But, before I go ahead and tell all, I have to caution you that it probably hasn’t turned out exactly how you expected. Most importantly, I’m counting on my family & friends to be just as receptive as they have always been when embracing the other big Guess What?s of my somewhat meandering life. If you know me, you know them: “Guess what!? … I’m going to Texas for college … I’m joining the Air Force … I’m un-joining the Air Force … I’m quitting my job because I’m going to be a golf pro … I’m un-quitting my job because I’m not going to be a golf pro … I’m leaving Hot-lanta, Georgia, for Lost-in-time Park, Southern Maryland, because maybe I can bag a job in Italy”. OK, ok, so at least one of them really wasn’t much of a “Guess what?” – but, you get the spirit.
Of course, it’s been said before that going someplace new and trying something new go hand-in-hand. Actually, in this case, maybe not so entirely new. That is, living in Italy - where certain “passions” that exist on the fringe of American society are not only openly tolerated but enthusiastically embraced - I’ve finally been able to tap into what had been in the States just an aching suspicion.
Maybe most of you had already suspected as much by reading between the lines of my blog. To a very few, whom I’ve already taken into my confidence as I’ve struggled over the decisions, this “news” certainly comes as no surprise.
As could be expected, it all started with the type of friends I’ve met here: Max, the Italian trainer from the gym, and Andy, the Englishman “passionista” from work. Thanks to them, I’ve happily indulged in a special part of Italian culture by which I would have otherwise blindly stumbled as an “outsider”. Of course, after experiencing the thrill of discovery and sowing a few wild oats, I couldn’t help but feel the need for something more permanent … and ITALIAN!
Well, the timing turned out to be perfect because, just a couple weeks ago, the ever progressive and trendsetting metropolis of Milano hosted a special convention of sorts dedicated to exactly that. So, because he too was “in the market” (but with slightly different tastes), Andy asked me to join him and thousands of other like minded folks for what could be best described as a massive “speed dating” experience.
When I walked into the hall, I felt as a giddy as a school girl. Yes, this was exactly what I had in mind. Here, I could meet up close and personal all of those names who I’d only known from trolling on-line or flipping through glossy magazines.
But being relatively inexperienced in these matters, it still took a little courage to walk up when somebody would catch my eye …
... and try to strike up a conversation.
But to be truthful, I only had one thing on my mind.
Ohhh yes, there were definitely some real queens, who looked pretty good and tempted me plenty …
... and more than a few of the "Flashy" types, if you're into that sort of thing.
But, what was I really looking for? Yes, that question had dogged me since I first picked up the notion to get serious. When you strip everything else away, I have to admit that the engineer in me demands a good looking “body” …
... although, quite frankly, I’m not very fond of skinny “butts”.
Overall, I was looking for an Italian beauty who can turn a few heads and is strong willed where it counts, but is also soft and light hearted enough not to wear me out or weigh me down over life's big climbs and bumpy roads.
Was that asking for too much? After all, there seemed to be so many choices.
Yes , this seemed to be the place where everybody could find what they were searching for ...
… except me. Honestly I gave them all a fair chance, but it never felt … well, you know … like the right fit.
I know this sounds cliché, but I really had given up and was headed for the door, forlorn and alone in a sea of people happily "innamorati" ...
... when IT happened. I had never really believed in it ... but it's true ... there really is such a thing as love at first sight.
So ... Mom, Dad ... Guess What!? ... I'M GETTING A
POST NOTE: I'm writing this story just a couple of weeks after that eventful day and today was the day for me to "meet the parents". I got up early this morning and drove out to Lecco, about an hour northeast of Milano,
so that they could "measure" me up and ensure that we would make a good match. I'm very happy to report that we got along grandly. Perhaps many of you will think I'm rushing into things - but, we've set the "big date" for the end of January. Of course, I hope as many of you as possible can make the trip out out and meet (if not kiss) the new _ride.
