Spending time in airports is always good for people watching and observations, and I might add, can be great inspiration for writers. For example, I took a fair amount of Flight Delay, one of those whimsical stories during a yes, flight delay, at Atlanta airport. Particular thoughts for the other day though were on, “Fashion For Flying”, and “Do You Care That I’m Listening”?

Fashion first. Ladies, I do agree that those cute boots and that lovely scarf with the matching jacket and three bangle bracelets on each wrist, plus dangling earrings are a smashing look for you. I mean, you could practically walk into a photo shoot. All of that, however, does have to come off for you to go through security. Pout as you might, all that means is the guy is still going to tell you that, yes, you do have to deposit every bit of that in the bin. Consider placing your accessories in an easy to get to spot in your carry-on and then once you get through security in a quicker manner, you can assemble your ensemble in the Ladies Room.

Mr. Executive. As interesting as it is to overhear your instructions to your associates, do you actually want me to know that the new supervisor is apparently having some difficulty in establishing his management style as authoritative? I mean, sure, maybe dictating a memo to whomever that was you were talking to can’t wait, and after all, I don’t know which business you’re running, but my guess is that your new guy needs to get his act together.

And wow, Ms. Executive, you’re really giving this guy more than $100,000 discount on that purchase and he isn’t satisfied with that? You’re correct in directing your subordinate to bring him back to reality. Oh right, she/he needs practice in that aspect, and sure, this might be the perfect opportunity to sharpen those skills. It doesn’t sound as if there is any hidden message in your tone so I hope the meeting goes well for him/her and you get your deal.

Again, I don’t mind, and I suppose that when you get right down to it, having people overhear your telephone conversations isn’t really any different than if you were talking with a traveling companion and not keeping your voices down.

Now for technology. I do wish the television ads wouldn’t make it look quite so simple, and yes, perhaps if I had the latest and greatest of tech toys that had built-in connectivity to Mars, then maybe I wouldn’t struggle with no signal and email that wouldn’t load. In truth, had I gone down the Road Warrior path, I probably would have all that and I might even know how to use it. In the meantime though, I’ll be glad that if email isn’t accessible, then it’s on to texting.

Okay, final topic is for traveling moms. Believe me, I’ve been there, done that, many times from when son was twelve months old and on. If you are new to traveling with an infant/toddler under about two, changing cabin pressure is painful to little ears and they don’t know why there is pain. A bottle of water or juice to suck on at take-off until cruising altitude, then again on descent through landing will frequently help. Coddling is always a good thing, but it can’t do much for blocked ears, so combining the two actions is probably best.