180° in 8C

If it's really true that good things come to those who wait, my turn came on the flight back to San Francisco. After waiting for 3.5 hours in Frankfurt, I was waiting in line to board my flight when I heard my name paged from the desk. Wondering what in the world I possibly could have done wrong this time, I walked to the desk where I was presented with a new boarding pass... FOR A BUSINESS CLASS SEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a really hard time containing my excitement as I walked across the faded regal red carpet and onto the plane. While waiting for economy class to board, I was served champagne. And then had my glass refilled. Then I checked out my goodie bag. Airplane socks? Cool! I put them on. Also included were lotion, tissues, a toothbrush and toothpaste, an eye cover, and earplugs. Waiting at my seat (which reclined 180° fully into a bed and has massaging features, by the way) was a comfy pillow and a nice blanket. I had my own 20" TV screen,
complete with like 20 movies and tons of other TV programs and games and documentaries. The lady sitting next to me chuckled as I told her how excited I was, and she gave me the full rundown on business class.

After a light salad, a lasagna, and a chocolate mousse, not to mention three glasses of chardonnay and a glass of port wine, I snuggled up in my blanket, which resembled a small comforter, and watched a couple movies. I think the flight attendants know what they're doing when they keep refilling everybody's wine glasses, because about an hour after dinner and dessert, the whole of business class seemed to fall asleep. I slept really well on my "bed" for about five hours, and then woke myself up so that I could enjoy every minute of being among the elite. The morning cheese and fruit plate was served with about an hour to go, accompanied by a cocktail (two, actually). When we arrived at San Francisco, I didn't feel like I had just been on the plane for 12 hours, and I had energy and didn't look terrible. It was so great. I love having United Premier status. I guess it makes sense that they have us go out a different door than the coach class, because when
we were all in line for customs, it was really clear by looking around at the other passengers that the majority of the flight hadn't enjoyed the air travel quite like I did. The little bit of guilt that I felt faded away when I remembered my travel woes of the last seven weeks, and I just took this as karma working for me.

Easy travel to Eugene. Arrived at around 9 pm where I was greeted by all my luggage and a wonderful welcome party of Dad and Autumn.

Now back in my own bed, fighting off jetlag...