Budapest

This here is me and my bun man. I really liked his buns! He and I met while I was walking the streets of Pest a few days after Easter. (I walked around Buda later that evening! I get around, lemme tell ya!) The way I got to Buda was by crossing this bridge below, so properly called the chain bridge which links the 2 cities.

On the other side in Buda, Vance and I, well really just me, decided to stop and take a cute self portrait after our long trek across Budapest. Vance decided that his blood shot eyes weren't quite GQ, but his shades were, so waalaa!

Yes, I am becoming the world traveller, well European traveller, thanks to this honey muffin above. He works so hard and then reward him (that's what I call it) by sending him to different locations for business meetings.

Fortunately for both of us, we have a friend there. Sherraine Schalm (go see her site and Mr Nelson's too that's about her) lives in Budapest where she is training with several Hungarians fencers. Sherraine is the sh#t! But don't go stalking her! I have permission, you do NOT. Googling her is ok though!

We had oodles, that's right oodles, of fun. We plan on going back again this summer so we can get another Sherraine fix and oh yeah, see more of Budapest. Couldn't really do it all in 2.5 days (not counting business days). So "Igen," "Nem", "Kerem" and "Kosonom" to you all! Don't worry it's just all the words in Hungarian that I learned, no sense all together, but it looks impressive!!!!!

Refunds are great!

So after stalking and harassing, I was finally able to track down my W2 from the previous employer. They so kindly took out some taxes, but not all therefore affecting my refund negatively! Stronzi! They are still good people and I love em dearly. I just won't work for em again!

Speaking of work, I can't wait to get my hands on people again in May, well maybe June depending on the needs of family and friends. I know if it were up to my family, I would just be 'visiting' not 'working'! A girl's gotta make some money to spend on lavish things that she finds on ebay!

God Bless refunds and my friends and fam!

TAX TIME

Patience.....we must have patience.

Leave it up to the Italian business to test my patience.

Really, what can one person do to get things done in a timely matter? Was it too much to ask back in February, where the heck is my W2.? What about in March (every week) and again in April? Emailing everyone from human resources, CFO and president not good enough. 'It's coming' she says on the 5th of april just doesn't seem good enough when your own government is telling you to get on the ball. Does deadlines mean anything to Italians?....I guess not! UGH!!!

I'm also due to be out of country next week, so getting something on time and in the nick of time may not happen! God I hate this stuff. I just want my refund!

Guess what???

God loves me and you too!

Timothy aka John

Indovina chi viene a cena???

Guess who's coming to dinner?


Vance and I went and saw my choral director Timothy Martin in the Italian production of 'Guess who's coming to dinner". Tim played the role of the finace'. Gianfranco D'Angelo and Ivana Monti were the parents of the girlfriend and seemed to be the big names. Sorry, didn't know em. We really enjoyed the play and laughed. It was nice to see Tim act and he did a splendid job. Bravo! I'm not sure where they are headed to next but definitely check them out if you are in Italy.

My sweet nipotini

My sweet niece and nephew. I so much enjoyed spending time with you while I was in Houston. But now Aunt Ressie has to go spend time with Uncle Vance. He gets all sad and weepy when Aunt Ressie isn't around. Just like bubby gets when you clunk him on the head with your toys. I will see you guys soon. Around sissy's birthday. Love you both!

Happy Holidays and Working Days

Hope everyone had a merry christmas and a happy new year!

I'm a tad behind on blogging. I was working at AUR until Dec 21st and then flew to Houston. After new year's was over and Vance left, I dove into working at CyFair Hospital. So now that my weekend is free, I'm making some phone calls! Hope to see those in Houston soon.

Sushi!

I ate sushi and sashimi! Raw fish! I did it! Can't really believe. Trying not to dwell on it either.

So I know you are all dying to hear about my first time...eating sushi! Vance, Paolo, Inis and I went to Sushisen in Rome (near Piramide metro stop-for those who want to know) (thanks Romy!). We ordered the barca dell'amore and barca dei sashimi! Big boats with raw fish....just another reminder that those raw things came right from the boat to my plate...well sort of!



Oh yeah! I even attempted to use chopsticks! Hello! Poverina, io, I don't know how to use those damn things BUT I tried my best. Vance was so kind to place the raw fishes on my plate so I can somewhat try to maneuver it to my mouth. Next time...to hell with those sticks I'm using my fingers! Mara gave me the ok for next time. But will there be a next time??? hmmmmm. Um, maybe if someone else invites me and wants to pick up the bill. Damn, that stuff is expensive!


I just thank Paolo for the suggestion of a gelato after dinner. I normally get the small, but that night is was medium baby! Oh yeah, I went all out...got panna too! Just needed to make sure the burps wouldn't taste like fish! God I love menta, straciatella e ciccolato! Heavenly!

But in all honesty, do you know what picture flashed in my mind when the waiter placed this huge boat on the table.......

You know which one I'm talking about.......

Let me give you a hint...Mr. Shota Fujiwara....

With the headache....

the man LOVED sushi....

and wanted it as 'alive and raw as possible'....

YEAH You guessed it!!!!!!






HAHAHAHA!!! GROSS!!!!

Saddest news

To all my family and friends,

A member of the Marmande-Burgard family has passed on to furry heaven.

Tiger "Tiggy" Burgard passed away Sunday, November 5th, 2006 a couple months shy of her 15th human age birthday.

Tiggy woke Mom up Sunday morning to let her know that something was wrong. When Mom took her to the emerengy animal hospital, it was discovered that Tiggy had gone into multi-organ failure due to diabetic shock. She was given that blessed 'no pain, go to sleep" injection and passed in my mom's arms (the best place in the world).
She will be greatly missed and eternally loved!

For those in the Houston Katy area, if you can give Mom a call or stop by the house, please do. I may have lost my sweet furry baby, but Mom lost her long time companion. We received Tiggy from our vet, Dr Pat 14 years ago. I left Tiggy to watch over Mom when I went away to college, the first time. So for the past 9 years, she and Mom became the best of friends.

Mom and I spoke for several hours Monday of our fondest and not so fondest memories of Tigg. Like how she slept right near or behind Mom with a watchful eye when Mom had her stroke and how no matter how long I was away from her, Tigg always acted a paticular way with me and would ditch Mom while I was in town. This past September when I was home for a month, Tigg and I had a lot of special moments as I let her sleep ON the bed and me as well as LAY ON the leather couch!

Tiggy, I hope you are having fun on your playhouse and playing, chasing or being chased by our sweet friends, Bingo, Bubba, Daisy, Joe, Figgero, Maggie, Hershey, Chelsy, Cowboy, Suzette, and Fluffy. We miss you more than words can say!

LOVE YOUR FAMILY

These are my grandparents Papa Dan and Mic. They're cute aren't they. I just wanted to send this little message to all my friends and family to say 'Love your family, no matter how crazy they are!' Cuz you never know how long you'll get to have em. I've been blessed with these 2 absolutley lovely and goofy grandparents.

So stop reading this and go call your family! Tell em that you love em!

Love you Mic & Papa Dan...see you in december

I Spy Stock Photo Of Me

Vance did good. As some of you may know, Vance is a photographer and has taken a few pics of me. (I wonder why? I must be hot!) Anyway, he submits pics to stock photography where they can be bought and used for things such as advertisements. Fortunately, the ad discovered was not for some crazy porn site! Thanks Mama Rose for spotting this pic in the Living magazine, Fresco/Plano edition Set 2006.

Year After Katrina

Surprisingly lots has been done after Hurricane Katrina. Many streets are clean of the mountains of trash and thrown out furiture but arenow full of FEMA trailers. We drove by my grandma's house...a sad moment. Most areas were Mom's "stompin' grounds" (this is to be expected after 40+years there) and brought her lots of memories. We went to Lakeview and were devastated by the damaged lakefront homes. A few spots were inhabited again but most were empty. One homeowner showed his sense of humor among the devastation. Typical N'awlins! Then we drove around University City, MY old stomping grounds! FEMA trailers everywhere. There really wasn't a house without one out front. And in New Orleans, down St Charles Ave and around City Park...my oh my. So many deserted houses where the water marks are clearly visible. Don't get me wrong though, many New Orleans folk are back. It'll be many years before NO gets back to a semi norm. Many families that were relocated don't have the finances nor the energy to go back. Only time will tell what's in store for good ole N'awlins.

N'awlins

Mom and I were also able to visit some friends and family during our trip to New Orleans. We stayed at Aunt Jackie & Monroe's place which has been completely redone after Hurricane Katrina and I mean COMPLETELY redone. Jackie showed us pics of the house totally gutted. It's amazing what a year, sweat and tears can do for you...oh yeah and lots of money (insurance or otherwise)! We were able to visit my Grandma Jo who is adjusting 'alright' to her new home in an assisted living home. Her house was ruined and lost in the storm. Then we visited my sweet Mama Coroy and Judy who were able to share hugs, kisses and stories. And then we saw my godparents Bubby & Suzy who always give the best hugs. Enjoy the pics!

Brad and Brandy sitting in a tree...K-I-S-S-I-N-G

Here are some pics of my trip to New Orleans. My best friend Brandy got married to a very nice Brad Lemoine. She looked absolutely beautiful. And her children, Kayla and Brad Jr, are adorable. I was able to see some old friends at the wedding. After 15 years my sweet friend Jaime were able to pick right up with each other and I met her husband Michael. I had a great time!

Cuccioli

My sweet Sicilian puppies....well not mine, but Enrico's and Valeria's

Baci dal cucciolo

Bianca

Awww. He likes me!

Amore dei fratelli

SICILY PICS

Il mio vacanza piccola in Sicilia a Isola delle Femmine. Grazie Enri per l'invito e la tua ospitalita'!

Isola delle Femmine

Pedalo

Piedi nella sabbia siciliana

Tragetto a Calabria da Sicilia

Torta siciliana..mmmm

SiCiLiA

Palermo here I come..well actually Isola delle Femine! I'm going to go visit my friend Enrico in Sicily. Beach, sun, fun, sicilians, and piccante!!! Can't wait to post pictures when I come back!

The summer is wrapping up quickly it seems. So many things coming up. Vance's birthday is next Monday..turning 31. My last day at working at the university is the 31st of August. Vance is travelling to Egypt, Libya, and Romania in the near future and I'm heading to the US for a month.

Buon Ferr'Agosto!!! A dopo. Ci sentiamo quando ritorno da sicilia!

Ferragosto

This weekend started the official vacation time for many Italians. Ferragosto! I've pretty much been on vacation all summer, besides the 20 hours a week that I work. I spend the rest of my days volunteering at the beach...or going to the beach...or talking about going to the beach. HAHAHA! I haven't brought my camera with me too oftern, but here are some pics that I like of my friends and I.

Vance has been working his ass off since he has to travel a bit this month for work and deadlines are approaching for him so unfortunately for him, he can't enjoy the summer sun. We try to go on the weekends. The rain has been cooling us off a bit, so we have to work around that.

My flight is booked to go to the US. I'm driving from Houston to New Orleans for a wedding and a quick family visit. I'm very interested in seeing it post Katrina. One of my best friends Brandy, whom I've known since third grade, is getting married. I'll see a bunch of childhood friends...very excited about that. Of course a visit to see Grandma Burgard, my dad, godparents and aunts/uncles is priority!

I'm hoping to spend a few days in Dallas to see some friends. And then the rest of the month will be spent working and spending time with my family and friends. I'll probably need another vacation when I get back home to Rome.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.


Violeta and I in Fregene

Audra and my shared birthday party at Hard Rock Rome

Linda and I at Fontanone Roma with our choir group, The Amazing Grace Gospel Choir

Yawa, Greg and I before choir practice

Happy August!!!

Wow! So many things, not too much...such is life. Rome is hot! Yeah, yeah, heat wave in the US. Try it without air conditioning! Holy Shit! I'm sitting on the divano, attempting to type, but I feel like all hydration is being sucked out of me. Fun times, let me tell you.

After all the excitement of the World Cup, I got to celebrate my birthday a couple of times thanks to Yawa and Audra. Another year. What a great year though. Rome has been good to me. I started part-time work at the university for summer only. They kick me to the curb September 1. Can't complain, I'm ready for bigger and better things. I've also started volunteering at the beach. I'm the first aid chic! Tons of fun. I love old people! So there goes my week now. I may not make the big bucks, but I feel that I am serving a purpose and helping people. That's what matters!

Friends. July has been a month of friendship. Many of my friends have settled back in the US. One in particular has gone to Ghana. Yawa, I miss you girl. Yawa is an amazing lady. She just radiates positive energy. I think we have taught each other many things. She's given me such love and also new friendships that I plan to cherish forever. I'll miss singing with her. Of course now we are planning how to either get her back in Rome or us to Ghana..for a visit. Vediamo.

I'll be taking a little vacation mid month as most Italians do. This time I am going to Calabria. Fun fun in the sun. Like I need more sun damage. But I love being tan. Being tan puts you on the next level of hotness. And I'm damn hot! Pics to come! I'm needing more time with photoshop! Haha just kidding. We have 3 computers at home and I can't remember where I put all my pics. Later guys.

So have a great first of August. Lots of love!

Campioni del Mondo 2006

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!! FORZA ITALIA!!!

Fratelli Italia! Amazing! Incredible!

Great game for Italy as they defeated France in the penalty showdown yesterday! It was a tense and nailbiting game up until the end. Materazzi, Cannavaro, Buffon, Piro and many others did a spectacular job.

The streets were wild and crazy as Romans and Italians and everyone else celebrated their team's victory! I joined many in the prancing, jumping and singing in the fountain alongside Piazza Venezia's monument Victorio Emanuele. Only this night were the celebrations allowed to go wild and free as the police were just onlookers. Any other day, one would be arrested! Even a lonely bus was overtaken and climbed upon! Statues donned Italian flags, walls were randomly painted with "Campioni del Mondo", signs and flags waving in the air and fireworks were shot off. The national anthem being sung by patriotic voices! Other than the occasional song calling the French bastards and one of their mama's is a putana, the celebration was all in good fun!

An amazing night after an amazing game. I am very honored to have been apart of this special night for Italy. Grazie Italia!!! FORZA ITALIA!!!!!! SIIIIIIII!!!!!

GGGGOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!

ITALIA vs GERMANIA! 2-0

WE KICKED THEIR ASSES!!!! Everyone from the Black Eyed Peas to the World Wildlife Fund were calling on Italy to beat Germany.

Vance, Stu, Marcy, Yawa and myself went to the Abbey Theater to watch the game. Only in the touristy area of Rome can you find a pub that has more english speaking waiters that don't speak italian! Ha! Too funny!

Our sweet Italians played wonderfully! Only in overtime did they show Germany who's boss, dominating the field and securing the win with 2 goals.

The roman streets were full of routy shouts and song! Flags hung out of most car windows and held by motorcycle passengers. It was an original site. Piazza del Popolo was filled with a swarm of people. I look forward to watching the final game on the 9th! It'll be a gong show! I'm so glad that I am in Rome to experience it all!

Thanks Reuters for the pics.

GOAL!!!!

ITALY vs AUSTRALIA... ITALY HA VINTO!!!!!

What a kick ass game that was! Did ya see it? Probably not, huh! Totti, the Rome Captain, got the winning goal with a penalty kick in the last minute of the overtime! Holy Shit! Vance, Marcy, Stu, Chris and I met up with Allessandro at a pub full of Italian fans! So much enthusiam and spirit! So of course we won! The pub is also a lucky one according for Alessandro! Rome was a very patriotic place after the game! Our whole neighborhood is covered with italian flags. Here's a few pics of all the fun (Thanks AP).

Tanto Tempo Libero

What to do with all the free time! Have a slumber party and movie spree!

'Thank you' to my sweet girls Yawa & Britni for helping me finish up the spicy corn and shrimp boil! Next time I will stock up on more gelato or you can bring your own! You guys have the craving just as bad as my mom did when she was here...Holy!!!! Thanks also to Paul Walker and Colin Farell who kept our eyes peeled until the wee hours of the morning! There is nothing like hot abs, 'davids' and those eyes!!! Of course all this silliness is possible because Vance is out of town! Vance, do know that you are missed! The house is so quiet in so many ways!

So there are books to read, beaches to visit when the cool front passes, movies to watch, aperitivi to have and friends to visit. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Arrivederci Mama!!!

2 weeks have flow by! Mom flew back to Houston on Thursday past. She and I had a blast. There is something about having your mama near you! We had loads of fun. I loved/hated seeing her go! You know how that is! We wrapped up her visit with a night at the opera, A Turk In Italy. Although she fell asleep in the second act, I can't blame her too much as it was almost midnight! She was wide awake as we scrambled to catch buses home in the rain!

Although she has gone, I have so much of her love and leftovers! Maybe she thinks I can't cook! I had to invite my friends ove rto finish up the shrimp boil that she prepared. Thanks Mica and Mom for all the Zataran and Tony's spices!

Everyone loved Mama Shay! Tim, the director of my choir, says that she has such an aura around her! Rome will miss her! It's always nice to have a opportunity to show her off! I'm so proud of her! Look at her! She's a hottie!!!

Anyone have any uncles, male friends of family, age 45-60, in the Houston area that would be interested in taking her out on the town, please let me know! I'm just trying to help a mama out!

Arrivederci Mom! Hopefully Vance and I can get you back here again! Love ya!