As travelling goes, I generally have a lot of luck. It’s rare that any of my flights are stuck on the ground, delayed, cancelled, etc. Perhaps that’s why my entire evening felt like a big stressful nightmare.

Arrival at Lambert Airport in StL was a breeze. Kristi admonished me several times to relax and enjoy myself, so I planned to do just that. Check-in was a breeze, security was no problem, and I was feeling quite blessed.

Then Chicago has to go and ruin it.

Apparently there were awful winds in Chicago, so we were delayed boarding the plane. Then we were delayed once inside the plane. To make matters worse, a professor at Covenant Seminary was on the flight - one who is very well-respected. During the time on the ground, he bitched and moaned more than anyone I’ve heard, deriding the staff of American Airlines and just generally acting like … well, a dumbass.

Since the flight was delayed into Chicago, it was also (luckily) delayed out of Chicago. I walked straight from gate to gate, sat down, and proceeded to Los Angeles without issue.

I arrived in LA an hour late, which caused me some stress, because check-in and security for international flights takes quite a bit longer than domestic. I had my baggage pawed through by quite the delightful security dude. The main stressor of my day - whether I’d have an aisle seat or not - was calmed at check-in. Thankfully!

By the time the flight took off it was 1:30a by my body clock. I was tired and cranky, and finding it was difficult to sleep sitting up. At this point, Qantas decided to serve some mindlessly awful-smelling dinner. It literally made me gag. I was too groggy to figure out what it was, but I hope I never smell it again through all my damned life.

I woke up at 8:30a StL time. We didn’t arrive until 4:30p StL time. Ugh. Fifteen hour flights are f’ing miserable. I mean, damn. I actually watched “Freaky Friday” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” to pass time. Neither were awful; the awful thing was finding that only an hour and a half or so had passed while you watched them.

By the time we neared Melbourne, I was punchy and loopy and desperately sick of sitting in a plane. It wasn’t just me; all the natives were decidedly restless. I watched the flight path on my little screen as it ticked down time til arrival. Finally, when just minutes were remaining, I breathed a stress-less breath. Made it.

Jet-lagged,

michelle

Today’s the day. I leave for the airport in 3 1/2 hours. Travelling first to Chicago, then Los Angeles. Then Melbourne.

My reservations about the trip have melted away. It’s all anticipation now!

Saying goodbye to Justin was the hardest part. He was trying to act like it didn’t matter, but his hugs lasted extra-long, and he told me he’d miss me. I’ll miss him too.

Gah.

So, it’s onward and upward! I have two suitcases that are half-empty, a carry-on full of books and snacks (!) and all the CDs I could carry. I’ll spend a large majority of my time on the place studying for the income tax exam for my CFP, but… that’s the way life goes.

On a harder note, I still can’t bring myself to write anything about Creed breaking up. Although I’m sure this news brings joy to the hearts of millions everywhere, I think it’s just a waste. Yet another brilliant musician and songwriter ends up throwing away his talent. Stupid, stupid. But at least Mark Tremonti has his feet on the ground. I’m sure after this harsh disappointment wears off, his CD will rock my world.

I’m just not sure when the disappointment will wear off.

Okay, okay! None of that now. It’s Australia time!

Brushing aside the yuckies,

michelle