Friday, February 11, 2011

Like Pulling Teeth

It's been nearly three weeks since I put in my paperwork to extend in Italy, and I've been going over to the personnel office about twice a week to check for updates on my status. The people over there keep telling me they haven't heard anything, and that when they do, they'll let me know. Unfortunately, the people who work in personnel don't have a great track record of keeping up with paperwork, which is why I go over there and bother them so much. And this time was no exception.
When I went over there today, I found out that the guy who had my original paperwork was on leave and didn't give it to anyone else to send to headquarters. So I have to start all over again.
The only funny thing about this was when I was waiting at the front desk, I could hear all the personnel workers in the back arguing over whose fault it was. I just shook my head.

Monday, February 07, 2011

Challenge


Stan
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Last night was the Super Bowl, and like most people around here, I wasn't too concerned with who won. I was kinda pulling for Green Bay, but really I was just against Pittsburgh because I don't like Ben Roethlisberger.
Anyway, the game didn't start until 12:30 AM here, and Stan had a party at his place. We hung out, ate junk food, and watched the game. But the real fun came when Stan dozed off and Steve tried his hand at stacking stuff on Stan without waking him up. Luckily, Stan's a good sport and we all had a good laugh.

Sunday, February 06, 2011

Riders on the Storm


Cortina D'Ampezzo
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
This weekend, Steven, Berg, and I went up to Cortina D'Ampezzo. It's a little resort town nestled in the Alps of northern Italy. I'd driven near there before, but we were unprepared for how gorgeous everything was.


Cortina D'Ampezzo
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
The weather was a little warm, but the snow was perfect. And it was surprisingly not crowded.


Steven & Berg
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Even though Cortina is only two hours away, we decided to go up Friday night and stay until this morning. First, we wanted to get in a good solid day of riding without any sleep deprivation. Also, we wanted to check out the nightlife of the town, which didn't disappoint. This will probably be my last chance to get any board time in this season, and I'm glad it was good, quality time.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Bearing Right

I found out today that in less than a month, I'll be heading up to Germany for a six-week class. It's all about becoming a better leader and professionalism and Air Force heritage and blah, blah, blah. I'm not really looking forward to it, but it's something everyone at my rank has to endure. I'll be there with about 150 other Tech Sergeants from all over Europe. Usually, even though I'm not really excited about these things, I end up meeting lots of cool people and having a good time. I'm sure that's how this will be, too, but as of right now, I'd rather spend the rest of my winter hitting the slopes.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Humble Pie

On Friday, I did something high-school-ish and unprofessional and totally got called out. It ate at me all weekend, and this morning, I apologised to the guy I wronged. He could have been a richard about it, but he was really cool and I feel a lot better. It's amazing how cathartic confession is.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Greased Lightning


Changing My Brakes
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
I've been driving Dan's little Volkswagon around for the past two weeks, but finally, my brake parts came in. This morning, Mike helped me put them on, which in itself, wasn't too difficult. However, I was sent the wrong parts (thanks, Autozone), so we had to drive around looking for parts for an American vehicle in Italy. By pure luck, we found brake pads for my truck, and now Babe is back and better than ever. Extra special thanks to Mike, without whom I'd likely be totally freaking out right now.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Uncertainties

Earlier this week, my form came down that allows me to choose if I want to try to stay in Italy longer. As it stands now, I'll leave in February 2012. My goal all along has been to stay as long as possible, but certain policies prevent me from staying over five years. This means the longest I can extend for again is another year, and for the next few weeks, I'm going to jump through a series of hoops (some will probably be on fire) in order to do so.
But here's the strange part: when I was flying back in to Italy a couple weeks ago, I didn't feel that little bit of excitement about returning to Italy I've felt every other time I've left. Sure, it was nice to get back home and get back into the swing of things, but as far as Italy was concerned, I was left feeling a little numb. Perhaps my love affair with Italy is through. Has it lost its lustre? Has the lack of a 24-hour gas station finally gotten to me?
Despite these initial feelings of uncertainty, I still plan on jumping through those hoops to try and extend until February 2013. And even if I do all the paperwork and my commander signs off, there's no guarantee it will get approved at headquarters. If it does, I'll be happy about having another year to travel around Europe. But if it doesn't, I'll take it as a sign that I should move on and not look back.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Free Space

It's been a long time, but last night, I went back to Bingo at the club on base. I sat with my new friend Jonathan, and across from Claire and Keirsten, who had me in stitches the whole night. I didn't win anything, but this could easily become a weekly event.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Round the Renaissance


Eric
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
For the long weekend, Eric and I decided to head down to Florence. He'd never been, and I love showing people around, plus the forecast called for temperatures in the 60s. We were in.
One of the great things about Italy is no matter how many times I've been to some historic place, whenever I go back, I always find something new, and this time was no different.


Firenze
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
We checked out Michelangelo's David, the Duomo, and ate at Trattoria Nella, possibly my favourite place in all of Italy. We strolled through the markets, had caffe along the Arno, and shopped for wine.


Pitti Palace
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
On Monday morning, we trekked across the river to see I Giardini di Boboli. Unfortunately, the Pitti Palace, home to the Medici dynasty, was closed, but the Boboli Gardens were amazing.


Adam & Eve
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Since it's winter, the foliage wasn't very lush, but there were tons of statues throughout the gardens.


I Giardini di Boboli
Originally uploaded by currtdawg



I Giardini di Boboli
Originally uploaded by currtdawg



I Giardini di Boboli
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Have I mentioned how much I love the Hipstamatic photo app?


Il Bacchino
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
This is called Il Bacchino, which apparently means "fat, naked guy riding a turtle."


Me
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
But probably the best part of our trip was when we were walking by the Duomo and that angel high-fived me.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Ouch and Ouch Again

Aaron, a guy in my shop, is leaving Italy on Saturday and moving to sunny Florida. As kind of a going away present, I told him I'd make dinner for him and his friends last night.
So, long story short, I'm hung over as hell today. To add insult to injury, I shot this text to Steven last night after everyone left (though I have no recollection of it):

Jyst fell down tge stairs. If o have bruisess tomortow you know why.

To further add insult to injury, he posted it on Facebook. Thanks.

Sunday, January 09, 2011

Shaking The Dust Off

My first week back at work was pretty good. It wasn't too difficult getting back into the swing of things, and even though I don't always love my job, I'm very comfortable there. The best part is we have our old boss back and morale seems to have improved due to his presence. Unfortunately, he'll be leaving Aviano in a few months, but I'm sure we'll get by without him.
After a month of being busy and around tons of people non-stop, my weekend has been wonderfully serene and isolated. I had dinner with Eric Friday night, but since then, I've been getting my house in order, hitting the gym, and relaxing. It's been quite nice.
Speaking of hitting the gym, my vacation consisted of laying around and eating everything in sight, so it was a surprise to hop on the scale the other day and find out I only gained six pounds. Still, it's sitting around my mid-section, and it's something I'm going to have to work extra hard to get rid of, especially now that I'm back around all this wonderful Italian cuisine again. Progress will be reported, if there is any.

Monday, January 03, 2011

Ritorno in Italia

I'm back in Italy, safe and sound. The vacation was amazing, and obviously God was smiling on me, as I had absolutely no travel delays or issues, despite all the crazy weather around the US. But now, it's back to reality.
Mike picked me up from the airport (Thanks, Mike!) and on the drive home, it became obvious I'm going to need new brakes on my truck very soon. I also have a mountain of laundry and no food in my house. I'm going to do my best to stay awake until 9 PM tonight to try to get on a normal sleep schedule, but waking up for work tomorrow is going to be brutal. Thankfully, it will be a short week. Let's see how it goes.

Sunday, January 02, 2011

Back In The Beehive State


Me & Scott
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Utah was spectacular. I saw so many people, ate at all my favourite places, and even got a day of boarding in at Brighton with Scott.


NYE at Brian's
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
The apex of my vacation was New Year's Eve. Brian threw a thrasher of a party with plenty of drinking, dancing, and hot-tubbing. Even though I only spent five days there, it was just as hard to leave this time. It's bye for now, Utah, but I'll be back soon.

Friday, December 31, 2010

Melodies In My Ear

It's been quite a year for music, but maybe I'm just saying that because I bought a new computer a year ago since my old one had no space left, which enabled me to go crazy like a kid in an iTunes store. And, boy, did I. There was a lot of quality enjoyable music this year, but these are the ten records I really identified and became obsessed with:

Love Remains by How To Dress Well - Last year, it was The XX, but this year, the best make-out album is from a white-boy philosophy student doing his best ethereal, reverb-heavy, R&B impression. And it works.
Treats by Sleigh Bells - The most pleasant surprise of the year. I love the way Alexis Krauss's voice floats over the driving guitars and thrashing beats. In a way, it kinda reminds me of The Deftones. Particularly bad-ass are the screams thrown in in the middle of "Kids" and "A/B Machines." It's impossible not to rock out to this.
The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
This Is Happening by LCD Soundsystem - If you had a cookout this summer and you weren't listening to this album, then your cookout sucked.
Contra by Vampire Weekend
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West - He's crazy, but his fifth LP sounds like it could have been a greatest hits compilation. Music with this much depth, wit, and variety proves he is a true talent.
Heaven Is Whenever by The Hold Steady - No, it's not their best album. Hell, it's probably their worst. But when a band's worst album is still miles above anything else released, you know they're truly the best bar band in America.
Lungs by Florence + The Machine
The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monae
Body Talk by Robyn - Don't just buy the "Body Talk" album. You also need the first two "Body Talk" EPs. When all three are combined, they create the best pop album of the year, and probably the decade. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the Swedes know their way around a pop hook. This, combined with Robyn's attitude and delivery, makes this record not only fun, but essential. Usually when I'm singing in my truck and I pull up next to someone, I stop. But when "Dancing On My Own" or "Fembot" is playing, I keep right on singing.

There were several albums I was excited about before they were released, and unfortunately, many were disappointments. But there were just as many that totally came out of left field and surprised the hell out of me. I'm starting to lose faith in new albums from Blur and No Doubt, but the new PJ Harvey, Strokes, and Lupe Fiasco albums are a sure thing this year, and that makes me happy.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Colorado Gurls


Me & Jess
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
I just spent the past two days laughing my butt of in Colorado. It might be easy to blame it on the altitude, but I really think it was the presence of Jess, who, along with Cheyenne, picked me up at the airport Sunday afternoon and immediately placed a King Tut button on my jacket. If you want to know the rest of that story, you'll have to ask them.


Me, Chels, Chey, & Jess
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
From there, we met up with Chelsey, ate dinner, and then went out bar-hopping. Our final stop of the evening was a place called the Grizzly Rose, a place way too classy for words, and that must be seen to be believed.


Cheyenne & Danielle
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Monday, we met up with Danielle for a trek up through Boulder and ending in Fort Collins, where they all went to school at CSU. It was a great town, full of personality. We shopped in unique stores and had coffee and drinks. It was a wonderful way to spend time with my friends.

Italy really isn't the same without all these girls around, and it was great to hang out and laugh with them again, even if it was just for a couple days.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

White Christmas


White Christmas
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
It began snowing Friday afternoon, and by Christmas morning, our house had a nice white blanket. It made my first Christmas at home since 2007 even better.


Christmas Morning
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
After waking up yesterday morning, we headed to Don and Sharon's to share breakfast with their whole family and watch Nate, Ian, Keagan, and Vivian open all their presents. It took me back to my own childhood and all the excitement in wildly ripping open my new toys.


Grandma, Me, & Grandpa
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Then, yesterday evening, we went to my Grandparents' house for the big family Christmas. As cliche as it sounds, being around family on Christmas will never be overrated. I spent a lot of time with my family over the past two weeks, but it still wasn't enough. It's going to be hard leaving, but it's nice knowing I'm heading to Colorado to see friends who I love like family.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

St. Lunatics


Everett & Roxy
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
I spent the past few days in St. Louis, where I hung out with some old friends from my days in Japan. I made the three-hour drive to Paul and Trish's house in St. Charles and saw Roxy and Everett, who have grown so much since the last time I saw them three years ago. And exponentially more adorable, as well.


Me, Don, & Paul
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
I also got to see Don, a man for whom I have an immeasurable amount of esteem. Don took us all around the quirkiest parts of the city, to sock stores and indie printing presses, bars and book stores, graffiti walls and historical landmarks, homeless camps and museums. It gave me new appreciation for urban living, and want to take taxis everywhere.
If I had my way, I'd bring these guys back to Italy with me because they tend to look at things from such a unique perspective. If they came with me to Venice, they'd spout off some shit that would blow my mind, and make me fall in love with that city even more.
Alas, until I win the lottery, I'll have to settle for sporadic trips to St. Louis. I miss them already.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Inside the Beltway


Me and Dan
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
My first stop in the States was a couple days in the DC area with my good friend Dan. He picked me up from the airport Saturday afternoon and we immediately went on the hunt for Mexican food, something sorely lacking in Italy. That night, we went to see the Washington Capitals (featuring Alex Ovechkin, arguably the best player in the NHL) take on the Colorado Avalanche. Unfortunately, the Caps lost 3-2, but it was my first NHL game ever and it was a total party atmosphere, followed by bar-hopping with all the other fans.


National Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
Sunday, we slept in, nursed our hangovers with pizza, and spent the afternoon shopping and sightseeing. The night was capped off with a visit to the National Mall to see the big Christmas tree. I'd never seen the World War II Memorial, and it was impressive. It's hard not to see all the monuments and memorials and not feel patriotic.


Air Force Memorial
Originally uploaded by currtdawg
I flew out Sunday afternoon, but on our way to the airport, we stopped to check out the Air Force Memorial, which was just built in 2006. Dan's a great tour guide, and I'm lucky to have him as a friend.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Layover

So the big job thing kinda fell through. Well, not completely. It's just been delayed a few months. Since I'm going to be in the States for a few weeks and have a six-week class in Germany beginning in February, they've decided that it would be best to wait until I'm back for good to start the whole thing. Sure, I'm disappointed, but I'm also a little relieved that A) I have a little more time to prepare for this transition, and B) they didn't say, "Screw you, Sutton. We'll find someone else."
Speaking of my trip to the States, I don't leave until tomorrow morning, but I started my leave today in order to clean, pack, and finish up some school work. Classes go through next week, but I've already squared everything up with my professors. I'll have one more paper to edit, and both of my finals are online, all of which I can do from home.
I haven't decided if I'll stay up all night or get a couple hours of sleep. Mike is coming to drive me to the airport at 4 AM (!) and I depart Venice at 7. I have a short stop in Paris, which has just had some major snow, so if you're reading this, right now might be a good time to say a prayer for safe, uninterrupted travel for me. Thanks.
My first stop in the States is DC, where my good friend Dan has a fun weekend full of hockey and booze planned for us. And on Monday, my whole family will be together under one roof for the first time in years. Yeah, this Christmas is going to be stellar.

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Crisitunity!

Today, I got a call from my superintendent who asked me to come see him in his office. A little worried, I headed over and when I arrived, the first thing he said was, "How much do you like working in your shop?"
Basically, the ops chief wants to set up a special team of craftsmen from each shop to work on certain buildings on base, and they need an NCO to lead said team. For several minutes, we discussed the pros and cons of this new job, what it could mean for my career, the pressure I'll be under, who I'll be working for, who will be working for me, and tons of other aspects.
The thing is, I like what I'm doing now. As I was saying the other day, I can come in each morning, take care of what I need to take care of, and nobody really messes with me. They all have the faith that I'm going to get my shit done, because I've never given them any reason to believe otherwise. Sure, there are the occasional frustrations and personality conflicts, but overall, I'm very comfortable, and I've never been one to rock my own boat.
However, my superintendent is an amazing guy, and there are few people in the squadron I have more respect for than him. I'm the guy he asked because he thinks I'm the man for the job. Before he even asked me, he had already talked me up to the ops chief as a guy who gets his shit done. How could I refuse?
There are still some minor details that need to be worked out, and honestly, I'm a little nervous about the whole thing. I consider myself more of a worker than a leader, and there will definitely be growing pains. I'm also very excited about it, and it's definitely going to test my limits.
One more thing about my superintendent... I want to do a good job for two reasons: 1) To do a good job, and 2) because I don't want to disappoint him. Here's hoping I don't.