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!