29 November 2006

bill

I don't know if I necessarily believe in ghosts but the hotel room I now sit in is said to be haunted. We arrived in a little town of Bedford, New Hampshire for a nice long layover. We were delayed in our arrival and I went straight to bed. The thoughts of Ashley's words filled my mind as I remembered every scary movie I had ever seen. I was awaken by a loud noise overhead, the ironic thing is that I am on the top floor. I am sure that I freaked myself out but I still have one more night ahead of me.
This being my second week in a row to visit the New England area, I find it quite charming to be able to visit. I am disappointed to have missed the fall foliage but will take the crisp, clean air over Jersey any old day. I started my day getting up at 11:00 mostly due in part to the Vegas-like curtains and my tireness from my 0200 phone call from 19C. I hit the gym and it felt good to get in a work out. I came back to the room and got ready for a day of exploring. I walked next door to the "mall" and went into Bob's Store expecting to grab a water and some lunch. No luck, it was a clothing chain. I finally found a same pizza joint and ate a grilled panini as I watched locals come in and out. I checked out Marshall's and found a long, white dress shirt perfect for my new skinny jeans. While approaching the register, a guy in army fatigues made a comment about Oregon, referencing my bright yellow jacket. He told me that his best friend lives in Klamath Falls. The conversation continued through check out and concluded in the parking lot. As I walked to the hotel, I heard a diesel truck behind me and it was Bill wondering if I wanted to grab lunch. I told him that I already ate but would hang out with him. He came around and opened the door to begin my tour of the area. We talked very freely because there was no attraction upon my part but I did feel very safe with him. We stopped by Dunkin Donuts for coffee because he couldn't remember where the only Starbucks was. He drove by the diner which Adam Sandler frequents when he returns to his hometown of Manchester. After a couple of hours of sightseeing he dropped me off at the hotel. I concluded my stay with calm chowder with the crew and a movie, the one with Will Farrell and the voice...very odd movie. Back to base tomorrow and then a Chicago turn. The pilots are already predicting long delays due to the weather. We shall see.

28 November 2006

randomness

Forewarning, this will be a bunch of rambling thoughts that I just need to get out. I am sitting here with my green tea after my new routine of oatmeal each morning, trying to decide how to be productive until my 1940 check-in. I worked six days straight during the holiday week and am happy to report that I was able to eat the traditional Thanksgiving meal on turkey day as I landed at home after a long day of flying. Yesterday was my day off and I had such good intentions of getting things done, however the only thing that was checked off my list was laundry. When other people are around the house it makes me feel even more lazy than I already do. I don't like feeling lazy but at the same time there is not a damn thing to do with only one day off. I am back on the schedule today and am flying one leg up to MHT in New Hampshire and rewarded for my hard work on the one hour (gate to gate) flight with a thirty-one hour layover. On Thursday I fly back home then do a MDW turn, always good looking men on the Chicago flights. My plan for my long layover (as I heard there is nothing around the hotel) is to catch up on all the emails and phone calls I have been neglecting over the past month. I am also hoping to be inspired by the mountain air and sketch out my birthday invites.

I finally had the oppurtunity to talk to my roomie, C the one that I am in competition with for the extra bedroom. I found out that we have both been looking at apartments in the city and she doesn't believe that this place will be home for any of us much longer. What does this mean for me? It means that I need to start moving and find a place to take George to live. I have been looking on Craig's list for some places in the city and no surprise that they are expensive. I think I need to go into the city and pound the pavement on my next day off. I don't want to be rushed into finding some place new but I don't want to wait until the surpise announcement is made. I overheard B asking an incoming call about rent and such. I have decided that I need to move to the city and get the full NY experience since I am so close, yes it would probably be easier to stay in Jersey, but I so dislike Jersey.

On the men front, let's see. Luc called me Sunday while I was flying and we talked for a bit on my drive home. He wants me to come all the way out to Long Island so he can cook for me and then he wants to take me to his work holiday party. How bout puttin' on the brakes buddy! I believe the downfall of dating a man you have met online is that they are ready to settle down. I thought I was too but not right now, there is still many men I have to meet. Ol' 19C and I have been texting and talking quite a bit, I called his bluff about going somewhere together and he has yet to address it again. We just talk about random stuff, I am not quite sure where this heading but I would love to meet up with him again...maybe on my next days off.

I am still missing home, my friends, and family like crazy. The flashbacks of childhood, looking at lights on Pacific Terrace, or going to the Snowflake Parade, memories of being older and my perfect tree in Lake Oswego, or Christmas dinner at the Porters. It is all flooding back because I know that I will not have it or the oppurtunity for it this year. I have yet to profess myself a "Christmas person" but there is a feeling that comes along with it that will take a lot to stretch all the way across the country or where ever I am may be on that day. Alright enough sappy bullshit I've got to pack.

22 November 2006

woo-eeee!

"woo-eeee!" the phrase used by the semi-professional hockey players we met last night at the pub.

I sit now at a gorgeous dinner alone by choice in PVD. The birth state of my mom and the host to a 32 hour layover. We arrived last night after a long day with a turn to MSY. I haven't flown in so long that was a little out of the flow of things. Luckily I was assigned this trip with a classmate of mine who restored my faith. We arrived in downtown Providence and I asked the front desk upon check in about the lounge and for a quick summary of the men here. She directed me (and my tag-a-long) to an Irish Pub near by. We showed up to a great atmosphere and orderded a Guiness. We shot darts for a while with Johnny and listened to his NE accent, it was more Boston than NY. The is guy came up to our booth and started small chat, I had noticed him looking at us a couple of time previous. After a round, I invited him and his friend to join us. We laughed and hung out until 0300 and I did a little making out (shocking) but I did manage to get his autograph in case he becomes the next Great One. He told me he would call today and take me to dinner. He did call at 1700 but after a day of pms and bad customer service at a nearby mall, I was in the middle of a nap and decided a nice dinner sans compainship was in oreder,. I sit her alone with a champange cocktail, wedge salad with blue cheese and bacon bits, awaiting a fliet and a glass of wine. The couple behind me is causing an internal debate of whether she is a gold-digger on a first date or a call girl,. They definatly don't go together! A little kissin', dinner, and a theater...what more could I ask for from a layover?!

ludo

So my first internet date combined with my first date in NYC, should be interesting. I had a feeling that would not have to work Saturday so I told Luc that I would be able to meet him for dinner. He called while I was awaiting a flight home from CLE eating nachos. It was strange to hear his accent, it is not the traditional French accent, and rather it is coupled with a slight hint of German. We talked for a bit and then my battery started to die. About three minutes into the conversation, I was alerted to a text. It was from 19C and we ended up texting until takeoff. Around three o’clock on Saturday, I called and asked scheduling if I could be released into my days off because I had a date. Dressed up and ready for an adventure, I headed into the city via car. It took forever because of traffic prior to the $6 toll Holland Tunnel, come to find out after a half an hour waiting they were doing some kind of survey, what the shit? Just let us through! I drove around for a bit and got a little sidetracked in China town and then found my way over to the East Village. It was a quaint place he found and I made friends with the bartender as I waited. They pegged me for a blind date. And in he walked; he didn’t look exactly like his photos because his hair had been cut. He reminded me of my friend’s old beau actually. We sat down for dinner and received complimentary drinks while we got to know each other. I didn’t have immediate butterflies but I have this voice in the back of my head that said that I would probably fall in love with the most random of guys. I think it kept my mind open. He is very sweet and I watched his interaction with the waiter as that speaks volumes about a person. We talked about travel, his home, work, and the usual get-to-know you chitchat. After dinner and his allowing me to order dessert to split we moved to the bat for another drink. We talked some more and I asked about the dog in his picture. He proceeded to tell me about a cat and a dog that live upstairs from him but that he buys food for and takes a nap with the cat each evening. The dog he described was not the dog in the picture so I had to guide him back the original question asked. That is his friend’s dog apparently. He kept wanting to ask me questions about my last boyfriend, which I answered honestly but didn’t find it necessary to keep revisiting it with questions. Actually I thought it was odd that a guy would want to know about the past, that is usually a girls question. The restaurant had now turned into a semi-dance club with a lot of Asians and no dancing. He told me to answer an obvious question, one that is escaping me now, and that he would give me a treat if I answered correctly. The treat? A peck! I have to smile at his dopiness, it is kind of cute but I foresaw him being that totally attached guy. I had already expressed my disinterest for East coast guys as they came off too aggressive and clingy. Two am rolled around and we decided to call it an evening so he walked me to my car and kissed me goodnight. Nice and gentle kiss but still not overwhelming butterflies. I drove home and then met the girls at the dinner for a grilled cheese. He texred on the way home and then called this morning and wanted to spend the day together. Hmmm, no. I wrote him and told him it was a me day and we should see each other this week. He called tonight to let me know that his heading to see the friend with the dog for Thanksgiving and the way he said it had me in stitches, I wish I could do the impression in words. Sure I will see him again but I need that za-za-zu. My mom offered to send me a jar of butterflies so I can put them in my stomach. I wish it were that easy!

16 November 2006

cle

So my plan to lay by the pool and enjoy the West Coast...Kiboshed!!! That's right I am sitting in yet another Holiday Inn, but this time in CLE. We pushed back from the gate on time and then were informed that all flights heading west were grounded indefinatly. Two and a half hours we sat on the ground waiting for clearance. After we finally made it to CLE, my flight to IAH had already left so I had to call for instructions. They don't know what they are doing with me but they have put me up for the night at the nicest HI I have seen. They told me to call when I wake up if I hadn't heard from them. Scheduling is all a mess because of the huge weather system in the East. Rumor has it that is supposed to snow here tonight, so glad that I packed for San Diego! I heading to my room to chill out and read a book since my time spent at the bar getting dinner turned into, "let's ask stupid questions to the only girl here." A Mr. Scary told me that he couldn't live in NY or fly on planes because of the "bad people", little does he know that I have placed him in that catagory as well.

boys

I have been back from holiday less than a week and it seems like an eternity since I was laying by the pool. It took almost twelve hours to get home from TPA due to the weather but I made it back in time. I sat airport alert for four hours while watching Law and Order and texting with 19C who is now back in my life. I am actually one of the few people who like airport alert, it is nice to be away and take nap without having to do any actual work. I sat around all day yesterday waiting for the phone to ring because I was fifth on the list to go. It did not. They gave me a trip last night which I am preparing for in just a bit. I am going to be a load (ie I work with different crews the whole time) from here-CLE-IAH-SAN-layover-home. I am excited to hang out in Cali as it has been a while since I have been there. I think I shall keep working on my tan, unless I am disillusioned by the fact that it is warm there.

So, 19C and I have been talking since I called him Halloween night to see if he was out and about. I found out that when we met, the friends of Michele totally turned him off to me as he though they were my friends that were so loud and obnoxious. Not the case, I informed him and we have been communicating ever since. He wants to take me to Vegas, not sure if it is talk but it would be one hell of a first date! And of course when you have one, you have more. The guy on eharmony asked me out last night, he wants to meet me for dinner in the city!! I haven't wrote back because I was unsure if the Vegas offer for my next two days off was solid. I will have to investigate further and see which guy I will be seeing this Sunday and Monday.

Alright gotta get ready to work, it has been a long time, I think I can remember what to do!

13 November 2006

jersey dike

I have encountered a strange combo sitting here in the TPA airport awaiting a flight home very patiently. The Jersey dike, she is loud and obnoxious bitching to her partner who sits beside me about the gate agent and how she is going to smack him down and how she thinks they should send random planes places so she can go home. Now they are fighting because her lover, who seemed calm for a while is now about ready to give her the beat down. A man hater with a NE attitude, now that is some scary shit!

Everyone thinks the life of a flight attendant is glamerous and we get to fly anywhere we want. Here is what is not disclosed, we fly stand-by. Janene can attest that today has been a nightmare in which to choose to fly home from the gorgeous Bahamas. I believe she was on to something when she suggested we just call in sick and stay on the beach. We had such a great time laying by the pool and being lazy. That is not even a metaphor, we literially did nothing but drink, sunbathe, and go out. We made friends with the local bartenders, boat drivers, djs, and anyone else that wanted to hang out with us. The wedding was out of a story book, Nichole looked amazing and the sun setting as the ceramony ended was perfect. It is a Bahemian tradition to throw flower pedals into the ocean as good luck after the wedding. We danced the night away along the bay with friends and closed out our holiday.

Praying to get back soon and hit the loft bed, I actually miss the squeakiness right now.

06 November 2006

upcoming holiday

I believe that the anticipation of my upcoming holiday has sent me into irritation mood to majority of things around me. There are a number of good things going on right now, however it is difficult to retain focus of them. My car was scheduled to arrive to give me precious freedom on Saturday so I called scheduling and requested a later check in. The graciously gave me a LAS trip with a 20 hour layover, tons of time to get in trouble in Sin City. I was so excited to have a good layover as it has been a while since I had one I loved. I went to bed excited to get my car and planning out my outfit for the following evening on the town. I received a call at 1030 from scheduling letting me know they have a pairing for me. I replied, I kow I am going to Vegas. They didn't find it as humerous as I did and sent me on a MCO turn. Huge plane and I am the lead for a plane full of children and w.t. One passanger popped off to me and I swear I had that moment when I wanted to grab my bag and walk off the plane. Horrible flight and I was so grateful to get home although I had to get a ride home from B because my car didn't make it in time. I had another assignment...another turn to MCO, this flight was much better because the people were nicer and on the way home we flew a brand new plane home. Customers were a little freaked out about it being so new and I told them we'll take it out for a test drive and see how it goes. They were not amuzed with me either. My humor has been wasted on myelf the past couple of days.

I am avaliable today with recuirrant tomorrow and then FIVE fabulous days off to stand by my friend as she gets married and drink and pick up men with my other friend in the Bahamas. Going to do laundry, pack, and then over to a friends house to study and stay the night. I am currently enjoying a quiet house since all the roommates are in recurriant today.

BTW My eharmony guy and I have been chatting back and forth every other day...seems pretty nice.

03 November 2006

what the hell

I have adopted this "what the hell..." attitude for the month of November and am using it to do things that I might not have the balls enough to do otherwise. So the guy that I met on the street on Halloween and I have been talking via text and trying to meet up. He is in town for CMJ as he is a video producer in LA. I received an early check just as I wished for that took me to FLL and back by 1400. The down side of this "perfect for a date trip" is that I had to wake up at 0330. When I came home and didn't hear any definate plans from him, I let my mind and body find the relaxation mode. He invited me out to see a show and dinner (show as in a band not Broadway) and I texted that I was going to be lame and stay in. Then it hit me what a lame ass I truly was as my up-and-down emotional roommates were mooping around the house. I say F-it I am going to go and arranged to meet him downtown. I took the path for the first time by myself and tried to exude a confidence so no one would mess with me. I got off at 14th and 6th and looked for a place to wait for them to come get me. The only open place was Cheesecake Factory (not the one you know and love but one with make to order steaks like subway) and a McDonalds. I choose the McDonalds. He came with a friend and we headed to the place Fontanes and the Village. It was the best people watching and I was so go-with-the-flow that I loved being out of my element with all these music industry people. After a while and a few drinks we took a cab to another place that you had to tell a joke to get upstairs to the "house party". It would have been a cool place to live but for the evening it was filled with people, a live band, free beer, and free vodka redbulls. The redbull was ideal as it was 0330 in the morning by this point. We hung out and met people and tried to hook his friend up for the night with no such luck. Around 0430 we deciced that we want pizza on Bleeker so we cab it over there and go to four different shops, one of which was a sex store, before finding a slice of pie. I didn't arrive home until 0700 this morning and my body is not happy with my live-like-I-am-21 evening. No details will be given...those are mine, but I will tell you this 6'5" handsome boy with the great sex-hair (Em will now what I am talking about), was one hell of a kisser!

01 November 2006

wonder woman

My most feared plane, it had confused me in training with its exits and number of life rafts, and here I am the lead on this enormous plane the 767-200. I dead headed down to IAH and then worked the flight home. Let me tell you, I was running around little a chicken with its head cut off. I finally started delegating things that were beyond me such as the video system, getting people’s coats, greeting passengers, etc. Once the flight was underway, I worked first class aisle right side and only had twelve customers to take care of. The flight went by very slow but in a good way so I had tome to eat the shrimp kung-pow, chocolate cake, and espresso. It you have a chance to flight business first on a 767, I highly recommend it.


I walked the streets of Manhattan as Wonder Woman. We arose from the Path station into a mass of people mostly dressed in costume. A huge parade filled Sixth Avenue and the people watching was so great. A church with the moon and clouds surrounding was the perfect background to night. We started off at a random bar with a drink and then moved deeper into the village. Bar after bar welcomed us as we found our way to Little Italy to meet up with my friend, Michele who is always finding good bars. I wanted to hang out in soho but instead was taken to the meatpacking district by friends of C. We ended up at a club, APT. It was an underground club with all sorts of characters. I would have loved it if I was in the mindset for it but I wanted to dance with straight boys and maybe do some kissing. No luck at that bar, the men looked better than us girls. And we looked good!! I did meet a guy on the street who I am still talking to and hoping to meet up with on Friday before he heads back to LA.

Today was given to a bacon cheese burger, a nap, chicken parm sandwich, and a movie. Thank goodness for the lazy schedule of a flight attendant.