Again With The Ipod

Again I've forgotten my iPod, which could have been extremely useful.
I really needed it on the plane ride. I didn't bring it because I bought the novel "Odd Thomas" by Dean Koontz, and I thought this would carry me for the plane ride to Las Vegas. My mistake. Always bring a plan B.

Believe me, I tried to read in silence/peace. I tried to ignore the business buddies sitting beside me. Before take-off, the two were talking excitedly about their trip. The woman had never been to Vegas (me and the four rows in front of us and behind us became well aware of this fact). She wanted to sit by the pool when they first landed. He wanted to go gambling. She would sit by the pool if there were other members of their convention that were willing. He wanted to go gambling and get the free drinks that came with it.

The informed the stewardess that they would not be eating an on-flight meal. They had brought their own--hamburgers (with onions) from his favorite restaurant. The stewardess thanked them for informing her (she said it with an odd grin). She then informed them that on-flight meals were only available at the passengers request and for a five dollar fee. They looked at each other and remarked that they were glad they brought their own food.

The two were so loud that the co-pilot, who had passed us five minutes prior and was making his way back to the cockpit said "Shhh you two". He tried to make it sound like he was joking around. Those of us in the four rows surrounding them (remember I was beside them) knew he wasn't joking.

They talked incessantly about who they hated in the office. Was so-and-so from the last convention going to be there again. They had heard that so-and-so from Houston was going to be there, did they still look as good. He had investments here and there. He was going to buy some speculation property somewhere in Nevada. He already had some in Mississippi. This much information before take-off. I didn't bring my Tylenol PM because I thought I was going to read "Odd Thomas".

When the plane had gotten to the place in the sky where the seat-belt light went off, the stewardess began to offer earphones out. When she asked me if I wanted to purchase a pair, I remarked "God yes!! Please give them to me NOW!!!". She smiled a knowing smile and handed them to me. I forgot whether or not she took my money.

I put the earphones on and placed it on the country station. Ahhh, a familiar singer's voice was belting out his new song.

Peace at last? Nope, the volume of these two could still be faintly heard above the music in my ears. She has a business contact that he could get in touch with--a potential partner for something he was looking into. At least the sheer volume of their voices were drowned out.

This continued until we landed. And we all smelled the extra-onions on their buffalo burgers as well as the coagulated cheese on their cheesy fries.