4am.

4am alarm.
“really? do we have to?” were the first words out of my mouth.
i slowly roused myself from the bed, second guessing my decision.
i knew in 10 hours it would all be worth it…
the early morning wake up alarm.
getting ready while still dark.
driving on the 405–not to work, but to the airport.
airport parking.
security…security.
sitting in the aiport, waiting on the flight…for 2 hours.
[sidenote: no chance of us missing our flight back home this time]
wanting to still be sleeping…or lay across the oh-so-comfortable airport chairs to take a nap.
missing game day in tuscaloosa. [and having the day off to watch it!]

all would be worth it…
going home.

flight 1. a blur. i have no idea what went on…i think i was conscious.
stop 1. phoenix [long enough to use the bathroom, buy a sports illustrated with #3 on the cover, grab a few snacks, then line up for boarding].
flight 2. snacks out, ginger ale for 2, sports illustrated read, miami vice on the ipad.
final stop. birmigham. home.

landing in familiar territory.
and finding a new [to us] bbq joint on the 90mile trek home.

best butts in town…good to know.
collard greens and fried okra…and this is only the first day.
unbelievable.