Rumour Has It!

Or I guess it's not a rumour if it's actually true.  Kevin and I are expecting...which most people know.  But in case you didn't, I'm telling you here.

Even when it's half-way planned (and I say half-way because we didn't expect it to happen so quickly), it's still a shock.  Since Kevin was in Pittsburgh at the time, I had to take the test by myself and nothing wakes you up at 7 in the morning quite like seeing two pink lines on a pee stick.  Doing the logical thing, I called Kevin to share the news and turns out he couldn't talk since he was out fishing with his brother.  I think his exact words were "I can't talk about this right now.  I'm fishing with Kenny.  Go back to bed and we'll talk about it later."  OK...no problem.  I'll just process all this by myself. 

After much processing and talking, we started coming up with a plan.  Kevin had already signed in Italy for the year so we had to wrap our head around the fact that our baby would be welcomed to the world by a German speaking Italian midwife.  And I had to wrap my head about the fact that I would most likely be having a natural labor and that if the baby is a boy, there will be no circumcision.

Still, with everything being well out of the norm for most people going through pregnancy, we are so excited.  Of course, we are nervous at the same time, but that is perfectly normal.  We have brought over all the baby essential we'll need that can't be purchased here and then my parents will bring over the rest when they come over in March.  I've had amazing support from fellow hockey wives who have given birth overseas and honestly think I might have had a nervous breakdown if it weren't for them.

Our parents have been wonderful.  My mom and dad will be first time grandparents and I'm pretty sure the news of Kevin and I expecting has made their year.  Since Kevin had to leave for Italy in early August, my mom had to act as my "replacement husband."  She did the shopping with me, went to my doctor's appointment, and dined on pickle dip and Snicker Ice Cream bars with me late at night.  Poor mom even put on my pregnancy weight. 

I was lucky enough to be able to make it to Pittsburgh before I left for Italy to spend some time with Kevin's parents too.  They were kind enough to get us our stroller and car seat so that when we get home with the baby, the car seat will be ready and waiting at the airport.  And Kevin's parents will also be housing the three of us for a short while as soon as we head back to the States.

Tomorrow is my first doctor's appointment at the Krankenhaus (hospital) so that should be interesting.  Stay tuned to see how it all goes.  

Real Film and Disposable Cameras

Twelve years ago my freshman year at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) was underway.  I had just joined a sorority, I was living with a random person, and I was living on my own for the first time.  It's crazy to think that it all happened so long ago.  College was an amazing experience for me.  I met my best friends in college and made memories to last a lifetime.  Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing.

I don't know why, but I've been feeling a bit nostalgic lately about my college years.  Today, I decided to look through my thousands of pictures from my four years at EIU...all of which were taken with disposable cameras or 35mm film.  Most made me laugh and some made me cry (especially the ones where I was rocking that horrible Meg Ryan haircut).  Since I took a walk down memory lane, I thought I'd invite you to take a ride.

Freshman Year- Kristi, Barrie, and I hanging out at Ikes.  It was my all-time favorite bar at EIU.  It was the size of a closet, smelled like booze and cigarettes, and your feet would stick to the floor when you walked...but I loved it.  And when I mentioned my Meg Ryan haircut, this is it (unfortunately).   

Sophomore Year- Jana and I being idiots...what we do best.  This is probably when I realized we were best friends.  

Junior Year- All my roommates from the House of Pain.  It was a great year living with these women.  We learned a lot about each other, yet most of us still remain friends.  

Spring Break '03- This was the only Spring Break I went on, but I think I took full advantage of a week off school with my friends in a warm place.  Six of us headed down to Key West and had a blast.  Here, Jenny, Kristen, and I are sporting our sunburns in a nasty bar bathroom...standard.

Senior Year- The ladies of Sigma Kappa getting ready for Rush 2003.  Coming into college, I didn't know anyone and only decided to rush because my roommate was rushing.  Being in a sorority was a great experience and I met some amazing ladies.  The Barn Dances, Formals, Semiformals, Rush, and living in the sorority house for 2 years are some of my greatest memories from college.  

 

Senior Year- Steph (my cousin) and I on Bid Day.  When Steph decided to come to EIU, I was ecstatic and when she decided to join Sigma Kappa, I was honored.  Even though we were only together at EIU for a semester, we made the most of it.  And just for the record, Steph is going to kill me for this picture because this was her bloated stage.  

Senior Year- Jana, Jenny, and I at Beer Breakfast.  I miss the days of dressing up like an idiot and drinking beer at 8:00AM.  Although, I don't think I could do it these days. 

Feels Like Fall...Feels Like Football!

I might have married a hockey player, but football will always be my favorite sport.  It's okay...Kevin knows.  I grew up in a football household.  My dad ranks right up there with the crazies that paint their chests at games.  (Although, he only goes as far as painting his face).  He has a room decorated in nothing but Chicago sports' memorabilia (mostly Bears) and his license plate is BEARS 55 (for Doug Buffone).

This picture is a little older, but you get the idea. 

This year also marks my sixth year of playing Fantasy Football.  Kevin always makes fun of me because I get mad every year (usually at my team, but sometimes at the other players) and say I'll never play again.  But then I get the invite and sign up before someone steals my spot.  On Monday nights, I'll pace around waiting to see if my last player picks up the points he needs to put me over my opponent.  And when I lose, it's best not to talk to me.  Anyone who plays Fantasy knows exactly what I'm talking about.

I also live for Fox NFL Sunday.  I love Terry Bradshaw!  And the rest of the guys crack me up.  Actually, it's getting ready to start right now so I'm going to wrap this up.  Everyone enjoy their Sunday and GO BEARS!  

Election 2012

I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of hearing about the election.  I'm over it and I cannot wait until I get back over to Italy so I don't have to hear about it anymore.  I don't care who said what or who did what.  And I'm beyond tired of all the ads on television.  I hate to break it to the candidates, but all the money you are putting into making and airing the ads is not going to change anyone's minds. 

In 2008, Kevin and I were also overseas for the election.  I liked being out of the loop and I enjoyed flipping through the channels without seeing one of the candidates' faces.  Now don't get me wrong, I stayed up all night watching the election coverage to find out who our next President of the United States was going to be, but I only need one night...not 12 whole months of crap. 

I've gone back and forth all summer about whether or not to vote and I've come to the ultimate decision that I WILL be voting absentee.  But it should be known that the ads, newspaper articles, speeches, and conventions (one so far) have not played a role in my decision. 

And since I already know who I'm voting for, I'm going to steer clear of reading or watching anything else that has to do with the election.  I'm over it!

Summer's End

Every year I'm shocked at how quickly the summer flies by.  It feels like just last week, Kevin and I were packing up everything in Italy to come home and now it's time to head back already.  Hell, Kevin has already been working for 2 weeks. 

I finished up my last day of nannying last Friday since the kids started school on Monday.  Just like two summers ago, I had a great time working with the kids.  They are hilarious and constantly keep me entertained.  I don't know how I ever got so lucky to meet the wonderful family I worked for, but I am so thankful.  Even though I think this was probably my last summer working for them, I know that we'll remain in touch and I look forward to watching them grow up.

For the time being, I'm still babysitting a few times a week for another family.  I'm also finishing up my summer visits.  This weekend, I'm heading up to Chicago to visit the college girls and in a few weeks I'm heading down to St. Louis to see my cousin Steph's new house.  I've been picking up things here and there to take over and I'm sure in a few weeks, I'll be starting to pack up my life.  The way things are looking, I'm probably be heading over in early October so I still have about 5-6 weeks in the States.  

source

 

 

I'm excited for the upcoming season and look forward to what most likely will be our last year overseas.  I can't wait to discover new places, meet new people, and hopefully pick up a little more German.  And most of all, I look forward to sharing my adventures with you!

Ciao America!

I guess it's time to formally announce that it's back to Italy for Kevin and me this season.  The decision was made way back in May, but we kept our options open all summer just in case something else (and better) came up.  There were a few bites out there and Kevin did some interviewing, but after it was all said and done, we decided to go back to Vipiteno for one more year.  We are thrilled to be going back since we love the town and all the people there.  And the thought of being somewhere two years in a row is exciting...it's a first for us. 

Kevin actually left on Saturday and is settling in.  Our landlords had an amazing care package full of meats, cheeses, breads, pastries, and wine for him when he arrived.  They also jazzed up our apartment with some new curtains, rugs, bedding, and furniture.  Kevin's back to work already and besides the language barrier he says things are great. 

I'm staying back in Springfield to finish up work and will probably be heading over in late September, early October, at the latest.  Of course, I still don't have a visa, but they are working on it...so they say.  But I'm betting I'll be illegal again this year.

Looks Like I'll Be Passing On Chick-fil-A

I grew up with a Chick-fil-A in my hometown and when it moved out, people were outraged.  Luckily for me, Chick-fil-A greeted me at college my freshman year at EIU.  It was a staple for me and probably contributed to the twelve pounds I put on my freshman year.  I ate it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the great thing about it was that I could use my meal card to pay for it.  Waffle fries, chicken nuggets, chicken sandwiches, chicken biscuits...I love them all.

After graduation, I forgot about Chick-fil-A since one wasn't around and probably stayed away from it for four years.  That is when we moved to Fort Wayne and there was one just a few miles down the road.  I wouldn't say I frequented it often, but it was a guilty pleasure for me both years Kevin played there.

But due to recent remarks by Dan Cathy, Chick-fil-A's president, I will be boycotting the fast food chain.  Cathy commented that his company believes in the "biblical definition of the family unit."  It also came to light that the food chain donates money to numerous anti-gay charities. 

Well, Mr. Cathy, I don't particularly like you and I will definitely not be supporting your company.  I might even be add you to my "hate list."  You'll go right next to Pink and Rush Limbaugh.

source