Are we there yet?

Whew.

I already feel like I've been around the world, and I haven't even left the United States yet. I'm going to try to re-cap my travels so far, as quickly as possible. I know this isn't exciting stuff from Italy, like you're all expecting, but that is coming, I promise. I just have to get there first!

Tuesday, I landed in New York and made my way to the Lexington Raddison, and a sick Alison. Because Alison was feeling under the weather and because I was exhausted from packing all my worldly possessions the day before and the sad 'see you laters' at the airport, we laid low in the hotel room all night. I had to make a quick run to Penn Station to pick up a train ticket for my journey to the Italian Consulate in Philly the next morning. In hindsight, that trip was worthless, as I could have purchased the ticket online. At least I got the lay of the station though, and knew exactly where to go the next morning. We ordered in what might have been the worst Thai food I've ever eaten. I ordered Volcano Curry Chicken (or something like that) and regretted every bite.

The next morning, I woke up bright and early to catch my 7:25am train to Philly. I got to the Italian Consulate without much incident... I signed in, number 4 in line, and waited. And waited. And waited. After an hour of watching all 3 applicants before me get sent away without a visa, I was a bit nervous. When it was my turn, the woman behind the glass knew exactly who I was, and pulled out the stack of emails I'd sent over the last few weeks, begging for help. So, instead of just answering my questions, they printed each and every email. Curious. The Italian gentleman who was visiting the Consulate to settle some inheritance issues assured me that all Italian systems worked like this, and advised that I get used to it.

Anyways, I approached the glass, saw my stack of emails and handed off every piece of identifying documentation I could scrounge up -- from copies of my passport and employment history to letters from the Department of Defense, authorizing me to live and work in Italy. After a few questions, we determined the only thing missing was a passport photo. Really? Seriously!? I went to AAA before I left, specifically to get passport photos but of course I didn't bring them with me to Philly. So, I quickly ran around the corner and took new (and better, in my opinion) photos. I decided to push my luck and beg for the visa to be completed that same day. I was told there was no way. So, I headed back to New York.

On the train, I called the dermatologist recommended by Sandy. (Long story short, I suffered a minor chemical burn at the dentist in Charlotte on Friday, and wanted to get it checked out.) She was able to see me at 12:45pm. It was 11:15am and the train was just pulling out of Philly. 'Could I make it?' they asked. Sure! Needless to say, I was a bit late. I ran in just after 1:15pm, but was seen and received all good news. The burn will not leave scaring, and the doctor prescribed a cream that already has it almost completely healed.

While I was seeing the doctor, I got a call from the Consulate – my visa was ready to be picked up. Of course! I asked if they could overnight it, to save me a trip back to Philly on Friday. No such luck.

After a power nap at the hotel, Alison and I ventured out for a little shopping. If by a little, you mean I bought one of everything at H&M. One day, that store will loose its charm… We picked up dinner at Goodburger (Yes, as in, “Welcome to Goodburger, home of the good burger. Can I take your order?) and made it back to the hotel in time to watch most of American Idol.

The next day found me at Girl Scouts’ headquarters on 5th Avenue bright at early. I wore my new, green pants and khaki coat. Alison told me that I looked like a Girl Scout. If only I hadn’t shipped my Trefoil necklace to Italy (along with all my Winter coats) the outfit would have been complete. I met with more HR staff than I can count on one hand before lunch, where I learned all about my benefits and employee policies. I have the best benefits ever.

After a quick lunch with Sandy, I met with other Global Girl Scout staff members and learned more about all the changes rolling out – pathways, journeys, so on and so forth. If you’re not in the Girl Scout world, you won’t recognize all the lingo. The important thing to know is that lots of things are changing for the first time in decades at Girl Scouts. It is truly an exciting time to be a part of this organization!

A lot more has happened between my Orientation and today, but I’m suddenly exhausted. The bed just across the room is way too inviting to ignore any longer. So, I’m going to call it a night for now, and continue the stories sometime tomorrow… Stay tuned!