Sometimes in our lives we need little reminders about why we have made certain choices, especially in these times when not only our world, but our personal lives may seem to be in a tail spin, or just aren't working out quite as we imagined they would.
I had one of these reminders yesterday as I was settling into bed next to my boyfriend, snuggling in may actually be more appropriate as my position is generally cuddled up to his side with my hand rested on his chest, and all of a sudden this peace came over me.
After a chaotic day, at the beginning of a chaotic week in a chaotic month it was just the thing I needed. Since I've been here he's always been like that for me. A port in the storm, a shoulder to cry on and a warm body to snuggle up to on a cold autumn night. And I remembered why, why I'm here, why I left my beautiful California home to live in the disorganization, inefficient, but hopelessly charming country we call Italy. For love of him, because anyone who can bring you complete peace and a feeling of safety when you are feeling completely lost is worth making that kind of sacrifice for.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Amatricana!
On the up-side, I'm making amatriciana today. One of my favorite things to make. If you're interested, here's the recipe:
4 tbs olive oil
1 small onion finely chopped
1 c diced bacon (pork cheek is actually better and more flavorful)
1/2 c white wine
2 cans diced tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
1 package spaghetti
romano cheese to top
Put a pot of water on a high fire. In a medium sized pan saute the diced onion with the olive oil until it's translucent. Add the bacon or pork cheek and saute until they are almost crispy. Add the wine and reduce. Add the diced tomatoes, salt (not too much since the bacon is already a bit salty) and pepper.
When the water is boiling add a small handful of coarse salt and the spaghetti. Cook until al dente or to the consistency you prefer. Drain and return to the pot. Add the sauce and mix. Sprinkle with cheese and serve hot.
Enjoy!
4 tbs olive oil
1 small onion finely chopped
1 c diced bacon (pork cheek is actually better and more flavorful)
1/2 c white wine
2 cans diced tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
1 package spaghetti
romano cheese to top
Put a pot of water on a high fire. In a medium sized pan saute the diced onion with the olive oil until it's translucent. Add the bacon or pork cheek and saute until they are almost crispy. Add the wine and reduce. Add the diced tomatoes, salt (not too much since the bacon is already a bit salty) and pepper.
When the water is boiling add a small handful of coarse salt and the spaghetti. Cook until al dente or to the consistency you prefer. Drain and return to the pot. Add the sauce and mix. Sprinkle with cheese and serve hot.
Enjoy!
What to do when you don't have a car.
One of the biggest things I miss about Cali is having my car. To us I think a car is not only a necessity, but key to our independence.
Living in Rome having a car is almost insane. The traffic, the parking, the driving. It's worse than LA at rush hour...honestly! There's a huge difference between freeway traffic and city traffic, and I'd much rather have freeway traffic!
So, my point being that I feel a bit dependent, okay a lot dependent on my boyfriend for rides to do the grocery shopping, go anywhere off the beaten path, and today IKEA! I really, really want to go to IKEA, but Matteo is working, and then when he gets home there's the soccer game (Sunday's are almost exclusively reserved to sports, one of the few similarities with the States actually), so looks like I'm stuck! Suck!
Living in Rome having a car is almost insane. The traffic, the parking, the driving. It's worse than LA at rush hour...honestly! There's a huge difference between freeway traffic and city traffic, and I'd much rather have freeway traffic!
So, my point being that I feel a bit dependent, okay a lot dependent on my boyfriend for rides to do the grocery shopping, go anywhere off the beaten path, and today IKEA! I really, really want to go to IKEA, but Matteo is working, and then when he gets home there's the soccer game (Sunday's are almost exclusively reserved to sports, one of the few similarities with the States actually), so looks like I'm stuck! Suck!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!! but a bit sad to be a Californian...
and embarrased to be living in Italy, where the respect for the leader of another nation doesn't last even 3 days.
Silvio Berlusconi, the Prime Minister of Italy, has had the great audacity (probably closer to stupidity) to insult our new president. "Good, handsome and tanned." Are you kidding me? It's as if he has no filter between his brain and his vocal chords. I think it's a very good indication of the state of a nation when it's highest elected official thinks no consequences will come from the words he uses...and in effect none do. Nothing more than profuse apologies from the opposition were heard. As for Mr. Berlusconi, some more kind words for the journalists who published his blunder, and who are apparently "imbeciles." Maybe he thinks he's still singing on a cruise ship, but harsh words and reprimand should come from more than just the opposition.
In any case, getting back to being disappointed to be a Californian...aren't we supposed to be the most forward looking state? The state of the first smoking bans, green laws and such. Apparently we aren't the state of freedom and tolerance I thought. I am of course talking about prop 8. It just seems to me that in this day and age no one has the right to determine what constitutes a family. Why put limits on marriage? We have pushed the boundaries on so many levels and about so many issues and yet marriage is a limit people don't want to push. Why? What change does it make in people's lives REALLY, except those people fighting for their rights? Are gay couples less capable of love? No. Anyone who thinks so is seriously mistaken and short sighted.
Silvio Berlusconi, the Prime Minister of Italy, has had the great audacity (probably closer to stupidity) to insult our new president. "Good, handsome and tanned." Are you kidding me? It's as if he has no filter between his brain and his vocal chords. I think it's a very good indication of the state of a nation when it's highest elected official thinks no consequences will come from the words he uses...and in effect none do. Nothing more than profuse apologies from the opposition were heard. As for Mr. Berlusconi, some more kind words for the journalists who published his blunder, and who are apparently "imbeciles." Maybe he thinks he's still singing on a cruise ship, but harsh words and reprimand should come from more than just the opposition.
In any case, getting back to being disappointed to be a Californian...aren't we supposed to be the most forward looking state? The state of the first smoking bans, green laws and such. Apparently we aren't the state of freedom and tolerance I thought. I am of course talking about prop 8. It just seems to me that in this day and age no one has the right to determine what constitutes a family. Why put limits on marriage? We have pushed the boundaries on so many levels and about so many issues and yet marriage is a limit people don't want to push. Why? What change does it make in people's lives REALLY, except those people fighting for their rights? Are gay couples less capable of love? No. Anyone who thinks so is seriously mistaken and short sighted.
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