It feels like someone kicked me in the gut when this happens. It can be as simple as placing my phone or wallet in the wrong pocket. I may as well have been robbed at gunpoint. I’m pretty sure that it feels the same.

This morning, as I was stowing away my bags on the plane in Boston, I realized that my backpack was missing. I was overcome with instant panic. At first, I wasn’t sure where I had left it. My guess was that I had set it down when I’d come through security. I told my captain that I’d be right back and ran as fast as possible through the airport, back to the security checkpoint. I then discovered that nobody had seen a bag left behind.

This was horrible! I had left it back at the hotel! Thankfully, we stayed at a hotel next to the airport- I wouldn’t need a cab or a shuttle to get me back there. Also, my first flight was only booked for 37 people. This meant that I just might have time to sprint all the way back to the hotel, find the bag, and make it back to my plane before it was too late. It might be possible.

Let me tell you this- if you had been inside Boston’s Logan Airport this morning, you would have seen the absolute fastest mad-dash out of the airport and to the hotel. I can only imagine that I had a look of dread on my face. Here’s the thing: As a flight attendant, if I cause a delayed flight, that could result in disciplinary action, which could turn into suspension or worse. I’m about 12 1/2 years into this career, and I don’t plan on retiring anytime soon.

Now you’re beginning to understand why I was in such a hurry to find my bag. A bag, which by the way, contained my flight attendant manual (iPad), an item that I’m illegal to fly without. Not to mention my personal iPad, laptop, and wallet. If I had left any other bag, it wouldn’t be the end of the world- Walmart can provide most of what I need when I’m on a work trip.

I make it to my room on the 5th floor, only to find out that my missing bag isn’t in there. I get to the front desk, show my i.d., and ask for another room key. I run back down to the desk clerk and ask if any black backpacks have been turned in. She calls security, they tell her they have my bag! I’m so thankful, but now, as I’m waiting for them to bring my bag, I’m looking at my watch. The time was now two minutes past when I was supposed to be on the plane to start boarding.

Finally, my bag arrives and now comes another sprint back to my plane. I realize that it is taking longer for hotel security to bring me my bag than it took me to run from the aircraft- all the way back to the hotel. I’m relieved that the bag is on its way but very worried I’m about to cause my first delayed flight. My mind starts to wander- I’m wondering which airlines are hiring right now if this all goes from bad to worse. Delta would let me be based in Salt Lake City or Seattle- now there’s an idea! British Air or Emirates would be a blast! However, I don’t think either of these airlines want flight attendants from the United States.

I made it back to the plane about 15 minutes late, but with plenty of time to board 37 passengers and still push back from the gate early! I am incredibly grateful that a potentially harmful situation was avoided and that I made it back with time to spare! Sometimes I’m such an airhead!

Tonight I ended up at Dulles International Airport and am staying in Herndon, Virginia. I just finished some fish tacos (pretty good, not great) and am looking forward to a night of deep sleep. Before I nod off, I thought I’d talk about another item on my bucket list.

Once upon a time, I had set “attend a circus” as one of my bucket list items (number 16, to be exact). Then you learn about circuses and what goes on there, the cruel treatment of the animals, etc. I’ve decided to change this. Instead, I’d like to attend a Cirque Du Soleil performance.

I watched the television “reality” series called Verekai (sp?), and it was fascinating to see a lot of what goes on behind the scenes. It’s impressive to look into the lives and backgrounds of these performers as well. I figure that it’s time to go see a live performance. Let’s see what is playing right now in Vegas.