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The Two Things I Pray For Before I Get On A Flight

December 16th, 2009 Leave a comment Go to comments

Right now I am sitting at my gate, about to take off to California for the holidays and I couldn’t be more nervous. I don’t know how or when it started, but at some point, I developed this overwhelming fear of flying and I haven’t be able to shake it. But what can I do? A man has to get home. I have family and friends who I miss dearly, and they in return, and of course, this wedding on New Year’s Eve.

Because I am afraid of flying, I always pray for my safety. I actually pray everyday, whether I’m up in the air or not, but I am one of those people who closes my eyes from the moment I strapped in and don’t open up them until we’re at least high enough for me to turn on all electronics.

The other thing I pray for, but not nearly as intensely as I do my safety, is that I am seated next to an attractive woman. Folks can roll their eyes all they want, but I have talked to many people, and it’s the worst kept secret that every one — whether they’re a man, woman, single, married, or in a relationship —hopes to sit by somebody with whom they can play a game of tic-tac-toe.

Here’s hoping for my safety first, and some pleasant company second. To all my readers who are traveling or have family traveling to see them, be safe.

I’ll be back tomorrow.

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  • http://www.paigeworthy.com Paige Worthy

    Your game is ALWAYS on, man. When I get on a plane, I’m hoping someone plain and boring sits next to me. So they won’t talk and they won’t make me nervous. Leave me alone and let me zone out with my iPod.
    Safe travels and merry Christmas, Jozen.

  • Jackie

    If you sit next to someone like me it wouldnt matter if im attractive or not b/c im sleep between the gate and take off and wont wake up until its time to land. I would be mad if u start talking to me b/c ur preventing me from my nap. LOL

  • BrwnButterfly

    I’m with Paige. I’m always praying that I don’t have to talk to the person next to me.Give me some music and a book and I’m in heaven. I’m also praying that the person sitting next to me doesn’t smell because then as far as I’m concerned my trip is shot. Have a safe trip and Happy Holidays Jozen.

  • Capricorn

    I pray for the flight crew to be in their right minds, especially the pilots, and also for a smooth flight and that the take off and landing are smooth. And that I am not sitting next to the crying baby.

  • Teach It

    Jozen–forever in playa mode. LOL

    Safe travels, Jozen!

  • Dililah

    I feel you on this one!!! I travel a great deal for my job and in the past 4 years have developed the same fear. Of course sitting next to a good looking person who you can have great conversation with helps tremendously, but it doesn’t always happen. With that said, I listed a couple of things that have helped me in the past and hopefully can be of some help to you. Excuse the long list, but just wanted to get it out there. They are the following:

    STAY UP PACKING ALL NIGHT

    If you do this, you will be too tired to even think about the flight and falling asleep will happen much sooner than you could ever hope for. This is a rule of thumb for me with the 5+ hour flights.

    CHOOSE SEAT CLOSEST TO THE WING SPAN SECTION AND THINK YOU ARE ON A BOAT

    If turbulence occurs, you will feel it less if you are sitting in a seat closest to the wing span isle of the plane.
    You can also think of turbulence like you are on a boat and the boat is hitting waves, thus causing the movement. Not my favorite, but it has helped somewhat in the past.

    BRING ELECTRONICS AND WORK TO DO

    I always have my headphones, iPod, and laptop when traveling. DVD’s are also helpful especially comedy’s. A classic is Eddie Murphy’s Raw and Chris Rock’s Bigger and Blacker.
    I also bring some work that needs to get done. May not occupy all of your time, but will keep you distracted for a good part.

    BOOKS/MAGAZINES

    There is nothing better than reading a good book or a bootleg smut magazine. My preferred choices are US Weekly and People. Other alternative choices that are much better reads are Oprah, TIME, and the morning paper.

    RED WINE AND OTHER LIQUORS

    I am strictly a social drinker when I’m out with my peoples, but this is definitely an exception to my rule. Red Wine has been my best friend on many flights as well as other liquors. The wine helps me fall asleep, but during my worst moments, vodka with a splash of sprite, cranberry, or OJ has never let me down.

    SLEEPING PILLS

    I really don’t like resorting to over the counter medicines like sleeping pills, but have been known to do it in the past. Of course not to be mixed if going the Red Wine/Liquors route, but another alternative if you don’t want to drink and your nerves are just getting the best of you to do anything else mentioned above.

    Safe Travels and Happy Holidays!

  • http://alana-supperclub.blogspot.com Alana

    You will be fine honey..and I agree with Paige I wanna sit next to someone who knows how to leave me the fuck alone and let me enjoy my novel!

  • http://www.twitter.com/project29 Nadine

    Have a safe trip!

  • http://blackfemmefatale.wordpress.com Jolie Fatale

    safe travels jojo

  • http://blackgirladventures.blogspot.com Alisha

    Have a safe trip, Jozen! As soon as I find my seat, I immediately pray. I hope I don’t get a neighbor who wants to talk the entire flight or one who snores. Let me listen to my music in peace. Merry Christmas and happy holiday!

  • LumbarPuncture

    Awww…I randomly developed a fear of flying out of nowhere so I understand. Safe travels and enjoy your holidays Jozen! As for sitting next to an attractive person? I rather sit next to an empty seat so I don’t have to partake in any forced conversations :-P

  • Whitney

    I prefer to fly vs drive, but I don’t like to fly. I always pray prior to take off and landing. I don’t like to sit next to talkers either, i prefer to stay in my own little world. I don’t like those 3 seats either, rather sit by the window in the 2 seat section. OH, I know its wrong, but I don’t like overweight people to sit next to me, the seats are small enough. sorry, just being real. I just had a bad experience once. I don’t mind if a nice cutie is next to me though. LOL

  • Christine

    I used to be so afraid of flying but the older I get the less frightening it is. Flying now represents getting the hell out of my environment…which in the last few weeks has been extremely cold. I’m with Paige also…don’t talk to me unless we are friends.

  • http://manamongboys.com TrueMan

    I’m out as soon as we leave the runway, and I usually don’t wake up until we touch down. I just pray I’m not next to some chatterbox that wants to keep me up with telling me why they’re flying today.

  • Jinx Moneypenny

    Safe travels J! Enjoy your flight!

  • Chanel

    I miss you already. Have a safe trip

  • frehug

    This is too funny! I am the total opposite…I used to buy a wedding magazine in the airport so that men wouldn’t talk to me or wear my “modest” fake diamond ring, the same one I used to wear when I went out and didn’t want to be bothered!