We had to staycation

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Man.....LARGE disappointment occurred yesterday when on the way to the airport for our week long adventure to Key West, I realized we had missed our flight.  "Complete and utter dumbass" as Bill calls it. Neither one of us had read the itinerary correctly....we've had the thing for 3 months...and yes, BOTH of us read the itinerary as LEAVING at 3:45.   This in fact was our arrival time....so arriving at the airport at one did us no good for a flight that was to have left at noon.  2hours on the phone with US AIR (not very friendly) and Travelocity (not friendly either) we were not able to book a later flight -

NOTHING.  "Ms. Flanigin, we can get you on a flight on Wednesday."  Bite me lady. 

Ok....so 2 hours later, fortunately we are relieved to find out that we did get a full refund for the hotel and we have a credit for the air fare.  What happens if US Air goes out of business. I think we will try and get a refund through our travel insurance. 

Really, I do and did feel sorry for my self. This was our long ago-planned Christmas present to each other.  It was a bright spot on long work day to look at the hotel web site or day dream about our sailing excursion booked for new years eve. 

My sweet hubby took over the phone negotiations for me and then booked us a few nights at Hotel San Jose here in Austin-- a cool modern suite too.  We got our room and cruised down congress to the South Congress Cafe's turquoise and orange recycled glass bar and ordered a pomegranate margarita or 4.   Already I feel a little better. I can't seem to find the sun or a beach or a hammock.  I did find sweetness in my husband as he was just as disappointed as I was...and we were both thanking God that it wasn't ONE of us that had read that ticket wrong. Can you imagine if it had been ALL my fault, or ALL his fault.  So, we dumbass together here at the San Jose. Smiling because we are a WE.....cuddling in a cozy bed and thankful for days off and that the city we live in is itself, a hip spot to vacation.    

Yesterday, I was so saddened by the loss of something I had looked forward to for so long. And today I realize that I get to look forward to that trip to key west still.  Casa Marina waits for us--and maybe at cheaper rates since it won't be Christmas time....and US Air...well...maybe that will get us there on another day.  And our sailing excursion ...the one we had already paid for--no refunds, and no rescheduling..... Well, I called him yesterday and asked if we could transfer it to another party so someone else could at least enjoy. He said sure and thought it was a fun idea and would have the couple he gave the trip to write us a note.... "Nah, just tell them to pay it forward....make someones day for us..." we suggested. 

A few minutes later, Sunny from the sailing harbor called and said,  "Ms Flanigin...ya know...if you ever do make it down this way...we'll save this sail for you...just call me and we'll take you on your trip."  No such luck from the outsourced Indian workers from US Air and Travelocity.  

I thought that was pretty dang cool and we look forward to a trip only delayed.....and are grateful for the surprise of our staycation here in Austin. 

oh and...no more plane trips during the holidays....and I will read my tickets CAREFULLY from now on.  I do not look good in dumbass...neither does Bill.