Kiss my GRITS!

In arranging my travels for work I have developed a tendency to go with what I know over the diverse options. I tend to stay at Marriott hotels over the local small chains and history stricken venues. I usually rent cars from National as opposed to Alamo or Avis or whoever because I know their rituals and routines not because they have better cars or lower prices. When I book flights I like to fly Delta. I like their check in process; I like that they are at Terminal A where I always park on the 6th level facing south. Additional between the TSA check point and the A terminals there is a Starbucks; I like that for the early morning and late afternoon flights. This week, as I maneuvered the corporate travel site, I had a scheduling challenge that pushed me into booking my flight with United. Hey, I am flexible. I can be adaptable and United is a contender. This was not a compromise just a change. Terminal B, 6th level parking facing north and a Starbucks en route; it’s all good!

As I approached the gate with a time to spare I stopped for a vanilla latte’ and a cinnamon scone. In line behind a beautiful lady; mid 40’s, short stylish hair, conservative business dress, practical luggage and mild southern accent; she apologizes for not pushing quickly and gracefully through the line with her 1990’s hunter green roller board carryon bags.

“No worries,” I said smiling at her.

Her response, “I feel like one of Charlie’s Angels today.”

Thoughts began to stumble around in my mind. I pictured Farrah Faucet feathered hair, bellbottom pants and handguns. I scanned the terminal for a resemblance of the show. I immediately started quizzing myself on my trivial knowledge of the very popular, trend setting show of the late 70’s, “Bosley, that was the guy’s name.” I thought to myself and gave myself a loud and dramatic mental high five!

Kate Jackson was my favorite on the show. I liked her voice; it was raspy and her input was practical and solid. Also, she was attractive in a not so Farrah Faucet kind of way. Really that is all I can remember about these lady MacGyver’s. I can’t remember a single episode or catch phrase.

I remember all the ladies of Gilligan’s Island; Ginger, Maryann, Lovie. I remember the nonsense and the theme song and many failed attempts to escape the island and the natives that lived there. I remember Crissy and Janet of Three’s Company and their silly ‘Lucy and Ethel’ antics. I can snort like Crissy. I can but I don’t. I watch many episodes of Eight is Enough but I don’t remember their names. I can list all of Liv Walton’s children and the girls from Little House on the Prairie: many of these wholesome storylines are embedded deep within my gray matter.

If my line mate at the Terminal B Starbucks had said, I feel like Nelly Olsen, without hesitation I would know exactly what she meant. I would pity the barista and be concerned for myself. I might even giggle a little when I thought about the grief she would give the Minnesota bound flight crew. But Charlie Angels?

"Charlie’s Angels, huh?” I responded.
“Yeah, I just have to pick a lock with a bobby pin!” she laughed at the thought.
“That sounds glamorous. I was thinking ‘Mel’s Diner’ at best” Yes, Mel’s Diner; I can wrap my mind around; no glam there. Egg, Coffee, order up! And Kiss my Grits! It’s that kind of day!