Ahead of a flight, without fail, I become skittish. I am a bundle of nerves. We’re talking tears, elevated heart rate, and full on panic. Once I get through security I am fine, cool as a cucumber. But prior to that, forget it. This trip was no different. I bawled my eyes out when I woke up because I was so overcome with anxiety. Usually my Dad handles the airport drop-offs. Originally he would walk me to security but now that there is more comfort with my solo traveling (both him and me!) he just drops me outside the airport. For some reason, this time, my Mom wanted to join the drive. She wanted to come in and see me off. I shut down when she said that. I knew I was 3.5 seconds away from losing it and couldn’t have that. I explained that it was easier for them to do a drop and go.

Something to know about me, is that I am early for EVERYTHING. I arrived at the airport, wait for it, 6 HOURS EARLY. Granted I like the airport and don’t mind getting there early, there was a method to my madness this time. I had heard that airports were an absolute madhouse and I wanted to be sure that I had a substantial cushion in case there was some issue or crazy lines. Well, it took a total of 15 minutes to get through security, so I had a good 5 hours and 45 minutes until my flight took off.

Not a problem though, I had a good book, “Sea of the Unknown” by Jay Swanson (Check it out!) and was ready to get a drink and do some people watching.

See you soon Paris!

Tips, Links, and Locations

Great book! Sea of the Unknown by Jay Swanson

Hey, where’d ya get that name? The title of this post comes from a conversation between friends, in which one of the friends is Swiss, so English is not their first language. She thought that while we were saying “Secret Journal Thoughts” we were saying “Secret Turtle Thoughts.” Hilarity ensued and Secret Turtle Thoughts was born!