Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Today is il Mio Birthgiorno! Ta na na na na...



Today is my birthday! ta, na, na, na, na :)

Around this time last year I was out of the country when my brother called me to return to Phoenix since he was being sent to do logistics for the Iraq war, and the child's mother was also sent
abroad. After being independent for so many years, overnight I had to raise a 4 year-old alone, work, cook and maintain a house... alone! Being a mom is no joke! It was the toughest task I've ever done! I also knew I wouldn't be able to process the Visa, again, and it broke my heart. The combination of so many things made this previous year the toughest in my life. Here I am. I made it!

Once I overcame my initial anger, I spent countless evenings lost in my thoughts mapping out a path that would allow me to get to where I wanted to go. Slowly, things started to fall into place and I found new ways to solve what at first seemed impossible.

That's when I began to work for myself. That's when I discovered a job I can take with me no matter what part of the world I go to. That's when I began to invoice in a stable currency so that I wont be affected by the falling dollar. That's when I found a profession that is flexible enough so I can take care of myself while I pursue my dream of studying medicine...in Italy. That's when I found out that I no longer need the approval of others (and that's a big one for me!).

It was a painfully tough year, but I took away good things from it.

Now one more year is over and gone. A new one beings. As I look forward, I wonder what's in store for me this year. I'm optimistic and well aware that the choices I make in the next coming months will shape the next decade or so.

My response? Hand stretched out, palms up, waving fingers motion "bring it on, baby!" :)

My family has been insisting on taking me to a hair stylist for months! But since hairstylists haven't learned to read my mind, and the final outcome tends to be the scary opposite of what I imagined, today I took out the scissors and began to style my own hair. In the end, I looked to the floor and saw the huge pile of hair and I smiled. It felt good to cut off layer after layer on my own and get the outcome I envisioned :) When everyone found out, they couldn't believe I would do such a thing by myself!... but I get that a lot.

Now who wants a virtual slice of cake! It's chocolate with strawberries! My favorite! Is red wine okay?

Ah, and Happy Birthday also to Jeff in Puglia! I think most of you know his cool blog :)

44 comments:

Mayumi said...

Happy happy birthday, pretty lady!

Astrid said...

Buon Compleanno!! I'll bring the virtual wine, will the birthday girl be satisfied with a red wine from Montepulciano?

All my best wishes for the year to come :) With all the courage and willpower you have, you can do anything you'd like!

And I look forward reading about it all!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!!

.. you did a fantastic job on your hair, I'm impressed!

Roam2Rome said...

Thanks Mayumi and Christina,
Care for chocolate cake? It's good!

Astrid, Vino di Montepulciano va proprio benissimo :) Grazie!

Sara, Ms Adventures in Italy said...

Happy Birthday! I cut my own hair for two years as well - when it's long and curly, it forgives :) I think you did a good job.

Anonymous said...

Buon compleanno!

Go curly hair! Wish you all the best for your birthday. May all your wildest dreams come true!

Send some cake my way - craving a sugar hit right now :-)

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

AUGURI!!!!!!!!!!

For the first two and half years I was here, I cut my own hair because I was afraid of letting someone else do it...add language to the usual list of hairstylist stresses and it was just too much ;)

Hope you're having a lovely day!!!!!!

Carole B said...

Auguroni....
Have a wonderful day. Eat drink and be merry - you're in the "best place in the World!" to do just that.

As others are bringing 'virtual wine' then let me put a bottle of 'our' local wine - 'Inferno' (from the Valtellina) on your table!
ENJOY...

Roam2Rome said...

Ciao Sara, come va?
I think that's why I dared, since I usually keep it in curls :)

Hi Sonya!
One slice of chocolate cake coming up!

Ciao Sognatrice!
Ah, Sara does as well! I see a lot of us are taking to cutting our own hair! I like that :)

Grazie Carole :)
Vino di Valtellina sounds intense! Let's give it a try, grazie :)

Giulia said...

Birthgiorno...cute! Tanti Auguri to you then! I really love the reds in the photos you posted up top there. Your hair, what can I say, molto bella! I have layers in my hair too. I don't think I'd ever be courageous enough to cut it myself though. Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

A very happy birthday to you!
Great post and great reason to celebrate more than your birthday.

Leanne was in Italy now in Australia said...

Auguri! Hope you have a fantastic day! With your face carefully hidden in the photo, and your arm at a right angle you look like a manaquin. A manaquin with gorgeous hair that it.

Claire said...

Happy birthday gorgeous!

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.

Bob Dylan Forever Young

qualcosa di bello said...

boun compleanno bella!!!!

big birthday hugs to you this day!!!

Jeff Gromen said...

Happy, Happy Birthday to me and you!! Ha, ha, ONLY I can say THAT!

Last year was tough but I can't help but see the result and I think things look pretty good for the future.
Chocolate and strawberries...hum maybe I'll have fragole and cioccolata gelato tonight...

Jeff

Julia said...

You're gorgeous! Auguri :-)

Geggie said...

Happy day to you!

La delirante said...

Happy birthday!!!

Your hair is amazing!

Devil Mood said...

Oh, happy birthday, darling!

You had a rough year but you're so strong and capable, I'm sure you cruised through it brilliantly and you were able to learn a lot.

Here's to a great year ahead of you. :) I love chocolate and strawberries :)
Feliz Aniversário!

Ashley said...

Happy Birthday!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday!

Yep, I agree, your hair looks great!

Hope you have a fun time today.

Sounds as though you are in a great mood too!

All the best,

Alex

erin said...

buon compleanno! Your hair looks amazing in that photo!

Amber said...

Buon Compleanno! and here's a wish that this next year is absolutely fulfilling for you. May all your dreams come true!

Annika said...

Happy birthday!! And FWIW, in that photo you and your hair look GORGEOUS!! :)

Anonymous said...

You look amazing! And happy birthday to you! Hope you have an amazing year!

Tui Snider @mentalmosaic said...

Tanti auguri! Here's to a wonderful year ahead. :)

You did a great job on your hair, btw. I've cut my own many a time, as well (sometimes gets a little confusing in the mirror, but that's why we have hats, right?)

Delina said...

Happy birthday to yoooooouuuu!!! Hope you had/are having a fantasitc day!

Unknown said...

Happy hairday, I mean Happy Birthday. It looks great and saved you a fortune, ask my wife. Ciao from us at 'A Tuscan View...'

Anonymous said...

Um, can I have your hair?

AUGURI, cara mia...!!!

Feliz Cumple!

:-)

Eat a piece of chocolate cake for meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

daisies said...

happy happy happy birthday beautiful you :)

i could never cut my own hair because it is super straight but you did a fantastic job, it looks very beautiful :)

xox

Rebecca E. Parsons/Cre8Tiva said...

happy b'day...mine is next monday...have a greaT DAY...blessings, rebecca

Gil said...

Happy Birthday! Your hair looks great.

MB said...

Happy Birthday! Best wishes for the coming year. I know it will be a good one for you. :)

0o_irene_o0 said...

my godness! sei bellissima!!

tanti auguri farfallina!!!

J said...

Happy Birthday! You have beautiful hair, and this last year seems to have been an important one for you. :)

Anonymous said...

Tanti Auguri!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day. I have been meaning to thank you for your email regarding the healthcare in Italy. It was SO helpful. I don't post comments often, but I am always here lurking and enjoying your blogs!

Beth

Italiana Americana said...

tanti tanti auguri!!!!! :)

lomalinda said...

Best wishes and all good things!

Sharon said...

Belated Birthday greetings..have the best year possible! You are a cutey!

Karen said...

Happy birthday (a few days late)! I love what you're wearing in that picture!

Kathy said...

Happy Belated Birthday!!! Your hair looks gorgeous, and I love your outfit!

Dana said...

Tanti auguri in ritardo!!

I hope your day was wonderful and your hair looks fabulous!

The Un-Ashtangi said...

Happy Birthday and excellent job on the hair. It looks great!

Unknown said...

I'm sorry I missed your birthday; I hope you had a wonderful day!

I wish for you good health, lots of luck, happiness and fulfillment of all your future dreams.