Saturday, June 18, 2011

Problem with Hello

This week I have noticed something.  I have a really hard time introducing myself to new people.  I get really nervous and my mind goes blank.  And I get frantic, so then my mind goes really blank, or focuses on something absolutely ridiculous.  Thought process: I could say 'Hi I'm Amanda' and they'd respond with their name, but what do I say after that?  I hate comments on the weather, so I won't comment on that.  I could comment on their clothes, but then I'll seem shallow.  I could comment on last night's baseball game, but they might hate sports and then there will be awkward silence.  The thought process usually ends with me giving up, or the opportunity passes me by. 

I've even asked for advice from some of my charming outgoing friends, who are very encouraging.  Their wisdom really gets me motivated, and I tell myself, "This is so easy!  I can do this.  Just don't get nervous and be your yourself."  Easier said than done.  This morning I had a perfect chance to practice, and I dropped the ball again.  After 5 minutes of sitting next to a person I'd never met and going through my traditional thought process and giving up, someone else introduced us and then we chatted a bit.  So, that one worked out okay in the end.  But still, I needed to be a big girl and introduce myself.  I don't have a problem with conversation post-introduction, it's just that initial "hello".  Maybe tomorrow I'll get the chance to try again. 

Speaking of tomorrow, it is Father's Day tomorrow.  Happy Father's Day to my super terrific wonderful awesome dad who has no problem meeting new people! :) 

Friday, June 3, 2011

Time Management

You might ask why I get to the airport so early? Well, let me tell you a story. One sunny afternoon a wonderful friend dropped me off at Sky Harbor Terminal 4. I checked my bag and the kiosk told me to go to Gate C-something. I glanced at the guy next to me and noticed his kiosk said C11. Cool. Both of us are over at C! So I proceeded upstairs and got a snack, went through security, and made my way to the C gates... To C11. Umm, C11 is really far. 2 moving walkways! And when I got there people were already boarding! Ah! I was late! How could this be?! Wait, the sign says "Chicago" um, was this my gate? In a panic I looked for a bank of tv displays to tell me my gate. I couldn't find a single tv in whole neighborhood! C11 was so far out they didn't have tvs! Nooo! So I got out my trusty iPhone and figured out I was actually C4... 2 moving walkways back. Arg. So I readjusted my bag and purse and voyaged to the correct gate.

I don't know why this happened. I just flew 2,weeks ago and was quite successful. Good thing I got to the airport early :). Appears it is time to get ready to board. Wait, why does the sign say San Jose? I'm going to San Diego!