I Always Travel With Luck and Books
And a few superstitions
Call me crazy, I don’t care. I hate flying and it seems like I’ve done a fair amount of it lately. I just got back from short trips to Sacramento, CA and Eugene, Oregon to visit friends, and will soon travel to New Orleans to visit my oldest daughter. I’m already experiencing agita over the whole thing. At least my entire family will be with me this time.
I got tagged by my friend Leonora Watkins to write about what interesting things I might pack for an upcoming trip. Her story is listed at the bottom of this one, in case you missed it.
Like Leonora, I always pack extra undies. I have no idea why. It probably has something to do with my mother’s advice about being prepared for any eventuality (don’t ask). I also pack extra socks.
Then there’s those other things that I have to have with me, so I won’t act like the crazy version of myself in public.
Packing Luck
Years ago, a friend traveled to China and brought me back the little sequinned panda pictured at the top of this story. It’s a door hanger, designed to bring luck. It’s cute and only 2 inches long, so it packs well.
I brought it with me to Las Vegas once and hung it on the bathroom doorknob. I won almost $1,000 at the blackjack table on that trip. Coincidence? Now I bring that little sucker with me everywhere I go.
Packing Books
I’m a serious, unbelievable wreck every time I fly. It’s not just fear — flying bores the hell out of me. Being stuck in a plane for hours listening to the engines, or the kid crying behind me, makes me want to crawl out of my own skin.
But, books are a really good escape from almost anything, so I pack at least two for every trip. They must be good, easy-to-read stories that will hold my interest for the entire flight. Even better if they are over-the-top funny.
On my last trip, I took The Martian, by Andy Weir. I’d seen the movie starring Matt Damon and I enjoyed it, so I thought I’d try the book. Honestly, and taking nothing away from Matt Damon, the book is much better, especially if you’re a science fiction geek. Really, any book that starts with the words, “I’m pretty much fucked” will get my attention.
I’ve already chosen my reads for the next trip. I’ve lined up Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris, as well as Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. My mother recommended the Burroughs memoir long ago, but I never got to it. The Sedaris book is new. I hope both of them are as entertaining as I’ve been led to believe because I have two rather long flights I’m not looking forward to.
Yes, I’m a superstitious flyer. I know, flying is supposed to be statistically safer than driving, but I can’t help myself. You have every right to judge, just don’t tell me.
I have rituals. I once sat next to a Vietnam veteran who told me that he felt certain I would never die on an airplane. So, once on the plane and in my seat, I conjure up that conversation for comfort. I close my eyes upon take-off and landing. If you don’t look, you can’t see what’s coming. And, I always take the aisle seat, if possible. It’s easier to get out in a hurry if you need to. Plus, I have a small bladder, so….
To anyone who follows me: what are your travel essentials? If you’d like, come along on this ride. How about it Mike Butler or The Sober Vegan Yogi? What kinds of interesting things would you take along?
Check out Leonora’s article below!
