Nella vita - chi non risica - non rosica

Translation please?

 "In life: who risks nothing - gains nothing" or "nothing ventured - nothing gained." 

This, my friends, is the motto I will be following as I venture off to Florence, Italy for the upcoming Fall semester....Jersey Shore style. Kidding, kidding. 

Yeaaa buddy.

In two short weeks I will be boarding a plane, knowing not one soul, to spend 4 full months studying abroad in Italy and it's surrounding countries. Seriously, yay!

Words cannot express how anxious I am to get this semester started. In talking to several people about my plans, I have received so many uplifting, and encouraging words (thank you everyone!!!) that makes me more excited, and less nervous to go. Although I love the beautiful state of CT (represent), the idea of living in one of the most beautiful, and historic cities in the world leaves me speechless. Speaking of things that leave me speechless....

Before I get into the details of preparing for my trip, I’d like to give a shout out to all of the incredibly creative (?) input on what to name this Blog. In case you were wondering- I got everything from “Kelsey’s Blog,” to “My Blog,” “Kelsey’s Website from Italy,” “Kelsey-Johnston.com,” "Kelsey Gettin' Her Blog on Tumblr.com," “Keeping Up with the Johnston,” “What the Hell Happened Last Night? I Woke Up in Rome,” Flirty in Florence,” “Fertilized in Florence,” “Spaghetti & Meatballs,” “Gnocchi in my Belly,” “Pasta for my Brains,” and last but certainly not least, “Look Ma, I’m Italian Now.” …. I hope my parents are proud of my sibling’s undeniable creativity because most of these came from them. Although it was extremely hard to turn all of these down, I finally decided on one a little more appropriate- “Vita Mia in Italy” which translates into- My Life in Italy. Not the most creative, but it works for now. 

The ever so creative crew of siblings. Cute bunch.

As far as getting myself prepared, I have been in search of three important things. A small shoulder bag, a camera, & comfortable yet cute shoes that won’t destroy my feet while walking for several hours at a time. Oh, and self-control to not spend all of my money in the first month ;) Hands down, that is going to be the most challenging of them all.

As I'm writing this, papa J just called down to tell me he was in the process of ordering my camera. I need one that takes quality pictures, but is small enough to carry around in a small bag when I travel- and preferably orange because not only am I obsessed with this color but the credit card I ordered is orange, too! :) So, here it is! 

Now, for the shoulder bag. I have had my eye on a few cute ones by Michael Kors, including one that is orange.... but if I were to get that then I'd look like an oompa loompa from all of my orange accessories so I think I'll play it safe and stick to brown. Gotta make some friends, too. 

And last but not least, the SHOES. Even though I know I'll be packing more then my fair share of shoes- "hello paying extra for over-weight suitcases!" ( just kidding, Mom) I want a go-to pair that I can not only throw on for class, but walk in for hours and not have a toe fall off by the end of the day. So, after some research, and just plain thinking these are too dang cute to not get- I have fallen in love with the infamous Sperry Topsiders. I want them in Metallic Gold because they'll look cute with everything- and I won't feel like my brothers sporting the brown ones.  

Aren't they cuuute?

As far as self-control to watch my spending, I'm still working on it... and will be until I'm on my death bed. 

Well? That's it for now kiddies. Until next time, ciao!

Devotissimo suo (translation: yours truly),

Kels