Ready to Go

Trip Start Oct 16, 2007
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Trip End Dec 16, 2007


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Flag of United States  , Michigan
Tuesday, October 9, 2007

As you know I am ready to fly off to Vicenza to embark upon my new job as a MFLC - affectionately known as an M-FLECK. I will be acting as a consultant to an international EAP firm working with military families. This assignment is with Child/Youth Services I am learning what it means to operate in the "chain of command" and the other consultants have been laughing at my "Type A" mentality. They all nod their heads, smile and say knowingly that I will have to learn to sit back and just allow things to unfold. Do you think? Maybe no.

At any rate, I will be returning to Northern Italy, a place I visited with Al years ago. I hope to get back to many of the lovely areas we traveled to and through on the weekends. I will miss my companion and Scrabble buddy on this trip. I will also miss my friends. Trust me, no new traveling companions can take the place of the "Bad Choice" girls streaking their way across the country on the bullet train.

Having already learned the 23 kg lesson, I am carrying two pieces of luggage to contain my basic black and beige wardrobe. Keep laughing all of you who have noticed that this monochromatic color scheme has infiltrated my day-to-day wardrobe at home as well. Who knows, Italy might just get the best of me and I might come back with magenta spiked hair. Actually the current fashion trends are 1)tight bleached jeans, 2)tall pointed spiked heels, and 3)crystal nose studs. I'm going to be on my feet a lot so probably will have to do without the 3 inch heels.

I will also be packing boots. Although the temperatures are more temperate than in Michigan, it will get a little cold and damp by December. Beige and black layers should take care of any temperature fluctuations.

I have been been told I will be living in a hotel across from my worksite. How about those apples (I will probably be substituting truffles after a few weeks in Italy)? I get to walk to work everyday (WHEW, don't have to worry about driving that stick shift in the Italian traffic) but no kitchen! Can you imagine? I will go into culinary withdrawal. I'm sure I will have to befriend a local Italian restaurant owner in order to sniff and stir myself back into reality.

I will also be attempting to develop my technological skills. I know. I know. Just you wait until I down load my first breathtaking picture of the Italian countryside or my latest meal. Right now I can't even find spell check:{ Guess I had better buy a camera before I leave.

As I have mentioned I will be shifting and clutching my way across the countryside on the weekends. If you get a chance take a look at a map of the Veneto. I will be close to some of Italy's beautiful northern lakes, the Dolomites, and the Adriatic. Also Bologna, the food capital is a short distance away. Sadly, opera season is over in Verona, a neighboring city which has a beautiful ancient outdoor amphitheater.

Comments

nballantyne
nballantyne on

Oh the places you'll go...
I am so looking forward to living vicariously through your experiences! You go girl!

nowheatnomeat
nowheatnomeat on

BRENNNNDAAAA
Well, I for one, think you made a Good Choice. The bad choice girls need will need to get on a bullet train and come and visit. I will bring an extra suitcase for the gourmet c-store.
This is such an exciting adventure...and we all wish you a wonderful experience. Much love, nowheatnomeat

annie61
annie61 on

Congratulations
What a wonderful adventure for you...this blog is great and I look forward to your every adventure.
Annie

gymwhite
gymwhite on

The first of many adventures!
Not sure when you leave but I will be sitting on the deck sipping red wine wondering what in new with you. Thanks for creating this blog so we can all share your experience!

Jim White

kjohns213
kjohns213 on

Brenda
Just as you wanted- winter might be a little daunting!
Sorry we couldn't get together much this summer- but the farm is sold, we had an auction which was successful.

Off to Cleveland this weekend for a visit with Marcia & Ziggy then to Connecticut next weekend to see Jane's grandson play football.

kj and Jane

yourcabobuds
yourcabobuds on

Watch out Italy, Here she comes!
Wow! The sight looks great. All those long hours on that computer were not in vain! By the way, I love the first picture :). Last weekend was a lot of fun. Thanks again for coming to visit. Make sure to call and give me all the updated cell #'s and other info. before you leave. We are looking forward to that first picture from Italy!
Love you and God bless!
Kimberly and gang

kingcasmir
kingcasmir on

you go girl
ray and i (and casmir, too) are so proud of you. sounds like you'll put whole foods off the charts with your adventures. can't wait to hear of the daily challenges and excitement. love you and wish you well. live, laugh and love!

annie61
annie61 on

kitchenshrink
by this time you are in the air winging your way to your new adventure...I miss you already, but know this will be a grand adventure for you...stay safe my friend and know that you are loved
annie

teach2dn
teach2dn on

Dance a little
Have a great time abroad! Know that we will be thinking of you and all of your adventures. When you come home in December feel free to come over and cook for us!!!!! I could use your hands for Xmas eve!!! :-)

annearbor
annearbor on

Go and Grow
Brenda
When I moved to Las Vegas, some people thought I had lost my mind. It was one of the best things I have ever done. Diane Wittl said to me, ' Go and Grow' which I have done. I hope you have wonderful adventures ( and I know you will based on a few trips we took:) By those Brioni suits you always talked about, eat healthy Italian food, visit the historic sites..and oh yes, stamp out substance abuse. Stay in touch and know your buddies are with you in spirit
Go Blue!
Amy aka Anne Arbor

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