Jun 262023
 

Although we had to wait a rather long time for the rain to stop, and we are still getting random thunderstorms, the summer temperatures have come straight in as if to make up for lost time. 🔥☀️

The wait has worked out for me as I have only just recently been able to put on a waterproof bandage so that I can make use of the pool. 😅 So, it has been lovely to do a bit of exercise in the pool and cool off from the sudden heat mixed with humidity thanks to the extra moisture in the air.

Along with the summer sunbathing time, we are also beginning our travels here, there and everywhere.

This week kicks off with my birthday getaway to London 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿. Really, it’s just an excuse to redo our planned trip at the end of February when I fell 🤷🏽‍♀️ – but I’m not complaining! 😁 So, that means I gotta run, but will update from our trip soon! ❤️

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Jun 192023
 

A rather unappreciated and misunderstood (in my opinion) dish in the Italian cuisine is gnocchi – pronounced “nio-key” or “no-key” as the “g” is silent. It is a perfect combination of potato and pasta with whatever kind of sauce you like. This one was a duck ragu that was yummy, though I was helping M finish it as I devoured my own of saffron and sausage.

There are many hidden aspects of local culture here that are easy to miss as an expat. We discovered one of them last night – The Gnocchi Festival of Santa Maria di Monteleone d’Orvieto (La Sagra degli Gnocchi di Santa Maria di Monteleone di Orvieto) – one of many throughout the summer in the region. This one is explained below as a translated version of one site.

More amazing than the gnocchi and turnout even amongst locals was the dancing. We didn’t know until we were leaving that there was actually two live bands playing – the latter targeted more for the youth. The one we listened to, observed, joined in on was a kind of traditional genre that allowed for the dancing!

When I say dancing, I mean partner dance, line dance, and combinations of other more formalized dancing. It was incredible to see people know so many variations of dances and joining in! There wasn’t a shyness really, if they knew it and could move, they were on the dance floor. It was so great.

I’m now keen to learn some of the line dances and even get someone to take me on as a partner for the ones that look something similar to a Texas two-step.

It was a ton of fun and I’m looking forward to experiencing more of these cultural moments!

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Jun 122023
 

How another week has gone by so quickly is one of those endless mysteries of life. 🤷🏽‍♀️ I thought that I would have more time to write or do so-called normal activities even with almost a week in France, but somehow that didn’t quite happen. 🤪

We hit the road late on Wednesday last week after I got back from Rome where I had what I thought was my last ankle check up for a while. Instead, I am going in tomorrow for a quick op to get one of the rods taken out, but more on that later in the week. In any case, although we don’t like to drive in the afternoons and evenings, we decided it was better to get to France and wake up with a full day rather than wait and waste a day driving.

Our main mission was to take the pups 🐶🐶 and see how they are in the yard as we will be taking them there with us for part of the summer and I’ll be on my own with them there for a few days. That mission was accomplished and Monty was able to show us all the holes where he can escape the fencing – they will be filled and blocked up. Unfortunately, Peanut was just on the mend as she had gotten bit by a viper 🐍 in our yard somewhere on the Monday afternoon before we went. Thanks to getting her to the vet, a blood test confirming the bite, and more meds, she is recovering. She still isn’t back to her full self yet, but she’s getting there. So, the upside was that she wasn’t as naughty so we only had to contend with one mischievous dog to complete our mission. 😬

Since it had been a while for M to visit and see our friends there, we made the rounds catching up with them. We also ate some delicious food and even got in a market day. So, it was a good trip even if the drive felt long on the return and the weather turned stormy ⛈️ in the afternoons after a misleading morning of warmth and sun ☀️.

Now, although I have unpacked and we are basically settled back home, we still will be on the move to some extent with tomorrow’s op and visitors coming for a few days. It’s all good though, this is not a complaint – just a reminder to myself that I gotta make schedules work for me as life moves fluidly around. 😁

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Jun 052023
 

It was a quick 17 days spent with my mom in Italy and southern France. We got to do a mother-daughter road trip from our place in Orvieto to Cinque Terre to a spa stay in Bordighera before using our place in Lorgues for a few nights to see the Mediterranean coast that makes the Cotes de Provence.

The timing was perfect as well to see the happenings of St. Tropez and Sainte Maxime. Plus, we soaked up the red carpet vibes of the Cannes Festival and grand prix weekend in Monaco with a stopover in Nice on our way back to Italy.

Once we returned, we didn’t let Mom rest too long before getting back on the road south to the Amalfi Coast with a stop in Pompeii before getting to our stay near Sorrento and a day on the boat.

We had a fabulous time hosting and think she had a great time visiting and seeing a glimpse of our lives. Hopefully, next time, we can get her and Dad over, but we shall see!

Now back to regular life… 🤪

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Aug 092022
 

When the voices in my head are quiet, I am not quite sure what to do with myself. I am never clear as to whether or not it is “normal” to not have the whirlwind of thoughts spinning in my mind. I suppose my normal is not this, though it may be for others.

Lately, I have been more in consumption mode rather than output. It is one way for me to deal with the lack of time to myself, keeping to a routine, and general control of my own activities. So, as I have not shared what I have been reading since January, I shall share what I have consumed over the last six months.

Some of these titles I listened to on audio, some I read on my Kindle, and others I read in good old-fashioned paper. None of these titles caused me to struggle through them, which is impressive as I usually find one or two a challenge.

Of these, my favorite fiction read was Pachinko and I am looking forward to watching the series based on it. In terms of non-fiction, the most enjoyable was Will, which we listened to on a road trip before “the slap” occurred and gave us some insight as to how that situation came to be enacted.

So, while I am slow to write new content lately, I am definitely enjoying my reads. 😅

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Jun 302022
 

A result of having so many visitors is having a lot of varied conversations observing not only styles of communication, but also hearing and seeing responses that reflect one’s personality and view on life.

One of my recent ponderings, that is somewhat related to conversations I’ve witnessed, is the question – At what point does an individual feel that something is enough to change their habits for the purpose of having a better life?

When I asked a recent guest this, his response was that it is when one is faced with a sense of mortality. Basically, a near-death or exposed to death kind of situation.

I feel that this is still an inadequate answer because I have not had this kind of experience, yet I have a strong desire to reflect upon myself to adjust my habits so that I am not prohibiting myself from living the best that I can whether it be with my health, my safety/livelihood, or my relationships. While I have long accepted that I do not think like the majority of people, I also have never accepted that I am alone in how I think nor that I might be wrong…. 😑

Obviously, people who do not want to die before they are ready – if they are ever so – will make adjustments to their way of life, if faced with their mortality, until they begin to take life for granted again and return to their “normal” way of life.

As an example, I think back to my grandpa H, who had a heart attack due to a lifetime of unhealthy living. When he came out of the hospital, he temporarily vowed to change his habits. In the end, it was too late as he was taken from us by an aneurysm after being lazy again with his walking and eating. While, on the one hand, we could say that he enjoyed his life and that it doesn’t really matter when one goes; on the other hand, we could argue that he could have continued to enjoy life for many more years than he did. Who is correct? Does it matter? 🤷🏽‍♀️

Personally, I am OK with death. It is a part of the life cycle and when one’s time comes, it is what it is. For me, I am ready anytime as I am very content with the life I have led and the one that I lead. Still, I do not live recklessly nor do I want to have a suffering kind of death – like with cancer. So, I take care of myself and I generally ensure that I do not cause others to worry about my behaviors leading to untimely death (for the living). To be honest, I don’t really know the reason why I think this way, which is why I am curious about those who don’t.

Still, if it is true that most people are not ready to die right now, then why do people continue to smoke when they obviously have bad health; text while driving; drive too fast at the risk of hurting not only themselves but others; drink to excess regularly; etc.?

Now, I’m not questioning one’s desire to have a good time, drown out sorrows, avoid facing personal or external issues, and various other reasons that one might choose to do any or more of the above. I am questioning at what point would it take for someone to want to change their life or to see that such behaviors might not contribute to a longer-lasting and fulfilling way of life? Or, maybe the question back to me is what is a fulfilling way of life and why can’t it be doing the above? 🤔

Anyway, I am honestly not judging nor condemning. Mostly, I’m curious and pondering. 🤯 These are the kinds of conversations I like to have…. 😬🤪

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Jun 282022
 

Yesterday was my birthday. I’m pretty laidback about celebrating, but I do love a bit of a party the older I get. 😛

So, on Sunday, we had a little get together with new friends for a late lunch in the very toasty and humid weather. It was a lovely afternoon spent chatting, laughing, and generally being merry.

I love fresh flowers – and I got two beautiful bouquets of them!

Also, I had not cut my hair short since pre-pandemic. I had a bit of a touchup and color when I first arrived in Italy, but otherwise it was on a growth momentum. I was avoiding a short cut as I have this thing against potentially looking like a middle-aged Asian lady. So, I was going for the young Asian lady look – 😅. However, the heat and having to do something with it everyday was starting to get boring. After some encouragement from M and a bit of time spent on Pinterest, I found a look that I felt was safe.

Then, I also decided to go wild and bleach it blonde-ish. This is what it looks like!

So, 46 is starting off with a new look, refreshed perspective on life, and a lot of good times – plus there has been a lot of cake 🎂! 🥳

~T 🔥🐉♋︎

Jun 232022
 

Throughout my life, I have learned to protect myself with structure. Like scaffolding during a building remodel, I need structured support as things out of my control shift. So, I reverted back to creating a daily hourly schedule of how my time is to be used.

Now, this doesn’t mean that I follow it strictly or that it is in any way inflexible. However, it does mean that I do not allow myself to sit idly and wallow in the pity-party that I was having for myself. 😬🤷🏽‍♀️

Already, it has lifted my mood and given me a daily sense of accomplishment when I can tick off items on my to-do list or see the activities I have done throughout the day when it is time to relax.

One of the most important activities that I always know is going to make me feel good is exercise. Doing yoga and going for a swim are second best to having a nap and reading. Doing all of these in one day every day is a definite formula for success and happiness! 😅

So, the mood is lifting, the attitude is shifting and the auras are brighter. Thank goodness! Hopefully more positivity to continue. 🤞🏽

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Jun 212022
 

It seems that my period of angst and frustrations is not yet over. 🥺 Although I had made an attempt to adjust my brain so that I was not thinking like a spoilt child, it only took a few rude words to send me back into the pit of despair.

Basically, I feel untethered. Not lost. Not confused. Not distracted. But, without purpose, meaning, and perhaps even mis- and displaced. 😢

For the second time since being married to M, I find myself in a position of complete dependence with no actionable solution. 😟 Although there are projects I can do around the house – there are plenty -, or words to be written, or various other tasks that could be created, none of them make me feel “useful”. So, when I asked the man to take the garbage up to the top of the drive and he retorted with ‘you know, you’re capable of taking out the garbage and you can’t complain about not having purpose if you want to play the gender card…’ (I paraphrase a bit), I silently stewed in molten lava 🤬 with my frustration at his utter lack of comprehension as to what I thought I had made clear to him the night before. Obviously, I had not either from my own lack of explanation or his lack of desire to understand – I choose to think it is the latter reason. 🤷🏽‍♀️😬

Even my dad, in his wont as a man to try to “fix” the situation, gave me advice to go outside and find projects that will make me feel good with physical exertion or, at least satisfaction that I have something to show for my efforts if there is nothing else I can do.

While neither men were incorrect in their statements and suggestions, both men are missing the point. I am a highly educated, intelligent woman who does not find satisfaction or meaning in doing things around the house or outside. Aside from the fact that I am basically allergic to the outdoors between the bugs, plants, and practically the air, it is my brain and mind that needs to feel valued and worked. Like our Beagle puppies, I need to be challenged and intellectually stimulated with a reward at the end – like money, or treats in the case of the pups. 🐶

My anger arises from being told that I can make myself useful by cleaning up after him, doing his/our laundry, taking out the trash, or doing whatever other chores around the house that he doesn’t want to do because he has purpose as the one making an income and controlling every other aspect of my life. I am not allowed to complain or ask him to do things because I have expressed a dissatisfaction with my current situation. 😳🙄

Admittedly, I realize I may not be helping myself either as I say it is a lack of money, but that I don’t want to work full-time (plus I actually cannot due to our visa) or that I don’t have a sense of purpose each day – which does not equate to doing tasks around the house. Still, I rebuke the idea that I should shut up and take care of things myself no matter if it is domestic or otherwise just because the “man” can’t appreciate the fact that I’m discontent at a lack of control over my own decisions that involve having to spend money, which is basically everything.

So, I am trapped and stuck.

I know it is not easy for him either and realize that my discontent is probably not helping him…. He tried to say that I should see that my purpose for the moment is to support him since he is the only one who can get us through this period of challenges. He’s probably right, but it doesn’t mean that I like it. It also doesn’t change how I feel – for now.

My current solution is to control myself and what I can within my means. I’ve returned to making a daily hourly schedule for myself along with my todo lists. This gives me direction each day at least. I’ve temporarily accepted that my almost 46-year-old self has to ask for permission and funds to spend money on little luxuries like getting my nails or hair done or going out to a cafe to work/write. Plus, I am doing freelance work to try to earn some spending money when I can since my visa is less threatened by that. And so, that is the current reality.

While it keeps me in a bit of a funk, it also is manageable for the moment. 🤪 Maybe now I can focus on writing and doing other productive things that I do enjoy as a distraction 💪🏽 until this phase ends – and, it will eventually. 🤞🏽🤞🏽

~T 🔥🐉♋️

Jun 162022
 

My internal dialog has been the rantings of a spoiled individual – this I freely admit. 🤯

However, does this mean that I have no right to give voice to it or share it with others? Is there a point in which truly no one wants to hear about my lack of ability to go shopping, travel freely, or leave the resort-like villa-style house with a pool when I want to?

Yea, I just heard that previous sentence out loud and thought to myself, “Yes, Tara, yes, there is a point and no one wants to hear you complain about that!”

Still, does my advantaged circumstance negate my right to have feelings of isolation, lack of control, and entrapment?

There’s a saying that everyone has to sh*t, it is just a difference of the kind of bathroom they use. (Actually, I don’t know if that is a saying or if I just made it up, but you get the gist.) 🙏🏽

The fact is that we all got issues that get triggered and core values that get challenged. So, whether my toilet is marble or porcelain or a plastic bucket, I got sh*t just like anyone else.

Although I would never actually take my own life, or at least it would take a lot more angst to push me to that edge, I can appreciate the path that one might walk and eventually follow to the end when presented with that option. It is a lonely place to be in when one feels that they cannot share their frustrations with others, especially those who are closest to them – whatever the reason may be.

Despite a knee-jerk response by most that “they are always there” for someone, we know that isn’t really true. How many times has someone called, but you haven’t answered because you couldn’t be bothered? Or, how often have you meant to reach out to someone, but allowed yourself to get distracted by something else? How much TV watched or dinners out or books read or time doing anything and everything else other than reaching out to family, friends, or even acquaintances has occurred? Don’t worry – I am very guilty of this myself. 🙋🏽‍♀️

So, after two days of trying to keep quiet about my frustrations, I could no longer hold on to the growing lump of darkness inside of me. I believe that people get cancer or other dis-eases because they carry these feelings with them without any ability to let them out. My relationship with M is based on complete and uninhibited openness with each other. Even if we don’t like to hear what the other is saying, we allow each other to have the space to express it, rant on it, or even yell about it, and then, together, adjust to learn from it. It’s when one of us does not share that a void starts to form that neither of us ever want to grow too large in fear that there is no way to close it again.

So, my angst and frustration was in the feeling that I am not able to talk to him without my words, thoughts, and feelings being taken as an attack or dismissed as unimportant, or altogether ignored. He is rightly caught up in his own set of issues and stresses, but it is not often that they get in the way of his ability to rationally respond or listen to me. However, this was the case recently.

Thus, I unloaded – rather nicely for me, if I do say so myself. Nothing was resolved really, but the lump is gone. My sh*t got flushed, so to speak (sorry for the crudity). 😜

Eventually, we will circle back and discuss again, but at least for now, the Dip has leveled out ready for that upward turn.😅

~T 🔥🐉♋️

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