Earlier this week, I realized I hadn’t blogged for awhile. And with that realization came a bit of stress, because I couldn’t think of what to write about. Thursday morning, however, whilst driving to work… it came to me.
For reference, my commute is roughly 20 minutes. And, as many of you know, my office is just across the street from St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Naturally, I see a lot of airplanes on my drive in, a lot of them throughout the work day, and a lot on my drive home.
And I loooooooooove airplanes.
OK, back to Thursday morning.
Shortly after getting onto I-70, I saw a Southwest 737 coming in from the north. It was flying straight toward me before it banked sharply to the right to line up for a 30R landing. Just a few minutes later, another one crossed overhead, and then another — it was plane after plane on the same approach.
In that moment, I just smiled and let out a big sigh — I was so happy. And that moment wasn’t even out of the ordinary. These simple realizations of how lucky I am come quite often… and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner — I thought it’d be fitting to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the many people who have inspired and supported me over the last several years as I blossomed into the person I am today.
To those who have loved, supported and helped guide me — thank you. Y’all definitely know who you are… and if you’re wondering, “Is she talking to me…?”
YES. I am talking to YOU.
Roughly a decade ago, I had no idea what my future would hold. And — believe it or not — I was deathly afraid of flying. I was also a job hopper. From TV news to communications in the nonprofit, private and government sectors… you name it, I did it. I couldn’t find my place in the sun.
Little did I know that a chance encounter with a big metal bird was about to completely change my life.
It was a cold, cloudy fall day and I was out on a long run in Minneapolis. Unbeknownst to me, I had ventured all the way out to MSP Airport. I was near the south end of runway 17/35 when an airplane took off right over my head.
I was forever changed.
I was fascinated, intrigued and full of emotion. But why?
Then, it hit me: I love airplanes. I’ve always loved airplanes. I will always love airplanes.
Aviation is in my blood, and it took me 20 some years to realize it. My parents were flight attendants on Eastern Airlines (that’s how they met in the ‘80s) and my dad served in the U.S. Air Force for three decades! DUH!
I’ve also always loved things that felt “magical” to me… and this, my friends, was (and still is) the epitome of magic. This epiphany coupled with my long-standing (but completely independent) fascination with space, helped me to identify and realize a dream: to work for The Boeing Company.
Through mentorship, counseling, and unconditional love and support from family and friends, I grew into the aviation nerd / storyteller / history buff / turbulence-loving girl I am today.
So, to all of you, who helped me to look up — literally and metaphorically — thank you.
The Great Planes 