By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
Lisa Ann, Shelly and I seeing Mr. Worldwide in Tuscaloosa – fireball!
Contrary to popular belief – and math – I am not old. At least that’s what the folks in my head say, and I tend to believe them. However, a recent out-of-town jaunt with a quick turnaround, nighttime antics, a post adventure trip the very next day and a frose’ machine had me thinking this through.
Now I’m all up for an adventure. I’m an adventurous girl, with proper planning. Planning is everything. I’m just not a “fly by the seat of my pants” type girl. I need to know what type of pants to don based on a well-planned itinerary. I live for a thorough, concise itinerary suitably planned well in advance to ensure success. I mean, why wouldn’t I want my adventures to be successful? Planning’s in my DNA. It works for me.
With this vital information, which always includes a weather forecast, I can be prepared with amazing, well-accessorized outfits fit for the occasion, stunning back up outfits and at least one alternate outfit for Lisa Ann as I will likely not approve of what she has deemed the occasion requires. It’s okay. I’ve got mad fashion skills and huge suitcases. Plus, Lisa Ann and I wear the same size. It’s all good.
This recent jaunt had Lisa Ann, Shelly and I flying out of Houston. In the past, this hasn’t been an issue as we have lived in an area adjacent to H-Town for over 20 years. But, now that we have relocated to Green Acres, early morning flights require precision planning. Anticipating this dilemma with a well thought out itinerary, I circumnavigated this issue by booking us at a hotel near Hobby Airport that agreed to: house us overnight, feed us, provide cocktails, let us park there during our trip, take us to the airport and pick us up. And I had the reservation confirmation in hand when we checked in. See how this itinerary thing works?
So, night one away worked out well. We were deposited promptly at the airport and flew directly to Birmingham, Alabama. Why Birmingham, you query? Well, that was not our final destination. Once arriving in the Bham, we were to take a short drive to Tuscaloosa. That’s also in Alabama in case you’re wondering.
Lisa Ann booked the car; however, she did not have on her person the confirmation information. She vaguely recalled the car rental company, but lo and behold, when arriving at the stand, the representative could not find her reservation. Why she did not have handy, printed out, on paper her reservation information completely alludes me. Fortunately, she emailed it to both Shelly and I, and we located it post haste.
The rest of the overnight trip was amazing. I had booked the flights, Shelly had booked the hotel, and Lisa Ann secured the tickets to the main event: Pitbull, live in concert.
It. Was. Amazing! We danced for nearly three hours during his show, were totally inspired and walked back to our hotel conveniently located less than half a mile away – good work, Shelly! We got in the car the next morning to drive back to the airport and head home. We met new friends in the airport bar, our credit cards still worked, and all was good. We landed in Houston, dropped by Green Acres and then drove to New Braunfels.
Upon return, Mr. Kaminski was ready to roll as he had been home for three days lying in wait for my return. While I appreciated his enthusiasm, day four of the fast and furious pace found me taking to my bed. After all, I only had one day before the Labor Day holiday, and that day included frose’. Mr. Kaminski had purchased the best thing ever – a frose’ machine! I’m all about a good frose’ – that is until I drink so much of it on a hot day in the pool my legs no longer function properly.
I don’t think it was the frose’ – I think it was the fast and furious itinerary. At least that’s my story, and I’m stickin’ to it! See y’all next week – on the porch!
Patti Parish-Kaminski
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