The Venetian Mask

Since I have a little bit of free time this month (and maybe for a bit longer...but not too much longer) I'm trying to get back into reading. I have about 8 books on my bookshelf, either mine that I've bought over the last year or borrowed from friends, that I have yet to read. So I started again. And I'm so happy I have time to read again. After years of textbook reading and not having time to "pleasure read," I almost forgot how much I enjoyed diving into the world of a book. That's what it feels like to me; taking a peek into a world, fictional or not. My most favorite books are historical fiction, mostly about Italy. And of course, I can never get enough of the Harry Potter saga. Those books will forever remain be in a special place in my heart. Anyways, still onto the book. 

The Venetian Mask by Rosalind Laker is a story about two friends who grew up as orphans in the Ospedale della Pieta, the famous orphanage in Venice. It follows them from the age of 12 and onwards 30 years, through growing up and maestra success (they were both accomplished singers in the Pieta's choir, one of the best ever [from what I've heard]), to their new families feud that had lasted hundreds of years. It takes you to a world where deception and personal vendetta's were the complete norm and money and familial power were more powerful in some ways than the government. 

I love old Italy. I really do. Of course old Italy isn't really Italy because the country wasn't unified until in this last century. Venice was especially mysterious. The name of the book says it all. The Venetian masks are world famous and although most people associate them with Carnevale, the celebration of the time period before Lent begins in the early spring, the masks were used in everyday life in Venice. Either going about town with simple bauta masks (plain white masks normally, some with some embellishments) or going to parties and the opera in fancy, hand crafted and very expensive masks, Venetians were able to hide behind their masks. 

A traditional women's Venetian mask with veil to conceal the rest of her face. 

A simple bauta mask, without specific facial features, with black tie strings.

Traditional men's Venetian mask with specific facial features and hold handle. 

I wonder what it would have been like to really live in those times. Books tell us specific stories about fictional or true characters. Most of the books I read combine real events with fictional embellishments. Those are the ones I love the most. 

So here's to another book that I will read over and over. 

Everything Happens For A Reason

Everything happens for a reason, everything happens for a reason, everything happens for a reason..this is the mantra/saying/prayer that I have been repeating over and over in my head since December 23, 2011. The day when I found out that I was not getting hired by the agency I had been interning with since the end of September.  To be honest, I was really upset about it but a little part of me saw it coming. I can honestly say that I did the best I could with what I was given and unfortunately, it didn't turn into a full time job. But now, 11 days later, I am ok with it. I have looked back on it and realized that they were right; it was not a fit. I learned a lot, as I have in all of my internships and jobs and any other working opportunities that I have had.

So I am back on the job hunt, again. But this time it's different. I have a year of experience behind me. My resume looks good and my skills have been improved a lot. After not "being a fit" at three agencies this year though, I have decided to refocus my job search and look into corporate positions and event planning positions. I've always loved event planning and have wanted to do it since the beginning of my college career. Now is my chance.

This is also my chance to make a move, literally. I'm bittersweet about saying that I'm moving back down to Southern California. I will be living with my parents until I get back on my feet with a solid job and save enough money to afford to live down there, wherever that may be. I missed home and being home for the Christmas holiday re-affirmed my decision. I had been contemplating moving back since my second internship ended. I love all my friends that I have made up here and my roommate, who has been more than amazing to me in the last few months (I was a major stress-ball...just ask my personal trainer. Even she said I was too stressed). I will be back down in SoCal by the end of January, ready to start the next chapter of my life.

I've been here for 3 years. In those three years, I have come more into myself that I ever thought I could. I've learned about myself and about working with people and I will carry these learnings and lessons with me throughout the rest of my life.

Everything happens for a reason. There is a reason I didn't end up at Gonzaga - this was so I would find myself at San Jose State. There is a reason why each of my internships did not work out - I was still learning. There is a reason for this last one not to work out - this was so I would have the freedom of decision to move back to my hometown. I still don't know what will come out of my move back down the state of California, but I'm sure that it will show itself soon, hopefully sooner rather than later.

And now for some resolutions because, well, it's 2012!

1. Take more spontaneous risks - in the workplace and in life.
2. Get out more and meet more new people (as if I don't know enough people already).
3. Be more attentive to what others are saying - my dad says I need to work on this and I agree...just don't tell him that.
4. Get in shape and get healthy. I'm on that road already and I know living at home will only aid, not harm, this one.
5. Be happy.

Here's to 2012 and may all of you out there have the best year yet.