A perfect Saturday in Rome: friends, prosecco, cake, scooters and a crazy man yelling into a non-existent cell phone.

Finally the weather cooled off this weekend. Saturday I went to a ladies’ birthday brunch for a friend at the vegetarian restaurant Il Margutta. Everyone got dressed up and the food was very good. A. cried when we surprised her with her gift. We had a great time.

After brunch we went to Monti for coffee, window-shopping and to stop by Contessa Rock Style salon. I had referred A. to my hairdresser, Elena, who did an amazing job.

We drove to Monti via scooter. I usually get very nervous on scooters. I don’t know if it was the glasses of prosecco, the fact that it was stunning day or just the positive vibes from the birthday (in the top photo driving with M.) girl but I had a blast.

We kept talking to random Italians at the stoplights. I know some were thinking, “who are these loud Americans and Italians?”

In Monti I ran into my infamous friend G. and his girlfriend. Later as we walked past a restaurant, I saw another friend and realized that G. knew him. I cracked up as every time I’m with G. we bump into someone he knows.

As us ladies sat at a café, a man was sitting on the ground nearby ranting and raving. At the same time several of us said, “Wow he’s very attractive. Too bad he’s crazy.” Then I saw him standing on the ledge of the fountain. He later sat down and was shouting into what I thought was a cell phone. There was no phone. Another man walked over to him and the two other them started screaming together. He must be a local, as several people nodded to him.

After window shopping and stopping by a friend’s place for more prosecco, it was off to apertivi. I wasn’t going stay long or drink but wanted to at least stop by. We had to drop another friend off at a metro stop. As we rode scooters down the street toward the Coliseum the sun was setting. It was a surreal moment. I thought about how amazing this summer has been.

Here I am broke as hell, not knowing if I will ever make it as a screenwriter and single. Next month I will be one year older and at age where I should be settled and stable.

However, when two summers ago I wrote this POST I had a job, money in bank but I was absolutely miserable.

As we zoom passed the Coliseum N., who’s Italian and was just complaining about how nothing works in Rome compared to New York, yelled, “I love this city.” I agreed and we started laughing.

The birthday girl excited about her cake.


Taking a photo on Via Margutta

Flashback Friday – Supermodel Edition - George Michael - "Freedom"

What, not American Vogue actually putting a model on their cover! Stop the presses. Was Jennifer Aniston, or "Scar Jo" not available?

The supermodels (aka The Supes) from the late '80s/early 90s are working like crazy lately. The holy trinity was Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington. Then suddenly it was all about undernourished 15 year olds from Eastern Europe. Designers said they wanted models to be hangers. A famous model would distract from the clothes. I call BS. I find having a runaway of women who all look the same with no life/emotion/passion is boring.

In America, celebs have completely taken over the covers. Out of twelve issues of Bazzar or Vogue maybe one or two issues will have a model on the cover. Even though I work in entertainment, it's annoying. If I wanted to read yet another article about Jennifer Aniston getting over Brad Pitt, I would read a gossip magazine. I don't buy them because I don't care. Let the celebs have Us, People, InStyle etc.

Also the photoshopping is out of control. If you look at older issues of American magazines the air brushing was done with a lighter touch. I wonder if the use of actresses is one of the reasons.

Anyway it's nice to see 40 year old Christy on the cover. She's finishing up her Masters at NYU.

I'm glad the supes are back. It's ridiculous to see a 16 year old modeling a $2,500 suit. The model looks like she's playing dress up. How does this help sell said suit?

This VIDEO is one of my favorites. I think the director was David Fincher. Beautifully shot.

Have a great weekend.

A great thing about living here? Being broke.

Let me rephrase that. Being broke is not fun. However, I've been broke in L.A. and it's much better to be broke here.

Yesterday I wrote about how annoying it is for people to assume I'm on vacation because I live in Rome. I lived in L.A. for 10 years I wasn't on vacation then, and I'm not now.

What's so hard to understand? I LIVE here. I'm a resident. I have a rental contract, pay taxes, a condo fee, utilities etc. Call me crazy but I didn't have to do those things "on vacation".

Anyway KimB. wrote this comment yesterday.

Sorry for the insensitivity of the person who sarcastically asked if you needed a vacation from your vacation.

I guess for me, it kind of has two aspects. People think my life *must* be glamorous since I live in Paris. No matter how many times I say I live in a 400-sq-ft apartment or that I can't find a 'real' job or that there's not enough hot water in our heater for my husband and I to take showers successively.

On the other hand, I think I use it as a protective cloak sometimes. I may not be doing anything exciting professionally, I may not be the success I was "meant" to be according to my high school and college "achievements" but at least if you're broke and 39 in Paris, you're broke and 39 in Paris. It's not as embarrassing as being broke and 39 and back home.

Kim is right. If I were going through my current situation back in L.A. I would need to be on some serious Prozac. How we define success (overall) in the States is bananas.

There is no way I would have the same quality of life I have here back in the States on my non-existent salary. Yes my apartment is tiny but these numbers jump out at me from an old NYT article:

Average rent in Manhattan Feb. 09

1 bedroom doorman building $3,395 a month
1 bedroom non-doorman building $2,632 a month.

Even with the horrible exchange rate I don't pay anything near that living in a similar area. I get paid the same regardless of where I live which is one reason why moving back to New York from Los Angeles was not an option.

When I lived in NYC 11 years ago, I had a great deal on a 1 bedroom in a doorman building. Studios were renting for $1,900 in my building. I can't imagine what they are charging now.

Excellent food is cheaper here.

My health insurance (private) is MUCH cheaper. I have a similar plan to what I had in the States. I pay doctor bills out of pocket but will be covered for emergency/hospital care. In America I paid $140 a month. Here $20.

It doesn't cost a lot to socialize. Seeing friends over an cheap aperitivo is easier on one's budget than $18 cocktails at the Beverly Hills Fours Season. As an exec I could expense it, now no longer an exec..no longer have an expense account.

Less pressure to keep up with the Jones. First of all you don't even know what the Jones have because it's considered rude and tacky to brag about it here. The culture is so different. You're not defined by your job. People have other interests and don't want to talk about work all the time.

I see friends more. I notice I rarely talk on the phone here. Just quick conversations to confirm plans. In L.A. seeing my friends was like scheduling a damn G8 summit.

I was on the phone all the time talking to my friends while sitting in traffic or once I got home. Why talk for an hour on the phone, why not just see each other? Because everyone is so "busy". I can't remember which comic was talking about this whole L.A. thing when you ask someone how they are, they always say, "busy".

Is this because of the uptight Pilgrims? Why is it considered a good idea to sacrifice everything for career/money? Will the economic turmoil make people rethink this?

A greater sense of community. I don't feel alone or lonely here. I feel at home.

Next week (if I remember) I'll write about why being single here is better for my mental health. ha

Just because I live in Italy doesn't mean I'm on "vacation."

WTF? Really.

I have to say I'm getting annoyed with this idea many folks have back in the States that I sit around all day chilling.

I would like to see them deal with Municipio #1 (Centro Storico) Comune when getting their residency, try to get a driver's license, learn a new language after the age of 30, live in an apartment the size of most of their kitchens, deal with smelly BO on the bus (I know when you're a tourist or a selling roses you have been out all day walking but man please have some compassion for your fellow human beings), random strikes, etc.

I'm not on vacation. I do work. Hard. Writing might not seem like a "job" but it is. I do it 24/7. And so far this year I've earned exactly $0 from it. So yes I get a little defensive about people thinking writing is not work. I mean just because I can write an e-mail and half the movies released by hollywood suck doesn't mean anyone can be a screenwriter. It is a skill, a craft and it helps to have to some talent. There are some hacks out there but even they have to know structure.

People don't sit around and say, "yeah I can direct", but I can't tell you how many people have said/say to me "I would write movies if I had the time." Thats like me saying I could be Miuccia Prada or Karl Lagerfled because I can reattach a button to a blouse.

Has this happened to other expats? Do acquaintances back home think your life is one big Hollywood movie filled with days of doing nothing other than drinking wine/eating cheese/sitting on the beach etc.?

Oggi sciopero! (Bloggers in Italy on strike today)

Today Bloggers in Italy/Italian bloggers are protesting a law (the Alfano degree) currently making it's way through the Senate. I have no idea if this outrageous law has a chance of passing.

For more info click on this site. The English version is half way down.

"The Sack Of Rome" by Alexander Stille, "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah, "The House At Sugar Beach" by Helene Cooper.

A LONG WAY GONE: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
This award winning book was a tough read. Beah's journey from boy soldier to college student at Oberlin is heartbreaking. I have read about the practice of recruiting boys to fight in wars all over the world. This book takes something that you might see on the news for two minutes and personalizes it. The boys as young as seven are given AK47s, drugs and stripped of their childhood. There are various aid organizations, UNICEF, who try to de-program former boy soldiers but it's difficult.


A must read for anyone who is confused by how Berlusconi became Prime Minster given his massive conflict of interest. This book is a not a dry read. Even those with no interest in Italian politics will find it funny and very scary as Italy is just an exaggeration of what is going on in America with the consolidation of media and the domination of celebrity culture. Stille is not anti-Berslusconi and that's what makes this book more damning. How Berlusconi rose to power and how he wields is fascinating. The books covers up to the second time he was elected. I hope newer editions will touch on his current administration. One thing that made me laugh was when Stille wrote about Berlusconi will tell you something that is a straight out lie. He says it with such conviction that Stille said he left a meeting with Berlusconi questioning if 2+2 really equaled 4.


I've been meaning to write about this book for a while. A friend (thanks Susan) gave me this book for my birthday. Helene Cooper is a journalist at the New York Times. She grew up in a very wealthy family in Liberia. When civil war broke out she had to move as a teenager to America. This memoir is a beautiful story filled with both tender, moving moments and some very painful ones. The history of Liberia was always interesting to me. It's an African country founded by freed American slaves. Ms. Cooper was a descendant of two of the founding families. She lived in a 22 room house, with maids, butlers and the family owned a villa in Spain. Meanwhile many descendants of the Africans who were native to the land were resentful. In 1980 rebels attacked, killing and raping members of the elite and taking everything they could. After a near death experience while she was covering the Iraq war, Ms. Cooper decided to finally tell her story. I'm glad she did.

Flashback Friday – Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - "If You Don't Know Me By Now"

For some reason I've been listening to a lot of the Philly Sound lately. It was before my time but even as a kid, I knew there was something special about this "grown folks" music.

Teddy Pendergrass is one of my favorite males vocalists. He started out singing and playing drums in church.

"If You Don't Know Me By Now" was written by the legendary producers Gamble & Huff in 1973. Eventually Teddy left the group for a very successful solo career.

A horrible car accident in 1982 left Teddy paralyzed from waist down with limited use of his arms.

Simple Red did a decent cover but I prefer the original. It reminds me of my dad's best friend Howard who passed away last year. He played the best music at his parties.

It's a little early in the morning, and I don't even like scotch but this song calls for a glass of the good stuff.

Have a great weekend.

A "sweet" surprise..."The Sweet Life in Paris" by David Lebovitz

The other day I went to an engagement party for a friend. After getting lost for over an hour (I was on the wrong side of Via Cavour) I finally made it.

She had a big surprise for me, David's new book! I was just about to add his latest to my Amazon wish list (see the bottom of zee blog). She told me to look inside where he had signed it.

I'm a HUGE fan of his work. His writing is so funny and he's an incredibly talented pastry chef. His blog is a must read for me. I've made several recipes from his excellent book, The Perfect Scoop.

Now he has written a book with about his life in Paris filled with recipes. I'm so looking forward to reading it.

His expat experiences remind me of some of the funny quirks I deal with here. Like how folks really don't like to make change. Below is an except from inside the front jacket.

That a bank wouldn't have change is bananas. At least that hasn't happened to me in Italy. ha

From learning the ironclad rules of social conduct to the mysteries of men's footwear, from shopkeepers who work so hard not to sell you anything to the etiquette of working the right way around the cheese plate, here is David's story of how he came to fall in love with—and even understand—this glorious, yet sometimes maddening, city.

When did he realize he had morphed into un vrai parisien? It might have been when he found himself considering a purchase of men's dress socks with cartoon characters on them. Or perhaps the time he went to a bank with 135 euros in hand to make a 134-euro payment, was told the bank had no change that day, and thought it was completely normal. Or when he found himself dressing up to take out the garbage because he had come to accept that in Paris appearances and image mean everything.

My photos from President Obama's arrival in Italy.

Thanks to my favorite sister in the world, I was able to see Air Force One land. I was up crazy early this morning as we (the advance lead and press staffer on the ground) had to leave the Center at 6:00 a.m.

I stood with the Italian press and waited for the plane.

I'm not the most rah, rah, rah, America is the GREATEST country on the planet person. As a first generation black American I'm conflicted about my home country. I'm proud to be American and will defend it to non-Americans who trash it (especially if they have never visited or lived there), but there's a reason I don't live there anymore.

Yet seeing Air Force One with the big letters UNITED STATES OF AMERICA written on the side, I got chills. I kinda wanted to break out with the team song from this movie:



I know the song is mocking all our over the top Michael Bayish, AMERICA, F**K YEAH! movies and attitude. However, you have to admit we do "big" well.

I must see the First Lady's dress close up.


AMERICA!!


Later the "Wee Michelles" exited with their grandmother. Their lives must be so surreal.


The First Couple's helicopter. AF1 (and other country's planes) are too big for the the other military base (Urbe) so they along with senior staff had to transfer via helicopters. Russia's presidential plane landed shortly after.

Creepy fountain on Via Flaminia and some J.S. Bach

One thing I love about living here is bumping into random things.

I've passed the fountain on Via Flamina, pictured below, several times but only during the day.

One night I was walking on that street on my way to meet some friends. At night it looks completely different. Ominous. Something about the lighting reminded me of the following:



My sister used to play this song. Johann Sebastian Bach is one of my favorites artists. This is one of his most famous organ pieces.

When my family moved to the 'burbs we went to the local Methodist church. It was not, as Caribbean folks say, a "clap hands church". We heard more classical music than gospel.

Actually, trying to picture our small choir singing gospel is funny.

I wonder what this says.


I could see the late Vincent Prince sitting on the edge and reading some Edgar Allan Poe.

Flashback Friday – (on Thursday, Forth of July edition) - James Brown - "Living in America"

Many people Stateside will have the day off tomorrow in celebration of the 4th of July.

This song and video are so over the top. I love it.

I think I saw Rocky IV. I lost count. How many Rocky movies were there?

random...I used to see Dolph in my gym in L.A. all the time. The years have been kind to him. He's fine and very tall.

Have a great weekend!

The Trionfale Farmers Market...I found my market!

I've been living here for over a year and just heard about about this market a few weeks ago. Within one week several different people told me I had to check it out.

I thought they were talking about the market on Via Cola di Rienzo, which I've been to a couple of times. It's housed in the white building pictured.

Apparently there was another market in Prati, near the Vatican Museum. Today I walked over, cutting through St. Peter's square.

I almost lost my mind. It was love at first sight.

Is it me or have the prices in Campo dei Fiori skyrocketed since spring? This wouldn't have anything to do with the start of the tourist season? hmm

I did some comparison shopping a few weeks back. Cherries in Campo, avg. 8 euros a kilo. Testaccio market, avg. 4 euros a kilo.

Campo is fine if I have to run out and get something quickly. Shopping for a few days? No. Forget that. I'm not paying tourists prices.

The Trionfale market prices are lower than Campo, more in line with Testaccio, and Piazza Vittorio (a good market but too far for me. It's by Termini).

Like the latter it also has a few vendors (not as many as Pz. Vittorio) selling ethnic foods. I saw okra and plantains.

There was a vendor selling balsamic vinegar by the liter. The market has a wide variety of vendors selling: cheese, honey, meat, baked goods, fish, wines, fresh pasta, vegetables, fruits, etc. There are also a few dry goods vendors.

There's a flower mart nearby but it opens later in the day.

The market has underground parking as the lot is also used for the Vatican Museum.

Distance wise Trionfale is a little closer than Testaccio. I really liked the vibe of it. It's clean, bright and well laid out. Folks were super friendly, which I didn't expect. Everyone was all, "buona giornata, grazie lei!" Or maybe it's because I was there super early. Perhaps by the end of the day, the vendors are salty and just want to go home.

I need to go back with someone who shops there all the time. I feel like I just scratched the surface of it this morning. I walked out of there wishing I had a bigger kitchen. I was inspired to throw down.

If you're visiting Rome and staying in an apartment any where near this area, I highly recommend this market. I don't know how much English is spoken as I didn't see a single tourist in this huge space. However, given how close it is to the Vatican they must get a few.

Lo Shopping: The Lion Bookshop

First, why did I not know today is a big holiday in Rome? It's St. Peter's Day. I walked all the way to the Prati market and was surprised to find it closed. I noticed there were no people on the street and many stores were closed. Of course Prati is much quieter than the Center but I was puzzled.

Later talking to a friend she told me everyone is pretty much at the beach. Okay that is why I only see tourists out and about.

Anyway, The Lion Bookshop is one of the best bookstores in Rome for English language books. They will also order books for you (with a deposit). Well stocked and friendly this is one place I must avoid. Last time I was there I saw at least twenty books I wanted. As expats know, English language books are not cheap overseas.

The store has been in Rome for over 50 years and is the oldest English language bookstore in Italy. They have over 30,000 titles.

If you are visiting Italy they also have a well stocked guidebooks section. Their children's section is one of the best in town.

The store is off Via del Corso, just south of Piazza del Popolo. During the summer they are closed on Sundays.

Via dei Greci, 33/36
00187 - Roma
06/32654007
www.thelionbookshop.com

Michael Jackson dead at 50

Some people younger than me might only know him as a freak but I grew up with this man. I don't go crazy when famous people die. I feel bad for their families of course but I don't get hysterical as I didn't know them personally.

THIS however breaks my heart into a million pieces. It just does.

This photo takes me back to me and my three year old brother dancing in our NYC apartment to "ABC". My parents, who didn't like us to watch too much TV, would let us watch American Bandstand and Soul Train just in case the Jackson Five were going to be on and the J5 cartoon.

The first album I ever had was J5's "Looking Through the Window". It was a present. My poor parents almost went deaf with all my screaming. I asked for money to buy Right On! and Teen Beat magazines whenever Michael or Jermaine were on the cover. Tito was too old for me. ha.

Then we moved out to the 'burbs and it was the era of "Off The Wall". I can still see my classmates, all who were white except for two, dancing to "Working Day and Night". Many discussions were had as to who was really going to marry MJ.

I have mentioned before meeting him around 12 years ago for work and it was sad. He had changed so much and not in a good way.

The Michael Jackson I grew up with "died" a long time ago. While this news doesn't shock me, part of me still doesn't believe he's dead at only 50.

Sweety Rome...a carrot cake almost as good as my mom's.

A few weeks ago I went to a baptism for E.'s baby. After a beautiful and moving ceremony, there was a little party with carrot cake and cupcakes for dessert.

The cake was outstanding. Moist not dry. I asked E. where she got it and she answered, "Sweety Rome."

This is a new place in the Monti area. I've heard other expats mention it. In L.A. I was surrounded by high-end cupcake places so I had to try Sweety Rome's.

The cupcakes are not supersized and they are yummy. I had the lemon one.

If you have a craving for an American type dessert, this is the place.

Sweety Rome
Via Milano, 48
06 489 13713

I could eat a couple of these. They are just right, not too sweet.


On my next visit, I'm trying that tart.


The infamous carrot cake. My mom doesn't use frosting but her cake is one of my favorites of all time. This one hit the spot.


How good do these look?

Perfect weather for sipping a Mojito outside.

I just came back from running errands and don't feel like doing a lick of work.

I did some writing this morning and I'm supposed to get back into the script after lunch. However, after spending times outdoors I'm really feel like chilling outside instead.

I'm so glad the heat wave has broken. I hope this weather lasts a couple of days. I know it would be pushing it to ask for the weather to stay glorious for a few weeks.

Alright, time to get off the Internet and back to work.

I leave you with a lovely picture of the Ginger Mojitos at Freni e Frizioni. I took this photo when I went there withErin during her trip Rome last month. These drinks are the bomb!

Return to Sperlonga, Grottos, Cherries and the Macarena.

On Friday I took the train down to Sperlonga. This time I went to check out ruins of Emperor Tiberius's Villa and the archaeological museum.

The museum is small and a little run down but the 4 euro admission price is worth it. The price includes the villa's ruins and the incredible grotto.

I walked down from the Old Town to the gate of the grotto.

I took off my shoes and walked along the shore. The beach wasn't crowded at all. It was mostly grandparents and their grandchildren. This was my first time on the South Beach (which is south of the Tower). It's smaller and more laid back.

The water here was just beautiful, clear and the perfect temperature.

As I walked along the beach, I started to hear the opening of a very catch and yet annoying song. I came upon a group of children and their grandparents getting down to the Macarena at one of the beach clubs. The DJ was into too.

Later I was taking photos in the Old Town's piazza, right by the bridge. This older gentleman and his wife gave me a bunch of cherries they had bought at the market that morning. We rinsed them off in the fountain. They were delicious. At first I said, "no thank you" but he insisted.

It was a perfect day. I was in a much better mood afterwards. The fresh ocean air does wonders.

More pictures of the ruins, grotto and beach are on my Flickr page.

View from the grotto.


Look how clear the water is.


Not sure why I took this photo but it made me chuckle.


A cat with a fish in his mouth.


The Tower.

Flashback Friday – (on Thursday) - Delta V- "Un Estate Fa"

I first heard about this version of the Mina song on Milanese Marsala's blog.

I played it to death last summer and listened to it today during my morning workout. It's so "summery". The lead singer is American. I couldn't tell at first but now I can pick up her accent.

I'm in a horrendous mood these days. I'm broke, single (true, some guy tried to pick me up in Monti on Monday but that's not how I roll..I have to write about that craziness some time) and it's so freaking hot in Rome.

I've decided to look for a freelance/part-time/short contract job. As I told one of my friends back in Hollywood, positive feedback doesn't pay the bills. Things are moving so slowly on my "wedding movie" script. We can't move forward until the production company figures out what's going on with one of their "go" movies.

That said, my expat and Italian friends here are amazing. The best way to find a job is Word of Mouth and they are getting the word out. Part of me feels like a loser. I mean, I'm a writer, right? I should be making money as one. The other side (the practical one) knows I need to earn a living. I realize I need to get over that feeling. I don't have a trust fund.

David E. Kelley wrote scripts while working as a lawyer as did Ron Bass. I know people say this all the time, writers write. Paying bills is another story.

I'm going to be upbeat about this. Writing is so solitary. It will be nice to be in an office and/or work with other people.

My manager told me last night several of his well established screenwriter clients are not working. Hollywood studios have reduced the number of scripts they are buying. They're all about remakes and comic books these these days.

I was lucky TRAITOR happened. My producers fee from that movie enabled me to move here and change my life. I wrote five scripts and one treatment (three scripts completed, two still working on) in the past year. One of those scripts lead to my "wedding movie" script.

All the money I received from my birthday (way back in August) and for Christmas from my family is paying bills not anything fun. I'm so tempted to whip out my credit card (I ran up Via Condotti this morning. Prada, Gucci, etc. were calling my name) and go crazy but I know I'll feel bad once the bills come in.

My parents surprised me a few weeks back by putting money in my American bank account. They always ask me if I need money. I always lie and say no but then my siblings tell them the truth. Well, now at least my July expenses are covered. (thanks fam).

I wonder if I will ever reach a point in my life where I have a bunch of money in the bank and won't have to worry about the future. What am I saying? I'm freaked out about the present!! ha

Anyway I'm taking quick, cheap train ride tomorrow. I just finished the rough draft of my latest spec script and need a mental health day.

Have a great weekend.

What will happen in Iran?

I have been glued to the news coming out of Iran.

I would like to know who was advising Ahmadenijad? Who though it was a good idea to say he won by a landslide? Why would he receive almost twice the number of votes than the last time, when he is less popular now? Or than some of his opponents apparently "lost" in their hometowns.

At first I thought maybe there was some to Ahmadenijad's claim, that the Western press was wrong about the polling which predicted the race would be close and a high turnout would spell defeat for him.

Well there was a very high turnout. His government shut down Facebook and other social network programs. They told people no to protest but as you see from the photo angry voters protested anyway.

What happened to the votes? Many of the protesters are women furious with Ahmadenijad's regime for trying to take away their rights. Even something as simple as what color nail polish you wore was becoming an issue and he also tried to change the marriage laws. The new laws would've negatively impact women. Over 60% of university students are women.

Ahmadenijad must be stunned by what is happening in his country. He probably thought he could do whatever he wanted and the people would just accept it. There are rumors that he actually came in THIRD. If this is true no wonder folks are in the streets. He's trying to ban foreign press, forcing them to stay away from the protests but Iranians are using the Internet to get images out. Several protesters were killed yesterday.

I fear things are only going to get worse. People do not give up power easily.


photo: L.A. Times

Amanda Knox takes the stand.

I don't know what to think about this case.

The slant of the majority of the American press is, "poor innocent Amanda is being railroaded by overzealous prosecutor."

The majority of the British press is the exact opposite, "Amanda is a lying psychopath who doesn't seem upset about her brutally murdered roommate."

I read Meredith's injuries were caused by more than one person. But Amanda's lawyers and PR team (yes her parents hired one), say the DNA/evidence was tainted.

Her ex boyfriend said they weren't together. Why wouldn't their alibis be the same?

I hope the jury focuses on the facts and finds justice for Meredith. I don't envy them.

The Best Darn Lemonade Ever!

I've made lemonade before. It's simple...lemons, sugar and water.

But in the past something was off. I finally figured it out. Simple syrup. Melting the sugar makes the lemonade's consistency better.

Oh how I love lemons. I can't wait to have a lemon tree in my backyard.


The Best Lemonade Ever

1 ¾ white sugar
8 cups water
1 ½ cup lemon juice (about 10 lemons)

In a small saucepan combine sugar with 1 cup of the water. Bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool to room temperature then refrigerate until chilled.

Put the lemons in hot water for 10 minutes then roll to loosen up the juice.

Remove seeds from lemons (leave in as much or as little pulp as you like). Squeeze the lemons in a pitcher, added the chilled sugar syrup and then 7 cups cold water.

You can add some lemon slices for decoration

I also like to add a couple mint leaves.

This a great jump off for Strawberry, Peach or Cherry Lemonade.

Flashback Friday – Patente Di Guida edition - Jay-Z - "Show Me What You Got"

Remember when Jay-Z said he was going to retire? This was his first single back. I recognized the sax intro from that Teddy Riley song from the 90s and the P.E. song from the 80s.

This video cracked me up. I wish I could have been in the pitch meeting. "So look Jay-Z, I'm thinking Monte Carlo, you, Danica Patrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr."

I cannot think of a more random grouping in a hip/hop video. Love it.

I look forward to the day I can drive standard on a road with hairpin turns and not freak out. I would also like to drive a one of the sporty Italian cars in the video. Looks like fun. I don't want to own one...not my style but maybe I could test drive one.

Have a great weekend.

Italian Driving School Diaries - I HAVE AN ITALIAN LICENSE!!

Sorry for the caps but this situation calls for it. I passed the driving exam today.

I still don't believe it. After months of studying and freaking out about the written test and four weeks of driving lessons to learn how to drive a standard/stick it came down to 10 minutes this afternoon.

Yes my driving exam was only 10 minutes long. Let me break down the scene.

I went to the Autoscuola to meet my teacher, Bruno. We (and another student) went to the Parco della Musica to take the exam. Bruno gave us some last minutes tips.

The examiner arrives. She had a lot of style. Seriously, her shoes was fab. She kept her sunglasses on and got in the back seat. I went first. I remembered to use the indicators, check mirrors, etc. I didn't stall once. Phew. Finally I was able to go from 1st to 2nd then to 3rd gear no problem. I remembered to downshift to 2nd before making a turn.

Then I had to parallel park. I reversed too quickly and I did turn my head once to look in front of me. The examiner said, "Signora (in very quickly spoken Italian I didn't understand here)" basically, "what are you doing? Keeping looking behind you." I felt sick to my stomach because I thought she was going to fail me. At least the parking job ended up well. I wasn't too close or too far from the pavement.

After my two fellow classmates took the test, we went over to meet Bruno who had our licenses. We all passed. I held my Patente di Guida to my chest and whisper thank you to the examiner. She smiled. One of the girls pulled me and our other classmate into a group hug. I haven't been this happy since...uhm, it's been a while.

One classmate is going to organize an aperitivo since we live near each other. Both of my former classmates are super sweet. Seniors in high school. I don't think they realize I'm old enough to be their mom.

Anyway, I cannot say enough good things about this school. Yes it's a pain to get your license here but they make the process as smooth as possible. The school is worth every single euro.

Andrea was great. I wish I understood Italian better as the class kept cracking up. I missed most of the jokes/humor. Andrea took the time to answer all my questions. There is no way I would have passed the written exam without taking his classes.

Bruno was my driving instructor. He speaks some English. The man deserves a medal. I was so nervous about learning standard after 20 plus years of driving automatic. He has a ton of patience. Bruno corrected all my bad driving habits. I'm definitely a better driver now after taking lessons with him.

Here is their website.:

http://www.autoscuolailario.it/home.htm

If you know some who needs to sign up with an autoscuola in Rome, this school is the bomb. In a weird way I'm going to miss them. I've been going to the school every week for the past five months.

My next challenge is become fluent in Italian. I think this is going to take a little longer than five months. Ha.

Big ups to Mother Nature....it's cherry season!!

How excited am I? Cherry season is so short. Maybe that's one reason I appreciate them so much.

Since moving to Italy I've been able to eat more in tune with the seasons.

You would think this is common sense. Michelle Obama planted a garden at the White House. Sounds petty uncontroversial. But no... apparently growing local foods in season is ELITIST. Really? How about our grandparents who used to grow veggies? The woman can't win.

I saw the story on Jezebel. This part cracked me up. I get that's homeslice's job but come on.

Some people are even taking issue with Michelle's decision to emphasize local food. Xavier Equihua of the Chilean Exporters Association and the Chilean Avocado Committee says local food is "a charming idea and everything, but it's not practical," because local food is seasonal. He asks, "what happens if you want some grapes during the month of December? What are you going to do? Not eat grapes?" Uh, yeah? I like grapes as much as the next person, but they are not essential for survival, and while some transportation of food will always be necessary, it would do us a lot of good if we could return to a more seasonal way of eating. And really, how would Michelle, go about growing a garden that was not local? Outsource it to India? Water her avocado plants in Chile via Skype?

As wrote before my dad used to grow tomatoes along with other some other veggies. They were delicious. I wonder if the reason so many Americans hate veggies is because the ones they buy from the supermarket taste like crap. I get it. Eating a supermarket tomato in New York City during the winter is not fun. They taste like cardboard. Eating one from your garden or from Sicily that was picked maybe a day or two ago as opposed to a week ago/then refrigerated makes a big difference.

Now that summer is approaching I'm starting to see plums and melons at the market. What are your favorite summer fruits?

Some inspiration from Decor8.

Since the demise of my favorite shelter magazine, DOMINO, Decor8 has helped ease the pain.

Recently I read this post. Holly Becker and her husband are moving to Germany. The stores she linked to do deliver. Good thing I'm broke or that white console table would be on it's way to Italy.

I know what she means about moving overseas. It was a pain but it also forced me to be ruthless when figuring out what to bring, donate or sell.

I don't know why I didn't do the same when I moved from New York City to Los Angeles. Maybe because I was able to bring furniture and it was only cross country (therefore cheaper) then sending a crate overseas?

While I hate clutter, I still had a lot of files. They were just stored well. It took me forever to shred documents and throw out the things I didn't need.

Holly's blog is fantastic. I've tried to stop looking at home design shows, blogs, magazines etc. but I can't help it. I know I'm going to buy a house one day. It might be a cottage and it might be years from now but I will. And I will finally have a garden of my own.

In the meantime let me figure out how the heck I'm going to pay my rent later this year.

Flashback Friday – Prince - "Purple Rain"

It's been 25 (!!!) years since Prince dropped this album. The movie was no Academy Award winner (remember the scene when Prince runs to break up his parent's fight? It was, uhm, unfortunate) but the music and the clothes were amazing.

This soundtrack is truly one of the greatest albums ever. Almost ever track could be a stand alone single. Today you're lucky if you get two, which is why CD sales are down and iTunes sales are up.

I still remember the first time I heard "When Doves Cry" aka "The Song With No Base". Brilliant, freaking brilliant.

Prince has changed. He's not yet at the Michael Jackson level of bat shit crazy but getting there. He's one of the most talented musicians out there and it pains me that he's so weird now.

He refuses to let his music be on YouTube so all I can post is the album cover.

What is your favorite track off this album?

Have a great weekend.

Italian Driving School Diaries - A gold star day.

Today I only stalled out once! We were on a darn hill and I came off the clutch too fast.

However, it was a gold star day because I drove from the school to the Auditorium (Parco della Musica) parking lot, then out of the city. My lesson was for two hours.

Driving a manual in the city is a pain in the butt. Driving on a country road, is bliss. I finally got to go to 4th gear. We were north of the city, in an area called Cassia. Very pretty.

I didn't love the merging lanes on my way out of the city but everything turned out okay.

I really have to watch downshifting from 3rd to 2nd. I keep going to 4th. Bruno told me, while lighting up a cigarette, that I will fail my exam if I do that.

We also practiced parallel parking and u-turns.

This whole experience has been humbling. I do know how to drive and I used to be an excellent parallel parker. The first time I tried to do it with a standard/stick, was not pretty.

I might practice with a friend this weekend.

Does anyone watch the British show TOP GEAR? I was speaking (if you can call it that with my butchered Italian) with Bruno about it. Watching the show makes me want to go out and race some cars. Perhaps I should focus on going from 3rd to 2nd first. Baby steps.

Cristalli di Zucchero Pasticceria

I've walked past this shop after working out by Circo Massimo. I finally went in one day. Why did I do such a thing to myself? It makes no sense to work out then buy pastries. ha

This is their second shop and opened about six months ago. The first shop is in Monteverde on Via di Val Tellina.

This tiny place is deadly. The woman working behind the counter was so nice and insisted that I try some sorbetto. I didn't want to be rude so I said yes. We proceeded to have a half hour conversation in Italian.

Their website is being update, but the Circo Massimo store is located on Via di San Teodoro.

On my way home from the doctor's last week I stopped by. It was lunch time and several people were inside buying sandwiches. Those looked good as well.

These pastries are the bomb. I know should try another kind but you know how I get fixated on things. The combination of apples, cinnamon and puffy pastry is sooooo good.


I had one of the cherry ones. Very good.


So pretty.

Roseto Comunale, Rome's Rose Garden

I have walked past this spot many times. However, last week was the first time I went into the garden. I had a doctor's appointment on the Aventine Hill and saw the entrance after getting lost.

The garden is built on the site of an ancient Jewish cemetery. From the top of the garden you can see that it's laid out like a Menorah.

The garden is free and for this blooming season is open May 16th - June 28th. It's worth a visit.

Here's more info on the garden, directions, from Wanted In Europe.

You can see the Palatine Ruins on the left.


"I beg your pardon. I never promised you a rose garden." This a very pretty place. Smells lovely.


When I looked at these roses, the line "Think Pink!" from the film Funny Face came into my head.

Barcelona Wins...A Major Upset!

Remember how I asked where the Barcelona fans were the other day? Well they were at the Stadium and in my neighborhood.

The energy here was incredible. Was it just me or did it seem like most of the Italian fans were also rooting for Barcelona? If so, why?

Here is a great article and fantastic photo in the New York Times.

I noticed that most of the Barcelona fans were comprised of families. I saw many children sightseeing with their parents while wearing flags/team shirts.

I'm glad my "boyfriend" Mr. Henry was so happy. I forgot he was traded to Barcelona.

Manchester United fans have to be disappointed. All week I was reading/hearing how Manchester was going to kick Barcelona's butt. This surprised win caps a great year for Barcelona who also won the Spanish League.

The headline following headline from Reuter's made me chuckle:

Rome Confounds Critics With Smooth Champions League Final

Photo inside my local supermercato. The city banned selling of alcohol for 24 hours. Other then a few arrests, things went well.


Barcelona fans start to arrive early at Aristocampo, Campo dei Fiori.

Why writers write.

When I read author Felicia Sullivan's post yesterday, it moved me.

Here is the link.

She is an incredible writer and I cannot wait to read her critically acclaimed memoir.

We met last year. Felicia was visiting Italy and our friend Kara suggested we meet.

The following really jumped out at me;

Somerset Maugham once said, “The only thing which makes it possible to regard this world we live in without disgust is the beauty that men create out of chaos. The pictures they paint, the music they compose, the books they write, and the lives they lead. Of all of these the richest in beauty is the beautiful life. That is the perfect work of art.”


So, this is our work, fellow writers, and the start of our very auspicious journey: to mine for beauty within ourselves and in the world in which we live, to bring this beauty out of dark and into the light. To find our voice and speak it, shout it from moving cars, fire escapes, and rooftops. To find our story and share it, because words have this magnetic ability to bind us to one another, because regardless of where we live, the color of our skin, or how many zeros are in our checking account, every human being profoundly understands hurt, loss, joy, and love. And our words are connectors – they’re able to unite, even when it feels like everything else is falling apart.


Because being a writer isn’t about fancy book parties, handsome hardcovers sitting prominent on bookstore shelves, or the accolades of our peers – don’t get me wrong, these are all very nice things, but they’re merely things; a published book is an ornament, not a checkmark of achievement or a validation of your character. They don’t make us a man, nor a woman, and more importantly, and they don’t make us a committed writer. A writer isn’t someone who publishes a book; a writer is someone who writes, constantly, obsessively, and passionately. A writer seeks to communicate without interruption, bound on a constant, tireless search for truth – he or she looks deep within him or herself, then peers out into the world and tries to make sense of and between the two. In short, the journey of an artist is to show the reader where you are and where you’re going.

What I'm working on is entertainment. But even within my (hopefully) commercial wedding movie I had something to say. Movies are different from novels. They have to be exterior not interior and it's a director's medium. My script is a blue print for the house.

There are days I struggle with the whole "am I really a writer" thing. I know it's because I have yet to make a living from it. Reading Felicia's post was very helpful. I'm a writer because I have to write. There's something compelling me to create my characters and their worlds.

So why do you write?

The Champions League Final in Rome - God help us.

Ha. Tomorrow is the final between Manchester United and Barcelona.

Where are all the Barcelona fans? Man U. is definitely in the house. I see their fans everywhere.

There are thousands of fans coming who don't have tickets to the game. I'm thinking I should avoid Campo dei Fiori and any other places where the hard core fans hang out. It's going to be crazy.

Manchester United is heavily favored to win.

Campo dei Fiori - Sunday afternoon, music and food

I love checking out streets fairs. I really missed them when I moved to Los Angeles from New York City. I'm glad to be back in a walkable city.

I do eat calamari but octopus is still a little difficult for me. I had this one dish at a friend's house that was delicious, octopus and potatoes.


Sorbetto hits the spot on a hot day.


Leave the gun....

Flashback Friday – Kool and the Gang - "Too Hot"

I was never a big Kool and the Gang fan. I thought they were a little corny (i.e. "Celebration") but all week this song has been running through my head. I do like this version. JT sounds great and there's a nice sax solo.

It's hella hot in Rome. A good 10 degrees (F) above normal.

I hope those in the States have a great Memorial Weekend and my fellow residents on "the boot" stay cool.

We interrupt this blog....

Ciao bloggisti,

I am starting yet another spec script so I will be cutting back on blog posts. Instead of posting Monday-Friday, I'm trying for 2-3 times a week.

It's been an interesting past few weeks. I'm trying to stay positive. At some point working 24/7 has to pay off.

I finished the rewrite on the wedding movie. One of the producers gave it to his boss. She loved it. The producers are going out to directors. Once a director is attached then my script will be sent to studios/buyers. Since you can only go to one director at a time, this might be a loooooong process. I have to believe this project will sell or lead to a writing assignment. If not, to say I'm screwed is an understatement. One producer friend said, "so what if it doesn't sell, keep on writing."

No matter what, I will always write but in order to be a working screenwriter one must actually get paid for said work. Like I said in an earlier post, 2009 has to be the year. After 11 years in this crazy, dysfunctional business, I cannot continue to bang my head against a wall.

It's good thing I'm in Rome, where my cost of living expenses are lower. If I were in L.A. trying to do this, it would be beyond depressing. Hearing an actress say, "I told my agent, it's bullshit I'm only making 2.5 million a year" when I'm trying to keep my lights on is not fun.

Being surrounded by everyone hustling to stay in the biz or get in to biz isn't healthy. That energy is not helpful when writing.

I think I had a minor breakthrough. I was/am so worried about being pigeonholed however, there isn't a damn thing I can do about it. It's kind of freeing. I will write what I want to write. I don't give a flying you-know-what-about making movies for teen boys.

I get it. Hollywood is what it is. It's boys club. Always has been, always will be. Thank god there are one or two female and male studio execs who are making movies for everyone, not just the targeted teen boy demographic.

OBSESSED may have received some of the worse reviews I have ever read but that movie, which only cost 20 million to make, is out grossing the much more expensive STATE OF PLAY and THE SOLOLIST. Hollywood only cares about green so maybe some more "urban/black" scripts will be bought. Is it too much to ask that some of them actually be good? grrrr.

Anyway I'm also writing a TV spec pilot. TV scripts have a completely different structure than feature (film) scripts. I'm having fun with it, even though I have no idea what I'm doing.

It's almost the half way point of the year. I'm happy with how things are going creatively. I'm insanely optimistic about the business/financial side. Something positive will happen in the next few months.

Some might say I'm setting myself up for disappointment. However, if I wasn't optimistic, if I really looked at the statistics of how many people like me (not a white male under 30) make it Hollywood, then I would have thrown in the towel years ago.

I have to think this way or I wouldn't be able to get up every single freaking day and work on scripts that might never sell. I wouldn't be able to handle the constant rejection. I would still be full of rage thinking about my horrible first D-girl (Development exec) job in the business.

I love movies, telling stories, hearing stories. I want to continue to work in this business.

I survived getting my Italian residency. Hollywood is not going to break me. ha

Rome, Sunday Morning - Men in Tights.

It was so hot yesterday. You know these folks were burning up.

I have no idea what the parade was for. I was running some errands and came across it.

The drummers were very good.

Flashback Friday – Clueless - "You're Getting on The Freeway!"

The clip below is how I felt during yesterday's lesson. I haven't been on the Autostrada yet but Rome traffic is no joke.

I love this movie.

Have a great weekend.

Day Trip to Naples, Part Two: Electric Boogaloo

My friend E has posted photos on her blog including one of this fab woman on her motorino wearing plaid shorts and plaid shoes. Never mind that they weren't the same plaid pattern, girlfriend was rocking her outfit.

Everything seems bigger/exaggerated in Naples, including the fashion.

I forgot to mention the one brutta figura incident. E.'s response to the woman was, "I have a lot to say." haha

E. has a newborn so we don't get to see each other too often. The train ride was the perfect time to catch up.

Italian Driving School Diaries - I drove into the Historic Center and lived to blog about it.

Dear Diary,

The lessons continue.

Last week I had to start on a hill. Not fun. ME NO LIKE.

Anyway, today we tried the hill again and I only stalled out once. I seem to have a problem with releasing the clutch too quickly.

Bruno asked me to drive part of the way to the Parco della Auditorium. It wasn't too bad. I'm used to that street now.

However, this time on the return trip back to the school, I drove the entire distance, which meant into the Center.

The scooters are one thing, then you have tour buses and a billion tourists who don't know how to cross the street.

After I made it in one piece through Piazza Navona and driving on Corso Vittorio Emmanuele (a major street here) I had to park the car. Putting the car in reverse I managed to back up without knocking down any scooters.

Bruno said I'm getting better but I really need to work on shifting from 2nd into 3rd and back. I keep going from 3rd into 4th instead of 2nd. That's a problem.

Downshifting from 3rd into 2nd before curves is going to take some time to get used to as well. So much to remember.

Over the weekend part of me was thinking, "Screw this. I'll just take the test on an automatic car and be stuck with an automatic license. It will be easier."

While I miss how easy driving an automatic is, I've been driving standard for less than two weeks. I don't why I thought I would drive like Formula One driver.

A couple of friends offered to practice with me. I think (hope) with more time behind the wheel, my comfort level will increase.

A quick day trip to Naples: Art and some of the best pizza in the world.

Yes I realize saying the pizza is some of the best in the world is a bold statement but I stand by it. More on that later.

On Friday my friend E. and I went down the Naples. Of course forgot my camera. If E. posts photos to her blog, I'll link to them.

Now that I think about it, we were a little crazy. We took the slow train down (had to save money) and spent more time on the round trip than in Naples itself. ha

First we went to MADRE (Museo D'Arte Contemporanea Donna Regina). There was a Pop Art exhibit (ends later this month). I'm not the biggest Jeff Koons fan or of Pop Art but loved the Museum.

There's a great permanent collection and the space itself is worth a visit. This contemporary art museum is a former 13th Century palazzo. On the third floor there is a huge terrace with incredible views of the city and Mount Vesuvius.

There is a fantastic Francesco Clemente mural and tiled floor.

After the museum we went to Santa Maria Donna Regina Vecchia. This church was started in 780. There was massive earthquake in 1293 and the church was rebuilt.

It's beautiful and one of the few Gothic style churches in Italy.

I was starving by lunch time. I had no idea the pizza place E. was looking for was the infamous Da Michele. There are only two types of pizza to choose from; Margherita or Marinara.

This place is worth the hype. I'm used to the thinner, crispier Roman crust (and like it) but I would return to Naples just for the pizza. After all it's the place where this amazing dish was invented.

Da Michele opened in the 1870 and it's nothing fancy. It feels like a neighborhood joint. There was a wait to be seated but the pizza arrives quickly after you order. We sat in the first room where we could see the chefs put the pizza in the old wood burning ovens.

I assume the key to the great taste are the fresh simple ingredients. Growing up with excellent pizza I'm picking about my pie and my slices. I have eaten Dominos and Pizza Hut in the past (college, office parties, etc. ) and I'm glad I never have to again.

This was my second time in Naples. It's Rome squared...so hectic, chaotic and mixed with astounding beauty. I felt so disoriented. There appears to be no urban planning at all. You walk down a block and look into what you think is a store window but it's someone's living room. The elaborate religious shrines are incredible. In Rome everyone wears helmets when driving/riding scooters, Naples? No.

Another thing that stood out in Naples was the lack of tourists. We saw a few in da Michele but that's it.

Random note: Did Trenitalia have someone completely redo their website? I bought my train tickets online and printed out my paper tickets no problem.

The site was easy to navigate and for certain routes you receive a discount when you book online. Two years ago I tried to use the site and got so frustrated I gave up and just bought my tickets at the station.

USA agribusiness comes to Europe.

This article in the New York Times really bothered me. Why are EU subsidies going to a big Fortune 500 corporation that is driving out local farmers? I didn't even know US based agribusinesses ran farms in other countries until the Swine Flu outbreak. The Mexican farm being investigated as the possible source of the outbreak is American owned.

While it's nice the price of pork has gone down in America, I don't think the cost to the pigs and the environment is worth it.

True local meat is more expensive. But I don't eat meat often and I don't want to support places that treat animals like this:

Every stage of a hog’s life — from artificial insemination to breeding genetic characteristics — is controlled. A handful of employees tend thousands of hogs that spend their lives entirely indoors, under constant lighting, to spur growth. Sows churn out litters three or four times a year. Within 300 days, a pig weighing roughly 120 kilograms, or 270 pounds, is ready for slaughter.
Smithfield fine-tuned its approach in the depressed tobacco country of eastern North Carolina in the 1990s. In 2000, money started flowing from a Smithfield political action committee in that state and around the United States. Ultimately, more than $1 million went to candidates in state and federal elections. North Carolina lawmakers helped fast-track permits for Smithfield and exempted pig farms from zoning laws.

Some of this pork goes Africa. In the article one local African farmer said he can't compete with the cheaper imports so he is going to move to Italy or Spain for work. So weird that this man in a small village is being impacted by the actions of a wealthy company thousands of miles away.

More and more people are trying to be "locavores." To buy foods that are grown/raised near their homes and to support local farmers. I have found it a lot easier to do this since the move to Italy. Other than the occasional avocado and banana my fruit, veggies and meat come from the boot.

Yes it sucks when your favorite foods are out of season but after tasting real tomatoes again, I can't go back.

I read that in the States more people are planting gardens partly due to the economic downturn. It upsets me that so many people don't have access to good fresh produce. When I lived in DC the local supermarket had veggies and meat that was so foul it turned my stomach. Meanwhile in Potomac, MD the Giant Foods was amazing.

Do you garden or go to a Farmer's Market? Why?

Italian Driving School Diaries - Day one of learning to drive stick.

Bloggisti my instructor, Bruno, threw me into the deep end.

First he drove from the Autoscuola to the Parco Della Musica. There's a big parking lot there and the roads don't have too much traffic. I saw several other driving school cars there.

For my first time EVER driving a stick I didn't do too badly. I stalled out only twice. The clutch feels so foreign to me. To start the car I had trouble remembering to depress the clutch, then give some gas, come slowly off the clutch, etc. Ack.

Going from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd gear was actually fun. Stopping and starting are going to be a problem. ha.

We were driving on the quiet side streets. Bruno said I was doing a great job. Then instead of making a right onto another side street he had me go straight and turn left onto the busy street (Lungotevere) that runs along the Tiber. Was he crazy? WTF?

I went right into heavy traffic with scooters, underpasses and to top it off, it suddenly started to pour buckets. I drove closer and closer to the Center while trying not to freak out. Then he told me I couldn't use the right hand side mirror in the test so don't use it now, only the rear view mirror. Great.

Finally we were close to the Cavour Bridge and we switched seats. I'm glad he didn't make me drive through Piazza Navona.

Bruno told me I needed to relax. I'm a good driver and tensing up will cause me to make mistakes. I haven't driven in over a year, so I was feeling rusty earlier. Plus, I know this is strange, I get nervous driving with other people in the car. Even after 20 plus years. It makes no sense.

If I were going to take the test on an automatic car (I have that option but then I would only have an automatic license) I would take at least one or two driving classes. Bruno busted me for putting my right hand in the wrong position when I went to turn the steering wheel for a left turn. I griped the wheel with my palm facing upwards. That is one bad habit I need to break.

I think I will be better prepared for my next lesson. Now I get why my friends who drive stick/standard say you have to pay more attention. I also have to pay attention because these lessons are mostly in Italian. My comprehension has definitely improved since I started going to the school.

One advantage of having a ridiculously small apartment.

Of course lower heating bills but also it's easy to clean.

My place is so tiny it doesn't take long at all. I turn up some music and get to work.

Thanks to my mom I'm a clean freak. I really HATE clutter. Growing up I wasn't a fan of chores and now I get anxious when my place is messy. ha

The one chore I dislike is vacuuming. I'm so happy I don't have carpeting in this apartment. My place in L.A. had disgusting wall-to-wall carpeting. It was old and a very ugly color.

I don't know why I dislike vacuuming. It's not like the vacuums did anything to me. Am I the only one?