Maura's Illuminated Manuscript

I know I mentioned months ago that I got a big, black Chrome messenger bag for commuting because it securely holds my laptop, my purse, and often lunch in water-resistant compartments. I had a problem with my backpack spontaneously unzipping and nearly dumping my laptop out a few times, and a messenger bag with buckles can't do that. But wait, there's more: I have my ORCA* clipped to the front and my key card for work in a back pocket, so I can get on buses & trains or into the office without taking my bag off, much less opening it.

So what's the problem? I seem to be the only woman who wears that kind of bag. Now that I think about it, the Siberian Siren, who would know, called it butch. I see a whole lot of men with them. A while ago one of my cow orkers clued me in as to why: she finds the sort of bag that goes over just one shoulder uncomfortable. I can see that, because mine can get pretty heavy. Luckily (?) for me, I have great big trans shoulders and Chrome bags have some padding on the strap, so I find them comfy.

I guess my Chrome bag will have to be something like beer snobbery for me - something I enjoy too much to sacrifice on the altar of femme.



*One Regional Card for All, i.e. a Seattle-area transit card.