Every day we manage to make connections with others. Sometimes those connections are meaningless. Sometimes those connections stay with us forever. I'm about to share one of those life-altering connections.
That day started out the same as any. I was in a rush. The last boarding call had sounded over the intercom, that pleasant voice sounding simultaneously bitchy only because I was about to miss my flight. My brisk walk has turned into a sprint as I realize how close I'm cutting it. My boss would have my ass- that's enough motivation for me.
Bent over, clutching my sides, attempting to slow my breathing, I flash my first class ticket and passport under the disproving eyes of the gate attendant. After an agonizing couple of minutes, she ushers me through the gate, past the corridor, and allows me to step onto the plane. I quickly find my seat, stow my briefcase under my seat, and buckle my seatbelt. I close my eyes as I hear the flight attendants begin their safety spiel, effectively tuning them out. I take deep breaths. In. Out. Inhaling deeply. I don't like take-offs. Never have, never will, no matter how many times I'm required to fly.
There is something unnatural about an object as heavy as this plane with the weight of all these people and all their luggage (yes, I'm talking about you, princess, in row 18, who absolutely requires her 20 pairs of high-heels for her week-long vacation) lifting up off the ground and transporting us high up in the sky. My stomach drops as I feel the pace pick up. I lean back in my seat, seizing my armrests tightly. The light-headedness has alerted me that we are in fact moving in the air now like Peter Pan. If I could, I would much rather catch a ride with him or Tinkerbell. Well, if we are making our preferences known, I would chose Tinkerbell because I think she's kinda cute. I may or may not admit to having a crush on her in my early teens. I mean that smile, can you blame me really? Apparently, my reminiscing has allowed the time to pass fairly quickly, and they are already handing out tiny beverages. I make sure to politely thank the attendant who has placed a refreshing rum and coke in each of my hands. I sip slowly, savouring the sweet taste. Soon enough, I'm polishing off my second beverage.
I reach under my seat to fish out my briefcase. I pull out my iPod first, untangling the wires, popping the earbuds into my ears, and sigh contently as I flick it on. I carefully remove my laptop and boot it up so I can better prepare for the conference I am to attend this weekend. I refresh my memory as I glance over my PowerPoint slides and the notes accompanying them. After reading them over for a few hours, my eyes are glazing over. I put away the items and stretch my legs out. Subconsciously, I close my eyes, drifting off to Never Never Land. I awake to a very stiff neck and my foot being asleep. I gingerly move my neck from side to side, smiling in satisfaction when I hear light pops and cracks. Victory is mine! I fiddle within my briefcase to find my compact mirror, ready to survey the damage. I wipe at the unattractive drool that's made an appearance on my cheek. I rub at my tired eyes, while running my hands through my tousled blonde hair. I peer into the mirror again, I've seen better, but it will have to do for the time being. I eat parts of the meal served to me, walk around the cabin bored, returning to my seat shortly after. I decide to flick through the on-board entertainment. I settle for Disney...there's something magical about everything they touch.
At some point I drifted off again, just as I'm being rudely awoken by the announcement of the beginning of our descent. My stomach lurches at the mere mention of it. I hate landings even more than take-offs. I grip the armrests in a death grip, feeling the vehicle plummett makes me turn a slight greenish tinge. I start counting backwards from one hundred, willing the nausea to pass. When I've reached fifty, I've already reached for that lovely white paper bag and have begun to empty the contents of my stomach into it. Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I manage to find a mint to pop into my mouth. Realization that we've landed, brings a weak smile to my face. We have arrived safely. I wait until the other business passengers have made their departures before standing on my wobbly legs. Holding on to my two bags, I make my way down the aisle, making sure to thank the pleasant flight attendants. My mother did raise a polite daughter and all, might as well showcase her to the rest of the world when necessary. I exit the plane, feeling the cool air hit my cheeks.
Spencer Carlin, welcome to London.