Sex on a Plane

Jul 18th 2009
Suzanne EnochOn Writing! & Suzanne Enoch

37 Responses to “Sex on a Plane”

1. Pesky on 18 Jul 2009 at 1:40 am #

   I started out my working career as a temp (I figured out in HS that the avg pay for a regular summer job was minimum and temps earned $15 per hour up) and they paid more for temps that could take dictation and type…come to present day when that is no longer necessary…and like any other language my shorthand skills have probably dropped off but I can still translate it. I can still type 90 words per minute though.

   What do I do on the plane
   1. I take dramamine if it’s a prop, then I fall asleep.
   2. I read a few books.
   3. I watch the movie.
   4. I people watch and make up stories in my head about them. I also have intricate storylines where “The Masked Avenger” pops out and saves the day for no reason whatsoever.
   5. I listen to my ipod.
   6. I sleep, I stay up the night before so I can sleep during the flight if it’s an overseas flight.

2. LisaK on 18 Jul 2009 at 2:45 am #

   I don’t fly so I don’t have to think about what I could be doing then. *g* I only go by train and then I either read, sleep or listen to music.

   My uncle gave a book to me two years or so about how to learn shorthand. I started it and was actually quite good but somehow I forgot about it after some time and today I’m as clever concerning shorthand as I’ve been two years ago. I’ll have to start learning it again (because I actually think it’s pretty funny), I think. And although many people (for examply my mother) say they absolutely can’t read my handwriting, I think it’s perfectly fine. They say because I’m an artist I paint the letters and that’s why no one can’t read them…

3. Archer on 18 Jul 2009 at 2:45 am #

   I take my ebooks with me everywhere. I read them on my ipaq which is pretty small so I no longer get bored on the bus or when traveling. The only place I can’t read is in cars because I get car sick
   I just started to walk to work so I read when I walk… my friends think its pretty funny.

   I wish I knew shorthand.

4. Lorihandeland on 18 Jul 2009 at 4:00 am #

   I usually read on a plane and listen to my iPod. Sometimes I’ll buy a crosswor book at the airport and do those.

   I don’t know shorthand though i always wanted to when I was a kid. Someone gave me book on it once too but I never did learn.

5. Kathy on 18 Jul 2009 at 4:15 am #

   I haven’t flown for years but when I did it the last few times, my ears would roar with the pressure, so there was nothing to do but nod politley at the person talking to me, not hearing a word they said. pretend to read and wait until it was over.

   I find it odd to READ a sex scene on the transit bus, let alone trying to write one surrounded by people.

6. Suzanne Enoch on 18 Jul 2009 at 5:31 am #

   LOL, Pesky on the Masked Avenger. I don’t suppose he’s ever a mild-mannered flight attendant?

   My mom used to know shorthand. I remember her showing me when I was little, and I thought it was hilarious that mom could write in a secret language.

7. Freedom Writer on 18 Jul 2009 at 5:32 am #

   I am sure I could not write a sex scene on a plane. It’s not easy to do any kind of writing or reading on a plane because motion sickness usually turns my brain to fudge. I get a bit of a headache and then I kind of zone out due to either Dramamine or my natural response to the motion sickness kicking in. On most plane trips I am lucky if I can peruse the airplane magazine or get a word or two into a crossword puzzle. I usually end up looking out the window, talking to my travel companion or watch the flight attendants and other passengers do their thing.

8. Freedom Writer on 18 Jul 2009 at 5:35 am #

   PS: I do not know short hand, but I am old enough to remember a class being offered in high school to learn short hand. I took 1 semester of typing, but was too busy in the maths and sciences to care much about shorthand.

9. Meg on 18 Jul 2009 at 5:52 am #

   For me it’s usually the ipod. Most of the time I can read, sometimes not. One time my motion sickness was so bad I thought I was going to die!
   The closest I ever came to shorthand was finding an old school book (maybe) at my grandmother’s house when I was a little girl. It looked like a forgien language to a ten year old.

   Hey Suzanne, did anyone happen to ask you what you were writing?

10. Lisa H on 18 Jul 2009 at 6:20 am #

    Tee Hee Suzanne! When I went to Paris, I loved the nine hour flight. I watched several movies (of my own choosing) With children that is a rare treat. I then read for a while and journaled. The plane wasn’t overly full so I had the row to myself.

    I have a friend who is 60, who knows shorthand. When I was in high school back in the early 80’s it was offered. Once computers hit the scene several years later, it seemed to become obsolete.

    I thought your blog was going to be about you joining the mile high club. Personally, I am not yet a member, but notice I say “yet”.

11. Ellen on 18 Jul 2009 at 6:20 am #

    The only short hand I know is WTF and OMG.

12. amy1242 on 18 Jul 2009 at 6:47 am #

    Lol, Ellen!

    I generally try to read while flying. Although, some flights are bumpier than others so reading doesn’t always work. I can’t imagine writing a love scene with that many people around. If I would, it would probably be a quicky.

13. JudyPatooty on 18 Jul 2009 at 7:06 am #

    Perfect timing for this question! I’m on vacation on the coast of Maine right now and will be heading to the airport early tomorrow morning to come home.

    I usually read when I fly. This is interspersed with long looks out the window during which I try to figure out what we’re flying over. This trip I also had my iPod loaded with an audiobook so I spent some time listening to a J.D. Robb story while playing computer games on my laptop.

    My sister is a crossword puzzle kind of gal, and that’s how she spent most of our flight up here.

    P.S. Suzanne, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to read another of your love scenes without abbreviating the names of body parts!

14. Cail on 18 Jul 2009 at 7:20 am #

    Pesky, your list was practically identical to mine. I actually will not get on an airplane without popping a Dramamine. I also will not get on without at least 3 novels that I know will hold my attention. I also bring my iPod.

    I don’t know shorthand at all, but with the speed of my typing its not necessary. In college, to amuse myself, I learned the ancient Rune alphabet, and took all my notes using those characters. My friends weren’t thrilled about that when they wanted to borrow my notes…

15. Judy F on 18 Jul 2009 at 7:34 am #

    I haven’t flown in years but I usually read a book, Do word search puzzles, read some magazines. On a flight out to CA I tried to sleep but that didn’t work out well for me.

    I really don’t know shorthand. I do use some words mainly for work, w/i (within) PO (post op) etc.

16. dbrown3400 on 18 Jul 2009 at 7:39 am #

    Like Archer, I can’t read in a car, but could read standing up in the PATH train when commuting to NYC. That was on the trip home. In the morning, I would sleep. Definitely not a morning person. Always take books to read on planes, trains, or buses.

    Never learned actual shorthand in high school but always had a career in data processing which had a shorthand of its own: CPU, WYSIWYG, HW, SW, etc. In college, I always wished I had learned shorthand for those 8 AM classes. I could barely stay awake to take notes.

    Suzie, don’t we have some Goddess up for Ritas tonight? Karen R and Lori? Any others?

17. Jamie on 18 Jul 2009 at 8:52 am #

    I always bring the following when travelling – a book, my I-pod (used to be my discman until I updated), a notebook, puzzle book and usually a magazine. This way I am always occupied. When I was a teenager, I had to walk home from school because my house wasn’t on the bus route – we lived too close. I sometimes got bored on the ten minute walk home, so I started to read. Hence, learning to read and walk at the same time. I am amazed I don’t walk into things. Because of this, I can read in the car and not get car sick.

    Be it any transportation (plane, train or auto), I usually do the same thing. I use my notebook to doodle, write a diary of my trip, do lists of things want to do or need and parts of stories I like to write. I also use it to shove in all the post cards and little this and that I get while travelling. I don’t do shorthand while writing, but you can tell how bumpy the ride is by my writing. You can also tell my mood or if I am writing in a hurry. When I am in a rush or upset, my writing is very sloppy and slanted. Some people say they can’t understand it. When I am in a good mood and not rushed, my writing is very neat and rounded.

18. Pesky on 18 Jul 2009 at 9:25 am #

    The Masked Avenger is never mild mannered. The Masked Avenger is always in the thick of things, up to her Dr. Dentons, bunny slippers, towel cape and Masked Avenger mask in trouble. And when all is said and done she rides off into the sunset on her tricycle with hail and hearty “Fare thee well” leaving behind such pearls of wisdom as:

    “And remember buckaroo, when helping a Wolverine across the street always remember to wear a catcher’s mask and gloves and toothpaste and preparation h are both equally useful but NEVER interchangable.”

    The Masked Avenger needs meds…or a margarita.

19. Pesky on 18 Jul 2009 at 9:27 am #

    I’m amazed at the people who can walk and read at the same time. You guys are awesome! I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time.

20. nancyg on 18 Jul 2009 at 9:33 am #

    I usually read when I’m on a plane. I bring a book, a couple of magazines, my iPod, and a travel pillow – the ones that go around your neck & a light jacket, no matter what the temperature of where I’m leaving/going to…
    I also carry my little to-go packs of snack nuts (why is everyone so hungry on a plane?) & buy a bottle of water in the airport. I always need to stay hydrated during the plane ride – that recycled air turns my hair into a bird’s nest & my skin to parchment paper.

    I usually fall asleep somewhere after take-off and before landing.

21. Karen on 18 Jul 2009 at 9:39 am #

    My dear Suzanne, yes I do know shorthand as I was a secretary (I know, some would say booooorrring,
    but I loved it) in the 60s. I can still write shortand which blows the minds of my daughters and my granddaughter is awestruck by what I retain.

22. SheridanLA on 18 Jul 2009 at 9:57 am #

    I bring some books, some movies loaded onto the ipod along with lots of music, some crosswords…I just put in my music, read some, sleep… I also bring my Vanity Fair’s that I save throughout the year.. I rarely sit and READ magazines at home, but love them on planes. ooh.. I also bring travel books to where I am going and make notes on what i want to see.

    I did not know shorthand, but I used to know speedwriting – which is not the same thing, but was kinda cool for taking notes. I don’t remember any of it now.

23. TinaLouiseF on 18 Jul 2009 at 10:15 am #

    No shorthand.
    I read on a plane, train, bus, horse, or pickup.
    Put me in a car and I get sick to my stomach in 30 minutes, so I can’t read there.
    Open window with lots of oxygen and I’m fine.
    My uncle thought it was funny when I told him that back in 03.

24. Suzanne Enoch on 18 Jul 2009 at 10:18 am #

    Kudos to you, Karen. Shorthand is a completely different language!

    I just got back from a breakfast with my fellow goddesses! Hey, Julia, Sabrina, Claudia, Lori, Madeline, and KarenH! KarenR had to opt out, and I have a feeling Rachel was…working. Very hard.

    And hey to Nicole, who couldn’t come to RWA this year!

25. Karen Hawkins on 18 Jul 2009 at 2:22 pm #

    Uhm, did anyone else get concerned about this tidbit from Pesky? “4. I people watch and make up stories in my head about them. I also have intricate storylines where “The Masked Avenger” pops out and saves the day for no reason whatsoever.”

    I’m concerned. Not worried, exactly, but uhm . . . definitely concerned.

    When I fly, I always read, snack and snooze. Never at the same time, of course. I have ‘boundaries,’ you know.

26. Suzanne Enoch on 18 Jul 2009 at 2:40 pm #

    I prefer listening to my ipod to watching a movie on planes. I don’t mind the movies, themselves, but the sound is always so bad it’s distracting. And of course when I’m listening to music, I can be writing those scenes where his h gently brushed her bs. *g*

27. nancyg on 18 Jul 2009 at 2:51 pm #

    LOL @ Suzie E!

    I was a debater in high school & college, so I developed a shorthand that only I can decipher. You have to keep track of the other team’s arguments, but they’re talking so fast to get their points in (you’re on a timer) that you just have to start abbreviating to keep up with them so you can refute their arguments in your rebuttal speech.

28. evlqn on 18 Jul 2009 at 3:53 pm #

    I read everywhere, cars, trains, buses, planes. If I am not the one in charge of getting us there I whip out my book. I can’t read if the vehicle is experiencing turbulence, otherwise I’m stuck in a book.

    I also listen to music and occasionally watch a movie.

    I never could grasp the concept of shorthand. My sister however can still remember her shorthand.

    And Archer, there is nothing wrong or weird about walking and reading, I thought everyone could do that. I would read while I walked to work, I knew where all the lumps, cracks and holes were in the sidewalk so I could avoid them.

29. Freshechelle on 18 Jul 2009 at 5:10 pm #

    1- learned short hand in HS, could write it but could never read – pointless, right?

    2 – always fly w/ Pesky because if something bad happened, she’s have ideas to combat the problem through her Masked Avenger series.

    3- don’t understand having a Kindle ‘coz the longest part of a flight is the time you can’t use anything with “an on/off switch” (BTW, flight crew enough with the “turn off blackberries, blueberries, strawberries”, get new schtick. You Tube Pam Ann and learn.)

    4 – I read on planes, listen to my iPod or watch Strangers with Candy on it, and do the airline mag crossword puzzle, my goal: to finish in under 20 minute on Continental’s version. yeah, I’m a competitive dork.

    5 – I never thought this would happen to me ….. once sat next to a guy reading a Penthouse Letters mag inside a car mag. He only kept it open when he thought I was sleeping. I kept “waking up” because that would cause him to close it. I am the puppet master.

30. Archer on 18 Jul 2009 at 5:16 pm #

    evlqn,

    I actually tripped the other day 5 minutes after I put away my book

31. Suzanne Enoch on 18 Jul 2009 at 5:59 pm #

    Fresh, you are evil. I like it.

32. Karen Hawkins on 18 Jul 2009 at 6:06 pm #

    Suzie just read Fresh’s comment to me — BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You are the puppet master! “CLOSE the magazine! …. OPEN the magazine! …. CLOSE the magazine! … OPEN the magazine!”

    BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I love that!

    Archer, I relate. Like you, I don’t need a reason to trip, either. In fact, the LESS reason I have to trip, the MORE likely I am to do it.

33. Pesky on 18 Jul 2009 at 8:47 pm #

    No need for concern Buckaroo Karen. Or is there? >:)

34. Pesky on 18 Jul 2009 at 8:51 pm #

    ROFLMAO Fresh…and Karen is worried about me? Dance monkey dance should be your warning tag.

35. Patricia Barraclough on 18 Jul 2009 at 10:30 pm #

    When I fly, I like to look out the window (if I have a window seat or am on really friendly terms with the person who does). Last time we flew, we saw the most awesome lighting display. My husband assured me we were far enough from the storm to be out of danger (he was in B-52’s and FB111’s in the Air Force). I always have a book handy, so if I’m not talking with my husband, I’ll be reading. I can read while doing ALMOST anything.
    I like Fresh’s magazine bit.
    Have a good flight home.

36. Janae on 18 Jul 2009 at 11:38 pm #

    When traveling alone, I read. I try not to make eye contact because I think it says on my forehead, ‘Tell me your all secrets because I’ll listen.’ Although, the last few times I’ve flown alone, I’ve had my Ipod, so I missed out on those conversations.

    With kids I bring a ton of stuff to keep them entertained. My dh found miniboard games like Candyland, Sorry, etc, that are a big hit. We, also, bring the laptops, our own headphones for movies, etc.

    Um, no knowledge of shorthand, and I’m not quite sure what it is. Before my time?

37. Mysterious Gal on 19 Jul 2009 at 2:30 am #

    I hate flying. I always get really anxious. I’m one of those lovely people that start talking to the person sitting next to me. (Yes, those ones that spend the whole damn trip talking and you’re ready to blow their brains off). I always carry books, iPod, crosswords, journal, everything I have with me, but I can never actually be quiet long enough for it, so I bug other people. When people near me just aren’t nice I go bug the flight attendants and listen to plane gossip

    On a side note: Worst plane ride? LA to Chicago, in which I had a middle seat — between and old lady and slept leaning on my shoulder and this Japanese man who spent the whole trip reading a newspaper in Japanese: aloud.