The Adventure

So the trip.

I felt like it was non-stop go-go-go. I left at 6:30 in the morning on Sat. Was taken and dropped off at O'Hare about 9-9:30. I absolutely love self check in. As a matter of fact I enjoy self check out too. However, it does make me ask the question, "If we didn't have self checkout or check-in, wouldn't there be more jobs?" Food for thought.

So I waited at the airport for a little while before boarding. I got a little reading done, Velvet Elvis-Rob Bell and Me Talk Pretty One Day-David Sedaris. Both really good books and nothing alike. I highly recommend Velvet Elvis. My sister picked it up this weekend because of my recommendation. My next read will be Sex God by Rob Bell.

I flew out on a regional jet...aka a Lear Jet. This was the first time on one and it was awesome. Both to and from Omaha I got the single seat on the left side of the plane. No worries about who they're going to cram in beside you. Although, sometimes those conversations can be interesting.

Anyway, I had the most exciting experience. We were flying at the same level as the air force. I got to watch a F-18 Hornet fly past in the opposite direction at the same level about 500 yards away from us. I was really excited. I've wanted to be a fighter pilot since I can remember. Being that close was awesome.

I got to Omaha at 12:35 and quickly exited the plane. I got to the baggage claim in record time only to discover that I left my hat on the plane. Went back to security only to find that I couldn't just go and get my hat, I needed a boarding pass. I tried to show him the one I had from my original flight and he just said, "Sorry, you have to go back to the ticket counter." So I ran back to the ticket counter, then ran all the way back to the gate, through security again, and got my hat. I got back to baggage claim to wait for my bag. After a few minutes I watched the last of the luggage being taken from the conveyor belt. "Great!" I thought. Now my bag has been stolen or taken to the lost and found or confiscated by the police. And then I turned around to see my bag sitting on the floor next to the American Airlines customer service. I felt like an idiot. Went to grab my bag and the lady in the office ask, "Are you Aaron?"

I said, "Yes."

She asked, "Did you get your hat?" Now mind you I was wearing my hat at the time. I made no comment, just thanked her and was on my way.

On to vermin-town. Went to the Pow-Wow, great dancing and awesome outfits. Took some great photos. They may end up on websites and advertising for years to come.

I had an excellent meal with one of my adopted families in town and watched a great movie with them. I will be adding Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium to my collection of movies. Who could not like the combination of Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman.

On to visiting other friends. Let's just say good times were had by all. And even though I was staying at the church and could easily walk home, I decided to ride the "drunk bus" because I had never taken the opportunity while in school. I thought I was due the experience and adventure. He took us to the wrong location and once we got home my friend just drove me home.

Church the next day was a good time. I love seeing familiar faces and even a few new ones. It's nice to come home. I especially enjoyed the pastor's ensemble, all black, for an after easter message. I just had to chuckle.

We went to a baby shower that afternoon. I interview that afternoon for what will hopefully be a life-changing career for me. And then headed to my cousins for the evening.

Did I mention how done with winter I am.

The next day we woke to fresh slush. Had breakfast with my Mom and cousin and headed on to Pierre for the original purpose of this adventure, to get my braces tightened. It took about 10-15 min. I laughed. Went to the Chiropractor and back on the road.

We ended up at the school of ministry to promote Coffee Loft/campus ministry and possibly land a job for this summer. Then back to Vermillion for a wonderful conversation with my Mormon friend. After talking with him on the phone I received an offer to design Urinetown, the musical for the Black Hills Playhouse. Next we went on to the theater to check out the set for Midsummer Night's Dream. Looks like it'll be a fun show.

After that I called it a night.

Headed back to Kazoo the next day. It was a fairly uneventful trip back. I finished both books I was reading and started another. The most exciting part was getting to ride the train from Chicago to Kalamazoo. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. I hope to do it again before I leave.
I got back to town a few minutes early because there was a child on board that needed to get to a hospital. I'm still not quite sure about those circumstances. But I got back to Kazoo early and walked home from the train station. All in all, good trip. A little busy for my liking and I'm still not quite recovered from it.

It was an adventure. A much needed escape.

Now I need a vacation.