Deb Smouse

Kiss Me…and Smile for Me

Posted on 03. Mar, 2008 by Deb.

Though Peter, Paul and Mary’s recording of “Leaving on a Jet Plane” in 1969 was a hit, most folks don’t realize that John Denver wrote it in 1967 as he was awaiting a layover in a Washington Airport. like the Peter, Paul and Mary version, but I feel the John Denver recording (found on his Greatest Hit’s Album) is truly more soulful.

I don’t know what made me think about it, unless it was the airport.

So, I turned on my Itunes and realized I had both versions. Yeah….John Denver’s voice just speaks to me. I still love him.

I’m going through a spell where the airport feels more comfortable to me than home does. I am waiting for flight number 24 so far this year. Yes, I am well aware it is the first week of March. The constant moving is incredibly soothing in a lot of ways….and at airports, I can think and write…and people watch and read.

This week is a bit of a busy week. If I count flights (segments) and track my status on American, by the end of this week, I will have completed 29 segments by Sunday night…..and 31 by the end of next week. Even in my twisted mind, I guess that’s a little excessive. Or is it?

More and more as time has passed…and I recognize the gypsy part of myself…going places seems to be what I truly need in many ways…..

Last weekend in DC and the upcoming weekend in St. Croix are worth it, though. So what if I’m a little twisted. The old motto of “work hard, play hard” is a good one for me. At this point, I don’t know a better way…

I leave you with the sites of the 70’s (gotta love the shirt!) and the lovely voice of John Denver…..

Have a wonderful Monday……

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Gypsy Girl Longings

Posted on 21. Feb, 2008 by Deb.

I have been wanting to get away for a few days. When I mentioned this to my mother on the phone today, she didn’t get it. I spend the bulk of my days not at home and when I think about taking a break…I don’t want to be home….I want to GO places.

It’s been entirely too long since I’ve been to DC, and to be honest, considered a Last Minute Package in there for the weekend. but. it’s supposed to be icy there, and since I enjoy getting OUT in DC, that just doesn’t sound like what I’m wanting….so I will watch and wait for that.

I have, however, planned two trips outside of my regular weekly work….

The first one is early in March….three nights to St. Croix. It will give me an opportunity to do….nothing. I want to lie on the beach, lie by the pool, nap, read, do some personal writing…..relax.  I don’t want to overplan that trip since I do need to just relax…..but I have found out where to go see the Beer Drinking Pigs (non-alcoholic now, thank you).  I need to do a little shopping….I need another swim suit….and a pair of sandals.

Later in March, I am going to go to Seattle….and will be visiting the Museum of Flight.  I adore old planes, and there will be several WW2 Era plans for me to lust over.

I don’t expect many to understand…..but I am truly longing to get away….even though I live out of a suitcase.

Strange, I know…..but then again……we’re talking ’bout me….

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Forgetting to Pack My Brain

Posted on 19. Feb, 2008 by Deb.

When I packed yesterday, I got everything, right?

Wrong.

Don’t you think it would be at least a little helpful for me to pack a 2nd pair of pants?  You know, something to wear other than the jeans I wore on my (very very late) flight here?  And, of course since I grabbed a snack to keep me company on the almost 2 hour drive from the airport to  my destination, those who know me know that I wore some of it.   Since I cannot seem to eat without spilling something on me.

No biggie.  Threw my jeans in the washer this morning when I got up…..and THEN I discovered that I didn’t have a 2nd pair of jeans.

Since it’s 29 degrees, I don’t think I can get by with my travel shorts today….. do you?

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Southern Sights

Posted on 15. Feb, 2008 by Deb.

Quiet….but my camera has been out….. I won’t bore you with all the photos of my travels, but just a couple of favorites…. I have been blessed with beautiful weather when I’ve been out and about. 70’s when I was in New Orleans. My favorite photo of Jackson Square - and St. Louis Cathedral.

And when I was in Richmond, VA - and Colonial Williamsburg - last weekend, the weather was in the upper 60’s. Just beautiful.

It’s odd that I spend the bulk of my time though wearing sweaters, feeling bitter winds so strong that my eyes sting and water, and hoping not to slip on the ice…. Yet looking at the photos I snap, skies are blue and the sun shined on my face.

I was talking about the want to be somewhere for a couple of days and not have a lot of work - but the thing is, it isn’t that I want to be home, though I am also missing some time at home. I am just feeling like I haven’t had a chance to recharge, and the respite for my spirits I was hoping for last weekend was too short - and didn’t quite meet my expectations. My own head gets in the way when I am trying to sleep, I guess, and I think too much. I am also a little too tenderhearted.

I am missing DC in a big way. I was there monthly - and sometimes twice a month - for more than a year. I am missing the sight of the Washington Monument and the voices of people from so many nationalities. And I am also missing how I felt like my soul was at home.  I think I need to escape there for a day or so as soon as I can find a spot in my schedule.

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Yes, Virginia, I finally got a passport

Posted on 08. Feb, 2008 by Deb.

I know I have been incredibly remiss in my delay to obtain documentation to leave the country.  But last month, I finally did everything I needed to do and awaiting me on my desk when I got home…

My very own passport.

In the past, I’ve only traveled to locations that necessitated a birth certificate as proof of US citizenship.  But with the changes in the laws, it is now necessary to have a passport even to travel to neighboring countries, like Mexico and Canada.

I am just a huge procrastinator…..but I finally did it. And it proccessed in about 2 weeks.  so for everyone else out there that has been putting off getting a passport, just do it like I did.

Now, all I am waiting on is the invitation to visit somewhere….just so I can use it    Offers being accepted now……

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Dorothy’s Lesson….

Posted on 17. Jan, 2008 by Deb.

I love to travel….but as Dorothy learned in her visit to the Wonderful World of Oz…..

There is No Place Like Home.

I’m home. I don’t leave until Monday to go back to the MO/KS/OK area. I have a pile of work to get caught up on….but somehow, there is just nothing like sitting at my desk in my office….

So, no matter where my travels take me - be it for work or play - or a little of both….

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Pencil Me In

Posted on 14. Jan, 2008 by Deb.

It still amazes me how much sheer time is involved in travel planning. I was at my desk at 7 AM this morning…and at 8:30, I realized I still had some things to follow up on.

It’s the whole coordination thing. Flight. Hotel. Car. And waiting on a client to confirm a meeting…or seeing that a flight I prefer is sold out. Basically, it boils down to planning ahead where possible….

I still love it, though. The scheduling of things. It’s like putting a puzzle together. Taking tiny pieces of something and putting them into an order that makes them…more enjoyable and efficient. What can I say: I like a well planned….plan.

It’s also what I love about logistical work.  Fitting pieces of time together to run a little more efficiently for a client.

Besides my regular work stuff with my main client, I am planning a quick trip at the end of the month to New Orleans to attend a meeting for another client. The bonus of that is that I will have a little bit of sight-seeing time. I love the feel of New Orleans..the underlying artistic soul of the city…and I haven’t been there for more than a year. So, it’s a bonus to work travel: visiting a city that you love.

To see things you want to see,  is also a big reason to plan. Make dinner or brunch reservations at a favorite dining spot (Brennan’s!).  Plan a tour for after work hours.  That sort of thing.

Gotta run. I finally made an appointment to update my hair color.  And no, I don’t know what color yet…..

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Holy Sand, Batman!

Posted on 12. Jan, 2008 by Deb.

Over at the Elliot.Org blog, there was a discussion about TSA and the searching a 5-year old from Seattle.  It went on to discuss the screening of nuns in full habit (from a photo on Flickr showing a Nun being searched).

So, in Amsterdam recently, a gent in full priest garb refused to be searched….saying he was a religious person and it was not allowed.  Well, when searched, he was found with three vials of “holy sand” under his vestments.  Turns out, the “holy sand” was COCAINE…valued at approximately $155,000.  He was arrested on drug smuggling charges.

No, this wasn’t TSA doing the search, but it shows how sometimes, airport security officials aren’t just passing time…..

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I *heart* airport security

Posted on 07. Jan, 2008 by Deb.

I absolutely love stripping off half my clothes, putting my belongings into a bucket, and being screened.  It’s been ages since I’ve been selected and “searched” but that can be a real highlight as well.

Most of all….I love it when folks around me…don’t feel that the guidelines of being screened apply to them.  I’m actually kind of serious with this line….simply because, I love to watch people…how they react….how they respond….how they interact with the world around them.

The week of Christmas, there was this family of seven in front of me at the international terminal at DFW.    Mom, Dad, Grandma and four kids.  Each child had his/her own bag (you could say) as they ranged from age one to age six.  So, there was a diaper bag….and kiddie backpacks on wheels…. in addition to a car seat, a stroller, and the carry on of their folks.  It was going ok…with Grandma going through first….and the one year old going next.  But then the bags hit.

Each kid had a sippy cup….full of whatever it was (water, juice, etc).  After the first cup was caught, the contents poured out…the parents waited until security caught each and every cup…grumbling about having to ditch the water in.

Most folks….I think…would have begun retrieving the cups…and dumping…instead of waiting to be caught.  Oh, and the parents had those little thermosy plastic things that hold water as well.  Then.  The stroller got stuck before it went through x-ray.

It was 5:30 AM…height of business travelers….so folks were getting…well, a little impatient.

Today…the lady in front of me complained because she had to take her jacket off….and when I pointed out her shoes needed to come off, too, she said “but they’re sandles!!”.  These weren’t flip flops. These were some 4-inch cork wedges…so she says…”what, like I’d stick something in the heels??”

Um.  Yeah.  That’s the whole point of all of us standing there barefoot….

Seriously, if folks would just….follow the guidelines and stop bitching…my guess is…they would have  a much more pleasant experience.

And *heart* security as much as I do…..

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Night

Posted on 27. Dec, 2007 by Deb.

There is something magical about Washington DC at night.  I love the city, but at night it is different.  From a distance, at least…or with a friend…exploring DC in the evening is just something amazing.  I don’t like to walk by myself at night, though

I am safe tonight….sitting out on the balcony…simply breathing in the beauty of the night….To the left of me is the Washington Monument….and as my eyes sweep to the right, there is the Jefferson Memorial…and the Capital.  I am reminded that I am blessed in my life….and that I am so fortunate to have freedom.

The thank you for being a frequent traveler was a plate of fruit, cheese, and crackers - and I am enjoying that …along with a lovingly prepared Cape Cod.  It’s late, and I should be trying to put myself to sleep…but I have too much on my mind…and need to empty it a little before I even attempt sleep.  I wish I could truly explain it to some…how hard it is.
The old song Irving Berlin song is ringing through my head….

If you’re worried and you can’t sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings

I love this city - and I always have those moments of reconnecting with myself.

Today has been simply a travel day.  An adventure.  I also went tonight and had a reading with a medium.  That was certainly interesting.  Tomorrow I am meeting an old friend, doing a little sight-seeing - and having dinner at Old Ebbit Grill, which has been around since the Civil War.

I hope that YOU are able to see your blessings.  Much love.

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and for some weird reason

Posted on 27. Dec, 2007 by Deb.

I’m a little on the cranky side this morning.

I used to be this early morning person.  Honest.  I would get up at 4 AM, blog, go to the gym.  All that kind of stuff.  Now, I find myself….just slower in the mornings….  and rude slow people just make me so irritable.

It’s just….I’ve noticed the gate agents and ticket counter folks at the airport are just really….not friendly.   I know the holidays are stressful in the travel industry….but I am talking common courtesy’s.

Gotta run, they are about to board my flight.  Hope everyone has a better start to the day……

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seems like yesterday….

Posted on 04. Dec, 2007 by Deb.

I am sitting in the Admiral’s club…finishing off a cup of coffee.  I sometimes feel like I am going through DeJaVu….in that I know I have done this before….  In fact, it feels like only yesterday that I was here, but in all honesty, it was a short week ago.

I am stressing out…a lot.  Lots of factors, honestly, and none I care to get into here right at this moment in this space.  I had promised to be more honest here, but there are still some things I just can’t talk about.  I am going through a phase of wanting to run away.

Far away.

My home has lost it’s ability to be a sanctuary for me.

Although, yesterday, I realized that I hadn’t left the house in two days.   I got home from errands on Saturday around 2 PM and didn’t leave the house again until this morning at 6 AM.  How is that for ironic?

I am hoping to get my head back together this week.  I am traveling today and tomorrow for sure for work.  And Lobbyist boy and I are talking about me heading to DC on Thursday and then going to the Eastern Shore for the weekend.

I’ll let you know.  Gotta run, though….my chariot (plane) awaits!

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To Sleep…Perchance to Dream….

Posted on 28. Nov, 2007 by Deb.

On average, I don’t sleep well in hotels.  Considering I spend one to three nights a week in a hotel on avearge, that kind of sucks.  Last night, I finally fell asleep about 1:15 AM. 

At 1:25, I got as text from my oldest that she was puking again.  And another text at 2:20 telling me she hates being sick.  I just called her, told her that the Sitter needed to get her some meds if she couldn’t find them (Pepto Bismol to the rescue).

Then my alarm went off at 6.

The other thing I realized is I should examine my wardrobe before I pack.  I have a sweater to wear today that…well, in all honesty is way too sexy for work.  I had forgotten it showed so much cleavage.  And no amount of pulling it up is gonna cover me up.

I have a meeting in an hour and a half.  I think I’m gonna stop by Kohls to do a quickie speed shopping trip.

I hope the meetings are lively enough I don’t doze, though….

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Good Morning Fellow Travelers…..

Posted on 27. Nov, 2007 by Deb.

I’m at the Admiral’s Club this morning….first time I’ve been here in ages - not because of lack of traveling - just because I wasn’t going to walk 20 gates down just to relax for ten minutes
I am feeling quite a bit better today….I got the tree up yesterday and the only ornaments on the tree are the birdies I bought, one Holly Hobby ball from my childhood, and the Bouvier ornament. I gave a couple of boxes of things to my cleaning lady’s daughter, and the other ornaments are awaiting unwrapping and examination.

A part of me kind of likes the tree as is - just lights (the tree came with lights) and the sparse ornaments. I don’t have anything on top of the tree right now….i haven’t decided if I want to mess with the star that I bought a couple of years ago - or buy something new. I am really wanting something new - but just haven’t stumbled across something I like.

Now a question….do you believe in “past lives”?

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Tell-Tale Sign of the Holiday Season

Posted on 13. Nov, 2007 by Deb.

I go through airport security lines at least twice a week.

I know the drill very well. Take my laptop out of my briefcase. Remove my jacket and my shoes. Place the quart-sized zip lock bag containing my carry-on toiletries (all under three ounces) separately in the plastic bin. The time it takes to process through security at major airports (DFW, DCA, ORD) is about 20 minutes…with smaller airports taking about 15 minutes

This morning, a sure sign of the holiday season: 40 minutes.

Of course, if TSA would open the additional x-ray belt to screen bags, and the two unused walk-through x-rays at the security point…that would speed things up. Just like those who don’t travel much understanding the rules of carry-on luggage briefing themselves…would speed things up a bit as well.

IF you don’t travel often (or even if you travel regularly) keep these things in mind:

• Arrive 1 1/2 to 2 hours before your departure time. I hate waiting, too - but it’s much better to wait a bit at your gate or an airport lounge than it is to be stressing out about making your flight.
• You are allowed two carry-ons. One bag (under 72″ in circumference) as well as one personal item, such as a briefcase, backpack, purse…. Yes, I have what I call a “sneak” purse, which is a small handbag that allows me to carry on my briefcase and a suitcase - but it fits into my suitcase with ease, allowing me the luxury of not having to check a bag.
• ALL liquids and gels, including lotion, contact solution, hair gel, mascara, etc must be placed in a QUART SIZED zip lock bag. You are allowed ONE zip lock bag. And using a gallon sized bag doesn’t work.
• Remove your cell phone, keys, coins, etc. out of your pockets. Oh, and the giant belt buckles - or Wonder Woman bracelets may cause you to set off the X-Ray alarm.
• Laptops, DVD players and other such electronics must be placed in a bin alone. You can’t put anything on top of it, either.
• Yes, you have to take off your jacket - whether it’s a heavy coat, a blazer, a cardigan….
• Yes, you must take off your shoes. I know, it’s gross to be barefoot in an airport. Sorry.

The other thing? Just don’t bitch. EVERYONE is in the same position as you. We all need to get through security, make it to our gate, and board on time. Not many are going to be forgiving of your personal issues, so save yourself from stress and aggrevation.

During the holiday season, folks are stressed and cranky…and you being cranky just makes you more miserable….Happy Holidays. Travel Safe. Merry Ho Ho Ho and all that stuff.

It’s just one of those necessary evils of traveling these days….so chill.

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