Gate F79, Tampa Bay Airport

I was waiting in line in security, thinking whether to take out my laptop first, or my ziploc of cosmetics. The kind of troubles you face when you travel, and you never get used to. Or maybe it's just me. I think to myself whether, 30 years from now, I'll remember this feeling of routine as I go through the motion. Take out my shoes, my coat. Get my driver's license out, but remember to put it back in. Check out the gate I'm departing from before wandering off. Hearing the plane's engine as it pulls into the gate. Looking at people - blank stares, chatting on the phone, reading a book, sleeping.

Attention please, this is your final boarding call...

I travel a lot. Maybe not as much as some people at work, but definitely more than most people I know - family and friends included. Sometimes I ask myself, do I like to travel? And always the answer is yes. But sometimes, the yes is followed immediately by I'd like it better if I travel with family.

When I travel for work, I seldom get the chance to bring my family along. I actually kid myself. Only once did it happen that my family was with me, while I happen to be traveling for work, and that was when we traveled to Phoenix. I'd like for that to happen again, but it's not common and not inexpensive. And there's Gabriel's schedule to consider as well. So no, it doesn't happen often.

My plane just arrived and I look at the people getting out. Anxious, smiley, serious faces. Jeans, coat and tie, flip-flops and high heels. Strollers, wheelchair, elderly, teenagers. The business man, a family going home (or vacationing, I don't know really). People on the phone.

I'm so used to it now. It's common. But I wonder, will it be something I will miss when I travel no more?

Time to board. I'll see you soon.