I was on my way to Argentina in January having been surprisingly glued to the ground for a few months. You may remember last autumn there was a liquid kerfluffle. So here I show up with my one carry on and a purse, because I can carry my life in a knapsack and still have formal wear, and guess what, the smaller shampoo bottle I decanted my favorite shampoo into was marked 4 oz. (soundtrack here).

Never mind the bloody bottle was only half full. This was my first trip since the 100mL=3.3(ish)oz rule was instituted. GD, F,F,F,F,F. I was the proud recipient of a full body search and thoroughly harassed for my infraction. Never mind the difference between 100mL and 4oz. Never mind the half full container. The choice was clear, chuck or check. “Miss is this object liquid?” My response, “Um, no, sir, that is a powder, you know a foundation powder – totally dry.” J F-ing C, F, F, F.

Now to say I was rolling my eyes would be an understatement. I rolled my eyes so hard my shoulders rolled with them. I dare say I turned back time with that eye roll, at least 3-4 days worth of time.

BUT

Rules are set for the sake of well, setting rules – in most cases. For better or worse, we all like some conventions whether they be coding conventions (LikeThis or Like_this) or Anime conventions (er, yeah). It’s kind of like setting the Alpha Dog meter. People, like other animals, rather prefer someone else to be in charge. That way, they can complain about these “other people” who set the rules or the “other people” who break the rules (like my major shampoo infraction). Really how many lives would cease to exist if they had to be totally and completely responsible for not only their own actions, BUT ALSO their damn thoughts! Egad, millions would perish.

One to stick by principle, I checked my bag, re-entered security, grabbed a bagel-like-object (remember, airport food) and boarded my flight, just in time. With enough vino tinto in Argentina all cares were cast aside.