Sunday, June 8, 2008

6:08

Although I'm not actually in Birmingham yet, I've already had an eventful trip. Left for Pittsburgh Airport a little late. Got to the airport, finally found a parking spot and then waited for the shuttle. After 10 minutes, shuttle was not even in sight. I was parked in the far reaches of the economy lot – basically as far away from the terminal as you can get. Decided to walk. I see shuttle, yay! I wave the driver down…and he blows right past me. Are you kidding? The shuttle didn't look very full either. Ended up walking to the terminal, which took like 20 minutes. Got my boarding pass, security line is a little long, but not bad.

I go through the typical hassle of removing shoes/liquids/laptop. Walk through, give my boarding pass to the security agent…and was promptly told to go wait in a little glass room – I had been the lucky recipient a thorough search (pat-down included). It seems to take forever, and of course I look nervous; I was afraid I'm miss my flight! Finally, after about 20 minutes, I'm cleared to go. I had exactly enough time to go to the bathroom and buy a bottle of water before boarding.

So, I'm on the plane, I didn't drop my carry-on on anyone's head, and my ridiculously overstuffed backpack actually fits underneath the seat. All seems well until I hear the horrible hacking cough of…the guy in the seat next to me. The cough, along with nose-blowing and sniffling continued through the flight. In addition, there was a really, really cranky baby that was crying at the top of his/her lungs for 75% of the flight. Can't help that though, try to relax and keep my face turned away from Mr. Cough. I began to relax and nod off. Ok, this isn't so *THUMP*. Must have been putting down tray table. It continues. The kid behind me is kicking my seat. I say nothing, as her parents will surely tell her to stop and perhaps apologize. They do not.

Seated behind and across the aisle is a very well-groomed, well-mannered woman; kind of the stereotypical southern belle (all she needed was the hat). She must have been very inexperienced with gum-chewing – I thought it was the kid that was making the smacking noises. It was her!!!

I land in Charlotte and immediately get a text message that my flight to b'ham is delayed until 5:04. Ok, that's not too bad. It was an hour delay, but I initially had a tight connection (45ish minutes). I check the departure monitor. In a nice, cheery pink color is written "now 6:08". It is mocking me. Like leaving at 6:08 is an exciting new feature for the flight. "Flight 2619 is new and improved! You get 129 more minutes to stare off into space and try to avoid the gaze of that creepy old guy sitting across from you! Have fun!

Actually, the Charlotte airport is pretty cool, and I'm going to get a chance to eat some real food (I'm noshing on dried cranberries as I blog). And sit in a rocking chair – the airport is full of them. It is seriously a sweet airport. I was looking forward to getting to B'ham at 4:15 so I'll have time to exercise and shower before I chill for the night. Oh well.

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