I'm sitting at SFO, waiting at the United terminal for my 1pm flight to Tokyo. T-Mobile has installed wi-fi hotspots which makes it easy to check email, and post this entry. I'm watching a 757 roll away from me checking its rudder and elevator controls. Everyone in the terminal sit, every other seat, staring blankly around the room, not talking. Sort of weird how people are such social animals yet norms dictate that you not talk to strangers. The guy sitting at 2 o'clock has the same shoes as I do, except they're red Saucony's instead of the blue ones I have. Good choice of footware for travel. He doesn't know I'm writing about him. I could tell him he has nice shoes, but then again, I'm a dude so I'll shut up.
While in the TSA line, an army officer in fatigues was standing behind me. He left Iraq about two days ago and has been traveling to get to Okinawa, where his family is waiting for him. He's off for two weeks before he has to head back to Iraq. I wanted to tell him that I was against the war, but that I appreciated his service. I didn't have the guts to say that for some reason and just wished him a good trip. I'm wishing myself a good trip. I'll be back next year, Jan 1st.