End of a perfect day

End of a perfect day

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Upgraded

It's amazing what that word implies.  It makes me think that there is something better although I was perfectly satisfied with what I had.  

I try to contain myself when I go to pick up my rental car and the counter-person informs me that I have been upgraded from a compact to a economy at no charge.  The shrivers run down my leg with that word... I'm getting something that I did not pay for.  Whoohoo!  Even though I notice that all of the cars are economy models and there never were any compacts, I'm thrilled to receive an "upgrade." ( but the truth of the matter... the rental car is a Ford Focus ... not a BMW.)

But better yet is to hear that word at an airport check-in.   I'm  a seasoned traveler and have a fairly good understanding of seat selection on most airplanes.  It's only taken me 14 years to unravel the code of the airlines.  ( You know, the secret codes that represent the rules of the airlines.  i.e.  If you purchase a Y class on Tuesday and want to travel to Toledo, the fare may be $350.  But if you purchase a K class on Tuesday you may travel to Toledo and Chicago for just $99, but you must return through Dallas before 5:00 PM on Saturday or you will be penalized.)  After figuring out the best possible route and fare the challenge begins as I attempt to claim one of the coveted "exit-row" seats.  I'm not going to tell you what seat number that is f because then I'll be competing with you too.  

I've confirmed my seat and can now I rest knowing that I will be able to get on and off the airplane in the early boarding group.  ( Why you ask?  I'm not sure.... it has something to do with the rush of it all!)

And then it happens.  A minute before boarding my name is paged. Oh dear.  I hope and pray that there isn't a family emergency, but that always crosses my mind.  I bravely walk to the ticket counter and identify myself.  "Mrs. Sorrels, we have a seat for you in business class, but it is not an aisle seat.  Would you like this upgrade?"   I can feel my legs begin to wobble but I constrain myself trying desperately to act as if this is an everyday occurrence. "Sure, that would be great. Thanks,"  But inside, I can feel the cheer begin.  I won!  I get something better. Something that I didn't pay for.   I won't need to cram into that old exit row seat, I'll lounge in a "pod."  I won't be eating just airplane food, I'll be served better than average airplane food.

 Although it's free... it really isn't.  I've flown over a million miles to get this free upgrade.  Once.   

 Jesus asked me if I wanted an upgrade.  "Would you like forever-lasting life, along with grace, goodness, kindness, peace and righteousness?  It doesn't take a million miles and it is available to everyone.   Would you like this upgrade? "   "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes (in Him) has eternal life.  Yes, I am the bread of life!"  John 6:46-48   I constrain myself, yet the cheer has begun!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Happy in Hawaii

I've said it for years to Anna and JT...  When I get old (okay, older) and unable to make rational decisions, just drop me off in Kauai along with my uniform and a few pairs of reefs.  Now I'll add a few things to that list.  Don't forget my dogs and my Toyota 4Runner.  I guess I'll need a little money for gas and dog food too.    

I do love Kauai. The pace is slower here, but that probably has a lot to do with the fact that I'm on vacation.  My favorite spot on the island is Tunnels Beach on the North Shore.  Tunnels is a favorite spot for the locals to surf and scuba dive and is one of the few places in the Hawaiian islands where one could find a "Hawaiian Sunsrise" seashell and the tiny puka shells.  On my very first visit to Kauai, I remember an older Hawaiian woman sitting on the shore sifting sand through her hands in search for tiny puka shells.  At the time, I wondered how anyone could sit for such a time gathering shells, but over the year, shelling has become one of my favorite "sports" of Kauai.  And someday I will find that perfect little Hawaiian Sunrise.

Today we stopped for lunch at the famous Bubba Burgers.  There are two of these hamburger joints on Kauai and almost every tourist to Kauai visits Bubba's at least once.  To be perfectly honest, the burgers are okay, the service is slow, and the french fries are always cold, yet a vacation on Kauai isn't complete without a visit to Bubba's... where they relish your  buns.

 We've learned the secrets of Hawaiian souvenir shopping.  No, it's not Hilo Hattie, the Store of Hawaii, but Wal-Mart, the store of America.  Jim and I usually make Wal-Mart one of our first stops on the island so we can pick up a fresh bottle of sunscreen, a few postcards, and a handful of gifts that we can lavish on our friends.  What we don't find at Wal-Mart, we're almost sure to find at our second stop... Costco.  

So when I get older... drop me off in Kauai...  but don't forget to give me my Costco card!