Plans Shmans

(Disclaimer - This post may be considered a rant. Consider yourself warned.)

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I am well aware that things hardly ever go as planned. However, I did not expect my Louisiana trip plans to completely crash and burn. Let me explain...

I planned on arriving in New Orleans on Monday, June 20th at 3:30pm. Instead my 11am flight out of Charleston was canceled. I hitched a ride with my hubby to Atlanta planning to make my rescheduled 4pm flight. Instead I missed that one and ended up parking my booty at the gate for my 8pm flight about 3 hours early. I arrived in New Orleans around 9pm.

I planned on setting up my conference booth a few minutes before 1pm. Instead I was yelled at from across the room by a man that very well may be kin to the Grinch. Apparently I was in the ballroom too soon and was ordered to "get out now." I ended up in my hotel room crying (like a champ). I then dragged myself back to the ballroom and quickly set up my booth. Luckily, a very nice man witnessed what had happened and was so unbelievably kind and apologetic. He also set up my booth with internet and electricity -- at no charge. Seriously, this nice man was heaven sent, and totally made my day. 

I planned on having dinner with some great friends on Thursday night. Instead, I suffered some sort of stomach malfunction Thursday during lunch. My Mom is a fantastic cook, but her stuffed bell pepper and my tummy didn't mix. I was in excruciating pain from Thursday at lunch until Sunday...and I was unable to eat anything solid until Friday night. 

I planned on attending the New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys concert with a handful of my best friends. Instead, I gave my ticket back and spent the night in pain thanks to my stomach.

I planned on flying back to Charleston on Sunday afternoon. Instead I booked a 6am Saturday flight  out of Louisiana and headed back to my South Carolina home. I spent the day laying on the couch completely zoned out.  

And last but certainly not least...

I planned on taking my Maw-Maw and Dad out to lunch on Friday. Instead, I ended up at a local hospital in ICU. My Dad has been an alcoholic for as long as I can remember...and now it looks like he may never recover. He is suffering from liver failure and things aren't looking good. I had hope until I saw him. He is 47 years old but resembles a 60+ year old man. I am sad that my father wasn't able to acknowledge that he is an alcoholic...I'm sad that he was never ever to get help. Most of all, I am angry that he has done this to himself. My dad is an amazing man when he is sober, and mean as can be when he is drunk. Let's just say he wasn't sober often...I don't know what's going to happen, but if you guys would please say a prayer for my dad, my Maw-Maw (his mother), my sisters, and our family I would sincerely appreciate it.

Needless to say this trip was the worst one I have ever experienced. As someone who is always making lists and plans, I think I'm going to take a break for a little while.