A week ago I had more anxiety than I knew what to do with. I was going to be going on a plane for the first time ever, navigating an airport for the first time ever and attending/presenting at NCTE for the first time ever. It was a bit overwhelming. I wasn't too worried about the presentation, but excited. I was, however, terrified of flying. I knew it would be better than I expected. Boy was I right! Airports have this thing down to a science. I was able to figure it all out with the help of very nice people. I got on the plane and felt calm. Sitting near the window I wondered how that would go, seeing everything. We were delayed! Really delayed. There was snow and ice on the plane and four people had to leave because the plane was too heavy. Oh boy! I was amazed that people actually volunteered to leave. They de-iced the plane twice and then it sounded like we were ready. I was ready. I sat there ready to brace myself and then we started to take off. It was exciting! I looked out the window at the blowing snow wondering if we would get above it. Slowly we went higher and higher. All I could think was, "I'm in the air!" I may have even said it out loud. Because of the delay I was going to have to really truck to my next plane to make it on time. We landed, I got my bag and ran. I ran and ran and ran through the Detroit Metro Airport. It was almost a mile of running. I found the gate and was amazed to see a short line still waiting to board. Lucky me they were running a bit behind. I was out of breath and sweating, hands trembling, but I had made it. Once again in the air, there wasn't a flake in the sky and we were up without a problem. As we got closer to Washington D.C., my destination, I saw all the monuments. It was amazing. I was also reminded what autumn is suppose to look like. We landed and I was elated and relieved. Found my bag in baggage claim without missing a beat and boarded my shuttle to the hotel. What an amazing experience. I was so proud of myself for doing something completely out of my comfort zone.
So happy for you that you got to experience life in a new way! The worst part about flying is the RUNNING through airports! Sounds like so much fun. Sorry I missed it!
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you for getting on that plane and going for it... especially when de-icing was involved!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new adventures and for conquering a fear! :)
ReplyDeleteBetsy, I don't think I knew you had never flown before! That really puts a whole new perspective on everything!
ReplyDeleteIt was a weekend full of firsts for me, too. As Maddie said, I should be so proud of myself! :)
YAHOO! I loved all your emotions words in this piece! It was so great to see you, spend time with you, and learn from you. Have a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteYou did it! Bravo!!
ReplyDeleteYour presentation was wonderful, Betsy! I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about Chalk-a-bration. When I flew for the first time, just before take off I turned to my husband and said, "Wow! We're going really fast!" Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteYay, Betsey...I'm so glad that so many people helped at the airport. I am so excited that you got to present...congratulations. xo
ReplyDeleteMy first was to Atlanta. We hit turbulence most of the way. I was never s o glad to touch ground d. Glad your first flight was smoother. Glad I had a chance to meet you and talk with you at dinner Saturday night.
ReplyDeleteI love this slice! You'll always be glad you captured this first time experience. It was fun to see you in many of the same sessions that I attended. I'm so appreciative of your poetic voice in the blogging world!
ReplyDeleteLove this, Betsy!
ReplyDeleteMy choices of "stops" were Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, or Atlanta. I considered November to be winter so I chose Atlanta. Going North to go anywhere in the winter seems so counterintuitive! Just can't do it! Thanks so much for the poem and the "chalk" - I think we will be able to use it at Christmas! We'll see how the weather is!