We got to the airport around 6:30, Fitzy dropped us off at the departures, we gave each other hugs, thanked her for having us visit and that we will see her again soon. She said she would like that. She told us safe travels and happy birthday since today was my actual birthday. She headed to work and we went inside to check in, get our boarding passes and our bags checked.
We got through security somewhat quickly. We did have to take all of our stuff off including our shoes, our food, laptop, belts, keys etc. Very easy peasy. We put everything we took off back on and I shoved my laptop back in the pack. We headed to the train to the C gate. We walked to gate C49 and hung out for about a half hour. It gave us some time to use the restroom before boarding. We were basically last on the plane. We literally had to find spots in the back. I was really hoping I didn't have to sit in the middle of two strangers. Since Ben was behind me I chose to sit in the last row in the aisle seat next to a dad and a 20-something year old son. They were traveling from the Kentucky t to SeaTac to pick up the moving truck and drive it back to Kentucky and Denver was just a layover. We chatted about several things including college football because they saw my WSU Cougar sweatshirt I was wearing. They were LSU fans. I think Ben just slept the entire time.
Little did I know that he got up once when I wasn't paying attention...
I read my book for a while and the flight attendants were giving out drinks, pretzels and plane cookies. I watched our progress on my phone as we got closer to Seattle. We got to see Mount Rainier in your face. That mountain never ceases to amaze me.
We arrived on time to the B gate. I told the guys good luck on their travels when I heard the pilot get on the intercom to wish a passenger a happy birthday. I was super embarrassed. Ben had gotten up and told the flight attendant to tell the pilot that it was my birthday. I guess you got to do it at least once in your life right? This was the first time I flew on my birthday. I did get a flood of birthday text messages, Facebook posts and phone calls throughout the day.
We headed to carousel 11 and grabbed our bags and headed outside to catch the shuttle back to Ajax. He arrived shortly and we gave him our card to where the Escape was parked while we were gone. We were in row F. We gave him a tip, grabbed our bags and piled into the Escape with our stuff. It was nice to be home. We paid the booth and got my state employee discount. We drove to I-5 and I immediately wanted a sandwich from Jersey Mike's. The closest one was in University Place off of Bridgeport. Ben took me the longest way possible. I didn't care because I was starving.
We found the building. They did some changes to the area. They moved the UP ducks. We parked, went inside, ordered food and inhaled our sandwiches. They truly hit the spot. We headed home via Mounts Road. We got home, unpacked the Escape and Ben went to Tenino to get his check. I went to Centralia to get my license renewed. Over the years I've driven down there because it's quicker than getting in renewed in Lacey or Olympia. I am literally there ten minutes or less. This time I was there for about ten minutes.
When I got my print out copy I noticed that they changed your license number and the amount of years before you have to renew again. I have to come back in two years instead of the typical five. I figured they wanted everyone to be on the same renewal cycle? Oh, by the way, my photo is hideous. Probably the worse picture I've ever taken on my license.
On the way home I stopped by the cemetery to visit with Grammie. I wanted her to be there with me on my birthday. It was the hardest birthday so far. I missed her birthday phone call, her presence, her voice, her special birthday cards. It is hard to accept something you deeply care about when you can never have it again. It is emotionally and physically painful. I try so hard not to cry when I visit but I just can't help it. I miss her so much. We were still waiting for the real headstone but in the meantime we had the small plaque.
I drove across the street and got a few things at the store and then headed home, put the stuff away and started a load of laundry. We watched some shows, made chicken strips and fries and cleaned the house. We got our showers, folded clothes and got my lunch ready for work. I was sad that I had to go back to work after having a mini vacation from it. I enjoyed my time in Colorado even though it wasn't long enough. Until next time.
Next Adventure: Thanksgiving and Black Friday
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