I listen to country music and as most of you are aware, lyrics from various songs often appear in a status update or get quoted back to you when we're in the middle of serious chat. Like so many times before today I caught myself humming a song while I was walking along. What was the tune? Goodbye Earl I mean what screams a crisp October morning more than a little Dixie Chicks?
{Stay with me here...especially if you just watched that music video and think that I'm a violent person}
I mean where other than country music can you get lyrics like "the weeks went by and spring turned to summer and summer faded into fall and it turned out Earl was a missing person who nobody missed at all"? But (like always) I digress. For some reason the part about the seasons changing has always stuck with me and I like the image of summer fading into fall.
Okay and we're back to fall. No doubt about it that the end of summer was a good week or two back. Although I'm still quite happy in a dress and sandals, sweaters are quickly becoming mandatory and my jacket collection beckons me to the back of my closet every morning when I'm tossing clothes into a gym bag. Wait. Maybe that's just the full blast AC in the new office? No lo so.
Truth is though, I really don't know. Growing up in Monterey we pretty much had the same weather throughout the year- fog. On lucky days the fog would stay away and if we were really lucky, a heatwave of 70 degree weather would hit. Granted, out in Toro the degrees between the year high and low had a better range and some trees dropped leaves, but I have a feeling what I'm about to experience here will be a lot different. Well maybe- there doesn't seem to be a ton of trees around so rather than leafless trees I guess I'll measure the people-less beaches? Stay tunned for more updates as we get further into this season I sure don't know a lot about.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Grape Stomping- Check!
That's right- grape stomping. And no, it wasn't like in I Love Lucy or that viral news clip where the news reporter takes a major spill. This was the full Italian experience (from many decades past) recreated for us Americans. But I really couldn't think of a better way to spend the sunny hours of the day than out in the vineyard filling crates of grapes, squishing them, and then sitting at a table that sat 50+ chatting with people I've previously met through Girl Scouts, running events, VBS, soccer, and even on last week's wine tour. Talk about a small community!
With nothing more than being handed a shirt, hat, and knife we were directed to go pick grapes- the green grapes. Luckily the vineyard had some time to dry out from last night's torrential downpour. Just a little. Although it wasn't muddy, the soil was very soft (like it was volcanic ash or something) and beautiful! Our two crates were filled pretty fast- I mean with the grapes trained to grow to the lower branches makes it very easy. It may not have been gleaning but it was still a blast oh and the grapes were yummy. Actually eating a grape or two from the vine grossed me out since they were covered with a blue powder and my hands were rather muddy, but Joe convinced me I wouldn't die and they were really good so I had to try them. I was more focused on figuring out just how many grapes were needed to make a glass, bottle, case of wine...with the efforts of all us I'm pretty sure 1/4 of their vineyard was harvested. And it really was a group effort- even the little kids (pint sized ones that were swimming in their shirts) were handed knives to join in. (Only in Italy.)
Feeling somewhat accomplished, but really dirtier more than anything else, we headed to the restaurant side of things and found out that Joe already knows half the people I know because they work for him. Go figure. Oh well- I had grapes to stomp. And stomped I did. It was rather gross feeling because as one mentioned, there were cold and warm spots which made her asking if someone had peed in the tub. Ick. It actually felt more like cold dish water with food particles in it...again, ick. (That's that look on my face that was captured but I assure you it was fun.) Once our feeties were clean we sat down for lunch. The lunch was in true Italian fashion: a ton of food spread out over multiple courses and 2+ hours. The conversations were entertaining and perfect timing since it's almost olive harvest and I learned that we had to head north for the first pressing for the best oil ever. In between glasses of wine, plates of food, and laughter we'd play the "name that cheesy 80s song" being played game. Well, I kind of lost since I think I was the only 20-something there and someone who shall remain nameless said I pretty much was grouped in with her kids. HA. I'm not that young.
The final event of the day was when they poured the crushed (stomped) grapes into an old press. Apparently someone had asked about the grape juice and they were bottling it up. Um yeah. Ick. I declined bringing home a bottle of it. What would you do with it? Boil it into a syrup? Any idea how many feet were in there?! Rumor has it too that their white wine wasn't all that great which is why the bottles of red were drained rather quickly from our tables.
At any rate, it was a fabulous day and I really am glad that at the last minute plans were changed from beer and balloon festival to grape harvesting. I think I'll try to stick with all things Italian this first year for festivals and then branch out. Next festival on my schedule is the chestnut festival in early November but of course I also hope to hit up the Apple festival, but in the mean time I need to lay off the food and get running. Tomorrow is 5K number 4 of the year and then next weekend I'll be in Siena for a 10K (oh, and more food). Seriously. This is ITALY. You really can't avoid food without missing out on a ton of the culture so just balance it with plenty of running and stick to not being a huge fan of pasta and you'll be good- trust me.
With nothing more than being handed a shirt, hat, and knife we were directed to go pick grapes- the green grapes. Luckily the vineyard had some time to dry out from last night's torrential downpour. Just a little. Although it wasn't muddy, the soil was very soft (like it was volcanic ash or something) and beautiful! Our two crates were filled pretty fast- I mean with the grapes trained to grow to the lower branches makes it very easy. It may not have been gleaning but it was still a blast oh and the grapes were yummy. Actually eating a grape or two from the vine grossed me out since they were covered with a blue powder and my hands were rather muddy, but Joe convinced me I wouldn't die and they were really good so I had to try them. I was more focused on figuring out just how many grapes were needed to make a glass, bottle, case of wine...with the efforts of all us I'm pretty sure 1/4 of their vineyard was harvested. And it really was a group effort- even the little kids (pint sized ones that were swimming in their shirts) were handed knives to join in. (Only in Italy.)
The final event of the day was when they poured the crushed (stomped) grapes into an old press. Apparently someone had asked about the grape juice and they were bottling it up. Um yeah. Ick. I declined bringing home a bottle of it. What would you do with it? Boil it into a syrup? Any idea how many feet were in there?! Rumor has it too that their white wine wasn't all that great which is why the bottles of red were drained rather quickly from our tables.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Trieste
Is it possible to experience culture shock within different parts of the country you live in? I mean, I guess I'd experience some major shock had I been offered the job in Mississippi but I would have figured that Naples has provided enough shocks for all of Italia.
Don't get me wrong- I often find "different" just the thing I'm looking for but after spending less than 24 hours in Trieste and back in Naples (okay, MdP) I'm still trying to really process what we found after a short hour-ish flight north. Sure the signs were still in Italian, scooters and mini cars filled the streets, and the caffe bar on every corner confirmed we were still in Italy, however, the politeness of drivers as they obeyed traffic laws, the clean streets aligned by carefully planted flowers, the clear blue sky, and just a hint of "fall" in the breeze sent my brain spinning through all the places I've been to figure out just where I really was. Austria was my conclusion...but it smelled like Lake Tahoe in the fall. Um yeah, neither locations are Trieste, but if you've been to either I guess that gives you an idea as to what Trieste is sort of like.
So what was I doing there? Official work business. Although I refer to it as my crash course in all things N7, it pretty much was a "let's let Katie go see what we actually do." Which was great! I mean, I have a passport and am ready to travel pretty much within a few hours time. Once on site, I was given the tour by both our local engineer (who traveled with me) and the port engineer in charge of this major project. I met the Captain of the ship and was "live on location" when the weekly Tuesday conference call took place. I was also there when my coworker was emailed about funding and was able to mostly put it in non finance terms to make sure there were a few less questions. We spent hours at the dock and I loved it all!
Walking up the gangway I was immediately transported back to my 2 months at sea on the Golden Bear. Well, it was a lot different since this ship was not in water. None. This ship was balancing on blocks and that's it. It was amazing and I was in awe as I was in the dry dock staring up at the huge ship above, yes ABOVE, me. My coworker was awesome as he showed me around the ship and introducing me to the crew since he visits this ship a fair amount. We were lead on an engine room tour and as we climbed ladders, dodged chains, and jumped rails I almost regretted my one time thought of joining the Navy. Of course this was one of those "only thought about it for a few days" things but being back on the ship really made me think about it again. (Don't worry, it's already left my mind...I'm happy just working for them.)
After a super long day that started in the office before catching the mid morning flight we ventured into the downtown area of Trieste to locate our hotel. Side note- I'm really beginning to believe that the GPS has issues and not me since we had major issues locating things. Granted, finding a ship isn't really the easiest thing when you're in a city with multiple ports (or so I've been told) but we made it and it didn't take us that much longer to get there. It was sort of fun asking locals for directions (yes, in Italian...my travel buddy has lived here multiple years) but even with that we ended up just voting on which way to turn at intersections. Hey- I've found my sense of adventure! And yes, we did find the ship.
Once settled in, sort of rested, and cleaned up we ventured around town in search of food but since we had over an hour to kill before dinner really started we just walked around the streets we had previously driven. Being so far north, it turns out that some of the buildings had been built when it was part of Austria (go Katie's brain). There were still plenty of Roman ruins though and churches with bells announcing the hour, half hour, and even quarter hour.
As we walked around town another "oh wow" moment struck me- there were plenty of dogs around but they were on leashes being walked by their owners or waiting patiently next to a table on a patio. They were also not quite our Naples variety of mutts but terriers, bull dogs, and other recognizable breeds. Again, picture Carmel and that was sort of the image but you got to keep in mind that for several months now I haven't seen what used to be my all so familiar sights so it just caught me a tad off guard.
The evening was filled with food and when we thought we couldn't eat any more- we found gelato. So many choices but my final pick was pera and I didn't regret it one bit. The rest of the evening was spent taking in a few more local sights of "Trieste's most important....statue, building, tower, church, lamp post" and just having fun. At some point of the night we realized just how close we were to another ship of ours and thought to call back to the office to see if we could head down there but then figured with the office move it probably wasn't the best thing. Well, turns out the boss kicked himself for not realizing how close were were tot he other ship and said if asked we would have heard "yes." Grr. Oh well! Just saving that travel money for another trip hopefully not before too long.
Don't get me wrong- I often find "different" just the thing I'm looking for but after spending less than 24 hours in Trieste and back in Naples (okay, MdP) I'm still trying to really process what we found after a short hour-ish flight north. Sure the signs were still in Italian, scooters and mini cars filled the streets, and the caffe bar on every corner confirmed we were still in Italy, however, the politeness of drivers as they obeyed traffic laws, the clean streets aligned by carefully planted flowers, the clear blue sky, and just a hint of "fall" in the breeze sent my brain spinning through all the places I've been to figure out just where I really was. Austria was my conclusion...but it smelled like Lake Tahoe in the fall. Um yeah, neither locations are Trieste, but if you've been to either I guess that gives you an idea as to what Trieste is sort of like.
So what was I doing there? Official work business. Although I refer to it as my crash course in all things N7, it pretty much was a "let's let Katie go see what we actually do." Which was great! I mean, I have a passport and am ready to travel pretty much within a few hours time. Once on site, I was given the tour by both our local engineer (who traveled with me) and the port engineer in charge of this major project. I met the Captain of the ship and was "live on location" when the weekly Tuesday conference call took place. I was also there when my coworker was emailed about funding and was able to mostly put it in non finance terms to make sure there were a few less questions. We spent hours at the dock and I loved it all!
Walking up the gangway I was immediately transported back to my 2 months at sea on the Golden Bear. Well, it was a lot different since this ship was not in water. None. This ship was balancing on blocks and that's it. It was amazing and I was in awe as I was in the dry dock staring up at the huge ship above, yes ABOVE, me. My coworker was awesome as he showed me around the ship and introducing me to the crew since he visits this ship a fair amount. We were lead on an engine room tour and as we climbed ladders, dodged chains, and jumped rails I almost regretted my one time thought of joining the Navy. Of course this was one of those "only thought about it for a few days" things but being back on the ship really made me think about it again. (Don't worry, it's already left my mind...I'm happy just working for them.)
After a super long day that started in the office before catching the mid morning flight we ventured into the downtown area of Trieste to locate our hotel. Side note- I'm really beginning to believe that the GPS has issues and not me since we had major issues locating things. Granted, finding a ship isn't really the easiest thing when you're in a city with multiple ports (or so I've been told) but we made it and it didn't take us that much longer to get there. It was sort of fun asking locals for directions (yes, in Italian...my travel buddy has lived here multiple years) but even with that we ended up just voting on which way to turn at intersections. Hey- I've found my sense of adventure! And yes, we did find the ship.
Once settled in, sort of rested, and cleaned up we ventured around town in search of food but since we had over an hour to kill before dinner really started we just walked around the streets we had previously driven. Being so far north, it turns out that some of the buildings had been built when it was part of Austria (go Katie's brain). There were still plenty of Roman ruins though and churches with bells announcing the hour, half hour, and even quarter hour.
As we walked around town another "oh wow" moment struck me- there were plenty of dogs around but they were on leashes being walked by their owners or waiting patiently next to a table on a patio. They were also not quite our Naples variety of mutts but terriers, bull dogs, and other recognizable breeds. Again, picture Carmel and that was sort of the image but you got to keep in mind that for several months now I haven't seen what used to be my all so familiar sights so it just caught me a tad off guard.
The evening was filled with food and when we thought we couldn't eat any more- we found gelato. So many choices but my final pick was pera and I didn't regret it one bit. The rest of the evening was spent taking in a few more local sights of "Trieste's most important....statue, building, tower, church, lamp post" and just having fun. At some point of the night we realized just how close we were to another ship of ours and thought to call back to the office to see if we could head down there but then figured with the office move it probably wasn't the best thing. Well, turns out the boss kicked himself for not realizing how close were were tot he other ship and said if asked we would have heard "yes." Grr. Oh well! Just saving that travel money for another trip hopefully not before too long.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Nico's First Overnight!
I may possibly have the strangest cat ever.
Tonight once I made it downstairs to the car with him in his carrier and his overnight bag the little dork wouldn't shush. Feeling horrible that he'd been alone for over 12 hours (even though Jess ran him around this morning) I let him out of his crate. After the initial 3 minutes of looking out the window and checking out the car he just plopped down in the passenger seat. My cat is awesome. He was just sitting there talking to me- probably telling me just what he thought of me leaving him alone all day. I told him he's in for a busy next 2 days with the Robinson kids plus their new little fur ball.
It's really hard for me to be the only one in the house but it is sort of nice to not fear for my life while going up or down the stairs. *Sigh* What's a girl to do? A) I realize I'm talking way to much about this cat to be healthy and B) I love to travel but leaving him behind is just too much. M&D- be warned, he just may be headed home with me whenever that may be :)
Tonight once I made it downstairs to the car with him in his carrier and his overnight bag the little dork wouldn't shush. Feeling horrible that he'd been alone for over 12 hours (even though Jess ran him around this morning) I let him out of his crate. After the initial 3 minutes of looking out the window and checking out the car he just plopped down in the passenger seat. My cat is awesome. He was just sitting there talking to me- probably telling me just what he thought of me leaving him alone all day. I told him he's in for a busy next 2 days with the Robinson kids plus their new little fur ball.
It's really hard for me to be the only one in the house but it is sort of nice to not fear for my life while going up or down the stairs. *Sigh* What's a girl to do? A) I realize I'm talking way to much about this cat to be healthy and B) I love to travel but leaving him behind is just too much. M&D- be warned, he just may be headed home with me whenever that may be :)
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
4 Months!
I’ve survived 4 full months in Naples
At any rate, the days continue to fly by filled with the good, bad, and stinky. Work continues to be a challenge (what I wanted- right?). Unpacking/setting up house continues to make microscopic progress (Nico isn’t too helpful with this). Nights are filled with Bible study, coaching soccer, Italian classes, and if I’m lucky, hanging out with friends before turning into a pumpkin when the clock strikes 10. The trash piles continue to reach towards the sky. Smoke plumes continue to fill the air with the stench of trash, smoke, rubber and the smell I just call “Naples
This weekend flew by too fast and I find that this morning I’m not operating at my normal maniac Monday pace. Last week was a challenge (to say the least), but we survived. This week has already proved to slow down, however with our upcoming office move to an even deeper level of dungeon (which just may as well be another circle of hell) it’s going to be an interesting week. I also get to head to Trieste
This weekend was a hodgepodge of events: Italian cover bands of Queen, pink shirted men, the Blue Dragons amazing their coaches with a 12-0 shutout, repair guys (4 in total-including Fabio), full combat shopping at Ikea, watching team Napoli play a blow out game with lots of Italians in a local restaurant, the best gnocchi ever (with so much cheese it tasted like mac-n-cheese), wine tasting, wine purchasing, a ton of food, and my first out of town visitor! Phew. No wonder I’m tired! Nowhere in that list of events do you see “nap time” or “sleeping in.”
Now that your brains are probably trying to process what I meant by a few of those events I’ll explain. I recommend grabbing a cup of coffee (or Diet Coke depending on what time zone you’re in) since it’s going to be a long one…
Friday afternoon I didn’t leave the office until much later than planned on account I was waiting for a last minute contract to be issued. No big deal since it gave me time to chat with OG and GWB and wish them a very happy New Year’s and catch up on the latest and greatest happenings at NPS. Nothing like these chats to re-affirm that leaving was quite possibly the best decision I made all year, but at the same time realize just how much I miss these two. Pretty much 90% of my fondest memories from NPS involve these two so it’s been somewhat of a challenge adjusting to work without them here calling me up for coffee breaks, arranging “walk abouts”, & yes, evening long TRTs. (I really am looking for jobs out here for you both- just get those passports already!)
After taking off from the office, with FY11 in the books, I headed home to harass Nico for a while before heading back out to The (World Famous) Agora Hotel for their end of summer BBQ and performance by a Queen cover band. As planned, the group of folks Joe has bonded with were all sporting their pink outfits. Let me just tell you, grown men can pull off pink, but they really should avoid sequins. Trust me. While we visited and stacked empty cups, the lead singer of the band in his white track pants pulled way above his natural waist, bright yellow buckled jacket, and scary mustache danced his way around the pool singing 80s songs. At one song, he decided to strip the shirt…my eyes, my eyes. (Tracy
Signore Nico was rather frustrated when I walked through the door at a rather late hour of the night, but luckily didn’t wake up because I needed my sleep before the big soccer game the next morning. The Blue Dragons dominated the field- 12-0. It was pretty even (1-0) at the end of the first quarter but then our super stars were put in and well, that’s when our score started to increase. Seriously, you really can’t explain to 7 and 8 year olds why they need to stop scoring so we gave up and just tried to move them into different positions. Eh, what can you do?
Next stop for my Saturday was to meet the repair folks at my place to install the shower box around my bathtub, evaluate why I can’t get hot water in the other shower, trouble shoot my shutters, and replace the light above the stove. Simple enough- right? Well they didn’t speak English and although they had an idea what needed to be done it was still fun to explain why the flush button was off the wall since I had to take the panel off to stop the continual running of water the night before. I was upstairs while they were working downstairs and when I heard the land lady also down there I walked down to say hi. Apparently only of the 3 guys was working and the other 2 with the land lady were just standing in my bedroom chatting away. Strange? Yes, but this is Italy
Everything that needed to be looked at was- even with them trying to show me that the shutters really do work and that I was just closing them wrong. Really? While they were taking a break while one of them ran around the corner to the hardware store the other 2 asked about il gatto so I pointed to Nico out in his planter box stalking them. They both went out and started talking to him and I guess he liked what he heard since he was Mr. Social at that point. Not too long after that I hear a new person in my apartment- but at my second glance I realized I knew him. It was Fabio (my alarm guy) who came by I guess to help translate? Still I was happy to see him and we finally figured out which sensor was going off when it shouldn't.
The rest of Saturday was spent with Joe with a trip to Ikea and then dinning in a local restaurant while watching the Napoli game. (They won.) Watching the game with locals was hilarious. The staff was just standing behind the tables also watching the game. When Napoli scored hands flew up in the air, along with a piece of pizza or two. They sure love their soccer.
Sunday it was out to Avelino for wine and food. We toured the Antica Hirpinia winery and tasted several of their wines. Were they good? Yes and at 5euro a bottle you can bet that I came home with a few bottles (like 6). Hey, Tanya did the same thing. After our wine tasting we headed over to a place not too far away for food. Between the snacks served with the wine and the encore of more of the same at this place I think I consumed more meat in 5 hours than I had all of the last 2 months...but it was so good.
After being gone for hours, we headed back to the SS where I met up with a friend visiting from out of town. She followed me down to my place where she was just disgusted with my view and stated that she'd never come back. (Ha. She may have said these things but I don't believe her for a second.)
So yeah, good weekend but busy. I owe you some pictures but for now just check out month 5 on my facebook page. :)
Everything that needed to be looked at was- even with them trying to show me that the shutters really do work and that I was just closing them wrong. Really? While they were taking a break while one of them ran around the corner to the hardware store the other 2 asked about il gatto so I pointed to Nico out in his planter box stalking them. They both went out and started talking to him and I guess he liked what he heard since he was Mr. Social at that point. Not too long after that I hear a new person in my apartment- but at my second glance I realized I knew him. It was Fabio (my alarm guy) who came by I guess to help translate? Still I was happy to see him and we finally figured out which sensor was going off when it shouldn't.
The rest of Saturday was spent with Joe with a trip to Ikea and then dinning in a local restaurant while watching the Napoli game. (They won.) Watching the game with locals was hilarious. The staff was just standing behind the tables also watching the game. When Napoli scored hands flew up in the air, along with a piece of pizza or two. They sure love their soccer.
Sunday it was out to Avelino for wine and food. We toured the Antica Hirpinia winery and tasted several of their wines. Were they good? Yes and at 5euro a bottle you can bet that I came home with a few bottles (like 6). Hey, Tanya did the same thing. After our wine tasting we headed over to a place not too far away for food. Between the snacks served with the wine and the encore of more of the same at this place I think I consumed more meat in 5 hours than I had all of the last 2 months...but it was so good.
After being gone for hours, we headed back to the SS where I met up with a friend visiting from out of town. She followed me down to my place where she was just disgusted with my view and stated that she'd never come back. (Ha. She may have said these things but I don't believe her for a second.)
So yeah, good weekend but busy. I owe you some pictures but for now just check out month 5 on my facebook page. :)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Just One of Those Moods...
I'm in one of those moods, so beware.
One of those moods that I just can't shake.
It's been coming on for a few days now and tonight it's reached the point of needing to spit everything out on this "sticky note" before cleaning it up, making sure I want to post it to the world, sitting on it and then posting it if you're reading it now.
Here are a few of my conclusions from earlier processing:
I like my job.
I'm still 100% happy with my decision flee Monterey, although I so very badly miss OG & GWB and our swapping of office nightmares over coffee or GG&Ts.
I probably have an Italian size portion of food on my social calendar (or more).
I'm not a very patient person- especially when it comes to being patient with myself.
Here it is the last Tuesday of FY11. Unlike end of fiscal years past, I'm still working like a mad woman making sure that ships repairs, travel, and other misc. expenses are received by 30 September so the payment is taken from the FY11 budget, not FY12. Stressful? Yes. New appreciation for the SPFAs I worked with? YES. Feeling exhausted way too early in the week? Yep.
It doesn't help that my supervisor (the comptroller) was out of the office until Thursday of last week on travel after leaving me a stack several folders high of things to process. Needless to say, the last 2ish weeks have been at a crazy pace. Actually with the exception of a few days every week has been at a crazy pace. Come to think of it, I was doing all my training at that point so the work probably was still crazy I was just oblivious. Nah, our AOR has been super busy (think issues in Northern Africa). How busy? We've already significantly more documents than last year.
All kidding aside that I just sat in my office at NPS, you all know I got my work done. Sure I'd put the tough stuff off for a little bit, but if it was my responsibility I'd try to figure it out and it would get done. Unlike NPS though, we're sort of isolated out here (shoot, our HQ is in DC or VA or somewhere...I still don't get the organization structure, but from what I've heard neither does HQ). This means I can't just call the person who holds the same jobs as I do in the department next door. It means I get to call Bahrain or wait for it to be a decent hour in DC and pray that emails are checked.
Yes. I am playing the "I'm new card." It's only been 4 months and not even with all the time I've spent setting up my life in Naples and training. Seriously- if I'm still trying to play this card at the end of month 6 then you can roll your eyes. But yes, 4 months. That's 1/3 done of my "I can do anything for a year." I'd be lying if I said that didn't cross my mind earlier today when I had to get out my office because I was so frustrated with everything. True it's only been 4 months so I really can't have a complete handle on everything but since when have I known to be a patient person? Sigh.
***Alright so I've done some serious editing but I think you can get the gist of what's going on in my head and how my days are. Of course the lack of emails, FB posts, and blog posts also indicate that I get home, eat dinner, and throw myself into bed. Here it is 1 October (HAPPY NEW YEAR) and I'm still anticipating a busy week...we move offices this week and rumor has it I'm going to TDY. Throw in class, coaching soccer....va bene. Seriously. I am choosing to do those things but really? Leaving the house when it's dark, walking to my office (from the gym), not seeing the sun unless I leave my office to grab coffee/food/escape) and then driving home as the sun sets really isn't working for me so it's time to reevaluate. Or else just go find some serious fun...like a wine trip tomorrow. I don't think I could have scheduled that one any better a month ago.
One of those moods that I just can't shake.
It's been coming on for a few days now and tonight it's reached the point of needing to spit everything out on this "sticky note" before cleaning it up, making sure I want to post it to the world, sitting on it and then posting it if you're reading it now.
Here are a few of my conclusions from earlier processing:
I like my job.
I'm still 100% happy with my decision flee Monterey, although I so very badly miss OG & GWB and our swapping of office nightmares over coffee or GG&Ts.
I probably have an Italian size portion of food on my social calendar (or more).
I'm not a very patient person- especially when it comes to being patient with myself.
Here it is the last Tuesday of FY11. Unlike end of fiscal years past, I'm still working like a mad woman making sure that ships repairs, travel, and other misc. expenses are received by 30 September so the payment is taken from the FY11 budget, not FY12. Stressful? Yes. New appreciation for the SPFAs I worked with? YES. Feeling exhausted way too early in the week? Yep.
It doesn't help that my supervisor (the comptroller) was out of the office until Thursday of last week on travel after leaving me a stack several folders high of things to process. Needless to say, the last 2ish weeks have been at a crazy pace. Actually with the exception of a few days every week has been at a crazy pace. Come to think of it, I was doing all my training at that point so the work probably was still crazy I was just oblivious. Nah, our AOR has been super busy (think issues in Northern Africa). How busy? We've already significantly more documents than last year.
All kidding aside that I just sat in my office at NPS, you all know I got my work done. Sure I'd put the tough stuff off for a little bit, but if it was my responsibility I'd try to figure it out and it would get done. Unlike NPS though, we're sort of isolated out here (shoot, our HQ is in DC or VA or somewhere...I still don't get the organization structure, but from what I've heard neither does HQ). This means I can't just call the person who holds the same jobs as I do in the department next door. It means I get to call Bahrain or wait for it to be a decent hour in DC and pray that emails are checked.
Yes. I am playing the "I'm new card." It's only been 4 months and not even with all the time I've spent setting up my life in Naples and training. Seriously- if I'm still trying to play this card at the end of month 6 then you can roll your eyes. But yes, 4 months. That's 1/3 done of my "I can do anything for a year." I'd be lying if I said that didn't cross my mind earlier today when I had to get out my office because I was so frustrated with everything. True it's only been 4 months so I really can't have a complete handle on everything but since when have I known to be a patient person? Sigh.
***Alright so I've done some serious editing but I think you can get the gist of what's going on in my head and how my days are. Of course the lack of emails, FB posts, and blog posts also indicate that I get home, eat dinner, and throw myself into bed. Here it is 1 October (HAPPY NEW YEAR) and I'm still anticipating a busy week...we move offices this week and rumor has it I'm going to TDY. Throw in class, coaching soccer....va bene. Seriously. I am choosing to do those things but really? Leaving the house when it's dark, walking to my office (from the gym), not seeing the sun unless I leave my office to grab coffee/food/escape) and then driving home as the sun sets really isn't working for me so it's time to reevaluate. Or else just go find some serious fun...like a wine trip tomorrow. I don't think I could have scheduled that one any better a month ago.
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