Highways in the Sky

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

I am currently cruising at a speed of 416mph at an altitude of 41,042Ft.  High above the clouds I once believed were filled with Care Bears, I journey to the windy city of Chicago,IL.

This is my third journey of the year having already completed two hockey trips in the last six weeks; my husband and I are off to a seminar, leaving our little ones back home with their Grandparents (potential disaster - in the back of my head I'm thinking this may be the last trip the hubby and I take alone).

There was a time when climbing aboard a Boeing 737, traveling abroad toward endless possibilities, brought feelings of joy and excitement.  Having attended school in the U.S. I travelled the skies with bliss.  Just last August we embarked on our first family vacation to Pennsylvania.  Then, with the help of some turbulence (more like our plane bouncing around like a ping-pong ball), I became helpless.  My mind rattled, stomach turned, all the while my little darlings colored and played games oblivious to the consequences if the plane went down.  "Smile and look happy", I told myself over and over (as I hid my white knuckles from view).

From here onward, flying bliss has been replaced with nausea, stomach pains, and hot flashes.  A means to end. Vacation. A metal tube the size of a two story building, hurdled into the air.....ugh.


I watch the Flight Attendants and remind myself they, like the Pilot, do this everyday.  Shuttling travelers through the blue, sun-filled skies, serving Bits&Bites along with over-priced sandwiches.  They, however, unlike myself, saunter down the aisle with comfort and grace while I, hold on for dear life just to make it to the lavatory.

Curses on them! I pay  for my ticket, get squished into the middle seat next to Phil and another gentleman (who appears to be enjoying  this experience as much as I), without so much as complimentary vodka cranberry to calm my nerves.  Jingles by'!

Which, brings me here. Blogging.  Writing the thoughts and rambling tidbits to those who, may, or may not ever read this.  Toronto in t-minus one hour and twenty minutes....Chicago...not quick enough.  Pee break...immediately!

Mommy Travels

Let me start by apologizing for not having posted in a few weeks.  Over the last month or so I have embarked on two hockey trips, one to Moncton for Drew, my younger son, and just last week returned from Toronto, where Noah participated in the Summer Meltdown with his fellow Blizzard Dogs.  After a full season of hockey, and a six-week spring league, why not hit the ice rink in capri’s and sandals when it’s 32 degrees outside.  The phrase, “I am Canadian” resonates in my head! 

So here we were, my two boys and I in Toronto.  With GPS in hand, we manoeuvred the 12-lane highways,  braved shady yet interesting side roads, power-shopped like there was no tomorrow (one word – OUTLET) and even  tried our luck at Toronto’s downtown subway system to visit my dear friend and find the Hockey Hall of Fame!

The GPS led us straight to the closest subway stop. The parking however, was another story.  Though I could see the white street sign with the glowing “P” (indicating Public Parking), finding the entrance to such lot was another story.  Five blocks, 35 minutes, 2 long distance phone calls, and a 4-block parking lot later, we were good to go.  

After a successful day in downtown Toronto, a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame and a great afternoon with my friend, I safely returned to the hotel with several shopping bags and two children.  Phew! All the while I’m still muttering to myself, “I must be crazy!”.

In the end, our Toronto hockey adventure was terrific.  We rounded off our trip off with Canada’s Wonderland, one too many rollercoasters (for Mommy that is), minor sunburns (as opposed to wind burn), lots of shopping and finally visiting family before returning home.

I stand by my statement, “National Lampoon’s got nothing on us”, and only now can truly chuckle at the craziness that IS travelling with kids.  Lessons learned? One, it is cheaper to pay for an extra piece of luggage as opposed to a bag that is over weight ($20.00 for extra bag/ $56.50 for overweight bag). Two, hotel rooms should better label their free water – free meaning $6.00 a bottle – next time, hide the expensive water immediately.  And, three, when four lights on the dashboard of your rental car illuminate within the first hour of having it, it is best to return the car immediately.  Unlike myself, who calls road assistance strictly for informative purposes, telling them, “It seems to be driving alright, I’ll see what happens.”.  Well, stalling out on the 401-highway amidst a hurricane rainfall is what happens.  With that, one more phone call to roadside assistance, a few silent profanities and a Hail Mary….enter rental car number two!

Now home, back with my little girl (who I think has taken over my side of the bed), I have the privacy of my own bathroom, cooked meals, and most importantly, solid ground!  Summer in St. John’s might not be that bad after all!

Till next week….I’m Chicago bound!