OCR Text |
Show Volume IV, Issue II THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 7 May 1, 2001 Taking The Time To Save Time How Often Does a Plane Like This Crash? JUST ONCE By Howard Noel From “The Front Porch” I knew I was in trouble when I asked the ticket agent what time our flight would leave, and he in turn asked, “What time do you want to go?” But I didn’t get the true picture of the flight we were about to take until the lady behind us asked for two “CHANCES” to St. Louis. Like you, I’m always looking for a good deal. Fact is, the only time [my wife] Mary and I can travel is when we run across one of those “Super Saver” airfares. And, like you, we’re willing to make a few sacrifices in order to get to where we need. But when you fly “Mervin’s Airline & Grill,” like we did, “sacrifice” becomes a rather unnerving concept. Personally, I prefer to travel by train. It’s relaxing, it’s comfortable, it’s very picturesque, and it’s on the ground. Not that I’m afraid of flying. I’ve pulled the armrests out of many an airline seat over the years. I do feel, however, that “terminal” is an unfortunate choice of words to be slapping on every sign around any airport. After getting past the “terminal” thing, I can settle down and I’m pretty good at flying. That is until its time to check our baggage. I know it’s possible to lose your luggage on just about any airline, but “Mervin’s” takes the trophy—hands down—in this category. Over the years, my luggage has been to more exotic places than I will every dream of. My answer to the problem, on this trip, was to pack a “dummy” suitcase. I filled it with old clothes and things we intended to give away to “Good Will.” That way, I thought, when it ends up in some third world country, all we’ve done is cut out the middleman. The only trouble with that approach is that it gets pretty warm when you’re wearing six shirts and four slacks. And it’s awfully hard to cram all your underwear, extra shoes and your grooming kit into a briefcase that will fit under the seat in front of you. From our most recent experience, allow me to help you avoid some of the problems and inconveniences that you may encounter when traveling with one of the more “economy-minded” airlines. First be aware, when you travel a major airline, you can put the whole trip on your credit card. With these lower fare airlines you will not be able to do that. In fact, chances are pretty good they’ll require “exact change” before boarding. And you’ll want to keep a good supply of cash in your pocket for when the attendants come by and ask you to “chip in for gas.” You’ll want to travel only in good weather. It has nothing to do with the flight itself, but you will probably have to walk a half-mile or so, across the tarmac, in order to get to your plane. (I think this is their way of giving your luggage a head start on the trip.) Once seated in the plane, it’s pretty much the same as all other airlines. Except of course just before take-off. Instead of asking you to fasten the buckles on your seatbelts, I believe the term they use is “fasten your velcro.” In any case you do have all the safety devices of real airlines. To be fair, the one benefit of the cheaper airlines is they tell you that if you ever have to use your seat cushion for a lifesaver or floatation device, you are welcome to keep it. I learned how to get the most out of traveling on my own. When it came to passing out advice in this area, Uncle Merle was uncharacteristically silent. Except to say “If God had meant for man to fly, he would have made it easier to get to the airport.” Note: Syndicated columnist Howard Noel is the author of “The Front Porch,” a weekly magazine and newspaper column. He is also the author of the book “I’m the Other Man in My Own Marriage: A Frustrating and Funny Look at Family Living,” a hilarious look at parents trying to relate to their teenagers, husbands trying to relate to their wives, and neighbors trying not to upset their peace by relating too much to anyone. Noel’s book is now available online at Barnesandnoble.com and from amazon.com “The Front Porch” welcomes your suggestions and feedback. Please email to porchnoel@aol.com. The Shooting Star Saloon in Huntsville needs a mature person to work part time. Will train. Apply in person. For questions call Heidi or John Posnien at 745-2002. Your Northern Utah Realty Connection 745-0551 Toll Free 888-489-0111 www.utahrealty4sale.com Jack Robbins Associate Broker * Darlene Robbins Assistant * Over 30 years Experience * FREE Mini-Appraisals Find out what it’s worth? Special Senior Discounts * (NAPSA)-Any time of year can be the right time to get organized. For many people, getting organized is the first step to having more of what they want out of life. Here are a few tips on time management and organizing your life from a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Assess how you currently use your time. Keep a log of how you use your time. This will help you to determine what activities are nec essary and which ones do not con tribute to reaching your goals. Eliminate activities that are “time wasters” and focus your energies on activities that will help you reach your goals. It takes time to make time. Take a few minutes to plan your day. This can be done either the evening before or early in the morning in a quiet space without any interrup tions. Learn to be flexible. Keep in mind you cannot control everything. If the day gets off track, remember there’s a fresh start tomorrow. Get the most out of your waiting time. For example, use the time spent commuting to work to listen to an audio cassette or reading a book. Valerie Nossal, a time-man agement and organizing expert with AT-A-GLANCE, suggests creating a folder of newspaper and magazine articles and taking the folder with you when you travel. Said Nossal, “That way you can turn your waiting time into reading ime while in airports or waiting for an appointment.” Follow the golden rule when it comes to time. Be considerate of others when it comes to their time. Start by sending e-mail only to those who really need to see it. Before you call a meeting, ask yourself if it’s really necessary. Make a list of your professional and personal goals. Keep this list in front of you. Families and work teams need a central calendar or daily planner where upcoming events and schedules can be listed. AT-A-GLANCE is considered North America’s largest calendar manufacturer and a leader in planning, organizing and record-keeping products since 1923. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.ataglance.com. Consider posting a centralized planning calendar to help keep track of family members and their schedules. Licensed Contractor Delbert Morris P.O. BOX 507 EDEN, UT 84310 Tel: 745-1709 Cell: 791-7420 Grading Dirt Hauling Snow Removal Landscaping Rock Work Backhoe Service Tear out & Replace Driveways |