Italy!

I'm now back in Switzerland. Italy was fantastic and this is the first vacation ever that I don't want to end.

The water from Bernini's fountains is the best I've ever drunk.

More to come, such as Ally Panic being over quake lakes.

Five

Swoon.

Chill with the judging.  

Quatre

By this time next week, I'll be in Switzerland.  I'll hopefully be able to hop on a plane to the U.K. to see a friend's band.  Then we'll be going down to Italy.  How very international of us.

I do feel guilty however, to be traveling for pleasure when there has been yet another natural disaster that has claimed the lives of thousands, leaving more homeless and displaced.

Tres

Confirmed dead in Cyclone Nargis: 22,464

People reported missing: 41,054

Projected death toll (if international aid doesn't get there fast enough): 100,000

Population of New Brunswick, NJ: 50,172

Read more here.

Deux

While avoiding class and catching up on some well deserved nap/Juno time, AP showed me this and proceeded to ask me the following. I didn't put too much thought into it, but then she made a post about it. Now, I have a blog and feel somewhat obligated. And also I'm antsy to post.

1. If you could do anything you want tomorrow, what would it be?

I would be on a beach somewhere in the Caribbean wearing a very tiny bikini sipping something with an umbrella in it.

2. What are your core values?

Sincerity, compassion, loyalty

3. What are your special talents?

I can make my tongue into a clover. Also, when doing karaoke I can mimic the original singer's voice uncannily well.

4. What do you do better than most people you know?

My writing skills have always been much higher than my peers; I am always surprised when I hand in a half-assed paper and receive an A. Then, I read my classmates' writing and I understand. I'm also really good at speaking on the phone. My mom was strict about phone manners and it paid off.

5. What were your dreams as a child?

I really wanted to be an astronaut. I even went to space camp. I still want to be an actress.

6. What is the thing you are most proud of accomplishing in your life so far?

I am most proud of overcoming my fear of heights. When I was 14 or 15, I climbed a 50 ft. rock
wall. Although I was proud, the fear was still there. A year later, I went on a retreat with a group from my
high school. We rock climbed again and with the support of my peers, I finally made it to the top. Now,
I climb frequently (save for the bum foot). More recently, I jumped off a 10m platform and more
excitingly, I jumped off a 40 ft. waterfall.

7. What will you regret not doing in your life if you continue as you are now?

I let myself off too easily. If I can get by doing the minimum, I will do so. Recently, I've discovered how much I dislike that about myself and I'm working really hard to put my best into everything I do. So far it's paying off, so I plan to continue challenging myself.

8. What do you want people to say about you after you are no longer living? What is your legacy?

This question is hard. Really, I want to affect at least one person. As a coach and swim instructor, I think of all the young minds that come through my life each day. I tell them never to give up and always give it their best shot; that I don't care if it's THE best, just THEIR best. It's really corny, but when I see their eyes light up, I feel like I've made a difference. I wonder if they'll remember me down the line. Moments like that make me want to pursue a career in teaching; I guess I want people to say that I was inspiring, optimistic and motivating.

My legacy would have to be my tattoo.

9. What do you want to do when you retire?

I want to live in a cabin by a mountainside lake. I want to be surrounded by nature and the one I love, On Golden Pond style. I probably also want a house on the beach, too.

10. Outside of parents who influenced your life more than anyone else; who had an impact on you and what was it about that person that meant something to you?

My sister, Heather. As crazy as she drives me, I love her dearly. I don't know what I would have become if I didn't have a big sister.

One

Bonjour et bienvenue. Since my life's goal is to be one Ally Panic, I figured it would be wise to emulate her in the form of blogging.

Today was beautiful, and thusly I was inspired to study in the park.

I look forward to the end of school and the beginning of my European adventure with my favorite person ever.