As I sit right here at Gate M24 in Chicago’s O’Hare airport, I’m graced by the daylight that shines forcefully by way of the clouded windowpanes displaying the organized chaos that litters the tarmac. My day was full of final minute packing, my final selfmade matcha latte, a easy little street journey to the Windy Metropolis with my candy mom, and some not so easy experiences as I tried to make it by way of the airport to my gate.
Journey Companion Reunion
The primary memorable expertise on my new journey occurred nearly as quickly as I stepped out of our trusty Honda Odyssey. I checked my bag, weighed my keep it up, and bought my boarding passes; I had not nonetheless managed to recollect my water bottle. My stunning water bottle outfitted with a compass, flint and metal, and a Paracord deal with was nonetheless hanging out within the automotive with my mother who already on her manner residence. As quickly as I used to be in a position, I gave my mother a hoop on my “Helpful”(German for cellphone:) and really humbly requested if she can be prepared to reunite me with my water bottle. I’m deeply grateful for the overwhelming kindness she displayed by making the 20 minute trek again in Chicago visitors to ship my journey companion.
my journey companion! (thanks mother)
Reunion #2
The memorable experiences stored coming! Feeling grateful for the latest reunion, I appeared down to find I in truth didn’t have my neck pillow hanging on my carry-on. It was true. I referred to as my mother as soon as extra this time asking if my neck pillow was hanging out within the van. She once more met me with grace, however this time was not capable of affirm the neck pillow was in her presence. Realizing it was not within the van, I got here to the one remaining conclusion: I had dropped it. With a weary smile on my face, I peered by way of the foggy, upper-level window to find my neck pillow patiently ready for me on the street exterior. Descending the escalator for the second and closing time, I causally trotted to the street and humbly retrieved my neck pillow from the pleasant pile of salt that had stored my neck pillow firm whereas I used to be away.
A Win for Sustainability
Dismissing the mud and salt, I then inspired my neck pillow to remain linked to my carry-on as I made my manner in the direction of the safety check-point. I used to be excited to see the road for safety was just about nonexistent, similar to my information of what was to return.
I proceeded to take off my trusted Blundstone boots and place them within the plastic trays, retrieve my laptop computer from my bag and place it in its personal tray, empty all of my pockets, take my jacket off, and ship all of my remaining gadgets by way of. I entered the complete physique scanner in my socks that learn “CHRIST STRENGTHENS ME,” and I smiled and felt slightly extra at peace. I then stopped smiling as a result of I assumed that may appear suspicious. That peace tried to flee my physique once I noticed my bag had been taken apart for additional inspection. I made peace stick with me as I gathered up the gadgets that had made it by way of the scanner unscathed. I waited patiently to be referred to as over to the bag inspection space and was instructed to not make any actions in the direction of my bag. I acknowledged the command and watched because the TSA agent tried to find a “sharp steel object” in my bag. I used to be totally confused at this as a result of though my packing was final minute, I used to be assured no “sharp steel objects” had made their manner into my carry-on.
I used to be pleasantly stunned when the TSA agent pulled out my reusable chopstick container and requested “are these chopsticks steel?” I merely couldn’t maintain again my smile perhaps slightly giggle as my bag was handed again to me. It introduced me pleasure to know that my sustainable efforts had been seen, even when for the mistaken cause. Possibly the TSA agent will resolve to spend money on a pair of reusable utensils after our interplay! My first sustainable win of the journey!
Memorable Moments
After a memorable first hour of journey, Ben Rector and I are hanging out at gate M24 excited for the plethora of latest adventures that await. His music “Paris” streams by way of my noise cancelling headphones that may most definitely stop me from listening to necessary flight bulletins. Regardless of this, I pay attention on and replicate on what I’ve realized to this point.
I’ve realized to welcome memorable moments. Some could substitute the phrase “memorable” with phrases resembling “surprising,” “hectic,” or “uncomfortable.” I, alternatively, hope to welcome these moments with expectation quite than dread. Memorable, uncomfortable, and hectic moments are part of each journey huge or small, how will I select to embrace them?
Oh, I’ve additionally realized to double examine I’ve all of my gadgets a number of occasions.
Effectively, I’m off to Paris with my water bottle, neck pillow, and coronary heart stuffed with gratitude!
Catch ya later mates!
