Three in One

Corey and Jenn threw a party for the kids since all their birthdays were within the month. I'm surprised that all the kids were so well behaved and got along! Good kids. Jenn did a great job with the food. Thanks Ines for the ribs! Corey, Devon and Phaedra loaded up on presents! The silly string fight and the pinatas were the big hit of the afternoon. The rain interrupted the big air trampoline, but the kids had fun regardless. More slipping occurred than normal. Corey is so good with the kids, chasing them around. The moms were so happy I'm sure cuz the kids probably slept all night and some.
My niece and nephews are the sweetest and cutest! Enjoy the pics!

Procrastination

Ciao tutti! I just wanted to say hi! I'm in the process of procrastinating packing. I have the motivation and energy, but I'm focusing on other things. Isn't that how it always is? I find myself looking at pics that I wanna put on my facebook and myspace. I've rediscovered a project that I promised Vance I'd do when I have extra time. Si, extra time while I procrastinate! Perfetto!

I haven't left Rome yet, but I find myself missing it already. When are they gonna get teleporting down cuz I could really use it? To continue the procrastination, I'm gonna go on my balcony and talk with my neighbor and then take a walk to stretch out my back and sunburned legs!

I really love this pic of Vance, Sherraine and I. So I put it up! No connection to this blog, just really liked it! Have a great Monday! I'm off to do everything but pack! Bacio!

Travels to Tunisia

I just returned from Tunis with Vance. I think everyone deserves business trips every once and a while. Too often would expand your waistline! I liked being able to tag along cuz I didn't have to be the domestic woman for a week- no cleaning, no cooking, no laundry, nada! Thank goodness there was a fitness room. I was able to run and rid the guilt of the banana split that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The people are generally nice , but I wouldn't bust out in conversation with just anyone though, not that inviting. Tunisia is a very liberal Muslim country. So my in sleeveless or tanks wasn't a complete shock. But regardless of how covered I was, I was stared at. Of course Vance noted this more than I. When we were out in the more resort towns and in tourist areas, I was comfortable, but mostly I felt out of place. Hammamet had a lovely beach.

We had a few channels to watch on the boob tube! I had to laugh at the movie channel we watched, when scenes were edited out so as not to insinuate that a sexual encounter happened. Now that I think about it, kissing scenes were deleted as well. Crazy!

I appreciate the travel experience, but would not but it on the top ten list of my favorite places. I'm always intrigued to learn about different cultures and religions.

I'm glad to be back in Europe! I can go back to talking to strangers and giving hugs to anyone I feel like and kissing my man in public (when he lets me)! People still stare on occasion, but I can handle Italians!

The place of the blue doors and windows! Go if you wanna, but if you're looking for beach time, I would currently recommend Sardegna or Sicily!

TOO DAMN CUTE!!

Joggin' Fool

Yea, I've taken up jogging. The weather is just too nice not too. I am the queen on indoor aerobics and workout DVDs, but there comes a time when you have to say "No, basta, vado fuori!" (Enough, I'm going outside!) Sometimes I say it in both languages simultaneously! I'm cool like that!

Right now the weather is kinda behaving, so I went for a jog with my girl Veronica. Finally, someone at my pace! Woohoo! Now on our way back to my place, the drizzle wanted to deter us from busting out into a sprint, but we didn't let it. Now our legs are wobbly and somewhat numb. Maybe we can walk later only if we never sit down. Cuz you know once you sit, standing and walking are quite the challenge.

Where ever my future takes me, there better be a nearby park! I really love Rome and it's many hills and parks and ice cream (which is why I must continue the DVDs and outside jogs!)

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