Good Friday

Sitting on my couch this evening in my typical end of work week daze, the voice I've come to call Mr. Monte di Procida came over the PA system. Since my movie had just ended I walked to my kitchen to see find out the answer to this episode of "why is my street closed?"

Like before I saw a large fraction of the town filling the street. Behind the polizia moto 3 kids walked next to each other, the one in the center holding a simple wooden cross while the one on either side held a large olive branch. Behind each of the olive branch carriers, a line of 10 kids dressed in white robes. Primarily women followed, presumably mothers of the kids, around one of the transportable speakers transmitting the prayer by the priest while the crowd responded.

The priests followed immediately behind the Commune di Monte di Procida, and then several hundred people, bundled up in their winter coats, holding prayer sheets.

Nope! Not my balcony.

When the head of the group stopped in the piazza I live next to, the people in the street packed in more. I'm talking 6-8 across from the "icky pizza place" all way to the coffee bar.  Additional people watched on and participated from their balconies above the street.

This is the first year I've been in down for the processions and despite not being Catholic and only understanding every 3rd word (since Ave Maria doesn't really count as understanding) the sight still was overwhelming. The prayers being sent up. The music filling the air. All of it was... WOW! These people recognizing the fact that Jesus died on a cross all those years ago.

For about the million time out here I'm reminded about just how awesome of a God I serve. A God that sent His only son to die for me, the crazy driver that cut me off on the drive home, and the coworker that annoys me. It doesn't matter if I only speak English, or if I can speak 20 languages because He knows them all! It doesn't matter where I am in the world because He is there and always listening for my little voice among all wind, chatter, alarms, and zooming cars. I don't need to be in the Duomo, I can praise him just as well watching the sun set over the Bay of Gaeta from my rooftop.

Then again, it could just be Him delivering the message to me that I should spend a little less time focusing (and worrying) about a plan that was set into motion a long, long, long time ago and more on Him.  See? That's how awesome God is- He sends a large percentage of the town I live in to my house to remind me that sometimes it's not all about me. {Yes, I realize I'm implying that this whole parade was for me isn't really taking the focus away from me, but what I'm trying to say and am more rambling at this point is, God has got it all taken care of so it's about time I "let" Him do his job- right?}

Yeah, I'm sure my theology is less than sound here (sorry dad) and I really did just want to share a few pics and the video with you all so I'm not sure why I'm (still) rambling.

"When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, 'Truly this was the Son of God!'”

Matthew 27:54

Happy Valentine's Day!

Okay, so here I am again another Single Awareness Day but you know what? Like so many years before I'm having the time of my life because I have simply amazing friends. This year, Jess and the Minions headed up our way a few days early to the weekend so Jess got looped into helping me make my semi-annual sugar cookie coated in more sugar tradition.

Just like a few years back as I sat at the Van Buren apartment's kitchen table with GWB, Jess and I were laughing so hard as we decorated the hearts this evening. By about 10 decorated cookies into it I finally decided that each cookie on that table represented our hearts at various times of our lives.

Okay, maybe some like "Prison Break" was more of a cry from her to me to let her get to bed as the clock struck 11 but um I think most of us have witnessed a relationship where a clean escape was the best bet?

My personal favorite creation, minus Nico's cookie to my coworker's daughter (see top right corner in picture), was the pink heart with a white stripe through it. I think in what most therapist call a "break through" I realized that it is the same sign as the "do not enter" out here for cars. Ooops. Oh well. It's probably best that some people don't enter my heart- right? Or the fact that we don't really observe traffic signs here in Southern Italy...

Hmmm. Alright, well it's after midnight and my kitchen is still a mess, the most amazing almond no bake truffles are still minus their chocolate outer coating, I have to be out my door for work in 6 hours, and um yeah, I'm not packed for my get-a-way weekend with Jess up in Tuscany BUT I just wanted to share once again (not because Hallmark is reminding me, but I don't think that I've said it recently), that I love each and every one of y'all.

No way could living here in Italy without the love, support, and contact from you locals and those who live slightly calmer lives in fresh air would ever EVER be possible for me.

Sneak Peak of Photo Shoot

Uh huh. I guess Nico really isn't on board with COA #4. The little monster was not having our annual Valentine's Day photo shoot today. Not. One. Bit. 

Maybe the President's Day shoot will go better?

Easter Weekend- Sunday

What better way to kick off Easter Sunday than with an easy 8 miler through the Italian country side? Seriously. Sunshine. Wild flowers. Chirping birds. Hitting the half way mark and realizing you're on a major road? Oops.

The only good part about that was a quick about face had me headed back to the starting point. Well, almost. Apparently I really was on autopilot when going up and down the hills because when faced with a 4 way intersection and town signs pointing every which way? I picked the down hill route, only to make it half way down the hill and start looking around and realized I picked the wrong way- again. Sigh. Nothing like the strawberry pie to encourage the new pink shoes to keep moving. I finally did make it home, to where 3 little kitties ran as soon as they smelled me.
Post shower, I joined Jess in the kitchen to prepare the feast. The official menu was: Cornish game hens, steamed artichokes, fresh strawberries and whipped cream, and of course, wine. While it finished, I passed out on the couch and woke up starving.

Yep. Do you see the "after" shot of my plate?

Happy Easter!

Easter Weekend- Saturday

After Nico finally settled into country life with the minions, complete with cat towers galore, and way more things to watch out the ground level windows, I of course headed across the boot and slightly south to extract him. Within seconds of walking through the door and giving him a call he came running out of the back room. I guess even after hearing his Aunt Jess trying to chat with him all week, he still knew the difference. (Reminds me of baby penguins or seals and their moms...) Reunited with both him and the minions, the weekend was off to a fabulous start. And let's face it...that's always great news after a 3.5+ hour car trip, after a full work day.

Saturday morning was kicked off by a trip to the Ostuni market. Yep. I had been there before but this time had more success in tracking down a fabulous 5 euro tank top, a ridiculously large pair of sunglasses, a few petunia plants, and what we really went for- strawberries and veggies for Easter dinner. Of course when presented with the opportunity to pick up some fresh cut flowers I did, because I'm hellbent on making the interior of my house look like spring, even if it's still rainy and cold outside.

On the way back to the house to drop off our goodies we just had to stop at some of the wildflower filled fields. Why? This "city" girl misses open fields and wildflowers are just so beautiful.

Next stop- Matera! If you think you've heard of it, you probably have. It's where Passion of the Christ was filmed and a city basically carved out of stone with a ton of caves. Simply put? Spectacular, especially when the sun fights off the clouds and shadows add to the lines along the hillside. But getting there wasn't easy. Let's take a step back...

Before leaving the house we sent an email to the place we wanted to eat lunch at for a reservation, just in case.  So, naturally when the phone started to ring we figured it was them. Well, driving and trying to speak Italian is just a talent that neither Jess or I have. She tossed me the phone to try my oh so fabulous Italian "skills." For some reason the lady was asking us where we were and I tried to explain we were leaving one town to Matera. She kept talking about the local (yummy) pizza place and that we could meet them in 20 minutes. Once I said I understood what she was saying, not so much why, she took that as we were meeting her there? Jess was able to piece it together that it was probably the floral shop delivering flowers since that's where they met before. Problem was, we were already outside of town and on a time line of our own. Ha.

There must have been 4 more calls on our way to Matera. Worse? The guy calling only spoke Italian and well, although we understood what he was saying and trying to convey in Italian that it wasn't possible, guess how those turned out? Lots of passionate and loud talking on the phone. Plus side? Our hour plus drive flew by. Finally someone that spoke English called and suggested domani. Ironic part? We were thinking the same thing but figured that delivery on Easter wouldn't be likely. Sigh. Gotta love Italy. 

We rolled into town and were immediately amazed at the sight before our eyes. Of course I was still in shock on how green the hills were, even when spotted with flowers and blossoming trees. The restaurant had a table open for us and we enjoyed a bottle of local wine and some of their local specialties- the local pasta and meats. Such a yummy meal and since the bottle of wine was opened (at the waiter would refill our glasses if they were near empty each time he walked by) we took our time eating and just hanging out. No, we didn't solve the problems of the world but that doesn't mean the conversations we had weren't important. Yeah, how's that for cryptic? 

After lunch we started our adventure. Not 5 steps out the door before we were laughing at a dog up on the ridge/roof across the street. Barking. Barking at the cat grooming itself in the sunshine on the outcropping above the garage, about 10 feet below the dog. The cat could have cared less about that dog. Our adventure only got better after that- gelato! Come to Italy and I'll prove to you that there is ALWAYS room for a scoop. I tried la primevera e fiori, having no idea what it was because you couldn't see into the tubs. It was fabulous- rosemary and lavender! Not too sweet but more savory, and gone before too long. Hey, the sun was melting it?  

We had a blast exploring the town and mainly just taking it all in. Lots of hills. Lots of wind. Lots of nature. Just amazing!

4th of July

4th of July. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Insert awkward pause]

...I mean Independence Day! 

I guess that just about sums up Italians and knowledge of our holidays...which can pretty much be said about Americans understanding all the Italian holidays. This guy was joking but seriously, today really just felt like the date on the calendar,  4 July.

Good thing I have my adopted family looking out for me! With the date confirmed, and the reason for the glorious day off from work remembered we met up with some other families to rent boats to go out on the portion of water I see from my house, near Procida.

Once loaded up in our 4 boats (yeah, there were lots of us), our group left the port and headed towards Procida, traveling along the calm water. There were few boats out on the bay- it was a Wednesday morning after all!

The day was spent with the boat parked in various coves off Procida, with food being passed from boats, frequent dips into the oh so salty water to cool off, and lots of sunscreen! On our boat, my official job was working the anchor. I got an arm workout in, that's for sure! Then again, I didn't pull the boat via treading water...so maybe Andrew got more of the work out?

During our relocation, we passed under a bridge connecting two parts of the island. At the time, some crazy kids were jumping of of it. Well, when we turned back to port some of the "kids" we were with decided to jump and some of us not so kids also did. It always sounds like a good idea, but no matter how many ladder rungs or steps I take up, standing on a platform still makes me wonder "why am I up here?" with that horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach...of course that's when I jump off.

So yeah, I jumped off a bridge cause everyone else was. Well, actually they weren't. And they missed out.  Plus, with fireworks being an every day event here I think jumping off a bridge just be my new 4th of July tradition...just as long as there is plenty of water below me!

Carnevale

The Lookout

I know I shouldn't be. But I am.

Even after all the days I've spent in my house seeing at time rather odd things out my window, never did I imagine seeing what seemed liked every kid from the town dressed up in costume and confetti flying into the air. Yes, even after I had stumbled upon a news story talking about Monte di Procida's Carnevale celebration and how the sale of flour, eggs, and spray paint to kids had been banned for the week. (Which by the way, was the article I posted earlier on Facebook in Italian. It made me laugh because it sounded like something you'd read about back home.)

Yesterday afternoon in two different parts of town, kids, adults, and floats congregated for this year's La Bella Napoli themed parade. The group that gathered in the piazza around the corner were Snow Whites of every size and lots of dwarfs. We had a few of i Puffi (the Smurfs), other princesses, and even a Ninja Turtle. It looked like Halloween again but this time around I could actually see the costumes since the sun was out. The little kids were adorable! If you watch the official video you can see a few of them. There is a little boy dressed like a chef that was in my top 5 favorites that appears around minute 7 (I think).

Before the parade even started, I could hear "Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho" blaring. Well, it was the Italian version of it which was hilarious in my mind, but it turns out Nico is not a fan of giant Snow White, let alone her music. The confetti was pouring into the streets. Those poor kids who couldn't get their hands on flour or eggs apparently bought out the local supply of silly string and chased each other through the streets.

The parade really was more like a swarm of people (again, you really should check out the video) and that's EXACTLY was what outside my window.

It was fun though- all of us were on our balconies watching the show below and hoping that not too much of the confetti drifted into our houses. Well, maybe I was the only one thinking that as I'm pretty sure I was the only one with my balcony doors actually open? Come to think of it, I wasn't in a down jacket either. And you know my heat wasn't on. I was thrilled to feel the sun so late in the afternoon. Granted, that changed just a few hours later when the rain started falling again.

Yeah. Streets filled with confetti. Then it rained. Just a little messy? You bet! But you've got to chalk one up to Monte di Procida because today when I left town they had city street cleaners out there trying to scrape what they could off the street. Some of the business owners were also out there sweeping. Trash problem in Naples? I don't know what you're talking about. Well, actually I do since I was over on the Support Site today and saw the mounds of trash growing again...but not where I live!

Arrivederci 2011, Ciao 2012!

Few things are for sure- 2011 has been a fabulous year and I really don't know how 2012 can beat it. It's ridiculous to think that a decade has passed since I stood in the Custom House Plaza counting down to 2001, excited that that meant high school graduation, going to college, and a million other plans, some that haven't happened- but you know what? That's okay.

The 17 year old version of me had a much different idea of what I'd be doing at 28 but you know what? That's because that Katie had no freaking idea how things would play out. Never in a million years would I have believed that this would be my life...Italy? Training for marathons? Breakfast in the Kenyan Savannah? Touring Navy ships? Stomping grapes? Amazing how that works out and amazing how a little patience (cause we all know that's all I have) can all of a sudden allow you to cross off a goal of 2 years! 

Speaking of goals- my 11 for 2011 I did alright. In the 365 days that have followed my waking up on the streets of Pasadena, half frozen, to watch the 2011 Rose Parade I was able to accomplish 6 of my goals. No, not exactly a passing grade there is it? 

What Got Accomplished

• Flee Monterey: This has been my #1 goal for 2 years running so the fact that it was actually completed this year made headline news! Everything played out fabulously and really, Naples Italy is really not a bad place to flee to. Turns out I really did just have to keep sending that resume out...weekly to various postings. 
• Adopt a Kitty: It was amazing just how easy this was to do once moving to Italy. It's even more amazing just how much more fun it is to have a pet in the house again. Signore Nico is his name and yes, you've seen his picture plenty. 
• Attend Fan Fest: My dad and I braved Fan Fest for the San Franscico Giants. I say braved because there were so many people the gates were actually shut for a while so we just ate pizza and walked along the water. Not wanting to give up, we game it one last shot and got in...or stormed the gate. 
• Dominate the 5K: Okay, so domination did not occur but I did participate in 4 5K events. I also managed to get several 10Ks in and even a few "longer than 10Ks." In the running department I also participated in my first trail run and joined a running club in Italy.  
• Read a Book a Month...Just Because: So maybe it wasn't one per month...I don't do well with reading deadlines, but I definitely read 12 books. Non fiction seemed to be my thing this year- blame it on my trip to Kenya. 
• Defend Cookie Queen Title: I don't have the 2011 crown on my head, but I was there to compete so I'm happy. Besides, I passed the title to one of my favorite people and it turned out to be a cookie collaboration of a bunch of my other favorite people. Speaking of which, if you're interested in the cookie entries for this year use this link to find them. 

What Got Put on Hold

• Finish Cal Poly @ Sea Scrapbook: With all the time already put into this, the last thing I was going to do it put it in a container to join me in Italy by sea. Well, somehow it just never made it to Italy to join me with all of my scrapbooking stuff. 
• Create & Stick to a Monthly Budget: Again, blaming the move to Italy. Hey- you try to build a budget when you still don't have real bills coming in, were being reimbursed for living expenses for 3 months, & dealing in two currencies?
• Learn to Cut Apart Chicken: I mean, this really shouldn't be that tough but I just need to practice...should I start looking into chicken recipes? 

What Just Didn't Happen

• Visit Nina in Texas: I tried, I really did! But this whole move to another country thing sort of made it difficult. 
• Do a pull-up. A Real One: I was so good working on this over the summer, but then I got lazy. My T-Rex arms live to see 2012. 

 
That's the funny thing- I can make all the plans I want, set goals ranging from easy to lofty, and even cross them off but, at the end of the year there are so many other things that I just couldn't anticipate or even fathom. It does drive me crazy, but in the end, it beats the alternative of not being alive to experience this thing I call the Life of Katie O.

I hope that 2011 has been a fabulous year and if it hasn't- 2012 is here with 366 days to make things happen. Who knows? Maybe I'll even get enough of those goals completed to "pass."

Hope to see you all sometime during 2012- my summer is promising to be filled with visitors at this rate but you know what? Skype also proves to be a fabulous (and budget saving) method for me to still see your face.

Felice Anno Nuovo!

~Katie~

You Can't Beat Home Sweet Home

You all know I love my Christmas songs and since it was a trivia free December, I decided to re-write the 12 Days of Christmas and then illustrate it. Just a mini peak into how my 2 amazing weeks were spent in Monterey...feel free to sing it out-loud but a line or two are tough to squeeze in so be warned!

Che cosa è il Natale come in Italia?

Well, I don't know what Christmas looks like and won't this year, but I can sure show you and tell you what it looks like a few weeks prior!

This past week on the 8th, the Immaculate Conception was celebrated. That night heading home from work through my little towns I was rather impressed with all the lights now illuminated. (Some of them had been up for weeks, just never turned on.)

Seriously. I can almost give directions from the "Bumpy Tunnel" on just by types of Christmas lights out there....follow the red chasing lights, pass under the white stars surrounded by blue outlined garland, turn right at the bush covered in large blue lights and follow the road under the shoot stars up the hill. I could go on but none of you should be visiting me in the next few days and I'm sure next year the creativity will continue. All I know is Nico loves the blinking lights our neighbor has flashing out our window and just stares at them when he's not checking out his Christmas tree.

There are also a ton of LED lights flashing across our kingdom. Once the sunsets, many, many rooftops look like airport landing strips with their blinking red and green lights. A little closer to home, our local piazza has a tree made of blue lights at the perfect level for our rooftop patio. I still get a little confused as to why my living room is glowing blue in the morning, but another day or two I should remember. Should.

The garden shops now have a ton of cyclamen and poinsettias. They also have small potted evergreen trees. I've noticed that even the ones not in pots are sold with a root ball wrapped in canvas. Maybe they are just clearing out their landscaping department but I'd like to think that they are doing the more "eco friendly" thing. (Yes, I do realize that I live in the part of Italy notorious for their trash issues...)

Over the weekend my music playing Santa count started. It started with two walking down my street carrying a keyboard and guitar on my way to the field trip. When we were downtown, two more Santas played African drums as those walked by got an instant dose of holiday spirit. Later that evening driving home, another one was spotted but I only saw his tip container so I'm not sure if he was a musical Santa or maybe a dancing Santa?

Speaking of Santa- his name out this way is Babbo Natale. The commercially produced images of him still portray him as an old, fat, white guy. I'm not sure if this is because these items have been produced in China and they are producing them for the main market segment or what. And yes, for you large inflatable fans- I have spotted a few of them throughout the neighborhood. (These may be American homes...I know they live out here but since I never see them I can't tell you for sure.)

Well, that's what I've experienced so far. I'm still on the hunt for a deformed Ariel but I just may have to wait for Candy Cane Lane...I really don't think that one can be beat! 

As for me and Nico's Christmas decor I'm so thankful that I went a little crazy last year (okay, and the year before) because I've been able to rework some of my decorations since running to Michael's for new supplies really isn't an option. Shoot. Running anywhere for craft supplies really isn't an option. With little BP racing around the house and looking at a few of my ornaments from years past I was once again reminded why we always had "cat decoy ornaments" on the lower branches of the tree. Rather than tempting fate and having one of my ornaments destroyed via being dropped in a water bowl (his newest game) or rolled downstairs those were put in cat free zones and/or packed back up.

This also goes for our cute little tree. Again, thankful that I bought a ton of plastic ornaments for wreaths last year. Nico decided to go for a black, silver, and white theme. I helped him out by purchasing "shocking" lights  (which apparently means obnoxiously bright and blinking) and tying the bow on top since clearly the gold star I have won't work with his color scheme. 

If time permits tonight we're going to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas so he can try to get the real meaning of Christmas. He does keep checking out the nativity scene though. As in thinks he needs be part of the party and just like that catzilla is sticking his head into the manger. Entertaining? Yes but another reason I need to look into getting a wood set and always have superglue on hand.

At any rate, it's definitely Christmas time out here and my office advent calendar that gets raided daily for chocolate proves it. (Shoot we hit the ones from this weekend on Weds last week). It's come without peppermint ice cream or a red Starbucks cup full of chocolatey, peppermint, coffee. And I'm okay with that for the time being BECAUSE it's come with the opportunity for me to get back to the states and the state that I care most about...California since it's where the family is. Well, will be once Miss Texas gets herself back to the 831.

Christmas Time is Here!

Okay, well maybe it's already been "here" for several weeks as I do reside in a country that doesn't do Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving morning I headed out to Auchan with the most adorable blonde boys and their mom. While we were there I bought a baby tree that will be decorated with Nico safe ornaments before too long.

Although I tried to decorate the apartment that afternoon, I found it odd that I didn't have twinkly lights or a normal sized tree (fresh from Roseburg, OR). Then again, maybe it was because I was on my way out the door for Thanksgiving dinner. Who knows?

Well after deleting the hundreds of Black Friday sale emails from my inbox today, I decided to take another approach to getting into the holiday spirit by watching The Grinch. I also decided that Nico needed to watch it with me and he did. I think he was cold and wanted to steal my body heat but he didn't sleep and actually kept his eyes on the screen.

Then I made the mistake of moving my foot which of course took his attention from the movie and over to attacking my foot. When he was satisfied that whatever had moved was gone, he hopped off the couch. I was busy watching perhaps my most favorite Christmas movie of all time, but out of habit a few minutes later I chirped out for him to make sure he wasn't causing problems. He wasn't. In fact, he was only a few feet away from me.

Yep. I think he was concerned that the Grinch (or Erin) was going to steal "his" Christmas tree! My cat is such a smart one! I guess we now need to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas so he knows how to decorate it himself?

I did make him watch the rest of the movie and although he saw the Grinch's heart grow and return everything, I had to laugh when I just now looked up and saw him sleeping on the chair next to his tree. I'm just glad he likes the tree and has moved on from attacking the moose hanging from the banister!

Cento Cose Di Cui Essere Grati

It's that time of year again when hand prints are turned into turkeys, stomachs expand to accommodate a feast, relatives gather, and yes, you reflect on all the things you are thankful for. For a split second this year I started feeling sorry for myself- sorry that I wasn't going to be able to join my cousins at the kids' table. Sorry that I wasn't going to eat the pies my grandma makes. Sorry that I wasn't going to make the Fred Meyer sock sale on Friday. Seriously. It's hard core.

Then I saw a picture of Carolyne on my desk- the amazing little girl I met this year in Kenya. Then I recalled all the other little kids I saw on the trip, and remembered that for each one represents several others living in the same conditions. These children were so thankful for everything- no matter how small. Once again I was reminded that the opposite of poverty is not rich, but just enough.

Enough.

I don't know about you, but I feel like I have way more than enough. Way beyond the things that fill my ridiculously large house I've been given opportunities that many could never dream of having...including this adventure in Italy.

So sure I'd love to be seated at the kids' table with my siblings and cousins with our glasses of wine (seriously...over half the kids' table has been at a legal drinking age for at least a few years), eating pink cranberry stuff, and laughing with my family but I'm going to be spending it with my "other" families here in Italy.

This Thanksgiving I'll be starting some new traditions but 2 must go on: turkey hand prints & pink cranberry frozen deliciousness. No matter how you celebrate today- in a foreign country, out to eat, in front of the tv, or with family I hope you too are reminded just how much we have to be thankful for. If you need some help thinking of things, Nico and I got into the holiday spirit. Yes, his turkey looks like a hawk but since he's Italian I still need to teach him all about Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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.

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!

4th of July in Italy

This wasn't my first 4th of July outside the home of the free and the brave, but it was the first over seas 4th that felt like I was in the states. I guess that's what happens when you spend it with a ton of Americans, at a military recreation site while in Italy. In fact, the only thing that reminded me that I was in Italy was the Italian being spoken around me by the Italian guests also celebrating with us.

Sure it wasn't a the picnic at Colton Hall, being a pyro with 10 sparklers in my hand, or even watching the volunteer fire department put out a fire on the ball field in the middle of Utah but it's definitely one for the history books...no colored fog!

Although the Carney Park event apparently wasn't as busy as previous years, it was still plenty busy with food and craft vendors, a stage with the most annoying MC ever, pie eating contests, bands, rides, and yes, fireworks.

At first I was thinking no big deal on fireworks since every day I've been here I've seen and/or heard fireworks (we'll have a "Let's Talk....Fireworks" posting later) but these were real fireworks. As they were being shot off in an extinct volcano the noise echoing from the crater mutiplied and I couldn't help but think of it as "payback" for those 1am firework shows most of us have been subject to at this point.

Nothing screams 4th of July like Katy Perry- right? Oh well. Being surrounded by fellow Americans- those who have given so much to protect our freedom really put the holiday in perceptive. Happy 4th of July everyone!