Really?

Here we are day number too many without hot water. I'm quickly learning that domani doesn't necessary mean "tomorrow" but more like some time in the future. I guess with the holidays this week they are having an issue tracking down the necessary part for the repair. Well, maybe. I haven't actually heard from Fabio today with an update and now at 1130 I probably shouldn't call...but again, super motivating for getting up in the morning to hit the gym. We'll see how tomorrow fares since it's so late and my alarm goes off at 430.

Today was once again one of those days I caught myself asking "really?" far too many times. Yes. These days seem to happen a lot here...it's an Italian thing. Must be. Don't get me wrong; it's not always a bad thing and sometimes it's entertaining.

Yes. Entertaining.

Reviewing travel  (authorizations and vouchers) unfortunately still falls as one of my tasks out here. 1 January I'm implementing the official "Gold Star" award system because a) I want the travelers to realize the volume of requests we deal with and b) for folks that travel 3+ times a month they really should have perfect vouchers and they don't. I've teased for months now that I only see a few gold star vouchers a month and since they actually talk about it I figure why not? It's all part of my "help me, help you" workplace attitude.

At any rate, while reviewing, returning, and pounding my head in over these authorizations and vouchers today I had to stop and just laugh. Why? One of our guys had submitted a (legit) claim for $0.72 or you know, 1 euro for parking. Worse part? We require substantiating records (receipts) for all expenses (not just like the rest of the Navy and ignore >$75) AND (oh yeah, I'm not done yet) he hadn't check what he uploaded or else he would have seen the blank page. Yep. I had to email him and admit it was ridiculous but that didn't change the fact that I needed him to spend more than $.72 of his time on it and re scan the receipt. In fact, I think the time we spent talking about it in our office far exceeded $72 in wages but it was rather entertaining. Sorry tax payers...I know these aren't the stories you want to hear. 

Speaking of entertaining please sit back and read the final chapter of Signore Nico vs. Mr. Lizard. (Um yeah, because it really was like a horror movie that you never escape.)

When you last left,  Nico had given me a Halloween trick; a lizard knocking on death's door in my entry way. After distracting him with some new toys, I figured out a way to collect the lizard without ever touching it and took in on the patio. He was tucked under a large planter and blocked off with a few weeds.

This evening I was apparently not paying too much attention to him while he was outside, so when I headed up to call him in I really shouldn't have been too shocked to see what he had found for me. But I was. (I'm telling you, it's a reflex when I see a lizard.) Yep. He found Mr. Lizard, now really dead and partially desiccated and brought him back- again. I've got to say, Nico is very determined with his hunting. Best part? I think he found the missing tail while he was also outside so in one FINAL I can't touch this lizard paper shuffle ceremony all of Mr. Lizard was buried in the trash before it went out to the street for early AM pick up.

And if Nico finds him again I just may need to go visit the priest across the street!