It’s 7:35 AM. I’m at the airport in my hometown of Midland, Texas, preparing to fly to Indianapolis for tonight’s show. That’s not such a big deal, until you realize that my flight was supposed to leave at 5:25 this morning. I’ve been delayed until at least 9:00 AM. Apparently, our plane got in late last night, and there’s a rule that states that the crew must get at least 8 hours of sleep. On top of that, Houston (my connection today) is experiencing lots of rain. So, right now, I’m confirmed for a different connecting flight through Houston, but it doesn’t get into Indianapolis until after 10:00 tonight. As I understand it, I might be able to get onto standby for a few flights that get in earlier than that. We’ll see how this goes. I’ll update this whenever I get a second. By the way, ever notice how a bad start to your day will make every little thing and every person you see annoying in some form or fashion?
7:58 AM – So, I was sitting here, tinkering with my laptop, when I hear a young voice say, “TATE!” I looked up, because that’s my last name. It was two girls with whom I was in “CATS” earlier this year. They are getting on a completely booked flight right now. Their destination? Indianapolis. Another girl with whom I’ve performed walked up with her mom. The mom looks at me and says, “Oh, were you on that 5:25 flight to Houston and Indianapolis? I’m so sorry.” She had a look of such pity, it was so sweet. Then she walked away to get on her plane…to Indianapolis. I knew I should have brought some DVDs. I’ve been meaning to watch the “Family Guy” movie that I got last Christmas. Good thing my laptop has lots of games.
9:30 AM – As I’m boarding my flight for Houston, John sends me a text message. It says, “We’re delayed, may not make second flight, will call.” George sends one shortly after that says, “We’re only delayed 20 minutes.”
11:00 AM – I touch down in Houston, and turn on my phone. There’s a text message from George. “First class, baby! That’s how we do it!”
11:30 AM – I get on standby for a 1:15 flight into Indianapolis, getting in at 4:45. I run for some pizza. This is when the sleepiness sets in. I’m trying to talk on the phone while picking my Mountain Dew up off the ground. Coordination skills vanish, and I’m suddenly standing in the middle of a misleading yellow puddle.
1:15 PM – Success! I’m on the flight! I won’t miss the concert!
4:30 PM – I land in Indianapolis. Scott has left a voicemail saying that his mother would be picking me up from the airport. Full of hope, foolishness, and naiveté, I go to the baggage claim. Alas, no luggage with my name. Time to file a report with the baggage office.
4:50 PM – Scott’s mother and aunt pick me up from the Indianapolis airport, bewildered by the fact that I don’t carry more luggage. Then I had to tell them that it wasn’t by choice. We go straight to the theater.
6:15 PM – We arrive at the Leonard Auditorium, just in time for the end of soundcheck. I have enough time to drop my backpack, grab some merch, and hit the lobby.
9:50 PM – After a post-show reception with certain ticket holders, we brave the cold Indiana rain for some dinner at Texas Roadhouse. This is one of my favorite restaurants, so to find it in Indiana was a real treat.
11:30 PM – I’m taken to my room…er, house. The carriage house, that is, at a lovely bed and breakfast. I have a whole three-floor house to myself. Granted, one floor is a scary loft that’s too menacing to explore at night.
11:55 PM – After being on hold for ten minutes, I get confirmation that my luggage is at the Indianapolis airport, and I can pick it up tomorrow morning when we pick up our rental cars.
12:15 AM – I call home, tell my girlfriend the good news, before telling her goodnight and crashing.
THIS MORNING’S WAKEUP: 4:00 AM CST
THIS EVENING’S BEDTIME: 12:30 AM EST
TOTAL TIME AWAKE: 19.5 Hours
TOTAL MILES TRAVELED: 1350+ Miles
Good night…
Justin
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