1. Falling in love with America
In 2017, Pietro got a job offer that involved spending three weeks in Silicon Valley, California. When he told me, I didn’t hesitate for a second – I said, “No way are you going without us!” Elisa was just a year and a half old, but that didn’t stop us. We paid our way for the trip, covering our flights, accommodation, and meals. It was worth every penny. Every morning, Elisa and I would drop Pietro off at work and then head out on our little adventures. We explored the coast, wandered through San Francisco, and soaked in every bit of that California sun. On the weekends, the three of us would drive up north, discovering the beauty of Northern California together.
Those three weeks were magical. We fell in love with America: the freedom, the vast open spaces, the sense of possibility. We promised ourselves that one day we’d return for good, and exactly ten years later, from December 2007 to December 2017, we made that dream a reality.
2. The power of self-irony
One of the things I have learned over the years is the importance of not taking myself too seriously. Life is full of mistakes, especially when you are navigating a new language. My English is far from perfect, and I have made plenty of funny blunders along the way. But instead of getting embarrassed, I have learned to laugh at myself. It is a lesson I hope to pass on to my kids: don’t be afraid to be different, to stand out, to make mistakes. They make you who you are. And trust me, they give you some great stories to tell. My children might cringe when I mix up words or phrases, but I think it is important to show them that being human is okay. Perfection is overrated, and besides, it is much more fun to embrace the chaos.
3. My endless curiosity
Curiosity is my driving force. I love learning new things and am never shy about asking questions. Whether it is striking up a conversation with a stranger or diving deep into a new topic, I am always eager to expand my knowledge. There are a few subjects that don’t capture my interest, like the universe’s formation, chemistry, physics, and advanced mathematics, but I still listen to Pietro when he talks about them because I love seeing his passion. I am fascinated by how things work and the stories behind people’s lives. My curiosity drives me to observe the world closely, to notice the little details, and to constantly question everything. After soaking up all these new insights, I love discussing my discoveries with Pietro, sharing what I have learned, and engaging in thoughtful conversations about them.
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4. Happy endings only, please
I have a soft spot for movies with clear, happy endings. Life has enough real-world challenges, so when I sit down to watch a film, I want something that lifts me, not drags me down. I am a sucker for a good romantic story, one where love conquers all and everyone walks away smiling. Horror movies? No, thank you. I prefer the feel-good classics from the ’80s and ’90s. Films like Pretty Woman, Rain Man, Dirty Dancing, and Meet Joe Black never get old for me. There is something comforting about rewatching old favorites.
5. The secret dream
If I had one secret dream, it would be to take a small van and travel across America with Pietro and our dog, Blue. No rush, no tight schedules, just the three of us, exploring state by state, national park by national park. I imagine waking up in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nature, taking our time to truly experience each place we visit. We’d capture memories with photos, share stories over campfires, and create a collection of moments that we could look back on and smile. It is a dream that speaks to my love of adventure, discovery, and the simple joys of life.
Thanks for hanging out with me today!
Se you next time!
Valentina
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