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.
Showing posts with label Adjusting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adjusting. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
CA Girl Gone Italian
No doubt about it- I'm leaving California knowing without a doubt that I'm not the same person I was when I made the original trek in May 2011 or even in January of this year. Funny thing about it? While in Italy I didn't see this change was taking place, but throw me back in my "natural habitat" and suddenly it doesn't seem so natural anymore.
And yes, we're talking more than the culture shock.
I'm still trying to figure it all out and although it's driving me crazy...this is one of those things that I'm okay with the outcome so, if I can't put my finger on exactly what has changed I think I'm going to be alright.
And yes, we're talking more than the culture shock.
I'm still trying to figure it all out and although it's driving me crazy...this is one of those things that I'm okay with the outcome so, if I can't put my finger on exactly what has changed I think I'm going to be alright.
Monday, September 24, 2012
It's All How You Look At It!
Maybe the newness really hasn't worn off. Maybe the routine is not yet established. Maybe I'm looking at the world through rose colored lenses. I'm not sure what it is- but I always have to do a double take when someone tells me how miserable living in Naples is.
Really? Are we living in the same place?!
Don't get me wrong- the Naples culture has its quirks. So many quirks that I can see how it could be overwhelming. Even with these critical difference I've been fortunate enough to think back on other times of my life that have prepared me for this: tea parties, crazy drivers of Salinas, living in pine tree infested areas with above ground power lines, windy back roads.
But that's not the point of this post.
I was just thinking once again how fortunate I am to be here while I watched the sun come up over Vesuvio with my Italian kitty and espresso in my Starbucks DC mug. You know, the one I bought when I resolved to be working in DC by 30?
Sure I could curse at the growing trash pile outside my gate (no one seems to know why it hasn't been picked up in 3 days). I could kick myself for agreeing to 3 years out here (my 30th year will be spent in Italy). I could criticize the parts of Italian life that I still haven't fully adopted (dinner at 8?), but why would I?
The sunrises and sunsets from my roof are only intensified by the pollution. The fireworks at all hours of the night just adds to the twinkling stars in the night sky as I chat with friends on a roof top with fabulous wine. The littered streets help me pass the time running when I'm counting empty water bottles. Sunbeams sparkle off the water reflecting an indescribable blue. Power outages give me a reason to light my candles and listen to the rain coming down.
Even in the moments when the "what I miss the most from the states" game starts...garbage disposals, Target, and Mexican food...they are really all things that I can live without for 3 years. And typically that is the verdict of the other players of the game, because we are being paid to not only work, but also live in this crazy, beautiful, amazing place.
After all, wasn't one of the goals for the end of this tour to be able to talk about "when I lived in Italy" down the road? If I'm going to talk about how I lived in Italy...I want to tell how I really lived in Italy. Not how I lived in an Italian town like an American. I want to have stories about how I went to Sicily for the weekend or ran through an itty bitty town before being handed a watermelon and medal.
It's all how you look at it and if I've left any doubt in your mind about how I'm looking at my time here in Italy, let me sum it up:
It's AMAZING! And, thank you once again for paying your federal taxes to give me this opportunity!
***Trash was picked up after 3 days. Longest it's ever been in MdP. Still have no idea what the deal was...maybe the garbage man was sick?***
Really? Are we living in the same place?!
Don't get me wrong- the Naples culture has its quirks. So many quirks that I can see how it could be overwhelming. Even with these critical difference I've been fortunate enough to think back on other times of my life that have prepared me for this: tea parties, crazy drivers of Salinas, living in pine tree infested areas with above ground power lines, windy back roads.
But that's not the point of this post.
I was just thinking once again how fortunate I am to be here while I watched the sun come up over Vesuvio with my Italian kitty and espresso in my Starbucks DC mug. You know, the one I bought when I resolved to be working in DC by 30?
Sure I could curse at the growing trash pile outside my gate (no one seems to know why it hasn't been picked up in 3 days). I could kick myself for agreeing to 3 years out here (my 30th year will be spent in Italy). I could criticize the parts of Italian life that I still haven't fully adopted (dinner at 8?), but why would I?
The sunrises and sunsets from my roof are only intensified by the pollution. The fireworks at all hours of the night just adds to the twinkling stars in the night sky as I chat with friends on a roof top with fabulous wine. The littered streets help me pass the time running when I'm counting empty water bottles. Sunbeams sparkle off the water reflecting an indescribable blue. Power outages give me a reason to light my candles and listen to the rain coming down.
Even in the moments when the "what I miss the most from the states" game starts...garbage disposals, Target, and Mexican food...they are really all things that I can live without for 3 years. And typically that is the verdict of the other players of the game, because we are being paid to not only work, but also live in this crazy, beautiful, amazing place.
After all, wasn't one of the goals for the end of this tour to be able to talk about "when I lived in Italy" down the road? If I'm going to talk about how I lived in Italy...I want to tell how I really lived in Italy. Not how I lived in an Italian town like an American. I want to have stories about how I went to Sicily for the weekend or ran through an itty bitty town before being handed a watermelon and medal.
It's all how you look at it and if I've left any doubt in your mind about how I'm looking at my time here in Italy, let me sum it up:
It's AMAZING! And, thank you once again for paying your federal taxes to give me this opportunity!
***Trash was picked up after 3 days. Longest it's ever been in MdP. Still have no idea what the deal was...maybe the garbage man was sick?***
Saturday, October 1, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Expectations vs Reality
So moving to Italy I didn't know quite what to expect. I've talked about in the past, how when I think "Italy" in my head I see the Italian flag with various Italian foods (mainly pizza), wine, the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, gorgeous coastlines, crazy outfits claiming to be "fashion," lots of scooters and shoes (you can't forget the shoes) floating in front of it. So although all those things have been accurate there was still lots of room for some "oh wow, never thought that..." moments.
At any rate, that's all I've deemed list worthy after 11 weeks. Yep. Eleven weeks! After conversations with both people that have been here for years and those who have been here for just a few days, I realized that I really am getting used to the "Italian way." I guess that's what happens when once you've hit your 4 week mark and are no longer a "newbie." Seriously, there are so many new people arriving weekly. Just yesterday I attended my 2nd Hail and Farewell for the command...I did find it sad that people are leaving that I never even had the chance to meet.
Just so I don't get too comfy here in Italy, this past week I booked plane tickets- one for France and the other for Germany. Southern France for Labor Day and Garmisch for a PWOC conference right before Thanksgiving. I'm already in the scheming stage of a girls trip to Venice for carnevale in February. Hey- one of the highlights of picking Italy was in order to travel, travel, travel! Did you know that you can get to Kenya for under $1000 from Rome? Just saying...
- There are a ton of mosquitoes here! Every time I'm out in the evening I swear one of them rings the dinner bell and the all you can drink buffet on my legs opens. Seriously, I need my Kenya strength bug repellent!
- The water gives a whole new meaning to hard water. On the plus side I swear my hair is turning a tinge red but it's really not worth the lack of shine. Oh and Ravi is not a fan of the sprinklers messing up his shine either.
- Where did all the garbage disposals go? You think I would have come to expect once I started to see the mountains of trash along the road but no, from time to time I still catch myself tossing food scraps into the sink...then pulling them all back out. Ick.
- Power outages occur way too often and in normal weather conditions. Now you have to remember, I lived in Monterey during El Nino in the 90s and later on lived in areas notorious for pine trees that would knock over at the slightly gust of wind. But see, if it started to get stormy, I knew to expect a power outage. Here they just happen randomly. So randomly that during that last 12+ hour one I honestly felt that Italy had been downgraded to a 3rd world country. The outages mainly come without warning and they seem to occur mostly on weekends. My theory? The skeleton staff at the power plant all decide they can go take a break but then forget to come back. If no one is there, how are they supposed to know some of the grid is down? (I'm really hoping this changes once I move off base.)
- Europeans really like their graphics/illustrations. Back at home it was always blue, pink, or yellow milk. Well here it's fat cow, chubby cow, or skinny cow milk. Well, at least when you get shopping at the commissary. I just tell myself that every time I reach for that green carton I'm a skinny cow.
Just so I don't get too comfy here in Italy, this past week I booked plane tickets- one for France and the other for Germany. Southern France for Labor Day and Garmisch for a PWOC conference right before Thanksgiving. I'm already in the scheming stage of a girls trip to Venice for carnevale in February. Hey- one of the highlights of picking Italy was in order to travel, travel, travel! Did you know that you can get to Kenya for under $1000 from Rome? Just saying...
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Just Keep Posting
Okay, so I know I’ve been slacking on the posts. I feel a tinge of guilt not because I feel like I owe you a play by play, but rather because this is really supposed to be my historical record. Haven’t I confessed my issue of following through with a journal to all of you before? Seriously, my parents can vouch for how many half filled books I found while packing…
Only one way to break the pattern and that’s to keep writing, but I need to figure out why the posts have slowed. I have a few theories:
Only one way to break the pattern and that’s to keep writing, but I need to figure out why the posts have slowed. I have a few theories:
- Everything is beginning to settle and so the slightest new thing doesn’t trigger my need to relate it to something “back at home.”
- It's tough staying up past 2100 when I know my alarm is set for 0345. (Yeah, you did read that right.)
- My life is becoming consumed by work, the gym, and wasting time on the computer---nothing too exciting to write about there even if I am in Italy.
I’m happy that things are beginning to fall into place. You know this is the case when you’re hanging out with fellow Americans and all you need to do is say “hey, we’re in Italy now” when you see something that would be surprising to see back home. Granted there are a few things I just may never get used to- mainly men wearing capris and purses. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know they don’t call them purses but let’s face it- it’s what they are. Fanny packs are another one that I just can’t accept and I catch myself smirking every time I see one- on anyone. Please hold, I’m fighting a case of the giggles here with some of the images I see in my head…
Phew. Composure regained- until I walk outside and see another one.
The trash situation is another example of something that I’m becoming immune to, well maybe building a tad of resistance to. Living in Little America, I don’t have to deal with it too much but from time to time the designated trash areas build up (but nothing compared to outside the gate). During these times I just cross the street during my jog and hold my breath if it’s been a hot day. Although the lack of recycling still bugs this California girl, the town I will be living in will allow me to recycle so that makes me and the planet happy.
The 3rd thing that supports my theory that things are settling is the fact that I’m not super thrilled be to head back to the states in a few days…well probably not as thrilled as I should be. I can’t wait to see all of you in the greater VA area---especially after all day trainings. I also can’t wait to walk the aisles of Target, find good Mexican food, and be only +3 hours from the majority of you- no more of these emails from “the future.” The truth though is this is my new home- hotel room and all. I feel that by heading out to the states I’ll have 3 places to keep tabs on- CA, Naples, and then my present setting. Sure VA may not be Italy, but it’s a new place for me so I’m just going to treat it like any other new place- a new location for more adventures.
I wanted a change, an adventure, and a challenge when making this move and so far it’s delivered. I know that more of these things are going to greet me in the future and I’m okay with that. Right now that “new normal” I was craving what seems like so many weeks ago is shaping up and I like how it’s looking. Hopefully I’ve been able to establish it enough so when I get back, the foundation is still here and my jet lagged self can keep building on this Italy experience.
Phew. Composure regained- until I walk outside and see another one.
The trash situation is another example of something that I’m becoming immune to, well maybe building a tad of resistance to. Living in Little America, I don’t have to deal with it too much but from time to time the designated trash areas build up (but nothing compared to outside the gate). During these times I just cross the street during my jog and hold my breath if it’s been a hot day. Although the lack of recycling still bugs this California girl, the town I will be living in will allow me to recycle so that makes me and the planet happy.
The 3rd thing that supports my theory that things are settling is the fact that I’m not super thrilled be to head back to the states in a few days…well probably not as thrilled as I should be. I can’t wait to see all of you in the greater VA area---especially after all day trainings. I also can’t wait to walk the aisles of Target, find good Mexican food, and be only +3 hours from the majority of you- no more of these emails from “the future.” The truth though is this is my new home- hotel room and all. I feel that by heading out to the states I’ll have 3 places to keep tabs on- CA, Naples, and then my present setting. Sure VA may not be Italy, but it’s a new place for me so I’m just going to treat it like any other new place- a new location for more adventures.
I wanted a change, an adventure, and a challenge when making this move and so far it’s delivered. I know that more of these things are going to greet me in the future and I’m okay with that. Right now that “new normal” I was craving what seems like so many weeks ago is shaping up and I like how it’s looking. Hopefully I’ve been able to establish it enough so when I get back, the foundation is still here and my jet lagged self can keep building on this Italy experience.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Get Outside the Wire
I was semi joking about the parallels of this experience so far with my first week away to college but the more I live this week the more the comparison holds.
The day started off with me introducing myself to 2 other newbies (both active duty) as we viewed the booths of all the organizations here. I am now the proud owner of the class schedules for both gyms, the full chapel schedule, and even opened up a new bank account. Yeah, that took 10 minutes so I found myself over at the coffee shop. Hey, I didn't finish drinking all my Navy Lodge coffee before sprinting out the door so this cappuccino was not overkill (I say at 2341).
Now that we knew about some of theclubs organizations available it was time for the CO's welcoming brief. The brief really didn't present that much new information, however the CO was very entertaining. He kept referring to the base as Mayberry (which of course got me humming Rascal Flats) because the kids all run in the streets and we're very well protected...shoot we've got 3 sets of laws covering us out here! He kept going on and on about how you have to get outside the wire.
Okay, so I've been outside the wire a few times. I have my reasons for staying in- jet lag and lack of transportation seem to be the two I keep justifying things with but when it comes down to it, it's fear. I told you, I'm not really that brave of a person. I analyze until my brain hurts or I've rationalized everything to the point where often I've missed out on the opportunity that once was presented. Don't laugh. There are some simple decisions that require an intense decision process- have you not seen my white board? It's all about calculated risk....risk that I've evaluated...probably way too much.
I realize that some of you are thinking that I'm insane. I hear it now, "Katie you just left your hometown to move to Italy- how is that not brave?" I can't argue with that. In all honesty there are moments where I feel it took an out of body experience or a momentary lapse in judgement to sign those acceptance papers, but in the end I know it was divine intervention.
But the bottom line?
I'm here.
And I'm here for the next 3 years.
So now what?
Well, as I enjoyed a non-microwaved meal tonight at the base dinning establishment it hit me. I was sitting there studying for my driver's license test, drinking a Dutch beer (sorry mom- I caved in less than 24 hours of our chat!), while eating fries and chicken sandwich (yeah, it's really hard to find a salad when all lettuce has been recalled due to the E.coli breakout) I was suddenly aware of my surroundings. The one time T.G.I.Friday's building was filled with Americans, speaking English, while Katy Perry tried to convince me that I'm a firework. There were no indications that I was in Italy. I could have been in Mayberry, North Carolina...had Opie been allowed to listen to such music. I sure didn't travel all this way to have an experience like that.
I'm in Italy and I want to see Italy...but let's ease into this okay? I'm not going to lie, it's reassuring, especially right now to be surrounded by English speakers and being able to rock out to Katy, Gaga, or Taio and laugh when I look over and see high school students doing the same. I know things will continue to fall in place, but I also know that if I don't start making these little modifications now I'll end up regretting my time over here.
So my action plan? I'm putting into effect something I was hoping to delay until I was a little more settled, but I think it will encourage me to put myself out there just a tad quicker because these nerves are getting the best of me and I'm not going to lose this battle. And yes, I'm going to need your help.
Send me questions about the area or things you want me to go explore for when YOU visit me or suggestions on how to get better acclimated to my new home...this is my new home so it needs to start feeling like that. I'll pick and choose from the suggestions and then write them up. If you're lucky we'll get some videos and pictures in there too. (Nick, I'm already fearing what you're going to suggest based on your new found language skills...Kim contain your husband!)
Okay, I've identified the issue and have a plan to resolve it. SEE? I think things through! Sorry for the seriousness of this posts. Tomorrow I'll quiz you on the Italian driving signs. Please keep your fingers crossed that I pass that with flying colors- I can only miss 2 and that's a little intimidating. On the plus side my car is still in the states (GA) so I guess I have plenty of time to retake it if need be.
The day started off with me introducing myself to 2 other newbies (both active duty) as we viewed the booths of all the organizations here. I am now the proud owner of the class schedules for both gyms, the full chapel schedule, and even opened up a new bank account. Yeah, that took 10 minutes so I found myself over at the coffee shop. Hey, I didn't finish drinking all my Navy Lodge coffee before sprinting out the door so this cappuccino was not overkill (I say at 2341).
Now that we knew about some of the
Okay, so I've been outside the wire a few times. I have my reasons for staying in- jet lag and lack of transportation seem to be the two I keep justifying things with but when it comes down to it, it's fear. I told you, I'm not really that brave of a person. I analyze until my brain hurts or I've rationalized everything to the point where often I've missed out on the opportunity that once was presented. Don't laugh. There are some simple decisions that require an intense decision process- have you not seen my white board? It's all about calculated risk....risk that I've evaluated...probably way too much.
I realize that some of you are thinking that I'm insane. I hear it now, "Katie you just left your hometown to move to Italy- how is that not brave?" I can't argue with that. In all honesty there are moments where I feel it took an out of body experience or a momentary lapse in judgement to sign those acceptance papers, but in the end I know it was divine intervention.
But the bottom line?
I'm here.
And I'm here for the next 3 years.
So now what?
Well, as I enjoyed a non-microwaved meal tonight at the base dinning establishment it hit me. I was sitting there studying for my driver's license test, drinking a Dutch beer (sorry mom- I caved in less than 24 hours of our chat!), while eating fries and chicken sandwich (yeah, it's really hard to find a salad when all lettuce has been recalled due to the E.coli breakout) I was suddenly aware of my surroundings. The one time T.G.I.Friday's building was filled with Americans, speaking English, while Katy Perry tried to convince me that I'm a firework. There were no indications that I was in Italy. I could have been in Mayberry, North Carolina...had Opie been allowed to listen to such music. I sure didn't travel all this way to have an experience like that.
I'm in Italy and I want to see Italy...but let's ease into this okay? I'm not going to lie, it's reassuring, especially right now to be surrounded by English speakers and being able to rock out to Katy, Gaga, or Taio and laugh when I look over and see high school students doing the same. I know things will continue to fall in place, but I also know that if I don't start making these little modifications now I'll end up regretting my time over here.
So my action plan? I'm putting into effect something I was hoping to delay until I was a little more settled, but I think it will encourage me to put myself out there just a tad quicker because these nerves are getting the best of me and I'm not going to lose this battle. And yes, I'm going to need your help.
Send me questions about the area or things you want me to go explore for when YOU visit me or suggestions on how to get better acclimated to my new home...this is my new home so it needs to start feeling like that. I'll pick and choose from the suggestions and then write them up. If you're lucky we'll get some videos and pictures in there too. (Nick, I'm already fearing what you're going to suggest based on your new found language skills...Kim contain your husband!)
Okay, I've identified the issue and have a plan to resolve it. SEE? I think things through! Sorry for the seriousness of this posts. Tomorrow I'll quiz you on the Italian driving signs. Please keep your fingers crossed that I pass that with flying colors- I can only miss 2 and that's a little intimidating. On the plus side my car is still in the states (GA) so I guess I have plenty of time to retake it if need be.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
"You left Monterey?!"
One day down....365*3 - 1 to go.
No, it really wasn't that bad but nothing like starting from scratch at a new place. This post may be a little disjointed because I'm trying to figure out where my last 9 hours went since I didn't spend them sleeping in my bed.
New Job Jitters
Last night the new job jitters got the best of me and even after taking some meds to help sleep, I was well rested and ready to go at 0030...as in I took the best 2 hour power nap ever. So after tossing, turning, dozing for 50 minute stretches my alarm went off and I was thrilled. Got ready in no time, even chatted some with friends back home before meeting the other person who interviewed me downstairs and we drove into work together. If you ever thought I was a morning person...wow oh wow, she puts a whole new meaning to the phrase. I think is was mostly due the fact that she's leaving this week but it was a tad too much for me in this zombie like state.
No Army man will find me now...
My new second home looks a lot more like a college campus than NPS with its yellow buildings, parking garage and open cobble stone paths. The sound of planes coming and going also reminded me of NPS since the airport is our immediate neighbor. After walking through one of the courtyards, we came across a rather official looking building with no windows. Before I even realized what was happening we were going inside this building. Yep. I gave up my beautiful window (with fabulous view) for a shared office with no windows. Only time will tell if it the experience gained will be worth the trade, but today something within me died as the 3490342nd door closed behind us and we were finally in our office. Okay, so there aren't that many doors but I assure you there are several all requiring my badge to be scanned and pin entered. Which raises one of my major concerns....how are my Army men supposed to find me if I'm being kept locked up in a basement?!?!?!
The Meet & Greets
First day on the job means 2 things: a bunch of people are going to be introduced to you and you get to answer a ton of questions. I sure can't tell you the names of who I met today, but I know I met the engineer, director, lawyer, POA guy, and then a whole other office. It's bad when I remember the other office because 3 (if not 4) all told me how wonderful Monterey was and at one point or another had been to NPS for either a degree or conference. One guy even told me that he is really good friends with John Pisto and then asked what did I do to make me leave Monterey for Naples? Eek. Not what I want to hear this early on in the tour. This office also had some serious uniforms going on but they all looked they were 15 and yet somehow married? Yeah, I still get the "are you married" question from just about everyone I meet which I guess is a little better than the "did your husband get a job in Naples?" which was asked way too many times when I told everyone I was moving.
And then there is insurance, housing, and more touring...
After coming out of the dungeon and realizing that there really was a beautiful day happening on the other side of the walls, the tours continued. Mind you after sitting in a cool office, left alone for a while I was fighting off the urge to pass out in between yawns and did all I could to pay attention to the information being given to me. After a super short drive back to my hotel the tour continued with meeting the auto insurance lady...who basically told me buy a "beater" for my day to day commute and leave Ravi in the garage for weekend and longer distances. (Dad-I'll be calling you about this one soon).
The last stop on our tour was the housing office....where once again I sat and waited so long that by the time I met with someone I could barely string 4 words together. After searching the database (which really has no structure other than region and # of rooms) I found 4 places that seemed reasonable and I'm checking them out tomorrow. Yes, no worries- these places have spare rooms but there won't be any moving until my car gets here...or I buy another one?
Today in a nutshell was the beginning of putting together the pieces of normal I was in dire need of yesterday but that doesn't mean this process is not overwhelming. The little part of my job that I saw today won't be tough at all- especially since my coworker is extremely organized in a way not too far off from my own and for the most part I have some experience with most of this. The lack of people my age that I'll be interacting with daily is my major concern so I guess it's time to start contacting all those people that you all know out here and creating a social network of real people because coming home and looking into this computer screen isn't the life for me.
For now I'm off to the gym. I asked and received this morning's workout and although I'm about 13 hours after my normal workout time, I need to go pound the pavement and throw some weight around in hope of getting a good nights sleep.
No, it really wasn't that bad but nothing like starting from scratch at a new place. This post may be a little disjointed because I'm trying to figure out where my last 9 hours went since I didn't spend them sleeping in my bed.
New Job Jitters
Last night the new job jitters got the best of me and even after taking some meds to help sleep, I was well rested and ready to go at 0030...as in I took the best 2 hour power nap ever. So after tossing, turning, dozing for 50 minute stretches my alarm went off and I was thrilled. Got ready in no time, even chatted some with friends back home before meeting the other person who interviewed me downstairs and we drove into work together. If you ever thought I was a morning person...wow oh wow, she puts a whole new meaning to the phrase. I think is was mostly due the fact that she's leaving this week but it was a tad too much for me in this zombie like state.
No Army man will find me now...
My new second home looks a lot more like a college campus than NPS with its yellow buildings, parking garage and open cobble stone paths. The sound of planes coming and going also reminded me of NPS since the airport is our immediate neighbor. After walking through one of the courtyards, we came across a rather official looking building with no windows. Before I even realized what was happening we were going inside this building. Yep. I gave up my beautiful window (with fabulous view) for a shared office with no windows. Only time will tell if it the experience gained will be worth the trade, but today something within me died as the 3490342nd door closed behind us and we were finally in our office. Okay, so there aren't that many doors but I assure you there are several all requiring my badge to be scanned and pin entered. Which raises one of my major concerns....how are my Army men supposed to find me if I'm being kept locked up in a basement?!?!?!
The Meet & Greets
First day on the job means 2 things: a bunch of people are going to be introduced to you and you get to answer a ton of questions. I sure can't tell you the names of who I met today, but I know I met the engineer, director, lawyer, POA guy, and then a whole other office. It's bad when I remember the other office because 3 (if not 4) all told me how wonderful Monterey was and at one point or another had been to NPS for either a degree or conference. One guy even told me that he is really good friends with John Pisto and then asked what did I do to make me leave Monterey for Naples? Eek. Not what I want to hear this early on in the tour. This office also had some serious uniforms going on but they all looked they were 15 and yet somehow married? Yeah, I still get the "are you married" question from just about everyone I meet which I guess is a little better than the "did your husband get a job in Naples?" which was asked way too many times when I told everyone I was moving.
And then there is insurance, housing, and more touring...
After coming out of the dungeon and realizing that there really was a beautiful day happening on the other side of the walls, the tours continued. Mind you after sitting in a cool office, left alone for a while I was fighting off the urge to pass out in between yawns and did all I could to pay attention to the information being given to me. After a super short drive back to my hotel the tour continued with meeting the auto insurance lady...who basically told me buy a "beater" for my day to day commute and leave Ravi in the garage for weekend and longer distances. (Dad-I'll be calling you about this one soon).
The last stop on our tour was the housing office....where once again I sat and waited so long that by the time I met with someone I could barely string 4 words together. After searching the database (which really has no structure other than region and # of rooms) I found 4 places that seemed reasonable and I'm checking them out tomorrow. Yes, no worries- these places have spare rooms but there won't be any moving until my car gets here...or I buy another one?
Today in a nutshell was the beginning of putting together the pieces of normal I was in dire need of yesterday but that doesn't mean this process is not overwhelming. The little part of my job that I saw today won't be tough at all- especially since my coworker is extremely organized in a way not too far off from my own and for the most part I have some experience with most of this. The lack of people my age that I'll be interacting with daily is my major concern so I guess it's time to start contacting all those people that you all know out here and creating a social network of real people because coming home and looking into this computer screen isn't the life for me.
For now I'm off to the gym. I asked and received this morning's workout and although I'm about 13 hours after my normal workout time, I need to go pound the pavement and throw some weight around in hope of getting a good nights sleep.
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