“I’m not in control of Mother Nature’s tantrums,” said the pilot on our flight, as we diverted from Atlanta to the Nashville Airport. This was not in the plan. But as we waited for our plane to refuel and the weather to pass, we heard an announcement over the intercom about the pressing issue of a “lost cowboy hat,” and I couldn’t help but shake my head at this uniquely Tennessee moment. Along with us, 18 other planes landed here instead, and I thought, well, it could be worse; we could be among the 30 planes diverted to Birmingham.
Earlier, while going through the security line, I saw a woman with a book pressed to her nose, and it reminded me of an old blog idea I had about the books I see people reading. I used to commute daily to Seattle via the light rail, surrounded by countless readers, which made the idea much more tantalizing then.
That said, here are two books being read at the SeaTac Airport, and one read at Atlanta Airport today:
“The Search” by Nora Roberts
“Absurdistan” by Gary Shteyngart
“How To Rule An Empire and Get Away With It” by KJ Parker
Although I’m not much for turbulence and the turmoil that comes before it, I am all about a post-flight applause. I can’t even remember what I was holding, but I dropped it like it was hot and slapped my hands together so very energetically. I’m pretty sure it was relief of not dying bursting out of my body.
Now we’re sitting like an exposed duck on a runway, and the strength of the wind rocks us as if we were at sea. Rainy gusts slam the wing, creating a visible ghost-like image. The occasional lightning adds a nice touch, as I enjoy the engine’s hum, and Evelyn out cold next to me. It’s peaceful, and — oooh, that was a bright one!
With all the reroutes and cancellations, four flights are supposed to be leaving from our gate. When I thought it was over, deboarding is an equally upstream shit show without a paddle.
Oh well, we’re here. Next stop, Stone Mountain.
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 