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...

La bella vita...

Allora! L'o fatto! Thanks to my best friend Tina, I am an online blogger. So whoever wants to check of the life of Ressie...prego! If you haven't figured it out already, I live in Rome. Si, vivo a Roma. It's an amazing place. I've been living in Rome with my man, Vance, for the past year and a half. He works at an Italian company and I am going to school...again. You would think that the local hospitals would appreciate an American nurse...nope. Oh well...do whacha can and enjoy life! Buona giornata.