Jackson and I made it back to Brooklyn last night after our trip to Springfield, Mo. to visit my parents for a few days. That’s my dad and Jackson pictured above sitting on my parents’ front porch enjoying the sunrise and some coffee (grandpa) and water (Jackson) before a full day of tricycle-riding, hay-riding, pony-riding, animal-petting, train-touring, playground-playing, and hotdog and ice cream- eating. That was just the first day. And we barely made it for all that.
Did you guys hear about the guy last week who tried to kill himself in the radar center outside Chicago and then, when he didn’t succeed, he set fire to the place and essentially shut down air traffic in both Chicago airports, grounding almost all flights in and out of the city? Well, Jackson and I were lucky enough to be booked on a flight into Chicago and out of Chicago on the morning all that went down. Both of our flights were canceled. We were stuck at LGA for almost SEVEN hours before getting on a flight to Arkansas, about a 2-hour drive from my parents’ place. It was a LONG day to say the least. And the mess in Chicago still wasn’t cleaned up by yesterday when we flew home. Our flight from Springfield into Chicago was delayed over an hour and we missed our connecting flight home to NYC. We made another flight home, but only because I sprinted from one end of the terminal to our gate on the other side of the terminal just seconds before they closed the doors to our plane. Have you ever been stuck at an airport on your own for almost seven hours with an almost 3-year-old? If you have, then you can appreciate why I ran so hard and so fast to make that flight.
And as an aside: I was SO ANGRY when, in LGA on the day of our canceled flights, I overheard a bunch of TSA agents in the bathroom making fun of all the people crying over their canceled flights. I wasn’t one of the ones crying (I saw many people in tears, though), but I could certainly appreciate the frustration and even heartache over not making it to something you really, really want or need to be present for, like good-byes to dying loved ones, funerals, weddings, job interviews, etc. It took all my will power to not go off on those snotty TSA agents about compassion and professionalism, and I would have had I not had my hands full with Jackson. Ugh, I’m still mad just thinking about them.
Anyway, hellacious commuting aside, we had a nice visit in Mo. Jackson got lots of time with his grandparents, and we both got to enjoy the fresh, country air and wide, open sky we don’t get to see in NYC. I even got to rake leaves. And I had what I think might become my annual Andy’s pumpkin pie concrete (there’re pieces of real pie in it). There were also visits to a toy store, a tiger sanctuary, an old-school diner, two sushi restaurants (Jackson’s current food obsession), and Steak-n-Shake (as you do).
That’s what I’ve been up to. What did I miss around here? Who’s engaged? Who’s newly pregnant? Who’s newly single? Who’s sworn off dating? And who’s excited about the NYC meetup tomorrow?
OH! And one more big thank-you for all your support during the donation drive last week (over 90 of you donated!). We ended up raising $2820 (and, of course, you can still donate now or any time), which will cover a big chunk of the overhead for the next six months. And there’s still a nice amount coming in every month thanks to the monthly donors, which helps cover additional expenses. Those of you who won DW items in last week’s drawings should be receiving those items soon if you haven’t already (except for the bags, which I didn’t have a chance to mail out before I left town, and will mail this afternoon). Again, thank you so much!
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ChemE October 1, 2014, 3:18 pm
I LOVE Steak-n-Shake, there are none where I am in OK and I stop in any chance I get when I’m back east.
veritek33 October 1, 2014, 3:19 pm
I believe that Andy’s put the WHOLE piece of pie in the concrete 😉
And now I must have one.
Kate October 1, 2014, 3:22 pm
I’ve been stuck in LGA for about that long with only *myself* to worry about and I was wandering around crying and completely incapacitated.
My big news is my dog Mike is in SECOND PLACE in the cutest pet contest for our apartment complex Anyone want to help a canine out? He’s the Jack Russell terrier in the red coat.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.453441318131013.1073741831.393390717469407&type=1
Kate October 1, 2014, 3:27 pm
Thanks Wendy 😉
Kate B. October 1, 2014, 4:17 pm
I want our complex to have a cute pet contest! I have two cute pets that I’m sure would win!
Dear Wendy October 1, 2014, 3:26 pm
I ‘liked’ his picture. He’s so cute!
Lianne October 1, 2014, 3:31 pm
He’s cute, but he’s mouthy!
Kate October 1, 2014, 3:33 pm
I didn’t say he wasn’t a dick!
veritek33 October 1, 2014, 4:17 pm
I voted for him, even though he’s a dick.
honeybeenicki October 1, 2014, 4:21 pm
Personally, I voted for him BECAUSE he’s a dick.
Kate October 1, 2014, 4:46 pm
Thanks Veritek and Honeybeenicki!!! He’s gaining on that Samoyed who is a social media mogul and public figure.
Lianne October 1, 2014, 4:54 pm
But he’s YOUR dick!!
TaraMonster October 1, 2014, 7:26 pm
I liked it too. Hope he wins!
Kate October 2, 2014, 7:41 am
Thanks Tara!! He’s getting his ass kicked by the fluffy white dog who has his own Instagram and Facebook. Wtf. We decided we don’t want him to win anyway because then the neighbors will all hate us. But we want him to make a good showing, so thanks for voting!
Lianne October 1, 2014, 3:27 pm
Yeah, being stuck in an airport for more than 2 hours for any reason is cause for a complete mental breakdown. I don’t envy you at all, Wendy 🙁
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I had a super quick business trip to Chicago last Wednesday, and while I am thrilled to not have had to deal with what you just described, when I landed they had just evacuated terminal 1 due to a suspicious bag left somewhere. And you KNOW it was just some moron who never travels leaving their bag while the wandered around because it was just too cumbersome to lug around. Grrrr…the joys of air travel.
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My big news is that we’re buying a condo! I can’t believe I am going to be a real live home owner soon! We close on 10/23 and move in on 10/24. Then I am taking off for CA for 7 days, partially for business and MOSTLY for a girls’ trip to Napa. Hooray! Kate’s coming, too!
Addie Pray October 1, 2014, 3:42 pm
No Springfield cashew chicken?
Dear Wendy October 1, 2014, 3:47 pm
Next time!
Meg October 1, 2014, 4:03 pm
I’ve been the person crying over a cancelled flight before, and it wasn’t even that big of a deal. I was flying back from my hometown to the city where I was living. I’d just attended (and sang for) my grandma’s funeral, and was due to start a new job the next morning at 7:30am- meaning there was no way I’d make it on time by taking my re-booked flight. I was stressed and emotionally exhausted and PMSing, so I just lost it for a moment. I didn’t get angry, just couldn’t stop the tears if that made sense.
lonemirage14 October 1, 2014, 4:23 pm
I had a terrible experience with United Airlines back in June that resulted in my flight being delayed for about 4 hours and then cancelled “due to weather” but really cancelled because the flight crew had timed out and legally were no longer able to fly (which the airline clearly knew several hours before that this would happen). I was trying to get to my brother’s college graduation and to top it off I had severely injured my ankle the week before, so I was in a wheelchair. I pretty much lost my mind when trying to re-book for the first flight the next morning, and my rant proceeded back to baggage claim to get my bag, to the taxi line, and then to the hotel I ended up booking so I didn’t have to go all the way back home. I’m sure the airline agents discussed me after, and I couldn’t have cared less, it was such a shitty experience combined with being stuck in a wheelchair for like 6 hours in massive pain. Never again will I book a flight with them.
honeybeenicki October 1, 2014, 4:28 pm
I hate airports in general. The second time I ever went anywhere, we ended up missing our flight because as it turns out, the 15 minute layover (which we didn’t plan – it’s just how the ticket ended up) was at O’Hare and we were on the OTHER SIDE of the airport. And everyone we asked had no clue how to get us where we needed to be. Then that same trip on the way back was in 2006 when we had a ton of snow and the Denver airport was shut down for approximately forever and we ended up stuck there for like 19 hours. That was fun. I’ve had a few other delays a couple hours each, but that was the worst.
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On our way back from Disney World my friend was there and was cranky from traveling and finding out her dog was hit by a car while she was gone and we had her 8 year old son with us and our delay was only about 4 hours but seemed much longer. Thankfully we didn’t have a 3 year old with us. I couldn’t even imagine that. Yikes.
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I don’t have any news unfortunately. Well, I guess I kinda do. We’re finally moving forward with our fertility treatment after seeing a specialist. They put me on a new drug (the last one made me batshit crazy and gave me horrible hot flashes) and I’ll be using an injectable for the first time (which terrifies me) but hopefully it will all be worth it.
Addie Pray October 1, 2014, 4:31 pm
I actually LOVE airports! I love layovers and people watching and drinking at airport bars – the only place you can order a drink at, like, 9 am, and no one bats an eye. Granted, I’ve never been stuck at an airport (a) with a toddler or (b) while missing out on a very important thing, so take that with a grain of salt. One time a friend and I had to sleep at a travel center/truck stop along the highway because of a blizzard. It was kind of awesome. The Pizza Hut stand guy gave us free personal pan pizzas.
Lianne October 1, 2014, 4:58 pm
Haha that reminds me. Kate and I were on our way to Italy a couple years ago, and after a red-eye from Boston, had a layover in London. We had PLENTY of time to get our connection, so we stopped in the bathroom to brush our teeth. WELL. What we hadn’t counted on was a huge fucking line to go through customs, etc. We got someone to let us go through a shorter line, and as we were nearing our gate, we heard our names being called over the loud speaker, so we started running, but the gate was the floor below we were on and the elevator took forever…so we run up to the gate and the agent was like, sorry, we just closed the door. The plane was RIGHT THERE and they wouldn’t let us on. So we went, got booked on the next flight to Milan, and then went to the bar for champagne cocktails…at 7 AM.
Miel October 1, 2014, 6:18 pm
I also love airport ! But it’s probably for very subjective reasons. I used to be very sick and anxious while taking the plane, so airports were like the door to hell and I would spend my time walking around trying to not throw up. Just the smell or sight of food was enough for me to feel nauseous, it was horrible.
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Now I’m doing better and airports are this brand new thing that I’m enjoying way too much. I will always buy a meal when I have time at the airport. I don’t care if it’s expensive, for my brain it’s always the best experience in the world. I’ll buy sushi, go to sit down restaurants. While flying I’ll get some wine even if it’s crappy expensive wine. I don’t care.
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I love big airports that have cool architecture. I like taking the shuttle in between terminal and observing how the shuttle system works. I like looking at bathroom designs and compare my favorite ones. I sign on for all the TSA pre-check/Nexus entry program and skipping lines because of it is so much fun.
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Basically all my positive emotions are made ten time bigger just because I’m able to do those things without feeling sick anymore. Maybe one day I’ll come down and act like a normal person again.
TaraMonster October 1, 2014, 3:49 pm
I supposedly have a date tonight, but I haven’t got a reply to my text asking if we’re still on for tonight. Granted, I sent the text an hour and a half ago, but I’m already like HE’S GONNA CANCEL ON ME. ARGH.
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This is my first date after my breakup. If I even have a date! Whatevs, I have the meetup to look forward to tomorrow, where I will update all the meetup people on whether or not I had a date!
Addie Pray October 1, 2014, 3:50 pm
Oh la la! Where did you meet this date?
TaraMonster October 1, 2014, 3:59 pm
Maybe date! I met him at a bar in Brooklyn while out with some friends and wound up having a really great conversation with him for a few hours- you know the kind where everyone else sort of vanishes? It was nice. But now I’ve managed to convince myself he’s going to bail on me tonight sooo I dunno!
Lianne October 1, 2014, 4:01 pm
Stay positive! It’s during the work day so maybe he’s in meetings where he can’t text back! Did you solidify a plan or do the “let’s hang out Wednesday night” thing?
TaraMonster October 1, 2014, 4:21 pm
Well I told him that Wednesday was the only day I have free this week. And he was like ok what should we do? We agreed on drinks in Manhattan after work. And he was like “Ok we’ll pick a place” and then we texted a little about other stuff and I haven’t heard from him in 2 days. So somewhere close to what you’re saying is where we left it. I hope he’s in a meeting or I’m going to get mad because I feel silly for thinking I have a date tonight if I don’t! Also, I could have gone to Bikram! Also, I don’t know what I’m doing! I haven’t done the official dating thing much. It feels weird. I don’t like it! How do people do this?!
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Still no text. It’s been 2 hours. I’m such a freak! I’m just like one of the crazy LWs! Noooo!
Addie Pray October 1, 2014, 4:28 pm
yup, that’s what i was thinking; you’re a crazy LWs! like those crazies who judge boyfriends with backpacks. (haha)
Lianne October 1, 2014, 4:53 pm
You’re not crazy!! You had a great night talking with him – those are so rare with guys these days! I am sure you will hear from him…I just have a good feeling!
TaraMonster October 1, 2014, 5:03 pm
I wish I could channel your positivity because it’s 5pm and nuthin! Hmph.
Lianne October 1, 2014, 5:10 pm
If you don’t hear from him by 5:30 you have “made other plans.”
Lianne October 1, 2014, 9:39 pm
I’m dying to know what happened TaraMonster!
Kate October 2, 2014, 7:43 am
I’m guessing if he didn’t get back to you it’s because he had broken up with his lame girlfriend 2 hours before you met him, and then got back together with her 5 minutes after your text chat. Stupid bad daters who muddy the pool for everyone!
TaraMonster October 2, 2014, 9:37 am
What happened is I drank a bottle of wine with my roommate on our roof. lol. No text from him at all! Bullet dodged, I guess!
Lianne October 2, 2014, 9:49 am
Sorry TaraMonster. Bullet dodged is right! Your wine-drinking roof date sounds so much better than whatever that deadbeat might have had planned!!
Addie Pray October 1, 2014, 4:03 pm
Those are the best kind of nights! I can’t wait to hear an update on your night at the meetup tomorrow.
Sunshine Brite October 1, 2014, 4:54 pm
Gah, I totally just have the worst anxiety until I see my gate, then I can wander around and enjoy an airport etc, but I have definitely cried due to the lines and stress of maybe not being there in time. I would probably have lost it while trying to sprint to my gate like you, it’s seriously like my traveling nightmare. I would’ve been one of the criers because what else would I do, ya know? I’m upset with nowhere to go. I’ve seen the eyerolls from security when I’m clearly getting too anxious trying to move things along when I just feel like it’s the slowest moving process. It’s like, I know you see this every day but I don’t, where I’m going feels really important to me even though I know you just see person after person who’s annoying or irritated.
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Newark was the absolute worst. They had to you wait for your bag, then wait for customs, then go through security, then go through security again, then catch a bus to another terminal and go through security again… at that point the window I thought would be kinda boring on my layover started to look tiny, if our flight had been on-time then we would’ve barely had time to grab quick food. But of course there were about 5 delays including boarding a plane and then getting taken off and switching crews and too much flight time and a mechanical problem all in one attempt to go from Newark to MSP.
mylaray October 1, 2014, 4:54 pm
It probably won’t truly be autumn here until mid November, but this is the first year I’ve ever had a yard. So I’m excited to rake leaves and put out pumpkins and gourds. I’m gonna decorate a bit outside for Halloween.
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For some reason despite all my bad flying experiences, I love hanging out at airports. I love the people watching. I love the food (usually from being stuck for so long).. But when you have somewhere important to be, it can suck. Because of some delays earlier this year, I got 2 free tickets so we’re going to Vegas in December.
Moneypenny October 1, 2014, 4:59 pm
Holy moly, that sounds like a hectic traveling experience. I have had to run through an airport before, but not with a toddler. That does not sound fun. I actually like airports and such, but only because I haven’t had too many headache-inducing experiences! I tend to get lost though, and I may or may not have gotten lost finding my way to the exit a few times. Or finding my baggage carousel. Or finding the rental car place.
Moneypenny October 1, 2014, 5:04 pm
Oh, also! Tomorrow is my 30th birthday. I’m taking Friday off and go have lunch with my mom and sis and nephew (who is 2.25 years old). And Saturday I’m having a friend-get together at a brewery (and supposedly the guy I’m kind of into is coming too). So yay?
In other news too, one of my bosses got a Tesla.
Lianne October 1, 2014, 5:10 pm
Happy Birthday!!
veritek33 October 1, 2014, 5:51 pm
Happy birthday!
Moneypenny October 1, 2014, 8:18 pm
Thanks, Veritek!
TaraMonster October 1, 2014, 5:25 pm
Happy birthday! 🙂
Moneypenny October 1, 2014, 5:37 pm
Thanks, guys! 🙂
Portia October 1, 2014, 10:07 pm
Happy Birthday!
d2 October 1, 2014, 10:51 pm
30.00 and 2.25 sounds like a nice combination. Happy Birthday!
Portia October 1, 2014, 5:41 pm
That sounds like a terrible airport experience, Wendy! So glad you made it out mostly unscathed. I’m of the opinion that most airport experiences are pretty terrible.
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I’ve got an hour left of work and am very ready to get home! I’m really liking this new job, but I’m learning that I get a little stir crazy being in the building for almost 11 hours in a single day…
Portia October 1, 2014, 6:07 pm
I have addressed this problem by sticking a Star Trek reference in the thing I’m writing up. It was just asking for me to do that…
Portia October 1, 2014, 6:31 pm
For those just dying to know, it was seven of nine. And it’s time to go home!
TheRascal October 1, 2014, 5:59 pm
I’m now doubtful for the NYC meetup tomorrow and I’m pretty bummed about it. There are two things I will have to do instead: work or put down my cat (I wrote a forum post about it). Or I may have to work late and then put her down.
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It’s probably been one of the most stressful weeks of my life. My apartment is also without cooking gas for the next month due to massive gas leaks in the main lines. Oh, and I’m battling a wicked cold that has moved from my sinuses and into my chest.
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UGH, I WANT THIS WEEK TO END.
Dear Wendy October 1, 2014, 6:12 pm
Ugh, I feel you. For a variety of reasons, September was one of the most stressful months of my life — it just felt like every day, I was hit was something — and I was so eager for it to end. And now it has, and I’m hoping October will be much better. Your bad week will end too! I’m so sorry about your cat. And I’m sorry we will probably miss you tomorrow.
Dear Wendy October 1, 2014, 5:15 pm
So confession: i TOTALLY would have cried my eyes out after my canceled flights — just from the stress and anxiety of the crowds and long lines and 2-hour hold times on the phone — if I didn’t have to keep my shit together for Jackson’s sake. I WANTED to cry, but I held it together and because I was holding it together and remaining calm, I was able to solve the issue and re-book on a different flight that day. I don’t think I would have been thinking as clearly had I given myself permission to freak out/get mad/ stress cry.
TIP: if you ever need to rebook a flight while you’re at the airport and the lines are really, really long at your gate, go to a different gate. If the lines are long there or the people are unable to help you (which will prob be the case if you aren’t flying direct), go back to where you checked in (like, before security and all that). That’s what I did and there were only a few people in line compared to the hundreds (maybe thousands?) of people at our gate and the nearby gates, and a very nice woman was able to help me.
Miel October 1, 2014, 6:11 pm
Also if you are stuck in a line no matter what, sometimes you can call the company and book through the phone. Sometimes it’s longer, but sometimes it’s quicker. And it’s always better to be on two lines than one.
Dear Wendy October 1, 2014, 6:14 pm
Oh, yes, I actually called two different phone numbers at the same time — one on my cell phone and one on one of the phones in the airport — and both hold times were over an hour and a half. The lines to talk to a person looked even longer (I did stand in one for 20 minutes and it never even budged). It was a nightmare.
Lyra October 1, 2014, 7:50 pm
My news is that Navy Guy and I had a fantastic weekend away and it was really really good for both of us. I was exhausted and stressed out so it was refreshing…and he’s just really great to have around. 🙂 My favorite part of the trip was Saturday morning when I was zonked out and he had already gotten up and taken his shower — he came to wake me up and was threatening with a pillow fight to get me out of bed. I took that challenge with a gusto. 10 minutes, lots of laughs, and and insane pillow fight later and he finally got me out of bed. 🙂
Sobriquet October 1, 2014, 8:04 pm
My news is that I was pregnant, but now I’m not. Today has been a very sad, difficult day.
othy October 1, 2014, 8:17 pm
I’m so sorry.
Dear Wendy October 1, 2014, 8:12 pm
I’m so sorry to hear that.
Lianne October 1, 2014, 10:16 pm
I’m so so sorry 🙁
d2 October 1, 2014, 10:43 pm
Oh no. I’m sorry Sobriquet.
Sunshine Brite October 2, 2014, 8:47 am
I’m sorry for your loss Sobriquet.
something random October 2, 2014, 8:52 am
I’m sorry for your loss.
stickelet October 2, 2014, 4:33 pm
So sorry for your loss.
veritek33 October 2, 2014, 5:31 pm
Internet hugs to you
Portia October 2, 2014, 6:45 pm
I’m so sorry.
othy October 1, 2014, 8:22 pm
All of your travel talk reminded me I needed to book my flight for Thanksgiving. And I found that procrastinating worked in my favor. The prices drop almost $100 since I last checked. Now I’ve got my flight booked!
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My alma mater is playing their rivals for their 150th football meeting the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and they’re playing at Yankee Stadium. I bought tickets a year ago for me and my folks. They’re driving up from Florida and I’m flying out from Utah. We’re meeting up for the game, then driving further north to Mass/Connecticut to see family.
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Then we’re ending up at my grandparent’s house in Connecticut for Thanksgiving. Othello’s not coming with me (due to school), so I’m flying home the Friday after Thanksgiving, and we’ll do it with his family probably that Saturday.
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Hopefully my travel will work out, but I built in buffers just in case, and I’ve got a non-stop flight on the way there!
call-me-hobo October 1, 2014, 11:30 pm
I just got home from the honeymoon!!! Our flight from LAX was only delayed 3 hours due to the Chicago mess, though. I can’t even imagine how awful it is with a toddler in tow.
call-me-hobo October 1, 2014, 11:32 pm
Also- moneypenny is SO AWESOME. We might have had super cool meetup while we were on vacation.
something random October 2, 2014, 8:52 am
Welcome back 🙂
stickelet October 2, 2014, 4:36 pm
My news is I got a job in Cleveland and will be moving there in less than two weeks. It’s exciting but I’m sad to leave where I’m at. Wendy, I won the shot glasses in the giveaway and I haven’t opened them yet because I am waiting until I get to my new place. Once they are set up, I’m going to take a picture and send it to you!