Work contracts in Italy... is Denmark the one to watch?

So i wrote about this on http://insidersabroad.com/forums/general-discussions/topics/work-contracts-in-italy-what-do-you-think so feel free to comment there ( more readers ) .. but why not put these thoughts on my little albeit lonely blog.




I was talking with my (Italian ) bf the other night about the contract system in Italy and I wanted to see everyone’s take on it? I understand that everyone wants the “coveted” contratto indeterminato or open-ended contract which is like having a tenure job, but that many people have temporary contracts or collaboration ones.



After reading articles about companies moving from Italy ( like the most recent about FIAT complaining about Italy ) to other countries and the fights between the unions and the companies, I can’t help but wonder what Italians and others think about the way the system is . Should people have a guaranteed job even if they aren’t good at it? Or is it a right people should have after working for a company after a few years, because banks won’t give loans to people if they don’t have a “guarantee” ie: open ended contract. Is this why there are so many people with temporary or precarious contracts because companies are afraid to hire more people or just watching their back.

The model I am most curious about is the Danish one . http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationwor…



“Robust unemployment compensation is a key feature of Denmark’s labor market model, studied so widely in recent years that it rivals Carlsberg beer and Lego toys among the Scandinavian nation’s most famous trademarks.



Called “flexicurity,” it combines flexibility for employers to hire and fire workers with financial security for the unemployed. And experts say it helps explain why both Danish businesses and workers are entering the global downturn in better shape than most of their Western peers.”



“Perhaps more surprisingly, the system also enjoys support from union leaders, who say a flexible labor market is needed to guarantee jobs in the future.

“Our goal in the union is not to defend people’s jobs but to make sure that their next job is available,” says Kristian Madsen, spokesman for the United Federation of Danish Workers, the country’s biggest union. “When I tell my American colleagues, they can’t really wrap their heads around that way of thinking.”“



I wonder if that could ever work in Italy or if people would even be open to a system such as in Denmark, or if we just continue to see these high profile fights and demonstrations for years to come.. In the meantime I better get back to work ;)

Expat Assholes

So I was inspired to write this post after the expatsinitaly website posted an interview by expatsexchange ( complicated enough? ) by someone who clearly did not enjoy living in Florence. Fair enough, Florence is definitely not meant for everyone, there are times I need to escape too but what struck me as unique was with how much venom this person spoke about Italians and Florentines..




Here is the link to the interview http://www.expatexchange.com/rspnet.cfm?rid=95&answerid=24941&networkid=58&start=24941#comment



And here are some of my favorite quotes:

“If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?

I tried to learn some Italian before moving to Italy. I took Italian lessons once I got here. The Italian style of teaching and speaking goes all over the place and spirals around the main idea you want to get across. My tutor taught in this same manner and I got frustrated and quit after 3 months. I learned more on my own with a dictionary and trial and error on my own. Am I anywhere near fluent.... heck no! ....but I get by now. “

Um the best part about this is that he/she actually BLAMES the “Italian style" of teaching for his own inadequacies in learning the language.. Already a bad sign if you ask me.. Everyone knows the only way you actually learn is to surround yourself in an all Italian speaking environment but hey he “gets by" so I’m sure that enough to make this “expat asshole “ speak “facts” about the place he has lived in for a few years?



Next quote

“How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?

Awful! I was basically dropped here by my employer and expected to find housing, get a bank account, health care, etc. on my own. Only when my attempts failed a few times would they find a way to send somebody to help. Nobody affiliated with my work is really interested in helping new comers much. Most foreigners are married to Italians and just worry about their own lives. When asked for help, they usually have a million excuses to not be available. These people are very friendly, but not willing to help. “

Um what? Since when is your employer required to help you with the move? My father works for immigration in the USA and has lived everywhere in the world and has arranged his own details from Guatemala to Haiti with minimum help on the way.. News flash dude, this is the new 2010.. PLUS I know from going on boards like expats in Italy, people are generally VERY helpful. I have contacted at least 4 or 5 people and took them to the questura/post office/ etc etc.



“

Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?

I had so much difficulty initially settling in that I never experienced a honeymoon phase. I have been frustrated from day one. Every day is a challenge here. Italians make things much more difficult than need be. It's almost like they intentionally do it to foreigners here in Florence. I am here almost 2 years and leaving in June. I have never gotten out of the irritation, frustration phase. “

So ok he’s been here two years. And can “get by “ with the language.. First mistake, once you fluently speak Italian you see how many of the things that frustrated you before , or much easier resolved when you can clearly get your point across ( and at the very least argue your case in Italian ) .. . Intentionally is a strong word and I am guessing he had some rough contact with Italians and probably took things/.everything personally…

“What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.

All of the above and experiencing depression like never before. Most foreigners here are married to Italians and there is no real expat atmosphere. It has been very isolating. Sure, I have my regular group of friends to go and do things with and I get out and have fun, but it is a small group and, quite honestly, this town gets stale quite quickly (unless you're a barfly). I have done quite a bit of reading since I have been here. “

Seriously? There is like 4 expat groups in Florence alone, afriendinflorence.com, YAWN, INToscana, St.james church group.. Mah? PLUS the Odeon movie theatre has many English movies, aperativos, right now there is even a film festival ( and was last year  ) , as well as food festivals, galas.. It takes two- to- tango dude.. You actually have to DO the research , which would take about 5 seconds via the internet or a trip to the information office where they have brochures of upcoming events..



And lastly but NOT the least offensive

“What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Most Florentines are not friendly and do not care for foreigners. Nothing here has to be as difficult as they actually make it. If it's not Italian, it's not as good. Italians have a lot of pride in themselves and are some of the most arrogant and racist people I have ever met. They are also the most self-centered I have ever encountered....Italy starts with I! If there is a line, one will always jump to the front and ask questions, etc. There is no consideration if there are people waiting behind them, they will take their time to get their stuff done first (b/c it's all about them :0)) Itlians are VERY loud and unaware of when they are yelling in your ear or on their phones in a contained public space (ie bus, office, etc.). There are museums, cafes, restaurants and shopping; however, after a month or two, the novelty wears off. I prefer big cities and a wide variety of entertainment options. Florence doesn't have this. “

Wow some strong statements once again which leads me to think that A. he really is an expat asshole and B. he by saying the Italians are arrogant, comes off bit arrogant himself , no?  He is basically generalizing a group of people that really are very different, and calling all Florentines out. Yes Florentines are typically closed but that’s  A. towards other Italians that aren't from Florence as well, and a pretty common trait  from anyone who hasn’t MOVED and probably has their own set group of established friends. People come and go in Florence and generally Florentines know that most foreigners will move on . You have to work hard at making friendships but to be honest, I have found that everywhere I have lived and because of that extra work put in on my part, the relationships were even stronger.



Now , I really can understand frustration , after all I posted many blog posts about experiences, good and bad  in Florence. But the difference is I try and I emphasize the word "TRY" not to make sweeping generalizations and polarize myself and the very people I am trying to live around in such a way as this. Imagine if you are a Florentine reading this article? How would you feel? Obviously there are Italians that speak English and it doesn’t bode well to read that “your people “ are all like this or like that or feel this or feel that..

I mean come on.. Have some respect, no-one knocked on your door and begged you to live there. To be honest I have found some of my countrymen/women to be the LEAST adaptable of the international countries here and people just do it to themselves by complaining about everything that is different and wrong, and not putting in the effort required to fit-in ( language, socially) .

It's ok to complain but just don’t go on and on like a broken record or people really are not going to want to be around you, especially those you are trying to befriend.. Really..



I’ve learned a lot these past 5 years on and off in Florence, had the bad times and good times but lesson number one, respect is key, communication is key ( which is why it is INTEGRAL that you learn the language of the country in which your living ) , and most likely things will be better , a whole new world opens up to you when you can effectively communicate.

And don’t compare cause its just not going to do anything for you but frustrate you..It really is ok to NOT like the place you are living in and want to move, it really iS!. But, what is NOT ok is to publicly bash an entire country and its people because of a short stint you had in the city ( talk about it with your friends ( don‘t think he has many) or in private sure  but in an interview ? I dunno.. TACT is a word that is underestimated these days..

I know some Italians that are very "proud" of all things Italian, who doesn't , but I also know that about more than a few Americans.. it goes both ways on that gravy train trust me!

so folks that is an example of an "expat asshole " in my book or "stronzo" in the italian way.. almeno le parolacce in Italiano sempre funzione bene ;)

a blog post in 40 ( 100 f ) degree heat

Its really hot..

Food overdose , guess that "career " as a top model is over lol..

Can you overdose on good food? Well you can certainly feel bloated and kick up those exercise gears up a notch!….




Food, food, and alas…more food! I feel like the past few weeks have been dominated with all that I love about Italy.. And more.. T-mans mom had the relatives over last week and what does that mean in our house? Um… try 2 days of planning, getting out the good China and hijacking our “kitchen” downstairs.. I pretty retreated to the cave like comfort of our bedroom while mamma executed the lunch layout with military like precision..



Needless to say lunch was fantastic.. Antipasto, lasagna, grilled meats and veggies and dessert… wine was flowing and eventually the lemon cello too.. Plus meeting his second cousins was a great experience, I am so grateful and happy to speak Italian well enough to actually ( finally ) show my personality and not just fall flat like many learning a second language.. One thing ive learned in Italy is to be respected you need to take (sarcasm ) and dish it out and you will be loved.. Hah that I can do!



Besides amazing lunch we hit up a sagra ( food festival ) of steak in the countryside, Sagginale to be exact.. In the middle of nowhere there was a Texas like layout of tables, grills, people and boy did we eat… a HUGE steak , first plate of pasta, fries, wine, water and dessert for 12 euros each, your NEVER going to find THAT in the center of Florence.. That about covers wine and the coperto ( cover charge ) ..

Gianna holding up a steak even texas would be proud of!

I can't help it.. i like MEAT

italy IS like texas... sort of.. well theres a horse..

with the girlies..

We also checked out the “terra futuro” at the fortezza which was interesting, possibly my fav part was the old man wrapped in toilet paper walking around an handing people toilet paper flowers… I doubt he was part of the program but alas… it made me laugh..



And the gelato festival? Don’t even get me started…



Food hangover… ensues.. Now how to fit in the clothes I got for Barcelona.. A better question..

Updates, lemon land, and "god-girl" ...

 I know ive been hopelessly not keeping up with this blog , I cant believe the last time I wrote it was February and now its mid-may, where has the time flown??? Pretty fast if you ask me! These four months have been crazy, a whirlwind of work, fun, horrible weather and did I mention work?




2010 all in all has been a great year so far, we all know theirs a recession, half the country hates obama, not to mention Berlusconi but I don’t care.. I listen to my pod casts ( planet money, frontline and BBC are faves ) and get angry, sad, thoughtful everyday,. Thank god something like that exists. I take the bus everyday to work and during that time I listen to my updated pod casts which fills me in to everything from Uganda to Tennessee.. And I have gained such a greater knowledge in all sorts of crazy stuff like hedge funds, derivatives, political system in Egypt.. Amazing.. ! T-man just looks at me as if I am crazy and laughs at my “obsessive” hobbies but I think he secretly loves it .. ( or hates it and I am just flattering myself here.. A def. option ) .. I do have an obsessive side to my personality where politics/news/social issues are concerned but personally I like to blame this anomaly on my youth and passion for uncomfortable issues.. Crikey!



So at home ..all is good. T-mans mom hasn’t killed me yet and I haven’t turned into an ironing monster tending to t-mans socks, underwear and 80’s style sweatbands.. As strange as it sounds, I’m used to living with them and when get out own house.. Imp going to miss her, maybe not the intrusive bedroom cleanup visits while we’re at work but you get what I mean.. despite the fact that I sometimes think I am an alien from a distance galaxy not to be confused with XENU ( sorry tom cruise ) to Italian women.. It works..



Work is good and always better.. I have the fun job of paying taxes both in the USA and here but I am not complaining.. its my duty and yes I partake in the social health care ( not to be likened with socialist Stalin’s regime and babies routinely picked through and thrown out that “Fauxnews” and people like Glenn beck would like you to believe ) . I get sick, I go to a doctor , I get treated , all is well in the world.. And you know what? Because of the food, I never get sick haha! Win win! But I have been to the hospital here ( minor car accident ) and I can assure you , no surgery was getting done without anesthesia or rusty medical equipment … sorry to disappoint !



I had the pleasure of going to the Amalfi coast with my friend Gianna and her new boyfriend “English Andy” ( can you guess where he’s from? ) .. It was a short trip, Thursday to Sunday but it was AMAZING.. After weeks of new England type weather I was ready to adopt Vodka as water but then came amalfi.. A less-painful than pre-thought bus ride to the coast and then a good nights sleep in a hotel room resembling the shining ( literally we dragged Andy in our room due to the bright creepy blue doors and fluorescent lighting but there was a nice balcony.. Strange.. ) we were ready for a boat trip around Capri ( AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ) , just absolutely gorgeous, the lagoons, the rocks, the expensive houses I will never set foot in.. and even the rocky beaches were ok with me because there was SUN! The 2nd day we toured Positano which was just as gorgeous although sadly we did not run into Raul Bova as presumed.. Another boat ride with some cliff-jumping ( yep… ) and lagoon swimming and another nap on the beach… the list goes on and on.. The only damper in the trip was an annoying girl who was very into her religion and of course I somehow got stuck one dinner next to her as she chatted about “god being part of her life and defining her” . Of course I was a bit of a devils advocate and mentioned xenu, Allah and the like but that didn’t go over too well.. ) , normally all for it but come on… its dinner, I want my wine and to talk about the last season of LOST, geez!



Of course “annoying god girl” as she is now called complained about EVERYTHING! , the hotel provided free breakfast and dinner and god girl was not pleased about dinner the 2nd night, after waiting for the 3 rd course ( yes I said 3rd ) she went up to the organizer and asked for a “salad” to which the organizer apologized profusely and mentioned the variety in the 4 thousand courses we served ( keep in mind the organizer asked the night before if that nights menu was ok with everyone and nothing was said in the contrary).. .god girls reply? “ I only ate potatoes “ which pretty much was the phrase of the rest of our trip… “gianna, can you pick it up a bit? “… gianna’s reply “ I only ate potatoes, give me a BREAK!”. f*** off!



If that wasn’t bad enough on the way home we were watching movies on the bus , sound quality was good and there was “4 weddings and a funeral“, No-one was complaining until “god girls” ear chords were disturbed while reciting Judith 2.3 or the like and she complained it was too loud or “piercing her ears”…. ( like my ears were when she explained her bond with herself - god and her plans to get a masters in theology at dinner nonstop ) ..so the movie was turned down. Immediately after everyone else complained the sound was too low.. So the organizer put everyone in check and said “what do you WANT people!”.. to which I spoke and mentioned I had a nice pair of ear-buds for those who wanted a quieter Zen like experience on the bus… all was good in the world until we came to the most expensive auto grill EVER! I wanted to report then to “strizia della notizia” , 16 euros for crap pasta and peas? But what can you do! All in all.. Great trip with good friends,, and god girl is a great story after all, I wish her well as a future “marriage counselor” in the temple.. Buona fortuna!

Island of Capri and a nostalgic man..

sweet baby angel took a nap on the ferry

relaxing on the rocky beach... paradiso

a fish decided to make a run for it... that can't be fun to grab! yikes!

grapes, panino... sun... um yeah they had to drag me away!

cactuse's aren't just in Arizona.. Capri as well! who knew!

in about 5 minutes.. he will be breaking out into hot pants and YMCA theme song

lunch on the sea..after "god girls" unwelcome interruption.. aghhhhh

the view from our boat... positano.. anyone want to come visit now?

So what’s next? Got Barcelona for 5 days in June and then chill summer. So far so good…



After all.. I only ate potatoes…

Random thoughts of the day..and a castle

so this weekend was very interesting, I spent a quiet Friday hanging out with Tina ( from Tinatangos ) and we enjoyed a yummy aperativo at Noir. I am getting so SICK of pasta so it was breath of fresh air to havef resh cheeses, meats, honey, veggies.. I am hungry again. She met a few of my friends and we headed over to my favorite wine bar. A dark little place called "sei divino" ( clever huh! hehe) where the people are friendly and the wine is amazing. Tina is a fun person who I was thrilled to finally meet in person... which means a trip to Perugia is in the cards!

having wine and a chat... :)

Living in Florence keeps me sane because of the access I have to meeting people from all over the world.. I tend to relate more to english speakers ( obviously ) because even though I do speak Italian ..I miss cultural idioms and humor and all of the above..Plus i have left my country and set up shop elsewhere which makes you a different person that those who have never done so.. Luckily i have the wonderful family of t-man but I really lack Italian girlfriends which one day I hope to have..  Plus Its nice when people focus on who you really are instead of the fact that your "American".. I try not to be the kind of person that says.. your english therefore..... or italians do.. I understand people generalize ( its natural and I have done as well but at least i live here as opposed to just having an opinion) but in the end I grew up in a place that was ethnically diverse ( san antonio, texas  which people may not know! ) and it does bother me when I read "Americans this.. or Americans that... " most of these people haven't lived in America or have ( in my experience ) spent that much time with "americans" so I just kind of nod and try to be nice when I hear that.... boh!

so I have to mention ( has nothing to do with anything really) .. I have been looking for the perfect pair of rainboots.. and sadly due to me wearing a 40-41 its almost impossible to find.. and I didnt want to pay an arm and a leg for boots meant to be sloshing around rainy Florence.. and guess what! I finally found my new fav pairs of "shoes"..

rainboots!

and so the castle... a friend of mine invited me and whomever I wanted to a "castle party" where you pay 20 euros and its open bar, with dolce and fruits. I thought it might be fun so I invited everyone and we ended going in 8 ( had to take the car) .. thank god for GPS.. ( even though we STILL got lost ) .. the location seemed scarily similar to that of "The Monster of Florence" and for one moment  everyone in the car was silent.. we got there (early) . i guess no one comes when it opens lol.. just us. but it a gorgeous location and the set-up seemed very nice.. There were several large rooms with buffet style tables set up with fruits, cakes, a bar, DJ, seating. and coatcheck.. so we were happy :)

a view of the castle

the red lighting is like the entrance to a horror flick

me and the "t".. should we escape or actualy ( gulp ) enter...

Us girls way too early at the event... i must remember to be late more often!

me, a bunch of hands, and some nifty painted nails

the theme was "flowers' so we got out the lipstick. poor Daniel!

giovanni enters the stage.,

dancing in a castle.. why t is wearing his jacket is a small wonder!

Nico and Madeleine having a very interested and surprising conversation.. fess up guys!

so I have more photos but take a look on FB if you want to see them, blogger takes far too long to download them and I am losing my will to live or continue this blog post... back to work and my tea!

Getting Flashed at the bus stop..

So after recounting this story to both FB and friends I feel I must give it a mention in my blog. ( who’s layout has changed by the way , the red was making me crazy! ) .. So Wednesday started off normal.. I got a call from a friend who needed someone to talk to so I invited her over, we made some tea, and just talked, made lunch , joked around until it was time to go to work. We make our way to the bus stop, I am at the last stop so we often have to wait for the bus driver to finish his smoke/ gamble/ café or whatever he does when he highlights it outta the bus..




Before I talk about the “Flasher”, I feel I should mention that the little town I live in ( suburbs of Florence ) is one of the towns where everyone knows your business and there seems to be a never ending parade of elderly people. Even I know the barber had an affair with one of the women in the town and that her husband took her back and the women who own the little clothes shop are swingers.. Ect ect.. So I would have NEVER expected “Mr. Pants on the ground “ to show up on my side of town.. Piazza Michelangelo ( got flashed there too! ) maybe but Girone?



So me and my friend Gianna were sitting on the bus when she starts cracking up.. She says a guy is over there peeing on the fence in front of the bus stop ( I should mention the bus stop is also in front of a busy street and piazza ) . Well peeing in public isn’t the most abnormal thing I have seen here.. At the station I saw a “little person” drop her pants and squat in front of everyone ( obviously she had mental problems ) and then get on a bus and say “CIAO” to the first person she saw.. So I brushed off Gianna.. And was like “eh cosi”



But then.. ( insert scary music here ) .. We noticed that he WASN’T going away and he was staring at us . We’re probably about 20 feet away and Inside a pretty full bus but nevertheless it was FREAKY! He was fully clothed, seemed to be in his mid-twenties, had a pony-tail ( ugh) and sunglasses/. The only thing different about him was the fact that he had his “pene” out in t he air . A mighty cold air might I mention.. So we quickly look away and he walks away but then he turns around and sorts of makes a stance like “LOOK AT ME”.. this proceeded for about 10 minutes with us going “um does anyone else see this? “ and the Italians on the bus ( mostly older ) either didn’t care or didn’t want to know..



The best part was the fact that the carabieniri and the police were INSIDE the Piazza but just sat in their cars.. Soo… that was MY WEDNESDAY!
 
to diffuse the grossness that was this post.. I will include some fun pictures.. ( NOT OF him.. but the New Ben & Jerrys in Florence..
 

I had to post this to prove that it exists! Phish food here I come!

t-man and my friend Madeleine and the cutest dogs I have ever seen

Gianna and I at an international dinner.. spinach artichoke dip made an appearance

t-man and gianna looking like Italians.. smoking and bored.. i kid i kid

yes those are BLUE drinks.. that can't be good..

me and my Frenchies.. and alot of wine.. what did you expect?

and last but not least, my friend just posted this from the wedding.. Texas wedding 09!

and thats all folks..

Guest post from Tina ( http://tinatangos.com/blog/) on what its like to be an Expat :)

So we have a wonderful guest post by my girl Tina (Tina Tangos ) ..she'as on my blog list.. on what its REALLY like being an expat...

When the Dust Settles Down



Your first few months as an expat are exciting: you're getting to know your new surroundings, enjoying the language, discovering new foods and feeling very proud of yourself (as you should). It's hard to feel even an ounce of homesickness because everything is so new. You're in love.



Then you become a resident, and life becomes mundane. And this is good! It means you’re on your way to becoming a part of society.



But you know what? It’s hard. It’s boring. And it takes time to make friends so there are lonely nights.



Here are some things I’ve learned in my personal experience for how to deal when the dust settles.



Don’t go back home. I’ve met many an expat, both in Italy and in Argentina, who give up pretty quickly as soon as they start to feel homesick. I’ve had that temptation as well and it’s perfectly understandable. But look at it this way: you’re almost at the summit of the mountain, so just keep going. Feel free to stop to take a break, but you’re almost there. Do you really want to quit after getting so far?



Be patient with yourself. Everything doesn’t come together in the blink of an eye here in Italy. Yes, you had a life – a very full one – back in your home country, but think about it. You had lived there at least for several years, if not your whole life. Once you move to a new city or country, you realize just how much is involved in building a life that you once took for granted. It takes time.



Make friends with other expats. I love my Italian friends. I really do. They have been instrumental in getting me settled here, and really it doesn’t matter where someone is from; if we have a connection, I'm happy. But gosh, there are some things that a local would never understand. Sometimes you have to get your information or moral support from people who have been in your shoes and walked the same road as a foreigner. It takes the edge off in a big way.



What are your methods for dealing with the post-honeymoon phase?



Tina Ferrari is a translator, writer and tango dancer based in Umbria. She can be found at her own blog, Tina Tangos as well as AffordableCallingCards.net. **If you're an expat blogger in Italy, stop by and enter the Blogging from the Boot contest! There’s still time!**






Tina Tangos



AffordableCallingCards.net



Blogging from the Boot

Tina :)

but where is my rosticciana?

So what a weekend.. It was a little bit “crazy “even for me..One thing I love about Italy is the accessibility of friends.. In America ( at least My America) .. You go through college life. Graduate, then basically become work slave for the next 5 years.. Until you change jobs. Life can be a drastic change.. You go from waking up at noon, going out 4 days a week to all work no play until the weekend. Suddenly your thrown into “adult” life.. I worked during University.. But I still managed to cram everything in, social life and all.. So after my year in Italy and back in America I fell into what is commonly known as a rut.. I was sitting in my apartment miserably missing t-man and my former life.. I went to work , I finished university and went to the gym but I felt hollow inside.. As if just going through the motions.. I don’t feel I thrive under a regimental schedule like some do.. Work was ok.. But I hated being micromanaged ( new boss ) and school was alright but I was in that place when you have left all that you had known and then came back a similar but enhanced person.. So I felt like I was a stranger in my own country.. In Europe I was always “la Americana” but in America I was the girl who lived-talked and breathed Italy..




t-man came to visit me twice, stayed 3 months the first time and an additional 1 1.2 after ( 90 day rule..) and we had a great time.. The look on T-mans face after leaving LAX ( los angeles international airport ) was one of terror.. All he saw was an expanse of land that seemed to continue forever and full of bright shiny modern buildings ( and a few sketchy Wendy’s thrown in there.. We WERE near Inglewood.. Not the best area..) … needless to say he was scared.. And who wouldn’t be.. Even I was the first time I came to La or “la la land as I call it”. Sadly I had to work or go to school 99% of the time so he was left to his own devices. Gym- tanning - laundry ( to quote the jersey shore…lol) .. But he enjoyed it.. We roller-skated from Venice to Santa Monica, explored Disneyland.. Went to crazy Halloween parties.. Met weirdoes at blockbuster ( seriously why is everyone creepy and seemingly knows everything about your life who works there!) .. He LOVED the food, we had sushi, vegetarian burritos and hand-maid tortilla chips.. , coconut rice and curried chicken, egg-rolls and lemon chicken, pizza (Chicago style) , big salads with feta cheese and olives.. And bacon.. It was a great time.. But I always felt “half-there” .. I wasn’t satisfied with my life from before I had left.. But maybe I wasn’t trying hard enough?



So I went back to Italy.. And it wasn’t easy, I had no friends..life was drastically different from that of a confident student surrounded by others.. I had only t-man and no job ( yet) .. I used to cry myself to sleep thinking I made a mistake.. We didn’t live together then and I had a nice yet cold roommate from Bulgaria that wasn’t the kind of person you could ask for coffee..T-man didn’t understand what I was going through and thus didn’t know how to react.. Luckily that period didn’t last long.. I got my act together.. Got a nanny job , then made some friends.. And the rest is history..more and better jobs came and so did my legality in this country.. Sometimes I read my journal from those times and I shudder and realize that I have come a long long way..



So now I realize that what makes me happy is just this.. Variable work that I can control “free-lance” where I can work from home but also go out in the real world and mingle with the masses. I need to be constantly challenged and believe me, I am! The first time I “married” a couple as a celebrant I almost had a panic attack.. All eyes on me and a bride and groom expecting a perfect flawless wedding.. But I secretly love realizing I can do things I never thought I could.. I can walk into a business meeting with a bunch of Italians and sell them.. And believe it.. In Italian.. Scary yes but doable…



My life allows freedom and creativity.. I get to go for random lunches with my friends or t-man.. I can take a Friday off or work on Sunday if I want.. Sometimes I go out.. Thursday Friday and Saturday or sometimes none at all and I have become much better with how I handle my money… cause I have too.. Vacation for a month every august. Never do I think I can’t do something now.. It more like.. Ok how do I go about it.. So life is good.. I must say.. As for the rosticianna comment.. Apparently when I had a bit too much vino rosso ( oops) last weekend.. T-man was driving us home and I was blabbering about politics and current events as usual and suddenly said “ but where is my rosticianna” .. and I meant it.. So now t brings that up whenever he can.. “so georgette.. But where IS your rosticianna ? ( rosticianna is barbequed pork-rubs…amazing ) …



So what’s the plan for this week? Besides work , international dinner at a friends tomorrow.. I plan on bring spinach and artichoke dip with veggies and chips.. And wine. Thursday the girls are coming over to hang out and attempt to plan a girls-trip to Sicily.. Friday aperativo with the wonderful Tina from tinatangoes ( assuming she does indeed come to Florence! ) Saturday we are off to a “flower party” at Castle in the countryside.. Should be interesting.. J



Pictures?



Well ok then!
 

Gianna, me and Damaris.. yeah damaris is the only one to arrive from Xmas vacay with a tan... can i live in honduras?

random dancing and strange expressions..

"ma che!"

our crazy colunbian friend, his dancing is slightly reminiscent of Micheal jackson

and thats all folks! till we meet again and i satify my craving for rosticianna!

Stop thinking Brain!

My mind is going a million miles a minute.. Sometimes I feel like my brain is on overload.. So many thoughts and feelings scattered together it can be hard at times to focus.. Partly because I have more time here in Italy to really think.. About the world.. About politics and why people are they way they are.. And also is a welcome distraction from the hum-dum of ordinary life . Sometimes I wish I could turn it off but even with a riotous episode of Jersey shore… still can’t seem to focus.. Also since I have returned from America I have been hit with some severe insomnia.. Partly because of jet-lag and a bad habit of going to bed at 2-230am.. Grr.. I am seriously considering going to a pharmacy and picking up some natural sleep remedy.. Or as Italians would call it “chamomile!” ..




Things have been going good at home. Me and T are doing well.. I am a HARD_HEADED stubborn person.. I know this and I know compromising its difficult for me and I expect the world of my bf.. Poor t didn’t know what he was getting into with me but there are times I think about how lucky I am… after paying my Italian taxes and him helping me with that extraordinary amount , I realized even after the disappointment of last year via visa problems.. Maybe it was a “blessing in disguise” as my friend Gianna told me..it seems like a lot of work but I am here.. Legally and just waiting for someone to do their job at the comune.. Hopefully soon! I’ll bring the espresso! T’s mom has been cooking up some scrumptious food.. She’s amazing.. No joke.. Fresh pasta with vegetables.. Thinly sliced meat, rosticciana and potatoes… I can’t get enough which sadly means I need to work out! I decided not to renew my Virgin active account.. I love it and hope to be back but 85 euros a month…! In a country where people get paid EU1000 a month on average… 10% of your income? NAH… so I am trying to walk more and getting a habit of less-internet! Today I met up with Gianna and headed to “the diner” a pho-American diner in Florence where I get refilled American coffee at my request.. Don’t crucify me people.. I eat Italy’s wonderful food everyday.. I want a bagel and a cup of Joe… and conversation ..



One thing I love about living here is the fact that I can READ… beautiful books! LoL.. I read a lot and naturally I order from the internet.. Abebooks.com and Amazon more than anything! And guess what , the books actually ARRIVE! In Italy! There is a god! ( or Buddha) .. So right now I am reading “Sacred Games”, “The Pilots Wife” and am saving “Love and Longing in Bombay” and the “wind up bird chronicles” for later.. Am I the only one who reads multiple books at a time? Different mood, different book!



So thoughts for today… Haiti… of course.. I cannot believe they were hit with ANOTHER 6.1 magnitude aftershock as if they haven’t suffered enough! Those poor people! Sometimes I look around and think.. I am enjoying a wonderful new day and they are sleeping in the street.. All I can do is donate though hopefully that goes into worthy hands.. My dad worked there and I have a special place in my heart for the Haitians who according to my dad are loving people just desperate.. And I would be too in their situation..



Today the 60th senate seat ( formally Ted- Kennedy’s) was filled with a republican.. Am I sad? I don’t think of myself as republican or democratic but at the moment I am more left-leaning.. Cause A. I am a woman. B. I do care about people in need C. I don’t want to ignore domestic issues.. I get angry… yes angry and the more I think about it.. I would LOVE to get into politics.. Because I do care.. I want to KNOW about what is really going on and this curiosity has stemmed from when I was a wee little one growing up in Louisiana and Texas.. I would “read” books before I could “read” just turning pages over and over.. Lol at least according to my dad!



I have been paying close attention to what’s been going on in the health care debacle and I am so sick of hearing this “Americans want this” or “the real America that”… what the fuck is the “real America” … how can ANYONE presume they know what a country with a huge population and an affinity to throwing tea in harbors is thinking? We need to realize that us as Americans often think VERY DIFFERENTLY. I myself, think completely differently than Georgette of 5 years ago.. 5 years ago, I listened but not really, I cared but not enough.. Now I pay attention.. Instead of believing what others tell me to believe I do research.. For example.. I have been listening and reading up on credit card companies and the economical bubble burst and its fascinating.. Its so easy to say “people did it to themselves” well.. Ok .. Imp not saying we’re not notorious spenders but hell.. You can’t throw around free-market ideologies and when it fails ignore the fact that people are gullible and taken advantage of.. That is a fact.. Who reads the “fine- print”… I am so sick of lobbyists for Financial institutions saying “more regulation = big government” but then accepting a bailout? So what is its guys? Your way of doing business DIDN:T work because you were loaning out money to people who could never pay it BACK! And your justification was that “everyone “ should be able to get a loan… at 30 % interest though? Maybe DESPERATE people… I don’t know.. I am not the one who invented the computer program that banks have that process your highest checks first that way it empties your account faster… and why because the lobbyist says “that’s what people want”… um where was I when that survey was conducted?

As for the health care debacle… to me “simply saying NO isn’t good enough”… We are the only highly industrialized nation that doesn’t offer health care to just anyone.. I don’t care if you hate Obama or you don’t like his bill.. Than YOU come up with something better instead of saying “ the American people believe in …. insert vague useless statement here”.. your not my America ok sir! I believe you can not criticize anything without offering up a solution and I would benefit as a consumer to pay less for those who rush our emergency rooms due to no insurance.. Only time will tell.. Until then you better believe I will be watching..

Paying Taxes "american style" and my exciting new social life... :o)

So tea and taxes…goes together like 1776... And has nothing to do with my taxes but hey it was a nice attempt.. .so the day that I have been dreading has finally a come.. A nice fat envelope from god know who, perhaps Berlusconi himself with my tax bill. Since we have done all of the paperwork for my “colf “ visa , the only thing that has come in time is request for taxes.. LOL.. Its kinda funny but not really. I still don’t have an appointment for my permesso ( identity card) but yet they have already received EU500 and now an additional EU700... No small sum for a “colf” eh?




I have no problems paying tax as LONG as I see (some) return… or I threaten to emigrate to Denmark where they have the highest taxes BUT they actually use their tax revenue for the people, and do it well! They have one of the least income disparity among their people, health care is highly rated , education is free and there is low unemployment.. Unlike il bel-paese and my own “wealthy” nation.. So whets better to have folks , a place that seems to tax the sh** out of their people but uses the money wisely or lower taxes and the “possibility” to make something of oneself through self-motivation and hard work.. At this point I’ll take the latter.. Per-favore! I’m a pretty motivated person but geez I’ve had so many lemons handed to me in 2009 that I’m sick of making lemonade!



So what did I do.. Pay the damn taxes and wait,hope,and pray that I will have my appointment soon and then I can change my permesso to an independent work visa.. But we shall see.. One step and tax at a time!



The reference to my social life was that *gasp I almost have too many plans! I have been doing research for Venice carnival and have ALWAYS wanted to go but Venice is expensive and I just paid taxes lol.. Sooooo low and behold I and some friends will be tagging along with the European ( Erasmus ) Aeegee organization to Venice for the day on Feb 13th and paying just EU30! that’s a 1 way ticket to Venice via trenitalia! We’re also going to a “castle “ party where you pay 20 euros and there is an open bar and a flower themed party! Whatever but I am sure it will be fun to get out of the center and party Italian style.. This week we’re meeting up with a Columbian- Italian friend who is crazy fun at our favorite bar for some good times and Saturday is “sex and the city” night with me and some good girl friends where we hit the town with style.. Cheesy I know but I need an active social life.. I’m 25... I live with my boyfriend and his parents… get me outta here! Lol just kidding! Plus I want to enjoy the most of these friends who probably will leave as Florence alas.. Is not an easy city to find work in.. so for now I’m snuggled on the couch with T-man watching a movie about a man in Prague obsessed with his girlfriend… http://www.wisevid.com/play?v=1tbfA5g86tbc. ( the link) ..

Indian night with the ladies... too much wine! ( if that was ever a problem!)

My friend Madeleine and her bears/pups! I tried to kidnap one but it didn't work..

sex and the city night part 1

part 2...let the craziness begin and it did

Till we meet again, pay your taxes!

Same-sex marriage , education reform and Snookie from the Jersey shore... yup

So anyone who knows me knows my little “obsessions” and maybe my over posting of links on facebook regarding issues I am thinking about that day.. Sorry guys.. At least I am not just updating my status to say when I brushed my teeth last!




So what am I thinking about today? Same-sex marriage debate and public education in America.. And then it dawned on me…why not share more of this on my blog.. After all that’s what blogs are for.. Your thoughts.. And not just about me.. So I am going to try and incorporate more of that in this colorful little smorgasbord of a free-blog..



So lets start with same-sex marriage.. As you all know, I spent a nifty few years in the land of beach babes, Hollywood.. Arnold Schwarzenegger as governor and being the state with the most debt…. Hooray California.. I have quite an affinity for my sun-drenched state since after growing up in Texas, I longed for something different..not necessarily better but different… That said.. I was quite shocked when prop 8 passed. I was not in California at the time ( here in belitalia which has its own problems regarding this issue.. ) but I do care a lot about what is going on in the country of my birth.. And I have a lot of gay and lesbian friends who are in more stable relationships than many of my heterosexual friends.. And should have the right ( in my humble opinion) to marry.



So what’s the deal? Especially since California ( at least LA, san Diego and san Francisco seem to be very tolerant ) .. Are people just not voting?.. Or do people secretly really do not agree with same -sex unions on the basis of protecting traditional marriage? That’s the biggest argument against same sex marriage that I have seen and the one that is the most ludicrous to me! I just don’t get it.. We’re talking a no-fault divorce state with a first marriage divorce rate of around 60% ( Google it! ) …. What is “traditional marriage” nowadays ? I think it makes sense that with modernization of time-culture- and people.. Laws regarding what’s traditional or not are going to have to change as to not discriminate against anyone ( such as mixed-race marriage ect ect ) .. And as a human being.. What do people have against something that doesn’t concern them? No-one is asking prop 8 supporters to become a lesbian or gay man or even believe in homosexuality but as with the separation of church and state ( duh) this shouldn’t even be an argument.. I say ….you want to protect traditional marriage? Outlaw divorce… choose one prop 8 supporters!



Now onto public school education.. Basically what got me started on this was watching a 20/20 show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx4pN-aiofw called “stupid in America “ ahem.. “nice title” eh? Basically comparing the voucher “European model” to the way we handle education ( state controlled and we don’t choose where we put our kids.. Ie: public schools) .. And it was really interesting.. Especially concerning the fact that I live in Europe and have often wondered how the two compare.. Its easy to think you’re the best when you’ve been told you are growing up.. And I wouldn’t argue about university education ( except about the cost ) being top level in America.. But primary and secondary schools? And what about vocational schools? Is everyone meant to go to college..



Ok too many questions for my blog but things that concern me and my children’s future ( if I decide to have them! ) .. Now I am not going to take everything 20/20 says as fact but it doesn’t take a scientist to acknowledge that we have some problems.. Especially in secondary school in regards to math and reading…. I have family who are teachers and friends and undoubtedly they have a difficult job with not such amazing pay and provide a great service to our country.. Which is why they should be rewarded when they do well and punished when they under perform.. as with any job .. Makes sense no? It seems to me that this voucher idea is being pushed under the rug and people are scared to change the “status quo” .. but my question is why? Why are those Finnish - Korean- Japanese students doing better at a high school level .. I found this quote :



“And on the global playing field, the "We're No. 1" honors go to Finland, Japan and Korea - places where the football spurring deep passions is round, not oblong. Finland, Japan and Korea were the top finishers in an OECD (www.oecd.org) study that measured 265,000 15-year-olds' literacy in reading, mathematics and science (see charts accompanying this feature).
U.S. fans fed up with the BCS may find little comfort in the OECD rankings. The apropos U.S. refrain would run something like, "We're No. . . . Ah, 'Bout Average, Dude, . . . Whatever." U.S. students finished 15th in reading, 19th in math and 14th in science - and in a study that only ranked 31 nations.”



I know there is no easy answer to these questions or concerns but it really did awaken something in me.. And I will be looking closer at education in America .. I think making schools more competitive in general would help not hurt students and hopefully we will see some improvements in the future.. We can’t just expect to receive a great education in the private sector but must demand it in the public as well.. One step at a time but refusing to acknowledge that there IS indeed a problem isn’t going to fly.. At least with not with me.. NPR had some interesting pod casts regarding California’s education reform and the measures some superintendents in Los Angeles was making..worth a listen! But number one thing parents can do is start at home.. Read read and more reading! I love to read and always did.. I will encourage my kids to do the same by showing them how much mom loves her books! .. Lol.. Ok enough talk about me being a mom!!!!



So those are my thoughts for today.. Intense no? T-man says I need to stay away from the news - pod casts - books for awhile and just relax.. Maybe he’s got a point.. Well there’s always the Jersey shore.. A little “snookie” would brighten anyone’s day.. As long as she doesn’t get punched!

What am I looking forward to this week? More progress with my job.. Aperativo with friends on Thursday.. Expat meetup Friday and dinner and movie night on Saturday… and they say there’s nothing to do in winter!!!!!

Buon Anno Nuovo... the craziness that was December!

First post of the new year… where the hell have I been? AH yes well since last spoke… in America in the wilderness and wondrous that is San Antonio , Texas and the abyss that is Los Angeles and back around the world to home ( Italy) .. Yup Italy is officially home! As long as I get into the country! Thanks border patrol! No mishaps this trip ( f******* London! ) .. Paris airport was confusing, bewildering but gave me no problems and no detainment..




My America trip was amazing in every sense of the word. I can safely say if the trip was like a full sponge, I squeezed every drop from it! When I arrived it was wedding madness as one of my best friends was getting married and I was her maid of honor.. Scary.. I have never been in a wedding before and I felt a bit nervous as I was not there to partake in all of the girly things the maid of honor usually does for the bride to be so I devoted my time from when I arrived to the wedding itself to my friend… It was simply a blast.. Drama ensued ( when does it not.. We’re talking TEXAS people..) ..dresses were fitted and yes I used spanx.. The magical tights that suck that Mexican food filled gut in .. ( so I splurged a little when I arrived.. Can u blame me? I’m sick of pasta!) .

The receptions hall that we helped set up!

walking the asile!

my beautiful friend!

me , sonia and a groomsman

laughs for all!

we moved to LA together and Italy! Im a proud mama!

us!

all of us youngsters for the BEST wedding ever

yes we had to show off our tootsies!

the guys..i loved the casual look!

So right off the bat when I was home I noticed two things.. A. people talk about themselves A LOT more than people do here.. Sentences start with I, me , or usually the person waits for you to stop speaking so that t hey could interject their version of what happened to you as regards to them.. LOL.. And people were a whole lot nicer.. At the stores, restaurants. You saw friendly faces everywhere and I looked on suspiciously.. Maybe I have spent too much time at the immigration office in Florence to notice niceness ?



Back to wedding madness.. I met all of the groomsmen and bridesmaids ( most of whom I met already) .. A fun bunch .. Although the groomsmens duties consisted of who could drink the most beer throughout the day and participate in “awkward conversations” .. It really annoys me when people let awkward situations happen like come-on people we’re adults here! One of the groomsmen got drunk the night before the wedding and made out with a few “cougars” at some bar.. I suppose he likes the over 50 mature woman.. Props to him?!



Wedding went off without a hitch and better than expected. My dad and mom ( in all her fur glory… geez mom) .. Were there and there was an open bar. Open bar + Texas = what you expect… everyone was tipsy and smiley and hugging, music was playing , people were dancing, dogs were happy, children were sleeping.. Lol ok I made up the last two.. I gave a improvised speech which I have to say rocked.. I was just known as “girl who came all the way from Italy to attend the wedding”.. hmm yes that’ and Christmas! My friend looked absolutely stunning and so did the groom, I have to say.. I was very happy for them despite my views of “young marriage” , they are a perfect example of those who truly seem to be in love with one another … congrats!



Besides the wedding, I spent a lot of time with both my parents who verged on annoying the entire time.. Is part of getting older about harping on the past and the fact that I live a million miles away eie :guilt trip? I spent most of the time feeling annoyed but then guilty for being annoyed.. Argh! I do love my parents.. Luckily I had a nice stop-gap between Christmas and the wedding to go to los angeles for a week to visit old chums from university and whatnot.. I arrived to see my friend shells who not only provided me with my own room at her house but a car to use while there! What a friend!!!! She’s like my idol.. 28 , gorgeous! Married to a handsome and loving Argentinean man… they are the prototypes of “immigrants in America’ … WAY more successful , happy than my Anglo-Saxon counterparts! Tee-hee!

me and kat + margarita madness

Dinners were had, I took a spinning class ( its LA after all ) .. Went to go visit my crazy red-headed fiery friend Kat which was a blur of margaritas, Mexican food, a comedy sketch parody of “Point break” complete with ponchos given out to the audience, fake blood and water thrown at us and a spoiled vodka tonic. We hit up Hollywood and ran into the “stoli vodka” promoters who gave us keys ( that I now made into a necklace) to get rinks for 1$.. Yep one us dollar/peso and that was a mistake LOL.. I met her friends all of whom are smart, funny and very entertaining and successful.. Ahh America.. Before I got too jealous I reminded myself “I love Italy” , I love Italy, I love Italy!…. Or “5 weeks vacation, 5 weeks vacation” .. haha.. It was nice to speak English again without thinking about how its going to sounds first.. Sometimes I end up speaking to people as if they were 5 years old…

los angeles

kitty kat!

vanilla vodka and diet coke woohoo!

stoli vodka time!

thrift store bargains?

guidos circa 1980

point break live

poncho fun!

los angeles peeps!

the evil goose lamp and us..

I spent time with my friend Marco who I have known since my stint at the tanning salon… the tanning salon was like a reality show… crazy tan obsessed customers.. ( including sadly the woman who took her own life in front of Paula Abduls house a few years ago) . .. Jerk-offs..porn stars, Euro trash.. And some famous actors.. Every day was a new story, someone threatened to sue me when I refused to let them tan “off hours” and perhaps also due to my lack of sensitivity to their plight.. Lol but the money was good ( commission baby!) .. And I loved my co-workers.. We were like family.. .So I visited Marco and spent way too much time at his office.. Enough so that I received a FB message from his orthodox Jewish cubicle partner.. Ummmmmmmm?!



So back to Texas I went sadly lol jkj k, and spent the remaining time trying not to get mad at my mom for being there all of the time.,.. Attended several Christmas parties.. One of which was a themed “ugly Christmas sweater party” thrown by my newly married friend.. I didn’t have to go far.. My mothers closet was CHOCK full of goodies.. I picked up a nice Christmas “vest” , an 80’s style “crimped” hairpiece.. Yes hairpiece… a nice ORANGE blond.. And the outfit was complete with shorts, spangled belt and the best item of the night…. A purse made out of a armadillo. Yes I live armadillo used to be this purse.. What the f*** mom? I’m sure she picked that up in Mexico!!! 1as she told me “it was the “rage of the time”.. um where in Guadalajara? One thing I forgot to do was pick up a bottle of wine BEFORE I put on the outfit so I had to stop by the supermarket looking like … that. And besides the stares I got , I also got CARDED ( id was asked ) since they thought I was underage! Wtf?! I’m 25! And they were suspicious of my out-of-state license.. Ok Texas you’re a state in America., not your own country!!! Get that straight!!!!

me and winning prize!

ugly sweaters.. my god!

the famous armadillo

yup i ate it ALL

dog and my hairpeice

So party was fun, got first place.. Enjoyed wine, my Texas friends and lots of yummy food.. Christmas eve was amazing.. We all went to my cousins house in the “country” as in “take a left at the tractor” country.. We sang karaoke.. Did a loud and funny white elephant Christmas exchange and I drank wayyyy to much … I spent the night with my crazy cousin Allison who is like my sister. We were born a week apart and are pretty much inseparable when I’m in town.. She’s a very strong and brave person who makes the best out of her circumstances always.. Ie: lived in Germany for 3 years after a failed divorce! Props to her!

me and my brothers girlfriends..

christmas day with mom and brothers

poncho twins.. wow those are Horrible ,cue my brothers face!

me , dad and erica my brothers gf

kareoke! and my bella cugina Malia

steven segal aka my brothers friend.. a mullet wig and my brother

me and my baby second cousin.. isnt she gorgeous!

we ARE in texas!

wine tasting with family!

yes this is a REAL longhorn... his name was shotgun.. oh texas

a real Texas bar: Luchenbach!

Ok this blog is getting long so I will end with .. Had a great time.. I am happy to be back but sad to be away from people that I love.. Florence can be a transit city and I am constantly saying goodbye to people.. 2010 is all about traveling, saving money, permesso di soggier no crap, finding a house for me and tommaso (finally) .. And volunteer work… I really want to make the best of my free time!!!!



So buon anno nuovo tutti! Until I write again ( hopefully soon! ) …