Apr. 18th, 2019

gridlore: Doug looking off camera with a grin (Default)
I mostly remember it.

For some reason, I was using a wheelchair with no or minimal use of my legs. Kirsten and I were at SFO flying somewhere. I was stressed due having to check my chair, use the uncomfortable, rickety, transfer chair provided by the airport, and the general stress of flying.

Luckily, I had my service animal with me, an African Grey parrot named Gandalf. We got boarded and ended up with a row to ourselves. now, the most dangerous time in flight is the 90 seconds after take-off and before landing. That's where dynamic instability is at maximum, winds can screw you, and there is no time to correct mistakes. So as we are taxiing out to the runway, my stress levels go through the roof. (This actually happens to me every time I fly.) Gandalf, sensing my state, nuzzles up to me and announces, loudly, "Chill the fuck out!" Which is what we trained him to say as a signal that I need to focus on getting centered.

People around us chuckle, and the flight attendant, doing her final seat check, stops and asks "what did he say?" Before I can answer, Gandalf thunders "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" Flight attendant laughs and says, sorry, it's my job." and moves on.

The only other bit I remember is Gandalf, having hopped over to Kirsten, looking out the window and us joking about him feeling at home.

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gridlore: Doug looking off camera with a grin (Default)
Douglas Berry

October 2023

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