Home. Sweet. Home.

It is so nice to be home and enjoy all the luxuries that life in the US has to offer. Being able to ask someone a question or respond to someone in the grocery store is something I took for granted before and now have a definite appreciation for how hard it is when you don't speak the language of the country you live in. Many of you know I don't mind speaking up when something doesn't sit right with me, and it has been nice to be able to express my thoughts when I want to...as my friends can attest from our dinner at Jazz'd last week.

Christmas was really great and the fact that my Amazon Wish List was almost completely covered is amazing! Time to add more ideas to the list I suppose! I have stocked up on my Banana Republic clothing collection and am now fully prepared to travel to Paris and London in 2012-- thanks, Rick Steves!


Anyone care to join me? I. am. not. kidding. Save your pennies people!

Since being home, I've enjoyed spending time with my adorable Ruby, even though I'm clearly second in line for her affection. My mom, of course, being 1st! I know I will miss her when I head back to Milan later this week, but leaving her in Savannah is the right thing to do. She is happy here and doesn't have to spend time alone like she would if I brought her with me to Italy.

Sweet lil' Ruby

But, soon enough, back to reality I must go. I head out Friday and get back to Italy on Saturday...just enough time for the time change to be a killer once I head to work on Monday morning. Here's hoping going forward with the time zone difference is easier than it was going backwards!

I did acquire a Kindle over the holidays and am looking for your book recommendations. I tend to read in spurts, and those spurts occur more often if what I am reading is good! I keep a list of what I've read on Shelfari and I like that they track how many books you read in the course of a year. You can see what I've been reading on the side of this blog, but I'd love to hear your suggestions. Often, I like fluffy books that require no real thinking while reading, but have found an interest in fiction that focuses on different ethnicities and cultures. Suggestions? If you comment on my blog page with a book suggestion, I'll send you a postcard  from an upcoming destination. Just be sure to comment using your name and message me your address through Facebook or zimmer1977@bellsouth.net if I don't already have it!

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2012!!