“I know you’ll turn this around.”
Alli shot me this text as we boarded the flight home, after I left her at Row 15.
I didn’t think it was possible. I had seen my ticket. I had accepted my fate. But sure enough ….
We are flying back from Tampa. This is my first time flying with Spirit Airlines. It won’t be my last. I’m officially a member of the Spirit fan club … a Free Spirit!
For $65, Alli and I each snagged a round trip ticket to visit Katie. The catch: we could only bring a backpack, nothing else. Oh, and no seat assignments. (Those are extra. But like the guac, so are we.)
Whatever! Always up for an adventure. Let’s go, let’s go!
On the way home, I draw seat 31E. Last row, center seat, full flight. And my seat mates in 31D and 31F were … blessed and abundant. I could see it was going to be a 90 minute snuggle fest.
I locked eyes with them and pointed to an empty aisle seat nearby. “It’s worth a shot,” I mouthed. They grinned. Or maybe grimaced. And I dropped into the aisle seat, hoping.
But just as the doors were closing, the owner of said seat appeared. No problem. I grabbed my overstuffed backpack, and headed to the back row.
My seat mates saw me coming.
31F rolled her eyes up to the ceiling and muttered a prayer. 31D adjusted his biceps and swallowed hard. “I tried!” I said smiling on the outside. Inside, stomach clenched, I told myself, “Stay in your joy. Sit with the discomfort. Stay. In. Your. Joy.”
So we three strangers laughed and settled in. Well, I wedged myself in, clinging to the mantra Only Love Today. Closed my eyes. And prayed for a quick flight.
Then the drink cart appeared, beginning cabin service from the back. Hmmm, Row 31 comes with perks, I think.
31F bats her gorgeous rhinestone lash extensions and says, “Good Lord, I’m gonna need a drink!” Two tequilas and a can of cranberry juice later, she’s set.
At this point, why not?
I say to the flight attendant, knowing my wallet is tucked away somewhere I can’t get to because folks I am wedged in good, “Does that thing tap?” Hallelujah for Apple Pay! I’ll have a glass of wine please and thanks.
31D flexes and says, “Make that a Bud Light and a shot of vodka for me!”
Yes, y’all. The party is ON in Row 31. It’s barely 11 a.m.
Moments later, a gal several rows up was ill, bless her. At least that’s the story the flight attendants gave. They had to “move folks around.” Somehow, it freed up seats 31B and 31C. What miracle is this?
So 31D moves to 31C and I pop over from 31E to 31D while 31F starts praising Jesus.
Drinks poured, we do cheers … more than once. Now we are laughing. How lucky are we? The flight attendants just shake their heads.
Oh wait, 31C needs a comfort break. I hold the Bud Light while he pops into the lavatory. We wouldn’t want that Bud to fall, now, sir.
About the time 31C gets back, the intercom buzzes on. A flight attendant feels moved to lead a stretch break for the Free Spirits. She grins into the mic.
“My party people in the last row, show ‘em how it’s done!”
So now we’re back here, energetically leading the way. “Put your hands in the air … wave ‘em around like you just don’t care!”
Yes, Alli. Way up there in comfy 15F. I turned it around. Indeed I did!
Except poor 31C. He’s still got his sunglasses on, calmly sipping his beer while 31A, a woman with long gray hair, a big grin and very few teeth, tells him her life story. I’m super happy he got that extra shot of vodka.
I love travel. And people. I really, really do.
Postscript: I wrote this in my Notes app from Row 31, and sent it as a text to Alli when we landed. She met me as we deplaned, laughing. “Was that you back there in the stretch break?!”
Yes, girl. Proof positive I can turn anything around. Anything.
Stay in your joy. Love people. Lean into the moment. Or snuggle in. Whatever. You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around … that’s what it’s all about!
Hi, Neighbor. Thanks for stopping by. This is blog entry #4. It’s shaping up to be a mixed bag of whatever flows - reflections, stories, conversations - sent on Sundays. Subscribe, yes? Share with a friend if it might make them smile. Send me your own thoughts about turning things around, I’d love to read them. Until next week, I’m sending you a big ol’ Row 31 hug! XO, Ash
Oh, and here’s a photo of my Free Spirit boarding pass. I keep it on my desk - a reminder that I can turn anything around. Sit with the discomfort. Stay in your joy!
This is awesome!