Holy cow
One B. The rest, A's. Holy cow. I wasn't expecting that for my overview...I...I...how did that happen?
After all the insanity that surrounded finals, I managed to make it out of Chicago. I was so well prepared. I took out my trash the night before, prepared a lunch so I wouldn't have to eat overpriced airport food, packed my bag, and planned to be at the airport by 8:30 (meaning, I leave by 7:15) to be at least two and a half hours early for my flight. I overslept by an hour, which meant I had a Home Alone moment where I woke up screaming, "I slept in!" I hustled out of my apartment, thinking how D and Operaman had their flights delayed for hours and I began to hope that perhaps mine was delayed, as well, buying me a scant amount of time. No dice. The airport confirmed that my flight was to leave in exactly two and a half hours. On time. Clear weather. Damn. The Blue Line to O'Hare is around fifty-five minutes...a cab is about thirty minutes. The Blue Line is "free" with my student card...a cab is about forty dollars, plus tip. So, I gritted my teeth and walked to the Red Line to catch the Blue Line. I estimate that if I arrive at O'Hare between 9:30 and 9:40, I can make it through security *and* run to my gate, even if it's on the other side of the airport from where the Blue Line enters. With the rain and the construction, the Blue Line pulls in at 9:43. Three minutes off...this *might* not be such a big deal...but with the delays and the issues spilling over from Denver, this could mean that I get bumped or caught in a HUGE security line or that I miss the flight altogether. This is not really due to the three minutes I lost on the El, but to the hour I lost in my bed. And I wasn't even having fun...
Once the train stops at O'Hare, the other women on the train with luggage (who presumably also overslept) and I make a dash for the ticket counter, helping one another bruise past the massive amount of slow walkers and homeless people and panhandlers in the way. Long story shortened: I get my pass, run through security in less than 10 minutes and am at my gate with 15 minutes to spare. I was thrilled and so very proud of me for saving forty dollars, plus tip. Because yes.
The flight was uneventful, except for the fact that it is now common practice (apparently) for one to place one's shoeless foot on the armrest of the person in front of you. This has happened on the last three flights I've taken, and it is a rather rude awakening to feel someone's (wholly unexpected and unappreciated) big toe tickling your ribcage because they aren't sure if it's a body or the seat. I do not care for this practice and petition that it be removed from all airlines. I then came home to my family where we trimmed the tree, celebrated Advent and had the first family meal that we've had in many a month. It was delightful. Shortly thereafter, Dave and I met K and jamboree77 and olrin_the_grey for Flying Saucer and a movie. We (oh, so foolishly) saw Apocalypto. We all wanted so badly to give Mel Gibson a fifteenth chance, but this was the last straw. Mel Gibson, you owe me $6.50. Seriously. I'm embarrassed for you. You do realize that when you resort to placing "Home Alone" schemes in your Mayan movie, you are clearly nuckin' futs, right?
Erasing that hideous memory was the arrival of Joell on Christmas Eve and three services at Doug's church. They were all right...I sang fairly well, and things are coming far easier than they used to. I am so very bitter, however, wheneve I come to sing for him...because I then realize what I miss by being in Chicago. He's just incredible...and such a beautiful person...he makes me miss Texas almost as much as my family does.
Christmas was uneventful...very relaxing. We woke up late (huzzah for no youngin's who awken at dawn), opened our presents, had brunch, and lazed about for the rest of the day. I got the Joy of Cooking, because my parents are wonderful and realize that I cook an inordinate amount for people in Chicago and my recipes are getting tired...the kids up north are getting a treat with my Christmas present. :) There was also the obligatory cash, which will be great for new snowboots and a pair of long underwear and a hand mixer...how boring and practical am I?
I think that since it is nearly 5 a.m., I will wrap up and think over this semester for other stories during times in which I have promised blogs...Happy New Year to all. :) 'night.
After all the insanity that surrounded finals, I managed to make it out of Chicago. I was so well prepared. I took out my trash the night before, prepared a lunch so I wouldn't have to eat overpriced airport food, packed my bag, and planned to be at the airport by 8:30 (meaning, I leave by 7:15) to be at least two and a half hours early for my flight. I overslept by an hour, which meant I had a Home Alone moment where I woke up screaming, "I slept in!" I hustled out of my apartment, thinking how D and Operaman had their flights delayed for hours and I began to hope that perhaps mine was delayed, as well, buying me a scant amount of time. No dice. The airport confirmed that my flight was to leave in exactly two and a half hours. On time. Clear weather. Damn. The Blue Line to O'Hare is around fifty-five minutes...a cab is about thirty minutes. The Blue Line is "free" with my student card...a cab is about forty dollars, plus tip. So, I gritted my teeth and walked to the Red Line to catch the Blue Line. I estimate that if I arrive at O'Hare between 9:30 and 9:40, I can make it through security *and* run to my gate, even if it's on the other side of the airport from where the Blue Line enters. With the rain and the construction, the Blue Line pulls in at 9:43. Three minutes off...this *might* not be such a big deal...but with the delays and the issues spilling over from Denver, this could mean that I get bumped or caught in a HUGE security line or that I miss the flight altogether. This is not really due to the three minutes I lost on the El, but to the hour I lost in my bed. And I wasn't even having fun...
Once the train stops at O'Hare, the other women on the train with luggage (who presumably also overslept) and I make a dash for the ticket counter, helping one another bruise past the massive amount of slow walkers and homeless people and panhandlers in the way. Long story shortened: I get my pass, run through security in less than 10 minutes and am at my gate with 15 minutes to spare. I was thrilled and so very proud of me for saving forty dollars, plus tip. Because yes.
The flight was uneventful, except for the fact that it is now common practice (apparently) for one to place one's shoeless foot on the armrest of the person in front of you. This has happened on the last three flights I've taken, and it is a rather rude awakening to feel someone's (wholly unexpected and unappreciated) big toe tickling your ribcage because they aren't sure if it's a body or the seat. I do not care for this practice and petition that it be removed from all airlines. I then came home to my family where we trimmed the tree, celebrated Advent and had the first family meal that we've had in many a month. It was delightful. Shortly thereafter, Dave and I met K and jamboree77 and olrin_the_grey for Flying Saucer and a movie. We (oh, so foolishly) saw Apocalypto. We all wanted so badly to give Mel Gibson a fifteenth chance, but this was the last straw. Mel Gibson, you owe me $6.50. Seriously. I'm embarrassed for you. You do realize that when you resort to placing "Home Alone" schemes in your Mayan movie, you are clearly nuckin' futs, right?
Erasing that hideous memory was the arrival of Joell on Christmas Eve and three services at Doug's church. They were all right...I sang fairly well, and things are coming far easier than they used to. I am so very bitter, however, wheneve I come to sing for him...because I then realize what I miss by being in Chicago. He's just incredible...and such a beautiful person...he makes me miss Texas almost as much as my family does.
Christmas was uneventful...very relaxing. We woke up late (huzzah for no youngin's who awken at dawn), opened our presents, had brunch, and lazed about for the rest of the day. I got the Joy of Cooking, because my parents are wonderful and realize that I cook an inordinate amount for people in Chicago and my recipes are getting tired...the kids up north are getting a treat with my Christmas present. :) There was also the obligatory cash, which will be great for new snowboots and a pair of long underwear and a hand mixer...how boring and practical am I?
I think that since it is nearly 5 a.m., I will wrap up and think over this semester for other stories during times in which I have promised blogs...Happy New Year to all. :) 'night.