Airport fury

It is always with a feeling of I trepidation that I approach airport security. I think most people sense a feeling of guilt as the pass through security. Don't they? With a sense of panic, I wonder, have I got water or lipgloss hidden in the depths of my bag? Are my heels going to beep? Is there something in my bag I did not pack? What about that gift my sister gave me to pass on to my friend and it's all wrapped up?

If I am wearing a wig, I usually feel just fine, well as fine as any other normal person does. However 90% of the time, I am wearing one of my cute little caps. So what's the difference? I hear you ask.

So let me tell you. Well like you, I wait in line and do all the usual things, liquids out, laptops out, belts off, followed by a bit of routine puffing and panting. I then wait my turn to be called to go proceed and go through the electric archway. You know the one that beeps if it feels like it. 

It is at this point, the fun starts. Now depending on my mood, the next bit can go a number of ways. Am I feeling playful? Understanding? Accommodating? Agitated? Angry? Awkward or even stubborn? How much time do I have? Also am I alone? With good friends? Or simply work colleagues? There are many factors at play.

Now don't get me wrong, I don't analyze myself or my surroundings, I just go through the motions, but I have worked out that the process varies quite a lot depending on the above stated factors.

So at this point, I enter the electric arch, and within seconds, I am usually pounced upon and with military command, demanded to take off my hat.  My most common response is a simple and firm "no". This often takes the unsuspecting security person off guard. Sometimes, they think I misunderstood the question and they repeat it, only to find that I had understood perfectly well. 

After a split second of recovery, one of three things happen.

Either they insist that I remove my hat there and then on the spot. They compromise and pat my head down. Or lastly, they march me off to a little box with a curtain and ask me, often more kindly, to remove my hat.

My preferred option is clearly the pat down, but if I am in grumpy kind of mood, I often enjoy the confrontation of the "Do-it-now" approach. 

Now let's be clear, I am all for a bit of experience, but I never lose sight of the fact that I need them to let me pass security, otherwise I am clearly not going anywhere. However I do find it a bit offensive when a big butch man, wants me to expose my bald head for all to see. Respectfully Sir, it ain't gonna happen.

I think what drives my anger, is that when I am wearing a wig, this issue never arises. Hello security people, you can hide things under wigs, you know!

So today, I was in a gentle mood and extremely keen to get home, Mexico city was not for me, so when I refused to take off my hat, I went on to explain, that it was a bit embarrassing, for me to do so, as I had no hair. The lady smiled sympathetically at me and chose for the pat down. Clearly this was a result all round.

However some how I know I am going to be obstinate another time, just because I can. So butch security guard, next time it's show time!

Taking control

I was having a particularly bad day when a friend called. How is it that friends always know?

Anyway, it seemed like there was lot was going on in my world and stuff was all over the place. After listening to me for a while, she said it sounded like I had a big head!! This made me laugh, as it described very well how I felt!

Every possible outlet was complicated and no one thing seemed to be working.

I was not in a desperate state by any means, more in a reflective mood. However my friend gave me direct and simple advise.

"You need to take control" she said clearly and poignantly.

Take control of yourself
Take control over the situation
Take control of the things that need to be controlled.

Then it all came abundantly clear. Waiting for someone or something else to decide or make the decisions for me was causing this unnecessary stress. My usual tactic of waiting for something to emerge, was simply not working.

So as the clouds moved away, I got a glimpse of the sun. I am now going to grab the reins and drive this goddman thing where I want it to go....

Packing - The two rules

There are two rules of packing in our house.

Luckily we all share them and see it is a sport, which is just as well, as we are often the butt of many jokes because of it.

The first rule is. Only one suitcase. It does not matter how many days or how many people, the rule applies. The size of the suitcase varies and yes we do own a rather large one that can carry 30kg relatively easily, but the rule is the rule. It think it stems from having small children, buggies and a passion for public transport that forced the issue, but the tradition lives on and we have fun with it.  I recall fondly our week skiing trip in the Alps a few years ago. We went by train with all our equipment and two small children in tow. Beautiful!

The second rule, a little similar, and possibly more challenging. The rule is that we only take hand luggage on flights if the trip is for less than a week. I hear you already cry about the impossibility of this task. What about shoes, gym clothes, room for purchases, but believe me with thought and planning it's completely possible.

Take today for example, I am flying on business for a week, I have with me, my flight case and my computer bag, that's it. However the thought and planning that was required to get there, may or may not be worth the effort.

The strategy: I have each outfit planned, no deviation is possible. I have one pair of shoes that match all outfits. I even unpacked my cosmetic bag and repacked to ensure I tool only the bare minimum.  With this system I often find I have to wear my sports shors, as these always cause the biggest space issue. There are other compromises eg the coat I wear. For example the one I chose for this trip is not my favorite, but rather it is the most neutral in colour, most suitable for the meetings I have and the most practical.

This is at times frustrating, as I do enjoy fashion and mixing and matching, but this is the price I have to pay for following the rules. There is however a "get out" clause. If I need something that I didn't pack, I can just go and buy it.  This self talk is very helpful and inspires the result. I have never had to do this, but it helps mentally with the tough decisions whilst preparing

The pay off for me is high. There is no luggage claim on arrival, definitely much less heavy lugging whilst in transit. There is no deliberation in the mornings on what to wear and finally very little unpacking in the hotel and on return to home! Wonderful!!!

However one final word of warning, don't forgot to remove all your liquids in your hand luggage......maybe this one is the one the makes this task impossible!

Am I the only obsessive, crazy one when it comes to packing?  Please tell me, that some of you have them too.............