We went to our first playgroup today! I took some pictures to show you, but then left my camera there at the church. Oops! I really have to get that back. As soon as I do, I'll have more for you to see. We all had a very good time although I didn't realize the snack was to share so I lost my travel snack for the way home. That was ok though...we stopped at a nice cafe and got a couple of pastries instead. I mean, I HAD to. It was a long walk home.
I realized afterwards that had we gone just 3 blocks farther north, we could have hit a huge piazza and an awesome park that has a zoo. I don't know if that is free though. We'll definitely be adventuring that way again soon. Maybe after the next playgroup when we are prepared with proper snacks.
Yesterday we went to the Esquilino Market again and bought a whole bunch of rugs. Our living room is way homier...and smaller looking now. It was really nice to see both of the girls rolling around on it and laying down to read books. Its just what we needed. Shopping in Euros is still tricky because you look at something and your like, "Hmmm, 90 euros seems pretty good...that's should be about $110?" No, it's $120. Close, but it's that sort of difference that makes it hard to tell if you're getting a good deal. 8 Euros for 3 muffins and a coffee? That's $10 and a complete rip off. However, it was a delicious muffin.
We got a couple of kitchen runners that I ended up regretting. A little too old lady for me...AND I completely forgot about the Chinese store! We compromised on the length and the design. The Chinese store had just what we wanted for the same price, maybe cheaper. We were on such a roll at the market that we just got a little carried away... hehehe. O well. When any of you visit we can sell you our runners for a very good price. :) Great present for your grandma.
I was also trying to do some online shopping for the girls today, but this time I had a hard time figuring out if it was worth it because no where does it tell me the shipping price for individual things. Or maybe I just didn't keep track of it well enough. I was hoping to get 6 Fancy Nancy books (Emma's favorite right now), a couple of Dr. Seuss, a penny whistle, a kid's microphone, and a scooter. I think we're going to go through with it because these girls really need a little bit more in the house. And I want to play the penny whistle to go with my backpack guitar.
I feel guilty talking about my shopping woes and successes while in Rome because, well, we're in Rome. Shouldn't I be happy enough looking at the awesome buildings? What a travel destination! I know. But I've got to figure out a budget when we're getting paid in dollars and spending in Euros. Everything is so friggin expensive here too! And frankly, shopping is just apart of everyday life for a mom. I go grocery shopping constantly because I can only stock up with whatever I can carry home. We're still trying to set this house up so it doesn't feel like a stark hotel room. I realized the other day that as I was cleaning I was getting more and more depressed with the whole house. Because once the mess was off the floor, it was a bare tile floor and it didn't feel like a home anymore. Not a lot of motivation to clean. Yet its so small, that if you don't clean, it takes over pretty quickly. Which brings me to shopping....naturally. :) I need to fill this place up with crap! I mean necessities! I exaggerate a little, but it's true. We're just dealing with a lot of stuff issues.
One funny stuff issue that I was working on the day before we flew out here has to do with deodorant. I made a special trip the night before we left for a few little necessities, one of them was deodorant. I don't like anti-antiperspirants and I don't want alluminum. But I've only found one that actually works...Arm and Hammer. I couldn't find it and was like, "No biggie. I'm sure I'll find some deodorant when I get out there."
Well, it took me 2 and half weeks before I got a deodorant that's smell didn't make me gag (baby powder is gross! And it didn't work) I got another that smelled really good, but I still have doubts about its efficacy. And now, I'm wishing I had stocked up while I was still in the States. Especially with my pregnancy super-nose powers, I'm just grossed out by my own smell! I can't stand it. I looked on Amazon.com, and it would be $15 ...no, euros, for 1 stick. Fortunately, I did spy in our friends bathroom the deodorant I need! I just need to ask her where she got it. That won't be an awkward conversation..."So while I was in your bathroom, I noticed your deodorant. No, I wasn't searching for it. It was just out on the shelf..." *Sigh* I'm sure that's way more than you ever wanted to know about my personal hygiene. I am taking like 2 showers a day because of this dilemma. But again, tmi.
Over and out.
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