Monday, June 16, 2003 :::

Happy Birthday to me...20 years under my belt. Pretty crazy when I stop and think about it...possibly one-fourth or so of my life, over and done with. This is the first birthday where I'm actually feeling older - a definite result of spending all of this time in Europe. It's amazing how much maturation occurs when one spends time in an unfamiliar setting... - the same sort of thing happened in Boston a few years ago. It's inconceivable how fortunate I am for all of this...impossible to achieve an appropriate level of gratitude - but I AM immensely grateful. Strange not being home for a birthday, but in a way, I'm glad for it. The more perspective one can gain, the better. Of course, there's no getting around how much I miss my family and friends, how much I wish they (you) could be with me today, but knowing that they are thinking of me fills my heart. I am blessed beyond earthly comprehension with the most amazing friends and family on this planet.

Juan/Laura: Thank you so much for that call this morning...I was too groggy to adequately express how happy I was at that moment, but after 10 minutes or so, I was glowing. You guys are the greatest...Grazie mille.

So much has happened since the last post. The degree to which I've fallen behind with my journal is irreparable, but I have loads of footage to (semi)compensate for that. This past weekend, Drew, Kim, Brandy, Nicole and I went to Venice. Great times...gondola ride...and superb beer. The next day, we went to Germany (yes, GERMANY), but more on that later.

Have to cut this short...birthday events are imminent. Love and miss you all...ciao ciao...

::: posted by AJBrotz at 11:44 AM

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Monday, June 02, 2003 :::

Holy crap...July 10 = Finger Eleven @ the Social. I have officially shit my pants in Rome.
And I swear to God...if this show winds up being 21 and up, I'll implode.

Melo - your posting of that Dorothy Parker poem has made me aware of her name, and now, I notice that it is everywhere around town. Several posters have her picture and name on them. I haven't tried to translate the rest of the poster since it's in Italian, so I don't know if she's coming to town or what...but I thought it was very interesting (not coincidental, i'm sure). I'll let you know what I find out. Read some of her stuff off your blog...I dig. However, your blog didn't fully load, as technology here = poo, so i couldn't read your review of the new deftones record. I'd love a quick critique on my comments if you have the time...molto grazie...

Frank - congrats on the move, homez...hope it went/continues to go smoothly.

Brian/Anne - you've finally made it out of high school. At long last, welcome to...non...high school...ness. right. CONGRATULATIONS!

All American Rejects Crew: how was the trip!?!

EVERYONE - of the things i miss from the US, you top the list. I wish more than anything that you could be here. Just goes to show that it isn't where you are, but who you are with. Much love from Rome...

Pompei and Ischia this weekend = Inactive Volcano Climbing. Cannot wait. Seeing so much amazing art in countless museums has been awesome, but I'm definitely ready for some natural beauty. Beaches, hot springs, and the best part of it all: tons of fat, topless German tourists. I'm getting sweaty just thinking about it.

Hope everyone's enjoying their summer...ciao for now...

"il giornalista"

::: posted by AJBrotz at 12:47 PM

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