Arrivederci, America!

So it's official- I'm checked-in, bags packed and zipped (as they have remained for the last two weeks), the largest weighing in at a slim 50 lbs. (by a hairy edge to the 51 lb. limit), the second almost empty (for the STUFF to bring back, of course!), and my toosh is getting tired of waiting! Seriously, if anticipation could actually kill someone as the saying goes, my poor parents would be in the hospital right now. No buona. (For those of you fluent in your Italian, I apologize in advance for the poorly executed phrases to come).

No worries, I have already received the "daddy talk"--thoroughly informed of the smooth Italianos who want nothing but to sweep me off my feet, and in lieu of the European sweet-talkers I am NOT supposed to talk to, they are the only thing my father has put on the "Do NOT bring home from Italy" list. The limitation might really help with my baggage weight on the way back, however, seeing as how those souvies can really add some serious poundage! But it's a shame, really. As anxious as I am to encounter this new, suave male race, I have also been informed that they are not all like Umberto in "When in Rome". Yes, I have already seen it; and yes, I saw it at the first matinee showing on the opening day. (Thanks, mom!) And for those of you who HAVE indeed seen it can relate to my heightened inspiration for my Rome travels. I continued to assure my parents (mostly dad) that I am aware of the scheming nature of Italianos, to which he quickly replied that I am not quite aware yet, although I may have heard rumors. Experience is an entirely different thing. Somehow, I remain unworried.

One of the best send-off gifts ever, my sister put together a compilation of letters written by those I hold nearest and dearest, to open on random days of the week (about 2 a week) for each month I'm there. PERFECT for the hopeless romantic who secretly desires mail on any day of the week that ends in "Y", just because. I am truly blessed. We also had a send-off dinner which represents my favorites that I will probably not find too easily once I move into my new Italiano casa-- steak and asparagus! I am definitely not suffering.

Fav Italian phrases to note:

"E esilarante" - literal version of "LOL"... "laugh out loud funny" HA! awesome. use it in a text, people get all frazzled about it.

"Vivere" = "to live"

"Me lo traduci per piacere" = "Will you please translate it for me?"

"Il tramonto sul mare e molto romantico e pittoresco." = "The sunser on the sea is very romantic and picturesque." ...can't WAIT to use that one!

Here's to my last hours in the USA, so from here on out, I must declare: "God bless ITALIA!"

Arrivederci!