The Jet Lag Man
Everything is starting to normalize. My body went through hula-hoops since my arrival on Sunday, at one point I convinced myself it was the next day, then would sleep whenever the opportunity presented itself. Jet lag is rough; I’ve dealt with it before but never to this extent. Eight hours forward four weeks ago, and then back for a week, then forward fourteen, now back. It’ll be nice to spend a whole weekend with the family without worrying about work, airports, or packing luggage.
The flight from Singapore to Tokyo was a quick seven hours. The tail winds were terrific bringing the airplane’s ground speed upwards of 600 miles per hour. As I wrote before, the man sitting next to me was definitely introverted probably questioning why he couldn’t fly business or first class, not my bad. He didn’t say a thing when I slammed my head into the overhead luggage compartment while sitting down in my seat. Maybe he missed his connecting flight and learned to be a little more extroverted.
Tokyo to Los Angeles was a terrific flight! I sat next to a man from Texas who served in the US Army for twenty years. We talked for close to four hours of the nine-hour flight. Topics of discussion included politics, taxes, philosophy, idiotic travelers, and pets. We were sitting behind the left over-wing exit and had to give an older Japanese man very evil looks for touching the handle which could open the door. If his hands moved in an opening manner, he’d be on the floor. They should make the doors more difficult to open, possibly using a key-code, or some type of sensor that detects movement or airflow across the door preventing it from opening unless certain conditions are met. I thought the tail winds were strong from Singapore to Tokyo, I was wrong. Tokyo to Los Angeles had tail winds in excess of 140 miles per hour bringing the plane’s ground speed to 680 miles per hour.
Arrival in Los Angeles was unexpected. The line for Immigration was quick, organized, with a very friendly official asking me the atypical questions. I proceeded to claim my luggage that took a few minutes but it wasn’t very long. Once I claimed my luggage, I got into the customs line. It was much slower but it still moved. That same older Japanese man suddenly couldn’t walk anymore and was wheeled to the front of the customs line. Next time I fly, I’m leaving my walking legs at home. Four questions later, I was giving my luggage to the connecting flight baggage handler and then proceeded to clear security, again. When I got to security I did the usual separation of laptop, belt, and shoes from my bag and person, then waited for the husband and wife in front of me. The wife went through without any problems but the husband was an idiot. The security screener asked if I’d like to go ahead and I went ahead, walked up to the screener and said, “That guy is an idiot! You should give him additional screening.” He laughed and sent me on my way.
When I got to the gate there was about twenty minutes before my flight to Denver was to board. I asked the gate agent if she could bump me to Economy Plus, she looked at my whole itinerary, tore up someone else’s ticket, re-issued mine for Economy Plus on an exit row. I thanked her efforts and went to get some lunch. I hate McDonalds but it was quick and I needed to get back to my gate. Ten minutes later the flight was boarding and I got on-board. I fell asleep five minutes after the plane departed the runway, was awoken by a flight attendant asking if I wanted something to drink. I got my Diet Coke, poured a few ounces into the plastic cup, then dropped the can on the floor creating a small geyser of soda that soaked my jeans and got the girl next to me a little wet. I apologized, she laughed, I drank my two ounces of soda, and went back to sleep.
Jessica and the children were anxiously awaiting my arrival. As soon as Ayden saw me, he screamed “Daddy!” and ran around me like a wild monkey. Rylin was mad at me and didn’t want to look at me (she later did) but still accepted a kiss. Tyler and Kylea laughed at Ayden and started asking me about my trip almost right away. We collected my luggage and headed out of the airport. We got dinner close to home, had a great time doing it, and then went home.
The past two days have been outstanding with the children being very good. Jessica and I have had a lot to talk about and we’ve spent a lot of time with Ayden and Rylin. We’ve cracked countless jokes about unpacking and if I don’t, how I’ll get another phone call to go somewhere else. Although I’ve only been home two days, two home cooked meals in a row is a wonderful thing! Tomorrow I’m going back to work and I wonder if it’ll be a light or busy day. I have to put together a massive expense report that will span two trips. Wouldn’t it be nice if my company would give all their travelers an American Express Business Card? I’ve already spent close to $4,000; it would be nice if they’d provide us this one convenience.