Just 83 days ago I decided to undertake a challenge that would push my mind and my body to another level. I decided to purchase a program called Tapout XT which I can honestly say changed my life for the better. 83 days of working out every single week, for 6 days and 1 rest day, has been a great challenge that I am proud to say I have completed. While I may not be in the same shape as the guys or girls in video, I can say that I feel better than I have in the past few years. I have lost fat and gained muscle, my waist has shrunk, my clothes fit me better, I never feel sore or achy, I'm never out of breath, and I know that I can do anything I put my mind to. However, the truth is that I still have work to do.
Finally Finished With Tapout XT
Finishing Tapout is just as rewarding to my mental state as it is physically. Now, I am ready to push myself to the next level and try something new. I did P90X a few years ago and never finished the program. I got through about 50 days before I stopped for whatever excuse I came up with at that time. Now that I'm in great shape when it comes to my strength and endurance, undertaking P90X is the best step I can take it.
It's important to not fall back into the bad habits in laziness that I faced before, the months going by where I would not do a single thing to maintain my health physically. I did think that Tapout XT would help me lose more of the wait then I actually did, but to be perfectly honest I ate pretty much the same way I did before I started the program. I don't eat fast food or anything too bad like that, but I do eat big portions and of course I love to drink beer, brew beer, and do anything that has to do with beer. That is going to be a challenge to overcome in itself that I don't know if I ever want to overcome. I would prefer 2 do what I do now because I know that I can maintain the fairly healthy diet I am on now. Sure, I could fast and eat only proteins and low carb foods, but you and I both know that as an Italian American citizen I will always enjoy my breads cheeses meats and prosciutto. There is simply no getting around it and I'm perfectly happy with it. Unfortunately the Mediterranean diet does not translate very well to an American lifestyle where always do is it computers and drive everywhere. Back in Italy everybody walks to wherever they need to go and I'm pretty sure they don't even have gyms yet are the skinniest people I have ever seen. Obviously the prosciutto, mozzarella, olive oil, fish, and figs must be pretty damn good to the human body.
So now I'm excited. I've proven to myself that I can complete a 3 month program despite my busy life. I know I can do it I am ready for the next challenge. Even though it appears as if I was in better shape 4 or 5 years ago than I am in even now, Tapout XT did help develop muscles that I have never concentrated on. My abs, my shoulders, and my core. I always concentrated on my chest, back, and arms. Now that I have improved my core, I feel like my overall success with P90X will be better than last time. I also feel as though I am more mature and can complete the program this time. I'm going to take a week off to allow my body to recover from the three months of strenuous training, and then I'm going to start hanging out with my old friend Tony Horton again in P90X.
The first thing I want to do is say thank you to everyone and please give yourselves a hug from me. Okay, go on give yourself one more hug.
Good, now here's why I'm saying thanks. Everyone that I have some sort of contact with, whether it's family, friends, coworkers, or random people I have met along the way, have had some sort of impact on my life. Each day that goes by is an opportunity to interact with all of you; maybe it's an in depth conversation, a high five, a "like" on Facebook, a text message, etc. Sometimes days, months, or years could go by without us seeing each other. We may never see each other again. The point is that I'm happy to be a part of your lives and I'm happy that you are a part of mine, whether it is in the past, present, or future.
Time is something that most people perceive as linear. Moments in time occur until another moment occurs. Every single person or moment in our lives have led us to this exact moment, making us who we are and presenting us with what we feel in this particular moment in time. So in effect, everything that has ever been has made us who we are today including every person we have encountered, every place we've been, and every feeling we have ever felt. I don't know about you, but it makes me feel good that we've all been a part of each others lives.
With each day that passes, I appreciate this more and more.
VENEZIA
Venice was very different from Sorrento. Touristy, hot, and expensive, yet romantic and intimate. Venice was the last city we visited in Italy.
Well of Ezio Outside Corte Canal
Day Number 12:
This was a very rough day. From Sorrento to Napoli we took a local train and from Napoli to Venice we took an express train with a connection in Bologna. The travel time at that point was about 9 hours. Getting from the train station to our bed and breakfast was no easy task either. We carried the luggage over a big bridge which took out almost all of our remaining energy. When we arrived at Corte Canal we were very upset to find out the conditions.
Dad, Sarah, Katie, Heather, and I walk the streets of Venice
I might as well knock out all the bad stuff first so that the rest of the blog is enjoyable. The description for our room includes a double room and a quadruple room with breakfast every morning. Well this room was in the attic and had zero separation between the alleged rooms. The mattress Heather and I slept on was maybe 4 inches thick on no box spring. Breakfast consisted of wrapped up pound cakes and juice boxes that sat there for the entire four days. We were located on the fourth floor essentially and there was no elevator. So, we got to drag all of our luggage up several flights of stairs. Katie tripped going up the stairs on a loose piece of molding and fell forward into the room. The maid didn't make the beds or bring in new towels or do much of anything. Needless to say this was not a good first impression of the city.
Our View from atop the Rialto Bridge
After several deep breaths and muttering my breath, we decided to get some dinner. By this time we were starving and I felt sick from not eating. We found a place called Taverna da Baffo. Our waiter Maximus recommended a special bruschetta bread twisted with arugula, prosciutto, and mozzarella di bufalo. Delicious stuff. We also had pizza and I ate seafood risotto. I'm pretty sure that this was the best restaurant in Venice that we ate at and I do wish we went there one more time. That night we walked to the Rialto Bridge and got gelato.
Heather being super cute at the Rialto Bridge
Day Number 13:
I will say that as unhappy as we were with the conditions of the bed and breakfast, we were happy with the location. For our first full day in Venice we had breakfast just down the block from Corte Canal at a pastry shop. After that we took a Vaporetto boat to St. Marks Square and Basilica. It was very hot that day and was for the most part while we were there. Some line cutters made me lose my temper and I cursed at them very loudly for a while.
View from atop St. Marks Basilica's Balcony
St. Marks was very cool. The whole church is like one big mosaic piece of artwork. The view of St. Marks square from the top of the basilica was very impressive as were the works inside the building.
Afterwards we did a bit of shopping and then ate at a Rick Steves recommendation for traditional Venetian food known as cicchetti. The restaurant was called Osteria ai Storti. I had grilled cicchetti which was a plate of small, boney fish served from head to tail. I'm proud to say I finished everything.
Inside St. Peter's Basilica where NO pictures are allowed
After lunch we split, Heather and I split off to do some more shopping and take it easy. She found a little fabric shop and bought her brother Patrick a Chef's Hat. The guy at the shop sewed on the words "Little Chef" right in front of us and it was really cool to watch. We made our way back down to St. Marks and took a vaporetto boat to the Rialto bridge where we got some delicious crepes. We walked from there
through the Jewish Getto which is an island in Venice where the old Venetians forced Jews to live. Yes, it really was and still is called the Jewish Getto and is apparently the place where the word ghetto came from.
Traditional Venetian Fish Dish
We picked up some figs, black cherries, and dates along the way back to our bed and breakfast. We took a short nap and then rode the
vaporetto boat back to St. Marks and back to see the city at night by boat. Unfortunately, the boat got very crowded which made it difficult to really enjoy it. It was cool though to see the water on the canals go right up to the doors. I tried to imagine what the city looked like before the water levels had risen.
Day Number 14:
Despite Heather and I declaring that we were totally "Museum-ed Out", I realized that we hadn't seen the Scuola di San Rocco. We decided this final landmark would be worth paying a visit to and now we are glad we did. The Scuola di San Rocco is considered the Sistine Chapel of Tintoretto, a painter during Michelangelo's time in the Renaissance. His works are magnificent and the Scuola was a site to see. No photos were allowed inside and this time I listened to the rules (most people don't).
Scuola di San Rocco in Venice by Tintoretto
After the Scuola, Heather and I ate lunch and headed back for a long nap. The heat was very strong in Venice the whole time we were there and it took a toll on us. After we woke up, my family, Heather, and I went out to dinner. Afterwards, we had gelato then found a large picnic area where food was being served and a band was playing 70's music. Heather and I had a few beers and turned in for the night to get ready for our last day in Italy.
The band playing Greg Carr Music in the Picnic Area.
Day Number 15:
Heather and I had a nice, long lunch along a canal near the Accademia section of Venice. Then we walked to St.
Marks square to a shop where we bought a nice stamp with our initials on it and I picked up my final
souvenir.
Looks like I'm kind of wide for some of the streets in Venice
We hurried back to our bed and breakfast, showered, and did a Rick
Steves recommended tour with Alessandro Schezzini where we tried out local Venetian
foods and drank way too much. Alessando was a lot of fun and gave our group of fourteen a taste of what Venice is all about. We went to the oldest bar in Venice which was called Cantina Do Mori. We met some very cool people from all over the United States including New York. The one downside was that Heather and I wanted to do a
gondola ride but we drank too much. This means that we will have to return at some point.
Alessandro Schezzini discussing red wine
Day Number 16:
The journey home was a long one. We woke up, still a little drunk, around 7:00 am to start. We brought all of our stuff down at 8:00 and the trip home began. The flight, the walk to the bus, the stupid crying babies on the plane, another Guiness in Ireland, and the return home took around 18 hours total from door to door. It's a day later and I' still feeling the effects of the jet lag.
The Trip:
My parents, Katie, Sarah, Heather, and I really enjoyed ourselves. Visiting relatives and being embraced by them, seeing new places, trying new foods, meeting new people, and just enjoying life are some of the things we really got to enjoy. I hope to go back again soon to see more of the southern part of Italy. I fully intend on completing the Italian Rosetta Stone that Vinny let me borrow so that the next time I go I can speak even better. I do love Italy but it is nice to be home now.
If you made it this far, thanks for reading! Feel free to comment with any questions about anywhere we went or add your own stories if you've visited before. To go back to the start......
SORRENTO
Sorrento
is a wonderful place. The people, the food, the music, the history, the
weather, the limoncello, the fruits, the seafood, the sea, and the view
all make up this paradise. I wish we could have stayed there longer and
I wish I was there right now. The classic song "Come Back To Sorrento" says it all. Our
host Carmine made us feel at home as his wife served us a breakfast of
croissants, cereal, and cappuccino each morning.
Can you tell that I love this place yet?
View of Lemon Grove From Casa Correale
Day Number 6:
From Rome to Sorrento. We walked from our
apartment to the train station which was a small 20 minute hike through
cobblestone streets and locals buying items from street vendors. The
train ride was only an hour and fifteen minutes to Napoli. Our driver
Fulvio (ask for him if you go!) from Benvenuto was awaiting us and promptly made our experience
in the south that much more enjoyable. Fulvio told us about the history
of Napoli as he drove us down the coast, about how it was richer than
any country due to it's merchants and excellent location on the
Mediterranean, and the sad story of how the Queen of England teamed up
with forces in the north to takeover the land through the false pretense
of the unification which destroyed the southern economy. This is one of
the many reasons why my family immigrated from Napoli to America. Never
had I felt such a true impact from history as I did while he told us
this. Remember, the winners write the history books. He dropped us off
at Casa Correale, our home for the next week, in Sorrento.
Our room at Casa Correale
That
first night in Sorrento, Heather and I went to a highly recommended
restaurant called Basilica. I had some of the best ravioli of my life
followed with a delicious cut of swordfish which was the first one Heather has ever tried. She may have been spoiled because that was the
best I've had and now, no swordfish will taste like that for her! For
dessert, a rich sponge cake covered with limone froth and of course limoncello. We
then walked to a piazza in town overlooking the Baio di Napoli. What a
view. Maybe the most romantic place we have ever been.
Heather drinking wine at La Basilica in Sorrento
Day Number 7:
Our first full day in Sorrento, we made our way down the the beach. 60 Euro, pretty steep, got us lounge chairs on the pier and a private beach. I got a tan for the first time in like 5 years and we spent the whole day there. That night we met up with our cousins Enrico, Maria, and Giacomo. Enrico treated us as we got gelato at Primavera which was the best gelato we had in Italy. The Italian I studied came through once again as we were able to communicate very well with our cousins. They brought us gifts from Enrico's linen factory that were beautiful. Again, Enrico and his family showed us the same kindness he had shown Gabe and I when we had visited in 2005. After our cousins left we went to a restaurant run by our host Carmine where I ate more delicious pasta, pizza, and limoncello.
Sunset over the Baio di Napoli from Sorrento
Day Number 8:
Due to the heat, sunburn, and traveling from the days prior, Heather and I decided
to take it easy and sleep in late. We got lunch at a delicious place
called Pizza Aurora where I had a pizza with arugula, prosciutto, and
mozzarella. Wow. This was the second best pizza I had in Italy. Heather
had pineapple on her pizza which was almost as good as mine. I doused several slices with their delicious spicy olive oil and red peppers.
Spicy Olive Oil from Pizza Aurora
We did a little bit of shopping
after that and bought limoncello, candies, souvenirs, and figs. Then we
went to a place called Inn Bufalito
which serves different cuts of Buffalo as well as different Buffalo cheeses.
The bread they served it with was homemade of course and the wine was excellent. The tastiest thing there was ricotta with a chestnut sauce. Unreal. I think Heather and I had dreams about it later on that night.
Different Cuts of Buffalo Meat
After that, Heather and I stopped at a place where they do legno intarsio. Intarsio is the inlaying of wood in a frame to form beautiful designs. I bought one with a sailboat on the water along the coast of Sorrento. Heather got a music box that plays "Come Back To Sorrento" when it's opened. After that, we had gelato and turned in for the night at around 7:30 which was by far our earliest night of the trip. We were exhausted and I think we really needed it.
Fresh Figs from a Vendor in Sorrento
Day Number 9:
We took a very long bus to Positano down the Amalfi coast. Very crowded
which was not so pleasant. However, the view was stunning. The peninsula
where the Amalfi Coast is as well as Sorrento were formed do to
volcanic eruptions long ago and the water is pristine. The
approach to Positano is awesome because the town is built up the cliff
side down to the water. We did some shopping as well as picked up some
lunch for later in the day.
A Dome through the Trees in Positano
We went to the beach in Positano which may
have been the hottest beach I have ever been to. The rocks burn if you
touch them so I had to wear my sandals in the water. It was also a public beach
and I will say that in Italy, there is a lower level of respect for
people and rules are not followed. People think New Yorkers are rude. When parents let their kids run over peoples towels and personal belongings without uttering a word, you know something is off. All I know is we don't do that here in America. That being said we enjoyed Positano for the most part.
Heather and I overlooking the water in Positano
Carmine set us up with his friend who owns a boat so we got a free ride
back to Sorrento by sea. The view from the water is a must see. The
downside of this day was the intense sunburn that Heather got. I
felt really bad for her but it seemed to go away pretty quickly. That
night, Katie, Sarah, Heather, and I let my parents go have a night to
themselves while we went to a delicious restaurant recommended by Rick Steves called Ristorante Pizzeria Lanterna Due where we had pizza
with Mozzarella di Bufalo. It was the best pizza I had in Italy. Of course, the night ended with gelato.
Beautiful View of Positano by Sea
Day Number 10:
There are a few islands off the coast of Sorrento. The more popular/expensive/crowded one is Capri which is where Gabe and I went last time. This time, we decided to go to Ischia. The best parts of this island are the natural hot springs. We went to a beach club style resort that had all sorts of different hot springs and pools at varying temperatures. The baths are said to contain a certain healing attribute which is nice. We defintely felt very relaxed while using them. Heather and I intended on getting massages but they only had one person there the day we visited and they were all booked up. Still, my whole family enjoyed the spas.
The Beautiful Island of Ischia with Thermal Baths
After we got back to Sorrento, Heather and I went to a restaurant where Carmine's brother and cousin work. Her pork was raw but they brought out another dish afterwards with free limoncello and dessert on the house to make up for it. We had gelato then went to the discoteca after where they had a glowstick party going on. This is where we got this gem of a picture. Could the raw pork have had any strange effects? I joke, I joke.
After lo discoteca in Sorrento, here is the result.
Day Number 11:
Sigh, our last day in Sorrento. Heather and I slept late again knowing that the following day would be exhausting. We checked out the Correale museum which had a lot of cool artwork from the Renaissance and masonry work from the Greek and Roman empire. The ancient cultures used marble to build their structures in the same way we use wood to build today. Incredible. After that we had lunch outside of a church where a couple was getting married. Lots of tourists were waiting around just to see the bride.
Performers from the Sorrento Musical at Teatro Tasso
That night we went to Teatro Tasso to see the Sorrento Musical. What an amazing show! A cast of thirteen, the performers played classical Italian music from the south. "O Sole Mio" was so intense that people in the audience were weeping. The six of us enjoyed the show so much and I have to say that our time in Sorrento couldn't have ended in a better way. We stopped once more for gelato and turned in for the night.
We have returned! The epic vacation that spanned three different cities in Italy has come to an end. Made it home safe and sound with awesome memories, an irresistible urge to eat gelato every night, and the focus to pick up from where I left off in 2013.
THE JOURNEY THERE
After departing New York at 5:30 our connecting flight took us to another one of my favorite countries, Ireland. I enjoyed a quick Irish breakfast of eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, sausage, and toast topped off with two delicious Guinness pints. Soon enough we were in the air again for 3 more hours until we hit our first destination, Rome.
ROMA
Rome is special due to the various landmarks that are over 2000 years old. The modern Rome has sprouted around these ancient ruins which have slowly been uncovered throughout the centuries. The Colosseum inspired me to become a history major in 2005 when I was attending Stony Brook University because it made me realize how important our past is in determining our future. Rome is a wonderful display of organized chaos. Overall, I truly enjoyed our time in the city and was happy with the amount of time we spent there.
The Roman Forum ruins still standing today
Day Number 1:
We were dropped off at the apartment by a car service but the problem was that our host Edoardo was not awaiting us at the time I gave him. Thankfully, the Italian that I studied immediately came through. We meet Vasili, the awesome dude who runs maintenance in the building. He doesn't speak a work of English, only Ukranian, Russian, Italian, and another language. He let us in and we finally were able to settle after several hours of travel. The apartment was great; big rooms, cross ventilation, a kitchen, and two bathrooms. The first night consisted of delicious pasta, gelato, and wine which would become an everyday occurrence during our trip.
View from our Apartment
Day Number 2:
I woke up very early since the time change of 6 hours was messing with me. I had a cappuccino, then picked up some fresh mozzarella di bufalo, prosciutto, and bread. After a delicious breakfast, we decided to knock out one of the longer days by going to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the tomb of Victor Emmanuel. It was my second time at the Colosseum and it felt just as awesome to return. Walking in, the soundtrack to Gladiator immediately commenced in my head and I got chills, thinking of Maximus and the true Roman gladiators of the past. Just thinking about the millions of people that have walked through the arches is mind-numbing.
Over 2000 years of awesomeness and Maximus
The arch of Constantine resides next the the Colosseum which marked a
huge moment for Christianity. The significance is that Constantine had
the arch built and Christians would no longer be persecuted for their
beliefs. The forum is incredible too and almost as impressive as the
ancient stadium. We saw what remains of the many structures and temples, including that of Julius Caesar where his body rested after his murder on the Ides of March. We ate at a little restaurant called Carbonara
afterwards, very good. After, the evening ended with delicious gelato.
No more slaughtering of Christians, yay!
Day Number 3:
We met family on my mother's side. Sabatino, his brother Americo, and Americo's wife Dina. It was a little crazy getting together at first due to the language barrier and miscommunication but once they found us and took us to their apartment, all was well. After an aperitif beverage (bitter orange from Sicily) Dina cooked a delicious meal of penne and asparagus, then veal cooked two different ways. That may have been the best pasta ever and you all know how much pasta I've eaten in my life! With fruit, espresso, grappa and homemade limoncello afterwards, we were spent. We finished off the evening sharing pictures and doing our best to communicate. Without Rosetta Stone, let's just say it would have been very awkward. Even though it was our first time meeting them, our family treated us like kings and it was a truly wonderful experience.
View from Americo's Apartment
Day Number 4:
After a delicious breakfast of fruits, pastries, and cappuccino, my family, Heather, and I went to the Vatican. Beautiful as ever, the papal state with it's infinite treasures and art is a must see. The Sistine Chapel and the work of Michelangelo brought tears to Heather's eyes. It is the definition of the words "masterpiece" and "perfection". After touring the Vatican museum and St. Peter's Basilica, Heather and I split off from my family to enjoy some time to ourselves. We had a lunch of prosciutto and melon with pizza with tomato and fresh mozzarella.
Lunch near the Vatican with Heather
Afterwards we walked past Castel Sant'Angelo, through Piazza Navona and
Campo Dei Fiore, sampling gelato along the way. We wound up at the
Panteon which is unreal. We finished by returned to St. Peters at sunset
and then ate at a delicious restaurant called Perdincibacco
where I had Spaghetti alla Carbonara. We had to rush back to the subway
afterwards since it stops running at 11:30. I think we caught the last
train which was an adventure.
Taking a lunch break in Rome near the Vatican
Day Number 5:
We saw the statue of Moses in Chains by Michelangelo. That statue was yet another masterpiece. Just beautiful. After that we went through Baroque Rome and saw the Spanish Steps, the Fontana di Trevi, and went inside the Panteon. The dome is amazing. It's mesmerizing as you study the ceiling and ponder how it could still be standing after 2000 years. We then had delicious granita iced espresso at a Rick Steves recommendation called Casa del Cafe. Awesome stuff. We walked back through Piazza Navona and ate at Campo Dei Fiore. Then we went down to the Trastevere district and saw the Church of Santa Maria. Absolutely stunning. We ate at a place called Cencio la Parolaccia which was crazy. They put on a show in the restaurant and then complained that we didn't tip them enough (even though we couldn't understant 95% of what they were saying). Despite that, the food was good and our server was a lot of fun. We finished up by walking back to the Fontana di Trevi to see it at night and catch the subway back home, ending our stay in Rome.
They day has arrived! We are leaving for Italy today!!
It has been a very long wait. I feel like I've prepared myself as best as I possibly could with learning as much Italian as possible. We have mapped out our destinations and the 17 Day trip will consist of 3 cities. Rome, Sorrento (Outside of Naples), and Venice.
We will be visiting family in both Sorrento and Venice so I really hope I know as much Italian as I think I do. As long as they speak slowly, I should be able to understand. I know I can ask for directions so that's a step ahead from where I was last time.
My goal is to embrace the Italian culture with Heather and my family and allow ourselves to get swept away in the traditional lifestyle that my ancestors lived. This trip will combine site seeing with relaxation and I'm happy in the way we decided to break up the trip. The chaos of Rome, followed by a week in southern Italy in Sorrento where we can relax, ending our trip in crowded Venice.
Always moving forward. I feel content with the progress I've made in 2013 thus far. Of course there are times when I can be negative about my life but it's really just me setting the bar higher and higher. The goals I have set are attainable and within reach, though they will never be easy, I refuse to accept mediocrity from myself.
My philosophy for 2013, The Year Of Content, is to work on the basics. Living happy and healthy while giving it my all are the basics in my life that I strive for. I want Heather and I to enjoy our lives to the fullest and now is the time for me to continue refining my talents. I like to think that I'm investing in our future.
Last time I went over some of the things I have been working on and I'd like to touch base on those.
Going Nowhere: Wow. I am once again very excited for the original web series, Going Nowhere. X has put together the footage we have and I've seen almost all of the first episode. I can't tell you how psyched I am for us to finish filming this episode as well as the first half of the season. It's just so hilarious and I love every moment. I wrote a 22 page script for episode 7 and I have been given the honor of directing that when the time comes. You know I can't wait for that day.
Working Out: Over the past 13 days, I have gone running 8 times and biked once. I've been running 2 miles usually through the preserve or the streets. Amazing how I haven't been doing this everyday but I'm back in the saddle. No lifting, just running. Back to the basics. Italiano: Exactly two months from Italy and I'm feeling pretty good about my language skills. There are some essentials I need to cover before I go but I'm about 85 minutes of lessons away from completing Level 1 of Rosetta Stone. I feel like I will be able to hold a decent conversation with my family and people we meet there. I should also be able to get us around the cities. Double Secret Projects: I went with my uncle Peter and my dad to Pennsylvania to look into purchasing real estate. I've saved enough capital to invest in a rental property and I feel like this is the best way to go when it comes to creating residual income that will last me for as long as I want it to last. I'm looking to jump into something with relatively low risks but high rewards. I'm very excited for this venture and can't wait to find something that will work.
Pod-casting: Vinny and I have had several Writer's Room podcasts during which we discuss projects, goals, writing, careers, life, politics, space, and just about anything else that comes up in conversations. Throw two dudes that like to hear themselves talk onto a podcast and see how long they can banter back and forth! That's how we roll. Check out the latest Writer's Room Podcast.
Brewing Beer: Two batches are bottled and one more is currently fermenting. I've got a nut brown ale, a whitbier, and my favorite whiskey bourbon stout. The stout will be done next month in time for the warm weather and the others are finished. I'm really proud of the way they batches have come out so far and I can say I have executed the all grain brewing technique with enough precision to have created deliciousness.
I just need to keep it up on all fronts. Progress is the name of the games and what keeps me going. I strive everyday to better myself whether it's as simple as learning one more word in Italian or something a little more involved like studying the impact of different grains on a beer. I just have to continue moving forward and things will continue to fall into place.
In the past 3 weeks, I've brewed 3 batches of beer. I'm also using the all grain method to brewing which is more complicated than extract brewing which I have only done in the past. Since I literally have no more containers to hold beer, it looks like this is going to be my last batch for a while.
Some of the rewards of brewing are that you always gain experience. You try not to let anything go wrong, but as you brew you become more organized and better at completing the process. Another really nice thing about brewing is that you get to enjoy your finished product. You know you've completed your mission when your friends are over and drinking all your stash and that you have successfully crafted a delicious beverage.
Now, it's time to continue with the year of content.
Working Out: I made a promise to myself at the beginning of the year that I would get myself back into shape. That is something I need to do for myself. It's a totally different kind of motivation but not something I can't do. i realize I've never consistently worked out while having a full time job. This is something I'm going to have to change really fast if I want to lead a healthy life. Organization is something I feel as though I'm good at. I just need to section off parts of the day for when I can actually workout. Learning Italian: I've slowed down in the past few weeks with my Italian studies (mostly due to my beer brewing taking up a lot of spare time as well as another project). I wanted to be finished with all 5 discs to the Rosetta Stone software. Well, less than 3 months remain before my trip so that may be out of the question now. However, I can get back on track for the most part now that I'm finished brewing. The good thing is that I have been supplementing my studying with other books and programs. Everything helps. Double Secret Projects: There are other larger projects I've been reading about and researching for the past few weeks that have gotten me thinking a lot about what I want to do for the rest of my life. They contain a lot of inner dialogue that I've been working through. Investing in the future is a good way to put it. These ideas of mine just need to be put into action and I just have to make sure they follow through exactly as I expect they should.
Digital Stallion: Yet another awesome project. Vinny and I have put our heads together when we have had time and are making a lot of progress in writing. I still have work to do on my first project, Journey To Potera, and as slowly as it's being written it is happening. I just need to continue pushing forward with it all. We also have a Sunny spec script that we've made a lot of groundwork on. There simply isn't enough time in the day when it comes to projects like these.
Archery: I bought a bow this winter and have only gone to the range once with it. I did pretty well too, but haven't gone back yet. Once again, the time is not there. Now that brewing on Fridays is over though, I can go back and shoot again soon. I want to get good enough to go hunting this season out on Long Island with the bow.
Clearly, I have a lot on my plate, which is no different than real life. I'm always the guy who takes way to much than what I really need who always feels bad about leaving leftovers. The result is that I get way to full and the fault is all mine. I guess I'm just a hungry guy but my body can only take so much at once. I'd love to concentrate all of my efforts into one project, but than I feel like I'd be selling myself short. Looking at the big picture, I feel like I've gained more real world experience going through all of these different projects in my life.
We are getting closer to our journey to Italy and I've been working on all the fine details today. Only 3 and 1/2 months away now and almost everything is booked; hotels, flights, seats, and transportation to and from the hotels, train stations, and airports.
Something I'd like to request from you guys and girls is if any of you have visited any of the places I've been mentioning in the blog, please feel free to share your own experiences or great places to eat in the comments section below!
Our first destination is Rome. When I went there eight years ago, we didn't stay there long enough so this time will be different. We will be staying in Rome for five nights which will give us plenty of opportunities to see the city.
Let's start with the apartment we are staying in. Out of all the places I have to say I'm most excited for Mirtilla Apt in the Colosseum Area. In the heart of Rome, just five minutes from the Roman Forum and The Colosseum, is where our host Edoardo will welcome us the the ancient city.
Roma
"This splendid apartment (180smq) is located at the third floor(with
elevator)in an
elegant building, a school, built at the end of the 18th
century,in the center of Rome,
between Colosseum / Fori Imperiali and
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, one of the
most ancient parts of
Rome, characterized by its unique 18th century buildings and the most
famous monuments." (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/269005)
The history of the apartment itself is awesome and will make the experience even better. The apartment received great reviews from all of it's past guests. To be just a short walk from some of the most historical locations in Europe is just thrilling. We intend on seeing the Pantheon, the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, Piazza Navona, San Pietro in Vincoli, and Piazza della Repubblica, the Forum, the Colosseum, and Trastevere.
Of course, Rome has amazing food and someone who stayed at Mirtilla Apartment mentioned a spot called Le Caveau just around the corner from where we will be. In addition to that, our Italian teacher, Daniel Smith, mentioned some of the famous foods and drinks we must try while in the Lazio region.
Abbacchio, known as lamb, Carciofo, or artichokes, Amatriciana, the sauce of Rome, Tiramisu, Frascati, which is a chilled white wine, Sambuca, and of course Grappa, the drink of the gods. Also, Gelato, Fragole, or strawberries, Broccolettini, which is a bitter form of broccoli, and Asparagi, or asparagus.Of course, every meal I eat will be supplemented with copious amount of prosciutto, cantaloupe, and pizza.
The only downside to visiting Italy is late June is that figs are not yet in season. I really wish they were because there is something else in the world like a delicious, ripe fig.The good thing is that the melon is in season. I make no exaggeration when I write the following: The best meal I've ever had in my life was in Italy and was as simple as could be. Prosciutto and cantaloupe. Best meal ever.
Did I mention that I'm excited? Again, if you have been to Rome, please mention in the comments any of your favorite places to visit or eat so that we can enjoy the experience as well.
I wrote 7 pages of material for an awesome project that I came up with and have not touched the script since. I really need too. Perfection is not the answer, nor is apathy. This project needs to at least be in first draft form by mid February. I don't want to force it, but I need to get back in a writing groove as soon as I can.
Each month, Vinny and I will each write a new project and edit it later. The deadline is approaching.
I went to college in 2004 and finished with my masters in 2009. It took until 2012 to get out of debt from that. It is now 2013 and I'm applying to law school, essentially preparing to put my life on hold for the next three years. Then in 2016, if I get a job right out of school, my likely starting salary will be around $40,000 or $50,000, which is slightly less money than am making right now working for Bob's Discount Furniture, with the glaring exception that I will be over $150,000 in debt from going to law school. This debt will more than likely be even higher because I will be out of work while I'm in school for the next 3 years, which means that you can also add up all the money it will cost for me to live for those 3 years.
I have a major issue with the above statement, yet I have such doubt in my mind at times. How can I not though? I'm making a major life investment of time and money into something and there is no way to know if I will even enjoy it. I'm 26 years old and if this is the wrong decision for my life, there is really no turning back. If it for some reason did not work out, I would be in that much debt and that much older.
These fears are not unfounded. The starting salaries, struggle for jobs, extremely difficult working conditions if you want to actually get paid, time spent earning a degree, absurd amount of debt, and my distaste for educational institutions are all valid components of my fear that this could possibly be a terrible decision.
Check out this fucking graph. According to the NALP, law students were paid more out of law school than they are now. Why? Why the fuck are law students getting paid less money out of law school each year while the cost of law school actually goes (you fucking guessed it) UP???? Well, I didn't go out and take surveys from the schools and firms, but I bet I have the answer for you.
I am expendable. So is every other graduate from law school. The mentality of these firms is if you don't like what you're getting paid than you're fired, because we can replace you in a heartbeat. Is that the kind of world someone who pays over $150,000 deserves? Don't we deserve some sort of guarantee? It sounds like just another profession where people are miserable and talk about how good things used to be before I showed up.
The crazy thing is that everywhere I look, graduates from law school talk about how figures like the above graph are skewed and that the average salary is more like $40,000 to $50,000. Scary to think about.
Still, after all the time I've spent on this subject, am I crazy to think it might be a bad idea? I have a habit of over thinking things. It's just that I am at a turning point in my life. I could do this or I could do something else. What will make me happier in the long run?
And then there is this. Every single thing I read from lawyers that are practicing in their respective fields talk about how nobody should do law for the money, that it is a noble profession that gives them satisfaction when they do their work. Well, tell me something. How am I supposed to practice law and love it if I am over $150,000 in debt and simply not being paid enough to pay it off? How the fuck is that noble? Sounds to me like loser talk. It isn't okay and I don't like it.
When I made my decision to take the LSAT again and apply to school, I did so with the expectation that I would receive a well paying job when I graduated. Now after all of the more in depth research I have been doing, it turns out I'm just wrong. Not only will I not receive a well paying job out of school so that I can begin my adult life at the age of 30, but I may not receive a job at all. That essentially means that I will be 30 years old, I will be over $150,000 in debt, and that I will be living at home.
I was actually looking forward to the idea of helping people and being a good lawyer. I never thought that money would be such an issue and that I would be able to start my life right out of school since I already feel as though I'm starting later than a lot of people. To see though, and I can't emphasize this enough, that students are graduating and not getting jobs is disgusting, dissuading, and unacceptable.
Unacceptable.
Yeah, there is no doubt in my mind that I have become jaded. My current job is just a band-aid over the wound, a stop along the road towards something grander. I hoped that practicing law would be grander, and perhaps it will be for me. The glaring facts and opinions I've noted above are vital to my decision and must be recognized for what they are. Anyone who doesn't take a moment to view their situation from all sides is a fool. I have some time left to decide if the risk is rewarding enough to take.
It's official. After seven years I'm returning to the home of most of my ancestors, Italia. My family, Heather, and I are going to Sorrento, Roma, and Venezia for 17 days at the end of June. This trip is going to be amazing. I hope to learn the language as best as I possibly can in the next 5 months so that I can hold a conversation there. Any ideas? I know Rosetta Stone is a big hit.
To commemorate the journey, I've decided to write about each place I'm looking forward to on our trip (basically everywhere). Today, I'd like to start with an easy one since I've been there before.
Capri
Capri (pronounced CAH-Pree) is a beautiful island just of the coast of Southern Italia in the bay of Napoli. The towns of Capri and Anacapri rest on this picturesque little vacation spot. The seafood is delicious and the melon is the sweetest I ave ever tasted. In fact, the best meal I have ever had was in Capri. It was prosciutto and cantaloupe.
The most fantastic feature of this island is on the list of Top 100 Places To See Before You Die. It is the "La Grotto Azzurra", or "The Blue Grotto". There is a cove that naturally formed in the side of the island with an opening of about 3 feet above the water during low tide. You enter on a little rowboat into the cove and at first you see a light reflecting off the back wall. When you turn around and look at the entrance, the namesake becomes clear.
The scene is enchanting as the water glows with a mystical blue light that looks as though it only could have been conjured by a wizard. It is amazing. In this location, the sun hits the crystal clear water in such a way through the small entrance that the blue light reflects up in the grotto. It is like nothing I have ever seen.
Capri is expensive too and that is why we will only be making a day trip there. Needless to say, I'm thrilled to be returning.
Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2013 is going well for you so far.
Vinny and I met up on Friday night, January 4th, 2013 to discuss some ideas. We've decided to correlate on some exciting new projects which are exciting and challenging. Essentially we challenged each other to write a new script every month. The script could be a short film, a TV episode, a movie, a web series, or anything in between. We came up with some very cool ideas for some short films so keep your eyes open for when we cast those.
We've also decided to move forward with Digital Stallion Productions as the company we will be writing/filming under.
One of the things I enjoy most about writing is that when I get in a groove, the words simply put themselves on the screen. When the main idea and the overarching theme of the piece is realized, I just go with the flow. After Vinny and I discussed the ideas for scripts on Friday, I couldn't help but write out 10 pages of a brand new script. I'm feeling very confident that our new ventures will pay off soon.
On a rather large side note, I'm one letter of recommendation away from applying to law school. Everything else is ready to go and needless to say, I'm excited. This moment in my life has been pending for far too long and it's time to see it through.
