Zen at MIA

Yesterday I traveled from Miami to Chicago, arriving at MIA at 2:30 pm, landing at ORD at 8:00 pm and getting to my hotel @ 9:30 pm. Yet, I was oddly relaxed and calm throughout the trek.

I got to MIA ridiculously early because my meeting had ended, and I had nothing else to do–or that I could do and still make it to the airport with time to return my rental car. I knew there was an earlier flight but also knew it was sold out. I thought I might find a Starbucks and do some work.

First, I had to get a boarding pass. I didn’t see any self-check-in kiosks, so I had to ask where to get a Boarding Pass! I was directed to a check-in line, but there was no wait, so that process was smooth.

Next was the security screening. I changed my shoes before getting in line since I can’t get my flip flops off quickly. Again, I had to ask which line to get in, and was directed to the priority line (undeserved!) but it wasn’t really any shorter than the other. That went fine too–no extra screening for my bandaged toe this time.

I was near the gate for the earlier flight, so I decided to see if there was an open seat, knowing that the chance was slim to none. I heard people say there was a plane change, so I thought it might be possible that it was a bigger plane, but no such luck. While waiting to ask, I noticed that I was calm, unrushed, and fully expecting to be turned down.

With 2.5 hours to kill, I looked for the Starbucks. I walked and walked and walked, but didn’t see one. I did see a jewelry store with lots of silver jewelry, so I thought I’d see if they had any silver hoops since I’ve lost my favorite ones. It took me a while to pick out earrings, but I ended up with two pairs.

I asked the sales clerk where the Starbucks was, and she told me the gate, which was all the way past where I started and then some. I took the Sky Train in the right direction to have a bit of mercy on my toe. I still had to walk further to get there, but I finally found it.

Of course, there was a long line, but I didn’t mind. I got a tall skinny one pump pumpkin spice latte and chocolate muffin. I was mildly annoyed because two women were occupying the space at the only three small tables, but I sat at the middle table that was technically open. I knew right away that I could not work there–no outlet, not sure about wireless, didn’t want to hog a table for too long–so I enjoyed my snack and caught up on emails, Facebook and Twitter.

I decided to buy water and a sandwich before heading to my gate, again waiting calmly in a long line. I walked back to my gate, and found a place to recharge my phone so I could read on the plane. I wanted to ask the gate agent if I could board early, but I waited as long as possible to get my phone charged up. Again, waiting longer to do something than I would have otherwise.

Getting on the plane early means waiting even longer before take-off. My seat was almost all the way in the back and by a window, so I felt really “tucked in” but not trapped.

Usually even a short flight has me checking the time, but there was a good movie (Just Wright) and I also enjoyed reading my book.

We landed a bit early, but had to wait for a gate. Usually this would annoy me, but I didn’t care. I also am usually anxious to get off the plane quickly, but I knew that with my seat I’d be one if the last to get off, so I just sat tight, again checking on the latest emails, Facebook and Twitter.

I finally made it off the plane and trekked the long walk to the rental car bus stop. I got my rental car without too much effort, although I had to wait in another line because I was 3 hours later than my reservation time. I was getting grumpy–but not enough to try to cut the line (which wasn’t TOO long). It’s not like I PAID for priority service, I just signed up and have to make 5 rentals per year to keep it.

I made it to the hotel and again had to wait to check in, and again was calm, but getting very tired. At least the end was in sight!

It was odd being so relaxed while traveling, I usually feel rushed or stressed. It was nice to be calm about everything even when things didn’t totally go my way.

I hope I can hold on to some of that zen for my trip home tonight.