Personal
Latest, latest news: Thanks to my dear friend Diane, I was able to cross-country ski. We went to Vermont and skiied with a good friend and her dogs throughout the forests of Vermont. It was a wonderful experience (and a great workout, too). My latest challenge was learning to speak Italian. After living in Italy for 14 months, I can say was very comfortable communicating and speaking Italian. All of this done without formal training. I would like to refine my accent and develop a deeper vocabulary by attending some grammar and literature classes some day. A good book and a dictionary is a great way to learn as well. I haven't had the chance to go to Canada or Ireland yet, but I have been all over Italy and added the states of Vermont and New Hampshire to list of U.S. States I have seen. There are only 6 more to go. Italy is similar to California in many ways. There is the sea (ocean), the mountains, lakes, hills, beaches, skiing, sun in the south, fog and cold in the north, great food (Buon appettito) and beautiful national forests and preserves. But, I still miss the California way to beach going and living. I miss the fresh strawberries, pancakes, waffles and syrup. The large waves and endless sandy beaches. However, Italy's peaches and plums are heads above those I've eaten in California. No one dares eat day old bread and the ice cream is creamier and hard to pass up, especially on a hot summer day. And, everything closes down for lunch and siesta. Besides staying active in athletics, Michelle enjoys reading and relaxing at the beach. She has a "to do" list which includes activities she has yet to experience. Some include horse back riding and cross-country skiing. Recently, thanks to her swimming friends, she went sailing for the first time in Dana Point Harbor. And, before she knew it, she was eating calamari! (Surprisingly, it was very good and I plan to try it again sometime, but only at the same restaurant.) Currently, Michelle has a stack of books waiting to be read. These include Anna Karenina by Tolstoy, East of Eden by Steinbeck, and Collected Stories by Hemingway. Her two latest accomplishments are Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton and Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. Also, the Bible continuously sits on the night stand to be read for guidance every now and then. Another activity Michelle loves to do is travel. Below are pictures of some favorite places. Through athletics, Michelle has been able to travel all over the U.S. and to Europe and Australia. Next year, Michelle would like to go to Canada (for racing) and Ireland (to see it). Latest news: I lived without a TV in the house for 3 months and so I had no other choice but to read books. During that time I tackled Anna Karenina and an interesting biography of the equation E = mc2 by David Bodanis. It not only explained the meaning of E= mc2, clearly and simply, but also delved into the lives of many scientists who contributed to the progression of understanding scientific principles. Their scientific work is described and their personal life goals, relationships and challenges as well. The other big news is I went horseback riding. The horse was well trained and a lead rider was directing the horse verbally. Therefore, I had no control over the horse and if I pulled on the reins nothing happened. So, I am not sure if that counted as a legitimate horseback riding experience. I wasn't really guiding, just riding along like on the bike of a motorcycle. I am still wondering when I will go cross-country skiing. Also, I discovered the powerful effect Yoga can have on relaxing and healing the body. |
