My random nonsense.

As I sat here pondering why I have been neglecting blogging…I have come up with multiple reasons.

• Stupid Reason #1, “I’ve been too busy.” **pathetic answer.**

• Reason #2 **still pretty pathetic** “We’ve been traveling and have had visitors.”

• Slightly more reasonable reason #3, **best reason I could come up with**, “I have found us easing into the Italian way of life, and apparently forgot that everyone back home does not find this way of life “normal” and also considered the possibility that maybe you all miss my random blabbering. But came to the conclusion that this situation was highly unlikely as well.”

This said, none of my reasons are good enough and therefore I should be blogging more. I am going to try to do one a week at the least, until I return home. Fingers crossed, I don’t forget or wait too long, or procrastinate too much! Okay, okay, I’ll stop boring you guys with the reason why I haven’t been blogging and get on with the stuff you guys actually want to hear about!

Ah so this is that thing all of you non-Arizonans call "winter". I see. What? You mean you can't wear shorts and flip flops all through the winter?? Really?? That’s lame. Say what??? I have to wear a coat???! The only time I wear one of those is when I'm snowboarding! You're telling me, my fox hoodie isn't going to cut the 10 degree weather? Darn it!

There was a day and a time when I would've begged for snow. But I have to say at this time, I think I've thoroughly had enough winter for this year. Other than snowboarding of course. (that's a different story) but day to day weather, I have to say I have had enough of the face stinging, feet slipping on ice, finger tingling, teeth chattering cold. I have reached the point in which I would like to walk to the grocery store without attempting to dodge snow, slush and ice; which let me assure it is impossible to dodge all three at the same time.

I will admit however, I have enjoyed actually having a full winter. In Phoenix, AZ we have about 2 seasons, "summer" and "something resembling spring-ish (this of course comes around December ;)". In Arizona, we can wear t-shirts, and shorts all year around. And I am not going to try to lie, I am looking forward to the AZ, triple digits this summer! I know what you’re thinking!! **She says that now. But just watch she'll be complaining this summer. ** Yes, you’re all right; when it hits 110 degree I will probably complain it’s too hot!! But I will go swimming! And get a tan! And go to the lake. And go wakeboarding. I’m not quite sure what else…but let me assure you, it will be a sun filled summer! I will not hide inside the whole time trying to avoid the sun.

Italy, on the other hand for the past week has had stunningly gorgeous weather! Don’t worry, I’m not jinxing it because I already checked the weather for next week and it’s supposed to rain all week. But that’s okay! #1 because Italian forecasters, never predict correctly. And #2 because this week was perfect. That beautiful orange blob emitting heavenly rays came out of hiding! Good thing too, because I was beginning to wonder what the sun even looked like anymore. Now some might think I would say “felt like” instead of “looked like” but the thing is, there is difference between AZ sun and sun here in Italy, in Italy, the sun is not nearly as potent. You can look it in the eye, it only rises just above the buildings, and well….is not nearly as hott at the sun I was raised with. However, sun is sun. And it sure is a heck of a lot better than that glacier winter we had here in Milan. Yes, of course the one year the Arizonans are here, they have the coldest and snowiest winter in 30 years.

                We’ve been traveling a lot and are planning to continue that really up until we leave. More London later this month! (We love English speaking countries!!) And maybe Paris in April. I will keep you all updated on those trips. As for the traveling we’ve been doing lately, is mostly around Italy itself. As I am sure the majority of you know we live in Milan, this is the metropolitan area of the country, and it’s the business district and is very industrialized. The heart of Italy, however, in my opinion, lies in the surrounding areas. Florence, is always a total blast; the statue of David, lots of other Michelangelo work, river running through the middle of the city, wonderful gelato, and so much more I cannot even name. Florence is a must see if you are planning a trip to Italy! Venice of course, is my favorite, completely surrounding by water, canals of water behind every turn. No amount of words, would ever bring Venice justice. Lake Como, is breathtaking, a town made famous, by it's beauty and of course the fact that George Clooney owns a villa there. Corsico, simply cheaper shopping, I swear the town is built around the Ikea in the middle. Lol, uhmm where else? Oh right, Maranello was definitely one of Corey’s favorite highlights of the trip so far, a city completely dedicated to everything Ferrari. Of course as I said, we adore Great Britain! And Spain, was beautiful and very tourist friendly, loved it!

As for learning the language, it’s slowly but surely getting somewhere. Hoping to get lessons here soon, finally! The running joke around here is “by the time they figure it out, we’ll be on a plane home.”

We received English television recently! The day the installation guy was coming my Dad was beaming from ear to ear, Corey wakes up and my Dad says to him, “Guess what?!! Santa comes today!!” Corey still groggy and not quite awake simply looks at him like he’s insane and turns to me with a *what in the world is he talking about??* face. And I simply say, “The T.V guy.” Corey rolls his eyes and pours his cereal. That’s my family for ya. ;) Anyways I could go on for a while, by I have to save stuff for next time! Hope all is well back home, I sure miss you all! See you soon!

Baci e Abbracci

XOXOXO

Quote from Dear John: "No matter where it is in the sky...No matter where you are in the world...the moon is never bigger than your thumb."