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July, 2008

  1. This Just IN

    July 30, 2008 by Blondette

    I chair dance like an idiot when I share an office with Tammi. (and when I don’t) Thank you office flood of 2008!!!!!

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  2. A Red Top Flight Notebook

    July 27, 2008 by Blondette

    Friday, July 25th

    Leg 1: Fort Lauderdale, FL to Chicago, IL

    I’m once again among the clouds somewhere between Fort Lauderdale and Chicago on the first leg of my return journey to Kansas City with only myself and fellow passengers for amusement. I’ve been reading Wired (the printed version!) and processing the past two days.

    I’m traveling with 3 coworkers, 2 officers of the company and one account executive (all male) but I feel as though I’m traveling alone because I’m sitting alone, not part of the group- the AE in the group was sitting in my row, but in order to accommodate 2 small children and their mother [who arrived late to the flight and missed family boarding (which would have allowed them the comfort of their own row of seats.)] he moved to the row with the rest of the group. Someone near me, probably one of the kids, has gas. Honestly, these small slightly farty/smelly kids are better row-mates than many on a jam-packed flight. They aren’t snoring, hogging an armrest, lolling over into my seat and invading my bubble, overly chatty with me, loud or obnoxious. I’ve been though it all. On a trip home from Oregon, where my brother and I had visited my dad, not only did our flight leave early- without us – but I ended up some old man’s pillow in the first row of the airplane. Let me just tell you this, there is one spot in an airplane that I hate sitting- rows 1-5. I feel exposed. Now add in smelly, old snory man and you have a delightful journey.

    I want to touch the cottony sheets- how wonderful it would be to lie down on a bed of springy clouds!

    If I was sitting with my coworkers, would I feel as open to this scribbling exercise? Would they question my pennings? My identity with those people is not as Tremendous Blondette, the girl who pumps her heart and mind into online text. Instead, I’m the Interactive Department’s resident Lifer. I’m the girl who stayed.

    A song is stuck in my head during this flight. “It’s a long trip alone… so maybe I could rest beneath your smile” When it came from my bosses speakers this morning I simultaneously wanted to turn it off and turn it up. Why the song affected me with such intensity, I don’t really know, but it felt like I’d just been ripped in half. I was surprised by my visceral reaction.

    I’m pondering this song when the flight attendants tell us to put our seatbacks and traytables in the upright and locked position. The kids next to me are getting antsy, leaning to better catch a glimpse of Chicago and chanting “I can’t wait to see Daddy!”

    I’ll be home soon–I just have to wait here and let more people on, then it’s on to Kansas City. The flight attendant announces there’s been a change–those continuing to KC and Dallas must switch planes. Guess I’ll be seeing the inside of Midway afterall!

    Leg 2: Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO

    Being that we were on board a very full flight there was only a smattering of open seats. I was lucky enough that one of them was between me and the gent in the aisle seat of my row. My coworkers were not so lucky. They all enjoyed the confinement that comes with sitting next to strangers. Only, my boss is one of those freakishly outgoing people. He could make conversation with a broom. He and the agency director ended up with a lovely young woman between them. She also seemed to be the extroverted chatty sort, and was easily engaged in conversation with them for the length of the flight. They were on the other side of the aisle and one row back, so I could at times catch snippets of their dialogue. The bosses asked her questions about herself (best way to get someone to open up) and they recounted their crazy tales of Fort Lauderdale to her. (let’s just say these folks know how to keep from being bored and have a talent for meeting interesting people.)

    Descending into Kansas City International Airport I became focused on the cloud formations to my right (I had the window seat–yay pre-boarding because you made us change planes then made us wait around long enough that I really could have made that pitstop I was told to make between A Gates and B Gates.) I saw a cloud that looked like a reclined woman in a bathtub ala Henry Moore, a gargoyle face, and then, the lights of Kansas City.

    The notebook where I scribbled my thoughts is uncannily enough labeled with the words “TOP FLIGHT.” You know, flying isn’t so bad after all.

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  3. My Very Quick Rating of the New Target

    July 27, 2008 by Blondette

    I live in a burgeoning suburban paradise. Kansas City North and the radius around the intersection of I-29 and Barry Road to be exact. We just need a 24 Hr Fitness, Whole Foods, Chic-Fil-A, and Insert Major Chain that’s still missing from the Northland to be a full-blown utopia of suburban yuppie living ala Johnson County, KS.

    A quick note on the traffic: the intersection of Tiffany Springs and whatever that other street is needs to be a 4-way stop. Now that shops are open and traffic has increased, so has the likelihood of nearly slamming into someone who can’t see you. Enter me. I stopped, I looked, I started to turn and then someone came barreling forward- definitely speeding and not really paying attention to the rest of traffic (or he couldn’t see me either.) I was pretty darn lucky.

    Anyhow, on to my review of the new Target. I didn’t know it was open until I checked for an item online and it pointed me to the new location as the nearest. Cool! So, off I went to check it out. The parking lot is a little weird and will probably need some signage also, but overall, not terrible. As I entered the store, I grabbed a cart–now, these are not the ordinary carts; nope, they are all plastic and sort of look like toys and are a bit larger than your normal carts. I suppose they are either cheaper or more durable. Anyhow, problem number one: the carts are too wide for the aisles. It’s difficult to get two carts to pass (in the night) without causing an ordeal. Problem number 2 is related: there are pillars in the middle of some of the aisles and you can’t get your cart around them on both sides. They made it incredibly inconvenient to shop for curtains this afternoon. I was getting pretty frustrated with the constricted aisles and Playskool carts. The store wasn’t crazy busy so it shouldn’t have been such an issue to share space but I felt like I was in Wal-Mart. I also kept running into the same ungrateful college girl. She was shopping with her mother and some friends and OH. MY. GOD. all she seemed capable of doing was complaining, belitting her mother (who was probably paying for her booty) and taking up my valuable browsing space.

    The selection of merchandise and in stock items was bountiful. I had a lovely variety of items from which to choose and paralyze myself with indecision. I did not attempt the clothing, food, or shoe sections- I instead made the obligatory $1 item whirl and headed straight to housewares.

    All in all, I would recommend going early or late to avoid people and only getting a cart if you really need one.

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  4. Sky Writing

    July 25, 2008 by Blondette

    Staring out at nothing by sky, I wasn’t sure whether to be curious or anxious- separated from all things solid only by the metal of the plane I was inhabiting. I’ve always been a somewhat anxious flyer. Generally, I settle and amuse myself with a book or my thoughts– and today, with writing.

    Gradually, the endless sky subsides into a mottled view of water below, sprinkled with sand bars and what could be dolphins. We are over water descending into Tampa where the plane will delete and add new passengers before continuing on to its final destination (that phrase now making me slightly leery and superstitious because of the movies by the same name) of Fort Lauderdale.

    This is the second time I’ve made this journey this year as I make my way to the corporate office of one of our clients.

    I have still not decided whether or not I enjoy traveling. It disrupts my routine (and pulls me away from my kitties!), but it provides new experiences and challenges that enrich my life. My fear of air travel (and namely crashing) is definitely a factor in my travel confusion.

    Wholly, I’m okay with airports- they have Starbucks which pleases me, bathrooms that have enough room for me and my accoutrements,(and not creepy blue water; side note, I loathe airplane lavatories and avoid them at all costs. I’m not sure how I’ll avoid them when I travel out of the country someday, but I will find a way–even if it means tranquilizers or a catheter.)

    (With) Our stopover now complete, we are now climbing toward the sky and Fort Lauderdale. Turbulence is not my friend (though it seems to find me often enough) and I hope that a Xanax and focus on my writing will keep my knuckles from going white as the bumps become dips and sideways sways and jostles.

    The clouds are bright and I see only layer over layer of fluffy moisture.

    I do enjoy having others with whom to chat and look forward to the day when I’m not booked solo again. I’d prefer to keep it non-work, but hey, sometimes that uncomfortable office talk passes the time more quickly!

    Through my work travels, I’ve had the opportunity to visit places I’d likely never see. I enjoy listing these trips, but I wonder how it would be different to travel to a destination of my choosing and my itinerary, being owned not by a conference or client meeting (not that I dislike either, but work is work and although we sometimes get to go out on these trips, it’s still with coworkers and clients and bound to those constraints. Okay, I’m not kidding anyone who knows anything about where I work and who I work for. I will say no more.)

    Looking out the window both fascinates and terrifies me. On one hand, it reminds me of my current precarious position (yes, I know about “lift”) and on the other, it allows me to critique the city planners and view the magnificent natural wonders I’d never otherwise see like the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, etc. Today, the Everglades look a bit like moldy cheese (both pack quite a bite.)

    I’ve become a connesoueir of airlines. I remember a conversation had by several of my travel veteran friends regarding airline preferences– at the time I was left out having really only ever flown 3 different carriers (United, US Air, American West (and American Eagle, but it’s an off-shoot so I blended it.) I’ve now experienced another 3 or 4 and can hold my own in a pros and cons of this airline over that airline (pro: Southwest has the funnest coffee stirrers! They are heart shaped. con: American Airlines has tiny seats with NO legroom.) I’ve even flown a couple they haven’t! I feel like part of the club now. Like I’m part of a special group of people. I am a business traveler! RAWR!

    There is a small boy behind me querying his parents about every detail of the flight and making observations only a small boy would utter aloud. “Is that a tornado!?” Though he’s a lively diversion and I cannot hide my amused smile at some of his comments, he does say things that make me uncomfortable, forcing me to face the reality that is at the root of my air travel anxiety: we could crash and I could die.

    Thankfully, we did not crash (yay!) and I am still alive to recount this journey. I arrived in Fort Lauderdale, took a cab to my hotel, and proceeded to nearly freeze to death in my room. I spent the next 5 and a half hours burrowed under my covers–napping, working, watching tv and wondering when the heck we’d be going to dinner and why I hadn’t eaten lunch.

    *(in this post Today is actually Thursday.)

    Category blah blah, Favorite Posts, writing | Tags: | 4 Comments

  5. I Know You Missed Me

    July 25, 2008 by Blondette

    I received many emails, IMs, and text messages* about the unreachability of my blog the past 2 days. Alas, you have to renew your domain to keep your content live. It’s a small detail that took me approximately 2 days to figure out. Indeed, it was not until I settled with a chocolate chip cookie and a Coke at the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport that I diagnosed my downtime dilemma. Wrongfully, I cussed Dreamhost (“Arg!” I cried, well texted- “their servers must be down again!”) I pondered how I could recover my content, my online soul, and then switch hosts to a more steady host. Finally, it dawned on me that I could try logging into the control panel and oh, what to my wandering eyes should appear, but a “2 Days over” message alerting me that my domain registration had lapsed. FIE FIE FIE! Surely, a notice went out via email, but to an old email account I abandoned when it began receiving too much crap. Have no fear! I updated my information and all alerts go to a real email account now. So, the next time my blog goes down, it’s probably not my fault.

    (I may still call someone in IT.)

    *many mmmay be an exaggeration. slight. only tiny! okay, fine, only one person other than me noticed.

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  6. Delayed: My First in a Series of AirTravel Tales

    July 25, 2008 by Blondette

    I’m standing around at gate B18 in the familiar Chicago Midway Airport – writing to you on my phone. As we arrived, they informed us that we would be switching planes. Okey-doke. The plane they’ve switched us to has not quite arrived. My cohorts are scarfing potbellies and offering me the extra that they bought as a lark. I may accept if they keep it for a while.

    I am enjoying an amber ale and salt and vinegar chips. Delightful!

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  7. Blogging is Educational

    July 17, 2008 by Blondette

    Blogging helps me uncover pieces of myself. Sometimes I start writing with the intent to say one thing, and something completely different emerges from the experience. It’s like me getting to know me better. Just like wandering around a park, or driving around taking random turns just because you’ve never been that way before and it is a nice night…

    Do you ever wonder where thoughts come from? I mean, how do I come up with the things I write? They just sort of appear in my brain and that fascinates me. Okay, so, I am a nerd who likes science and math so all this creativity and brain function talk makes me want to watch a Discovery Channel special on the magic of the human brain.

    Anyhow, my point was about learning though blogging. Not only do I give readers a chance to learn more about their favorite Katie (it’s okay to laugh at this- I’m no one’s favorite Katie), but I give myself a chance to learn about myself and about the people who read and comment on my posts. Just so you know, I like that part of blogging. To me there is almost no better flattery than when someone enjoys something I’ve written. I feel my quality of writing has suffered, which upsets me. Overall, blogging pleases me.

    Comments are welcome and feedback is critical. I never would have guessed that anyone really cared what I write about until I started receiving comments. I like to pepper this blog with equal amounts humor, wit, and fun and sensitive, soul-bearing introspection. I open myself up to the potential for criticism, and I’ve received it–harshly. I’ve also received encouragement. But I also learn what people like to read (and how well they know me)–and let me tell you, everyone is different. Some of my favorite posts have received the least amount of talk–and some of the random BS the most. (what would you consider this post? will it generate buzz? oh my! FIREFLIES!)

    I never banked on my family finding or reading this blog, but sure enough it happened. The dilemma one faces when confronted with offending family and friends with self-truths and opinions that may be contradictory to their image of me is difficult. All in all, I had to make a choice to be true to myself. I can’t be someone I’m not and I can’t hide who I am. Of course, there are extremes and there is still a matter of respect. I will listen to anyone who shares with me. I never aim to hurt or offend. (well, I aim to offend with crude humor, but that’s funny.)

    And speaking of naked, I realized that with the blinds up and lights on you can see pretty clearly into my apartment. Yes, I am ugly naked guy (well, girl.)

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  8. My Smoke Detector and Me

    July 15, 2008 by Blondette

    I should feel lucky that my smoke detector is sensitive and detecty. It’s so good it goes off when I use my hair dryer. It’s just looking out for my cats and me.

    Tonight, I cooked dinner and my smoke detector got the opportunity to remind me it cares. I’m actually quite a good cook; however, my oven doesn’t seem to agree with my methods. Coupled with an eager smoke detector and you have an open window, scared kittens, and delightfully browned chicken grillers. Cooking dinner was nice. I took time to clean up the kitchen a tad as I cooked my grillers, corn, and Stove Top Stuffing. It was kind of a two-fer. It was a long day and I took time for me. I was at work til 7pm and yet, I still have things to do and can’t really unwind and relax for the night. I must admit, I’m tired of that feeling. I’m a responsible, accountable person, but I have limits and today was a relentless, exhausting day (for reasons I will not discuss) that I wish I could wash away from existence. I suppose I’m a bit sad and confused and angry. and tired. very tired. I’ve digressed.

    I wonder, am I still me? I thought I was, but a comment from the other night has stuck with me. I was mean and that’s not who I want to be. Witty and sarcastic are okay as long as they are light and cheerful too. Who have I become?

    My oven misses me. No longer do I make random cookies. Not that I used to do it all that much, but I haven’t baked cookies once this year which is slightly odd. And really, I haven’t done much more than bake in that oven. It’s electric standard issue apartment quality and I prefer gas.

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  9. What I Learned From Winnie the Pooh

    July 14, 2008 by Blondette

    Sometimes you get stuck with your butt hanging out one end of the hole, and your head hanging out of the other. Generally, you’ve done something to get yourself in the situation–but a little problem solving, hard work, honesty, and time gets you unstuck. I used to spend a lot of time rationalizing my bad habits and decisions–and I still do in cases. For the most part I realize I’m an idiot and just try to move forward.

    Every group of friends needs a bouncy Tigger, a practical Piglet, a curious/down to earth bear, a wise old Owl, and a lovable underdog Eeyore. Sometimes people play multiple roles and you need them all to cope. Life would be unbearable without a system of people to make you laugh and have fun, to listen and help solve problems, and without someone who needs you.

    I find myself in situations of my own making and can do nothing but survive them. I’ve built defenses and at times I find I’m overly guarded; apparently, I don’t trust people to want to stick around in my life. All I really want is to make people happy-that’s what gives me true joy and peace. So why is it that I sometimes lash out at those people who mean the most to me? My mom once told me it’s because they’re “safe” people; people who won’t leave you. Am I testing my limits? Reckless but not crazy? I think so. Perhaps I’m hiding too–from others, from myself, from my future.

    Afraid to look dumb, or vulnerable, I only end up looking silly (with my butt hanging out there for everyone to see) and weak. Bother.

    Category blah blah | Tags: | 2 Comments

  10. 13 is a

    July 12, 2008 by Blondette

    My friend Tammi has a son. He’s funny, cool, cute, and today he turns 13. To protect his identity (aka so you people won’t stalk him) I shall refer to Tammi’s son, the Birthday Boy, as “The Boy.”

    The Boy is a special kid*, and not in the sense that he hitches a ride on the shortbus. Sure, he does normal boy things like not picking up after himself (wait..I don’t always pick up after myself either), running around for no reason, playing video games, watching sports, farting (and laughing about it), belching (and laughing about it), and other things that generally involve dirt or electronics.

    But, he also spends quality time with his grandparents, and enjoys their company. He loves his aunt, he hugs his mom (Boy someday that will win you points as long as you don’t carry it too far), he mocks my jokes and calls me weird–but sometimes laughs too!

    He listens when I teach him my “Life Lessons.” Hey, I’m not going to be responsible for letting him pick up bad information from movies. He mows the lawn, lets the dog out (yep, that answers that question), and he says please and thank you.

    For his 12th birthday, I told the boy I was going to give him socks–and I did. I also happened to put some money in the socks, thus giving a gift that was both practical and fun. I am not sure what to give the Boy this year. I mean, how do you top socks?

    I can’t wait to see the great things he will do as he gets older. He has one of the best advantages out there: a great family. You cannot spend time with any member of The Boy’s family and not realize how much love they have for The Boy and each other.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOY!

    *Boy if you read this or your mom reads it aloud to you, just know that calling you a “kid” is in no way intended as an insult. To me, your elder, you will always be a kid. When I’m old and senile I may ask you for some Gouda. Just laugh and remember that I think you’re a kid.

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