Well, the courier just drove away with my possessions. Our crates are on the way back to Jersey. I have such a heavy heart right now because I feel like I gave away my children to total strangers. I felt the same way when I shipped them over here to begin with and luckily, they got here safely. All I ask, is that they return back home the same way! The items inside have more sentimental value than monetary. But none the less, they are priceless memories for me!

Please send some good thoughts and vibes for their safe return. The same is asked for me and my family for when we embark on our journey back to America. I may not have had the outcome that I had hoped for, living here, but I will be taking a piece of Italy back with me, in my heart. What I love about Italy is what I disliked about America and what I loved about America is what I dislike about Italy. Does that make sense? Oddly, I am torn. Unfortunately, I know and understand that I can't have the best of both worlds... but that wont stop me from bringing back a little bit of it with me and sharing those experiences with others.

Amongst some of my husband's family and peers, I have become the "reason" for moving back to America. It's OK though because he took the blunt of the blame when we moved here. He was being "selfish" wanting to live close to his family... blah, blah, blah. Now it's my turn to be the bad guy. It was to be expected. The irony of it all is that these are the same people who asked us, in disbelief, why on earth we moved here from America. Now, those same people are asking us, (still) in disbelief why we are moving back?! I was hoping for some "Good luck"... "Buona fortuna"... "In bocca al lupo"... Anything but, "You're making a big mistake! America is in crisis!" Yes, that's what people have said to me! *shrugs*


My answer to them? “Che sarà, sarà... whatever will be, will be!”
I can not, NO, will not be brought down by negativity!

So, I just want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who have responded to my last post with such encouraging words. To those of you who may not have expressed it in writing but still wish us well, thank you too! I'll take it all! It is appreciated more than you could ever imagine! I don't know what I will do in regards to the blog once I get back... whether I will continue off of this or whether I will start another, but it's heartwarming to know that some of you will be sticking around. For that too, I thank you!

To all of the wonderful people that I have enjoyed getting to know through their Italy blogs, I wish you continued hapiness & success! I'll be following up on you from the other side of the pond. For those of you on your way here, or considering the move, best of luck to you!