Late Late Late

I picked up a 2 day makeup trip with a deadhead to Indy Sunday night, one live leg to Knoxville Monday night, then deadhead home; easy trip, right? This is just to take the airplane (tail #922) to a "C" (maintenance) check. I flew this airplane most of last week, and when the mechanics on the push crew mentioned it only had one flight left before it needed to be in Knoxville, I figured there might be a trip in open time. The weather looked fine everywhere Sunday, so I took the latest flight I could get out of ABQ to spend a little more time at home. I normally give myself plenty of time for unexpected delays getting to the airport, but I did the math wrong (yes I'm getting old) and ended up leaving home much later than usual. Still, I would make it to the airport with 45 minutes to go before departure. Then I remembered the truck needed gas...oh well just have to push it, no time to stop. Coming into to town on I-40, the warning signs said the interstate was CLOSED at the second exit in the city limits. Tried to get off early to take an alternate route, but so did all the semi's. Finally broke free of the traffic and hit EVERY SINGLE RED LIGHT along the surface streets to the airport. Parked in short term parking with the fuel light flashing ominously and ran with my bags to the American ticket counter. No chance to check bags: time to get out the ziplock bag for the liquids. Hurried through security and got to the gate at 15 minutes before push and was the last one on. No more overhead space: had to gate check the bag through to Indy with a hand-written claim check (sure I would never see it again). Phew! Man I hate being late. I just hope there's enough gas in the truck to get me to a gas station Tuesday morning.