Bambino website

To keep up with what's going on with the baby, check out this website:

www.totsites.com/tot/thomasbamino

The baby has its own website already! Enjoy!

Graduation in Sicily

Today was a busy day! I have been volunteering with an university this week helping them prepare for their Graduation ceremony today.

After many last minute tasks, everything pulled together nicely to produce a wonderful ceremony. It was a special day for the graduates as many of them had been working for many years on their degrees by taking classes part-time while being in the military full-time.

It was fun to watch the families applaud and take pictures of their graduate. Afterwards, there was a nice reception with anti-pasti (Italian for appetizers) and cake.

The thing I enjoyed the most about today was seeing a few people that I already knew and catching up with them, as well as meeting some new people. Everyone here has a common conversation opener: "So, when did you get to Sig?" or "When did you land on the Island?" It's a common thread that seems to unite us as we start to share stories about how long we've been here, where we came from, and what we and/or our spouse does here.

As I was driving home after the Graduation reception, I thought to myself, "It's really going to be okay. We are going to make it here. And I think I kind of like it." Of course, Sicily is beautiful and I have enjoyed my time here, but there were a few home-sick weeks. After the newness wore off after being here awhile, I found myself listing everything I missed about the states, (family, friends, Target, Starbucks, any modern convenience, etc....) but now I get the sense that everything is going to be okay. I still miss those things from the states, but maybe I am learning accept that I don't have them in my daily life right now in order to embrace some new things.

One day at a time...

Back in Italy

I just got back last week from a trip to the states. I had a wonderful time visiting with family and friends. It was great to see people and to stock up on baby stuff.

Now that I am back in Italy, I have been busy! After spending a few days unpacking and getting settled, I started volunteering at one of the satellite universities on the base. I had originally applied for a job with the university as an academic advisor. The job was not offered due budget cuts. So I was asked if I would be interested in volunteering. Since I applied for this job before I found out we were having a baby, this works out nicely. Of course it would be nice to be earning a little moola, but this gives me a chance to get out of the house a couple of days a week. And since it is only volunteer work, I set my own hours and I can quit when it gets closer to the baby's due date.

It's been nice being back in Italy with my husband. If only we can endure the hot, hot weather, I think it will be a fun summer. (It's supposed to be 102 degrees on Saturday! Mama Mia!)

Where's the beef??

Remember that old Wendy's commercial in which old woman wanted to know where the beef was in her hamburger?

Well, during this trimester of my pregnancy so far, beef is all I can think about!! I have been craving red meat and cheese so much. I guess that's good as I've read that at this point in the pregnancy the main nutrients the baby needs is protein, iron, and calcium.

No wonder I want a cheeseburger almost daily! Never in my life have I craved red meat so much. I am usually a grilled chicken kinda girl, but not now! Bring on the burgers and roast beef sandwiches! Heck, I might even have a steak.

Until next time....gotta go get a snack!