Leaving on a jet plane...Maybe!

7-5
It is 8:10am in Seattle and I’ve already had an adventure on my journey. Let’s just say, I’m not a fan of early mornings, especially after late nights! I had a wonderful 4th yesterday hanging out with Carla and my sister’s family. Carla and I watched the fireworks near Gasworks Park then hit the Pac Inn on our walk back to my place to get out of the crowds and have a drink. I had one of the strongest greyhounds ever, then had a second. After some drinking, we needed food, so we headed to Fremont for a dog. We got home to my apartment about 1am. I finished last minute packing and things I needed to do, and before I knew it, it was almost 3am. I decided it was time for sleep.

I woke up late and was in a rush to get to the airport. On the drive I realized I didn’t have Rebecca’s, our group leader, phone number. I didn’t know if I was supposed to print flight info. I had nothing and was growing more and more stressed out by the time. I arrived at the airport around 6:25 for my 7:10 departure. I didn’t see anyone from our group, so I got in line to check in.

I got in the line that said it was for 35 minutes or less to departure. It didn’t say anything about self-service. Apparently I missed something. It was self-service so I was directed to the end of another line. Damn. I just wasted 15 minutes in this line! Grr! No one cared. In fact, when I said I had a 7:10 flight I was told I was already too late. I refused to believe that. In the second line, two very nice gentlemen let me go first. The ticket lady at the counter had to call to see if they would even let me on the flight. She said ok, but no guarantees.

I ran to security and begged my way to the front of the line. I told the people my flight was leaving and I had to laugh at one guys response, “I hope all our flights are leaving.” Yes, well, mine is leaving in minutes! Right as I got to the front of the security line, the guy checking had to walk away for some reason. COME ON! Luckily he came back quickly and let me go through. Next it was the scanner. I threw my things on, grabbed my laptop out as fast as I could and walked through. For some reason, they were fascinated with my carry-on bag and kept it under the scanner for a long time. Then they searched it. Um yeah, the contents of the suspicious bag? A blanket and two books. That’s it.

Finally I ran as fast as my legs would carry me, invisioning missing my opportunity to go to New Orleans. Thinking I would have to wait another 20 years to fulfill this dream… Every time I thought I was almost at my gate, there was a turn and I had to run more. Finally the gate was in sight and there was still a line of people boarding. Completely out of breath, I boarded my first flight in the journey.

So here I sit, finally on my way to New Orleans. I’m overwhelmed with excitement, anticipation, and nervousness. I know this will be a profound, life changing experience. And I don’t really know what to expect. I guess I will just go with the flow and enjoy!