*How to Occupy Yourself When Traveling*

I know, I know, eight hour flights may seem insane, but are they? In fact, they can be fun. It gives you time to think, watch new releases (on most airlines), play games, read, etc. Believe it or not, you can even sleep! Maybe flying may not be for you and it's a terror, but why make it that way? Enjoy every second of airtime and know that every minute is closer to the time you land. I always say I'm going to do many things in the air, but never go through it. Well, in 24 hours I will be up in the air and I challenge myself to do everything I said I would. I promise to write in my book, relax, watch a movie, and read a little. All I ask is for some room to stretch my legs! Many people hate flying because of fear, boredom, claustrophobia, etc. Relax! You only get you time once in a blue moon. Take a deep breath, it's not the end of the world. You will have the time of your life. I've learned to enjoy every second. People are here today, but not tomorrow. Their company is everything. Appreciate all of the small things that come into your life. Spread your wings and fly!

*Our Pets, Our Hearts*

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a deep love for animals. My grandparents had a Yorkshire Terrier, Mindy. She was one of the most beautiful animals I have ever seen. I have many fond memories of Mindy's bond with my family. My Nonna [grandmother] would bathe her in the basement of her four story home. I would "help" Nonna and we'd brush Mindy and blow dry her. Mindy was my mom's and two uncles' teenage pet. Everyone who encountered her fell in love. She was little, but protective. When I was a baby, she'd bark at whoever came near the crib at nonna's. Nonna always had Mindy's front hair tied up in a cute bow. She was Nonna and Papanonno's "fourth" child. She might as well have been a human. As Mindy got older, I did as well. When I was three or four, I treated Mindy as a horse, which made her run from me. I used to torture the poor dog. That didn't stop her from protecting me. When I was at my weakest points, where I couldn't sit on her, she'd run my way. Most of the time, that was when I was on the toilet. She'd jump on my lap and kiss me all over my face. It's the small things that we never forget. I'll never forget that devastating phone call. I was little, but it was heartbreaking. My mother burst into tears. Both of my "tough guy" uncles cried as well. Mindy was well into her teens when she passed, but my family lost a part of them. She always slept with my mom in her room at nonna's. That's exactly where she was found. Mindy died of old age, way into her teens. It's the love that my family showed her that kept her alive for so long. She was having trouble walking and in pain because of arthritis. It was her time to go. I cried too. I felt bad for Nonna and Papanonno. I knew they'd never get another animal. It was too devastating to lose Mindy and she was irreplaceable. She still crosses our minds and many fond memories are shared. Every so often, we come across a picture and share a happy story. Our pets become our children. Unfortunately, they don't live forever. Even when, we wish they could. Rest in peace Mindy. Rest in peace departed, loved, and gentle creatures. We miss you. Most importantly, you live on in our families.

*The Good Old Fourth of July*

Tomorrow, isn't just about the fireworks or the food you can eat. It's the celebration of America's independence from Great Britain. In 1776, America became an independent nation. No matter it's downfalls, America is one of the best countries in the world to live in. In the past, many countries used the Declaration as a means for their own freedom. They include France, Greece, Poland, Russia, and South America. U.S. presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe all died on July 4th. On this July 4th, try to remember the hardships that Americans overcame in the fight for justice and freedom. Remember how lucky you are to have a great life in America. For more interesting Fourth of July facts, visit: http://www.livescience.com/14844-50-fabulous-facts-july-fourth-declaration-independence.html

*What Are You Doing This Fourth of July? Some Cool Ideas.*

My family and I were going to go to Disney World because half of us have never been there. I know, I know, I'm practically a Floridian. I should've been there already. There was never a right opportunity. We almost made arrangements, but decided not to go because it cost a fortune. One thousand five hundred dollars is too much. I could spend that on another ticket to Italy! Well, since we're not going, I will be house hopping and attempting to catch some rays before my big trip next Monday. If you're bored on the Fourth of July, you can concoct some cool drinks and appetizers. The All American, American Flag, Army Green, Betsy Ross, Born on the Fourth of July, Chocolate Soldier, Firecracker, Five Star General, 4th of July, Navy Seal, Patriotic Blow, Uncle Sam, All American Daiquiri, Old Glory, American Glory, Blaze of Glory, Fireworks, Patriotic Missile, American Death, and American Dream all have some buzzing ingredients. For appetizers, you can try star-shaped "pigs in a blanket," jalapeño popper pull-apart bread, "skinny" summer crab dip appetizer, red, white, and blue potato salad appetizer, kicked-up crackers appetizer, fruit skewers and yogurt dip appetizers, tomato and mozzarella salad skewers appetizer, grilled vegetable skewers with pesto vinaigrette appetizer, grilled shrimp and sausage skewers with paprika glaze appetizer, grilled pineapple guacamole appetizer, strawberry, roasted corn, and avocado salsa appetizer, cucumber salsa appetizer, BBQ pork "cupcakes" appetizer, and creamy pea hummus appetizers. For more information on alcohol and appetizers for the fourth, visit:

http://www.rd.com/slideshows/10-perfect-fourth-of-july-appetizer-recipes/#slideshow=slide14http://m.voices.yahoo.com/20-fourth-july-alcoholic-drinks-celebrate-our-independance-387188.html

*Italian Immigrants in America- Time to Know Their Hardships*

The truth is, I'm tired of hearing about everyone else's struggles in America. Do you know what my forefathers went through to settle in this country? Do you understand the terrible discrimination and beatings that many of them underwent? You have absolutely no idea! It's time to move on from everyone else's problems. It's time to hear our struggles! The only good thing Italians did was keep their mouths shut. After all, they loved and respected this country. We are no longer a minority, but trust me, we worked for it. We might as well be. Italy was not a horrible country to live in. In the 1800's and 1900's, Italians made decisions that improved their lives. They decided to leave their homeland behind for a land of prospering opportunity. Many of them would never live to see their native country again. They left behind parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, etc. Letters would be sent back and forth with money. Italians worked hard at the bottom and sent whatever they made to their family overseas. Many things I've heard about their settlement makes my stomach queasy. One of my paternal grandmothers brothers settled in the U.S. in the mid 1900's. He exchanged letters with his family, but he never returned to Italy. My grandmother settled in this country in the late 60's, early 70's. By the time she arrived, her brother was no longer living. The last time she saw him, she was a little girl. That is the most heart wrenching information I've ever heard. Unfortunately, that is not the saddest story. Some people left Italy and decided to lose touch with their origins. They never wrote their families, which left holes in their hearts. Family members never saw each other again. When Italians arrived on their ships to Ellis Island, they also left their language behind. It was forbidden for parents to teach their children Italian. If they wanted a good life in America, that was the only acceptable language. Many people would later regret their losses. It hurt them in several ways. When my father hears people automatically speak to him in another language, he becomes severely irritated. He tells them that when he came to this country, he had to learn the language and they should to. It wasn't safe for Italians in America. Police officers would harass them and employers would ridicule them. If you were from southern Italy, that was the worst place you could be from. People made fun of the way you spoke and ridiculed you. There were many stereotypes thrown out at Italians as well. They all had to be connected to them mafia, so police officers would stop "suspicious" individuals and search them for no reason. They'd spit at them and call them terrible names like, "dago," "ginzo," "goombah," "greeseball," "guido," "guinea,"and "wop." Italians kept the harassment to themselves and let it go on. They appreciated the "free" land and "prosperities." They were afraid of being sent back to Italy. The needed to work for their families. They would lie about the way they were treated. They wanted their families to believe that America was the "best" place in the world to live. I've spoken to many different people that settled in America years ago. Many of them regret leaving behind their little towns to settle in this country, especially the women. It was expensive for them to travel back and forth, so they didn't. Italians worked in restaurants as cooks, as shoe shiners on the corners, paperboys, etc. because they didn't have an education. They worked hard to learn the language, so they could keep succeeding. After years of cruelty, they worked to exceed expectations. They are no longer ridiculed, but respected. Everyone loves history and I thought it would be nice to refresh everyone's memory. Never assume anything about any group of people! You have no idea what they went through. I am proud of my Italian routes and I am beyond lucky to know the language. I love it!