Simple words that just…. Work

While waiting for my flight from Toronto (after one of the longest weeks I have ever worked), I sat at the gate behind a mother and son traveling to DC. At first I ignored their childish interactions and tried to just gather my thoughts. I stared out the window to the runway and watched planes pass, allowing my thoughts to wander from one topic to the next; digging through layers of unfinished tasks cluttering my brain and all to soon found myself lost and a bit overwhelmed.

Almost as though for my benefit, the child ran around the row of seats and paused right in front of me, laughing a bit too loud, and dragging me from my reverie. The mother was not far behind and the following exchange occurred:

Mother, “I’m gonna get that hug whether you want to give it to me or not.”

Son, giggling again and running as if trying to escape, “uh uh, I’m too fast for you.”

“Oh yeah?”

They ran around repeating similar exchanges (and entertaining me) until the mother caught up to him (or he let her catch him), again right in front of me. She picked him up and folded him in her arms and said, “The best thing about giving hugs is that you get one in return at the same time."

For some reason it just hit me… It was brilliantly simple and right in line with what I was feeling… I needed to give a hug, because I wanted one. Simple, honest and it saved me from loosing myself to my unfinished tasks and doubts.

Nine hour trip to Toronto

Consider this the beginning of an adventure…

From cancelled flights, mechanical delays, freakish whiteouts and two rounds of de-icing to extend what should have been an hour and a half journey into a nine hour journey.

I’ll set the stage: Terminal B at DCA (Washington’s National Airport) gate 16.

The cast of characters; now this is where the entertainment begins:

Characters 1 and 2: a mother-daughter combo with enough drama to rival Judy and Liza. The 10-year-old little girl, at first, appears to be adorable and easy going. However, after her mother begins a yelling spree with every Air Canada employee she can find, the little girl begins to enter ‘drama mode’ as well; mimicking her mother’s actions and throwing a temper tantrum about having to sit in the airport all afternoon. The mother (the real gem in the couple) is in her mid-forties and eager to let everyone who will listen, know that her son lives in DC, she sees him only three or four times a year and these inconsiderate Air Canada employees are “robbing her of precious time with her son.”

Character 3 – the light skinned black women (please note, she is Canadian, so I don’t know if “African-American” is the right term here) who has passed the many hours with me at the airport and has filled me in on her career (bus driver), her health issues (colitis) and her extended family (all living about an hour north of Toronto). In the end she sits halfway up the plane from me and tortures/talks at character 4 – a flamboyant, long-haired drag-queen out of drag (who provides his own entertainment with the antics of positioning his oversized body in the incredibly small aircraft and seats.)

Character 5 – the American shrink living in Ontario who is returning from the American Psychological Association’s governance meeting and who joins me in finding humor observing the other passengers. She is (most likely) a Jewish woman who exudes class and whose intelligence is apparent. She is the kind of therapist I would love to have.

Character 6 – the redheaded 20-something girl who attempted to flirt with me until I began reading my “Out” Magazine, proceeded to sigh loudly and turned to the slightly older, chubbier young man on her other side (they stayed united throughout the ordeal and were seen together at baggage claim… one can wonder where that might lead…)

Character 7 – the model-like dark-haired/blue-eyed Adonis sitting two rows ahead of me. The removal of his sweater revealed just enough of his six-pack abs and “treasure trail” to make my heart beat once so hard that I felt it in both of my heads. I’m surprised his head didn’t explode from the amount and intensity with which I stared at it and fantasized about him through the cracks in the seats.

Character 8 – the artsy girl dressed in all black (with a t-shirt that read “find your center”) sitting across the aisle and one row behind me. She comfortably curled up and read a novel thick enough to be the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Character 9 – My Trinidadian seatmate whose eyes twinkle when she laughs and whose voice lulls me into a sense of comfort and full disclosure. Returning from four weeks in DC taking care of her depressed brother; she is the widowed wife, mother and sister of professors from around the world. A calmness and serenity emanates from her in a way that puts the mind and soul at ease.

And of course – character 10 the casually dressed, unshaven gay boy, observing the world and engaging my fellow passengers with just enough witty banter to extract the pertinent information from them and retreat into my fantasies and pass the time.

All in all, not a bad way to pass the day and begin my northern adventure.

Day 1 – all over again

The Springhill Suites in Edgewood, Maryland… What did I get myself into?

It is the night before my first day on my first client in my new job. I’ve been working on the launch materials for two weeks, assisting the senior manager and beginning to understand exactly what the project is going to entail. I feel comfortable to say, I still don’t have a full idea of the scope. I know we will have a strong team, but the learning curve and growing pains are going to be interesting to navigate.

It’s a change in lifestyle. I left my usual Sunday night crew to drive an hour and a half north and embark on this new adventure. I’m excited; I’m nervous, but most of all excited. I am sitting in my hotel room listening to “Grease, You’re the One that I want” and realizing that my goal is becoming a reality. Months ago, I set-out to find myself a new job. I’ve arrived.

People say, “be careful what you wish for”, I was and am happy I had the courage to make the wish!