Good gracious. The adventure is definitely under way...just not necessarily how any of us expected. Last night I was up until 3am packing. Thank goodness Jarrod has insomnia because it meant he was able to stay up and help me. I was vacuuming bags with body pillows in them and let me just say, those suckers are AWESOME. My big VS bag was packed to the hilt with random paraphernalia to help me survive 7 weeks in a totally new place. I think it's important to mention here that I am NOTa real "girl" - I can pack clothes for a weekend trip in one large tote. I do not pack half of my life for an over nighter - it's just not my style. That being said, I am going away for SEVEN WEEKS, and to a COLD place, which means big, bulky clothes that require additional layering. Gracious.
My true fans will be proud to know that I only packed THREE pairs of sweatpants. That's right. T.H.R.E.E. I'm trying my best to not think about it too much so let's move on, shall we?
I fall asleep around 3:30a (watching The West Wing), and am abruptly woken up at 6:30 by my father, who wants to TALK. Not just say goodbye and give me a hug and kiss..but TALK. "You're going to have a great time....Keep your political views to yourself...You will be representing Congressman Hall..." to which I replied.."I know, I will, but I don't have to for at least another 2 hours so LOVE YOU!" And five minutes later he finally left for work. <br> <br>
I never got back to sleep. <br> <br>
Nom came in and gave me some scrilla, we said our goodbyes and then she left for work.
Then KNicole comes in...with Charlie. She says her goodbyes and when I asked for a hug she says, "But I'm holding CHARLIE1" (this is what I have to deal with, people)...so I told her to put him down (politely, of course) and got a hug.
I was able to give pG a bath before I left, Jarrod helped dry her, and we left for Ralph's. He lives at the top of Sunset Hill...I had Jarrod driving up North Hill...then Haven Hills...we could SEE his house on the hill, but couldn't GET to it. Because I'm a goober. So I called the Congressman, realized my mistake, and we pulled up to his house...to learn it wasn't his house. His house was the OTHER house on the hill with a circle drive. Sheesh.
Tom showed Jarrod where to load my bags, we said our goodbyes, and I followed Tom into the house. I guess something was lost, and Ralph couldn't find it...Tom leaned over to me and whispered, "Quick...let's go load up!" Eventually Congressman Hall joined us...and I realized I had left my coat at home. My coat that had my gloves, earmuffs, and scarf in it. So we hauled it there, I ran inside, grabbed the coat, and we were off.
The Congressman was sifting through his mail as we drove to the airport, and as we approached Cheisa and 66, the light turned yellow, and Tom slammed on the breaks, sending mail flying. <br> <br>
Then KNicole comes in...with Charlie. She says her goodbyes and when I asked for a hug she says, "But I'm holding CHARLIE1" (this is what I have to deal with, people)...so I told her to put him down (politely, of course) and got a hug.
I was able to give pG a bath before I left, Jarrod helped dry her, and we left for Ralph's. He lives at the top of Sunset Hill...I had Jarrod driving up North Hill...then Haven Hills...we could SEE his house on the hill, but couldn't GET to it. Because I'm a goober. So I called the Congressman, realized my mistake, and we pulled up to his house...to learn it wasn't his house. His house was the OTHER house on the hill with a circle drive. Sheesh.
Tom showed Jarrod where to load my bags, we said our goodbyes, and I followed Tom into the house. I guess something was lost, and Ralph couldn't find it...Tom leaned over to me and whispered, "Quick...let's go load up!" Eventually Congressman Hall joined us...and I realized I had left my coat at home. My coat that had my gloves, earmuffs, and scarf in it. So we hauled it there, I ran inside, grabbed the coat, and we were off.
The Congressman was sifting through his mail as we drove to the airport, and as we approached Cheisa and 66, the light turned yellow, and Tom slammed on the breaks, sending mail flying. <br> <br>
People familiar with the area will know exactly why he didn't attempt to make it through the intersection - if you're not familiar with the area, just ask my mom. She can tell you why you don't chance it. :)
Ralph accused Tom of doing it on purpose - he told me Tom's always slamming on the breaks when he's trying to work. Those two are out of control.
We get to the airport and I had my bag to check...well, we were there too late to check the bags so the American Airlines bag-checking guy took us up top to see if they could figure it out. Brenda helped us get both bags checked and we headed through security and to our gate. Apparently the DC office had tried to get my ticket upgraded to 1st class, but to no avail. After talking to the people at the gate, Ralph decided to go to the Admiral's Club to see if we could get it upgraded there. Nope. But he did get to tell a lot of silly stories and make the ladies giggle. While we waited for our plane (which was delayed due to mechanical problems) I decided to go get myself a drink. I chose coffee, and when I sat back down, Mr. Hall asked if I got what I wanted and when I replied with a yes, he asked if that meant I'd gotten a scotch and water. Ornery old toot.
We finally boarded some time after 11 (original departure time was 10:30am) and the plane was PACKED. Because we couldn't get my ticket upgraded, Mr. Hall insisted on switching seats with him. I told him I didn't mind flying coach, but he wouldn't have it. When I told him thank you because it would be my first time in coach, he replied with, "Well, YOU'RE first class!" It was really sweet. <br><br>
Ralph accused Tom of doing it on purpose - he told me Tom's always slamming on the breaks when he's trying to work. Those two are out of control.
We get to the airport and I had my bag to check...well, we were there too late to check the bags so the American Airlines bag-checking guy took us up top to see if they could figure it out. Brenda helped us get both bags checked and we headed through security and to our gate. Apparently the DC office had tried to get my ticket upgraded to 1st class, but to no avail. After talking to the people at the gate, Ralph decided to go to the Admiral's Club to see if we could get it upgraded there. Nope. But he did get to tell a lot of silly stories and make the ladies giggle. While we waited for our plane (which was delayed due to mechanical problems) I decided to go get myself a drink. I chose coffee, and when I sat back down, Mr. Hall asked if I got what I wanted and when I replied with a yes, he asked if that meant I'd gotten a scotch and water. Ornery old toot.
We finally boarded some time after 11 (original departure time was 10:30am) and the plane was PACKED. Because we couldn't get my ticket upgraded, Mr. Hall insisted on switching seats with him. I told him I didn't mind flying coach, but he wouldn't have it. When I told him thank you because it would be my first time in coach, he replied with, "Well, YOU'RE first class!" It was really sweet. <br><br>
After everyone FINALLY got situated on the plane, the pilot came over the speaker and told us we wouldn't be leaving for at least an hour, and they wanted us to get our stuff and de-plane. Nobody was really sure what was going on so only two or three people got off the plane, and the flight attendants started taking drink orders until the pilot came out and told everyone to get off the plane. I had Mr. Hall's bag under my seat, so I waited for him to come to the front. Thank goodness for that. Because, just as about 3/4th of the plane had exited, the flight attendants got baffled looks on their faces, and told everyone to return to their seats. Apparently, the tower decided to let us go. So then we had to wait another 45min before everyone returned so we could leave.
1st class is SCHMANCY1 Hot towels, warm mixed-nuts, big cookies (I said no!), and the choice of BBQ chicken salad or Roast Beef Wrap. My seat-mate and I both asked for the salad, and the flight attendant came back to tell us that they only had ONE salad left. The married, middle aged MAN that was my seat mate sat there in silence, so I agreed to take the wrap. And I'm glad I did. Because it was DELICIOUS. I got some reading done, almost passed out for a few minutes, but then got really uncomfortable because, being the last row, our seats didn't recline. (First world problems, I know). I figured out how to pay for wifi just in time to hear the announcement to shut down electronics for landing...luckily I hadn't paid yet.
Landing was uneventful, I was able to get my bags from baggage claim easily because PRIORITY means they pull your bags for you as soon as they come down the chute. Heck yeah! <br><br>
1st class is SCHMANCY1 Hot towels, warm mixed-nuts, big cookies (I said no!), and the choice of BBQ chicken salad or Roast Beef Wrap. My seat-mate and I both asked for the salad, and the flight attendant came back to tell us that they only had ONE salad left. The married, middle aged MAN that was my seat mate sat there in silence, so I agreed to take the wrap. And I'm glad I did. Because it was DELICIOUS. I got some reading done, almost passed out for a few minutes, but then got really uncomfortable because, being the last row, our seats didn't recline. (First world problems, I know). I figured out how to pay for wifi just in time to hear the announcement to shut down electronics for landing...luckily I hadn't paid yet.
Landing was uneventful, I was able to get my bags from baggage claim easily because PRIORITY means they pull your bags for you as soon as they come down the chute. Heck yeah! <br><br>
We get to the car and who gets out to help load my bags but LESLIE COPPLER? For those of you that don't know, Leslie and I went to HS together. I knew she was working up here, but I didn't realize she was still working directly with Mr. Hall. Seeing a familiar face was nice.
And then we went to the Capitol...well, the Rayburn Building...but it's right next to it so it's still really awesome. Mr. Hall calls all his girls "babe" and kisses their hands when he greets them. Everyone loves him here, just like they do in Rockwall.
I got to meet the staff, and Leslie helped me try and find a place to live (last minute much?) but hey, it's all a part of the adventure. Because nowhere was available for tonight, I'm staying in The Capitol Hill Hotel...literally three blocks down from the Rayburn Building. I go in tomorrow at 11am to get my paperwork filled out with Leslie.
Mr. Hall took me to dinner at the Tune Inn - we split fried okra and I had a blackened salmon caesar salad. It was fantastic. When the waitress asked Mr. Hall what he wanted on his burger he told her lettuce and mayo, then looked at me and said, "So I guess there's no chance of you coming home with me tonight, right?" Not missing a beat I looked him straight in the eye and said, "That would be correct, Sir" so he looked at the waitress and said, "I guess in that case, I'll have onions on it as well." !!!! This man is gonna be a hoot and a half to work for. It's all harmless (he's 89) which is why it's so funny. And he knows it.
My allergies spiked last night and my nose started SQUEAKING while I was in the office, and by dinner, it was really out of control. I've been keeping up with my Sudafed (THANK YOU JARROD), so my ears are good, but my nose? Super runny/stuffed. After dinner, Mr. Hall brought me back to the hotel where I am now tucked in, watching The Following. I took my meds plus a Zyrtec, and I'm feeling a bit better...fingers crossed it stays good.
That is all for now. Sweet dreams from DC!
I got to meet the staff, and Leslie helped me try and find a place to live (last minute much?) but hey, it's all a part of the adventure. Because nowhere was available for tonight, I'm staying in The Capitol Hill Hotel...literally three blocks down from the Rayburn Building. I go in tomorrow at 11am to get my paperwork filled out with Leslie.
Mr. Hall took me to dinner at the Tune Inn - we split fried okra and I had a blackened salmon caesar salad. It was fantastic. When the waitress asked Mr. Hall what he wanted on his burger he told her lettuce and mayo, then looked at me and said, "So I guess there's no chance of you coming home with me tonight, right?" Not missing a beat I looked him straight in the eye and said, "That would be correct, Sir" so he looked at the waitress and said, "I guess in that case, I'll have onions on it as well." !!!! This man is gonna be a hoot and a half to work for. It's all harmless (he's 89) which is why it's so funny. And he knows it.
My allergies spiked last night and my nose started SQUEAKING while I was in the office, and by dinner, it was really out of control. I've been keeping up with my Sudafed (THANK YOU JARROD), so my ears are good, but my nose? Super runny/stuffed. After dinner, Mr. Hall brought me back to the hotel where I am now tucked in, watching The Following. I took my meds plus a Zyrtec, and I'm feeling a bit better...fingers crossed it stays good.
That is all for now. Sweet dreams from DC!
*Until next time!*
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