I don’t even know what to think. Well, I do know I don’t have to think about lesson planning anymore because all the tests and papers have been graded. Sigh.

I’m about to board a plane and I’ve never flown before. I’m traveling to California because I’ve always wanted to see the Redwoods in person. I hear the trees are so massive they make you feel like an ant. I just want to sit for a while when I get there. Sit and look. I want to sit and hear the sounds of the woods.

But for now, I’m boarding this plane and I’m watching what the scarce-haired man in front of me is doing. He looks like he knows what to do.

He sits down so I follow another man who has five heads of hair mixed into his long, dark dreadlocks. He puts his bag above his seat and sits down. I will put my mother-in-laws old bag above me when I sit.

I see seat 29 and am not sure where seat 29A is.

“Umm… excuse me miss.” A student asks a teacher. There is a middle aged woman reading a magazine in row 29.

“Where is seat 29A? I’ve never flown before.” I hope she doesn’t think I’m stupid.

She points to the seat across the aisle.

“Thank you.” I put my luggage above me and sit down in an aged, blue seat.

Breathe.

Here I go. A ticket to fly around the world and I’ve never even left my hometown.

Breathing is not easy right now. I look around and watch what everyone else is doing.

On this trip I will be the student.