See you on the 23rd!!!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
February Newsletter
Can you believe this is our last one before we depart? WOW . . .
See you on the 23rd!!!
See you on the 23rd!!!
Top 5 Gifts to bring home from Italy
Zia Carol, this one's for you . . .
While our trip is short, that doesn't mean you can't bring home THE BEST gifts to your loved ones at home! Yes, there's an endless list of things you COULD buy (and, yes, I will strongly discourage you from buying tourist "crap"), but here are some great gifts which would give your loved ones a taste of your experience:
1. Food products - what greater gift than showing someone you care about them so much that you'd make a meal for them? Packets of spices, soup mixes, pre-packaged meats, and cookies are some easy, low-cost gifts you can bring home. What fun to bring home something which you enjoyed eating in Italy, and making it for your family! And they're not breakable! Of course, you want to stay within Customs policies, but most things which are vacuum-sealed are good for transporting home. I'll take you buy some really great local-product spots while we cruise around town.
2. Print products - in Tuscany, stationery and linens are a great gift (even to bring to someone who lives there). Consider buying napkins/tablecloth or special stationery for someone you love!
3. Perfume products - in Florence is my favorite perfumeria - the monks at Santa Maria Novella (not just a church, not just a train station) have been making their products for centuries. Their Officina Profumo, located just behind the church (which is across the street from the train/bus station), offers amazing products. They're not cheap, but easy to carry!
4. Maps/posters/Calendars - Mom will attest - these are great gifts which carry well (pack them flat in your suitcase). And what is neater than having a gift which reminds your parents all year of your experience in Italy??? On this note, I'm a big fan of buying postcards for views which I can't capture with my camera. Consider that!
5. Religious Articles - seriously, guys, we're visiting the center of Christianity. Pick up a medal of an important saint/pope, get a small icon or statue of a favorite religious character for your parents . . . If anything, send Mr. Poore and your teachers a John Paul II postcard!!! 900 Coit Rd. Plano, TX, 75075 Maybe you'll get a pencil out of the deal . . .
Hugs,
Laura :)
While our trip is short, that doesn't mean you can't bring home THE BEST gifts to your loved ones at home! Yes, there's an endless list of things you COULD buy (and, yes, I will strongly discourage you from buying tourist "crap"), but here are some great gifts which would give your loved ones a taste of your experience:
1. Food products - what greater gift than showing someone you care about them so much that you'd make a meal for them? Packets of spices, soup mixes, pre-packaged meats, and cookies are some easy, low-cost gifts you can bring home. What fun to bring home something which you enjoyed eating in Italy, and making it for your family! And they're not breakable! Of course, you want to stay within Customs policies, but most things which are vacuum-sealed are good for transporting home. I'll take you buy some really great local-product spots while we cruise around town.
2. Print products - in Tuscany, stationery and linens are a great gift (even to bring to someone who lives there). Consider buying napkins/tablecloth or special stationery for someone you love!
3. Perfume products - in Florence is my favorite perfumeria - the monks at Santa Maria Novella (not just a church, not just a train station) have been making their products for centuries. Their Officina Profumo, located just behind the church (which is across the street from the train/bus station), offers amazing products. They're not cheap, but easy to carry!
4. Maps/posters/Calendars - Mom will attest - these are great gifts which carry well (pack them flat in your suitcase). And what is neater than having a gift which reminds your parents all year of your experience in Italy??? On this note, I'm a big fan of buying postcards for views which I can't capture with my camera. Consider that!
5. Religious Articles - seriously, guys, we're visiting the center of Christianity. Pick up a medal of an important saint/pope, get a small icon or statue of a favorite religious character for your parents . . . If anything, send Mr. Poore and your teachers a John Paul II postcard!!! 900 Coit Rd. Plano, TX, 75075 Maybe you'll get a pencil out of the deal . . .
Hugs,
Laura :)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Another Gift for Priests at NAC
GOLDFISH!!! Yes, the baked crackers. :) A student mentioned that the priests miss the yummy crunch of those tasty little crackers!!!
Look forward to our February Newsletter to be posted later this week - our LAST ONE before we depart!
Please mark your calendars for February 23 - our departure meeting!
pax,
Laura :)
Look forward to our February Newsletter to be posted later this week - our LAST ONE before we depart!
Please mark your calendars for February 23 - our departure meeting!
pax,
Laura :)
Friday, January 20, 2012
Special Opportunity - Gifts for NAC
What a fun time we had making arrows! Anyone like gummy hearts? We can't GIVE these things away!
I should share with you where the "special opportunities" came from . . . every year, I look for chances to experience Italian culture, or to perhaps come in contact with celebrities, during our stay in Italy. I've been pretty successful so far: met the cast of Ocean's 12 as they were returning to their campers for lunch, posed on all the walkways set up in honor of Versace's birthday in Rome, been in the filming of "Casino Royale", which happened during a practice run of the Palio (and saw into Daniel Craig during his visit to Siena), etc. When the Opportunity to have the pizza cooking class first arose, I jumped on it, since it was the school where we were studying, anyway. (Have done it for six years, now - trust me, it's fun!)
THUS, we have another Special Opportunity which is really no cost to us during the trip! On Tuesday, our "Free Day" in Rome, I'm booking your day up (unless you have other plans). In the morning, we're going to go down and tour Ostia, a city deserted in the 2nd century, A.D., due to plague (Saint Monica died here at that time). In the afternoon, we're coming back to the center of town, and will do a walk of Quintessential Rome: Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona. Nearby the Trevi Fountain is the Pontifical North American College (more familiarly known among Catholics as "The NAC"), where seminarians and clergy study towards their graduate degrees.
I personally know a family whose eldest son was just ordained this summer (two days before JD was born - his picture is in the center of the Diocese of Dallas Seminarians poster - it's a pic of him being ordained by the Bishop). His mom wants to send a few care packages to him, which are shoebox-sized. I'll be asking a few of you to help me with this . . . and asking the rest of you to consider bringing gifts for the Diocese of Dallas seminarians! Nothing too big or expensive, but things like a box of Girl Scout Cookies, Texas pecans, or Tex-Mex snackies are great ideas.
Please consider packing a gift to take to the NAC! This will give you that much room to pack gifts home, too!
Don't forget to mark your calendars - Departure meeting on February 23, at 6:32 PM, in the Junior Presentation Hall!!!
Hugs,
Laura :)
I should share with you where the "special opportunities" came from . . . every year, I look for chances to experience Italian culture, or to perhaps come in contact with celebrities, during our stay in Italy. I've been pretty successful so far: met the cast of Ocean's 12 as they were returning to their campers for lunch, posed on all the walkways set up in honor of Versace's birthday in Rome, been in the filming of "Casino Royale", which happened during a practice run of the Palio (and saw into Daniel Craig during his visit to Siena), etc. When the Opportunity to have the pizza cooking class first arose, I jumped on it, since it was the school where we were studying, anyway. (Have done it for six years, now - trust me, it's fun!)
THUS, we have another Special Opportunity which is really no cost to us during the trip! On Tuesday, our "Free Day" in Rome, I'm booking your day up (unless you have other plans). In the morning, we're going to go down and tour Ostia, a city deserted in the 2nd century, A.D., due to plague (Saint Monica died here at that time). In the afternoon, we're coming back to the center of town, and will do a walk of Quintessential Rome: Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona. Nearby the Trevi Fountain is the Pontifical North American College (more familiarly known among Catholics as "The NAC"), where seminarians and clergy study towards their graduate degrees.
I personally know a family whose eldest son was just ordained this summer (two days before JD was born - his picture is in the center of the Diocese of Dallas Seminarians poster - it's a pic of him being ordained by the Bishop). His mom wants to send a few care packages to him, which are shoebox-sized. I'll be asking a few of you to help me with this . . . and asking the rest of you to consider bringing gifts for the Diocese of Dallas seminarians! Nothing too big or expensive, but things like a box of Girl Scout Cookies, Texas pecans, or Tex-Mex snackies are great ideas.
Please consider packing a gift to take to the NAC! This will give you that much room to pack gifts home, too!
Don't forget to mark your calendars - Departure meeting on February 23, at 6:32 PM, in the Junior Presentation Hall!!!
Hugs,
Laura :)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
BRILLIANT Questions I'm sure you're all wondering
Did you receive this e-mail? I'm hoping it'll help you with some advice!!!
Just to start the discussion, parents, with students:
1. I want to take my portable computer. Should I? And if I do, do I need an adapter.
Computers are heavy, and you probably won’t have the time. Plus, if anything needs an adapter (which it will), you’re risking power surges or any kind of problem. If you’re asking “What should I take?”, here are my questions in reply:
a. Would you die if you lost it/it became broken?
b. Is it so valuable to you that you’d be really inconvenienced if it were permanently gone?
Personally, I’m taking my Nook, so that I can keep track of flights/travel plans (in document format) and hopefully keep tweets running about our trip. That’s it.
2. Are you taking your phone or renting one from the website? And, if I take my computer, will I need a phone? I want to be able to skype with (LOVED ONE) at night if I can get him technologically adept…..
On as brief a trip as ours, a computer will be extra unnecessary weight. Besides, WiFi can be sketchy in hotels (even in the US – at a COMPUTER EDUCATOR’S state conference, our hotel’s WiFi dropped every three minutes). And renting phones is SO expensive for a week’s trip. Save your wallet, time, and backs/shoulders for better things, and schedule “call dates” with your loved one. Have them call you from the US! You’ll have the hotel contact information after our Departure Meeting.
7 PM = Noon in Dallas – should work for all our nights in Rome
12 Midnight = 5 PM in Dallas – will work for every evening
6 AM = 11 PM in Dallas – will work for every morning
There are always international calling stations/internet points which are far better deals – pay cash for time spent. There are a few nearby our hotel in Rome, and there’s my favorite spot located in the center of Siena (I’ve done five summers’ worth of trips away from Jay – gotta talk to my honey somehow).
Questions 3 and 4 can be combined:
3. Are you taking a separate debit card or just the one you use from home?
4. When they tell you to bring $200-$300 cash, are they talking Italian money or American?
American money! And even I am using my usual check card, which I use at home. You get the best exchange rate by using ATMs/MACs for cash (not using as a credit card – you are charged 3% on top of your charge on ALL credit cards).
Parents, if you have a special item you’d like your child to purchase, you can give them a credit card, and specific directions regarding the purchase.
5. I tend to snore when I sleep. Which means whomever I am sleeping with needs ear plugs……
If you have special prescriptions/objects for any purpose (head gear, etc.), please DO bring it on the trip! You don’t want to have any physical convenience ruining your (or anyone else’s) sleep, especially when rest is so important after such intense touring days. If you don’t have any gear for snoring, please purchase nose strips!!! Be kind to your roommate!
6. Did a practice drill on clothes this morning in my suitcase. Looks like it will work out great. I am packing an extra bag so on the way home I can check any extras that I buy over there.
YAY!!! SUPER SMART!!! Or make sure you have room in your bags for whatever you want to bring home. My goal is to buy a children’s book from every city we visit. What do YOU want to bring home for your memories?
HUGS,
Laura
Just to start the discussion, parents, with students:
1. I want to take my portable computer. Should I? And if I do, do I need an adapter.
Computers are heavy, and you probably won’t have the time. Plus, if anything needs an adapter (which it will), you’re risking power surges or any kind of problem. If you’re asking “What should I take?”, here are my questions in reply:
a. Would you die if you lost it/it became broken?
b. Is it so valuable to you that you’d be really inconvenienced if it were permanently gone?
Personally, I’m taking my Nook, so that I can keep track of flights/travel plans (in document format) and hopefully keep tweets running about our trip. That’s it.
2. Are you taking your phone or renting one from the website? And, if I take my computer, will I need a phone? I want to be able to skype with (LOVED ONE) at night if I can get him technologically adept…..
On as brief a trip as ours, a computer will be extra unnecessary weight. Besides, WiFi can be sketchy in hotels (even in the US – at a COMPUTER EDUCATOR’S state conference, our hotel’s WiFi dropped every three minutes). And renting phones is SO expensive for a week’s trip. Save your wallet, time, and backs/shoulders for better things, and schedule “call dates” with your loved one. Have them call you from the US! You’ll have the hotel contact information after our Departure Meeting.
7 PM = Noon in Dallas – should work for all our nights in Rome
12 Midnight = 5 PM in Dallas – will work for every evening
6 AM = 11 PM in Dallas – will work for every morning
There are always international calling stations/internet points which are far better deals – pay cash for time spent. There are a few nearby our hotel in Rome, and there’s my favorite spot located in the center of Siena (I’ve done five summers’ worth of trips away from Jay – gotta talk to my honey somehow).
Questions 3 and 4 can be combined:
3. Are you taking a separate debit card or just the one you use from home?
4. When they tell you to bring $200-$300 cash, are they talking Italian money or American?
American money! And even I am using my usual check card, which I use at home. You get the best exchange rate by using ATMs/MACs for cash (not using as a credit card – you are charged 3% on top of your charge on ALL credit cards).
Parents, if you have a special item you’d like your child to purchase, you can give them a credit card, and specific directions regarding the purchase.
5. I tend to snore when I sleep. Which means whomever I am sleeping with needs ear plugs……
If you have special prescriptions/objects for any purpose (head gear, etc.), please DO bring it on the trip! You don’t want to have any physical convenience ruining your (or anyone else’s) sleep, especially when rest is so important after such intense touring days. If you don’t have any gear for snoring, please purchase nose strips!!! Be kind to your roommate!
6. Did a practice drill on clothes this morning in my suitcase. Looks like it will work out great. I am packing an extra bag so on the way home I can check any extras that I buy over there.
YAY!!! SUPER SMART!!! Or make sure you have room in your bags for whatever you want to bring home. My goal is to buy a children’s book from every city we visit. What do YOU want to bring home for your memories?
HUGS,
Laura
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
January Event: Celebrate an important Italian Saint
Let’s celebrate the Feast of Saint Sebastian! On Friday, January 20, wear red and yellow, and meet in my room for a breakfast together. Rather than having an event, can I encourage you to consider donating to “Adopt A USSoldier” or even, with your family, adopting a soldier?
Brief readings about St. Sebastian:
Catholic Online's St. Sebastian Entry
New Advent's St. Sebastian Entry
Executed Today's St. Sebastian Entry – NOT OF MY OPINION, but an interesting assessment
A fun Candy Arrow activity to share awareness about St. Sebastian (okay, so this is for Valentine's Day, but we're doing it to make arrows):
Hugs to you all!
Laura :)
Brief readings about St. Sebastian:
Catholic Online's St. Sebastian Entry
New Advent's St. Sebastian Entry
Executed Today's St. Sebastian Entry – NOT OF MY OPINION, but an interesting assessment
A fun Candy Arrow activity to share awareness about St. Sebastian (okay, so this is for Valentine's Day, but we're doing it to make arrows):
Hugs to you all!
Laura :)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Area C 2012 Competition Information
We're on our way! Thank you for investing your time and interest in attending the Area C Texas State Junior Classical League competition! Here's all the information you'll need to know!
What: Area C TSJCL Competition
When: Saturday, February 25, at Hebron High School
How we'll get there: JPIIHS Bus
What we'll eat: Latin Club is purchasing two slices of pizza for all students attending. If you have a bigger appetite, please bring snacks/money to purchase yummies at the concessions stand.
What to bring: Your brain (well prepared for your competitive areas), wear JPIIHS Spirit clothing/jeans, FIELD TRIP forms: Olympica/Ludi Permission Slip JPIIHS Field Trip Form - Front JPIIHS Field Trip form - Back
Want to know more? Event website: areac.weebly.com
Please be sure you have completed the JPIIHS Medical Waiver. Please fill out both the JPIIHS Field Trip form and the Area C JCL Olympica/Ludi Permission slip, and return it to me by Saturday morning's departure.
Parents, you're invited to join us at any time of the day to enjoy the various competitions (even my own mom has done so)! In fact, I'm always seeking parents who are willing to chaperone for this event, as well as be present to be a proctor for an event. You can have fun experiencing the day's events, and possibly even participate in one of the many opportunities which we adults enjoy during the competition! If you want to join us for the fun, please contact me at laurahudec@johnpauliihs.org .
Tentative Schedule:
Saturday, February 25
3:30 Certamen Finals
What: Area C TSJCL Competition
When: Saturday, February 25, at Hebron High School
How we'll get there: JPIIHS Bus
What we'll eat: Latin Club is purchasing two slices of pizza for all students attending. If you have a bigger appetite, please bring snacks/money to purchase yummies at the concessions stand.
What to bring: Your brain (well prepared for your competitive areas), wear JPIIHS Spirit clothing/jeans, FIELD TRIP forms: Olympica/Ludi Permission Slip JPIIHS Field Trip Form - Front JPIIHS Field Trip form - Back
Want to know more? Event website: areac.weebly.com
Please be sure you have completed the JPIIHS Medical Waiver. Please fill out both the JPIIHS Field Trip form and the Area C JCL Olympica/Ludi Permission slip, and return it to me by Saturday morning's departure.
Parents, you're invited to join us at any time of the day to enjoy the various competitions (even my own mom has done so)! In fact, I'm always seeking parents who are willing to chaperone for this event, as well as be present to be a proctor for an event. You can have fun experiencing the day's events, and possibly even participate in one of the many opportunities which we adults enjoy during the competition! If you want to join us for the fun, please contact me at laurahudec@johnpauliihs.org .
Tentative Schedule:
Saturday, February 25
7:15 AM Meet at JPIIHS; depart (Hudec has donuts)
5:00-6:30 Closing Award Assembly
6:30 Return to JPIIHS (will call parents on the way)
Should s/he make first or second place at his level on the academic tests, your child will be invited to go to the State JCL Convention, at Clark High School (San Antonio), March 30-31.
Thank you for your continual support! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions: Laura Hudec: laurahudec@johnpauliihs.org
Gratias!
Laura (Veal) Hudec
Cell phone: 214-435-4561
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