On my own....a Firenze

I am now back in Firenze. It was hard leaving Elena and Piffi, very hard. Elena gave me a note with some money, saying thanks on how much I helped her. I almost started to cry in front of her but I saved that for when I walked around the property, Camporsevoli. Piffi drove me to the Chiusi station on the way(as usual) he told me stories. I thanked him whole-heartedly for the wine, (huge amounts of his wine)his stories, and his kindness.

"I have no words." He said with a great big smile. "All I'm going to say is come back soon and you are always welcome."

Ok, I am tearing up here.

When I was playing with Maria the first days I got back to the country, she likes to play this telephone game, she is always talking to either my mom or Addy. This time she handed the phone to me, I asked:

"Who is it?"
"Tua Mama."
"What is she saying?"
"Non vuole andare a Chicago."
"She doesn't want me to come back to Chicago? I have to stay with you forever?"
"Si!" She said with a smile.

And a few days before I left she was talking to my mom once again on her pretend phone:

"Puoi tornare a Chicago."
"My mom said I can come home?"
"Si." she said with a sad face.

I almost lost it right there. To change subjects of crying I grabbed the little monkey and kissed her all over, just how my Mom kisses me.

It doesn't seem like I'm leaving yet....it will hit me fast.

Last night everyone of my friends asked me about my departure. I said:

"I'm not discussing it."

a presto

Italy and me

I have been constantly thinking about family these past few weeks. It makes me me wonder why I keep leaving them.

Italy has made me who I am today, has made me conquer feats I never thought of achieving. A place where I meet people all over the world, old and new, come in and out of my life while I am living here. I find that even if you get annoyed with your parents, family, you will inevitably end up wanting to come home with open arms.

It makes me sad to say that I have chosen a departure date. I know I have many expats here that I still haven't met, I hope to be in touch. These past few posts probably have given you a feeling that I have been wanting to go home. But on the other hand, I have done more than I thought I would being here. I shouldn't be feeling sad about leaving....all I am upset about is my Italian. That is the one thing that I feel I can strive better at. I'm such a perfectionist. So this is going to be long process.

Last night was Coast2Coast at Joshua Tree, it was a blast. I felt comfortable in my surrounding of Italians, friends, and random drunk people. I looked around this bar and looked at my Beer stein full of Wiekse Witte beer, and thought to myself, wow....drinking is getting soooo boring. It is fun to be around friends in a bar atmosphere, but looking at my 5th beer, not being drunk, I was content with the fact that I can not do this much longer.

Another common theme throughout my friends are they all want some sort of transition. Paolo has never thought about taking another job away from the Joshua Tree, and when he was offered a few nights ago to work in the States, he was thinking deeply about it. Antonio wants to travel before he is to old to experience it. Simo wants to travel as well but is afraid he is too old now, being 33. RIGHT!!! Davide believes he can't do anything or try anything new because he is 31, I do not like his attitude.

Then there are my friends working their asses off for a purpose. Carlos is providing for his family and saving for a fantabulous hotel or B&B in Brazil. I admire him that he can work with such heart and drive. Raul made his wife move here with him so he can work on his music career. He works his ass off to make ends meet with his wife.

All these factors I take in account that I am actually quite lucky to be here and be able to be 26 and be in Italia. Not having to work hardcore, not paying rent, not in a job I hate...(ok well I'm almost done), I am lucky!! I have the capabilities to achieve many things.

Today I am going to hang out at Michael Collins, hang out with friends, maybe even speak some italian....hahaha....ok

a presto

Many Blessings

My friend Joan (above) has arrived in Firenze, this time while I am here as well. Italia is how we connected originally back in 2002. It is great to have her here and show her all the places that connect us.
Yesterday I have Maria all to myself for the afternoon. She is so cute and sweet....my buddy. I am trying desperately to add these videos I took but it is taking so long on Youtube.....I will let you know when I get them up on the Blog.

I have been taking everything in stride this week. Today I took the bike to mended because the brakes were failing. I think went to my favorite tabacchi shop on the Arno, where I always buy my bus tickets and stamps for the states. I walked in and saw a man I have never seen in the shop but I started my request anyways:

"Posso comprare un multi-plo biglietto per l'autobus, e anche cinque francobolli per mandare Stati Uniti?"

"Perfetto Italiana!!" lui detto. I was very happy.

I said in a way I was comfortable and it was natural. WHOO HOOO!!!

"It's all coming back, it's all coming back to me nooowwww...." sorry to break out in Meatloaf.

I am currently in the avanzata classe in Giorgia La Pira. Don't know how but I am....I am learning more and more everyday and I hope to keep it going once I return.

I am blessed to have been involved with such a great family. Everyone let me know of the terror and horror stories that can be had in this type of experience but alas I have totally lucked out.

I know I have sad ill things of the aforementioned family, but that comes with the job. Not that these things are true, but it is a JOB. You can't like everything about any job.

I think knowing I have more contacts here makes me even more excited about coming back. Whenever that may be....this is what is great about life, you can be in one part of world one second and the other back home in your OWN BED! I am going to leave this post with a great quote, one(becuz I have so many) of my favorites...

The way you activate the seeds of your creation is by making choices about the results you want to create. When you make a choice, you mobilize vast human energies and resources which otherwise go untapped. All too often people fail to focus their choices upon results, and therefore their choices are ineffective. If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise.
--Robert Fritz

The Hotness continues...

I am lucky to have the pool of Elena and Pifi at my beck and call. Alas even when I am in the pool these days it is like bath water. So not as refreshing as I hoped. But still I wouldn't give that option away for a second.

These days it seems people have been on edge, perhaps because of the heat. I found out yesterday that Franco, the backbone of Lorenzaccio, passed away on Friday. He had advanced throat cancer and refused to get it treated whatsoever, he just wanted to live. I never got to know him fully but I would always give him a 'Ciao, or Grazie' when I was there. I felt the sadness falling around me when I went over to greet my friends. Guiseppe was by far the saddest of them all.

"Katie, I really miss Franco."

I was so sad.

I went to see my friend Michelangelo he gave me the best smiles. But I knew he was crying inside. He kept saying 'thank you' but I felt I was not of any help. I just stood by him for about 10 minutes in silence, looking onto to his tan face and he kept on smiling. Just as long as he knew I was there, made me feel I somewhat helped.

Above is my friend Michelangelo....that is my favorite picture of us, on my birthday.

I find that the more I stay here the more and more I am embedded in this citta. Among my friends, expats, the family, and Americans there is no way you can keep me away from this place.

a presto

Enjoying the Moment

This weekend we bid farewell to our friend Lauren who went back to Texas for a few months. She will be returning in and around August to start school again. Although it was a rather emotional ride of a weekend, I was able to enjoy it with friends.

On Friday I headed to Venezia for the Heineken Jammin' Festival to see Pearl Jam, The Killers...and many more. On my way there I am looking out the train window and I see storm clouds all around me. Thankfully I packed an umbrella but as I arrived there I can see it was a pretty bad storm that ripped thru Mestre. Alessio, mio amico, calls me and says the concert is "beep"!! I'm like WHAT?!?!?!

I arrive at the concert site, Parco San Giovanni, and I see tons of people soaked to the bone, and being escorted out of the park. I wait for about 45 minutes until Ale arrives. We were so upset...Che palle!

We ended up walking to Venezia from Mestre which was not very long becuz of a nice man that let us hitch a ride to the Island. The roads were closed in and out of Venezia because of fallen trees from the storm. We walked until we found the ristorante of choice. It was a crappy situation in which I keep my head up and enjoyed the company of Ale. We talked and laughed and had a grand time out of a crappy one. It was something I wish I could do always. We had a nice dinner and then headed back to catch a rather cramped bus. Thankfully we were the first stop to reach the car. I slept on and off until we arrived in Firenze alle 1.30. I crashed. I slept until 11 the next morning and was very sleepy the rest of the day. I then headed to the river to lay out for a bit. It was divine. I knew it was just a matter of time until I realize I will be home again. The thought of staying here is constantly going thru my head, however it is hard to get myself to be like....YES katie you are staying for x amount of time more. On my own. Key word there.

The thought of being a permanent fixture here, scares me. A person that breezes in and out, yes, I can't stay here forever.

I love the people, my friends, both new and old, they give me tons of reasons to stay and then reasons to leave. I am a person that likes change. Even though a few years before I remember saying how I can't stand when things change. I seem to have a spirit that yes, I enjoy my place here but I constantly want something to inspire me in a different direction. Now that is not just in Italy, I find I am this way at home as well.

I really need to make money. I need to start my career (whatever it may be) and set forth to a life of being in Chicago most of the year and Florence. This is my passion. If I can make it work then damn I need to get on this. I know I have the potential to achieve this goal. All I got to do is believe and such things will happen. I need to keep faith in the choices I make. Nothing is forever. I am not failing if I leave here. I need to drill that into my head.

I am determined to enjoy each and every moment I have here. With friends, family, and Firenze. Firenze has brought me so much joy thru my 20s. I want it to keep bringing my joy onward thru my 30s as well. Let's start the process...

The Importance of Greeting

I have found having a group of guys as my friends my entire life, in every stage of my life has impacted me very much. Let me explain...

My boys from high school were always asking me questions about how to ask out so and so for the homecoming dance, where to take their soon to be gf for dinner, and what kind of present should I get her for her bday/christmas. I always gave them honest answers and helpful advice in going forth to pursue such a catch. On the other hand Katie has rarely been taken out on a proper date in her young life. So the advice I was given was just on what I think should happen.

Fast forward to my guy friends in College. They were more like drinking buddies, we never really talked about each other's love life, if any. Alas my senior year I had a group of guys(whom I'll never forget) that were the greatest. They were, Lucas, Johnny, Beej, and Kugs. They always wanted me around when the MN wild hockey team was playing cuz apparently I was 'good luck'. I loved just going to their place in the New village and just being there. We never had or would talk constantly, I would just sit and talk about the game or about the upcoming weekend. The only time I felt like I was giving advice was when my friend Lucas(who was very conscious about his looks when venturing to Winona Bars) asked me which shirt he should wear when we go out. I'm like, "well sweetie, all look pretty good." Then he asked me what pants will go with the shirt he picked out, "that looks fine." I said feeling as though I was talking with a gf. Anyways, my point is, I rarely have an issue with my guy friends are in tow. They understand me and I understand them. No worries, no feelings are ever hurt, they are just there and comfortable to be around.

And NOW the present, My italian friends are bit the same and a bit different. My boys are older, remains to be seen, but they are. Because they are older, I think they need more attention as if they were the runt in a puppy litter. As I am a believer that all men want/need attention from women, however I do believe as they get older they are lacking that specific attention that they want. Meaning they want to feel attractive, funny, charming, kind, and most of all... available. Alas, I know all this, I still refuse to treat them with as much attention as they seem to want. Why? Well, of course my friends are attractive Italian, Brazilian, and Mexican men, I am still in the stage in my life/mindset that I feel that they don't need it. Of course I let my boys know when I like that shirt or a new haircut, e poi basta.

I guess to get back to the point of my post, The Importance of Greeting. Anyone, I believe likes to be greeted when arriving at any location. For my friends, I lack in greeting them when I arrive at the Ristorante in which they are working. These days they have working very hard and are very tired and crabby when I see them there. So in other words, even though they seem crabby and not happy, why not shoot them a smile and a 'Buona Giornata'. That is all they want. Just to be noticed and maybe for one second your smile can cheer up the rest of their hard-working day.

So try it, when and if you see someone(friend or not) at a store or a place of business, why not shoot them a smile and a Have a nice day'. All anyone wants to is be noticed at any stage of their day and brought back from their routine with a smiling face! It helps make the world go around. Sending SMILES to all my friends in the BLOG WORLD!!!!

:-) :-) :-) :-)
a presto

Sisterly Love

I spent the whole afternoon with Carolina and Maria. As we were watching Alice in Wonderland, this is what I saw. (Above) Then when Maria got a little fussy, Carolina moved her in this direction. (Below) Because she got 'calda'. "Mamma Mia, Maria, sono troppo calda."


Even when they are screaming their heads off because they miss their Mom or don't want to get dressed, there are times I sit back and look at how sweet they really are. Kids will be kids, people say. But when I thought about this idea of being an au pair, never did I think it was going to be hard. Yes at times, it would be hard, but whenever it is hard I take a deep breath and look at them and ask them, "Perche you are crying?" Calmly mind you. And usually they calm down, if I am calm they are calm. PERFETTO!!!

These next few days I will be going back and forth to the Grandparents which are located right down the street. I will be there from 3ish to about 7:30 every night except thursday. I will be there to put them to bed while the Grandparents go out for the night. NO worries there. That is cinch. Then Saturday we will decide(Nonna and I) when she wants me, morning or afternoon. Hopefully it will be the morning or just the afternoon. I really want my Saturday night to relax. Maybe go out to dinner with friends. Who knows? That is what I love about living here, things just come up, and we meet to eat, drink, or tutta due. I never make a week in advance plans with my friends. They just happen that day.

Anyways, I will update you all later this week.

a presto

Internet issues have been resolved

I am now online at casa di Orzalesi!! Finally! It was a simple process Guido and I had to synch. YEAH!! Anyways, here is the story so far....I spoke of the driving lessons before, well here we go.Valentina really wants me to try to get comfortable on the road, although it is a new experience for me because I am manual driver expert aka stick shift expert. I know how to drive, driving in American traffic...no problem. Driving in Italian traffic, a little different but mostly the same. I.e. huge buses coming out of nowhere, motorinos speeding past on my right side...now my left, right, left, and overall manuvering the car in and out of "lanes". And what they call lanes, is the Viale or Via or THE ENTIRE ROAD!!! Yea there are no such thing as lanes unless you are on the autostrada. But in the Viale on which I will drive to and from the school isn't too bad to manuver and sure I stalled a few times in traffic because I am not like I said before a manual driver expert. One challenge at a time....please. I know I will do my best when asked to. I will put forth the effort to chaffuer her children to and from school. All my best. That is all I can give. I hate to not please someone when asked to perform a duty of any kind, let it be my mom,nana, dad,sister, brother, and of course my boss, which I don't think of Valentina or Guido as my boss, we are becoming more like family. She is just fabulous! Great role model! Assertive, kind, calm, and very blunt....like me....well......kind of like me.

On to scuola, it is going well, I have made a few friends here and there within school but I try to steer clear of the Americans or english speaking students, they just make me speak english and I DON'T WANT TO!!! That said, I made a friend named Leon, he is from NY, lives in Prato, and is very homosexual. He is in love with an italian. He is very sweet and constantly makes me laugh in class. Now that I found him, I am stuck with him, even though he speaks English. Class is going well, just when I think I have got the language down, there is another verb tense, imperfetto or passato prossima put together when an action is interrupted.....blah blah blah.....in other words, TODAY, I was and still am totally confused. Oh well. It is a stepping stone. I can conjugate verbs from past to present to future just great....although I still need to speak more.

Friends a plenty from Tina in Perugia, to my new Irish friend Theresa, to my fabulous Italian friends. I have become a regular at Kareoke every Sunday night with my friends at Michael Collins. I sing, we sing together, I sing,Ale e I sing together. It is soooo much fun!!! I have reunited or I guess connected with Bec, she is the aussie that is an au pair as well. I hope to meetup with her after my weekend in Perugia with Tina.

Domani e l'altro giorno!!

a presto

Met up with friends, carolina e maria are so cute!

Sunday night I went out for a walk around Firenze given I haven't the house since I arrived in Firenze. So I walked and walked and walked. It was a little misty out. Good thing I had a hood. :-) All the Christmas lights are along each street in the main center. The Christmas tree is still lit in Piazza Repubblica. I have never seen Florence like this. Everything is coming back to me now, where a certian ristorante I used to go to all the time, certain bars I try to avoid, then I ran into my favorite bar(ok not my favorite, JT) but one of mine, Michael Collins. I walked around the corner and entered the Piazza Signoria. Like breath of fresh air, Hello Firenze!!! My Favorite Piazza by far!! I walked up to the pub and who do I see sitting outside, Mike aka Pitto aka Michelangelo. He looks at me wide-eyed, Che c'e` Come va?? What are you doing here???

I came back, I said as we embraced.

Alessio was in the bar as well, looked thru the bar window and was very happy to see me too. What a great feeling, Being remembered and thankful for your return. There is something about coming back to a country, not your own, and being remembered by close friends. Mike kept saying how I brought back so many memeories and he is so glad to see me again. You couldn't ask for a better welcome.

OK, now onto my family, Carolina is 4 e Maria e 2. Both are very sweet but also have their moments. I am taking my lead from Valentina, I will be her shadow this whole month and learn the routine of the morning and the afternoon. It is a new and exciting experience. Living with a foreign family has its differences for sure. Different ways of washing clothes, dishes, cleaning. But I love trying new things and exploring myself in the process. I am capable of anything if I put my mind to it. So I am going to keep my head up and start a new with a smile on my face, just like my MOM!! Che sara, sara whatever will be, will be. No need to worry about the future yet. It is still the present. One day at a time, that is all I'm doing.

a presto