Alarming Moments

Well, clearly I’m not unplugged but compared to normal it sure feels like I am! It’s actually been rather nice sitting in my very empty house, windows open, listening to the voices and traffic outside while I watch the sun set. Finding ways to entertain myself has also been fun and although letter writing, napping, and reading seem to be my go to activities I assure you all, adventuring out into the town will soon be my activity of the day. I had actually hoped to get a walk/jog in last night but when I pulled into the parking spot one of the daughters greeted me from their balcony asking if the alarm guy could stop by within the next hour.

Sure, why not?

After eating dinner, writing a few letters, and way too many distracted moments starring at the setting sun, there they were at my door. Totally not what I was imagining the alarm guy would look like. I was expecting an older guy, like the guys I had seen around the house prior to move in. Nope. Fabio was in his 20s and good looking. Still looked Italian but didn’t scream stereotypical Italian male. I got the crash course on the alarm, hot water, and heating system. Although he spoke English I was still glad the daughter was there getting all her questions answered in Italian before relaying the info. I double checked that I knew what I was doing while they were there and there were no problems. Well- I should have questioned more about if the alarms only monitored the doors/windows why in the world do I have blinking green, orange, and blue lights on the sensors in every single room.

Why?

Well, now knowing how this system operates I decided to start getting in the habit of setting it at night (when I’ve finally closed all my windows). So I dead bolted my lock (with keys, from inside…which really can’t be all that safe in the event of fire?) and set the alarm. Sweet- all the lights on it are off so alarm is set. Right? Um yes. I’m in my room for less than a minute and start hearing the beeping alarm. It wasn’t all that loud it so a) I wonder if my neighbors are hearing it? b) is the sound box upstairs somewhere? c) in the event of a real break in would that really scare the person? Luckily the alarm key was in sight and I ended that ruckus. (Thankfully it was 9pm and not 3am.)

No I really don’t have anything of value in my house right now- well, other than my espresso maker, countless letters, and SF Giants ball cap. I’m just trying to get in the habit of being safe! I guess I need to call Fabio up and ask him why the alarm went off and if it is sensor based…what’s going to happen when I have a kitten running around the place while I’m at work? Good thing he left his number.