What a week!

I think last week officially sucked.
My dear friend Amy was admitted to the hospital for complications from previous cancer issues. Not only was she there but so was her father, who unfortunately lost his battle with cancer. How do you relate? I can't think of losing my dad at this point in my life nor 10 years from now. I did what I could. I was present. Whether it was just a shoulder to cry on, or provide a foot rub or spoon a little or even try to make Amy smile in the worst time of her life, I did my best.
I even managed to balance that with my mother's arthroscopic shoulder surgery. She did well. All those years of smoking didn't help her lungs when dealing with awakening from anesthesia. She got herself an extra day in the hospital.
Oh, but wait! What tops it all was the night before mom's surgery the sewage line got blocked. Apparently the earth truly shifted! Its too dry in TX. So the dry earth cracked our pipe and our plumbing was wrecked. 2 plumbers and 6 hours later we have working toliets and showers that after a bleach treatment are useable with limitations until the pipe is completely fixed. Which took over a week to complete! Ahhhh!
Of course in handling all this Imissed my salsa classes.
Do I have to say that I had a shitty week that week, literally and figuratively. :)

Despite all that there was positivity that happened. This bad situation of life, death n cancer brought friends back together and displayed how God used one woman to show a son how to reconnect with his dad. My nursing experience and knowledge eased my mom's fears of surgery. And my mean cleaning skills helped my cleanliness addict of a mother chill out the night the shit hit the fan...well maybe just the floor!! Also gaining the insight that laughter can cure a dull, sad, stressful or fearfull moment.
Well that's the way I, at least, look at the situation. We are not in control and I believe everything happens for a reason. So go with the flow but choose your path. You just never know where life will take you.

Friends new and old and the adventures that lay ahead

I was just thinking of how lucky I am to have so many friends in my life that I adore. While work is keeping my busy, I've met some amazing people there. Ivelisse, June, Theresa and Laura always bring a smile to my face each day. And for those who think I'm a nut job, you should meet Ive! That girl cracks me up! That crew has made me feel so worthy. I know I' m a great nurse and it's nice to hear it from someone else! It's nice to be wanted.

Margie, Amy, and Brandon I just wanna thank you for having an available shoulder! You guys are such a blessing. And my sweet Marcy...I know you're gonna be an fantastic mama. I can't wait til Seth enters this world and blesses us all with his smile.

Then there is my sweet Bolivian. JC has helped me out of a little corner that I've been in. Some people just touch your heart more than others and its good to have amazing friends to help you through all that. Thanks sweetie. You have such an amazing heart and wise mind. I'm sure you just let me kick your butt in the bowling alley! :) Our Friday night salsa evenings are something that I always look forward to. And its nice to see some football (soccer) being played on Texas turf. Although it is weird to hear English being yelled instead of Italian.

Of course one of my latest adventures has been salsa. Level 3 definitely proved to be challenging and so much fun. I still have so much to learn. Hector, Eric, Eddie and Antonio have been amazing dance partners.


And then there is the next adventure. Probably one of the largest...California. Its going to happen. By the second week of November I'm finally gonna fulfill a dream that I've been wanting since I became a RN. Keep me in your prayers. I'm heading out there with my lil girls and a couple suitcases. I think I'll come back to Houston, but my mind is open for whatever God has in store.

It's all a matter of time, right? I can't believe we're already in October! So much has happened and so much is planned. I can't wait to see what He has planned for me.

S*A*L*S*A

Pablo & I

Willy, me & Andy

I'm a salsa princess. To be queen would be stretching it! I've been social dancing every opportunity that I have and its paid off. I've moved up to Level 3 Upper Intermediate/Advanced Salsa class!! Yippeee!!! I'm so happy and so proud of myself.

Luis and I

Elias n I...ohhhh yummy

I've had lots of compliments and comments that have continued to put a smile on my face. "You're a white girl and you can dance like this! Woah!", "You're intelligent, beautiful, strong minded, speak Italian and can move your hips....HOT!" and the frequent "Wanna dance" always makes me smile. My friend Marc even asked if I'd be his dance partner for his private lessons. I'm thinkg 'Really!!!... Awesome!!!' I've found my love of dance in salsa dancing. Of course there is also bacchata and merengue dancing. I just love it. I'm not scared to get sweating and spinny! ;)

N'awlins

It's amazing what all can happen in one weekend.

Plane ride-southwest cheap!!!
Rain- what's new
Applebees- it's the few restaurants open after 9pm in metairie.
5K run-first one...very proud of my 37 minute finish.
Port a Call- best burgers
Neptune's Monsoon...tipsy- Dad's fault
Great conversations via IM
Naps
Bradley Spieler, my first boyfriend, and his amazing lady Natasha
More Rough Rider reunion with Michael, Jay (kindergarten crush), Jerome & Gassan.
New friends
Beads
Strippers
Boobs
Lapdance...thanks Gassan
More Boobs but for beads
Balcony on Bourbon
Dancing ole school
French Quarter
Maspero's sandwiches
Jackson Square
Jackson Brewery
Riverwalk
'I betcha I know where ya got dem shoes??
Family- Thanks Dad & Baba for letting me hang out with ya
Memories



God, sometimes I really miss New Orleans. Such a unique place. It truly reminds me in some parts of living in Europe.

Thanks Michael for telling me about the party. Thank you Brad for throwing a great party!

Rockin it!

I love life. Sometimes it sucks, but most days I feel like this....

Happy Times

First, I have to say Happy Birthday to one of my best friends Brandon! Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to give you your special present! In the meantime, I hope virtual hugs n kisses will suffice!

Happy news to share...Got my car back! Yeah, that's a story! How can a police officer file a report for a ticket and not be flagged that the car was reported stolen! Goobers. Regardless, angels were looking out for me and 'Sophie' is back in my care. She's getting such sweet treatment from me. Rain has postponed a carwash though. What I find funny is that I started considering my 'new' car and 2 of those options are haunting me! I swear I see them everywhere now. It's like they are begging to me to trade 'Cash for Clunkers'! Never! I'll keep Sophie until she dies! I love my car!

Also, I'm back into the dating scene. Nice prospects...we'll see what develops. I'm kinda hesitant since I'm going to Californina in November. But I dont like to let opportunities slip by so I'm giving it a go and keeping everything out in the open!

Casey came for a visit to Houston. He had his high school 10 year reunion. It was so great seeing him and his wife Denyse. We have so much fun when the fam is together! It would've been nice to spend more time with him, but he had to tag along to visit his other family.

Work is going well. I'm working pre-op at St Luke's in Sugar Land. I like it but the hours are crazy early. Its making my nights out kinda tough. But I can do it. There is always time for a nap! I'm doing the best to keep myself busy and active. Working out, salsa dancing and jogging. I'm loving life right now which is fantastic. Now if I could only get my friends' and my schedules on the same track that would be even better.

Warning: Stron Adult Language below

I wonder if the world just wants to crash around me. Things go great and then falter, then good again and then bam! I get shit on! I really don't enjoy this particular roller coaster ride. The worst of the worst thus far happened last night when I was enjoying a wonderful production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night when my car was stolen in the parking lot. Assholes!

Really!

These are the moments when I wonder what in the hell have I done to deserve this karma!

Ugh! I'll be better in a few days when I see things with less anger and annoyance. Pray for me!

Happy 30th!!!

The big 3-0! It's been a blast. I decided prior to my trip to Rome that I had to do something big for my birthday. Margie, Misty and Amy joined me in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to celebrate!

The beaches, the sand, the air, the music. Just spectacular. It was by far the best birthday!

The pics speak louder than my words.








The big 3-0! It's been a blast. I decided prior to my trip to Rome that I had to do something big for my birthday. Margie, Misty and Amy joined me in Punta Cana Dominican Republic to celebrate!

The beaches, the sand, the music. Just spectacular. It was by far the best birthday!

The pics speak louder than my words.

Celebrate

I'm celebrating life! I'm so happy to be surrounded by new and old friends in a city that has brought me so much joy. I'm so blessed.
I need to figure how to make a slideshow of my pics, but these are a couple of pics that I took yesterday.
Just so happy.

Stirring up emotions

I've been asked tons of times since my return to Rome, how does it feel to be back? Of course this is a loaded question. I've kinda touched upon it in my earlier blog this month. Really its been amazing.

Being in Rome has made me feel at peace in its chaos. Rome is such a special place for me I cant not help but think of people who I'd love to share it with. Seeing Vance again has been easy and uncomplicated. And I'm grateful for his hospitality. I guess that just goes to show how much we've both moved on but also how good of a friendship we have. My hot salsa dancer and his Brazilian interests have helped too. And I must say, I think its awesome if you can stay friends with your exes and it says a lot about you too. Spending time with dear friends from choir and the university makes me miss not being near them anymore but respect the relationship and see how strong those ties are between us. Don't you love it when time has passed but when you get together with your friends it feels like no time has passed at all?

My past few weeks have stirred up so many emotions; joy, calmness, serenity, sadness, desire, yearning, loneliness, love, liberation, aggravation, freedom and giddiness. I'm somewhat surprised at the recipient of those feelings whether it be to the city, things I've seen or visited, people or even to myself. My mind has been going and going and dreams have been crazy from what I remember. Its like in meditation, you acknowledge it but then you let it go, focusing only on the present moment of calmness of the breath.

Overall, I'm in such a good place in my life even with all my uncertainty as to the next adventure/step. I look forward to the next week in Rome as well as the unknown future ahead, but I focus on the now and today of reconnecting with friends. I'm thankful for my friends here in Rome and in Italy who've made this trip an amazing one. Baci ed abbracci a voi!

Mezzi romani

Many know and understand the frustrations of Roman public transportation (mezzi) as well as its benefits. I lived 5 years of it!! I never had my own car to get me where I wanted when I wanted. And where I lived, I often had to rely on night (after midnight) buses if I wanted to do anything with friends after dinner. I'm so grateful that I could even have that. Hell in Houston, enjoying wine is out of the question as I have to drive everywhere to get anywhere fun or exciting. So I really miss having public transportation as an option. That's another blog for a later date. Roman transportation.

Today I took all options-tram, train, metro/subway, and bus. Like I said..benefits- tons of options and frustrations-tons of options for a 35 minute trip. :) Overall experience-nice, smelly, surprising efficient. Really, don't you love summer and i mezzi? Come on, that smell is something that is quite unforgettable. I learned in nursing school to spray your shoulders/sleeves so when a bad smell hits you, you recover by sniffing your shoulder or just bury your face there. Who cares if people of the bus think you've failed at an inconspicuous pit check! I'm telling you, that shit works and will save you from gagging from the rechid smell!!

And of course, night buses tend to hold the fair share of characters, but its the dirty guys, and I mean sexually harrassing ones, that top the list! I've had the multiple bum rubs with the extra appendage, ass grabs, boob 'i'm just trying to hold on the bar' swipes, and even had my back pack, that was more next to me than on my lap, humped. Although that book bag occasion happened in my early days in Rome and it took a bit to realize that the bus wasn't swaying/rocking THAT much and telling him off in Italian wasn't possible so the get up and switch seats was the option I took then.

My night bus experience this evening wasn't horrid as some of my previous experiences, but influenced me to write this blog. Tonight was the staring drunk. And I'm not talking from the other side of the bus or the chair across from you. No! The drunk, who although you are sitting and there's tons of space around you, they lean up on the pole that is connected to your seat and stare down at you or at your window reflection. I never looked up completely as to not make any eye contact but focusing on the reflection in the window, I realized my guy was a very masculine woman. Lovely! So I knew I wasn't gonna get the cock rub but damn the slimy grin and blatent staring that I could see through my peripheral vision was so annoying. I mentioned that there was free chairs and she just shook her head no. Then I just got up and moved, but that damn grin and stare continued. Ugh!!!! You cant do anything with drunks so I didnt really want to waste my energy.

I was able to get to where I was staying without any cost that evening and am so happy that I had that option. The timing was great as I never waited longer than 5 minutes at all today with my public transportation. So for italian transport thats amazing in itself. And all the sites you see through windows and people watching opportunities is so great. Really, with the bad, theres lots of good but I wont push it to say the good outweighs the bad cuz more often than not, they dont.

Dont you want rush out and use public transportation!!! Come on, you know you wanna!

Freaks come out day and night

--I apologize ahead of this blog but it is too crazy not to write about. For those who feel uncomfortable with sensitive subjects, please skip over this one.---



I know that there are freaks surrounding us all. I've met several of them! I may even be one at times but I've had my share of them the past week.

First is my religious freak...oh she's a lovely lady. I know, I know, just because she refuses to answer her house or cell phones on a Sunday doesn't make her one. But really, does she have to put religious icons everywhere. And then to put them next to the teddy bears and chair shaped lamps is what boggles my mind!

Returning to Formia, I knew that we would have to deal with the voyeur across the street. Last year it was more of a shock and this year its just annoying. We've named him 'Jerker Offer'. It was funny at the time. Maybe you just had to be there. And yeah, that's what he does. The funny thing was how we were warned about him. 'Oh he likes to watch, so just ignore him if you can!' When we hang out our beach towels and in our peripheral vision some movement is noticed in the bushes across the street. Then when you actually raise your eyes a few minutes later, he's in plain site usually with Mr Willy in hand! Really! What does his wife say! I think I heard her in her strong southern dialect tell him off one day. But it didn't have any effect on him, because the bushes were rustling the next day. We're learned to ignore him for the most part and it seems that he appears to us less this year than last. Our blinders are better placed I guess this year.

Oh, to top things off the last of our freaks this week really did us in. Lisa and I were laughing so hard that both of us had tears in our eyes. Ok, it felt great to laugh that hard, but the circumstances we could have done without. Such a joyous boisterous personality this man has. Someone who reminds you of the crazy uncle you have in the family. So much energy even when describing the plants in his garden. So imagine, 2 young ladies, reading in the late afternoon basking in the sunlight. Approaches the enthusiastic man, first words are along the lines of ' I have a question for you, but I am ashamed to ask, but ok ok ok ok.' He proceeds to tell us that he would like to know the meaning of some english words but he's ashamed to say are bad. Ok, so we're prepared for the basics. We've all done it when learning a new language. Hey I definitely knew vaffacullo before entering the airspace!
He holds in his hand a small piece of paper with the 'forbidden words'. But we weren't expecting those!!! The list of 3 words.....prepare yourself....hubby...cum....cunt. WTF!!! Really. Our crazy uncle just became the crazy freak. Really where did he find those words together? After a wide eyed look to Lisa and her at me and so many thoughts as to how to answer him. And we want to answer him somehow because we still have this idea of who he is in our heads and its not who is presenting himself. He frequently asks us about english phrases so this is just the extreme, right?!? He quickly explained that he figured out the last word. Thank goodness, that wasn't one I wanted to explain. Lisa and I both had our own thoughts for the second...jizz he would never understand. Hahaha! So the nurse in me after an awkward minute said 'ejaculation'.
Oh dear lord, what is happening to this world! All the good guys are really bad! Freaks are everywhere! We also inform him that hubby isn't a bad word. He admits that he's reading a few websites to learn more 'real' slang english! Yeah, and I'm pretty sure the pictures on 'those' websites offer enough information for him to figure out the worst of his vocabulary list! Seriously!!! Ugh. So as Lisa and I laughed mutely as best as possible and tears overflowed our eyes, we decided its a great idea to make ourselves scarce over this last week.

Random thing though, just before we were commenting on the sickness of Jerker Offer and how he should just go inside and search the net and be weird in his house and not in view for the 2 story house across the street. And then arrives one who is obviously doing just that and now its known to us anyway!!!

AAHHHH!!! Seriously? Seriously!

And one thing is for certain. We are NOT returning next year!! The English camp will have to find 2 other maestre!

Surprising myself

Being back in Rome has been an amazing experience. Its like coming home. Everything fits right into place. I also realize that its not the place I want to be in the long term. I do find myself missing Houston where I work and spend time with special friends. Friends has really what this trip to Italy has been for me. My friends, like Romy, Klaus, Amy, Audra, Dani, Heather, Violetta, Brian, Hanna, Tim, Greg and Lisa. They have been there for me at my worst when my heart was torn and bleeding and when I shared my happiest moments. My friends are what makes Rome feel like home. But the city itself has its own way for me too. I have some of the same in Houston, but its the city that doesn't seem to fit me quite yet. Maybe its because I really haven't given it a chance, but part of me doesn't want to and that is a bit saddening.

I'm trying to experience as much as I can while I can. I can thank Alessandro for the fantastic motorcycle rides through Rome. That is a new one for me and I'm quite grateful. I really do surprise myself sometimes. Its all good!

I'm currently in Formia now, its south of Rome between Gaeta and Naples. I'm teaching at the English Camp that I did last year as well along with Lisa. We've spent everyday at the beach after work. Well everyday except yesterday and today when the rains came. Really! What the hell!!

Oh, happy late father's day to all my daddy friends.

Have a great week. Ciao da Formia!

Torno a Roma

What a joyous occasion! I'm back in Rome visiting friends and will be teaching English to Italian kids. It's so wonderful to be back. I even had to do the happy dance around the apartment. Everything is familiar and comfortable just like home is. Unfortunately, this is a home that I only want to visit, not stay. I could never live the life I want here. Everything else about is perfect though!

Rome is truly a small place too. I coordinated my time yesterday to meet up with Heather, Brian and Daniella. A mall trip and dinner later, I was joined by Romy, Klaus and Marita, a handsome professor (Bjorn!) and spotted by Amy, Amin, Genna and KC. Intentions to meet again were made and updates were given for others that are still around. (The young American students are leaving Rome!) The economy is bad enough in Italy for the Italians, if Americans think its highly possible to find work here, they are sadly mistaken.

As I wandered the streets after coming home by the night bus, I couldn't help but smile and reminisce. Oh the ever missed Euro smell, the cobblestones, the italians waiting for the late night warm cornetto with nutella, the open piazzas full of activity and the silly barbone on the block! ;) I've missed this place.

I'm preparing a photo montage of 'le cose mi mancano', the things I miss. So far, it's been pics of my meals. I'll get my friends if I could only our conversations long enough to remember to get out the camera! I'll try harder.

Loving my Misty

She and Tom take good care of me. We had a great night jamming and moving our hips to Grupo Fantasma and also at her house, the Cornell Lounge!!! And then I joined the family get together in Crosby. Such good food and good company. Really, is there a better way to spend the weekend?

Phoenix

I love my MC. Kind of tying posts, when you open your heart to others, often they return the love. My sweet friend Meredith invited me to come stay with her over the weekend in Phoenix. Some opportunities you just don't pass up. I hopped on a plane and was enjoying the hot sun! The mountains were gorgeous. The lake was refreshing. I was so grateful for the tan! I had a blast. I was even able to see one of my best friends Tina and her husband Carl. I always laugh so hard when we get together. Don't you love friends like that. It was hard to come back to Houston where the weather has been cool and rainy.

Open Heart

One quality of mine that I cherish is my open and loving heart. Sometimes I get hurt, but most times it's so fulfilling. Life is great!

Decisions decisions!

Make up your mind already dammit!!! I'm dying over here!

(Had to get that out!)

Crawfish!!!

I'm so happy to have had crawfish 2 weekends in a row!!! Thank you Corey & Jen, and Vance, Chris & Marcy!!! So good!! It's interesting to see people's reactions to the complete process of crawfish. Many just enjoy the finished product. "Yes, all the work for that little piece of meat." I love to see the newbies who jump right on in! Go Angeles, Sandra, Heather, n Chris! It's been a blast to experience your first experience of crawfish! You guys rock!

Sun dances aren't working

I thought I was doing well with keeping the rain away with my sun dances! But I was wrong! Damn rain! *Rain rain, go away*

Oh well. Whatcha gonna do? I'm making the best of it! The little sun that we've had I've enjoyed watching from inside the hospital! ;) Don't worry, no one is sick, I'm just working!!!

This weekend is jam packed with birthdays, friends, family and crawfish!!! Really, who could ask for anything more! **Who can ask for anything more!** ( what song/commercial did that come from??) Again with the constant songs in my head!

Ohohoh! I almost forgot! This past week I've been a salsa fiend! I've been practicing a bunch. So far so good. I'm getting it slowly but surely. My stylin is coming along, but I need more time and practice. Who wants to practice with me????? Come on!!!

Next post to come soon. Maybe I'll put in some pics!