Tossing a Coin

The Fontana di Trevi (or Trevi Fountain) is the most famous and beautiful fountain in all of Rome. Neptune, god of the sea, is the central figure of the fountain. He is riding a chariot that is pulled by two sea horses. One is calm and obedient and the other is restive (restless, nervous, or uneasy). They symbolize the fluctuating moods of the sea. On the left side of Neptune is a statue that represents Abundance. The statue on the right represents Salubrity (conducive or favorable to health or well-being).

Wow! This fountain is an appropriate picture for this blog! You may think I'm calm and obedient (and I mostly am), but there is definitely a growing restlessness inside me as I contemplate the balance of my life and how I want to spend my time. I'm a little restive, for sure. I still have my health and a general sense of well-being. I've also been blessed with an abundance of blessings. As I contemplate the future I see a vast sea of possibilities, and it is quite overwhelming sometimes to know what to do next. The truth is that I just never have liked it when I have too many choices. Give me 2 or 3 options and I'm good. Give me more than that and I just sort of shut down.

Today I had a breakthrough. This morning I was browsing my regular coupon sites online when I happened upon a blog entitled "Couponing to Disney." Cool idea, I thought. Later in the day I had lunch with MH at Olive Garden. I love their food, but those plates on the wall always capture my attention. I love the colors and the decor as much as the infamous salad. I'm not sure when my love for all things Italian really began. All I know is that I would enjoy nothing more than to one day find out that my ancestors were Italian. Maybe that would explain it. I saw the movie "Letters to Juliet" last week and was mesmerized by the Italian setting. So it was right there during our leisurely lunch that it hit me. A switch just turned on in my head and I knew. I have to go to Italy. It all happened right there in a booth at OG. How cool is that? I've wasted no time. On the way home MH hooked me up with some travel videos and our husbands have been advised of the plan. Yes, they are coming too. I would have no one else but my husband row that gondola for me. (Wouldn't he be cute in a Fabio wig?)

One more thing.

A well-told legend holds that if visitors to the Trevi Fountain toss a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to The City of Rome. Well, that's all fine and dandy, but I've gotta get there first. Therefore, I'm gonna toss my coins into a jar and keep on going until I save $5000 for this trip.

Incidentally, approximately $3500 is tossed into the Trevi Fountain each day. The coins are then collected at night and used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome's poor population.

Isn't that nice?

I wonder if they accept coupons.