More things that make ya go, 'Hmm'.

Recently, my family and I toured the new Indianapolis International airport, which is slated to open doors for business in three more days. It was a neat "first" experience that left me reflecting on my own years in the industry. Because in all my family's collective years (dad, uncles and sibs all work[ed] in the industry as well), none of us has ever opened a new airport.

I worked in the Pittsburgh airport when the new airport was being built there, but transferred back to Cleveland before it happened. Tuesday, dh will work his last day in the old airport here, and Wednesday he will be part of local history as he opens the new (I did go through a new computer system while at USAir and let me tell you, those first days were UGLY. Remember, Dan? You too, Cheryl? Late flights. Frustrated customers. Lots of confusion. May dh's first day in a new facility go more smoothly.)

So,...today I was out shopping for birthday presents for my Reece, who turned 7 on November 5th (we held a small dinner celebration that day, but will celebrate more tomorrow.) On my way home, I passed the main entrance to the new airport. Oh, how I wish I had my camera. People, nothing but the best for our great city. The sign marking the main entrance was constructed of 2 small poles (think ski poles) and a banner about the size of a real estate sign for your yard. It was SOOO ridiculously small and read, "new Indianapolis airport" or something to that effect.

Honestly? I've seen more obvious and impressive banners painted by highschool cheerleaders for the football team to run through. Oh, I'm sure it's just a matter of construction details, what with having only THREE YEARS to prepare and all (eyeballs a rolling.)

Speaking of shopping for gifts, I had to make a good 25 minute drive to the nearest Toys-R-For-Us (as Reece calls it). Sunday shopping is NOT my idea of a good time (one of the only benefits of airline mid-week days off; no fighting crowds). When I finally made it to the parking lot, the place was jam packed. I circled several times before finally seeing a window of opportunity (a.k.a. a coveted parking space), parked my high-class transportation (Ford pick-up with fully operational refrigeration system on board, which I'll explain later) and scudded in to find a few overpriced toys. I was already not thrilled about a. Sunday shopping, b. the lengthy drive and c. price gouging, so imagine the flushed sensation that swept over me as I groaned about the fact that the baby registry, once tucked in the back of the store, was now an IN YOUR FACE feature the second you walk in.

"I'm here for toys, people. T. O. Y. S. It *is* called Toys-R-For-Us after all."

I "hmmmf"ed past the 19 year old baby concierge, thinking it silly that toys were no longer the frontline feature of the store. I mean, stick a baby registry at the front of Babys-R-Us and it would make total sense.

Not that the two stores being located right next to each other had anything to do with this story.

Not that I might have inadvertently walked into the wrong store or anything.

Uh hem.

Swell.

As for the mention of my Ford pick-up with fully operational refrigeration, it's true. I went to craft night with my girlfriends Miss Sniz and Wani from Wani's World this past Friday night. I needed a few groceries and it was sooo stinkin' cold out. Didn't want the grocery stop to cut into my scrap time (scrapbookers, you know where I'm coming from, yes?) so I decided to grab a few bags of groceries before I headed over to the church. Left 'em all in the back of my pick-up where it was, uh, nice and cool.
'Cause I'm all classy like that.
Just doing my part to go green.
Clampett!

Finally, a Cierah blonde moment.
Today, she peered out our back window toward our pond, where ducks and Canadian geese are frequently spotted.
"Mommy, look at that big chicken."
"Chicken? You mean goose, honey."
"NoooOOo!" (giggles at her obviously clueless momma). Not the geese, Mommy. The chicken. See that big chicken?"
Me, straining to see: " Uh,...nooo. No, I definitely don't see any chickens."
"Not chickens, mom. Just one chicken. That big one. See it now?"
I was about to conclude she was making it up when I suddenly spotted it.
The chicken.



Happy Thanksgiving a few weeks early.

Toni