Dear Air Travel: Why do you hate me?

I was originally booked on a flight leaving JFK at the very reasonable hour of 11am. I was awakened around 2:45 this morning, though, by the incessant buzzing of my phone. I ignored it but a few minutes later it buzzed again. I stared groggily at the 800 number on the screen and, assuming it was some robocaller trying to discuss my nonexistent car warranty, tried to silence it. Thankfully, between my half-asleep state and the fact that it's a new phone, I accidentally answered the call. An automated voice proclaimed that it was calling from American Airlines and that my flight had been cancelled.

Now I was wide awake. Robovoice informed me that I'd been rebooked on a flight connecting through Boston and arriving in San Francisco at 11:30 pm. This itinerary would cause me to miss an extremely urgent appointment: the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince with Becca and Krissy.

"To accept these changes, say 'yes'. To reject them, say 'no'."

"Nooooooooooooo!"

I got an operator and found out that my only other option was the flight leaving at 7:05 am. I took it, and called Becca to let her know when to pick me up. By that time, it was about 3 am and I realized I might as well get up, as I'd need to leave for the airport in about an hour anyway (I heart public transportation).

I dozed as well as I could on the plane (considering I had an aisle seat that was right next to the bathroom... I also passed on watching Race to Witch Mountain) and was able to take a 3-4 hour nap when we got home. Assuming I'm still on East Coast time, this midnight showing will be starting at 3 am my time. These are the things I go through for Harry Potter.

All I'm saying is, if I'm ever in a job interview and I have to give an example of my dedication and perseverance, this is the story I'm going to tell.