A Family Day Trip

Well yesterday was definitely an adventure. Anyone who is on facebook this morning is probably wondering where those pictures of me and my family came from. Well that's what this entry is about.

First of all, before I hear "why didn't you tell me you were in town?" from any of friends, this was not a trip about you guys. This was a secret trip, not known by many, to surprise my family and spend some much needed time, especially since me and my sister are now getting along again.

#2, I totally left town and went completely quiet on fb, twitter and even my games. The only place was at all updated was foursquare and only one person even caught on to it at all yesterday.

That being said, here's what this entry will contain. I wrote down notes and thoughts in my notebook throughout the day in order, I took pictures and obviously updated foursquare. So that's how I will tell this story. So now presenting, Planes, Trains & Automobiles Part Deux a.k.a. Family Day Trip 2012.

5:13am

Nervousness is the word today.

First of all I haven't flown by myself since November 2005. I went home for Thanksgiving right after I moved here in September.

The other thing is that I'm visiting my family for the first time since November 2010. This is a total surprise appearance so I hope this works.

5:26am

I don't remember the last time I got a seat assigned to me AT the ticket counter.

5:42am

Time to relax. Just me, my podcasts and a Cherry Coke Zero.

6:27am

The inbound at my gate just came in so at least we're not waiting for a plane. Always a good thing. Now I hope we aren't holding for connects or a crew.

7:18am

I like this whole having a ticket thing I was like the fourth one on.

I'm in the emergency row like I like and have a window seat.

While I really need to lose weight, I do not need a fatman seat belt extender! Woot!

I took my badge off so technically I'm not standby anymore so I'm thinking I might take off my sweatshirt and travel in my Ads shirt and be more comfortable and no one will care.

7:35am

Nice! Am early push !! Love it!! Good start to this day!

Also Cliffy is out of my bag and with me. He's been my travel companion for years, almost like a good luck charm. Couldn't imagine this day without him. it's like Mandy traveling without fuzzy pillow.

Time to go. Let's do this!!

7:51am

This might be the earliest I've heard "You may turn on your electronic devices." Awesome! It's too quiet right now.

I realized I forgot the flybucks I got a the Ads game a few weeks ago. Good thing I don't feel like drinking any booze today. Back to magazines catch up.

8:43am

I guess it was smart of me to save podcasts for this trip. The only problem I'm having is not laughing out loud when listening.

It almost feels like I've been up here for ages. I guess it's only been a hour and we'll be there soon. I kinda wanna get there already I still have to take a tram and whatnot before I even get to Rutherford.

One thing that is noticeable is that I really wish Mandy was sitting with me, cuddling with me. Thus is life.

There seems to be some turbulence, shocker, and the flight attendant was checking seat belts and she saw Cliffy with his seat belt and got a chuckle out of that.

Oh I see something other then clouds outside. Yay!!

10:09am

Final descent into Newark. I also have changed my entries to Eastern Time.

Here we go.

12:03pm

Well this is what I get for rushing. I got to Secaucus Junction and stand by Track G instead of H. So  missed my train to Rutherford.

So I go to plan B. Instead of waiting till 12:45, I called Sabrina and she's picking me up. Change up. This is truly going to be Planes, Trains & Automobiles Part Duex.

 

5:25pm

What an afternoon.

I will say it was amazing to see everyone again. It's what I needed.

The facts are it's true you don't realize what you are missing till it's not there and see my family even for a short time was great.

I'm on the way in a car that my folks got me to take me to LGA. There I will write more.

7:04pm (I think)

Well, here I am. LaGuardia Airport, Gate B1.

Again, the flight is wide open so I got another seat in the exit row so it will be a relaxing flight.

Honestly I am confused what time it is. I'm ready to head home. I miss Mandy and CJ but it was great to see everyone.

7:35pm

Ah almighty leg room.

On board ready to go home.

I think I burned my mouth and tongue on the hot chocolate I drank.

At least I have gum and a Coke Zero to cool it off.

Cliffy is on my leg but it looks like the seat next to me is empty so that will be his.

It's time to go already. Sweet!!

7:50pm

As we taxi out I can finally relax enough to express how I feel about today.

Today was needed. I know the people who read this are mostly my friends and they are reading all this and wondering "What the hell? Why didn't you tell me??"

This was, for the first time in a very long time, a family day.

It was about the sound in Sabrina's voice when I called her for a ride. It was about spending the afternoon playing with Sammi, something I NEVER got before. It was about Claudia's reaction when she knew I was just in the other room, "I hear his voice!!" and running and hugging like only Claud could. It was the look on my parents' faces when they saw me outside the school's gym.

I've spent alot of the last month thinking about the past. Well today was about the present and the foreseeable positive future.

For the first time in a long time, another weight is off my shoulder.

Today is what amounts to four and a half hours, my family problems ended, things get back to normal. Life is good once again on the Jersey side of things.

Now if this flight will just take off!!!!