3,369 miles later

That is 5,422 in Australian (kilometres). In other words, six one way trips from Brisbane to Sydney.

I'm sitting aimlessly at the bar at the Cleveland Hopkins international airport. I arrived 2 hours ahead of departure to face the new Obama, post underwear bomber security. It took 10 minutes to get the ticket and 5 to get through security.

Although, my sister would appreciate the atmosphere here. A Hillary Duff (I think that's her name) song is on. I think I have heard it in her iPod once or twice. Damien and Caroline may have bought her the album.

I have a flight to Texas with a 1 hour 45 stop over before LA (the flight is exit row woo woo). I have 2 hours 40 minutes there before the 14 hour flight to Brisbane.

The only reason I am able to even board a flight is because Brent saved my life (he was, of course, a marine). Through the whole trip, I had amazing weather. I always followed the snow, never drove through it. The roads were always clear and well salted. For the last 45 minutes of the drive into Cleveland, it was snowing and there was slush on the road. There were about 5 cars which had spun into the strip between the east and west bound roads and the west bound road had stopped.

When the rain (or ice rain, or snow) started, it was freezing on my windscreen. This freaked me out as I had no idea what to do. I kept using the windscreen wipers with the spray but that was not a permanent solution. Without intervention, I was potentially doomed. I called Brent for some marine / Clevelander advice and he came up with a gem - the front demister on high heat.

Praise the lord, I was saved this day. Thanks to him, I am able to Blog on.

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