It is hard to say goodbye when you already said it yesterday.

Captain’s Log: 02 June 2010


Today was an utter disaster. Shame washed over me and embarrassment seeped into my bones. Would you like to know the difference between Thursday June 10 and Wednesday June 2? That’s the difference between departing for your trip on time. Yes, you are correct. I did not leave today. Instead, I trudged home. I dared not let anyone (but my family) know that I was still in the 806. I didn’t want to have to say goodbye to all my friends, yet again.

So the story—I arrived at Lubbock Preston Smith International airport a couple hours early for my flight. My brother and sister Lorna were waiting at the chairs while my mom and I went to check my baggage. This is where I met Salazar McCrapface. I weighed my luggage and he scanned my ID. Wellllllll… he informed me that I was not on the flight departing today. What?! Surely you are mistaken, Salazar! We looked at my itinerary and sure enough, it said Thursday. Not Wednesday! Oh Dear I thought?! I shall be a day late! Then, much to my chagrin, we noticed a big 10 next to Thursday. The 10 standing for the tenth rather than 2010 like I previously thought. Oh the shame! Me and my father had bought tickets for a flight that left 8 days later than we had intended. But, wait my friends, there is still hope yet to be found. Salazar informed me that if I can call the airlines and change my ticket, I might be able to make it to my destination.

And they are off! My brother calling my dad. Me calling my friend that I am meeting in London tomorrow. My sister looking over my itinerary. My mom talking to Salazar. We were going to make that flight. My brother got hold of my father who was immediately off to call the airlines. My friend became aware of the situation and knew of my predicament. Salazar seemed hopeful. The itinerary, however, just sat and laughed at us. It indeed said June 10th. (Itinerary stands for Lorna)

My father calls back, “Nathan, I got you a ticket from Houston to London. You just have to get to Houston by 6:30.” Easy enough I thought. There are 5 airlines here surely I can get to Houston. Nope. All five of them. All five airlines refused to let me on board. Also, Salazar told me that it is illegal to try and buy tickets from people. Dumb terrorists! Didn’t they foresee the problems they would cause me!

After desperate calls to people with private jets… I rolled my suitcase out of the airport, humiliated. We went to Rosa’s for comfort food and when we got back to my mom’s house I began changing all the reservations I made. Cancelling flights hotel rooms, hostel rooms and train rides. Thankfully I was able to get my money back from these establishments. My sister called the airline and thankfully got me a ticket for tomorrow. All this was settled by about 4:30.

Now, I had to wait an additional 21 hours to leave for Rome. To kill time while hiding from the general public I played Borderlands with my brother, held my precious nephew for the last time in a while and chatted with my mom and sister—mostly about how sick I feel. We did go to Barnes’ and Noble’s to get a nook. There we met Tommy. Salazar McCrapface’s opposite. Whereas Salazar was unmoved by my plight, Tommy was. Where Salazar couldn’t help me with anything, Tommy could. Tommy was obviously after a sale, I am no fool. That did not stop me from accepting his kindness, feigned or not. He was sorry for my troubles and sorry that the nook was better than the Kindle. I too was sorry for the Kindle. He said he was sure that I would enjoy my travels—especially if I didn’t have to lug around heavy books. The nook ways about a pound! I am only joking. He didn’t make plugs like that; he really genuinely cared about my troubles. Well, Tommy, thanks for making my day a little better.

So friends and family I am not saying goodbye since I already said it yesterday. I am not posting this blog ‘till I am safely oversees away from your chiding remarks.

Captain Nate has himself a sensitive spirit and didn’t want to leave in dishonor.

End Transmission.

P.S. Salazar McCrapface is not his real name.