RTFS

Jay and I managed a great ride yesterday morning. It's the first time he'd be on his bike this year; we packed up the car, I took him out to the newly discovered roads where our Tri Clinic had started to ride. To set this up, I've got a road bike, he's got a hybrid. I've got aerobars, he doesn't. I smoked him... and it was fun! LOL (Should you happen to meet Jay, you know nothing, k?) He commented that I'm a much better rider than I was last year and look a lot more comfortable. YAY! He's looking forward to more riding this summer, and will be coming out with the group Sunday morning.

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A few years ago, a co-worker and I laughed very hard when we first heard the acronym RTFS. We were working in tech-support... so this was something that we *wished* we could say to customers...often. Read The Effin' Screen.

Well, in my case last night, I would have been better off Reading The Effin' Signs. (RTFS).

After months of talking about the possibility of meeting Damian, a friend/blogger/runner from Australia, the day finally came! Here's how the day went... his day started at 1:30am (my time) Wednesday, leaving Rome to NY. He'd have to change airports, then finally to Toronto, originally scheduled to land at 9:30pm (Already a long day). Due to weather in the Northeast yesterday, we discovered early on that he'd be delayed. We chatted via Skype a few times, and finally I saw that he was no longer online and his plane had departed. Good news.

Left my house about an hour prior to his 'updated' arrival time, unsure of Canada Day traffic of those heading out for fireworks or back home from BBQ's, etc.

I had it stuck in my head that he'd be landing at Terminal 1, and was going a little fast to read the display boards before entering the airport. Got my parking ticket, parked the car, got a return call from Damian's accommodations to confirm his delay. When I checked my email to provide them with the flight#, I noticed it said Terminal 3 for arrival. Shit! Hadn't left the car yet, so I pulled out of the parking space, past a first gate, then to the machine to exit. OMG.. the parking ticket is to be prepaid, but I hadn't even left my car! Can't get back beyond the first gate, one way, so I had no choice but to park my car, and admit my mistake to the parking attendant in the building... she waived my fee and gave me a ticket to let me out.

So back into the winding streets of the airport, follow the signs for Terminal 3, GAH! Just missed the turn for short-term parking. So I did another loop, and finally parked. I thought about the money I was saving on parking by delaying my entry, then realized the money I was losing by all my driving in circles. LOL

Got into the Terminal, straight to the restroom, then to the Arrivals board... further delayed, estimated landing now 10:59pm. Finally at 11:17pm, the board showed that the plane had arrived. Relief. Standing in front of the door, I expected to hear the baggage carrousel and all the suitcases banging down them, nothing. No people crowding the door either. No one coming out. I waited. Suddenly I noticed something on the wall above the door. A big letter B. Look at the arrivals board once again, gate C. It finally clicked! OMG!!!!!! So I start speed walking... then heard my cell phone alerting a text message. I'm assure you, I'm not always like this!

Poor Damian was already at the gate, looking for me... I texted him back saying I was almost there and had been waiting at gate B like a dummy. Sorry again! LOL! After almost 24 hours of travel, he was here. As if we were long-lost friends, a hug, and continuous chatter and catching up until we had him checked into his accommodations... luckily the drive there was much less of an adventure and no mishaps! I'd bet he slept like a baby.

Today we'll be meeting to do some touristy stuff around the city. I've said it before, I moved here about 16 years ago with my dad... and have been a terrible Torontonian. There are so many things I have yet to see despite living here all these years. Tomorrow we're headed for Niagara Falls, he's then on a train for a few days in NY before heading home to Australia. Still a little surreal that he's here, and came to see me!

Happy 4th to all my US friends, I'll catch up with you all later this weekend and next week!