Not So Friendly Skies

Did you see the recent news from American Airlines? Not only are they jacking prices again, but to check ONE BAG there is now a $15 fee. They're laying off hundreds of workers. Most likely the workers who would have handled the checked bags.

I used to love flying. I flew for the first time when I was 18 years old and a girlfriend and I visited multiple Hawaiian Islands. It really was something. The seats were comfortable with lots of leg room and personal space; the flight attendants were very polite and helpful. The food was even good!

I've flown a lot over the years since then. I guess that's my problem. I remember when it used to be a pleasurable experience. Now it's my idea of Hell On Earth.

The flight is overbooked, so you better get your boarding pass early. You slowly shuffle forward like automatons, waiting your turn to go through security . Did you read how the security screeners missed the bomb parts but yanked the bottle of water IN THE SAME SUITCASE???

And again, same thing only this time they "caught" a bottle of shampoo???

They pack you in like sardines. You bring your own food...how long before they charge you to carry on that lunch bag?

This comic from Mike Luchovich really hits the nail on the head:

I am in awe of Don Mills Diva, a pilot herself. How wonderful it would be if I could fly myself west? Unfortunately, if I want to see my parents, sister, or anyone else in my family I have to suffer through the indignities of airline travel. Something always goes wrong, I never have all four flights be event-free. I'm just dreading it.

I wish they'd hurry up and create a real Star Trek transporter. Beam me up, Scotty.

Where, exactly, is HOME?

I moved across the country, from Oregon to Massachusetts, to marry my husband. I didn't choose the location, I chose HIM. Fortunately I like my little town very much. I'm very active in town and church, and have made wonderful friends. I've lived here 15 years.

Fifteen years, yet I still call Oregon home. My parents, sister and her family, aunts & uncles, cousins, all are in Oregon. If I lived there I probably wouldn't see most of the extended family that often, but I sure miss not being able to get together with them all.

The thing is, living in Massachustts, I call Oregon home. When I'm in Oregon, I refer to Massachusetts as home. This polarity drives me a little nutty sometimes. I feel a constant pull to Oregon; yet I have roots here, too.

In my own perfect world, Massachusetts would be about where Idaho is. Close enough I could still drive home for family gatherings and visits.

I'd be interested to know if anyone else experiences this mixed bag of emotions about HOME. Maybe it's a KathyLikesPink phenomenon.