I'm heeeere, finally!

[popcorn]

I changed my name because LadyMadrid doesn't seem fitting anymore now that I'm in Germany. I love popcorn, so there you go.

Now I have to catch up. I've been 2 weeks without internet and I feel so behind!

How is everyone?

[karmaroma]

Hi, love the name! I'm a big fan of popcorn too, once I start nibbling one I can't stop

[crimsonandclover]

Welcome! I think most of us have made it over now! I hope anna is able to make it, too

[dulcemariamar]

Hello! Glad you found us! How was the move? How is your adorable DD?

[lolo]

What's wrong with Lady Frankfurt? Welcome back.

[mrsukyankee]

I made it for dinner last night - popcorn that is.

[pseudoagain]

Hey-yo!!

It's me Pseudo. I got your letter last week and I owe you one back. I may need you to send me your address again because it got munched by a 3 year old. Tee hee.

[popcorn]

I thought about becoming Lady Frankfurt, but LadyMadrid came from a song so I didn't think it fit. Also, i just wanted a change.

Dulcemaria: DD is still cute and very, very active! I think she'll be crawling soon, god help me! How's Madrid? I'm already missing it...

Pseudo: Yes, I sent you another letter just recently too...I will get my adress to you shortly. I think I put it on my last letter, but I will get it to you also.

[clickerish]

Oh great. Now I want to eat popcorn...

[azure]

Welcome back! How are you enjoying Germany?

[popcorn]

I am liking Germany a lot so far! There are obvious difficulties...the main one being that I don't speak German and whenever I want to say something I start to speak in Spanish because that is my default other language. I am starting to learn some words, but it's tough going. The weather has been good, we've mostly settled into our new place though we still need to order a kitchen (!!!) and are washing dishes in the bathroom. Oh well, it's all part of the adventure!

[crimsonandclover]

May 16, 2012 14:23:43 GMT -5 popcorn said:

I am liking Germany a lot so far! There are obvious difficulties...the main one being that I don't speak German and whenever I want to say something I start to speak in Spanish because that is my default other language. I am starting to learn some words, but it's tough going. The weather has been good, we've mostly settled into our new place though we still need to order a kitchen (!!!) and are washing dishes in the bathroom. Oh well, it's all part of the adventure!

Don't even get me started on the Germans taking their kitchens with them. It. makes. no. sense.

I'm now backing away before I go into full rant mode.

[popcorn]

May 16, 2012 14:41:36 GMT -5 crimsonandclover said:

May 16, 2012 14:23:43 GMT -5 popcorn said:

I am liking Germany a lot so far! There are obvious difficulties...the main one being that I don't speak German and whenever I want to say something I start to speak in Spanish because that is my default other language. I am starting to learn some words, but it's tough going. The weather has been good, we've mostly settled into our new place though we still need to order a kitchen (!!!) and are washing dishes in the bathroom. Oh well, it's all part of the adventure!

Don't even get me started on the Germans taking their kitchens with them. It. makes. no. sense.

I'm now backing away before I go into full rant mode.

You sound like me when I start talking about people living with their parents until 35 and not even washing their own laundry in Spain. I just can't even touch that subject without getting ragey. Hahaha. I'm kind of stunned about the kitchen thing still so not too upset, but we are going to be kitchenless at least another 2 weeks. Yuck!

[clickerish]

May 16, 2012 16:24:40 GMT -5 popcorn said:

You sound like me when I start talking about people living with their parents until 35 and not even washing their own laundry in Spain. I just can't even touch that subject without getting ragey. Hahaha. I'm kind of stunned about the kitchen thing still so not too upset, but we are going to be kitchenless at least another 2 weeks. Yuck!

OMG, the men and their mothers and staring blankly at laundry. Did that twice and gave up! The kitchen thing, though, is new to me. Is there a reason for that? I'm trying to imagine what it could possibly be...

[popcorn]

May 16, 2012 16:26:27 GMT -5 clickerish said:

May 16, 2012 16:24:40 GMT -5 popcorn said:

You sound like me when I start talking about people living with their parents until 35 and not even washing their own laundry in Spain. I just can't even touch that subject without getting ragey. Hahaha. I'm kind of stunned about the kitchen thing still so not too upset, but we are going to be kitchenless at least another 2 weeks. Yuck!

OMG, the men and their mothers and staring blankly at laundry. Did that twice and gave up! The kitchen thing, though, is new to me. Is there a reason for that? I'm trying to imagine what it could possibly be...

Yes, I always feel so lucky I got that Spaniard who moved out of his parent's house when he was (only?!) 25 and also thinks it's weird to live with one's parents after 30 and have one's mom making you a cup of hot milk before bed every night (a true story about a friend of my friend's boyfriend).

[bail229]

Love the new name!

[Wanderista]

I had a college boyfriend who was Italian and had the same issue. He was 21 and and said that he planned to be living with his mom, driving her car, and having her do all his chores until he was over 30. That's probably why he's my EX-bf and still single to this day. ;-)

[anna7602]

May 16, 2012 10:38:10 GMT -5 crimsonandclover said:

Welcome! I think most of us have made it over now! I hope anna is able to make it, too

Ich bin hier.

May I call you Lady Popcorn?

[popcorn]

May 17, 2012 10:03:25 GMT -5 anna7602 said:

May 16, 2012 10:38:10 GMT -5 crimsonandclover said:

Welcome! I think most of us have made it over now! I hope anna is able to make it, too

Ich bin hier.

May I call you Lady Popcorn?

Fo shizz. How's it going in Paris?

[anna7602]

May 17, 2012 11:27:10 GMT -5 popcorn said:

May 17, 2012 10:03:25 GMT -5 anna7602 said:

Ich bin hier.

May I call you Lady Popcorn?

Fo shizz. How's it going in Paris?

Good. I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy now that I found "my people" again. And DD turns 4 tomorrow! I need to wrap up my work soon and start baking cupcakes.

[NomadicMama]

Popcorn--while it might be a bit of a drive, you and Kernel are welcome to come to my house. You can bring recipes and cook, cook, cook. (I'm assuming you have, at least, a fridge and a microwave, right?) I've got a pack 'n play Kernel could nap in (and a guest room that gets super dark and is fabulous for sleeping!). I know we have not met yet, but I understand life in transition. I promise that I'm not scary. Can you promise the same?!?! )

[popcorn]

May 17, 2012 11:57:14 GMT -5 NomadicMama said:

Popcorn--while it might be a bit of a drive, you and Kernel are welcome to come to my house. You can bring recipes and cook, cook, cook. (I'm assuming you have, at least, a fridge and a microwave, right?) I've got a pack 'n play Kernel could nap in (and a guest room that gets super dark and is fabulous for sleeping!). I know we have not met yet, but I understand life in transition. I promise that I'm not scary. Can you promise the same?!?! )

Awww, this is such a great offer and if A) I had a license and could drive in Germany and B)our car was insured I would definitely take you up on it! Long story with both of those, but my US license is expired (thought I wouldn't be able to use it in Spain so what was the point?). Is there any way I could get there by train and make a day of it? I couldn't do any of the cooking because I'd have no way to transport it back, but it could be fun. I don't know if your house is train accessible from Frankfurt though.

[karmaroma]

May 17, 2012 8:07:14 GMT -5 Wanderista said:

I had a college boyfriend who was Italian and had the same issue. He was 21 and and said that he planned to be living with his mom, driving her car, and having her do all his chores until he was over 30. That's probably why he's my EX-bf and still single to this day. ;-)[/

Was he an actual Italian or an Italian-American. I'm asking because I have known only Italians for the majority of my life (being Italian) and none of the people I know/used to know still live at home with their parents or said they wanted to. MH has lived on his own since the age of 19, he was taught how to cook, clean, do laundry, sew etc. I'm definitely one of the luckiest but he's hardly the minority. I kind of wish this stereotype disappeared since it really isn't the case. My feeling is that there are individuals living with their parents in every culture and country.

[NomadicMama]

May 17, 2012 12:03:34 GMT -5 popcorn said:

Awww, this is such a great offer and if A) I had a license and could drive in Germany and B)our car was insured I would definitely take you up on it! Long story with both of those, but my US license is expired (thought I wouldn't be able to use it in Spain so what was the point?). Is there any way I could get there by train and make a day of it? I couldn't do any of the cooking because I'd have no way to transport it back, but it could be fun. I don't know if your house is train accessible from Frankfurt though.

We are accessible by train. We are about 1km from the local station. If you were to train here, I could take you and Kernel home. You don't have to cook, but my kitchen is yours! I could see about borrowing a car seat, too. (I would only borrow one that I would allow my child to use. I've had to use a borrow car seat that was not up to my standards. I would not do that to you!)

I'm going to send you a PM.

[allibally]

May 17, 2012 13:36:31 GMT -5 NomadicMama said:

May 17, 2012 12:03:34 GMT -5 popcorn said:

Awww, this is such a great offer and if A) I had a license and could drive in Germany and B)our car was insured I would definitely take you up on it! Long story with both of those, but my US license is expired (thought I wouldn't be able to use it in Spain so what was the point?). Is there any way I could get there by train and make a day of it? I couldn't do any of the cooking because I'd have no way to transport it back, but it could be fun. I don't know if your house is train accessible from Frankfurt though.

We are accessible by train. We are about 1km from the local station. If you were to train here, I could take you and Kernel home. You don't have to cook, but my kitchen is yours! I could see about borrowing a car seat, too. (I would only borrow one that I would allow my child to use. I've had to use a borrow car seat that was not up to my standards. I would not do that to you!)

I'm going to send you a PM.

Aww. I hope you all get to meet.

[Wanderista]

May 17, 2012 13:29:39 GMT -5 @karmaroma said:

May 17, 2012 8:07:14 GMT -5 Wanderista said:

I had a college boyfriend who was Italian and had the same issue. He was 21 and and said that he planned to be living with his mom, driving her car, and having her do all his chores until he was over 30. That's probably why he's my EX-bf and still single to this day. ;-)[/

Was he an actual Italian or an Italian-American. I'm asking because I have known only Italians for the majority of my life (being Italian) and none of the people I know/used to know still live at home with their parents or said they wanted to. MH has lived on his own since the age of 19, he was taught how to cook, clean, do laundry, sew etc. I'm definitely one of the luckiest but he's hardly the minority. I kind of wish this stereotype disappeared since it really isn't the case. My feeling is that there are individuals living with their parents in every culture and country.

Oh, I'm definitely not stereotyping at all! Sorry if it came across that way. I've known other Italian friends who aren't like that. So no, I definitely did not mean to come across as generalizing. Like I said, there's a reason that guy became my ex, he was very immature which does not reflect on his nationality. He was a native Italian (it's a long story about where he was from, a Venetian from Rome and Belgium). I love Italian culture generally and a friend of mine is with a really wonderful native Italian guy.

My sarcastic tone was just because of my opinion of his personal immaturity, not a diss on Italians. Ci sono molti grandi italiani. Genuine apologies!

[karmaroma]

May 17, 2012 14:59:49 GMT -5 Wanderista said:

May 17, 2012 13:29:39 GMT -5 @karmaroma said:

May 17, 2012 8:07:14 GMT -5 Wanderista said:

I had a college boyfriend who was Italian and had the same issue. He was 21 and and said that he planned to be living with his mom, driving her car, and having her do all his chores until he was over 30. That's probably why he's my EX-bf and still single to this day. ;-)[/

Was he an actual Italian or an Italian-American. I'm asking because I have known only Italians for the majority of my life (being Italian) and none of the people I know/used to know still live at home with their parents or said they wanted to. MH has lived on his own since the age of 19, he was taught how to cook, clean, do laundry, sew etc. I'm definitely one of the luckiest but he's hardly the minority. I kind of wish this stereotype disappeared since it really isn't the case. My feeling is that there are individuals living with their parents in every culture and country.

Oh, I'm definitely not stereotyping at all! Sorry if it came across that way. I've known other Italian friends who aren't like that. So no, I definitely did not mean to come across as generalizing. Like I said, there's a reason that guy became my ex, he was very immature which does not reflect on his nationality. He was a native Italian (it's a long story about where he was from, a Venetian from Rome and Belgium). I love Italian culture generally and a friend of mine is with a really wonderful native Italian guy.

My sarcastic tone was just because of my opinion of his personal immaturity, not a diss on Italians. Ci sono molti grandi italiani. Genuine apologies!

No need to apologize! Did I get too defensive? The topic is a bit "hot" for me, that's all. I know you didn't mean to offend ... I'll get off my soap box now

[Wanderista]

May 17, 2012 15:23:28 GMT -5 @karmaroma said:

May 17, 2012 14:59:49 GMT -5 Wanderista said:

Oh, I'm definitely not stereotyping at all! Sorry if it came across that way. I've known other Italian friends who aren't like that. So no, I definitely did not mean to come across as generalizing. Like I said, there's a reason that guy became my ex, he was very immature which does not reflect on his nationality. He was a native Italian (it's a long story about where he was from, a Venetian from Rome and Belgium). I love Italian culture generally and a friend of mine is with a really wonderful native Italian guy.

My sarcastic tone was just because of my opinion of his personal immaturity, not a diss on Italians. Ci sono molti grandi italiani. Genuine apologies!

No need to apologize! Did I get too defensive? The topic is a bit "hot" for me, that's all. I know you didn't mean to offend ... I'll get off my soap box now

Oh no, you weren't too defensive. I just realize that my comment could have seemed to be the wrong way. That person holds a shockingly responsible job now and speaks 5 languages fluently, but yep, he lives with his Italian mother in Belgium.

[popcorn]

May 17, 2012 13:29:39 GMT -5 @karmaroma said:

May 17, 2012 8:07:14 GMT -5 Wanderista said:

I had a college boyfriend who was Italian and had the same issue. He was 21 and and said that he planned to be living with his mom, driving her car, and having her do all his chores until he was over 30. That's probably why he's my EX-bf and still single to this day. ;-)[/

Was he an actual Italian or an Italian-American. I'm asking because I have known only Italians for the majority of my life (being Italian) and none of the people I know/used to know still live at home with their parents or said they wanted to. MH has lived on his own since the age of 19, he was taught how to cook, clean, do laundry, sew etc. I'm definitely one of the luckiest but he's hardly the minority. I kind of wish this stereotype disappeared since it really isn't the case. My feeling is that there are individuals living with their parents in every culture and country.

I have to jump in here that this stereotype about Spain is accurate. Most men and women do not move out of their parents' home until they are ready to buy a house (on their own or with thier SO) and/or get married and have kids. I promise I am not exaggerating. That is the majority of cases in Spain except people who move out to go to the big city for university. There are always exceptions and like I said my DH has also lived on his own for longer than average (having moved out and bought his own place when he was 25) so perhaps your H is an exception and perhaps this is not an accurate thing in Italy -- I don't know. But in Spain it really is for real. I didn't mean to offend you or anyone with it.

[popcorn]

I guess I should add that that has been my experience. I admit I could be wrong as I don't know all of Spain.

Allibally, I hope we are able to meet up too! hopefully your vibes will help us!