When I complain about the cold weather (and people, 20 degrees is cold), some folks shake their heads at my daffy Cali-self. They say stuff like, we’re so used to this weather, it’s nothing to us….and stuff like that. On the other hand, other Kansans also bitch about the weather turning chilly, so I figure, I’m simply not being a wimpy Cali native when it comes to weather. If I know of other locals being chilled to the bone, that tells me it’s really cold out here. Period.
Mark’s not here. He’s back in California for work. I envy him. I also have too much time to think. I try to keep busy. I saw Elizabethtown with a co-worker. Way too much Dawson Creek dialogue, but it has a decent ending. My co-worker was the only guy in the theater. Mark was like, “Poor sap.” I’m sure he’s relieved he skipped out on this chick flick.
I played softball last night and ended up on the winning team. I woke up sore this morning.
At times, it seems like being from the West Coast and having experience living in other parts of the country and Europe, is more of a curse for me than a blessing….at least when it comes to interacting with people here. I am trying to get to know Kansas better - devouring the local news on print and TV. Talking to strangers aboout what they do and being nice. Shopping at local shops and eating at non-corporate joints. But often, there’s this glass wall that surrounds me. People tapping at the glass, like they would a fishbowl, and cooing, “You’re not a local, so you don’t know.” I appreciate their knowledge and initative to educate the ignorant Cali girl, but sometimes it’s difficult to swallow their condensing attitude.
Earlier this week, I had some great phone conversations with Mark, my Auntie Evelyn, my parents and Joe (my KALX buddy and SF news producer). I had the blues, in a bad way. But my family just kept repeating that they believe in me. Mark kept telling me I’m not alone and that we’ll be together for Christmas. Joe assured me that I do know stuff, regardless of being an outsider to this community. He also expressed his confidence that I deserve the promotion and I will make a difference here. That meant a lot to me because it comes from a working broadcast journalist.
I may not know everything there is to know about the history of this place, but I’m learning and opening up to whatever people toss my way. I know my life, work and school experiences count for a lot in this job.
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