SnOw COLD

Okay, so I can't really complain because I left Michigan about the time those single digits rolled in. And while it was cold here in Latvia, it wasn't that cold.
But it was snowing!!
It only snowed once or twice before I came home for the break. Even then, it was just a little bit of snow. But now there's plenty.

I ventured out to the grocery store and quickly realized a difference between my life here and life back in the states.

Running to the store there meant dashing to the car, maybe having to use the windshield scraper-- although usually I just crank the defroster and turn the wipers on high. hehe!! ... maybe that's why the Tahoe's wipers don't work right... hmm.

But I don't have a car in Latvia. I have two legs! I enjoy walking and there is a nice park between my apartment and the store so it's more lovely than anything. But, I was still in my American frame of mind. I left the apartment with no gloves, no hat, a thin scarf that's really more decoration than anything, and boots that zip up and lack traction on the bottom.

Whoops!

I realized rather soon into the journey it was cold and started walking faster. But then my feet started to slip. I was trapped! Either go slow, freeze, and don't fall. Or walk faster and risk landing bottom first (hopefully) in a puddle. Seeing as I am naturally clumsy I chose to take it slow.

The path didn't really get much better. All the snow and ice falls off the roofs and builds up on the sidewalks. But the streets are just as slushy. And then the wind whips through as though trying to push me over. I couldn't see the bottom of the water built up at the street crossings, and those boots with the zipper... yeah. I might have to hide those in the closet (once they dry out) so I don't forget and wear them again.

I was so thrilled as I walked into the store, silently praising myself for making it there without falling on my ass. Then realized, I had to repeat the walk again but with a bag full of groceries. hmmm...

Good news, I made it. And so did the groceries! 

High Class

Traveling can be great, and it can be awful, but the most important thing I've learned is to roll with it.

I got to the airport and followed the kiosk to get my boarding passes. When I went to check my bag, the guy told me I had a middle seat and asked if I wanted an aisle. Okay. I asked him about my second flight, since he was looking, and he said he could put me anywhere on that one. He moved me up to the fourth row, window seat. I thanked him multiple times and then ventured off to say bye to mom and dad.

I passed thorough security and grabbed some lunch then went to my gate to find a plug for my phone- my favorite game at the airport.

About 45 minutes before the flight the same airport employee came to the gate counter. People started packing things up and standing in line. Always a wonder to me because you have an assigned seat so why hurry. Unless you're one of those people bringing way too much crap on board with you and you know you need to use way more overhead storage than you should be. Don't be that person.

I watched everyone line up but didn't feel the need to move. Until I was paged to the gate counter. Then I moved, rather quickly. The same guy was there and I approached showing him my passport. He grabbed a new boarding pass, came around the counter, and whispered, "I upgraded you to business class. Enjoy your flight."

To say I was confused would be an understatement. I thanked him again, and walked away trying to hide a huge smile and figure what the hell just happened! I looked at the boarding pass comparing it the one for my second flight to verify it's authenticity. Eventually, I boarded the plane, half expecting to be told at that time it was all a joke. 

As I settled into the huge, comfy, extra-back support seat I couldn't really hide the smile anymore. My cheeks were burning. I stretched my legs straight out and couldn't touch the seat in front of me. I was actually trying to hit the seat and couldn't. 

The couple to my right were clearly experienced classy flyers.. they had their shoes off, magazines stacked, and a glass of wine each. Before boarding even ended. The couple to my left seemed to also be new to the business class section-- they kept looking at me and I kept looking at them trying to figure out what to do, how to act, and why a "glasses case" was part of the fancy seat. If you have glasses, shouldn't you also have a case? 

Despite it being a later flight and the fact my seat went nearly flat, I didn't actually sleep much on the plane. The excitement was too much! (I was also convinced until the end of about half-way through the flight someone was going to come tell me to move) I did watch a few movies and enjoyed a glass of champagne. (Actually, it was really gross champagne.) The food was served in various courses on real plates with real silverware. It was the fanciest plane food I've ever seen. The taste wasn't much better-- I guess it was only business class ;) 

When the pilot came on to announce preparations for landing, I was almost bummed. But I was also very thankful. I've really started to resent that long flight, but this one was definitely nothing to complain about. It might make the next long flight really difficult, but I'm sure I will manage. 

I don't know why I was upgraded. Mom says I flirted. My coworkers say its my dimple and little giggle. I think it was because I treated the airline guy with some kindness. I don't know. But I really wish I did, because I would do it Every Time. Every Time. 

And, if it doesn't happen next time, I can roll with that too.