Boy do I have a fun email for you today. Here’s what we got:
- I quit my job
- Surprising Reyka across the country
- How I got bumped to First Class for FREE (travel hack)
Goodbye Work
Work is tough. Like, really hard. Of course, I assume it’s better when you’re doing a job you enjoy that isn’t physically demanding. But man, let me tell ya. Grinding out an eleven or twelve hour shift (with no breaks), driving home, going to sleep, and doing it all over and over and over again takes a toll. I worked for just over 2.5 months, and I couldn’t be happier to be done. It kind of feels like summer break as a teenager:
With a little nest egg now, Reyka and I are elated to get on the road again soon.
Speaking of Reyka…
We are BACK TOGETHER AGAIN!! Ahhhhh!!!!
And I SURPRISED her! I’d told Reyka that I’d fly out on the 21st of June, but really I got here on the 17th. Selling it took a bit of care. For example, I couldn’t tell her when I submitted my two weeks notice until a few days after or else she’d know that I was coming early. I also needed a cover story for why I wouldn’t be able to text her during my flight. (I told her there was a color run in Bellingham that I’d be working at. You know, those races with the powder.)
Then, yesterday, her dad picked me up from the airport. (Thanks Chuck!) We drove to a restaurant, and Chuck went inside to make sure she was inside while I stood hiding behind the door looking like a hooligan. Walking inside, Reyka freaked out, shrieked, and was extremely surprised.
It was a huge success.
How I Got Bumped to First Class for Free
Waiting at the gate in Seattle yesterday, there was an announcement that they needed a volunteer who would take the next flight at 10 PM and be given a 500$ gift card to be used in the future with Alaska Airlines.
At first, I hesitated. Chuck was already planning on picking me up. We had a surprise dinner planned. But then, I decided to go for it – I could just surprise Reyka the next morning.
So I went up to the counter and asked them if I could volunteer to go on the next flight.
The man said, “Yes! Great. Thank you very much. We’re not sure if we’re going to need you right now, but just stick around and we’ll let you know. If we do need you, we can put you up in a hotel for the day. And even if we don’t, we’ll still compensate you with some points or a voucher for your help.” I was elated, and after waiting for a few minutes while folks filed onto the plane, they motioned for me.
A different Alaska Airlines said, “So, we’re not going to need you today, but we did this for you.” I was handed a new boarding pass.
“What is this?” I asked, confused.
“We upgraded you to First Class.” Absolute and utter euphoria coursed through me.
On every flight I’ve ever been on, I walk down the aisle past the large, cushiony-looking seats and am jealous to the point of getting a bit frustrated at the fact that the folks in First Class are about to have an amazing experience while mine is going to be a knee squishing, readjusting nightmare.
But not this time. Nope, for my first ever First Class experience, I hopped on the plane, strolled down the aisle, and plopped down next to a gent on a business trip. Over the course of the flight, I was given as many snacks as I wanted, an entire gourmet meal, two glasses of wine, and more leg room than I knew what to do with.
I expect my next economy flight to taste a bit bitter, now knowing what I’m missing out on.
Anyways, that’s all for today folks. Hope you all have an excellent week. And, of course, Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers out there!
Love and Peace,
Wyatt (and Reyka)