Locked out? No Problem.

Earlier this month, I flew down to the States for a week. Had this crazy friend that decided to move his wedding date up a few months. Thankfully, it still worked out for me to attend. Since I was going all that way, figured might as well make the most of it. I stopped off in several places before the wedding. Was able to see several friends I hadn't seen in a couple years and also meet a few new people. :)

Was hoping to enjoy some warmer weather while I was there, but alas, they have been having a cold, snowy winter. Most days it was the same temps there as it was here in Alaska! Oh well. Rented a little car for week, since I flew into one state and flew out of another. One day had a hard time getting out of my friend's driveway because all the snow. So much for that warmer, nicer weather.

Enjoyed some hockey while down south. Went to my first Pro Hockey game. Great game by the Blackhawks! Also stayed up late two nights watching my home team beat our rivals for the Gov. Cup. Well worth those two late nights.

One of the most interesting things that happened during that week..... Thursday was my day to be in Chicago. Originally was going to overnight there and the next morning head to central Illinois. After meeting up with people and such, decided to just head south after the hockey game. J&R were letting me stay with them again (thanks!), but they weren't actually going to be there until two days later. Figured since I wouldn't be waking anyone up, might as well drive down Thursday night. No one would care if I arrived in the wee hours of the morning.

So I set out... and after a three hour drive, arrived at what I thought was their house about 230am. I had forgotten their house number, but since I had been there before, was pretty confident I could find and recognize the house again. Pulled up to the house, got out and went to type in the code for the garage door. And... it didn't open. Oh no! was I at the right house? I slightly panicked, wondering if I was at the wrong house, if they had security and if the security people would be arriving soon to see what was going on.

After driving around the block once, I went back to the same house, cause I felt sure it was the right one. Tried the garage code again and it worked! Pulled into the (very cold) garage. I was so tired, the only thing I could think of was getting inside using the bathroom and crashing in bed. Grabbed a few items from the car, walked up to the door leading into the kitchen and the door knob didn't budge. Locked out. Really? 

I am by no means a night owl. So at 3am I do not have the sharpest mind, I'm extremely tired, cold and really have to use the restroom. What would you do in that situation? I looked around for a key hanging up somewhere. Nada. Walked out the backdoor to see if the porch door to the house was unlocked. Of course it wasn't. Getting desperate by this time, I looked around again and noticed that the hinges to the door were on my side. Yes! I've never done it before, but taking the pins out of the hinges, so I could take the door off the frame seemed like a good idea to my desperate, tired brain. 

It was challenging, since the pins were rusted and the top one was a thicker size. Being a tight fit in the hinge, it didn't want to come out. Thankfully there was a ladder in the garage, or else I would have pulled my car forward and stood on the hood. Not the best idea when it's a rental car. My only concern was, that the neighbors would hear the banging and call the police. Just what I didn't need. How do you explain to an officer that yes, you have permission to be in this house, but you are still taking the door off the hinges. Yeah, didn't think that would go over well. 

Eventually I made it inside! Praise the Lord. Was glad I didn't have to be anywhere until that following evening, so I could sleep in. So, if you ever let me stay at your house while you're away and forget to leave a key or the door unlocked, don't worry. I'll get in somehow. ;) 

Funny thing was, found out the next day, there was a key to that door in the garage. I just didn't find it when looking. Hey, I was desperate, so I did what I thought would get me inside the house! 

As for the rest of the trip. It went well. I attended my friends' wedding, which was very nice. Good food at the reception. :) and I assisted with the car decoration. Can't let a wedding happen without a good, ol' car decorating party. But can I recommend you wash your car before your wedding? Makes my job easier. 

best we could do with limited time, dirty car and scant supplies

with the bride and groom - congrats guys!