Across the known world

So I am writing this update while sitting at the Toronto airport. It is 2:00 a.m, I have been here for 2 hours. I have sooo much luggage –I definitely look and feel like a homeless person. As we speak I am camped out waiting for the American airlines check in to open at 3 a.m. (who knew that Toronto airport closes – how inconvenient and bizarre!). I am hiding behind one of the baggage turnstiles with a grumpy cat in a pop up dog crate sitting beside his traveling cat bag, two HUGE red duffle bags (both are the absolute max of 50 lbs and sad to say I can’t lift either of them;) ) a blue rolley carry on and a yellow backpack. I am sitting on the dirty floor quite smug that I have come this far already without becoming lost or ending up in the wrong city. Once my baggage is checked through customs the worst should technically be over and I have only got to sit on a plane all day tomorrow. It was difficult saying goodbye to everyone earlier, Mom, Dad, Tom and Keith all came to see me off. I was not going to cry until my dad started giving me the “I know you can do this” speech… I was almost done for after that. I already can’t wait for mom and dad to visit in 3 weeks. Hope I can make them all proud!
Going through security was fine… everyone seemed more concerned about cuddling with the cat then all the junk I’m carrying –haha. Figaro I have to say is the best traveler. He is being absolutely awesome and has not made a peep the entire time. I was a bit concerned with bathroom breaks for him etc and have his cat bag all outfitted with absorbent liners but he has accepted that a litter liner on the floor with the tiniest pile of litter sprinkled on top is an awesome litter box –whew, what a relief! I am also extremely grateful that mom and I found the pop up dog kennel (his “playpen”) now I don’t feel so guilty that he is in a bag for 24 hrs, he can stand up, walk around or just get comfy. Only ½ hr to go and the adventure starts again. I am definitely out of my comfort zone but it’s kind of nice to stretch myself a bit and see how independent I can be. Now if only I can get me and this mountain to the next gate…