Lots of Firsts

Ever since I started my job 2 1/2 years ago, I have known that I would eventually be sent to Washington, D.C. for training, and I have been anxiously looking forward to it for many reasons. I know most people will think this is crazy, but I had never flown in an airplane!  42 years old and never flown!  People have asked me if it was because I am afraid of flying, but really it's just that we've never gone anywhere.  We've always been frugal about our vacations, and flights for 6 are expensive, so we always go places we can drive.  Well, I finally got my chance, and I'm so glad my first flight was to D.C. and not Nebraska or Oklahoma (apologies to all of those states' citizens I just offended).

Excitedly waiting in the airport.

 After take-off, I was happy to find that flying was kind of fun!  Emma wanted to know what it was like to fly and asked me to take lots of pictures for her, so I took pictures out of the window...

of the airplane seats...

 

 
and the tiniest bag of peanuts I've ever seen!

I was having a great time!  The steward on my first connector flight thought it was amazing that it was my first time (since I am so old!), so he brought me some plastic wings they normally save for 5 year olds and an assortment of all of the snacks they offered (not including 1st class treats, of course!).  

I have now technically flown 4 times, so I'm pretty much a pro!  During those 4 flights I got to experience a whole array of fun, new things. I went through a full body scanner twice, which was no big deal, even though Del only had to go through the metal detector.  I got pat down twice for stupidity, once because I forgot to take my cell phone out of my pocket and once because I accidentally put my hands on my head when I was supposed to just lift them above my head during the body scanner.  Apparently I could have been hiding a dangerous weapon in my hair, and my hand would have hidden it from the scanner.  Good to know!  We also had an incredible lightning show during our flight! It was an amazing sight! I really don't think I could have asked for a better first time flying experience.  Well, except for the part where I spilled a glass of cranberry juice all over my lap at the beginning of my last flight.  That was a long, soggy trip. Regardless, I loved it all!