How can it possibly be August? Seriously, how did that happen? But here it is. Hot, humid, sweaty, and peppered with summer thunderstorms. The good-bye process is still in full swing. Last night was a good-bye dinner with my favorite book club girls. I am going to miss them so much. I vividly remember how nervous and lonely I felt when I sent out that first e-mail to see if anyone was interested in a book club. Had no idea that it would turn into such a big part of my life here. My monthly night for gut busting laughter, way too much wine, some book chatter, and most importantly: friendship. There will never be a book club quite like this one. Never. Which brings me to the start of my list: a very random list of things that have been on my mind:
Friendship: It's one of the hardest parts of moving every three years. In the midst of feeling sad about all of these good-byes, I am trying to prepare myself for what I now think of as the "dating" stage of our move. Those first six months when I put myself out there desperately hoping to make those connections that will turn into friendships. That exhausting process of trying to make things click. The ups and downs of feeling like a loser who will never find friends again while giving myself frequent pep talks that this happens with every move and eventually the friendships do emerge and they are good. Makes me wish I could just pack up all of my friends and put them in the express shipment to Italy. Really wish I could do that. But I can't, so bear with me if there are a few whiny lonely posts in the coming months.
Laurie Notaro: After dinner last night, the book club girls and I headed over to Barnes and Noble. I wanted to pick up a book for the plane. Ended up leaving with Laurie Notaro's most recent book and I am seriously fighting an internal battle of wills to prevent myself from starting it before I actually get on the plane. I love her writing. It never fails to make me laugh out loud. If you have not read anything by her, you should. Actually she should be required summer reading for all women.
Star Wars: I have come to the conclusion that Star Wars Lego Wii should be officially marketed as a medication for PMS. Much more effective than Midol. Stay up late, swing a light saber around, curse at little Lego men, and impress your six year old son when he gets up in the morning to discover you have figured out how to get to the next level. Midol can't do any of that. And to add fuel to my new Star Wars addiction, check out this Weird Al Yankovich music video (thanks, Sarah).
More Summer Reads: The Story Sisters is so good I skipped my nightly Star Wars Wii to work my way through this fast read. Travels with Alice is turning out to be very good preparation for Europe including an entertaining chapter on Sicily. The BFG is higly rated by Noah. And Camille just can't get enough of Mercy Watson. And I am still in denial that our library days are limited. I have a huge stack of books to return. That will be a sad day. We will miss our fabulous public library system.
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Oh, thank you so much for posting that video-- JAM begs to watch the Weird Al vid on youtube ALL.THE.TIME. Even Red can sing along to that song, so it will be nice to have a different visual for it the next time. :)
And, you've so poignantly described the whole making-friends-as-an-adult dilemma. It's not as easy as going up to some girls jumping rope and asking to join in, is it?? You will find your people there, I don't doubt it for a minute. :)
You are so NOT a 'loser who will never make friends.' Funny, I think, how nervous MOST of us apparently were about that first Book Club. I am so going to get Notaro books for MY flight to China. A good laugh might be just the ticket. Hang in there my friend...looking forward to watching you learn Sicily, even though we are going to miss you like crazy. We're coming...warn Adam! ;-)
Oh yea - Book Club road trip - how many mamas and kids can you fit in the on base housing - consider this when selecting your abode...I am thinking - we will give you a little time to learn the language-fluently(blahhhhh) then you can show off to your - Florida Friends!
We miss you already! But have no fear - you will make friends - just think - Italy needs a new book club - and think of the wine options!
Hugs
c & k
I soooo hear you on the friend front. And, I really liked the Sigonella library! They had a pretty good section of books on Sicily. Plus there was a guy that worked there that did a good story time... he was there while we were there and also when I popped in last April, but now he may have moved.. you know how it goes.
I feel your pain on the "dating stage." We have also moved quite a bit. Sounds like you have handled the friend-making process better than me though. Good luck with the move!
Friend, posts like this make me want to live next door to you :)
I, too, can understand the anxieties associated with making the friends. I am relieved that we have settled in a place for a while, and just the thought of the "dating stage" makes my stomach turn. I think it's a common feeling. Another friend is PCSing to Germany this summer. A mother of three, she has created quite a social network in Vicenza; however, she has vowed to keep to herself in Germany since they expect to be there only a year or two. The work involved in creating the relationships and then the pain of moving is just too much. I have no doubt that she will quickly make good friends in Germany, despite herself. Good people, good mothers especially, attract good people to them.
You'll find those friends; it won't take long.
Lucia, although I have never met you in real life, I too feel that anxiety moving to a new place but I know for certain you will make some really great friends over there. I mean, I tried to be that South of Rome chick's friend for months and it all worked out!
We are both anxiously awaiting to live vicariously through you...
Thank you, friends. Glad I am not the only one who dreads the search for new friends.
And Karen, so glad to hear your positive report about the Sig library. How geeky am I? I should be more worried about learning Italian, instead I am more worried about the library system!
What a list! I feel for your friendship woes...no doubt you will connect with and make wonderful friends here in Sicily, but having moved around a lot myself, I totally relate to what you are going through. I usually give myself a whole year though before I assess my success in settling in a place and am impressed by your ability to do all that in a mere 6 months!
And public libraries....sigh. I so wish we had that here! There is supposedly a good new children's wing in a public library in Catania that may be fun for you to explore one day. I have yet to visit.
lol!
I just finshed Travels With Alice. I agree it was great. Too bad we are so far away from where you are moving to. I think you would be a great friend and a wonderful person to book swap with. Have a safe trip over. I look forward to your posts about Sicily.
What a great analogy -- the "dating period" and I SO know how you feel. Im trying to pep talk myself this summer because going back to Japan.....most of my friends have left and I have this sort of frustration that I've been there too long and all my friends have moved on and we're still there. I hate being the one left behind. Anyway-- the friendship meter is reading low now that so many people have moved and Im just LOATHING the find-new-ways-to-meet-people cycle. It will be hard after being spoiled all summer being around family and great friends. Im right there with you. ;)
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