Someone, please blacken my blue!

I am on vacation and just arrived by plane last night, having left the Great White North in exchange for ocean breezes and palm trees!

When I left home and had gotten through airline customs and was sitting in the passenger waiting area, I noticed that people were watching me. I didn’t think much of it since I was also watching other passengers, wondering who they were, where they were going, what their stories were…..you know, the usual stuff that we travelers do.

I noticed a small group off to the side, having a quiet but lively conversation about something or other. a couple of them glanced my way once or twice.

Traveling alone, I’d have to pick someone and start a conversation or be content to read and listen to my iPod. There was a very pretty lady sitting close-by who seemed to be traveling alone. Maybe I’d say hello.

Meanwhile, I went over to the coffee bar and ordered a frappacino. The gal who made it had a big smile, almost a laugh, as she called out my order when it was ready.

I made my way back to the waiting area with a magazine and my drink. The pretty lady glanced at me, I nodded a greeting and she moved to another chair further away. Sitting reading, I crossed one leg over the other, one way then the other as the time passed. People were gathering as flight time grew closer.

Then I noticed…….I was wearing one black sock and one blue sock! Of course then it all came together! No wonder the security folks were smiling as I went through! I had to take my shoes off and place them in a security basket, and I hadn’t paid any attention to my socks….but I’m sure they all did! It’s their job!

As I sat in the waiting room I now was certain everyone but me had noticed my socks! The frappacino lady probably was thinking…”Frappacino order ready for the man in the mis-matched socks!”

And of course, I knew that everyone in the passenger waiting area knew I was a dork who couldn’t distinguish between black and blue socks. That’s what they were discussing and laughing about! “Look at the oldtimer! Hope he gets to where he is going!”

I was thinking that maybe I should find a shop that sold socks and slip into the men’s room and change, but it was getting close to flight time. I hoped I’d be able to manipulate my legs so that my pant cuffs covered my socks as much as possible.

Wouldn’t you know it! My seat assignment was the aisle seat, first row behind first class so I had lots of legroom and no protecting seat in front of me, just the separating partition. Very comfortable, normally, and how the heck do I stretch my legs out and not have the stewardess notice this apparently confused old fogey? “Would you like a drink, sir? Oops, you probably can’t mix alcohol and medication!”

What a relief when the cabin lights were dimmed for the flight!
As I sat in quiet conference with my mind, I realize how crazy we can get about simple things. We even take a present situation and use it to replay everything that has already occurred. I have no idea if anyone even noticed my unique footwear.

Good grief, they are just socks! As a matter of fact, I have another pair just like them at home!

Rich