Yesterday was a very long day, starting at 3:15 a.m. for me and 4:30 a.m. for Nat. She got out of Austin on time. I wasn't so lucky out of San Antonio. Went to return the rent a car, and Robert at Hertz locked my paperwork and keys in the car prior to me checking to make sure everything was out of it including Natalie's wallet. Thank goodness I had already popped the trunk or my suitcases would have been locked in it as well. After 15 minutes of all ten of us early travelers trying to find a way "in" via the trunk, I finally gave up. Didn't want any of us to miss our flights. Called Natalie as we rode the bus to the terminal and found out indeed she had her wallet.
I was going to upgrade my buddy pass to a ticket the night before but the phone call to the airline convinced there was no need. HHHHmmmm....I didn't get on the flight to Salt Lake for a connection. Instead I ran to the gate next door and was the last person to board to Minnesota to connect to Phoenix. Happy to be on a flight, I think....thought I might get a few hours sleep. Not so lucky, the three children behind me took turns crying and screaming for 90% of our flight. So, I rode with my fingers plugging my ears.
Upon my arrival in Minnesota, I noticed winter coat covered peeps staring at me as I walked by. I guess my suntan legs, short sleeve shirt and sandals were a unique thing to see in Minnesota. The thought of being stuck there overnight was giving me a sinking feeling until I thought about the Mall of America....hhhmmm maybe not such a bad place to be stuck. The mall was not in my future for I was on my way to meet my birthday girl in Phoenix. Thank GOD!
Natalie was at baggage upon my arrival, so off for the rent a car we went. Well, no such luck....my credit card would work to rent the car. I guess charging in three different states in the same day sent up a red flag to the card company. Unfortunately, for us the rent a car company has a policy not to run a card twice, if denied the first time. So, I had to find another company and card, and of course because not booked on line ahead of time it cost more money. How frustrating, I called the credit company six weeks ago and they went through the chain of command (supposedly) to have that "out of state red flag" thing removed. Big surprise.....it wasn't done. I mean can you imagine they want me to call every time I leave the state of Georgia to let them know.....wow....they have lost their minds....I have better things to do then report my schedule to a bank. They will be hearing from me on Monday.
Thanks to Payless Car Rental ...Natalie and I were on our way! The tournament is being hosted by the Phoenix Country Club. Please look at their website, it is beautiful here. Ok, need help with a contest to win a Fiat. All you math wiz peeps....how many tennis balls will a Fiat hold inside of it? The balls are not in cans, they are loose in the car. The Fiat would be great in gas, for us to use to attend tournaments and for Natalie to go to Atlanta for practice. So, text me your guess-ta-ments....678-326-9482.
Natalie found out yesterday evening that she "squeeked" into the qualifier draw for this 75K tournament. She is on the court currently warming up to play Jackie Cako at 9 a.m. (Cako is Nat's doubles partner". This will be a good match of tennis, these two really enjoy each others company and are great friends. We won't know about doubles until tomorrow afternoon, so until then.....
I'll be watching the yellow balls and updating you soon! Love and Blessings....Sherry
