Feb 9-15, 2007

So, the next flight for me started really abruptly. I made arrangements to fly the same day of the booking. In fact, only 6 hours before the plane was to leave the airport. American Airlines (www.aa.com) rocks! They got me processed and on a flight in the same day. I left good ole Michigan for Chicago with minimal delay, which is awesome considering we are now in the middle of a white downpour of a winter. I can't complain too loudly now, because I am on my way to Los Angeles for the week. I have to say the S-80 jets that they use are not too wheelchair friendly, but the seats are great once you get on.

I am on my way back to what I call my home. I grew up in Michigan, but I felt more at home living in Hermosa Beach. Feeling more like and comfortable with the attitudes of the people there, I was able to relate so much more with them. I reminisce of the regular strolls down to the Good Stuff restaurant for a nice breakfast before work or hitting the Comedy and Magic Club (www.comedyandmagicclub.com) for a night of laughs.

The next morning it was off to Disneyland. I had been there once before so now it is time to relive that experience. The buddy I was staying with there in Fullerton had been a previous "cast member" and employee of the "funnest place of Earth", so he knew the lay of the land and, me being in a chair, we had hardly any waits in line. Bonus! We rode every ride we wanted to in both Disneyland and California Adventure. California Screamin' was my favorite ride out of all of the parks with the new soundtrack provided by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Ya know, everyone there rocks when it comes to accessibility and helping where needed. From the killer fold-down ramps on the trams and courtesy buses, to the "cast members" working all the rides. And I have been coined the "favorite transfer" by a good section of the "cast members" there. They love the fact that they don't have to stop the rides or really do any work out of the ordinary to get me on and off the rides. The easiest and most fun for me was the Jungle Cruise in the Disneyland side. I get to just climb around like a monkey on the bars holding up the canopy. They all love to watch me climb around and get a chuckle as I act like a total goof.

The next couple of days on my trip were complete and total lazy, slacker days. Takin' in the warm, sunny California weather I love so much, I sat my ass on the couch! I spent the last couple days catching up on sleep and some writing.

I went shopping at Brea Mall in, well, Brea, CA and stopped at the Sunglass Hut to get some new lenses for my sunglasses and then to Macy's to get some much-needed luggage for my trips ahead of me. The staff at Macy's was very helpful. Karen helped me out a lot with my purchase.

After my well deserved time of sun and rest I headed back to the cold and snow of good ole Michigan. God, I love it here! Can you hear the sarcasm oozing from my voice? I almost didn't even take that return flight back so I could stay longer in the sun, but I just had to get home and feed my fish. Guido, the Betta, wouldn't know what to do without me. All and all a good trip and thanks to all that made it that way.