Started booking our tours

The itinerary is pretty much set and we've started booking our tours. Today we booked our 2 day trip to Florence and Venice. We'll be leaving Rome early and taking the train to Florence. We'll be spending the day in Florence. Then we'll be taking another train to Venice where we'll check into our hotel. The next day we'll be spending the day there and taking a sleeper train back to Rome that night.

Also today I booked my gondola ride (Venice), the Vatican Breakfast tour and the Hop On, Hop Off Tiber River Boat tour (both in Rome). Still have a few things to book in Rome and Florence.

Some other things on our itinerary includes: The Baths of Diocletian, Piazza della Repubblic, The Colosseum, The Forum, the American Cemetery, the Capuchin Crypts, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and castel Sant'Angelo to name a few things. We are going to be busy, busy, busy!

LESS THAN 2 MONTHS!

Still planning on going

We leave in approximately 70 days. I still have a lot to do. I rolled over my 401K to a new IRA at my banking institution and had some deposited into my checking account. This money is to pay off my hospital bills from last year, to help with Rome and any emergencies I might incur while unemployed. I know I'll be penalized come tax time next year, but its Rome! Still haven't found a job but not giving up on this trip.

We're working on planning some tours while there. One I think most of us are interested in is a new one. Vatican Breakfast. We'll have breakfast in the Vatican, before its open to the public. Afterwards, we'll be touring the Vatican. I think going to Venice is out of the question for me. They're trying to see if I can still make it with them. I don't believe everyone is going, so I won't be alone if I do stay in Rome.

Bought a cross the body purse/travel bag. Its small enough to be convenient and large enough for a camera, money, passport, cell phone and a few essentials. Plan to bring a larger bag everyday for a few things too large for the travel bag (such as sweater for churches where my shoulders need to be covered, travel books, maps, sunscreen, water bottle) and anything I may buy. The items in this bag won't matter so much if I lose to pickpockets, which I hear are rampant in Rome. The shoulder strap for the cross the body bag is uncomfortable. Going to see if I can figure something out to soften it a bit before going.

Need to still go through my Rome box (only looked thru it once since I was fired) to see what I have and what I still need to get. Should do that this week or weekend.

Another concern I'm having is my back. I've been in a lot of pain lately. I have a terrible mattress. Hoping to get a new one this week. Hopefully that'll help. I can't imagine walking around Rome when I'm in so much pain. Can't go to the doctor; no job = no insurance = no doctor. I've gained weight also. Getting fired, not finding a job, worry about this trip, I fell into a depression and stopped caring about myself. Not sure how much I can lose in 2 months time but going to try to lose as much as I can. Problem is I can't do much walking due to my back! Can't walk fast or far if I can't stand straight. I'm worried I'll be slowing everyone else up while in Rome.

Worries, worries, worries!

A major setback!

I lost my job a few days ago. I wasn't happy there, but I was happy to have a job. It really threw a BIG question mark on this amazing trip to Rome. Hoda, Kathy and the others keep trying to assure me that I will still be able to go. That it might take a bit more effort and I may not be able to do all I had hoped once there but I will get there. I haven't been so sure. I tried telling myself - why would God let everything fall into place so I can go, (such as finding 2 others to book with at the last moment so I got a better rate than if I booked myself), only to take it away.

I've talked to some family members and everyone seems to think I should still go. The flight and hotel are already paid for. I have a good start on my "Rome box" and I have $508 saved so far. I've decided not to give up on this trip. I'm going to do what I can to still go. This may be my one and only opportunity to go to Italy, or for that matter, anywhere overseas. I know I may not be able to do everything I want to do once there, but I'll handle it... after all, I'm in Rome!

I now need to worry about potential employers giving me the time off. Will they give me the time off? When do I tell them about the trip? At the interview? When an offer is made? After I accept the job? I've had differing views on that subject. After posting this thought on Facebook, I've had 2 people suggest doing temp jobs until after Rome. This way I can take jobs I want and not really have to worry about getting those days off.

My concern with this is... the trip is just over 5 months away. Unemployment only lasts 6 months. Once I get back, I'll only have what I make at the temp jobs without the unemployment. What if one of those temp jobs doesn't turn into a permanent job?

We're having our first meeting in a week to go over plans. Hoda has put an itinerary together which we will go over. She has asked that we look at it and highlight what we're interested in or anything we want to add. Along with the itinerary, she included estimated costs of everything, so I have an idea of what I need to save.

Well, all I can do is, do what I can, and trust that it'll all work out in the end.

My passport arrived in the mail 2 days ago (Friday, March 29)

Philippians 4:13 -- I can do all things, through Christ, who strengthens me.

Applied for my passport

Applied for my passport after I did some overtime this past Saturday. Now its just a waiting game until I get it. Not a great phote; was really tired. Didn't realize how tired until saw the photo. I thought I smiled. It looks like a mugshot.

I'm a distraction at work...

Seems at least one co-worker does not want to hear about my trip. I went to talk to my boss and she said she needed to talk to me too. She says she understands I am excited and this trip is huge but I need to not talk about it so much as its a distraction to my co-workers. Apparently someone (or a couple of someones) do not want to hear about it. I do not know who complained but I do have a suspicion. Cathy is our lead and she has gone to our boss when she feels there is too much talking going on (she goes on cruises a lot so she really doesn't talk about it much, nor do I think she's jealous), or Sandi, who... well let's just say we have had our issues (and could be jealous). The sad part is I don't talk too much at work. I'm not close to anyone. I can go days or weeks with barely a word, that's not work related, to anyone . I've even, occasionally, been asked if I was okay, since I've been so quiet. The one time something amazing happens that I'm so excited about (and the past few weeks when I was anxious if this trip would even happen) and someone bursts my bubble 2 days after the flight is booked. What do they think..... I'm going to talk of nothing else for the next 6 months (more if you count after the trip). Hell, I figured after this week, the initial thrill will calm down and I wouldn't be talking about it so much, just maybe mentioning when I apply for the passport, when I get the passport, etc. until maybe a few weeks before as the excitement starts growing again.

Well no one needs to worry about it anymore. I won't talk about the trip at all from here on in. If anyone asks, I'll either just answer and not elaborate further, or say I can't talk about it because its a distraction to my fellow co-workers or I'm busy. This includes after the trip. I won't be bringing pictures in.... after all, when could I show them the pictures? We don't take our breaks together; we have assigned break times and we all go at separate times. Lunch we go 3 at a time, but the 2 that go with me are Cathy and Sandi. Sandi goes outside and smokes, and Cathy stays at her desk (besides, I suspect one or both are the complainers) and I definitely don't hang out with any of them outside of work.

It just bugs me to no end this happened. I hear my co-workers talking about their kids, husbands, lives and problems all the time. I don't care about hearing all that, but I just ignore it, not complain. When Tanula was pregnant I spent months hearing about this baby (mainly from Sandi, not so much Tan). I hear Sandi talk about problems with her daughter, her father, her boyfriend incessantly but I ignore it and not complain. I hear Tanula on the phone talking to her sisters or her church members all the time, but I don't complain, just ignore it and do my job. So I'm excited. I'M GOING TO ROME! I'm not going to go on and on about it for months. Let me have my "moment." I haven't had a real vacation since 1988! I've just stayed in Minnesota or visited mom in Wisconsin, and I've never been out North America. This is a BIG deal for me.

I do believe a few are interested (Tanula and Christine) but not sure when I could. Like I said, we don't take our breaks together nor do we hang out outside of work. I was planning on sending a postcard to Tracy (my boss) to share with my department, but not so sure anymore.

FLIGHT HAS BEEN BOOKED! FINALLY!

I'M GOING TO ROME! The flight was booked a few hours ago. Strange how this came about. I've had the money for 3 weeks but could not find anyone to book with me. I finally decided yesterday that I would book Wednesday, even if I have to book a single and pay the extra $300 or so it would cost. I announced that on Facebook and suddenly I get a PM from a friend (more of an acquaintance at this point) that she was interested in joining us. I gave her the details (dates, hotel, the flight the others were on, etc.) and she said she was in. Then her daughter (whom I haven't yet met) wanted to join us. So now in a matter of hours I went from booking a single to booking a triple!

So, today Gale checked United Airlines, since she has frequent flyer miles and was able to find an even cheaper flight! So, I went from spending $1900 to $1550 to $1496 (all approximates). So, while I won't be on the same flight as Hoda and the others from the East Metro Girls (the meetup group this is with), we will still be in the same hotel. Hoda says we'll be arriving about the same time, and in the same terminal.

Gale put all 3 flights on her credit card for now. I will be paying her back ASAP. I have it, I just need to make arrangements with her.

Now 6 months to get ready. I need to go get a passport this weekend. I've started buying a few odds and ends already, such as 3 oz bottles, first aid kit, 2 adapters (one for camera charger and one for the cell), earplugs, sleep mask, lip balm, etc. Need to get in (better) shape (will be doing tons of walking there), save money and stay healthy.

My trip of a lifetime may not happen in my lifetime.

Still have not booked a flight and now the price is more than I have set aside for it. Stacy said she was ready to book but its been over 2 weeks and she has not gotten in touch with, me or Hoda. I'm really starting to doubt I'll make it to Rome. No one else is ready to book, not even sure if anyone else wants to go. I can't afford a room on my own; its over $3700! So fucking anxious, depressed and losing faith in that this trip will ever happen for me!

I have the money but still no flight.

Still not booked on a flight. Looking for one more person ready to book, as its cheaper. We had someone lined up but she hasn't responded to me or Hoda.

Went to Hoda's last night for book club. I was the only one to show up. We spent the evening watching a video she got at the library on Rome. We talked about the trip and possible day trips to other cities. Looks like we may do a trip to Florence and another day to Venice. Gotta ride in a gondola! I see Pisa is another hour from Florence so I'll have to see if that may be possible. Who knows if I'll ever get back to Italy and I'd like to see the Leaning Tower. If not, that's okay, I'll be seeing a lot of other fantastic sites!

I'm getting concerned about booking a flight but I'm trying to keep positive. Hoda says not to worry, I'll get to Italy with them one way or another. :-) I AM SO EXCITED!

I've lost 9 lbs so far.

I love the IRS!

Hot damn! My federal was deposited into my account today! That's 4 days for the state and 5 for the federal! Next step is to book my flight and hotel!

Some not so encouraging words from my doctor.

I went to the doctor today to have him sign some papers so I can file for FMLA from my flu last month. While there I told him I'm going to Rome in September and is there anything I need to do, medically, before I go (shots, etc). Said he doesn't believe so, but check with the CDC to find out for sure. He then told me I'll be doing a lot of walking and I said I'm aware of that. He then asked if I've been walking or exercising and I said no, but I have plans to start tonight. He gave me a suggested walking schedule. I then mentioned I'm trying to lose weight before going and that my dream is to be below 200 lbs and when he asked how many that would be he said its not going to happen, (I knew that) and that I'm just setting myself up for failure-. I then continued that I am planning on losing as much as possible. He says in 8 months, maybe 20 lbs. Way to be encouraging there!

He did suggest Weight Watchers. I've done WW several times, but right now I am trying to save money so I don't want to spend the money on WW. He said another patient has done WW online for $48 for 3 months. I think I'll look into that. Going to meetings is something like $15 a week or if you sign up for the monthly plan, its cheaper but you have to pay about $34 a month. If he is correct about it being $48 for 3 months, it would be $4 a week! The only difference is no weekly meetings. I'll let you know what comes of this

Later: I checked into WW online and he either was wrong or I misunderstood. This is directly off their website: Standard monthly plan is $48.90 for the first month and $18.95 each additional month. Or the 3 month plan is: $56.85 for the first 3 months and $18.95 for each additional month. I'm currently doing My Fitness Pal on-line and it's free. I think I'll stay with MFP.

Later still: My state refund check was deposited today! WooHoo! I just e-filed it 4 days ago! Now the federal and then I can book my flight!

Claims approved

I got 2 emails today. Seems both MN and the IRS have accepted my claims. Now its just a waiting game. I hope, really hope they'll be deposited next week! I'm so anxious and nervous. I really want to go and am worried that the money won't get here in time and I'll miss out on this once in a lifetime trip. Please Lord, let the money get here soon and let everything work out.

I went online tonight and checked out info on applying for a passport. I emailed it to my work computer since I still do not have a printer here at home. Since I'm a first time applicant, I have to apply in person. I hope to apply by the end of the month.

Hoda sent me a list of things I need to do beforehand and a suggested packing list. Intimidating. LOL. I don't know. I haven't been sleeping well lately. I've been so tired lately. I'm sure this is a big part of my insecurities, anxieties, and worries right now. Hopefully I'll start sleeping better soon. I also hope that once the flight and hotel reservations are paid for I'll relax some and not be so worried about everything.

I'M GOING TO ROME!

An opportunity recently came for me to go to Rome, Italy in September with some friends from the East Metro Girls meetup group. I have never been out of the states other than a short jaunt to into Tijuana, Mexico while in San Diego. Another short jaunt into Thunder Bay, Ontario while at the north shore. Both visits were only an hour or so. I haven't been on a real vacation since 1988, just a short weekend trip now and then. So spending 10 days in Rome sounds so much fun and unresistable! This blog will be a record of my planning, my thoughts, my questions, my anxieties, about this trip. I also hope to blog each day, once in Rome, letting everyone know what we're doing and posting pictures.

I just e-filed my taxes today and between the federal and the state I'm getting back almost $1600. This will be used for the flight and hotel reservations. I just need to wait for the money to be deposited into my account. I know there is a lot I need to do before the trip, such as getting a passport and raising more money. Even though the flight and lodging is pretty much taken care of I still need money to eat, admission fees, transportation and souvenirs and whatever else comes up. Overtime is being offered at work for the next 3 months or so and I plan to work as much as possible. Anything over my usual straight 80 hours paycheck will be divided between Rome and paying my medical bills from my kidney stone/hospitalization last September.

I am also trying to lose weight again. I would love to get below 200 lbs by then, but I'll be happy if I get anywhere near 200 lbs. I don't want to tire out while walking around Rome or slow anyone else down. This brings up more money I need to raise. When I lose that weight, I'll need new clothes. Hell, I need new clothes anyways. I don't want to walk around Rome in my grungy, ill-fitting, old clothes. Some of the clothes I wear now I was wearing in pictures taken over 5 years ago! Too help offset the cost of a new wardrobe, I'll be setting aside $5 for every pound I lose. This will be used for clothes shopping late July and August. I will need to buy capris, shorts, sundresses, and shoes etc.

I've thought about (jokingly) holding a fundraiser to raise the money. Maybe having a Tastefully Simple or Pampered Chef party where instead of getting free merchandise, getting a check instead (is this even an option with home/book parties). Or maybe selling candy bars. I'm hoping someone in the cities here has a garage sale this summer where I can sell my old stuff. I'm hoping to sell some things on eBay also.