Homeland Security

This post, unfortunately, is one that is going to be written with anger. Not anger towards a specific person, because I realize that they are just doing their jobs. I guess it’s more so with the TSA and the government. I packed like any other individual going overseas. In my bags I have just about a week worth of cloths, my laptop and a few smaller electronic devices. This is not what had me pulled to the side and, with keeping it clean for the younger generation reading, pretty much discovered what it's like in a prison shower. The items in my luggage that solidified I was a "terrorist" were the small things in my bathroom bag. More specifically my toothpaste, hair gel, shaving cream, deodorant and last but most defiantly not least, some face lotion. I like to consider myself a pretty knowledgeable individual. And for those things I do not know but am aware I will be faced with, I tend to do my research. I was aware that no item would pass through security that was a cream or gel and was larger than 4.5oz. The largest of my items at question, and I kid you not, 4.8oz. These small items that keep me from looking like I’m homeless are the reason I was pulled aside and asked to pull out everything I had packed for what seemed their amusement alone. After passing all of these small tests, I was pushed on my way with a helpful note from the overage, overweight, ready for a heart attack security representative, "next time just put them in a plastic bag." I love that the aircraft could be saved by a very thin, very tiny plastic bag.

I'm sure this is something that everyone has heard on some bad late night stand up, but I suppose it is just more of a vent early in the morning. I see only one thing that is going to better this situation and my day, Cinibon. I'm sure when I’m done I will care for nothing more than a nap and another Cinibon. The trip hasn't even started yet and I’m already being profiled, I wonder what Japan will bring.

Anyway, I'm off to my sugar induced coma and hopes that Dave remembers to pick me up from the airport.