Yin and Yang of Traveling – NYC Moments: #108

I was in the air for ten hours yesterday.  Yes, going to Hawaii from NYC does have that one drawback.  Life is full of yin and yang’s.  Perfect example was my flight from JFK to LAX:  Before the story starts I should mention that we were sitting in the coach section.  I did have my seat leaned back the whole two inches in the reclining position, which I figured was my right since I put down the cash for that seat space.  The guy behind me politely asked me if I could move my seat forward so he could work because there was not a lot of room for him.  I equally politely said that I understood but there was not a lot of room for anyone and unfortunately unlike cars, I did not have a lever that could provide more space for him.  I’m really sorry but there is nothing I can do.  But I can’t work he replied.  I’m really sorry I responded as I put my headphones back on and tried to sleep.  Excuse me, I hear ten minutes later.  OMG.  He is not bugging me again.  Aloha only goes so far – now it is time for me to be the NYCer.  Couldn’t you just put your seat forward.  I really have no room.  I tell him firmly:  No.  I have no control over the space that is provided in coach.  Perhaps you could ask the flight attendant if there is a seat that is better suited for you.  Maybe there is one in first class, but being that this is coach I cannot help you.  Now if you are unable or unwilling to talk to the attendant, I will be glad to.  As luck would have it an attendant was walking by, so I explained that my neighbor was unhappy and could they find him another seat so that i could have some peace.  The nice lady then also explained to the guy that yes there were other seats available, but they would not provide any more room so he would still be unhappy even if he moved.  

Funny.  I didn’t hear another peep out of him.  

The flip side was my seat neighbor in front of me.  Charming lady with her little boy.  We became instant friends.  I watched her son while she went to the ladies room.  The son and I played peek-a-boo.  We exchanged info and I’m sure we will have a lasting friendship.  I love yin and yang’s.

copyright JillAnne Ohana

12 May 2009

Aloha NYC – NYC Moment #96

As much as we like to think that NYC is the end all, it isn’t.  Even New Yorkers need to get away once in a while.  I have a tradition of taking about 6 weeks off a year and hitting the road.  This year it is Haleiwa, Hawaii.  I actually used to live here, so it is like coming to my ‘other’ home.  Life is all hustle and bustle in NYC and the polar opposite in weather as well as life style.  NYC is fast and transient.  The North Shore is mellow and half transient…meaning that half the people live here and stay here and the other half are ‘returnies’ so to speak.  They are the ones who follow the waves.  If I’m lucky, the Eddie will go up (Google it).  If not, I’ll still get to see some awesome surfing.  There is something nice about coming back after 8 months and the same guys are at the Coffee Gallery (Google it-great coffee and they ship).  And they remember my name 🙂  Ron Artis is still jammin’ with his incredible family (Google him).  Forrest is still at the post office, Haleiwa Eats still serves great Thai food (Peggy and family are from NYC!) and of course Johnny still has Strong Current (surf shop – Google it) as well as the Grass Skirt Grill (awesome wholesome food – visit it).   Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE NYC…but it is nice to get away.  Aloha all…see you in March!

Family – NYC Moment #15

Family can mean many things.  Traditionally it is the one you are born into.  As our world has changed, the family structure has changed.  Perhaps this is a good thing.  Maybe we are supposed to see beyond the ‘norm’.  Some people believe that we are all interconnected.  If this is so, then you are my family.  I am fortunate in that I have my biological family, but I also have a family that has welcomed me into their lives as one of them.  When I sit on the subway, I look around and I cannot help but glow because I know that everyone on that train is ‘my family’ too.  If we have love for everyone, then perhaps our world will experience a bit more peace.  The Hawaiian word for family is ‘Ohana’.  I feel so strongly about every single person being a part of me that I legally changed my name to include ‘Ohana’ in it.  So when you are walking down the street, just remember that the person you just cut off is part of you.  Treat yourself kindly.  You will then find yourself letting the next person go first.  Aloha.

 

copyright JILLANNE EMERSON

May 15, 2008

http://www.JILLANNE.com