Keep Calm and Carry On

Aaaand here we are. Back at the flats, which I thought I would never see again, trying to get out of Britain by any means possible. Some have taken a train to the coast, hopped on a ferry to Ireland, and boarded a plane in Dublin bound for any city in the US-- things always look more hopeful from the same continent. Each day, a few more people make it out, and others disappear to the airport for hours only to return, wilted and dejected, after yet another flight is cancelled for no apparent reason. This is a screw-up of epic proportions. I'm thankful we have accommodations, which is more than the poor people camping out in tents at Heathrow can say. The University staff in London has been great, doing all they can to make sure we have beds, towels, and our sanity. 

You might think being "stranded" in London is not a punishment at all. And there are definitely worse places to be stuck. But even with a city to explore, we said our goodbyes and had our final hurrah last week as we mentally prepared to return to the States. Most of us are staying close to our temporary homes, looking at flight timetables and calling home. I'm finally venturing out today on a mission to find a Christmas sweater. Then I'll probably take a nap and make sure everything is packed before I leave at 3 AM to make a 7:00 flight to Frankfurt, Germany, where I will get a connection to Detroit. Ironic how I have to go east in order to go west. It's kind of like a game of chess, trying to decide which risks to take and when to just cut your losses. I'm hoping, praying, trying to believe that I will make it out. I know this all sounds dramatic, but the so-called "Big Freeze" (a tiny chill by American standards) is vying to make the history books.

On the bright side, it's cozy inside, I'm surrounded by friends, and there are endless downloaded movies to be watched. But I'd rather be watching them at home. And I will be. After all, Buetow Rule #1 is "never give up" (or "be happy" or "respect your parents," depending on Dad's mood when he recites them). I will keep on truckin' and I WILL get home tomorrow. I'm almost afraid to post this because it might be bad luck, but then, if I don't fully believe in success, how will it ever happen?

America, here I come.