Coming Home
I found a free, wireless connection here at the airport! So, I'm typing my final Portland post!

A word to the wise - DO NOT eat 2 burritos before going on an all-day road trip! BIG mistake. But, today was fun. You may be wondering what I ended up doing today. I decided to head over to the coast and check out the Oregon lighthouses! I found three of the nine. I probably drove over 250 miles today. Most of that driving was on two-lane roads. I cheered, loudly, when I finally found an interstate! I took lots of pictures, but can't post them because my cable is somewhere in the airport in my checked luggage.

The weather was very overcast. But, I didn't let that deter me. I stopped at another Chipotle on the way to the coast. I decided to go with mild salsa this time. The temperature was great. I think it got very close to 70 degrees today. However, that was the only great point. I stopped, first, at the Cape Meade lighthouse. There must have been 50mph wind gusts, fog, rain, and yuck. But, I braved the weather and climbed out of the car for the 1/5 mile walk down to the lighthouse. I'm SO glad I did. I got my first glimpse of the coast. Wow! Even in all of that soupy weather, it was stunning! There was no beach. Just ocean and cliffs. Lots of big rocks. The waves were HUGE. I loved watching them crash into the rocks. The lighthouse was small, but cute. I didn't stay long for fear that I'd get blown off a cliff. I headed back up to the parking area and was still in awe of the gorgeous view.

My next lighthouses were a good hour or so away. But, I pulled off several times to take more pictures of the coastline. And when I needed a restroom, God provided! I hadn't planned to go to any wineries since I had no room in my luggage to bring any back. But, I found this cute little winery at a hole-in-the-wall building at a very picturesque coastal location. I bought one bottle hoping I could somehow get it on board the plane. I even called USAirways to see if it was allowed in my carry-on luggage. I wasn't sure what the TSA said about that. I doubted it was allowed, but was sure the woman told me that I could bring it on board - one bottle.

I found the next two lighthouses then decided I should turn back towards Portland. I stopped at McDonald's for dinner. Their Premium Chicken sandwiches, grilled, aren't too bad on Weight Watchers - 15 points. I tried to order a Shamrock Shake (one of the main downfalls of my diet last year). But, God stepped in - they didn't have any! Unfortunately, He only stepped in those two times, because I found Dairy Queen. However, I still think I'm under my points for the week. Besides, I earned TONS of activity points climbing back from the first lighthouse.

I got back to Portland around 7:30 - 4 hours to spare. I drove around for a half hour trying to find a gas station. The GPS system only knew of one, VERY SCARY gas station. I really feared for my life. But, I got in and out safely. When I got back to the airport, that's when the fun really began. I had 3 suitcases, a purse, and a tote bag. Because I was so early, there was no line at check-in. My suitcases weight 31 pounds and 50.5 pounds. I made the limit!!! I didn't have to pay extra!!! I had to carry them across the ticket hall for screening. When I got back to the counter, I remembered to verify about my bottle of wine. I'm glad that I did! I wasn't allowed to take it on board. So, we quickly pulled it from the screeners, I had to rearrage things (hoping my wine would be okay) and send it back through. The ticket agent politely reminded me that I could only have one piece of luggage and one personal item - I currently had three items. I thanked her, but politely told her I would only have two when boarding. I must have looked like a mess. I bet she never would have guessed I had earned top status a couple of years in a row on their airline!!!

So, here I sit. Crap. Boarding begins in less than an hour and I've gotten no work done. I've decided not to stress about it. The client requested changes. I warned them that it could set them back. I can get them all finished tomorrow when I'm in the office and we'll only be a day behind. It's not worth the stress level. But, I had hoped to be a bit productive here in the airport. Silly me looked for free wireless.

Okay...hope you're all having happy dreams. I hope to join you soon!