October 29, 2010

On the airplane

On the airplane

I shared my seat with a dog. The woman sitting next to me was a clinical psychologist, who uses a trained therapy dog with her clients. I have to admit, having this cute dog curled under my legs during the flight did help relieve my travel anxiety.

I arrived safely in Obscure City Amongst the Cornfields, but my luggage did not. I've spent the last two days borrowing clothes from colleagues at the conference I'm attending. My friends have been pretty good about letting me go through their suitcases to see what items I could use. Philadelphia Guy donated a pair of socks and a cool t-shirt. My two grad student roommates are too young and thin to lend me clothing, but have provided me with deodorant, shampoo, and lotion. Artist Friend is 6'6" which means the t-shirt he lent me is long enough to wear as a dress.

At the opening reception for the conference, I kept scanning the crowd to find women with my body type, so I could go ask for some clothes to borrow. It's definitely a different way to meet people. For Saturday's evening event, the program says that we are encourage to wear Halloween costumes. Since dressing professionally is fast disappearing as an option, I'm working on a costume based on random stuff I've borrowed — and perhaps a bit of duct tape.

9 comments:

Michelle said...

I've taken to stuffing one workable outfit into my carry on - just in case! But it does sound like a fascinating way to start a conversation.

I hope the luggage eventually finds you - I'm about to recommit mine in Singapore and hope that it gets to Philly with me.

Liz Miller said...

Ooh! I love that doggy face!!!

I, like Michelle, try to at least pack a pair of undies in my carry-on.

YourFireAnt said...

You could go completely naked and shoot yourself for your blog. You ARE at a conference after all.

;-)

Lilian said...

FireAnt, you're so funny!!!

Awww, what a cute dog! I bet it helps lots of people.

Of course you're let us know what costume you decide upon, right?

Anonymous said...

What a sweet dog!
Have you read The Possessed by Elif Batuman? She spends some time at a conference (at Yasnaya Polyana, or all places) without her luggage. It's funny -- at least in the telling!

negativecapability said...

I wish I were going to the conference! I just haven't been able to swing it in recent years with Major Field conferences to go to. Have fun, and hopefully I'll see you next year.

Sarah Sometimes said...

Hmmm... trying to puzzle out the clues, what conference could this be? and, yes, the dog is a sweetie. Although I would have an allergy attack if I had to sit with him, alas.

Sarah Sometimes said...

p.s. perhaps you can be a pirate for Halloween. surely someone there has a red slip you can borrow...

Cathy said...

I was expecting you to go further with the request for clothes....
May I borrow your clothing.... and, oh, by the way, will you pose nude for me?