Stuck in Florida

We are stuck in Florida until tomorrow! Better Fort Lauderdale than in North Dakota this time of year. Glass half full. Of course, David and I both have things we should be doing today and Julia should be in school tomorrow. Glass definitely half empty. LOL. We will survive.

We had booked an early morning flight today because it was direct, short, and we'd be home in time to do errands in the afternoon and be ready for the week. We checked out of our hotel, gave the rental car back, checked out bags, and headed for security. The security line was short but by the time we arrived at our gate, they were announcing that our direct flight was cancelled and that they were switching all of the passengers to the early morning direct flight to Milwaukee on Wednesday. WEDNESDAY?!?!? We waited out the line and managed to get connecting flights very, very early tomorrow morning; however, because our flight was cancelled because of "weather" (snow? in Milwaukee which I heard stopped by the time we were in line) were were not provided with hotel or meal vouchers. Now, Cheshire scolded me for complaining so much AirTran the other day because I was late getting in line and it was all my fault. So, I did think that I should issue a formal apology to the universe, but instead I will just renew my complaints effective today. I understand snow but not cancelling the flight for the entire day or not being stuck for another day or two.

We were tired from our early morning wake up, and hadn't had anything but a sip of coffee. We got our dunkin' donuts and coffee (Fort Lauderdale Airport didn't seem to have much else to offer or we were in the wrong part) and I settled down with my computer to priceline a hotel for tonight. I landed the Crowne Plaza which seems to be pretty sweet -- close to the beach and with a pool for the young one. We will suffer in style at bargain prices.

Julia freaked out a bit because of the change of plans. I have been so careful to give her a full run down of plans at the beginning of any adventurous day. She understood today and could recite what were were supposed to to back to me, but then the gods laughed. Plans and schedules work when life cooperates. How do you teach change?

Anyway, Julia's slight melt down was no where as bad as it used to be when we changed any plan at all, but by the time we were checking into the hotel she was angry and ready to want to hurt me. We managed to keep her together until we got to the room, and I immediately took her in my arms and held her while we talked about what was going on, she was able to give into her anger and squrim and try to get out of my arms, and of course, yell a bit. I held her for a long time and she finally calmed down. She is watching tv now and playing with her clay. The holding seems to have reset her feelings. We'll see if it lasts now.

This I've weekend, I've really noticed how Julia's behavior can be regulated. When we walked on the beach or swam in the pool -- heavy work -- she was much calmer for a number of hours. These activities are so much more demanding than the sensory diet that they do at school in the beginning of the day hoping to regulate her. I wonder if walking to school plus the sensory activities would be better for Julia than just the sensory activities.

I think we are going to find some pizza for lunch and then hit the beach. It is pretty cool today, so I don't know if we can swim. Still, it's so nice to be outside. Putting life on hold for another day is a pain, but a pretty hotel, a beach, and pizza sweeten sour moods.