Airport Adventures

October 19^th,  9:58 am, central standard time.  From here on in… And we’re done quoting RENT.  Doesn’t really work with October 19^th.  I’ll be sure to have a post on December 24^th at 9 pm EST though.   (Ignore the time in which this was actually posted.  The internet at Omaha’s airport sucks balls. )

Welp, I’m chillaxing in the airport waiting for my flight number to be listed on the departures so I know where to go to meet the plane so I can leave at 1 pm.  The question now on all of your minds is the same on my own:  Why am I here this early?  Simple.  I listened to Dad’s sound, seasoned, and logical advice to arrive early.  What I, and apparently he, didn’t know is that Omaha’s airport could fit inside DIA multiple times over.  Yes, it is larger than Lincoln, but then again, a postage stamp is larger than Lincoln’s airport.  

Logically presented arguments for arriving early from my father

What actually happened

Parking in long-term parking lot – need time to shuttle over – 15-20 minutes

            Shuttle took 5 minutes

            Checking in a bag, need time to wait in line

            There was no line. Thank you, South West for free check on luggage.

            Need time to get through security

            The line was impressive…impressively short, that is.

            Need time to locate and get to the gate.

There are 20 gates.  Total.  A1-10 and B11-20.  Oh no.  How will I ever find my way?

Lesson learned?  Do not arrive at the Omaha Airport three hours early.  Two will be sufficient.  Maybe even one. *

At least I don’t have to take the bus from the airport to Wagon Road and 104^th…  Alex was adamant that I was not allowed to take the bus and that he’d come get me himself.

Funny story, that one, at least it is to me.  When I told him I was coming home today, he asked who was picking me up.  When I said “The RTD” and explained that my mom worked all day, my dad had a meeting, and my brother was in class, he said “hell, I’ll come get you.  You are not riding the bus.”  So yay, I get to see Alex and I don’t have to fear my safety on Denver Metro’s bus system.

This hasn’t been as exciting as the flight I took on my 21^st birthday, but then again, we haven’t taken off yet.  The plane hasn’t even ARRIVED yet.

So Happy Birthday, Little Brother! 

Observations from the airport:

Bloody Mary’s look disgusting.  Seriously.  Who wants to drink something that looks like blood?  I mean, besides the Emo/Vampire wannabies.  I guess even vampires need to get drunk and what better than tomato juice and vodka?  (I think it was tomato juice.  It was red and thick…so who really knows?  I might have heard a scream before she poured it.  Or was it a moo…?)

Lots of business men in suits.  So sad.  I’m glad I’m not a business man who has to travel.  Or woman, I suppose. [smirk]

There was the cutest puppy ever.  This lady is a breeder and the person buying the dog is flying from St. Louis to come get him.  The puppy’s name is Baynard.  Hehe.  Baynard.  I love it!

Scooters coffee is a bazillion times better than Starbucks.  About on par with Peets, I think. 

Oh bugger.  Its only 11:10.  The insanity!  At least the flight is on time so far…[knocks on wood]

Hmm, Mr. I Like Bloody Mary’s is now ordering a Vodka Martini.  A clear drink resembling water with a green olive at the bottom.  Let’s go fishing!

I’m alternating between writing this blog and writing…in general.  Though, the blog is taking precedence.

A charming young black man has taken residence at the table behind me.  I love his sweatshirt.  It’s brown and on the back has a snowman warming himself over a fire…and melting.  [gigglesnort]  Edit:  His name is Jerome Bradford and he’s an awesome guy.  We started talking because he asked if I knew anything about computers.  He’s a script writer from Omaha who is going to school in LA.  I think we have the same flight.  Correction.  We HAVE the same flight!  We have similar views on the government, how children these days are stuck-up elitists who can’t do anything for themselves, and think that music and movies should make you think.  He’s 32, bi-sexual, and he’s awesome.  He’s also a gamer like me!

Its noon, so I’m sitting at the gate now.   There’s this giggly group of 20-somethings that are starting to piss me off.  “Oh look, we’re so perfect and beautiful and blond.  Let’s stare in contempt at the not-perfect brunette who’s on her computer and giggle incessantly.”  Really, girls?  We’re all just people.  Some of us possess a few more brain cells than others, but that’s no reason to stare and judge.  I’m glad they’re going to St. Louis and not Denver.  ><

There’s a guy in line for the flight before mine who reminds me of Owen.  Debonair, confident,  same stance, and with an awesome hairstyle and glasses.  Owen, I miss seeing you in Unionaires, dude.  He’s going to St. Louis, apparently. 

[skip forward two hours]

I have my bag and am awaiting the arrival of Alex.  I think the next three days are going to be fun!  I’m excited to be home.  In order to beat the boredom, (since DIA also fails at providing decent internet) I am going to continue my people watching.

Grandma came for a visit, little granddaughter was adamant in rolling the suitcase to the car.  Cute picture she made, little five year old rolling a suitcase that when stood up would be almost her height.

On a side note, the creepy lady who talks over the intercom informing you about the security level of the day is the same lady as who talks at the Omaha airport, I’m sure of it.

Ooo, a trio of black girls** just sauntered into the airport as if they owned the place.  Please, girls, this airport is large enough for all of us.  I promise.

The people who work here are really nice and happy.  And diverse.  I love seeing a white guy working with a black woman and an Israeli man peacefully. 

There are some interesting people that walk through the airport.  A guy with dreds who is obviously a Boulderite, two guys with guitars and faded tight jeans and emo haircuts, cute old married couples, parents with fighting children, parents with obedient children. 

Elitist Starbucks bitches.  Go away you  conformists and stop staring at me!

Lady, leggings are NOT a substitute for pants.

Dude, you are an awesome father.  You are teaching your kids life lessons and I applaud you for it!

Oh.  My.  Word.  That guy looks just like JESUS!  Fan-freaking-tastic!

Okay, I am horrified at the number of women that believe leggings are pants.  [barf]

Eeeeek!  Dude!  Parents!  It is NOT okay to dress your 6 year old like a whore!  That skirt should NOT be that short!

Man, I’m going to miss Tea with the Mad Hatters tonight.  [sad face]  Love and miss you ladies!

* Author is not responsible for any missed flights due to the advice given here.  

** I am not being racist.