Day 31

So this volcano thing has had me thinking about how mother nature can manage to cause so much disruption to what we've all become accustomed to.

I honestly take flying for granted. Since being overseas, I've been on a planes at least twice a year. I'm always concerned about delays, but I can't say that I've ever been concerned about my flight canceling. Mother Nature has never really caused a lot of problems in my life aside from the spring allergies. The havoc this volcano is causing is getting to the point of serious frustration for many travelers.

I'm fortunate enough that I am stuck at my own house, but I have friends stuck all over the world trying to get home for school, work and life. While I'm not in a rush to get to Arizona, I do remain on a bit of a time constraint. I have more to think about then just myself or Lucy, I have to think about Kelly (our dog).

Its not fair to her caregivers or her to have her change homes every week or to put her in a kennel when I know how much it disturbs her. She's usually pretty good when it comes to transitions, but with Jon gone as well, I don't want her to think we are abandoning her. I am very lucky to have a great network of friends who are willing to help out and help me care for her. I am grateful for that every time I look at Kelly.

As for the travelers stuck abroad, I can't even imagine what must be going through their minds at this point. While it appeared that most people were understanding about the situation in the beginning, I'm starting to see that people are getting angry. Some airlines aren't able to get to everyone and their phone lines are overwhelmed. People can't get through on the phones and they are being sent away from the airport counters being told to check the Internet (worthless!) or call the airlines-which is next to impossible to connect with.

I got though on Saturday, at the beginning of this mess, and was answered by an exhausted sounding representative. He helped me re-book on Thursday and was very sweet despite the number of calls he had probably taken. He took the time to check all flights and times, including the new destination of Tucson for me. Instead of getting angry at him about the cancellation, I realized that it was beyond his control. I thanked him at the end of the call and wished him a better day, which he told me he appreciated since every phone call he'd taken up to that point had someone yelling at him. After I got off the phone, I remembered how tough customer service can be. In situations like these, I am so happy that isn't my job.

I hope that mother nature is planning to take a break for a while...I know I'm not the only one who is wishing for that. Lots of people need to get to final destinations. I'm saying prayers that it happens shortly for them...and me :)