October 23, 2011
Wedding weekend
Road trip to Indy to celebrate the wedding of an old friend. Congratulations Chris and Ann!
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October 16, 2011
LAX to MRY
45-minute flight up the coast in a weensy plane.
My first glimpse of the Pacific this trip. Love!
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October 16, 2011
Waiting to leave STL
It’s a photography trip, so we’re all documenting our journey to meet. It’s awesome to think of all these like-minded women coming together. So very cool.
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October 16, 2011
Why it’s so hard to leave
I’m not sure which one of us was more upset at the airport. I couldn’t help but think, “What the f*ck am I doing?!”
I told her that when she gets older, she’ll go with me on trips like this. I can only hope she’ll still want to.
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September 27, 2011
Good day to fly
Off to New Jersey. Seat near the front. Window. No one next to me. Starbucks in belly. It’s a good day to fly.
(Trying not to miss my bug and my hub.) (Failing miserably.)
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September 17, 2011
What kind of day has it been
A day packed with experiences and sights. Joy and tears. A goodbye and a reunion.
It was a good day, well lived and felt deeply.
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September 16, 2011
Dinner for one
I had no dinner plans tonight. It was heavenly.
Normally I go out with colleagues. This is always very good, in that I get to know people with whom I work. But sometimes, after a long couple days packed with meetings, I just want to eat quietly and maybe enjoy a glass of wine. That rarely happens.
I went to an Italian place right across the street from my hotel. First time there, but won’t be the last. Mmmmm. Yummy.
Back at the hotel, in jammies and in bed. And it’s not even 8:30! Bliss.
Missing my girl and my M like crazy though. Can’t wait to get home tomorrow.
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September 14, 2011
It’s raining, it’s pouring, the airport is boring
Waiting for my 8:10 to KC. Tried Business Select this time – no security wait and boarding #A5! Also learned to look ahead and find the lane without the damn full-body scanner. I don’t care about the scan…I’m all for safety and security. I’m just sick of being scanned every dang time I fly.
I read an article recently about the airport of the future. There will be three lanes, one for those who have been thoroughly vetted and who are frequent travelers. Those folks won’t be stopped and made to go through all this hassle. The airport of the future can’t come soon enough.
Leaving STL with a clear desk, having stayed up last night to pay and file bills, balance the checkbook, etc. I’m not sure why that makes me feel easier about traveling, but it does. What does not make me feel better is the sobbing from Zozo the night before. Thin little arms encircle my neck and I hear, “Mama! I don’t want you to go to Kansas City!” It’s a verbal knife in the gut. Poor M, he tries so hard to make it better: “Hey! Knuckle-bump! Daddy-Daughter time! Mom’s gonna miss all the fun. We’re gonna have a blast!” At which she sobs harder.
It’s only because Mom is the parent who, after a long, hectic day and faced with the daunting prospect of making dinner, says, “Hey…wouldn’t it be great to have Cheerios for dinner?!” whereas Daddy is the responsible parent who ensures our family eats healthy, balanced meals. Everyone knows Cheerios for dinner is way more fun than a nice piece of salmon with fresh green beans, fruit and yogurt.
This trip to KC is at least blessedly short, as they usually are, and its main purpose is to say goodbye to my French boss. After a decade in the States, he’s being called home to corporate HQ in Libourne. I’ll still work for him, but we all know everything changes when you’re across the ocean versus across the state. He’s adorably French, and a fantastic leader. I will miss him.
Other meetings scheduled up the yingyang, of course. The days will fly by. Pun intended!
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August 10, 2011
Last Day
For me, anyway. I dropped her off for the last time at preschool today. M takes her on Friday as I’ll be in KC on business again. That’s probably a good thing since I burst into tears upon leaving school this morning. I called M, sobbing. He laughed gently, and made me laugh, and predicted that I’ll be a complete mess Thursday when she starts kindergarten.
All I keep thinking about are big steps in her life. The day she was born. The first day she walked. The first day of preschool. Where did it go? And will it ever slow down?
Even if it doesn’t, I’m just happy I’m along for the ride. “Parent” is the best job title I will ever hold.
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July 31, 2011
Jellies at Shedd
Incredible exhibit. We are now big fans of jellies.
I added no color to these. It’s how they lit the tanks. Love love love the color! Makes my spirit happy.
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