Thursday, May 24, 2012

Milan...

Holger called me up one day this past fall and asked, "What are we doing the weekend of the 14th?" We had no plans, but he had a surprise for me. "Want to go to Milan?  By yourself..."

Two weeks later I was on a plane to Milan for 3 nights and 4 days of...

A room all to myself, to sleep as long as I wish...

Four Seasons Milan

Delicious food and wine...

Squash Blossoms with Ricotta and Olive Dust,  Four Seasons Milan


Spectacular sights...

Duomo di Milano
                                                                                             

The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci
                                                                

A performance at Teatro alla Scala...                                                  

Teatro alla Scala
                                                             
Leisurely walks...

Via Della Spiga

Beautiful clothes, bags and shoes...

Prada Flagship Store at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
  
Four glorious days all to myself in a beautiful city.

Hope you can take 15 minutes, an hour or a weekend to do as you wish...

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Je suis Mommy...

A couple months ago, Florence (my French Tutor) and I were practicing conversation.  In French she asked me "What do you do?" and I answered, "Je suis Mommy".  She laughed and said, "That is sweet".  We went on to finish our conversation and class, but this exchange has stayed with me and has made me think...

Being a full-time Mommy is somewhat new territory for me.  A year and half ago my answer might have been catering manager. I think back to all the titles I have held... daughter, sister, wife, friend, student, teammate, catering manager.  I realize, how each title has defined me at different times of my life and perhaps closed me off to other experiences. I feel so blessed to have this full time job of being an Ex-Pat Mommy and being able to experience foreign lands and all that it brings to me with my Sons. To take Max on our crazy drive to school each morning, to be a class mom, to attempt potty training Alex a la Marrakechi, to riding Camels in the dessert. Mommy is truly the most glorious title I have ever had.

Happy Mother's Day to all the other Mommies in my life, my Mom, Sister, Mother in Law, Sisters in Law and friends!!!  

xx from Berlin where we are celebrating with the newest Mommy in our family!