Thoughts from the Air

I’m here on my way to Orlando (via Fort Lauderdale) at the very back of a small plane. My butt hurts. I can’t stand up all the way, but I can see out the window. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve flown, since right before September 11 and I can’t help but think all my anxiety was bundled around some suppressed memory of that day. I feel fine now; tired, slightly bored and ready get the introductions, uncomfortable pregnant pauses and the courtesy laughs (at unfunny jokes) out of the way. I’m ready to give my advice, ask my questions, see how the ”operations” run and hope I don’t say something inappropriate, fart or some other rather body emulating stench.

Travel is over rated. But wow, do we have some security. Probably everyone but our family has flown in the last 4 years, so there have been quite a few changes. First off, the computer check. Quick. Efficient. Painless. Slide in some form of ID with your name, hit “Continue” 8 times, get your ticket print out and you’re on your way. Then you come to the mats — ”Homeland Security” and the herded cattle line. I had to take off my shoes. And belt. Put the computer and cell phone and keys in a bin. But no random search on me; although I wondered if they might – since I have dark hair and look unseemly and mysterious. All in all, it was very quick and made me feel safe.

My only fear is getting my connecting flight to Orlando. I have 20 minutes between when we land and when my next flight departs. I hope we’re on time and that the concourse isn’t too large. I don’t need an O.J. moment, running through the airport, leaping over luggage and weaving through the crowd. We shall see in about 30 minutes (fingers crossed). I’ll be back …

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Well, I made the connecting flight. I got off one plane (outside) and right on to the other. Ugh. I’m tired…

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It’s now 6:15am Friday and I\’m in the air on my way to Washington D.C.

After landing in Orlando I was picked up in the black, 12 passenger Relevant van by Tyler. We drove about a 1/2 hour to the offices. There I met the whole crew. About 15 people in all. Editors, designers, sales and marketing, ordering fulfilling, interactive media. All nice people. Went and got lunch with Cameron and Kyle, Atrom and Ryan. We talked about the upcoming project, what it entails, who will do what. Got back to the office and continued to break it all down. Pretty much all day till 6pm.

Aaron picked me up around 6:15pm (after having thought he knew were he was going, but then realizing he didn’t), we went to P.F. Changs — I met Bobby and Caleb and we had a good time. We all got along great. I was a bit nervous, since talking “online” is quite different than the real thing. Aaron and I really connected – we share a similar sense of humor (in a nuanced, sarcastic way) and talked quite a bit. He took me to an incredible lounge called “The Red Fox Lounge” that is located in a small, dark corner of a Best Western where this couple – an older man with a toupee that is ready to walk off his head, and his accomplish, a dark haired lady who sits cross legged on a table, slapping a tambourine. It was classic, over the top, oblivious cheese. Loved it. Had a beer and tried to find the hotel (had to make an emergency pit stop as we both were gonna burst our bladders — the waitress as P.F. Changs sole purpose was to keep out water glasses full, and we both just keep drinking) and I finally got into bed around 11pm or so. Had a hard time falling asleep.

So this morning, got up at 4:30am this morning. And here I am. Half alive 30,000 feet in the air. Excited to come, tired beyond belief, optimistic and happy to have met some “internet” ghosts.