I am sitting at a coffee booth in an international airport, watching people from all walks of life rushing to their next connection. I have over four hours to kill. And I arrived here over three hours ago!

You see, I missed my 8 a.m. plane. Sure did. I got up at 5 a.m. that morning and upon arrival at 6 a.m. to catch the 8 o’clock flight, I easily found my gate. I decided to get a cup of coffee, go to the restroom; you know the drill. Then I seated myself at gate B2, and caught up on my email.

In the meantime, I made a few phone calls, watched the luggage for a young family as they took their children to the restroom, and charged my phone. 

About 7:30, loading time, I noticed that no one was calling for that gate. The area was full, however. I better check the schedule board. I ran to the monitor and OH NO...I have been at the wrong gate! I was supposed to be at A2; another hallway. What was I thinking? Was I thinking?

I ran ... fast ... just as MY plane was backing out of the gate area. I couldn’t believe it. Why didn’t I check the gate earlier? I must have been half asleep. 

The airline rescheduled me for the noon flight. Oh well. All is fine. So, here I sit, people watching, and actually, enjoying myself. The Thanksgiving travel is off to a gallop. 

This little “faux pas” is only one of several during the past week during my visit.

Fred stayed home to broadcast football playoffs and to feed the cats. I have been on my own. Maybe I shouldn’t be on my own, right?

During my stay, I rented a car. It was a white Dodge Caravan. This was visit time with our kids; however, I like to have my own “wheels.” 

I have enjoyed shopping, of course. And since I don’t want any dings, or dents, I park further away from the packed stalls. I try to remember exactly where I have parked, but as you know, there are many white cars in any parking lot. 

Pushing my cart of groceries, I began my trek to the distant spot where “Mr. Rental Car” was parked. Ah, there it is!  I opened the back door, turned toward the cart, and was startled by a loud shriek, coming from the driver’s seat. “EEEEEEEEE! I screamed back, “OHHHHHHHH!” Yikes. Two women screaming.

Wrong car! White. But wrong one.

She apologized. What? I apologized. I explained. 

Traumatized, I said good-bye and pushed the cart four more stalls further toward the correct car. 

Another day, I drove out and about, picking up groceries and household items. I bought two large packages of frozen chicken breasts, and ice cream, as well as dry goods. I drove to the apartment to get the items put away before the chicken and ice cream would thaw. Purse slung over my shoulder, plastic bags hanging from each finger, I stumbled with my load to the apartment door. 

It wouldn’t open. It was locked! I didn’t have a key. 

I decided I would go to the neighbors downstairs. Knock, Knock. Mr. Neighbor answers.

“Hi,” I’m Annie! “Yes, I am visiting our son. Oh, you know who he is? He accidentally locked the door, and I have no key. Would you mind keeping my frozen food in your freezer? Oh how nice of you!”

The wife suddenly appears. I re-explain. She isn’t smiling. But soon she was laughing!

“Yes.” I could keep the ice cream and chicken breasts in their freezer. 

Every person alive should have the opportunity to knock on a stranger’s door and ask if he or she can keep chicken breasts in their freezer. It teaches one to do things that might be awkward and uncomfortable, but that produces confidence and teaches survival skills! 

Oh well, so here I sit in the airport, watching humanity flood by. Relax. It is what it is. Life goes on. Nothing is really that serious is it? There are challenges in life, that’s for sure. So, loosen up, Annie. Celebrate joy today. Be kind to one another.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at bluegrasses@gmail.com. Visit her website juditabler.com.