Hello and welcome

Hello to family, to friends, to friends of family, family of friends...

Right now I am sitting at the Chicago O'Hare airport bored out of my mind during the first hour of a seven hour layover. Within these first few moments I have concluded that airports should be a little more welcoming. Airports remind me of malls minus the hordes of 13-year-olds; there's a very frantic atmosphere and everyone is on a mission. Most people look like they just want to get where they want to go and pass out in a bed. Such as I, who have been up since 2 a.m. to do some last minute "do I really need to bring this many pairs of underwear" and to arrive at the airport at 4:30. Maybe airports should have a napping center, or at least some comfortable sofas to contemplate life and travels. Airports also lack appeal in entertainment for those with long long layovers. They should have an indoor pool, a stable with horses, or at least free wireless internet. But, alas, one must wait out long layovers with paperbacks, mp3 players and his or her imagination. I suppose that is enough, but it could be better.

I miss everyone. I miss my family, my dogs, my friends. When my mom burst out into tears at the airport, I realized, "Wow, I'm not going to be home for a REALLY long time." Stranded in the Chicago airport about to embark on a long journey with not knowing what to expect with no one to talk to and no way to go back home anytime soon, suddenly I feel very alone. I am incredibly excited though, I like a good adventure.