the past 48 hours of my life.

July 11, 2011

Pulling an all-nighter the night before I left wasn't the smartest idea I've ever had. The next morning at breakfast (which I was already awake for at six forty-five in the blessed AM) I asked the waitress how her food was, and said goodnight to the cashier even though the sun was just rising.

I fell asleep sitting up twice that day.

We waited 4 hours for our flight at the SLC Airport, only to find out that it had been delayed for 24. We finally make it to San Francisco the next day and spent most of our time on photo booth, because at this point, anything seemed funny.

Finally we began the 12 hour journey. Someone proposed to his girlfriend on our flight, and it was kind of like The Wedding Singer, except he didn't sing about "growing old with you," he just told her. I have only witnessed one other proposal in all my life, and it was at a concert; I liked the airplane idea more, except if I were the girl, I probably would have cried in front of everybody -- especially when we all started to clap somewhere high above the pacific.

I miraculously slept for six hours on the flight while listening to this song on repeat (the entire six hours) and I will have it stuck in my head for the next 18 months. I carried on a conversation with Marcus (a bartender) which is ironic if you know another Marcus who is also a bartender, who ironically just kissed a girl I know quite well on the Fourth of July. He still also owes me a shirley temple, especially if he gets to ride my bike.

And now here I am. I arrived at 5:30 in the morning (NZ time) and to avoid jet lag and an awkward sleeping schedule, my parents have forced me to stay awake so I spent the early hours of the morning watching Fox News and MTV.

So far, I have seen birds in the grocery store, the beautiful beach (from the car), Rice Krispies called Rice Bubbles -- and after I overheard someone say "confectionery" in a New Zealand accent, I kept asking my mom if we could stop by the "confectionery aisle" at the grocery store, just so I could say that word the same way.

We bought four things of Tim Tams.

And that's it. The past 48 hours = success, because somehow, I am still awake, and alive, and all the way in the southern hemisphere in a tiny little place that almost feels like home. It's called New Zealand.

12 comments:

Brittany said...

This is going to sound stupid, but only grand adventures start this way. I am so excited for you. You better post an obscene amount of pictures.

Emily Meyerhoffer said...
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Emily Meyerhoffer said...

Oh my gosh. I'm so jealous! I can't wait to read all about it. Have so much fun!!

Jane said...

ha ha ha this post made my day - so funny. i love the confectionary part. don't you ever wish you could develop a foreign accent (without trying)? i do. or at least i wish it upon my future husband...not that i don't like the way he talks - im just not opposed to say, an irish accent. i am so jealous that you are in new zealand. that is so amazing.

Jane said...
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Sara said...

Oh wow, I sort of felt how hectic it was for you - or how it would have been for me - through the post! I hope you enjoy the winter in NZ (I suppose?)

Jess Cole said...

Wow! Awesome effort with staying awake so long!
New Zealand is awesome! (just as cool as Australia!) hope you have fun!!!

molly jane said...

Tim Tams are the BEST. I'm so jealous you're in New Zealand! What a dream.

Marcus Morrison said...

kels did i ever tell you i enjoy your blog? you are a great story teller. also have a great time in NZ and thanks in advance for letting me borrow your bike.. there is a shirley temple waiting for you in logan when you get home ;)

andrea said...

i pulled an all nighter once before boarding a flight to louisiana. (definitely not as long as yours!) but it messed up my body for the next 3 days. i had to remind myself to blink that morning as i was waiting to board the plane! can't wait to read about all your adventures!

Michelle Kay said...

You're a great writer and I lOVE that song! I am listening to it now. :)

Katie said...

maybe I'm cynical or something, but what if she said no? the entire rest of the flight would be SO awkward.

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