My new skill

Like so many Homo Sapiens living in the time of electronic devices, I have developed a new skill: the ability to shut off my alarm clock in my sleep.

Normally this ability does not get me into so much trouble, but today was an airplane flying day. I had set the alarm for 4:30 AM, and so my surprise when I awoke at 6:23 AM (thinking my flight was at 7:05) was substantial. Panic would not be too strong a word.

Fortunately I long ago implemented a policy of getting everything ready the night before, not only packing my bags but also laying out clothes for the morning and putting things like my ID in pockets. If there's one thing I know about myself, it is that I cannot be trusted to remember anything at 5:00 in the morning.

So I threw on my preselected duds and ran for the door, drove like a maniac to the airport and splurged on the parking garage next to the terminals. Then, of course, I went to the wrong terminal. Sigh.

Luckily, the TSA agent noticed that I was flying Delta and sent me on my way running to the other terminal (there is a shuttle as well to take people from one terminal to the other, but I had NO TIME, NO TIME, NO TIME!)

Of course, after all that the plane was actually leaving at 7:25, not 7:05 as I thought. Moreover, it was late getting boarded, and so I had more than enough time to calm my racing heart and stop in for a quick wash up so as not to frighten my fellow passengers on the plane.

The flight itself went smooth as silk--while both planes were full, most people nowadays are obeying the put your smaller carryon below the seat in front of you rule, thereby leaving enough space for everyone's primary bag. Why, after my exciting trip to get to the airport, the plane ride itself was positively tranquil.