What can I say about today’s choice of image, I like cats. I get annoyed that Francy won’t allow me to have a cat, but if we hadn’t met, I would most likely be a crazy cat lady.
Today’s post comes to mind because on Saturday we will be having a party of sorts. Of sorts because I said it was to celebrate Thanksgiving, but this was just to convince Francy. After our last day out with his friends we decided that a pleasant afternoon with friends shouldn’t include shouting anti-Muslim and anti-foreigner rants. (note: when one woman caressed my face and said “When I say foreigners are bad people, I don’t mean you. You’re integrated into our society. You’re a nice girl”)
It was all I could do to not give her a double f-you and f-you alla Berger in Sex and the City.
Ok, let me get back on track. My goal in convincing Francy to have a party with my friends is that he’ll have a nice afternoon. No, we don’t always agree on every subject, but the mere ability of my friends to listen to and consider someone else’s viewpoint (without swearing and yelling) wins big points with Francy. I mean yes, my friend Paedar’s wife has a weird habit I haven’t figured out yet, but I don’t win the debate by using the f-word repeatedly. Paedar is Irish (he’ll agree that it’s a sad stereotype, but just give him potatoes in any form and he’s a happy man) and his wife is Italian. Since they are usually the only 2 Italians present when we get together, they often have a debate on the state of THEIR nation. For some strange reason, her defense is always “well, they have that in America too” or some other bizzare and random criticism (apparently she prefers to be ignored by salesclerks vs offered help as is the case in America). That’s fine, I’ll politely explain to you that in modern American society we don’t have a lot of rogue 3-card monty tables on the street, but you can think we do if it gets you through the night.
Then there’s Paul. Paul is fabulous. He’s a little brusk at times. Sometimes he goes into anti-social mode, but if that’s the case he also goes into hiding until he’s human again. Paul is smart, funny and as Paul said about my wedding reception,
“There’s wine, lots of wine and when I want more wine, I just ask. What is there to complain about?”
We’ve decided to risk adding 3 more Italians to the mix. One is Alessandro, a friend of Paedar’s who is teaching Francy and Paedar how to drive. He must be a saint or the world’s most patient man and therefore deserves to be invited. Then we have Alessandro and Isabella. It’s risky because they are younger and while much more open-minded than Francy’s friends, we’ve never thrown them into the mix before. Alessandro #2 however, will always have a place in my heart simply for the story of when he went to Miami. He didn’t know about sales tax and proceeded to argue with the cashier until she gave him 3 Snickers and told him to get lost. He took the candy and left, but will forever be confused by “tax not included”.
Next time: The morning routine.
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