An Exciting Letter I got emailed today!

First Rock Families-
It is with great joy and excitement that I share this email with you as it not only makes your life easier, but it also serves as an exceptional example of the Army Family Action Plan (AFAP).A bit of background, late last year a Soldier in this BN and his wife had a baby boy. They wanted the son's first name to be the same as the father's.The middle names were different. When the father arrived at the birth registration office downtown, he was told that, under Italian law, it was illegal. Forced with no alternative, he switched the child's names and registered his birth - thus legally naming the child a something neither he nor his wife truly wanted. His only recourse was to take time and money to legally change his name upon returning to the states. Original document,however, would always have the wrong name. I was frustrated by this and put in an AFAP issue. It seemed unfair that we, non-Italian citizens whose children would ALSO be non-Italians, would be forced to give up one of our fundamental freedoms as American citizens - the right to name our children whatever we want. It turned out the Red Cross also put in a similar issue. In the end it was a hot topic at the local conference. Work to change the situation began immediately. The positive result is attached. I am so excited for EVERYONE, but especially the folks who want to continue family names, have hyphenated names or make up a name that no one has ever had before. Although it may sound like I am bragging, my real purpose is to share the AFAP news with all of you. If YOU are outraged by something that affects more than just your family, AFAP is your recourse. Submit your issue today at http://www.vicenzamwr.com/acs_afapform.html I have already put in two since March! (but you could have guessed that!)Thanks Jennifer

I wanted to share this exciting news! CPT Saahene has achieved what was thought impossible! I guess that is what AFAP is for :) See attached for the agreement to allowing the naming of children with the following exceptions to Italian regulations:
a child of two non-Italian citizens will be able to name their child the same as the parent, with two last names (of both parents), geographiclocations, seasons, months, days, after someone famous, or with a first name widely considered to be a last name.

Angry!!

Ok, so today is the day that you can call me a hypocrite for complaining about living in Italy. I can't believe that it came so soon. I still love living here don't get me wrong, but today I am very angry with the Italian Government!!!!

I read this last night in a military document that was sent to me:
Currently, United States citizens who give birth while living in Italy do not have the freedom to name their child(ren) as they choose. Under Italian law, a parent and child cannot share the first name even if the middle name is different, nor can children have suffixes or hyphenated last names. Such limitations remove the ability for families to continue important family traditions when naming their children.

WHAT THE HEC!!! So basically, that means that if we have a boy, we are legally unable to name him Reamer Welker Argo V while we are here in Italy! I am furious!

I don't care if by Italian law I am unable to do it, if we have a boy our childs name WILL BE REAMER WELKER ARGO V!! I will "legally" name him something else but will call him REAMER WELKER ARGO V. And as soon as we move back to the U.S. we will legally change it to the correct name! I don't care what we have to do, it will happen.

Seriously, this is so important to me. I love Reamer so much and I love his name. I have always wanted to have a son and name him after the love of my life, and to continue this neat family tradition. We don't even know if we will have a boy or a girl yet, but the thought that I can not legally name my own child really makes me angry!!!!!!!

Apparently, this issue was brought up at the Army Family Action Plan Meeting and may possibly be something that our government may try to fix, but there are many requests and who knows if it will make it to the final list. Hopefully something will change but there will probably not be any results before we have the baby.

Sorry that I have taken such a negative tone with this blog but I am just furious right now!

Attitude Adjustment

I'm very sorry if this post offends anyone. This is directed at military spouses (especially those stationed here in Vicenza).

First, let me say that I understand your frustration. I miss my husband, get flustered about the annoying parts of Italian culture (everything being closed, lack of service, etc....) and I too had to re-adjust my life to fit our overseas duty station. That being said, I'm fed up! I'm NOT fed up with Italy or post or Italian culture. I'm fed up with some (not all) attitudes and opinions of some of the army wives.

Seriously people, you are stationed in one of the most beautiful countries in the world! People pay thousands of dollars to come to Europe for a week or two to see such a beautiful country. Ok, it's not like you must live here forever. Most of us are only stationed here for 3 years or so. That is really not very long (in the scheme of our life). And come on, your duty station could be worse. I'm so tired of hearing negative talk about living here. You can make your time here either positive or negative. It is your choice. There are so many wonderful places to tour and visit that are only a short train ride or a short car trip away. Why not take advantage of this experience? Why can't we stop and smell the roses?? Let's try to embrace the culture and maybe we will learn something about ourselves. Who knows, you might expand your horizon and become a more well-rounded person. What is the harm in that?

Ok, it's not like I don't get annoyed sometimes too. There are things that drive me crazy here just as much as the next person. I understand where the negativity comes from. I'm just saying that our overall opinion of living here should be examined. Why spend your time "bitchinig"--(excuse my language, I'm venting) when that will accomplish nothing but making you more miserable.

Take inititive in your life! Even though the army says that you are a dependent, doesn't mean that you actually are only a dependent. You are your own individual person. You can control your own happiness. Try to adjust to living here. Make sure that you can take care of yourself. Our husbands are gone a lot of our time here so you have to figure out how to make it work for yourself. It is not your husbands (or other wives) responsibility to make you happy. Rely on yourself and stop being so dependent on others. I promise you will be a better person for it.

I'm not saying that as wives we shouldn't support eachother. I think that to have a successful community we must stick together and help eachother. I just believe that as spouses we need to have some independence. I can totally understand that it is scary and hard to adjust when you are so far away from home. But it is so vital to our happiness and even our survival that we are able to take care of ourselves.

I really hope that I haven't offended anyone with my venting. I just believe that it is important that we embrace this experience and try to see the positive in it. There are much worse things that could happen to us in our lives. Seriously, just look around you at the beauty that surrounds us. Do Not Spend all of your time on post, but do get involved and stay busy. Learn how to care for yourself. Get out and about. Embrace the food (I know that it's different, but try), embrace the culture, embrace the beautiful landscape, if you don't drive--learn the public transportation system so that you can get around town. See the sights, shop in the stores, just walk around town and look at the beautiful architecture, take a bike ride around town. Embrace the differences that surround you, but don't let the differences hinder you from living your life. Life is way to short for negitivity.

I know that I will end up complaining about some of the things that annoy us all to someone who has read this and I might possibly be viewed as hypocritical, but my intention is not to say that you can't be annoyed with some of the differences. I am really only talking about your overall demeanor about living overseas. Let's examine our overall opinion and how we are coming across to others. It is so much more enjoyable to be surrounded with positive people who can see the positive things in life. I do understand that misery loves company, but I don't want to be a part of that company.

I have had this on my mind for several weeks and have been debating about writing it, but I feel that it is something that had to be said. Please don't be offended by this venting blog, take it for what it is worth and possibly try to get something out of it.

Please remind me of this blog when I am complaining about some of the pitfalls of living here so that I too can have an attitude adjustment. We all need one of those every now and then.

Trip to Nove and Bassano Del Grappa

While the boys were in the field this week, I have been spending most of my time hanging out with the ladies. Janet and her friend Elissa and I went to Nove one day and did some amazing ceramic shopping!

Italy is famous for ceramics, and the town of Nove produces some of the highest-quality and most beautiful ceramics. The ceramics are made in this little town about 30 mins from Vicenza. Lenox and Tiffany are some of the name brand cermaics that are acutally made here in Nove. You can see the Italians making the famous pottery in some of the stores. There were many types of ceramics, that were on display and for sale. Some of the pieces were cutsy, some were elegant and some were functional. It was hard choosing the pieces that I wanted to buy because I liked so many of them!

We also went to Bassano Del Grappa and did some sight seeing. We were able to see the famous covered wooden bridge , which was designed by the architect Palladio in 1569. (Palladio is from Vicenza and is famous for his architechture... check out my previous blog entries to find out more about Palladio). Bassano Del Grappa is also famous for Grappa. Grappa is a fragrant grape-based liquer that is between 37.5% and 60% alcohol. Most grappa is made from grape residue (mainly the skins, but also stems and seeds) left over from making wine.

We are going to be a mommy and a daddy!

Ok, so I have been holding this in for too long! We wanted to wait until after the first trimester, but I can't hold out any longer! We are going to have a baby! I am currently at 10 weeks! We have had one ultrasound and have seen our little "peanut" and today I heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time!

I took this picture the day that I found out I was pregnant. I took the test several times to make sure that it was real!!! Reamer and I are very excited and can't wait for our little baby to arrive! I will try to post the ultrasound picture soon so that you can see "peanut" (while he/she still looks kinda like a peanut!!!

Here is some info on what happens in the tenth week of pregnancy! It's so neat to see how fast they turn into little babies!

***This is taken from what to expect when you are expecting website:
Your baby's nearly an inch and a half long and the size of a prune, but not nearly as shriveled. In fact, your baby is really taking a human shape now. Though your baby's arms are developing, each one is only about the size of this number 1.Your baby's growth is fast and furious when you are 10 weeks pregnant. He or she is nearly an inch and a half long and the size of a prune, but not nearly as shriveled (even with all the time it spends in water). In fact, your baby is really taking a human shape now. Bones and cartilage are forming, and small indentations on the legs are developing into knees and ankles. The arms (complete with elbows) can flex already, but don't run to the store for a baseball bat just yet. Though your baby's arms are taking shape and getting stronger, each one is only about the size of this number 1. The tooth bud fairy is making her appearance this week, heralding the arrival of your baby's little choppers, which are forming under the gums. (Those pearly whites won't break through the gums until your baby is close to six months old). Other systems are go, too. Your baby's stomach is producing digestive juices, the kidneys are producing larger quantities of urine, and, if your baby's a boy, he's already producing testosterone (yikes!).

Cinque Terre and Pisa

Reamer and I went went to the Cinque Terre and Pisa for his four day weekend. We really enjoyed ourselves andhad wonderful weather to complement our trip! The Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. The Cinque Terre means "The Five Lands" and is called that because it comprises of five villages.

The Cinque Terre is so beautiful! It may be one of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen. You are able to hike from each town on a beautiful hiking trail that overlooks the beautiful views. There are restraunts on some of the trails and you are able to enjoy the amazing sights. If you were to hike the entire trail, it would be a great workout. If you decide that hiking is not your cup of tea, you can take the train to each town or do some combination of both. We really enjoyed the beautiful hiking and the wonderful weather.

One of the trails is called "Lovers Lane". It is one of the shortest trails, and has peoples names carved and written on the rocks on the path.

Some paths are very natural and you only see natural beauty. The towns are very different from eachother. Some have colorful houses that decorate the cliffs. (Stairs and paths are the only way that these people can go to and from their home). Some towns are more agricultural and lemon trees, olive trees, and small vineyards are all over the mountains. Other towns are like beach towns and have tourists paths and beaches for tourists to enjoy. You will see so much beauty in the Cinque Terre, and there is something there for everyone!

After Cinque Terre, we drove about an hour to Pisa. We got to see the leaning tower of Pisa and toured the church that is directly beside it. We walked around the city, enjoyed cappucinos and some shopping. Reamer went there as a child and we found the restaurant that his family ate at. We drove 15 mins to Camp Dary (a military post that has lots of lodging for military tourists). We got a room there are went for a walk on the beach the following day. We had an amazing trip and are excited for our next adventure!

Tiramisu' Recipe

As promised, here is the Tiramisu' recipe that I learned to make at the Ciao Conference! Buon Appetito!

Tools:
Espresso Maker (you can substitute very strong coffee)

Ingredients:
500gr Mascarpone cheese (approx 1 lb)-- Italians do everything by weight! They only use scales--no measuring cups ect...
2 packages savoiardi (lady fingers)
8 expresso sixed cups of coffee (approx. 14 oz)
4 Tablespoons powdered cocoa
5 eggs
5 tablespoons sugar

Preliminary Steps:
Bring ingredients to room temperature
Make espresso and pour in a shallow flat bottomed bowl and allow to cool to room temperature
Separate Egg yolks and whites

Mixing:
In first mising bowl, beat yolk and sugar unil creamy white. Add mascarpone and mix until blended. Leave this mixture in the bowl. In second mixing bowl, beat egg whites until fluffy. Fold beaten egg whites into mascarpone mixture. Mix only enough to blend. (over mixing will deflate egg whites). Quickly dip a savoiardo in expresso bowl. To get the right amount of espresso on the savoiardi, lay the finger flat in the botttom of the bowl sugared side Up and immediately pull it out. Place each finger flat in the bottom of the pan sugar side DOWN. The savoiardi will quickly absorb the espresso. If you soak the savoiardi in the espresso you will end up with soggy savoiardi instead of moist.

Assembly:
Build a layer of dipped savoiardi across the bottom of the pan. If some of the savoiardi do not look dark from the espresso, spoon on a few more drips of espresso. Any espresso left in the bottom of the pan will be absorbed. Too much espresso will turn fingers into a soggy mess. Spoon on a layer of egg/mascarpone mixture across the layer of fingers. Use about 1/2 of mascarpone mix. The layer should be about 1cm. thick. Dip another layer of savoiardi and lay them on mascarpone mix. Layer them as before, sugar side down. Spoon on second layer of egg/mascarpone mix. Sift cocoa on top of the second layer. Scoop a tablespoon of cocoa into a small sieve. Hold the sieve over the tiramisu and tap sieve on the side with your finger. The cocoa should sprinkle in an even layer. Cover the tiramisu with a very thin layer of cocoa. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. The Tiramisu will taste quite good for 3-4 days if refrigerated!

Buona fortuna!! (Good Luck!) and of course Buon Appetito!!