We had to be extra-careful not to forget anything, since we’d be gone for 10 days. Surprisingly, the packing list included even more cold-weather gear than we usually needed in New York. The Pacific Northwest was still reeling from a snowstorm (their worst in 20 years) that had hit five days before. They weren’t equipped to deal with digging out from snow and ice – the county where HCFG’s parents live had only a handful of plow trucks. Although the Seattle airport itself was (barely) open, the roads everywhere were a complete mess.

Anyway, after about two hours of sleep (the car service picked us at 4:00 a.m.) we arrived bleary-eyed at La Guardia, cautiously optimistic that all was well. We were concerned, however, since it had snowed again the night before in Seattle, and because our former nonstop flight had changed into one with a connection through Cleveland.

We boarded the plane and sat on the runway. And sat some more. It ended up being two hours before we took off. HCFG remained relaxed while I sat there with smoke pouring out my ears. Keep in mind we had 55 minutes to make our connection. Cleveland Airport was apparently closed due to fog. I was freaking out, but HCFG stayed calm. He reassured me that the plane we were going to change to would probably be delayed getting into Cleveland by the very same fog, so it wouldn’t leave without us. Not content to leave well enough alone, he then lectured me about how much money the airlines lose when they strand people. You can just imagine how much I loved that conversation. I tapped my foot, gritted my teeth, and became even more stressed. HCFG went to sleep. Men!

Our plane finally took off for Cleveland and it was a smooth flight. The flight attendants couldn’t give us any information about our connection though so we had to ask when we deplaned. The perky agent said our connecting flight was leaving in 10 minutes. We were at Gate 5, our flight was at Gate 22. I thrust my very heavy carry-on bag at HCFG.

Lisa: “I’m going to run for it and see if we can make it. You gonna be ok?”

HCFG: “Go! I’ll be right behind you.”

I ran like OJ Simpson minus the bloody glove through the Cleveland airport. I was wearing a very heavy wool sweater, jeans and snow boots, so even without the carry-ons, I was still pretty out of breath as I reached the area. I got very near the gate and saw they were about to shut the doors.

My adrenaline was going like crazy, I felt like my heart is going to pound out of my chest.

Lisa: “Wait, please, we’re booked on that plane! Don’t leave! We’re here!

I ran up to the agent waving my boarding pass.

Flight Agent says reassuringly: “Don’t worry, you just made it. Is there someone else with you?”

Lisa: “My boyfriend is right behind me. His name is…”

HCFG: “I’m here!” He is weighed down with our carry-on bags, his computer and his heavy down coat.

Flight Agent: “You folks just made it. The pilot held the flight as long as he could waiting for all the connections. We’ve been on the ground for 50 minutes. Most of the other people aren’t going to make it. We are missing over 45 passengers.”

Lisa: “OMG, thank you so much!”

Flight Agent smiled at us both. “You two are lucky; we have to leave in about two minutes.”

We boarded the plane and collapsed in our seats. Only 3 other people got on behind us. Keep in mind about 40 people missed their connection. On Christmas Eve. The good news (for us anyway) is that we got to stretch out with an extra seat between us.

HCFG said smugly, “I told you we’d make it. See you were all worried for nothing.”

Lisa: “Oh please, you were as worried as I was. If either of us stopped for a minute to go to the bathroom like we wanted, we would have been stuck in Cleveland for Christmas.”

HCFG: “Nope, I knew it would all be fine.”

Luckily for HCFG I was too wiped out to tear him limb from limb but I certainly wanted to!

The rest of the flight was smooth and painless. We even made up the time we lost.

Stay tuned for Part 3, meeting the parents after a trip from hell with very little sleep.

(This post originally appeared on Kizmeet)

Cowboy Boots

Time to pull out my black ostrich boots! I got them in Texas where they KNOW how to make cowboy boots. I love the way they hug my feet and fyi, ostrich is an amazingly soft skin. They feel like bedroom slippers, and I am the coolest kid ever I when I wear them! I get lots of compliments too.

Mulled Cider

Simply the best! Hot apple cider mixed with mulling spices, (Williams Sonoma has a great mix,) and a shot of brandy… life doesn’t get much better than that! Especially yummy when there is a nip if the air.

Cashmere Gloves

My best bargains are usually bought off a street vendor in New York for five bucks or so. Best pitch I ever heard… “This box just happened to fall off the loading dock at Bloomingdale’s and luckily for them I just happened to be there to catch it.” Hokay then! That pair of gloves was the softest I ever owned and lasted for many years.

Gilmore Girls

I love that show. Very well written, witty repartee, and a marvelous cast of characters. I hope Lorelei marries Luke but her ex, (and Rory’s father,) is quite a hottie too. Even if he does have those neverending commitment issues. And Rory’s new boyfriend…. Aye Caramaba! That guy is cute!

Catalogues

This time of year I get a mailbox full of them! It’s fun to read The Needless Markup er Neiman Marcus Christmas version. Not to mention The Popcorn Factory, Land’s End, Sharper Image, Ross Simons, Ballard Designs, Saks Fifth Avenue etc etc etc.. I fold down the pages with all the gifts I’m going to buy my family and friends, (yea right. More like ME.)

Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows

I can’t believe I am admitting this one. Obviously this goes back to childhood, but the hot chocolate is still good stuff! And those little marshallows are kinda fun.

Now that I’m hiding my head under the pillow… your turn!