The Journey Has Started

As usual I am already running late and cannot find anything...   I happen to be a procrastinator and yeah... enough said. Thanks to a co-worker named Betsy who has lived in Minnesota before and had some connections - she was able to travel with me! But she was already at the airport, ready and waiting...
So its about 45 minutes till take off and I haven't even checked my luggage! but thank goodness there was no line...  so after finding my number and cc ready (stupid $15/bag). I punched in the confirmation number and then it prompted that it was too late - checking luggage ended 45 minutes before takeoff! I looked at my watch and i was TWO MINUTES LATE! I stared at the closest employee who knew what was going on and all she could do was LAUGH.

.. (not cool!!) but then contained it so she could tell us to see an actual check-in guest. This guy was in a mood already, giving me a lecture too be prompt and that checking luggages ends 45 minutes. I kindly asked him to check his watch and tell me the time... 11:25 and gave me a wierd stare (my plane left at noon, considering the time he wasted lecturing me, he knew he was an idiot)  either way - they tossed in on the belt and then proceeded to tell me there was no chance that my luggage would make it. (who says that?!?)  other than that, it was smooth sailing all the way to the plane and we had PLENTY of time to walk and even grab a bite to eat before they boarded.
A couple of hours later... we landed...
Nervous about my luggage even though Betsy was easing my mind the whole way. .. saying **well "technically" nothing is 100%**... I appreciated that, and then realized I am close to Mall of America... = )   but then as the luggage starting coming... out came my luggage!! WOOHOO!!
We then proceeded to find the rental car, and then managed to check in at the hotel with no problem!!
I let Lord Mike I had arrived, we said he was too busy pimping and would catch us up later around 9pm downtown at Britt's Pub...
I had to sneak in a quick nap and before I knew it, it was about that time to head out. Knowing we were going to be doing some drinking it wasn't wise to drive - so we choose the light rail. That way I could do the tourist thing and annoy people... its not like I would see these people again. = )

Anyway...  we arrive to the downtown area and do some walking. Come to find out they have sky-ways... pretty much just covered halls that lead from one building to the next and keep you warm doing the freezing winter nights. and they have covered dome looking things that attempt to keep you warm while waiting for the public transportation while in the streets. Good stuff... definately alot more sky-risers than PHX does (but what city doesn't?!?)
Blarney's it is!! we arrive and shortly after Lord Mike arrives...  and the rest is history... = )