European Adventure

In May, my daughter Victoria is heading to Europe for 11 days. She’ll be going to Paris, Florence and Rome on a trip organized by her former Western Civilization professor. When she first told me about the trip, my first instinct was, ‘if you want to go, go!’ It’s a great opportunity. I’m sure amidst the historical journey they will be going on, there will be a whole lot of fun, too! She was able to find out if students from other schools could go along, they can – and one of her best friends is going along, too.

While they are in Florence, Eli is meeting up with them, and taking them to some of the local establishments. (Okay, the 3 of them in Italy, I’m a little scared!) One of my cousins is going to meet up with them in Florence, too. While in Rome, another cousin should be meeting up with them. It will be an awesome adventure for them.

I was good with the trip, really. I still am. Well, that was until yesterday. I admit, right now, I’m a little bit to a great bit freaked out about her getting on that big old plane. Mind you, at first, I was just thinking about the questions I’ll be interrogating the pilot with. They are flying on a red-eye …. did the pilot sleep? How much sleep did he get? Does he Twitter or FB while flying? Does he play solitaire on his laptop? Of course, there will be the drug and alcohol testing, so no questions necessary there. But, you get the picture.

Now, I’ve got to re-worry about crazy psychos again? It’s not that I’ve ever thought of letting my guard down when it comes to flying. But yesterday’s foiled attempt

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of a bomb suspect trying to blow up the flight has left a blob in my stomach worst than eating 5 Christmas-old fruit cake. I will need a brown paper bag for breathing exercises, a mild to strong sedative, and maybe a shot or two of Whiskey. I’ll start my breathing exercises now ….

The Gift of the Story

No, this isn’t personally about “MY” Anita’s story, but about the gift of a story. I’m just finishing up my Digital Storytelling course at ESC, and honestly, I have had too much fun, and wish it wasn’t over. I found myself thinking, I would have liked to do more work, I love this idea or that idea. To make a comparison, it was like the creative and technology equivalence of being a little kid in a candy store. The group in the class was really great work with and share ideas with. Minus a Twitter project, the projects themselves were individual, but the sharing on the discussion boards was as much of a learning process as if I were sitting in a lecture hall and probably moreso. Because of the nature of the course, Digital Storytelling, I don’t think it would have worked as successfully if it was in a classroom setting.

Over the course, of the course, I started thinking of how I could apply the ideas and technologies that I’ve learned into projects both professionally and personally. Most of us have at our fingertips technology that can capture moments and record them, share them, save them. Many, many, many years ago, we were all sitting around my parents dining room table and playing with “the” technology, a taperecorder. My Uncle Frank and my dad were kidding around and made a short recording that we all laughed about. Honestly, I didn’t think anything of it, at the time. Years, later, my uncle passed away. Somehow, my initial thoughts in that day were, I want that tape, I needed to hear his voice again, but I could no longer find the tape.

Today I spent time talking with a friend of mine, who’s grandfather has been quite sick. She told me how she spent time with him last night and he shared some stories of her dad when he was a young boy that they never heard before. I told her to grab her video camera, and let him talk. Let him share the stories of their family, and his life. This man, has lead an AMAZING life. He has been a civic leader, a community leader, and a devoted life-long public servant. The stories that he can share with his family about his family, and politics, can take up gigabytes and gigabytes of text alone.

Not that I didn’t already know the importance of stories, but I've learned to appreciate them more. I grew up in a close-knit family, in old-fashioned way, and shared stories around the dinner table. This course has truly opened so many doors to ideas – the most important though is, capture your stories now ~ they are gift. This has been the beginning of a very fun journey!

A Cultural Exchange

In 1982, my family hosted Fabiola, a 17 year-old girl from Chile. She stayed with us for 10 weeks, but the memory of the experience has stayed with me until this day. The experience was fun for me as I had a brother, but no sister. Though we were different, we were very much alike as well. To this day, we are still in contact. She has come back for a few visits, and though the years have been many, catching up has been a breeze.

Around this time of year, back in 2002, we started seriously looking to host an exchange student. I was hoping that my daughters could have the same type of experience as I did all those years ago. The search was almost like going shopping. We needed to find a girl who would fit in our family lifestyle and that enjoyed at least similar things as we do. First, we had to look through the different organizations, then to find the right student.

Six months of aggressively looking (after about 18 months of passively looking) we found our Hanna. She was a 17-year old from Sweden, and played soccer. Hanna would be 4 years older than Victoria, 8 years older than Adriana. This could work. We wrote to the exchange program, told them who we wanted, and she was placed on our list. Now, the interrogation came, a near 20-page application to host, letters of recommendation, host interview, background checks on Larry and I – pretty much everything minus providing DNA. (But, it’s good to know they were thorough in who they place students with.) Afterall, she was going to live with us for a year. She arrived at the beginning of August 2003, and left after the 4th of July, 2004 – she arrived with much excitement and anxiety, and left with many, many tears. I learned as much about Hanna and the Swedish culture as I hope she learned about the American culture. She was a smart, fun and enjoyable girl to be around. She wanted to constantly be exposed to new ventures, she loved to be on the go. I also learned that the Swedes had no idea what Swedish Fish were!! But now, thanks to the American influence, Hanna, her family and friends are all familiar with this wonderful treat! Hanna's year here was more for the experience, as she was not getting credit for it in Sweden.

At Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts with Hanna

June 2007, I had a crazy idea – let’s find a student again. This time, let’s go with an Italian girl, as I wanted to find out more about my own heritage through the life of a teenager. We began our ‘shopping’ for an Italian girl, and after reviewing over 250 profiles, we found Elisa (Eli). I vividly remember her profile letter. My father’s words still ring true, her letter was “too” perfect. Could this girl actually live up to what she presented in her letter? She hit the impossible, as she not only lived up to it, she surpassed it. Educationally, she was superior. We often talked about the differences in the schooling systems in the US vs. Italy. She said if she could take pieces of both, she’d be happy. In Italy, she went to school 6 days per week, there were no sports, no clubs, no proms, no graduations, no special days at school. Here, we offered all the extra “stuff” … which, is good and bad, I know. Personality wise, she was a perfect fit. She has a quirky sense of humor, and just fun and enjoyable to be around. Her humor, her charm was heartwarming and we created a special connection that will always stay with me.

The meeting of the families

The cost - in minimal. One extra mouth to feed, maybe the equivalence of an extra load of laundry a week. The benefit is this new relationship you form, and exposing you and your family to someone from another culture. As we shared our ways with these girls, we learned what it was like in their countries. Eli and Hanna can attest to the amount of times one of us would ask, "in Italy/Sweden do you...."

I feel that not only did my family learn about their cultures, but their friends from school learned about their cultures as well. There are still nights and times where I miss having them around. We had great fun on the big things that we did, but it’s all the little things, the things we laughed about that makes me miss them all the more. We were blessed with two amazing experiences. If you know of anyone out there, who is interested in hosting, and wants to talk with someone about the experience, please send them my way. The only pitfall is, they each took a piece of my heart with them when they left. But there’s the promise that we’ll see each other again. That’s the way it was meant to be.

The Soundtrack of my Life

Theme from Cheers
I come from the small town of Green Island (less than 2,500 residence, 1 square-mile large… or small depending on who says it). Everyone not only knows your name but your history as well – and depending on the topic … that can be a positive or a negative!


Seasons of Love, Rent
Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes, how do you measure the life of a woman or man.
Think about all the things one does over the course of a year. How much of a difference can be made? I won’t be moving mountains, but I will always try to make a difference. It’s not always about doing something grand and great, but the small things, helping out that can make a difference as well.


My Wish
My wish, for you, is that life becomes all that you want it to, your dreams stay big, your worries stay small and you never need to carry more than you can hold.
As a mom it is My Wish for my kids. Not that their lives will be perfect and free from trials and tribulations because that will only make them stronger. If they never fail, they will never learn some of life’s lessons. My wish is that their suffering or heart aches are few and far between - and if so, that they realize what a blessing that is.


Grown up Christmas List
Ahh, continued from above with My Wish, Christmas-ized. If I could make that wish to Santa today through the eyes of an adult … it would be for no more wars, no lives torn apart, time would heal all hearts and most importantly, right would always win – good over evil.


Georgia
I was in a drum corps for several years during my teens (in the color guard and rifle squad). Many songs were played and heard over the years, but the one that always brings me back to those wonderful days, is Georgia on my Mind. These people I formed friendships with, over 25 years ago had such a lasting effect on me. We spent more time with each other than with our families – and it was a truly amazing experience. I’m so glad I had the opportunity.


What a Wonderful World, Louie Armstrong
I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
I really can’t pinpoint exactly what it is about this song that I’d say this belongs in My Soundtrack. Just this segment from above, I think about in my lifetime all the changes that have come about and the technologies developed – it is truly amazing, and we’re just getting started.


Proud to be an American, The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America
I refer to them as the patriotic triology - they give me chills when I hear them – The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America and Proud to be an American. At the Smithsonian in Washington, I’ve viewed both one of the flags that ‘survived’ 9/11 – and the original American Flag that flew over Fort Sumter, inspiring Francis Scott Key. Both these symbols gave me a feeling that is indescribable.


Arrivederci Roma
Both of my parents are from Italy – my mother being from Rome. They came to the United States as adults, in hopes of establishing a life here – both leaving their families. I’ve tried to imagine what my life would have been like if they never did that, but it’s impossible for me to piece together a what-if to people and a place I only know stories about. Whenever I hear this song on the radio or in a restaurant, I think of my parent’s decision to come here, what they gave up … and what they gave us.


Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
I’ve always loved Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. When I was pregnant for both my daughters, I played the CDs all the time - now, the car soundtrack varies by whose iPod is plugged in. Four Seasons is always relaxing and soothing – and I’m a 4 seasons person, I love the Northeast!

Christmas Shopping Rules

Today I went shopping and within the first 30 minutes, I realized the ground rules needed to be set.

Cruising at about 64.9 MPR down the Northway to Colonie Center, I had spastic man behind me flinging his arms at my non-willingness to get out of his way. It would have been a simple thing to do, but there was a car in front of me, there was a car beside me, and I was in the 3rd lane. Next time you have your road rage at me sir, I will test my brakes and reflexes just to make sure I’m in check. No one is going anywhere fast. It’s 2 weeks before Christmas.

I pull into the parking lot. Ahhh, yes, the beloved vehicle that is special. So special, it needs to take up 2 parking spots, so the cars to the left and right do not dent it. If the car is that special, then don’t bring it to the mall during the Christmas season. And speaking of parking lots, speed limit should be reasonable. If we hear your wheels peel, you don’t belong in the parking lot, you belong at Lebanon Valley Speedway.

First customer service rep I came in contact with may have needed her morning coffee. She was not the kindest soul. Maybe it was an off day. But when the customer says, “Hi! How are you?” And when the sale is complete, and the customer says, “Thank you very much, and have a great day.” A courteous “Thanks” is an appropriate response. I get that people dread working during this season. But in today’s economy, the fact that one IS working, and at least during my transaction, wasn’t yelling or bitching … ‘thanks’ could be nice. I do love the CSR’s who are kind and friendly – and have a smile on their face. Idle chit chat makes the day smoothly.

Customers one and all must realize, shopping is crazy right now. Expect to wait in line. Loud heaving breaths will not make the CSR at the register go any quicker because you are in a hurry. We all are. Stand in line and deal with it (or shop on-line where there are no lines).

Do NOT butt people in line – don’t pretend you didn’t realize you were doing it, because we all know you knew! Funny story. Black Friday 1997, I was at Toys R Us on Wolf Road, it was 6 am, the store opened at 5. The regular line to check out was an hour wait long. The check-out at Electronics was 30 minutes. I’m standing in line, and the gentleman behind me was over 6 foot and a bit of a Hells Angels’ish type of fellow. A woman came with her cart and nudged her way into my backside, casually trying to cut the line. He looked at her, and told her to get to the back of the line. When she tried to explain her way out of it (or into the line saying she had been there), he informed her, “Lady, you have a better chance of shaking hands with Jesus Christ today than butting me in line, I said get to the back of the line.” LOVED his response.

And finally, take every opportunity to laugh (and laugh at yourself). Everyone can do something unintentionally funny … and it’s a good idea to be able to laugh about it. This year as I was shopping on Black Friday, I was in Target. I was in the DVD area (big sale on DVDs) with about 20 people scouring through the titles. One woman who had been squatting down stands up rejoicing and yells to her husband who was standing about 20 feet away, “BABY! I got Knocked up!” The laughter erupted, the processing in her mind started and then she realized. The better choice in wording could have been, “Baby! I found the DVD Knocked UP!” But instead, she gave us all a funny moment.

Newsworthy

Enough of the Woods!

I’m not quite sure what the newsworthiness is, or fixation on poor adult behavior – but can we please stop hearing about Tiger Woods' pathetic choices. Honestly, I don’t care what happens between he and his wife. I’d like to be able to turn on the television and not hear about the possibility of the newest mistress stepping forward, the payoffs that are going to happen to the mistresses, and to his wife or the trysts with various women that are somewhere between mistress and wife. It’s a disgusting amount of money that they are talking about. $1 million to her, $3 million to her, somewhere between $300 million and $500 million to the wife depending on how long she decides to put up with him (or vise versa).

This weekend, I went to the annual Melodies of Christmas at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady. It’s been part of my family’s Christmas tradition for the past 14 years. This year, the Melodies celebrated its 30th year with yet another heart-warming, Christmas cheer-filled – and gut wrenching show featuring some of the most musically talented students in our area high schools. For those that have never gone to the performance, or seen it on television (it’s shown in the Capital Region on WRGB on Christmas Eve), the show is a fundraiser for the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. The gut-wrenching part comes at the end, when children who are going through, or have gone through the Center are brought up on stage to sing Silent Night. Anyone with a heart, is on their feet for a standing ovation and tears in their eyes.

It all began 30 years ago as a caring grandfather found out his granddaughter had cancer. It started as one show at the Palace Theater in Albany, and has now expanded to 4 sold out shows each year at Proctor’s in Schenectady. Having this Center established in Albany means that children are able to receive treatments and research is done that give children in our area a fighting chance. They no longer have the only options of going to New York City or Boston, they can also receive services here. Thirty years ago, only 20 percent of the children diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders had a chance of survival. Today, those odds have increased to 80 percent. That's news!

The Celebration this year marked a poignant dedication as well. They announced that over the past 30 years, this show alone has raised over $6 million. The Center has now been re-named to be The Melodies Center, with dedication and thanks to WRGB, Freihofer Baking Company and Price Chopper. I brought the Woods into this because on my way to work today, 2 radio stations were referencing the money involved. It really sickened me to think if she stays or if they keep their mouths shut, they can have this many millions of dollars. I think about how much good use that hush money can be - to this Center, or to other Centers out there that can make the difference in hundreds or thousands of lives.

Poor, stupid choices by high profile people does a world of nothing for me. Grass roots efforts that bring about hope, change and the possibility of a better life (especially for a child), there’s the news I want to hear about. That’s newsworthy.

Here's a clip regarding this year's performance, as well as the announcement of the dedication: