I ride the air-o-plane

I completely love the airport scene-- the screaming babies, families traveling in packs, tearful hugs, introspection, and the solitude of reading a book. It provides the rare opportunity where you can sit in a spot and potentially not know a single person. You have no connection to any of the faces you see, no relationship to anyone around you. There's a strong possibility that you will not see any of these people for the rest of your life. Strangely enough, this does not sadden me-- I feel liberated.

Airports have this heightened, intense energy where everyone is rushing to the correct gate, hoping to board on time. I stare at the departure screens, mesmerized by the prospects offered, and suddenly I want to travel everywhere-- Nashville, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, England!

As I waited at my gate in Kansas City, Ben Folds pounding out piano notes in my ear, I listened to Marilyn Mountain sitting across from me making about a dozen phone calls. I presume it was business-related. I observed a young mom talking on her cell while holding her newborn, complaining about how much 'effing' work the baby was. The woman looked tired. Another older man was chewing on a sandwich, mouth open and staring creepily at me.

I was one of the last to board and my seat was 1A-- sitting at the front of my 'zone,' as they say. I buckled myself in, and listened to Chris (at least he looked like a Chris) give the airline spiel about safety regulations. The woman sitting next to me and I shared a giggle as the male flight attendant demonstrated very precisely how to buckle the seat belt. Across the aisle sat two young men-- one appearing sixteen and moaning, 'Oh man! Oh man, this feels weird!' everytime there was the slightest turbulence (It was his first time flying).

Planes are on a constant rotation, taking turns on the runway, like sisters sharing a bathroom. The plane takes off like a shot, and suddenly you are going faster than you ever could in a car on the ground. Soon you are up in the air, sailing above swimming pools and land masses-- everything looking microscopic and geometrical. I always anticipate that awful moment when you are on the descent and hovering very closely to the runway, awaiting the wheels to touch down. I'm probably one of those few people who enjoy layovers.