Gratitude Friday: 2 Hours of Hooky

I "made" myself take a couple of hours off today.  I didn't even take my camera so no photo this time!

I swam to my heart's content in the cool Med, got a little sun, chatted and laughed with my girlfriend, then came back to work re-charged and ready to go.  It's been a super productive afternoon.  

Therefore, I am grateful I was able to say "two hours away" won't hurt anyone.  In fact it helped.

Buon weekend!

Gratitude Friday: Getting Older

"The Aging Blonds"

Today is my birthday.  

I'm grateful that some people mistake me for being 30 still.  But I can thank my parents and their genes for that.  And I am more open to learning, growing and listening than I was when I was 30.

I'm grateful that I have a healthy, strong body and mind.  Again, a product of my parents and a bit of my "anal retentive" ways.  

I'm grateful that I spend a good chunk of time living life to the fullest (except June, July & August when work swallows me up!).

I don't mind the number, or the "laugh lines" (better known as "the pages of my life" accordingly to my mother in law), or even the few more aches and pains of a body getting a bit more rickety.  

I may no longer be considered a "young lady", but I am certainly not old.  Not sure my personality would ever allow me to be anyway.

So I am celebrating in "Megan fashion" -  heading to Portovenere for a day of sun, sea and fun, and a big plate of vongole veraci!  A dopo...

Gratitude Friday: The Terrace...

It's too hot and stifling in the house because I currently need to keep the shutters closed as there are these funky looking bees who keep entering and try to make a "nido" (nest) inside.

So the vine-covered terrace has become my office. There is a lovely breeze and constant protection from the sweltering August sun. It's lovely here and I actually seemed to concentrate better on my work.  

The view is not so bad either.

I am super grateful for this terrace today, 

this week, always!

The Heat of Summer

Wish I was there...

The phrase means much more than the fact that's it's 10:30AM and already 80 degrees out (with about 70% humidity).  It actually refers more to the non-stop pace that June, July and August seem to bring to me each year.  

Work becomes "numero uno" and life takes a back seat.  It's the same for Lui (there is no better - or worse - business to being than the fish business on the seaside in summer).  I am behind by weeks on personal emails, phone calls back to the family are short bullet-points (written as I seem to forget these days what's going on if I don't) and blogging seems like a thing of the past, sad to say.  It's the "curse" side of the job.  And although there are much blessings to it really, by August, the heat of summer has me burnt out.  

I'm looking forward to a vacation in September (Puglia!).  I can't wait to start blogging again.  And I plan to make some BIG changes to allow me to enjoy next summer's heat because I'm spending a weekday afternoon at the beach or taking the morning off to enjoy a cafe with friends in La Spezia.

Every once in a while a little complaining is allowed right?  No matter how good life is, right?  Ok, back to work. Buona settimana tutti...

Gratitude Friday: Di...

Well this is a no brainer.  My dear friend Di has a birthday today so she is top of mind.  For the past 3 years, this woman has been my feminine "rock" in Italy. She makes me laugh and smile to no end, and she warms my heart with her sincerity and kindness.

Buon Compleanno, Diana.  

I am grateful you are my friend...