The New Year Begins

For my first true post of 2011 let us begin with some observations. We all know I do not fly, so airport security is of no concern to me but that does not mean I do not notice things. Did you experience airport security over the holidays? Do you know someone who did?

Though, many of you have documented the security process, I wonder how many of you actually looked around? Early this morning I had such an opportunity. Today Ms. Twister began her travels in the advancement of her career and I was the airport shuttle. However, I took the time to look around.

My first observation was that express check-in is a ploy; nothing about it is express. While waiting for our turn in line I began to notice those fellow passengers of Ms. Twister. Two huge trunks in front of us was a very prim elderly lady.

”Someone's Grandmother,” I thought and sure enough. She was going to see her first grand baby and it showed in her face. I smiled and my eyes were drawn to the next gentleman checking in.

He must have known no snack was provided and along with bags, carried a McDonald’s snack. My stomach started to growl and as he forgot the bag on the counter I almost grabbed it. But what was holding the line up?

There at the counter was a middle aged redheaded woman. She was doing her best to provide all the papers required for boarding and to her left I assume her daughter. A teenage girl with down syndrome just bubbling with joy and very proud of her purple bubble patterned carryon bag. Even with drugs I could never be that happy about getting on a plane.

The loud speaker came on. Some hillbilly thought they could park at the curb and now was informed their vehicle was loaded for towing. Which brings me back to express check-in. Seems an entire SUV can be loaded before a human can.

I looked at Ms. Twister and we both laughed as a young girl broke in a dead run for the door. She was waving and shouting,”Bye honey, call me!” I looked again at Ms. Twister and added, “Love ya, mean it.” A west coast saying we learned from a very dear friend.

Ms. Twister was having a hard time and all the while being very brave. I knew she wanted this but at the same time did not. She does love to travel, just not alone. A real family girl, it is hard for her to leave like this and I have been spending extra time to make things easier for her.

I gave her my MP3 player, loaded with all her favorite tunes and we now have a printer she can print to from anywhere. I have signed up for Skype, though her techno geeks have to put the webcam on her company laptop, it will hopefully make her away time easier. The plan is to be able to see and talk to family, as well as Mouse. It will just take some getting use to.

Finally for those of you who have either resolved or goal-ed yourself to lose weight for this new year, there is hope. While loading and unloading Ms. Twister’s large bag I just knew she would be paying extra. That thing had to weigh eighty pounds. Set it on the airport scale and poof, 47.5 pounds.

If you feel at some point this year you are not making your resolution/goal just go stand on an airport scale. Instantly you will be 40 pounds lighter.

Any who, I’ll be in a flux getting use to my new schedule and responsibilities so bear with me my friends. Until then…

Peace.

Technorati Tags: New Year,Airport Security,Monday,Travel,Family,Trying To Get Over The Rainbow