Traveling is the best.

Traveling is the best way to make new friends. I truly believe this. Yesterday, on my flight back from Connecticut to Green Bay I ended up sitting next to the nicest man. There are times when I definitely don't feel the need to talk to anyone. I open my book, put on the headphones, and tune out the world. I enjoy those flights, but my favorite flights are when I talk to people the majority of the trip.

Yesterday I ended up meeting a very interesting, well-traveled engineer. He's been all over the world for his job, including some of the places that I've been so we had some similar experiences to share. He has children my age so some of the travel time was spent receiving useful parental advice, and the rest of the time was spent discussing current events, music, and pastimes. I had a great time and before I even introduced myself we were saying 'good-bye' at the baggage claim.

Now, I know that I have a bit of a reputation for being a 'chatty Kathy,' but how can you not be when it's so interesting to talk to people? So there you have it. I highly recommend chatting it up on a plane the next time you're traveling, you just may meet someone cool. And if they're not cool, tell them you're on a plane home after being in a correctional facility for the past 10 years. That may or may not send the hint, but it's worth a try just to see the expression on his or her face.