~~ NaTaLE iN rOmA ~~

This year for Christmas I wasn't sure what to expect. I had mixed feelings about not being able to be at home. But as Christmas came closer and closer and I began to see the lights at night, the decorations in the storefronts and the trees glowing in windows, it put me more at ease. And I did my part by playing my Christmas playlist on my ipod anywhere I went. I began doing a little shopping/present making myself. I bought Alessandro a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Dwarfs set from the Disney Store (can't go a Christmas without a present from there), and gave him the book in English as well (Sidebar: he has a little obsession with the dwarfs, and I still can't remember the names in Italian...gongolo, pisolo, mammolo...don't ask me which is which). For Fabiana and Giulio I had Ale draw a picture and I cut out his hand prints from colored tissue, and then I printed some pictures of him and framed everything in a nice poster frame. It turned out fantastic, but of course it didn't come without any troubles. I had to get the pictures printed twice, at the last minute, and when I went to buy the frame they were all out, so I had to get a bigger one...everything always works out in the end, and the bigger frame was better, but...

There wasn't much anticipation for Christmas Eve as I would have hoped. The day arrived just as any other. Of course I was wrapping and making presents at the last minute like usual, and I was nervous about dinner because traditionally, every dish at the Christmas Eve feast is fish related. And everyone knows fish isn't my favorite food unless it's fried with lots of salt and ketchup. We were going to Guilio's Brother's house for dinner and I didn't want him or his wife to be offended if I didn't eat much. We got there around 8 and probably started eating about 8:30. We finished the meal at 11. We had, for starters, Breads topped with salmon and roe (i tried it...not too bad, edible), shrimp wrapped in pastry (very yummy), Russian salad (which was pretty delicious), caviar (dislike), sardines (dislike), a seafood salad which was cold, and salmon pieces with lemon (dislike)...all passed around one at a time. Then we had pasta with tuna (like), bread and FRENCH butter (who doesn't like bread and butter), and a seafood salad (I tried a few monitored scoops), complete with octopus, lobster, shrimp, clams, oysters and potatoes, etc. Then we had the main course which consisted of cooked salmon (dislike) and a puree type molded thing with cauliflower (extremely delicious recipe wanted). Diner went very well especially listening to Guilio's cousin Daniele and his crazy stories...and having wine and champagne as well.


After dinner we waited a bit before we had dessert. During this time Babo Natale made an appearance at the house. All the kids were so excited. There was four of them there. Alessandro, Elisabetta, Margherita, and Federico. It was a whirlwind from the start with the pounding on the door to the end of present opening. It all happened in a matter of 10 minutes. It was chaos. In that chaos 2 presents arrived for me unexpectedly. Guilio's parents bought me a nice sweater and I got some makeup from Guilio's brother's family. That was very thoughtful of them. But throughout this whole time I felt very at ease, and happy, much better than I thought I would feel.

At about 11:30 we brought out dessert. It was time to eat the monster Mont Blanc that Guilio and I created...

I will write about the creation process in a bit. Guilio was bragging from the time we got there about our creation, but I said, until everyone tried it, it was only Guilio's creation. It turned out that everyone approved, so I then took credit for making it. We also had fruit and after dinner liquor to top off the meal. All in all it was a great night!!!

When we came home that night and put Alessandro to bed we put the rest of the gifts for Christmas under the tree. We told Alessandro that before we left that we had to leave the door open so that Santa could come during the night. After that I skyped with my family, which was amazing, until about 3am, and then I went to bed. GREAT DAY~

Christmas morning, Ale was super excited to get his presents. He loved his Dwarf set and his book. And Guilio and Fabi were thankful for their picture that I made for them. It took Alessandro a few afternoons after school to actually get draw the picture, but we did it.


That afternoon we went to Guilio's parents for brunch. We had a relaxing afternoon with lots of food once again...tortellini, meat and potatoes, meatballs, fruit, bread, and the typical panettone, the cake for Christmas here in Italy. We listened to Christmas carols played by a symphony and played a typical Italian game of cards. Guilio, his mom and Alessandro played the piano together. Precious.

That night we came home, I skyped with my family and got to watch some presents get unwrapped, while the Wii was being setup in the other room. Guilio bought Fabiana Wii Fit for Christmas, but that also entailed buying a Wii to go along with it, but that was for everyone. After dinner we watched a movie, and then I came and skyped with my family some more...I tried watching movies to keep me awake so that I could talk to my mom and Grandma when they got to my sister's but I failed...I woke up at 4am and talked to them for a few minutes, but was half sleeping the whole time. I was wiped out.

Yesterday was our last Christmas festivity. We had another brunch at Guilio's Uncle's Villa 45 minutes outside of Rome. It's the same place that we had the May 1st Party. I was a little uncomfortable when I first got there but after a little food and drink I felt a little better. Again we had quite the meal...prosciutto and mozzarella, nuts, cheeses, olives, champagne to start...cannoloni for the first plate, a turkey meatloaf with chestnuts for second plate, and then panettone, chocolate, dried fruits, and coffee for dessert.

After brunch the kids ran around and some of us played a card game and then Tombola, which is like bingo. I lost a 1.75E, but I made up for that in Tombola. I won 6E. The games were pretty fun. The jackpot for Tombola (fullcard) was 20E. Pretty nice prize. I just one with having 5 on one line. We left the villa around 8 that night and stopped for Chinese on the way home. We watched Slumdog Millionaire later and then I passed out. I was pooped.

All in all, it was a great Christmas weekend. I had a good time. It was hard being away from my family and friends but being able to at least see and talk to them meant a lot to me. Listening to Christmas carols, like I'll be home for Christmas puts things in a whole new perspective...The true meaning of Christmas...Family...love...laughter...

~~ I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday ~~

~~ The FeAsT of The iMmaCulAte CoNcEpTioN & tHe ArRivO di NaTaLe ~~

Today in Rome was The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is usually on December 8th, and is generally a Holy Day of Obligation. The faithful are required to attend Mass, where they commemorate when Mary was graced by God to lead a life completely free of sin. Everyone usually has the day off and it is also the day that most Italians set up their nativity scenes, and put up all their decorations. In our case, only a Christmas tree. It is far from my normal amount of red and green scattered throughout my house, but when in Rome...

Also today we went to a movie in Villa Borghese, "La Cinema di Topolino." This is the story of the cinema...http://www.cinemadeipiccoli.it/storia.htm. The cinema we went to is in the Guinness book of world records as the smallest working theater. We watched a movie about the history of pizza in Naples and how it came about, "Toto Sapore e la Magica Storia della Pizza." It was fun to see and then we went out for PIZZA afterwards at a very well known Napoletana Pizzaria. Buonissima!!!

The last few days have been full of delicious food. Last night we went to a pre-Christmas potluck with about 30 people. All Sardinian. We had tons of food pasta, curry chicken, paninis, souffles, lasagna, vino, and yours truly made brownies :) Sidenote: They went over quite well, but I had to make two batches because the first one didn't turn out to well. There must be something different about the butter here, or something, we finally figured out through trial and error, that when you bake you have to cut back the butter and add more flour. It's strange. Anyway...the party was fun. There was Christmas music playing and people wearing santa hats. Alessandro was having a blast eventhough he was the only kid there. We had a gift exchange...something worth 5 euros. Guilio and Fabiana both got chocolates, Alessandro a bank, which he loved, and me...Cow salt and pepper shakers....go figure. The girl from Wisconsin gets the cow present.

Although, I am not back home where every house is littered with lights, faded plastic santas, and candy canes, there is still a feeling of Christmas in the air. There are a lot more decorations here than I thought, especially on this one street we passed tonight. I will be going back there with my Ipod blasting its christmas playlist and wandering the streets with all the lights. It made me happy. Hopefully I can get some pictures of everything. But...

After the long weekend, It's back to the grind tomorrow. Same stuff, just a different day. I believe I will be coming home around the end of January...and I can't wait!

Buonanotte a tutti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

~~ ThINgS tO Be ThANkFuL fOR ~~ GoBbLe gObBLe ~~

This year for Thanksgiving I was a little nervous. It was going to be my first major holiday away from my family, although I have an amazing one here in Rome, I wasn't sure what the day was going to entail. About a week before, we started to talk amongst our friends about what we wanted to do. We decided to do a full out Turkey day at Erin and Paolo's house...Thanks for new lifelong friends!

I knew this wasn't going to be a "normal" thanksgiving but that's all relative. The day before I went to the grocery store to get my ingredients I needed to make the dishes I was bringing. I was making brown sugar carrots, green beans wrapped in bacon, and a Chocolate Meringue pie (everyone knows this girl dislikes both pumpkin and apple pie...so chocoalte it was). At the grocery store I went up to the butcher counter to get the prosciutto/bacon. I asked for "20 fette sottili" (pieces thinly sliced), but all I heard was thump, thump, thump while I was getting the butter. I walked backed over to the counter and saw he was cutting them by hand, and asked him to stop because I needed them very thin. He said it wasn't possible to do and that was that...I got some different stuff and proceeded on my way. I had to go to three different supermarkets to find a round pie tin before I found one. Thanks for presliced bacon and round pie tins.

I got home with all my goodies and started blanching my beans I got at the market, chopping carrots, whisking melted chocolate, weighing all my ingredients after converting them all to metric system...such a pain, and using a baby bottle to measure the liquids...I was getting nervous about the outcome of everything. Things were moving along and then I realized, after trying, I didn't know how to turn on the oven. Luckily we had a toaster oven, and I used that to cook the pie. Thanks for baby bottles to measure and toaster ovens!

After I finished the dishes, I realized I was running late, like usual, and had to change and figure out how to pack all this stuff. I had two pans of carrots and one of beans, a big pot for mulled wine, and the fragile pie. I walked the 10 minutes to the bus stop with ease, it came in 5 minutes and was able to sit down when I got on. We arrived at my stop and I got off, walked the 5 minutes to the next stop, and caught that bus with ease as well. I wasn't able to sit and everyone stared at me with all this stuff in my hands...typical. As we climbed the hill more and more people got on and I was pinned in the aisle holding the heavy food with one arm and the big pot with the other...I can't imagine what I looked like. This lasted for an excruciating 15 minutes that felt like forever and had to force my way off the bus...the entire time worrying about my pie. Thanks for buses that got me to Erin and Paolo's.

I got to Erin and Paolo's and they were just putting in the first round of 4 chickens. We didn't have enough room for a turkey, and would have to have bought it on Wednesday with no place to store it, so chickens it was. I immediately threw down the food and ran to find the Packer game...of course making sure the pie was ok first. We watched the game in streaming...and I talked to my family on skype. Thanks for technology so I could watch the game and see my family!

At this time the Packers had one a great game and everyone started arriving...old friends and new faces. People mingled and drank mulled wine while we were cooking the feast. There was so much food...6 chickens, 20 potatoes, 20 bundles of beans, 2 pans pasta al forno, 1 pan of carrots, bruschetta, gravy (i made all by myself from scratch...you proud grandmas???), 3 pies, pumpkin, apple, and chocolate...and people from all over the world...Guatemala, Austrailia, Spain, Argentina, and America. Everything was delicious! I was worried for nothing. Even though there were no mashed potatoes, we survived, and everyone had a great time. Thanks for a great international Thanksgiving in Rome and a PACKER WIN!

I of course missed my family and friends but it sounds like you all had quite a lovely holiday. I will hopefully have some pictures, but unfortunately I forgot my camera, of course. Thanks for my family and friends who love me even though I am so far away!

The following night we went out for Paolo's birthday. We had a great dinner at Luzzi's Trattoria followed by some limoncello...which they just leave the entire bottle on your table. I haven't quite figured that one out yet.

On another slightly different note: Since I started hanging out with Erin, we have been cooking up a storm. We started with Sunday Fundays and just making pizzas from scratch...then we went on to cookies, and muffins, and tortillas...(our first two attempts at chocolate chip cookies were disasters). We have mastered that problem...less butter, hotter oven, and a bit more flour...and now I have started to cook things at home more. I made brownies the other day for Guilio. They turned out pretty well, considering it was a recipe I had never made before and it called for fruity olive oil and I used regular. I was already taking a risk making olive oil brownies to begin with, but I just added an extra teaspoon of vanilla and they were good to go. I did, however, forget that I didn't know how to turn on the oven...still, and had to cook them in the toaster oven again.

I will be making brownies again for a dinner that we are going to tomorrow. I am going to make the regular chewy brownies for tomorrow...real American style :)

Also, Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas here. There are a lot more lights and decorations here then I thought there was going to be. It makes me happy. This is my favorite time of the year. This Tuesday is "festa" for the Italians. It is the day when EVERYTHING is closed, everyone is off, and they put up their decorations and tree, but it's really the day of the "Immaculate Conception." Everything will be closed Tuesday for sure, and probably tomorrow too. Tonight is St. Nick's and it will be the first Christmas without a stocking...strange. I think I might go buy a few decorations to make it feel more like home :)

~~ A ThiNg ThAt MaDe Me GigGLe OgGi ~~

So I was on the metro today and it was crowded but I managed to see across the way...
There were three men, probably between 25-35, who all had large Disney Store bags. They sat there the whole time I was riding the metro chatting with each other about what they got. It was too funny. Just not something that you see everyday. I wish I could have taken a picture.

Oh and I also got some medicine for my ears today. I have to do this funky aerosol with different medicines...It's strange. The machine is really loud, and it takes like 15 minutes for it to all become steam...The Italian way I guess. Another one of the medicines is supposed to make me drowsy...so far, no dice. But I am off to try and sleep.

Buonanotte!

~~ OdDs anD eNds ~~

A note about my last post...
I did get a chance to go take some pictures of the commemoration of the Berlin Wall here on the Spanish Steps. Here they are...



Today has been a pretty good day. I went for a run this morning and then ran some errands and had coffee with a friend. Now I am just sitting at home waiting for my mom to come and skype with me...hoping to catch the packer game in about an hour. (no luck...)

This week went by so quickly...they all seem to do that lately. Tuesday, I again went to the bar to find out when I worked, but again found my name not on the schedule. I spoke with the "new owner" and he went through this big spiel about why I wasn't on the schedule...because he didn't know me...because he forgot I worked here...he didn't know my work eithic...every excuse in the book. AND then the truth came out. He doesn't really want Americans working in the bar anymore, he's slowing weeding us all out of the schedule...but little does he know they are all going to quit. So take that one Guiseppe!!! He told me we want to be treated like Americans but get all the advantages of being Italian...whatever that means...So now I look for another job. No biggie...

Wednesday I went boot shopping...sounds fun but in reality it's not. I can't find any boots here that fit over my calves...There is definitely a difference between Italian calves and American calves. Guess I better start running...I did end up finding a pair at an outlet store. They were only 30E!!! A steal considering all of the cheap boots here cost around 40E. I know mom...I even find the bargains here :)

Thursday I got to go to a dinner with Guilio at the house of the American Ambassador here. I got to dress up in fancy clothes. It was fun but we were going on the vespa and I kind of forgot about that. Needless to say I had helmet hair when we got there. Guilio teaches in a program here for Americans called...insert brainfart here...so that is why were invited. Funny story...When we first arrived we dropped off our coats with a coat checker and then proceeded to go into another room because Giulio saw one of his colleagues. The only thing is we didn't see the line of people waiting to go in to this other room. When we came through the door there were about 5 important people waiting to shake our hands...We both passed thorough the line and then Giulio stopped in his tracks and turned around and asked me if we just skipped the line. I turned around and looked and saw that yes we did. Giulio then saw that the first person in line was the Ambassador of Italy...WHOOPS!!! The food was delicious...the garden amazing...and the house magnificent. I even got the opportunity to speak with an Italian woman here about how to make chocolate chip cookies better...3 times trying...all failures in their own way...she gave me some pointers so hopefully the fourth time will be a charm. :)

Friday I went to the doctor. This was a trip. I had to catch the train to La Dispoli. I was going to one of Giulio's friends. I arrived at the train station 10 minutes before the train was supposed to leave. I got my tickets but couldn't figure out which platform I needed to be on. I asked two people but they weren't sure...so I ran back to the ticket window and asked. She said, "Binario 2." So I went back up on to #2. The train was supposed to leave the station at 9:50...that came and went and so did about 4 trains on different tracks. I was starting to think I was on the wrong one, a train came and I got on. About 10 minutes into the ride I was asked for my ticket and reassured I was on the right train.
When I got to La Dispoli I met with Dr. Gentilli, got some good news and bad news, a prescription, and jumped back on the train for a half hour ride back to Rome. The train ride was really relaxing and it was only 5E. I might just do that more often. Although I had a group of drunk American tourists who thought I was an Italian girl. When I got on the train I asked if I the seat was open in Italian and they just motioned for me to sit. After while they started chatting about me and the other Italians on the train and how none of us speak English. I just thought it was quite funny.

Saturday was a pretty quiet day. We went to the opening of a new museum here in Rome. We just went to see the building. It was pretty amazing. I liked it a lot. The architecture is very contemporary which is very strange for Rome. Here's a link to an article:

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=12789

That night Giulio's parents came over for dinner, and then Fabiana and I went to a graduation party for her cousin. We bonded on the way there and talked about boys and stuff. It was pretty fun. It was at the bar that her cousin's, Tiziana, friend owned. The bar itself was really neat. It looked like it was an old place where they stored water or something. It was circular and had built in booths in the walls. There was tons of food and drinks to go around and a delicious torta to top off the night. We got home around 2 and Fabiana and I were exhausted.

As I said before...this morning I got up and went for a run. It was great. Went for coffee etc...and then came home worked on some stuff and then we went to a birthday party for Daniele. He turned one today and is the baby that lives downstairs who cries all the time. After that we went to the Pizzeria for dinner...and then I came home to try and find the packer game...no luck...nothing would work. Better luck next time. At least they won!!! GO PACK!!!

Adios for now...

~~ CrAZy DaYS ~~

So the last few weeks have been a little crazy...

I have been all over the place...well in Rome but...just going a little rollercoaster ride. Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride...

Today I gave Alessandro his first time out...he decided he wanted to rip up a page in "Lilli e il Vagabondo" (Lady and the tramp), and crumple it up and pretend it was a ball. The book was one of Guilio's from when he was little. It was a little beat up already but still...Let's just say he was one of the best kid's that every took a 2 minute timeout. I was amazed. Anyway...after words I asked him if he understood what he did and he said "yes" and proceeded to give me a kiss and asked me to read him a book. It was cute.

I am still going to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which I enjoy. Although, the first couple of weeks after we changed classes it was frustrating because I was relearning things that I already learned, but I stuck it out and the class is ok now. It's only a class of women...A few Americans, whom are very nice, a lady from Russia, she is great...I like her a lot, but my favorite one is little old Lucy...

Lucy is a nun from Holland...She has lived in England for the past 11 years and she has 5 sisters and also had a brother that passed away about a year ago. She has come to Rome to work in a church here that is near the Spanish Steps. Every day for our "pausa" (our 15 minute coffee break) we go to get coffee and she tells me stories. It's great. She has been everywhere in the world helping other people and living her life. She offered to pay for my coffee one day which was very generous...and then the next, and she has offered about 5 times now. I try to pay but she says no...She says she is a very fortunate woman who's brother left her quite a bit of money and she enjoys helping people. It brings her joy. Sometimes I feel bad for her because she has difficulty in class but then I remember how much she has done and how much she has seen in this world and I know that she is strong and it probably doesn't bother her as much as it does me, but still. I enjoy having her around.

Speaking of school...When I go to school I always grab the free Metro Giornale before I get on the metro so I have something to read...although trying to read when you are packed in like sardines isn't the easiest thing in the world...anyway...I read as much as I can about the news from around the world...eventhough I don't understand everything...I came across an article about the Berlin wall...Last Tuesday was the 20 year anniversary of the fall of the wall. There was a small picture that was above the article. I didn't realize it at the time, but when I came out of the metro and walked passed the Spanish steps I realized that the picture and what I saw was the same. A group of students had recreated a portion of the wall and it was there on the steps. It was great. I hope it is still there tomorrow so I can get a picture of it.

In no particular order...

~~I ate a chestnut for the first time...not sure how I felt about it the first time...It kind of tasted like ham...I thought only squirrels at them.

~~We started Sunday Fundays!!! in Rome. I go to a friends house and we hang out and cook, watch movies, games, or whatever is on, and eat...It's great. Sometimes we may crack open a bottiglia di vino or a beer now and then ;)

~~I have attempted to bake cookies with my friend Erin...which we haven't had real success. We've tried both chocolate chip and oatmeal. They always turn into one big buttery cookie...The boys eat them if nothing else.

~~I did a load of laundry and the drain wasn't hanging over the tub, so when I came home with Alessandro after the park there was a little bit of a flood in the bathroom. Not really my fault because the housekeeper was her in the morning and if I would have told him that there was laundry in there maybe he would have remembered to put it back...

~~On a brighter note...Ale is starting to speak quite a bit of English, which is fun.

~~I learned to make flour tortillas...so easy...who would have thought.

~~I realized that when I go shopping for a pair of boots here I shouldn't be too optimistic because I have American calves and they don't fit in most boots...and it's really hard to find a size 41...

~~I have my first real ailment here...a double ear infection. SWEET!!!!

~~I miss my family and hope that my lil bretters, emily, and robert get better soon, especially Robert so he can read the "word of the day" tomorrow at school. Only 10 first graders get to do it all year.

~~I went for what I thought was going to be an easy morning jog in Villa Pamphili with a very tall guy from Holland whose stride was quite a bit larger than mine...let's just say I was sore for about a week afterwards, but it was a gorgeous day! The sun was shining and it was warm.

~~I got another letter from my Grandma Rudy today which brought a giant smile to my face...and made the news of me not being able to work at the bar anymore a little more bearable...still searching for a new job.

~~I bought a new sweater the other day :)

~~I got a great package from my friend LYNN!!!!!!!!!!!! Loved it...I wore the scarf she got me the other day, and the socks today...because all my other ones were dirty...

~~Got news that one of my friends is coming to visit the second week in December.

~~I want to plan a trip to Venice sometime soon.

~~I am going to be babysitting at home friday night so anyone that wants to skype please call me. I will find a lot to do but it would be nice to hear from people :)


Now I have to put some eardrops in and head to bed...it's past my bedtime, and if I want any clean socks tomorrow I better get some sleep so I can get up early and do some laundry.

~~BUONANOTTE A TUTTI~~

~~ A LiTtLe LoSt ~~

I think this is my first post about how I feel about things...

So this week so far has been a little rough...I am missing everyone from back home and everything I see or do reminds me of something of home. At school, we talked about food that we missed from home, and who will be going home for the holidays...My friends here ask I will be going home for Christmas, what I am going to do for Halloween and Thanksgiving...I get invites and messages from people at back in the states about Halloween parties, baptisms that I will be missing...and all of this has me thinking...

Everyday I look at pictures of the little ones in my life and I wonder how much they have grown...what they have done at school today, what thing they did for the first time, or what they had for lunch or why they cried before going to bed...I think about the new ones that I haven't seen yet and wonder what they look like...what their little giggles might sound like...I wonder when the next time I will her the excited little voices scream "Auntie Kim!" or when I will be able to come home...

The other day I got a letter from my grandma rudy and I knew it would be a good day....I got a late birthday card from my friend Miss Meliss and I started to cry...I got a halloween card from my mom and it made me laugh...And then in the end I just miss all three of them.

I miss everyone and I hope you all know that. I think about your all often and I don't want you to feel sorry for me...I chose to be here and I am happy and I am in great hands, but it hasn't been all smiles and dreams...I have my bad days too. It has been an adventure...A roller coaster of sorts. One that is fun at times and fricken scary at others...one that has lots of turns and sometimes gets turned upside down. That's life right. We all get on this rollercoaster. I just chose to get on one that happens to be a little further from home...

Anyway... it's Halloween this Saturday and I have no idea what I am going to be...any suggestions?!?!?!?

Love you! Miss you!

~~ I KnOw....it'S BeeN AwHiLe ~~

Sorry I have waited so long for an update. I have been superbusy with school, working, watching Alessandro and having fun that I have put this on hold. Whoops...So here starts my whole recollection of the month of September...


In the beginning Alessandro and I both started school again. The first week Alessandro was only going to school for a few hours a day. So that meant I had to go and get him from school early...A few days Guilio had to pick him up because I was still in class. I started the second month of my intensive Italian course. I had two people in my class that were the same as the last class, Ferdi, the stinky slovak priest, and Jelle, the cool dude from Amsterdam who quit his job in Kenya trafficking flowers back to Holland to come live with his girlfriend here in rome. He is a fun guy and thank gosh he was in my class. I also met a girl from Paris, and a bunch of Americans studying abroad for a semester.

After class I usually had lunch and came home for a quick nap and homework before I went to get Alessandro at 4. I would have him until 7ish and then have to run off to work at On the Rox three or 4 times a week. I had to be there at 8 and I finished at 2:30am...Then sometimes(there are two locations for On the Rox...the one I worked at in Trastevere and one in Testaccio...on my way home) me and the other workers would stop for a beer on the way home. I was burning my candles at both ends that's for sure. I am getting to old for that :) I would have to get up at 8:00am after getting home between 3:15 to 4:30am depending on buses and such. I have a night bus that takes me a block from my house so that is really nice. Otherwise I would have to take cabs all the time. Anyway...there was a period where I worked at OTR tuesday, wednesday, and thursday, and at the end of that week is when things turned south. I started having problems with another bartender that I worked with...things have been put to rest but I no longer want to work there and am looking for a new job....keep your fingers crossed...

During the whole fiasco at work I ran away from those problems with a few friends to Naples for the second weekend in September. It was fantastic. The first night I had gotten in late on the train because I had to go to class that morning and watch Alessandro...so i didn't leave Rome until 7:45pm. I was lucky to sit by the person who talked on their phone the entire 2.5 hours we were on the train...it was great! When I got in we had to take a cab to the hostel and then we walked up at least 80 flights of stairs to get to the restaurant that we ate at. It was worth it though. The pizza we had there was a specialty, pizza tatta. We got there at 11:30 and we were all starving...that was proved by the fact we got our appetizer, dinner, finished a bottle of wine, paid and we were gone by 11:55. It was crazy. After that we sat on top of all the steps we climbed up and looked out over the city...just amazing!

Saturday we walked around the city and took part in the festivities of Saint Gennaro day...It was pretty neat to see. The whole city takes part in this because it's very important for them. After that we wet on an excursion to the sea. That was interesting...we took a picnic lunch and had to take a bus to get to the path we needed to walk on. It wasn't a touristy area but a recommendation by the hostel owner. We ended up taking a wrong turn and ended up on a hour walk that we didn't need to take...so we hiked back up and finally got to the right area of the beach and devoured our lunch.

We made the best of it. But we were all really tired, but the beauty of the sea made it all worth it. The sights were breathtaking. As we walked back up the sun was beginning to set and the views were magnificent!!!


That night for dinner we went to the same restaurant, but this time we were able to take the Funicolare

up...great invention that took us up the steep side of the hill so we didn't have to climb all the steps....and we also brought along the british kid that was staying at our hostel....At dinner, I don't think I ever laughed so hard. I wanted a pepperoni pizza for dinner...but when I said to the waiter "Io prendo pizza con pepperoni" I realized i asked for pizza with peppers...so we had to try to explain to him what pepperoni was and none of us could remember the name for it...so the people next to us helped us out. Salsiccia Piccante!!!! So a few minutes later arrived a plate with about 7 pepperonis on it...I wasn't sure if that was my dinner or not...turned out he wanted me to taste it to see if i liked it....of course I did and had one of the best pizzas ever!!!!

Sunday we went in the Napoli Sottoterranea...70% of Naples has an underground from past centuries....built originally as aquaducts to bring in fresh water through wells under the city. It was a pretty cool tour, one of the highlights of the trip. After that we had to pack up and head out back to Rome. We left the hostel in plenty of time to catch the train, but we ended up missing it anyway...We were waiting for the metro to come and take us to the train station for over 40 minutes. 4 metros passed on the other side while we waited. There was nothing we could do about it at the time so I was making light of the situation while the others weren't so much...I thought it was funny...You have to expect things like this in Italy. We got to the train station and there was another train leaving for Rome at 9:30...it was 9:28 and it was running late 5 minutes...solid...we explained to the ticket man what happened and he told us to hop on...It was a Eurostar, which is a fast train and he told us it would be like 15 extra euros...bummer...but we would get home tonight. Anyway...when he came in to change our tickets, we ended up only paying 8 euros each, sitting in first class, and getting into the station in Termini before our original arrival time...Nothing to worry about.


The next week flew by....I was working, watching Ale, tutoring Karolina in English (she's a 15 year old, the sister of one of Alessandro's friends that I tutor 2-3 days a week), and anticipating my birthday, a break with a week of school and the arrival of Miss Melanie!!!

The Sunday before my birthday I worked until 6. On my way home Guilio called and said we were going to a friends for dinner...PIZZA!!!!!!!!!!!! On the way home we stopped at the studio...which I thought was strange...and Guilio came out with a package, handed it to me, and said "Happy Birthday!!!" I was excited! I tried opening it in the car but there was too much tape on the box. So I peaked inside when we got home...but I waited until Monday to open everything. My friend Tara came over and opened everything with me...It was nice. It made me really happy...Thanks again to everyone!!!!
That night I met my friends in Trastevere for dinner and drinks. Well three of us went to dinner at a restaurant near work called Ristorante Ponte Sisto. It was delicious...I even got a celebratory glass of champagne and flowers from the owner, (who anna knew), and a Italian style birthday cake complete with a candle!!!! After that we went next door to On the Rox and hung out there with my friends and had a few cocktails :) It was a great day!!!!

The next day I awaited the arrival of Mellie!!! She got in late and I didn't end up seeing her until Wednesday. The three of us, Me, Mellie, and Nicky, went on a tour of the Colosseum and then we went to eat at a restaurant nearby.

I had to leave them to go get Alessandro but we got to hang out on Thursday for quite awhile, and then Friday I had to stay home with Alessandro because he was sick. BUMMER!!! But that's life...I could be too sad because we were leaving for BARCELONA that evening!!!!!

We left around 5 from the house and got in at the airport in Barcelona around 9:30ish...The plane ride was fun...just goofing off and being loud...but the bus ride into Barcelona not so much...I had to use the facilities the whole hour...it was not fun. I found an awesome hotel...a little pricey...but not too bad...it came with a huge bed, an awesome shower and bathroom, free breakfast...and the best part...free mini bar :) We may have taken advantage of the mini bar just a little when we got in...we had to celebrate! We went out that night with my friend Paul who lives there. He took us to an awesome place for tapas and drinks...we devoured them to put it nicely. After that we hung out at a little bar that he goes to. It was fun.

The next morning we woke up and ran down to the breakfast. I never saw anything like it. It had anything and everything from toast, bakery, cereal, sausage, ham, rolls, gourmet cheeses, fresh squeezed juice, yogurt, fresh fruit to homemade omelettes made to order and coffee of course!!! WOW!!! After we tore ourselves away from the food we did a lot of sightseeing and relaxing...Paul gave us things that were must sees so we made sure we saw all those...

but did take a break for some Sangria after we went to the outdoor market and got fruit and chocolates and stopped to see the sea!!! Life is good! We had a low key night filled with tapas and planning our next sightseeing day.Sunday, we started the day off sightseeing and seeing Architectural masterpieces by Gaudi...Just amazing....I couldn't believe some of the things that we saw. Just breathtaking. We went to a few parks and churches and sights but ended our days adventures at the beach! We hung out at the beach front restaurants sipping sangria, munching on tapas, and watching the air show that was going on...It was like the one they have down by the lake front. After that we walked on the beach a bit and just sat on the beach to take in the scene...so relaxing.

I had to leave around 5 to get back to get to the bus to get to the airport on time. I was sad to leave Mellie and the city...2 days was not long enough to be there. There is so much more that I want to see. I sat next to an Italian on the bus to the airport and had a conversation with him...It was good...I could communicate in a different language now. I realized that then. I was happy!!! I got to the airport and got some doritos for the plane and a soday...they had cheese doritos there...although they call them Tex-mex...Paulie let me in on that secret! From there it was a long trip...I had the plane ride, then the bus from the airport to termini, and then I had to wait at Termini for the night bus to get there, and then take that home...I got in at like 11:50 but didin't get home until 2. I was exhausted, but it was worth it...

Since then I have been taking things easy...I started school again and I am in an extensive course...but I am not sure how much I like it right now. It is actually too easy for me I think. I am going to go to class tomorrow and then figure things out from there. I only go 2 days a week but I don't feel like I am learning anything new. I didn't work at the bar all last week and it was kind of nice to be home and have dinner with the family, but I miss working a little. This weekend I actually might be going to Milan but it depends on if Stefania is going. She has a friend that lives there and there's a Frank Ghery Exhibition there as well. He is one of my favorite architects. So we will see how things play out...

Miss everyone and love you all!!! Drop me a line and let me know how things are going in your lives!!! Love you!!!

~~ BuSy As A beAvEr ~~

So...sorry i haven't written in awhile. I have been really busy...playing and working hard and traveling a little.

Two weekends ago, I went to Ancona to visit Stefania. I took the train their and back...it wasn't too bad and was totally worth it. Ancona is a beautiful port city on the coast of the adriatic sea. We spent all of Saturday and Sunday lying on the rocky beach and jumping in the sea!!! It was amazing. At night we went down to the port and had aperitivo and had dinner at one of her friend's houses. It was very nice. Sunday night I had to come home and didn't want to leave. If I didn't have school I would have probably stayed for a few more days. I packed for it and it was really tempting, but i decided against it. Must learn italian...

Anyway, back in rome i continue to work at the bar and am using this week to just relax and let loose. Starting the 31st of August, both Alessandro and I, begin school again. I am excited though, but sad that I won't have the same teacher. She was really good. She is moving to Germany to teach Italian instead. There are a few people continuing on with the class and a few people that I will miss...and also not miss...haha....One night a friend from class and I went to another girls house (who left to go back home) and made grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken nuggets italian style...it was classy...we even had vino :)


Well that's about all for now. I have to go get ready for work...I have to wear a shirt that has baby pink sleeves...not a fan....oh well.

CIAO A TUTTI!!!

~~ ieri sera....che strano... yesterday night...how strange.... ~~

Yesterday was a typical day until about 4...and then just weird things started to happen. A girl from school and I were walking to the metro and we were asked quite loudly if "we were fucking Germans or something?" because we wouldn't help a bum looking guy who spoke in italian and had the accent of an Irishman. Later, My friend Kim and I (yes my friends' name is Kim...I am not just hanging out with my self) were walking to a bar and we saw a really awkwardly strange couple...couldn't really tell what they were...we will call them PATS, I guess...once we got to the bar we learned how to play backgammon...just your typical bar game...sitting there we also saw quite a few interesting outfits...including a girl in a red block dress with green and white wavy trim on it...just like christmas...she looked like she just came from the international fair or something...these things are hard to explain unless you seem them in person except for this last thing...

On the way home from the bar...it was dark and we were walking to the bus stop...and we have to take a series of small streets...on one street there was a stoop where and old haggard woman was sitting...she looked like she was homeless, and both Kim and I thought that she was just pouting but as we got closer we saw that she was sitting there peeing...no biggie I guess...when in Rome...JUST KIDDING!!!! We scooted out of there and got on the bus...

Today, was just another day in the life...although after school I had to go have an interview for a job. There are openings at this bar called On The Rox. It is a bar that we frequent so Kim kind of gave me an in because she has been going there a lot longer than I have. So around 4 I headed there....but first I had to get fotocopies...that's what I had to bring...and as we all know by now it sounds easy but when it's August in Rome no one is here which means all the business are closed for the "HOLIDAY." So it took me 4 different places until I just happened upon a place on the way to the interview. Well at least thats what I thought it would be...I got there and I met with Alex for about a minute...gave him my papers and he said "can you start tomorrow...at 4?" "Sure" I replied and that was that...So now I have a new job...and my first day is tomorrow!!! HOW EXCITING!!! Apparently so excited that I left my Ipod there and didn't realize it until I was on the bus going home. I did reward my self with a GRATICHECA...It's like a hawaiian shave ice, but a lot better. I had lampone e lime. Raspberry and lime together...I tried Cola and grenadine the other day...molto buono!!! Very good!!!

That is all for now I need to get some rest before my big day tomorrow...buonanotte tutti!!!

PS...I think I might attempt to ride a bike in Rome tomorrow...eeek!

~~ L'OpeRA: CaRMeN ~~

Sidenote: Everything went well with the bank on Thursday...It was not the least bit complicated...so much different from what I am used to here.

Anyway...on to more exciting stuff...Friday after school we went for a quick lunch. We found a little bar near the school that is really convenient. The people there are really nice and the food isn't too bad either. One of the owners, I am guessing, is very kind to us and is patient as we attempt to speak in Italian. After our lunch on friday he told us he was going on holiday and would be gone for 10 days. He then went into his store next to the bar and got chocolates for all of us. It was so nice. The other day he gave us a bowl of ice cold cherries...on the house...I think we will be going there quite a bit.

After lunch I ran a few errands. I had to stop and get a metro card for the month and I can get a student card, but finding them isn't all that easy sometimes...The San Paolo metro station newstand usually has them but it was closed so I walked to my usually tabacchi which was open but were all out, I tried another tabacchi...CLOSED...then to the Garbatella metro station newstand...all out...Then I found a little tabacchi near the chinese restaurant...It was open and they had cards :) 5th times a charm I guess.

After that I went home and did some homework, cleaned a bit, read a book, and then got ready to go to L'OPERA CARMEN.

It was amazing. I have never been to the oper a before and I think if I ever go again it will be hard to beat this one. Really no words to explain the experience...It was outside at a theater calle the: Terme di Caracalla, the sunset and the moon rose...and the opera itself was wonderful...The atmosphere was just great. The only downside was almost 3:45 minutes long.

Yesterday didn't start out so well...the morning was difficult, but the day got better. I had a few of my classmates over for dinner and then we went down to the Isola. It's an island on the Tiber river that they have transformed into a little carnival of sorts. Alot of the places don't have air conditioning so in summer they move down to the river. There are places to eat, drink, play fooseball, shop, listen to music, lounge, get massages, and they also have a large outdoor movie theater set up, and I think the movies are even in English. It's a pretty great atmosphere. I went with Tara, shes from New York, Shawon, she's from Canada, and Jelle (Yell-a), he is from Holland...so it was quite the diverse group. Our class is a lot of fun and we all get a long quite well).

That brings me to today...I haven't done much of anything productive this morning...I sat outside and read for a bit this morning, and listened to the extremely loud cicadas chirping...It's constant all day. It's kind of annoying, but you get used to it until it stops and then you notice that they were chirping...or whatever that's called...and when they start again it's hard to block out. I think it's time to make some lunch...not sure what I am going to make...but I will figure something out.

Ciao!

~~ HuRrY Up ANd WaiT: ThE ItALiAN WaY oF LiFe ~~

I had a great run in with the way of the Italian way of life and I forgot to share...(sorry if this is so long...I am a bad storyteller) :)

To stay in Italy I have to get what is call the Permesso di Soggiorno...it is just really like a residence permit to stay here. Thursday I asked the secretary at the school where I had to go get it...she told me that I needed to go to the police station in my area...

I proceeded to go home and ask Fabiana where that might be...she told me I should try the Caribineri Statzione first...which I new where that was, so I went there...from there they told me to go to the Stazione Poilizia di Stato...Once their I tried explaining to the officer what I needed, and with no luck they had to get another officer who spoke Inglese...

I waited for him to come...and then explained to him what I needed. He proceeded to tell me that I needed Guilio to come down there and all this other hulabaloo...I didn't think that was right so I proceeded to tell him that in not so many words...He eventually called someone who knew what I was talking about and then he explained to me the next step....I had to go to the Ufficio Poste Italiane with a copy of my visa and front page of my passport...I shoulda known right?!??!?!

I got home and was exhausted from walking around...so I figured I would do it Friday. So after school the next day, another girl and I went to the post office, but before we did that she knew that we had to get 4 passport size photos, so we looked around and found a sign with that exact description...We went up there and the guy opened the door...this man had a white button down shirt, unbuttoned far enough to show off his grotesque amount of chest hair, linen pants, standing on a fur rug with darkened glasses, a couch in front of a mirror with cologne, hairspray, combs, some aftershave...bow chicka bow bow....it was strange...It felt like we were on set...awkward...it turned out fine...we got our pics and left

From there we went to the post office where we were given a large packet to fill out...all in italian...so we started to fill it out there and then decided to go back to the school...we got some help...found out we had to pay 15Euro for a stamp and 30 Euro for the permesso...ok...From there went to look for a fotocopie place...most Tabacchis make fotocopies but not all...we were 0 for 2 when we found a fotocopie place...then it was trekking around for the "Marco da Bollo" Stamp...that you had to get at the Tabacchi too...i would thought the Post office but what do I know...who buys stamps at the post office...so for the stamp we were 0 for 4 and ended up back at the first one that didn't have a fotocopies...I had all my photocopies and all my stamps...pictures...etc.

So back to the post office...There we waited in line for a few minutes and then went to the counter. The permesso, along with the stamp fee, and what we thought was a 30 Euro fee...was actually two seperate fees...which added up to more money than I had...So the lady was yelling at me and telling me I had to pay but I couldn't use a credit card just a bank card or cash...so she was telling this Italian man who spoke a little English that I didn't understand when i actually did...so I got a little upset and said...HO CAPITO!!! She stopped saying that after I said that.

So again we left...with one portion paid for I would have to go back either early saturday morning or Monday...My friend Kim works on permessos for the american school she works for so she looked over mine Saturday afternoon...and fixed a few mistakes that the teachers made at the school....they didn't really know what they were doing...and i also needed another fotocopie that I got today...that was another trip because today is August 3rd and everyone goes on "holiday" starting the first of August, but we were only 1 for 3 on Tabacchi's today....WOOO HOOO!

After class I went back to the post office and had quite a pleasant Signora helping me out. Although I almost caught her typing my address in wrong with Giovannipoli as Giovanni Poli....That's a big no no and an automatic stoppage if the paperwork doesn't match the payment...and now I wait to see if the paperwork will go through...It is not uncommon for it to get held up. So cross your fingers...If all goes well Kim said I should have my Permesso about a month before I leave...GRANDE!

Tomorrow after class I get to go deal with the bank...my debit card doesn't work...I think it got demagnitized or something. Thankfully I have a fluent Italian speaker going with me so...wish me luck :)

Oh yeah...and today I fell up the stairs at the metro this afternoon...GREAT!!!

Buonanotte a tutti!

~~ La DoLCe ViTa: PaRt 2: ThE FiRsT WeEK bAcK! ~~

Ok....So I am back...and begins the La Dolce Vita: Part 2....

On they way here I had a little bit of trouble with planes...The plane out of Chicago was in the hanger and not coming to the gate...who knows why...and they wouldn't tell us what time it would get there...they apparently had no idea...in the meantime they called my name because me and another girl were going to be missing our connecting flight from philly to roma...so they put us on a non-stop on alitalia, sweet right??? So we had to go collect our baggage (which wasn't in baggage claim when we got there, so we were scared it was on the plane to philly still), take the tram to another gate, re-checkin, go through security, get to the gate, and get our seats, all in 30 minutes...no problem. Every thing was always the furthest away...Alitalia was the last baggage claim, the last gate on the tram, the last checkin desk in the terminal, furthest from the security checkpoint, and we were only the third last gate. Thankfully I was with another girl so we got to go on this adventure together.

We didn't quite make it in the 30 minutes, but all was good. We could relax at the gate for about 20 minutes before boarding...The non-stop was nice but it was a long flight. I had the whole row of three to mylself before some dude invited himself to join my party...I got some free wine with my meals, terrible coffee, and some weird breakfast...half of a hot ham and cheese on mushy white bread and a funky donuty thing. Strange...

We got off the plane some 11 hours or so later...went through customs...and sure enough we were the last baggage claim furthest from the exit...should have known...I was just glad to be on the ground and safe...I had to wait for Giulio to get to Fiumincino because there was a lot of traffic for some odd reason...It was good to be back...

No questions asked, we stopped for a caffe and a cornetto before coming back home. YUM! He dropped me off at the house and then went back to work...I unpacked and hung around for a little bit and then took a leisurly walk to the studio. When it was time to get Alessandro from school I was excited...we were going to go surprise him at school but Fabiana had already picked him up and brought him home...He was still super excited to see me, and me him. He says my name now and it's super cute. Keeme...I guess he started saying it as soon as I left. He would point to the pictures on my desk and ask for me.

After that I met up with some friends for a bit at the normal watering hole and then around 8 walked to the studio and went with Guilio to the Pizzeria for din din...it was delicious!!!!

That weekend I just relaxed a bit...I was busy all weekend and even took the train to the beach with Stefania and another girl, sonia. It was alot of fun!

Monday, I started school. Our class is fun and quite diverse...from ages to places we came from...holland, slovakia, usa....65-25....It's fun and small so it is nice. I don't know how it will be once September comes but well see.

Now that it is August, there aren't a lot of people here. They have all gone on "Holiday" including Giulio and Fabiana...they won't be back until next Monday and it is quite quiet around the house. I am also taking care of Gaia, the cat from downstairs, while her family is gone too. I have been just hanging out and relaxing a bit. It is nice to have some downtime.

Right now I am trying to look for another job to make a few extra bucks for traveling and things like that. I am hoping I can find one at a bar or cafe or something. Who knows...for now I am just hanging out.

Til next time...

~~ So I HaVE BeeN m. I. A. ~~

So just a few short bullets to get you all back up to speed....

~ Tonight, I am going to a meat restaurant where they grill on charcoal...mmm steak
~ The weather is kind of crappy at the moment...
~ I was really stressed at work this week trying to finish designing my lamp
~ I went out on Thursday night on accident
~ I had a smelly man put his wet armpit on my head yesterday...please shower
~ I am excited to come back to Wisconsin to see everyone...and eat a cheeseburger
~ I had a great night last night...went on a date
~ I can't wait to get a gallon of milk and a box of cheerios and eat out of a mixing bowl
~ I got in a little sightseeing last weekend and now have a stalker...great!
~ I have a lot of laundry to do and don't know what to pack tomorrow.
~ I am sad that I am leaving for a month, I can't believe it has been 3 months...it's bittersweet
~ Sometimes I feel like I am living a double life.
~ I am going to miss eating pasta...well real pasta
~ I am going to enjoy being able to sleep in
~ I am looking forward to going to the brewers games and tailgating....ahh the smell of charcoal
~ The sounds of Harleys here have become a comforting sound of home to me
~ I am excited to not be sweating 24/7 and have air conditioning...if I even need it at home
~ I will be able to drive again
~ I will be able to hear country music on the radio, and not get laughed at when I say I like it
~ Last but definitely not least, I am very excited to see my family and friends...they mean the world to me!

All in all this has been a great experience so far and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. The family has been very good to me and I can't really complain about anything. I am excited to come back and take some Italian classes so I can start to speak and not be afraid. I am also sad to leave and excited to go at the same time., 3 months away from your family is kind of hard and it will be great to see everyone!!!! ONLY 2 MORE DAYS!!! I can't wait!

~~ TwO KiDs PeEiNg On A PoLe ~~

So today was a good relaxing day...kind of...it started with the usual taking Alessandro to school but Fabi and I went today instead of Giulio. When that happens we take the metro together and then I walk the rest of the way to work...Today I wanted to stop at the post office to mail some postcards which I normally get the stamps from the Tabacchi store, and a letter. So I wasn't sure if the stamps were the same or they did it by weight. So I went to the post office, but the line was long, so I went to the tabacchi next store, they didn't have any...so I went down a ways and to the tabachhi i usually get the stamps at...they didn't have any...so now i went back across the street to the post office...waited in line for about 10 minutes before reading the sign that says you can only make payments there...weird i know you pay your bills at the post office...i turned to the kind lady (thankfully) behind me and asked if I could get stamps there. She said no...but, in english, told me she would ask the lady behind the window if i could by them in back...all I saw was a kind of sketchy door with boxes piled up in the entry way...So I walked out of the post office and around the building only to find that there were two more windows back there to buy stamps, send packages, etc...Weird I know...so I waited in line again for about 15 minutes to get the stamps...thankfully I knew what i wanted so it didn't take long...Hurry up and wait. I finally got to work about 10:45....

Later on that day after I picked up Alessandro, we went for our daily walk and water adventure. Then it was off to the park. We were playing with a ball minding our own business when I turn to my left to see 2 children, both around 6 years old, standing by a light pole, out in the open, about 10 feet from us, with their pants around their ankles while their caretaker...grandma, nanny, whoever she was...saying be careful...don't get each other...they did their business and then went back to playing. WHAT!! Wait a minute!!! I didn't know what to do...besides wonder why. Why not in the bushes away from where people were playing, or going into the shop to use the bathroom...just going where no one is watching not where 3o people at the park have to see that...dogs maybe children not so much....

Anyway...that was that...we came home a few minutes later...Alessandro got a bath and I went for a run...This has become an almost daily routine for me...which I am enjoying, minus the potholes, the tree roots protruding from the sidewalk, the dog poo landmines, the trees in the sidewalk, and the people who don't really move to either side of the sidewalk so you can pass...other than that its been good. I thought I got lost the other day but just ran down all different kinds of streets until I ended up on the busy street that I recognized, at rush hour...everyone was staring at me...it was kind of weird. So if you don't mind running with the risk of breaking your ankle everyday or stepping in doggie dookie...its a good time!

See you all in 2 weeks!!!! Well...1 week and 6 days!!!!
Ciao a tutti!

~~ YesTeRdaY wAs A ShitTTy DaY... ~~

So yesterday wasn't all that shitty...more in a literal sense...I did get a run in and also got to go on a few errands in between the thunderstorms...but during one of my outings...remember how I told you people don't clean up their doggy do do...well my shoe found it...but not until we got home and I kept asking Alessandro if he pooped. He kept saying no, but I kept checking. And the answer was always no...

Then we went out on the balcony and were running around...it was still a little wet from the rain, so the poop started to leave marks but not before Alessandro's shoes found a chunk that had fallen off mine...So now the poop was on both his shoes, on my shoe, and all over the balcony...trying to keep him from touching it was another story...

Isn't life grand... :)

~~ ThE ZaNZarE ArE CoMInG!!!!!!!!!!! ~~

That means mosquitos. 3 bites and counting...and let me tell you...they aren't any nicer to me here then they are in the states...if you know me...you know what my "bites" look like.

Anyway...Friday night...It was quite an experience for me. I went out for dinner with the family and some friends of theirs, and their kids, 5 and 14months. We just went to a really nice pizzeria near the office in Trastevere. There weren't many people there when we arrived, but they sat us all the way in the back of the restaurant...outside. I didn't understand why...at first. We sat down and the first thing the kids did were start to pick up the menus, which were rolled up and rubber banded, and start hitting things and eachother. There were wine glasses on the table and 2 hurricane candles on stands, but that didn't matter...they hit those too. No one said anything and the candles almost got knocked over a bunch of times...so I finally picked it up and moved it.

Dinner came and all was quiet for a few minutes, but then the kids started getting antsy...They wanted to get out of their seats, they were running around and screaming. Climbing on the fences and ripping leaves and things off the trees...An American couple came and sat down at the table behind us...I can just imagine what they were thinking. I for one was embarassed, but I guess that's normal. The kids misbehaving...a waiter did come over and talk to the older boy and tell him to stop. Alessandro was pushing his lego car around on top of his uneaten pizza.

I just didn't get it.

Yesterday was a lazy day...I didn't do very much and was pretty tired all day. I did manage to organize all my clothes in my closet and put things in more logical places now that I had another wardrobe to use...AND...my summer clothes finally got here! We went to the park in the evening and then came back here and had dinner with Giulios parents...we had carbonara! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! After dinner we played an Italian card game. Me, Giulio and his parents. It was fun...They left and we continued to play. I felt like I was back in Wisco... :)

I will be soon!!! Counting down the days... We are at 22 :) I can't believe I have been here for over two months...It seems so much shorter than that, but I can't wait to see everyone!!!

See you all soon!

Ciao a tutti!

~~ STaLE DoRitOS & ChEerIoS ~~

So...The journey began on May, 11 2009...2 boxes carrying precious cargo (running shoes, summer clothes, cheerios, and doritos...only the essentials) left Milwaukee for their flight over the ocean...They cruised through Franklin, went through Wilmington, Ohio, on to NEW YORK CITY, a quick stop in Leipzig, Germany and then made it to Rome...a quick week trip...

The precious cargo sat for a few days...then a few more...and a few more after that...no movement...Clearance delay...clearance delay...

Then we got a fax at the studio saying they needed a copy of my passport and my codice fiscale (my italian social security #)....SENT!

2 days later...nothing...clearance delay...clearance delay...some phone calls...clearance delay....some more phone calls...clearance delay...2 weeks sitting in customs all alone...

Then yesterday there was breaking news....Clearance processing complete...and then this morning at 6:40a.m it was processed at the DHL facility...8:27 it departed the facility...9:30 it was with the delivery courier...and at 2:29 pm...the precious cargo no longer had to await its arrival...THE 2 Packagers were DELIVERED!!!!

I am still awaiting the packages as I had already left the studio to go to the Italian school to get more information about classes so...I am hoping Giulio will bring them home with him...but he's going to pick up the new FORD FIESTA COBALT BLUE...so there is a chance they will be out of my grasp for another day...One more day isn't bad after I have already waited 3 weeks...what's another day right!?!?!?!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!

~~ FuNNy, AwKWaRD & StRaNGe ~~

So....today was the day of weirdness. I first started out the day of seeing three clumps of doggie doo on the sidewalk...for some reason people don't clean up after their animals...including the cats...The flies love it though I am sure. GROSS!....A few moments later I witnessed and old lady, topless, catching some rays on her balcony on the way to work.

Work was pretty normal...just a regular ol' day, nothing to exciting. Although, I am designing a lamp, so that's a little strange...but fun!

Afterwards, I went to pick up Alessandro...who, while playing, decided it would be a good idea to run head on into the stucco wall outside...(sidenote...the three previous days he has come home with some sort of mark on his body from falling, from another child, or self inflicted...I am sure his parents must think I beat him or something when he doesn't listen...jk)...

On the way to the park we always stop at San Pauolo Basillica because Ale likes listening to the bells on the quarter hour...here was saw an albino pigeon...creepy...Alessandro then became frightened of a mannequin in a store front...a new fear he has developed along with old men...which is kind of a good thing.

Once we arrived at the park there were tons of kids running around and playing. One of Alessandro's classmates was there and they were "playing soccer" together. Alessandro continuously kept stepping on top of the ball not understanding that when he did that he would then bounce off of it and land on his butt in the grass...priceless...I then witnessed a, approximately, 7 year old boy take off his pants, throw them at his mom, and continue to play without a problem. This was followed by two girls who were running around with out their shirts on screaming, granted they were young, again 7 or 8, but still...to top off the day as we were leaving the park an Indian women walked in with her two kids, she spoke in both English, with an English accent, and Italian...just caught me off guard...

We left the park, and as we did Giulio was coming home, which was really strange because it was only 7:00ish...he usually doesn't come home until 8:30 at the earliest...but we got home and sang and danced...Alessandro loves music and dances around in circles...somehow when you dance and sing like a weirdo with an 20 month old, you can make a fool of yourself and it doesn't matter. :)

It was a good day all around...I was happy...the sun was shining...I laughed and smiled a lot...and felt good!!!

Til next time....
Ciao a tutti!!!!!!

~~ DroPpEd ThE BaLL OncE agAiN ~~

Things here have been going pretty well...

I have my days where I miss everyone and want to come home, but that will happen...I am thousands of miles away now and not just an hour drive home from Madison. I know that, and have been dealing with it pretty good. I have started to talk to more people on skype, and facebook is always good for a few chats here and there once people wake up over there on that side of the world. (for those users of facebook i did put up some photos...I think they are the same ones I linked to on my blog...but there should be more coming...)

I have been patiently awaiting a package from my dad for a few weeks now. It was supposed to be delivered on the 13th, but still with no luck fedex is in possession of very important parcel objects. I am crossing my fingers that it will arrive tonight, and Giulio will bring it home, or it will arrive tomorrow while I am at work. Either way it will bring a smile to my face. Eventhough I have to pay some weird sanitation tax...whatever that is...and a delivery fee...It will be worth it I am sure!

Yesterday we actually went to the sea!!! It was BEAUTIFUL!!! It was an immediate feeling of summer. I am sure that will be a regular weekend activity for me once it gets a little warmer out, even though it is already in the 80's. We just laid out in the sun and tested the water. It's still pretty chilly! Nothing like the polar plunge though. Nothing will ever compare to that. I told people about that here and they pretty much think we are flippin nuts...(we kinda are, I guess). Anyways...I did manage to miss a few spots with sunscreen so I am a little crispy in those areas...my knee for one has a weird blotch, and also near my armpits...aloe time! I have to figure out how to say that in Italian so I can go buy some...SOON!

Today was the second day of the strike at Alessandro's school. Last Thursday when Giulio and I dropped him off there weren't enough teachers there to handle the amount of kids so we had to wait and see if more teachers would show up....A little background...Each kid has a drop of time and Ale's is 9-930. So all the kids that have an earlier drop off time usual get in without a problem. So if a teacher is sick or can't come to work...all the kids that have late drop off times have to come to school and wait...or have to be sent home. The teachers have to call in by 8:00 if they aren't going to be in...So Thursday, we had to wait...and Guilio was a little upset because why if the administration knows that the teachers aren't going to be in...why can't they call the parents to tell them. There aren't that many kids. SO....Giulio was speaking to the Coordinator who told him that there no phone calls will ever be made and that they cannot call everyone, but he has gotten phone calls from Ale's teacher before asking if he was going to make it by 430. She straight up told him that he was lying and that no one has ever called...So when Marilena got there this lady confronted her about the phonecalls and Marilena confirmed Giulio's story. Well the coordinator told her that no she never called....The coordinator did say that if we came back at 10 on Thursday Alessandro could get in. So meanwhile we went and got breakfast and then came back and when we did there was a huge sign posted on the door saying that the school was not guaranteeing on Friday May 15th and Monday May 18th, that the school would be open for service. Retaliation from the coordinator...Things run a little different in these parts.

So Friday we went at 9 but couldn't get in until 10 and today we got there and the school was closed completely. So Ale and I made the most of a beautiful sunny, 84 degree day, and went to the park and played.

The weather is getting soooo nice, and its still not summer...Not til the middle of June...84 and sunny is summer for me. I think I might melt or spontaneously combust come July and August...And I don't think they have air conditioning. I will be drowning in my own sweat. Oh the exciting things to look forward too!

That's all for now...It's about time for dinner. I hope!

CIAO ATTUTI!!!!

~~~ Is iT diNneR TiMe yeT?!?!??!?!?! ~~~

This 9 o'clock, 9:30, 10 o'clock dinner thing is killin me....
I guess it's snack time...

Ciao

~~~ A haRd TiMe ~~~

So...I have had my first trying time this past week. My best friend, Dave, has been in the hospital since Tuesday, and it is not easy being halfway across the world. I didn't even know for a few days why he was in the hospital and was worried that something terrible was wrong. Once I found out I was relieved, but still in worry mode. I will be in that mode until I know for sure that everything will be ok. Its hard for me to be here knowing that he and Rachel and Brooke are going through this and I can't be there with them. I know there is nothing that I can do to fix anything but being there for them in anyway that I can has to be done from across the ocean now, and that is hard for me to deal with. Trying to find a time to talk to each other has been difficult too. I know they know I love them, but it is still something that is hard for me.


~~~ Buon Maggio ~~~

Yesterday, I had something to keep me from worrying myself sick. May 1st here is like our Labor Day at home, so everyone and everything is closed. We headed out midmorning to Giulio's Uncle's Villa. It was a day filled with food and fun. I met a lot of new people and ate a lot of new foods...and old ones too.

There were about 15 tables that seated about ten each under a canopy of trees and umbrellas overlooking the horses in the pasture. There were caterers running around still setting things up when we got there. Drinks were set out...sangria, water, wine, soda...When the first round of food started to be set out people came flocking, and that continued all throughout the day. There was fresh cheese of all kinds, including mozzarella, fresh bread, olives, salamis. I was full after all that but I didn't know what else was coming...then came the vegetables, and soup, then the pasta, there were people playing instruments and singing Italian songs...then came the grilled meat, and fried zucchini, fried zucchini flowers, fried oranges...felt at home there...then marinated vegetables...then came dessert strawberries and whipped cream, fried dough with cream and chocolate, and fresh fruit....then came coffee and biscotti, and other cookies...and then more wine and grappa...And to top that all off there was a mini soccer tournament at the end.

It was a great day. I felt like I was in some crazy Italian movie. It was great! Everyone was so kind.

~~ ThAnK YoU MisS....soOn tO Be MRs....ThEreSa ~~

So I haven't had many cravings since I have been here...and now it has been a little over a month now...

The one major thing that I have craved has been a KOPPS ooey gooey cheesburger...plain of course...with a perfectly fried to a golden brown bag of salty french fries...oh and who could forget my fav...some death by chocolate custard to top off the meal...no calories there...

That was the only meal I was craving until I had a chat with Miss Theresa the other day.
She reminded me of the farmers market in Madison...then came the cravings chat....

Now the list is no longer just a meal from Kopps but has now became a long list...

Hot spicy cheese bread
Fresh cheese curds...any kind...cheddar would be good...as long as they squeak and
Sugary potato donuts
Fresh spicy beef jerky...although they do have a form of jerky here...all from the farmers market
Doritos
Haribo gummy bears
PEANUT BUTTER
CHEERIOS!
Ranch dressing
MILK---for every meal and super cold...not just in cereal
Chocolate zucchini cake from grandma...even though I am still in denial that there is no zucchini in it...and we eat both of those items almost daily...the chocolate...possibly more than once...
Mr.G's
Jimmy Johns and Quiznos--although the sandwiches...paninis here are quite good...sans any veggies or mayo...just cheese and meat

I am sure my list could go on and on but I must stop before I starve myself before dinner...


Lots of love to everyone!

BACI E ABRACCI!!!!!

~~ So TodAY I gOT HiT wItH a HuB caP ??? ~~

This past week has been really good for me. I had some exciting things happen and am feeling a lot more comfortable with my surroundings. I feel like I can almost call this place my home. Things are getting easier, like talking to people and not being afraid...trying to speak Italian eventhough I sound horrible at it...showering when I want to...cooking my own food and eating snacks during the day :)...going to the grocery store and buying junky american food...mmmmm pringles!...going to the park with Ale and attempting to talk to all the nonnas and nonnos with their grandkids...hanging out with Stefania and her friends...being at the studio and not being afraid to do what I want...having freedoms that I didn't have before...and so on...

Tuesday at the studio I had my first critique you could call it with everyone. The garden that I am designing was put on the table and I started to explain everything, in English, but I began being interrupted with interjections from Giulio, Michelangelo, and Pamela...I probably looked like a deer in headlights...if you walked in it would have sounded like they were ripping my ideas apart...but they really weren't. They actually liked the concept I came up with but with a few tweaks here and there. It was great constructive criticism.

It has been a great project to work on to start with because it encompasses a lot of the problems that occur with design here vs design at home...
~adjusting to working in a new place...the studio, here in rome, how relaxed it is...if you want to take a break you can
~going from our system to the metric system
~scale of things- the area of this garden would be the size of a patio with a little grass, but I have to have a grill area, sitting area, pool, flower beds, and potted plants...etc...a lot of things in a little space...it's all relative
~I have never designed a backyard before...minus our deck :)
~the design process...we speak with a client and find out their needs and wants and then design...here...usually you are given a project space and you come up with a design idea...
~and i think the biggest difference is thinking as a designer vs. an architect...we think differently in my opinion

All in all, so far it has been a great experience.

Wednesday I took Ale to school all by myself in the morning. It was fun. He loves riding in the stroller and it was really great weather in the morning. From there I had to go to the job site, the spa, and met Stefania because Giulio, who also teaches at the University, had grading there...it was there "graduation." They all get graded on their final project by a panel of people...I went to the studio after that and worked with Michelangelo...and then we went to McDONALD'S for lunch. It wasn't that bad, but mickey d's is mickey d's anywhere. I had a crispy chicken bacon and onion sandwich, fries, and a soda all for only 7 euros...a bit pricey I think.

That night, the fam and I went out for one of their friends birthdays, Alberto. It was fun, but then I met up with friends and we had a great night...we walked all over the city, had gelato, and then got stuck because we couldn't get home on the metro...didn't find the right bus, so ended up having to take a taxi...whoops!

Thursday I stayed home with Alessandro because he had a fever/cold. He was doing pretty well all day and Fabiana came home around 3 so it wasn't too bad. I had to send some mail and ventured down to the post office. Their I had to wait in a long line...you take tickets for everything here like at the deli counter. I had P107 and they were only on like 89 when i got there...who knew I would be there for an hour. When I finally got up to the window I gave him my mail and he weighed it, looked confused...weighed it again and walked away without saying anything??? He finally came back like 5 minutes later with stamps, handed them to me and took my money...I put the stamps on and hopefully put them in to the right mailbox...I guess we will see. I stopped at the grocery store and bought some pringles and Coca-Cola Light :) and then proceeded to eat almost 3/4 of the can befor dinner. I was hoping for a huge grilled steak and potatoes...turns out I got the steak...but with ass per grass instead. It was still delicious even if it was cooked in a pan.

But today was an interesting day I have to say...

I had the day off, but I woke up the earliest that I ever have (6am)...minus the times that I got woken up by Alessandro in the middle of the night, which has happened a lot lately since the poor little guy has had a cold and a fever the past couple of days....but anyways....I had to go to the doctor. I got everything settled with what I had to say lastnight and Fabi showed me where it was on Wednesday night when we were near there. )It had the feel of an old school...like the basement of 38th street school. It was kinda sketchy). I had to leave by 7 because they give out numbers...and only 15 of them for the "free visits." When I got there I tried to explain in my best Englian...that I needed to get a mole removed. So he told me to sit down and he would be right with me...so I did...I didn't have a number, didn't give him my name and there were loads of people coming in...and there I sat until he told me to come over by him at 9. He finally got my name and stuff and put me on the list...and waited some more.

At around 10 I got in to see the dermatologists. They were both really comforting and spoke a little English so that helped too. I had no idea what to expect because I've never had anything done like this before...I was freaking out a little. She told me she was putting the anesthetic in and that was painful...it was a huge needle, and then she didn't wait for it to work...she just started to burn...or what felt like burning...off the mole...it did not feel good one bit...the last part she did was the only part that I couldn't feel...so much for the anesthetic..and then she said, "here have a souvenir"...ummm no thanks!

From there I had to go to a farmacia to get the cream she prescribed. I had to find one first...I wandered around because I had time to burn before I met a friend for coffee...I was trying to find the cafe that I am going to meet a friend for dinner tonight, but ended up finding a pharmacy instead...didn't find the restaurant though...

I met my friend for coffee around 11:30 and then meandered my way from where I was to the Pantheon to meet Fabiana and her coworker for lunch. So I was just walking down the street looking at my map...with no luck of finding where I was...when a hub cap...yes a HUB CAP...came rolling at me at warp speed. I didn't have much time to avoid it and it hit me. I laughed but it kind of hurt a little and I had no idea where it came from.

I went into a church along my walk because it was there and I was the only one in there. There was an underground crypt and a guy who looked like Sluggworth from Willy Wonka asked me if I wanted to go down there. I kindly replied with a no thank you, and saw myself out. Creepy!

I finally found the Pantheon and Fabi, we had lunch at this really nice cafe. It was delicious. During lunch we talked about a few exhibitions that were over near that area so I had something to do after. I attempted to find them but failed on all accounts. I walked all the way from the Pantheon to the Colleseum with out finding any of the three places I was trying to. Oh well! There is always tomorrow.

Tonight I am going out for dinner/drinks with Lala, one of Giulio's friends. It should be fun. And then I get to meet Fabiana's mom too! They should be arriving any minute now.
10 4 signing out!

Ciao a tutti!