Hi. It's Me Again.

Well, I think it is. Ever go through those phases where you're going through the motions: heading to work, hitting the gym, remaining semi socially engaged, and just generally swept up in the momentum of the day without ever really taking time breathe or enjoy the small things?

The anxiety of what's next I think really grabbed hold of my normally sparkly personality. Draining me of all energy. Busting my give a damn. Luring me to pull the covers of my bed over my head as soon as I got home. Granted, some of that is still there. But the initial round of chatting with my boss in VA, the 06 responsible for me, and the guy I consider my true boss is all over. I think everyone in my office has a say in what's next for me. They've all heard my discussions with my immediate "work family" about what my thoughts of the day on the subject are. But after the umpteenth conversation with my boss I think I'm finally willing to part with my decision tree and start going with "what my gut says" about each of the options.

It is sort of difficult to care about my job when Congress can't get their act together. Yes, I'm still furlough day free in FY14 however I can't spend any money unless it's a CASREP that puts lives in danger. Travel? Only if it's crucial. Granted, there are last  year's books I could be cleaning up...but what's the fun in that?

Then there is the other daunting task of updating my resume. Rumor is that one of my openings will soon be on the street. For that reason it's a good thing that I ended up staying local this weekend. Of course the file containing my updated items is called "Get Me OUT of Naples" which sort of needs tweaking before emailing it to my boss for review. But, there is now a file and it's beginning to read somewhat like a good candidate for this Financial Management Analyst position. Don't let the title sway you, it's really not that much more than I already do as a Financial Specialist.

At any rate. In between doing what I should be doing (house prep for relatives, laundry, resume updating) this weekend I called up my running partner...and friend and told her I had to get out of the house. Destination? Vietri sul Mare to collect tiles and glass along the beach. Truth be told, it was our plan for yesterday morning until I work up to downpour that I'm sure caused major flooding along my route to work.

I guess it's the Californian in me, but something about the ocean (okay, sea in this case) is so soothing. Maybe it's a result of all those early morning miles along the bay. Maybe it's the calming sound the crashing waves make against the rocks. Maybe it's just the fact that I've always been within a 15 minute drive of the water so no matter where I am, seeing the vast sea reminds me of home.

Next time I'm feeling panicky? Oh we're going to load up the car, blast some Dixie Chicks and head to Positano for another beach combing trip. I mean, we are being paid to live in Italy after all!