The rest of the story...

Following my last post, I thought I should give you the rest of the story (Oh, ernie Harwell...)

While sitting at LAX waiting for my newest flight to Chicago, I met another travel blogger (so random). He had read over my shoulder and inquired about the scoop. It could have been intrusive I guess, but I do the same thing. Sorry to the folks who always sit next to me on the plane, I do actually read what your working on. Thus far I am sorry to say, no one has been working on anything even remotely interesting or top secret. Sad.
Anyway, the fellow blogger shared his travel blog (which makes this one a tiny bit lame-o), and it was super funny and totally true.
After my total space out moment for the previous flight there was no one I was going very far from the gate, so I happy to have the entertainment and a little company.
The flight to Chicago was uneventful and we arrived a few minutes early. I followed the signs to the O'Hare Hilton (singin Follow the Yellow brick rd the whole way, btw) and checked in.
I was tired and ready for a bed and a shower.
I got to the room and prompty removed my yucko travl gear. Sometimes you just feel icky after a plane ride. And sadly this was one of those trips. Even sadder was the fact that all my stuff was already in GR. Hmmm....
So I took a shower and decided to wash my underwear along with me.
I decided to sleep sans clothing.
Not a big deal for many, but a little weird in a hotel room when you're all alone.
But I had decided naked at night is better than 48 hour clothing!
After getting over the fact that I was not wearing pj's, I got some rest and put yesterday's clothes back on.
Now, I am a repeat wearer of clothes on a regular basis, but I always put fresh underwear on and swipe on a little deoderant. Neither of which I could do.
More lessons I learned about myself: I can be gross, but need clean underwear and deoderant to feel okay about wearing grotty clothes.

I made my way through the frigid Chicago air and got to the terminal that morning, hoping that I wouldn't sweat and that no one else would know I was gross.

I don't think anyone did.

I made it to GR and Uncle T picked me up. To his credit he did not tease me too much (though it was very much deserved!). We met Papa and then I was headed north to celebrate Christmas in january.

don't get cocky.

Well, today the travle adventures took a serious down turn.
I was in LA for a work meeting and made detailed plans to arrive at my family Christmas this evening.
My van arrived early, so we could all enjoy lunch before long travels eastward.
I got to my terminal, got situated, grabbed some lunch and knew I had an hour or so to hammer out some emails. The airline representative announced my gate a few times, but I was absorbed in what I was doing and not watching the people around me. (and to be honest I was totally annoyed that they kept announcing the gate. I mean I knew what gate I was leaving from!) So there I sat as my plane boarded without me.
My computer ran out of juice and I quickly realized there was not one single other person in my gate. Um, whoops doesn't seem to cover it.
I rushed to the gate (cause these old lady bones don't run) and asked the gate agent if there was anything to be done. She promptly sent me to customer service, where I almost cried. I held it together to explain my situation. The man next to me gave me his french fries because he felt so bad. (so funny.) We looked at my options and there was just NO way I was getting to Grand Rapids tonight. So, we figured out my best bet and booked it.
I called the dude and explained the deal and he just laughed. (what i forgot to mention was that my flight arrangements today greatly affected the plans of the rest of my family...talk about feeling bad). I thought about driving from O'hare to the cottage and then saw it was 6 hours. Regardless of the time zone my body thinks it is, I am not interested in a 6 hour drive in the dark and snow. I have friends in Chicago. I thought about who lived close and then remembered there is a hotel at the airport. I reserved a room.
As I type the Dude is making arrangements to pick me up tomorrow morning.
As I type my luggage is headed to Chicago and will then end up in Grand Rapids. Let's hope it really does get there.


*** As as aside, as I've sat at the gate and waited for my new flight and to embark on this random adventure, a lovely woman who was listening to my conversation with mom leaned over and told me I was making the right choice to stay at hotel and reminded me that this will be a really good story one day. (Family-- you are welcome)