Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays!! Happy Holidays!!!

Christmas was great. The whole gang was at my mom's place. Casey, Denyse, Celeste, Colin and Cameran came in from Vegas; Corey, Jennifer, Devon, Phaedra, and Baby Corey are now living in Houston; Aunt Jan and Uncle Bill along with Sherry were there; Of course the 'great' grandparents Mica and Dan and also Henry, Denyse's father, and stepmom with their little boy Michael were all there. New meaning to a full house. The babies all played and some cried. The adults cut up per usual. Santa brought lots of gifts for the kids, so there was plenty of smiles. Everyone helped out with Christmas dinner. We have been living on leftovers for the past week. Aunt Jan's stuffing rocks...yes, we still have some left over and will have it done by the weekend! :)

I've been doing my best to get my visits in. Kristy- It was so good seeing you. We will definitely get together again. Margie- Love ya babe. It is so great that we can pick up again after so long. It's like freshman year and chatting into the wee hours of the morning all over again.

I'm working as well. I'm getting some recovery room experience in at this time. The hours could be more, but I can't complain since the money is decent and I AM working. Hey, another thing to add to the CV. Marcy- Leroy is back from Kansas. I worked with Monique the other day. And they have a new baby girl, Olivia. So adorable!

Vance, Miss you angel! Hope you are having fun playing in the Canadian snow. Have a safe flight back home. See you on the 17th. I love you.

Happy New Year to everyone. Augurissimi!

LOOK AT MY BUTT!!!!

I thought the pic was too cute to not post.

Oh yeah! All done! I have a fun filled weekend of loving my man and packing! I'm off at the crack of 'cazzo' dawn Monday morning! Pit stop in Amsterdam and off to H Town. I'm excited now but after 15 hours of planes and airplane food, I might not be my perky self when I arrive.

The past couple of days have been crazy studying and taking finals which were not too shabby. I was well prepared. I really enjoyed this semester of Italian literature, language and culture.

Rachel and I spent the afternoon together walking around the zone near the Spanish Steps. We had a nice sandwich and tea at a cute little bar. Rachel, one of my great girlfriends that I met the first months in Rome, is moving back to Illinois with her husband Brandon. She is an amazing person and I am blessed that we met (or should I say that I attacked them in the movie store when I heard english spoken). It's good to have an aggresive personality! I'll miss you angel. We'll see each other again soon.

Just in case I am not able to blog prior to all my arrival. Ciao ciao! Much love and kisses! Kristy, Margie, Amy(s) I will see you soon!

FINALS WEEK

Finals week this week. I'm not stressin'! I just don't like to study and can find so many other things to do instead! Thursday I'll be done and then it's time to pack!!! Woohoo! I'm more nervous about going home. I'm gonna bring a bunch of stuff for mom since she can wear my tops. Probably in a couple of weeks, she can wear my pants. She's the shrinking woman! I'm so happy for her. She's so close to her goal weight. GO MAMA GO!!! Well, have to go find something else to do other than study! Ciao ciao!

LAST DAY OF CLASSES

School's out for winter!!! Well...almost. I have 4 finals on two days next week. But no more classes!!!!

I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it...no no, no no, no no no!

KRISTY, I can't wait to see you. I got lots of love to give. And I really like the pins! I'll keep an eye out for #7. Never know what one can find in the open markets.

Tomorrow is a holiday, the Immaculate Conception! Gotta love the Catholics! (That's me!). I'm going over to visit my girlfriend Violetta and later check out the big market in Piazza Navona. Big day in Rome!

Harry Potter

L'o visto! I really enjoyed it, but it didn't skim the emotions and thrills of the book. I did like the dragons. My imaginary dragons aren't as cool as theirs. Why does the cute guy have to die?! And why didn't we get to see him in the bath covered in bubbles? Ugh! Non bene! The dance scene was suppoesed to be so extravagant, but it happened so fast. But overall it was good. If I spoiled anything, tough! It was bound to happen!

All is well. I'm in the final weeks of classes. Everything is wrapping up so quickly! I'm excited about going to Houston, but a big part hates to leave Rome since it is so much my home. Ma che faccio? One more semester to go and I can add another degree on my belt! Lovely!

Hope you guys have a great day. I'm off to cook some din din! Ciao!

My Life at AUR

This is where I spend about 40 hours a week! It's pretty, ain't it! With the semester wrapping up, I've been buried in papers, presentations and novels! It's loads of fun!

The past week has been pretty busy. One of my good friends expereinced a flood in her apartment due to the stupidity of a man, not hers fortunately! Why do some guys think that they can construct anything without the proper knowledge! Cretini! Half of her apartment complex is suing the guy for flooding most of the building! So, my friend and her boyfriend were staying at our place a few nights until the water was mostly gone.
For those whom I haven't told, I'm coming home on Dec. 19th and leaving to come back home to Rome Jan. 16th. I'll be with my family the first week particularly because both my brother and their families will be in Houston. Anyone who wants to see us, come by!

Happy Thanksgiving! I totally forgot it was that time. Rome is preparing for Christmas; the lights and the historic sights are beautiful at night. Ciao!

Sicilia

Sicily is beautiful in November. Autumn! What's that? I had climate shock coming back to Rome. And I haven't had a chance to switch the wardrobe yet! So needless to say, it's blanket time! Only one more week until the heater gets turned on! Woohoo. Back to Sicily...I went to Siracusa and Taormina last week and really enjoyed it. Lots of ruins and greek theatres. Taormina was nicer and that wine was great everywhere. The fish is delicious. It's amazing all the things you can do with those sea critters. I would highly recommend the place! Maybe next year Vance and I cn hit the more popular west side of the island!
All is great! School is wrapping up quickly. Only 5 more weeks!Christmas with Mom and the family will be fabulous, but I will miss my sweetie. Then only one more semester away from another degree. I'm excited. Who knows? Nursing by day (or night) and then teach Italian on the side. I need to get out of school to improve my Italian!
Have a great day.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

"Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!" Ok, that really doesn't make much sense, but I sang it as a child all the time. Have a ghoulish day. Boohaaahhhaaahhhaa!

Fightin' a Cold

Ciao my sweeties! Hope life is going well for everyone. I did hear that the Astros lost, go figure! Positive side, they made it to the World Series. Rome and Lazio soccer has been doing well here so this city is always cheering. Finally a Friday off for me, took an instillation of an elevator to kick us off campus. I'll never use it though, laziness is aggrivating...walk the 3 flights of stairs! It won't kill ya! (If you think it will, then take the elevavator.) I just wrapped up midterms which all went well. Now I begin my break! I'm going to Sicily for a week with an AUR professor and a group of students. It'll be fun. The weather should still be warm there so I will love it. Cold autumn has come to Rome. Scarf time, but not quite glove time. You know what I mean? I've been fighting a cold all week, but I think it's won today! Oh well...Thank God for Nyquil! Well I'm off to grocery shop and check to see if my permit of stay came in. I bet it hasn't, nothing is completed on time in this city. Hey I'm a mellow chic, I don't mind waiting.

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend. For my fellow friends in Europe, set your clocks back tomorrow. I think America does as well this weekend too. Maybe it is only in Spring when we change the clocks a week before. Boh! Oh, Happy Halloween!

Summer Memories

I'm really missing those summer days...sunbathing on the beach, the sounds of the ocean, smell of suntan oil. Aaahhh! Rome has been rainy and yucky over the past week. I'd prefer to have my guitar lesson outside in the garden area, but nooo, stupid rain! I jammed in the lounge! Italian night went well. Italian teenagers are entertaining; they just want to teach you the bad words! There was a pumpkin carving contest at AUR today. I'm not sure who won though, I guess I'll find out Monday. Halloween is not a big deal in Italy. No trick or treaters here! After Christmas there is a religious holiday, Epiphany, where Bufana the witch brings candy and sweets for the kids. Adorable.
Well it's Friday! Vance and I go to see our good friend, Roberto, at the local taverna. Pizza Diavola is the best! Hell, anything spicy works for me! Have a great weekend everyone.

Buon Anniversario

Amore mio, sai chi sei! Da tre anni, ti avevo amato completamente. Grazie per tutto. Ti amo. Con te, io sono il piu contenta. Cin Cin!

Vance and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary together and our 2nd anniversary of being in Rome. We have some Brunello to break open and celebrate! It's the good stuff!

Another weekend of lounging and homework. It's a nice day so we can go for a run/walk in the park nearby. It's so beautiful here! I love how the parks are buried in the neighborhoods. We just recently discovered this one. Maybe we can pick some olives too!

Hope you all are having a great weekend as well. Happy Day!

Viaggio & Vino

Toscana era fantastica. A group from AUR went on a trip to Tuscany to an agiturismo today. We visited a small country villa with a winery. Afterwards we had lunch there and tasted some wine. The food was delicioso! Buonissimo! Then we had a lesson on how to make homemade pasta Etruscan style. Very interesting, but I think I'll stick to buying Barilla at the store. One, because our kitchen is not big enough to make that big of a mess; two, I don't want to develop super muscles in my arms and shoulders. And I think the hairy mole might be a requirement for the chef, so no. :) It was a great expereince that I would reccommend to anyone who visits Toscany to visit a fattoria/agiturismo. www.cinellicolombini.it
Vance comes home tomorrow! Una settimana da sola! Povera io! Sarò contenta.
Hope everyone has a great day and buon weekend!

Che Pizza!

VEDO LA GENTE BLU!!!

I SEE BLUE PEOPLE!!!



Ecco l'autunno! Ugh! Adesso c'e vento o pioggia o nubi. Mi manca il sole! Ok who understood that? Just complaining about the weather. It sounds better in Italian. Most things sound better in Italian. I could curse up a storm and it would sound so pretty! Vafancullo! I love foreign languages!
So life is the usual routine right now. Oh except the terrorist attack EXERCISE that occured yesterday near the Colosseum! I read that it went well, most people were just pissed because many people didn't know what was going on, traffic was hell and metro stops were closed. Other than that, things are normali. I'm busy with writing papers and doing presentations for school. Vance is on a business trip in Croatia. The weather is rainy, so he's not able to get the same experience that we had on our vacation. Tough life!
Announcement: I've booked my flight home to Houston for Xmas. I fly in Dec 19 and leave Jan 16. I'll do my best to visit those in the city. I plan on working a bit as well, but I'll have time to get my hugs and kisses in.
Until next time, that is the day of my life....duhduh doo doo doodoo (Days of Our Lives theme song! I know you are humming it in your head right now!)
Baci!

PICTURES!!!

VANCE UPDATED THE WEBSITE WITH OUR HVAR CROATIA TRIP!
CLICK THE LINK TO THE RIGHT! GO SEE IT!! DO IT NOW!

Willy Wonka Time

Finally, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory made it's way to Rome. Tim Burton fascinates me with his imagination. It was really cute, but I found myself spacing off thinking of the Gene Wilder version. Johnny Depp was a handsome devil even with the freaky teeth. As always Grandpa Joe's character shines. I love old people! Everyone go hug an old person today! You'll feel better!

I've got some homework and reading to do. Contemplate life and think about what's for dinner. Buona giornata. Ciao ciao.

ROMA MATTA

I'm so sorry! Life has taken over! Uni is in full gear now. It's all about Italian and Dante! Gotta love it. Dante Alighieri rocks, just in case you didn't know. E' giusto! Wanna see a pic...it's Salvadori Dali yet another man that is absolutely amazing. So far I've only read the Inferno, but I'll have finished the Divine Comedia by October. So much is going on, my mind is racing to get it all in. Vance is doing a great job at Ava and will be donig some traveling soon. He's been building up his photography collection and putting them up on istockphoto.com to sell. I'm at the university all day. I've started guitar lessons, the real kind, not the one on DVD. Vance and I try not to get too crazy on our days off! We may go see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this weekend, it came out today here in Rome. The family in Houston are hanging out and holding down the fort! Corey and his family are there and helping Mom out. Mom doesn't feel that Rita will hurt Houston, and mamas are always right! I'll keep you informed. Lots of love! Ciao ciao.

Corri Corri Corri

Ciao guys! Hanna, Audra and I participated in the "CorriRoma" run/walk last night... or this morning! We took off at midnight headed towards the Colloseum and ended on the other side near the Arch of Constantine. Note, the more athletic runners completed the 11 km, we did the 2 km. Hey! We were representing AUR!! Didn't see any JCU out there, did we? Noooo! Thanks to Adias, Gatorade, Comune di Roma, and many other sponsors the children of Rowanda received funding and support and the participants received a t-shirt and a cool medal! Excellent walking/running ladies! Until the next event..ciao ciao!

Woah woah...I gotta go...

...back to school..AGAIN!!! Well it's that time again. Notebooks, teachers, tests, ugh. I had my first week back to school. I'm exhausted! Of course, I'm working and studying at the university. Taking 15 hours this semester; two courses in Italian and the rest in english. Not too shabby. Lots of literature. Which isn't bad, hey, I love to read! Finally Dante! The man rocks! So life is busy once again. I'll graduate in May 06 with a BA in Italian Studies. Cool! Huh! Yeah, I know you're jealous!

Family update post flood- Corey and his family have officially decided to move to Houston. For now, they are living with Mama. Things are coming along slowly. They lost a bunch in the flood. Dad is good, but stressed. Fifty-hhmmhmhm and no job, possibly no home! He and Barbara are near Monroe, La. Grandma Burgard is with an Uncle Neil and the aunts and uncles are safe. Grandma's place is gone...8ft of water inside. I really hope that the government helps people. A large portion of my family will need it for sure. For those who know N'awlins, so much is gone that cannot be replaced. N'awlins won't be the same, but hopefully a little of the flavor can return. Vediamo. In bocco lupo N'awlins!

Hvar, Croatia

Croatia was amazing! Vance and I took a ferry from Pescara to the island Hvar. The city of Hvar is quaint and beautiful. People watching was excellent: tourist from all over walk along the port, mostly in their bathing suits. The water is crystal clear and blue! The beaches are mostly rocky and clean. Water shoes... a must! Tops... optional!. That is where I 'misbehaved' according to my grandmother. If Coppertone needs an adult model for their advert, I'd be perfect! Everyday we went to a different beach, some requiring a rocky hike up and down hill. It was well worth the trek! We found some great spots which were quite secluded. We took an excursion on a boat to see the "Blue Cave" caused by the light's reflection through the water and into the cave. I loved to snorkel around and was able to see some cute fish and sea urchins. Vance and I took a kayak out and came upon a little nudist colony. Sorry guys, we didn't have the camera with us! There was a castle in Hvar as well which gave us an excellent view of the ocean. The food was alright, doesn't hold a candle to Italian food. We had half board at our hotel so we had breakfast and dinner there and the time in between was at the beach! We have some great pictures that Vance will put up on his website, so check it out!

Katrina'a Devastation

Katrina's devastation has hit far and wide. Unfortunately it has hit my family and friends. Those that have been able to make contact say they are safe. Communication is lacking therefore many I have not made contact with. My prayers are with them, my family, friends and all the victims of Katrina. It's so sad to see the aftermath of this hurricane on TV and the internet. I cannot fathom how it feels to be in that situation. I hope that New Orleans is able to bounce back from this horrific event. Bless all y'all and N'awlins!

VACATION TIME!!!

Vance and I are off to Croatia. I'm so excited to see the crystal clear waters, waterfalls and old town squares. Vance can't wait to take a bunch a pictures. It'll be a blast. I'll post some pics when we get back. Ciao ciao!

What happens when you mix helium and stranieri...

The influence of Americans on the Italians and the French! Poor Alex and Gina lost brain cells do to Amberlee, Jenna and I showing them and other Italian friends how to suck helium from the balloons. It was hilarious to see their expressions when they heard their own voices after sucking helium. What good friends we are!

Ode to Friends & Family

I wanted to celebrate all my friends and family. Although I do not have pics of them all, here are a few that I have digitally. I want to thank Casey & Denyse and Corey & Jen for making me an auntie, Mom, Stu, Amy D, Kristie, Meredith, Gwen, Heather, Marcy, Chelsea, Courtney, Dick, Ryan & David for visiting Vance and I in Rome. Charlotte, Rachel & Brandon for making Rome feel more like home, Violetta e Gaby per ci state facendo la vostra famiglia. Bubby, Suzie, Kim, Brandon, Elisa, Brandon for visiting Mom and I in Houston. Darryl, Angela, Harrison, Trisha, Kevin, and Damon for sharing with us your new family. And all my friends at AUR! Of course to Tina, Carl, Kristy and Amy H, love you all and hope that you can share the experience of seeing a bit of Rome one day. Vance, thank you most of all for making my dreams come true...which includes having you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VINCENZO!!

Happy Birthday Vance! The big 30! We had a special day for Vance today. Morning began with me awakening him with kisses, coffee and breakfast in bed. Vance suggested I get all prettied up to take some photos for his stock photos, which of course I did. They came out well, I think. I made a delicious batch of spagetti with a ragu sauce for lunch. Then we hung out in the apartment since it decided to drizzle. The heavens were sad that Vance was thirty! I yelled out the window that it is ok, but it just rained harder. From such an exhausting day, I had to take a nap. Vance played on the computer. We ate birthday tiramisu (which I made myself!) Vance didn't reveal his wish! Hope it comes true! This evening we went out with our friends Francesco and Laura for dinner near the Pantheon. Buonissimo! Vance received a book about Italian Wines of 2005. That'll be handy! And also the autobiography of Robbie Williams. He needs lots of reading material for our vacation in Croatia beginning next weekend. Now it's sleepy time. Nite nite. Sogni duro. Happy Birthday baby!

Stamps & Landlords

I've trekked all over the joining neighborhoods in search for a stamp. But this is no ordinary stamp. No No. It's a tax stamp that is specifically used for permits to stay. After 5 post offices and 3 tobacco shops later, I finally found a way to get the stamp, but it's not a stamp!! Aaagghhh. Hopefully it is what is required, if not, #$@(% &*#&@! I'll find out tomorrow when I go to renew my expired permit. Why does the Italian government make it so hard to obtain a bloody stamp? People need them for passport renewals, contracts, and permits. And of course no one has the same answer as to where to find these precious items. Grrr.

Then there are landlords. We're blessed with a great padrona. She rocks. She lets us be and if we need her, we'll call. Signora Rita came by today to pick up some mail. (I called her to come get it!) She has invited Vance and I to dinner next month. So sweet. I've heard that some landlords can be great big pains in the cullo.

So that was the good and bad of my day. I also had to check up on some ironing. Fun filled day, let me tell you. Hope yours is better than mine! Mine will get better when Vance comes home and I get some lovin'....oh speak of the devil... he just walked in. Ciao Ciao.

Another day...

Ciao guys! Did you have a good weekend? I am still having mine thanks to yet another Italian holiday. Vance and I are just loungin'. Yesterday we went to the beach in Sabaudia, which is about an hour and a half away from Rome. The water was refreshing and beautiful. Our background was a little mountain. We'll probably go for a walk later and take some pictures. Vance found a walking trail not too far from the apartment. Buon Ferragosto!

Swan Lake

Ciao ragazzi! Well yet another day of volunteering at the beach and I only got popped on the butt once by an ole fart. Finished up after lunch and the sun decided to come out and play. It rained off and on yesterday. Fortunately it stopped for most of the ballet that I went and saw. Vance bailed on the cultural experience. :) I had kick ass seats thanks to a sweet family from Texas/Tennessee who needed to sell a ticket (yet another man who choose sleep over culture!) It was lovely. Only slightly weirded out by the bulges of the male dancers...not natural! What do they put in those tights! The prima ballerina was fantastic. The best part, besides the ballet itself, was the setting in the Terme di Caracalla, ancient Roman baths. Really stunning! Well Vance and I are about to begin our second half of "Pizza & Movie night", most likely an Italian flick with English subtitles. (More culture!) Have a great day and happy weekend!

Il mare

I had my day at the beach! I take a walk to the train station, take a train to another station and get on a tram to get to Lido di Ostia. Beats fighting traffic and searching for a parking place. I begin the morning by volunteering at an activity center for the elderly and kids. Italians love the beach. It's adorable. They all arrive by pullman (greyhound buses) and fight for the best spot with an umbrella. 1-2-3- CHARGE!!!! Ole foggies in speedos and bikinis! I wish American foggies were as confident with that 'Che ne frega' ( I don't give a damn) attitude. So so cute in that old, wrinkly, droopy kind a way! I leave after lunch and hit the beach for myself. Take in a bit of sun and laugh as all the asian, eastern indian, and african vendors come 'round trying to sell massages, jewery, sunglasses, bathing suits, wraps, dresses and of course 'Coca, Fanta, Birra. Frescoooo!...Coco Frescoooo!' They are like auctioneers! Impressive!
You can't really surf on the waves...body surfing may work. I try and just loose my top and swallow a bit of salt water! No one notices, there are tons of topless sunbathers. Don't you hate it when you just want to breathe and that damn water goes up your nose. That is why I like being a land mammal! It suits me better.
And did you know that most Romans, at least, have tatoos? They aren't as huge and overwhelming as some americans and my brother's tats, but I think most people I have seen have something or other inked.
People watching is the greatest activity. Young italians guys pushing one of their friends to go pick up an italian chick amidst a group of her friends. And he proceeds to get shut down! Classic beach activity. And of course there is also the paddle ball game which no one seems really good at. More chasing the ball then hitting it back and forth. Entertainment on the Tyrrhenian Sea!
Ok..done blogging...Ciao

THE DEVIL INSIDE...

...every single one of us...the devil inside. OK! Why didn't anyone tell me about Rock Star INXS? Anyone in their right mind and a natural born rocker should be checking out this show. I, the unfortunate one without television (that's a whole other post), just recently discovered this show on rockstar.msn.com/home. I love Jodis, the dreadlocked goddess with a killer voice. I'd buy her album. Really...I would! I'd actually go buy it rather than dealing the the Africans on the corners to get the pirated version. Don't anyone give me the 'stealing from the band' bullshit! I'm paying 5 Euros instead of 25! Non c'e Best Buy qui!

The angel inside me....worked her last full time shift at the university today. Bring on the beach baby. Ahhh, il mare. I'm going tomorrow to the beach and work on diminishing my tan lines. Le tete took a good burning last week, so I have to lube up real good this time. Allora...la prossima volta...