Back in black

We don't get to travel as much as we'd like, but one of the perks in my life is an annual conference trip. This year this perk of sorts landed us in Kansas City. I have been so busy at work that this little trek slipped up on me. That's good for the very reason that my preoccupation with work and such didn't allow me much time to obsess about trip preparations. That's bad for the very same reason. This kinda snuck up on me, so I found myself scampering to get ready and hoping that I didn't forget anything.

My subconscious anal nature reared itself enough to amply prepare me and I travelled smoothly and without having that "oh, you know what I forgot" moment.

I enjoyed Kansas City, but I was ever so glad to get home. I think it's always that way any time it starts to hit you that you are away from many of the things and people you care about. Sure, this wasn't a long trip and it was a lot of fun, but that didn't diminish my need to return to my life, my cats, my computer, my bed and my routine.

I hadn't been too excited about this trip. Between a break-neck work schedule and not knowing much about the city, I wasn't pumped about going. I wasn't into it.

However, my apprehensions and misconceptions were proven wrong and I enjoyed Kansas City, both parts of it. Our flight was delayed by a few hours, we missed a connecting flight, further pushing us behind schedule. We finally arrived and I first noticed that Kansas City wasn't a typical midwestern burb, it was indeed metropolitan.

Our hotel was comfy and cozy. It was chic and connected, literally, to everything we would need. I never tire of being refreshed by staying in a rented room. There is something nice about knowing someone else will clean up the sink, wash your towels and make your bed. There's something nice about coming back to your temporary abode at night and not feeling the need to return phone calls, sweep the kitchen or start a load of laundry.

On Sunday we ventured out in pursuit of a little geocaching. I claimed my first official five and I was thrilled. Not only was there the sense of discovery associated with caching, but also an opportunity to see Kansas City in a unique way. We spent part of our day exploring Union Station (does every town have a Union Station?) and venturing to the Plaza for some superb shopping. Cold, damp weather squelched my quest to find the perfect pair of shoes and some new warm winter wear. Instead, I was enthralled by a shop new to me, The Paper Source. I could have lived there. Everything intrigued me. Unique crafted paper items, creative boxes and one-of-a-kind journals. I was in heaven. I suspect Cynical was in paper good hell. I perused each and every vignette. I made my selections (hand-made note cards, a felted zippered bag to prove as a model for future project and a book of table blessings, the latter being a Christmas gift for my brother and his family.) I could have, however, walked out with armloads of goodies. I love stationery! I love paper. We walked and walked and took lots of photos of fountains. Did you know that Kansas City is the City of Fountains? By the end of the trip, I thought I was going to go insane from all of that running water. Never go to Kansas City if the mere sound of trickling water makes you want to rush to the restroom. You will not enjoy your stay.We retreated from the cold and mist into Barnes & Noble where I perused knitting books and drank coffee with my favorite travelling companion (Cynical of course.) Our time there was one of those magical occurences. Those minutes are precious to me, sitting with my hands wrapped around a pumpkin spice latte (that I smuggled in from Starbucks), books piled on the table with Cynical deep in reading and thought. It was quiet, it was comfortable and it felt like home.
On Monday reality set in and the conference began. I won't bore you with those details, but at lunch and dinner I joined Cynical for quiet meals. We spent our nights planning for geocaching and knitting. My, aren't we an exciting couple. On Tuesday I skipped a session. Shhhh! It was for a good cause: my very own tour of the Hallmark Headquarters. I was convinced that there was a display dedicated to me and my years of support for the people who truly care enough to send the very best. Once again, I was in heaven, Cynical in Hallmark Hell.

On Wednesday anticipation began to set in and we began planning our trip home. I was ready. On Thursday it was back on the road and back home.

I am including a few photos from our trip. I am finally starting to be comfortable with the digital camera, although a few shots lead much to be desired.

I am glad to be home. I am glad to be back at blogging and I must say, I missed you guys.

The top photo is of the Link, the bridge connecting much of the area we stayed in.

The second photo is of George Washington. Yes, our first president. I captured it as part of our geocaching adventure.

The next is Union Station. This was an incredible structure and we stopped inside for a relaxing brunch on Sunday. The architecture was amazing and the restoration impeccable.

The fountain was shot at night near our hotel. I told you it was the city of fountains.

The photo of the steps was taken in the Plaza area. When you are there, you swear you are in an area that must be 100 years old and Spanish inspired and then you see Sharper Image and Banana Republic and you remember that it was just a dream.

The tower is part of a war memorial near Union Station. This place was huge and overwhelming. I don't think I would have climbed up the hill to enjoy this had it not been for geocaching, an added benefit, eh?