Delays

I hate flying.  It's way more stressful than it needs to be.  Between the checkin' in, the security lines, and then rushing to the gate, there's far too many uncertain factors.  Sometimes you get there hours before you need to, and other times, you're hearing your name over the intercom cause you're late (even though they're the ones that put you on an earlier flight!)

My flight into DFW was two and a half hours late.  First, there was the announcement of a 45-minute "company-controlled" delay for all flights in and out of Dallas with no explanation.  Some passengers were speculating that it might be because there were too many planes on the tarmac, so they needed to slow things down.  Another guy was chattin' on his cell, saying there was probably some security issue.  So we're sittin' in the waiting area, and then finally the pilot comes out and announces that it's because of "high winds"! 

That's right, wind is causing all planes in and out of American's hub to be grounded.  Unbelievable.  I can understand snow and heavy rain, but wind?  It's not like Dallas is getting hit by hurricanes or tornadoes.  Suck it up and fly through it.  Seriously.

So we finally board the plane at like 7 (when we were supposed to leave at 6:08), and then sit on the tarmac until 8, with various updates from the pilot (basically saying that the flight has been further delayed and that we're taking a new route that'll take 4 hours instead of the usual 3.5).

After we're in the air, I'm thinking everything should be fine now.  The "heavy winds" should be calm by now, if some guy at American Airlines decided that planes can come in again.  Oh, but I'd be wrong.  We're like 20 minutes away from DFW, when the pilot announces that we're supposed to "hold" in the air.  Do what?  I thought only helicopters could hover.  But we end up "holding" for like 10 minutes or so. 

And then another announcement -- the worst I've heard from a pilot -- "We'll be going through high winds, but don't worry.  The plane has been stressed for these conditions, and the crew and the plane are prepared for these conditions.  We'll try and get through this as quickly as possible."  Sounds similar to the kind of stuff that the dentist says right before they drill into your teeth!

I hate flying!

Lessons Learned

They say you learn something new every day.

Today's lesson: progress = kidnapping.

Put in other words, in order to have any progress, kidnappings must be present. 

Think about it.

Gwen! BEP!

Went to the Black Eyed Peas/Gwen Stefani concert last night.  It was freakin' awesome.

This is the first "stage-show" concert I've ever been to... I've been to a couple of rap concerts (a free Ludacris one at college, and another TI/Ludacris/Ciara one that was paired with a car show), but this one had an entirely different feel.  I'm easily awed by flashy lights, bright costumes, and special effects, so this was my kinda event.

I had no idea Fergie, the sole female on the Black Eyed Peas, was such a strong vocalist and had such a strong stage presence.  She pretty much commanded the stage the entire time, and should take a hint from Gwen and go solo.  The entire group is crazy talented though, both vocally and physically.  Those guys know how to bust a move.  They also added some breakdancers as a nice little touch between songs.

After a hour-long intermission (is that normal?), Gwen rose up, seated on a luxurious throne (similar to the LAMB CD cover). While the BEP's stage set was more subdued, allowing people to focus more on their strong performances, Gwen's was all about the lights and multiple screens displaying music videos and crazy visuals.  I've never been to a Britney Spears concert (unfortunately), but I'm imagining it's all along the lines of what her stage set would be like.  Not that Gwen's performance wasn''t strong, but I'm guessing people expect a lot more in terms of production value when you're the headliner.

She seemed to be genuinely grateful for her fans, and took time out to say that she had no plans to tour, but felt she had to after her albums were so successful.

Overall, a great concert and tons of energy.  Oh, and there were lots of hot girls :)