Dolcetto o scherzetto!

I really do love Mondays and any Monday that candy corn is delivered to my desk before 0800, Take5 bars and peppermint coffee are delivered at lunch, and the word "traffic" can't even be used to describe the lack of cars on the road is like a super jackpot bonus. It's for the sure the scherzetto part of the most commonly heard phrase on Halloween.

But there's always got to be a trick. Back in my DA days, one of the professors would put his bloody arm to use, hanging it from his office door or sneaking up on us with it. Some times it was in the form of a younger brother jumping out from behind a bush while we made our rounds through the neighborhood. Well, like so many other events here in Italy we do things a little different.

After my breeze of a commute home (mainly since Tues and Weds are Italian holidays so many took advantage of also taking today off) I opened the door to find Signore Nico waiting for me on his step and just a tad behind him...his Halloween dolcetto for me- Mr. Lizard!

Poor Mr. Lizard had lost his tail (well, maybe it was gone before) and was just holding still. I figured he was dead but then like a bad horror film one of his legs moved while he took a breath because when you think you're safe things are about to get worse. (Thinking about that, I should check my bed for that missing tail...or just sleep in the other room tonight.)

Nico had lost all interest in him by the point. I guess the box making a strange noise from his grandparents held his interest more than the toy he'd been playing with? I placed a box over the lizard while I quickly picked up my house since I was expecting the repair guys...yeah, I finally decided that 3 days was more than enough time to go without hot water although it sure helped when it came to getting out of bed for the gym this morning.

I finally gathered the courage and got the lizard in the box to put him back outside. I really don't think he's going to make it (Nico: 2, Lizards: 0) but I'll check on him in the morning.

Right as I was pouring a celebratory glass of wine, the door bell rang. Guess who!

Yep. My favorite repair guy to once again rescue the day. Well, just like I had figured out (yay for the internet) there is something wrong with the broiler and they have to come back tomorrow. He of course also asked about the alarm since it's gone off twice now...that one evening and again at 7am last week. After his dad left (well, I think it's his dad) he worked on that. I let Nico out of his holding cell and his reaction to Fabio was hilarious. He wasn't sure at all and kept talking to me like "mom, there is a stranger in the house." Of course he could have been asking where his scaly nasty friend went but he kept looking towards our guest so I think it was the former option.

It was explained to me (by Fabio, not Nico) that I had set the wrong alarm. I doubt it but apparently that's what the system said and you know, at 0615 anything is possible. What I don't get though is how Nico held still all day the time it went off in the evening? These sensors are crazy sensitive so I'm not buying it but Fabio was convinced and even teased me that I need to label the inside one as "with cat" and the outside one "without cat." I'm half tempted to label them that way (in Italian) so the next time he's here he sees them. They actually are headed back tomorrow to try to figure out this mystery. Guess I get to hit the gym after all in the morning before dropping Nico off at the vet for his neutering and microchip. Yep. Another take your cat to work with you day although he's never going to be on the same base that I work on so I guess it's just a "take your cat for a ride day?" Speaking of which, I need to go cut off his food and go spend some time with the little guy.

Turning Back the Clock

How in the world are we once again turning the clock back? It seems like I just "lost" my hour of sleep. Don't get me wrong; I always welcome more time to sleep especially when it's a week before the states meaning the ridiculous 9 hour time difference switches to a mere 8.

Then again when you wake up normally by 0600, you really don't want to realize that it's Sunday and only 0500. Good thing BP was stretched out beside me which prevented me from moving because if I had, my feet would have been his first victims of the day.

When we finally decided to get up (ie Beige Rat, formerly known as White Rat was dropped on my head) I braved the cold water once again. Brr. Yeah, didn't call anyone still- I was busy sleeping!

What to do on this sunny domenica? Why, go to Auchan (aka SuperWalmart) with Joe of course! Once again my shopping skills that have been developed through shopping in Salinas on weekends were put to use- dodging kids, maneuvering around carts, picking the aisles less traveled. Why yes! This is a destination when you visit me. We can try to find a less crowded time but it's just amazing. Think the newer Safeway stores with  various sections- that's how this is but 10xs larger! Oh the bread options! The cheese selections! The fresh meats! The cured meats! And the glorious produce...which I now know how to properly use the scales to buy to my heart's content! Don't get me wrong, the pasta and wine selections are pretty amazing too but it's those other sections that almost make you feel like you're in a real market rather than a grocery store.

After delivering Joe back to his place (and saying hi to a few of the folks also staying there) I ventured on our to Baia to an agriturismo per pranzo with a coworker's family and some of their friends. It was really nice to check out another one of these fairly common places. The food was yummy and the variety was welcomed- especially their roasted carrot antipasto dish. Unlike other agriturismos I'd been to, this one was spread out over a ton of land and besides the long wooden tables that could easily fit an extended family it had a play area of the kids: multiple fields, a mini zip line, games, goats, mules, swings. Of course it also had a ton of mosquitoes but you know, I may be the only one who really knows that as I think I gave at least a pint of blood with my 10+ bites? Oh how fabulous hot water would feel on these!

We were there for several hours and actually closed down the place. I guess that we were there for a long time even given the whole "sit and enjoy and you tell us when you're ready for the bill" mentality since they presented us with 12 bottles of wine as a gift, but we "had to enjoy them at home." Yep. Only in Italy! I guess the best part of the afternoon was spending it with people that have lived here for 3 years and knew a ton of what to do/see. I'm actually traveling with a few of them to Venice in February so it will be a great time based on today's lunch. Of course talks of Dublin for St. Patrick's Day were also in the mix but why not? I'm only here for 3 years (okay, maybe 5) and if the opportunities are there why not? I can totally live without my Italian fashion (yes, even shoes) if it means I can experience more.

Um. On second thought, I'll trade one long weekend trip for a pair of shoes.

"Sorry- I had a lizard situation"

Yeah, I realize that sounds ridiculous but the kids got a laugh out of it as their coach ran onto the field just a few minutes before game time.

"A lizard situation?"

Yes. A lizard situation.

(Don't adjust your computer screen, those waves are to signal the flash back.)

After a super slow start to my Saturday due to a 1pm kick off, I pulled weeded the large flower pot on the patio while Nico chased butterflies. It was a great bonding time and well overdue with my guilt near an all time high with all the early morning closing of the door while he sit there with a "don't I get to go look?" combined with all the vet trips. When I realized that the time in my head was the time I need to be there, not leave, I dashed off to take a cold shower...oh yeah. This was day #2 of no hot water. Yes, I should call someone to take a look at that but I'm determined to trouble shoot it on my own...when I have time.

Dressed and make up on (can't have anyone else mistaking me as a 16 year old), I realized I hadn't seen Nico. Eh, no biggie- he's probably outside in his planter soaking up some sun.

Wrong.

As I reached the top of my stairs I saw him staring at the oven. Hmm. Did I drop a piece of eggplant from my pizza? 

Wrong again.

He'd finally captured the lizard that  lived here before either of us and had him pined under his paw. I scooped Nico up and as he wiggled and clawed to the best of his ability, I took him downstairs and threw him in my room. Of course as soon as I removed the cat threat, Mr. Lizard wedged himself between my kitchen cabinet and wall. Crud.

When I made it back up the stairs I was freaked out about a lizard in my kitchen. Icky ick ick. So I took a box (since I have a surplus) and walled off the rest of the kitchen with it and a towel...in hopes that the lizard would use this path through my laundry room out the patio door that is a metal door with lots of openings but can still be deadbolt. Hey, if they use them in nature to prevent road kill, maybe this Italian lizard would get it?

Yes. These are the things that go through my head.

At any rate, it was a great soccer match- the Blue Dragons added another win to their season and they actually applied what we taught them in practice!

When I got home, I was still freaked out by the fact there may be a lizard in my kitchen but I was tired (it was hot in the sun) and crashed on the couch. Nico still doesn't get this nap time but he will one day. When I finally woke up once again Nico was MIA.

Seriously, his collar with a bell needs to arrive ASAP.

After searching downstairs, upstairs, and the roof I heard a little "miao" (remember- he's Italian). Once again going on the roof, I saw him pacing on the neighbor's patio, apparently stuck. With some spider like abilities I got as close as I could to him, but the dork wouldn't jump up on the platform. Then I realized that not only is there a window, but also a door from our main stairwell to this balcony area. I had to un-barricade the door but I rescued him.

As I told a coworker later, who needs the Fire Department? Although...

Another Holiday @ Carney Park

Yep. Tonight was spent in Carney Park with a ton of kids dressed in costumes trick or treating around the cabins decked out in decorations. I've got to admit, it was pretty cool and if you're in a country that has only recently started to participate in the tradition of knocking on neighbors' doors asking for candy it's the way to go. I'm sure that Halloween night on base will be like most American neighborhoods but tonight was as much Halloween-ness as I needed.

Many of my soccer kids had told me what their costumes were going to be so I searched through the super heroes, princesses, pirates, and Mario Brother's finding them. I've got to admit- I was pretty successful!

One of my coworker's sons gave me his trick-or-treat punch card when it was time to go. If that's not love from a 4 year old, I'm not sure what is! He's also the one that is about 2 days from packing up his things and coming to live with me since I have a cat and live above a pizzeria.

Once all "my families" left, I headed back over to the food booth to hang out with Joe who was the one who encouraged me to go in the first place. His department was passing out candy at a cabin and on BBQ duty to fund raise. Hanging out with his coworkers was entertaining. Very entertaining. After we once again established that I'm "just Katie" one guy actually thought that I was his daughter. Um yeah. Did I mention this was an alcohol free event? We got a good laugh out of that one.

Um yeah, that's about it.

Nope. No pictures. I know, I've been slacking lately- mi dispiace!

6 Months Removed from the 831

Six months ago I was about to set off on quite possibly the biggest adventure I have had to date- moving clear across the world. Early today while reflecting on who I've met, what I've seen, where I've been, and what I've accomplished I had to laugh. Never in a bazillion years could I have predicted 85% of these things 6 months ago. I had to laugh even more when I pulled up a blog entry written the night before I left Monterey. For those of you who were around when I was packing up my traveling show here's just a little more of what was going on in my head and causing restless nights in between running around like a mad woman:

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The End of an Era

So I'm back to the land of misery or being a "poopy pants" as Andie has dubbed it. You think I'd be over this feeling since it happens several times a year; it's the same mood that I slip into when a friend that may as well be family moves. I guess in a way it's similar because in both cases I feel like I'm losing a part of myself?

This morning when I opted for a walk around base I couldn't help but tear up as I recalled countless friends, coworkers, classes, antics, and memories that took place in all those buildings, streets, and walkways. For so many years (even before being an employee) memories have been formed within those gates- late night basketball games, pool trips, sleep overs, field trips, 8th grade graduation. Never in a million years would I have imagined that I'd walk across that stage again but this time for a MBA, run countless miles within that fence, or meet some of the most amazing people ever.
 

No doubt about it, NPS and even more so, Monterey has played a HUGE roll in my past. It's where I call home. It's where 95% of my defining moments have taken place. It's where I've always returned to when school got too tough or I just needed a place to escape the insanity. Yes, I will still be able to return here but it's no longer 2 hours up the road...it's going to take the better part of a 24 hour day, 9 time zones, and a pricey ticket.
 

I just don't get it. I want to leave Monterey. I have ever since returning in 2005. My plan was to be out of here in 6 months. SIX MONTHS. It's now been 5 years, 4 months, and 2ish weeks and I'm finally doing what I set out to do and the fear is freezing me in my tracks.
 

The multitude of speed bumps have all been removed: paperwork complete, tickets purchased, romantic interests over, friends planning moves, packing, moving, ending work, and yet I am still trying to slow down just enough to take this all in. Oh the irony. I think I am crazy. Just a week ago I was complaining of boredom but I guess that was before I had a set date for departure? Funny how once things fell into place, I once again fell apart. I don't think major life goals are supposed to do that to you---are they?
 

So many cheesy sayings come to mind- don't be afraid of change...be afraid of not changing, a new chapter can't start until the current one ends, nothing ventured...nothing gained..and I agree with all of them. No doubt about it, I want this job. I want to live in Italy. I'm excited for what the next 3 years hold- personally, professionally, and just the experience...but I still want my family to be 20 minutes away and to be surrounded by friends. I know that when I started at NPS there were few friends here and I slowly expanded my groups when new cohorts arrived and introductions made and the same will happen in Italy.
 

One thing for sure, I want nothing more than to just get on a plane...even if that means a scene in the Monterey airport tomorrow night with my family. Ugh, I better start getting hydrated today.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 

For the record my parents and I didn't make a scene in the airport. Sure there were hugs and a few tears but being the incredible parents that they are, they understood that Italy was going to be great for me and encouraged me through my mini breakdowns just days before departure. I think the bigger scene was my brother and I hugging it out in our front yard. Yes. I do love my family. But you see, that's just it. They are my family no matter what and although I miss them a ton (mainly because I wish they were here to experience all of this with me) at the end of the day I know they are still just a phone call away or internet permitting a video chat away. 

Um where was I going with all of this? Yeah, not sure and since I don't have a GPS directing me I guess what I'm trying to say here is I've survived 6 months in Italy! 

***Major Firework Display***
 

In these 6 months...

• I finally believe the "I love it" coming out of my mouth when asked how I like Naples.
• I'm making huge strides in learning the new job (I even know how to correct the mistakes I still make, after identifying my own mistakes...takes talent, I know).
• I haven't regretted making this move.
• Friendships are being formed (even if at times I feel like this is a smaller community than Monterey with all the shared friends).
• Military uniforms no longer hold a strange power over me. I guess seeing them every day has conditioned me? That or the lack of green ones...

 Looking towards the next 6 months I hope to:

• Find a pasta that I can't live without.
• Hold a conversation with my land lady- in Italian.
• Fit into my clothes/keep the pizza belly in check.
• Figure out where they sell fireworks- the one year mark deserves real ones :)

Yep. I think that's about all I have to say on this topic. My apologies for another episode of "Katie's Ramblings" but I really want to keep tabs on these milestones because it helps me keep everything in perspective. Sure I'm living in Italy but it's not always filled with wine, amazing food, and trips despite what my pictures may indicate and I want to really capture my entire experience.

Rent Payment #3: La dolce vita!

It's hard to believe that I moved into my place 2 months ago. I'm not sure if that's due to the stacks of boxes and packing material still lining my entry way, my partially furnished rooms, or the fact that I'm never really here but alas, the calendar told me rent was due.

First things first. It absolutely sucks to get handed a stack of cash (of the American dollar variety) from one bank and take it to the Italian bank to only get a thinner stack of monopoly money handed back. I seriously had to take a second look today since rather than 50E notes I was handed 100E notes making the swap even more pathetic. (I think this is why I stick to the ATM when I just need market money since I don't have to think about the real conversion rate.)

Cash in hand, yes-I pay in cash here, I knocked on my neighbor's door. (It's pretty much a cash economy which is killing me not only for purchase tracking but also on all my cash back awards from my credit cards.) 

Timidly Signora de Scotto opened the door but a big smile crossed her face as she recognized me and beckoned me in the kitchen, pulling out a chair for me to sit. After our business was over (signing the receipt/passing off the skinny stack of funny green (yet sparkly) euros), we chatted. Well, more like the game of charades that her husband and I always play. Once again my early AM departures was brought up and then I heard caffe. I honestly thought she was asking if I liked drank it with getting up so early and the next thing I knew she was rising up from the table to make me some. She tinkered around the kitchen and before I knew it a slice of panettone was in front of me. I know it was panetonne since when I mentioned torta, I was corrected.

I tired to ask about the rain but she started talking about the doors to the driveway. I haven't hit them that many times. (Shush Joe. Right now. Just shush. I haven't seen you bring your car through the gate since it arrived.) She wasn't talking about that but rather once again telling me that they keep it closed for security. Well, maybe. Then she thought I was asking about the blinds for my windows and mentioned that I'm never home, not even on the weekends.

Wow. I just realized the few sentences that would have taken had we both understood the same language would have taken 60 seconds. As it is, with her extremely limited English and my pathetic Italian it took way too long. Our game of this continued for some time (I was there over an hour!) until her phone rang. Several times she had mentioned that she'd call her son but because of the time difference he wasn't available but that he could be our translator.

The phone caller wasn't him, but a friend who works at the posta and although said she didn't have a great English vocab set she did so I let her know. That's right, the phone was handed to me. It was only then the whole blinds/doors thing got figured out. Want to know what started it? I was asking her for the word for rain in Italian and apparently my gesture for rain looked more like pointing at the curtains? So much for my charade skills! Once we both hung up with her, I told her that I'll have Enzo let her know when I'll be home. I also was told when the owner (her son) will be in town. Now I have motivation to get this place cleaned up/unpacked and to also figure out what else needs to be taken care of.

With my sunflower espresso mug empty, a few crumbs on my plate, and our conversation topics exhausted I started to shift in my seat to get up. She asked if I'd like more cake to go. After a few seconds of hesitation I said sure and about a 1/4 of the entire thing was in front of me to take home. The look of "oh wow, that's a whole lot of cake" must have been on my face since she told me "breakfast."

That's it. I'm sold.

The woman is telling me to eat cake for breakfast. I knew this was the right place for me.

Una Lettera

Ciao amici,

Sono a Monte di Procida e un 'po stanca. Voglio raccontarti che cosa faccio ogni giorno: tutti i giorni escluso Sabato e Domenica, nella mattina vado in ufficio alle sette meno quindici e bevo caffè con colleghi di lavora. Alle dodici vado al lezione de Italiano. Dopo lezione, vado in uffico e ci resto fino alle quattro e mezzo. Vado ala macchina a mia casa ma e traffico. Dopo cena scrivo email e dormo.

Sabato e Domenica no lavoro in ufficio; lavoro a casa. Vado a Carney Park per calcio. Qualche volta vado a pizzeria con amichi. Nico dorme tutti giorno. Corro con Le Piume Nere quando Stanley è bene.

Amo l'Italia, ma perdere tutti voi. E sì, ho dovuto usare Google Translate per aiutare con questa lettera ... ho finito solo una classe italiana.

 

Ciao Ciao e bacio bacio. 

Katerina

The Napping House

Growing up I remember this one book we read. It was one of those books that I'd read a lot (probably because it was one of the few I could read at the time) and I'm pretty sure it had a blue cover. The title of the book was The Napping House. Well, I think that's what it was called. Yep. Google just confirmed both the title and the blue hue to the graphics.

At any rate, when all I want to do is nap I somehow think about this book and then dub my place "the napping house." Funny how little things like that stick. Well, today was a napping day although between soccer coach duties calling me to the field at 0900, cleaning the upper level of the house, and then watching a rugby game no nap was had. (Major sad face.)

Pure laziness set in once I returned home from my Cuma adventure. How lazy? I was too lazy to even walk down stairs to order a pizza for dinner. Popcorn is a suitable dinner- right? I may rethink that one mid 10K race tomorrow morning but breakfast should fuel that endeavor.

Sorry, I'm rambling.

As I sat here at my computer catching up on the latest Facebook posts, deleting emails from my out of control inbox, and chatting with friends Signore Nico decided I was boring. I didn't know where he went until I turned on the light here in the sunroom (can't have too many lights on or else it's the Katie Show for all my neighbors!) and saw the little guy using Mr. Rat as a pillow. He apparently is all for the napping house!

Well, then again...it is almost 10pm. With my luck he's going to wake up when I carry him downstairs and my feet won't be safe as I try to get to sleep.

Reasons to Visit Me

• I live in Italy.
• I can't locate funfetti cake mix here so pack a box and we'll bake cupcakes, cookies, or cake(pops). Don't forget the frosting!
• From my patio you can see pretty much the entire Bay of Naples, Capri, Procida, and Ischia.
• My house is within walking distance to a fabulous wine bar.
• You love me and let's face it, life just isn't the same with out seeing me 24/7 talking about "when I leave Monterey." (It's okay- I miss you too!)
• Curiosity has gotten the best of you and you want to check out my rooftop that Nico just adores.
• If you don't care for wine, the bread shop and cheese shop are a lot closer. 
• You want to be mentioned in a blog when I retell the adventures we've had.
• I live above a pizzeria. Joe, the owner, has already told me that if I ever want a special order pizza to just let him know the night before (you know, around midnight) so he can call include it with his order for the next day. And yes, he speaks English.
• My exit from town could be from the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, especially when I'm humming the theme song.
• You will learn first hand how the real events get transformed into postings suitable for public viewing.
• Extra help is always appreciated...especially when I still have boxes creating an agility course for Nico.

Siena: My 1st Trail Run

Conclusion of the weekend: I make stupid decisions about future running events at the conclusion of a running event. Well, maybe not stupid but the sense of accomplishment combined with endorphines, encouragement from others, and just having fun in Italy really messes with my decision making process.

Katie's decisions of the weekend? Oh I'm running a 1/2 marathon from Rome to Ostia in late February and then running the Rome Marathon in late March. Why not? When in Rome- right?  But yes, if I'm really doing those races that probably has you thinking that this weekend's trail 10K went well and you're 100% correct!

Super early (like 0615 early on a Saturday) I met up with other members of Le Piume Nere and the packed bus and several filled cars made our way up to Siena for the weekend filled with sightseeing, pasta, and yes, running events (42K, 18K, and 10Ks- for us "losers").

After a typical Italian lunch complete with more wine than even the group could consume it was time to hit Siena for a short sightseeing trip. We walked through the main entrance to the city, the inscription above us of Cor magis tibi Siena pandit proved true- Siena's heart was wider than the gate. Once again I saw images in front of me that more closely matched what I had envisioned my  new home in Naples would be- dang movies set in Italy. The streets of Siena were very cute winding within the wall remaining from many (many) years ago. We visited the main square where twice  a year (June and August) 10 of the neighborhoods within the city race their horse against the other neighborhoods. Nope, not all the horses get to compete- this is all very serious. Just how serious? The horses get blessed by the priests and they put padding on the corners of the buildings to protect the horses. Sounds like the kind of races this SB should be part of...

As the sun set the city a-glowing in a shade of California gold with a touch of Tuscan red the bus took us back to the tiny town we were staying in the night before the race. Given a short time to ditch our bags in the rooms and throw on another layer, it was time to head back onto the bus for round two of pasta. Standing in the line waiting to eat we were outside freezing but the time was passed laughing about suggesting we'd be served the same thing for dinner as we had for lunch.

The joke was on us as we walked through the door and saw the same spread: sliced meats, cheese, bread, pasta, and pork. The pesto pasta was an addition from lunch, as were the green beans that I couldn't get enough of. As shirts, race bibs, and instructions were passed out our 10K group realized that not only were we not getting shirts (eh, let the marathon runners and 18Kers have those) but no bib either. Although not thrilled about this, since really all I ask for is a race bib if I'm running in an event- I want to look official, we starting talking about making our own numbers. Turns out that we did have cards that were supposed to be on our person. A 5x7 green cardstock weight "card" with our name, event, club affiliation, but no official number. This realization further our talks of our Loser 10K Club and sparked the L gang sign.

Although there was the opportunity to run the 18K instead, Stanley opted out. Yes. I have to make these decisions with my knee. We decided that although the miles were possible...the terrain was less than ideal despite what we were told. (More on that in a minute.)

Race day we woke up and moved out bundled in more layers than are needed even at 0500 in Monterey. While on the bus the conclusion came that a) we needed L's to identify us as 10Kers (since the green cards weren't enough) and b) that we were going to write our own numbers on the cards. We did both. A small "L" in eye liner branded each of us a 10K loser for the day...talk about team building! Around this time we kicked off the real runners (well maybe it was time for them to leave, but I'm telling this story) and the bus took us 10K away from the finish line to our starting point. It was our turn to leave the warmth of the bus and whatever gear we didn't want to carry with us along the finish line- like our jackets. Brrrr.

Packed in the streets and small court yard with other participants I couldn't help but notice some of the hiking poles in the hands of older people.

Really?

I (now) knew this was a trail run but I haven't seen anything of David Ave or even Pt. Lobos status.

Distracted by the movement of the crowd pushing us out towards the start we were once again distracted by the view of vineyards and hills with the sun not too high in the sky. Where the race actually started, I still can't tell you. You know how it is, a ton of people too dense to really move around? Yeah. Add dogs and those hiking poles to a gravel road winding down a hill and you see 4 Americans, 2 Germans, and an Italian offroading it. As if that doesn't sound entertaining let me mention that one of the Americans was in jeans and carrying a camera taking pictures of the others. Andrew opted out run the morning of, but being the good sport he is still traveled the course as our paparazzi capturing a million pictures. 

The course was tough. Trail running in this case translated into running on gravel roads through vineyards with the occasional paved driveway and dirt paths. Mind you there were several “ant hills” as described by another member of LPN. Yep, a delusional member. At the conclusion of the race we all referred to it as the mountains of death. Around the 8K mark, after a downhill stretch) it was hike in the woods time on a serious incline. Walk it? Yep!

The last stretch was fabulous, mainly because it was on paved road, but I was also jamming out to “Heard it through the grape vine” while running among grape vines. One of the families told me that they were cheering for me but I was clearly in the zone. Hey, if I can’t sing at the gym you better believe I’ll be rocking out while running outside. 

I finished the event right around an hour and 11 minutes…not bad considering the break I took for the uphill hike. I had to turn in my card, but they gave me a pasta party ticket. The same food for a 3rd serving of the same food? No thanks. We waited for the rest of our club and luckily they had the same sentiments that we did regarding the pasta party so we found a pizza place. A pizza place with beer. The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around the town and just hanging out laughing way too much but having a great time.
 

Proud (Kitty) Mama Moment

Today Nico had his first vet appointment. I don't think he knew what his day had in store as we drove out of our drive way at 615 this morning. He was rather upset that he had to be in his carrier, but the unknown of what type of cat I'd have while driving through the gate, and images of Nico hopping out the window kept flashing through my mind made me do it.

He was a great guard cat with formerly White Rat, while I was trying to cram way too much into my morning before it was time to head out to his appointment. As we drove to the other base I let him run around so of course he curled up on my lap....I guess he was cold since it was rather cold and rainy today. Although he wasn't thrilled to get back in his carrier, he did and into the dog filled waiting room we went.

How was Nico? Fabulous. He gave each of those dogs the stare down and didn't hiss, growl, or meow....not even when the Lady look alike got super close to his cage! When it was our time to head back he walked out on the table as to say "okay, I'm here Doc...do your best" as he walked right onto the scale. He's 6.25 pounds. In between being poked, prodded, and violated he kept his teeth and claws to himself.

With a few tags, a negative reading on the big 3, & several admirers Nico loaded back up into the crate and once again got in the car. We had two more stops before heading back to the office and after each one he was sitting on the seat staring out the window for me. Like a dog. As we got back to my office I promised him only a little longer- an hour at max.

Good thing cats can't tell time! I didn't mislead him too badly and freed him from his prison for the drive home. By the time it was really rainy so he enjoyed watching the rain fall on the windows from his co-pilot seat.

Hours later my baby kitty is still following his normal afternoon schedule of tearing around the apartment, racing me up the stairs, and tracking me down when he realizes I've left the room. If he can face all of this he can totally survive being home alone right? Time to go start "Nico proofing" the house.

Alarming Moments- Part II

This evening as I waited for the doors to swing open (well, whatever the Italian version of swinging open would be since it takes some time) I noticed that my neighbor was waiting at the base of the stairs. After he helped by motioning left/right while I pulled in- I think that he really doubts my driving ability- it looked like he still wanted to talk.

Radio off.

Passenger side window down.

As I was trying to figure out why he making fists and making an alarm sound I realized that he was saying my alarm went off. Once I nodded saying I understood he said “pizzeria, speaks English.” Oh crud…what happened? And wasn’t I just thinking on my drive home that I have to remember to turn off the alarm before opening the door?

I walked back out to the street where he was still waiting for me, still “telling me” what he needed to in addition to “okay.” He also made some sort of motion and yipping noise so I asked “il gatto?”

We walked next door and poor Joe (the pizza man) knew right away that his translation skills were needed…and he fessed up that the previous tenant also needed his translation skills which was a huge weight lifted from me because here I thought I was the American Girl who didn’t know any Italian that the Navy sent to Italy…

At any rate, the story came out that my alarm had gone off about 10 minutes prior (phew, not at 0600) and make its lovely noises for 3 minutes. Both assured me that they didn’t see anyone and that MdP really is a safe place. After all of us throwing out our suggestions: sensors not really turned off, il gatto, a window/door not really shut, etc I was once again told that someone is always next door and they keep an eye on everything. (I believe this since I still get the stare down every time I’m driving to/from my place around town). It was also recommended that I contact the guy to come look at it again. Um okay- you don’t have to tell me twice.

So in summary, we still don’t know why the alarm went off. Nico and I did a walk through (poor little guy was freaked out) and found all the doors/window secured and everything there it was when I left hours prior.

Falling into Fall

I listen to country music and as most of you are aware, lyrics from various songs often appear in a status update or get quoted back to you when we're in the middle of serious chat. Like so many times before today I caught myself humming a song while I was walking along. What was the tune? Goodbye Earl I mean what screams a crisp October morning more than a little Dixie Chicks?

{Stay with me here...especially if you just watched that music video and think that I'm a violent person}

I mean where other than country music can you get lyrics like "the weeks went by and spring turned to summer and summer faded into fall and it turned out Earl was a missing person who nobody missed at all"? But (like always) I digress. For some reason the part about the seasons changing has always stuck with me and I like the image of summer fading into fall.

Okay and we're back to fall. No doubt about it that the end of summer was a good week or two back. Although I'm still quite happy in a dress and sandals, sweaters are quickly becoming mandatory and my jacket collection beckons me to the back of my closet every morning when I'm tossing clothes into a gym bag. Wait. Maybe that's just the full blast AC in the new office? No lo so.

Truth is though, I really don't know. Growing up in Monterey we pretty much had the same weather throughout the year- fog. On lucky days the fog would stay away and if we were really lucky, a heatwave of 70 degree weather would hit. Granted, out in Toro the degrees between the year high and low had a better range and some trees dropped leaves, but I have a feeling what I'm about to experience here will be a lot different. Well maybe- there doesn't seem to be a ton of trees around so rather than leafless trees I guess I'll measure the people-less beaches? Stay tunned for more updates as we get further into this season I sure don't know a lot about.

Grape Stomping- Check!

That's right- grape stomping. And no, it wasn't like in I Love Lucy or that viral news clip where the news reporter takes a major spill. This was the full Italian experience (from many decades past) recreated for us Americans. But I really couldn't think of a better way to spend the sunny hours of the day than out in the vineyard filling crates of grapes, squishing them, and then sitting at a table that sat 50+ chatting with people I've previously met through Girl Scouts, running events, VBS, soccer, and even on last week's wine tour. Talk about a small community!

With nothing more than being handed a shirt, hat, and knife we were directed to go pick grapes- the green grapes. Luckily the vineyard had some time to dry out from last night's torrential downpour. Just a little. Although it wasn't muddy, the soil was very soft (like it was volcanic ash or something) and beautiful! Our two crates were filled pretty fast- I mean with the grapes trained to grow to the lower branches makes it very easy. It may not have been gleaning but it was still a blast oh and the grapes were yummy. Actually eating a grape or two from the vine grossed me out since they were covered with a blue powder and my hands were rather muddy, but Joe convinced me I wouldn't die and they were really good so I had to try them. I was more focused on figuring out just how many grapes were needed to make a glass, bottle, case of wine...with the efforts of all us I'm pretty sure 1/4 of their vineyard was harvested. And it really was a group effort- even the little kids (pint sized ones that were swimming in their shirts) were handed knives to join in. (Only in Italy.)

 Feeling somewhat accomplished, but really dirtier more than anything else, we headed to the restaurant side of things and found out that Joe already knows half the people I know because they work for him. Go figure. Oh well- I had grapes to stomp. And stomped I did. It was rather gross feeling because as one mentioned, there were cold and warm spots which made her asking if someone had peed in the tub. Ick. It actually felt more like cold dish water with food particles in it...again, ick. (That's that look on my face that was captured but I assure you it was fun.) Once our feeties were clean we sat down for lunch. The lunch was in true Italian fashion: a ton of food spread out over multiple courses and 2+ hours. The conversations were entertaining and perfect timing since it's almost olive harvest and I learned that we had to head north for the first pressing for the best oil ever. In between glasses of wine, plates of food, and laughter we'd play the "name that cheesy 80s song" being played game. Well, I kind of lost since I think I was the only 20-something there and someone who shall remain nameless said I pretty much was grouped in with her kids. HA. I'm not that young.

The final event of the day was when they poured the crushed (stomped) grapes into an old press. Apparently someone had asked about the grape juice and they were bottling it up. Um yeah. Ick. I declined bringing home a bottle of it. What would you do with it? Boil it into a syrup? Any idea how many feet were in there?! Rumor has it too that their white wine wasn't all that great which is why the bottles of red were drained rather quickly from our tables. 

At any rate, it was a fabulous day and I really am glad that at the last minute plans were changed from beer and balloon festival to grape harvesting. I think I'll try to stick with all things Italian this first year for festivals and then branch out. Next festival on my schedule is the chestnut festival in early November but of course I also hope to hit up the Apple festival, but in the mean time I need to lay off the food and get running. Tomorrow is 5K number 4 of the year and then next weekend I'll be in Siena for a 10K (oh, and more food). Seriously. This is ITALY. You really can't avoid food without missing out on a ton of the culture so just balance it with plenty of running and stick to not being a huge fan of pasta and you'll be good- trust me.

Trieste

Is it possible to experience culture shock within different parts of the country you live in? I mean, I guess I'd experience some major shock had I been offered the job in Mississippi but I would have figured that Naples has provided enough shocks for all of Italia.

Don't get me wrong- I often find "different" just the thing I'm looking for but after spending less than 24 hours in Trieste and back in Naples (okay, MdP) I'm still trying to really process what we found after a short hour-ish flight north. Sure the signs were still in Italian, scooters and mini cars filled the streets, and the caffe bar on every corner confirmed we were still in Italy, however, the politeness of drivers as they obeyed traffic laws, the clean streets aligned by  carefully planted flowers, the clear blue sky, and just a hint of "fall" in the breeze sent my brain spinning through all the places I've been to figure out just where I really was. Austria was my conclusion...but it smelled like Lake Tahoe in the fall. Um yeah, neither locations are Trieste, but if you've been to either I guess that gives you an idea as to what Trieste is sort of like.

So what was I doing there? Official work business. Although I refer to it as my crash course in all things N7, it pretty much was a "let's let Katie go see what we actually do." Which was great! I mean, I have a passport and am ready to travel pretty much within a few hours time. Once on site, I was given the tour by both our local engineer (who traveled with me) and the port engineer in charge of this major project. I met the Captain of the ship and was "live on location" when the weekly Tuesday conference call took place. I was also there when my coworker was emailed about funding and was able to mostly put it in non finance terms to make sure there were a few less questions. We spent hours at the dock and I loved it all!

Walking up the gangway I was immediately transported back to my 2 months at sea on the Golden Bear. Well, it was a lot different since this ship was not in water. None. This ship was balancing on blocks and that's it. It was amazing and I was in awe as I was in the dry dock staring up at the huge ship above, yes ABOVE, me. My coworker was awesome as he showed me around the ship and introducing me to the crew since he visits this ship a fair amount. We were lead on an engine room tour and as we climbed ladders, dodged chains, and jumped rails I almost regretted my one time thought of joining the Navy. Of course this was one of those "only thought about it for a few days" things but being back on the ship really made me think about it again. (Don't worry, it's already left my mind...I'm happy just working for them.)

After a super long day that started in the office before catching the mid morning flight we ventured into the downtown area of Trieste to locate our hotel. Side note- I'm really beginning to believe that the GPS has issues and not me since we had major issues locating things. Granted, finding a ship isn't really the easiest thing when you're in a city with multiple ports (or so I've been told) but we made it and it didn't take us that much longer to get there. It was sort of fun asking locals for directions (yes, in Italian...my travel buddy has lived here multiple years) but even with that we ended up just voting on which way to turn at intersections. Hey- I've found my sense of adventure! And yes, we did find the ship.

Once settled in, sort of rested, and cleaned up we ventured around town in search of food but since we had over an hour to kill before dinner really started we just walked around the streets we had previously driven. Being so far north, it turns out that some of the buildings had been built when it was part of Austria (go Katie's brain). There were still plenty of Roman ruins though and churches with bells announcing the hour, half hour, and even quarter hour.

As we walked around town another "oh wow" moment struck me- there were plenty of dogs around but they were on leashes being walked by their owners or waiting patiently next to a table on a patio. They were also not quite our Naples variety of mutts but terriers, bull dogs, and other recognizable breeds. Again, picture Carmel and that was sort of the image but you got to keep in mind that for several months now I haven't seen what used to be my all so familiar sights so it just caught me a tad off guard.

The evening was filled with food and when we thought we couldn't eat any more- we found gelato. So many choices but my final pick was pera and I didn't regret it one bit. The rest of the evening was spent taking in a few more local sights of "Trieste's most important....statue, building, tower, church, lamp post" and just having fun. At some point of the night we realized just how close we were to another ship of ours and thought to call back to the office to see if we could head down there but then figured with the office move it probably wasn't the best thing. Well, turns out the boss kicked himself for not realizing how close were were tot he other ship and said if asked we would have heard "yes." Grr. Oh well! Just saving that travel money for another trip hopefully not before too long.

Nico's First Overnight!

I may possibly have the strangest cat ever.

Tonight once I made it downstairs to the car with him in his carrier and his overnight bag the little dork wouldn't shush. Feeling horrible that he'd been alone for over 12 hours (even though Jess ran him around this morning) I let him out of his crate. After the initial 3 minutes of looking out the window and checking out the car he just plopped down in the passenger seat. My cat is awesome. He was just sitting there talking to me- probably telling me just what he thought of me leaving him alone all day. I told him he's in for a busy next 2 days with the Robinson kids plus their new little fur ball.

It's really hard for me to be the only one in the house but it is sort of nice to not fear for my life while going up or down the stairs. *Sigh* What's a girl to do? A) I realize I'm talking way to much about this cat to be healthy and B) I love to travel but leaving him behind is just too much. M&D- be warned, he just may be headed home with me whenever that may be :)

Signore's Sixty Second Segment

4 Months!

I’ve survived 4 full months in Naples. It’s crazy that 4 months have passed but at the same time I feel like I’ve been here forever. This last month in particular has just flown by; I barely remember my first 3 months in the Navy Lodge! Even looking back at pictures and previous posts there are already things I don’t remember. This is bad because I’m the one who always remembers things, but it just goes to show that this blog really is a good idea to maintain a historical record.  

At any rate, the days continue to fly by filled with the good, bad, and stinky. Work continues to be a challenge (what I wanted- right?). Unpacking/setting up house continues to make microscopic progress (Nico isn’t too helpful with this). Nights are filled with Bible study, coaching soccer, Italian classes, and if I’m lucky, hanging out with friends before turning into a pumpkin when the clock strikes 10. The trash piles continue to reach towards the sky. Smoke plumes continue to fill the air with the stench of trash, smoke, rubber and the smell I just call “Naples.”

This weekend flew by too fast and I find that this morning I’m not operating at my normal maniac Monday pace. Last week was a challenge (to say the least), but we survived. This week has already proved to slow down, however with our upcoming office move to an even deeper level of dungeon (which just may as well be another circle of hell) it’s going to be an interesting week. I also get to head to Trieste tomorrow for a quick over night trek to try to get a handle on what we actually do here at SSU. Wait. Let me re-phrase. I’m going to see how my funding documents translate into huge contracts and work being done on the ships. It may be my nerdy side shinning through but I am rather excited to see a ship out of water and see some of the things that I’ve sent funding through for. But I digress; this post is supposed to be about this last weekend, not the upcoming week.

This weekend was a hodgepodge of events: Italian cover bands of Queen, pink shirted men, the Blue Dragons amazing their coaches with a 12-0 shutout, repair guys (4 in total-including Fabio), full combat shopping at Ikea, watching team Napoli play a blow out game with lots of Italians in a local restaurant, the best gnocchi ever (with so much cheese it tasted like mac-n-cheese), wine tasting, wine purchasing, a ton of food, and my first out of town visitor! Phew. No wonder I’m tired! Nowhere in that list of events do you see “nap time” or “sleeping in.”

Now that your brains are probably trying to process what I meant by a few of those events I’ll explain. I recommend grabbing a cup of coffee (or Diet Coke depending on what time zone you’re in) since it’s going to be a long one…

Friday afternoon I didn’t leave the office until much later than planned on account I was waiting for a last minute contract to be issued. No big deal since it gave me time to chat with OG and GWB and wish them a very happy New Year’s and catch up on the latest and greatest happenings at NPS. Nothing like these chats to re-affirm that leaving was quite possibly the best decision I made all year, but at the same time realize just how much I miss these two. Pretty much 90% of my fondest memories from NPS involve these two so it’s been somewhat of a challenge adjusting to work without them here calling me up for coffee breaks, arranging “walk abouts”, & yes, evening long TRTs. (I really am looking for jobs out here for you both- just get those passports already!)

After taking off from the office, with FY11 in the books, I headed home to harass Nico for a while before heading back out to The (World Famous) Agora Hotel for their end of summer BBQ and performance by a Queen cover band. As planned, the group of folks Joe has bonded with were all sporting their pink outfits. Let me just tell you, grown men can pull off pink, but they really should avoid sequins. Trust me. While we visited and stacked empty cups, the lead singer of the band in his white track pants pulled way above his natural waist, bright yellow buckled jacket, and scary mustache danced his way around the pool singing 80s songs. At one song, he decided to strip the shirt…my eyes, my eyes. (Tracy, I think you got a picture of this? And please don’t believe a word Joe text.) After a successful kick off to FY12 I made my way back home.

Signore Nico was rather frustrated when I walked through the door at a rather late hour of the night, but luckily didn’t wake up because I needed my sleep before the big soccer game the next morning. The Blue Dragons dominated the field- 12-0. It was pretty even (1-0) at the end of the first quarter but then our super stars were put in and well, that’s when our score started to increase. Seriously, you really can’t explain to 7 and 8 year olds why they need to stop scoring so we gave up and just tried to move them into different positions. Eh, what can you do?

Next stop for my Saturday was to meet the repair folks at my place to install the shower box around my bathtub, evaluate why I can’t get hot water in the other shower, trouble shoot my shutters, and replace the light above the stove. Simple enough- right? Well they didn’t speak English and although they had an idea what needed to be done it was still fun to explain why the flush button was off the wall since I had to take the panel off to stop the continual running of water the night before.  I was upstairs while they were working downstairs and when I heard the land lady also down there I walked down to say hi. Apparently only of the 3 guys was working and the other 2 with the land lady were just standing in my bedroom chatting away. Strange? Yes, but this is Italy after all. Upstairs we went and while I was struggling with my Italian homework. 

Everything that needed to be looked at was- even with them trying to show me that the shutters really do work and that I was just closing them wrong. Really? While they were taking a break while one of them ran around the corner to the hardware store the other 2 asked about il gatto so I pointed to Nico out in his planter box stalking them. They both went out and started talking to him and I guess he liked what he heard since he was Mr. Social at that point. Not too long after that I hear a new person in my apartment- but at my second glance I realized I knew him. It was Fabio (my alarm guy) who came by I guess to help translate? Still I was happy to see him and we finally figured out which sensor was going off when it shouldn't. 


The rest of Saturday was spent with Joe with a trip to Ikea and then dinning in a local restaurant while watching the Napoli game. (They won.) Watching the game with locals was hilarious. The staff was just standing behind the tables also watching the game. When Napoli scored hands flew up in the air, along with a piece of pizza or two. They sure love their soccer. 


Sunday it was out to Avelino for wine and food. We toured the Antica Hirpinia winery and tasted several of their wines. Were they good? Yes and at 5euro a bottle you can bet that I came home with a few bottles (like 6). Hey, Tanya did the same thing. After our wine tasting we headed over to a place not too far away for food. Between the snacks served with the wine and the encore of more of the same at this place I think I consumed more meat in 5 hours than I had all of the last 2 months...but it was so good. 


After being gone for hours, we headed back to the SS where I met up with a friend visiting from out of town. She followed me down to my place where she was just disgusted with my view and stated that she'd never come back. (Ha. She may have said these things but I don't believe her for a second.) 


So yeah, good weekend but busy. I owe you some pictures but for now just check out month 5 on my facebook page. :)

Just One of Those Moods...

I'm in one of those moods, so beware.
One of those moods that I just can't shake.
It's been coming on for a few days now and tonight it's reached the point of needing to spit everything out on this "sticky note" before cleaning it up, making sure I want to post it to the world, sitting on it and then posting it if you're reading it now.

Here are a few of my conclusions from earlier processing:

I like my job.
I'm still 100% happy with my decision flee Monterey, although I so very badly miss OG & GWB and our swapping of office nightmares over coffee or GG&Ts.
I probably have an Italian size portion of food on my social calendar (or more).
I'm not a very patient person- especially when it comes to being patient with myself.

Here it is the last Tuesday of FY11. Unlike end of fiscal years past, I'm still working like a mad woman making sure that ships repairs, travel, and other misc. expenses are received by 30 September so the payment is taken from the FY11 budget, not FY12. Stressful? Yes. New appreciation for the SPFAs I worked with? YES. Feeling exhausted way too early in the week? Yep.

It doesn't help that my supervisor (the comptroller) was out of the office until Thursday of last week on travel after leaving me a stack several folders high of things to process. Needless to say, the last 2ish weeks have been at a crazy pace. Actually with the exception of a few days every week has been at a crazy pace. Come to think of it, I was doing all my training at that point so the work probably was still crazy I was just oblivious. Nah, our AOR has been super busy (think issues in Northern Africa). How busy? We've already significantly more documents than last year.

All kidding aside that I just sat in my office at NPS, you all know I got my work done. Sure I'd put the tough stuff off for a little bit, but  if it was my responsibility I'd try to figure it out and it would get done. Unlike NPS though, we're sort of isolated out here (shoot, our HQ is in DC or VA or somewhere...I still don't get the organization structure, but from what I've heard neither does HQ). This means I can't just call the person who holds the same jobs as I do in the department next door. It means I get to call Bahrain or wait for it to be a decent hour in DC and pray that emails are checked.

Yes. I am playing the "I'm new card." It's only been 4 months and not even with all the time I've spent setting up my life in Naples and training. Seriously- if I'm still trying to play this card at the end of month 6 then you can roll your eyes. But yes, 4 months. That's 1/3 done of my "I can do anything for a year." I'd be lying if I said that didn't cross my mind earlier today when I had to get out my office because I was so frustrated with everything.  True it's only been 4 months so I really can't have a complete handle on everything but since when have I known to be a patient person? Sigh.  

***Alright so I've done some serious editing but I think you can get the gist of what's going on in my head and how my days are. Of course the lack of emails, FB posts, and blog posts also indicate that I get home, eat dinner,  and throw myself into bed. Here it is 1 October (HAPPY NEW YEAR) and I'm still anticipating a busy week...we move offices this week and rumor has it I'm going to TDY. Throw in class, coaching soccer....va bene. Seriously. I am choosing to do those things but really? Leaving the house when it's dark, walking to my office (from the gym), not seeing the sun unless I leave my office to grab coffee/food/escape) and then driving home as the sun sets really isn't working for me so it's time to reevaluate. Or else just go find some serious fun...like a wine trip tomorrow. I don't think I could have scheduled that one any better a month ago.