​Weathering the Storm with the WP#154

Most of the time when I write these posts, it is about the week past or some major event. That would be fine, but, other than the usual suspects, working on travels for clients, to a varied number of destinations, there really was nothing out of the ordinary. And that is fine, because what is ahead of me is much more important than what has happened in the past. Of course, I continued to work on the technicalities of my future as they relate to my impending ex-pat status, and it is getting very real. Many things are getting very real, and they all revolve around a beautiful lady across the pond. ​

As this process has been one of fits and starts and, when I found out that the place where Rosa and I are getting married, also handles the documentation to help expedite the foreign entities requirements, I was thrilled, so that everything is done under one umbrella. So, little by little, I get closer to making permanent residency in a foreign land. I know I am not the first person to do this, nor will I be the last. For now, it is the usual suspects, paperwork, the items she wants for the wedding, the honeymoon, did I mention the honeymoon, but as you all know me by now, my methodology is very unorthodox. Everything will get done and I try to maintain a balance between the business and personal, but they have certainly intertwined. ​

When last week, we came to the 30-day mark before the wedding, everything became very real, not that it was not already. I knew it and so did she, but it was the first time that Rosa openly talked about a countdown. While I have been counting down for a while in my excitement to be with her, I think since we were last together in October, it hit us both, how real this was becoming. I am sure that anyone and everyone who has done this, getting married that is, which are an infinite number of people over millennia, the thoughts running through my head, and I would imagine, hers have been all over the place. She has her responsibilities to do before the wedding and I have my things. Fortunately, having the business keeps me grounded as much as possible. I am, for the first time, openly nervous, knowing that my life is going to change forever, but for sure, a move in a positive direction and I have no regrets. ​

And did I tell you, she arrives in America on the 1st of February, so within 10 days from now and from the time she arrives until she returns to Italy, to continue to set up shop on her side of the pond for us, we have lots of moving pieces here. Between now and her arrival, I leave for a week on business to London and Dublin, so back on the road once more. When I fly back from London on the 1st, I arrive a couple of hours before she does, so I get to meet and greet her, something I very much look forward to doing. And it does not get easier with everything we are doing in the month of February while she is here in America, besides the big day, but those events will be shared as we move forward. ​

If I even believed that trying to simplify my life was the result of our relationship, I truly have been mistaken, but not in everything. Yes, I unburdened myself with many worldly possessions, which was good and helped simplify my life in some ways. Less to take with me to Italy later this year and decisions are still being made.  I believe that when all the dust does settle, and we are together in Rome in less than half a year, life will settle down and it will be a slower lifestyle, which I enjoyed the past two summers when I lived there. Realistically, it will be more complicated, as any relationship, business or personal is, but there is no one in the world with whom I want to take on these challenges than Rosa. She has shown me so much in the nearly 4 years we have known each other. And I am prepared for this new adventure though life and ready to take on its many challenges. She truly has been an inspiration and a new lease on life. ​

If I do look back on the events of my life, and I try not to most of the time now, I have a totally different frame of mind, but that is life. I have weathered so many storms, literally and figuratively, as we all have. I am so happy to still be here and have this experience in my life, something I never would have thought would happen, even a decade ago. It may be true that youth is wasted on the young, as there is perhaps not an appreciation of life, I think, but I could be wrong. I am no sage, so maybe the youngest generations do appreciate life in their own way, given the craziness of the world as it is right now. And I speak to people of all generations, walks of life, backgrounds, in my life and business. I certainly do have a much better appreciation now, looking at all that has happened, and I plan on making the most of it, whether it is complicated or not. I “Don’t Look Back”, thank you BOSTON, and continue to move forward which has been my approach for a while, even before the pandemic. ​

As an aside, I had also promised Rosa I would lose some of those pasta pounds, I mean kilos, in advance of the wedding, I have put on, and poco, poco, a few have come off, with some of the basics I did when I lost the huge numbers of kilos several years ago. Some walking, smaller portions and yes, eating healthier in general with more fruits and vegetables. A simple equation for my health and our future together. No, I am not going vegan or vegetarian, but I eat less meat now anyway. In fact, the last time I had beef was when I had a hamburger at the Hard Rock last month in Siem Reap Cambodia. The hardest time is when I am on the road, so with London and Dublin forthcoming, I must be more cognizant of what I am eating. Good thing, I am not fond of the English breakfast. I have had too many of those on my previous travels, so I will stick to tea and porridge, I mean oatmeal. We will see!!!

I hope you have enjoyed my offerings each week and appreciate that you have read my blog posts and look forward to continuing with sharing. As noted last week, while always realistic that life promises nothing and you must work for what you want, I am more optimistic as the next chapter of my life in a few weeks happens. So, if you have a suggestion for a new name for the blog title. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for a new name, I am more than happy to entertain them or in the end, it will stay the same; we shall see. As always, thank you so much for your support of our little world as we get closer to merging our worlds together. Rosa and I truly appreciate it. Stay safe, healthy, and most importantly happy, and as always, your shared comments and thoughts are most welcome!!!