Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Arriving .....Finally, in New York

Any of you who know me well, know that I wake up WAY early to prepare for my day. Part of the reason is that my naturally curly hair doesn't like being straightened and part of the reason is I don't like going anywhere without makeup.

So, I set my alarm for 4:30 am to get to my 7:15 am flight. Imagine my surprise when I peeked open one eye to see what time it was and it was 6:15 am!!!!!! You have never seen such a flurry of getting dressed as I'm screaming at my husband, "I don't know what happened!" (The electricity went off.) He jumped in his car and drove me at a speed that was quite over the speed limit. I arrived at the Jacksonville International Airport with no makeup, yesterday's hair-do in a scrunchy and ran up to the check out desk at exactly 6:47. There I was informed that if you don't have your bags checked 30 minutes ahead of time you can't take that plane. Yes, really. The next open flight out was 2 pm. My husband, who thought we made it on time, was already gone and I hated to call him back...so I had my morning getting ready routine in the public restroom. I only got a few strange looks at the hairdryer, curling iron and makeup spread out everywhere. Thank goodness for wireless internet or I would have lost my mind trying to pass the time!

I finally arrived in New York just before sunset, so the only real look I got at the city was driving through in my cab. A meet up had been planned by a few of the members from the Google Teacher Academy. Many of these people I know from twitter, but have never met face to face. It was fun to get to
meet them and share a meal!

I'm looking forward to attending the GTA today. Google has asked us not to bring cameras and they made us sign a non-disclosure notice, so I'm not sure what my post will be tonight...but I will have something for you!

Picture (left to right): Bill Bauer, me, Jen Dorman, Juliette LaMontagne, John Calvert, Kevin Glass, Andrew Bendelow, Catherine McNulty, Michelle Krill and Dori Eilon.

5 comments:

dayle timmons said...

We laughed all day at school at the thought of you in the publlic restroom at the airport getting your hair ironed and your make-up on! Oh my! Not the adventure we were expecting for the start of this trip! Can wait to hear how the rest of it goes! dayle

Michelle Ellis & Debby Cothern said...

Hey Melanie, Did the new sinks in the restroom at the airport throw you for a loop? They are quite modern. We can't wait to hear everything. Wish we were there with you!
Debby and Michelle

Melanie Holtsman said...

I can't be offended that you're laughing at me because I know you all have seen my morning rituals. It was a fiasco! The sinks didn't throw me because I commandeered the baby changing area! Thanks goodness there weren't any mothers needing it!

Mrs. Metzger and Mrs. Morris said...

I don't even know what to say. I can only imagine the adrenaline rush you had going when you woke up! I'm sure it will all be worth it and now you have a new funny story to tell. Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip.

Lori

Mrs. Jennifer Zawis said...

Okay, so the best part of this is that you were just taking the extra preparations to fit in with the rest of New York! Do you know how many people get ready in public restrooms there?!!? I have seen plenty- teeth brushing, shampooing, the works. So some may sort of live um, "around" the city to be P.C., but...well, way to go- you were just assimilating early. I am so proud.