I randomly start filling up the postcards I am writing with the conversation that is swirling around me. " Who did the music for that ad....I want to know if I can get my job back...do you have an application... I met the man from Japan...have you seen the prototype.... did you get the plastic spiders ... we got this close to that account ... what did your dad do .... I said what did your dad do anyway?" I suddenly realize that a woman sitting next to me, is directly addressing me. A strange woman in a strange city is initiating conversation with me by asking " So what did your dad do anyway?". At first I'm taken aback, then respond, "he sold washing machines before he retired". She snorts, "washing machines, that's a joke isn't it?" Next