Kyle Kerr

One More Day In Paradise

09/5/07 | General, Idiot Mode, Maui | 0 Comments

This was my Monday:

Woke up around 7AM Maui-time, took a shower, and packed up my hotel room.  This included going through a weeks’ worth of retreat papers (copies of my chapters and synopsis with notes on them), and attempting to stuff all of my clothes into the suitcase without it dying.  Then I met a few friends who were doing last minute agent/editor consultations to show some moral support (what can I say, I’m a good guy that way!)… From 11-12 we attend the closing ceremonies for the Maui Writers Conference, where my friend Dawn won third place in the Rupert Hughes Writing Competition (which is a big deal, because it is judged by some very big name authors, agents and editors, not to mention the $500 prize money [add another 0 to that for first place!]).

Noon rolls around and it’s time to check out of the hotel.  I’m supposed to get a 1:45PM shuttle to the airport for a 4:30PM flight.

As I’m checking out, the girl behind the counter says, “Are you sure you’re checking out today?  We have you scheduled until tomorrow.”

To which I reply, “Of course I’m leaving today.  I have a 4:30 flight!”

She nods to placate me, though was surely inwardly scoffing (it’s all in the eyes!)… She checks me out anyway, being sure to radio someone to say something about an “unexpected departure.”

I go to lunch with my friends Dawn, Jamie and Rocky, where we end up inviting big wig St. Martin’s Press editor Charles Spicer to eat with us, since he was going to eat alone.  The conversation was really great (I wasn’t nervous to be around him because he doesn’t represent my genre… I didn’t have to worry about impressing him), and the food was good (though expensive!  $18 for a cheeseburger, fries and can of Coke!).

Finally, we realize it’s 1:30 and almost time for me to leave.  No one’s really talking because we’re so sad that we’re not going to be together anymore.

The shuttle comes at 1:45 on the dot, but the driver says he doesn’t have my name on his list.  “What do you mean, you don’t have my name on your list?!” I say.  “I have the voucher right here… It’s already paid for!”

He calls his dispatcher, asking about my reservation.  I hear her voice come over the cell’s speakerphone.

“Pick-up for Kerr is scheduled for the 4th.”

“Today’s the 4th,” I exclaim.

“They’re saying it’s the 4th,” the guy says into the phone.

I really hope you’re laughing, because I still wasn’t getting it at that point.

Thinking quick, I look at my phone.  It’s September 3rd.  Guys, I checked out of my hotel a day early!  I packed up my room, defied the girl behind the counter, and was close to yelling at the driver for losing my reservation.  Can anyone say dumbass…?

As I shuffled back up to the front counter with my best impression of a puppy dog grin on my face, I could see the I-told-you-so smile the girl behind the counter was wearing.  I try and laugh it off, and in the process learn that I am the first person to EVER do that at the Wailea Marriot Resort in Maui.  Go me.  Oy vey.

(For those who care, Wailea is pronounced Why-Uh-Lay-Uh.)

This is what I make of the situation, though: Had I not been a complete moron, then we would never have had such a great lunch with über-editor Charlie.  So, I’m not that miffed about it.  (Who am I kidding?  I was mortified when it happened!  Charles is just the nice spin I like to put on the situation to make me feel better.)

Oh, and here’s a taste of what I saw in Maui…

     

And, yes, I did take them myself!

Until next…

Kyle W. Kerr