Day 1

We pretty much flew all day. We left here around 2:00 pm and arrived in San Diego about 11:30 pm.

We had a three-hour layover in Minneapolis. That's plenty of time to take the tram to The Mall of America. MOA has an Archiver's (scrap booking store) and is minutes from the airport. Archiver's IS the best scrap store around.

So, I proceeded to take the tram for the very first time.

Not a good idea.

But, since I was born to shop my determination took over.

I had NO idea where to go or what I was doing.

I bought a ticket for the tram and never showed it to anyone. Is that normal? Heck, I still don't know.

I got off the tram... followed some girls to an elevator and went to level three. I didn't even know that we were at the mall until we excited the elevator. I was still looking for someone to show my purchased ticket to.

I looked at the mall directory. Since I was still very determined (a little nervous) I booked it around the entire third level. That is major exercise. This is the largest mall in america people. I FINALLY found it. In hind site, I'm pretty sure that I was right by it when I entered. I went the wrong way because I (think) I accidentally looked at the east wing instead of the west. By this time I was really nervous because time was ticking QUICKLY.

You see I've had a nightmare experience where I almost missed my flight before. And, I STILL have nightmares about it.

I cruised through Archiver's throwing anything and everything in my basket. I was so paranoid about my time that it became a very UNenjoyable experience. I was sweating. And, I had to pee. Bad.

I paid for my order. I had NO CLUE what was in my bag. No clue. I exited the store and could not remember where I had entered to get back on the tram. I asked three different employees where the tram entrance was and NONE of them had a clue where I should go. What's up with that?

I finally recognized my entrance. I hoped. I took the elevator down having no clue what floor I Initially started on. I asked the lady in the elevator who amazingly had some guidance for me. I entered the tram/bus station and still had no clue where the tram was.

I had to pee. BAD.

I had to give in and went potty- although I was SURE I would miss my flight and my family would enjoy a vacation without me. And to make it worse, I totally deserved not going since I HAD to shop.

I wanted to call my mom. And cry. I wanted to call Scott. And cry. I wanted to call my sister. And cry. I wanted to call my friend that was with me when we almost missed our flight a couple of years ago. And cry. But I knew that I couldn't even admit my mistake to try this silly adventure.

I finally asked someone where the tram was. These two nice guys helped me find it and said that I just missed it. (I shouldn't have gone pee.) They said that the next one would arrive in 15-20 minutes.

Time was ticking. I was going to miss it. I was sick to my tummy. I was still sweating.

Finally it came. I got on and went to my drop-off point. However, this is not where I got on so again, I had no idea where to go. Finally another angel directed me in the right direction.

I waited to get through security with the fear that I might be selected to be searched. And I didn't have time for that. I asked someone if I was going to make it to my gate in time. They told me I'd better hurry. I got through security. AND RAN. People gawked at me. My pants were falling down because there was no time to put my belt on after I got through security. And, I was running with flip-flops on my feet carrying my Archiver's bag and my purse.

I made it with 10 minutes to spare before we had to board. LUCKILY. I had tears in my eyes. I gave both Scott and Nathan a HUGE hug and began to admit that I was wrong in going and why.

I could have had a relaxing few hours in the airport. But no. I was born to shop.

On the return flight, I stayed put. Amazingly.

I KNOW I will have nightmares about this incident too. And, I learned my lesson. I will NEVER try that again. Ever.

Oh, and I got some pretty cool stuff from Archiver's. I finally checked it all out a few days later in our hotel room. None of it, however, was worth the misery I went through to get it.


On a more positive note... the best part of day 1: watching Hitch with Scott on the airplane. I LOVE that movie so darn much. It had us both busting a gutt more than once - even though we've seen it a handful of times. (Nathan was watching the Karate Kid on his own player.)