Hey You Get Out of My Space!
Posted on June 1st, 2010 by Cynthia D'Amour
Seriously!
Today I flew from Detroit to San Francisco.
- Five-hour flight.
- I didn’t get upgraded.
- At least I had an aisle seat.
Until Big Dude sat in the middle seat that is.
- Obviously a former athlete.
- Who let things go a bit.
- His shoulders could fill two seats with ease.
I was frustrated.
- No way was I going to fly for five hours bent over.
- I’ve got an intense week ahead.
- No time for sore backs!
So I held my own.
- He flipped up the arm rest.
- “Let’s get comfy.”
- I asked him to put it back down.
He tried to push me over.
- I held my own - again.
- So he decided to squish me.
- Twisted forward and pushed back.
I was stubborn.
- And did not give an inch.
- In spite of his leaning on me.
- (He wasn’t leaning hard on the man next to him.)
I almost got an elbow in my chin next.
- As he reached into his briefcase.
- And pulled out a girlie magazine.
- Smirking with side-glances my way as he drooled over lingerie-clad women.
Unbelievable.
- Of course, the plane was totally full.
- I was miserable.
- But not bad enough to get off the plane.
The battle was on.
- Arms overhead yielded manly odors wafting right at my nose.
- Poking me when I ignored him.
- Getting up every time I almost fell asleep - his knees hurt.
Clausterphobia was kicking in.
- I dreamed of hanging a car deodorizer under his arms.
- And bringing out a chainsaw to cut the part of his shoulder that crossed into my turf.
- There are always options…
And I had a choice to make…
- Do I let Big Dude ruin my day and trip?
- No - I blog about it instead.
- You all might as well enjoy my pain.
Makes me think of chapter leaders…how do you find the positive spin when in the middle of a tough situation?
Filed under: Rants, Savvy Leadership
Cynthia, very humorous post! Sorry, you had to experience this though. Next time this happens….when the beverage cart comes through, take the liberty of ordering a diet coke and no peanuts showing you’re a good sport. Also, be sure to tell him about your work out regimen and how you’re becoming a lean, mean fighting machine. Have a wonderful Bday out in SF!
Thanks Dave. Was the Diet Coke and no peanuts for him?
He thought I enjoyed his attention and asked me “Aren’t you glad you got to sit next to a cool dude like me - instead of some nerdy little guy?” I told him I would sacrafice coolness for a little guy in the middle!
SF was fun and draining. Birthday was lovely. Thanks for the good wishes.