The Dangers of Flying (on Bonine)

November in Seattle is known for its windstorms.  After a mild October, yesterday morning, the day I was flying out to California, the wind gods decided it was time to remind us they were there.  I always fly with one Bonine pill, due to some motion sickness issues, and a tiny bit of anti-anxiety medication.  I usually function just fine.  But as we were preparing to depart, they were warning us that not just might there be turbulence, there will be turbulence, and it was likely to last for the first 45 minutes of the flight.  Take-off is what bothers me most on a good day, so I took one more Bonine.  To be clear, the box does say 'take one or two' so this wasn't an abnormal dose.

The flight was, as advertised, evil.  The line for the Hertz rent-a-car was, if possible, just as evil.  After waiting in a three-snakes deep line to see one of the five people working the counter (an hour wait for those playing at home,) I went digging to find my driver's license to be listed as a driver on the car.  I don't get motion sick if I'm driving, so that's usually out default for long distances.  That's when I discovered the truth.  My wallet was not in my belongings.

Husband had been receiving persistent calls from a number he didn't recognize that didn't leave messages and, while he finished up the car rental, I started cancelling the cards in the wallet.  Then, my husband realized that just maybe those calls were related to my missing wallet.  Turns out that yes, they were.  Alaska Airlines had found it at the gate and matched my ticket to his phone number and called, but is their policy not to leave messages.  Hallelujah!

A few more phone calls and an awesome set of parents later, my wallet has been retrieved and my ID will be forwarded to me here in California.  JOY!  I can get back through TSA security and get back to Seattle at the end of this trip!

We made our way to The Waterfront Hotel at Jack London Square in Oakland.  I am writing this post from the deck in the dawning sunshine, looking out over a stretch of water filled with moored boats and early morning kayakers, toward Alameda Island.

Last night for dinner we went to The Home of Chicken and Waffles, identified as Soul Food, of which I'd never had any.  The food was delicious, the service friendly, "We're just like family serving out guests here," and with a flair for fun and enjoyment.  The waitress took an inordinate amount of pleasure in adding the whipped cream, chocolate chips, chocolate sauce, and caramel sauce to Tom's dessert waffle.  A high point in a long day.

I then went back to the hotel and promptly slept for the better part of thirteen hours (at least).  Tom went and saw two movies.

With the Bonine (which is apparently a killer drug when used at the higher end of its dosing recommendations) out of my system, I'm feeling alive and energetic and ready for the next stage of the journey.

Chico, here we come!