Sometimes life just rolls you a double six, the planets align, fate takes over or good karma comes your way. Whether you believe in divine intervention or just pure luck, there are times in your life that the right things JUST HAPPEN

2019 has been a year to remember! Today I start a day long journey to a place in the United States called Siesta Key, Florida. A place that I didn’t know existed until my world collided with Matthew. A number of months ago, I was sitting at my favourite bar in my home town of Terrigal, doing what I had done hundreds of nights before. I was sitting at the bar collecting people. Not in a serial killer sort of way, but chatting and making new connections with new faces sidled up at the bar. It was there I met an Englishman. Tall, white and a great conversationalist. We hit it off instantly, and within days I quickly realised he was my unicorn. The concept of a unicorn is my own creation. Unicorns (like my perfect man) are a lovely idea, I didn’t think they existed, and even if they were its probably too good to be true. After being single for about 4 years, I had resigned myself to the fact that my life ahead, I was doing solo. Not in a ‘cry myself to sleep cause I’m lonely’ way. I have realised that I have a wonderful life, with great family, great friends, an awesome job….basically lots of wonderful people in my world, so if I was to meet someone special, it would just be a happy bonus. Being much older than the last time I was single I had formulated a very long list of what I was looking for in a man. I didn’t need a man to complete me, I need a man to enrich me. Two very different concepts. So when Matthew came across my path, and was a serious box ticker, I was absolutely gobsmacked. He could not have been more perfect for me. So much so, that I thought perhaps it was a very cruel joke with someone feeding him the intricacies of what I really wanted from a significant other, and just playing a role. Boy was I pleasantly surprised. I have since come to realise this was no joke. In fact it was finally my turn to be absolutely adored, cared for and encouraged. This is not just a one way street either as he also had seen in me the things that he has always wanted too. Seems it was ‘fate’, ‘conicidence’, ‘luck’, whatever you want to call it. But we have found each other. With one small hitch….we live on opposite sides of the world to each other. His short time in Australia for work had only given us enough time to work out the ‘unicorn’ status, before he was on a flight back home to London. Devastating! But its ok, this princess still will have her happy ever after.
This travel blog has not started like the others, but I needed to give you some background to understand why I am heading to Florida. This is a trip for Matthew and I to spend time together. It’s been a number of months since we last laid eyes on each other in person, so the week ahead is set to be very special indeed

So my day started like many with a quick trip into Terrigal for a coffee to take on the road. My sleep wasn’t great as excitement had kicked in, and Matthew had organised wifi in the air so we were able to chat for a little bit too as he is making the journey from London and we rendezvous in the USA.
My eldest daughter Jamei and her boyfriend Jack have offered to drive me to the airport, so we load up and head on our way, without incident. We chat all the way down, and the airport isn’t too busy at all The check in and customs process is quick, as I sprinkle a little sunshine to everyone I come into contact with. Including the customs officer who asked if he can keep some of my positivity. I left some behind and made my way to the lounge to enjoy a couple of bubblys and breakfast. I love airports and watching people head on their destinations. It’s such a buzz. I’ve bypassed duty free as I had the smarts to do all of that online last week, so all I need to do it pick it up on my way back into the country.
When it’s time to board I can’t believe its finally here, months in the planning and now I am ready to fly.
So it seems that smiles and friendliness continue to be a great way to improve a persons day. Between customs, the lounge staff, and those greeting me as I get into the plane and talk to the staff who will be looking after me for the next 15 hours, they are all surprised by the way in which I answer the question “how are you”. Often met with a response like “I’m exceptional” or “I’m so good it’s dangerous”!!!
I sit down and the plane fills up quickly. I always take an aisle seat so I can enjoy a stretch without interrupting anyone.
It’s not till the plane is nearly full that I meet my travel companion. Todd takes the window seat and we get to chatting. He’s an American living in Australia for the last 30 years. His distinct accent was a giveaway, and I go on to hear all about his life and work. In his 60s he’s taking a trip home to see his mother for the last time. I give him my condolences and we continue to chat until we realise they’ve closed the doors and no one will sit between us. A rare and enjoyable bonus.
I find out he is an ecologist who moved to Australia to study and effect change with endangered species. Traveling here with his then wife, they volunteered for 2 years before actually seeking work that was funded via government or other sources.
We take off and get on our way. As always the Qantas staff are amazing on board, as they fulfill so many requests and give me a smile with each passing. Between movies, wine, dinner and snacks I am well looked after and the time passes quickly. I sneak into the galley to find James who happily grabs a couple of bottles of bubbly for me and points me in the direction of the cheese and biscuits. Offering that I visit anytime. Trust me, it’s always worthwhile to be kind to your crew.

I am pleased to see that there is a dedicated Disney channel, although there are many movies that I am keen to watch. While it helps pass the time well, I also find myself very content to sleep too Whenever I wake between naps the staff on hand to offer snacks and drinks. Such a very cool crew indeed. They couldn’t have been more helpful. The 14 hour flight couldn’t have gone any faster, and before I know it, James arrives at my seat asking if I have some room in my hand luggage. I do, fortunately as he hands me a bag that has some goodies from Business Class. Some PJs, a care package, and some better headphones I can use next Qantas flight. What a sweetheart.
We land and LAX is a buzz, with people everywhere from all over the world. Customs is always a nervous time, those people DON’T play. But after my minor interrogation I make my way to the lounge for some breakfast and a bubbly.
That’s probably enough for me to digest for now, before a couple more flights then I am hand in hand with my Prince Charming!