Congratulation's Verbaledudette! You have reached your 500th post! It has taken you five years to reach it, but goodness - you did it! Let's eat cake to celebrate!
It is freezing in my apartment and I have recently discovered that the building across the street has a new male resident. I know this because I can actually see him brushing his teeth in nothing but a white towel around his waist in a full lit bathroom directly in eye line from my desk window. I have my christmas socks that my mother sent me on, a long sleeve, and a thick man sweater. Oh and pants. It is almost abusive to have a old heater in our room that doesn't work but makes noises anyways. It is mocking our shivering chatters.
I started to pack up a bit today. Paisley was doing it, and in chain reaction, Kayleigh, Savannah and myself joined in the process. It is odd packing a little bag to come home. It is odd not taking everything. I am packing a vacation bag to come home and that doesn't seem right. This isn't my home, yet why am I leaving most of my stuff in the closet and drawers?
I cannot wait to get on that plane next friday. It could not come soon enough.
Verbaledudette's Gift Guide: Day 20 - Upstate Handmade Quilt
Hand-sewed, dyed, and loved, from New York, no one will have anything like it. There are multiple patterns and colors and designs and choices. You get to create your own! Do not have time to sew one for your child leaving to college? New baby? New apartment? Get them a quilt!
There is nothing more embarrassing then sitting in the dorm common tv room, sobbing at the latest Parenthood episode, and it's only fifteen minutes in. Alright, there is probably more embarrassing things, but for the moment, this is defiantly the worst.
Today I went to ocean beach with Emme and Paisley. It was just what I needed to make it through the next ten days (ten days until i am home!) The beach was foggy and the air crisp and the company plesent. I made a little video of our adventure.
Verbaleudette's Gift Guide - Day 19: The Soup and Sandwich Duo Tray
Today I am cold to the bone, my stomach kind of hurts, and all i want is tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich served on the same plate. Get one for everyone in your family! Turn dinner dishes into one! It's classy for the new soup and sandwich party you have always wanted to try out.
It can be yours at: http://www.polyvore.com/soup_sandwich_ceramic_tray_duo/thing?id=25633205
A few last announcements: happy birthday to my bunk mate Phoebe! And also, today's post is my 499th post. Whew! Tomorrow is a big day!
Guess what?! Tonight I am going to a concert after winning a pair of tickets through a concert app! Two tickets (each at a 60 dollar value) to Antibalas - a Brooklyn based afrobeat group. I have invited my friend Jordan and although we are not allowed to bring cameras - i have a feeling we will party hard. I never used to win anything - but now look at me! Two winnings in the last two months!? Oh San Francisco, you do love me.
Verbaleudette's Gift Guide: Day 18 - Tiny Tape
In my house, the minute you open goodies (anything from candies, to chips, to nuts for salads) people always get their fingers in the bags and eat it all before you even get to think of having it again. I have a new solution! Tiny tape will nicely remind those little sneakers to stay out of your things! What a perfect gift for yourself from Santa! (And it's European - so it is the best instantly.)
Also - a quick update on my finals. I presented my event photographs in class today and everyone loved it. Also, I am pretty confident about my Digital Final Exam today. It seemed pretty easy - which hopefully is a good thing.
Well, I got to dance on off to my show! Special Guest list here I come!
Verbaleudette's Gift Guide Day 12: Lego Taxidermy Deer
What more could you want than a Lego deer head hanging from your wall above the fire place? Really, there is nothing greater that giving your children the satisfaction of hanging something they proudly did on the wall. Plus, it is animal friendly and safe. Instead of getting your kid that gun (that we all know he will shoot either your eye our or his) get him the safe, user friendly alternative to hunting. Get the satisfaction of taking home a deer head - without the deer!
Tomorrow night I am attending an exciting concert series called the Not So Silent Night in Oakland. The line up includes: Jack White, Of Monsters and Men, Metric, The Gaslight Anthem, and Two Door Cinema Club. There could not be a better line up & and the only reason I am telling you about this randomly after talking about plastic taxidermy is because I want you to be incredibly jealous of the music eargasm I am going to have tomorrow night.
Tonight I was walking around down in the shopping district, shopping of course, and when I reached Union square I noticed there was a giant heavy metal menorah next that had been placed next to the even bigger christmas tree. Walking a bit farther, I cam across two men and two women dressed in early 18th century costumes caroling for a group of tourists with I (HEART) San Fran shirts. Oh, big city life.
I got my hair cut today, which was much needed. Even though I took four inches off the longest layer and another two off of my bangs - no one noticed. To my knowledge, my roommates still do not know I did it. Haha. I do not know why I am telling you this.
My friend Jordan bought me gold nail polish because I once complimented her gold nails. I was a little skeptical at putting it on at first, but it is now my new favorite! Such a fun color (plus, it is the fastest drying nail polish I have ever had.) Thank you Jordan!
After a sleepless night stressing over getting my final project done for my Fundamentals class - I have changed it. Hopefully it will work for the better. It is just sucks when time and resources are not on your side. One day, Audrey. One day. : )
Verbaleudette's Gift Guide: Day 11 - Custom Made Ukuleles
Ukuleles have become all the range. Go onto the YouTube and everyone and their mom's are playing a cover to the recent pop song on the ukulele. Why not get your kids a special something to make their acoustic covers stand out beyond the rest? Designs are unlimited and made hand made by some guy in North Carolina.
Today was a great day. I had an amazing class this morning where we all shared a moment of tears, lots of hugs, and good art. The pieces were so moving and inspiring that we couldn't help ourselves. After class I did a three hour photo shoot with Savannah trying to emulate the talented Russell James for my master's of photography project. : ) It was perfect.
I have been slacking on the gift guide. I didn't do it yesterday, and now today is really tomorrow, so technically I am due three gifts. Let's get to it:
Verbaleudette's Gift Guide: Day 8 - Boskke Recycled Sky Planter
For those garden, plant, nature, tree hugger, people in your life (Or the ones who think it's cool to be eco friendly) get them something to hang their favorite plants in upside down! But really, it is incredibly artsy and unquie. It would work on a patio, in the yard, or even above a kitchen table. SImple & cute.
I simply love Brooklyn Slate. Their designs are always classy and chic for everyday household items. The board simply speaks for its self. It is simple & perfect for that newly wed couple, or maybe your daughter just bought a cool flat with brick walls in downtown New York. Or maybe Uncle Jerry who just loves cheese and chalk! (if this doesn't tickle your fancy, seriously just browse around the website. Such fun stuff.)
It is exactly what the title says - a camera lens converted into a mug. It may seem like an absurd idea, but this screams wonderfully awesome to a photographer like me! No, no, I am not just posting this to hint (but if any of you are lost for idea.. hint hint) It is seriously something like you have never seen before! Imagine the looks your gift receiver will get when they ask to get their soy vanilla latte in that at Starbucks!
My music is loud, my hair is pulled up into a bun that is highly unattractive, and I am singing occasionally off tune while dancing around my stool when I feel like it. I also think the dog in the room across the street from me is also feeling this enthusiastic alone time, for he is running around in circles chasing his own chair by the window. I am sure Baha Men's "Who let the dogs out" is his song of choice.
Last night the roommates (and myself) brought in the holiday season by having a December First celebration. This was not only to escape our current studies, but also because we knew the weeks to come are going to be treacherous with final tests and projects. At the beginning of November, we drew names out of a hat for secret santa. Last night, the night began with secret santa gifts. Phoebe was my SS and she got me a new camera strap! It is adorable. I was Paisley's, giving her a large book of movies she must see (because she is a movie addict.) It was fun to see how well we knew eachother. Each gift was so personal. Living in such close quarters with someone has it's benefits.
We then all got our umbrella's and ventured in the rain down to Fisherman's Wharf for the New Zealander's (and Paisley's) first IN & OUT burger experience. Let's just say they were not disappointed. The evening ended with the movie Rent. I could not stop singing a long to every song. Oh how I love that musical.
To sum it up, that is exactly what I needed to brush away a bit of homesickness and start off the holiday season. I am ready for Christmas!
Which brings me to Verbaledudette's Gift Guide: Day Six - IDEA Microgem Headphones
It's a headband! No, it's earrings! No, its earbuds! NO, IT"S ALL THREE. Get these simple, little, yet sweet, pair of headphones for that chic chick in your life. They match anything, look cute, and work! no more walking and loosing those buds out of your ear, place it on your head, swish your hair over it, and TADA it disapears. Don't let your holiday gift list go without listening fashionably this year.
With that wintery month officially rolled in, it now feels right to celebrate the holiday season and I get more and more excited to go home. Oh how do I miss my family so much.
Since I was a slacker, Verbaledudette has two gifts to share today. Gift Guide: Day Four - "The Book Of Skulls" by Faye Dowling
It is literature, art, and culture all in one. Exactly what you need to give your trendy teen friend, scene kid sister, or classy father. Pages and pages filled with one of the most recognizable symbols (and one of the most popular.)
Verbaledudette Gift Guide: Day Five - Burroughs Beard Oil
We know that we just finished mustache movember, but some of you ladies still have those boyfriends who prefer their chins covered all year long. Or they are a lumber jack. Get them something to clean up those scraggily hairs and make it smell delicious when you lean in for a big kiss under the mistletoe this holiday season.
Good Afternoon! I hope this post has found you happy and in a splendid mood - because that is how I feel writing it. I just created a monster. Verbaleudette had a child. I am please to announce that Verbaledudette has officially branched off into a musical side dish: Verbaleudette Music (http://verbaledudettemusic.blogspot.com/) will now harbor all of the musical obsessions I may be having. I will be sampling a variety of genres and artists to help expand you views & musically educate you on the good, the bad, and the up and coming. So, bookmark it my friends - it's going to be music to your ears!
On to other news, I am craving chocolate. Because of this craving Verbaleudette's Gift Guide: Day Four is inspired by that. I give you: The "You Deserve this Bar of Chocolate Because" Bar
You can find this at Knock Knock Stuff (a place with cute unquie everything) for a pretty decent price. (http://www.knockknockstuff.com/catalog/categories/chocolate/you-deserve-this-chocolate-bar/)
"It is decadent. It's witty. It's interactive." and most importantly you need to treat yourself to this "55% cocoa & 73% artisanal wit" piece of delight. There are also a variety of other flavors and check off lists - so shop around and get one for everyone!
Depending on how much you are willing to spend, depends on what you get for your gift. It is unique and fun and something any one of any age would enjoy! : )
Last night I read an article that warned all of San Francisco to prepare for flooding because a monsoon was heading our way. It rained really hard until ten o clock in the morning, then is was dry. No rain, no monsoon. Do you want to know where that left me? In pure disapointment. See, I got this super cool, chic, totally amazing, bubble umbrella (thanks papa) and I have not been able to use it to it's full potential because the rainfall has been meager. The forecaster guy on the news got my hopes up and then washed them away in a matter of minutes! (ULTIMATE SAD FACE.)
Although this did put a bit of a downer on my day, my day was still pretty good.
I did a presentation on Diane Arbus in my history of photography class, and well.. i do not think she really liked it because she did not ask to keep my slideshow and save it on her desktop like she did to the girl ahead of me. BUT give me some credit, I was trying to present something that we watched a twenty minute movie on right before. Everything I said had been previously presented with an older man with glasses and a British accent. I could not compare.
Savannah's Mother sent us a christmas tree to put up in our room to go along with the lights. (photos to come.)
Gabrielle sent me a letter that made my night! It had a mustache in it! And a penny!
To finnish off the evening I skyped with my loveliest of friends Sarah for four ours. This is what we did:
I have finished two essays, one power point, two and half photo finals, and made a timeline all in the last two days - plus I had time to have fun. WOOT! I am getting so productive it is exciting!
I am working on a self portrait right now. As awkward as it may be to take pictures of yourself, this is turning out to be one of the most fun projects.
But more importantly:
Verbaledudette's Gift Guide - Day Two: Honest Boy Pencil Sharpener
Need I say any more? Reminding me of the Geppetto shop back in Italy, this is a unique, quirky, cute, and handy stocking stuffer. Found only at redflare.com!
My dear roommate (and friend) invited me to spend the weekend with her and her sweet family as they prepared for December with christmas tree hunting (good old fashion, hike, pick, and saw your own down) and then decorating it. It was relaxing and filled with a good nights sleep and tasty food. Thank you Kayleigh and Family!
the tree was knew it was the own, so it hopped up and walked to the car.
Left to Right: Bruce (Kayleigh's Step Sisters Boyfriend,) Daniel (Kayleigh's Boyfriend,) and Kayleigh
the tree farm. definitely not Utah. no show in these mountains and Christmas tree hunting in short sleeves? What is up with that? I couldn't say "Audrey's eyes are frozen, she will see it later" quoting Christmas Vacation because it was not cold!
Part of the gang!
The beautiful Katelynn, Kayleigh's sister.
Last week I was surprised to find a large package in the mail for me. Inside was a countdown calendar from my sister. It was those cardboard, square chocolate, calendars that have surrounded the holiday seasons through out my childhood. Instead of counting down for Christmas, my instructions were to count down to coming home. Today was the first day of twenty five. Let the count down begin.
Like last year, to count down Verbaledudette will host the ultimate gift guide to help you with your weeks of merriment. I am going to begin it today (another way to count the days until I get to go home to Salt Lake City, a place where I am in incredibly homesick for recently.)
DRUM ROLL PLEASE!
Verbaledudette's Gift Guide Day One: A Penfield Oxon Messenger Bag
oh yes.
For that hip, bike riding, class act in your family - do not hesitate one bit to pick up this gender neutral bag. Perfect for lap tops, school supplies, baby sitting stuff, traveling, knitting needles, and much much more! It is a "rugged satchel- style messenger bag from Massachusetts... tough cotton canvas shell with a full leather trim."
The easiest place for you to buy this beauty is Urban Outfitters (sold in stores and online.) Get yours today!
Is there an award for blogging in the most places? If so, I
am winning because friends, this is being posted from Washington D.C. as I wait
for my last flight towards Salt Lake City. I have been up since three a.m.
Florence time. I do not know what that equates to for America, but it has been
one hell of a day for me. All I have to say is that the first flight, the girl
next to me snored and her head rocked back and forth, the second flight the guy
fell asleep and put his hand on my knee. Do not worry, I through that thing off
fast! He also would interrupt my movie to ask me questions like “do you believe
in horoscopes?” I said “yeah sure” and of course that means he has to follow it
up with “when did you start your studying of horoscopes?” I wanted to say “the
moment they started getting emailed to me daily by Yahoo! Mail.” There are some
weird people out there and I was stuck next to the Turkish one for nine hours.
Italy kind of feels like a dream. I do not want to compare
it to a movie with oversized Smurfs, but I feel like an Avatar. Italy was a
dream life and now I am coming out of it with vague memories. Those four months
went by so fast. It is scary to be back, but I am so excited to see my family.
Today is the last day for Verbaledudette’s Gift Guide. I
hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. I really have loved seeing how
expensive all these cool things are and dreaming that I lived in a world where
I could pay thousands for an action figure set of the Beastie Boys. Final Gift
is: The Beatles Magnetic Hair Game
I figured I should finish off with something silly and
simple. I have no reasons why you should get this other than.. look at it.. it
is the Beatles and you get to design their bowl cuts!
I really have to go! Almost flight time! See you soon Salt
Lake City!
I sit in my hotel room on the left side of the bed. It is
quiet, except for the occasional Asian tourist laughing in the room next to
mine. Against the wall are four bags (two checked, two carry on… I know you
were worried Father) all packed and eagerly awaiting tomorrow for they get to
get tossed around and lugged without love from airplane to airplane. My travel
outfit is set out by the mirror. It includes a lot of black and two mismatching
toe socks. My hair is braided tightly in a fishtail braid and my nails are
painted with all that was left in the nail polish jars. I am ready to go home.
Italy has been an amazing experience and I know I have said
this time and time again, but I am incredibly lucky to have been able to live
in such an amazing city. I met amazing people, including my talented professors,
sweet overflowing with creativity Melania, quirky yet smart Charles, and my
dear roommates Joanna and Rachel. I have laughed hard, learned so much,
traveled on my own, and gained confidence in myself.
You know how I love my lists, here are a few memories:
·Charles picking me up at the airport with no
enthusiasm and whispering in taxi
·Linda talking about “muskles” and “cazzels”
·Phase ten/Uno rounds for hours wherever Joanna
and I could find a place to deal them out
·Playing old maid with jumpy stoned guys on the
steps of Santa Croce
·Going to Castiglione del Lago on the wrong train
·Joanna slithering off the chair to get me to
take her shoes off
·Colorado
·Rachel’s computer and our confusion on why she
could not type
·The little party where boys and cigarettes just
kept walking through the door
·Carrot juice and how I always seemed to have it
in my hands when the scariest part of the movie comes on
·Being called homeless by the lady at the front
desk who thinks that after I leave this hotel I am going to go live under the
Ponte Vecchio
I could go on for hours but I think that is enough for now.
All I am saying is I had an amazing time. : )
Tomorrow at 6:35 a.m. I will be on my way home. See you in twenty-three
hours Salt Lake City.
Verbaledudette’s Gift Guide Number Nineteen: Palomar’s
Crumpled City Maps
From someone who is terrible with direction, I think this is
a fun way to hint to whomever you are giving this gift to are directionally
challenged. This gift is creative, fun, unique, and can be used as a blanket if
you get cold while you are lost.
Where to find this: http://www.palomarweb.com/web/prodotti/crumpled-city
Price: About $10.00
And if any of you do not know what to get me, here is a
little last minute gift that will make me love you forever if you get it for
me:
I am exhausted despite sleeping in until eleven o clock this
morning. I spent the entire day running around the city, just because I can. It
was quite chilly today.Although
the sun was out, the clouds covered it’s heat. The wind blew any warmth that
may have been there away, following the heavy flow of the Arno River. Thank
goodness I had those cute mittens to keep my fingers from falling off like my
nose nearly did.
Like promised I took a few photographs of the golfing off
the bridge set up. They are not very good, but hey, it was hard to capture such
an abstract sporting event.
I also stumbled upon some other interesting street artists.
Yes, this man is real. Yes, he is covered in paint and doesn’t move for thirty minutes. Yes, it is creepy. No, I did not push him over.
The silliest thing I saw today was this puppet show. It was these two men that looked like they loved life to much (not a bad thing) and were making everyone smile. (I uploaded the video on YouTube so I apologize to those who get this emailed to you, but you wont see it in your email. BUT please check it out. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXITxmUyZpQ )
Tomorrow is my last day in Florence. What a journey this has
been. I have no regrets and have enjoyed this experience more than anything. I
am truly lucky and thankful to have this opportunity.
I am going to end with Verbaledudette’s Gift Guide Item
Number Eighteen: Natwerks Mounting Sauces. (I think I may have called last
nights number eighteen but that is a lie. See.. I check my numbers by looking
at the date and when I wrote last nights, it was really this morning, so two
posts both written on the 18th. I know it is not important. I just
needed to explain my faults.)
These are fun for the whole family. What more would Dad want
than to put ketchup on his hamburger like a working tool from his tool box you
got him last year? Also Ladies, you know how you want your man to fill in the
cracks in the tiles in the shower, let him practice with this first! He will be
pro when he finally picks up your hint that the shower needs finishing touches.
Where to find this: http://www.natwerk.nl/natwerk-specialties/montage-sauzen
My Firenze journey has changed locations. Instead of writing this post
from the comfort of a yellow kitchen under a window that looks upon eerie
statues of children, I am sitting in the center of queen size bed looking out
the window where the sun settled against the dirty red tiled roof and flowers.
Hotel Bretagna feels like the Hilton of Italy. I checked in this morning and they
already knew who I was and were waiting to help carry my bags to my room (where
were they on the long treacherous walk to the hotel? Hee hee.) When I asked the
lady at the front desk what the best way was to ensure that I had a taxi
leaving the hotel at four a.m. on Tuesday morning she seemed very confused. I
asked if I should do it the night before and have it reserved. She told me just
to do it that morning. I looked at her with utter shock as my mouth uttered “You
mean someone will be at the front desk that early?” She looked at me like I was
speaking fluent German and said “of course, we are here twenty four seven.” I
really wanted to reply with a “ well excuse my confusion but every other
Italian hotel I have ever stayed in, the owner went to bed and doors were
locked until seven.” But instead I smiled sweetly and said perfeto, like a true Italian, if I may add.
(this is what I looked like when she told me that they are there all hours of night. the only difference was that I was by myself and I still had my shirt on)
My room is huge and welcoming. The bed sits in the frame of the
window, to the left a large desk and dresser with a full size mirror. (The full
sized mirror earns double points because every girl needs a full-length mirror
in order to complete getting ready.)
The bathroom is beautiful. It has fully convinced me that when I have
my own house I want a square sink. The shower looks like a space station and it
was out of this world talking a shower in it. Let me tell you what it’s all
about. It is a box. It has three showerheads. The first is your standard circle
detachable showerhead coming from the left corner. On the ceiling there is a
giant sunflower shaped showerhead. And then there is a bench, with three rows
of ten misters. You can turn each on one individually. Oh also, did I mention
that there is a special light that is dimmed and relaxing and it has an Italian
radio station built in? Well it does. I could live in it. This shower was worth
the entire trip over here. All I can say is thank goodness I do not have this
at home or at the apartment I spent the last four months in, because our water
bill would be on fire.
Now I know you are probably thinking “wow. This chick showed up to the
hotel at ten in the morning and spent the entire day in the shower” but I am here
to inform you that I did leave, not only the shower but also, the hotel. After
wiping the sweat off my brow from that extra large work out to hike over the
piazza’s to get to my hotel (but it was worth it,) I went out to explore the
town. Now my hotel is only a block away from the Ponte Vecchio (aka the most
amazing thing on earth,) so I did not have to walk far to find excitement. Now
I have not photographic proof of this event because it was too crowded to even
thinking of getting a shot of the action, but people were golfing off the
bridge. It wasn’t just a few old Italian men who had a few too much to drink.
No this was an actual planned, sponsored, announced, full on, golf tournament.
They were positioned on a platform on the edge of the bridge. Then out on the
river were large patches of floating grass boats with those little flags in the
hole. (My aunt Michael just had a heart attack about how badly I am describing
this golf set up. Please forgive me for butchering your sport Michael. I just
do not know the terms and flags in the hole pretty much sum it up for me.) They
would putt off of it and try to make it on these boats. It was the most
interesting thing. Hopefully I can get in there and document it tomorrow.
Since this was such a big deal, the city was crowded and alive. The
streets were busy with crazed Italian Christmas shoppers (much more elegant and
intense than those we have in Uh-Merica.)
Piazza Rubbuplica had Volvo booths set up and giant television screens. There
was even Santa. Oddly enough, no one wanted to sit on his lap and tell him what
he or she wanted for Christmas.
I also stumbled upon this group of adorable, incredibly talented,
elementary school children singing Christmas songs. It really put me into the
Christmas spirit and I watched them for about an hour.
(Please note the video may not be done processing. I just uploaded my first Youtube video after three failed attempts to upload the video in different formats right to the blog.)
I was the only “tourist” who stayed and watched. I kept getting odd
looks from the parents so I decided to adopt a kid and pretend she was my
sister. I would smile and clap after the instructor said something that I did
not understand. I think people started to believe it. The girl in the on the
second row, four people in, is my adoptive singing sister for an hour. She is
very animated and we look nothing a like.
The one thing that annoyed me about this concert was the parents and
their iPhones. Now I am one for the iPhone. I think they are great, classy,
everyone should have one. BUT there were text message dings going left and
right like they were trying to recreate the tune of jingle bells. These parents
could not just sit there and watch their kids (like I was doing,) they had to
play on their iPhones.
Speaking of iPhones, let’s talk about Verbaledudette’s Gift Guide
Number Eighteen: The Dokkiri Hand Case
Do not even ask where I found this. BUT
although it is creepy as hell, what a great gift. I just cannot express my
feelings about holding hands with your iphone. It will really create a bond to
your friend electronic.
Where to find: http://www.strapya-world.com/categories/6034_6035_6136.html
Price: I think $65.00’s
And then just for another phone excuse reasoning
here is the: Native Union Pop Phone Handset:
Classic. Simple. Retro. This is for the people
that you do not think will find the humor in the hand one. (If you are a buying
a gift for me you should know that I am not one for the hand one and secondly I
do not have an iPhone.)
Where to find this: http://www.nativeunion.com/us/popphone.html
Price: $29.90
Now back to my day.
The most exciting part of my day is when a fifty-euro bill literally
blew in my direction. I stepped on this piece of paper at my feet and goodness
gracious it was money. I was thrilled! How many times do you get to claim a
random fifty-euro bill as yours!? Never. Never. Never. Except this once. I
decided that with this little find I was going to treat myself to something
really nice.
I was walking through San
Lorenzo and I saw it: the cutest leather messenger bag. I walked over to the
woman, grey hair and a touch of crazy, and asked her how much it was. To my
surprise her English was flawless as she spoke, like a waterfall mind you, that
it was ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY EURO. I was crushed, but I knew I had to have it
and I had to have it for fifty euro. I turned on my Concrete Rodeo Swag Skills
(for you who do not know what this is, it is a little talent my father passed
to me. I walk into a skate shop and walk out with more product than he would
ever get. If I learned anything on the skate tour it is how to bargain (and how
to dry out sweaty skater money and take showers with only twenty five cents and
three minutes.) I talked to her about the quality of the bag, she told me how
it was made and showed me pictures of the artist’s wife. I told her my story. I
am student who is studying art for the past four months and was recently kicked
out of my apartment because the term end and now is spending the last three
days in a hotel alone because my best friend had flight complications. The last
part really got to her. She even called over her little assistant guy and told
him and he said “give her a discount mama, she is a pretty girl.” I wanted to
hug this boy. To bad he was way old and too short for me because after that
line and what it got me, we could have gotten married. She dropped the price to
fifty euro. In conclusion I got two hugs from people I had just met wishing me
happy holidays and a real, paten leather, sexy, red, hipster, Italian, messenger
bag, that some poor soul with a hole in his wallet bought for me.
Oh my life is a wonderful piece of art.
(Yes. I did just tie my life in to art in a cheesy line so i could show you this photograph i took of a spray can street artist that I found today. Worth all that extra cheese, eh?)
Now I am sitting in bed (like I mentioned earlier) and Italia’s
version of VH1, DeeJay, is having karaoke night on the television. They are
playing loads of random songs (ABBA to The Backstreet Boys, Amy Winehouse to
The Killers, Cold Play to songs from Grease the Musical) music videos, but with
the lyrics on the bottom of the screen. When the artist sings the lyrics, the
words change to orange. It is actually really great because the lyrics will
come up and I will have one of those “oh so that is what they actually say
there... hmm... that is much different than what I was saying” moments.
So I am sitting in a comfortable bed, in a beautiful city, at one o
clock on a Sunday morning singing to myself while writing this letter to you.
You should feel special for that.
Good morning to Europe, Good evening to my fans back home. :)
(Spell check just corrected my smiley face for me. I originally had
this : ) but then they told me this :) was grammatically correct.)
Welll well well, what a day this one has turned out to be.
First off I had my cinema final this morning. That went well, aced it with a
smile. I had to say goodbye to my parents of four months, Charles and Melania.
Then I had to say goodbye to Joanna, who I am going to miss dreadfully.
Finally, when I thought all was good, I got an email saying there was a mix up
in my best friend’s flight so she will not be able to come and spend my last
few days here in Florence.
Oh goodness.
Well, there are worst things in life. I did scope out my
hotel for the next few days and good gracious my Father scored the best one. It
is over looking the Arno and is a block away from the Ponte Vecchio. It
honestly could not get any better than that.
Tonight is my last night in the apartment. It is empty and
lost that home feeling. This makes it easier to move on I guess. Good times Mr.
Apartment. Good times.
Verbaledudette’s Gift of the Day: LeRoy Jenkin X Quintin’s
Hats:
I do not need to describe why these balla’ caps are the bee’s
knees. Look at that old fashioned “grandma’s curtains” fabric aligned on a
classic trucker hat. Beautiful and one of a kind.
Where to find: http://ljallday.bigcartel.com/
Price: $45.00
I am kind of depressed tonight. That’s why the post is a bit
on the lacking side.
The apartment has been officially packed up in suitcases. I finished mine
this afternoon. Two bags stuffed with dirty socks and memories. I cleaned the
kitchen today, meaning this post is being written with sunglasses on because
the room is sparkly and spit spot. My room is put back to how it used to be set
up and it is quite odd. I think this little change in beds is making it easier
to leave, because it does not feel like “my room” anymore.
Tomorrow is the last day of school. I have my cinema final and then I
am finished. We are going to have a roommate lunch, Charles is going to come
check the apartment, and then we are enjoying our last day. For me, I am lucky,
because my best friend Becca is coming and I get a few extra days to enjoy this
fabulous city.
Now, I have devastating news. The Verbaledudette Gift I was going to
show you are currently back ordered until after Christmas. BUT you can always
give the person a gift certificate that says it is coming in the mail for New
Years. Introducing: Brooklyn Brewery’s Beer Soap:
This is for every man you have ever met. What kind of guy doesn’t want
to lather up in his favorite after work beverage? And ladies, we all know those
boys are afraid of the soap, trick him into thinking that it is cool to use
soap in the shower because it is actually beer! It is a win win gift if you ask
me. You can even choose the flavors because it is made using a different Brooklyn Brewery style: Lager, Brown Ale, and Black
Chocolate Stout style beers.
Where to find this: http://store.brooklynbrewery.com/beer-soap
Price: $10.00
Have a wonderful Thursday my friends. Five
days left.
Slowly the apartment is packing itself into little bags and
suitcases. Books have been removed from our shelves and the refrigerator has an
empty glow. A sense of sadness, but excitement lingers in the air. We are ready
to go home, but now we question where home really is.I want to see my family more than anything. I want to live
in my house. But why is it so hard to leave paradise? I have to stop thinking
about it, because I know, one day, I will be back. It is a promise I am making
to myself right now. You are the first to witness it.
It rained today. I know talking about the weather is
something I cannot seem to let go, but really. It rained hard today. The last
week has been one day of rain, one day of pure sun, and so on. It is the
perfect balance.
I had my Italian Language Final today and I am expressing
good vibes on that one. It was so much easier than the test at midterm. Maybe I
actually learned some Italian. Fancy that.
Tomorrow is packing day. It is also clean the apartment so
it looks like how we first got it day. Both should not be too difficult. Just a
little depressing, you know?
Verbaledudette’s Gift Guide Item Number 14 is: Blik Wall Decals
Now I never had these (don’t worry mom, my life is not
ruined because of this) but my sister did. She had fairies or flowers or
something.But I think these are a
fun idea for any age, any room. This site has so many to choose from. Giant
stickers that go on your wall and peel off cleanly when you outgrow that
design, how cool this that? It is wallpaper for the creative and the A.D.D.
Where to find this: http://www.whatisblik.com/shop/explore
Price: Ranges based on detail and size of chosen design
