The obstacles I encountered on this trip far surpassed the adventure I had in mind as I attempted to depart Seattle! It was the most memorable trip I have experienced in my lifetime and I will attempt to convey the humor and ¬my angst to the best of my ability. Enjoy.
104th Denver National Stock Show and Rodeo
In an attempt to catch that ever refreshing 6:00a.m. flight I was dropped off in full attire at 4:30 a.m.—we’ve all been there, right… well, not me! To begin, I have only traveled alone a few times to my luck have never even encountered a problem. In fact, in past trips I have even taken the time to enjoy “airport people gazing.” So you can imagine as I was astounded as I leisurely took my place in line to check my bags and the kind gentleman working behind the counter suggested I check my bags further down the counter. Okay, I can do that…so I begin to meander down the bag check-in lines and realize that I had no idea what he had meant. Soon I end up back in the same line with the same gentleman asking him for assistance! It was a record check in; 5:18 a.m. Three minutes too late to check bags!
As I begin to secretly stress out I shared with him that I HAD to be on this flight, I even shared that I had a ride scheduled at the other end! He then told me in a considerate voice, “I’m sorry, we’ll just have to try and put you on the next flight.” In my best bargaining voice (okay, whine) I did my best to make him feel contrite to my situation and as a result he sent me to the next soulful employee who relayed a few funny faces, and replied, “Well you’re only 3 minutes late… I put a rush on your bag and hopefully it will make it there the same time you do.” Of course I couldn’t complain but was very nervous about arriving without my chaps and rollers! Bright side, I would arrive on time, or so I thought... Next, my license was requested and soon she said, “Oh, you’re going to Texas, should be beautiful down there this time of year!” I had to think for a moment…nooooooooo.
“I’m sorry, what was that?”
“Texas. Should be nice weather!” with a smile. “Mam, I’m supposed to be headed for Denver…”
“Your ticket says Texas; Houston, TX,” cheerfully.
By now my slight panic turns to slight sweat.
“No, the ticket I purchased last week was a Denver destination..”
By this time the gal is looking a little confused.
“Garcia?”
“No mam, Garfield. Like the cat…”
This comment sent her on a computer screen search quickly resulting in the removal of the Texas/Garcia tags placing them on Denver line. Whew, disaster averted.
Off again! A little shaken but able to run for the next security line to soon realize there was really no rush… the line was overwhelmingly long. I couldn’t possibly make it through this line in time! But to my amazement the same angel who sent me on my first goose chase came along side me and said “Hey! Aren’t you on a 6:00a.m. flight?” Nervously I nodding he rushed me to front of the shortest line!
No problem, I am just going to buzz right down there, and bam! I’ll be through! But with all of my rushing I was affronted by a Security woman much taller and wider than myself, and FAR more serious.
“You need to take yo’ boots off.”
I stood there in disbelief … I had been in such a hurry I forgot to take them off! Stripping the boots I bolt back to my original line, shove them into the plastic box, slid them onto the conveyer belt, and quickly returned to my line with the Amazon woman! She took one look at my face, glancing at my mismatched socks (I was planning this for good luck) and she nodded for me to go through. As I caught my breath and recollected my thoughts, I had a 2 hour and 54 minute flight to relax; the remainder of my trip would be smoother.
Landing in Denver; the flight attendant announces that luggage will be at Carousel 3. Brilliant, I can handle this I think as I walk off the plane heading to the restroom in hopes to finding a mirror. Soon I was headed toward Carousel 3 looking for a familiar face from the flight to ensure the correct location…carousel 3 vacant. Oh man… I searched for a few minutes and even stooped to call my aunt Dara who booked my flight for some help in finding the carousel. After a few minutes of very casual conversation she suggested Carousel 10. Sure enough, my bag was the only one left! At least it had made it!
I almost wanted to cry, but had to keep telling myself “God is good…God is good “ this all must be a part of some fiendishly clever plan of his… and a start of really beginning to appreciate the small stuff, like a hotel room…After settling into my room, I soon was off for the week of my life.
Merchandise Market; hundreds of vendors with displays of phenomenal fashions, furniture, artwork, boots, jewelry, and much, much more.
• I had the privilege of working shifts at the Tandy Booth where Mick and the crew there were ever so fun and to their generosity, each time a Queen worked a shift they were given a belt. I now have five new beautiful belts thanks to Tandy’s!
• We hosted a party one afternoon and had the best Mexican food I have ever had Next door to the Tandy Booth was a tall man, “Cowboy Elvis,” better known as Greg Hensley who was with Dan Post Boots. As I walked in and met him, there were walls and walls of every shape, color, and style of boots imaginable; I was in awe. We walked around and he soon asked me to pick out a pair! He sponsored all of the state girls who came in and talked with him. A couple weeks later in the mail I received three pairs of Dan Post Boots! They are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned; I look forward to having more in the future. If you’re looking for an awesome boot, you might try on a pair of Dan Post Boots! They’re my favorite!
• Parker Enterprises out of Arkansas bigheartedly gave each state queen a personalized brief case in the colors of their choice—and they are very handy!
• I had the opportunity to meet Bob Kipperman of Kippy’s- a display of belts and jackets to be envied. • Courts Saddlery booth where we were able to meet Cathy Courts. Courts are the sponsor of the Miss Rodeo America Saddle.
THE Rodeo:
A few miles from the Merchandise Market was the highlight of the trip; the Rodeo opening each performance with a laser show. Fortunately, the Queens were privileged to sit directly behind the announcers stand in leather chairs as Boyd Polhamus announced each performance. As each performance was announced we state queens would rotate and carry sponsor flags between events. Thank you to the Cervi’s for letting us ride your horses each performance!
During my second to last performance I was scheduled to help with the sponsor flag presentations with the duty of a hot lap around the arena, rotating through the flags until all sponsors have been recognized. To my dismay, prior to my second hot lap my horse choose to spin a quick circle before heading toward the gate at a high pace wrapping me with the flag. Before I knew it my partner and I were at a dead run toward the gate as I hurriedly attempted to unwrap myself from the flag. I quickly realized my need to regain my sight in a hurry, and in a final attempt to unwrap my face, I jerked the flag out to the side as hard as I could--unfortunately it ripped my hat off with it. At this point I looked at the gate post as it brushed my horses shoulder… I didn’t hear anything but a POP!
With one day left in the Mile High City, Measha Gittons (Miss Rodeo Idaho) and I were off to the Merchandise Market one last time. Crutches, knee brace, and all, who would have guess who recognized me that day but seven-time All-Around Cowboy of the World, Trevor Brazile! This was the highlight of my trip! We chatted a few moments about the previous performance and my new leg support, wrapping up the occasion with a group photo. Later that day when I had arrived at the airport to catch my first flight home, there was a new found humor when I couldn’t carry my bags myself. Last year’s National Director for Miss Rodeo Idaho, Jodi Perkins, requested in the airport a wheel chair for me... I’m not terribly fond of drawing attention to myself in crowds, but with my leg sticking straight out and in full attire, I must have been quite the sight! I was the first to board my first flight, but had a connecting flight in Phoenix. After arriving in Phoenix, I only had a 40 minute gap before my next flight left… this was before we landed 15 minutes late. The gentlemen who was wheeling me to my next flight asked “where you go?”
I was so exhausted and embarrassed I merely handed him my boarding pass.
He then says “ohh… oh, uh-oh. They change gate…”
Oh man… I think as I laugh quietly in my head.
And the fun begins; “I push you fast!” he says.
With that, he began running at full speed through the airport yelling between breaths, “Mooove! Mooove! Comey througgghh!” Needless to say, people were darting left and right before me, confused and amused they watched us fly through the terminal… Needless to say, I made it to my flight just in the nick of time; he was a kind man and I appreciated his urgency, I just wish our presence could have been a little more discrete!
Denver was a wild way to start my year off. But I would like to extend a ‘thank you’ to Karie O’Donnell for promptly answering all my calls and texts as I searched for my destinations, Jodi Witt for all her hospitality and scheduling—and the ride to the ER! Jodie and Alan Perkins for help before and after hitting my knee on the gate post, the Cervi’s for letting us ride their horses, Greg Hensley with Dan Post Boots—try a pair on! Parker Enterprises for the personalized briefcase, Measha Gittons—my hilarious and inspiring roommate for the week, and lastly my mom, for answering the phone and continuing to give me words of encouragement.
This truly was, the trip of a life time!!
