I like to read and there is no better way to pass the time on a plane than reading a good book.  Last Christmas, my family bought me an IPAD and one of the first things I downloaded was the Kindle App.  Since then, I carry the IPAD on all flights and usually have at least one book I am reading on there.  There is a book I have been reading with a Men’s group I am part of that isn’t available on Kindle.  So I have been carrying around a paperback for a few weeks.  Before I continue on, I have to preface this by saying I have a bad on habit on planes.  Yes, I know, its hard to believe but I do.  My bad habit, I stick things in the seat back pocket in front of me.  I always stick a newspaper in there, the IPAD, my cell phone and whatever else might be in my hand that I might want to access during the flight.  My wife has ridiculed me for years for doing this.  She tells me that pocket is not for my personal items and I am bound to forget something.  Plus, think of the germs.   Well, last night it happened.  That paperback I have been carrying for 2 weeks is LONG GONE.  In the words of my loving supporting wife, “You fool!  It was bound to happen!”  Thank you dear for the support. 

There have been countless times I have found stuff in those pockets and I think, “What kind of person leaves stuff in here?”  Now I know what kind of person, me.  I haven’t felt so irresponsible for some time.  How could I do this?  I think about all the flights I have been on over the last few years and I have never left anything on a plane before.  I suppose it is a blessing that is was a $20 book and not something more valuable to teach me this lesson but still, I feel silly.

This flight had distraction written all over it.  A delay because of weather before takeoff, a delay once I landed because another plane was at our gate and I had a short connection that was getting shorter.  I started reading once we finally took off.  I had a bit of headache so I put the book in the pocket and closed my eyes in attempt to relax.  When I my headache passed, I took in the view of NYC while landing at Newark airport.  I did not put other things in the pocket.  This time, I only put the book.  This was part of the problem.  By only the putting the book, it was more easy to forget and I was distracted by the other things going on.  I realized it as soon as I got on the next plane and reached into my back pack looking for it.  My initial thought to myself was, OH POOH!  Have I done the unthinkable?  I could already hear my wife in my head.  I won't live this one down for a while.

Here is my advice travelers, or should I say my wife’s advice, do not put things in the pocket in front of you.  Its that simple.  The chances of finding a forgotten item on a plane are slim to none.  There is the occasional success story but they are rare. 

Travel safe!