Of Course

It came as no surprise to me that I was chosen for the head to toe search at PSP: I wear my medical alert bracelet when I travel, which is made from Spanish silver, and it set off the alarm. I also had on my wrist brace, so that got the bomb-making residue test, along with my shoes.

Whatever.

My AA flight club number worked for the employee at the check-in gate, so cosmic balance seemed to be in full force. Made it to Dallas without a problem sitting next to a woman whose son was a former student and who writes plays for her church. When she shared an idea she's developing for a new Christmas play, I was able to recommend a play from the 1950s that could help her finish her current project. Also, was shown family photos, so life was good.

Dallas, however, got a bit dicey. Due to weather in Philly, we were going to experience a slight delay, airspeak for load the plane, then sit in it until all passengers are hot, hostile, and explosive. Of course, don't turn on the air to exacerbate the problems and add some interest to the pre-existing personality disorders that no amount of medication can contain under the extenuating circumstances.

It's all part of being in the moment.

Amazingly, streams of travelers were boarded during the delay, perhaps as many as several dozen. Once every seat on the plane was filled and the over-head bins bulging from the carry-ons, the "weather" in Philly miraculously cleared ... and we were ready to push away from the gateway.

Three delays, but finally cool air circulating, before we were cleared for take-off, which was mini-delayed once we were in the line for lift-off. In the air, the pilots made up for some of the delay, so we actually landed in Philly a bit over an hour later than scheduled, not too bad in today's world.

I apologized to the couple sitting in the seats with me when the delays accrued and explained that there's an asterisk next to my name: the major carriers know when I buy a ticket and formulate a plan to mess with my mind. Too bad the others flying with me are dragged into my cosmic comedy.