I <3 it when I'm reminded about things.
Today's reminder? Why Katie has never worked out during the workday.
And because it's me, I need more than a single reason or even 3 to make it a valid justification. So for the sake of passing this afternoon away and for your entertainment purposes, here's my top 10 reasons for why mid day workouts are not always a good idea for me:
10. I like to eat an early lunch and an 11 o'clock class sort of messes that up.
9. I see way too many folks from my shop at the gym over the lunch hour. That means they see me. Enough said.
8. Working out 6 days a week already provides a ton of laundry, but to do doubles 3 days a week? Sounds like time for shopping (yay!) but also I just saw a few hours of my weekend disappear with the additional laundry time. Remember- Italian sized washers are tiny! Re-using clothes is an icky icky option which means...not an option.
7. Being out of the office that long makes it awfully difficult to want to walk back when my car is a lot closer sitting in the parking lot.
6. Getting ready for a 2nd time in the day, although sometimes needed even without a workout, is a hassle. No makeup is not an option because my coworkers have the right to a "no fear" work environment.
5. By 9am I need to have some serious water in me. Water. Not coffee made from water. Although spots are pretty, they sort of mess with my squat, left kick, squat, right kick, jump, double hop form. And more importantly, make me a hazard to my neighbor and a huge risk to my Paris Marathon outcome.
(Sorry, needed a shudder break after thinking about putting nasty used gym clothes back on my body rather than in the laundry hamper. Oh and maybe a shower is needed too...)
4. I'm super competitive so of course I go to workout beast mode (stop laughing) and scare my coworkers into the back row of the class.
3. My poor little knee wants to be iced post work out; not be forced into a 90 degree angle as I sit.
2. I'm starving after a cardio class and when I eat through my healthy food (honest, almonds, rice and chicken with a few veggies with lots of water and some Gatorade) I'm headed straight to the candy dishes randomly stashed around my office. Note, not my desk but rather the wide open work station.
And the number 1 reason I don't work out in the middle of the day...
After I work out my arms and legs feel like Jell-O which means when my workload isn't all that busy I catch myself sitting here staring off into space.
Alright, time to get some work done and check out the class schedule for tomorrow's workout...
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Hohentübingen Castle & Tübingen
My tour guide led me around the quiet town, using the shoe-less guy on a bicycle statue as his reference point pointing out the cathedral and some strange architecture as we made our way up to the castle. The castle is now used by the university but still looks very much like a castle with it's two moats- one with a chair even in the corner of one. The view of the sleepy town below with snow on the roofs, and icicles hanging from eaves made a beautiful scene.After finding a safe route to descend the hill (the same way we headed up) we visited the main town square where I snapped a few pictures while glühwein was secured to warm us up. It was this point that the next destination was revealed to be visiting the grumpy men. Um. Okay. Why not? And since this part of the town was clearly one of his favorites, I'm going to let MAJ545 tell you all about it, it's just easier that way:
During Katie's visit to Germany and the day we visited Tübingen, I wanted to introduce Katie to my friends Fred and Stanley in a hidden sqare off the historic town center. Fred, you see, is a contankerous grumpy old fellow who bullies and takes out his frustrations on Stanley. Stanley is affiable goofy little fellow who takes Fred's abuse because he believes that Fred is a good individual who just needs a friend to vent on, which he takes and discards with a grain of salt.
On the particular day I introduced them to to Katie, we first visited the glühwein stand for a cup of hot wine (wine is always preferred when meeting up with these two), Fred was complaining about the cold, the abuse he receives from the local children (who hit him with paint balls) and why his wife lives on the tier below them. It was quite a heated conversation when we arrived, there was some hinting that Stanley had been visiting Fred's wife while Fred wasn't around, and after introductions Fred asked Katie for her point of view on the matter. Katie, ever the diplomat, asked not to get too involved, but after a few minutes tucked in with Fred and tried to block his insults to her knee's namesake. It took a few rounds and both of us getting involved but we were able to settle the matter and on a different note agreed to hunt down the birds that had left their marks on their bodies. After much searching, high and low, we were able to find their tracks but not able to locate their hiding areas. As we departed their square, we said our goodbyes and promised to visit again soon, but had to leave as there was much more to discover in Tübingen.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Hohenzollern Castle
Castle number one on the tour was Hohenzollern Castle. We headed into the valley with another guy from his office trying to figure out just where exactly we were heading. And when I say "we" I mean, the town was plugged into the GPS and it was my job to figure it out how to get there after that. Turns out they put the wrong person in charge. Why? Well, when asked if I saw the castle I was busy scanning the horizon, when I apparently should have been looking at the highest point on the mountain. Yep. Totally had the correct girl on navigator duty. Needless to say, we made it. A short bus trip got us up to the snowy covered castle. We were toured around the inside of the castle by a guide. In between sliding our huge slipper feet across the floors we tried to keep moving to avoid letting the chill set in. After a few minutes into it, we determined that she was the off season English tour guide as we played guess the world she is trying to figure out. It was alright though, kept my mind off my nose and ears slowly getting numb. Turns out that castles really are cold and my house just may be fabulous practice after all! So, after the tour here are our take-aways:
- It was originally built 1000 years ago but was rebuilt in current condition in 1800s.
- Wilhelm was imprisoned there after WWII for five years.
- It has a (creepy) dog on a knight's head in its coat of arms.
- 2/3s of the castle currently belongs to a 35 year old who lives in Berlin.
- Emperors don't wear crowns.
- Central heating doesn't exist in the place.
- The royal family has never actually lived in the castle.
- The sapphire in the crown is thought to be the largest one in all of Europe.
- There are two chapels on the grounds because unlike on a military base, Catholics and Protestants apparently can't worship in the same place.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Snowy Stuttgart
With quad chart of action plans in hand, contact information, maps, and knowing exactly where my extraction point was it was like I’d applied all my annual trainings for the arrival in Stuttgart. Or you know, I was emailed FOUO/Katie Specific classified information by my favorite Army guy in an effort to avoid a repeat performance of our now classic adventure tale in
At any rate, I was super excited to disembark the plane trying to figure out which plan I was going to follow and how much waiting time I was going to have. Okay, I was excited, but the previous night rainy cold night run, last minute packing, and crummy sleep had taken their toll, but as soon as I saw MAJ 545 on the other side of the luggage claim that was all pushed out of mind.
With the kick off of our adventure round going so well, it was a sign for a smooth sailing weekend right? Ha. Not quite, but what can you do but adjust to the potenital immediate departure of your adventure buddy if the call comes from the office? Luckily for us, contingency plans are something we're both oh too familiar with and once things settled down a tad, our snowy castle adventure began.
That's right- snow. Lots and lots of snow and temperatures registering in the negative range with a C following the number. Yes, it did take a few double takes for this California girl to register exactly what I was looking at when looking out the window and saw stuff floating down from the sky. But I did it. I travel to all these places to experience different things- like winter time in Germany. I can do this. Good thing MAJ545 is an east coast guy and is used to all this snow stuff...he's going to be the perfect guide!
Saturday, January 12, 2013
[X] Week 6
In summary, week 6 was filled with pain, nausea, and a tad more pain. Do I sound like I'm complaining about our 4 mths to a 4 hour marathon training program? I'm just relaying the messages that my muscles are sending my brain.
Moving our long run to Sunday from week 5 wasn't the smartest idea but we had to do it. This of course had us moving a short run off the schedule for a rest day. We sure needed that rest! When it was all said and done this week, I got 2 days of cross training in, sprints, and the long run...so minus the 30 & 40 minute runs (2). I'm okay with this since since sprints nearly had me feet up in the air on the side of the road and it was only a 6 x 400m week!
Oh well. Today's 8 miler went well. Nothing but sunshine and nature as we ran the most creative route through Carney Park. Mile 6ish made me regret throwing the first pair of socks I found on my feet, even when I knew they weren't running socks. Let's just say that as soon as my watched beeped for mile 8 that shoe was off my foot so fast I don't even think Lori knew what had happened.
Week 7 is going to be even more interesting as illnesses ware on, knees and hips are reminded just how holiday pounds impact the force exerted on them, and travel plans start mucking up the training schedule. 15 miles is the long run we've got in store for our holiday weekend...or you know Thursday after work.
Yep.
Now you all think we're insane...don't you? It's true, we are but with all these endorphins racing throughout or bodies and the promise of Paris in spring we're powering full speed ahead...or you know on Saturdays at our 10:40 max pace!
Moving our long run to Sunday from week 5 wasn't the smartest idea but we had to do it. This of course had us moving a short run off the schedule for a rest day. We sure needed that rest! When it was all said and done this week, I got 2 days of cross training in, sprints, and the long run...so minus the 30 & 40 minute runs (2). I'm okay with this since since sprints nearly had me feet up in the air on the side of the road and it was only a 6 x 400m week!
Oh well. Today's 8 miler went well. Nothing but sunshine and nature as we ran the most creative route through Carney Park. Mile 6ish made me regret throwing the first pair of socks I found on my feet, even when I knew they weren't running socks. Let's just say that as soon as my watched beeped for mile 8 that shoe was off my foot so fast I don't even think Lori knew what had happened.
Week 7 is going to be even more interesting as illnesses ware on, knees and hips are reminded just how holiday pounds impact the force exerted on them, and travel plans start mucking up the training schedule. 15 miles is the long run we've got in store for our holiday weekend...or you know Thursday after work.
Yep.
Now you all think we're insane...don't you? It's true, we are but with all these endorphins racing throughout or bodies and the promise of Paris in spring we're powering full speed ahead...or you know on Saturdays at our 10:40 max pace!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Disgruntled Government Employee
Maybe it's just that time of year.
That time of year where it seems like I never see day light and as a result my VitD depraved body moves into this funk in which my friends and coworkers can't help but comment on my mood.
Or you know...maybe it's my repsonse to revcieving the email below:
...support in maintaining silence our spaces from 0800 to 1400, also we will close off the kitchen area from 0800 until 1400. Please refrain from loitering in the passageways adjacent to the conference room.
...in combination with the irritation of the frenzy of work around our building. Powerwashing of the entryway. Replacement of lightbulbs (after months of darkness). Additional cleanings scheduled. The repair of broken toliet seats and bathroom door locks.
...the inability of a civilian coworker to sit in the front desk (aka Siberia) althoug it's her job when the normal person isn't here?
...or you know, the bumping of my second training's location.
Why all this disruption in the office?
Oh you know, lots of VIP visitors are in the building and our conference room was selected to be the location where the spouces met and had breakfast.
Does anyone else find this ridiculous?
Courtsey, repsect, cooperations. I get. But the fact that the few hours these individuals are spending in the space triggering all these actions? Last time I checked, only the service member wore the rank...not the spouse. The fact that so many basic repairs- the lights, in the restrooms, the cleaning only happen when something is important occurs sure makes those of us working 40+ hours here in this already deeming space feel lower than the nematodes in the social layers.
Yesterday I was threatening to stop and thank one of the spouses for their visit so that our basic work space repairs were finally addressed. Then again, maybe that's why our open office space, with 60+ work stations, was under the silence mandate today?
Oops. Sorry guys. But you know, last time I checked I didn't wear a uniform!
That time of year where it seems like I never see day light and as a result my VitD depraved body moves into this funk in which my friends and coworkers can't help but comment on my mood.
Or you know...maybe it's my repsonse to revcieving the email below:
...support in maintaining silence our spaces from 0800 to 1400, also we will close off the kitchen area from 0800 until 1400. Please refrain from loitering in the passageways adjacent to the conference room.
...in combination with the irritation of the frenzy of work around our building. Powerwashing of the entryway. Replacement of lightbulbs (after months of darkness). Additional cleanings scheduled. The repair of broken toliet seats and bathroom door locks.
...the inability of a civilian coworker to sit in the front desk (aka Siberia) althoug it's her job when the normal person isn't here?
...or you know, the bumping of my second training's location.
Why all this disruption in the office?
Oh you know, lots of VIP visitors are in the building and our conference room was selected to be the location where the spouces met and had breakfast.
Does anyone else find this ridiculous?
Courtsey, repsect, cooperations. I get. But the fact that the few hours these individuals are spending in the space triggering all these actions? Last time I checked, only the service member wore the rank...not the spouse. The fact that so many basic repairs- the lights, in the restrooms, the cleaning only happen when something is important occurs sure makes those of us working 40+ hours here in this already deeming space feel lower than the nematodes in the social layers.
Yesterday I was threatening to stop and thank one of the spouses for their visit so that our basic work space repairs were finally addressed. Then again, maybe that's why our open office space, with 60+ work stations, was under the silence mandate today?
Oops. Sorry guys. But you know, last time I checked I didn't wear a uniform!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
MISSING: Easy Button
I completely get that life is a series of challenges in which we get to choose our course of action and our reaction. I like to think that my actions and reactions are typically within the "normal" range however, there are some times I can't help but throw up my hands with an I surrender.
The latest instance of this? While I was standing under the hot water pouring out of the shower while I was trying to warm up post workout via candle lit bathroom.
Yeah, let's back up a tad.
After greeting Nico & CO, Monday evening at the front door I realized that my normal dark entry way was rather light. Strange because it's that time of year when it's dark on my departure and arrival. I then heard beeping that meant only one thing- my alarm was acting funny. And yes, we all know how I love this alarm system. So I start exploring what's going on. Turns out that all my downstairs is powerless, apart from the flood light that triggers when the power dies.
Upstairs was fine and in all honesty, I had hours of cleaning in my poor neglected kitchen so that's where I focused my energy. I figured it was just a glitch so flipped switches but with no luck. I even called my resident engineer who specializes in ships, but you know, he's my helpful go to in cases of uh oh to confirm I thought of everything.
Exhausted, sore, and already stressed out about everything that was coming together in a day's time for work I found several (okay, a lot) of candles and illuminated my bedroom just enough to avoid stepping on a cat or tripping on a stray shoe. Hey, I called someone. He couldn't assist, but I was in no mood to play charades with my landlady, especially over something technical like that.
In the morning? Well, still nothing and it was actually darker since the battery charge was gone on the flood light. Getting clothes out of my rather dark closet in the morning made me thankful for my organization kick I was on last week- mainly to prevent injury. Fortunately the upstairs lights confirmed that I did in deed match and allowed me to apply makeup so that I didn't look like I was about to take stage.
When I got home I learned that my alarm system was dead. Apparently it too has a finite amount of stored energy. Feeling a tad more energized, or maybe still fearful that my house could be a target despite the lock/key change post car break in, I once again played electrician. This time with more luck as I realized that one of the circuits was popped.
SHOWTIME!
Knock, knock.
Si?
Ciao, questa Katerina. (Dressed in an "I <3 Nerds hoodie and the pink/purple awesome running capris I'll be running through Paris in)
(Door swings open) 'sera.
Non che luce en la prima pisa....er piano.
Non che luce? (Turning to her guest to say she'd be back in a second, she followed me back to my apt, right to where I had been previously flipping switches.) With no luck, but spotting one my visiting cats (oops) she said she'd call Fabio.
730ish rolls around and Fabio calls. His English is fabulous but as he's trying to explain what I need to do to the fuse box and unplug things, and flip off wall power supplies I was getting a tad frustrated walking back and forth between the storage closet and stumbling through dark rooms. After some time of failed trouble shooting and determining that there was an issue in the wall wiring, he asks if they can show up in the morning. Um, I'll be at work, how about tomorrow evening? Somehow despite assuring him that domani would be better, he said his father would be over to look at it soon. Are you sure? Don't you guys want to call it a day and eat dinner...it is 8 after all. Translation: I'm starving, need to prep a dish for the potluck, still am in gym clothes, and have a presentation I need to finalize.
Yeah, his dad showed up. His dad who speaks no English.
After troubleshooting, he determines that the motor that runs the outer shade in my room is burned out. How? I still have no idea. I almost always have that shade down so the neighbors don't get subjected to Katie-vision. Plus, the last time I messed with it was probably for my epic nap on Saturday. Power issues started Monday. When I asked Fabio over the phone if that sounded like the real reason, he said these things happen and then we arranged for the time the 3 guys could come back and fix it in the morning. Okay, great. I'm an American; I eat dinner before 9pm so please go home to your family before you turn into a roasted turkey before my very eyes.
So this morning I was up and running except for a few outlets...it's amazing how fabulous electricity is. Cats were sequestered and the house was prepped for the repair guy parade.
They were here. I know that much.
How? Well it appears that half the shade is now missing all together (meaning I have no window covering to my bedroom) and they put the faceplate back on wrong in my room.
No phone call or text indicating it's taken care of. Or that they're waiting for a part. Or that they need to get back into the house later this week.
See? Italy isn't all fabulous food, amazing history, and traveling. Real life still happens. Don't believe me? Come stand out in the parking area and catch tonight's episode of Katie-vision where I walk around my bedroom in PJs, have cats running around my bed, and maybe even put away laundry.
The latest instance of this? While I was standing under the hot water pouring out of the shower while I was trying to warm up post workout via candle lit bathroom.
Yeah, let's back up a tad.
After greeting Nico & CO, Monday evening at the front door I realized that my normal dark entry way was rather light. Strange because it's that time of year when it's dark on my departure and arrival. I then heard beeping that meant only one thing- my alarm was acting funny. And yes, we all know how I love this alarm system. So I start exploring what's going on. Turns out that all my downstairs is powerless, apart from the flood light that triggers when the power dies.
Upstairs was fine and in all honesty, I had hours of cleaning in my poor neglected kitchen so that's where I focused my energy. I figured it was just a glitch so flipped switches but with no luck. I even called my resident engineer who specializes in ships, but you know, he's my helpful go to in cases of uh oh to confirm I thought of everything.
Exhausted, sore, and already stressed out about everything that was coming together in a day's time for work I found several (okay, a lot) of candles and illuminated my bedroom just enough to avoid stepping on a cat or tripping on a stray shoe. Hey, I called someone. He couldn't assist, but I was in no mood to play charades with my landlady, especially over something technical like that.
In the morning? Well, still nothing and it was actually darker since the battery charge was gone on the flood light. Getting clothes out of my rather dark closet in the morning made me thankful for my organization kick I was on last week- mainly to prevent injury. Fortunately the upstairs lights confirmed that I did in deed match and allowed me to apply makeup so that I didn't look like I was about to take stage.
When I got home I learned that my alarm system was dead. Apparently it too has a finite amount of stored energy. Feeling a tad more energized, or maybe still fearful that my house could be a target despite the lock/key change post car break in, I once again played electrician. This time with more luck as I realized that one of the circuits was popped.
SHOWTIME!
Knock, knock.
Si?
Ciao, questa Katerina. (Dressed in an "I <3 Nerds hoodie and the pink/purple awesome running capris I'll be running through Paris in)
(Door swings open) 'sera.
Non che luce en la prima pisa....er piano.
Non che luce? (Turning to her guest to say she'd be back in a second, she followed me back to my apt, right to where I had been previously flipping switches.) With no luck, but spotting one my visiting cats (oops) she said she'd call Fabio.
730ish rolls around and Fabio calls. His English is fabulous but as he's trying to explain what I need to do to the fuse box and unplug things, and flip off wall power supplies I was getting a tad frustrated walking back and forth between the storage closet and stumbling through dark rooms. After some time of failed trouble shooting and determining that there was an issue in the wall wiring, he asks if they can show up in the morning. Um, I'll be at work, how about tomorrow evening? Somehow despite assuring him that domani would be better, he said his father would be over to look at it soon. Are you sure? Don't you guys want to call it a day and eat dinner...it is 8 after all. Translation: I'm starving, need to prep a dish for the potluck, still am in gym clothes, and have a presentation I need to finalize.
Yeah, his dad showed up. His dad who speaks no English.
After troubleshooting, he determines that the motor that runs the outer shade in my room is burned out. How? I still have no idea. I almost always have that shade down so the neighbors don't get subjected to Katie-vision. Plus, the last time I messed with it was probably for my epic nap on Saturday. Power issues started Monday. When I asked Fabio over the phone if that sounded like the real reason, he said these things happen and then we arranged for the time the 3 guys could come back and fix it in the morning. Okay, great. I'm an American; I eat dinner before 9pm so please go home to your family before you turn into a roasted turkey before my very eyes.
So this morning I was up and running except for a few outlets...it's amazing how fabulous electricity is. Cats were sequestered and the house was prepped for the repair guy parade.
They were here. I know that much.
How? Well it appears that half the shade is now missing all together (meaning I have no window covering to my bedroom) and they put the faceplate back on wrong in my room.
No phone call or text indicating it's taken care of. Or that they're waiting for a part. Or that they need to get back into the house later this week.
See? Italy isn't all fabulous food, amazing history, and traveling. Real life still happens. Don't believe me? Come stand out in the parking area and catch tonight's episode of Katie-vision where I walk around my bedroom in PJs, have cats running around my bed, and maybe even put away laundry.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Week #5 Complete!
There once was a time when "it's just a half" really captured our thoughts on running a mere 13.1 miles.
Those days are gone.
Today, we ran 13 miles and in doing so completed week #5 of training.
Of course now we're both walking like we're a million and two. The fact that we have to run again tomorrow makes me want to cry. The ice packs are being reached for from their hiding places in our freezers. And really, what was I thinking packing boots with heels to wear the rest of my day?
Coworkers following our training looked at us half amazed, a quarter skeptical, and the rest "you be crazy" when we responded how many miles this weekend held for us. You do realize that's a half marathon- right? Actually, no, it's not. We're skipping that miserable 0.1 miles at the end.
We didn't skip the miserable 4.5 miles at the end though. Fellow runners/joggers/waddlers I know you get it- some days being out there feels great and other days, it feels like death. I don't think I need to tell you how today's run gets filed.
Bottom line though? We did it. Not quite without stopping, but on my honor I only stopped a few times and for water or to tell Stanley he was doing great. Actually, my body stopped without me even realizing it once, so I figured it was as good a time as any to power walk for a little.
Alright- week six starts tomorrow. We've got this.
Those days are gone.
Today, we ran 13 miles and in doing so completed week #5 of training.
Of course now we're both walking like we're a million and two. The fact that we have to run again tomorrow makes me want to cry. The ice packs are being reached for from their hiding places in our freezers. And really, what was I thinking packing boots with heels to wear the rest of my day?
Coworkers following our training looked at us half amazed, a quarter skeptical, and the rest "you be crazy" when we responded how many miles this weekend held for us. You do realize that's a half marathon- right? Actually, no, it's not. We're skipping that miserable 0.1 miles at the end.
We didn't skip the miserable 4.5 miles at the end though. Fellow runners/joggers/waddlers I know you get it- some days being out there feels great and other days, it feels like death. I don't think I need to tell you how today's run gets filed.
Bottom line though? We did it. Not quite without stopping, but on my honor I only stopped a few times and for water or to tell Stanley he was doing great. Actually, my body stopped without me even realizing it once, so I figured it was as good a time as any to power walk for a little.
Alright- week six starts tomorrow. We've got this.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Welcome 2013!
Every family has them.
You know, those stories that you just can't escape from hearing year after year. Typically the story that as you listen to its millionth telling, this time most likely to near strangers, you can't help but roll your eyes.
In my family we have more than our fair share of "famous stories." but like Disney, we have a vault and well, they've been locked up never to return. There are other stories though, the ones that are harmless in their retelling and last night I couldn't help but be reminded one that I've heard so many time that it makes up for the fact that I can't remember the actual event.
The story goes something like this-
When I was little (3 or 4), I was determined to stay up for New Years. My parents are still not sure what I thought was going to happen at midnight, apparently I had some idea and even at that young age, I wasn't going to miss out. Somehow I managed to stay awake. (Go figure, I can't do that now at 29!) At midnight, I ran out on the front porch with my pots, pans, and wooden spoon to wish our neighborhood a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Problem was, our neighbors were all in their houses. I was the only one out there greeting the new year. Disappointment? Confusion? Sadness? I'm going to go with yes, although again, I don't recall this 31 December disaster. Come to think of it, maybe this has permanently scared me when it comes to New Years? I mean, it's really just another day...but I digress.
Last night I witnessed what I think 4 year old Katie was searching for that New Years Eve 1980-something. Before the clock even got close to midnight explosions echoed through the alleys and off the hills, smoke filled the air, and flashes of light filled the sky.
For a culture notorious for their laid back, time doesn't really exist culture, it made me laugh to get the pre-show fireworks starting a good 10 minutes early. And we're not talking sparklers, bottle rockets, and things that explode. We're talking better than an city or amusement park display here. For a few seconds I thought that I wasn't even going to know when it was midnight (even the church bells were drowned out) but then the night sky filled up with even more fireworks and I noticed neighbors all around me gathering on their roofs, patios, and balconies.
With the sky illuminated, the air heavy with the smell of "pyrotechnics", & my apartment experiencing the occasional shake the peninsula, the next bay over, and the islands all greeted 2013. Well, I think they were celebrating out on Capri, too much smoke in the air blocked my view! I'd seen video footage from previous years but nothing, no nothing, could have prepared me for the show I saw last night.
Here's my lame attempt to bring a little bit of New Years in Monte di Procida to you, but really? Let's just plan on spending December 31, 2013 on my rooftop. I've got the pots, pans, and fireworks- you bring the earplugs!
You know, those stories that you just can't escape from hearing year after year. Typically the story that as you listen to its millionth telling, this time most likely to near strangers, you can't help but roll your eyes.
In my family we have more than our fair share of "famous stories." but like Disney, we have a vault and well, they've been locked up never to return. There are other stories though, the ones that are harmless in their retelling and last night I couldn't help but be reminded one that I've heard so many time that it makes up for the fact that I can't remember the actual event.
The story goes something like this-
When I was little (3 or 4), I was determined to stay up for New Years. My parents are still not sure what I thought was going to happen at midnight, apparently I had some idea and even at that young age, I wasn't going to miss out. Somehow I managed to stay awake. (Go figure, I can't do that now at 29!) At midnight, I ran out on the front porch with my pots, pans, and wooden spoon to wish our neighborhood a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Problem was, our neighbors were all in their houses. I was the only one out there greeting the new year. Disappointment? Confusion? Sadness? I'm going to go with yes, although again, I don't recall this 31 December disaster. Come to think of it, maybe this has permanently scared me when it comes to New Years? I mean, it's really just another day...but I digress.
Last night I witnessed what I think 4 year old Katie was searching for that New Years Eve 1980-something. Before the clock even got close to midnight explosions echoed through the alleys and off the hills, smoke filled the air, and flashes of light filled the sky.
For a culture notorious for their laid back, time doesn't really exist culture, it made me laugh to get the pre-show fireworks starting a good 10 minutes early. And we're not talking sparklers, bottle rockets, and things that explode. We're talking better than an city or amusement park display here. For a few seconds I thought that I wasn't even going to know when it was midnight (even the church bells were drowned out) but then the night sky filled up with even more fireworks and I noticed neighbors all around me gathering on their roofs, patios, and balconies.With the sky illuminated, the air heavy with the smell of "pyrotechnics", & my apartment experiencing the occasional shake the peninsula, the next bay over, and the islands all greeted 2013. Well, I think they were celebrating out on Capri, too much smoke in the air blocked my view! I'd seen video footage from previous years but nothing, no nothing, could have prepared me for the show I saw last night.
Here's my lame attempt to bring a little bit of New Years in Monte di Procida to you, but really? Let's just plan on spending December 31, 2013 on my rooftop. I've got the pots, pans, and fireworks- you bring the earplugs!
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