Wednesday, March 26, 2008

People Who Travel and Why Some People Shouldn't

After spending some time in an airport recently, I reflect:

*beware, heavy sarcasm ahead, read lightly*

I heard a woman, one who clearly hasn't left Greenwich Connecticut in the past twenty-five years, ask a flight attendant if the snacks on the flight were complimentary. I loitered around her for a moment to see if she'd ask if smoking was allowed.

Don't complain about the long line during the security check point. Dear Mr. Self-appointed Ruler of The Universe, you aren't the only one flying today. Please don't be too angry when you also visit a bank, post office or grocery store-- I'll save you the suspense, people stand in line there as well, for whatever reason they tend to be popular places to visit. 

Do me a favor and don't stand behind me in line and curse and mutter to yourself about the long line, nor the slow pace. Don't loudly point out that there are two metal detectors that aren't being used. Obviously, the line would move faster if the other detectors were open. You're a genius, really. But quick question--do you see another two dozen trained security officers standing around waiting for a job to do? 

If you are one of those attention seeking travelers, please don't put your pet in a bag that looks like every other carry on bag. Because we all know that when your dog that looks like a cat, or cat that looks like a dog, starts to move, or bark or meow it's gonna scare the people behind you. I don't care if it is usually on its best behavior in public, it will somehow manage to further piss off the guy whose still wondering why the security line isn't moving. He will complain loudly and still too himself while he still has another 90 minutes before take off. When it's time to shuffle forward, please don't lean down and ask your bag/pet if "you're ready to move up". The animal won't answer. But let me answer for every one in line, including the animal-- sooo ready. 

A quick end note to people who go out in any kind of populated public place (And by populated public place I am referring to any place that has more than you occupying it) -- under no circumstance are you to reprogram your ring tone. Even if you just downloaded the new Miley Cyrus or Paula Abdul mumbling psychotically on American Idol. That task should be saved for when you're roommate/boyfriend/girlfriend/sibling has a migraine and they've recently done something to piss you off. 

Saturday, March 22, 2008

That wasn't too awkward...


Scene:

Me-lugging suitcase down hallway upon arrival to work this morning
Female forty-something coworker whose name I can't remember-walking down hallway in funny looking hat and 'funky' earings she clearly got at a sidewalk art fair on Nantucket five years ago...maybe the hat and earings came together

Me: Morning.
Coworker: Good morning. And where are we going today?
Me: Florida.
Coworker: Oh niiiice. For the holiday?
Me: Oh no, actually I'm Jewish.
Coworker: Oh really? I had no idea. I'm sorry.
Me: (nervous laugh) That's okay. You didn't know.
Coworker: (talking fast) I didn't know. I wouldn't have thought...
Me: (talking faster) It's fine, really. How would you have known?
Coworker: I just assumed. I'm sorry, there was no way to know. I mean, I didn't think.
Me: It's really okay. You didn't know.
Coworker: I should have asked before I said anything.
Me: It's fine really. How could you know if I didn't say anything?
Coworker: Right. I wouldn't. I just assumed you weren't. I mean I just thought you would be celebrating Easter. I don't know. I'm sorry.

Five minutes later in my office, coworker comes in to drop off papers.

Coworker: Sorry about before. That was horrible of me.
Me: (nervous laugh) It's fine really. I didn't mind.
Coworker: You're sure?
Me: (nod head)
Coworker: Okay, good. I just wanted to make sure.
Me: (nod head again)

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Take Your Positions Please

"I think the reason you have all this sex on TV right now is because people are too busy to do the real thing. Maybe if we turned off our TVs and got into bed, none of this would rattle us."
-Jonathan Rhys Meyers
reacting to backlash of the strong sexual content on his show The Tudors.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Snow Go

It has only snowed once in New York City. And people refer to that day as if national security was in code red. They ask "What did you do when it snowed?" "Did you stay inside?" "Were you angry?" "Do you think it will happen again?" They refer to this season's rare occurance as if it was the first time it snowed ever, and the last time it will happen too. An event everyone was affected by. "Where were you when it happened?" I am used to real winters where we have real snow- not snow that turns into rain minutes later. Damn global warming. Flipflops in February is not cool!

It started snowing for about thirty minutes last night and I just loved it. I'm one of those people who think snow is magical. Unless I'm retired, I don't think I could live anywhere that doesn't have snow. I don't care if it busts up commutes or makes sidewalks muddy and slushy. When it snows in the City, everything slows down and I love it. No one is threatening or in a rush. People on the streets are just floating through the snow as it comes down around them. It's quite pretty. I also think there's nothing like a snowy-Central Park. It gives the Park a fairytale vibe. And you see all different sizes of snowpeople in random corners. Snow makes hot cocoa seem worthwhile and like the important wintery beverage that it is.

A friend of mine has a snowball in his freezer. A wise decision if you ask me. He could probably make some serious money off of it in about ten-fifteen years from now when we're all tanning during Christmas.