And Now We Wait...

Got the official dress!
Found the shoes!
Invitations mailed.
Found another dress
Made all necessary reservations.
Now it's time to find the bling.

And when I say bling I'm not talking race medallion...although my newest one being earned in a few weeks may work... And no, also not talking about the one that will live on my left ring finger one day. I am however, talking about something a little sparkly for the ears. Just something little, since it's not my wedding day but my (not so) little sister's big day!

Even after the wedding prep I've been involved in it seems crazy that Nini is getting married in 31 days! (Yep sister, that's your deadline.) Maybe that's because every time I'm asked "how do you like him?" I'm reminded that I haven't met my future brother in law and that I won't until only a few days prior to their union. Good thing my sister has exquisite taste and extended family has met this guy and hasn't said anything too ridiculous! Kidding Chase (and Nina)- anyone who can take a detailed email on "how to be Kate's stand in at Thanksgiving" and go for it rocks in my book. 

I've got to be honest, helping plan a wedding from overseas is crazy. Throw in time zone differences, the inability to see any dresses prior selection, no cake tastings, all means I need to count a ton on my amazing parents to do the leg work. It also means that emails are sent out at all hours of the day to make sure things fall into place. But you know what? This is my sister's day and even though the above may sound like complaining it's been totally easier than sharing a room with her growing up. Seriously...do any of you remember those wars?

At any rate, figured I owed you all a "real life update" although boating, Amalfi, and traveling are my real life activities these days...figured you'd want a more "normal person real life" update. For those I will be seeing in less than 30 days I can't wait! Seriously- between the frequent calls home, writing familiar zip codes, and making my lists for the trip home, I think California is becoming my most frequently used word.

Maid of Honor Out.

Just Keep Posting

Okay, so I know I’ve been slacking on the posts. I feel a tinge of guilt not because I feel like I owe you a play by play, but rather because this is really supposed to be my historical record. Haven’t I confessed my issue of following through with a journal to all of you before? Seriously, my parents can vouch for how many half filled books I found while packing…

Only one way to break the pattern and that’s to keep writing, but I need to figure out why the posts have slowed.  I have a few theories:

1. Everything is beginning to settle and so the slightest new thing doesn’t trigger my need to relate it to something “back at home.”   
2. It's tough staying up past 2100 when I know my alarm is set for 0345. (Yeah, you did read that right.)  
3. My life is becoming consumed by work, the gym, and wasting time on the computer---nothing too exciting to write about there even if I am in Italy.

I’m happy that things are beginning to fall into place. You know this is the case when you’re hanging out with fellow Americans and all you need to do is say “hey, we’re in Italy now” when you see something that would be surprising to see back home. Granted there are a few things I just may never get used to- mainly men wearing capris and purses. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know they don’t call them purses but let’s face it- it’s what they are. Fanny packs are another one that I just can’t accept and I catch myself smirking every time I see one- on anyone.  Please hold, I’m fighting a case of the giggles here with some of the images I see in my head…

Phew. Composure regained- until I walk outside and see another one.

The trash situation is another example of something that I’m becoming immune to, well maybe building a tad of resistance to. Living in Little America, I don’t have to deal with it too much but from time to time the designated trash areas build up (but nothing compared to outside the gate). During these times I just cross the street during my jog and hold my breath if it’s been a hot day. Although the lack of recycling still bugs this California girl, the town I will be living in will allow me to recycle so that makes me and the planet happy.

The 3rd thing that supports my theory that things are settling is the fact that I’m not super thrilled be to head back to the states in a few days…well probably not as thrilled as I should be. I can’t wait to see all of you in the greater VA area---especially after all day trainings. I also can’t wait to walk the aisles of Target, find good Mexican food, and be only +3 hours from the majority of you- no more of these emails from “the future.”  The truth though is this is my new home- hotel room and all. I feel that by heading out to the states I’ll have 3 places to keep tabs on- CA, Naples, and then my present setting. Sure VA may not be Italy, but it’s a new place for me so I’m just going to treat it like any other new place- a new location for more adventures.  

I wanted a change, an adventure, and a challenge when making this move and so far it’s delivered. I know that more of these things are going to greet me in the future and I’m okay with that. Right now that “new normal” I was craving what seems like so many weeks ago is shaping up and I like how it’s looking. Hopefully I’ve been able to establish it enough so when I get back, the foundation is still here and my jet lagged self can keep building on this Italy experience.