Crab Feed: Where people eat (not feed) the crabs

Last official day of training and I'd say it's about two days too late, but since each day of training meant an evening adventure I'm willing to make some sacrifices. Some. SLDCADA training is definitely that boundary between acceptable/not acceptable. (FYI SLDCADA is our timekeeping system that starting today you have to have the official certs to even view their homepage- yeah, I did learn something!)

I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting but sitting watching the instructor click through the menu "training" a bunch of us from various commands using the system wasn't really it. At least in Monterey I had a computer to follow along with and also had a little more coprate knowledge so knew more about what was going on. I had to chuckle though- there always has to be one, two, or in my case today, THREE people who always ask questions. And when I say questions I really mean people starting off as a question but then answering it on their own to show their know how on the system. Grrrrrrrrr. Time wasting!

The lunch break was really nice. We had the changed to head over to Yorktown Pub for some tasty food. It's here I ended my vacation relationship with hamburgers. I almost let it go on for one more day since the crab cakes looked delicious, but I'm glad I didn't because when I showed up at the Smith's house I was told we were eating crab!

Turns out a friend of theirs had lots of fresh crab and needed help eating them. A problem we could totally help with. "Lot's" didn't even begin to describe how many crabs they had- more like a ton since they filled up a small laundry basket. As soon as we pulled up I spotted them and yes, I was playing with them shortly there after.

The Fighter and I met. He wanted out and I wanted to pick him up. You'd think we could have been great partners but no, he wanted to pinch me. A lot. Well Larry AKA Professional Crabber and who we owed this fabulous meal to, showed me the way to pick them up. Win for Katie!

Anther win for Katie was sitting next to Larry at the table. Why?

1. He showed me how to pull apart the crabs which was crucial. Why? Well as Chrystal retold her story of the Crab Feed (you know, where people go eat crabs) in Monterey she told me it's way different in East Coast land. 
2. With every dissection demo, the stack of edible crab grew taller in front of me. This meant less cut up fingers while I barbarically pulled, crushed, pounded, snapped the shell away from the meat. Maybe it only felt that way though since my coach said I caught on real quick. What can I say- I like to take things apart and with all my dissection days this was cake...crab cake! 

We must have been at that table for hours and although we ate until we couldn't there was still huge bowl of cooked crab (and crab dippin' sauce)! It looked like we didn't even put a dent in them...until you looked at our trash collection. It was a fabulous night filled with amazing food and even more amazing company- the perfect way to close out my VA TDY.

The Traveling Katie Show

This morning I had a shocking discovery- my suitcase and backpack no longer held all my belongings. Now I had the sneaky suspicion that this would be the case so made arrangements for a real second carry-on and am still debating if I'm just going to ship a small box back. Do I really want to tote around a suitcase in the airports? Nope!

Clearly I'm not that concerned as I just got back from a Cost Plus and (yes another) Target trip. What did I get? Nothing too exciting- a new lid for my coffee mug and a strainer thingy for the kitchen sink for when I return to the land of no garbage disposals. It felt like a typical week day night- me wandering aimlessly through a store with lots of things I want but less than 1% of things I should actually walk out the door with. It really is retail therapy but at least I'm a pro with browsing. Seriously though, seeing brands I know and reading wine labels from Monterey, Paso Robles, Napa, Sonoma and even spotting a few that I've visited brings home all that closer. It may be genetic- I remember my sister telling me she did the same thing in the produce aisle when she moved looking for "home." Something happened in the wine section though- I started looking at the Italy wines! 

I think I'm caught between 2 "homes" and I don't know how I feel about this. 

Where we love is home, 

Home that our feet may leave, 

but not our hearts.

-Oliver Wendell Holmes

So yeah. Maybe all this hotel living really is wearing on me. Don't get me wrong, I'm so thrilled that this new command is able to send me on these trainings and that I get to meet the higher ups so early in my career with them but really? I'm ready to set up home in MdP...especially since I received word today that my HHG shipment arrived. For you non military folks that means that not only did my shoes and clothes arrive, but so did my everything else I shipped- like my teddy bear! He's never been out of the country and I'm sure he's ready to be out of his box.

Seriously though, I think all this traveling/living out of suitcase is getting to me. I didn't really remember it was Tuesday until I had a video chat with someone in Monterey in his uniform. Ridiculous right? My place here in Newport News is really nice...nicer than "home" back in Gricignano. But again, reminds me of my days back at NPS when I would send the Admirals out here for all the big NDIA conferences. It's nice to know that after one more day of training, one (hopefully two) social visits, I'll be on my way back to Italy and back to house hunting.

Last Day of Shenanigans

Early, early morning means only one thing- we're on a mission for food! C'on, we were talking breakfast plans the night before as we ordered dinner. Although I swear makeup was applied to go with the swimsuit & sun screen slathered skin look,  I just look like hot mess, a happy hot mess with mimosa in hand, but a hot mess none the less.

As we waited for our table we figured out how to be rebels with the no cursing signs. Genius struck and we worked on our sign when a waiter walked behind us asking if we'd want some of the crayons. Is it bad that I did? (This should be no surprise to you trivia folks!)

After a scrumptious breakfast we headed down to the already busy beach and I decided since I was there, I was going in. It was cold. Not "I'm going to go into shock when my blood stream starts turning to ice" but close. What did I do? Waded out further of course. By the time that we were gathering our items to head to our photo shoot, we were amazed with the hoards of people on the beach. Think March of the Penguins but then make it a sandy beach, turn the penguins into people, and throw lots of umbrellas in for color.

Photo shoot time, now that we've been coated in sand, salt water, and more sun. Looking like fools, we held up our @Z#!! sign (made without crayons) below the sign. A lady collecting donations laughed at us and said it was the most creative one she'd seen after her years of living in Virginia Beach- that's how we do things!

The afternoon is a blur of poolside reading, World Cup watching, and pedicures but that made getting directions to the tapas place all the more entertaining. We kept forgetting that places across the river showed up but on the walk back to the car (walking across the water wasn't an option nor was swimming despire the directions we were given). Then we had one more lightbulb moment when we realized that the ferry could take us over! Way more fun than driving, especially when the sun was beginning to set. It took us back to our adventures in Chicago last summer, although it wasn't pouring rain this time around.

Finally arriving at Still, our destination for tapas and something on tap we entered the dark quasi basement. Seriously, we kept finding mood lit restaurants for our "date nights."

 I think our hunger finally kicked in as we did our mini tour around the world with our tapas selection: fire roasted veggie quesadilla, chicken voodoo, seafood hot pot, crab cake, sweet potato fries. Now granted our beers were from Wisconsin or something but they were fabulous. I'll have to have Steph consult her notes of the day for the actual beer name but it was from Unibrew and a summery brew. I'm only a little sad that I won't be able to get it back in Italy but some of you can get a hold of it and I'm going to tell you all to try it. 

Our last photo shoot of the trip was in the streets of Olde Towne Portsmouth.

I had a frog to kiss.

Again, I'm blaming it on multiple recent viewings of The Princess and the Frog which was only further influenced by our dessert of (man catching) beignets the night before. Well, in the words of Superchic[k] some frogs will still be frogs and mine apparently fell into the category, but not before I could give him a piece of my mind. Yeah, he does look a little sleazy, right? I've already chatted with Steph about why she wasn't looking out for me...

Steph's photo shoot of the night was with the handicap accessible door opening button outside the Children's Museum.

As we were still laughing about the frog, we looked over and saw it. Within seconds we were unsuccessfully fighting back fits of laughter and getting the camera ready. Yes, it is hard to take a decent picture when you're laughing.

Over all it was great evening but it's all because of the company I was in. Steph, thank you so much for taking the time to drive down and spend some quality time with me this weekend. I'm still sad that we're probably a good 12+ months out from seeing each other again, but I think I have enough memories, pictures, and laughs from this weekend to get me to at least December.  I'm not sure how I feel about being adults and having to work all the time but if it gets really bad I already plan on brewing a cup of Oregon coffee and calling you on Skype. I mean, we need to start planning our next adventure- right? 

West Coast Unite & Take on the "Other Coast"

As soon as I knew I was headed to VA there was one friend I notified. No doubt about it, I was going to move mountains, swim the sea, and even lasso the moon in order to make sure that I saw her. Granted, it's only been 10 months since we said our last good byes as I descended to the United terminal at IAD after our epic road trip from California to Maryland, but what can I say? I'm lucky enough to have a friend like her and let's face it, I was uber spoiled with her living in Monterey for several weeks last summer since we hadn't lived in the same town since 1998! You all thought I was exaggerating with my facebook post, but seriously- I've known her since I was much closer to single digits in age and that's a long time!

At any rate, I was thrilled to get the call "2 minute out" last night and closed the video chat rather quickly (sorry Phil!) to head down to meet up with her to go find food at midnight. Can I just share with you all how happy I was to see an Oregon license plate in a sea of Virginia plates? My partner in too many shenanigans had arrived- watch out world- Stephanie and I were finally reunited!

As we went on the hunt for food and finally ended up at IHOP (oh how I've missed breakfast food!) our conversation went ranged from inane to serious with so many in between it was like our cross country itinerary last year. (Seriously- if you're a FB friend check out that photo album.) Somehow our quick venture turned into being up until 0300- but you know what? When you've been friends for so long and have some serious catching up to do, sleep doesn't really matter. 

After catching up where we had left thing in person and other chats, our first order of business was to head over to Virginia Beach. With our white (emphasis on white...actually let's call our skin tone ultra white) saturated with SPF 50 we joined all the other cars on the highway to stake our claim on some burning sand. It felt like a beach town, with a boardwalk filled with people, swimsuits on everyone, and tons of umbrellas lined up on the beach. Although we appreciated the sun, we both decided that we missed our West Coast beach a little to much...even if being able to stick our feet in the water without losing a toe to frostbite was rather refreshing. We decided we'll head back over in the morning, in hopes of a slightly less crowded beach. Reason #2 is to try out a breakfast place that some random MSC guy told me about in last week's training. Reason #3 is to get a picture of the no cursing sign since only while driving did we seem to track them down.

With some more pigment in our skin (to raise it to ecru) we headed back into Norfolk for phase II of our day- Italian wine, cheese, and crackers. Actually, driving back we opted to exit and follow the signs to Mount Trashmore and trek up the only elevation in this area. For those of you who aren't familiar with this park- check out the link. It's pretty much a landfill that they threw more dirt on to make a hill. We had a blast rolling down the side of it and were happy to add Mount Trashmore to our list of random places visited.

Letting our GPS guide lead us, we followed it to our phase IIb-picnic in the room! Yes, too hot to be outside and we needed a break since phase III was to hit the downtown mall. After trying on "fancy hats," being over whelmed in Forever XXI, succumbing to Nine West and their beautiful shoes (hey, we averaged 1 pair each...I just won't tell you who got what), it was time to clean up and get to dinner.

After being asked "hey ladies, how you doin'?" and then offended him by continuing to walk to our destination we found ourselves at the Big Easy. Although it wasn't a crowded place (wait, maybe because at this point it was after 9 and I'm back in America?) we had a fabulous meal. Steph had the world's shortest relationship with the King of Crawdads and returned him to sender, but that was after they shared some precious moments together. 

Unsuccessfully avoiding Mr. How You Doin' and his friend, Mr. No Cover Charge at the same bar, we walked around the downtown area and broke our plans of returning. Actually we had no plans on returning and even made it a point to avoid that corner again. As we walked along the waterfront I gave her my unofficial tour. Unofficial because I was mainly giving her my opinions on the artwork and telling her about my previous adventures out there. Like always we had a photo shoot with the statues (yes at midnight) and had to laugh when we saw a few others doing the same thing.

When our tour concluded at our hotel, the fun sure wasn't over. It was time to introduce her to one of my favorite Italian wines- a light sparkly red. Although we're primarily white wine women, I knew this one would be a hit. On problem? The stupid bottle did not want to open! Seriously. My t-rex arms have been gaining massive strength again but I couldn't get that cork out if my life depended on it! I think we passed it back and forth a few times and FINALLY after a good 5 minutes and major frustration we got it. It took way too much effort even for that wine...

Our goals for the weekend were actually met all in one (very long day) but that's the great thing about goals- once met you get to make new ones! Off to go see what other things we can do today, starting with breakfast on the beach. 

Driving in America

Earlier this week I was able to hit the open road and head to Dalhgren (AKA Middle of Nowhere), VA to see the Fox family. Okay, well maybe departing the Norfolk area and heading the same direction as a bazillion work commuters after braving some tourist traffic doesn't exactly equate to "open road" but seriously- even with the 4 lanes of traffic I had to laugh when the thought of "in Naples there would be 6 lanes" crossed my mind.

Since it was quite the drive (and worth every mile) I had lots of time to stare out at the road in front of me and study the license plate parked ahead. In between rocking out with 4 different country stations I quickly realized that apart from the sounds of air moving through my window, my backup singers and my awesome lead vocals the road was rather quiet. Quiet during the work commute? Crazy right? Several more miles up the road I finally realized what was missing- any guesses?

Got anything?

No? It took me a few minutes too.

Motorcycles and scooters were not flying out of nowhere violating my personal space! Come to think of it, there were no cars flying past me. No mom, I was not the one doing the flying...I was always driving the speed limit which just happened to be my favorite 70 MPH. I did however want to flash my lights at a few cars to encourage them to move over. (I'm so ready for this driving in Naples thing but I have a feeling I'll be the one being passed once out there.)

Once I figured out what was missing the rest of the drive was rather uneventful. I kept thinking I was almost there as I made it through forests and passed a ton of historical markers but that GPS disagreed with my opinion. When I passed Polecat Creek (I wonder if they say creek or crick in these parts) and then Hog Heaven I knew it would be only a few more miles before reaching my destination. After going through some Army country, I was outside the oh-so familiar looking gates waiting to be invited on...don't worry- they let me on.

At last I was united with one of my favorite NPS grads and one of my many assistants from the years I spent at NPS. As I sat on the floor arranging train tracks with the girls and chatting with the adults about the joys of TLQ, moving, and chatting about new our new jobs I realized that I really miss all the interactions with people. I was transported back to Bullard 102A where Jason and I used to chat half asleep in the quiet building while holding big ole mugs of coffee in our hands. Granted, it was warmer at 11pm than Monterey ever was and it was beer rather than coffee but you get the idea- once again I was reminded that it's the people of the 831 I miss...not so much the location.

Finally after hours of chatting it was time to head back down (I think it was south...I'm telling you when there is water in every direction my internal compass is kaput) and the full moon helped light the road. Another successful reuniting with an awesome family! I can't wait to visit again so I can see the "big guns" and turkeys. Thanks again for being flexible with schedules and making it work :-)

"Balancing All the Wild & Wonderful Things that Make Up Life"

Most of you have heard me quote the Curly Girl-isms from time to time, and given that this is exactly how I feel right now I couldn't pass up the oppertunity. In fact, I can't wait to get the rest of my collection back in my household good shipments so I can once again put them up in my office. I actually just got a new coffee mug from Leslie & Curly Girl Design and now love my morning coffee time even more!

SORRY- didn't mean for this to be an ad (but seriously- if you ever feel like getting me something it's hands down one of your safest bets).

At any rate, given this nearly 2 week TDY in VA I had to find this balance between official travel (you know, the reason they sent me out here) with shopping and hanging out with long lost friends. Throw in a little bit of jet lag and it's almost a model destined for Solver, but a week into it and a shout out to my FB friends to let them know I'm here- I'm learning during the day and socializing in the evenings. Sleep? Yeah, some of that is happening too.

Despite mixed feelings about returning the the states, the fact that my beloved Target beckoned made the 22 hour travel day more tolerable. I'd like to say that I picked my hotels based on shopping locations, but alas, I thought of that after I got here- better plan next trip!
After day 2...or was it 3...I invaded my former boot camp, class break office chatting, "can MIC be any worse?" buddy. Seriously- I showed up about 2 hours earlier than originally planned. Our plan of shopping was not modified. (Get ready for a little flash back...queue water ripples...)

Ever since I can remember, I've been a Target fanatic! In middle school I remember Babs and I going crazy in the aisles- it was the store to find everything! When the Sand City store opened, Nina and I were there for the inaugural purchase. As soon as I had a steady pay check, you could find me there at least once a week. Seriously, until mid-May my credit card statement read something like Target, Michaels, Verizon (oh how I miss my phone), Target, Kohls, Target, Cost Plus, Trident Room. Hey, at least you can't say I don't combine trips when you take into account all 3 locations...

In an attempt to curb my spending I implemented the "only what you can carry" rule. Yes, it means if I can't stack my bounty in my arms- I've collected too much. Yes, I have figured out how to bend this rule but I'm finding that the lack of Targets in Italy eliminate the need for the rule. So why am I going on (and on) about Target? So you understand our relationship history.

So after catching up with Chrystal we headed to the red bulls-eye and started our 3 hour adventure through the aisles, cart and all. Each aisle was a re-acquaintance with American brand names and sizes. While taking in all the items, my brain realized it didn't have to convert prices from euros to dollars to figure out if it really was a deal like the yellow tag claimed. 

But Katie- what about your rule?! Please refer to the living over seas clause which means I pack wine (since we can't ship it) and all free space can be replaced with my bounty. Um yeah, when Chrystals' hubby finally saw us again he asked if we left anything in the store. It wasn't that bad, but it wasn't my typical 1-2 bag trip.

Actually, Chrystal- I'm calling you out- you were a HORRIBLE voice of reason. The whole "you're going to regret it if you don't buy it/do you really want to wait to have it shipped?" didn't help at all. But yes, we found some great deals and I loved your commentary during our raid. More than you comments though I loved the fact that our "let's go run for old time's sake" was swapped to the epic shopping trip and food. I think that's what matters at the end of the day (and perhaps sheds some light into my love of Target)- is the social experience and not so much the stocking up on hard to find items or adding some new things into my oh-so short rotation cycle of outfits (but they are sure an added bonus).

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

So I may not be in Italy, but that doesn't mean I'm adventure free! Here in VA (dangit, I keep typing CA and get sad) there are lots of things for me to check out. Naturally I found myself at Harbor Park within 12 hours of getting into town...it's just down the street!

Around me I saw 3 generations enjoying the Sunday game together, which made me miss my favorite ball park (AT&T of course) with my dad in the seat next to me. The nostalgia didn't last too long when I realized that rather than putting on a parka, beanie, and blanket I wanted to stand in a freezer. Yeah, baseball games are best played in the sunshine (not fog).

Unfortunately, the Tides lost to the Bulls but I'm always happy to be at the ballpark. The air was filled with my favorite sounds: baseballs smacking the leather gloves, the cracking of bats, striiiiike. I hope to make it to another game next week- when they play the Toledo Mud Hens! Yeah, I love these random team names.

Operation Return Katie 9 July x 2

So I know I said I was going off the grid, but my brain didn't get the memo and has been going non stop over the last 22 hours of traveling. Although I've done a fair amount of international travel- it still catches me off guard at times just how different airports are!

Operation Return Katie started at the Capodichino Airport. (The one you all will fly into when you visit please.) I got there earlier than I needed to, but given the fact that Italy time is slower than America time and a protest outside the base had traffic at a standstill during the week I figured it was best to have the cab pick me up early. Arriving closer to 3 hours early, rather than the standard 2, I found myself at the place to be in Naples on a Saturday morning. People dressed to impress slowly toted suitcases behind them, stopping every few groups of people to chat. I got a few funny looks in my jeans, running, shoes and tank top but since I was leaving the continent I think my outfit was appropriate AND let's face it- I don't have a ton of options! 

As I sat waiting (and then waiting some more since we were delayed) I felt like I was sitting along the runway of a fashion show. Seriously. If I could name it- it would be dubbed "Shoes on Parade." There were sandals of every kind, heels that make it nearly impossible for their wears to walk faster than the pace of a 2 year old, and so many different bags/purses I found myself longing to go purse shopping. By the way- nothing screams American more in my opinion than wearing your backpack through the terminal. Did I do it? You bet I did with my lucky 4 leaf clover pin and Maasai beaded key chain.

Since the flight was delayed I was able to witness the Italian approach to lines first hand. Well, I mean to say "continue my observations on the lack of line etiquette." Eh, who am I kidding? If there aren't ropes for the line it's not a line...it's an amobea shaped glob with various arms feeding into the main mass. It was amazing. What killed me was the fact that we all were ticketed passengers WITH ASSIGNED SEATS! I ended up making friends with Daniel and Lara- headed to New York as well. Their accents gave them away before I even started talking with the older couple who just ended a vacation along the Almafi Coast. Daniel and I were standing next to each other for some time and he was shocked to hear I not only spoke English but that I was from California...and I thought my backpack gave me away.

This brings up a very fun game I like to play when traveling called- I'm not going to talk in length but I want you to guess where I'm from. (Yep Nina, this game did start with our Irish friend in England that summer...gotta love the guy for trying!)

We eventually had our plane roll up to the gate and we walked out (just like Monterey just way more planes!) and loaded on up. I slept the entire 35 minute flight, woke up, and dealt with the next airport (Rome) starting with cramming the entire plane on 2 busses. It cracks me up. There really is a lack of personal space in the Italian culture. Paired with the need to be super close to the exit and what you've got is a blocked entry way onto the subway/bus/tram. The time spent waiting for everyone to clear the doors would be easily saved if everyone would just take 2-3 more steps away from the exit. Yeah, yeah, yeah....I know it's the American speaking crying out for some more order and a logical solution to save a few seconds.

The Rome airport is large and set up like a shopping mall. Not your typical mall, more like an outlet mall where it's like a gallery. The sitting areas near the gates accomodate close to no one and heaven forbid seating areas are not in areas by the gates. (Again, back to the need to be as close as possible to their destination. They can do what they want, but I've got two legs and don't mind using them.) After some window shopping and walking laps to keep the knee from hating me tomorrow it was time to once again collect data on the line amoeba. It was even worse with this line...but whatever. I'm not going to fight it so I may as well go with it and push my way up to the front eventually. Side note- the people work at the Rome airport are beautiful. Well, the guys were- I wasn't really checking out the women.

Once on the plane I was next to two siblings. They were hilarious. I felt bad that I didn't switch seats with one of their friends, but it was on an aisle and I wanted to see outside my window. After that we kept chating- it was fun. They had just spent 10 days in Italy and were fascinated by the fact that I had just moved to Italy. The girl who was about to start her first year of college was thrilled to hear that I'm a CP grad since her boyfriend starts in the fall. Her slightly younger brother kept us both entertained by his food critiques. Which reminds me. Why does lasagna served on an Italian flight take like a potpie and haven peas in it? Yeah, I was confused just like you are now. 

The highlight of this segment was on our decent to New York after they cut off our video options and new blurbs in Italian appeared on the main screens. They kept showing them in Italian so we'd guess what they were saying and then test our translation skills when the English version appeared. We failed miserably on the heat advisory warning for certain regions and wanted to read just what Obama did in regards to Sudan. We never figured it out since they didn't want to show us the English version. The guy thought it said he played oboe. Yeah, I think it had to do more with politics but now 24 hours later, I can't even thing what our reasonable answer was. Even winding through the custom lines we tried to read the ticker on CNN to see if it said anything but it didn't. Hey, we'd been stuck on a plane for almost 8 hours...don't judge!

Going through customs at JFK I was immediately transported back to March when I was doing the same thing with all you CI tour folks. While waiting for my suitcase  I enjoyed the memories in my head. When I found out that I was headed up to Terminal 2 I smiled...it's where I had already spent several hours of my life this year and found my same spots to sit and wait. (Allegra you were missed...it's no fun waiting by yourself!) 

The gate that I needed to be at had about 4 other flights departing at the same time and mine was the last to load. Once on the itty bitty plane, we hung out on the tarmac for a while. Not sure how long since I was passed out as soon as they turned off the lights until they announced we were approaching Norfolk.

My suitcase arrived and I had Ravi's cousin, Cori waiting in the lot so I could once again feel the freedom that a car often brings. GPS locked in, country tunes on the radio, and AC cranked up I finally made it to the hotel where the nicest English speaking man checked me in. Only problem? My body thought it really was 7am. How I'm not sure but as soon as I hoped in bed I passed out...until 7am local time. 

It's strange. I feel like I'm home yet I've never been here before. The fact that I'm surrounded by friendly, English speakers just rocks. I'm here for a while so if you still haven't sent me suggestions for spending my off times, let me know soon please. For now I've got more exploring to do! Well, from the pool side.

They're Returning Me!

No, not really, but that's what it kind of feels like. I've been here for six weeks and I'm on my way to the airport, headed back to the US of A. Why? I've got people to meet and trainings to complete.

As previously mentioned, Virginia may not be exactly Italy but it's still a land full of adventures waiting to happen- especially when I've called in some fabulous friends to keep me company! Depending on how much I've got planned (shopping and ballgames) in my spare time, I may be off the grid for a while.

Yes. Kenya status.

Know that I'm safe- even if Steph and I already have a ton of shenanigans planned! Only be worried if Rebecca joins us and it's like we're all back in Monterey last summer...jealous? You should be! Really you're not? Well then I should tell you that I also get to see Chrystal! Yep. VA is the place to be...while I'm there at least.

So anyway, this is your warning that a hiatus most likely will occur while I'm stateside. Take this time to study your Italian vocab, road signs, and think of more adventures for us to have.

-N. Cali Girl Out