The Longest Trip Of My Life

In my opinion, traveling to your destination, specifically by plane, is the worst part of traveling. The only thing getting you through the flight is that knawing excitement on the inside of where the plane will land. The hope that your life is going to go topsy-turvy and be altered by an entire culture and perspective on life keeps you fighting to stay alive.

My first 2 flights were quick but rough. Unhappy babies, more unhappy mothers, middle seats and akward travelers seated next to you (Amy Farrah-Fawcett anyone?), I re-dialed my brain.

I am on my way to Australia, a place most people never get to see. This is the first test. Getting there relying on others. I have no control of whether or not there are crying babies, late pilots, and what times the planes leave. So therefore, I cannot freak out and stress about it. I can only do what I can do. (This is one of my goals for my trip!)

The pilots on my second flight were late but made it up in the air so I was able to jump on my LAX to Sydney flight quickly after. And since it is a New Year’s flight, there is no one on it. Maybe 50-60 people. A lot of people got a whole row to themselves and could just lay out.

This was my plan. I had stayed awake for the other flights so I could pass out for this 15 hour last trek across the Pacific.

I slept for awhile and was convinced I had been out for 10 hours. CONVINCED. I had been keeping track of the time at home, in LA and in Sydney but I wasn’t sure which was the right one I should be looking at because I don’t know what the time actually is. I may have crossed the dateline before midnight meaning I never see JAN 1, 2014. I completely skip it altogether.

 But it somehow occurred to me that I had only slept for 2 or 3. BOY that realization was rough. The longest flight I had been on to that point was 7 hours. And this flight was double. GAH what now?

Plus I forgot my kindle. (I left it on the counter before I left the house. L)

With all this time, I have been reflecting on the previous year and brainstorming for the year to come. I realized how fortunate I am to have friends and family that support me in everything I do. I am so grateful for you all.

I wish you all a wonderful, happy and successful new year!