I’m in Dallas now, and I can confirm I still hate flying. I tried to play it cool when I got on the plane – sat down, pulled out my knitting, and looked like I did this all the time. Too bad I blew my cover after liftoff, when I started practicing Lamaze breathing (wow, I guess I did finally get to use it), and grabbed the arm of the (amazingly understanding) older gentleman when we were hitting some bumps. Yeah, it was clear at that point that I was a fraidy-cat.
My lamaze breathing and panic continued until we reached cruising altitude and they pulled out the drink cart. At that point I was begging for them to hurry up and get to me. One travel bottle of chardonnay and three Advil later, I felt a little more relaxed. The dynamic duo – advil and alcohol – once again saves the day. I even mostly finished the knitting project I was working on. Anyone going to BlogHer who can loan me a Xanax for the ride home?
Some questions about flying: why is the pilot the one who gives you all sorts of details about your destination? Shouldn’t she be the one focused on flying the plane? Also, what’s up with the contortionist device they call a lavatory? Thanks to the alcohol, I had to pee while on the plane, so I had to maneuver myself into that broom closet. Wait, I think broom closets are bigger.
And Dallas is so far unimpressive. (No offence to anyone who lives here – unless you live in the airport.) It’s 100 degrees outside, for starters, so getting anywhere close to an outside door bakes you slightly. And while Columbus was a free wi-fi area, Dallas charges for the service. It is interesting how every sign in the airport is in both English and Spanish, though. I’m learning a little Spanish while I’m here.
I will repeat the medicinal combo for the second flight today. Maybe it will help me rest a little. Going across two time zones is bound to screw me up, and I’m already tired from getting little sleep the last two nights. I’ll get into San Jose around 6pm, get to the hotel hopefully by 7pm, where everyone will want to hang out. 7pm is 10pm for me, and I’m usually heading for bed by 11pm. If I can just stay up tonight, I’m sure I can get myself on track for pacific time.
If you were to actually get out on the town in Dallas, it’s a little more fun, but I can see your disappointment in the airport. By the way, that horrendous heat is here in OK, too. We’re having cooler temperatures this weekend, with the high only reaching 100. Not kidding.
Get used to the Spanish-English combination of signs. Texas is notorious for that, with all the immigrants and such.
I can’t believe you have to pay for wi-fi! That’s outrageous!
Have fun!
Great to hear that you’re handling the flying as best as you can.
Yes, pilots do tend to babble about things that we’re not really interested in.
It’s fun to read your progress across the country. Hope to see you tomorrow!
Yay! You got on the plane! I’m so proud of you. I hope the rest of the trip went off without a hitch. Have fun!
hey-congrats for making it too blog her, and for all of us who could not go, have a blast!!
also so sorry about the burglery, it really sucks to see what it is like to know you are not safe, we all know bad stuff happens, but it is not the same as living through it. so glad noone was home, stuff is only stuff, but your family and beautiful girl are all fine,
including your brother in law
can’t let life keep you down have blast, and move on right?
sending you and your family lots of love, ali
ok just so you know who ali is, forgot my blogger password!
Hope you got there safely! This live blogging thing is kinda cool…looking forward to your updates!
I’m positive you’ll adjust to the time soon and you’ll have a fantastic time! In fact, I bet you’re still sleeping right now!