Little Sicily Shares All...





Friday, December 14, 2007

Oh Christmas Tree

I can’t believe that Christmas is just around the corner…I still haven’t even finished my shopping. Some years I have it done before December even starts. The past couple months, since I have started my part time job, have been crazy. There is too much going on, and not enough time to squeeze it all in. Not to mention that I enjoy giving my self projects to do- paint 20 boxes for a cookie party, make 60 Christmas Cards…so on and so forth. Happy to finally be done with them! So let the shopping begin!!!!

I love Christmas- the get togethers with family and friends, the decorating, the shopping, the giving, the receiving, and the eating. This year, it doesn’t really feel like Christmas. I feel like it has been a chore for me to put up the tree (by the way it is still only half ass up). I haven’t had time to breathe and really enjoy it for what it is.

I guess it doesn't look bad- just don't look at it from any other side!!!



I’m trying to stay on a budget this year, so I can save money for the wedding. It is hard for me to stick to budgets…hehehe. Once I start buying stuff for people, I just want to keep buying them more and more. My parents are the same way- they are so generous…only they have more $$$ then me- can they can do that.

Since I am trying to shed a few pounds, I have tried super hard not to indulge in the wonderful Holiday treats that are everywhere. I always tend to fall into my temptations, especially when it comes to chocolate….yummy…there is nothing better then chocolate. So it has been an interesting time for me lately. I have lost 14 pounds though.

I’m so excited, because # 1. Mary is coming home for Christmas. Though she may only be home for 2 days (I hope more) I’ll still get to see her. I’m so happy; I miss that girl like crazy; and #2. I’m going to Florida in March...I’m excited.

There are really no updates on the wedding plans, because we still don’t know where we are going to get married. Yeah- that needs to be taken care of pretty soon…

Sunday, December 2, 2007

In memory of Guiseppe Bartolotta

My nonno (grandpa) passed away this morning; he was 93 years old and he died peacefully in his sleep. The last time that I saw him was 3 years ago, when I went to Italy with my parents during spring break. I am so sad that I have not been able to go back in three years. I wanted to see him one last time before he passed. I never really knew my nonno, it's hard when he lived on the other side of the world. When I was a baby, and we lived in Sicily, I would see him all the time. And growing up, I would spend a lot of summers there, but it was hard for me to really get to know him. When I was younger, I remember him being a strong and stubborn man. All he wanted was to go to his farm and pick fruit off of the trees. I remember him having such strong calves.

During the time that I was in college, he had 2 strokes and prostate cancer. The last time that I went to visit, he was not the same man. He was so fragile, so quite, and so emotional. I didn't like talking to him on the phone, because he would always start to cry and it made me so sad to hear him. My father has been going every year once or twice for a month at a time to take care of him. It made my grandpa so happy when my dad was around. My parents were planning on going in January to see him. They are going to take a flight out there tomorrow.

I feel so bad for my nonna. They have been married for 67 years. She didn't want to believe that he was gone. She started screaming and yelling at the doctor, asking why he wasn't doing anything to help him. My heart goes out to her. I could not even begin to imagine what she is feeling. I could not imagine losing a husband after him being there for 67 years. My poor nonna. My dad is going to try to convince her to come back to the states. She lived here 30 years ago, but after the huge snow storm (sometimes in the late 70s) and my nonno being diagnosed with diabetes they went back. He blamed his diabetes on the snow...

I feel for my father. I have never really seen my daddy cry, but today he broke down and cried out loud. He was sitting in the living room with all the lights off, just staring off into space. I sat next to my dad and cuddled him. I haven't done that since I was a little girl. I told him that him and my mom could not move back there when they retired, bc I don't want my children to not know their grandpa. He started crying and telling me that they were not moving anywhere and that he was supposed to see him once last time, that he didn't get a chance to say goodbye. I just sat and held my daddy.

I know that my nonno is in his happy place now. I know that he is no longer in pain. I can picture him being on his farm, picking lemons from the trees. Feeding all the cats the left over pasta, and enjoying life the way he used to. I wish that I would have called or written more often. We get so busy sometimes and forget about the important things. Life is so short and so precious. I want to really do a better job in calling the people that I love, and making sure that they know how much I think about them, how much I care about them.

I love you nonno and I will never forget you...

Friday, November 23, 2007

Thanksgiving

It is officially the start of the Holiday Season. I love the holidays, besides for the freezing cold that IL has to offer...hehe. I have been in denial about winter coming, but it is inevitable. I will soon have to wake up extra early to take the snow off my car-ill. I have said that I was going to move to a warm area for how long...what am I still doing here?

I must say that I do enjoy the first snowfall, when everything is covered in white and the snow sparkles. I think that is so beautiful. But then the snow gets walked on, driven on, and the sparkles turn gray. When I was a little girl, I would make all the neighborhood kids walk on the street instead of my yard. I would never let them play in my yard b/c I wanted the snow to stay as clean as possible. I fear what will happen if I procreate...I will have such a stubborn snotty child...haha. At least they'll care about the environment and be liberal...I hope!!!

So my part time job is taking over my life- I really like working there, but it has really cut into my play time. I was lucky enough to get today off...so nice!!!

I made invtivations for a cookie party...they are really cute...


Yesterday, for Turkey day, I went to my parent's house...there was lots of yummy food!!!

Monday, November 5, 2007

Mulets get chicks!!!

The saying is so true...I just couldn't help myself, all I wanted to do was play with Martin's hair...hehehe. He pulls it off so well- can't decide if that is a good thing or a bad thing...hahaha.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween


I wish that I was still a little girl and it was still socially acceptable for me to go trick or treating. Right now I am jealous of every child that gets to run around and demand free candy, and every child that gets to go trick or treating with their children. I didn't really get into the Halloween Season this year. I wanted to go to a hauted house and a pumpkin patch, but it just never happened. My part time job is sort of taking over my life- I didn't even get to go to one Halloween Party this year. Granted, I do enjoy my job, but it is just a little sad to me. I want to still be able to play all day...

I was able to do one Halloween activity this year- Pumpkin Carving!!! I'll post some pictures up later. It sucks though- the pumpkin started rotting the day after. Damn global warming and the pumpkin scarce.

My hopes for tonight: find random stuff to dress up as and take goofy pictures...haha I'm such a tool.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Crazy Style

While being bored at work, I decided to see what "kind of coffee" I am. It was right on the money!!!
You Are a Double Espresso

Hey Energizer Bunny Girl! Do you ever slow down?
You're a mix of high energy and ambition, perfectly matched with strong espresso
When you want something you get it - by any means possible
You're driven, determined, and no nonsense. Which is just how you like your java.


I always get doppios from Starby's.

I thought I'd share...I thought it was fun!!!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

At work today...

First Night

Last night was my actual first night of working at my part time job. It was great!!! I went on a tour of the store, not like I didn’t already know where every thing was located…but I learned the reason behind the madness…hehehe. After my grand tour, I was asked to put some items away…piece of cake. Though finding the proper home for the sheets of paper proved to me a little more problematic then I thought. I was taught the tricks for that as well. In a couple of weeks, I’ll be a pro. My next task was to open up new packs of stickers and place then in bins…I enjoyed this. Got to check out what fun stickers I want to buy!!! I will try very hard in being picky in what I buy. I don’t want my whole paycheck going back to the store. I simply have no place to put much more scrapbook materials. Once Steve and I have a house, then I will have a whole room dedicated to scrapbooking and other crafts. (I’m sure Steve is thrilled).

My next task was to go to a scrapbook class. It is offered for free to costumers and taught by an employee. Once I am fully trained, I hope to be teaching some classes. The class was very informative. And even though I am a seasoned scrap-booker, I learned a few tricks. They have strips of tape that are meant just for sticking ribbons…I have been using this annoying gel like glue that is a pain. The second part of that class consisted of making your own page. Yell yeah- getting paid to scrapbook. It was sort of hard for me to come up with a game plan- since I did not have any pictures, and the materials that we were given to use were left over scraps. I still was pleased with my page (I’ll post it later).

At the end of the night, I was asked to vacuum. I actually kind of enjoyed it. I liked seeing the carpet go from being nasty dirty to clean. (I have no carpet in the condo- so I never vacuum). All in all it was an excellent night. I really enjoy being in the store and being around coworkers and costumers that are so excited about scrapbooking.

Yesterday was also my first day of my Online Class. I'm taking AIC 33 through the AICPCU. It is only a 2 month course. After this, I will have 3 more classes to take in oder to have my AIC certificate. I'll be a busy girl I guess...2 jobs and a class.

Monday, October 15, 2007

I'm not a Douche...

In light of today being blogger action day, I would like to remind everyone to do their part in helping to save our environment. Remember the 3 R's...REDUCE, REUSE, & RECYCLE. There are so many actions that people can take to help save our environment. Anything from changing out Incandescent Light Bulbs with Compact Florescent. Not only will you help the environment, but you will also help your pocket book...it is a win/win situation. What about using tin foil to wrap your lunch in, instead of a plastic bag...you can recycle the foil. Stop using plastic bags in general, paper bags can at least be recycled and cloth bags (tote bags) are so trendy right now and they can be reused.

Simple little actions will lead to big results. Steve and I have started to use laundry detergent that has plant based ingredients...it is biodegradable, non toxic, and works well with cold water.

It is time for people to stop making up excuses as to why they can't and start finding ways on how they can!!!!

Saturday, October 13, 2007

First Day

Today was my first day at my new part time job. It flew by...granted I only worked a few hours...I'm really excited about it. It will be a lot of fun working with my hobby!!! And also working with people that share my scrapbooking obsession.

This morning Sal and I ventured out to Geneva to see Riverside Receptions. We both really liked it. The building is old and looks and feels very intimate.

This is the outside of the building...it looks like it is an old school town...I love it.


This is the room where the dinner would be served, there are big windows that overlook the Fox River. They have lights all around the windows (Christmas lights); I saw a picture, and it looked really nice.
We also went to the Westin in Lombard to look at their ball room. I liked it, I thought that it was very modern... but Steve referred to it as a corporate behemoth. So, I think that it is out.


Thursday, October 11, 2007

Bouncing Around

I’ve been meaning to upload some pictures from the engagement party, but Sal has been hogging the computer at night…thanks. Luckily, I have been keeping busy…watching all my new shows, reading, and bouncing around on my mini trampoline.

Since fall has started, the TV has come back on. Thanks to ABC….Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy are my Thursday night source of entertainment; Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters are my Sunday. Tuesday night is spent watching House on Fox (ill) and I have even found a new show that I like. Gossip girl- yes, it is shallow and teeny bopper, but I like it. October 25 will be the start of Scrubs…I can’t wait I love that show!!! I watch way too much TV all of a sudden… this is bad news.

I just finished reading A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown. This is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. It is a memoir of Cupcake’s life. Her mother died when she was eleven, and due to the law, she was sent to live with her biological father that wanted nothing more then money. She was placed in foster care and was abused, raped, and got mixed up with drugs, alcoholic, sex, and gangs at a very young age. It is a truly inspirational story…she put herself back together and ended up graduating from law school. It really made me realize how good I had it growing up, and how grateful I should be for my family and friends.

Lastly, I have become obsessed with rebounding (jumping/jogging) on my mini trampoline. I just bought it a couple days ago, and I can not get enough of it. Sal is annoyed, because the according to him, “the whole condo is bouncing.” I do feel bad for the downstairs neighbors, but I have not received any nasty notes on my door yet!!! Plus, I am doing it before quiet hours begin. Man I can not wait till we have a house…no such thing has quiet hours then. Anyway, I started reading about all the benefits of this bouncing business…it is incredible.

It increases circulation, increases mental acuity, improves balance, improves bladder control(anyone who spends some time with me understands why this is an important one...heheh), and strengthens the Lymphatic system/immune system(helps to prevent colds and infections...who would of ever thought that bouncing around your organs would do so much good). It also helps eliminate varicose veins and helps with arthritis. Not to mention that you can burn more calories then jogging. I'm in love with it...plus, it is so fun!!!

Monday, October 8, 2007

The past week

Last week came and went; I can’t believe that I have been 25 for a week already. Sal's parents where here visiting all last week. I was a little nervous about how 4 adults and a dog could fit into the condo, but it was no problem at all. Lucky that I picked out very comfy couches…hehehe. I was actually sad to see them go. I wish that they would move up here. It would be nice to have the closer.

We went out to eat so much last week:
Monday- Brio
Thursday-Pepe’s
Friday- Ted's Montana Grill

I really enjoyed Ted's Montana Grill- they are very environmentally friendly. They use paper straws that can be recycled; actually the waitress told us that they recycle everything there. Also, everything is cooked fresh, and they do not have any freezers or microwaves in the restaurant. I would definitely recommend trying it out.

The weather is scaring me. Trust me, I love 90 degree weather, but in October? I just hope that people realize that it should not be this warm in Chicago during this time of the year, and take some pro active steps to try and help our environment. On Saturday I was able to go swimming in my parent’s pool- it’s still open!!! It is usually closed by now, but sine it has not gotten cold, they are still using it. And all the runners that were sent to the hospital yesterday while trying to run the Chicago Marathon because of the heat…wake up people!!!

Saturday evening was our engagement party. I’ll have to post pictures later. It was very nice, my parents did a wonderful job putting it together and cooking everything. It was very nice to have some of our family and friends together. My mom also got the best cake ever- it was pink!!! HEHEHE. I loved it!!! Luckily, Sal understands, and doesn’t mind that it was pink. As long as the table linens are not pink at the wedding, we’re ok…hahaha. That would be way too much pink anyway, so no worries.

We had a tasting yesterday at the Morton Arboretum…the food was great, and we really liked it. The only problem is that it is so expensive. Just to rent the room it is $6500.00, and the cost per plate would end up being about $115.00; Ahh that is so much $$$. That $$$ could go towards dinner for 60 people. We have started to look at other places, that do not charge a rental fee as long as a certain $$$ amount is met. We found a place called Riverside Receptions in Geneva, Illinois, which is not too far from us. It is right on the Fox River. We’re going to have to check it out sometime this week. We are also thinking that we may change our month to April or May 2009.

I worried that Archiver’s doesn’t want to employee me. I was sort of hoping that I could get a PT job there, make some extra cash while being able to get a great discount on their merchandise. They are coming out with a new line for Wedding Invitations. I think that I really want to make them, so having a 30% discount would be excellent. But they have not gotten back to me. My interview was over a week ago- how long does a background check take?

Monday, October 1, 2007

It's my birthday!!!!

Your Birthdate: October 1

You are a natural born leader, even if those leadership talents haven't been developed yet.
You have the power and self confidence to succeed in life, and your power grows daily.
Besides power, you also have a great deal of creativity that enables you to innovate instead of fail.
You are a visionary, seeing the big picture instead of all of the trivial little details.

Your strength: Your supreme genius

Your weakness: Your inappropriate sensitivity

Your power color: Gold

Your power symbol: Star

Your power month: January

Saturday, September 29, 2007

ZED 451

My girlfriends took me out to dinner this evening for my birthday; we went to ZED 451 in Downers Grove. A quick review of the restaurant: It was excellent. It is a Brazilian Steak House. It was my first time going there and I was uber impressed. It is set up as a harvest (sort of like a buffet, but with way more class and only the salad bar is buffet style). Then the servers come by with all different sorts of meats...yummy!!! I must say that they also have a wonderful chocolate mousse and hazelnut dessert. It is defiantly worth going to...beware though, the price is on the higher side; the price per person (since it is a harvest) is over $40. (There is no menu).

I was very happy to be able to hang out with my girlfriends too. I needed to talk to them about a situation in my life. Recently, I found out that I had been cheated on...no, not by Steve. It was an ex that I had a 4.5 year relationship with...or least that is what I thought. This was very difficult for me since I maintained a friendship with him, and I really valued what we had. Talking to my girls gave me some good perspective on it, and I appreciate my girlfriends for being there for me, and telling it to me as it is, with out beating around the bush...there is no sugar coating with my girls and that is what I love about them.

I am also happy that I have sort of made an unexpected friend through this process. Someone that I never thought that I could befriend just because of the situation that we were in. I judged her before I had even talked to her, and I now regret that I had misjudged her. I am happy though that we have started to talk and have learned about each other.

Today started out as a shitty day- I went back to work...apparently I had pissed off several people while I was out sick (claimants whose claims I had denied). I was returning phone calls for 3 hours... but in the end, it turned out to be an excellent day!!!

Pictures from dinner:





I also had my interview at Archiver's for a part time job- I think that it went well!!!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

With a little help from my tussin

I am still sick, I'm still at home, and I'm still becoming more and more behind at work...this sucks!!! I need to be healthy though, so that I am able to do my work. Talking makes me cough and talking is about 85% of my day.

Sal has been taking care of me. There are not enough words that I could use to thank him. He has been extra special wonderful lately. Thanks Sal

Sal parent's will be here on Sunday. I am so happy that they will be able to come up here. Our parents will get to meet, and Steve will be able to spend a lot of quality time with them. I feel so bad, because their dog was attacked my a vicious dog. Poor thing, he is so gentle and delicate.

On Monday I turn 25. Ahhh I'm a quarter century old. I've been feeling sort of down lately. I'm not sure if it's because I'm sick, if I'm secretly scared about turning 25, or if it has to do with something else. I think it is mostly because I'm sick and I haven't done much of anything beside sleep for the past several days...

Tomorrow I'm going to work-yippy!! I don't think that I have ever been happy to go to work. I also have an interview for a part time job to be a supervisor at Archiver's. I'm so excited!!! I think that working there would be wonderful. Archiver's is my favorite scrapbook store. Working there would be my own little paradise. I know, I'm a crazy tool...

I'm also going to a birthday dinner with my girls tomorrow night, which will be a lot of fun. I always enjoy hanging with my girles. We're going to ZED. I hope that they have lots of good drinks!!! This will be my first birthday since I was 5 years old that Mary won't be at; I'm so sad :(

Friday, September 21, 2007

Freedom...

Today is a great day- I am finally free from Allstate!!! They have high rates and horrible customer service. You are not in good hands with Allstate.

They do have good commercials though- hahaha. Somebody has to pay for them, but it will no longer be me...

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Girly Weekend

I was very excited to be able to spend quality time with the girls that I love this past weekend. Mary has graduated from the Secret Service and is now officially a uniformed officer. I'm so proud of my best friend!!! We took lots of fun pictures:

My Maria...congratulations!!!

Can you believe that we have been best friends since 1st grade!!!


Kristin was very excited about the star...

The girls...and Joel

Normal Behavior...

Before going out to shake it!!!

Us girls @ dinner

Michelle and I...we're not even related.



Margaret and Mary...they are so cute!!!

I love this picture of Michelle....

Mary and the Floridan...hahaha

Me, grillin with the Floridan....
Mary with the random guy who wanted his piccture taken?
Oh, I miss my best friend...
And best of all:

The angels...in front of St. Mary's...hahaha.
Please note that I was not really given a choice, I had to go to church... Since we all went to St. Mary's school/church as kids it had sentimental value...though it wasn't that church.

Venting Time

The world that we live in today is fast paced and convenience based. You see this in all aspect of life, everything from the mass production of goods (always looking for the cheapest/easiest way of doing it), to the food that we choice to eat, our education system (teaching only what is on standardized tests), to our personal lives. The divorce rate in this country is how high? We live in a society where something can be built up so fast and come tumbling down even faster. It has turned people to believe that it is ok to be self indulgent, irresponsible, and undependable. When something gets hard, throw it to the side. We take some much from our environment, but are we putting anything back in? We are so materialistic in this “American Culture” that we even “throw away” people. This is my take on things right now, but I have learned a very important lesson- things are not always what they seem to be. Two people can be going through that same situation and have totally different takes/perceptions of the experience.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Stop the Sodomy!!!

I’m in the process of looking for new car insurance. My dad has finally handed the bill over to me…he lied; he said he’d pay till I was 25. I’m still only 24, but they have cut me off. I know that I should not be complaining about this because my dad was very generous to pay for it up till now. I was just shocked when I saw the bill…close to $800.00 (for 6 months). F me. So Sal and I are in the process of finding insurance together. I have gotten one quote already that is less then half of the amount that I will be paying. It is not like I am thinking about going with a sub standard carrier either. (Sub Standard Carriers are the worst insurance companies ever…I wish that they would be outlawed!!!) Sorry Allstate looks like you are losing a customer…

Thursday, August 16, 2007

A new look

I'm so excited about the new look of my blog...thanks my computer genius. He helped me with it in hopes of cheering me up because I got into a little tiff with my parents about not getting married in a church. Grrr I do not understand why people hold on to a man made creation like it is something so important.

Please answer me this...why it is ok for a priest to hold a mass in a basement of a house, but yet a taboo to be married outside?

Funny that I am currently reading a book called god is not Great by Christopher Hitchens. This is just what I need right now, to feed the angry ego...

Monday, August 13, 2007

Morton Arboretum

I went to the Morton Arboretum on Saturday for a work Party, and Steve was able to come along. I have been to the Arboretum a few times before, so I was very excited about going again. Not to mention that Steve and I were thinking that it's be a good place to have our wedding (we're pretty much decided on it now). We love the facilities available for the ceremony and reception. I'm so excited about it. Now, we just have to save a lot of money.


This is the area where the ceremony would take place. It is in the Hedge Garden. There are steps that lead down to it, it is very elegantly designed.


This is the Ginkgo Room, where the reception would be held. 250 people can fit in that room. We are hoping to limit it to about 200-225 guests. There is a glass wall that looks out to a little lake surrounded by pretty flowers and trees.


Here is a better look at what you'd see looking out the window. There is a whole side of the room that is a picture glass window. It is amazing.

Wasting Money

I read an article today about the top ten money wasters for most people, and it got me thinking about my biggest money wasters are. I was a little disgusted to see exactly how much of a consumer I am…

My # 1 is scrapbook supplies. I spend about an average of $50-$75 per month on paper, stickers, cutting tools, and embellishments. Depends on my mood and how many times I enter into a scrapbook store. Each month, it may not seem like all that much (some people will disagree- namely Steve) but when you add it up that is about $2600-3900.00 per year. That is a hella lot of cash.

I know that I will not stop making scrapbooks, but what I will do, is try to use up all that I have (which is a closet full), I will not randomly go into a scrapbook store, and I will check the web for deals before buying in the store. If I need to go in a store to buy something, I will stick to the specifics that I need. I think that I can reduce my year amount spent in about half, if not more.

My # 2 eating dinner out; whether it is with Sal or my girlfriends, or family. I spend about $50.00 a month going to restaurants for dinner. That is about $2600.00 a year. Birthdays and special occasions will not go away, but I’m going to make sure that Steve and I don’t eat out because we don’t feel like cooking.

My # 3 Lunch out during the workweek. I used to eat out every day…before I bought a condo. Since then I’ve limited it to about 2-3 times a week. Spending an average of $9.00 each lunch, that is about $936-1092 per year. I will start packing a lunch everyday from now on. It is not that difficult and it will save a ton of money.

My # 4: Starbucks…oh how I love my Starbucks. I’d say that in any given week I will give between $12-14 to them. $624-728 to Starbucks a year. I won’t lie and say that I won’t go there anymore, because I love that place. I’m just going to limit my intake to about $6 a week, which would be only $312 a year.

On the high, I spend about $8,320 a year on scrapbooking, eating out and drinking coffee. That is huge. If I could cut that in half, I would save $4160.00 in a year alone. I’m on a mission to save money, since our wedding is going to cost a fortune.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Random Flashback

Yesterday I started thinking about how I would like to buy school supplies, yes I know random. That was my favorite going back to school ritual- I would buy them in Mid July, because I would be so excited about fun folders. Cute things motivate me…yes, I know, I am a consumer whore. I’m not too sure what got me thinking about them, but from that thought, thoughts of my childhood stemmed from that.

I started to think of 7th and 8th grade, I was a riot back in the day. My girlfriends and I would hang out together 24-7. I am happy to say that I am still best friends with 3 girls that I went to grade school with. Seeing how catty most girls can be- I’d say that we have accomplished something great. I love my St. Mary girls.

Back to 7th and 8th grade, we would hang out for hours in my basement. We thought that Hey Jude was the theme song to our lives. I just read through the lyrics, and I don’t really understand what we as 11 and 12 years olds thought that we shared with Hey Jude. It makes me laugh to think that I was so dramatic and that I felt so oppressed. I was really into writing and reading poetry. I remember thinking that Emily Dickinson and I had so much in common. I would write all types of poems, but mostly of unrequited love. I just wonder now, what I was really thinking then.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

John Adams is a horrible man...

Sal and I have officially started our wedding planning...the fun has only begun. I was a little surprised when we found out that all the places we looked at charge $125 and up per plate...good thing that we are getting married in 2 years...plenty of time to save!!!

We only went to two places today, The Bolingbrook Golf Club and Montefiori. I liked the outside area, where the ceremony would take place at the Bolingbrook Golf Club:

There is a very nice fountain to the side, and i think that it would be really nice to have the sound of water in the backdrop during the ceremony. The inside, where the reception would take place, is ok. A little cheesy for me though. There is a beautiful balcony off of the room, that was very nice though.

I love Montefiori. It was beautiful. It is what I pictured my wedding to be like...it is outside...literally in a tent...hehe. The landscape around it is so nice. Lots of water, waterfalls, trees, and flowers. I think that is my top pick so far.
I don't think that this picture really does this place justice.

In other news...I was appalled when I read an article about an abortion bill that Ohio State Legislator John Adams is attempting to pass. He would like to make it a law for women to have signed consent from the father of the baby in order to allow an abortion...WTF? I believe in reproductive freedom, and this bill is taking that freedom away. Note that if you are raped or molested, in order for an abortion, you would need a police report. I believe that this is just a republican's crazy way of making his own morals into a law. Luckily, if this is passed, it would be ruled as unconstitutional...

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Pigeons on the Pill?

Sal and I decided when we are getting married…June 2009. Originally we thought September 2008, but the Maid of Honor- Mary will not be able to get vacation time during campaign season, and it would be hard for Sal too, since he works in politics. We have to get married in the summer, because we want to get married outside.

I’ve already gotten into a little tiff about getting married outside with my mom. She of course wants me to get married inside of a church. Catholic priest will not marry you unless you are inside of a church. Since neither of us, (Sal or I) are avid church goers, we are not too upset about that. We can hire a Minster to perform the ceremony. I’m excited that we are going to start going to check out potential places soon. So far on our list is: Meson Sabika in Naperville,, The Bolingbrook Golf Club, and Montefiori in Lemont.

I also figured out who my bridesmaids will be…there will be 8 of them. I’m going send them all a cookie from www.weddingish.com that is in the shape of a dress. There is writing all over the cookie that asks “Will you be a bridesmaid” so cute. I’m very excited about that.

Other then wedding stuff, Steve’s friend Amy is coming to Chicago today and she is staying with us. I’m very excited to meet her!!!

In other news, Pigeons in Hollywood are to be placed on the “pill.” What has our world come to? Placing OvoControl P, a birth control pill approved by The Department of Pesticide Regulation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will be placed in bird feeders all around Hollywood. On article that I read commented on how this was a humane way of reducing the pigeon population. I am not a scientist, but this does not seem to be natural/humane to me. How do they know it will not effect future generations of pigeons. I honestly think it is one of the most ridicules things that I have heard today.

So I shall move onto good news…Lucknow India has set the record for the most trees planted in one day. 10 Million to be exact. The previous record was 850,000 in another Indian state in 2006.
This is grand news!!! We need to give back to our earth. I just wish that more places and people would plant trees, instead of tearing them down.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Starbucks and Ethanol

Earlier today I found out that Starbucks has raised their prices for the 2nd time this year, this time by 9 cents a cup. Though it may not seem like a big increase at first glance, it is. The reason for this price increase: the increased production of ethanol. Interesting how ethanol, a corn based biofuel, would raise the cost of a cup of coffee....Please tell me again why we are feeding our livestock corn in stead of alfalfa? That in itself is another discussion that I'll leave for another time.

Learning that Starby's raised their prices, probed me to do more research on ethanol. I have seen commercials stating that ethanol is the answer to global warming and that it will help cut prices in oil, since we won't be so dependent on the Middle East for our gas. Hearing that the Bush Administration is behind this, I knew that there was a catch... so this is what I found:

Currently, in the US, ethanol represents 3% of the total fuel. In the next five years, they plan on doubling that amount and spending $5.7 billion in tax credits to subsidize large farming corporations. Ethanol does have lower amounts of "atmosphere warming carbons" but it is more expensive to produce ethanol then it is regular gasoline. Using coal fired power plants to power the facilities produces more greenhouse gases then the use of gasoline. Ethanol Plants could be powered using natural gases, but is more expensive. Ethanol also gets lower mpg, so we'll be frequenting the pumps more often.

So if ethanol is not the solution to our problem...what is? We can start with hybrid vehicles, since they help to ween us off of gasoline, but even still that is not enough. I think that we should make use of the distributed power grid, by using renewable energy that we can get from solar power.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Smoke Free

Starting on January 1, 2008 Illinois will join with 21 other states to become smoke free!!!! I am very excited about this. I despise going to restaurants and being forced to breath in other people's bad habits. I applaud Blagojevich for signing this bill, since he had so much pressure not to sign it by the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association. I spoke to a coworker that is a smoker and she is hoping that not being able to smoke in public will deter her from smoking and eventually help her to quit.

In other news, I went on a 15 mile bike ride after work today. It was most excellent. I love riding to Community Park in Lisle. It is one of my favorite parks. My favorite bridge is located in the park.

It is so simple, yet so beautiful. Riding a bike over it is a lot of fun too- it felt like a mini roller-coaster ride, the way it goes up and down so steeply- you can't really tell from the photo though.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Insight to my life

I Live in a condo, in a Chicago Suburb.

I Work at a non-for profit agency that deals with municipalities and insurance.

I Talk all the time.

I Wish people could learn to get along with each other and respect others for who they are. That people did not try to force their beliefs on others, and judge people who are different then themselves.

I Enjoy biking, scrapbooking, politics, nature, and dancing.

I Look up to those who have left all that they’ve known to start over in hopes of a better life.

I Find people that have narrow view points to be shallow, egotistical, and ignorant.

I Smell like fresh cotton.

I Hide my true feelings at times to avoid conflict.

I Pray only when I feel helpless.

I Walk to conserve the resources that we all take for granted.

I Write what I feel.

I See too many young girls sell themselves out.

I Sing all the time.

I Can speak Italian fluently.

I Watch too much HGTV, the Dailey Show, The Colbert Report, Gray’s Anatomy, and Brothers and Sisters.

I Yearn to be the best person that I can possible be.

I Daydream all the time.

I Want to find happiness in a career, and the true meaning of life.

I Cry often.

I Read so that I can exercise my brain.

I Love the feeling of accomplishment, the sun penetrating my skin, feeling sore from a good workout, arguing about politics, and my friends and family.

I Wonder how people think going to church makes them a better person, when they lie, cheat, and steal every other day.

I Touch prickly surfaces because it tickles my fingers.

I Hurt inside for various reasons.

I Fear the effects of global warming, not living up to my own set standards, and making mistakes in which a lesson is not learned.

I Hope for world peace, a better health care system in this country, and a democratic president in 08.

I Break cell phones on a regular basis.

I Eat much better than I used to.

I Quit pretending that I know all the answers.

I Bathe so that I do not smell.

I Drink water, Bacardi and Diet, and at times Lemonade.

I Stopped writing poetry, and wish that I had not.

I Save money on gas when I ride my bike to work.

I Hug friends and family every time I see them.

I Play to keep the child alive in me.

I Miss being a college student with out any real responsibilities, summer vacation, my family in Italy, and best friends who moved away for work.

I Hold the key to my own happiness.

I Forgive others more easily then I forgive myself.

I Drive myself crazy.

I Learn as much as I can everyday.

I Have several thoughts go through my mind all the time.

I Don't like the way that the Bush Administration is running this country.

I Made it this far…

I Kiss Steve everyday.

I Believe in reproductive freedom, a national health care system, holding grudges only brings you down, jealously is a form of insecurity, and you can never eat too much chocolate.

I Wait for the things that I know are worth waiting for.

I Need to figure out what I want to do when “I grow up.”

I Feel that what doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger.

I Know that I still have many adventures to take, and life lesions to learn.

I am only 24.

First Post





This is my first post...I promise it will get more exciting then this.
 
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