So Many Boxes

The wait is finally over.

No more talks of "when I can post it."

Those sleepless nights will soon be behind you.

TODAY (yes, today)-  I finally present to you the 2nd video in the Moving-In series.

As before the same motion sickness warning applies, so think twice before viewing it full screen. (Of course I also have makeup on this time around so it's a little better looking and I've got a cute Italian assistant.) You're all adults- you can make the right decisions for yourself before watching.

My Shoes Arrived!

And all but one box of them are in my closet.

It almost looks like a shoe store.

Almost.

It was so overwhelming in planning my outfit for today that I ended up wearing the same pair I've been wearing since I went to Shoe Alley. Ridiculous? Yes BUT when your clothes have spent the last 3+ months in storage they arrive a little wrinkly so you have to pick the non wrinkly ones. I did just that and needed a pair of black shoes since the ones I really wanted apparently are still in the one box that needs to be upacked.

And yes, Joe is an amazing friend to be willing to help me move furniture within his first 24 hours of being in Italy. I still have a lot of things do but I think I have the big picture in mind. I just have lots and lots to move.

Signore wasn't too keen on all the noise but he's discovered the packing material (and wads of tape) and has already kept himself very amused. Hopefully he hasn't destroyed anything today...since I gave him free reign of the house today. He also prepared another video tour for you all but I haven't had the chance to edit it so you'll need to wait a few more days. Sorry!

House Tour

Okay, so pictures never give a real good idea of a place because the size and configuration gets all out of whack. For this reason I decided to do a video tour of the place.

Before you get excited and click the link please read the following warnings:

If you are prone to motion sickness, take something now.
If you have missed my ramblings/confusing statements, you won't after this.

Actually, that's about it. Hopefully it gives you all a better idea of where I'm living- complete with the sounds I hear pretty much nonstop. Well, not when I'm waking up, but I assure you they resume by 0645 as I discovered this morning.

Oh! And if I don't mention it enough for you in the video- BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW AND COME VISIT ME. The house is sort of creepy and it needs more people.

And now for our featured movie presentation....

Tiaras, Kingdoms, & Mud

First night in the new place done! I have no idea how I was freezing with the AC set at 24C, but I was. Other than the need to reach for a blanket and a few slamming car doors I slept fabulously. By my early way up the church bells were already chiming and the sun light streamed throughout my rooftop kingdom. What? This is officially my new kingdom and as if I don’t need more reasons to want a tiara, Erin’s amazing house warming gifts gives me another.

Yep.

Tiaras DO make me taller! And as fun as they are, they are also extremely practical as they are the only 2 plates in my kingdom. 

As much as I wanted to continue to sit on my rooftop with my coffee, I was due at Carney Park so off I went. Well, almost to Carney Park. I feel like the GPS has its left and right confused, but I eventually made it. In true Katie O. form, it turns out my mistake came in the last ½ of mile before reaching my destination. Unfortunately in this region mistakes like that send you out of your way and although recoverable, a u-turn saves miles. Oh well. Nothing like a side trip to smell the sulfur volcano to remind you just why you didn’t look in that part of Pozzuoli. That’s my story and I’m stick to it.  

By the time I was there, my registration had already been paid for by someone I had convinced to run. That should have been a warning. The kids went first, just completing the lap once for their 1 mile. Unlike the Fort Ord event, this course was nearly flat and on pavement or lawn. No walls to climb. You actually could run through the mud…but you did have to crawl through sand. After Dylan ran with the kids, I asked him for any pointers. The following words of wisdom were given to me: “Walking is running. Running is walking. Skipping is jogging. Jogging is skipping. Skipping is jogging. And jogging is the fastest thing a human can do.” I repeated it to make sure I got it and he said “yep- you’ll take first place.” Sweet! 

I did decent. Not quite first place but did okay. One of the kids of new friend decided to run the 5K rather than the kids run so I told her that I’d run with her. I caught up with her on lap two and we walked until she was good to go. (Any reason I can find to stop- right?) We did a lap and a half together and even picked Dylan up along the way. Seeing I was dangerously close to the 30min mark I told her that I had to go faster but would run back and finish it with her. No, I didn’t ditch her! We had less than a ½ of mile remaining. Dylan took a short cut and met up with me again, running along side the course shouting advice like “slide on your butt (down the hill)” and “don’t forget to skip through the mud.” Did I mention that he’s 6? 

At any rate, I met my time limit (with 100 seconds to spare) and when I turned back to find my buddy I realized she had kicked it into high gear and had already crossed. She just may be a running buddy in the making. Hey- we all know that I need someone to keep me accountable mile after mile.

So we were done with the event and as I stood by the mud pit I saw Bruce pass through. Bruce is the guy that gets things done with it comes to registering cars and also happens to be my supervisor’s husband. As soon as I was spotted, he asked where my cell phone was. Not with me. Next thing I know it, he’s getting ready to pull me into the mud pit. At least he waited until someone was ready to snap some pictures. My bib was already in a sad state of affairs but this plunge led it to its shallow muddy grave. Yep. I’m sure these pics will be all over work as I’m pretty sure his entire family will be tagged on FB so by default my supervisor will see them. Whatever- people need to know what kind of fun they missed out on. As for my shoes? Well, I’ll see if they can recover as I wait for their real replacement pair to head back from Monterey. 

I think the best part of all of this was driving back muddified and passing Enzo when I was almost back to my place. So I may be getting better at getting into the drive way, but that doesn’t mean I don’t stop traffic while doing it. Hey, it’s my kingdom and they need to yield to the crown. Speaking of “kingdom” I keep catching myself walking around. Maybe it’s because I’m finally free from my prison cell? The funny part is while in TLA I had internet and tv. Oh well…the quite is rather nice. Then again when I say quiet it’s really not, especially with the window open to the traffic below. I guess I’m also getting used to that though because when things turned quiet I woke up. No, I didn’t have to look at the clock- I knew it had to be 2. I’m still amazed that nearly an entire town shuts down for rest. Then again, it’s a great custom that I follow just about any day I can especially when it’s so stinking hot. Luckily I have so many windows and doors to open that I can create an awesome cross breeze throughout my tunnel.

Alright, back to scheming furniture layout. First trip to Ikea is scheduled for tomorrow and if I don’t go with a list I’ll be in trouble!

The Great Migration

Loading everything into suitcases was only Phase I of my moving experience, but that was the toughest one to take. (How come the first step is always the hardest?) Checking out was a tinge sad and Giuseppe was in shock to hear that I was leaving. He said he didn’t see my name on the check out list- yeah, they all know my name at the front desk! I swear I didn’t have that many issues but I guess my 3-4 a day walk bys had them all knowing that I lived there. 

With my stuff in storage, I headed to the personal property office where I was first in line. Well, the personal assisting me couldn’t find my shipment information even though I assured her that I received an email over a month ago saying it was here. I left her with the necessary documents, set up a delivery date and she was going to call me later on with more info (like who had my stuff) later on. She did call (when she said she would!) with my delivery confirmation. So just how long am I HHG-less? Just a smidge under 2 weeks. Good thing I’ll be gone some of those days and I have lots of people willing to lend me the basics like- sheets, pots, pans, etc.

The work day was fun; I find that on Fridays we get our work done so fast that we have time to hang around and chat. I love this because it let’s me get to know some of the folks I don’t know all that well. I did get a quick N7 (engineering) lesson about condensers, water pressure, and the importance of considering how much weight is on a ship. I also got a preview of what to expect when my HHG delivery happens- and let me just say I’m willing to bribe anyone who may be free on a work day to help me out!

After the mandatory 8 hours (well, less when you take leave to deal with other stuff in the morning) I headed back to the SS to volunteer at the Back to School Block Party with Le Piume Nere. I finally met the man who put the club together and then was walked around the event and introduced to other members. We of course also did a professional job “supervising” the train ride, but for the most part the kids knew to line up so it was easy. I saw plenty of my green team VBS kids with their parents who were thrilled to have school once again starting. Figuring I had been baking enough in the sun based on the increase of freckles on my arms and the desire to jump into Monterey Bay’s freezing cold water…I headed over to my former home to load up my suitcases. Well, nothing is every that easy—this is Italy after all! I had to say ciao to the afternoon desk clerks and try to maneuver the cart full of luggage on a slanted cobble stone sidewalk. Thankfully the nicest guy EVER helped me with that one.  

Since my day was getting further and further away from me, I decided to meet Tanya and her kids at the “local dinning establishment” for dinner. Hands down it was the worse dinning experience I’ve had there- and some have been not so great. The kids were dying of thirst and yet our drink order took forever, as in arrived after our meals. Sure we could have asked someone, but that would have required having someone walk by close enough to snag and ask them. Lots of people did walk by- the SS really is the place to be on Friday nights (or not if you’ve seen enough of your coworkers throughout the week).

After the longest meal ever, feeling grimy, and still way too warm for the sun to be below the horizon, it was time for Ravi and I to finally head home. I had hoped to make it by 8:30 but 9 was more of our arrival time- partially because I drove right past it, making a loop since I know that Ravi will only make a left hand turn into the courtyard.

"The eagle has landed."

On attempt #2 I noticed an old man sitting on the stairs and luckily he realized that I needed help guiding my car in the spot. Seriously- I’ve got a wiggle room of maybe 8 inches. In retrospect it would have been nice to know that prior to signing the contract BUT I’m getting the hang of it. When I got out of my car, I realized the man had walked my direction and was pointing to my car and keys. I told him in plain English that I lived here. He responded something in Italian and then I heard “parli italiano?” and had to respond with a “no.”  As he slowly lead the way up stairs to the landlady’s apartment I finally realized he must be her husband. (He is just a lot older than her?!) Once we made it to the top of the stairs he entered the apartment and I swear I heard something about Americano and turned to see familiar faces and a few more. Another one of their daughters and grandson, both speaking fabulous English, gave me the tour of the final state of the apartment and told me a few of the things I needed to know- like how to turn on the AC. After the tour they assured me that they would be home and to just come over if I needed anything at all. Well, they would be there until Weds and the grandson another week. 

Once they left I made 4 (or was it 5?) treks up the steps to get my stuff. Between the steep steps to get my stuff my stuff and the ones I get to climb to get to the kitchen/living room my legs are going to reach super strength status. I sure hope Stanley can keep up! Alright, time to start evaluating usage of space and then it’s bed time- mud run tomorrow!

The Traveling Katie O. Show

I've said it before (although maybe not in this forum) I love packing. Granted, I typically put it off to the very last possible minute but it always gets done. Eventually. But seeing my suitcases means it's adventure time. Sure sometimes it just means over to Fresno or up to Berkeley but other times it's meant major life events like- going off to college, living on a ship, heading to Kenya, or an overseas move.

Although I'd like to think that the hard part of this move was getting on the plane and arriving in Italy...I doubt that will be the case. I feel like with this last pack-up the real adventure is going to begin. An adventure filled with work commutes, living in a building with a lady who speaks no English (but is thrilled I'm starting Italian classes next week), living in a place by myself (eek), navigating the local shops for produce, all while still learning the ropes with the new job. Yes, my plate may be full but I plan to eat up all Italy has to offer.

Don't judge how much stuff I've accumulated over the last 3 months...you try living out of the 2 larger suitcases and see just how long you last. Plus some of that is food (read- coffee) and then you've got my books, stationary, workout stuff...it all takes space! Oh well, I've got everything lined up and ready to roll out- next stop: HOME!

Items not in picture: backpack, purse, grocery bag x2.

90 Days!

90 days ago exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed, in need of a shower, and totally confused where I was other than "the base" my sponsor, her husband and I stood in the lobby of the hotel. As I was told step by step what was need to check in I only really remember saying "26 August is my check out date? Surely I won't be here that long." Poor Guisepppe...I think he thought I was telling the truth! Since then we run into each other several times during the week and he's always there to greet me with a "ciao." Come to think of it- all the guys are always greeting me with a "ciao" even when I have the iPod in my ears and they need to say it a little louder than normal.

Well if you check your calendar- tomorrow is 26 August and yes, my check-out/eviction date.  A little part of me is sad to leave my "dorm room" since it's so centrally located to all things Little America. I've come to know the people on my floor (even the "new" rotation). I see people I know from work while shopping and at the gym. (Well, I wish they didn't see me while I'm at the gym!) I'm walking distance to several friends' apartments. But before I get too nostalgic about this place I've referred to as "prision" one too many times during my stay I need to remember- I'm in Italy and this is not Italy.

Will I be back? Oh yeah- at least once a week so I really think I'll survive. Even if I will miss my housekeeper, lack of utility bills, and reliable internet. Speaking of internet, time to break the news. I'm going to be without it for a little while. Don't worry, I'll still be documenting all of my happenings.

Alright, my bags are far from being packed. I still have things on the walls. My fridge needs to be cleaned out. Since tomorrow is a work day I suppose I should get some sleep tonight so time to get moving. And if work doesn't motivate me? I've got a skype date with the ever so fabulous GWB at 0600.

Another Step Closer

It's move out day.

As I type, three amazingly fast guys are packing, wrapping, moving everything Italy bound. It's nerve racking, exciting, stressful, emotional, and thrilling all at the same time. I'm thrilled that I'm another step closer to this next adventure- well I am 9 out of 10 times when asked.

Well, my things will be on their way...now if only someone has seen my passport!