--- Is your quaility of life doing ok? Did you have a bad day? ---

Some days I wake up and get 'stressed' because I dont know what to do with my life. In all reality, it is because my blessings are so abundant and I have so many options. I should never complain about opportunity. Here I am, living in Europe, with a roof over my head, fresh food every day, reading and writing as I wish, with very supportive friends and family.I can move abroad and teach, apply to graduate school, work, or travel. I am the most fortunate girl in the world, and it is my goal of 2010 to never forget that. Every day is SUCH a beautiful gift.

Here is a breakdown of the world around us, it helped me with perspective....


If we could shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would break down on a per person scale accordingly... There would be:

* 57 Asians
* 21 Europeans, 14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south
* 8 Africans
* 52 would be female 48 would be male
* 70 would be non-white 30 would be white
* 70 would be non-Christian 30 would be Christian
* 89 would be heterosexual 11 would be homosexual
* 6 people would possess 59% of the entire world's wealth and all 6 would be from the United States.
* 80 would live in substandard housing
* 70 would be unable to read
* 50 would suffer from malnutrition
* 1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth 1, and ONLY 1 would have a college education
* 1 would own a computer

When one considers our world from such a compressed perspective, the need for acceptance, understanding and education becomes glaringly apparent. The following is also something to ponder... If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend an idealogical meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If you can read this article of perspective, you are more fortunate than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all. Of course, as I see the world today, perhaps that's not such a bad thing.

6 Countries, 800 photos, 4 layers of gloves, 1 backpack, and a cheerful New Year

Hello Friends!

Happy 2010! I hope you all had a warm and festive holiday season, and are kicking off the new decade with a nice BIG smile!

I just wanted to give a small over-view of my holiday excursion through Europe, and include a few photos!

**To begin, I flew to Bratislava, Slovakia. A few people ask me why I decided to venture there, and my answer was: Ryanair. It is an economic low-fare flight service, and I got my ticket from Brussels to Bratislava for just 12 Euro. Bratislava was very interesting. I was expecting a big city (since it is the capital of Slovakia) but it definitely had the small town feel to it. Petr, a friend from Germany, and I went to look at a famous castle in the nearby location, however it was closed for “bad weather” during the winter time, and since it was -17 one night, I would claim that as bad weather. Otherwise, it was a nice trip, I was able to use my new camera and test it out. The Christmas market there was lovely, and we went along the Danube River to see the sights of the city.

**Next stop: Vienna. I took just a one hour train ride from Bratislava to Vienna (they are the two closest capitals in Europe) and was greeted by snow and more freezing temperatures, but just put on another layer of socks and gloves, and went out to see the city. I went to Museum Quarter, a beautiful location in Vienna, and went to 2 art museums and the Natural History Museum, which was by far the best museum I have been to. It was all about evolution and the history of micro-organisms and sea creatures and all that other fun science stuff! In Vienna, I also took the tram to a small part of the outer city, where I purposely got lost (I think that is the best way to see a place). I saw gorgeous churches, the parliament building, 2 snowy parks, and oh wait… another Christmas market. GOSH I LOVE THOSE! Hot mulled wine and some fresh pastries are perfect for a cold day. I was only there for 2 days before….

**Prague for Christmas! I met up with Dani Cosme there to celebrate Christmas, and we actually had “nice” weather considering that it was so cold the previous weeks. We walked around the city and took a free walking tour, and learned SO much about the history of the Czech Republic. We saw the only astrological bell tower, visited the historical Jewish cites, walked along the Prague Castle, saw Christmas Carolers, and ate more food at the Christmas market. I stayed in Prague for 4 days (which was the longest part of my trip where I stayed in 1 location) and it was really nice to get to see the city more.

**Next stop: London to see Amy Buchmann! After a long travel day for Amy, I met her in the airport at 7am with a cup of coffee and pastry in hand, and we hit the town. We did our own walking tour of London and I was able to be her tour guide since I studied there for a part of a summer 3 years ago. We went to the classics like Westminster abbey, Big Ben, London Eye, Tower Bridge, etc, and then just grabbed some warm coffe and caught up on life. We stayed in a 21 bed hostel with bunk beds stacked 3 high, it was hilarious and fun!

**New Years in Dublin! Amy and I got to Dublin at midnight on the 30^th, so we had 1 day to sleep and see the city and rest up for the evening. We did a free walking tour (again), GOSH those are so valuable, and learned all about the history of Ireland. Again, we saw many of the famous cites in Dublin, and it was super helpful to have such a wonderful tour guide. On New Years eve we went to a pub crawl to the different bars around the city center, and ended in a club, and at midnight, it started to SNOW, so Amy and I ran outside quickly to get a picture! The next day we went to the Guinness Factory and took a tour, followed by lots of beer drinking. Gotta love the Irish!

**Amy and I came back to Brussels for a few days and she was able to see my “home town” in Europe. On Thursday we went to Brugge and walked around the city and took a lot of photos. Overall, it was a very relaxing and enjoyable way to end the vacation, and I now have to save up money again to take my next venture around Europe!

As for now, my host family is doing well and the kids are back in school, and I am now just settling back in and trying to figure out my next step in life. I am still studying for the GRE’s and have my TFA interview in March. Other than that, I am still studying French, as well as planning new trips with my friends here in Belgium.

Again, thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and please keep me posted on updates in your life!

Hugs and kisses, Chrissy

2009~ A look back

I would like to take a look back at a wonderful, emotional, intense, life-changing year of 2009. My sister sent me a new calendar for a Christmas present, and I always transfer my birthdays’ and special events to the new and upcoming calendar, while reflecting on the year passed. After taking a look through the past 12 months, I think I am a completely different person from where I was 365 days ago. I know that I am “jumping the gun” in terms of looking back at the previous year (seeing how it is not New Years yet), however, now is the time for reflection, so here I go:

To ring in the New Year of 2009…. I was in Australia with Amy (which I am proud to say we will be spending New Years together AGAIN in Dublin)! Although I had been to London and Paris by myself two summers ago, going to Australia was one of the first trips that I considered “independent” in terms of planning where we were going to stay and what we wanted to see. Going to Australia was definitely a trip of a lifetime, and I will remember it for years to come!

One year ago I was applying for Teach for America, 100% sure that if I was accepted, I was going to do it. It’s crazy how things change.

In February of 2009, it was officially my “last” first day of college. Senior Year. The memorable 2009 brought on a lot of lasts, and a lot of firsts.

In March of 2009, I “quit” RA. Unsuccessfully. However, in the grand scheme of things, I am glad I stuck with it. Even though people in res-life pissed me off to the max, it was my best of friends and cheery residents who kept me smiling. I am still so grateful I was an RA for 2 years, which is how I made some of my best memories!

In March, Benji passed away. I still cannot say his name without crying. He was part of the family, and will be in my heart forever.

In April, I got waitlisted (then accepted) for Teach for America, and simultaneously got a job offer to become an au-pair. You all know how that story ended…

In May of 2009, I graduated. When I walked off that stage, 4 years was over. It is now just one fond memory that I will keep forever.

In May of 2009 I was FINALLY able to live with my roomie: ZACH!!! We had been talking “marshmallow” for 2 years… aka our plan to be roommates, and it actually happened for the summer! He was so gracious to let me live with him!

In May of 2009 I also ran my first 26.2 miles. Running a marathon was on my bucket list, and Tasha was right there by my side for every step. I still defend that moment when saying it was one of the best feelings in the world to cross that finish line.

In May of 2009 I started saying goodbye. Friends were packing up, going to school, getting jobs, getting engaged, and moving on. Emotionally, May was the hardest month I have been through. The friends I made in college will be life-long, I have no doubt, but for now, I just miss everyone so very much.

In May of 2009 I also continued doing research with Dr. Wright, which was a hilarious and fun job, I worked with absolutely amazing people! I got the opportunity to see what it would be like to be a professor, which seems pretty sweet!

In June of 2009 I turned 22. My whole life I thought life after 21 years old just got boring. This was a huge shock for me… everyone (if they are lucky) gets older. That’s just life. I can only imagine one day when I am 40, to look back on this silly blog and wonder why the heck I ever thought 22 was old.

In June of 2009, I bought my first Mac Computer! One word: perfection.

In August of 2009, I moved to Belgium. I got off the plane without any friends in the whole country. Getting adjusted to living here has given me the confidence to put my best foot forward with all things that I do, and provided me with the hope and happiness that things will always work out. I am learning how to be reliable.

In September 2009 I joined a volleyball team and a French Class and took my first trip by myself to Paris. It was lonely, exciting, depressing, scary, thrilling, and wonderful all at the same time.

In October of 2009 I made international friends, and am absolutely thrilled! I love that I now have friends from all over the world! Go au-pairs!!!

In November and December, I missed the holidays with my family, as well as my mom and dads birthday. Some days I forget about being sad, but other days, I just cry and miss home so much. However, I know I will be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams!!! I will be leaving on the night of the 19th from Brussels, and will be traveling to Bratislava to meet up with my couchsurfing host, Petr, then will be going onto Vienna, up to Prague for Christmas with Dani, down to Budapest for a few days before I fly to London to meet up with Amy, then we are going to Dublin for New Years to celebrate 2010. We are then going to hit up Paris before returning back to the land of waffles and beer. I think it will be an eye-opening adventure, as well as a reminder of how much my family means to me and how much I will miss them.

I just enjoyed my first European snow fall today, just another small reminder of the holiday season approaching!

Well, this is my last blog until the new year, so I wish you the happiest of holiday cheer, and hope you have a fantastic December, and welcome in the new year with what matters most: family and friends! Love you and miss you all!

December 1, 2009: Celebrating 100 Days – European Style!

Hi Friends! Well, today I have officially been living in Belgium for 100 days! I can’t believe how the time has flown by! I remember Skyping with my mom and dad the night I arrived, and I was almost in tears because I didn’t know what I was thinking, just picking up and moving away from all family and friends!!!

Well, I am now counting my blessings, and so very thankful that this really worked out! I am very happy here and have made some really fantastic international friends! All 3 children are super, and I am just embracing this opportunity to travel and gain some independence! Throughout these 100 days, I have been able to do some things I have really wanted to focus on, like photography, traveling, reading, trying new sports, and attempting to enjoy the weather and take in this totally new environment!

Here’s a brief look at the past 100 days:

The volleyball season has now ended (and we placed 1st), but my friend Louise and I all joined a rugby team! Its fun, intense, and a totally new experience! Carpe Diem!!!!

Joy has moved up 2 reading levels in school and she is still taking Disco Dance. She is in a school play ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and I am going to watch her in her final play on December 9th.

Kate has moved up 3 reading levels in school and got 40 out of 40 on her spelling test! She also takes disco dance and is involved in gymnastics, and every boy in school is in love with her!

John is still as energetic and loud as ever, but my gosh he is just as cute as can be! The whole family spoils him, but I can’t blame them, he just is a little angel (when he isn’t yelling or crying at the top of his lungs… hahaha).

Glory and Filip are the host parents, and they are super nice as well. Filip is really into sports and he showed me how to play squash. Glory is also very athletic and we have been to spin class together. Overall, it’s been a great fit so far!

Well, Thanksgiving has already come and gone, and I was not home with my family. I miss making peppermint bark, helping bake pumpkin pies, eating 4 plates of the world’s best turkey, and most importantly, sitting around the table with my mom, dad, and sister.

Two of my sorority sisters, Jessica and Vanessa, will be arriving this Friday for the weekend, and I am so excited to see them! It will be WONDERFUL!

Christmas will be rough too, but I officially have my plan for my holiday: Brussels to Bratislava, to Vienna, to Prague, to Budapest, to London, to Dublin, to possibly Paris, then back to Brussels. Of course, the one and only Amy Buchmann will be here to celebrate New Years with me! YAY! I can hardly contain my excitement!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, congratulations to Nickie for landing a fantastic job as a nurse in a brand new hospital in San Diego for the oncology unit! She is going to be the best nurse in the whole world!

As for the rest of my life here, the Christmas markets are WONDERFUL and I am taking full advantage of all the delicious food! On the whole: I am very happy and learning to just live in the moment.

I hope December greets you all happy and healthy, and I wish you a warm and cheery holiday season!

All my love,

Chrissy

Winter Wonderland

Hello Friends! Happy Day-After Thanksgiving!!

Well, for all of you who know me well, I am not artistic nor poetic, it's just not my nature. I would rather do math problems or read science journals, but I feel this adventure in Europe is about trying new things.... reason #1 I joined a rugby team!! So, in accordance with trying new things, I sat down with a warm cup of tea and decided to write a poem about the holidays. I can't believe I am actually going to post this on my blog, but here it goes :)

Thanks again for taking the time to read it, and again, I hope you all had a marvelous holiday! Much Love!!!


Winter Wonderland
by: Chrissy Pepino

Pumpkin colored leaves gently fall to the ground,

As hot chocolate overflows mismatched holiday mugs.

Pink wool scarves and warm toasty mittens greet

The whistling wind as it welcomes the approaching storms.


Dawn and dusk are encompassed by total darkness, as daylight becomes scarce

While the sleeping sun wraps itself around a quilt of gray clouds.

Glistening frost sits upon the fences and rooftops

And puddles are as abundant as dripping umbrellas.


Chimney smoke signals the comfort of a home

As vibrant flowers and colorful landscape hibernate until spring.

We welcome the holiday season with much cheer,

Because rosy cheeks and bright smiles ignite happiness to warm the winter.

Giving Thanks for Family and Friends - I miss you

Some pictures of Europe so far....