Thursday, September 1, 2016

The Wheels are Turning

Where do I begin...  When people ask me to write (or talk) about myself, I often start to blush and never know what to say.  Which I have to say, is ironic because I am usually the opposite, just ask my seven year-old nephew, who tells me, "Zia Maria, you talk too much."

Here you go world -

I am the oldest of four children.  I have two sisters and one brother.  One of my sisters has a seven year-old son, named Jacob, which I love more than words can say.  My father was born in Italy, and came to the U.S. when he was nine years old.  My mom was born in the United States, but is Italian as well. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago.

When I was in third grade, and at least a head taller than everyone else in class, I started playing basketball. I played on school teams, traveling teams, recreational teams, you name it.  I just love the sport!  I was always the tallest person in school (students and teachers too), until I was a sophomore in high school.  That's when the boys finally passed me up!  I continued to play all through junior high, high school, and through my second year of college.

I went to Elmhurst College, where I received my Bachelor's degree in Communication Science and Disorders.  I then attended Saint Xavier University, where I graduated with my Masters (M.S.) in Communication Science and Disorders.   This is my tenth year (I cannot believe it!) as a speech - language pathologist, and I love my job!  I love working with children and their families, and collaborating with other professionals.

When I am not working, I enjoy going out, exploring new places, shopping, and hanging out with family and friends.  If it is a relaxing day, with nothing planned, I like to watch my t.v. shows (which are always recorded on my DVR) or to crochet, a new hobby I have been learning and loving for the past year. Life is good!

Here are a few of my crocheting projects that I have given as gifts -

Image source: Personal Collection
Image source: Personal Collection

Image source: Personal Collection


And yet I have so many more projects I would like to try.  Maybe this or this or maybe even this!  The possibilities are endless!!!  








8 comments:

  1. Very nice, Maria! I did not know you are a crochet-er! Perhaps you can show some of the kids in my class how to do it...I have hooks and yarn! Your blog post is excellent; I really enjoyed learning more about you.

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  2. Your crochet projects look amazing considering you have only been doing it for a year!

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  3. I love getting to know people better by reading these blog posts. I wonder if you could help coach basketball at Roosevelt....?! Ten years of teaching goes really fast, doesn't it?

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    1. Time sure does fly! Hmmm.. I have thought about coaching but never really considered doing it at Roosevelt... That would be so much fun!

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  4. I love your blog and hearing about your family. I wish I could knit or crochet, but I think I need some free time first. :)

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    1. Ha ha ha! I totally understand! I usually crochet when I am watching a show, or when I need to decompress after work. :-)

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  5. Very nice introduction to you, Maria! Your parents must have some wonderful stories to tell (especially your dad, coming to the US as a young boy). By the way.... do you give crocheted gifts to college adjuncts? Just sayin, wink wink!

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    1. My father shares stories all of the time! My aunts and uncles too. I find them so interesting! I love giving crocheted gifts... It makes me smile to see other people smile! What's your favorite color? :-)

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