The Morning I Met George

He had the biggest smile on his face when Aaron said, "we're in Japan!!!"
His eyes were lit up and he reminded me of a similar moment last year when Travis said those same exact words at practically the same exact time as we were leaving the Japan Airlines 747.
"Can you believe it? We're in Japan!!" Aaron exclaimed.
I've got to be honest. I was not as enthusiastic as he was. I tried to see it from his eyes. I tried to imagine what he was going through, but I couldn't.

All I could think about was the rubber chicken hanging from my neck. His name is George, and this is how we met.

I woke up at about 8:00 am on that Monday morning. I was nearly done packing and I was double and triple checking all of my luggage for the trip. I had my cameras, clothes, and I was printing out the take home quiz.

9:45 came and my sister was not there to pick me up. She's supposed to come and take me to the airport. Today was a special day for her too. She just graduated from college a few months ago and she was searching for a job. She was at a job interview and I did not want to hurt her chances of getting the job. I sat at home with luggage to my right and a dog to my left. I was starting to get worried.

10:30 clicked on the clock and my dog jumps off the couch and starts barking at the front door. There was my sister opening the gates to the driveway. I got up and checked my belongings one last time. We packed my father's truck and were off to the airport. I was already late.

11:11 showed on the dashboard as I stopped the truck at the JALWays drop off point. I grabbed the luggage out of the truck and bid my sister goodbye. I made my way down the ramp and greeted and apologized to my fellow students for being late. They all looked at me as if to say sorry and then snickered to themselves. I hugged Barbara and then I shook Andy's hand. That is when I met George. Andy told me, since I was late, I had to wear the rubber chicken, named George, until the next person was late. I was not aware of this new rule, but I was just relieved to be at the airport. I just hung the chicken from my neck.