Style Up in Flames

Last Friday my friend Jessica came over for the first time to see our new home. Everything was going well. She really liked what we had done and I was proud until I took her out to my formerly cute patio and found this.......

A HUGE GREEN MONSTER! 

I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs at my husband, but instead I quickly ushered Jessica inside in hopes that she wouldn't question my taste. 

Ciccio and I had been discussing a grill all summer. We had pretty much decided to get one of those retro Weber circle grills that wouldn't take up too much space and had a little style. Well, Ciccio behind my back bought my brother's grill because it was a "good deal and more practical than charcoal".

That was the first strike and my patio already was looking a little less European cute. It didn't take long for Ciccio to start talking about our "need" for a grill accessories. I told him to wait and it wasn't necessary to have all the bells and whistles. My husband doesn't wait for anything he wants though. This is the man that proposed after two months of dating. A day after the chill out on the grill conversation,  Ciccio purchased the cover and the accessories, but I didn't know until the moment I saw it with my friend.

the grill accessories we "needed"

The problem is not that Ciccio blatantly went behind my back, or that he spent money without consulting me. The issue is much bigger than that.... my husband is becoming American! He is losing his good eye! He's choosing practicality over looks! It's not just the grill. He lives in cargo shorts now and begs for treats from Dairy Queen. 

It's been too long since we've been to Italy and I think we need to go back so his mom can slap the style back into him.

Before my patio was destroyed by the grill

Circle SI or NO

Ciccio received a package last week and was extremely excited. When he opened it there were four brightly colored cards.

I thought, "Oh no he has ordered some stupid Italian card game or something"





"What it is Ciccio?"

"It's to vote," He explained.

Seriously look at these "ballots" above and to the right.

"Is it for a kindergarden election?" I asked.

"No. Why you take joke?" Ciccio wondered.

He explained that in Italy they put different issues on colored people so that older people can identify them. They print the SI or NO extremely big for the same reason. I guess the content of the issue is not important for them to see, just the yes or no part.

Will Ciccio's vote count: SI or NO?

Tuesdays With Ciccio

This week we have a guest blogger: my mother, Julia. 

As Ciccio's mama-in-law (as he calls me), I get the pleasure of spending Tuesdays shopping with Ciccio. I need a good night's sleep in order to survive my day with my Italian energizer bunny. But, I do not talk to him until after he has had 2 cups of coffee and has read his email. He only grunts and stares until the caffeine kicks in. But, when Ciccio's day begins, the world better look out. 

He begins his day-off duties like a shot out of a cannon. Calling repair people, ordering things, checking on the status of his payments and bills. These seem like mundane tasks, but Ciccio doesn't do anything halfway, slow or in a boring manner. if you are on the receiving end of his calls, you better be prepared. If, God forbid, you put him through a run-around, he will immediately take it to higher authorities. 

"How can people run a business like that?!" is a frequent comment on the way many businesses handle customer queries. 

Does it bother him that he has to repeat his name and address because some people can't understand his Italian accent? I asked him and he said he thinks it is funny, and he can pretend ignorance if he doesn't like what they say. Usually, the accent and the charm win whatever he was trying to accomplish.

Going to Lowe's and Target are two typical Tuesday activities and it is so much more fun with Ciccio. He now knows many of the clerks and they look a little sheepish when he asks them very precise questions. Ciccio struts through the aisles like he is the owner, picking up things, reading the labels and making commentary on them as we go. Occasionally I have to walk away out of embarrassment when he tries to haggle to get a better price. 

When the kids were little I had to bribe them to go shopping with me. Now, I just have to make sure Ciccio gets his coffee and is home in time for Italian boys' night and he will go to any store with me. I never imagined my son-in-law would become one of my favorite shopping partners, but having a Ciccio in my life has made Tuesdays my favorite day of the week.

-Mama Julia

Everyone Loves an Italian Boy

I hate to admit it, but the cliche is still true. In NYC, I met a lot of women from around the world who were equal opportunity daters. All agree, there's just something about Italian men.

This picture says it all. I was introducing Ciccio to my friends and wanted them to understand why I was planning to marry him: his pizza skills. Before the dinner, I prepped Ciccio by reminding him the names of my friends and gave him some etiquette pointers. Somehow Ciccio took that to mean a nutella face smearing would be appropriate.  Luckily my friend Kirsten (pictured in the center) was a good sport. Look at my face though. I'm smiling, but you can see in my eyes I'm wondering "Why do I put up with this?"

Only an Italian boy could get away with such a faux pas. Actually this is what makes them irresistible. They just go for it, disregarding social norms and fears in all they do.

Ciccio eats too fast, talks too loud, and makes bold statements without thinking. It drives me nuts. On the other hand, he'll call me "pumpkin pie" in Home Depot with no reservations and tell me his deepest thoughts regarding religion.

Italian boys put it all on the table and most women will take it especially if they can have pizza too.

Another Italian Boy in America

Mothers and Fathers hide your daughters, there is another Todisco boy on the loose.  

Meet Simone or Pisello (lil pea) as we like to call him. This handsome young man is my brother-in-law. He entered the USA a couple months ago to be a Cultural Representative for Walt Disney World in Florida.  I like to think Simone was inspired by his brother's success in America and wanted his own piece of the American pie. In other words, I like to think Simone wants his own bossy blonde wife.

Life in America isn't easy though for a 20-year-old Italian import. Skydiving, 2 a.m. paintball games, girls begging to take your picture, and trips to Miami are just a few of Simone's new obligations.

It's hard when your main responsibility is to "make people's dreams come true" as Simone explained to us. With his babyface and charm, we are sure he will find a way to make this possible.

Taming the Beast

If you see Ciccio at work, he looks like a civilized gentleman. He certainly knows more than most when it comes to fine dining, watches, and cars, but don't let appearances fool you....he is wild!

Yes, Ciccio is like a caged animal. Most of the time, he is not a threat to society, yet you never know what is going to set him off. Just the other day my mom was talking to a business professional and Ciccio was not in favor of what the guy was saying. He started charging for the phone to tell the guy exactly what he was thinking and I had to jump on his back to slow him down. I wonder how many wives have to tackle their husbands to prevent them from embarrassment?

On a daily basis, my house shakes when Ciccio calls his family from Italy on Skype. His arms thrash around like he's swatting birds and he screams as if he is at war. At first, I would rush to his side.


"Honey, Honey what's wrong?!!!" I said.

"What are you talking about?" Ciccio responded.

"You were screaming, what's going on?!" I would plead.

"Nothing," Ciccio said as if I were the crazy one.

One time I was sure someone shot one of his family members by the way he was screaming and it really was about the proper lasagna cooking techniques.

This animalistic side to Ciccio is what makes people love him or hate him. Ciccio is not for the faint of heart. However, if you give him a chance and he feels you are genuine (like a dog he'll sniff you out), Ciccio will be the best and most entertaining friend you've ever had.