Is everything planned in our lives???

I read an article in the newspaper yesterday about a friend of mine that was in a tragic car accident. The car in front of him drove over a piece and sheet metal and it was flung into his windshield and it struck him in the neck and head. Is our lives planned out?? Was there a no way he could've avoided this tragic accident?? Or was there a way or a choice he could've made that would've have changed the outcome?

I keep thinking that the choices I have made that have drawn me closer to Italy is all ME! NO ONE has directed my life in the way it has unfolded right now. However, my Nana was born in Italy and My Nonna (my Nana's mom), who always called me on birthday, as well, maybe my path was already decided for me because of my background. My Nana wanted to travel the world, she had my drive, but she got married young. My Nonna was an independent and never wanted to hear the word "no". She was driven just like me. She was selfish and always wanted attention. In many ways, Nana, Nonna, and I are sooooo similar. Was this path already made once I was born??

I know this is deep thinking, but I am curious if anyone else thinks like this.

I have decided that I am uncertain on whether our lives are planned or developed by us.

Now that I am in my mid-20s, I feel that I can't waste one day. I am constantly trying to find a way to live, thrive, and BE in Italy!

SONO ZIA!!!!!!!!!!

HERE IS MY NIECE: ADDISON CHRISTINA BAEDKE BORN 7:03PM AUGUST 18TH, 2006, 7LBS, 20.5 IN LONG.

I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM AN AUNT!!! ISN'T SHE JUST GORGEOUS!!!

BELLISSIMA BAMBINA!!!

Where I have traveled.....

Your Travel Profile:

You Are Well Traveled in the Midwestern United States (50%) You Are Somewhat Well Traveled in Southern Europe (40%) You Are Somewhat Well Traveled in Western Europe (36%) You Are Mostly Untraveled in the Southern United States (15%) You Are Mostly Untraveled in the United Kingdom (13%) You Are Untraveled in Africa (0%) You Are Untraveled in Asia (0%) You Are Untraveled in Australia (0%) You Are Untraveled in Canada (0%) You Are Untraveled in Eastern Europe (0%) You Are Untraveled in Latin America (0%) You Are Untraveled in New Zealand (0%) You Are Untraveled in Scandinavia (0%) You Are Untraveled in the Middle East (0%) You Are Untraveled in the Northeastern United States (0%) You Are Untraveled in the Western United States (0%)

How Well Traveled Are You?

I need to do some more traveling according to this survey.....who wants to go with me???

Anyone??? Anyone??

TOANO not Siena

I received a letter back from the Comune di Toano. The birthplace of my great grandma, Teresa Gazzotti. They informed me that I was an idiot. Ha! I put in the form letter that she was born in Siena because as I was copying the letter from expatsinitaly.com the letter was using Siena as the birthtown. So I sent another letter yesterday to the Signora Sindaco of the Comune with the correct town. Wish me luck once again. I read the letter thoroughly this time.

a presto

Il Mio Nonno's Certificato di Nascita e qui!

I received my great grandpa's birth certificate in the mail yesterday!!! I was so excited that I forgot to write in my blog. Now I am waiting for my great grandma's and then I am heading back to the Consulate in Chicago. Thanks for all of the well wishes and kind thoughts from you all!!! I will keep you updated on the progress!!

A presto ragazzi!!