How many things can go wrong on the way to the airport? Let me count the ways…
First, a tollbooth receipt fluttered out the window as I attempted to extricate a dollar bill for my second toll on the pike.
Second, I dutifully locked my pickup in the garage and did my habitual pat-down: wallet, watch, phone, keys…keys? Yes, there the were, sitting on the front seat. How did I do that? I have never done that before. Quick mental calculation, attempt to fix it now, risking this flight, or face it at 10pm on Friday.
I opted to fix it today. I now know in practice what I have long known in theory, locking your car is a total waste of time. With a slip of metal and little wooden wedge, my truck was unlocked in less than 20 seconds. I counted.
Third, I managed to miss-read the signs as I was driving into the garage. I am parked nice and close to terminal B. Unfortunately, my flight is in terminal C, about eight-tenths of a mile away.
To my colleagues, if I don't make it to the meetings this week, it's probably because my day didn't improve after I got on the flight…but realistically, I'm probably alive. Probably. :-)
(Zeroeth, in a moment of ill-considered planning, I chose to fly out of Boston instead of Hartford. So I've got a two hour drive on each end.)
Comments:
I'm surprised you don't have a Fast Lane transponder. Yes, I know the bank/state gets to hold some of your cash in their cache. But it is really convenient, and the itemized statement makes dealing with expense reports a breeze. Plus, no opening the window on cold or rainy days.
I've never had to travel on the pike often enough to overcome my inertia. But your point is well taken.
Having once managed to leave for an overseas trip with my wallet sitting on the dresser at home and about $5 in loose change in my car, I feel I can welcome you to the guild of absent-minded travelers... it does make the trip more memorable, but not typically in the way one would choose.