Sunday, December 14, 2008

Moving Out

Moving Out is a book that I have had the recent pleasure of experiencing. It is a collection of photos and thoughts by Jewish-Swiss photographer Robert Frank. In his collection, you can see a definite progression of Frank's work, thoughts, and experiences. In some way, I feel as though this blog has been that for me.

Tomorrow, I finish moving out of my original housing with two lovely English speaking girls, into a home of solely speaking Italian girls. Through the process of moving, I have reorganized my work (realizing I bought way too much crap that I am not using), had several thoughts (why did I pack this crap; I need to send it home), and can share the following experiences.

1. Have you ever moved without a car?! Yeah, my friends Alessandro and Riccardo helped me, but to keep my items safe, they parked the car at their job. Wow, nice I thought, but you have to go and get the car. Mental Note, if an American asks you, "Do you want to take the bus or walk to get the car?" Say 'walk.' If an Italian says, "Preferici l'autobus o in piedi?" (see above) Say, 'l'autobus!!' In addition, if they add, "un passigate" (a little walk,) DON'T BELIEVE THEM!!! Unfortunately, no one warned me and I said, "si, un passigate, buono!" (yes, a little walk, great!) Little did I know 30-40 minutes later we would arrive at the car. I am glad I had on my Mizunos! In addition, I offered to pay Alessandro, you know 'cause gas is high in the states, but its REAL high here, plus they sale it by the liter! "Excuse mi! No!" Apparently I totally insulted him. My Bad... but it is OK for me to cook dinner for them. Who knew, people around the world are willing to work for food.

2. With my new apartment comes a great old bike (no gears, a non working light, a bell and a basket.) I bought it off the girl who moved out. Well, I am not sure if you have ever cycled before or just rode a bike at the park. I thought walking was crazy in Florence, biking is a whole 'nother level!! Mind you, I cycle at home, so I am use to having my feet "clipped" in. This is literally your foot attached to the pedal. So mentally my body acts like my feet can't move. Further, I usually have a bike shoe and not heels. Finally, have you ever had a guy try to pick you up on your bike, from his bike. *insert riotous laughter here* Yet another thing to add to my Italian Men Post.

So now what...
I need to turn in the old keys.
I have to clean both apartments.
I desperately need to figure what is being mailed home to momma and what is staying.
I need to pack, because I'll be home for Christmas!

Ciao Ragazzi!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

A Sentimental Mood

Oh the holidays are now upon us. And as I sit working in my studio Coltrane is playing in the background. Serenading me and sending me soaring towards a Sentimental Mood. (Caveat: If you don't know this track, or worse don't know Coltrane, you need to get out more.)

I just finished preparing my photojournalism story! 10 captured images from the day AFTER the election, with mat, mounted on foam core. My presentation and critique are Tuesday and Thursday. I am very proud of them. It was great fun watching this whole process evolve from a brief conversation, to inspiration, some perspiration and then manifestation.(Sorry, I am having a Jesse Jackson moment; it's the Coltrane).

As for the week, the semester is coming to a close. I can't believe how fast the time has gone! I had a little Christmas party at the house on Friday. About 25 people from Italy, Japan, Canada and the States; of course we had Mexican! It was fun. On Saturday I move into the new place with Simona and Luciana. My friends Ricardo and Alessandro are helping. This is a blessing, because they have cars!!

I will be home (Milwaukee) for Christmas, just a week and then off to Paris. I can't wait to enjoy the top 10 below (Letterman style of course). Where are my ruby slippers? "There's no place like home!"

10. My family. I have to be sure and include them, no hurt feelings. And Turkey and Dressing, because spinach tortellini was cool for Thanksgiving, but THAT'S not Thanksgiving!
9. Desperate Housewives. I haven't seen one episode since being in Italy! They are a season behind, it is in Italian, and I can't watch it online. DANG FCC!
8. Chatting with friends from home (Nashville) at a reduced rate! Did I mention the last phone bill? And yes, I am still accepting contributions, especially if you are one of the people I called! (Am I bitter? No. Seriously, not at all...)
7. That Christmas feeling. Frantically running through the streets of Milwaukee trying to find matching_______ for ______ in the snow. Becoming impatient as ________ decides on ________ for _______. (I am thinking I will get over this pretty quickly.)
6. Snow! I haven't had a white Christmas in a few years. But I don't want so much snow to keep me from getting in or out of the O'Hare Airport.
5. Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, So You Think You Can Dance, well basically just about all of the reality TV shows. Yes, I admit, I am a reality TV junkie! But I am on the way to recovery, first step, done!
4. Diet Coke! In Italy, they have this, stuff, called Coca-Cola Lite. It is NOT Diet Coke friends. It doesn't have that burn, you know. I don't even waste my Euros on it. But I promise, there will be a 2 liter of Diet Coke, with lime in one hand and number 1 in the other. ( I promise to post a picture of that!)
3. Essence Marie Coppins. My sweet angel. Mom has been so good in keeping Essence and of course Essence hasn't always kept her end of the bargain. THANKS MOM!
2. Speaking of mom... her pecan pie for Christmas with chocolate chips! YUMMO and my grandmother's peach cobbler! OMG, my mouth is watering...
1. Whole Foods ALL NATURAL smooth Peanut Butter! You can NOT find Peanut Butter here and when you do it is almost $10!! I know several people who like Nutella, but again, I don't see what all the hype is about!

Yet again, I see a pattern. hummmm.... I think it's dinner time!

Ciao!