Fly Away Home

Hello airport my old friend! I’ve come to fly from you again….

Flying has become a familiar ritual to me over the past few years with two flown college kids, a recently relocated brother-in-law and a different state of origin for my husband than for me. Plus we are transplants to Florida.  The bottom line is that we have to travel to see any family member and most of our cherished friends. 

I have some special habits for this flying ritual.

#1. I must wear pants. Shorts may seem like a comfortable travel option in summer but I don’t like my legs to touch the plane seat. I’m not really a germaphobe. I just don’t like that scratchy feeling. There is another thing about shorts….they ride up. You may have selected a perfectly modest length but when you sit down those shorts suddenly cling to you like a diaper. 

#2. Comfortable shoes. I am a Fitbit fanatic and to this type of person steps only count if they are documented in the Fitbit app. I get a feeling of accomplishment in watching this number rise. It’s the little things…

Because of this habit, I try desperately to get steps in at airports by doing laps around each gate while I await boarding time. Otherwise I’ve noticed that travel days end in a slump of 2 to 3 thousand steps.  Since performing these airport loops, I’m still able to make my goal.

#3. I have a travel backpack for my laptop. It is necessary to take my laptop on all of my travels since I work from home. It’s a very convenient circumstance while at home but it’s a bit challenging during travel. At first I purchased a briefcase for travel and thought I would look very glam professional. As it turns out, gripping a 10 plus pound briefcase makes your fingers go numb and your carrying arm scream at you for a few days. So now I have a backpack to hold my 17” laptop and folders of references. It is rather heavy and my shoulders sometimes get sore afterwards but it’s a big improvement from the numb fingers and aggravated carrying arm. It also leaves me hands free which I love.

These are the steps I take to reach the loved ones in my life that are separated from me by miles. Texting may bridge the time gaps but it is no replacement for looking my daughters in the eyes, and visually drinking in their presence.  It makes me feel whole again. There is an indescribable calmness when the family gathers. That’s what home feels like. It’s not a single place. It is an arrival to belonging. You go there in your heart. 

Safe travels 

favorite sneakers

traveling pants (my favorite joggers)

Athleta backpack similar to one I use

fitbit flex 2 can be worn in a bangle