adminContinued from “15 minutes”
2:35pm, I spilled onto the street, confident I could walk to the station in time for my train. The security guard gave me directions and I was off.
2:55pm My hips and ankles locked making me feel as I was running on a treadmill, no matter how fast I ran/walked I seemed to stand still.
3:20pm A misdirected turn, and an underestimated time distance, contributed to missing the last train out of D.C.
The ticket agent assured me, that I could safely remain in the terminal till morning, which was not an option.
At 47 years old I owe it to myself to ensure I am comfortable and safe.
My credit card declined, as I attempted to book a room, nearby.
Cconcern, grew as I recalled having had my cc skimmed in previously and my entire account drained, in 2015.
I called my credit union after checking in, to learn, my account had been blocked to gain my attention on a late payment. The entire account balance came to $36.
Just as I was about to submit to the comfort of a hotel bed, I remembered I have an exam due by midnight, tonight.
PMS bound my feet, hips and back but my brain was lit.
Being a student of “a particular age” is two-fold, on one hand you have the benefit of experience, perspective, and gratitude (for the opportunity to continue your education.)
On the other hand, you don’t always have the energy to worry about performance.
Experienced students know, your GPA does not matter after Uni.
I scored 17 out of 30 for now “Done is often better than Good”.
Choosing to turn this into a celebration, I took myself out for a dinner of savory drunken noodles served on a plate the size of my behind. The fat handmade noodles, tightly rolled into rosettes, were dense and chewy. I sipped a cocktail called a “prostitute”. She was a tart aromatic blend of fresh muddled cranberries, elderberries and (house made) gin. Three cocktails, a custom pastry, and a bottle of their homemade spirt, dinner had evolved into a victory with a dinner totaling $130.
It reminded me of the days I would treat myself to dinner after a long week.
I showered and dived between the cool, crisp antiseptic sheets of the queen-sized bed putting me into a heavy slumber. It was the best night sleep, I had in a long time.
My visa arrived exactly 7 days later.
