by Garret on June 27, 2009
I gotta say, I love flying. I am writing this as we cruise at 35,267ft. Interstate 5 was a breeze and we arrived at LAX with plenty of time. Airports always make me smile. People are fascinating and there is no place like the airport. The sense of excitement was palpable, especially when we got to security. Alarms go off and Deeanne’s purse is clearly the culprit. The TSA guy calls another security lady over to search Deeanne’s purse. It doesn’t take her more than a second to pull out a 3 inch knife. Deeanne looks at me of course, I just shrug and then pretend I don’t know her. The TSA lady asks her if she would like to keep it and she says “no” and then we are on our way.
I love the excitement and sense of freedom flying brings, especially when you combine it with large knives. Sitting on the tarmac waiting to take off is thrilling and once you get airborne it is just beautiful up there. Today there are blankets of puffy clouds below. It looks as if you could stretch out on them and take the best nap you’ve ever had. I know for many people flying is not a pleasant experience. If you are the type of person that gets nervous on flights try these tips the next time you fly.
- Focus on helping someone around you. It will distract you.
- Start at your belly and breathe in through your noise out through your mouth.
- Close your eyes and visualize a place you love.
- Repeat a mantra (Deeanne’s favorite).
by Deeanne on June 27, 2009
Getting ready for a trip of this magnitude is not all excitement, as it would be for our typical 6-8 week summer trips. There is lots of excitement, a fair bit of anxiety/nerves, and bits of sadness too. We can’t live our South American dream and be near family too. I hate that I won’t get to play with Lily and hold her endlessly while she is such a perfect baby! When we get home—she may very well be walking and will be closer to a toddler than a baby. There was a woman about my age traveling alone with her 2 month old son to visit her family before she has to go back to work. She had her hands more than full with stroller, carseat, diaper bag, jacket, backpack, shopping bag and suitcase; so I helped her onto the plane, and to get herself situated on our completely full flight. I held him for her for a few minutes so she could go to the bathroom, and he was so tiny (he was born 3 weeks early, so he’s still on the small side). I remembered how Lily used to sleep so soundly and make the cutest little sleep noises and sleep smiles as a newborn; and I miss her already! But I will miss everyone in my family as well. Saying goodbye to my parents at LAX this morning I shed a few tears. I know that the world is “flat” now, and it’s not like we’re parting for all that long; but I just wish I could have both—so why doesn’t everyone plan a short vacation to visit us while we’re here?!
