Flying High in the sky...

The Gayla Pink Apple

I consider myself an experienced airplane traveler.  I've flown many times.  So, why then does it never seem easy?  I know the routine - I know the system.  I used to say it was never easy to fly anywhere because - of course - I flew out of Little Rock.  And, to get to most places from LR requires a connecting flight - sometimes more than one.  Generally, though, I can get to my destination changing planes only once. 

 

I'm not scared to fly.  I'm not afraid that something bad is going to happen.  But, I just always dread it.  The night before usually means a restless - tossing and turning night.  Seems it is most often a long tiring day for me. 

 

Checking in is never easy - yet, there's nothing hard about it.  I am a seasoned packer, too.  I've packed many pieces of luggage.  I have my system down - but, my mind races - do I have my flatiron?  Where did I put it?  Did I forget it?  NO, I got it - it's in the pocket of the brown bag.  Whew,  Where's my spanx?  Yes, spanx!  Lordy, do you go without your spanx?  Heck, NO!  Not this gal!  I remember, my spanx is in the Ziploc bag next to my undies!  :) 

 

Where did I put my cash?  Did I get enough cash yesterday at the ATM?  Wonder if I should have gotten smaller bills.  Oh, gosh, do I have tip money?  Hope I have some small bills to give the doorman?  Should I use my cash for the taxi from the airport or use the cc?  CC - that way I'll have my cash for smaller things.  Afterall, the taxi from the airport will be at least $60!  Yes, use the cc!

 

Hope my carry on bag will fit easily in the overhead compartment.  Gosh, I hate to struggle to lift it up and in that overhead bin.  I hate it when people are standing behind me like I'm the only person in the plane putting a darn bag overhead.  Why do I care, anyway?  The man in front of me stood there 30 minutes - so it seemed - putting his bag up there.  He didn't seem to care that I stood there waiting and holding 50 lbs in my arms. 

 

Oh dear, hope I don't sit next to a crying baby!  Awwhhh, but if I do - it will be OK.  I am not bothered by it, really.  So, I'll just smile and tell the parent/s how gorgeous that baby is - even if it's not very pretty.

 

Today, I didn't sit next to a crying baby.  A man sat next to me on my flight out of LR and he talked non-stop.  But, he was delightful.   His wife and ten year old daughter were sitting a couple rows behind us.  The little girl's first time to fly - they were going to Florida for vacation.  He kept yelling back at her - "love bug, here we go" - "love bug, you all right?"  He didn't mind that everyone on the plane could hear him yelling back at his little love bug daddy's girl!  Cute, I thought.  I felt their love.  Man oh man, he could talk too - he told me about their house flooding six times - his job - his friends - his hurt knee. I switched seats with him so he could have the isle - due to his knee.  He was a tall man and needed the isle space for his long legs.  I told him I was going to NYC to visit my daughter and would celebrate my birthday this week with her.  He sang Happy Birthday to Gayla!  He didn't care that everyone heard him singing to me.   He told me how high we were flying - when we were descending - when we were over the clouds - when we were not over the clouds. "Do I talk too much?" he asked.  I just smiled - he didnt' let me answer the question.  The answer was yes - but doubt I would have told him.    He entertained me the entire flight.

Before I realized it we were landing - wow,what a quick flight.  Now, get to my connection...then landing in NYC.

 

Now, it's make my way to the baggage claim.  I'm HERE - I'm finally here!  Whew, I'm so tired.  Why?  I didn't do anything but sit on two different planes.  It's exhausting though!  Thank goodness I am taking a taxi and I don't have to fuss with a shuttle.  Is that snobby of me?  Nope, it's not - just do it!  Well, the shuttle would be much cheaper.  I don't care - not going to take a shuttle - I am taking a taxi, period!!!

 

Baggage claim merry go round finally has my bag.  Just get yourself and both bags to the taxi line and all will be good. 

 

A private driver in a NICE black escalade says "you need a taxi?  where you going? $55?  
Sure! But, $55 is maximum I'm paying you - no other charges!!!    Nice taxi (LOL) and the air conditioning works great!