When I started at Health Equity on October 9, 2023, I had meeting invite emails for a Finance Conference for the following July. I accepted it and it blocked out those days for me on my outlook calendar. I didn’t think anything of it and didn’t even know if it was for me.
In May, they booked my travel; air, hotel, and car for the Finance Conference. I had to upgrade from a sedan to a small SUV a few weeks prior, as I would be responsible for driving three of my co-workers. And, that SUV was actually a Jeep Grand Cherokee Hybrid with a keyless ignition and a knob to put the Jeep in Park, Reverse, and Drive! Yeah, a knob!!!!
I was excited and looked forward to meeting my team in person, especially my manager. It would also be my first time away from Nina and Niko, and although the quiet would be nice, I knew I was going to miss them. I did FaceTime them throughout the week, and they were mostly in the same position as when I left on Monday!
Oh, as far as my team, it was nice to put names and faces together. I also got to meet other people who I have been in contact with through emails and meetings, and some even introduced themselves to me. The office itself was very nice, and I was given a brief tour by one of co-workers. They had breakfast and lunch provided along with snacks and drinks. They had several workspaces available (some in the open and some in conference rooms), for people who wanted to work at the office. Most of the employees live close to the offices in Draper, UT, but we are a a remote first workplace. On Wednesday, we all went to a ski resort called Snowbird, where we did a service project, had lunch, and then we had a pass to utilize the summer activities. I chose to ride a tram up and down a mountain and I got some awesome pics of that.
My flight coming home on Friday, July 19th, was originally scheduled to depart Salt Lake City at 9:50 am. It was delayed and then canceled. I got booked on a much later flight to San Antonio, and while I was at that gate, the gate agents were telling me they think that that flight is going to be canceled as well, and my best bet would be to get on a flight to Austin. I accepted that as would bring me closer to home. The flight was scheduled to depart at 8:55 pm, but we didn’t leave Salt Lake City until 10:30 pm.
What did I do all day at the airport? I did a lot of people watching, eavesdropping, and watched people work on their laptops! I probably only read my Kindle for a few minutes, as I was pre-occupied with other thoughts (like, when I will get home to my family?) and as the day wore on, my brain cells were declining rapidly!
My original thoughts were I would rent a car in Austin, find a nearby hotel, and then drive home later in the day after some good sleep. But, that changed as I was waiting at baggage claim (my luggage never left Salt Lake City). It would eventually be delivered on Monday night! There was a couple in line who flew to San Antonio, and they took an Uber from San Antonio to Austin. I asked them how much, and they replied about $100. I was like really, hmm. Change of plans for me! I have a company Uber account, and when I submitted the ride pick-up and drop-off, it was $100! This was around 3:00 am! I was so thankful that he accepted it and I didn’t have to think about anything else. I ended up tipping the driver $40 cash when he dropped me off at the San Antonio Airport (my car was parked there).
I finally arrived home at 5:00 am, and as soon as I closed my eyes for some sleep, Niko woke up for a quick pee! I knew that would happen, and he was surprised to see me, along with Nina as she wasn’t expecting me til the afternoon as that was what I texted her when I was on the airplane. I did send another text about me taking an Uber, but she probably didn’t see that one.
Niko woke up again at 6:00 am, and that was enough sleep for him. But, I needed more! I did go downstairs with him and Nina, as I wanted to give Niko all the stuff I got him!
He specifically requested a coffee mug, a shirt, and a snow-globe. I was successful in all of it on Friday morning, and had a small paper bag with that stuff in it. I did, a few hours later, ditch the paper bag and put it all in my Timbuktu laptop bag. I was glad I did that because it wouldn’t have been fun carrying two things all day at the airport. Yes, I was happy that there were several places to get food as it was a large airport. I had a breakfast burrito, macaroni and cheese, a pepperoni pizza, a cheeseburger and fries, and drinks with each.
I went back to sleep after that for a few hours, and I tried to nap throughout the day, but Niko was super happy to have me home and wouldn’t stop bothering me. That evening, I was asleep before Niko and I needed that.
It took a lot out of me after being awake for 24 hours. My drive home at 4:40 am to 5:00 am was easy as there was no traffic and I had the ac blasting and the music loud to keep me awake.
Next year, Nina and Niko may come with me! Hopefully, no delays, though!
The slideshow below is all from Snowbird.
