Spring Broken

2:43pm eastern
Waiting in the Charlotte airport for a connection that was apparently delayed into ATL, which was then to come and fetch us. As a result of today’s Midwestern meteorological calamity, my connection to Suds City will be missed, with my only alternative out late tonight. The positive spin is that my Spring Break gets extended by just that much. I am eager to solidify plans with my dear friends in the intermediate city, and hope that I can work in some welcomed face-time during the 4-5 hour layover.

2:56pm eastern
Just off the poor cell connection with my parentals, with a mother that can’t comprehend the difference between a delay and a cancellation. (sigh.) More waiting. Gonna people watch.

Potent notables from folks waiting for the same flight:

• UNC-Charlotte softball team. Lots of wind pants and ponytails. Not a bad place to be.

• The advocate. A lady wearing a denim jumper (sorry that I know what that is) who feels compelled to look up from her Barbara Taylor Bradford and periodically announce any piece of information related to our flight or some other cul-de-sac babble that she feels is worth clucking about.

• Plane jockey. The pilot who has been hovering around our gate’s service desk and does not feel the need to remove his spiffy, (just well enough) worn leather pilot’s jacket. Complete with shoulder adornments and braids at the wrists. God Bless America. [editorial edition: turned out to be the right-seat]

• Rasta mon. Just wanted to note the truly “authentic” fellow wearing the African tri-color and dreadlocks.

3:15pm eastern
The advocate matter-of-factly reports that “we have a plane; well, at least that’s a start. Hegh, hegh, hegh….” I will be boarding in Zone 4. Gee, thanks Rare-tran.

Enroute to ATL
Not much to report. Cran-Apple juice, pocket/personal Yahtzee (not at all like “pocket pool”), and XM Ch. 142 to stay on top of the games. 43 minutes from wheels-up to touch-down.

4:42pm eastern
Got to the gate desk, expecting to re-book, as my original MKE connection was due out at 3:45pm. They said to scramble 6 gates down and see if I could jump on, as it was only then departing. Apparently their computers had not updated in a while, as it had already pushed back and was taxiing out. I am re-booked to depart at 9:10pm, local.

4 hour lay-over
Is there a better place for a UGA guy to get a lay-over? I was whisked by the other two top 3 contenders (see Bracket this standings, 2007.03.23, 11:41pm, central) off to a fine establishment in Greater Hot-lanna for beers, food, and the best company that I could possibly ask for. Serendipity…good BDB tune and truly appropriate to the occasion. Thank you, friends. That experience made me feel that distance is more virtual in friendship now more than ever.

9:29pm eastern
The best lesson in urban sprawl is a clear evening perspective of the lights of Atlanta from about 6000 ft. Crazy.

10:10pm central
Touchdown! The PAT was good as well: my bag never got transferred to the later flight, but had arrived to MKE on the flight I had originally booked. It had been patiently waiting for me on the suitcase merry-go-round. Picked it up, and out the door to my waiting ride. Back to the grind tomorrow.