Love/Hate Tug-of-War with Flying

My little trip this past weekend reminded me and enhanced my love of traveling and the adrenaline rush I get when I'm at the airport and on the plane.  I usually have very smooth flights no matter where I go, which I'm lucky that I've never really had problems.  This was one of my first times I had some issues with my flights going smoothly and trigger the thought of, "Love/Hate" with flying.

The things I hate:
-Delays & disorganization
-Not having window seats
-Rude passengers you are stuck by
-Turbulence
-Prices in the airport & on the plane
-Impatient passengers trying to be the first one of the plane

The things I love:
-The excitement and adrenaline rush
-All the emotions I feel as well as the ones I see from people around me
-Meeting people
-Window seats
-Watching thunderstorms from above the clouds
-Taking off and landing
-Arriving at my destination

Out of everything, I must say that the things I love out weight the things I hate.  You always have to take some bad to appreciate the good.  Every time I return from a trip, I look forward immensely to the next trip I will be taking. 

Scares & Scars of Shark Week

While many of us are enjoying the exhilarating shows of Discovery Channel's 'Shark Week' --there are many things to be learned.  As for my working brain I always go beyond what the actual show is talking about.  One thing that keeps popping into my mind is how to stay safe on your vacation if you encounter a shark infested area.  This is a simple tip, and taking the extra time to follow through could really make a difference.  Check out the latest episode of "Caitlin Takes on the World"!

Caitlin Takes on the World -Episode 1: "Avoid 'Shark Week' Nightmares"

No dancing at the metro station.

One thing I always loved when visiting D.C. was the adrenaline rush I got from riding the metro train.  Basically like a subway, but you're not always underground.  There was something I loved about it in all it's unglamorous glory.  Not only did I enjoy taking the metro, I was excellent at navigating my way from all the different stations and the different lines.  When I was in D.C. this past April with fellow classmates for a communications convention, I was the tour guide.

After introducing them all to the craziness of the metro and paying our respects at Arlington National Cemetery, we were heading back to the city to check out some of the Smithsonian museums.  While waiting in the station, I walked up closer to the track by the floor lights.  Now I've never been diagnosed with ADD, but I often believe I have it.  I was distracted and highly amused with those flashy floor lights, that I felt the need to tap my right foot, then my left foot on top of it in a dancer fashion then strut my way back to my classmates.

Little did I know a security worker of some sort from the Pentagon happen to catch a good look at my 4 second routine.  I saw the man as I walked back, but he didn't appear to be a security worker, plus he was carrying a few grocery looking bags which I thought he was losing grip of.  Oh no he didn't--but oh yes he did.  Marching towards me such urgency and a clear mission in mind: "Now there is no dancing or playing around, especially that close to the tracks.  You understand that I could arrest you for this.  I have more serious criminals to worry about, do you think I really want to waste my time and yours on something silly as this."  Horrifically embarrassed, myself and my classmates were stunned in disbelief that this man made such a big deal.  Sir, I understand your concern for the safety of the public as well as the safety of our government figures, but do I look like I'm 12? or that I'm suicidal?  No sir, I think not.  It was highly uncalled for.

After about 5 minutes, all we could do was laugh and talk about that incident until our train had pulled into the station.  Lesson learned kids, don't get ADD and try to dance in the metro station.  Security folk are lurking and will swoop in for the attack.