Sometimes you just can’t win. In an effort to be responsible, I opted to check today’s weather forecast for Chicago. Last night I was bemoaning the fact that I had to set my alarm at 3:30 a.m. this morning in order to leave the house in time to catch my flight. I obviously have a propensity for having “STUPID” written on my forehead when it comes to scheduling air travel. If there is a downside to living on the edge of heaven, it has to do with the commute time to the Austin airport. I’ve tried flying out of San Antonio a couple of times, but road construction from Henly to San Antonio sometimes is a problem as well. At least I’m familiar enough with the Austin route that I generally know what I can expect related to potential time delays due to construction.
When the General and I flew to Washington D.C. a couple of weeks ago, we were faced with the same issue. The problem is simple, “You’re out of night before you even get ready to go to bed”. I never sleep well on those nights for fear that I’m going to wakeup and realize I just slept through the early morning special.
I noticed on Facebook Sunday morning that my niece, Karoni, posted an update that she and Lilian awakened to the realization that they missed their flight from New Orleans back to Austin. I wasn’t alarmed when I read of their plight related to the missed flight. (Couldn’t help myself –plight and flight seemed so perfect together). It is simply standard operating procedure for their modus of operation. Maybe it’s hereditary. She, too, obviously has “STUPID” written on her forehead. I say this lovingly, but my niece is social. She likes being with people, staying up late and solving the world’s problems through conversation. She regularly doesn’t call it quits until long after folks with discretionary judgment related to how early morning comes have already been asleep for half the night.
At any rate, there is a method to my madness when I book a flight. To say that a completely full flight cramps my style is probably highlighting the obvious, but I figure my chances are better that people like my niece will miss their early morning departure and it will work to my advantage. It also works to the airline’s advantage. The upgraded charge incurred for the next flight is an unanticipated bonus for the airline industry.
I like sitting in an aisle seat. The downside to the aisle seat is the space under the seat isn’t as wide as the center seat. Maybe it’s psychological, but just knowing my backpack is under the seat in front of me physiologically orchestrates some form of restless leg syndrome. I can’t stand it. Actually, if I could stand, it would help, but the airlines folks won’t permit it.
I’ve never had a fear of flying. However, I do have a fear of falling asleep in flight and keeping the other passengers awake by the sound of my snoring. I’d be so embarrassed. On an early morning flight, my chances are better that other passengers will also be sleeping. Consequently, they may not notice if I snore.
Of course, my primary motivation for taking an early morning flight relates to having more time at my destination. It is all about the adventure and I don’t want to miss any of it.
I know what you’re wondering. You’re wondering, “So what’s the problem with Chicago?” I made the statement, “Sometimes you just can’t win”. You want to know my frame of reference. I threw that out there hoping you’d ask. Thank you. My frame of reference is final destination.
I love Chicago. I love the architecture. I love the water. I love the old Marshall Field’s building that has been around since the early 1900s. It is a perfect city for sightseeing. In a perfect world, I’d pound the pavement on the Magnificent Mile with my shoes soaking in as much of the City as free time would allow. I would take it all in, see it all, get my fill of Chicago style pizza and walk the Magnificent Mile again just because I could. It would be a tremendous adventure.
The problem is that the meeting I’m attending “billed as a Chicago venue” really isn’t in Chicago. It is in Napperville, about an hour outside Chicago. If you’ve got a couple of hours to kill, you can probably do a round trip on the train from Napperville into Chicago and back. The problem is the limitation related to what you can see. Train tracks don’t always offer a premium view of the City.
“Sometimes you just can’t win” was the thought that came to mind when I checked the weather for Chicago for today. There is something a bit disconcerting about a “RED” Exclamation Mark highlighting “Strong Storms” – Flash Flood Watch from 1am Monday until Tuesday 1am.
Did I mention I won’t be pounding the pavement anywhere if the weather report comes to fruition? In addition, the only umbrella I own is a large one. It is not necessarily conducive to travel. If you’ll pardon the pun, “ I guess when it rains it pours.”
All My Best!
Don
Carpe Diem 