Instead of peanuts, you now mostly get a very small package of pretzels on Southwest Airline flights. Gone are the “good old days” when peanuts were the snack of choice. Now pretzels are mostly the only snack offered. I almost said they were the snack of choice, but I really don’t believe that. I’d much prefer the peanuts. I am not a fan of the pretzels.
I’ve mentioned it before, but I once had the experience of being one-of-three passengers that flew out of Austin to Dallas on a Boeing 737 Aircraft that had a capacity of hauling 120 or more passengers. Because of very heavy fog in the Austin area, nothing was getting off of the ground.
Folks with “enough sense to stay in out of the rain” also had enough sense not to drive to the Austin airport when you couldn’t see twenty-feet in front of a car. Okay, so now you know into which category yours truly falls.
That was back in the day when Southwest Airlines flew out of Robert Mueller Municipal Airport near downtown Austin. Austin and the surrounding areas were totally encased in a very heavy blanket of fog. You literally could not see more than a few feet in front of you.
I’m still not sure how I made it to the airport in time to catch a Sunday afternoon flight. Needing to return the rental car was my primary motivation. Okay, so I also needed to be at work in Dallas the next morning. Apparently, the SWA flight crew out of Love Field desperately wanted to get back home before nightfall. After we boarded the flight, the plane set on the tarmac for well over two hours before permission was granted from the tower for the flight to takeoff.
Once the plane was in the air, each of us (the three passengers on board) were given a very large plastic bag filled with individually wrapped small packages of peanuts. The peanuts became my source of afternoon snacks for the next several weeks. Obviously, there are advantages of flying high on SWA.
Those days are gone. Too many people now have allergies related to peanuts. Now during routine flights, instead of peanuts, you get a small package of pretzels. However, as an alternative to pretzels, during flights that normally cover a meal-time-hour, you get something a little more substantive. The small cracker bites are a real treat. At least that’s the way I interpret it.
Despite the fact that I was starving when I woke up (I use that term loosely), I knew I wouldn’t ask for a package of crackers unless a flight attendant asked me if I needed anything. Since they didn’t ask, I didn’t get the crackers.
My flight arrived in Austin on schedule at 8:30 p.m. last night. By the time I got my luggage, boarded a shuttle to the parking lot and located my truck, it was 10:00 p.m. before I got home.
The General had asked me earlier if I’d have dinner in Washington before I got home. I assured her that I would, but I did not. So, how did I quince my appetite? This may sound strange, but I simply chose to reflect how many ways my life is enriched by meaningful connections with people.
My daughter says my youngest grandson is an old soul in a young body. He often makes the statement: “It is better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and need it.” His dad has taught him well.
Late last week, it had been freezing cold in Washington, D.C. Consequently I packed my heavy wool coat when I headed to the airport on Monday morning. You could have knocked me over with a feather on Monday afternoon, when I walked out of the airport terminal into very favorable weather conditions. What was true for Monday was also true for the following two days. You didn’t need a heavy coat in Washington. A suit coat sufficed. I had the heavy wool coat, but didn’t need it.
However, you did need an umbrella on Tuesday. I had one in my backpack. The legislative visits on Capitol Hill on Tuesday and Wednesday couldn’t have gone better. A lobbyist for one of our member agencies voluntarily helped the organization where I served while helping her client. I was amazed at her resourcefulness in opening doors and making contacts with people who support the Committee on Ways and Means. It was a good week!
In addition, my friend Moe who retired from his full-time job a month ago, was back on track as a board member for the organization for which I work. He accompanied the lobbyist and me on Capitol Hill as well. The visits were all good.
In addition to work, while I was away, I also had a chance to finish reading a book I recently started reading. I have a friend named Bob who is older than I am. I’m guessing probably a decade older. Would you believe, he is an avid reader and he consistently reads three books a week? I figure if Bob can do it, I can as well. Okay, so maybe that’s too lofty of a goal, but my world is better when I fill my head with books rather than the 6:00 news.
I have much for which to be thankful. When I get too busy to be in touch with a spirit of gratitude, I do myself a tremendous disservice. In addition, ceaseless activity without an awareness of how it all enriches my life and utilizes the gifts I’ve been given is a catalyst for burnout and dissatisfaction. Why not focus on the things that work, rather than the things that cause friction?
Consequently, if your still reading today’s posting, let me say “thank you”. Thank you for the connection and friendship we share. You all support my greatest good and make my life better. Seriously, I couldn’t do it without you.
Last night on my flight back from Washington to Austin, I simply contemplated how other people enrich my life. In addition, to family and friends, I also continue to find fulfillment in the roles in which I am privileged to participate. The church where I serve as pastor continues not to give-up on me. They no doubt have stars in their crown for being long-suffering, patient and loving.
The privilege of working with a professional organization of children’s homes and boarding schools, keeps my interest in child welfare related matters current. My world is full and my life is enriched.
I didn’t go to bed hungry last night. I went to bed with the sense that my life is blessed well beyond my deserving.
All My Best!
Don