Student Ambassador. First, we attended the informational meeting prior to the start of school, during which time we learned what types of things they would be doing on their trip and the cost of the entire trip. Next, Aly had to get three letters of recommendation. She picked two teachers and her swim coach. Lastly, she had to interview with the Delegation Leader, who has the final say in whether Aly goes or not. Aly's interview was this past Wednesday night. She was told she would find out sometime Friday or over the weekend.
Hence....here she sits and waits and waits....
Yes, the trip is expensive...but a price cannot be put on the fact that she will be creating memories and friendships that will last her entire life. She'll view the world differently than her peers. She'll be experiencing human diversity at it's finest.
Even if she is not chosen to become a Student Ambassador, the experiences she has had to get to this point will help her to create her destiny.
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| Aly at Enger Tower |
Even though you get invited, there are steps that must be taken before you can be officially called a Student Ambassador. First, we attended the informational meeting prior to the start of school, during which time we learned what types of things they would be doing on their trip and the cost of the entire trip. Next, Aly had to get three letters of recommendation. She picked two teachers and her swim coach. Lastly, she had to interview with the Delegation Leader, who has the final say in whether Aly goes or not. Aly's interview was this past Wednesday night. She was told she would find out sometime Friday or over the weekend.
Hence....here she sits and waits and waits....
Yes, the trip is expensive...but a price cannot be put on the fact that she will be creating memories and friendships that will last her entire life. She'll view the world differently than her peers. She'll be experiencing human diversity at it's finest.
Even if she is not chosen to become a Student Ambassador, the experiences she has had to get to this point will help her to create her destiny.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Starting off on the right foot...or left?
Here it is...the first day of school. As a mom...I am sending my oldest off to her last year of high school. This should be a great year for her. She's already been checking out colleges and is deciding which path she will travel down in the future. At one point she thought she'd be applying for UMD....but that's changed yet again (so I hear). Nothing much stands in her way...except when she procrastinates. I hope she got her summer reading done and actually hands it in. =) Sure would be great to start the year off with something other than an F in English.
While one kid works on finishing high school, the other will be finishing elementary school. Sixth grade sure came quick. Aly is always excited for the adventure of school....friends, homework, challenges. Only one more week off and then she will get back into the swim routine too. Three nights a week back to UMD I will travel. The kid really is an otter. She LOVES the water.
Today...starts my second semester at UMD. Tackling another 17 credits. Should be interesting...although I'm up for the challenge of it all. The important thing is to always see the positive side. I challenge you this day to choose the thoughts that you permit to enter and reside in your mind. Ultimately they will create your destiny.
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