Here's where it all began, I wrote this while at the airport as my trip was just starting, sorry if these posts aren't written well, or seem to ramble, I'm working more towards just getting the posts out there for my friends and family anxiously waiting for something rahter than an award winning blog....
no awards goin out for this one, I'll just try to keep my spelling in tact :)
The morning started with the familiar sounds of home. The dog in her kennel, and the roosters outside. Warm in bed with superman next to me for the last time in 5 weeks. Was I ready for this? Was I going to put on my big girl pants and fly over the ocean and find Ashley? I laid there thinking these things in my head, took a deep breath and as I felt the chill in the air as I got out of bed, I knew I was ready, I could do it, I AM a big girl!
We all tried to go about our morning as usual. We tried not to think about what was happening. We didn't talk about how this was the last time for 36 days I would be waking them up, and helping with lunches and last min school stuff. They put on their big girl panties as well and we all grew up, said our goodbyes and tried not to think too much, and most definitely tried not to cry.
On our way to the airport Superman and I ran a few last errands, and delivered my last piece of furniture for a while. Glad that went off without incident, we were on our way. Superman took me for a bite to eat before we went to the airport, we did really good not talking about what was about to happen, and how much we would miss each other. I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh and fun look that Village Inn is sporting these days. That is definitely the last place I thought I'd find design inspiration, but...hey, what can I say?!
After checking in, and escorting me to customs it was time. It was time for that last hug, and last pucker up and kiss me. Yes, I cried a little. Let's just say my big girl pants were two sizes too small and I didn't like that much, but I got over it. We said our "I love you's" and we went our ways. With plenty of time to spare I found my gate and proceeded with the anticipated Facebook status letting everyone know I was on my way.
While waiting I got a voicemail from Jessika (my oldest) and returned her call. We don't get to talk much so I was happy to be able to chat with her for a few min before I had to board. Unfortunately she had not been having the best couple of days and I wished I could have done more to help her. I hope the little that I was able to say gave her a little comfort at least. One of the hardest things ever is to watch your children struggle and stress, and not be able to help. Unfortunately it's part of life to go through such hard times, and this was one of those times...again. I'm sure that she made it through her day and found some solutions to her problems. I'm sure that she will figure things out, and I know that everything is gonna be okay for her, cuz she's just amazing like that. She has never ceased to amaze me how she pulls things off and gets things done under the gun.
The first leg of my trip I spent sitting with two kind women, about my same age I suppose. We talked some, an enjoyed company. One of them mentioned how "white" utah is. I'm not sure what her ethnicity was, but she was not caucasian. She said she had gone to the store and felt like she was the only non-white girl there! She said that she felt that people were looking at her strangely. I wonder if that was true, or her perceived truth due to insecurities because of the situation...hmmmm....
Anyway, after a few cat naps, and some snacks it was time to land in Atlanta where I would wait for a couple of hours for my next flight to Amsterdam. That was a long one. This time next to two older-than-me-but-not-too-old men. I sat on the isle seat, which was nice because I had a little more room I think. The man sitting directly next to me had mentioned that he just retired from being a pilot and that he had flown that same plane for 15 years or so. He disappeared for a few hours and joined the pilots in the cockpit which was great because then I had even more room! I flew through the night and over the ocean. Didn't see a thing due to the night time, but also as the sun came up the man next to the window didn't want his shade open, so I didn't even get a peek.
Finalllllly we landed and I entered my first twilight zone. I no longer understood most of the people around me and enjoyed listening to the accent of those who did speak english. This is the first time I have been in the minority. One thing that I learned is that it doesn't matter what language you speak, everyone means the same thing when they smile. I was really looking forward to taking a tour and seeing some of Amsterdam during my 5 hour layover, but unfortunately the only tour I would be able to catch would be getting back too late for me to catch my next flight. So I was gonna have to just stay at the airport, which was fine, there was lots to see and for the last couple of hours I found this cool little lounge area that was designed for relaxation. There were (fake) trees and natural looking curves in the design. I found a comfortable place to sit and charge my phone and tried for over an hour to get the internet to work, which it finally did about 30 min before I had to board. Oh well, I got a good 2ish hour nap which was nice. Ohh and I forgot to mention that I was miserable in Atlanta because for some reason I decided to use a duffel bag as my carry on. It was heavy. It was bulky. It hurt my hands, so I moved it to my shoulder. It hurt my shoulder, so I moved it to the other arm. It was a pain! With 5 hours of having to lug that thing around with me I decided I had to buy a rolling suitcase. I almost didn't because I didn't really want to spend the money on that, but after I did I was sooooo glad! Soo much walking and it was pleasant because I didn't have to carry my stuff. I even walked the terminal a couple of times just to get my blood moving a little! Along with it being convenient, it's cute too...it's orange :) After eating a yummy sandwich and a pastry with some amazing chocolate in it (that was probably 1500 calories all by itself!) It was finally time to get on my way to Spain! Woo hoo!
This brings me to now. As I sit on my tired big girl pants, and thouroughly enjoy listening to the little dutch girl climbing the seats in front of me I can't help but get butterflies because ssoon it really starts. Soon I will see Ashley!!! Soon we will be on our way on a trip of a lifetime. I'd ask you to pinch me, but the seat is already doing a fine job of that :)
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