Always, Sometimes, Never: The Travel Edition

Well what do you know, I am once again in the midst of a trip.  This time to Orlando.  Please don't be jealous.  I'm attending a conference for work which is a good learning opportunity for me but I could just as well be in Timbuktu because between the conference, client dinners, and studying for the CFA, it's not like I will see the light of day. But I guess I will see palm trees and sun from the confines of the hotel, which is probably better than looking outdoors and seeing snirt (the midwesterner's term for the lovely combination of snow and dirt)!  I *hope* this is my last work trip before the move because I am totally worn out!  I can't wait to get home tonight so I can sleep in my own bed and not eat out every meal. Except I found out last night that I have to go back to Charlotte AGAIN next week. It's a quick trip but still. It's like the powers that be forgot I am studying for the CFA and preparing for a cross country move. :(. But I digress.

Through all the traveling I've done, I have definitely developed some habits, rituals, and perspectives so I thought I'd share them in the format of an "always, sometimes, never" post.

I always...
- attach my keys to a latch in an inner pocket of my backpack when I get to the airport - and they stay there until I fly back into the airport.  That way I always know where they are and avoid the "OMG where did I put my keys" panic attack.

- travel with my backpack (and put my purse inside of it while boarding to meet the 2 carry-on maximum rule), even when I don't bring my laptop.  I think a backpack is the most space efficient and ergonomic carry-on, although traveling with one probably makes me look like I am a college student.

- try to sit in an aisle seat as I like the freedom of being able to get up and go to the bathroom without having to disturb someone else. My exception is international flights as I like being able to lean against the window when I try to sleep on those flights.

I sometimes...
- have a drink in the airport at the start of a trip if it's for personal or if it's an evening flight and I don't have to study on the flight.  It's nice to have a glass of wine to start off a trip!


- get upgraded to first class now that I have Silver status on Delta (which is the lowest status so really not a big deal). I love it when this happens as the extra seat room is awesome since I kind of have long legs!

- get really, really annoyed with people in the security line that don't observe what should be well known rules by now.  Like last week a women went through security with 2 full 20 ounce bottles of water.  What in the what?  Does she live under a rock?

I never...
- initiate conversation with my seatmate.  I am just not a 'talk to a stranger I will never see again' type of person.

- check a bag on domestic flights, even though I can check a bag for free on Delta. I've had a couple of awful experiences of having my luggage get lost and it's way more efficient to just carry-on.

- have been in an airport that is as nice as the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.  We have the best food options and book stores, IMO.  It is a rather large airport but once you understand how it's laid out, it's actually really easy to navigate. 

Do you have any travel rituals?

Always... Sometimes... Never

It's been awhile since I've done one of these type of posts. It's a good way to expound upon the random thoughts floating around in my head these days...

I always...
- smile when I think of my time in Paris. That city is just plain magical - I can't wait to return some day!
- sleep better in my parents home. Is it the fact that the room is darker since I usually sleep in a basement room?  Is it because it's one of the few times I feel taken care of?  Whatever the reason, I sleep deeply and peacefully when I am home.

I sometimes....
- wonder if I will ever have someone besides my parents to put down as an emergency contact.
- miss marathon training.  I never thought I would say that.  And that doesn't mean I will run another marathon (I am pretty sure I won't).  It just means I miss being in a frame of mind where I was so focused on running - and in such great shape.  I miss the days of long runs when the miles just effortlessly ticked by.  I'll get back to that state again.  Just not until after the CFA exam.

I never...
- thought it would be so easy to give up dairy. As a cheese lover, I honestly thought my heart would ache for cheese. I actually don't really miss it... yet!
- would choose to relive my junior high/high school years.  Seriously. Those were dreadful, dreadful years.

Ok, your turn - what's your Always... Sometimes... Never?

Always, Sometimes, Never

I did a post using this format a while back, and thought it'd be fun to do it again!

I always...

• pay attention to how people treat the waitstaff at a restaurant. I worked as a waitress for 3.5 years in college so am very sensitive how people treat waiters/waitresses.
• wear my seat belt. Even if I am only driving a block - it is such a subconscious habit!
• fill out the memo line on my checks. But I don't get copies of my checks and never pull them up online, so this is such a useless habit (unless I am referencing an account number). Not that I write out many checks these days...

I sometimes...

• fantasize about being a librarian. It's not even an option given the amount of student loan debt from obtaining my MBA, but it's a nice thought. I already totally have the wardrobe!
• wish I could work in a sound-proof booth. People can get on my nerves really quickly, especially when I'm stressed out or working on something difficult.
• wonder if I will ever have the opportunity to have my own children.

I never...

• paint my own toe nails. If I do, it looks like a 5 year old did it!
• wear short sleeved shirts to work - even in the summer. I always seem to freeze at work, regardless of the season.
• end a phone call with my parents without saying, "I love you."
  

Your turn! Fill in "I always... Sometimes... Never..." in your comment or do this on your blog!

Always, Sometimes, Never

Amber did this last week over on her blog so I thought I'd give it a shot.

I always...

• drive with my headlights on - even when it's completely bright outside.
• end every conversation with my parents by saying 'I love you'.
• let the phone ring twice before answering it. I think my mom learned to do this at some business seminar she went to like 15 years ago and it has stuck with me ever since.
• put on my make-up before blow drying my hair.
• tear up when a bride is walking down the aisle, even if I don't know the bride that well.

I sometimes...

• wonder if certain people who ride my bus missed out on the lesson in kindergarten about waiting your turn in line. There are people who will get dropped off as the bus is arriving and will hop right onto the bus even though there is a line of people. It infuriates me!!
• wonder what my life would be like now if I had gone to college outside of my home state of North Dakota.
• walk in and out of Barnes & Noble without buying a book. But not very often.
• fantasize about living overseas, possibly in France. I could never do it, though - I would miss my family too much.
• get in these intense cleaning moods where I clean out & re-organize closets/fridges/etc. I usually get in these moods when I am worrying about something or going through a break-up.

I never...

• stretch before running. I'm too impatient and am always so anxious to get started on my run.
• drink milk directly out of the carton, even though I live alone. I find that repulsive.
• talk to the person sitting next to me on airplane rides. I immediately put my headphones on and give off the 'don't talk to me' vibe. I would probably change this policy if a cute guy ever sat next to me but that never seems to happen!!
• enjoy driving. I don't dream of having a nice car, I dream of having a chauffeur!
• dreamed that I would run a marathon; it always seemed like an unattainable goal that only really athletic people could achieve.