27 days left

Day 13
Wednesday

Traveling day.

We woke up early and got the last few things ready to go. Penny’s food for boarding was already out in the car. I had all the suitcases packed last night so I took them and Michael’s manual wheelchair out to the car then so this morning would be easy. It was! The easiest pre-flight morning we’ve ever had, I think.  I just had to get my purse and carryon and the last few things for the trash. I even remembered to turn off the AC before we left! We took my baby to school and she was greeted like a long lost princess. They really love her there! (boy does she have them fooled!) And I said good-bye, after showing them her chew-bones and milk bones. And I happen to know that she even gets some of the people there to give her peanut butter… Con-Artist! So she wont starve, that’s for sure. Its still hard to leave her for more than a night. But I wouldn’t trust any place like this place! They treat her, and us, like GOLD. They're wonderful.

Left the girl and started on the road. The Richmond airport doesn’t have any nonstop to California so we decided to drive up to DC and fly nonstop from there. First impressions of the airport, it felt like you were in a Star Wars movie. DEFINITELY the same rebel base feeling, I was half expecting to see an Ewok or droid run past. It took us half an hour to walk from the car to the terminal. Then after we got checked in it took us 45 minutes to walk from security to the gate. I think we had to take 6 elevators a moving walkway, a train, and still walked a TON. I wish I had my Fitbit on me I would have LOVED to see how far it was. Its very space-ish inside, your underground, your above on platforms, walkways suspended in the air, trains underground, it’s a labyrinth! But since we were really early we were able to take our time and enjoy it all. It was quite an experience, honestly like being behind the scenes of one of George Lucas’ sets.

We got to the gate and I grabbed a Starbucks and we waited to board.

Here we are sitting on the plane. Row 1A and 1B! First Class. This is one of the coolest gifts EVER! I wish Michael would get this kind of graduation present every time we fly! His parents are so generous! 

One thing is definite, it is nicer up here… it REALLY IS...

The flight attendant is super nice! She was very helpful as we boarded and made sure that people who were crowding us as we boarded were kept back till we sat. She put our bags up for us, she even knows us by name already! I love being addressed as Mr. and Mrs. It gives me the warm fuzzies. Since were in the front row everything has to go up overhead and they did it all for us! She even made sure to save space for the legs of Michaels wheelchair with our other bag. What Service! Drinks were offered the moment we were seated while coach was loading in.

We take off and I’m able to get out my laptop. So here I am at 34,000 feet writing this. The wifi is down and people around us are not happy campers. I guess some people pre-paid and so are requesting refunds EAK! I’m saving this as a word doc so I’m all good.

They first in flight gave us hot moist towels to wipe off. They smell like lemon! 

Next was a real ceramic dish of warm mixed nuts (surprisingly delicious!)

Then was another drink, coffee this time, and food orders. 

We had three options 

1. Curry chicken and rice, 

2. Braised short ribs and potatoes, 

3. Vegetable ravioli.

We are on our healthy eating thing, but COME ON! How often do you get to eat in first class?!?!  We were VERY good and only ate the good for you parts! (mostly)

They delivered a chilled mixed green salad and bread stick. I must admit I did have one bite of the bread. It wasn’t excellent for which I was thankful. Then the entrée.

Real glasses and plates, white linen napkin, and real forks. How amazing!

Refills offered frequently 

 Michael choose the beef.

I chose the chicken

This is me being healthy and not eating the rice or the skin. 

This is Michael being healthy and leaving potatoes and such. 

After that was cleared away they brought us, if we cared for, lemon sorbet. 

Michael got one and I had a bite. I had another coffee. I was MORE than content with that. 

But low, what do my eyes perceive? 

Could that be chocolate chip cookies?!?!

 In the oven?!?!?! 

OH MY! Apparently it’s healthier to travel coach… Who knew?

Yes, I did accept one. 
I smelled it LONG AND LOVINGLY before I had two very savored bites. It was perfect. Melty and slightly underdone, JUST the way I like it. 

I got another cup of coffee to help me get over the deliciousness of the rest of the cookie I would not eat.
 I am so proud of myself. I feel like I indulged, but am choosing the healthy way.

 I really do want to RUN in February, so I had better keep that in mind. Yea running! :-X