So, where did I leave off? Oh, I was ready.

Bright and early on Saturday morning, my mom and I said goodbye to the kittens and headed toward the airport. I promised my mom I’d leave this part out but it’s just too cute to pass by. So, there were tears when we left. Not because she was going to get on a plane, or because of what this trip could potentially mean. Nope, she was very upset to leave the kittens. We had very good cat care lined up. My friend (and neighbor) and her two sons were properly trained on the cat care guidelines. All three loved the cats. They were in good hands. But, as mom said several times, “it’s not the same as I would take care of them.” I would say we were parking at the airport about the time she got herself under control. Maybe it was because she had come to terms. Or maybe it was because I was giving her instructions – should she ever have to do this in the future – by herself.

Parking.
Airport shuttle.
Baggage check.
Security.
Finding the gate.

To most travelers, this is standard. I explained every. single. detail. of what we were doing, why we were doing it, how I knew to do it. I tried as much as possible to be patient with her. I really did. I know she hasn’t flown much. Actually the only time she’s ever flown is with me – one time to Ft. Myers, one time to D.C. And it has been at least 5 years since we were in D.C. Some times she looks like a deer caught in headlights. Some times just really confused. Other times, I don’t think she was paying attention to me at all!

I think the most frustrating part, for both of us, was my pitiful explanation of the Southwest cattle call system. It wasn’t until my second trip out in October when I checked in and found out I was A1 did I actually realize that she understood what I we had been doing.

One thing mom had been worried about was changing planes. So the first flight, we didn’t actually change planes. We had two stops but never left the plane. We stopped once in Las Vegas, once in Burbank and then our final stop in Oakland. We will never, ever, EVER do that again. Absolutely exhausting. I just wanted to jump out of the plane and run around so badly. I just needed fresh air! And the ability to move freely!

While in flight, mom did pretty darn good. She loves looking out the window. We brought a little lunch and snacks. Besides going stir crazy, it was an enjoyable journey.

By the time we land in Oakland, we are hungry and tired. Glad to be off the plane but tired. So we wait………wait……..still waiting……for our luggage at OAK. Slowest baggage claim ever. Then headed off to the shuttle to the rental car station. Waited some more. Got the car – very nice, I might add. Although for the life of me I cannot remember the make or model.

And as I’m sitting in the car, adjusting the mirrors, air, radio, it dawned on me……I have never driven in California. And my mom’s with me. Crap – I hope I can do this. So, I confidently set my GPS to the hotel address. Say a prayer and move forward.

Now, you may not know this about me but when I’m hungry – I get extremely grumpy. When I’m tired, watch out. When I’m hungry and tired, look up the definition of the word bitch in the urban dictionary and you’ll find my picture.

Needless to say, it was a tense trip to the hotel with a few missed turns along the way.

Find the hotel. We stayed in Emeryville – perfect!
Find hotel room.
Find food.
Find sleep.

Seriously, we  were in bed by 8 p.m. PST or 11 EST.

Best. Sleep. Ever.

And due to the hurt the San Fransisco Giants are putting on the Cardinals (especially in the 3rd inning), this post has taken entirely too long. More later….GO GIANTS!!