I wish…..

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pici con sugo, originally uploaded by The Rambling Rountrees.

Thoughts of ramblings fill my mind today. I am having a difficult time concentrating. All I can think of is what I’d rather be doing, although I should consider myself lucky to even have a job during this difficult economy. But, a job? I have a great career, and I still find my mind wandering on travel, writing, blogging and cooking. I need a change. I want to travel, write and cook as my life. I don’t want to be forced to a schedule, meetings, and making people happy. I yearn for freedom. My soul yearns for travel as a way of life…sort of like a vagabond or gypsy.

I no longer want to be strapped to my desk and dealing with the problems of others. I want to be free of the stress that I deal with professionally. I want to be creative and be able to travel and discover myself and the adventures that await me!

What a difference a year makes…

what a difference a year makes, originally uploaded by The Rambling Rountrees.

Well, a year has passed since the major changes in my life. I told friends and family that I would wait a year before indicating whether or not I would do this over again or not. I still can’t answer the question with an honest answer. As a matter of fact, it has not been easy for me. Making a tough decision to change one’s life so extremely is never and easy decision. Often times I am not happy to have done this; however, I am happy with the results. Happy to have shed 133 pounds and have lost over 80 inches off my body. Happy to have chosen to live life again and not just sit on the sidelines watching. Happy to be able travel freely. Happy to be able to choose my destiny. Happy to be able to be much more decisive and confident in my choices. 52 weeks ago today, I was not the same person I am today. What I did, is not for the faint of heart, in fact it is not for everyone.

This year I spent a lot of time pondering, reflecting and judging myself. I spent a lot of time wondering why I had made such a dramatic decision to change myself. I spent a lot of time suffering both physically and emotionally. No one can ever prepare you for all the changes I’ve encountered. Or the physical sickness, such as pain and or vomiting. Countless nights of no sleep. Countless hours spent bent over the porcelain throne. Countless mealtimes wondering “why?” I have lost friends over my decision. BUT, I can’t go back. I can only forge ahead. I miss my two friends that have chosen not to follow me and my dreams. But I can’t change this either. I can’t go back…..to the place I used to know as “normal”. I can only go ahead. I am ok with that. Only time will tell.

A week back home

Pienza, originally uploaded by The Rambling Rountrees.

Well it has been a week since returning from Bella Italia. A week of sadness, and yearning for time spent in Italy. But let’s face it life goes on. I’m home now and back to work. Next week I will celebrate my one year anniversary of my weight loss surgery. It has been a year of up’s and downs. Highs and lows, goods and bads. But mostly a year of learning about myself and how much I really could handle emotionally. Although I am feeling much better I still have days that are a struggle. I still have cravings for certain things I can no longer eat. But I am so much more healthier physically. I can run, upstairs, on a treadmill or down the street. I can climb hundreds of stairs in a medieval castle or traipse around streets in Florence. Indeed, my body has gained a new chance on life. I am happy, food is but a small part of our lives. I can still write about it, photograph it and enjoy some of it on a daily basis. Right now, I  am really enjoying my new lease on life~!

Pardon moi, is it time to plan another adventure yet?

the red scooter, originally uploaded by The Rambling Rountrees.

Ah well back to reality. I’m not quite ready to blog about our trip to Italy 2009 yet. It seems funny. We plan a trip for a year…then poof …gone like that. Two weeks came and went. Then a sick sorta depression makes it’s way into my head. The travel blues I call it. My friends ask me about my travels and I’m so stuck on telling them that I’m a bit depressed because I’m home. Does this happen to anyone else? I can’t seem to shake it unless I’m planning another great escape. Hmmmm, where will the next trip take us….France, Bali, Greece, Austria, India, or perhaps Japan? 

So we are home….

Pienza, originally uploaded by The Rambling Rountrees.

We made it home safely on Wednesday night. After many hours of traveling. Now my post Italy blues have started and I will just have to deal with it. The trip was once again magical. Visited many of our favorite places, people and sites. Once you visit Italy is is difficult to leave. We have returned tot he States but my heart is still in Italy, so if you find it hold on to it for me! Ciao for now…

Check back later for more blogging about our travels to Italia 2009!

Ready for another journey.

caprese & bread, originally uploaded by The Rambling Rountrees.

Well as time comes and goes….I am almost ready for departure. Except for a few minor details! We are meeting friends Steve and Marcia in Florence, then headed out on our journey around Italy. I am so fortunate to be able to travel, but it is always a bit bittersweet for me. I get sense of homesickness for my country, but we do love the “Dolce Vita” of Italy! I miss my family and my cats while I’m away, but know that when we return the will be waiting for me! We have special friends to visit in Italy Cyndi and Danilo. They have welcomed us into their home for the last three years and one again we are anxious to see them.

This trip will be a bit different this year. I am still a foodophile, and I know that my culinary adventures will be limited…but I’m ok with that! After all we enjoying the culture and people of Italy so much that food is no longer so important for me. Or at least that’s what I can tell myself! But I will indulge a few minor temptations…gelato perhaps? And hopefully I won’t be kin to many problems with my new “stomach”. I will enjoy the sights, scents and sounds as well as share my passion for Italy with our friends! I will try to blog a bit, but cannot guarantee internet access…you can follow me on Twitter as well Ramblingdeb…if you Twitter!

Impatiently Waiting

patiently waiting, originally uploaded by The Rambling Rountrees.

So here I am three days before our journey back to Italy! Feeling a bit bittersweet. As it gets closer to travel, I anticipate having to return…I know, crazy huh? So sadness sneaks into my thoughts for travel. On another note, my nephew graduates from High School on Saturday and I will miss this wonderful event. Last night, I attended his Class night and watched him make his family happy as he received a special academic achievement award. I am so proud of him but I feel so “old”. Before I know it, the next generation will be starting school and will graduate before I know it. The Circle of Life. The Circle of Travel…perhaps there is a connection?

I’m a Day Dream Believer…

Olive Groves, originally uploaded by The Rambling Rountrees.

So this week has proven to be a short but rather long work week. With rumors of State budget cuts once again, benefits cuts, furlough days, and salary cuts….. It has been a rough week to say the least. But I have not let that stop me from day dreamin’ about our trip to Bella Italia, in which we leave next week. It is always bittersweet. Because before we even leave, I start to think about having to return. Bad…huh? I know. I suffer from a severe case of the Travel Bug. There is no cure, instead only start to plan another trip. A strange but true phenomena. So this weekend will be spent packing, sorting, planning and checking things off my list. Is there any other way to spend the weekend? 

Happy Birthday Grandma!!

gorgeous, originally uploaded by The Rambling Rountrees.

As children we never fully understand the how lucky we are to have loved ones around us. My Grandmother Lottie passed away on March 28, 1989. She born 116 years ago today on May 27, 1893. My grandmother was my confidant and made me who I am today. Because of her the world is a much better place. She raised 10 children in her day and worked until she was about 75 years old. She loved unconditional, made everyone feel special and always gave with her heart. She always saw the bright side of things and people. She loved purple. She loved to cook with whatever she had in her home. She loved to take rides on Sunday afternoons. She loved gardens and flowers, especially pansies and lilacs. She loved french fries and Kit Kats, homemade cookies and toast with tea. But most of all she loved her family…. We all loved her back. Today is a special day in my heart. For you may be gone Gram, but you are with me everyday! Hugs to you today!

A great weekend

the secret garden by the sea, originally uploaded by The Rambling Rountrees.

Another week has passed. Time was spent enjoying the weekend and remembering lost relatives on Memorial Day. On Saturday we went to visit Emma on Friendship Bay. The day was gorgeous and we adventured out on the Bay for a walk after a great lunch prepared by my niece. We came upon Emma’s secret hiding place or rather “adventure place” as she calls it. What a beautiful place hidden off the beaten path on the coast of Maine. I forget how beautiful the coast is this time of year. No bugs!

Now, if I can just survive this week and most of next week at work, we will soon be headed back to my favorite place…Italy!