Trip to the "Show me State" (MO) and the "Natural State" (AR)

Where do I begin with this one? I get a project in freaking Arkansas. Am I supposed to be excited about that? Anyway because I am a trooper and I am down for anything they throw my way at work, I’ll take it (like I really have a choice). Okay so I proceed to purchase my ticket. It’s time to pick my seats and I see the second leg of my journey has only two seating rows, one on each side. I scream “Hell no.” I remembered I was still at work so I look around and get up to see if anyone was standing within 20 feet. You know we Africans more than anyone else have to keep it PC (politically correct) at work.

I usually spend less than 30 minutes planning my entire trip but this one took like 2 hours. I finally make a decision; instead of risking my life and having anxiety attacks on a small plane that fits only 14 people, I’ll just fly into Kansas City, Missouri and then drive 3 hours to my destination in Arkansas. Yeah I know, I’m crazy but if you’re next in line for a promotion and you’re trying to make your numbers look good, you’ll do the same thing. Not to get sidetracked but I flew on this small plane with propellers once (I didn’t know they still existed). The whole time we were flying over water. I really did have an anxiety attack. My palms were sweaty and I felt my heart was going to pop out of my shirt. Isn’t that how you feel when you have one? I’m really not sure but it felt like it.

I swear that morning I woke up with anger and frustration thinking about the drive ahead. I get to the airport and I’m trying to get through security. As I gather my belongings and I’m putting my belt on, this airport security agent is looking at me. She goes “Are you a flight attendant?” Oh, hell no!!!! I know she just didn’t ask me that question. I’m thinking do I look like I have a uniform on? I answer no with that puzzled look on my face. She goes “Oh, sorry, I just see you here all the time.” I’m thinking it’s really time to change jobs.

I get to Kansas City on time and head to Avis, I rented a full size car but they hooked me up with an SUV. Sweet, this is going to be a nice ride after all. I head out to Arkansas, put the car in cruise control and I’m jamming some nice tracks on my way admiring the valleys, mountains, and dense woodlands. Trust me that was all there was to see. I’m easing my way towards my project site with approximately 7 miles to go. Next thing I hear Pah, Pah, Pah!!!! I pull over to the side of the road; turn the car off and start it again. The engine is not sounding too good. I start panicking because I am in the middle of nowhere. I calm myself down and decide to call 911 or Avis, someone to pick me up from this remote place. I pick up my phone to make a call, no service. I’m almost in tears. Okay breathe, think, breathe, think. I decide to brave it the rest of the way. I put the hazard lights on, drive at 20 miles per hour the rest of the way, and pray to God to get me to my destination safely.

I get there in one piece. Thank God. Still didn’t have reception so I had to use someone else’s phone. Avis did not even have a location there; the closest one was like 30 miles away. They finally show up about an hour later with some funny looking car. Did I have a choice? I was just grateful that I was okay.