Oct 4, 2009
The murderous United agent having disappeared from Planet Earth, we were forced to re-explain our overweight bag situation to yet another non-native-English speaker. He got the concept, confirmed that Big Red was now under the magic 50 pounds, and waved us away.
We (Katie and I, not the non-native-English speaking United agent!) shared a brief goodbye hug, I tried unsuccessfully not to cry, and Katie fast-walked (evidently the default walking speed of college sophomores in northern Virginia) out to the car, while I made a beeline for security.
Once entrenched in the security line, I realized that I had failed to find a bathroom where I could empty out my water bottle (so as to keep it with me), so I had to trash it and resign myself to spending another $3 on a small water bottle without the sport cap. Sigh.
Once my lovely hefty carry-on and I had made it through security and I my feet were again shod, the rest of the trip was uneventful. I boarded the big plane when I was supposed to (only 30 minutes before departure, as this one was not continuing on overseas), and there was sufficient room in the overhead bin for my carry-on. A nice gentleman hoisted it aloft for me. I spent most of that flight and all of my two hour layover in Chicago systematically dissecting Josiah’s research paper. (They really don’t pay us moms nearly enough for the proofreading we do. Where’s MY bail-out and stimulus package?!??) At O-Hare, I enjoyed a salad at Quizno’s that was quite tasty. I returned to Springfield in a plane that was substantially (not) larger than the one in which I had departed (two and two seats, instead of one and two). The carry-on still had to be gate checked.
It was about 5:00 PM Sunday when I arrived, and the rest of my family was there to greet me, having stayed in town after church and then gone bike riding on the Frisco Highline Trail. I need to confirm exactly how many miles they rode, but I think it was something approaching twenty. They were all excited, slightly sunburned, and worn out. I was only excited and worn out.
We returned a borrowed bike to the Halls, had a fine dinner at Boston Market (note outstanding customer service by Felicia), and drove home. All things considered – and it should be obvious that I do tend to consider ALL things – it was a trip I’ll always remember fondly and the best birthday present I have ever received.
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