Hello from OHIO!!!!!!!
Yes! I am writing this from home! Can you believe it?!?
Cue the masks, the goggles, surgical gloves, hand sanitizer and a face shield, and I am officially back at my parents’ kitchen table, writing this here blog post!
If you follow me on Instagram (which I would really appreciate! – @beauty.beyond.bones) then you would already have known this, as I’ve been posting ALL about it! But, after canceling my flight home for Thanksgiving for fear of the virus, I decided that I would fly home two weeks before Christmas, so that I could beat the holiday travel rush!
And boy, am I glad that I did. My friend flew the week of Thanksgiving, and she said it was as crazy and crowded as ever. So I knew if there was any hope of making it home for Christmas, I had to travel smart. So today was the day!
I wanted to share what it was like, flying out of the biggest city in the country, and hopefully provide some insight, if by chance, you are traveling over Christmas, too.
First things first: I almost didn’t go. I had my eye on the COVID rates for Ohio, and they are…grim. 25,000 cases on December 2, and 11,000 cases on the 12th — which is worse than New York! But I decided that I cannot be controlled by fear, and need to live my life, albeit cautiously and mindfully.
So, this morning, I made a game time decision, and threw whatever clothes I grabbed from my closet in a suitcase, and thirty minutes later, I was out the door, on my way to the airport!
And I must say, I was so pleasantly surprised! To my delight, there was literally no line at security.
The walkways and common spaces were completely deserted. It was, for lack of a better word, a ghost town.
Granted, it’s two weeks before Christmas, but at least for now, the airport was smooth sailing. (See my IG for videos).
All things considered, I felt very comfortable! Nevermind the fact that I was wearing two masks, glasses and a face shield — but in terms of feeling safe, it was great.
They had sanitizing stations with gel and wipes everywhere, the terminal had fans going to circulate the air, and large sticker emblems were all over the place, reminding you to keep social distance, and stay back six feet.
The only “issue:” the other passengers.
Like I always say — you can only control yourself. And that was definitely the case today: people not minding the “6-foot circle markers” when waiting in line, or not wearing their mask properly (just put it over your nose for Pete’s sake!). But other than that, people complied.
Logistically, they boarded the plane from back to front, so you’re not walking past people unnecessarily, and when you enter the aircraft, you’re handed a Purell hand sanitizing wipe. Which is a nice tough.
When I got on, I wore gloves and took a Clorox wipe and sanitized all the surfaces of my seat – including the headrest. And bonus: I was upgraded to Comfort+, which they did to maintain social distance throughout the cabin. Cha-ching!
My flight was about 1/5 full. With probably about 20-25 people on the plane. I was SO GRATEFUL that we weren’t crammed in like sardines.
I didn’t take off my mask, didn’t touch anything, didn’t touch my face — and short of drinking hand sanitizer, I kept to my own little hermetically sealed bubble.
And I survived. And at least – God willing, two weeks from now, I will still be COVID free. (I took a test right before I left.) So I guess the jury’s out on that one. And in the meantime, I will be quarantining here in Ohio! Which – suffice it to say, is a lot more enjoyable in a house, than a 500 sq foot studio apartment!
Would I do it again? No. It is obviously a huge gamble, and I frankly don’t like to play Russian Roulette with my autoimmune disease. Which is why I am driving back to New York, as it will be busy to fly after Christmas.
Just a couple tips:
Keep your sanitizing essentials in the outer-most pocket of your carry-on, for easy access. I had gloves, Clorox wipes, and hand sanitizer in an easy to grab place, so I didn’t have to touch a lot of my personal belongings, rummaging through to find them.
Wear a surgical mask or N95 if possible. Cloth masks hardly do anything, to be honest. I wore this KN95, which filters out 95% of the nano-particles, and was recommended to me by my doctor friend. (He sent me the link). Also – I know I looked extra, but the face shield really gave me piece of mind!
Also — keep the air vents ON, and pointed ON YOU. Stagnant air is not your friend, gotta keep things circulating!
So – technical “stuff” over – I am so glad I made the trip. I’m not recommending travel during a pandemic, but I will just say this:
Family is important. And there is nothing more special than being together, especially over Christmas. I spent the entirety of the pandemic — from March to October — away from my family. And it was really hard. I missed them every day. And even though during that time in New York, things were absolutely beautiful — with my special gentleman, with my friends, for personal growth — the fact is, families are just not meant to be apart for such long periods of time. Digital visits just frankly, don’t cut it.
And you know what? Even though it’s been nearly a year and a lot of life has been lived between now and then, we’ve picked up right where we left off. It’s like putting on an old pair of beloved jeans — they just fit: comfortable, worn in, and with beautiful ease.
It’s my prayer that a) this vaccine is a success, and is widely implemented quickly! And that b) this Christmas, we can all cherish the time we have together with loved ones just a little more. May we hug a little longer, laugh a little harder, and truly appreciate and feel the warmth in our hearts that comes from togetherness.
Stay safe, and now — I’m off to decorate the Christmas trees that my mother so generously waited for me to decorate!!! 🙂
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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113 responses to “Flying During Covid!”
Glad to see you were able to make it home. Best wishes for a safe and Happy Christmas!
thank you so much!!! i know, i was so so so SO grateful to be able to come home! i’ve missed my people! Hugs and love xox
and have a wonderful Christmas too!! 🙂
I’m glad you made it safely and easily back to Ohio! I know you’re going to have a great time!
Thank you Jeff!!! Yes! I am so thankful that I was able to come home. It has been too long! I am definitely going to miss my special gentleman, but gosh, it is good to be with family! I hope your week is off to a great start! My mom has a list of Christmas movies she wants to watch at night while I’m home! somebody pinch me! haha Hugs and love xox
I’m actually on a business trip to southern Illinois. Rural communities and not a lot of COVID in the area. Anything they’ve had has been all nursing homes. Staying clean and using my mask when there are people around. I saw about the shooting at St. John’s! I assume you weren’t there! The article indicated only the shooter was shot by police. Nothing else.
oh that is great to hear! yes – please stay safe — diving and covid wise! yes! I was not there, but a dear friend was in the area when it happened! thankfully she and her husband got out of there safely!! very scary. very very scary
Every time I hit the pray that God protects me from other drivers and from myself on these long drives! I was going to call you about St. John’s, but with no reports of civilian casualties I figured you were OK. So glad your friends made it out OK! Just enjoy family!
you’re such a great friend, thank you Jeff. Yeah, New York is definitely not what it used to be! so sad
Glad you can be home for Christmas. Maybe stay there until NYC stops being so crazy
thank you so much! yes – it has definitely been a long time coming! it is so good to be home. i have missed my people! i hope you’re having a great Monday! Hugs and love xox
and that is definitely a good thought —
Ask your dad what he thinks 🙂
yeah for sure! he’s not thrilled about me driving, i’ll say that much! haha
Maybe move back to Ohio and forget NYC. NYC is a hot mess.
hahah i have definitely had the thought!
Listen to that thought 🙂
hahah true!
Sometimes those thoughts are from God so we need to pray about it
that is absolutely the truth. His gentle whisper. And i also firmly believe that He speaks through other people’s counsel as well. definitely!
Perhaps take time to talk with your mom and dad while you are there
that is a really great idea. They are thinking about moving to my brother’s neighborhood to be near them and their kids. (Just 15 minutes from where they are now.) Definitely changes are a’brewin’
So glad you could visit your family Caralyn! I agree that if people can make it work, seeing family is super important for our mental and even physical health (stress and depression weaken our immune systems). My mom and I flew a little over a month ago and it was SO CROWDED! Definitely avoiding that for a little while. Funny how social distancing doesn’t apply when companies need to make money lol. But we wore masks and used hand sanitizer. And we trust God for His protection like in Psalm 91. Merry Christmas and God bless you! 🎄
Hi Emily! oh gosh, thank you so much! yeah, i am feeling so blessed to be back! gosh, I’ve missed my family!!! you’re absoutely right – there are so many benefits of family!! oh gosh! that’s so scary! i’m glad everything was okay. yeah – it’s a bit of a gamble, you never know what the conditions are going to be like at the airport! sounds like you had the right attitude going into it!! thank you! and same to you! Hope you’re having a beautiful Christmas season so far! Hugs and love xox
I’m glad that you are home with family, must be nice! You are far braver than I, Caralyn. Be careful, be safe! 🙏🏻
Hi John! Oh gosh, thank you so much — I was praying the whole entire time! And believe me, I am laying low now while I’m here – no going out, no running around the city. Just a daily walk in the neighborhood, and getting groceries delivered! so glad you stopped by! you too – stay safe! Hugs and love xox
Glad that you got to see Ohio. Sadly, DC has its quarantine restrictions that are getting tighter by the day.
Hi JB! oh thank you so much! oh gosh – i’m sorry to hear that! yeah, i think that is getting to be the norm — nyc closed indoor dining now. so sad 🙁 praying this vaccine starts to work quickly! Hugs and love xox
Hugs and love YOU!!1
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So happy you are with your family!!! Merry Christmas!!!!
aw thank you so much!!! yeah, my heart is absolutely bursting with joy!!! Hugs and love xox
I’m so glad you are able to be with your family. Relax and enjoy that special time. I’m sure your parents need to see you as much as you need to see them. Let’s all pray that the vaccine does what it should and that the holidays of 2020 mark the beginning of the end of the pandemic. God bless!
awww, thank you so much!!! yes — i will certainly be cherishing this time. gosh, i have missed them so much! yes! that is such an important prayer! joining you!! God bless! Hugs and love xox
I really enjoy your writings and it was so good to see you did not let fear come between you and your family and stepped out by faith and made it there safely! God Bless and keep you always BBB.
Julia
Hi Julia! oh thank you so much! Yes!! i woke up this morning and said, I will not be afraid, and instead put myself in Jesus’ hands! God is so good. thanks for sharing in my joy with me! Hugs and love xox
[…] Flying During Covid! […]
thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
I almost cried when I read this post. Not because I’m sad, but I really want to go see my best friend, and I only flew two times in my life. (Once when I was 6 and then in the summer of 2012). I really want to go see my friend, but COVID. Your right I have to face fear and be careful.
awww, Amanda, i’m so sorry that you’re missing your best friend! aw, my heart goes out to yes. I feel you – fear is a real thing. i believe in you! thank you friend, for sharing that and for stopping by! i hope you can see her soon! Hugs and love xox
Congrats on getting home for the holidays you’re going to miss the big storm heading toward NYC. When I lived in Boston during big storms we would go out for walks in the city it was a lot of fun. Of course that wasnt during a pandemic… Still I bet NYC is awesome in a snow storm. Take care and Merry Christmas.
thank you so much Karac! oh i know! there’s a huge snowstorm coming! my boyfriend has a substantial drive to work every day, so i’m super concerned! but you’re right – i love *playing* in the snow, and enjoying it from the comfort of my warm home! hahah it really is a dreamy wonderland! you too! hav ea wonderful christmas season! Hugs and love xox
Oh my goodness did you really fly with all that on? So glad you’re home safely! Merry Christmas blessings to you and all your family!
i did! hahah i looked like quite the goober! hahah thanks so much! i hope you’re having a beautiful Christmas season! Hugs and love xox
I experienced this Saturday.
oh really!? i’m glad to hear that you had smooth sailing too! Hugs and love xox
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A beautiful post I like it thank you so much a beautiful family your family so nice
thank you so much! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Merry Christmas Caralyn and to your family! Glad you made it and didn’t let fear keep you from enjoying your family in Ohio. Love and hugs!! Enjoy!!!
aw thank you so much!! i hope you’re having a beautiful Christmas season too!! same to you!!! Hugs and love xox
That’s awesome… glad you get some family time. 🙂 I still haven’t decided what I’m doing. Interestingly enough, I’ve only once ever been on a flight that wasn’t full… I’m not sure I realized there was such a thing. Of course, I’ve only taken 11 airplane trips in my life, but still.
thank you so much Greg! yes! i am so grateful for this chance. i hope your plans solidify soon! yeah, it’s hard to know what the right thing to do is. Hugs and love xox
I have this feeling that COVID rates are going to soar after Christmas. Although we are technically not allowed to visit family during the holidays (new gov restrictions here), I know that it isn’t going to stop people from seeing family. I think you made a smart move by flying out early so that you have time to quarantine prior to Christmas (safety precautions). This year, my mom told me not to fly to her province so I am not travelling this year. It’s now been a whole year since I haven’t seen her – she does not video chat, it’s just phone calls.
Hi Hilary, I’m afraid you’re right about that. i sure hope they dont, and that the vaccine will be a success! i’m sorry you won’t be able to see your mom in person. that’s so hard. one thing that my friend has been doing wiht her mom in another state is that they watch movies together at night. it’s a sweet idea. sending so much love. hang in there! Hugs and love xox
I’m glad you made it home. Life is an “adventure”, the proof is in the blog (haha). Merry Christmas with love and hugs. 🤗
thank you so much HJ! you’re right about that — life is certainly an adventure! thanks so much for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
So glad you got time with your precious family!! Praise God!!! Hugs and love!!! XO 😄 ❤
Hi Tonya!! Oh thank you my dear friend!! Yes! My heart is absolutely overflowing being home. Thanks for sharing in the joy with me!! Love you beautiful friend!! Hugs and love xox
Praise God! I am not sure I ever told you this or not, but as I witness and share with hurting people, I share your testimony often and wanted to encourage you in your work for the Lord. It is so important! And He also loves it when we rest in Him, so I am so happy that you have a beautiful time to do that, beautiful friend. Hugs! 😄❤
oh my gosh, are you serious? Wow! Tonya, that is so touching, thank you. I am seriously so humbled. You just made my day. Yes! Resting in Him is the best 🙂 Totally renewing. Who needs the spa?! hahah Hope you have a wonderful day! Hugs and love xox
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Enjoy Christmas with your family
Thank you Sheree! I most certainly will! I hope you do too! Hugs and love xox
Thanks 🤗 🤗 🤗
🙂 🙂 🙂
Stay safe!
Thank you Kenneth! yes, you too my friend! glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Was a good read as always
Thanks again!
What an encouragement! Not just that you traveled wisely and safely, but that you decided to not have your life ruled by fear. I attempt to be a cautious as possible in these days yet I must admit that a trip to an ER yesterday to see a member of the flock was done with trepidation (and lots of PPE!). I pray that the memories made over this Christmas season with your family last a lifetime!
Blessings,
Pastor Chuck
Thank you so much Pastor Chuck! Aw, thank you so much – yes – a life ruled by fear is no life at all!! oh gosh – what a great Pastor you are to visit those in need! you rock! thank you friend, same to you! Hugs and love xox
Have a blessed Christmas!
THank you CG! Same to you!! Hugs and love xox
Glad, your home with family, this special time of year
Thank you so much! Yes! my heart is bursting! i’m so happy! Hugs and love xox
So much to consider when taking a trip these days. I’m glad you are safe.
you’re so right – SO much to consider! it’s hard to know what the right thing to do is any more! thanks so much for sotpping by! Hugs and love xox
I’m so happy for you! Enjoy your time with your family, and have a very merry and blessed Christmas!
Aw, thank you Amy!!! yes! i am so grateful to be home with my family! my heart is exploding with joy! you too!! i hope you’re having a beautiful Christmas season! big hugs xox
Oh so great to hear about you flight home. I am heading out of town as well. I’m not letting FEAR control or steal my JOY. I am heading to St Louis Thursday and am hoping to beat the rush. I am so excited to see my family especially all of my Grandkids. I pray you have a safe, joy filled, blessed Christmas and a safe trip home. Have fun decorating the tree. God Bless you and your family. VICTORIA
Thank you so much Victoria! Yes! I am so grateful to be home. Amen! Can’t let fear steal our joy! No way! God bless you too have a beautiful Christmas season!! Hugs and love xox
Very cool. Thanks for the info.
Thanks friend! Absolutely! Hugs and love xox
Blessings!
ditto!! oxoxoxo
So happy for you! Happy holidays.
Lovin’ the pictures.
Thank you so much!! Yes I am overjoyed to be home! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season too! Hugs and love xox
Thank Jesus Christ for Thanksgiving and blessings amen 🙏
Amen to that, Yonnie! Felling so blessed to be home! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome sweetie! 🙏💕
xoxoxo 🙂 🙂 🙂
I am so very glad that you got to go home. You are absolutely right. Nothing like being with one’s family. Pray to the Lord for a hedge of divine protection and you will have nothing to worry about. He’s got work for you to do. I am sure of that, and He’s not about to let you go early. Merry Christmas!
thank you so much Sandman! you’re right about that – there’s absolutely nothing like family! thank you for your kind prayers! same to you! i am so touched!!! i hope you have a beautiful Christmas season! Hugs and love xox
Praying for your continued safety and a happy reunion with your family 🙂
thank you so much Ian! I really appreiate that! it’s so good to be home! Hugs and love xox
Thank you so much for sharing! I felt like I was reading what I just wrote. By God’s grace, I’m working from Detroit to be with my famly since Oct, and will be going home to Vegas in January. Yes, I was afraid coming and skeptical about the trip going back. But, I will keep trusting our Father, and remember to keep all the tips on the forefront. Family is the best gift! Have a beautiful and blessed holiday!
Hi friend, oh i hope you have a wonderful trip! you’re right – we can trust our good, good Father – and amen – family is the best trip! same to you! i hope you have a beautiful Christmas season! Hugs and love xox
Nice
thanks Ridhi! Hugs and love xox
LOVE the pic of you “protected” on the flight! 😀
But of course, our best protection is to be where ever Father wants us.
A friend has lived in a Muslim majorority country for 35 years starting children’s homes for orphans (35+), teaching a Bible College, guiding Christian ministers and priests in dealing with opposition, AND running a Christian tv program on national television! He told me once that there is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will doing whatever the Lord wanted us to do.
love and prayers,
c.a.
hahah thank you so much c.a.! I definitely was quite the spectacle! But if it means i can be safe for my family, then i will joyfully accept the public humiliation! hahah oh wow what a powerful line of work!! that is amazing. You’re right – in the center of His will!! Hugs and love xox
Great family picture. One has to always be prepared. I wear my surgical mask and face mask along with my surgical gloves while at work. And though I do not work in the health field. I must do this to keep me safe and those who come around me.
Surprised to see that the airport was not busy, I know during Thanksgiving the airport was busy for they showed photos of it on the news. Maybe more people will stay home during the week of Christmas.
Be safe with your love ones. And Merry Christmas. Also thanks for always stopping in on my site. I do appreciate that.
aw thank you friend! Yes – we have to be prepared for sure! i agree – we take the precautions for others as much as our selves! Yeah, i was so grateful the flight was pretty empty and the airport absolutely deserted! hallelujah! yes! smae to you! ihope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas season! Hugs and love xox
The people with the masks below the nose! My pet peeve. Wtf?
me too!! why wear one at all if you’re not going to cover up properly?!!! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for sharing this flight! I’m still nit going to travel via airplane.
thank you so much Zoe! yes, i definitely don’t blame you! i’ll be driving back!! Hugs and love xox
Be safe!
thank you! you too! have a beautiful Christmas season!