No doubt about it- I'm leaving California knowing without a doubt that I'm not the same person I was when I made the original trek in May 2011 or even in January of this year. Funny thing about it? While in Italy I didn't see this change was taking place, but throw me back in my "natural habitat" and suddenly it doesn't seem so natural anymore.
And yes, we're talking more than the culture shock.
I'm still trying to figure it all out and although it's driving me crazy...this is one of those things that I'm okay with the outcome so, if I can't put my finger on exactly what has changed I think I'm going to be alright.
Showing posts with label Updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Updates. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, May 28, 2012
One 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!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Running on Fumes
You know how sometimes when you wake up in the morning you catch yourself mapping out your day? Well somewhere in between finding the snooze on my alarm and realizing that Signore (Still Needs A Name) doesn't have a snooze button I realized that today's list was a tad longer than normal. Granted I'm juggling the new commute, kitten ownership, and still figuring the house out but my mornings (well, late night for some of you) are just the warm up for what seems like an ultra marathon...the kind where you have to keep running them on back to back days.
Needless to say that today was no different, but the fact that I don't go into work tomorrow & Signore Giuseppe (formerly known as Ed in Monterey) arrived I somehow made it through the normal gym, work, class, and traffic. Well, more on the driving later.
I'm happy to report that I have another friend to hang out with now, although I'm not sure if he's going to be my friend next week after he helps out with the move in tomorrow and the fact that I registered him for a total of running 22K (it could have been 27) this weekend. I'm also happy to report that the "new back route" from Capo to Lago Patria wasn't nearly as stressful as I thought it would be & I found my first two destinations without a problem. Dinner was yummy and it was almost like we were back in my Bullard officewasting time taking a break. Turns out he knows my N7 coworker so my Navy circle just merged again (2nd time this week).
Feeling guilty that I'd left Signore alone for way over 12 hours and the fact that I was getting sleepy after our Italian dinner (aka not eating until after 8) I headed home.
Or so I thought.
Despite clearing the first hurdle in avoiding the scary back road that apparently I should not be driving at night since it's so dark & narrow I missed my turn to head in the direction I needed to. I was headed towards the Navy Lodge. Go figure. Apparently after 90 days your internal compass realigns? Since this is Italy and it's NEVER as easy as getting off at the next exit and turning around, I let the GPS recalculate. I had a feeling that I was going to end up on the road I was trying to avoid and after getting there via a different route than before (I saw some town I don't think I've driven through before) I ended up on said road. I guess it's all my late night driving on HWY68, Reservation Road, and Carmel Valley Road but this road doesn't really bother me. Granted, it's barely a 2 lane road and the shoulders are overgrown with bamboo and/or mini trash heaps and it's pretty dark...and bumpy, but I find it sort of entertaining to see just how I'll get to my house. *Parent Unit- if you're already worried about me driving on this road, please skip to next paragraph* I think the part that puts me on edge is I always seem to find myself in uncharted territory with my gas gauge is below 1/4 tank and my cell phone has 1 bar left in the battery.
Once I was more or less somewhere I knew, I was good.
Again, so I thought. Finally reaching my driveway at 11pm I clicked the clicker to open the gate. And then tried again. And again. Despite multiple attempts I couldn't get the gate to open, so I had to park in the piazza and walk around. Luckily there is a pedestrian door in the gate so I could get in and try to figure the issue out. Well I guess between my heels up the stairs, the wind slamming the door shut, my phone ringing really loud or maybe it was just a crying kitty when he saw me walk back out the door, my neighbor (the old man) came out. I was able to show him that the clicker wasn't working. He grabbed another one but then slammed mine on the tile which apparently solved the problem. After motioning it me to drive the car around he walked down the stairs to make sure it stayed open.
Um yeah, my car doesn't/can't make that turn so after having him hold up traffic so I could do a 30 pt turn into the driveway I was finally done with today's marathon. Actually I'm pretty sure that I was told to ring their door bell if I have any other issues. I just feel bad making all that noise and having "technical difficulties" at 11pm. Shoot. I just want to be sleeping. Oh well, just another reason I really need to start working on the Italian. I think there is hope for me...class #3 today for sure was an improvement although I'm not sure that we can have a conversation about how my name is Katie, I'm from Monterey, I'm American, and I am an accountant. Bambino steps- I know but having a grasp on basic Italian by December is looking like a no-go.
*Sigh*
Time for my beauty sleep. Although I'm not getting up at 0400 (that's in 3 hours- are you kidding me?) I still need to get up by 0700 so I can try to get my 9 hour window down to 2-3 for my HHG delivery and maybe even get a sunrise walk in around MdP since I can. Also, I was told about a fresh pasta place today that I just may need to check out. Hey, despite being told that I'm "going native" tonight I know I have a long way to go but it's good to know that after a mere 100-something days progress can be identified.
Needless to say that today was no different, but the fact that I don't go into work tomorrow & Signore Giuseppe (formerly known as Ed in Monterey) arrived I somehow made it through the normal gym, work, class, and traffic. Well, more on the driving later.
I'm happy to report that I have another friend to hang out with now, although I'm not sure if he's going to be my friend next week after he helps out with the move in tomorrow and the fact that I registered him for a total of running 22K (it could have been 27) this weekend. I'm also happy to report that the "new back route" from Capo to Lago Patria wasn't nearly as stressful as I thought it would be & I found my first two destinations without a problem. Dinner was yummy and it was almost like we were back in my Bullard office
Feeling guilty that I'd left Signore alone for way over 12 hours and the fact that I was getting sleepy after our Italian dinner (aka not eating until after 8) I headed home.
Or so I thought.
Despite clearing the first hurdle in avoiding the scary back road that apparently I should not be driving at night since it's so dark & narrow I missed my turn to head in the direction I needed to. I was headed towards the Navy Lodge. Go figure. Apparently after 90 days your internal compass realigns? Since this is Italy and it's NEVER as easy as getting off at the next exit and turning around, I let the GPS recalculate. I had a feeling that I was going to end up on the road I was trying to avoid and after getting there via a different route than before (I saw some town I don't think I've driven through before) I ended up on said road. I guess it's all my late night driving on HWY68, Reservation Road, and Carmel Valley Road but this road doesn't really bother me. Granted, it's barely a 2 lane road and the shoulders are overgrown with bamboo and/or mini trash heaps and it's pretty dark...and bumpy, but I find it sort of entertaining to see just how I'll get to my house. *Parent Unit- if you're already worried about me driving on this road, please skip to next paragraph* I think the part that puts me on edge is I always seem to find myself in uncharted territory with my gas gauge is below 1/4 tank and my cell phone has 1 bar left in the battery.
Once I was more or less somewhere I knew, I was good.
Again, so I thought. Finally reaching my driveway at 11pm I clicked the clicker to open the gate. And then tried again. And again. Despite multiple attempts I couldn't get the gate to open, so I had to park in the piazza and walk around. Luckily there is a pedestrian door in the gate so I could get in and try to figure the issue out. Well I guess between my heels up the stairs, the wind slamming the door shut, my phone ringing really loud or maybe it was just a crying kitty when he saw me walk back out the door, my neighbor (the old man) came out. I was able to show him that the clicker wasn't working. He grabbed another one but then slammed mine on the tile which apparently solved the problem. After motioning it me to drive the car around he walked down the stairs to make sure it stayed open.
Um yeah, my car doesn't/can't make that turn so after having him hold up traffic so I could do a 30 pt turn into the driveway I was finally done with today's marathon. Actually I'm pretty sure that I was told to ring their door bell if I have any other issues. I just feel bad making all that noise and having "technical difficulties" at 11pm. Shoot. I just want to be sleeping. Oh well, just another reason I really need to start working on the Italian. I think there is hope for me...class #3 today for sure was an improvement although I'm not sure that we can have a conversation about how my name is Katie, I'm from Monterey, I'm American, and I am an accountant. Bambino steps- I know but having a grasp on basic Italian by December is looking like a no-go.
*Sigh*
Time for my beauty sleep. Although I'm not getting up at 0400 (that's in 3 hours- are you kidding me?) I still need to get up by 0700 so I can try to get my 9 hour window down to 2-3 for my HHG delivery and maybe even get a sunrise walk in around MdP since I can. Also, I was told about a fresh pasta place today that I just may need to check out. Hey, despite being told that I'm "going native" tonight I know I have a long way to go but it's good to know that after a mere 100-something days progress can be identified.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Ferragosto
So I've mentioned a few times about how August leaves the streets looking like a ghost town here in Italy. Today I stand corrected- I am now officially living in a ghost town. Today, 15 August, is Ferragosto which although I really can't find a ton of information on it, it's when the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is celebrated. (I'll do more "research" next year when the town I'll soon be living in hosts one of the festivals.)
Even the base felt emptier given that most Italian nationals get at least 1, if not up to 3 days off this week. It goes back to the labor laws here that say they only work 32 hours a week. Since working for the government requires 40 hours they essentially earn a day off every 2 weeks...which they combine with US and/or Italian holidays. Sweet gig? You bet and yes, I'm super jealous I'm not Italian. And yes, it gets worse with every out of office email I get. (Turns out Americans also take this opportunity to escape as well.) So the weekend, plus 3ish days off- most Italians are currently on the seashore celebrating with family, friends, food, and yes, fireworks. Always fireworks!
Well, that's the Italy update.
Ready for the Katie update? After sending out several emails today I realized that I've been so busy retelling my days after they've happened that I haven't shared some of my more recent thoughts, feelings, and grand plans for the immediate future. (I'd make this a video but that would mean I'd need to stop singing along with iTunes and I'm just not on board with that plan.) So here they are:
Even the base felt emptier given that most Italian nationals get at least 1, if not up to 3 days off this week. It goes back to the labor laws here that say they only work 32 hours a week. Since working for the government requires 40 hours they essentially earn a day off every 2 weeks...which they combine with US and/or Italian holidays. Sweet gig? You bet and yes, I'm super jealous I'm not Italian. And yes, it gets worse with every out of office email I get. (Turns out Americans also take this opportunity to escape as well.) So the weekend, plus 3ish days off- most Italians are currently on the seashore celebrating with family, friends, food, and yes, fireworks. Always fireworks!
Well, that's the Italy update.
Ready for the Katie update? After sending out several emails today I realized that I've been so busy retelling my days after they've happened that I haven't shared some of my more recent thoughts, feelings, and grand plans for the immediate future. (I'd make this a video but that would mean I'd need to stop singing along with iTunes and I'm just not on board with that plan.) So here they are:
- I enrolled for Italian I class. It starts at the end of the month and meets after work for 2ish hours. So although I'll learn Italian, it's going to be at the cost of my beloved afternoon nap...I better learn Italian! Two of my coworkers are also in the class and they get to work even earlier than I do so it should be interesting.
- I still haven't heard if my house is entirely painted. I figured I'd give Enzo a break (from me at least) on this holiday but I'll get that information tomorrow. I'm super eager to move in, even if that daily drive is making me a little anxious.
- Um I saw a few shooting stars while running this morning. Turns out it's Perseids meteor shower time. Ha. Love the things I learn when I'm running under the stars, full moon, and yes, even have the NATO security vehicle somewhat pacing me from the other side of the fence. Talk about really feeling like I'm in prison. I actually may have been their entertainment this morning since I saw them way more than normal. They were just probably wondering why someone was out there so early...
- I'm currently trying to plan out the next few holiday weekends. Since I'm the one in my office not on travel or taking vacation I think that a day or two won't be an issue. I was actually told that I'm in charge next week, by default. I'll be supervising 2 employees. We're going to have fun. I actually asked to start learning some of the basic engineering stuff today so I can be a sub for our N7...why not? Um yeah, I can think of several reasons too.
- I have my eye on several out of country half marathons for 2012 (in the April/May timeframe). My latest thought is to run a race in as many countries as possible. Stanley isn't completely on board with this idea right now, so we're going to ease into it. [GWB I'll email you spreadsheet.]
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Has It Really Been 10 Weeks?
That's what the calendar says when I flip though my Saturdays.
Wow.
The last week has been somewhat of a challenge and I apologize to those that may think I was kidnapped by the Mafia, ate myself into a pizza oblivion, or got lost in a catacomb. Like I posted the other day- things are still great out here but I think the daily challenges are just catching up with me and perhaps even beginning to bog me down. For that reason I decided that this weekend was the perfect time for one of my live under a rock (with an extension cord for my laptop & tv) lay low kind of weekends.
Okay, well those who know me know that I very seldom just do nothing. This weekend will be no exception- I've already volunteered a few hours for VBS training and setup and plan to do the same tomorrow evening. I also finally got a few tasks off the list from um...Monday. Better late than never- right? Also since I take on the challenge of working a full day then spending 4+ hours as the GREEN Team leader for VBS starting Monday, I guess some of my weekend should be spent doing laundry, cleaning the path of destruction tropical storm Katie left during the week, and getting documents in order in anticipation of contract meetings for housing. Don't let me fool you- this will be spread out in between naps, wasting hours on Facebook, and Skype chats. Oh and eating. Don't forget food.
Get ready for VBS updates starting Monday. The theme is Panda Mania. I keep wanting to scream "Let's Go Giants." but think I'll be able to get it straight or else I'll just turn my group of little kids into Giants' fans. We were warned today that the leaders will be performing on the last day as well...it's like Girl Scout, RCP, and Science Camp all over again and I can't wait! It's such a shame that 99% of my readers aren't in Italy to see the performance. So sad.
Wow.
The last week has been somewhat of a challenge and I apologize to those that may think I was kidnapped by the Mafia, ate myself into a pizza oblivion, or got lost in a catacomb. Like I posted the other day- things are still great out here but I think the daily challenges are just catching up with me and perhaps even beginning to bog me down. For that reason I decided that this weekend was the perfect time for one of my live under a rock (with an extension cord for my laptop & tv) lay low kind of weekends.
Okay, well those who know me know that I very seldom just do nothing. This weekend will be no exception- I've already volunteered a few hours for VBS training and setup and plan to do the same tomorrow evening. I also finally got a few tasks off the list from um...Monday. Better late than never- right? Also since I take on the challenge of working a full day then spending 4+ hours as the GREEN Team leader for VBS starting Monday, I guess some of my weekend should be spent doing laundry, cleaning the path of destruction tropical storm Katie left during the week, and getting documents in order in anticipation of contract meetings for housing. Don't let me fool you- this will be spread out in between naps, wasting hours on Facebook, and Skype chats. Oh and eating. Don't forget food.
Get ready for VBS updates starting Monday. The theme is Panda Mania. I keep wanting to scream "Let's Go Giants." but think I'll be able to get it straight or else I'll just turn my group of little kids into Giants' fans. We were warned today that the leaders will be performing on the last day as well...it's like Girl Scout, RCP, and Science Camp all over again and I can't wait! It's such a shame that 99% of my readers aren't in Italy to see the performance. So sad.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Update Time
August is the Italian national month for vacationing. Despite the lack of posts lately I am choosing to post today to state the obvious: I’m not Italian, nor am I employed by Italians. (I told you- stating the obvious!) So while the beaches are filled with people and towns empty compared to normal- I am working away. And working away I am. We teased on Monday that it was definitely a Monday: urgent documents, errors found (mine- the worst kind), phones ringing, & taking multi-tasking to a level it’s never been. It was the kind of day I went home and next thing I know I was waking up. Oops- got to love the unexpected nap.
Over all, things are still great. Sure the minor hiccups here and there continue to occur, but for the most part they’ve been easy to resolve or I quickly forget about them. Unfortunately this latest hiccup does not fall in that same category. This hiccup is already beginning to look like it may be the kind that you can’t get rid and is so disruptive it’s almost painful. What is it? Oh a little thing called housing.
For those of you who haven’t heard- I put a hold on the “split-level” place in Monte di Procida last week. After dealing with the housing office from hell over the phone I finally made an appearance. Roberto recognized me and gave me an are you kidding look when I told him it took me 2 months to find a place. (Hey- I was gone 2 of those weeks!) In true Italian fashion, we spent more time talking about non housing items than the 2 minutes it took to call Enzo to see when he was dropping off the paperwork for the place. You see, they need the paperwork in check before they can make an appointment. This appointment is for the housing office, the owner and you to enter into pre-contract agreement. My appointment is scheduled for the 9th.
Not too bad right? Appointments although annoying are at least are a mark of progress.
Well here’s how my August calendar is looking:
9 Aug: Pre-contract Meeting
TBD: Inspection of unit (I’m hoping it too happens next week)
TBD: Any modifications/changes made (praying that it doesn’t require any)
TBD: Contract signing
TBD: +3-5 days for utility activation
TBD: Move in
26 Aug: “Eviction Day” from the Navy Lodge (AKA 90 day mark of being in Italy)
(Why do I feel like this information could be turned into a problem for Operations Management?)
And although I’m trying ever so hard to be optimistic about getting in this place before the deadline I’m being realistic and preparing for the worse. Seriously- as I told someone the other night- it’s dealing with the US Government and Italians. As if that’s not already a slow process, add the fact that it’s their vacation month so most offices (housing included) are all running on a skeleton staff.
So yeah, trying not to get my hopes too high and telling myself that this house was worth the two month search so a few nights transition won’t be too bad…as long as it’s only a few nights. It’s times like this when I wish I had Tracy’s spare bedroom (complete with meowing cat at 0500), Andie’s chair with Lady taking way more than her fair share, or even my parents’ spare room to once again host the Traveling Katie Show.
Again, trying not to let it get to me too much, but I think it’s the root cause of my “offness” this week. Luckily I have a few avenues to explore but it’s hard to ask people for help when I don’t even know the basic information. Worse case my stuff will be moved in and I’ll be “camping” while I wait for my other stuff to move from storage to mia casa dolce casa.
In summary:
- I’m getting tired of this transition phase lifestyle...I’m tapping out at 90 days.
- I’m learning first hand about Italian time...it’s a slow process filled with lots of caffé breaks.
- I love Italy and don’t want to go home any time soon...but I would love it a whole lot more if I too could take the month of August off.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)