Long time no see. How've you been? I'm doing well.
Right now, I’m sitting in a regional airport FOUR HOURS early for my
flight and soaking in my last few mountain views for awhile. I’ve traveled via
plane for several years – so much so the magic of flying has died for me. Devastating?
I know! After packing my bags I printed off my flight information to take to
the airport. I looked at the “Checked Bag” pricing information, but for some
reason DID NOT look at the FLIGHT TIMES. Who does that? Seriously. I had it in
my head that my flight was at 10:30am and somehow my eyes didn’t see fit to
give that information a once over. So, I woke up early and arrived a few hours
early for my first flight.
Upon arrival, my conversation with the attendant went
something like this.
Attendant: “For 75$ we can move you to the earlier flight at
11am.”
Me: “No, thank you.” I’ll just hang around the airport for 4
hours for FREE.
This was after she offered to move me to first class for $125
so that my two checked bags, which were each about a pound overweight, would be
free. Again. “No, thank you.” I will remove the extra poundage and pay the
regular checked bag fee.
Like I mentioned earlier, I’m sitting in Gate 5 enjoying
this view of green trees, blue mountains, and beautiful skies for a few hours
before heading to Elgin. Oh, and the elementary aged brothers racing up the
down escalator and attempting to run down the up escalator. Their laughter is
so warming my heart right now.
This is what a Regional Airport Gate looks like when you arrive 4 hours early for your flight.
Packing for Elgin seemed like such a daunting task.
First, it required new clothes. I’m going to be working in
an office where jeans and a t-shirt is not the everyday norm, much like my
college wardrobe. So, Mama and I did a bit of shopping at Goodwill for
something called a blouse and I picked up a few dress pants at Kohl’s.
Second, I’m going to a cold(er) area of the country.
Sweaters and sweats take up so much room in a suitcase! Mama was NOT offering
to ship me anything! She sent me so many packages in India and a couple when I was at Camp this summer!
Third, I had to make some sacrifices. I couldn’t fit
EVERYTHING into two checked bags, a carry-on and a backpack. Let’s be honest…third
world problem much? Yeah, I think so. Here are some notable things that I sacrificed…it’s
really not much.
Sacrificed
Cowboy Boots (I had to pull them out of my suitcase because…I
just didn’t have room.)
Teva Flip flops (more like forgotten)
Favorite Cotton T-Shirt Bedding (Because it’s provided)
A few Bridgewater sweatshirts (I did bring two though)
Not Sacrificed
Teddy Bear (“Katie, you’re 22…” And so is my bear, get over
it.)
Flannel Blanket, my college roommate made me
Brethren Woods Pillow (Handmade circa NYC 2006)
Gosh, I was unrelenting on the sentimental stuff! Once I get
there…I’m sure I’ll realize I should have sacrificed or given up more. I mean, I feel like I made cuts...I didn't bring EVERY t-shirt I own or every pair of shoes or every jacket and cute sweater. I sorted out the best and the most favorite...but somehow it still feels like so much and yet not enough. Learning
how to live with less is going to be a lifelong process and skill.
Thank you, Mama, for helping me pack less than 10 hours before we would leave for the airport. You are THE best!
Love,
Katie
