October 2003
It's funny how things work out. I was not even planning to go to the World Cup, but Kim Kirkland said "if there's anyway you can put it into your schedule, please go." With the help of Noelle, I got a room, then booked a flight, and set out to the airport on October 24, 2003.
Before I boarded the plane, I looked at the size of it. Something told me that I should have been concerned, when the propellers looked larger than the body of the plane itself. Not to worry, I boarded, and took off in the noisiest plane I've ever flown in. After little more than an hour, and having gorged myself on a bag of pretzels, and my iced filled cup containing all of two ounces of diet coke, I landed at the Detroit airport, and began the trek to my gate for departure.
I wasn't at my gate more than 5 minutes, when Tiasha approached me and introduced herself. That was a pleasant surprise, because now I had met at least one person to talk to. Before we boarded, I also met Linda from Pottstown, PA and Jennie from Cleveland, OH. I was thrilled to meet Jennie, because she was a member of the raffle team for Cody's fundraiser.
The flight was uneventful for most of the trip, until the air pockets started. The plane began to bob and weave because of the turberlance, and I began to feel squeamish. The plane took a big dip, and I was a goner. I started to get sick. I tried to sneak into the bathroom, but the flight attendant grabbed her mike and shouted. PLEASE STAY IN YOUR SEAT! (Talk about a captive audience!) I motioned to her that I was about to toss my cookies, and the passengers followed her intently as she raced up the isle -- first bringing me bags -- not small bags mind you, the humongous bags that they collect trash in. Two of them! She hurried down front, and returned with towels and a cup of water. You would have thought there was a Wimbledon tennis match on board. Everyone's head snapped in unison to the events that were happening between me and the flight attendant. The plane took a few more dips, and I was in agony. Tiasha turned to me and said, " My, that was a big bump." To which the young lad behind her replied, "I like it bumpy!" I don't have to tell you what I wanted to do to that little Rugrat! Anyway, we landed a few minutes later, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I left the plane.
Tiasha and Barb
As I walked into the terminal, my stomach was still getting acclimated to the solid ground that I craved. The terminal was rather small and compact. The baggage practically met you at the door! Very convenient I might add. Tiasha finished the paperwork for her rental, and we left the airport and headed for our respective hotels. After a few hours of rest, we drove down to Upfront & Co. (the restaurant where the draw and reception was being held.) We found some parking spaces around the corner from the restaurant. Tiasha attempted to park in a very awkwardly angled parking spot on a hill. After several failed attempts I tried. After that, the driver that was parked beside us must have gotten nervous, because instead of getting out of his car, he drove away.
We got to the restaurant around 6:30pm, and entered the bar to partake in a little libation. I was looking forward to finally meeting the OZers that were about to arrive shortly. We were sitting in the Lobby, when everyone seemed to arrive at the same time. The first group that I met was Sue G, and her party. She contacted me before the event, to tell me where the best seating was in the Berry Events Center. I took her up on her suggestion, and got a great seat at the starting line. I had a great time that evening.
Late Friday morning, Tiasha, her roommate Mo and I headed to the Wal-Mart Superstore, to get supplies for the "clever" signs we planned to take to the arena. We drove around for a while, just to check out the points of interest in town. As we continued our drive toward the Downtown district, I noticed a common trait among a few of the town-folk; they had no fear of their own mortality. Through no fault of Tiasha's driving, she almost, single-handedly, decreased the population of Marquette, Michigan by four. One gentleman ran a red light, causing her to slam on the brakes, and skid 25 feet through the intersection of US41. The expression on the driver's face was implying. "Oops, my bad," as he continued to make the wide turn without stopping. Two other gentlemen almost lost their car doors as we drove past, and another gentleman cut her off when the lanes merged to one. Girlfriend finally lost it, and squealed, " Is it meeee! Is it meeee! Monique and I consoled her by telling her that she was doing fine. I then proceeded to state my opinion about what just occurred. Well, that's all I have to say about that. We let it drop, and continued driving around for awhile. We were in good shape, because Tiasha's rented Dodge Stratus came with a built in "U-turn" feature. We made so many U-turns at the Border Grill, that I was waiting for the patrons to begin waving at us!
Barb with the banner she made for Allison Baver
Barb's report page 2 | Ohno Zone home