So after 30 hours flying to Chicago and being with my mom, sister and stepbrother, it was time to fly from Chicago to Dallas to spend time with my dad, stepmom and stepsister.
I had a whirlwind of helping, supporting, connecting and fun in Dallas.
Plus, all the “last minute-ing“ for the photo shoot.
I felt the “nudge” to do the bulk of my repacking early.
So 2 days before I left, I dedicated over 6 hours to it.
Yes. You read that right!
Everytime I arrived somewhere, by opening up my suitcases, shopping and adding more weight and fragile accessories- I kept destroying my careful
packing.
To pull off my shoot, I ordered from multiple, global clothing stores
and had it all shipped to Chicago and Dallas for try on.
Dallas received probably 85% of my orders. They were all piled up in the first room like adult fantasy Christmas morning!
I’d flow into Dallas 5 pounds overweight, so I KNEW I’d need to buy a 3rd suitcase.
Imagine going through EVERY piece of nice jewelry you own, and packing it all for possible future outfit matches.
So…yep. 6 hours packing all the new buys, sorting everything to create
8 complete Photoshoot outfits. At this point I have 4 pairs of shoes,
5 pairs of heels PLUS 1 pair of boots.
Make no mistake that it involves miracles and magic to fit all my haul!
That was so tiring, that I left my final packing for the morning of my flight.
GPS said the airport is 32 mins away the night before.
Morning of? 50 mins. So, going on 4 hours sleep, I wake early enough to get us out the door with 1 hour 15 mins to arrive on time.
Ha!
Two words. Dallas Traffic.
Despite that good start, it took an hour and a half. Eating up my buffer.
Because I need a nap and want comfy legroom, I’ve paid for an upgraded boarding position.
I received permission to board the plane 3rd. 1,2 and me!
Except…I’m late.
I sprint to the gate as numbers 33 and 34 stroll aboard.
A moment of panic hits me, as I visualize folks taking the precise awesome seat I wanted!
And then…I remember who I am and who I work for!
I dash onboard. And walk back until I find the Emergency Exit row that has just 2 seats and double legroom.
And…it’s empty. Waiting for me. I shake my head in gratitude.
A few minutes later a young man sits in the row ahead of me.
A young pilot.