Mary McNamara: This is not a defense of LAX. It's a love letter

Due to an ill-timed high school basketball event (who came up with the idea of a tournament beginning Dec. 26?), our family had to nix our plans to travel this Christmas.

In attempts to console me, several friends offered what they considered a silver lining: "At least you won't have to deal with LAX," they said. Which only sunk me deeper into gloom.

Unlike many other citizens of the world, I do not hate LAX. I — yes, I'll risk public censure and say it — actually love LAX.

I will admit that some of this is psychological: I like to travel and LAX is my local airport. So even with the traffic, the site of those illuminated pylons instantly evokes a sense of adventure and excitement.