TODAY IS THE DAY

well it's here! boarded my first flight and wow it was a tight one. prior to boarding, I wanted to use the restroom and classic jkro not in the airport for a half hour and I embarrass myself. so I go into the handicap bc my bag and backpack are huge and I close the door then I put the paper thingy on the toilet and I drop my drawers and look up to see the door has flung open and there are people out there and the full moon was bright so I threw up my pants and grabbed the door. happy travels amirite?

goodbyes were teary (on my end) because I'm naturally a sap and just love mom dad & Tessie so much. mom & Tess came in with me and put the "beast" as it is nicknamed onto the scale and Tess shuffled real quick to rearrange a few things because of course it was over. honestly I think the bag itself is like 10-15 pounds because there isn't THAT much in there (it's packed tightly into my backpack and carry-in suitcase.) so we put it back on the scale and it started at 52.5 and then teetered (spell check?) it's way down to 50 and a loud WOOHOO escaped from my mouth. thank you Tess for packing my bags like an absolute champ and mom for making sure I had everything I needed in those tightly packed bags.

so today's travel was one for the books. we were farting around on the plane in Indy for at least 45 minutes, and my connecting flight to Paris was only an hour from my original arrival in DC. we landed a half hour late, I am ripping through the airport with a wicked heavy backpack and my coat hearing my NAME OVER THE SPEAKER for last call. I don't think I've ever been more panicked in my young life. I made it to the gate, wheezing and trying to catch my breath and received many hateful glances as I looked for my seat. I was greeted by Kersten with a huge smile and that was incredible. I was so happy to be sitting on the plane and even more so next to her. after I sat down I realized that I had like zero time to get to my gate, and then panicked again that my bags wouldn't make it onto the plane before we left. as I draft this on the flight, I am still uncertain if my belongings are stowed below me but I've said a few Hail Marys and friends I really hope so.

well, they didn't make it. instead they're receiving the scenic route to Germany and hopefully will make it to me soon. currently waiting on the train that will take us to Tours first, and then to sweet 'ol Angers (with no luggage.) but #eurojules is on her way - all part of the adventure right?

cheers, jkro