Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Up in the Air. With the Snow.

Currently: Not in bed.

Currently: Not on my way to work.

Currently: Typing away on a strange metallic keyboard on a free internet kiosk. At the airport.

It's true! Today I am flying to Phoenix to see G and get away from the ice and snow for a few days. February vacation WIN.

WHOA! I just got a text message from American Airlines letting me know about my flight status! I didn't sign up for that. Wow, we really do live in the future. (Settles back in rocking chair, pulls knitted shawl tighter around shoulders.)

Judging by the friendly (read: not friendly) little clock on my free internet kiosk, I have only 16 minutes and 18 seconds left with which to finish this! Moving quicker now....

The original plan for this trip was for me to get up E-A-R-L-Y this morning and drive straight to the airport. BUT the impending "winter storm" in the area made me reconsider. After consulting with the Jedi counsel*, I left work a few hours early, ran a couple last minute errands, and flew home to PACK PACK PACK. I didn't even have time to finish my laundry! (O hai, Ginjer-- I can haz washeeng mah-sheen?) I was on the road by 6:30, because let's face it: there's just nothing like starting a road trip AFTER it gets dark!

(13 minutes and 29 seconds)

This really is the weirdest computer AND keyboard. I feel like I'm typing in prison, and the metallic keys are here because THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS.

It reminds me of Jerry Seinfeld's bit about the push-on water knobs in sinks at airports. He wonders what "they" think we'd do if we could have normal twist-on, twist-off knobs on the sink. Turn them on full blast and run away, pushing each other into the bushes? "You idiot, we're business men!" "Who cares? WATER!!!"

(9 minutes and 34 seconds)

Did I mention that I got to the airport and through security by 7:45? And my plane doesn't board until 9:25? FOR THE WIN.

(Pause for phone call from Mom.)

(Four minutes and 12 seconds.)

Okay, well I know this has been absolutely RIVETING for you, but I'd better get moving. I only have an hour and 15 minutes to get to my gate, which is approximately 50 yards away. Hope I make it!

(And leave me lots of comments so I have SOMETHING TO DO!) See you on the flip side....

*My parents.

5 comments:

Ginger said...

Woot. First guest at the house post wedding. Holla. (I really need to stop saying that.) SEE YOU SOON!!!

Katie said...

"THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS." I'm cracking up. But seriously, everything in airports - the narrow bathroom stalls, the plastic chairs, the recycled air - makes me feel that way.

Hope you have safe travels, Val!

Valerie said...

Thanks, Katie!

Yes, it's quite the magical wonderland here in the airport. I see your bathroom stalls, plastic chairs, and recycled air and raise you a few muffled intercom announcements, loud cell phone conversations, and the smell of other people's (unappetizing) food!

The fun never ends. ;)

dc said...

I"m always sitting at airports way too long.. unless of course, I'm sprinting breathless across miles of linoleum, while hearing "MOVE FOR THE CART!" being yelled by angry airport dudes. Why can't it ever be just a leisurely stroll and a short wait for a pleasant flight? This is what I want to know.

brent said...

This is why you're one of my favorite blogging friends. Huzzah for a great post! Also, dc asks a good question. A pleasant flight would be kind of cool.