Monthly Archives: December 2009

Hello my peeps – Thanks for visiting and being inspirational.

Posted on December 26, 2009 | 5 Comments

Protect from sun, snow and rain.

I started blogging two months ago and my visitor hits are over 1,100 now. What is going on? I love it. Blogging has taken over my life. I think it has to do with the novelty aspect of it. It’s just a strange and wonderful idea called a blog. I know some people have been blogging for at least five years. To me it is all new and fun.

I’ve got this incredible fear of failing so I keep reading and reading what makes successful blogs. I don’t want people to laugh at me. I have my family and my students to do that. Now I will have the whole world laughing at me.

One of my great readers brought up a funny story about traveling that got me thinking about when I first moved to Italy nearly 15 years ago. I was struggling over the language and we came up with some doozies. In particular I remember asking for preservatives for my toast and mistaking the Italian word for condoms.

Show us your what?

I remember a friend of mine having her picture taken by Italians and she thought they had said show us your teets rather than teeth. These are all rather embarrassing moments but still funny to look back on. There was the case of an language learner who in class accidently said floppy dicks instead of floppy discs.The list can go on and on. As a teacher you try not to laugh visibly.

The longer I’ve been here though the rarer those misunderstandings happen. It is still fun though when mistakes are made. That’s one of the reasons I love traveling.

Italy these days is lovely. Truly beautiful. I have a friend of mine from high school who is a reader here too who unfortunately had kidney failure and is immobile. If you noticed on my last post about 36 Ways to be a Better Person I wrote to spin in your minds. That was for my friend Kelli because I was thinking of her when I wrote it. Not everyone can stand up and spin. One day she and I were joking around on a facebook conversation saying we were going to take the other around with us the next day shopping.

You inspire me.

We live miles and miles away so going shopping is out of the question but in our minds everything is possible. It’s like having a coffee with my mom on skype. Skype is like a telephone on the computer where you can see the person you are talking to and it’s free. The world is changing drastically and quickly all do to this crazy thing called internet.

Today I’m using Kelli’s story for inspiration to write. I’d like to write to her what it’s like to live in Italy during the holiday times and just like you might imagine it is truly beautiful. Each and every little city that I’ve visited seems to be more beautiful than the last. Italians seem to have a social habit of visiting cities with their families on their days off work.

Smile. You're beautiful.

You can often see a family strolling through the city center on the weekends to get an ice cream. You can also see a lot of people walking up or down the walkways shopping outside. The city I live is Bologna. It is famous for it’s porticoed sidewalks. I fell in love with these covered sidewalks for many a reason. I should be offering some historical facts about their length and construction but suffice it to say they are beautiful.

The reason I love these porticoes – or covered sidewalks – is because you can walk the entire city without an umbrella if it is raining. These porticoes protect you from the rain when it’s raining, the snow when it’s snowing and the hot sun when it’s burning.

In Italy these days you can see beautiful lights strung over the main streets. Around dusk they are turned on. I love the lights. Sometimes there can be so many people walking up and down the main street the taxis and buses can’t get through. People are well dressed from head to toe with hats, jackets, scarves, gloves and boots. And usually a smile. Sometimes. Not all the time. Actually. I think Americans are more famous for their friendly smiles. I don’t want to generalize here though folks.

Just smile.

Be the change you want to see.

Thank you for visiting with me in here Italy during these days. Hope your days are lovely where ever you are.

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Posted in holidays, Inspiration, Italy, journal, motivation

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All I want for Christmas is you, baby.

Posted on December 25, 2009 | 3 Comments

I’ve had a lot of visitors from round the world lately as my visitors are about 80 percent from USA. A special HELLO and welcome to India, Japan, Cambodia, Philippines, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, UK, Uguanda and Turkey.

Wishing you all the best this holiday season and all year long. Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all the best this holiday season and all year long. Merry Christmas! Jules

Hey guys. Don’t you just love classic Christmas songs? I do. I love Christmas songs.

My favorites include I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, We Wish you a Merry Christmas and The Little Drummer Boy.

In Italy, I have taught all of them the repetitions for Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, so they are all repeating, Reindeer, Like Monopoly, etc.

My all time favorite is Silver Bells.

Now that is the happy camper Christmas spirit I was hoping for. I have a better attitude. How about you? Are you still managing? The countdown to the big day has begun. I have bought WAY too many gifts. I feel like someone who has eaten too much.

I don’t know how your relationship is with buying and shopping as some people just love it. I have to FORCE myself to buy things because I’m so darn indecisive. Then I get home and wonder if I made the right choices. I think it is because I’m a libra. I balance all decisions.

Love you sweety!

Love you sweety!

Maybe that is why my last status update on facebook is that I’m freaking out. I wrapped all of my presents again under a pressure I put on myself to get it done EARLY. I felt like I was Lucille Ball on I Love Lucy in the episode where she eats all of the chocolates. They just kept coming and coming.

I told myself just keep going until you can. I eventually ran out of wrapping paper and in fact am running out to get more the minute I hit the publish button staring at me to the right of this window. I had to laugh because I didn’t take the time to READ the wrapping paper I had bought and one roll says Happy Birthday on it.

Any hints on how to handle the stress out there? I wanted to write a post called the 12 Days of Christmas Gratitude or something where I offer advice on dealing with these stressful days but unfortunately I haven’t got the answers.

Let me know if you happen to.

Nonetheless, I hope this post finds you happy, lovely, smiling, lucky and in love.

God Bless,
Julie

Oh yes. I also like Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.

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Posted in happiness, holidays, Italy

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Swim AWAY from the Cake – updated motivational technique.

Posted on December 23, 2009 | 7 Comments

I am putting every ounce of myself to becoming a better blogger, writer and communicator. More importantly is that I am trying to make a positive change in life. Thank for visiting if this is your first time here. Welcome back visitors, feel free to leave comments.

What motivates you?

My best friend Anne Marie kicks my bum in tennis and probably anyone else’s. When we were playing at university we were great partners. We spent our time between matches actually doing cartwheels on the court. We were paired up with a couple of Chinese guys who were so serious about tennis. One day our coach pulls us aside and assigns us new partners. ‘Not the Chinese, Not the Chinese’ we chanted – they’d kill us at tennis. Sure enough, Anne Marie and I found fantastic new partners.

I’m building bridges here.

Stay with me folks. There IS a reason I’m telling you this.

The reason is this. When I am in the class room in front of my students I ask them ‘What motivates you most?’ Is it someone who comes over, puts your hand on your shoulder, smiles, and says good job, or is the person who gets behind you and yells ‘DO IT!’?

When I was on swim team in high school, my sister was my best motivator. She’d follow me back and forth across the lanes and scream ‘Go Julie!’ Her coaching strategy was swim toward the chocolate cake and away from the shark.

Just pretend

Be a kid and pretend you are the best. Walk across the room at this moment as if you have a cape on your back, I don’t care if anyone’s watching – all the better. Our mind will literally follow suit.

When Anne Marie and I were back playing singles tennis, she’d say ‘Julie – You’re going down’ with such conviction, I had no other choice then to let her win. Ha ha ha, Anne Marie, who’s getting the last laugh now?

Point is, get out there, do your best. That’s all we can ask, isn’t it?

Have a nice day and thank you for visiting.

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Posted in family, holidays, Inspiration, journal, motivation, teaching, travel, writing

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8 days ’til Christmas. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Posted on December 17, 2009 | 3 Comments

How I love the holidays. I grew up in Southern California so when it snows for Christmas it’s a true joy. When we were growing up, it only snowed once and I remember putting snowballs in the freezer. I remember Californians complaining because it never quite felt like Christmas because it was hot outside. In southern California at Christmas time you can actually see candy apple red convertibles with a Christmas tree in the back seat driving along the coast with the sand and waves in the background. You can also get married in Las Vegas in a drive thru by someone dressed up as Elvis but that has nothing to do with Christmas in Italy.

Where was I? Italy. Oh yeah, I forgot. All this snow must have went right to my brain and I’m not even blonde. That’s a joke for you sis.

Christmas in Italy

Nine days left and counting. If you read my about Julie page above you would have seen that I’m a special aids AND English teacher. I teach English at one middle school and am a special aid’s teacher at another. When I’m in the classroom, I have two roles, I’m either teaching or helping. When I’m teaching I’m pretty easy going. I like to tease my students and tell them I’m 70. They don’t know. They tell me I look great for being 70. Then when I tell them my real age they still look a little quizzed because I think anything over 15 to a 12 year old is considered old. 20-40-70, who really cares. I don’t. It’s how we feel inside, right?

Playing with the Kids

I also like to tell them that there is a quiz today. They never seem to get that joke but I like it. Today I was not the teacher but I was the helper and I think I like that role best. It’s sort of hard to understand your position in the class because as you sit and listen to the lecture you start to think you are a student too. My math teacher friend teaches an 85 year old woman.

I highlight my student’s books and take notes for them. Then, I have to try to explain what I’ve learned to the kids. I’ll make them copies or whatever it takes to get them prepared for their ‘interrogation’.

Interrogation is a common practice in Italy. What it means is that instead of having a written exam the teacher asks each kid orally what was supposed to be learned. For example in Geography the teacher might as an open ended question about China saying Talk to me about China. That’s a BIG subject but basically it can be broken down into it’s physical characteristics, the climate, the government, the resources, the people, the culture and traditions.

When you work with special kids you have to make it simple if you can.

Around the holidays a lot of teachers just do normal lessons. I like to organize Christmas parties. I grew up with a Christmas party and I think it is good that the kids have one too. My five year old had his party today and I got to have a peek at the magic that lies behind the walls of a kindergarten.

Christmas Magic

Close your eyes and imagine this beautiful story book scene. It’s snowing outside, you park in front of the school. The kids are bundled up like Eskimos. Watch them as they put their little feet in the snow for the first time. They have to touch it. You worry that they are going to have wet shoes. The teacher has written everyone a note the day before that the kids should all wear red or white tops and dark bottoms for the Christmas party because Santa is coming.

I dropped off my five year old today and I stopped for a second that I wished was a lifetime to see about 20 little angels going about their angel making projects that included little fairies with sparkles and glue. Then cookies. And then I have to go.

I go to work that I love. Second period I sub and we make paper snowflakes. They look great on the window with the snow falling. In English we sing the song by Black Eyed Peas in English called I Got a Feeling. I’m happy to translate the lyrics. I help the new girl follow along. She’s sweet.

I finish teaching and I go to the teacher’s lounge where the math teacher has his guitar out and is playing beautiful music. Life is good. Life is certainly good.

Thank you for visiting. I’m overwhelmed that I’ve had so many visitors. Thank you.

Have a great day and feel free to leave a comment. I’d like to know what your schools or jobs are doing for the holidays. I see some of your pictures on facebook but I like the stories.

Julie

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Posted in Inspiration, Italy, journal, learning, motivation, teaching

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My tiny success story. (or) Yes. Yes. Yes. I figured it out all by myself.

Posted on December 9, 2009 | 6 Comments

As you might have noticed I am indecisive with titles. I do try. I haven’t yet come up with a name for my blog although I have had some good comments and suggestions. I love bl.g because I just do but I unfortunately can’t use that word because Google won’t recognize it as a blog. I’d rather call this an on line journal but for now the title is unchanged.

My Daily Success Journal.
by Julie Angelos

At this moment I’m over the top excited because I figured out how to change a broken key from my gorgeous laptop. I LOVE my Macbook. I bought it in Orange County, California last summer and I got a $100 teacher’s discount. My first mac was in 1986 at the student store at San Jose State University. Loved that one too.

Anyhow as I was saying I had this incident a few months ago where an ant crawled under my tab key. I took it off and unfortunately broke the plastic bit that holds the key on.

I went on line to figure out how to fix it. I ordered another key but it was the wrong size. It takes three weeks for the mail to arrive in Italy. I then brought my mac to the mac center downtown but they didn’t have the right size either. I sort of gave up and got used to using the tab key as it was. But you know when you just look at something for so long and it bugs you but you put up with it – like your husband, just kidding – ba da da…

Well, finally after five long months I got a second replacement key and voila in less time that it takes to say mac key replacement, it is on and working! I know it’s a long story but it’s the small details in life that make us the happiest. That’s why I love blogging. I am not limited to condensing my words to symbols. LMFAO.

Isn’t life just wonderful when you finally figure something out? The light goes on in your head and you think, oh, so that’s how you do it. I want to hear about your success stories, no matter how big or small. I have another story about a magnet and a cupboard but you guys are going to have to wait for that one.

You’re welcome. Just like you are waiting for my list of movie stars I’ve met. Oh the anticipation. I bet it’s just killing you.

Much love and looking forward to your success stories.

JB

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Posted in happiness, motivation

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It’s my 38th day blogging and I’m up to 622 hits. Thanks.

Posted on December 7, 2009 | 2 Comments

My husband said 'that's enough flowers'.I have to admit today I’m having a challenging time getting a word on the page. I walk, work out and think about what I want to communicate with you guys and I have a million ideas. I sat down to write a few of them and then deleted them. I wrote an article on the Differences Between US and Italy, then I tried one called How to Make Money on the Internet, and finally one called Inspiration. All three have been deleted. You’re welcome.

As you might have noticed I’m big on making this site grow. I don’t know why. Oh yeah I do, it’s because I read somewhere that it’s good to have a big audience.  I know what is stopping me from writing these days. Reader’s comments. I’m not saying I don’t want your comments I suppose it is just insecurity. I’m truly trying to live in love and not in fear.

As you can see to your right this blog is supposed to be about the topics I like such as writing, travel and motivation. Then I think about my coach’s comments saying “Julie, where are you going with this blog? What are you trying to get out of it?” You see when you write you either write to yourself, a friend or you pretend you are writing to a real audience, that people will actually read this and respond. I choose the third option, I’m writing to you now. 

Real people who will read this and respond.

There are so many things to consider. My readers include my my mom and dad because I call them and tell them I’ve written a new post. Then slowly I repeat slowly as they type in the white box above where it you see the word http:// jangelos dot wordpress dot com. I like to hear them laugh and say wow, that’s my daughter. Mom and dad are sort of shoe ins. Then other readers include people who are on your facebook page. Mostly because I keep unindating them with requests to visit my blog. I’m sort of insistent. I wrote on one comment “I think we are so alike but have you read my blog yet?” Sorry Tami.

More reader’s comments.

I walked into my school and went into the administrator’s office. I left my blog address with the nicest funniest school employee you could hope for and he asks me if I’m making any money. I got a real kick out of this question because you have to wonder how or why I am doing this? Because I love writing? Because I want to teach? Because I want to share? Because I want to sell you something? I don’t know. I play with the thought of selling something but that would require actual work and I don’t have the time to go to the post office. Don’t forget I’m a mom and wife first, teacher second and the rest is play. 

I had an idea to write an article of products I endorse. I suppose I could contact the companies I endorse and ask them for sponsorship. I thought if this was my last day on earth I’d like every one of you to know I’m a loyal customer to the following brands: Mac computers, Mac lipstick, McDonald’s fries, Nike shoes, Disney, Levi’s and Calphalon cookware. Those WERE NOT paid endorsements. They are truly brands I’ve come to know and love. I could write an article on each one of them but I’m not going to. You’re welcome again. It’s called editing.

More reader’s comments

Why is it the one negative comment just keeps coming back to me? I was called blog spam by some loser and it is haunting me. He wrote, ‘I’m movin on’. Positive thinking Julie, positive thinking, find the good, find the good. Breathe in, breathe out. Laugh out Loud. Laugh my Friggen’ A Off. I keep writing because of the positive comments. My coach who said good job, my new blogger friends who are becoming my friends, my best friend who inspires me endlessly, my kids who are too adorable for words. 

Oh yes, and Tony Robbins. And David Letterman. Big fan. Oh, and Lakers too. Big fan. The thing is that I started listening to Tony Robbins about five years ago when my children were babies and I needed help FAST. I needed motivation so I typed motivation into google and Tony came up first. One of his sayings that resounds in my head that Tony said was to set yourself up to play a winning game, not to set yourself up for failure. When I wrote in my last post I was dedicating myself to be the best writer and communicator I could be, I knew I was blowing smoke. I can only be myself and that’s what I’m trying to do here and now. Yet raising my standards and expecting more is a good thing. It brings us to the next level.

When you set your goals make sure you write them down give them a deadline date and a reason. Here’s an example: Today I’m going to publish this webpost within an hour because I want to share. Done! Easy. 

What about you? What are your goals? How do you get over writer’s block? Thanks for visiting. Feel free to leave a comment.

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Posted in happiness, journal, motivation, relationships, writing

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Getting the words on the page and out of your mind. Blog it.

Posted on December 1, 2009 | 6 Comments

One thing I tell my students is the importance of word choice. I’ll clarify. Let’s suppose that the only thing that is exists is this moment right now your eyes scanning this page. Do you expect from me to write something uplifting and helpful or the opposite? Notice that when I wrote opposite I chose a positive word.

That is what I call word choice. 

The road to positive thinking is a like a rose. It’s spring after a long winter of rain and wind and the sun has come out. It has spines to protect itself but look how pretty and fragrant. If you get close enough you will see the petals have built upon themselves to make a whole. Look closely.

I wrote recently in my facebook post that I’m becoming sappy these days. I cry when I see little fat baby hands in strollers. I am moved because God is great. God is Good. I look at the baby hands in the strollers and I think about my son’s hands. He’s eight. He has the most delicate little hands. I wish I could be like my mom and sculpt his little hands into clay to remember them always. But will the clay show the fleshy color and the blood that flows through them? Will the sculpture capture the sweetness of the essence that surrounds them?

I want those hands to stop growing. I want those hands to grow into a man. I want. I want nothing. I am. I am here and I am here now thankful for God’s many blessings.

I think the best teacher is the one who learns from her students. When I first started teaching English to Italians I would say ‘this is a … fill in the blank’. They would all contribute their Italian guesses to whatever it was and I was given at least two new words for every word I gave to them. Now that’s what I call compound interest. 

If I went in America I for a day, I could write a book about how different it is than Italy. If I went there for a month, I would write a nice article. If I went for a year I wouldn’t write anything at all. What I am trying to say is that the longer I have lived in Italy the fewer the differences I find between the two countries.

You know what I love? I love how people are willing to laugh. They are like kids just waiting. I want to laugh. I want to laugh with you now. I want to make you smile. I want to enrich your life some how today now in this moment.

When I wrote my post about inspiration a few days ago I got the best response from my best friend. I asked her if it was ok to publish and she said yes. Here’s what she wrote:

It’s the actual “act” of doing that makes that individual feel amazing and accomplished no matter what the task may be.  It’s the voice we hear when we are alone and need encouragement and support.  It’s the gift of a bestfriend who truly believes in you no matter what the circumstances are, It’s the tried and true method when one is alone and feels defeated, that a single voice or memory triggers the adrenaline and skyrockets the individual to find the strength to get up and try again. 

I am lucky. I want to know who is someone special in your life. How have they positively influenced you? I think we can all agree it is thanks to a special friend, a parent, a grandparent or teacher that we have all gotten where we are today. Today let’s count our blessings and look for positive words to enhance our lives.

Thank you for visiting. Please feel free to leave a comment.

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