Last Day of Non-Working Freedom

Well, this is it.  My last day of complete freedom.  Tomorrow I start my temporary holiday job.  How should I spend today?  I have no idea.  I've been tooling around this morning unable to focus on anything long enough to finish the task.  I have a knitting project over there, a Yoga DVD on pause, and a mug of tea quickly going cold.  

I'm looking forward to starting work yet I hate the first day learning curve.  I've never worked retail before for someone in her late 30s I consider this feat an accomplishment.  I just wish the pay was better.  

So, tomorrow I'll have to smile all day and make small talk.  I think I can manage that.  The general public is crazy and I always like a good dose of psycho in my day.  It gives me something to think about or write about.  

My biggest dilemma is what to wear!  OMG, I haven't had to make that decision in over a year.  My sweats and PJs have been my choice of late.  Comfortable and acceptable for going out to get the mail.  

I guess I should make a list and just start getting things done.  All those things I didn't do because I didn't want to get dressed to do it or didn't want to get dirty since I had just showered - yes, I need to clean the bathroom.  And, so, I guess that's as good a place as any.

1)  Get out the toilet brush, get it over with

2)  Take a shower

3)  Make lunch

It's going to be a busy day...

Missing Italy

Well, I've been back in the States for 2 1/2 months and I'm still job hunting.  I have to say, taking a year off to write in Italy was fantastic, lonely, and at times stressful.  Now that I'm back in the game and trying to join mainstream America, I'm having withdrawals from my simple life in Italy.  

Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to be back with functioning bathrooms, hot water, and all those other conveniences we take for granted in the States.  While in Italy, I missed or shall we say, longed for, these little things.  Well, and Asian food, but that's another story.  

I just want to know where I can find that continually sought after "balance".  I want enough money to live comfortably - not extravagantly like I wanted prior to Italy - and time to write and play with words.  Oh, yeah, and toilet seats, hot water, and toilet paper.  Anyone have suggestions on where this mecca is located?  

I figured with so many Italian Americans out there that must be a hybrid America - Italy somewhere.  Where is it people?  I'm not asking for the impossible, just good food and functioning bathrooms.