Shopping Should be an Olympic Sport and Other Thoughts

Jump to Comments

I went to the mall today. That is stressful enough.

It turns out that the luggage that I own just doesn’t do the job for a good week-long trip. I end up needing two bags just for myself because my bags are so small, so with my federal refund in hand I figured now was the chance to get something to replace it.

I found a nice bag that works well. In fact, I bought three. I only wanted one, but it came with two additional bags. The original price tag value for the combo package was $150. I bought it for $72. The joys of finding a good sale and receiving an additional 10 percent off. SCORE!

This is where the Olympic sport comes in. I bought the luggage so early in my shopping day that I’m lugging this thing around the mall. I think I broke a little bit of a sweat walking around trying to find a jacket to replace my beloved and no longer existent WVU jacket. It was replaced, by the way, with a St. Louis Cardinals pullover. It made me think that perhaps malls should have a storage bin where you can store your bags - for a price - while you shop. Sort of like a locker room for bags.

I think this would be popular.

———

I’ve not flown in 12 years. That’s right 12 years. The last flight I was on was a little commuter plane from Cincinnati to Charleston, W.Va., after spending a week in Washington, D.C., as part of the National Young Leaders Conference. I’ve not had a need to fly. Most of the trips that I’ve taken since then as been on the east coast and within driving distance or it was cheaper just to drive.

That changes soon. I know of at least 2 and possibly 4 flights that I will be going on within the next 5 months.  I’m scared silly.

One, I don’t like to fly. I’m scared of being that high up. Just driving on the New River Gorge Bridge gives me the willies let alone walking on it during Bridge Day. Imagine what I’ll be like on a flight. And on all of these flights, you guessed it, I’ll likely be alone flying. This could be a chance for comedy - a big 6-2, 300 pounder scared to death on a little commuter plane.

But what has me the most concerned is how to fly, such as what are you allowed to bring on a plane. What are you allowed not to bring with you. Can I work on my laptop in the air? Is there internet? And if I get too sick, can I open the window? (Joking…I know that one is a no.)

————

I’m getting ready to head home in a couple of weeks to the great state of North Carolina. It’s the first time I’ve done anything for Spring Break … ever. March 31-April 4, I’ll be in the old stomping grounds probably for the last time until the fall.

My plans are to take care of some conference paperwork that I’ve put off for about a year, take some meetings regarding my candidacy, hang out with old friends, and spend the day at the beach (if possible).

I can’t wait. I’m even taking a different route to North Carolina, avoiding West Virginia until I head back to Kentucky.

2 Comments

Filed under Friends, Life