Yes, I'm still in LA. Or as I call it, HeLL A. No, really, it's a wonderful place, especially when you're facing away from it standing on the sand looking out to sea. But I'm really done with this trip, and am having a hard time getting home. It wasn't the terrible migraine last night that did it, it was falling and twisting my ankle at the hotel this morning. As my friend put it: I think I've overstayed my trip.
The ankle was bearable this morning and I got through my morning meetings and lunch ok, though hobbling fetchingly. By the time I was getting back in the rental car, it was clear I wasn't going to be walking much. I decided to get to the airport early and throw myself on the mercy of Alaska Air.
A very helpful ticket agent actually met me at the entrance of the terminal and sat me down, took all my info and tried to get me on an earlier flight. No go (hmm, is it a holiday weekend, maybe?) but she called a wheelchair and got me someone to help me through security. Security is not set up for someone in a wheelchair, by the way. Neither is the terminal waiting area. I was dumped in a chair near my gate and abandoned, though they did leave me the wheelchair. Not having ever negotiated one before, I've been bumping into doors, people, bags, etc. People are pretty friendly and helpful, actually. I find myself saying over and over, "I just twisted my ankle this morning!" as if needing to explain why I'm temporarily not one of the "normal" mobile. Very interesting and eye-opening experience.
Going to the bathroom, finding a plug for my computer, buying water, everything is cumbersome and awkward. Not to mention I'm in pain. I got ice at Starbucks but there isn't a first aid station in the terminal area. I would love to go get a drink but I don't think I should wheel under the influence. Plus I have my overstuffed carry-on as well as a tote bag that I can't maneuver. So I'm stuck here for hours waiting for my flight. What else to do but write it all down and try to get some sympathy?
Thank goodness I'm on the way home and someone's meeting me at the airport. What if I had three more days of travel? One second can change everything, and it's good to remember that anything could happen to any of us. I'm sitting here thankful for the good luck I've had so far in life. But I wish someone would bring me a beer.
(No photo under the circumstances. It's too pitiful anyway.)
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