I leave in two days! Wow, I never thought January 11th would get here! Yesterday was spent doing some serious packing. I'm glad to report EVERYTHING FITS! Now I must mention that I cheated a little because I am checking two bags, but I was able to pack everything I wanted and I have some room to spare! I'm also lucky because my parents are coming in April, so they offered to bring home some of my bulky coats and sweaters which will definitely lighten my load for my return trip (and leave some room for extra souvenirs :)).
In addition to preparing my bags, I also prepared my stomach. My mom made a huge Italian meal consisting of fried shrimp and fried calamari followed by cheese ravioli, hot and sweet sausage, and garlic bread for my brother and sister in-law visiting and my aunt and uncle. And of course no Italian meal would be complete without some homemade wine. We ended the night finding a little extra room in our bellies for some cannolis and making Jersey Shore nicknames for everyone. Mine was JWow-i, along with my sister-in-law, JWow, my brother, Dave the Deal, my mom, Wow, or (Mom upside down), Aunt Clara, Railroad, and Uncle Jim, Vinny D. We definitely had some laughs and it was good to have one last family meal before my trip.
As if there wasn't enough to worry about, yesterday I heard there is a nor'easter that's supposed to hit us Tuesday afternoon. They literally said on the news "This storm should hit us Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday. If you can, avoid all travel during this time." Really? Come on!! I'm hoping it doesn't get here until late Tuesday and we are able to get out on time. I leave at 6:25pm on Tuesday and arrive in Brussels at 8:00am Wednesday. From there, I get on a flight to Florence. So anyone out there reading this, please, say a prayer, do a "no snow" dance, or turn the dial on your weather machine to hold off the snow until I'm in the air. Thanks!
Jessi:
ReplyDeleteI have such mixed emotions about your wonderful trip to Florence –
Excited that you will be experiencing the opportunity of a lifetime in one of the most culturally historic cities in the world – savor every moment
Terrified that the gypsies will take advantage of you – don’t be distracted by wailing women with babies – they’ll rob you blind.
So proud of my daughter -- the most amazing young woman that I know – your hard work and maturity are paying off.
I will miss you so, so much and will be counting the days until we see you again.
Love,
mom