It has been a strange last couple of weeks, and the only reason Elisabeth and I could come up with is that Mercury is currently in retrograde. I should also preface this story with the fact that during these periods that occur three times a year where the planet appears to be moving backwards you should not sign contracts, make big decisions OR travel. After my last trip to Florida and all the mishaps I might consider planning my trips around the planets.

Big O Cocktail at Cat Cora's in SFO

After getting through security at San Francisco International Airport I settled into Cat Cora’s restaurant at the newly revamped terminal 2 for a pre-flight cocktail and dinner. I was just taking the last sip of my drink when I heard the dreaded words for any traveler – “The flight is being delayed.”

The reason being – the engine needed rest. WTF?! Why does it need rest? When the airline tells passengers “the engine needs rest” it is not exactly confidence inspiring. A fellow passenger exclaimed to me, “This is a blessing in disguise. I don’t want to be on a plane that is going to fall out of the sky!”

It soon became apparent that I wasn’t going to be leaving San Francisco anytime soon.

After being sent to several other gates for no apparent reason the American Airline personnel informed me they could get me to Florida in about 24-48 more hours. I let them know this really wasn’t going to cut it. After “inspiring” a sense of urgency they rebooked me on a Delta flight scheduled to leave a couple of hours later. They assured me not to worry that my bag would be transferred to Delta.

Another delayed flight later I finally made it to Orlando International Airport. Unfortunately, my bag did not. (Please do not leave a comment telling me this is why I shouldn’t check luggage.) Eventually, my bag was found, and we were reunited a couple days later. I am not sure of the exact route it took to get there, but let’s just say at this point it is more well traveled than I am.

I wish I could say the trip back to San Francisco was better, but my flight was changed so I got to enjoy 6+ hours at LAX. (I can say that I am now well acquainted with the Chili’s Too in terminal 4.) Once the plane was fully boarded the mechanics began removing parts off the plane due to technical issues (again, not comforting), so we got the joy of sitting there for another couple hours. After a terrifying flight home — where I was sure parts were going to fall off — I made it back to San Francisco.

Now I know that a lot of people are not as passionate about astrology and psychics as Elisabeth and I, but heed my warning these planets are not messing around. The good news is that the last day of Mercury in retrograde is today, so all will be right in the world again. But just to be on the safe side I would wait another week for any big decisions or travel.