by Vicki Brown

Created on: June 13, 2010

 Flying is safe. You’re more likely to have a crash on the way to the airport than you are to be in a plane crash. It’s silly I know but I have to say all these reassuring statistics every time I fly. I used to take drugs before I could even think about getting on an airplane.

I’m making progress. Now I only have to talk myself into a feeling of safety instead of being plunged into terror at the thought of flying. I have great motivation for this flight. I’ll concentrate on that.

I can’t wait to see the look on mom’s face when I walk in the door. She has no idea I’m coming home for her birthday. It will be nice to be home with a big gathering of family. That’s the downside of living so far from home. I miss out on everything.

Okay, I’m here. I walk to the United counter to check in and check my bag. How can all these people be so calm? I’m sure everyone can see how scared I am. No. I am not scared. And it starts all over again. Flying is safe. You’re more likely to die blah, blah, blah.

Okay, waiting in this line isn’t helping. What’s the hold up? If they could, people would be honking their horns. They sure do like to do that in Boston. It’s a small city and the roads make no sense. There are too many one-way streets and those traffic circles should have a sign that says, “Enter at your own risk.”

That’s good think of everyday things. Driving in Boston that should terrify me but it doesn’t. I don’t think about it. That’s because I do it every day. I don’t fly every day. Oh God, there it is again. If I weren’t in public, I’d slap myself. Snap out of it you wuss! Look at all these people getting on planes.

Oh great, the line moved and I didn’t. Sorry, I’m sorry. Luckily I don’t have much carry-on. Mom’s gift and other silly gifts for my nieces and nephews are in my checked bag.  I’m not staying that long and I have appropriate clothes in my closet in California.

Should I use the restroom before I sit down to wait? Yeah, I should. Haha, mom would make me go. She’ll mother me until she’s, well, forever. Okay, is there a coffee cart around here? There’s one right there. Wait, I think they are starting to board. There aren’t many people on this flight. It seems like a waste of jet fuel.

Okay, my seat is on the left, no the right. I really should learn the alphabet

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next Page >>