Murphy's Law: Thanksgiving 2015

Let me tell you a quick story...

I woke up excited to be making my way to Anchorage today. My plane was supposed to leave Napakiak at 10am and Bethel at 12pm. I got a call at 9:40 saying the airline was being placed on weather hold because there was some fog in Bethel and it wasn't safe to fly. 

So, I waited at my house for another hour or so. The airline said it would be about 30 minutes until the weather cleared. I decided to walk to the airport so I would be ready to go when my plane arrived. It was cold, but sunny and the walk was refreshing. I was so ready to get to Anchorage! However, when I got to the airport the airline said the weather got better for a short time, but then got worse. They still couldn't fly! Luckily, there was a different plane at our airport waiting to take off. I asked if I could hop on and there was one extra seat. My lucky day. When the weather cleared we left Napakiak. This was at 11:30...only 30 minutes before my plane to Anchorage was supposed to leave! I was a little stressed at this point, but I called the airline and told them that I was weathered in my village and I might have to change my flight to the evening flight. They told me that the flight was a little delayed, so I might still make it. I was crossing my fingers. 

The small plane from Napakiak to Bethel had to circle around for 30 minutes because so many planes were trying to get into Bethel at the same time. We finally made it to Bethel and I got a ride to the airline I was taking to Anchorage. I saw the plane still there, so I thought I still had a chance! The plane was delayed, and I was 50 minutes late. I asked if I made it in time and the receptionist told me I hadn't. I had my hopes crushed. I was added to standby for the evening flight. I sat in the airport for 7 hours playing the waiting game. Luckily, they had wifi there so I watched Netflix and read a book. 

It finally came time for the evening flight. I was seeing other teachers arriving from their villages and they said they were on the evening flight. It was exciting to talk to some other people I knew and tell them my situation. The plane ended up being late so we were waiting around for awhile. I went up to the ticket counter and asked how the standby situation looked and what number I was on the list. She took a few minutes to look it up and I was number 1 on the list!!! I was so excited. I thought for sure I had a chance to get out. (By the way, there are usually only 5 flights per day to Anchorage on two airlines. When they are all full it's a difficult situation, as you can see.)

After another 30 minutes, an announcement was made. "Attention standby travelers"... that was me! I was ready for them to call my name. "This flight is completely full. We will not take any standby travelers for this flight. Please make reservations at the desk to be rescheduled." What a disappointing moment. The other teachers apologized, but it wasn't their fault. It wasn't my fault. That's just the way it worked out. 

So, I made my new reservation. The airline isn't flying tomorrow (Thanksgiving), so I am schedule to fly on Friday. I'm on standby for the noon flight incase anything opens up, and I definitely have a seat on the evening flight. There are only 37 seats on these planes! 

It was time for me to collect my luggage. I asked a worker and she said that it would be right out. After waiting patiently for about 15 minutes a man asked if he could help me. I told him I was on standby, but didn't make it so I was trying to pick up my luggage. He let me in the back area and.....IT WASN'T THERE. He said, "Yeah, we don't have it. I don't know where it is." He was nice, but how do you not know where my luggage is?! I was just a little mad. (My luggage ended up making it to Anchorage without me, apparently. I'll find out when I get there on Friday.)

Now, I am without any of my luggage. I don't have a toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant, or any clothes besides what I am wearing! Luckily, the school district I work for allowed me to stay in one of the offices. It's better than paying $200 a night for a bad hotel. So, I save $400 and sleep on a couch for two nights. I can sleep anywhere. 

I will be spending Thanksgiving alone. I'll talk with my family on the phone and probably watch movies. I will eat a microwavable meal. However, I have food, water, and a warm place to sleep. Things could be worse. I'm trying to make the best of it. 

I'm excited to get to Anchorage on Friday, whatever time I get there. I will post pictures when I return! It will be a quick trip. I'll get there Friday and return on Sunday. However, it will be a nice weekend away. 

Also, I just found out I get to go to Portland with my principal and one other teacher in 2 weeks! We are going for a professional development conference. I'm eager to go!