11 January 2010

And in the End...

(Rolling out)

My last post was October 29th? Really?

It’s official. The PU can’t go back to being what it once was. After this past year, it’s just too awkward a segue.

I've tried but I can't conjure the universe of yore, pre-2009: Extemporaneous musings on whatever the pointy finger was trained upon, be it Dunkin' Donuts or Mixed Tapes. Random Quizzillas, Suppah Clubs, Wee Brown shenanigans, Vito Video, Cream Shop Fridays, Rants on current events, etc.

But if I’ve learned anything this year, it's that the energy goes where it's needed most.

I started the PU in June 2005 as a respite from the daily shit show. I'd just moved to the suburbs. I freelanced at home with a one and a two year old (and no sitter). I'd been chronicling my daily observations in notebooks and journals since I was old enough to spell, but this type of writing was different. Being so isolated, I needed a way to plug in, and the PU provided the perfect outlet.

Also, at age 35, I felt like my life and the lives of my friends were on some life-altering cusp. We had one foot in the adult world, the other one stubbornly entrenched in a more youthful one. During this time, we essentially lived two lives: One about family life: We get married, have kids, buy homes and go to BJ's Wholesale Club. The other about the craic: We mainline bowls of loud mouth soup in town and act out, sing Beatles songs, and kitchen dance on Nantucket vacations. Such transition naturally gives rise to introspection, analysis, and ridiculous situations. For me, the PU became a way to celebrate the small joys during this time. And to rage against the incurious. I also had a million laughs connecting with people the only way I really know how.

As a bonus, I made new friends and reconnected with old ones. I acquired some new sparring partners and had a crash course in Shoebox philosophy more valuable than any degree. I conversed with regular readers and butted heads with more than a few angry trolls. I've been insulted and inspired, but mostly inspired. Somewhere along the way I learned anything can be solved or celebrated with a bottle of red wine and a kitchen chinwag.

Now, I'm on the other side of the cusp. In the past year, I beat cancer, celebrated my 10th year wedding anniversary and turned 40 in a blow-out party (thank you). And so far the view from this side is awesome.

That said, I feel the PU has reached its natural end. Five years is a good run. I'm tempted to say I'm taking some time off to be with my family but that statement in 2010 sounds like I'm covering up a a sex scandal involving Nutella fudge and a hidden camera. In the coming months, I am going to focus on some new work assignments and writing projects. And of course, James, the wee brown ones and Vito. The energy is going where it's needed most.

I WILL launch another blog. The drive to document hasn't waned, it just needs to change shape. If you care in the slightest, please subscribe to this site and you’ll be pinged with any updates -- and possibly a new link or muse.

Wishing you so much peace and joy in 2010 that you have to unbutton your pants and be cut out of your winter coat with fabric shears.

Signing off for now.

With love,
KJ

53 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks Kate. Your postings this past year have been insightful and inspirational. Thanks for sharing with family, friends (old and new) and the anonymous masses.

schroeder said...

Kate:

Quote:

"Stay with me,
My love I hope you'll always be
Right here by my side if ever I need you
Oh my love

In your arms,
I feel so safe and so secure
Everyday is such a perfect day to spend
Alone with you

I will follow you will you follow me
All the days and nights that we know will be
I will stay with you will you stay with me
Just one single tear in each passing year

With the dawn,
Oh I see so very clearly now
All my fears are drifting by me so slowly now
Fading away

I can say
The night is long but you are here
Close at hand, oh I'm better for the smile you give
And while I live

I will follow you will you follow me
All the days and nights that we know will be
I will stay with you will you stay with me
Just one single tear in each passing year there will be

I will follow you will you follow me
All the days and nights that we know will be
I will stay with you will you stay with me
Just one single tear in each passing year..."

End quote.

Thanks for the memories (old ones and those to come).

schroeder said...

Love,
Cousin Bob
(in case you forgot).

Anonymous said...

OH NO! We will miss your voice. The PU will leave a big void. Don't stay away too long. I can live on rereads for only so long. I'm glad to read your doing well. I will miss you while your gone. Take care KJ. K.R.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to see PU go and looking forward to your future projects!
Susan Sullivan

CK said...

And in the end, the love you take...is equal to the love you make...(in the words of the Beatles) Nice KJ, you rule and have enriched lives with these posts :)

Linda Valenti DeVincent said...

I'm rather interested in the Nutella Fudge scandal. Can I just start that rumor?

:)

You're the best - blog or no. Energy, indeed, goes where it is needed.

Peace, love and light from your personal Social Worker and Reiki Master -
LV

KJ said...

Thanks all, in order:

Anon 1: Thank you for speaking for the anonymous masses (although I suspect it's more like the anonymous dozen). I appreciate your kind words.

Bob/Schroeder: Man, don't you just love old Genesis. I love that tune. Perhaps it should be the Twitter theme song. I'll see you on FB.

Anon 2: Thanks for reading. I'll miss your comments :)

Sue: Thanks. Let's hope so! I'll see you on FB in the interim, doctor.

CK: Thanks. I miss you, girl. Let's catch up in person. xo

LV: Right back at you. See you in Hahvahd Square on Sat. We'll concoct a filthy fudgey rumor let it go viral.

Cleary Squared said...

You mean...no more asides? No more camels? No more sticking your head in the oven when Caillou comes on?!

Just kidding, KJ. I'm still keeping up with my blog and with FB (mainly to look at home my other BLA brothers and sisters are doing) but it gets busy sometimes. Do what you must and do what's best.

Dawn said...

Cuz - say it isn't so! I get it - makes perfect sense!


*tear*

-xoxo
Dawn

Anonymous said...

http://www.ilike.com/artist/Hall+&+Oates/track/Say+It+Isn%27t+So?src=onebox

*inspired by your friend Dawn.

Keep raging against the incurious, KJ!!!

I look forward to your witty Facebook posts but will sorely miss the PU!

hugs,
MFS

Anonymous said...

Kate,
Your words turned into feelings, as I read. Your blog was an affirming, gentle, validating solid conversation
that was interpreted by all its readers. You touched my soul and made me fly off into a new world, where "Picture yourself in a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade skies." I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gift of self you gave me. I wish rainbows, sunshine, mini-vacations, funny face bandages, stickers, and the best of the best for you. With much respect, Marianne

Unknown said...

"I'm so glad we had this time together
Just to have a laugh or sing a song
Seems we just get started and before you know it
Comes the time we have to say, 'So long."

i know your next adventure will be great just let me know where and when!

Love, Amy

ladykaera said...

Thank you for sharing your amazing and colorful perspective with those so far from you. (But not as far as you might think). We have journeyed with you. I look forward to our next adventure!! Happy and Healthy 2010! Love your Cali cousin, Kaera P.S. Getting some Reiki training for yourself is inexpensive and not very time consuming. You would be great at it:) Ella and I hope to see you this year...maybe July??

Everythinggggg said...

Fucking fucking hell. I loved reading this mess.Motherfuck Mf i will email u kj pretty forty love lets smoke some bones so much weed caall me luv

KJ said...

I love you cut9e/ thats all you need to know I luv oxoxo
michael

stevieb said...

Looks like I will need a new am routine, that being said, while I will miss the PU it will be fun to see what the new decade brings. Out with the old in with the new!! Pats lose a home playoff game and the PU goes away nostradamus couldn't of called this one!

KJ said...

Thank to all..again, in order"

ClearySquared: Thanks, Brian. Looking forward to keeping up with your blog, my friend. Keep writing!

Meem: Your comment means more to me than you could ever know. Thanks. You rock the Beatles quotes.

Amy: Thank you, love. Can't wait for some blog-producing fun in SoBo and on the Cape. xo

Kaera: Miss you, cuz. Big love to you and Ella. See you on FB in the interim.

Everythingggg (michael): :0 <3 you cuz you rockkkkkk mf no punctuation necessarrrryyyyy

Cute: yup. Stick around.

Stevie B: 2010 is going to be a good one. I can feel it. Hope to see more of the Bonnell family this year. I foresee many a Navy Yard hang. xoxo

PG said...

Kate - The PU will be missed, but I look forward to what is coming next. I am glad that we were able to reconnect through your blog, as well as FB. It is nice to be back in touch. Now, we just need to work on that Westfield reunion at the Fours!

All the best and here is to a great 2010!!

PG

John McL said...

awesome-ness

KJ said...

PG--LDT. Will be in touch this week to get that on the calendar with you and the SS burds. xoxo

John: Thanks, man :) See you on FB.

Anonymous said...

katie
chas and i loved reading pu, it made us laugh, made us cry. you have been blessed with a wonderful talent. hope 2010 is full of joy, happiness and peace.
love
jojo

KJ said...

JoJo--nobody deserves a better 2010 than you. Looking forward to the Derby in May. Big fat fuck cancertinis all around. Love you. xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

KJ,

My current project finds me at gyms, mma studios and ringside with fighters as they train...

And it reminds me (as my cynical self so often needs to be) that all fighters can perform more push-ups than pull-ups, as it is much easier to push one away than pull them in.

I appreciate you sliding the apple-box beneath my searching toes as I lock my chin above the bar...

Ah! The view from here is so much nicer!

Thank you.

-Strad

KJ said...

Beautifully said, as always, my dear Strad. You have NO idea. Thank YOU. I'll catch you on the flip side, brother. Talk to you soon.

Anonymous said...

Don't need to post here what I say every night. Love you much. Very Lucky Man!

James

KJ said...

I love you, James. I wouldn't have made it through one day without you this year (or the past 10 for that matter..lucky, lucky, lucky)

Jimmy & Kathy 4-eva.

Anonymous said...

Kate,

Your blog was my first log on every morning for the past few years! I will miss your humor and wit! You are a gifted writer! I can't wait to read your book someday.

Thank You,
Pam [in NYC, formerly in FLA :_]

chris said...

sigh. this is a satisfying ending for me as your reader for the past year. it sounds like you are happy and healthy and ready to move on with your life. as much as i will miss reading you, i am so happy for you and your family.

good luck, kate, and thanks for sharing your journey. i'll not delete my feed to the pu.

Anonymous said...

You look leggy in that photo of you and Sweet C.

Anonymous said...

OMG I hope I look like you when I am 40. I turn 29 on April 24th and need to become an adult. Help?

KJ said...

Pam: I remember your comments way back when we were still talking about Britney Spears. Stay in touch.

Chris: Yes, don't delete the feed. Thank you so much for your kind words and for reading the PU. I'm going to put up a link to you.

Anon: Leggy? I like that. Never ever been told that before. Taller in 2010.

Anon: You're a Taurus. Weren't you born an adult? :) Never ask a Sagittarius how to be an adult...we are children cradle to grave. Enjoy every day in some way, never focus on the material. That's all I've got. xo

Anonymous said...

Hi Kate:

i will miss the pu, it became my morning routine. to log on to see how you were doing. your writing allowed me to get to know you better than before.

i will stay tuned. but you do have much more to do. thank god.

love auntie j

Anonymous said...

Thanks Kate. Go easy on the Tauruses, we are kids too. Really!! Can I have a guinness from your wine fridge. My dream!!!!
love,
Lisa Edel

Anonymous said...

Fire up the Swiss Mocha, it's time to celebrate the moments! Will miss the pu. xoxo, Mares Boyle (D'Errico)

KJ said...

Auntie J: I love that you loved the PU. I love you. Thank you so much for being there for me this year. I hope you know how much I appreciate you. Hope your arm is healing up (it's a total Cannata injury...only happens to us ladies). See you soon. xoxo

Lisa/Anon: Not my wine fridge..a friend of our's. My dream too. Thanks so much for reading.

Mares: Firing it up. I don't even know if I can drink General Foods International Coffees without cigarettes. It's been a long time. Did you see my blog post on our outing with Chrissy D? You should come next time. Hilarious.

Dr. Nic said...

Kate:
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born".
You are a friend to all and loved by all! I will miss the PU but look forward to watching you do great things as you move into a 'new world' : )
Nic
XX

Bean Down Under said...

Who's to say where the wind will take you
Who's to say what it is will break you
I don't know, which way the wind will blow
Who's to know when the time has come around
Don't want to see you cry
I know that this is not goodbye

KJ - a great read over the past 5 years, I know this is not goodbye from your blogging. Looking forward to the next decade!

KT said...

Oh Miss Kate, I will miss the PU so! You have touched so many people with your gift. I truly look forward to your next brilliant venture. Onward and upward, ma dear. Onward and upward. We're behind you all the way.

Health & Happiness in TwentyTen!

XO,
KT

katie o. said...

Thank you Kate, for your great talent, for your witty soul, and for your loving smile.

We hear your voice through your words. Looking forward to reading many more!

Love you! Katie O.

Anonymous said...

Kate, loved the PU, will miss the PU. So happy for you and your good health. Take care of yourself, peace. xoxo Julie Fagan

Cols said...

The beginnings of a really good book here, friend. ; )

Sending you robin's egg blue energy always.

xo,
Cols

Jnolan said...

Kate,

Best to you, will miss the blog, can never forgive you for exposing me to the Hasslehoff puppy photo, I'm working through that with my therapist.

Joe Nolan (the guy who alternately carries/crushes your James at hockey every Sunday).

Josephnolan1@verizon.net

cbasoli said...

PrettyKate,
I'll confess... I have an odd ritual of raising my adult beverage in celebration of other peoples' successes. Lately, it's been while outside grilling dinner with three fingers of Jack on ice. Several times this year I could be heard exclaiming, "Here's to PrettyKate, kicking ass while making me smile!" Tonight it will be, "Here's to the Pointy Universe, I'm glad I live in it!"
Love and respect, 'Soli

lpd said...

Oh Kate, how I shall miss the PU. It takes courage and a pureness of heart to open up ones soul in such a forum, and I am grateful to have enjoyed and learned from your words. Even more grateful to call you my friend.

"When all words fail she speaks. Her mixed tape's a masterpiece. I wanna be KATE!"

We will always go dancing.

Love you,
LPD

doctoreama said...

Those of us who have been privileged enough to live in and observe the pointy will return to our more mundane, alternative universes, energized by what you gave to us in your unique, funny and pointedly pointy way. Enjoy your new focus, and we look forward to your next triumphant chapter!! xoxo

Anonymous said...

Some chinese sexy time for you KJ? WTF.
I miss you already, peapod. Come back soon in whatever format. I love u miss u crave u.

Anonymous said...

I so miss this blog!
Nic

Anonymous said...

Hoping a random update will appear . . .

Anonymous said...

KJ, just get the next one up! LOVE ya but miss the posts and FB doesn't do it for me. I Miss you, lovelie LADY and hope everything is Ok.. KR

Pubey said...

KJ,
I know I am coming in late and I clearly don't check your blog often. not sure if you are even checking it anymore. That said, job well done. All good TV shows should go out like this. I actually got answers which is not something I expect I will get when LOST goes away.

Anyway..... we don't necessarily see eye to eye politically but we do in some of the more important area of life. So glad to see you come out of your little hell with your head on straight an priorities in focus. Actually, even better to see you come out of it at all. Best of luck with everything you do.

Pubey

KJ said...

P--I always knew you were a doll. Thank you. Peace & love, my friend.

p.s. I agree about LOST. I am steeling myself for crushing disappointment in May. Still hoping (you know I'm all about hope :))my low expectations will be foiled, however.

Caker said...

I know I am late on commenting about the end of the PU, but I will miss it dearly. Just re-read old posts and smiled. I don't know you, but feel like I do. Please keep writing. I will keep reading, laughing, crying, and enjoying your words.