Why I Hate Airports and the TSA

Okay so I really don't like to fly. Not that I am scared of flying or anything, I just hate all the stess that goes along with flying. All the security measures that have been added post 9/11 and especially all the waiting around that typically happens. But I understand that it is the fastest way to travel, particulary for me because my parents live in Alabama and I go to University in BC. (That's British Columbia, Canada for those who don't know.) But today's experience has lead me to develop an new found hatred for airline travel.

Today I had a flight for 6:30 AM out of Hunstville Alabama. Now before I continue with this story, let me explain something about the Hunstville airport. It only has one terminal and 12 gates. It is SMALL!!!! Another thing I should mention is that I live 10 minutes from the airport. With such a small airport my mom decided to drop me off only 45 minutes before my flight so I wouldn't have to sit around for too long. So we leave the house between 5:30 and 5:45, however when we got to the airport there was some construction going on in the parking garage so it took us 5-10 minutes to find a place to park. By the time we got inside it was about 5:50. Apparently this is also the cut-off time to check in. When I went to check in they told me I wasn't allowed because TSA regulations state that they need x amount of time to screen the checked baggage and therefore I wouldn't be able to check my bags for my flight and therefore I wouldn't make my flight.

This is how the conversation went.

Delta Lady (DL): What flight are you on today.

Me: The 6:30 to Memphis

DL: I'm sorry. You're too late for that flight, you'll have to book a new flight.

Me: Excuse me?

DL: They have already taken the baggage to the plane. You missed the cut off time.

Me: What was the cutoff time?

DL: 5:50.

Me: And what time is it now?

DL: 5:51.

Me: One minute? I'm one minute late and I can't get on my flight?

DL: I'm sorry ma'am.

Me: The plane doesn't take off for 40 more minutes.

DL: I know, but they have to have so much time to screen the luggage for security reasons.

Me (internally): FML

So 45 minutes later I leave with new tickets for a 10:10 flight to Atlanta and then a 3:00 flight to Seattle. So instead of arriving in Seattle at noon, I will now be arriving in Seattle at 5:30. In the middle of rush hour. On the night of a Mariners home game. Seriously. FML.

The second reason I hate flying on this particular day is because on the first leg of my trip I had a young boy behind me who found it pertinent to kick the back of my seat during the entire 40 minute flight. I seriously wanted to whip around and smack him upside the head. Something tells me his parents wouldn't have had approved.

The third reason I hate flying is layovers. It is now 2 pm EST. I have been in this airport since noon. My flight doesn't leave until 2:55. Luckily I don't have much longer to sit here, but still. This is why I hate flying. I had to pay $8 to get on the internet. It's not totally worth it, but at least I was able to get on and type up this blog. Ranting on here means I probably won't blow up at anyone later on. Although I would like to give the stupid TSA people a piece of my mind.

While wating to re-drop me off at the airport for my 10:10 flight my mom and I went to waffle house. We discussed how if I was someone important, they probably wouldv'e have put me on my first flight. I mean seriously, I was ONE MINUTE late. And everyone out there knows that as you are boarding the plane that's when they are putting the luggage on. So why, when the plane hadn't begun boarding yet was I not allowed through. What's two extra bags anyway??

Well, my flight is going to begin boarding soon so I better log off and pack my laptop back up.

Thanks for letting me rant.

A Letter to My Daughter. From Your Heavenly Father.

My dad sent me this in an email.

I know there are a lot of single girls out there (I am one of them) that are just wishing and hoping for a boyfriend. This 'letter' from God really hit me hard.

Jumping around from boyfriend to boyfriend isn't going to help you find your husband any faster, and essentially wasting your time with other guys could be damaging to your spirit. We are designed to be with one other person. I am personally of the opinion that we should be dating with the intent of marriage. If you are with a person, but can't see yourself being with them forever why are you with them? You shouldn't be in a relationship for just the sake of being in a relationship. (That is ultimately why my last relationship ended. I just couldn't see myself with him in the long run.) And yes, it hurt at first, but now almost a year later I can honestly say that I am perfectly happy with being single. Sure, having a boyfriend would be nice, but if he isn't the man that God wants me to be with, why should I waste my time? I really don't know if anyone will read this, but I have this feeling that this message needs to get put out there. Hopefully someone will stumble across this and be reminded that God doesn't work on our time. He works on his time, and therefore we need to be patient. Everything will become clear in time.

Here is the Letter:

A Letter to My (Single) Daughter (from God)

My Daughter,

You are right where you are supposed to be. So many people have theories and insights on how couples are to come together and the truth is that many miss it by interpreting what they want rather than what I choose. A man pursuing...a girl refusing, these are not necessarily the optimal conditions for mate selection. Adam did not “pursue” the Woman, nor did she spend her time creating ways to make it challenging for him to do so. Just like one’s purpose or date of birth and death, it is I who determines the “who, when, and where” of authentic and spirit-led matrimony and intimacy. It is the responsibility of both parties to follow as I, and I only lead.

You are not waiting on some man to “get his act together” or “see you for who you really are”, and no matter how it may appear to you in the physical realm, in the spiritual sense, “he” is right on schedule; my schedule. You are not to be listening to what man says, no matter what form the voice may reveal itself (media, tradition, statistics, naysayers, etc.). Remember, I decided when it was time for Adam to receive the miracle of female assistance and so if you have an issue with physical time, don’t take that up with anyone other than me; even then, know that I have your best interest at heart. Far too many of my daughters are consuming themselves with fear and anxiety about things that are really none of their concern. My ways are not your ways and until I unite you with the one you are purposed to benefit, his whereabouts and activities are not to be a priority to you. If you have not been joined to him yet, it’s simply because it’s not the right moment. He is not ready and neither are you. There are finishing touches that must be placed on you both and no matter how you may feel or what you might think, I am a God of order. I will not be pressured to move outside of my plan.

I know it must be hard. Flesh never likes to submit to my will. But please let me continue to mold you. Before you ever existed, you were hand-selected for someone and that has not changed. As the Creator, I am excited about my handiwork. Don’t go looking for answers to questions you are not able to conceptualize or present in a way that will intimidate me to react or respond. As I did with your parents, let me have the pleasure of presenting you as a gift to your mate. Ask your mother and father if they will ever forget the first time they saw your face. I want “him” to experience a similar thrill. If you want to channel out your energies, get excited about how excited I am about you; about how blessed I know he will be to have you!

Again, don’t concern yourself about the time. I am timeless. Concern yourself instead with remaining in my hands so that I can perfect you to be all that he needs--- so that when it’s the right moment, there will be no fear, no hesitation, no question that you are indeed the one that he is meant to live out the rest of his days on the earth with. Far too many women are not praised on their wedding day by their husbands in the way I would’ve liked because they did not allow me the opportunity to complete them to be what was required, and the man was not discerning enough to know the true purpose that his companion was meant to serve in his life.

I want more for you. Love me enough to let me give it to you. Just as you are to be a blessing to him, he is to be provider and protector for you; he is to bless you as well in ways even your prayers have yet to articulate, but in my infinite wisdom, I know you deserve.

Remember, above all else that, like faith, marriage is a spiritual union. This is the time to remove yourself from your senses, from what the physical is telling you and tap into your spirit. This is when you can please me most by standing and believing that I am true to my Word...even when you don’t see, feel or hear evidence of its manifestation. The Spirit always moves at what you all call “light years” ahead of the flesh. It takes it some time to catch up. (Hebrews 11:6) Be patient. (I Corinthians 13:4)

Stay in my will and I will show you the way---a way that leads to love, bliss and happiness. A place where you will feel naked and not ashamed…until death parts you. A place where your future husband will restfully await you.

I love you. Be still and know. Really know. I do.

Your Heavenly Father
©Shellie R. Warren/2008

I hope this finds someone and blesses them the way it has blessed me.

Restaurant Etiqutte

This summer I have been working at Cracker Barrel as a hostess in order to save up money for this coming school year. This way I won't have to call my mom asking her to put money into my checking account so I can buy cereal. This wasn't such a big issue the last two years since I had a food card and ate at the cafeteria. But now I will be living in a suite and will have to cook for myself. So having spending money is in much higher demand. Anyway, since I have been a hostess, I have learned some things about restaurant goers and some of the rude things they do.

Okay first off let me say a few things. Yes, those of use who work at the restaurant are there to make sure you have the best dining experience we can. However, we are not your servants. We shouldn't have to bend to your every whim. We will do everything we possibly can to serve you...within reason. Most of the things I am going to share with you are experiences that have happened to me as a hostess.

Let me first explain certain things about my job. At my work we have two dining rooms. During peak hours these dining rooms are seperated into roughly 6 sections a piece. (Some days there are more.) This works out to an average of 3 tables per server. Now my job is to seat people in the restaurant as quickly as possible, while maintaining a consistent rotation. (Meaning I give the servers equal number of tables.) Sometimes this isn't possible. I.e. large parties or special requests.

Now recently the management has been on me (and the other hostesses) to rotate consistently. Apparently some of the servers were complaining that certain servers were getting more tables and believed that the hostesses were playing favorites.

However what they dont' realize is that guests are very opinionated and make my job very difficult.

Here are some examples:

1. When I say 'follow me' I have a table in mind. Please don't point out while we are half way to our destination that you would rather have window seat (or whatever other request you are going to make.) There is a reason I wasn't going to seat you at those other tables. I.e. the place you have in mind would cause me to double seat a server.

2. If I ask you to wait because the table at which I am going to seat you is being bussed, please don't stand impatiently behind the busser, breathing down his/her neck. I asked you to wait out of the way for a reason. He/she will be able to properly clean your table if you give them a moment to do so.

3. Count EVERYONE in your group. Don't tell me you have a party of four, if you also have a baby. That equals 5. I need to find you a table at which a highchair can be placed at the end. Not something in the middle of the dining room, which is where I was planning to put you.

4. If you have party bigger than 8 it will take longer than 5 minutes to put something together for you. So please don't come it at peak dinner hours and expect that I will have something for 12+ available. (and because you won't split into two tables of 6, you are making it even more difficult.)

5. Why do you HAVE to sit at the window??? All of those tables are dirty and while I can grab a rag and clean it for you, this is not in my job description. My job is to sit you, not clear the dishes off the table and wipe it off because you simply won't accept a seat anywhere else. (If I can point something out. Our restaurant does not offer a view. The only thing to see out the window is people sitting in the rocking chairs playing checkers, the parking lot and the freeway off ramp. Why does this have such a big appeal???)

There are probably more things, but these are some of the things I can think of right now. Can you tell I just got off work??

Some people just don't know proper etiqutte when it comes to eating out. Can't you just let me do my job? Why do you have to offer your opinion. You will get the same service no matter where you sit (if all the servers are doing their job properly.) Why do you have to sit somewhere specific.

Really if the servers were smart, they would fight over who got the the coveted 4 front dining tables. Those are barely ever empty for long, because like I said before, there is some special appeal to sit at the back of the front dining room (farthest from the entrance and the kitchen) so they can look out at the parking lot. I don't get it.

Anyway. I'm tired.

Four day weekend!! Yes. Hitting up the beach. Need to even up my tan before I have to go back to school.