Happy President's Day!

Happy President's Day!! 


Well, I am going to get right to the point! Last week Wednesday, guess who went to see the president speak... and, wait for it.... SHOOK HIS HAND!? That's right, this girl-- right here! Regardless of your political affiliation, to meet President Obama and be that close to him, was quite the experience, I was literally so close, well, as much as you can be to a President! In addition, the entire orchestration of the visit was like a symphony-- including a dance of Swan Lake proportion by the President's press crew!  I am thankful for the opportunity and may I also add-- I love my job,  because that is where my ticket connection came from! Here I am to the left with 3 of my coworkers and the young lady in the lower right, yielded the invitation. 


So, the lady to left of me, in the red, took the photos of me shaking the president's hand. I will add that she is not a photographer, but rather a curator, which will be understood as SOON as you read on! POTUS (President of the United States) descriptions are there to help.

POTUS coming down the line

Getting his Attention-- trying to

We just connected!!

Now as I mentioned, my co-worker is not a photographer, so I am actually off the frame. lol but I assure you it happened! Of course afterward I kept saying, I should of had you take a video!! But that means you would of really seen me, "cut the monkey!" Nevertheless a picture says a thousand words, correct? And I am a photographer, so enjoy and Happy President's Day!

(c)2012 laci coppins, photographer

(c)2012 laci coppins, photographer

Leavin' NashVegas

Salve Familia!

I'm sure most of you are familiar with the Elvis tune, "Viva Las Vegas." Well, this is no different, especially since I was in TN, home of Elvis and all. So here are my final thoughts as I am Leavin' NashVegas (Milwaukee), and I promise there are no shots of me in a white jump suite, although I could make it work if I had too, and the thanks for that goes to my girl Omeka!

The last two weeks have been filled with sad good-byes, cheerful times, and dance breaks (that soundtrack thing again). I have had the opportunity to spend time with the ladies of BTC (my dinner club) hiking around Radnor Park, an Italian afternoon luncheon with friends from church and other arenas, lessons from the divas, breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a few other folks, packing and driving a U-Haul for the first time, lol, Harley Fest, which is a post of its own (Although I do need to add this caveat. I come all the way to Milwaukee to meet a guy from Sicily; hilarious, but I did get to practice my Italian! Oh, and yes HE too gave me the same warning about Italian men. FUNNY...), and of course our annual family fish fry at mom's house. All of the pictures of this have been added to the upper right; I'll warn you there are more then a 100 shots; so pause and enjoy.

The last two weeks have also been filled with running errands, getting Essence settled in at nonna's (grandmother's) house , double checking to make sure I have everything, but my grandmother let me know I will still forget something. Believe it or not I have even been confirming appointments and other opportunities with my friends in Florence. ANNOUNCEMENT: This will be my last post on American Soil. The next time you hear from me folks, I'll be an Italian Girl!

But before then, here is the answer (s0 far) to the million dollar question:

What are you going to do when you come back?

Well, right now, I am not sure. I am NOT trying to plan to far ahead, you know I want to enjoy the gift I have (the present). However, I have been keeping a running list of what I DON'T want to do. I figure, this is a good place to start, oh and no offense if your beloved profession is on here... it's just not for me.

1. I don't want to be a truck driver, the U-Haul was more then enough for me. (Patrick, I'm not telling, so keep it to yourself!) And coming through Chicago was filled with a ton of traffic, apparently there was a triathlon, why didn't anyone tell me?!
2. Nothing with blood or bio-medical stuff. I mean you can trust me, after all I am a Doctor, but not that kind. And I would HATE to ruin your shoes with my weak stomach.
3. I don't have the patience (or stomach) to be a beautician, aestician, manicurist, massage therapist, etc. I can't imagine looking at someones' nastiness and them expecting me to make "it" look beautiful!
4. Nothing in retail or food service. I hate when people are rude and disrespectful.
5. I've done the teacher/principal thing, so I'm good on that!
6. Anything with math, evaluating data does tend to come readily, but, why, if you don't have too. And I don't even balance my checkbook (shhhh!) so really, let's keep it real.

I guess this is it for now, but I am pretty sure it will extend and maybe along the way, I'll reveal what I plan to be "when I grow up." But I can tell you, it will not be the 9-5 gig, these past two months have ruined me for the traditional job. RUINED!

Please pray for safe travel... until then.
Thanks and God Bless You and God Bless America! (Too much CNN!)

Haulin Across America...

Since this is a family oriented blog, and I am a good Christian girl, I can't title this what first came to mind, especially considering the experience. But you know..

Nevertheless I got the U-Haul on Friday afternoon. Wendy was the assistantt who encouraged me that I could in fact prove everyone wrong and show women's libbers across the country I CAN DO IT! Gloria would be so proud, but do I really care about her perception, probably not. Back on track...

My friend Coby, who bought me to the place, after a wonderful lunch, his treat, which made it even more wonderful, used my phone to take shots as he laughed at me in my high heels trying to figure this whole thing out and climb into this monster! What a great friend... suspect for sure. I feel like this, Sarah Jessica isn't the only one who can rock it, so go on and do it.

I digress- As I am heading home, I am doing my best to figure out the power of this thing! A bit crazy as the furniture pads and the dolly are sloshing in the open cabin. Not to any particular rhythm mind you.

My life is a soundtrack. I use this reference because I feel as though you can have a song to describe anything that is going on in your life. Once, our dinner club had the topic, "If your life were a movie what genre would it be and who would play you?" Well, of course I said a musical! (And Cree Summer would play me.) And so how could this moment be any different?

My ipod is on shuffle and as I am coming pass Belmont on my way home towards the mall, Jill Scott is serenading me with her song, "Golden." The lyrics are too powerful, but the chorus is "Living my life like its golden." I just beam and chair dance, because that is in effect what I am moving towards. As I debate whether to stop by the bank, I decide not to press my luck and head to the house. And then it begins, the trumpets... Bum, bum, bum, bum, bum, ba bum, bum. Ba, bum, Ba, ba, bum, bum, ba, bum, bum, bum, bum. Doom, Doom. La, la, la, la, la, la, la. The theme song to Rocky!! (So now go back and reread the stanza, you know you see it!) Any good athlete has this song with their Mp3 collection. It's pure blasphemy if you do not!

And all of sudden as I set 2 lights and 1 stop sign from home; it happened. The inner Italian Stallion called out! "Girl, you got this." I beamed with pride and total jubilation. I'm thinking, I got this, I can do this! I ponder for a minute. Is this how Rocky felt running the steps in Philly? If not, I am sure is pretty close.

Getting Stronger.....Aaaaaahhhhh

Moving Around Motown

Buon Giorno Familia~

I am recently back from my overnight to the Italian Consulate in the big D! Detroit that is... I will warn you in advance, this is a rather lengthy post, but entertaining... PLUS there is soup at the end!

I went this past Tuesday (7.22) only to do a quick turn around and come back on Wednesday night. Here is the funny thing, It almost felt like a little vacation, not having to be at the house, steadily packing. UGH... Plus my friend Eric, you'll see him in the updated pictures to the right, was such a help!! He was my own personal tour guide and chauffeur. Friends, don't let friends, get lost in a strange city, you know... oh, or eat at chains, only local spots where you can see Canada from your table!

I couldn't sleep the night before, I headed to Detroit... I was so anxious, and kept thinking, "I don't want to miss my plane." "I hope I have everything."Did I put the extra envelopes in?" I was up early that morning and my plane didn't even leave until 10. When I got to the airport I just passed right through security and began the wait. My nerves were getting the best of me, so I would get up walk a bit, sit, listen to my iPod, get back up walk you know the drill. So when I finally boarded the plane, before we even got in the air, I was asleep! I guess the restless night, caught up with me. I did; however, manage to get some beautiful shots of the cumulus clouds as we sailed above them.

So let me fast forward to the good part! The morning came for me to visit the consulate. I was up at 6:30am, having the breakfast of champions (Cheerios with a banana). I just started to ponder and during my morning devotion, I tried my best to continue in my prayers. Asking God to show favor with the people, wanting things to go smoothly, etc. But on this occasion, on this very special morning, that I have been waiting for and planning for, all I could do is offer thanks to the Father. I was a bit emotional... No surprise to some of you. A tear here and there would trickle down my cheek and I would just say and sing, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name. He has done great things Hallelujah." I couldn't help but think of my grandfather at this moment. One, because he loved that song, but also because I wish he could be here to share in this excitement. I understand, now more then before, what the author meant in Romans 8:28.

Eric dropped me off at the BUHL building at 8:30, you know I am all about being on time. Turns out the Italian Consulate is an office building inside of this larger building on the 18th floor. It reminded me a bit of the Chrysler building in NYC, especially with the architectural detailing. (I did get a few distinct shots, after my visit upstairs, only before I was castigated by security. Apparently, you can't take pictures in this building, some Post 9-11 rule. Oops, my bad!) Since I was way early, security turned me away, he let me know, "They don't get there until 9, so I may want to come back closer to time." Waiting in the Starbucks next door, I had a green tea latte and spent some time people watching.

Of course I was fly, in my black suit, leopard print shoes, and large red bag. Bella Donna. I purposefully took it up a notch. Simply because I didn't know what to expect and I had read in my Living, Studying, and Working in Italy book they take pride in a polished appearance, all the way down to the cell phone. Of course I had to do my part!

I head back and sign in at 9:07 at the main desk, then I ride up to the 18th floor and sign in again with Mr. Willie Thomas. He was the sweet security guard who took the shots of me outside of the consulate. (Apparently they didn't tell him the rule.) I told him I was going to add him to my blog! He just laughed and said, "OK." And then proceeded to spell his name for me, I guess he wanted to be sure I got it correct. LOL! After signing in with Mr. Thomas, he said, "You may now enter." I was shocked when I walked in and saw 5 other people already ahead of me, at that moment I just knew this was going to take a minute!

I sign in on the clip board and have a seat. The room, which I do not have pictures of, was a small exterior waiting room; filled with couches, chairs, pictures of Italy and a locked door that allowed you to enter into the main quarters. The best way to describe it is, somewhat similar to what you experience at the doctor's office. They had a glass wall of windows, like at the bank, or Harold's Fried Chicken in Chicago. You speak through the grated hole and pass the documents under the glass, but you don't get any chicken in return. You just get the Consulate Nazi. My dear friends, YOU KNOW I LOVE SEINFELD, watch the reruns often and find a reference in life just about everyday. Well, this day was no different. I promise to explain!

The first four people were all together. Husbands and Wives who were seeking dual citizenship. They were speaking Italian. I could understand what the Consulate Nazi was saying initially, but the husband, I had no clue. It really was another language, like Memphis, you know. (No offense to my peeps from Memphis, but we all saw "Hustle and Flow.") Anyway, one of the applicants finally asked to speak in English. She began telling the Consulate Nazi how they had been there a year ago and unable to complete the process and were turned away. I thought OMG! A year ago!! Well, turns out they were still missing their money and like I told you all earlier, they do not take checks! So why did these folks think they could just up and write one?!?! So they had to leave and go get their funds.

At this point, the woman behind the glass belts, "Student Visa?" That is me, but the Asian guy to my left hops up. "Who was first?!?," she asks. I point to him, he points to himself, she looks irritated. The best way I can describe it. At this point ladies and gentleman, you will see why I have dubbed her the Consulate Nazi (For the non Seinfeld folks, it was originally the Soup Nazi, and if you didn't have your order, your money, or both ready and together, you were dismissed with the retort. "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" I promise you need to You Tube the entire episode! or you can click the link NO SOUP FOR YOU for a "taste").

This poor man, who mind you has a very thick Asian accent and the Consulate Nazi, who obviously has a very thick Italian accent, begin to communicate with regards to his items. (If you recall, you must bring originals and copies and what you bring also depends on what type of Visa you are applying for.) She begins to ask him for his copies, he is trying to give her the originals, this goes on for about 2-3 exchanges. She turns to me, "Do you have your copies?", I nod and say, "yes." I am literally shaking, because she is pretty scary folks! The Consulate Nazi asks him, "Why do you want to come into the country?" He explains, "For the conference." (From this I gather it is possibly a work visa, since he is presenting at this conference.) "Do you have your papers in order?," continues the Consulate Nazi. He attempts to slide everything under the glass. "No! She exclaims, I can not open this for you. You must open. I do not have time to do this for you! Have you seen my desk?! (I am watching their exchange like a ping pong match.) Did you not read the Internet? You are supposed to have two piles your originals and your copies! Do you understand?" As she is saying this, she is also adding the hand gestures of making the separate piles and here it comes. "YOU move out of the way! Come back with your things in order. NEXT! Student Visa?" Oh... that is me!!

I hop up to the window. Instantly she compliments me on my big red bag. She says, "ooohhh I love your bag." "Thank you," I respond. (Ladies we all know, just add shoes, bags, and stir and I promise the conversation will take a life of its own. And if martini's are a part of the picture, come back in an hour!) I begin pulling my items out of the bag. Envelope 1 is filled with the originals, Envelope 2 is filled with the copies, the other stuff in my bag includes: Envelope 3 my copies, and miscellaneous envelopes that have just in case items. Just in case they want additional proof or questions, I can pull it out. I am ready! The Consulate Nazi also sees that I am ready. And she gladly points this out to the Asian man, "See, she has her originals, she has her copies. She read the Internet!" She quickly flips through the papers and comes across my transcripts, my OFFICIAL transcripts. Well, we all know a transcript is not official unless it is sealed with the stamps and signatures etc. She says, "Oh... no, I can not open this, you must open it." Uh-oh... is she going to give me the boot. I quickly open it, explaining to her why it was closed, how the request for an official transcript and what makes this official. She didn't seemed to worried about it. She flips through all of the originals. Then she requests the copies. I have them clipped and ready to go, she says, "Leave them clipped, I can take it just like this. Bene, Bene." She retorts as she continues to flip. She then begins to ask a few questions...

"Oh... so you are going for school." "Yes mam, I am going to study Art and Interior Design!" I exclaim. She then asks, "Are you excited?" I reply, "VERY, words can not express..." She then warns... "You better be careful. You have a pretty smile, the Italian men will love that smile." (May I insert a wandering thought here... THOUGHT: Now I have heard this and had friends and former colleagues warn me about this. I even read a few things on line, but all from an AMERICAN perspective. And each time I thought nothing about it. But, now, that a REAL Italian woman, one who is from Italy, and has lived there has shared this warning, I am starting to pay a bit more close attention!) I chuckle and respond, "Well, will see." She finishes going through all of the papers, takes my passport (they take the passport to place the Visa inside of it, most likely it will be electronic) and says, "Very good... you will have it before you leave."

Now, I already told you how she was a bit snippy, but I didn't know if she meant, before I leave the country or the office for the day. And I didn't want to ask... So I sat down for a minute and pulled out my papers from the school and the Internet, making sure I had covered everything. I find one thing, specific stamp I need to request, should I go back? Well, the Consulate Nazi had gone back to assisting the Asian gentleman, God bless him, and her twin sister, Consulate Nazi II comes to the window, asking to assist me. Well, Consulate Nazi steps in and says, "What's wrong?" I go to the window, showing her the paper from the school. She says, "NO, you will not get it today, see, this is why you give me the envelope, I will mail to you." Well, before her head starts to spin, I just say, "OK," apologize for the misunderstanding and leave. I leave my poor Asian friend, still working with her.

Well, it took me longer to wait for my turn then to have them flip through my items. Go figure! After waiting for Eric to come and pick me up, we went for lunch and he dropped me at the airport that night. Back to the Humid Zone...

So Now What...

1. I had two moving sales this month. Those pictures are in the new set too. I am so thankful to all the friends who came to help me out!

2. I only have the dresser and chest of drawers to sell and the love seat. So if you know anyone.

3.Don't you know I heard from a friend and former colleague about a place I could have gone to in Franklin, TN!!! After all this! Oh, well... it is about the experience. Plus, I wouldn't have met the Consulate Nazi.

4. I am packing, packing, and um let me see... PACKING! My poor momma. I sure hope her basement can hold everything. And did I mention she was taking Essence for me while I am away. Please start praying now, for both of them.

5. I have also rented a U-Haul truck and I have several clothes boxes that I ordered from theme. They are very sturdy!!

6. I found a small group of people who meet weekly to practice speaking Italian! I found them on Craig's List, and hope to start this week.

7. Finally, my friend Marcia is planning a going away party for me and my friend Stephanie the after party. Uh-oh, now where are my dancing shoes. Did I pack those already? Well, I KNOW not these, they are $1, 100.00!!! Yes, for a pair of shoes, but they are Manolos...

My Last Day...1 Week Later

Well, today marks 1 week since I have been complete with my time and season at Hunters Bend and WCS. I originally intended to post last Monday, on my last day, but I didn't. I postponed my thoughts, simply because I didn't know what to say. I assure you it was NOT one of the issues of "Mom's Rules" and nothing nice to say, I just was simply speechless and when it was all said and done a bit numb.

The day started like any other. Got up and went for a run, I did 4 miles and just felt good and strong, followed with a little yoga to stretch it out and Here is a cute picture of my last day fit, trying to go for the Italianesque feeling...

Some final principal duties of course had to be addressed. Including a PTO meeting, changing of the guard and all, taking payroll to central office, and several teachers and families coming by to say a final farewell. Of course, wouldn't you know, on my last day, I end up working late! I was there until about 6:30 finishing class placements, checklists, notes for some, and downloading my files, etc. So much to the point I missed my CAD class, but trust me there are no tears on that one!

If I can capture my final thoughts...

I walked towards the door grabbing my bag and preparing to turn out the light and it hit me. This was the last time I was going to turn out the light, this is the last time I am walking out the door, and not coming back "tomorrow." This was the moment that had taken six years to build to and seemed like forever since May 1st. Had it really arrived?

The keys are sitting on the desk for Mike, the new principal. When I leave, I am really gone. Whoa... see, numb! I paused just outside of my office threshold and offered a prayer to God, simply thanking him for the opportunity and the ones to come. No tears, just that glossy look, you know; the one if you blink too hard they will start to fall. Then I flounced on to the exit door. From my car I took one final reflective look, an exhale and got in my car to pull away. I still have a thankful heart and pretty much still speechless; in spite of what's listed above.

1919

Ciao Familia~
Well, I wish I had better news to share, but unfortunately there has been a bit of a snag last week with the final paperwork needed for the VISA. Here is the short version...

Around the 13th I had problems with the US government. Not like I was a spy or anything. Like most folks, I applied for financial aid. But I got an email from the Feds (not really the feds, but the US DEPT of Ed, which in a sense are the Feds), saying they couldn't process it. My SS# was found, but my name, and birth date didn't match. Talk about a scare of identity theft! Because of this, SACI couldn't create my student aid report (SAR) which is what I need to take with me to Detroit, to show the Italian Consulate that I won't be a burden on the country, etc. It is just a web, dominoes... Each step is contingent on the last step. So although I have my stuff together, this snafu, effects everything else.

So I started researching and pretty much used all last week to call and visit and pray. This was pretty frustrating, because like any major organization filled with bureaucracy no one talks to anyone else! Turns out the name and SS# were correct, but my birth year was listed as 1919!! In addition, out the 4 groups I was working with (SACI, FAFSA, NSLDS, TN DOE,etc.) only one group had it incorrect, but that effected everyone else. So after multiple calls, emails, faxes, pin number changes, they finally got the correct year. The ironic piece, I started with calling folks in TN, who sent me around the world, LITERALLY, just to come back to TN to get it fixed who had to also call someone in FL.

So now that it is correct... I am waiting for the school to complete there part and send me the final paperwork. I have to call the school on Tues, because my contact is out today. The real crazy part, I am speaking to one person in NY and the other in Florence. I can kind of laugh about it, but not really, I will laugh after I get back from Detroit! Maybe...

HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS...
1. I plan to go to Detroit toward the end of July. So this is more like a back step or would that be a sidestep?
2. On Saturday, my dinner club is having a garage sale. So I plan on putting several items in that!
3. Some good news, speaking of selling. I sold my piano! This is a blessing, it is too much and too hard to try to move, so I am glad it has found a new home.
4. My last day with the county is quickly approaching. I have so much to do, so I am ready for the last day. I have pretty much cleaned out my office, I have about one more small load. There was actually less then I realized, once I started recycling!!

CHECK!

Good Evening Family...

Well, it looks like I am being "Chatty Kathy" this week. But so much has been going on and I don't want you to miss a minute. So here goes...

1. I received my health insurance info yesterday. I know you may be thinking... and, but this is major! I have to have coverage and proof of such when I go to apply for the Educational Visa. And beleive it or not, Italy is pretty picky and only wants a specific kind. So CHECK! Got it..

2. My new school, has decided I would be a better candidate for the Post-Bac as opposed to the year-abroad program. My choices are Art, Art History, or Art Restoration. So I decided to go with Art, with a focus on Drawing, which will help me with interior design! I had to submit my art portfolio (The shot on this page is an example of what I included) of 15 pieces and course choices. My final paperwork should arrive early next week. The called to confirm today... CHECK!

3. The furniture is slowly moving. Although I still have SEVERAL things to share with the good people of Craig's List... Looks like I have sold the bed and both night stands. So Semi-Check!

I am getting excited and a little sad. I will be leaving Nashvegas around August 26th and in just 12 short weeks I will be in another country! I feel so mixed with emotions like a Lemon Drop totally shaken! It is going to be a busy time... CHECK!

GOOD NEWS!!

Everyone! I had the drawing class tonight and can I just say, WAY BETTER experience. I am more so in my element. We are going to be working in multiple media from pencil depth to charcoal. I have a few additional supplies to pick-up, I wonder if Claudia can make some recommendations? (She is my art teacher at the school where I am principal for the next 20 days.)

So here are the two exercises (focusing on the line) that we did today...

Drawing your hand, without looking at the paper. Yeah, I know makes, no sense, but really it did. The purpose was to get us to sssslllooowww down and look for detail.

The second activity was drawing a shoe, without lifting the pencil, one continuous line!! I selected a roller skate, rather then the heels I had on. Those of you who know me well, know that I was not puttin' my feet on that NASTY floor! But that roller skate was probably just as scary but I loved how it looked with its rusted metal wheels. I am sure I will pull this again. (mental note, add gloves to supply list!)

Both pieces turned out, um... what's the word, "interesting."

We are also drawing standing up, with our easel at a 90 degree angle. Why? It has to deal with perspective and view... It will also help us as we go from the item to focus of our page. And yes, I will be leaving the heels at home, the concrete floor is unforgiving! Now pray for me, because we are supposed to create a self-portrait for the last assignment. In the past, portraits have not been a strong suit for me! They always come out looking like "Pat." (you know from the Saturday Night Live Days back in the 90s.) Lost in the androgynous zone...

Here's a thought I had. I find it funny that both of these classes, CAD and Drawing are starting at the same place. "The foundation of the line."

I GOT IT!!

Ciao Bellas~
I would be remiss if I did not place this post...

My airline ticket arrived TODAY via Fed Ex! Can you see why I had to get this thought down?

I am so excited you guys... I leave September 1st at 2:10 from Chicago, so mark you calendars. I actually land in Germany, and the take a short skip to Florence in one of those little planes. I get there September 2nd at 8:00!! Can you believe it, crossing that 'ol date line... It is my first time to do so. I had a friend share with me that there is a Sunday he never saw, due to traveling to Africa, and he had two Fridays back to back. I let him know that it's a wash... he'll be OK. lol

My next steps include the following...

1. Collecting the info from my school. I don't think I mentioned that I will be taking classes at Studio Art Centers International (SACI) follow the link!

2. So I can use the info from them, to get my Visa. I will be going at the end of June to DETROIT! Yes, Detroit folks this is crazy... but this is where the Italian consulate says I have to go.

3. Still selling on Craig's List! You need it, I got it.

FUN FACTS...

Salve!

Well, let me tell you, I have just received a book, from a parent and friend, titled Living, Studying, and Working in Italy by Ward & Larner. My former colleagues know that I am all about the non-fiction reading and so I have been going through this in a ravenous fashion. It is truly a good read and I would recommend it!! So here are a few fun facts that I have learned. Feel free to apply them accordingly, especially when you come to visit.

1. If you ride the bus in Italy, it is on the "honor system." Can you believe it! The authors say, most folks just get on, but if the bus police catch you, you have to pay a fine on the spot, about 5 Euros, which is roughly 8 bucks!

2. Shopping there is NOTHING like here! You better know what you want in advance. You have to tell the shop owner, they pull it for you and you go to try it on. There is no flipping through the racks. In addition, I hope you aren't the modest type, because they will just come in on you "to help" and sometimes the dressing room is slightly open because it is barely covered by a curtain or door that covers the main areas of the body. Mi Scusi (Excuse me)!! And here is something I found hilarious; being a shoe girl. If you are trying on a pair of shoes and they don't fit, well it is not the shoes, "your feet are just swollen from the day." That trick won't work on me!

3. My Italian friends only spend cash! Dave Ramsey would be so proud. The authors say you will litter ally see people with WADS of cash! They also frown upon the credit card and the large shops are the only ones to take Visa/Master Card or traveler's checks. And don't even think of writing a personal check! This is totally unacceptable. That will take some getting use to, I literally think I have a few dimes in my purse, I am a total check card kind of gal. No mas! ( this is Spanish for no more, I don't know the Italian word for more...)

4. A final factoid. Paying your bills is often done in person. I guess since you are paying in all this cash you can't mail it. You just walk to the spot and you only pay every few months. And your water bill is the highest bill. Mind you, you are surrounded with water on three sides, a peninsula!

Final thoughts...

I am still working on the Italian, but I have a mom of a former student who said she would tutor me this summer before I go! Grazie

Still selling. The couch, a mountain bike, and bistro table for the patio are out! Still more to go!! UGH...

I start my art class here on June 9. It is a Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Class! Wish me luck with that.

Lo Parlero a tu domani. ( I will talk to you tomorrow. Which is not really, but the Italians always say domani (tomorrow) when they really mean next week.)

First Things First...

Ciao Salve!

Well, this is my blog. A collection of thoughts and ideas, of expressions and sentiments and a few pictures along the way. I will apologize in advance for the spelling errors, comma splices, run-on sentences etc, etc, but I will do my best to double check before publishing. I think everyone who knows me, knows I can't spell very well! And my dissertation adviser would testify on the rest.

So I thought I would use this first post to answer a few questions that continue to come up...

oh, and the picture is not Italy, is actually NYC, Central Park to be exact, one of my favorite places and YES I did take this shot.

1. Do you know the language? No (which is also Italian for No, so can I say Si? I am steadily learning and driving the people around me crazy speaking in my broken dialect).

2. Do you have family there or know someone there? No (But, have you talked to me before? I know, know strangers! I am like my grandfathers in that regard, I would probably talk to a light post!)

3. Have you been there before? No, that is why this is such an adventure...

4. Do you have a job there? I'll get back to you on that one...

5. When are you leaving? and how long are you staying? I am heading over at the end of September. I plan to stay about 4-6months, but you never know...

6. Why Italy? Well, this is a very complex question. But the quick and short of it... I believe I am to be there. This is the easiest way to explain it. I know I also have so many other interests I want to explore and now that the Doctorate is done, why not. I am expecting great things!

I think this concludes the primary questions I have been asked. My next steps include:

1. Packing my office, since I have resigned from my job at the beginning of this month.

2. Selling like a mad woman on Craig's List! If you need it, I got it!

3. Finalizing jobs and visa stuff (I just realized this is sort of turning into a check list, shhhh, don't tell my mother!)

4. Packing my apt in prep to move. What am I going to do with all those shoes!?!?! YIKES!

Anti Presto (until next time)

Laci