A Day in the Life...

Since Cyndy let us know Saturday was "The Day of the Cat" in Italy, I thought it only appropriate for me to make a post in honor of my little kitty. I wish we had this day in the USA - or if we do, it was better known. I'm a little late but hey, as most everyone points out - EVERY day is cat day.

So with no more ado, may I present - The SOPHIE CAT


How cute is she???

1. Sunning herself in a flower pot - she reminds me of a muffin. How is that comfy? (please dont look at the plant debris I needed to sweep!)

2. Hard at work as our audio visual consultant.

3. Making her people feel "special" by looking cute when they play with her. Sometimes you just gotta throw those humans a bone.

4. After a long hard day - a cat can only do so much!


More later...

February 14th

Happy Valentine's Day!

What are you doing for this "day of love"? Have you spent a crazy amount of money on a gift? Ordered your flowers and chocolate? Found some sexy something to surprise your someone special?

I don't know about ya'll but I think all of that is just crazy and too much pressure! I don't even like to go out to eat on Valentine's because everyone and their dog is out all at the same time. God forbid if you don't have a reservation and you better like the fixed menu. However, having ranted just a little bit about the commercialization of the day and the ridiculous expectations people have about it, let me say this. I like Valentine's Day. hehe

Valentine's to me is not about spending a fortune on presents and flowers "telling" your special someone you love them. I think you should do that every day (the telling, not the spending). It's about getting out of your day-to-day doldrums, putting some thought into doing something special for the person you love. Thinking about your feelings and really trying to express them. Writing a love letter, making a gift, cooking a special dinner. That is what the day should be. I don't need flowers (though I like them) or some jewelry or slinky lingerie (come on you know that's not really for you but for your partner.lol). Nope, I want to a card with a few meaningful words written in it. That is my only request. Of course, if flowers or chocolate accompany the card, it's a bonus.

As shocking as this next sentence will be, I must share it. My Italian is NOT romantic! *GASP* I know it seems unnatural, but alas it is true. I have shattered many a friend's Italian dream with this revelation. lol He is a very un-Italian Italian in many ways (and yes, I know I am making a blatant blanket statement about Italians, but come on girls, you know it's in the back of our minds). This is not meant as a criticism against my husband either. I am totally fine with that as I am not terribly romantic either. But this year, since we have had so many changes happening and coming up, I decided we needed to have an extra romantic Valentine's.

I am going to bring him breakfast in bed - a yummy almond croissant and coffee. Bought him chocolates, which honestly is more selfish than not because he eats all of mine; picked out a very sweet gushy card on which I will write something sentimental; and a small present he will like. He on the other hand is going to fix me a lovely dinner that he actually put thought and effort into. No every day pasta for tomorrow - no sir. A card and chocolates are also expected. YUM. All in all, someone is going to get lucky *wink*.

I just threw that in to make you laugh. Have a wonderful day and do something special for your loved one!

More later...

2 months in..

Well its February and I thought I would do a little "resolution update." Usually by now I've completely ignored my resolutions or forgotten what they are. But not this year! I am determined this year will be different. So every so often, I'm going to post my progress - hope you don't mind.

1. Lose weight. Slowly but surely, I'm seeing the pounds go. Dieting totally sucks.lol My plan has been to reduce calorie intake, eat healthier and learn when my body is really hungry - eat when I'm hungry and stop when I feel satisfied. That is very hard to do I think. I mean who hasn't just stuffed themselves till they are "full as a tick." Haven't you ever said - I paid for it, I'm eating it! I love food and usually, if there's food in front of me, I eat it all. I've noticed most skinny people don't do that - they stop when they are satisfied and leave food on the plate. They don't feel the need to eat it just because it's there. This is my goal. enjoy the food, eat well and stop when my hunger is gone. I get hungrier during the day, but thats ok. I have a few healthy snacks and it helps keep the metabolism going. =)

2. Learn Italian. ok, it still really sucks. but I AM studying. I've got my ipod full of podcasts and instead of listening to music on my way home from work, I have an Italian lesson. Today I even graduated myself to the intermediate casts. but WHOA! I had to back track cuz they were using past tense! oh my gosh - I am so not ready for that! I am still learning my conjugation. hehe I have also dug out my "Italian for Dummies" so I can do exercises in the evening as well. I really have to get a handle on Italian.

3. Be a better blogger. hmmm well, I can safely say this is my weakest resolution. sigh I did change the look and I have particpated in a blogging event but I still suck and need improvement. I will continue to work on it =)

4. Expand my mind, creativitiy, intellect. I do watch less crap on tv, does that count? mostly nerdy history channel stuff (or history internationa) and I am getting more answers right when my Italian poses his "questions of thought" during programs. This normally annoys me because he remembers way more from his education than I do.lol I do love history and there are many new interesting shows on which we are enjoying. (with the exception of right now, since my Italian is watching some show about the Harley Davidson plant. he keeps interrupting my blogging to share motorcycle tidbits with me. sigh - I could care less; but pause to listen and respond with appropriate ooos & ahhhs. so if my blog seems scattered, thats why. hehe) I am also reading some interesting historical fiction books about Italy. In the Company of the Courtesan and Leonardo's Swans.

Oh on a side note, we just watched a great new show on the Travel Channel - Francesco's Italy: From Top to Toe. It is really good and he is funny. He's a native Italian - who my husband pegged immediately as Venetian (which he is). Sharing a more Italian view of Italy. Tonight was the first show. He went to Padova, Vicenza, Verona, Milan, Mantua and Portofino. Most of which I have been to since my husband is from the Veneto. It was so cool. He is very Italian and Venetian - was so funny. Can't wait for next week.

Huh - did you know the gas tank of a Harley is below the seat and not the normal tank on top? yeah I know... riveting tv. lol

More later...