When It’s Okay to Lie

Last Saturday, in the middle of an otherwise goal-oriented shopping excursion, I took a brief side trip into the world of cheap shoes. I didn’t find anything that I just had to have, but I did have a quick encounter that intrigued me.

Teenage girl holding up two pairs of shoes: “Which ones should I get?”
Me: “The ones with the pink lining.”
Teenager: “That’s what everyone says.”
Me: “Well, they’re more unique.”

Had I been at all honest with her, I would have mentioned that both pairs were so ugly that I couldn’t possibly advise her to buy either. But I assumed that she wouldn’t be terribly enthused with that opinion. On the other had, if she was so crippled with indecision that she was asking shabbily-dressed strangers for advice, she may have wanted to hear the truth. I decided not to bet on that one.

I Thought I Was Sending a Clear Signal

About a year and a half ago, I acquired a set of noise-canceling headphones. Now I can’t imagine flying without them and the down blanket / pillow combo my dad gave me for Christmas a few years back. Muting everyone from flight attendants to chatty neighbors to screaming children certainly makes air travel more enjoyable.

Over the weekend I flew from my real home (Maine) to my current home (California). I drifted in and out of wakefulness on the early morning flight from Portland to Detroit, cocooned in my snuggly blankie and the soothing tones of my iPod.

Not only was the flight from Detroit to San Francisco completely full, the plane had less legroom than anything I’ve ever flown in. Before take off I made small talk with the couple sitting next to me. On their way to visit the grandkids. Yadda yadda yadda. As soon as we hit 10,000 feet, I put on my headphones, pulled out my book, and tried to find a Zen-like state. Thankfully, I found myself drifting off . . .

Only to be awakened by a distinct poke in the arm. I pried one eye open to find the woman next to me poking my arm, pointing to the flight attendant coming down the aisle, and mouthing the word “Coffee?” About two hours later, it happened again. This time it was for the drink cart.

Seriously? Barring oxygen masks appearing for immediate use, I cannot imagine a circumstance where it’s appropriate to wake a sleeping stranger on a plane.

Guess I'm White

If you believe the assessment of Stuff White People Like, there's no question about my color. In case there was any doubt, post #106 solidified it. I just can't get enough Facebook.