Hey You Guys, I'm Still Here!

I haven't updated in awhile and J from Japan keeps bugging me to get back at it:) Most notably, I have been acting 13 again! I don't know, are you still playful at 13? That's a weird age to pick. OK, 10 again! We have had 4 + feet of snow pile up and I have been enjoying every second of it, as you can see from the photo.

What else is new? I am shopping for health insurance since I ended my previous job. It is frustrating to see Obama's public option run into so many barricades. It's hard for reform to happen in this country, like it's the end of the world to have a public option. Guess how much Gino and I were paying to be insured? $643 a month or $7,716 a year to go to the doctors twice. I think that's what everyone should be outraged about. Do people just not realize how much they are paying b/c it comes right out of their paycheck? But I'm just a zealous liberal who wants to live on a tropical island, so of course this would be my opinion.

Here is a photo of g and I in West Virgina, click on it to make it bigger, it's a good pic:

My software job is going well. It's a world of database lingo and is completely new to me. I like getting involved in new ventures and adventures. I work from home. This sounds very appealing, I know. But most people probably couldn't handle what I do. Meaning, you really have to love your home and love being at home. I'm a homebody, it fits me perfectly. I feel like I go into town only a handful of times a year. I just don't need to be on the go all the time.

Being Silly on Skis:

Well, not on the go locally. I am getting the travel itch again and I am about ready to scratch it. Next month Gino and I are going to Pana Ma! I am excited to rough it, find exquisite unexpected places and create adventures. Although I won't be going anywhere if I don't get a new passport. My passport is a "Marconi" not an "Amasia," and Gino bought tickets for "Amasia." My passport is the last Marconi thing I have and I wanted to cherish it forever while perpertually buying plane tickets for Marconi. There is something great about the handful of friends that still call me "Marconi." (Don't get any ideas, I don't love it enough for you to change what you call me, so if you don't call me Marconi don't start:) I will lose the prestige of flashing all of the countries stamps too. Mine will be empty. I don't mind this.

That's all for now, I'll leave you with this dollop of fun:

A Weekend Fire Pit

Gino built a firepit in our backyard. My Dream Team, their men, their children and their dogs came over to have a fire. I love hanging out with my best friends from home. It usually only works out that we do the annual Christmas party since we used to be scattered, but now we are concentrated on the East Coast. We are playful, youthful and best friends for life.

Home for the holidays is so nice: Lazy, warm and cozy. I met Wyatt for the first time, getting some serious play time with Chloe and Duncan officially weighs more than me.

The First Wedding, Savannah, Georgia

Gino's cousin, Joe, married Jenn in Savannah, Georgia. They had a quaint wedding in the historic city, a reception there, then topped off the festivities with a 400 person reception in Baltimore the following weekend. Pictures of that will come later.

The picture above is the ceremony in Forsyth Park. Below, you can see the fountain which is the focal point of the picture-perfect park in the background.



Gino was the most handsome of the groomsmen, adorned with me, sporting the balloon hem by his side. The balloon hem, which is a poofy hem at the bottom of a dress, is gaining popularity in Japan and well-suited for the southern charm of Savannah.


I recommend Savannah as a perfect weekend destination. It is blessed with ancient oak trees dripping with spanish moss. Cobblestones follow along the river side where riverboats lazily meander through the water. Horse-drawn carriages show tourists around the historic district, with limited chain stores. A quaint outing for any occasion - especially a wedding!


The posh amneties made me think I was on a vacation away from the vacation that I was already on. The coolest part about the accomodation was it was in a renovated mansion, and the bathrooms had half-doors. So it seemed like you could bathe in the middle of your bedroom if you kept the doors open. (The chandelier in the background is in the bathroom.) Ah, the silly details of a blog, gotta love it.

Travelling home

I'm tired of flying. I must admit, though, I do have it down to a tee. I think the secret lies in comfy socks. I'm not just talking about the standard high-rise white socks, I'm talking about something with cushion. Snuggling the feet together is the base of comfort.

Another thing: Why is it that every cheesy romantic comedy makes you cry if you're on a plane? It doesn't even have to be romantic. I watched the very predictable "Freedom Writers" where Hilary Swank inspires her class to break down racial barriers. It had me thinking it was the most heartfelt movie that I've ever seen. Planes make me soft.

So, in addition to comfy socks and cheesy movies, the garb must be well-planned. For me, being half Italian, oily skin is something that has always plagued me. A head wrap helps this.

Gino and I are heading home for two weeks. He's in his cousin's wedding. Since the timing perfectly abutted a Japanese holiday and airfare is hiked in the summer, this seemed like the perfect time for a home visit for me too.

Especially to take care of poor Duncan-dog, who shattered his leg playing too hard
the other day. He needs his momma and some TLC.

To my audience: look forward to wedding picutres, Dunc at every angle, Chloe the vibrant neice, and lots of shots with family and friends.

The Journey Home

The journey home, two and a half weeks, was wholly gratifying. I came to be recognized by neice. Who knew the feeling of recognition could feel so good? I think it's because I put in a lot of play time and high-pitched noises. She even helped me blog.


Grandmom didn't want me to leave.



Even got so see the young ones..


...and meet the new ones..


...of course, hang out with the existing ones...



Overall, a relaxing trip thoroughly enjoyed with loved ones.

Pics from Home

1. Chloe's Inquisitiveness

2. Chloe and Mom















3. Zia Daniella

4. Chloe Not Yet Sizing Up to the Cat















5. Chloe's Spread
















6. One Weirdo and Two Pretty Girls






7. Lauren and Jack Attack

My Niece

Chloe Isabella Koger, born August 15, 2006. She's genki in the mornings, cranky at night, and makes her mother even crankier in the wee hours of the a.m. I really enjoyed my time at home among my loved ones. Nothing spectacular to speak of, just a relaxing time with friends and family. After three weeks I'm back into the rountine of work. It's pleasant to be around my students again. The highlight is seeing the little kids step into class for the first time and see their eyes light up when they see me.
Although it's hard to board the plane after such quality time, I am enjoying being back in Japan at my favorite time of the year here.

Landed in NYC

As of 6 am this morning, I have officially started my biannual America vacation. I landed in New York City last night, 23 hours after leaving Sasebo, to be greeted warmly by my man. Yay! My dream finally came fulfilled! There is someone on the other side of the baggage check doors - someone other than my crying mother - to squeeze me, hold me and complain to about how frustrating it was to sit erect for a straight 14 hours.

My friend from University, Chris Amatuzzi, flew in to Sasebo to teach for me for the month. It's so refreshing how things seem to easily come together. He is reliable, pleasant, serious about teaching and adventurous. I am thankful for this, and am at ease knowing the business is in good hands. As he was abruptly relocated from his comfort zone and moved to mine, I have no doubt Japan and its people will be good to him.

As for me, I am ready to P-A-R-T-Y. Well, ready to party in the sense that I am ready to relax with my friends and family. This afternoon I am meeting my friend from Richmond, Ali, for lunch in the city. We will do some D and D - ing. AKA Dining and Divulging. Then in the early evening I will head to Brooklyn to see my cousins, Kevin and Jordana, and to pick up a crib for my sister. There after, I will head back to my true crib in good old Fallston, Maryland, where I will most likely be squeezed, hugged, held and never let go by my mother, who will surely have tears welling up in her eyes.

Although you don't have to live in it, home will always be your home.