in the beginning

I really enjoy airports. Any place where two of my favorite things (Caribou and McDonald's breakfast burritos) come together is a perfect place to spend two hours of any morning. I also like airports for the same reason I like sidewalks - there are lots of people who are all going somewhere. They have a plan. They are on a mission. It makes me want to run around asking, "Where are you going? Where are you headed? Are you sad to be leaving or exciting to be going?" Alas, I am an introvert, so I choose to make up their stories instead.


Today's favorite story: After stowing my carry-on securely in the overhead compartment, I found my window seat next to a 40-50 something, pretty good-looking guy. I concluded he was flying to Hawaii to see his daughter who he hadn't seen in about 5 years. She moved to Hawaii (after graduating with a BA in English) to learn how to surf and make a living as a hula dancer. Just as I was picturing what their tearful reunion would look like, he turned and introduced himself, and the rest of our pre-departure time was taken up by a conversation about medical supplies used in helicopters and airplanes (he is a project manager at a company that develops such things.) I thought about asking him if he had a daughter who lived in Hawaii, but since he said he was from Fargo, I concluded the likelihood was slim.

Flying itself is equally as interesting to me. My flight in facebook statuses:

Erin loves window seats.
Erin is thinking this is a lot like Google Earth with the labels turned off.
Erin is, hey! Was that Eden Prairie?
Erin misses pretzels.
Erin is in a cloud sandwich.
Erin must have like being jiggled as a baby. Turbulence is really soothing.
Erin hates window seats. She has to pee!
Erin is wondering how long "110 miles" will take.
Erin sees flowers and green grass!

Anyway, I think you get the point.

As for my first day in my second Venice, it's a beautiful one. I spent some sand time in the sun (sun time on the sand?), wandered around aimlessly, and grew the ceremonial first blisters. It didn't take long to make myself at home. Good thing no one else needs to share this space. I can say that it's slightly less messy now, but I make no promises it will remain that way.


The beach is beautiful, and quite empty. The water is cold and salty, but feels wonderful on tired feet. I can now say I've been in the Pacific Ocean! Up to my ankles...




So what is the "in conclusion"? the "in the end?" the "all in all" of today?

Well, there isn't one because I just got started. I'm invoking my calm side, my quiet side, my patient side. The side of my that would prefer to be in control if it weren't for deadlines and life and going, going, going...