Silly old me

[Fantasia Sam]

Colloquial (sp?) ramble about to follow:


You know it's funny, and you'll find this even funnier when you meet me; I kinda think, and I know others do to, that I'm a sort of go get 'em, confident kinda woman. I've worked in the field of Human Resources for 13 years now and have to deal with all sorts of issues.

But today I suddenly got really scared about coming to DISCon. Not so much the meeting of new people, ofcourse that doesn't scare me and Penny told me that you were all "off your heads" (OK she didn't say that she said you were all very nice.

It's the whole getting on a plane, hanging around the airport, being on the plane on my own for the first time for that length of time, collecting my luggage, meeting my car, checkin at hotel and then sleeping on my own in my big hotel room and then thinking oh I wish Paul was here and then the same thing all over again on the way back.

I know that this is a big adventure and I'm truly excited about but as you can see I'm also a little hesitant.

I just wanted to share in the hope that the empathy will out way the sympathy and then I can kick myself up the behind for sounding so morose (sp?)

Do you know what I mean??

 

[glo]

I went through all that last year, and almost chickened out a few times. A friend kept talking me out of cancelling, and am I sure glad I didn't. THe feeling will only last until you get to the registration and then you will start meeting people and having a blast. After that it all goes way to fast and you will be in tears SUnday morning.

 

[Penny12]

Actually...I think they are all very nice <b>and</b> off their heads!

Sam... I understand...I <i>really</i> do. This past July, I went on my first ever solo trip to the States and all the little nerves you mentioned were MY nerves...even more so as my flight required a transfer at NY - I'd never done that before ever and I didn't have a clue about 'mid-way' Immigration and Customs, then going on to my connecting flight. I was alternately excited and terrified!

All I can say is that once I actually left home to start my journey, my nerves evaporated - trust me...it's the thinking about it that's the problem - once you actually get to do it, everything is fine When I got to the airport, I was actually bored waiting to get on the flight - I got on the plane...no problem - I really don't know why the thought of being on a plane by myself would feel any different than when I was with someone, but it didn't. You've been to Orlando airport loads of times so it's all familiar to you, and by the time you get to check-in at the hotel, you'll be on the go non-stop and having fun... really...you'll be fine (But I still understand how you feel )

 

[bashful64]

I can so relate to how you are feeling. I was at DISCON last year but I had my DH and 3 kids with me. I had a wonderful time but that family support system was there. This year I am going solo. I go between being excited about seeing all of my DISCON friends again and meeting some new ones and being absolutely petrified about having to fly so far all by myself and being so far away from home for so long. So hang in there....I'm sure we will both be fine

 

[Towncrier]

I know exactly what you mean. I think of my DW Sue as a part of me, and the thought of going to WDW for 2 weeks without her gets me worked up sometimes. If it weren't for the great friends that I have made through the DIS boards, I would not even consider making the trip solo. I know that we are all going to have a great time at DIScon.

BTW - Regarding my offer to drive you to and from the airport. I will not be the least bit offended if you decide to take a towncar, bus, or taxi from the airport to WDW. Since we have not yet met, I would not want to add to your nervousness.

 

[DaveH]

Sam, the thoughts your are having are very understandable. Once you get there, you may not have time to miss Paul (jk) lol!!! You will do fine. It is a big adventure and it is going to be so much fun. Beth and I are looking forward to meeting you. See you soon.

 

[Pixie Power!]

I'd never done that before ever and I didn't have a clue about 'mid-way' Immigration and Customs, then going on to my connecting flight. I was alternately excited and terrified

Penny, im in the same situation this time and i think this is what im afraid of the most, once im on my second plane i think my panic attacks will stop I hope.

Sam, Im with you all the way on this, Ive been mailing Tia for sometime on this very subject. Its such a big step for me as im really shy too well i am to begin with anyway To be honest i dont think that im going to have the time to be worried or concerned.

Cant wait to meet you all!!

Emma

 

[nativetxn]

I would feel exactly the same way if I was going to fly to England, solo. I would be nervous.

I think you will be fine once you get on the plane. {{{HUGS}}} sweetie, everything is going to be fine and you're going to have <b>so</b> much fun.

Of course, if I'm "off my head" then you might want to disregard this entire post

 

[December99]

I'm getting in that "panic mode" also! Getting on a plane with my family is one thing, but getting on the plane by myself with my daughter left at home has me very worried. I know the safety of being on a plane, blah blah blah, but the anxiety of what happens if something happens is always there. And the lawyer never got back to me to set up a will-making appointment so I didn't get my will done which bothers me a great deal. But I keep talking to my mom and telling her how much I need my trip and she better pull all the strings up there to make sure I'm safe and we have great weather!!!!!

(Hey - it helps to have connections sometimes - and that is in reference to Dave's weather post and now the rain is out of the forecast so far for Dec 1!!!!)

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

Sam, I fully understand!! I get so nervous going anywhere alone! My head just spins with the What-Ifs!! You know, what if I'm late and miss my flight? What if I can't find the loo (LOVE that word!!) What if I leave my purse/ticket in the loo? What if I get in the wrong queque? What if I can't find the gate? What if I get stuck at security? What if, what if, what if!!! Between the anxiety and the excitement, I'm a wreck!!

So, Sam, and all you other "nervous/panicky" Dissers out there, just keep thinking of all the fun we are going to have and the open arms that are just waiting for you to arrive to give you hugs!!!! I, for one, can't wait to meet you all and fully intend to give out hugs all around!!!!

See you soon!!!!!

 

[CarolA]

If it makes you feel better, I felt the same way the first time I flew to Europe on my own. I would love for the long term boyfriend to go with me, but 8 hours on a plane is a long time for a man who won't go in the toliet on the plane!

After the first time it gets easier!

 

[Mskanga]

Sam, I can so relate to that!!!!
I came from Spain to the USA back in 1988 by myself ( originally only for a year ) and I had to change planes in London, sleep over that night in London and then catch the plane to the USA in the morning, I slept in the airport ( don't ask how scared I was ) , thinking back it was funny , but it wasn't funny back then!
I'm going solo this time, I don't like the idea of getting on the plane alone , I'm one of those that thinks if anything happens, we are all together, but I can't keep thinking like this, now I understand what I did to my mom when I said I was coming to the USA, if my daughter ever does that to me, I will just kill her! We are going to have a blast and everything will be FINE!!!

 

[poopie]

what i did my first time solo.

I fell asleep in the airport and MISSED the plane to WDW.

DUH!!!!!

My first "big girl trip" and I BLEW it. lol

I am getting nervous about my solo trip to Africa in March. I know once I do that I will be able to do ANYTHING!!!!

Rachael

 

[dalepool]

Just remember-----WHAT IF I DON'T GO------Will I be any the worse? I think yes---I will have missed out on all the fun meeting others those who enjoy the same thrill as I -----visiting WDW.

I wonder how the family wiill do with out me. Will they keep the house clean, wash the clothes the way I do, feed the dog, and all the other thoughts that go thru my head as I prepare for my trip. I will dare to say-----they will manage. It is a scarey thought leaving the family home to fend for themselves----How much weight can they lose in one week? I'm thinking of my trip as a learning experience for the family---they will learn just how much time I put into taking care of their needs-----cooking shopping, cleaning, planning........all the things we do for our families that are taken for granted. The more I write this reply the more I know I need this trip. the more I know that the family needs me to go on this trip.

Guess I've been rambleing ---but it has been threapy for me--I'll see you all soon

PattyN

 

[Fantasia Sam]

You lot have made me LOL

Well lets just get this into perspective this uneasy feeling wouldn't make me NOT come to DISCon.

Dave - I think Paul agrees with you I won't realise he's not there until I'm on the plane home.

Rachael - Falling a sleep at the airport is a pure "CLASSIC" and I just keep giggling thinking about it - or that could be the wine I'm drinking

Chris - blimey o'reilly....you're talking of wills - I'll just write mine on a post it note!!

CarolA - Couldn't you take a bottle with you next time you want to fly for 8 hours together ??

Emma - we've obviously been hiding our nerves from each other my fellow "Brit-Chick"

Beth - I'll take the hug

Patty - from the sounds of it you sure do need this trip, and for the record I always find rambling is good therapy

Kath - You're right, you're off your head so I don't believe a word you say apart from the having fun part

Penny - Just thanks mate

Kanga - I think that's why I don't have kids, I couldn't take the constant reminders (j/k) I think everyone is right once we're on the plane we'll be fine

Glo - If I make it OK does that mean I go on your "who I've got to buy a drink for" list

John - I'm sending you a PM, the funny thing was I had a dream last night and it was with you in it and your funny chocolate eyebrows but you were Mr Jekyll and Mr Hyde you know like how Spencer Tracey played the character If anything I'd appreciate a real friendly face at the airport - perhaps Captain John ?

Bashful - we're ALL gonna be just fine

thanks everyone - you're all such stars

Big thankful hugs
I'm wearing glasses so you can't see me tear up xxx

 

[nativetxn]

LOL LOL LOL LOL!!!!!!!!!!! <b>SAM!!!</b> I just can't wait to meet you

 

[Penny12]

Sam.

Emma - don't worry about the inbound connection. Presumably both flights are with the same airline? When you check-in, ask at the desk what to do about customs and bags at Philly - they should know the routine. When you get on the plane, ask a steward/dess as well - hopefully you should get the same answer! And finally, if still in doubt, once thru customs (or still baggage claim), there should be someone from the airline floating around to ask.

Basically, how it worked with me was...I went thru Immigration as norm, then I collected my luggage and went thru Customs, then as <i>soon</i> as I got thru customs, there was a baggage person collecting the connecting luggage straight up again. Now this was with Continental, and as such, the whole terminal was 'theirs' so it may be a bit different - just remember, airlines do this all the time and know their stuff - it all went very smoothly. Just when in doubt - ask!

Oh, by the way, you only have to worry about this when you get in the States, going home, you'll check your bags and won't have to see them again till you get to the UK.