airport misadventures, running out of gas, and turning 24

By the beard of Jupiter, gird your loins…I am in story telling mode.

On what was to be my last day in Chicago Kelly and I didn’t leave the dorm room until it was time to head to the airport. We had a whole day planned out, but decided to just stay in. Then the time came to depart for L.A. and we slowly got my bags together and headed for the El.
Kelly had jokingly wished out loud that I would miss my flight and have to stay in Chicago.
And, well, her wishes came true.
Half way to the airport the El stopped. Overhead we heard something about a ‘medical situation’ and a ‘slight delay.’ We waited for 15 minutes and they finally said that we could wait or we could get on a bus to go around. So the entire car of people got out of the train and walked to the nearest bus stop. Weird. It felt like a movie. While we were there a CTA lady said that someone had jumped onto the tracks at Montrose. I guess the medical situation was CTA cleaning up the tracks.

So we are sitting at this bus stop realizing that if we didn’t get a cab or a miracle I would actually miss my flight. We began frantically calling. The airport to see if my flight was delayed, cab companies to see how long it would take. Then three cabs pull up and both of us race towards them waving like crazy people. As we passed each cab we realized that all three were packed with people. Then we looked back and saw that the bus was about to pull away! All those people were loaded on and the doors were closing so we started running back that way. We both started banging on the side of the bus until it stopped and let us in. The bus driver wasn’t pleased with us.

Then 5 minutes later we ask him what stop we should get off at. He tells us to get off at the next stop which was about 15 minutes away from where we were actually suppose to get off (past Montrose, so we could get back on the El and get to the airport!) So the stupid bus driver let us off and we quickly realized he didn’t understand our question as we watched the bus pull away. For some reason I mockingly started singing the ‘Hail to the bus driver’ song in my head.
Then I saw a cab just hanging out. Again, we ran. We got in the cab, thankful and hopeful. He started to drive and I stupidly said, ‘Do you take debit?’ He stopped the car and said no. We promptly exited the cab, knowing now I would definitely not make my flight, because it was lifting off in half an hour.
So, we got on another bus. Drove to the El. Took the El to the airport, and arrived 5 minutes after my plane had taken off.
So we walked into the empty airport with smiles on our faces. At this point we were tired of racing and we were just happy that we would have another night together.
Janice K. at the United counter was shockingly accommodating and waved the rescheduling fee, and even gave me my ticket for the next day so I wouldn’t have to wait in line.
So we went back and had pizza and watched the office again. Good times.

Then on Friday I arrived complication free to my flight. But the adventure was not quite over.
It started in the plane. I asked the first stewardess if there was a charge for alcoholic beverages (knowing full well they had just told us it was 6 bucks). She impatiently told me there was, and so I took a Coke. Then the second steward passed and he seemed friendly (as opposed to the impatient chick) so I shot him a smile and thought nothing of it. Ten minutes later he comes to my seat and says, ‘Hey, do you drink?’ I said, ‘Yeah. Jack.’ He said, ‘Hold on.’ Then he came back with three travel bottles of Jack and said, ‘Because you smiled at me,’ and walked away. I was elated. All I wanted was a free drink of jack on this, the day before my birthday, and I got it.
He came back later while I was trying to watch the office and he sat down. I am pretty sure he was gay because he was way too nice. Then I started talking about how tough a long distance relationship with my girlfriend was, and he straightened up a bit. But we still had a great talk about our lives, and anytime he had a break he would come hang out with me. And when I told him it was almost my birthday he went and got me a bottle of wine wrapped in a towel! Thank you Fred!
Then I started slurring my words, because I hadn’t eaten much that day and had downed all three bottles. Fred felt bad and got me a can of chips. But the damage was done.

I’ll tell you what. Landing in a plane while slightly inebriated is an exhilarating experience. I felt so relaxed. Not to mention, seeing L.A. from a plane at night is so beautiful. It is like the whole city is a big front yard in December with a Christmas light display.

Then I got off the plane and called Kelly to tell her my story and to tell her I loved her (I drink to bring out my honesty : ) She worried about me getting more gifts from gay guys (the Chuck Palahnuik necklace) and driving home tipsy, but was happy nonetheless to hear from me. By the time I got to Dan’s car I was sobered up (I brought my roommates car home because he had just left for Baltimore the day before). I had to get a shuttle to take me to his car. I got in and started blasting my tunes. I got on the highway and the gas pedal ceased giving the car power! I had no gas. So I put on the flashers and held out my middle finger while people angrily sped by me inching up the right lane. A couple cars had to skid to avoid me, which scared me quite a bit. But luckily there was an exit in sight. Somehow the car made it to the exit and then rolled down the hill. I didn’t stop at the light. I just made the right turn and luck of all luck, there sat a gas station. It was now officially my birthday and this was God’s gift to me. The car literally stopped rolling half way in the street and half way in the gas station. I took a picture on my phone and will try to get that up.

So I arrived home to two gifts on my bed from mom and an impeccably clean house thanks to zack. On my bday night he and I went bowling. It was great fun. We put 5 bucks on each game. He won the first I won the second with a 137 (probably my best score ever) and he won the third by 2 effing pins. Then when we got home he made another bet about Austin powers and I won, so we were even. Then we watched coldplay on snl, which was a bit disappointing, and called it a night. And now, I am 24…

my kind of town

well here i am in chicago. it is the only night ive really had some me time, some down time, because kelly has to finish making a pattern that's due tomorrow. it has been the best week i can remember in a long time and i can already feel the pangs of missing her like mad that will sting when i am back in los angeles. however, the melancholy is overrun by the current incredible high i have being with her right now.
speaking of being with her...i almost wasnt with her at all. thursday morning i woke up on time. i had my bags packed and i was ready to go at 615. 15 minutes earlier than i told my ride i wanted to leave. so i went to his room and asked if he was ready. he wasnt even awake. so i waited. and waited. at 645 he slugged downstairs. then we got stuck in traffic. bad traffic. and my ride doesnt drive like me. he didnt look for faster lanes or speed in the moments of open road. he just took his time. then i got in the airport at 740. my plane was leaving at 820. there was a 45 minute cutoff for getting your ticket! i was screwed. not to mention there was a huge line that wrapped around three times. i knew i had to act fast. i kindly and as pathetically as i could muster asked a lady one loop closer to the front if i could butt. she said there was a window for late people. hope!!!! i cut through all three loops, receiving many an evil look of early morning travelers. told the lady i was 5 minutes past the cut off. she shook her head in disdain and said, 'sorry. you missed your flight.' i whimpered in agony. i pleaded. she said it was too late. i scrunched my face in sadness. she called someone. she handed me my ticket and said, ' you won't make it.' i ran to security. another line. i couldnt even see the end of it so i just decided to be an asshole. unflinchingly, i stepped right into the front of the line. many looks, but surprisingly only one comment. the lady directly behind me said, 'um...excuse me, i am next.' and i said, 'of course you are.' and let her go. then i told one of the security guys i had ten minutes and he let me get to the bins. i put my shoes and crap in and put them back on faster than superman in a phonebooth. then i sprinted as fast as my little bones would take me (keep in mind i had just ran 6 miles the day before for the first time and was very sore). as i neared my gate i literally saw the door begin to close so i screamed 'WAAAAAAAAIIIIIIITTTTTT!!!!!' the door froze, and then reopened. the greatest sight. just the greatest. receiving my final look of annoyance i handed over my ticket and i was on the plane to watch a bad chick flick and drink oj.
i got in early and kelly was still in class. so i took the El half way and then she took it half way and we met. it was easily the best hug i've ever experienced in my entire life. i am not exaggerating either. it was so great to see her and to be able to hold her. whew! it makes me happy just thinking about that moment. i could have turned back around and gone back to LA right there.
we went back to her dorm and dropped off my stuff and went to her friend kate's pad to watch the office and eat pizza (something we did with kate last year, who was kelly's former sweetmate) that was fun, met some cool people, played some pool, laughed and left.
friday we slept in to a ridiculous hour and then went shopping. didnt buy much, but it was fun just walking through the city with her. she introduced me to the caramel apple cider at starbucks. i have never liked cider but that...that is a different beast right there. go. now. try it.
saturday kelly woke early and basically had a work day setting up and working at the 'fall spook fest.' had a chance to meet the people kelly is always talking about. we painted a pumpkin like a cupcake, we bounced in an inflatable boxing ring, we played bean bags and lost terribly, we ate corn on the cob, and we danced like there was no tomorrow. we went out and had chinese food.
sunday i had the most romantic meal of my 23 years. if you are ever in chicago with your love, go to gejas. it is a little hobbit house type place that serves fondu. while we were waiting there was guitar music playing through the speakers, and when we were seated we found out that it was not a recording! the guitar player could have leaned over and smacked me with his guitar he was so close to our table. i spilt chocolate on my tie. we walked through lincoln park, really made me appreciate chicago. we also had pasta earlier that day at a cute place.
monday was rainy. i loved it! while kelly went to class i just walked downtown in the rain. it was perfect. i also played piano at the chicago library. then we went to an exhibit that showcased kerouac's 'on the road' scroll. very freaking cool.
today we slept in again and it was great. kelly skipped her classes. then she was on duty for a while. then we went to one of her class labs and worked on this pattern. it was really fun watching her do her thing. she is an impressively focused individual when she gets into it. love it.
tonight i am hoping to play some ping pong and eat some ben and jerrys. tomorrow we will probably go to a bunch of those photobooth places that do those western photos. and maybe even a picnic on the beach if it warms a bit. (and maybe visit jeff and jolene, but probably wont have time for that.)

sidecash, headshots, music

3 days until i fly to chicago to see kelly! thats my biggest news.

other than that, i have an interview at starbucks tomorrow. this weekend i made some sidecash moving some display cases for a jewelry store (mic hooked me up with that). i spent 3 hours in a moving truck with a stranger. that was interesting. he was in a band and told me about how the industry raped them (financially). we broke some of the glass and the girl was not pleased...but she didnt give us any rope or padding so whacha gonna do? also, this weekend, my friend shannon (the one getting me the extra parts) needed someone to practice taking headshots on. so i was her muse and it was very fun. the pics are on facebook if you have it.

in news about musicians i know. dan has an awesome and fun song on his myspace called 'take my heart away' that i would suggest you check at myspace.com/brudermusic
also, kevin's band 'dear vincent' opened for hayden a few weeks ago, thats pretty awesome. and matt harris' band won the freaking battle of the bands at busch stadium! he got to throw the first pitch at a game. thats also awesome.

today i snuck into a piano lab and was able to play for the first time in many months. it was so satisfying and i forgot how much i enjoy it. its a good day.

jokes, spiritual matters, recycling

i have a couple of quick notes
first off, i want to document my homemade jokes and i thought i'd share them. hopefully i havent already said these...
Q.what do you call a greek sandwich that is relieving itself?
A. a european!

Q.what is an old person's favorite ice cream brand?
A.ben and geriatrics

wait, it gets better
Q. what is a cheerleader's favorite fruit?
A. pom pomegranates!

wow. those were so cheesy i think i am going to just stop there. now to move on to more important matters. i have been reading this book called 'the question of god' by dr. armand m. nicholi jr. and it has just been such a booster of faith energy. it is meant to be a biased juxtaposition of freud and c.s. lewis quotes on god, love, sex, and life. however, if i was a freud advocate i would probably be annoyed by it. maybe it is just my tendency to agree more with the lewis quotes, but this book has just made it feel even more reasonable to put my stock in belief rather than unbelief. one thing i have been convicted about throughout my reading has been how people around those who experience conversions (whether of the mind, heart, or both) report changes in behavior from more inner to outer. i always considered it a positive thing that i am introspective...which i still believe is crucial...but i am realizing that at some point i am just starting to waste my time. i need to be practicing what i believe. i dont really know how to go about doing that more than i am, but i feel like if there was a poll taken on how selfish greg is it would not be pretty. part of me knows that i am misconceived and doesnt care, but part of me realizes a great lacking in my selflessness. this isnt really something i want input on, i am just typing and want to remember that i thought this.

another thought on God that ive had lately...
i had a convo with a girl last night at a party we were having and she had heard i was thinking about leaving l.a. at christmas. She seemed very concerned for me and began asking me what God was leading me to do. and it really tripped me up because i feel like such a faith amateur. i realized last night that while i constantly feel a divine protection over me (like a shield always keeping me safe and healthy and never worrying about money) i dont often get that direction or whisper from God that most spiritual people in my life tend to get. um...i guess i will have to pray about it!

finally, i tried to recycle all of the bottles from last night, thinking id make a fortune. it was so annoying! the recycle machine wouldnt accept certain bottles so i only was able to make money off of like a third of the bottles! guinness recycled well, i made like three bucks. i guess i have zack to thank for that.

Fake casino night...all day

I decided I am going to wait until tomorrow to call enterprise. They havent called yet, so that’s not a good sign. But I have stayed busy. I got another extra job working on the set of a new show called the mentalist on cbs Tuesday nights. I was at a casino for 14 hours! Hah! It was crazy. I arrived at about 645 and met this guy named grant. We couldn’t find the meeting point so we just took some food from the actor/crew table. Grant was a hand double for a girl, so his nails were really long and shiny. It was weird. We eventually found everybody and we got our vouchers and wardrobe gave me a jacket to wear. Then we pretty much went straight to work. For the first three hours or so I was stuck with some pretty lame people like this asian guy who over-pantomimed the whole time the camera was rolling, and this old guy in cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. He tripped over a wire during filming and wiped out. It was funny, but annoying to be with this motley crew. So after that initial scene I found some old ladies. Old ladies are the best to hang out with on set. They are always nice and interesting…unless they think they are an actress or something, then they are annoying too. But I found this lady who was very oprah-esk and she kept me company.
I also got a chance to meet shannon’s friend…Robin freaking Tunney! Some of you may not know but a movie that was a big influence in my childhood was empire records. A low budget flick about a record store. It was like a lesson in how to be cool back then. Lucas with his witty remarks, Joe with his angry drumming to ‘if you want blood’ by acdc, that one guy who had a crush on liv tyler, renee zellwiger in her mini skirt, warren saying eff the man, and of course deb. Deb with her shaved head. Well, I met Deb. She was just like she was back then only with hair. She is very down to earth and fun and over the course of the day I got to shoot the breeze with her a few times on set.
Other fun times on set: 1. learning black jack lessons from a Vegas dealer while playing with mock chips. 2. sneaking away from the lowly extras with Shannon and meeting directors and actors and getting the ‘good’ food. 3. Remembering that the annoying asian guy was the same guy I was making fun of in my head on the set of the office because he was wearing a black see through shirt (he looked like he should’ve been in a gay bar, not a Canadian airport). 4. pizza at the end of the night.
So basically I got paid to hang out with my friend Shannon all day, see her actor boyfriend, meet influences of my life, play cards, see beautiful people all day (scantily clad, I might add), eat free food, and pantomime with an oprah look alike. It just doesn’t get any better!
Tonight is a surprise party for my roomie Bryson. Let’s hope he doesn’t secretly read my blog!
Me and zack played 4 sets of tennis the other night and I am incredibly sore from that… and from standing and walking all day at the casino.
I am actually gonna stop blogging now so I can go for a run before the party. Still haven’t gotten faster than a 25 minute 5k.
Life is good.
Happy October!