Thursday, September 24, 2009

"This is the hard part."

That's what she said! Well, that's what my mom said anyway! Funniness aside, truer words were never spoken. While she said this to me mid-breakdown last night, let me share how it's applicable now...

Allow me to set the scene for you... I am sitting in a hotel. Not a plane. A seasoned traveler, I have never had so much trouble flying in. my. entire. life. If we were playing "Never Have I Ever," I would be forced to admit that I have now cried in an airport. Think less choking-back-tears-as you-hug-your-family-goodbye kind of crying & more the-ticketing-lady-just-ripped-my-passport-&-won't-let-me-on-my-flight-to-Lyon-because-my-flight-was-delayed. That was the cherry on top of what had already been an 'icing on the cake' kind of day at the Atlanta airport (at the risk of this turning into a rant, I'll spare you the gory details). But then getting to my hotel in New York, the wheels of my suitcase literally got stuck between the train & the platform! Luckily I had a handy-dandy policeman help me out in perfect movie timing fashion. Oh! And did I mention there's a transportation strike that just started in Lyon? Like I told my mom... this is the part in the movie where everything that could possibly go wrong for the character is. And you feel really bad laughing, but can't really help it. So, by all means, feel free to laugh.

But even if I had made my intended flight, there is still a lot up in the air. And it's a very intimidating spot to be in. I know I'll be fine once I actually get to Trévoux. But getting there, like everything else, proves to be a challenge. I won't lie... I have cried a lot today. But at the same time, I have to think about something else my mom told me (granted, for an entirely different situation). The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason. All I can do right now is hold my chin up & look forward. And there is a lot to look forward to in this program. I think I'm on the verge of something truly defining...

5 comments:

  1. Well, looked at the news this morning and it looks like scenario one did not play out. Good news for scenario two! Have a great trip!!!!!

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  2. That's horrible! Flying is really miserable these days, and you know the French-they love their strikes. Just remember when you get settled in you can get plenty of great wine super cheap to help you through the bad days :) Think of this as practice for the fun we'll get to have with paperwork this year.

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  3. Awww, I'm so sorry about your horrible flying experience! Luckily, you are so close to the cheap baguettes in France!! :)

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  4. Oh. Your trip sounds just about as aweful as the one I took today. But yes, it does get better once you get where you are supposed to be, even if it is hours late. But we're in France, and we do have so much to look forward to :)

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  5. Oh, I have so been there. I had a guy in the Gatwick airport tell me that I looked like someone had just kicked my puppy after I'd been there for three days. You can totally rant if you need to, tho! :-)

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