Life Calls for a Day Trip {take 3}

(I'm posting this but will be adding pictures tomorrow... it's too late to fiddle with it tonight)  Have a good read (those who fancy reading short stories;)  Pictures up!-- me in all my greasy exhausted glory.  Not my best look but what can you do.  (these pics are just of the trip- nothing to do with the story, ha.)

So something amazing happened to end my California trip.  I was so blessed honestly.

(What's up with me telling freakishly long stories lately?  I promise this will be it.  For a while anyway.) So the last night (oh wait, my only night) sleeping in California was also a short one.  We got to bed at a decent hour I thought but not nearly early enough when you have to wake up at 4:45 am to catch a 6am flight.  Did you catch that?  I (smart-ily) gave my self ONE hour and fifteen minutes to make a flight.  Why do you think they call me Smarty Pants Mcgee.  Sure that's plenty of time if you were flying out of Phoenix at that hour on a Sunday (at least in my experience) but what I didn't factor in was that we were leaving from LAX!  L. A. X. People!

To my surprise LAX at five o'clock on a Sunday morning was like a mall on black friday.  Seriously SO many flipping people.  Oh yeah, and we didn't even leave the hotel till 5:15am.  We were a few minutes away so I wasn't worried on my way there- but I was when I got there and realized I was cutting it close.  TOO close.

There was one guy ahead of me at the curb side check in.  Then me.  I gave the guy my info and he says, "sorry ma'am you're going to have to go inside and get another flight- I can't check your bags in..."

WHAT!?!?!?  No Wait, WHAT?!

"You have to have them checked in 45 minutes prior to take off time- you missed it by FOUR MINUTES."

I said, "are you kidding me? Four minutes?!  You're not going to do it for me!?  Pleaaase!  PLEASE!  I beg of you just check me in!"  

No can do.

Reminded me of this little experience- only okay 500 times worse.

In my mind I FLIPPED.  For about two seconds.  Then I told myself- NO way.  This is NOT happening again I'm NOT accepting what this dude is telling me.  I am GOING to try to get on this plane if it's the last thing I do- and I'm going to keep trying till I know it's flown out of here and hope is lost.

Not that I didn't want to call my brother back and have him come and get me to spend a few more hours with him but I didn't (no offense, really).  It's just that Hyrum was awake now, my crap was loaded, my makeup quickly done- I was in "traveler mode" not...well-crap-should-we-head-to-Denny's-and-waste-five-hours mode.  I just wanted to start that long day of traveling so it could be over and done with.  I had a layover and two different flights again so I definitely had to make this.

There I was on the curb- another couple behind me had a similar fate (different destination though).  They were trying to make small talk with me but I really wasn't going to waste precious minutes so as quick as I could, I rushed off.  In between them talking to me, the loud airport noises, and my own brain searching for some logical ideas on what to do next, I was so frazzled.... for about one whole minute.  My body took me inside to where all the lines were.  Remember- mall on black friday.  Seriously!  The lines were insane!  That's when I regretted leaving that somewhat clear curbside checkin where all the workers probably were.  OH how was I supposed to get help getting on this plane when the quickest way to an airport worker was in a 30minute or more line! 

That's when the clouds parted ever so slightly and passing right in front of me was an AMERICAN AIRLINES worker!  (Should I punch her in the mouth?)  Just kidding. ;)  As if it were a reflex I stopped her and said, "I can't check into my flight!?  I have a 6am flight I NEED to make!"

Then she said the most beautiful thing imaginable: "that's if you are checking bags.  You can check in to your flight you just can't check bags anymore."

LADY, I LOVE YOU!

anyways.

Here's the hilarious part- I had LOTS of crap.  How was I supposed to get to my gate carting all this stuff??  And can I even take it all on the plane?!?!  I quickly scanned everything....THIS- can go under my feet.  THIS- overhead compartment (I hope it fits).  THIS and THIS- check at gate. 

 I CAN DO IT!! 

I had my HUUUGE backpack which had my entire camera bag and all my equipment in it- plus my purse- and stuff for Hyrum.  (I remembered a change of clothes for him this time!) That was going to go under my feet.  Then my actual suitcase would *hopefully fit in the overhead compartment.  Then I had Hyrum's umbrella stroller and a separate carseat (which I had to strap to my suitcase).  Both of those were going to be checked at the gate (I hoped).  Well, I actually halfway knew they would do it that way because I called in before this trip and found out what their stroller/car seat policy was.  

So I knew I could now check in- it was only a matter of first CHECKING IN and then making it through security and to my gate to make my flight which was going to leave in 30 minutes. (so they should be boarding)

AGAIN.. as if by some miracle right in front of me was a check in station- a VACANT check in station!  Check in- check!  Make it to elevator (also the slowest elevator I've ever used, officially) -check!  Like I said, the place was hoppin'.  The lines for security were outrageous.  I WAS super happy but that feeling came to a screeching hault when I saw those lines.

I was going to miss my flight for sure.

Then, an angel started walking towards me.  She saw me carting a baby, insanely huge backpack slumped over me, and a suitcase in the other hand with a carseat dangling from it.  I was a sight.  She must've known or could see by my tired worn out face that I was stressin.  She left her station to assess me and my get-up.  I straight up told her I was supposed to make a 6am flight.  Where's the shortest line?!, I asked.  "You're traveling alone!?" she said.  Then she took my suitcase and rolled me to the nearest worker to put me -IN FRONT- of everyone else.  I seriously felt like a celebrity (minus the bags under the eyes and cheap clothes).  I really didn't deserve to be cut in front of all those people- I mean, I was late, I should've paid the price.  But I really think Heavenly Father put me in the path of those two ladies in particular who were so prompt and helpful. 

I was honestly shaking when I gave them my drivers license and boarding pass to check.  She noticed- and told me to chill.  I just still wasn't sure I'd make it to my gate in time!  But the lady who let me cut was also helping me fold up the stroller to put through along with the rest of my stuff.  I got through the metal detector and looked around to smile, wave, anything to thank that lady.  POOF gone.  I wouldn't be surprised if she was an angel and that's why she poofed.  Honestly.  I felt bad though I couldn't thank her.

From there I RAN... FLEW to my gate (I mean as much as a person can with a stroller/baby in one hand, pulling a suitcase and car seat in the other.

When I got there half the people on my flight were already on the plane.  The rest of the travels went as good as one can hope from AA (heh heh) and I made it home in one piece.

I thought I'd be forever scarred after that first trip but turns out there are decent airport workers in this world (;  No, really, I'm so grateful to have made that flight.  I probably would've had a breakdown and quit blogging because of it, if I hadn't. (because those things are so related and everything)

Aren't you so happy, now too. ;)

Next time I take a backside picture remind me to take the crap out of my pockets. Also..other day trips here & here

Cali.. by my camera phone

I didn't get very many pictures of the trip but that's because it was only one day and besides I was there for my brothers- and my camera cards were reserved for them.  I had my phone though obviously- which even still I neglected to get very many pictures on it.  This was it!  Can you believe that?  

 Few things about my {short} trip:

-I would've never forgiven myself if I went to California without eating my beloved Chilli Cheese Fries. 

It was the feast of the year!  

-And In 'N Out of course (it tastes better in California than anywhere else;)  

-Neapolitan Shake!  Oh I miss it.

-& that was Hyrum's first beach trip.  

-I was a little preoccupied taking engagement shots of lovely couples (my brothers)

and Hyrum and I didn't really play on the beach- but I'm sure he was okay with it

for how chilly and windy it was!
-my sister drove out to be with us for part of the day!  It was so good to see her!

And anyway he just wanted to be home with his brother.

stuff happens

(This is where I write a lot...an unusual amount of a lot... and you read or don't;)

In the previous post I mentioned a brother of mine... Mike.  That dude is something special, I just have to say.  When he got engaged he didn't think twice he went right ahead and booked little ol ME a plane ticket to come take his engagement pictures.  All he ever said was "you are SO worth it!"

Um HI... I'm a lucky girl with amazing siblings.  He even got me a hotel room for two nights- and a nice one at that.  As excited for the trip as I was (hello, who wouldn't be excited to go to Cali!?  I grew up there!  I need my yearly So Cal fill.) I wasn't, however, stoked for the plane ride.  Hyrum is a much easier baby then Brody was.  Then again..I was new to motherhood and had no idea what to expect.  So maybe that is not true.  But what IS true is that Brody was A LOT heavier and that was tiring.  He also didn't really like to be held.. so that made church, plane rides, public places (so everywhere).. kinda hard.  Anywho.

So no, I wasn't excited about the plane ride with a baby (from all my past experience)- by myself- and the layover- and the 9 hour traveling time ahead of me (that's just one way btw..& including the time spent in the airport).  Sounded long.  And tiring.  Especially since I'd be getting in suuuper late (2am my time) to Cali with a baby.  By myself (eww).  Did I mention that? haha.  But YO (randy jackson style).  I have NOTHING to complain about since my brother was so nice to fly me out- and really this was the earliest I could leave!  I was just glad to go.  I even told Tony "I'm not excited about the actual traveling part but WHO KNOWS maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised and it won't be so bad!"

But then...

"stuff happened".  Long story short (or longer, however you want to look at it)  There was a 2 hour delay in Louisville.  So okay.. everything would be pushed back right?  No biggie.

Wrong again.

I got to Dallas for my layover and literally RAN to my next gate.  Baby, back pack, stroller, etc.. in tow. Oh, and don't worry that is only the largest airport known to man.  I had to take a 15 minute shuttle ride to my terminal.  I had a bad feeling in my stomach that whole shuttle ride.  When I came upon the place my plane was supposed to be it was a ghost town (minus the hundreds of people that seemed to be camping out everywhere).  When I approached the nearest American Airlines lady she laid the news on me like a slap in the face with a cold dead fish.  "Sorry they left 10 minutes ago"  

me-"well, didn't you know I was delayed on the runway for 30 minutes because all the gates were full?!  I was here, just stuck out there!!"

devil woman-"Well we'd rather get hundreds of people to their destination on time instead of wait for a few people." (cold uncaring expression)

That's when I looked down at my poor tired baby and lost it.  I don't deal with stress very well when I'm tired- especially when I look at my child- so perfect and sweet- and want nothing more for him but what he deserves... and at that moment it was a quiet hotel room, a comfortable mattress, and sleep.

She proceeded to tell me the earliest she could "guarantee" me a flight would be at 1:30 PM the next. day.!  It was just about midnight there.  I ONLY HAD ONE DAY in California (Saturday) then I left again at 6am in the morning on Sunday.  So that would've given me half a day, if that, to be with my family.  That was unacceptable!  Then she said if I "wanted to upgrade to a first class seat I'd be able to leave at 9:30am".  But then she said she wouldn't let me??!  When I said, "NO I'll BUY IT!  Whatever!"  She said, "that'll be $1,195.00"  WTH!!!  That's when I realized she was just wasting my energy.  She also said I wasn't applicable for a hotel stay and taxi to it on their dime.  If I wanted that, I'd have to pay.  I'm "not a seasoned traveler" so I wouldn't know that the delay in Louisville would bring me to this.  (how dare she judge me- what does she know!)  Anyway that's when I gathered my things and left.

I collected myself and went to another American Airlines person across the room.  He seemed like he had a nice bone in his body compared to the devil I just did business with.  She had no sympathy for me nor my baby.  I very calmly told the guy of my situation and he straightway booked me a guaranteed seat on an 8:30am flight.  (huh... who knew THAT was available!  Hallelujah!)  Then put me on STANDBY for a 6am!!  Oh praise be!

Although.. that DID mean we were stuck there for the next 6 hours at LEAST to attempt to do this:

(sleep)

And sleep we did!  (attempt anyway).  Seriously, the cots were going like hot cakes.  All the people I mentioned earlier were stranded too.  It was a baaaad night in the Dallas airport, people.  I found a relatively quiet corner of the airport and set up camp.  A mouse scurried around near us (oh joy), the lights beamed down on us, and the air conditioning swirled around the dead airport.  No, I didn't bring a change of clothes for Hy, nor a jacket for myself.  I figured:  I could handle the plane rides and Hyrum would be okay in shorts.  Boy did I not plan for the worst.  Luckily, there was a very nice group, about my age, who felt sorry for the chick with a baby because they brought me airplane blankets they scrounged up.  I was freeeeezing though.  Wearing thin jeggings, flats, and a short sleeve top.  Nice.

The hours passed slowly but quickly at the same time.  I had a few epiphanies that night... and this trip taught me a lot.  Here they are:

-bring a jacket and snacks no matter what

-bring my phone charger (not pack it in my checked bag)

-you catch more flies with honey than vinegar... when I was calm, I got hooked up... relatively speaking

-I really have it all.

No, I don't lit.er.ally have it all but I was thinking as I was struggling that night... man it would be so nice to sleep on my tempurpedic mattress...and then I realized there are so many people in the world that have it like this- and worse every night.  If they can do that, I can do this.  And how selfish of me to think I had it bad at all.

Sure I will never fly American Airlines again (SOUTHWEST what, what!.. I mean who doesn't give out peanuts, AA??  Cheapskates.) and that truly was the hardest night of my life that I can recall (even worse than when I was 6 months pregnant, sick, and camping on the hard floor.. on my birthday) but so what!  We at least had a building to be in- and a cot- and the possibility of leaving sooner than later!!

There were 36 people on standby for the 6am and I was number 6 in line.  I swear that nice guy put me higher up in that line.  I MADE the flight!!  Tired and looking like death, me and my baby happily slept (for a good half hour anyway) on our way to the beautiful beach...  *sigh It was the best of times and the worst of times.  (the travels... the time WITH my family was nothing but perfect:)

I changed my original title to this post from "crap happens" to "stuff happens"... because right now that's all it seems to be.  Just stuff.  Just life.  Really, after hearing about all the recent storms, lost children, parents, friends... my "bad night" doesn't seem so bad.  Just a flesh wound compared to something actually life altering.  My heart aches for people who have had to suffer lately from all the natural disasters.  When I look at it that way, nothing went wrong that night.

Baby brother gets engaged

So a little while ago I announced my twin (irish twin- MIKE) who got engaged and now I get to announce my other brother Perris got engaged this weekend!  I'm so excited for them!!  Also this weekend I got to take both of their engagement photos in California (home sweet home).  I remembered last minute to take some clips.  I put these to "their song" and  if you are wondering, yes this makes me cry.

You might remember Perris from when he got home from his mission or heck maybe you've been around long enough to remember when he left.   Aren't they adorable?  I'm so happy for both of my brothers for finding adorable, sweet girls to marry for eternity.

ps. go enter my sisters giveaway!  Seriously, GO!

flower market

Tony and I had a particularly loud venture to Target yesterday (these pictures are not related to this story- this wasn't target;) (well Hy was an angel, Brody was loud) where when we got home we both daydreamed about the quiet days when we just sit at home and read.  I'm like, "it'll be so nice to read a BOOK!  I haven't been able to read a book in.. looks at watch..THIRTY years!"  (my future self says)  We were kidding- we really love being parents to little kids. (:

I wouldn't be surprised if that comes true though (minus this one of course).  I'm on the clock 24 hours and the quiet minutes I get I'd rather be drooling on my pillow.  It truly is my goal to read a book a month.. I just never do.  Instead I find myself meandering through flower markets because there like an infinity of them here and where I come from (came from, I'm not "from" there) you don't see these scattered on every corner.  Or do you?  At any rate, in case you are wondering, I'm actually jealous of my Arizona pals who are WARM.  It's been so cold and rainy lately.. so much for my 92 and humid couple of days;)

ps. why can't I ever decide on a look for my blog? haha