1) My host mother is going to make me photocopies of all of my favorite recipes so that I can take them home. There are so many I want from her! Pumpkin risotto, melanzane parmigiano, riso di praga... It's so nice of her to go to the trouble, really.

2) 15 more days!!

3) I've been painting my nails a new color each week. It began a couple of months ago. I started off with this terrible putrid green color of Martina's, and ended up plastering not just my nails, but my fingers and toes as well. I've gotten better, however; truth be told, I think I'm mastering a new skill. I feel so accomplished.

4) I just tried to explain the concept of gaydar to Martina. She didn't get it, at all. In fact, I think she thinks I'm crazy (Delusional, more like. As if I'm wishing the rest of the world would be gay with me). She asked me to give her examples of people I think are gay, so I did. Her response? "That girl has all brothers so of course her body language is a bit masculine!" and "But... Gianmario had a girlfriend that one time!" I don't think I got through to her. *sighs*