The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

So after about 7 months in Sydney, I went home. As the title implies, it was good but there were definitely some unfortunate parts and then some, which well, just sucked. But I’ll let you decide what is what. And in what is, my typical fashion, as my friends have informed me, my specific details will be implied or just left for you to infer. It’s more fun that way. However, in knowing me, ya’ll might know how rampant to let your imagination run.

My brother picked me up in Charlotte and I ended up out at the Farm in Rowland. My Mom and Jim met us a bit outside of Charlotte so that neither had to go too far. Unfortunately my nephews in Charlotte had the flu so it was better for everyone not to be around for a bit. I ended up driving up to Fayetteville to hang out with old friends for most of the weekend. After a good time catching up and chilling it was off to Charlotte. By Sunday evening my nephews were feeling better. So I returned there.

I spent a few days in Charlotte, visiting friends, co workers and supporting the local entertainment economy. On Thursday I went back to the Farm, all of my immediate family was getting together. So I ended up seeing my brothers, their families (2 neices/2 nephews, they can grow a lot in 7 months) and a girlfriend, my grandmother, my Uncle Richard and of course my Mom and Jim. After a long exhausting few days, those kids will run you ragged; at least I got to turn them over to their parents when I was tired.

Then I returned to Charlotte briefly, moving on to Greensboro Monday evening. Repeated the shenanigans of Charlotte but was somehow convinced to help out with a presentation to a class at UNCG on Wednesday… Ya’ll owe me for that, you know who you are. After a fun trip to Greensboro, I went over to Chapel Hill and continued my previously described activities, meeting up with friends and whatnot. I did go to a career panel at the Lodge and then a dinner to kick off the night of reuniting with college friends and teammates. Since the UNC Rugby Alumni weekend was moved back one week, I wasn’t able to see everyone I had hoped. But as it is in Chapel Hill, I did manage to run into several people and catch-up.

After about 2 weeks in the US, a thousand miles driving around NC and lots of long nights, it was time to head to the airport. So I checked out of the Carolina Inn, gassed up my ride and headed to meet up with my farewell committee. A brief digression, the Carolina Inn is a great place to stay. Cheap using hotel points, great location and great facilities. After a short visit with the Mom and Jim, they dropped me at the terminal and I checked in. First indication of potential issues – I was only given 2 boarding passes – RDU to Chicago and Chicago to San Francisco. But I wasn’t too worried, the American Airlines people (Yes I refused to fly back with USAir/United after last time) said that Qantas didn’t let them ticket their flights sometimes. A few calls goodbye and off to Chitown.

A short layover in the windy city and I was expecting to be on my way to San Fran. But alas the Fates were against me. Apparently I angered the Gods of International Flights. My flight to San Francisco was delayed 20 minutes, then an hour and 20 minutes. Well my layover be fore Sydney was about 2 hours. So by the time that the flight crew gave us a minimum delay, it gave me a window of 15 minutes to disembark, change terminals, get a boarding pass and get on the Sydney flight. Not to mention my luggage would be as likely to make my flights as I was to sprout wings and fly myself to Sydney. So I would be a day late getting to Sydney… déjà vu.

So I got my hotel and food vouchers for Chicago and went to the Wyndham. However, I only have my carryon (laptop bag) with me, as my luggage is already checked through…You see, I could have stayed the night in San Francisco but then I would have missed the UNC/Kansas Final Four game. Since UNC played like crap and we got thrashed, I kind of wish I would have, but I had to at least try to see UNC’s Final Four game. So I watched the game in the Hotel bar with other travelers who had had issues with their flights. And of course it included 0 UNC fans but 1 KU fan. He was part of a country band returning from a benefit to Nashville. He was actually amicable and nice enough. We discussed the various UNC/KU links and how much we dislike Dook. After the game, their fiddle player decided to play a quick 2 song show in the bar. Good times.

My flight out of Chicago went off ok, and then I had to wait 6 hours in San Francisco just to get ticketed and then another 3 or so hour at the gate for the plane to leave. I find myself with way too much time to kill in the lobby in San Fran, waiting to get my boarding pass, writing again. Eerily familiar… 14 hours in the air later and I am back in Sydney. The real problem is that I am supposed to meet colleagues at about 7am to drive to a client 2 hours away for 2 days. I will land around 6:30 am, with customs, immigration, cross town cab ride, shower, and repack bags all still to do. Good thing I don’t stress out too easily.

My apologies to anyone I didn’t get to talk to.