I've been gone all week at my first conference as a (semi) Real Professor. I'm happy to report that I've suddenly found my happy place: my tiny, tiny airplane seat.
I'm queen of small talk. I like chatting with strangers (yes, I realize that that puts me into that category of Americans That Most People Hate). But since I've gotten my Ph.D, my airplane conversations go something like this:
Seat 3D: So, is XXX your final destination?
Me: Yeah, but I have to drive to TempCollege Village.
Seat 3D: Oh, so what is your major at TempCollege?
Me: Oh, I'm not a student; thanks. I teach there.
Seat 3D: Oh.
I guess my life is (1) super boring, (2) no one wants to talk to a professor, or (3) see number 1.
At any rate, I now avoid the small talk trap altogether by keep my laptop out upon takeoff, poised to turn it on the instant the seat belt light flicks off. With typically three hours of gloriously uninterrupted work time, it is just sick how much work I get done.
It's no wonder. I have no email access, no open office door, no faculty meetings, no cell phone going off....ahh....complete technological isolation (well, except for Powerpoint).
Oops, there's my flight. Time to go finish my lectures for the week!
