While at the gate, I usually pull out all the items I intend to use during my flight, so I can quickly pop my bag in the overhead bin and take my seat, with my book next to me on my seat and anything else in the seat pocket. I used to count the rows to the exit and glance at the safety card, but then I started watching some shows on the History Channel. Now I've pretty much determined that if something were to happen anytime except during the taxi, I'm toast, so I might as well sit back and be comfortable.