I've really been neglecting my blog. It's not on purpose, really. I've been working a lot of overtime and by the time I get home, the last thing I want to do is stare at a computer screen. Usually afterwork I play tennis or go to the gym, so by the time I make dinner and sit down, I'm pretty much spent. I don't even have kids yet! That's going to be interesting! I don't know how you Mamma's do it. Kudos to you!
The Italian and I have been talking about his coming to Portland and his plans were to come here with plenty of money since it will be 4 or 5 months before he can even apply for work. Unfortunately, he is the latest victim of this global economic crisis and has not been paid by the University since September of last year. I don't understand how they expect people to survive! He won't leave until they pay him otherwise he'll never see that money. He even took a second job just to keep himself afloat but even that has been hard because it is a commission based job. I'm pretty bummed out because usually around this time of year I am preparing for his arrival. Not this year. Long distance relationships really aren't for the faint of heart. I like to see the glass as half-full so I am just seeing this as another bump in the road. Fortunately, I have some job security so we decided that I would go there for Christmas and New Year. This way I could meet his family. The last time I was there we had just met and he is pretty traditional in that he doesn't bring anyone home unless he intends to marry them. So, I will be the first woman he takes to meet his family. I have to admit that this is a little strange for me, having been raised in the states. It used to be that way in Mexico, but those are things of the past. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. According to the Italian, southern Italian mothers really scrutinize their sons choice for a wife. Maybe the fact that there is a language barrier will work in my favor!! I would like to learn some of her recipes and I am sure she wants me to keep her son well fed, so I think this may be a way to bond if we can understand each other. I'm thinking I might take some Mexican ingredients and show her a few of my dishes. I doubt there are any good Mexican restaurants in Milano.
If any of you out there have some tips for me, please, I need all the advice I can get!! I think I am more worried about saying the wrong thing and offending someone. I am going to be there from December 23 thru January 8th so I hope to learn as much cooking as I can while I am there. I am soooo looking forward to all the wonderful dishes the Italian's mom makes for Christmas. He has described them to me over the phone and I am left salivating everytime. She makes capitoni but he doesn't like it. I like fish, so I think I might like it. I hope these next 5 months fly by because I am so anxious to see him. At that point it will be a year and a half that we haven't seen each other. Too long! I am hoping that once I come back he will follow me here shortly thereafter. My first Christmas in Italy!! I am soooo excited!! I better lose a few extra pounds in preparation because if it's anything like the culinary extravaganza that goes on in Mexico for the holiday season, I'm bound to pack a few pounds on!
I have more to write about the situation at work, but I'll save that for another day. I hope everyone is well and enjoying the summer.
4 comments:
Be strong. I know that the situation is very hard and the economic crisis doesn't help anyone. Working at a University in Italy can be very frustrating and I talk based on personal experience. I am sure that you both will be paid off for this long wait when you will be in Italy. I am sure you will have a great time and his family will love you!!! And they will understand if you will be a bit nervous at the beginning!!!
I'm so sorry you have to wait so long to see your man. Long distance relationships are so hard. I'm sure you'll do fine when you meet his family. I remember how nervous I was to meet N's, but it turns out they were all down-to-earth people. I don't have any advice other than be yourself, and make sure you show mamma how much you love her food.
fromtheworld- You are right! I just worry because we can't communicate the way that I am sure we would both like to, but I guess we have to make a concerted effort and hope for the best. I am really excited and I can't wait to go!
KC- I have no doubt that I will love Mamma's food. My worry is that I won't be able to control myself. I have an insatiable appetite. This girl can eat! Oh well, I'll only be there for two weeks. If I had to live in Italy, I might have a serious problem! It just seems so strange that we have been at this for over two years and I haven't met his family yet. That's so un-American...LOL! I'm sure you are right and all will go well, I just can't help but be a little nervous but I am so excited for the day to come!
You are a very strong couple and I am happy for you to be able to see him again soon. You guys have a connection that is hard to find in this day and age! I hope you have an amazing time!
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