"Whatareyoutalkingabout?"

Hanging out with my boys for the last time the other night, the littlest one kept looking at me and asking what are you talking about? Now there's a good chance he really had no idea what I was talking about with his older brothers, but so often I feel like it's the same non-verbal response I get from people not familiar with living in Naples. Let's face it- those of us who have spent any extended length of time in Napoli we eat, breathe, live, speak Napoli* and I for one forget that it doesn't always easily translate.

*Please don't confuse this with Neapolitan (the local Italian dialect) because I sure don't speak that. And I sure don't speak Italian despite my efforts in year one.
 
In Napoli traffic no longer conjures images of China Basin after a Giants' game. Traffico takes on a whole new meaning of 6 lanes of cars, with several motos tossed in there to adequately jam pack the 5 to 3 lane merge/exit where Corso Malta meets the tangenziale. 

Lunch no longer brings to mind a quick bite to eat because pranzo is a 2-3 course meal, complete with vino and cloth napkins.

"I just need to finish the laundry" is understood as you'll see me in 5 hours because that's about how long it takes to put a load of clothes through the washer and dryer. Mind you that this load consist of 10 items not made of denim or other heavy fabrics.

New Years? Ha. Until you experience the sky lighting up like a battle zone for hours on end you don't know New Years. Sorry.

The examples could go on and on. Even when I think I found the end of it I'm sure my Naples would show and we'd add several more items to the list: always carrying around tissue with you for bathrooms, praying that your car is there (and in the same condition) when you step out from the shopping mall, remembering coins for a shopping cart, ensuring you have coins to pay the parking attendant...my friend Jen sums it up much better than I can so if you're wondering about this coin thing check out her blog post all about it, just make sure you come back to finish reading this one please! <Click here to jump to her blog.>

Sure, Italy may sound mysterious, romantic, and exciting because it is! It hands down in the most amazing adventure I've embarked out on, but let me be completely honest- some days it just down right sucks. Unexplained power outages. Unexplained water outages. Neighborhoods of alarms going off (oh wait, that's mine...sorry). The inability to communicate effectively. Late dinner hours. Transportation strikes. Gasoline strikes. Garbage strikes. Protests. Burning trash. Crummy internet connections. Terrible cell phone reception. Cold drafty houses in winter. Oven hot houses in summer. Hundreds of stray animals. Roadkill littered highways. Delayed utility bills. Obscene sales tax rates. No personal space. Traffic. Roads with more pot holes than smooth road. Hard water. Complete disregard for rules. Narrow roads. Unmarked roads. One way roads being used a two way roads. Being unable to satisfy a deep craving for good Mexican food! A 45 minute drive to get "American food" like Karo syrup. Ridiculously expensive car insurance rates. Unexplained road closures. Need I go on???

For most of you, my life here in Naples has been a complete mystery for the last 3 years despite my effort to try to explain it (ahem...the reason for this blog). For a few of you, we've witnessed the crazy together and now you get what I'm saying or at least don't question my latest story about what I saw on my commute home (3 grown men peeing on the side of the road, 1 accident, 2 near misses, a road side trash fire, and 2 prostitutes).

My pictures don't convey the chaos experienced on my commute home. I can't capture the frustrations of running up to the roof at o'dark-thirty to see what error is flashing on the caldia resulting in a cold shower in megapixles. The late night shouts, slamming doors, firework explosions...in between the church bells that ring around the clock somehow lose their annoyance factor when you're not the one they are waking up. The having to plan shopping trips around what day of the week it is and riposo requires at least 2 shots of café prior to attacking the day (but night before planning works the best). 

The thing is though? As frustrating and annoying as these things can be it's just part of this grand adventure. The rewards of being here well outweighs all of the risks (getting behind the wheel of a car), hazards (toxic produce), & the alternative of missing out on all of this. 

Wine is cheap and good. So is the produce just don't buy more than you can eat in 2 days. Adventures are abundant and most days don't require more than a 5 minute commute to meet some character that have you and your girlfriends laughing until tears fall. Take notice to the ancient Greek or Roman structure. Sit, climb, crawl over any important ruin- they don't care...just don't think about a lawsuit because those are rare here. Take time to spend with your family and friends every Sunday. Take the entire month of August off to vacation and recharge. Don't worry about what needs to be done today, there's always domani and dopo domani. Pick up strangers on the corner to drive them to the train station. Honk at your friends on the street as you drive by. Order your coffee of choice in 2 seconds (there's no grande sugar free vanilla latte, no whip here). Stop to admire la babina on her afternoon walk with i nonni. Join in the community festivals. Dress in your Sunday best to hit the local Auchan. Bargain with vendors at the local market. Get that extra scoop of gelato. Smiles get you bellas and your windshield washed without a hand turned out at your windshield. Cappucini come with hearts, flowers, or smiley faces in the foam. Patios are filled with retired citizens gossiping. Practice your Indy500 driving, just look out for the sign announcing the upcoming speed camera. Know the calcio score based on the groans, cheers, and horns in the neighborhood. Over indulge in nutella. Know when there is a calcio match on account of the streets being empty. Laugh at the tourists gripping their bags in fear downtown Napoli remembering that was once you. Return the locals' stare as they try to figure out if they know you. Hang out on the church steps and just people watch. Be amazed by the festive lights set up in each of the towns for their patron saints days.

You know that commute home after a long day? Not so bad when I turn the corner and see the Baia Castle looking out over the sparkling sea. 

That late dinner time? Sometimes you need a pizza at midnight.

The terrible road conditions? Makes me thankful that Ravi made the trip with me.

Trash burning? Makes for some incredible sunsets with all those pollutants in the air. 

Slow moving traffic? Well they let me notice the new blue and pink ribbons outside homes announcing new babies. 

The popping of fireworks at 10pm? Perfectly visible from my window above my bed. 

It's all these amazing experiences, realizations, attitude adjustments that make the other stuff tolerable. No. That doesn't mean that a broken alarm system at 6am on a Saturday morning won't bring me to tears when all I want to do is sleep, but it does put it all in perspective.  

Okay. I still sense the whatareyoutalkingabout look coming through my computer screen. The next best solution would be to book a ticket out here because honestly? Until you've experienced Naples you're always going to have that look on your face. Somethings you just have to see for yourself! And trust me- you won't regret it. Just remember to leave your sparkly stuff at home :) 

How Goes It?

I love the fact that I've received so many emails from you all over the past few Facebook free weeks making sure that everything is okay and seeing what's up. I also have to smile when local friends have to take the time to fill me in on something since I didn't see the post or a coworker asks how I'm doing with not being able to post pictures from my adventures.

Of course if you know about my blog, you know that I'm actually getting better about posts again. It's amazing all the FB statuses I've wanted to post that have turned into blogs instead or (gasp) just was a fleeting thought in my mind.

So, how goes it?

Giving up Facebook has proven to not be that big of a challenge- until I want to see pictures of a recent adventure or they send me pesky emails saying I have lots of notifications. Like I had suspected, I actually get things done in the evenings too. It's amazing.

The job search is pressing on and although I've had a few nibbles on the resume, I'm holding out for the prize marlin. By the end of the month I hope to have more of an update and no dark circles under my eyes from restless nights while my future is in limbo. I've still got time...96 days are still on my current commitment and talks of extending a little past those double digits has already begun.

Neeks is still as adorable as ever. He's thrilled with each additional minute of daylight meaning he can go out on the patio.

And perhaps my best news- I ran jogged for 30 seconds yesterday on a treadmill, without my knee brace! I'm 4 weeks past the last major pain and finally back to the gym at a semi regular interval.  

So that's your Wednesday evening Katie O. update.
Ciao tutti!

Not Always Glamorous, In Fact It Downright Sucks Some Days

Often people make comments to me about how fabulous my life must be overseas or how glamorous it is. Truth be told, 75% of the time I'd have to agree even if I roll my eyes when it's said. The weekend get-a-ways, beautiful historic sites, exposure the another culture, meeting new people all take on such more significance for some reason over here. Maybe because it still seems so new?

But let's face it. The same stuff that goes wrong in the states happens here and when it does? It seems a million time worse because I'm isolated, I have to rely on others for assistance, and often have to deal with a 6+ hour time difference to call or talk to to anyone that I've known long enough or well enough to be completely honest with how miserable I am or share what's really going on. Yes, I do have a few fabulous friends here but when their lives are tied up with significant others and kids? Or taking advantage of all the travel opportunities putting them out of reach? A girl can feel rather isolated. How's this for a mind blower- what you see on Facebook that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. 

Maybe this week has just been particularly difficult having a fabulous weekend with my grandma and aunts, only to have to say good-bye with the reminder that I'll be home in a matter weeks. Somehow each day this week has passed slower and slower...

Maybe the demands of the office pulling me various directions compounded by the workplace dynamics are just wearing me down...

Maybe the fact that I can't seem to sleep through the entire night without waking up with the thought of what's next? or realizing I owe someone information regarding my next steps is wearing me out...

Maybe it's the constant disappointment of things not coming together, despite careful planning and communication...

Maybe it's the pain in my knee, stressing out my body, totally screwing up my ability to do anything other than "ice and elevate" this weekend and keeping me out the gym...

Maybe it's the fear of having to have surgery again, or the mention of PT...

Maybe the super early wake-ups (due to pain) are taking their toll...

I don't know what it is, but I'm miserable this week. Chatting with a coworker this morning I admitted the fact that I've probably broken down into tears more in the past year than I did for my last 5 in the states. Shoot. I'm 3 for 3 in the past 3 days.

Yes. This is me trying to process and get to the root of it- since I really do hate crying! It's so ugly and not to mention messy with makeup. I know you're supposed to cry and process feelings but I like to know what my feelings are triggered by so I can fix the problem. (This should come as no surprise to any of you.)

And yes. It's proof that things do get a little messy and stressful. Same story line as back home, just a different location and lots of subtitles.
 

I Love Count Downs

I'm not sure why I'm such a huge fan of knowing the number of days to a big event, but it seems that I always have. Maybe it's my need to plan and prepare for events like a race, or seeing that reward getting a little closer, like knowing when I can start running again. I don't know. I do know that right now I have 4 count downs: days until the arrival of my grandma & 2 aunts, days until I'm California bound, days left to get all my 2013 resolutions accomplished.

The 4th one? Well it's the one that tells me just how many days left I have in Bella Napoli, according to my current paperwork. 247 days if I truly stay my 3 years; but given the pattern I've seen with folks moving in/out things never go quiet as planned.

So what's next? Oh me trying to get motivated to go job searching within government agencies that aren't restricted to hiring freezes. Me looking on maps to identify just where some of these openings are located. Reaching back to my supervisor in the states (yeah, my real boss is in Norfolk). Trying to figure out the answer to complete the sentence...when I grow up I want to be____. Turns out I can buy myself royal title and a tiara to go along with it, but I'm not sure how Nico could fund his mice habit or I my travel addiction if I go that route.

Needless to say, it's decision time around here in the upcoming weeks (and months) and all prayers and encouragement for me to make the best decision for me would be greatly appreciated. The first major step, completing my letter of intent, is coming up soon. My supervisor is hanging on to it as long as he can while I keep exploring options, but eventually I need to provide my answer if I want to stay in Naples for 1, 2, or no additional years.

And for those that were around when I was doing the Monterey, Stennis, Naples game 2.5 years ago- you know how I don't do well with these decisions. Decision tree has been made. Research started. Gym trips increased. Sleep less satisfying. A little fear is good- it keeps me moving. Change? Yeah. I could use some of that too. At any rate- here's to my next adventure...even if it's still a big fat unknown.

No Doubt in My Mind

When my Italy count down flipped to 11 months I was thinking about a spur of the moment trip home. Lots of reasons why: sometimes I just my mom and dad, it's baseball season, Target.com just isn't the same as a brick store, I wanted to drop off the radar for a while...you know, all typical symptoms of a few bad terrible days and my melodramatic response to it all.

I had it all planned; show up to my boss' office Monday morning, tears in my eyes, just telling him that "I really needed to go home for a while. Everyone was okay, me too, but it was just time for a re-charge." I mean, I had half the office asking me daily if everything was okay or if I wanted to talk...I totally could have sold it. It's not often that an O-6 asks over and over if I'm okay. Well, maybe some O-6s do...but that's rare form for this one...

Why am I telling you all this? 

Today was fabulous. As in one of those days where I just can't stop smiling. Today when the count down clicked down to 10 months, 10,  as in 30 days from now my months will be in single digits, Italy still makes me smile even with all of her quirks. I find it a little ironic that it's exactly 1 month from when I was ready to toss it all aside for a while. 

This morning when I woke up to 1 purring (visiting) kitty and 2 others running around (and into things) at 7 on yes gasp a week day I couldn't help but smile that today was a furlough day. No. Furloughs aren't ideal and it's really stupid that we're dealing with this, but the extra day to my weekend and the extra sleep? Totally worth the 8 hours of less pay for the week...but I digress.

Today I'm just thanking my lucky stars that I ended up in Italy where...

You can buy wine from the parking lot guy. Produce too!
Music coming from the piazza next door interrupts your movie because it's so loud.
Fireworks not only kick off and end your day, but often surprise you during the day.
You think twice about BBQing in your swimsuit until you look out and see the old men across the way (several houses down) just chilling out in their Speedos.
You can't go anywhere without being offered a shot of coffee. (No wonder I'm still awake!)

Italy is where I belong. For now.
Don't believe me? Tony (the boat guy) thought I was Italian today!

My 1st Thirty Years

Call it a freak out if you must.
I prefer to call it a character building experience.

I decided to list 30 things that I've learned about myself in these 30 years.

Sure, a lot of these haven't been the case since I was born, but many of them started to take root when I was much younger. So without any further rambling, here are 30 things that at the end of the day I know are true about who I am and what I believe and I don't see changing any time soon:

1. Dessert can be (and should) be eaten as a meal (cake for breakfast, ice cream for lunch, cookies and candy corn for dinner...comment if you want additional menu plans).
2. If you poke fun at God, my family, or the SF Giants expect to hear about it.
3. I don't care what form my coffee is in, but it better be strong.
4. It's a great big world out there, and I plan to see, explore, and experience it.
5. I dance like a white girl, but that doesn't stop me from kitchen dance parties while I'm cooking.
6. I'm okay being 30 and having pink be my favorite color. (5 year old Katie had that one figured out a long time ago!)
7. I prefer my cats male and gray, but any cat is better than none.
8. Seeing something that breaks your heart is a good thing...it means your heart isn't numb and  that little something is stirring to figure out how to make a change.
9. Happiness is a choice.
10. Life is better with a touch heaps of peppermint.
11. I still don't care for pasta, even after 2 years in Italy.
12. Christmas music should NOT be reserved for only a few weeks out of the year.
13. No matter how many times the USPS raises postage, I'll still prefer to send a sticker covered, doodles drawn, more words on the outside of the envelope than in the actual letter inside to show I'm thinking about someone.
14. Laughter is my default reaction; it's way better than tears, anger, or words in many cases.
15. My clean laundry sits for no less than 48 hours before it's actually put away...freshly washed and wrinkled.
16. I bite my nails when I'm bored to death at the office or stressed out.
17. I think spell check is the greatest invention EVER...yet I still have typos.
18. I put easy things on my check lists (shower, eat breakfast) just so I can feel productive at the end of the day.
19. The smell of wet dirt/cement after a rain storm is my favorite.
20. Sunsets are amazing, but I prefer watching the stars fade, moon set, and to greet the sun as it rises.
21. Even on my worst days, there are millions out there worse off than I am so I need to suck it up, move on.
22. Sweating grosses me out, but I've moved past it enough to get out of the pool and start running.
23. With each wedding I attend or take part in, something from my once epic wedding weekend gets cut. Before too many more I'll be down to a courthouse wedding...
24. And yes, even after reading Endurance, I want to spend my honeymoon (after said courthouse wedding) on a multi-week National Geographic cruise to Antarctica.
25. I often compete with others...who don't know we're competing.
26. "Nap" in Katie means sleeping 10 minutes to all afternoon, so make sure you know which kind I'm talking about if we're making plans.
27. Despite being half Mexican, I will never be darker than beige. Yes, that is taking into account all my freckles. And yes, I've given up on my freckles uniting to produce a "tan." I'm white. I got it. Aren't you proud of me for finally realizing this one mom?
28. Although I've fought it for years, I'm a Drama Queen. Not so much my drama, but others.
29. My brain never (ever) turns off. The internal dialogue? Thankfully there isn't a speaker broadcasting and I have to take the time to either open my mouth to share or you know, sit infront of the computer and translate the thoughts to words. Sorry.
30. I live an incredible life. To think that at 30 (wow that's strange to type) I've done so many things? It's pretty unreal. I'm not sure how I've been so fortunate to be given these opportunities, but I'm not complaining! Here's to the next 30 and all the adventures, experiences, and self realizations they will hold. 

Welcome Best Month of 2013!

April is back! And yes, it is the best month EVER! I've always thought this, but it was solidified a few years back when I gained the support of others. Okay, so we all have our birthdays this month, but lots of other fabulous things happen in April. Like...

The official return of baseball! Neeks and I are doing our best to stay up tonight to track the men in orange and black take on the evil ones. But a 10pm start time is almost worse than when they start at 4am...the fact that we have to track them online via GameDay doesn't help much. In fact, truth be told, Nico went to bed at the end of the 3rd inning. I'm proud...he almost last longer than his grandma does at a game :) {Oh wait. He was just hiding on the couch. He does like baseball!)

And yes, my birthday does happen this month but way before then, some other things happen...

I get to run the Paris Marathon. Nothing like turning 4 months of training into a 5ish hour race. Thank goodness I'll have my running partner, and friend, there each step of the way. And yes, we're going to have fun in Paris before race day. After the race? We'll have fun but things may just be funny if we're delusional.

Then, my favorite cousin ever rolls into town. Yes. I have no problem saying she's my favorite. I have the letters from the past 20+ years from her to prove that she's not only family, but also a friend. And I have no intentions of losing her in Naples...you can only lose one per year or else it's just poor form. At any rate, we've got a short weekend adventure planned which will be just what I need because the following week?

MY PARENTS ARRIVE!

Well, they arrive to Europe. I've got to go meet them to have yet another adventure before bringing them back to meet their grand-kitty and give them the crash course into Italian living. While I'm doing that, I'll hopefully be distracted enough that the big 3-0 doesn't sink in too much. Seriously. Actually, I'm hoping to have a firework extravaganza, complete with semi American food, and being surrounded by the ones I love because I can't think of a better way to enter my 30s.

Yep. Yep.

Alright. Just a few reasons why April rocks- especially this year. If these "April Showers" ever go away, my sweet-peas and petunias just may make my patio more welcoming and now that it's light past 630 I think it will be wine and sunsets out there again. But for now? I need to get back to tracking the game and figure out how to combat the serious lack of sleep I'll have come morning.

Happy April 1st Everyone!

Gratitude Journal

The days are slowly getting longer. Temps are ever so slightly increasing. The promise of visitors and trips are encouraging. And yet, I still seem to be falling into a funk from time to time. Over coffee last week my therapist/coworkers/Italy family told me to start keeping track of things I'm thankful for in an effort to "focus on the good" rather than pesky things like- running injuries, potential furloughs, etc.

Although I think that more often than not, I'm the cheerful, optimistic type I figured I'd give it a shot. It's been a week now and here's my list. Yeah, it's mainly little things but if you can't be thankful for the little things, how are you ever going to appreciate the huge things?!?!?

Gratitude Journal- Day #1 (2/27/13)

• Waking up to a purring kitty
• Sunrises over Mt. Vesuvius
• Military uniforms

Gratitude Journal- Day #2 (2/28/13)

• Free range friendships. Boundaries? Lines? Ha. Those fences were torn down a long, long time ago.
• Parents who have always given me space and privacy, but at the same time give me a ton of love, support, and are always there.
• Plane tickets to foreign destinations...like Paris.

Gratitude Journal- Day #3 (3/1/13)

• The smell of chlorine
• Baseball caps (with the SF Giants logo on them)
• Carbs

Gratitude Journal- Day #4 (3/2/13)

• Online shopping
• All things peppermint
• Letters from my girls

Gratitude Journal- Day #5 (3/3/13)

• Lazy mornings
• Race bling
• Hot water at a turn of the faucet

Gratitude Journal- Day #6 (3/4/13)

• New freckles
• Ibuprofen
• Daffodils

Gratitude Journal- Day #7 (3/5/13)

• Naps
• Longer days
• Savage Chicken cartoons

Don't Question Your Math Skills...

...this is a real time posting and yes, it's 3am. Funny thing is we've been up since 130. And when I say we, I really mean Nico woke me up and now he is the one back in bed sleeping while I'm bloggin'.

At any rate, since my brain is on overload I figured that it's time to brew a pot of coffee and give one of my rambling updates. Keeping up shouldn't be that tough of a challenge, although trying to translate what sleepy Katie is typing may be...

With the change of the weather I'm finding myself needing little sleep. Not sure if that's due to the temp change (I hate sleeping with the AC on), longer days, or just the urgency to get things taken care of before house guests invade. You'd think that with my challenging days at the office followed by the gym and errand running I'd be exhausted by the end of the day...but no. Chalk one up to Italian coffee I guess?

Luckily the 2012 Coach Pitch Baseball season has ended so that's one less thing on my plate.  Although I was never able to convince the kids that I really was the head coach (which I was) we had a great season. The only loss we had was the win I wanted the most on my birthday, but what can you do in a league that score isn't actually kept? Actually, near the end of the season I started counting the outs made by each side rather than runs scored to see how they were doing. The kids did an amazing job in improving (and in most cases acquiring) their skill set. Now will I be coaching again? As I told the organizers when collecting the awards for the kids, um ask me in a few months. Told the parents the same thing when they asked if I'll be on the soccer field again this fall.

Things on the work front have been okay. My coworker returned from her 3 month training not too long ago and heads back to the states tomorrow for another week or so. This is the last time she will be gone for a while which is good because I think I'll go crazy if I have to continue this job solo.

And why we're chatting about my job, I need to vent a little frustration. We've been going through a review all this week so I've been sitting in on our interviews about procedures (think MIC you NPS folks), but let me tell you...if I get the Katie is new and has only been here 1 year story one more time I may scream. Yes, it's true I've only been here a year. Yes, it's true that I still don't have a grasp on command history and organization (ha- neither do they at this point of the re-organization).  And yes, even some of my day to day stuff still remains a mystery since adequate training has been a challenge with the coworker's TDY schedule in combination with the urgent stuff we deal with.

But c'on.

ONE THIRD of my rotation is completed. Stop making excuses for me because really, I don't think it's justifying things so much as making me look like I can't handle the job.

One last thing on the work front and then I'll change topics- PROMISE!

The Navy did their PRT (Physical Readiness Test) a few weeks back and after a few days of hearing about people's scores or you know, failures as in the case of one horrible shinsplints fiasco, my coworker and I decided to look up what our requirements would be if we were in the Navy. Putting our white board to use we listed the requirements. I don't know all my numbers right now, but I need to do 13 real pushups to even pass. 13. 1-3. As in way more than I can do right now. To get a score of excellent I think I need 37. Ha. Decided I'd rather work on my 1.5 mile time to get it around 11ish minutes to have that bring up my overall score. At any rate, by the end of the day we had everyone in our office goals on the board and even a few others. Test date is at the end of August and as the youngin' of the group (as in there is an age group between me and the next person) I feel I have to learn how to do some serious push ups. Any one have any ideas on how to do this? (I mean, step 1 would be to start working on them.) Oh and yes, for the first time I wished I was 30 so I could get kicked up to the next group, meaning slightly more achievable goals.

Basta con lavoro. 

The funny thing is though, I can't think of anything else to write about now. 

Oh! There is the ever growing excitement of meeting my siblings in Madrid in just about a week before they head back to Italy with me. Bonus? A few of my NPS professors will also be here that first week! It's so great to see familiar faces from time to time. The activities I have planned are already out numbering the days they will be here so it's time to head to the chopping block and just deal with the fact that I'll need to have other guests head out for some of these other adventures, or just stop being so lazy on the weekends and go out myself.

Alright, one last thing because my alarm is about to go off telling me it's time to wake up to get some ab work in...

PUPPIES. If you're in Italy and want a puppy, let me know. A friend has 7 and is looking to find homes for each of them. I've posted pics on Facebook and even picked out the one I want...if I had a yard. I'd be handing them out left and right if I could but something tells me I shouldn't be giving a puppy to a 9 year old for his birthday...especially when I work with his dad. But believe me, I've tried. I'm using it as a threat now..."Loser of the PRT gets a puppy." "Submit your travel claim tomorrow or you get a puppy." Then again, I'm also using it as encouragement: "I know this job sucks from time to time, but wouldn't a puppy make it better?" To which one coworker responded, "I have a 1 and 3 year old- do you want to trade them for a puppy?" Everyone is a hard sale, but I'm working on my marketing skills.

And that folks is the conclusion of this rambling by Katie. I promise to go do some fun stuff this weekend- wine tasting, beach, and a 10K run with LPN. And yes, the kitties will be back at the end of next week. Yay!

One Year!

It's amazing to look at at the calendar and realize that I'm already into year #2 here in Italy. I know some had doubts that I could really make it to this point (even I did in my weaker moments) but like I said when leaving Monterey- "I can do anything for a year."

And that's exactly what I've done.

Although the job is very much routine at this point (and bordering boredom some days) life here in Naples is anything but. You'd think I'd be used to this crazy city life but I still find myself laughing or asking "did I really just see that?" as I navigate the roads. Honestly I don't think any of it will ever come routine, and if it does it just means it's time to move on!

There are things that I loved as soon as I arrived and still love them now: gelato in various flavors, fresh pizza on just about every block, the kindness of the people (unless you're trying to merge...then good luck!), tiny coffee cups, not having to commit to a certain lane on the road. 

Some of the quirks have grown on me: creative use of emergency SOS spaces on the side of the road, the lack of obeying traffic laws, shutting everything down after lunch, coffee breaks every hour, dressing up to run weekend errands, dramatic conversations, beeping at every intersection to let others know you are there.

Then again there are still some things that I just don't understand coming from the states like, why can't I have a garbage disposal? What do you mean it's normal to have paint chip/peel of the walls? Wait. You just let your cat/dog out to fend for itself when you go away in August? Dinner starts at 9- that's my bed time! What's the reason for the strike this time?

All I know is I've got my work cut out for me. I've managed to see and do a lot this past year but somehow there is still a ton of Naples I have yet to explore! If year one flew by this quickly, you better believe years 2 and 3 will do the same. Lucky for me, my summer line up of guests start off with my siblings so you know we're going to go to some major exploring!

Another Lap Around the Sun

Katie v.28 Highlights

• Moved to Italy  
  
• Ran a marathon
• More than one time asked myself if I was crazy, but never once answered "yes" 
• Stayed in 6 countries
• Adopted a cat 
  
• Stomped grapes a la Lucy style
  
• Discovered true Italian espresso
• Finally believed that what I have in my post high school years is more than what some people do in a lifetime...piano, piano.  

Tomorrow marks the start of my 29th lap around the sun. Those 365 day will be filled with a passion for living, adventure, family, running, laughter, coffee, friends, new freckles, hugs, cat fur on dark clothing, & a whole lot of unknown. There will also be sadness, frustration, spoken good-byes, anger, muscle aches, overtime at work, changed plans, & Giants' losses, but as I speed through this lap at 100,000km/hr I hope those instance are quickly passed and only sprinkled throughout all the wonderful things. 

Ready or not I'm seated in this awesome seat I found on lap 28 and I can't wait to see what new things I'll find on this go around. Maybe this is the year I'll find some of those things that I just couldn't quite get to in previous years? Hey, no regrets- I am pressing forward!

Qui, là, e in ogni luogo...

Ciao tutti!

I'm warning you know, this is a "here, there, and everywhere" sort of post. I feel like I've been a little too quiet out here. Granted February was a rough month but with the sun shinning longer than the 8 hours I'm stuck underground, my body staying relatively germ free, and less time out there running (I <3 tappering)...there is just no reason to be so quiet.

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This week has been crazy as we move back into our (not so) "new and improved" office space. Somehow although I was on the list to move day 2, here we are coming up on day 4 and I just may finally make the cut. I'm in no hurry to move over there since who knows how long it will take to get my computer and phone up and running again, but by this afternoon I felt like I had almost been left behind. Then again that could be due to our shop of 6 was a mere 3 strong today so seeing another SSU member was pretty difficult to do. Then again, I think I got my miles in walking back and forth between my files and my computer or trying to track someone down. 

It's been fun though since everyone is in the same transition state (translation: not very productive as we move in and wait for IT) so I've been chatting with people I normally wouldn't have. Even though I heard the phrase "cruise director" said in my direction, I'd like to think that my interior decorating skills have helped ease the transition into an even smaller office space. Hey, if we're living in super close quarters we gotta stay on speaking terms.

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The ridiculous rental car was returned today but Ravi is still at the shop. Apparently they had him in traction for 2 days to get the frame back to normal...so it's slowing the whole process down. It's not like they didn't know that damage was there as they were the ones who pointed it out to me!

It's a whole insurance mess with $ rates stateside versus me living in Italy. Luckily I have a coworker who doesn't live too far away that can drive me to work the next 2 days. I'm really hoping that Ravi gets returned on Friday afternoon or else it's going to be an interesting weekend.

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Italian III is nearly over. In fact tomorrow we are going to be watching a movie. I have this feeling that I won't know much of what's going on if tonight at the pizzeria is any indication. I have moments where I feel like I can carry on a pretty decent conversation but then when I go try to practice in town I get overwhelmed and revert to gestures or my few key verbs. I know it's in there and I know it's all going to click one of these days. How? Well, I catch myself thinking in Italian. Well, I think it's Italian. I should start writing it down and seeing if it actually translates properly. Uffa! I actually have some homework assignments I need to get done.

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I decided to go for it- I will be coaching baseball. Right now I have a team of nine 8 year old boys and it's still coach pitch so it may somewhat resemble a ball game. My coworker will be co-coaching and we have a few of the same kids from soccer so it should be a fun time. Two of our other coworkers have also offered help running drills if we need it/if we go on travel so it's just going to be the SSU little league team! I figure if I survived coaching soccer, the game I knew nothing more than "no hands", I should be a pro this go around. Best part? The opening day is the weekend after the Rome Marathon, so it will be a perfect transition.

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Yep. We're in a little over a week before the main event....the Rome Marathon. I've officially reached the "just get me to the starting line and look for me about 5 hours later crossing the finish" point. With an attitude like this it really shouldn't be a surprise that I haven't been too faithful the last week on my mid week running. I'll get there. I'm just trying to prevent major stress on my germ exposed body because I'd like to have my full SB strength come race day.

Seriously though, I think I'm more excited about heading up with my training partner and her husband to spend the time in Rome since I really haven't done much of that since arriving in Italy. No doubt about it, a fabulous time will be had and come Sunday afternoon we will have traveled 26.2 miles  a piedi. 
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And finally, because you know it's not a true rambling session if he's not mentioned- Signore Nico. He still answers better to the crumpling of paper than to his name. He still gives me attitude when I walk through the door, even if it's clear he just woke up from a "nap." He still is obsessed with drowning his toys in water before running them to the couch to bury in the pillows. And his newest habit is to make sure I get up after the alarm goes off but rather than following, he curls up and goes back to sleep. And despite all his faults they are still out numbered by all the entertainment and joy he contributes to our household and I wouldn't trade him for anything.

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There you have it. Proofing it just now reminds me what happens when I do a continuous free write...sort of scary. My apologies for the run on sentences and all the other grammatical errors. (I left all my editors in Monterey!)

6 Months Removed from the 831

Six months ago I was about to set off on quite possibly the biggest adventure I have had to date- moving clear across the world. Early today while reflecting on who I've met, what I've seen, where I've been, and what I've accomplished I had to laugh. Never in a bazillion years could I have predicted 85% of these things 6 months ago. I had to laugh even more when I pulled up a blog entry written the night before I left Monterey. For those of you who were around when I was packing up my traveling show here's just a little more of what was going on in my head and causing restless nights in between running around like a mad woman:

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The End of an Era

So I'm back to the land of misery or being a "poopy pants" as Andie has dubbed it. You think I'd be over this feeling since it happens several times a year; it's the same mood that I slip into when a friend that may as well be family moves. I guess in a way it's similar because in both cases I feel like I'm losing a part of myself?

This morning when I opted for a walk around base I couldn't help but tear up as I recalled countless friends, coworkers, classes, antics, and memories that took place in all those buildings, streets, and walkways. For so many years (even before being an employee) memories have been formed within those gates- late night basketball games, pool trips, sleep overs, field trips, 8th grade graduation. Never in a million years would I have imagined that I'd walk across that stage again but this time for a MBA, run countless miles within that fence, or meet some of the most amazing people ever.
 

No doubt about it, NPS and even more so, Monterey has played a HUGE roll in my past. It's where I call home. It's where 95% of my defining moments have taken place. It's where I've always returned to when school got too tough or I just needed a place to escape the insanity. Yes, I will still be able to return here but it's no longer 2 hours up the road...it's going to take the better part of a 24 hour day, 9 time zones, and a pricey ticket.
 

I just don't get it. I want to leave Monterey. I have ever since returning in 2005. My plan was to be out of here in 6 months. SIX MONTHS. It's now been 5 years, 4 months, and 2ish weeks and I'm finally doing what I set out to do and the fear is freezing me in my tracks.
 

The multitude of speed bumps have all been removed: paperwork complete, tickets purchased, romantic interests over, friends planning moves, packing, moving, ending work, and yet I am still trying to slow down just enough to take this all in. Oh the irony. I think I am crazy. Just a week ago I was complaining of boredom but I guess that was before I had a set date for departure? Funny how once things fell into place, I once again fell apart. I don't think major life goals are supposed to do that to you---are they?
 

So many cheesy sayings come to mind- don't be afraid of change...be afraid of not changing, a new chapter can't start until the current one ends, nothing ventured...nothing gained..and I agree with all of them. No doubt about it, I want this job. I want to live in Italy. I'm excited for what the next 3 years hold- personally, professionally, and just the experience...but I still want my family to be 20 minutes away and to be surrounded by friends. I know that when I started at NPS there were few friends here and I slowly expanded my groups when new cohorts arrived and introductions made and the same will happen in Italy.
 

One thing for sure, I want nothing more than to just get on a plane...even if that means a scene in the Monterey airport tomorrow night with my family. Ugh, I better start getting hydrated today.
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For the record my parents and I didn't make a scene in the airport. Sure there were hugs and a few tears but being the incredible parents that they are, they understood that Italy was going to be great for me and encouraged me through my mini breakdowns just days before departure. I think the bigger scene was my brother and I hugging it out in our front yard. Yes. I do love my family. But you see, that's just it. They are my family no matter what and although I miss them a ton (mainly because I wish they were here to experience all of this with me) at the end of the day I know they are still just a phone call away or internet permitting a video chat away. 

Um where was I going with all of this? Yeah, not sure and since I don't have a GPS directing me I guess what I'm trying to say here is I've survived 6 months in Italy! 

***Major Firework Display***
 

In these 6 months...

• I finally believe the "I love it" coming out of my mouth when asked how I like Naples.
• I'm making huge strides in learning the new job (I even know how to correct the mistakes I still make, after identifying my own mistakes...takes talent, I know).
• I haven't regretted making this move.
• Friendships are being formed (even if at times I feel like this is a smaller community than Monterey with all the shared friends).
• Military uniforms no longer hold a strange power over me. I guess seeing them every day has conditioned me? That or the lack of green ones...

 Looking towards the next 6 months I hope to:

• Find a pasta that I can't live without.
• Hold a conversation with my land lady- in Italian.
• Fit into my clothes/keep the pizza belly in check.
• Figure out where they sell fireworks- the one year mark deserves real ones :)

Yep. I think that's about all I have to say on this topic. My apologies for another episode of "Katie's Ramblings" but I really want to keep tabs on these milestones because it helps me keep everything in perspective. Sure I'm living in Italy but it's not always filled with wine, amazing food, and trips despite what my pictures may indicate and I want to really capture my entire experience.

The Napping House

Growing up I remember this one book we read. It was one of those books that I'd read a lot (probably because it was one of the few I could read at the time) and I'm pretty sure it had a blue cover. The title of the book was The Napping House. Well, I think that's what it was called. Yep. Google just confirmed both the title and the blue hue to the graphics.

At any rate, when all I want to do is nap I somehow think about this book and then dub my place "the napping house." Funny how little things like that stick. Well, today was a napping day although between soccer coach duties calling me to the field at 0900, cleaning the upper level of the house, and then watching a rugby game no nap was had. (Major sad face.)

Pure laziness set in once I returned home from my Cuma adventure. How lazy? I was too lazy to even walk down stairs to order a pizza for dinner. Popcorn is a suitable dinner- right? I may rethink that one mid 10K race tomorrow morning but breakfast should fuel that endeavor.

Sorry, I'm rambling.

As I sat here at my computer catching up on the latest Facebook posts, deleting emails from my out of control inbox, and chatting with friends Signore Nico decided I was boring. I didn't know where he went until I turned on the light here in the sunroom (can't have too many lights on or else it's the Katie Show for all my neighbors!) and saw the little guy using Mr. Rat as a pillow. He apparently is all for the napping house!

Well, then again...it is almost 10pm. With my luck he's going to wake up when I carry him downstairs and my feet won't be safe as I try to get to sleep.

You May Need Coffee to Keep Up...

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

I'm warning you now- I'm all over the map today (which is shocking considering it's 9:30pm) but grab that cup of coffee and/or soda because here we goooooooo...

I don't think I really woke up until 4pm today when I was on day three of this workout. For the first time since getting here I just let it all out to my workout remix and took a temporary dance break in my room. Yes, maybe I have lost it but I don't care- it was fun! And if I was dancing with my ever sore legs from day 2 that's gotta say something. Stanley wasn't thrilled but I made the executive decision that should a kickboxing class ever be offered here that I'm signing up. I miss it was too much and some days you just need to punch things...even if it is just the air.

The Facebook posts you may have seen are true- I did try to go running after my dance party. During this run I decided that since I'm in Italy all run lengths will be in kilometers now. Why? Well  2K sounds way better than a mile when I fess up just how short of a run I got in before my body hated me. What can I say? I'm a Monterey girl and after living there so many years I will gladly continue to wake up at 0345 to run before the sun comes out until we hit fall/winter. I should have waiting until closer to 8 and would have maybe hit the target 5K mark, but since I've got some serious mileage to attack in the morning it's alright.

Heading back from Bible Study I saw some familiar faces in the parking lot- it was Alida and her crew! It's only been months since I last saw so we did the quick update. *GWB please note that there may be a Gnome-napping! He wants to visit us.* It's even okay that they saw me makeup-less and my hair doing whatever it wanted since on Saturday it's mud run day and we'll all be covered in mud then.

Starving and realizing that my fridge is nearly empty (the joys of moving) I headed down to the super busy local dinning establishment. Apparently all families eat there after soccer? Which reminds me, I need to ask my coworker why we weren't out there coaching already! So my salad and soup order took a while, but I've become friends with most of the employees there so we visited in the few instances no one needed anything. When I finally got it I was starving but mid meal I realized that only a CPK BBQ Chop salad and TJ's Roasted Pepper & Tomato soup would feel the craving I've had for weeks. (Anyone feel like sending the soup my way?)

You still with me? Amazing! Today was just one of those days that I could run a mile a minute as long as it wasn't really running or work related. Ever have days like that? As soon as I left the office I was awake and ready to start my day. It's still way too early in the job to feel like that but it is what it is. I think I'm just ready to finally settle into my place (one day soon preferably) and then take a vacation.

Yes, I realize that living in Italy may sound like a vacation to all of you but I've really been going nonstop since um...early March when this whole move was initiated right after heading back from Kenya. Granted I've been in/out of the office since getting here but most of the time it's running around collecting signatures, processing documents, and getting other items checked off the ever growing list. I'll fully admit I've had some spectacular trips and hang outs with people but again, I want more than a weekend. I'm already becoming snobby when it comes to travel- aren't I? Alright, before I alienate everyone I'm logging off since that alarm of mine goes off in 6 hours. Buonanotte!