I have always enjoyed writing. I can remember being around 6 years old and writing my first "book" complete with illustrations about a young girl who wanted a pet. I took journalism in high school, wrote on our school newspaper and yearbook and have kept journals for as long as I remember. When I began blogging it was a natural progression for me. I've always said I would love to be a "writer" but honestly I don't think I have that much of a talent. I enjoy writing...I don't have to be a professional to know that I enjoy it. As a counselor I constantly encourage my students to write out their feelings. When I teach large group guidance classes at school my fourth and fifth grades keep "guidance journals" and I incorporate writing as much as I can into each of my lessons. I feel that writing is an invaluable skill and along with reading it can transport you anywhere and keep you entertained for hours on end.
Thankfully, this love of reading and writing has passed on to my children. Both children keep journals and periodically write their thoughts and feelings in them. #1 loves writing stories and #2 is currently into writing poems ever since her first grade teacher introduced them to Shel Silverstein.
In the fourth grade in Florida students have to take an exam called the FCAT writes. The expected score is a 3.5 on a scale of 1.0-6.0. Incidentally, #1 is in the fourth grade. he has a fabulous teacher this year who also happens to have a passion for writing. I have seen him grow and progress this year in his writing and just last week they had a writing celebration where he shared some of his poetry. I was brought to tears when I read what he wrote: (reprinted with his permission)
I wonder if Aliens exist
in UFOs they fly
Do they walk and talk
Do they laugh and cry
Maybe they are green and look like us
But I wonder if they're just sightings
Are we imagining them
Do they come from a distant planet
Do they shine like the stars in the sky
or are they a clean black mist
I wonder if they wonder
Do I really exist?
Not bad for a nine year old, huh? I thought it was pretty profound! Anyway, I digress. (This is why I could never be a professional writer...I ramble to much) Today our school received their FCAT write scores. I "tweeted" about it today because I was so excited. Our school average was a 4.5...the second highest in the district! Remember they wanted the students to receive an average of a 3.5. #1's score? A 5.5! I was blown away. That means he was judged by two readers and one gave him a perfect 6.0 and one gave him a 5.0 for an average of 5.5!
Our principal was thrilled and it makes our school closing even more bittersweet. We are doing everything right and still we are being closed. The students who received 5.5's and 6.0's (there were 12 of them) will all be treated to lunch out with the principal and will have the privilege of throwing a pie in his face...how's that for a reward?? I think the skill of being a talented writer is a reward in itself. Another reward? #2's response when she heard how #1 did..."Oh Michael! I am so proud of you!"
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Mine..mine...mine!!!
I have never thought of myself as a selfish person but deep down I think that I may just be. My husband on the other hand would give you the shirt off of his back. He has no problem sharing and eat, sleeps and breathes..."what's yours is mine and what's mine is yours." Sometimes this can cause problems and I am beginning to realize that this may be my problem not his. Just because he doesn't mind sharing doesn't mean I have to share too.
Case in point, breakfast at Panera with my children. Inevitably whatever I order, they end up wanting. "Oh, can I have a bite of that?" are words that I hear frequently. Sometimes I really don't mind but then other times it really drives me batty. I want to scream..."it's mine!!" Just once I would like to eat a meal and not have to share it with anyone.
Another example: Saturday on the boat. We went out early and I really wanted some coffee because I was tired. (See my useless pile of mush post prior to this one) We didn't stop at Starbucks but had to get some things at Publix so hubby bought a four pack of the cold Starbucks. One for each of the adults on the boat. So, we get on the boat and it is beautiful out. I'm relaxing on the front and enjoying the ride. I reach for my coffee and there is #1.."Can I have a sip, mom?" I got annoyed, because I really wanted that coffee. Hubby then says to #1.."no problem, you can have mine." This makes me mad because now I look like the jerk that won't share. Then #2 says, "can I have one?" Hubby tells #1 to split it with her. I end up handing mine over because I felt so guilty. Then I felt mad....it was coffee! Why should I have to share coffee?? I think that the tiredness combined with the guilt is what made me pout but again I wanted to scream, "Mine...mine ...mine!!"
So, what about the rest of you? Do you share with no problems? Am I wrong to want my own food once in awhile? What's the solution? Part of me feels like I should teach the children that they can't always have what someone else has...sometimes you have to be happy with what you have. If we always share with them aren't we not teaching them this all important lesson? Or, am I really just selfish deep down and have problems with sharing??
Case in point, breakfast at Panera with my children. Inevitably whatever I order, they end up wanting. "Oh, can I have a bite of that?" are words that I hear frequently. Sometimes I really don't mind but then other times it really drives me batty. I want to scream..."it's mine!!" Just once I would like to eat a meal and not have to share it with anyone.
Another example: Saturday on the boat. We went out early and I really wanted some coffee because I was tired. (See my useless pile of mush post prior to this one) We didn't stop at Starbucks but had to get some things at Publix so hubby bought a four pack of the cold Starbucks. One for each of the adults on the boat. So, we get on the boat and it is beautiful out. I'm relaxing on the front and enjoying the ride. I reach for my coffee and there is #1.."Can I have a sip, mom?" I got annoyed, because I really wanted that coffee. Hubby then says to #1.."no problem, you can have mine." This makes me mad because now I look like the jerk that won't share. Then #2 says, "can I have one?" Hubby tells #1 to split it with her. I end up handing mine over because I felt so guilty. Then I felt mad....it was coffee! Why should I have to share coffee?? I think that the tiredness combined with the guilt is what made me pout but again I wanted to scream, "Mine...mine ...mine!!"
So, what about the rest of you? Do you share with no problems? Am I wrong to want my own food once in awhile? What's the solution? Part of me feels like I should teach the children that they can't always have what someone else has...sometimes you have to be happy with what you have. If we always share with them aren't we not teaching them this all important lesson? Or, am I really just selfish deep down and have problems with sharing??
Friday, April 24, 2009
Spring fever or something....
What is it about this time of year that turns me into a useless pile of mush? I don't feel like working, I don't feel like cleaning, and I certainly don't feel like cooking, making lunches or anything I'm supposed to be doing. All I want to do is curl up on the couch with a good book or lay in the sun.
Good thing we are going boating tomorrow because I need some laying in the sun doing nothing action. For now I guess I need to go and wash my dishes and straighten this place up a bit. One day I will catch up on all of my blog reading and commenting. Maybe once spring is over and summer kicks in I'll feel a little more motivated...ya think?
Good thing we are going boating tomorrow because I need some laying in the sun doing nothing action. For now I guess I need to go and wash my dishes and straighten this place up a bit. One day I will catch up on all of my blog reading and commenting. Maybe once spring is over and summer kicks in I'll feel a little more motivated...ya think?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Whew!!!
I guess I could tell you how I didn't sleep at all last night. I guess I could tell you how scared I have been. I guess I could tell you how every time I try to eat over the past week I thought I would surely throw up. I guess I could tell you that I haven't wanted to let hubby out of my sight. I guess I could tell you how I keep hugging him every chance I get. I guess I could tell you that we've told each other, "I love you" more this past week then we have in the past year. But I won't.
Instead I will simply tell you that my husband does not have cancer! I can breathe again. He has a soft tissue mass on his shin that is benign. He needs to get a repeat MRI in two months to see if it has grown and then they may remove it at that time. For now though we are counting our blessings and spending quality time as a family. Thank you all for your prayers.
Instead I will simply tell you that my husband does not have cancer! I can breathe again. He has a soft tissue mass on his shin that is benign. He needs to get a repeat MRI in two months to see if it has grown and then they may remove it at that time. For now though we are counting our blessings and spending quality time as a family. Thank you all for your prayers.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Weekend Update
Just a quick post to update you all on the happenings in the "Migrainemom" household. It's been a busy, busy weekend!
I belong to the All Children's Hospital guild and our mission is to raise money for the hospital through various fundraisers and benefits that we put on throughout the year. All Children's Hospital is near and dear to our hearts because when #1 was only 15 months old, they literally saved his life. He had a fever of 105 for 4 days and a weird rash on his body and tongue. He was lethargic, wasn't eating and was basically scaring all of us. We were back and forth to the doctor that week. They ruled out meningitis and kept telling us it was some kind of virus but didn't know what. Finally we had enough...the lymph nodes on the side of his neck were the size of a golf ball and he was dehydrated. We drove 20 miles south to All Children's. In the emergency room he was diagnosed with Kawasaki's disease and immediately admitted to the hospital. What an ordeal! To make a long story short...today he is a happy and healthy 9 year old, I truly believe in part, because of the amazing doctor's at this hospital. In an effort to give back in some way, I volunteer my time for the guild.
Saturday evening we had our big benefit called "Margaritaville in the Tropics". I was on the planning committee and it was a lot of hard work but in the end it was all worth it. I don't have final numbers on what we raised but even in a recession I would say we did pretty good! I am exhausted today though!
In Hubby news, we have an appointment with the Orthopedic Oncologist at Moffit Cancer center Monday morning at 9:30am. He is adamant that I don't go with him because we know it isn't going to be anything...it just can't be. I have however taken the morning off and plan on going with him. I know in my heart all will be fine. I truly believe that God doesn't give you more than you can handle and my husband is my world....I truly could not handle him having Cancer...so it just isn't so. I will keep you all updated and please continue those prayers. Hug your families tight!
I belong to the All Children's Hospital guild and our mission is to raise money for the hospital through various fundraisers and benefits that we put on throughout the year. All Children's Hospital is near and dear to our hearts because when #1 was only 15 months old, they literally saved his life. He had a fever of 105 for 4 days and a weird rash on his body and tongue. He was lethargic, wasn't eating and was basically scaring all of us. We were back and forth to the doctor that week. They ruled out meningitis and kept telling us it was some kind of virus but didn't know what. Finally we had enough...the lymph nodes on the side of his neck were the size of a golf ball and he was dehydrated. We drove 20 miles south to All Children's. In the emergency room he was diagnosed with Kawasaki's disease and immediately admitted to the hospital. What an ordeal! To make a long story short...today he is a happy and healthy 9 year old, I truly believe in part, because of the amazing doctor's at this hospital. In an effort to give back in some way, I volunteer my time for the guild.
Saturday evening we had our big benefit called "Margaritaville in the Tropics". I was on the planning committee and it was a lot of hard work but in the end it was all worth it. I don't have final numbers on what we raised but even in a recession I would say we did pretty good! I am exhausted today though!
In Hubby news, we have an appointment with the Orthopedic Oncologist at Moffit Cancer center Monday morning at 9:30am. He is adamant that I don't go with him because we know it isn't going to be anything...it just can't be. I have however taken the morning off and plan on going with him. I know in my heart all will be fine. I truly believe that God doesn't give you more than you can handle and my husband is my world....I truly could not handle him having Cancer...so it just isn't so. I will keep you all updated and please continue those prayers. Hug your families tight!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A life worth living...
Quote of the Day:
"A human life is like a single letter of the alphabet. It can be meaningless, or it can be a part of a great meaning."--anonymous
I think each of us has a moral obligation to live a life worth living. Life is a gift and nobody knows how long we have so we need to be conscious of living each day to the fullest. We need to make the most of every single day. Living present centered and focused...one day at a time.
"A human life is like a single letter of the alphabet. It can be meaningless, or it can be a part of a great meaning."--anonymous
I think each of us has a moral obligation to live a life worth living. Life is a gift and nobody knows how long we have so we need to be conscious of living each day to the fullest. We need to make the most of every single day. Living present centered and focused...one day at a time.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Madness....
It's times like these that I am truly grateful that my blog is relatively anonymous. Nobody in real life (other than hubby) knows about what I am going to write here.
My world has been rocked once again and I'm not sure which way is up. I'm scared and I really need your prayers.
Hubby has a lump on his shin. It has been there for as long as I can remember. About two years ago he went to an Orthopedist who felt it and deemed that it was just a torn muscle poking through. Nothing to worry about he said. Have it checked in another year, he said.
Flash forward to now. The lump is still there and it doesn't hurt but to both of us it appears to have gotten bigger. Hubby makes an appointment with the Orthopedist who no longer takes our insurance. We make another appointment with an Orthopedist who does take our insurance. He feels it and says it isn't a muscle tear but a tumor. He orders an MRI. He aspirates the lump and no fluid comes out. All this time the lump doesn't hurt at all.
After looking at the MRI the Orthopedist thinks we need to go and see an Orthopedic Oncologist. He still doesn't know what the lump is but he wants the Specialist to look at it. Hubby is trying to make an appointment with the Oncologist but we need to get insurance company approval first. This can not be Cancer. Do you all hear me?? A Cancer diagnosis is absolutely not allowed.
My mother has Breast Cancer, my school is closing and I may be out of a job in two months...my husband is not allowed to have Cancer. So, if you all wouldn't mind...please keep us in your prayers? And if you do know me in real life? Please don't tell anyone about this...it isn't going to be Cancer. It just can't be. Because that, well that I really just could not handle.
My world has been rocked once again and I'm not sure which way is up. I'm scared and I really need your prayers.
Hubby has a lump on his shin. It has been there for as long as I can remember. About two years ago he went to an Orthopedist who felt it and deemed that it was just a torn muscle poking through. Nothing to worry about he said. Have it checked in another year, he said.
Flash forward to now. The lump is still there and it doesn't hurt but to both of us it appears to have gotten bigger. Hubby makes an appointment with the Orthopedist who no longer takes our insurance. We make another appointment with an Orthopedist who does take our insurance. He feels it and says it isn't a muscle tear but a tumor. He orders an MRI. He aspirates the lump and no fluid comes out. All this time the lump doesn't hurt at all.
After looking at the MRI the Orthopedist thinks we need to go and see an Orthopedic Oncologist. He still doesn't know what the lump is but he wants the Specialist to look at it. Hubby is trying to make an appointment with the Oncologist but we need to get insurance company approval first. This can not be Cancer. Do you all hear me?? A Cancer diagnosis is absolutely not allowed.
My mother has Breast Cancer, my school is closing and I may be out of a job in two months...my husband is not allowed to have Cancer. So, if you all wouldn't mind...please keep us in your prayers? And if you do know me in real life? Please don't tell anyone about this...it isn't going to be Cancer. It just can't be. Because that, well that I really just could not handle.
Children...
and the things they do! It's enough to drive you mad, I tell you!
#2 has been sassy lately. Spring Soccer sign up (say that 12 times fast!) was two months ago and she begged us to play this season. During the Fall she was ice skating and about halfway through her brothers Fall soccer schedule she wanted to play. We told her she could play during the spring if she wanted to. So, she wanted to and so did #1...so we signed them both up.
Last week was practice for them both and this week games begin...Tuesday and Thursday nights for an hour each night from now until the end of May. Practice last week went well except towards the end of #2's practice she got hit in the face with the ball. Tears came and we gave hugs, she brushed it off and continued with practice.
Yesterday, their first games were canceled because we had a horrible storm. This morning #2 announces she hates soccer, she is glad it was canceled last night and doesn't want to play anymore. Ugh! We told her before sign up that she was going to have to stick it out for the season if she chose to play. I told her this morning that she was going to play anyway because she had chosen to play. She then got really angry and started giving me a terrible attitude. I calmly told her she needed to calm down or I would take her TV away for the day. She mouthed off about that so the TV was gone for the day. She started in again so I told her no TV for two days. She calmed down really quick after that.
Now she has colored, played and read books. In my office this morning both children played. She actually just told me she is glad she has no TV today because she is finding so many things to do! Wish us luck tomorrow though when she does have to play soccer....
#2 has been sassy lately. Spring Soccer sign up (say that 12 times fast!) was two months ago and she begged us to play this season. During the Fall she was ice skating and about halfway through her brothers Fall soccer schedule she wanted to play. We told her she could play during the spring if she wanted to. So, she wanted to and so did #1...so we signed them both up.
Last week was practice for them both and this week games begin...Tuesday and Thursday nights for an hour each night from now until the end of May. Practice last week went well except towards the end of #2's practice she got hit in the face with the ball. Tears came and we gave hugs, she brushed it off and continued with practice.
Yesterday, their first games were canceled because we had a horrible storm. This morning #2 announces she hates soccer, she is glad it was canceled last night and doesn't want to play anymore. Ugh! We told her before sign up that she was going to have to stick it out for the season if she chose to play. I told her this morning that she was going to play anyway because she had chosen to play. She then got really angry and started giving me a terrible attitude. I calmly told her she needed to calm down or I would take her TV away for the day. She mouthed off about that so the TV was gone for the day. She started in again so I told her no TV for two days. She calmed down really quick after that.
Now she has colored, played and read books. In my office this morning both children played. She actually just told me she is glad she has no TV today because she is finding so many things to do! Wish us luck tomorrow though when she does have to play soccer....
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
It's an "Eeyore" day...
scratch that, I think it's been an "Eeyore" week. I just can't seem to shake the blah's. All I feel like doing is "nothing". I don't want to exercise, I've been "short" with the people around me and I just feel sad.
I feel like the school year is flying fast forward and normally at this time of year I am so excited for summer to be coming. Last week was wonderful...I enjoyed being off and I enjoyed just spending time with my children. I'm looking forward to the "slow down" of summer but this year is bittersweet. I really enjoy my job. Yes, it makes me stressed. Yes, there are days I want to scream and pull my hair out. But, I really like the people I work with and I really like my school. I've worked here for 6 years and my co-workers have become a family. I hate the uncertainty...I hate not knowing where I will be working or if I'll even have a job. This year, not only is the school year ending but our school is ending.
Today our Principal announced to us that the district has placed him at a new school....he needs to go over there next week and meet his new faculty. This makes things even more real. I feel like everyday there are new reminders that our school is really closing and it is a true loss. We have to pack up our things, we have to prepare the students for a new school but meanwhile we still need to do our jobs. I still need to teach and counsel and it's hard to support the children, families and teachers when I feel exactly the way they do. We all are feeling the loss.
I know we'll get through and I know that new adventures await. I just wish I knew what those adventures are. Am I supposed to continue working at a school, should I switch school levels, should I open my own practice? Will I even get a chance to work in a school or will they do away with my position? I want the answers right now. I'm impatient and I'm sad. So, for now I am going to allow it to be an "Eeyore" day....I'm going to just be and know that this too shall pass. It's just going to take time.
I feel like the school year is flying fast forward and normally at this time of year I am so excited for summer to be coming. Last week was wonderful...I enjoyed being off and I enjoyed just spending time with my children. I'm looking forward to the "slow down" of summer but this year is bittersweet. I really enjoy my job. Yes, it makes me stressed. Yes, there are days I want to scream and pull my hair out. But, I really like the people I work with and I really like my school. I've worked here for 6 years and my co-workers have become a family. I hate the uncertainty...I hate not knowing where I will be working or if I'll even have a job. This year, not only is the school year ending but our school is ending.
Today our Principal announced to us that the district has placed him at a new school....he needs to go over there next week and meet his new faculty. This makes things even more real. I feel like everyday there are new reminders that our school is really closing and it is a true loss. We have to pack up our things, we have to prepare the students for a new school but meanwhile we still need to do our jobs. I still need to teach and counsel and it's hard to support the children, families and teachers when I feel exactly the way they do. We all are feeling the loss.
I know we'll get through and I know that new adventures await. I just wish I knew what those adventures are. Am I supposed to continue working at a school, should I switch school levels, should I open my own practice? Will I even get a chance to work in a school or will they do away with my position? I want the answers right now. I'm impatient and I'm sad. So, for now I am going to allow it to be an "Eeyore" day....I'm going to just be and know that this too shall pass. It's just going to take time.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Spring has Sprung!
I always give credit where credit is due and I was over at Lizzie's blog a little while ago and she posted pictures of the flowers her and her girls saw this past weekend at the Biltmore. This got me thinking of how much I love flowers and how they just make me think of spring. I thought I would share some more pictures of San Francisco and show you the beautiful flowers we saw just walking around. I promise these are the last vacation pictures I will show you...did I mention that we took 144 pictures??? So, ladies (and gentlemen) what things make you think of spring?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
20 lashes with a wet noodle!
So, hubby was less then thrilled that I posted pictures of him and the kidlets on the blog. Never mind that you can't even really see them in the pictures.
He says I should take them down unless I am also willing to post a picture of myself. hmmm....I'm not to sure how I feel about that? I'm also not sure if I even have a recent picture to post? Somehow I'm always the one behind the camera...
Y'know how you form an image of someone in your mind and then you meet them in real life and that image doesn't jell with how you pictured them? What if I'm not how you picture me? What if people in real life find me because I posted a picture? Am I being paranoid?
So, if you do post pictures on your blog how do you feel about it? Is it no big deal or is it better to keep the "mask" on? I'm not sure why I'm asking, just floating around the idea and trying to see how others feel...
He says I should take them down unless I am also willing to post a picture of myself. hmmm....I'm not to sure how I feel about that? I'm also not sure if I even have a recent picture to post? Somehow I'm always the one behind the camera...
Y'know how you form an image of someone in your mind and then you meet them in real life and that image doesn't jell with how you pictured them? What if I'm not how you picture me? What if people in real life find me because I posted a picture? Am I being paranoid?
So, if you do post pictures on your blog how do you feel about it? Is it no big deal or is it better to keep the "mask" on? I'm not sure why I'm asking, just floating around the idea and trying to see how others feel...
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Tweet!
I finally gave in and subscribed to Twitter and now I am officially addicted! I love it....find me under migraninemomblog because someone took migrainemom...that was frustrating in itself trying to come up with a screen name to identify myself...so, here is my question...I get how to update Twitter from the Twitter site but how do I update via text message from my phone? I set up my cell phone number under the devices section and I got a message that says they can't update to my phone but I could still text a code back to them to make it work. I did that and ...nothing. I texted a message to that number as well and again...nothing...what am I doing wrong??? Help!
Food Glorious Food!
To say we ate well on vacation is an understatement. See these hills? You need to eat a lot to power up for these hills!
This is a picture of Dottie's True Blue Cafe. We waited an hour on a line to get into this place for breakfast but it was soooo worth it! I had black bean cakes with salsa and sour cream with eggs and potatoes on the side. The children had wonderful pancakes and hubby had a fennel sausage omelet. Yum!
These wonderful things are the dozen oysters that we ate along with the salad you will see in the next picture. What you don't see was the delicious glasses of Beer that we both drank...I can't remember the name of it but it tasted so good sitting outside in the sun, watching the water and eating these oysters. The children even tried them! In the background you can see #1's gourmet grilled cheese...it had three kinds of cheese in it on fresh baked bread. #2 ate olives and bread so she was happy too!
Okay, here is my beer with the salad. This was actually half of a salad...hubby and I split it and it just hit the right spot! The salad and oysters were from Hog Island Oyster Company in the Ferry Building.
Unfortunately, this is all the pictures I took of our food. This picture is of the Ferry Building though. Inside this building is food as far as the eye can see. There are food stalls for fresh bread, food stalls for cheese, food stalls for wine. Oh...it was heaven!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Going out on a limb...
and posting some pictures!
I don't usually post pictures of our family but these were too cute to pass up. One day on vacation we rented a car and went to Muir Woods to see the Redwood trees, Stinson Beach to see the Ocean and to Sonoma Valley to drink some wine! We were driving through the mountains and the views were gorgeous...hubby and the children decided to be adventurous and go down the side of the mountain to get a better view. I stayed behind to take pictures and hold my breathe. They were "literally" out on a limb...enjoy!
Fly the Friendly Skies...
I can remember a time when flying was fun. When airlines actually cared about customer service and worked hard to make your flight enjoyable. If our flight to San Francisco on Delta was any indication of their idea of "customer service" then I can see why airlines are losing money. I can tell you honestly, that Delta lost us as customers. I will do everything in my power to avoid flying with them again.
Our trip started on Friday afternoon. We had a 4:20pm flight out of Tampa and were supposed to arrive in Atlanta at 7:10. From there we had an 8:30pm flight from Atlanta to San Francisco. We were supposed to arrive at 10:00pm San Fran time. So, I check the flight status before we left for the airport and everything was running on time. We get to the airport at around 2:15 pm and check in. My first gripe was the "baggage fee". The website said $15 for your first bag and $25 for each additional bag. We had two bags and a backpack of toys for the children. The first bag was $15 and I expected the 2nd bag to be $15 as well. One bag for each of us adults. If we had flown separately then this is what it would have cost us but since we were a "group" (2 adults and 2 children instead of 2 single people) we were charged $15 for the 1st bag and $25 for the second. Seemed silly to me, but whatever. Everything was still on time so we were good to go.
We get to the terminal and decide to walk through the shops before going through security. I glanced up at the flight screen and notice that our flight is now delayed an hour. I panic because this only leaves us 20 minutes to catch our connecting flight. We go back downstairs and are told not to worry "because everything is running late and they are sure our 2nd flight will be delayed too". We asked if they could book us on a later flight just in case and were told the last flight out of Atlanta to San Francisco was scheduled for 10:45 and was fully booked. Now my worrying kicks into full gear. The woman at the desk was very unhelpful and kept trying to get us to leave her station telling us we would make our flight.
We leave her station and go over to the gate. We are delayed another 30 minutes and I know there is no way we will make our flight in Atlanta. Stand in line again and this woman tells us the same thing but this time with attitude.."I don't know what you want me to do about it!" Umm...get us in line for standby flight, get us on another flight, I don't know....do your job! Hubby was keeping his cool and I was near tears...throughout it all the children were champs....they played on the playground and just went with the flow. Hubby asked to speak to a supervisor because nobody would help us, they just kept saying, "You won't miss your flight...it will be delayed too." They start boarding now and I'm panicking. Do we board the plane and risk getting stuck for the night in Atlanta or do we wait in Tampa....the supervisor comes and actually yells at us to make a decision..."get on or don't get on, I don't care..." Direct quote from her, no lie. The next flight out of Tampa to get us anywhere near San Francisco was not until Saturday afternoon so we decided to get on the plane in the hopes that we would make our connection or be able to get a seat on the later flight.
Now, I'm going to stop for a moment and say we were very reasonable throughout this whole time and the thing that bothered me the most is not one person cared about our situation. If one person had said to me, "I'm sorry this situation stinks, let's see how we can fix it" then I would have been fine with that, but nobody came even close. We were the paying customers and we were actually getting yelled out by the people we are supposed to work for us. Very disappointing.
So, we get to Atlanta and of course our flight was the one flight that was not delayed at all. We missed it by a mile. We stand in line to try to get on the later flight and are told that flight is delayed by an hour and there are no seats...she can't help us until it gets closer to the flight time. It's now almost 9pm and the flight didn't leave until 11:45pm. I knew if we didn't get on that flight I wanted assurance we were getting on a flight the next morning and somewhere to stay. She wouldn't help at all.."I can't help you, go sit down!" Aargh! I decide to go down to customer service at this point because I knew if I waited for his lady then everything would be closed and we would be stuck. I leave hubby and the children at the gate waiting for that line and I go stand in the very long customer service line.
After an hour and a half (it's now 10:30pm..the children are fading fast but being wonderful and hubby and I are updating each other on the status of our respective lines via cell phone) I finally get to the front of the line. Somebody, somewhere knew I had enough and I finally got to speak to someone willing to help. The wonderful, outstanding Rodney Young was the young man at the counter and his exact words to me were, "I am going to fix this for you." He immediately gave us "standby tickets" which put us at number 22 for standby seats (why didn't someone do this for us earlier???) gave us a hotel room for the night (just in case) and booked us 4 seats on the 9am flight to San Fran in case we didn't get on the 11:45pm flight. I could have kissed him and I actually told him so!
To make a very long story short (or not so much) we did get on the 11:45pm flight...all middle seats spread out across the plane, but on the plane nonetheless. A man switched with #2 so she could sit next to me and she promptly fell asleep. We arrived in San Francisco and 3am California time...6am our time...what a long night, but thankfully we were there! No thanks to Delta Airlines.
Our trip started on Friday afternoon. We had a 4:20pm flight out of Tampa and were supposed to arrive in Atlanta at 7:10. From there we had an 8:30pm flight from Atlanta to San Francisco. We were supposed to arrive at 10:00pm San Fran time. So, I check the flight status before we left for the airport and everything was running on time. We get to the airport at around 2:15 pm and check in. My first gripe was the "baggage fee". The website said $15 for your first bag and $25 for each additional bag. We had two bags and a backpack of toys for the children. The first bag was $15 and I expected the 2nd bag to be $15 as well. One bag for each of us adults. If we had flown separately then this is what it would have cost us but since we were a "group" (2 adults and 2 children instead of 2 single people) we were charged $15 for the 1st bag and $25 for the second. Seemed silly to me, but whatever. Everything was still on time so we were good to go.
We get to the terminal and decide to walk through the shops before going through security. I glanced up at the flight screen and notice that our flight is now delayed an hour. I panic because this only leaves us 20 minutes to catch our connecting flight. We go back downstairs and are told not to worry "because everything is running late and they are sure our 2nd flight will be delayed too". We asked if they could book us on a later flight just in case and were told the last flight out of Atlanta to San Francisco was scheduled for 10:45 and was fully booked. Now my worrying kicks into full gear. The woman at the desk was very unhelpful and kept trying to get us to leave her station telling us we would make our flight.
We leave her station and go over to the gate. We are delayed another 30 minutes and I know there is no way we will make our flight in Atlanta. Stand in line again and this woman tells us the same thing but this time with attitude.."I don't know what you want me to do about it!" Umm...get us in line for standby flight, get us on another flight, I don't know....do your job! Hubby was keeping his cool and I was near tears...throughout it all the children were champs....they played on the playground and just went with the flow. Hubby asked to speak to a supervisor because nobody would help us, they just kept saying, "You won't miss your flight...it will be delayed too." They start boarding now and I'm panicking. Do we board the plane and risk getting stuck for the night in Atlanta or do we wait in Tampa....the supervisor comes and actually yells at us to make a decision..."get on or don't get on, I don't care..." Direct quote from her, no lie. The next flight out of Tampa to get us anywhere near San Francisco was not until Saturday afternoon so we decided to get on the plane in the hopes that we would make our connection or be able to get a seat on the later flight.
Now, I'm going to stop for a moment and say we were very reasonable throughout this whole time and the thing that bothered me the most is not one person cared about our situation. If one person had said to me, "I'm sorry this situation stinks, let's see how we can fix it" then I would have been fine with that, but nobody came even close. We were the paying customers and we were actually getting yelled out by the people we are supposed to work for us. Very disappointing.
So, we get to Atlanta and of course our flight was the one flight that was not delayed at all. We missed it by a mile. We stand in line to try to get on the later flight and are told that flight is delayed by an hour and there are no seats...she can't help us until it gets closer to the flight time. It's now almost 9pm and the flight didn't leave until 11:45pm. I knew if we didn't get on that flight I wanted assurance we were getting on a flight the next morning and somewhere to stay. She wouldn't help at all.."I can't help you, go sit down!" Aargh! I decide to go down to customer service at this point because I knew if I waited for his lady then everything would be closed and we would be stuck. I leave hubby and the children at the gate waiting for that line and I go stand in the very long customer service line.
After an hour and a half (it's now 10:30pm..the children are fading fast but being wonderful and hubby and I are updating each other on the status of our respective lines via cell phone) I finally get to the front of the line. Somebody, somewhere knew I had enough and I finally got to speak to someone willing to help. The wonderful, outstanding Rodney Young was the young man at the counter and his exact words to me were, "I am going to fix this for you." He immediately gave us "standby tickets" which put us at number 22 for standby seats (why didn't someone do this for us earlier???) gave us a hotel room for the night (just in case) and booked us 4 seats on the 9am flight to San Fran in case we didn't get on the 11:45pm flight. I could have kissed him and I actually told him so!
To make a very long story short (or not so much) we did get on the 11:45pm flight...all middle seats spread out across the plane, but on the plane nonetheless. A man switched with #2 so she could sit next to me and she promptly fell asleep. We arrived in San Francisco and 3am California time...6am our time...what a long night, but thankfully we were there! No thanks to Delta Airlines.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
San Fran and back...all in one piece!
Oh...where oh where to begin?? Shall I tell you about the glorious hills and views? Shall I tell you about our adventurous children who actually appeased their parents and tried oysters at "Hog Island Oyster Company" and steamed buns in China Town? Shall I tell you about the cable cars, Alcatraz or the Ferry Building with all of it's glorious food stalls as far as the eye can see? Shall I tell you about the sea lions or mission street or the Castro? How about Sonoma Valley and Muir Woods and Stinson beach? We did so much and experienced so much in five short days it's hard to know where to begin....
We had a wonderful vacation and I have plenty of "blog fodder" for all of you in the coming days...I hope you don't tire of stories of San Francisco, or plane traveling or traveling with children because I certainly have plenty to tell. Overall, the children were great even when our plane was delayed for three hours going from Tampa to Atlanta, which then caused us to miss our connecting flight and have to try for a "standby" seat on the 11:45pm flight. Oh, I have a nice letter to Delta about that one...I think my words to hubby were, "I think I would rather stab myself in the eye then fly with Delta ever again." Good times...
Little legs tired easily on the big hills but to be honest big legs tired really easy on those hills too. The views when you got to the top of those hills was stunning though. Hubby is a true "New Yorker" and never fails to get the point across that things are better in NYC...find a good restaurant, NYC has one better. Find a beautiful view, Central Park in NYC has that. Public transportation? Nothing compares to NYC's subway system. By the end of this vacation Hubby actually said, "I could see myself living in San Francisco!" I could see myself living there too. We ate and drank to our hearts content and the best thing about all of that? Those brutal hills I mentioned? Walking them paid off...I gained not a single pound...now I call that a successful vacation!
We had a wonderful vacation and I have plenty of "blog fodder" for all of you in the coming days...I hope you don't tire of stories of San Francisco, or plane traveling or traveling with children because I certainly have plenty to tell. Overall, the children were great even when our plane was delayed for three hours going from Tampa to Atlanta, which then caused us to miss our connecting flight and have to try for a "standby" seat on the 11:45pm flight. Oh, I have a nice letter to Delta about that one...I think my words to hubby were, "I think I would rather stab myself in the eye then fly with Delta ever again." Good times...
Little legs tired easily on the big hills but to be honest big legs tired really easy on those hills too. The views when you got to the top of those hills was stunning though. Hubby is a true "New Yorker" and never fails to get the point across that things are better in NYC...find a good restaurant, NYC has one better. Find a beautiful view, Central Park in NYC has that. Public transportation? Nothing compares to NYC's subway system. By the end of this vacation Hubby actually said, "I could see myself living in San Francisco!" I could see myself living there too. We ate and drank to our hearts content and the best thing about all of that? Those brutal hills I mentioned? Walking them paid off...I gained not a single pound...now I call that a successful vacation!
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