A Sleuth of Cubbies

Yesterday evening I began my journey to Arizona for Spring Break. After my parents dropped me off in the St. Louis airport, I successfully made my way through security. I still had well over an hour until my flight would board, so I found my way to Starbucks. To my delight, the kind male behind the counter gave me my drink for FREE, because I was his last customer of the night. I walked to my terminal smiling from ear-to-ear over his simple, yet generous gesture. My highly anticipated trip was already off to a great start!

As I sat in the terminal reading and enjoying my free coffee, I observed more and more Chicago Cubs fans. Didn't they know this is St. Louis? I get seeing one, or two, Cubbies here and there, but a sleuth of them in a confined space, no thank you! Then it dawned on me, Cubs Spring Training is in Arizona. Bleh. I was going to be on a flight surrounded by these so-called baseball fans. At the moment, I was more so wishing I had worn one of my bajillion St. Louis Cardinals shirts or my ball cap, but I hadn't. So there I sat, still enjoying my coffee, trying to focus on my book instead of the insults swirling around in my head.

When it finally came time to board the plane, I walked the length of the narrow aisle to the 2nd to last row. I'm always curious as to who I'll be sitting by. I had "picked" my seat that morning when I checked in online. I opted for the free middle seat in the back of the plane, because all the other available seats cost more money. I got myself cozy and tucked my belongings under the seat in front of me to make room for people who'd soon be sitting on either side of me. I waited. And waited. Until, to my surprise, no one sat down and the plane took off. I was elated! I looked around, the flight was indeed full, all rows packed, but I had found the one row in which no one else was sitting. I could stretch out my legs if they felt cramped. I could move a muscle without fear of bumping elbows with a complete stranger. Most importantly, I didn't have to make small talk with the horrendous Cubs fans, while attempting to convert them to God's team.

My flight was blissful. I found joy in the little blessings of free coffee and a spacious plane ride. Now, I'm writing from Arizona, where I sit in my friends' apartment, ignoring their wooden CUBS decor to my right and World Series Champions ball cap to my left, while praying to no avail for their salvation.