Busy is Good

Since school began, life has picked up speed and it seems as though I am constantly on the go. I am in class everyday from 8:45 in the morning until 1 in the afternoon. I forgot how much I love being in a classroom setting and learning. And... now I have amici (friends)! We are quite an international group and we have so much fun together! I have friends here from Sweden, Germany, Indonesia, Mexico, Australia, France, and Lebanon! It's so cool! Although the common language is English (can't seem to get away from it!) we are all practicing the new Italian phrases and words we learn in class each day. This past week I think that the language capability side of my brain finally clicked the "ON" button and I suddenly found myself speaking Italian! It was awesome! We were out at bars and I was speaking Italian to everyone I encountered. Even when I picked up Franci and Ali from school, I was speaking Italian to the other parents and nannies in the school yard! My fluency has started to kick in! Ecco! Also now, twice a week, I take Franci and Ali to Atleticà, which is a sort of after-school group exercise class in a great open-air athletic complex. They exercise with their age-groups and I go to a class with all the mommies! It is so great! I felt a little funny at first but now I love it, and I am learning all the Italian terms referring to the body and exercise. My understanding of the language has increased dramatically, now I just need to work on speaking it. Allora (the Italian word for "so...").... lots of other things have been keeping me busy lately, but I actually have to run now; just thought I'd give a little update. I'll fill you in more later. Ciao!