Dumping My Comfort Zone for the Thrill of It

By Cal Orey

This is life, and you need not worry,

for you are exactly where you need to be. 

- A D Kruk quotes 

SLC Airport

This morning I woke up with traveling on my mind. After a cup of joe I called the airline and tried once again to change my flight plan. Each time I do this it seems to get more challenging, whether it be getting up at 2:30 am to a layover in Salt Lake City for several hours. So, for some reason, the route I have is meant to be. It is what it is and I've decided to exhale and go with the unknown. 
Plus, I confess I've been watching every airplane disaster film, from "Snakes on a Plane" to "Non-stop" and even "Alive"! Perhaps I'm looking for adventure or I'm a fool; but I'm ready to toss cable TV, computer and forget getting a cellphone. 

Today it hit me. I'm trying to recapture the little girl in me. After all, at 21 I set out for adventure; I was fearless. Hitchhiking across America with a small dog and going north (on a whim) to Quebec was on my agenda. I did it without any "what ifs". I desperately need to get back to that place where I relinquish control and face life face to face. So, if I miss my flight connection--so what? Ironically, while I stress now about it--other challenges await. Baby steps. The funny thing is, the more I plan to make a perfect vacation the more stumbling blocks get in the way. Perfection doesn't exist. It's over-rated. I don't like the woman with phobias that I've become. I crave to go back in time and embrace life without worrying about consequences. It's time.

Adventure may happen anywhere while en route

The flight plan is done. I will not call and try and re-route--this is a challenge in itself. There are only so many routes going from Reno-Tahoe Airport to Quebec. I prefer larger aircraft (another fear) over smaller planes. That phobia probably stems from a book tour to Seattle. When I entered the commuter plane ideal for little people like in The Wizard of Oz--I sensed trouble ahead. Can you spell t-u-r-b-u-l-e-n-c-e?  Women were losing their "fishies" in the airline bags, our pilot talked to us via intercom throughout the "fasten your seatbelt" bumpy flight from hell to Seattle. A man next to me quickly befriended me and talked me through the rough ride, minute by minute. But I survived.

The bottom line: The itinerary is done. No more tweaking. The thing is, while I ponder if a severe thunderstorm will hit Tahoe-Utah a Southeast hurricane or Northeast chill may be the challenge. I cannot control Mother Nature. 
Note to self: Pack bathing suit, jeans, and T-shirt in carry-on just in case my baggage gets lost during the tight 31 minute flight connection. My mantra: "I will end up where I'm supposed to be--wherever that is."