Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a dispatcher in Paterno is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First call comes in at 8 AM. Some dude on Via Roma is losing his mind ‘cause his car won’t start. I mean, c’mon, it’s a Monday! Who wants to deal with that? I send a guy over, but then I get another call. This time, it’s a lady on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. She’s locked outta her apartment. I’m like, “Lady, it’s not the end of the world!” But she’s crying like it’s a soap opera. I’m trying to calm her down, but I’m also thinking, “Why didn’t you bring your keys?”
Then, outta nowhere, I get a call about a cat stuck in a tree on Via Garibaldi. Seriously? A cat? I’m like, “Can’t the cat just jump down?” But nooo, I gotta send someone to rescue Mr. Whiskers. I swear, if I had a euro for every time I dealt with a cat in a tree, I’d be rich.
By noon, I’m already frazzled. I grab a quick espresso at my fave spot, Bar Centrale. Best coffee in Paterno, no contest. I’m chugging it down, trying to recharge, when I overhear some locals talking about the festival coming up. They’re all hyped about the Sagra della Castagna. I’m like, “Great, more traffic!” But hey, chestnuts are cool, I guess.
Back to work. I get a call from a guy on Via della Libertà. He’s stuck in traffic ‘cause some parade is happening. I’m like, “Dude, it’s Paterno! You should’ve known!” But he’s all panicky, and I’m just trying to keep it together. I tell him to chill, but he’s not having it.
Then, I get a call about a fight breaking out at the piazza. I’m thinking, “Oh great, just what I need.” I send a couple of guys over, and while I’m waiting for updates, I can’t help but think about how Paterno is usually so peaceful. But today? It’s like a scene from a movie.
Finally, around 3 PM, I get a breather. I’m sitting there, scrolling through my phone, when I see a post about the old church on Via San Francesco. They’re doing some renovations, and I’m like, “Man, that place is a gem!” I remember going there as a kid. Good times, good vibes.
But then, BAM! Another call. A delivery truck is blocking the road on Via Cavour. I’m like, “Seriously? Can’t people park like normal?” I send someone to sort it out, but I’m just shaking my head.
As the day drags on, I’m getting more and more exhausted. I mean, it’s Paterno, not New York City! Why’s everyone losing their minds? I finally get a call from my buddy Marco. He’s like, “Wanna grab a beer after work?” I’m like, “Heck yes!” I need to unwind.
By 6 PM, I’m wrapping up. I’m tired, but I can’t help but laugh at the chaos. Paterno, you crazy little town. You keep me on my toes. I head out, ready to hit the bar and forget this wild day.
So yeah, that was my day. Just another Tuesday in Paterno, full of surprises, drama, and a whole lotta coffee. Can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow!