I am sad today because it feels like a deadline is looming over me. I am embracing this summer as if my current life will end when the leaves change and begin to fall. The news about work is getting worse and the chance to keep seeing the world grows shorter with each passing day. I have been extremely disappointed not to be as busy as I thought I should be this month. I am also disappointed that there are amazing trips in open time and I don't get to go because I picked up LGW just to work and now there are dream places that someone else gets to experience. I was able to change my trip to Manchester but it is definitely not Madrid or Berlin or Geneva. Time is running out and luck doesn't seem to be in my corner with work right now. It is sad to think of my comfortable, fantastic life changing without my say or knowledge of what the next season will bring to me.
This I do know for sure, I am moving to a less expensive place out in Brooklyn, formally know as BK for further blogging purposes. I am excited to move to another borough and see what else NY has to offer. Change in any form is always a hesitation for me even though good things usually do eventually happen.
My friend Jim has been in town and takes me to do NY stuff with him because he likes the company. I like that he realizes I am broke and drags me out of the house anyway. We went to Curtains on Wednesday and then out for cheesecake. The show was amazing!! Yesterday with my day off, I embraced the sunshine and headed out to Yankee Stadium. I had to scalp a ticket but ended up sitting with some guys who bought my beers and kept me entertained. I was even offered tickets to the All-Star game. Yes, I got his number just in case! : ) An afternoon nap followed my afternoon ballpark buzz and then we headed off to a comedy show in the village. Good stuff! I enjoy hanging out with Jim because he calls me out on all my bullshit neuroses and asks me the tough questions. We have figured out that I smitten with a boy who lives way too far away. But isn't that me? Wanting what I can't have easily?
20 June 2008
17 June 2008
aaa to the third
I am usually a live in the moment gal. Whether it is a joyous moment or one of angry or irritation, the feeling is powerful but soon dismissed say with another event or sleep. I awoke this morning still peeved about my "evening" at work.
I realize that airport alert is part of being a reserve. I actually don't mind it because my best trips have come as a result of sitting on the couch waiting for the bat phone to ring. But to have this assignment three times in a month (so far) is absurd! What sucks even more about not making any money and wasting my time going back and forth the the airport is not having a clue what is going on with my life. I don't even know what time I am on call today, my name isn't even on the list. The three times I have been almost going on great trips, teases if you will. The first was after 3:45 hours of sit time, they called me to go to ZRH, which I was super happy about since last time I was there I didn't feel good and a friend of mine was strangely enough there on business. Yet, the guy walked on at the last minute and gave me a hug for my trouble. The next airport alert, same thing about 3:30 into it, I got called for LIM and I was soooooo excited as it is in my top 5 and another friend of mine was down there for a stint. The girl walked nastily in and told me that is was her flight and I needed to go.
Airport alert number three. This call came about two hours in and they told me I was going to Spain, MAD to be exact. I actually squealed on the phone and ran to the gate. The weather of course caused massive delays and the 2300 flight didn't even end up boarding until 0015. We were about to button up and push when another flight attendant walked on board...she actually made it after being four hours late. Guess who got to go to MAD. I walked all the way back to the crew room and the phone rang again. This time sending another FA and myself back to the other side of the airport to go to AUS. We get there with no direction after ending up in Texas to find the crew had changed their mind, they were going to waive legality and go. So all the way back the crew room to wait five more minutes and get released. Mind you it's after 0130 in the morning now. I look at the train schedule, I can make the last train at 0200. I get up to the rail-link to find the trains are only running every 15 minutes. PISS!!!! Now I have to take a cab to the city. $85 and an hour later I am home and I am reeling at this stupid job.
I realize that airport alert is part of being a reserve. I actually don't mind it because my best trips have come as a result of sitting on the couch waiting for the bat phone to ring. But to have this assignment three times in a month (so far) is absurd! What sucks even more about not making any money and wasting my time going back and forth the the airport is not having a clue what is going on with my life. I don't even know what time I am on call today, my name isn't even on the list. The three times I have been almost going on great trips, teases if you will. The first was after 3:45 hours of sit time, they called me to go to ZRH, which I was super happy about since last time I was there I didn't feel good and a friend of mine was strangely enough there on business. Yet, the guy walked on at the last minute and gave me a hug for my trouble. The next airport alert, same thing about 3:30 into it, I got called for LIM and I was soooooo excited as it is in my top 5 and another friend of mine was down there for a stint. The girl walked nastily in and told me that is was her flight and I needed to go.
Airport alert number three. This call came about two hours in and they told me I was going to Spain, MAD to be exact. I actually squealed on the phone and ran to the gate. The weather of course caused massive delays and the 2300 flight didn't even end up boarding until 0015. We were about to button up and push when another flight attendant walked on board...she actually made it after being four hours late. Guess who got to go to MAD. I walked all the way back to the crew room and the phone rang again. This time sending another FA and myself back to the other side of the airport to go to AUS. We get there with no direction after ending up in Texas to find the crew had changed their mind, they were going to waive legality and go. So all the way back the crew room to wait five more minutes and get released. Mind you it's after 0130 in the morning now. I look at the train schedule, I can make the last train at 0200. I get up to the rail-link to find the trains are only running every 15 minutes. PISS!!!! Now I have to take a cab to the city. $85 and an hour later I am home and I am reeling at this stupid job.
15 June 2008
random nyc
I rushed in the door and gingerly sat down my tasti-d-lite and my purse and ran to the bathroom. George just recently up from a nap approached the ice cream as if I brought it home for her. She was a good eight licks into before I could shew her away.
The day has been a little all over the place I managed to make it to brunch at a lovely little Italian place. I had to wait for the rain to stop so I could sit outside and drink mimosas and eat eggs benedict. Later I wandered around the city in search of a swimsuit I had orginally seen in SFO. Five Gaps I have been to today to find the pieces separately but it was the happiest thing that happened all day. The last Gap set me in the West Village so I ended up walking around enjoying the sights and stumbling upon the best pizza in the city. Famous Ray's Pizza on 11th and 6th, great stuff!! Now as I try to write about my NYC weekend, George is laying on my hands begging for attention, or maybe just another ice cream!
The day has been a little all over the place I managed to make it to brunch at a lovely little Italian place. I had to wait for the rain to stop so I could sit outside and drink mimosas and eat eggs benedict. Later I wandered around the city in search of a swimsuit I had orginally seen in SFO. Five Gaps I have been to today to find the pieces separately but it was the happiest thing that happened all day. The last Gap set me in the West Village so I ended up walking around enjoying the sights and stumbling upon the best pizza in the city. Famous Ray's Pizza on 11th and 6th, great stuff!! Now as I try to write about my NYC weekend, George is laying on my hands begging for attention, or maybe just another ice cream!
14 June 2008
ny has beaches?
With a weekend off to myself, I had many options, I thought about visiting a friend, or going to the beach. But the one thing I so want to do is enjoy Sunday brunch. So that is exactly what I plan to do tomorrow. Today however was spent in bed and then leisurely getting coffee an my dry cleaning. Finally I got a wild hair, packed a beach bag, and headed for Brighton Beach. About an hour away on the subway, who knew that there was a beach? Tons of people were out as it was a hot, humid day. I walked up and down the ocean just taking in the scene before heading up to the boardwalk. I had to go pee and with no Starbucks or an other 20th century place in sight, I finally ducked into a Jewish restaurant and ordered up some knish so I could use the potty. This town I was in was a mix of Russians and Jews, it was very odd to see them living in harmony and to feel like I was walking the streets of 1970.
I made it back to the island of Manhattan and to my apartment just in time as the humidity broke into rain, Right now I am sitting in my place with all the lights off to watch the lighting striking my street, listening to the earth shattering thunder, and watching the heavens dump onto the ground. I have nothing but admiration for Mother Nature and all of her force and glory.
I made it back to the island of Manhattan and to my apartment just in time as the humidity broke into rain, Right now I am sitting in my place with all the lights off to watch the lighting striking my street, listening to the earth shattering thunder, and watching the heavens dump onto the ground. I have nothing but admiration for Mother Nature and all of her force and glory.
13 June 2008
tribute
I am tired but yet I lay in bed wide-awake wondering what is not taken care of in my thoughts. Then it hits me...the calendar has changed its day to the 13th. I cheered on the Celtics win this evening in his honor. I recommended a friend stop by the war memorial which stands proudly with his name engraved. I thought about it earlier today but tonight it becomes over powering.
To the man who taught me the love of sports,
To the man who taught me to be tough and get through things.
To the man who taught me to conserve energy,
To the man who taught how to change the oil, a flat tire, and to care for my car
To the man who taught me the value of a hard days work,
To the man who taught me to suck it up,
To the man who taught me the value of my word,
To the man who taught me how to live from the earth,
To the man who watch every World Series with me as a kid,
To the man who taught me the perfect hook shot like Larry Bird,
To the man who played house and restaurant with me because I was an only child,
To the man who ate my grilled cheese over and over again,
To the man who took me fishing,
To the man who taught me how to play black jack well,
To the man who will always be strong in my eyes even though the last years took his physical strength away,
To the man who tough exterior faded away and who could finally tell us he loved us.
To my father and my friend, you are dearly missed.
In memory of Ray 15.Feb.26~13.Jun.07
To the man who taught me the love of sports,
To the man who taught me to be tough and get through things.
To the man who taught me to conserve energy,
To the man who taught how to change the oil, a flat tire, and to care for my car
To the man who taught me the value of a hard days work,
To the man who taught me to suck it up,
To the man who taught me the value of my word,
To the man who taught me how to live from the earth,
To the man who watch every World Series with me as a kid,
To the man who taught me the perfect hook shot like Larry Bird,
To the man who played house and restaurant with me because I was an only child,
To the man who ate my grilled cheese over and over again,
To the man who took me fishing,
To the man who taught me how to play black jack well,
To the man who will always be strong in my eyes even though the last years took his physical strength away,
To the man who tough exterior faded away and who could finally tell us he loved us.
To my father and my friend, you are dearly missed.
In memory of Ray 15.Feb.26~13.Jun.07
11 June 2008
end?
Cut backs in the industry have been announced. The price of fuel is causing a once profitable company to make the business decision to eliminate flights and offer to its employees volunteer leaves of absence to reduce the number of furloughs. These changes will take affect at the end of August. So what does this mean for me? I am in the danger zone of being furloughed because of my youth with the company. Full information came out today about our options, which are apply for the COLA or take our chances about getting laid off. When the news broke, I immediately knew that I would apply for the COLA and see what happens with the company. The beauty of this leave business is that I keep my flight benefits. You and I know that is only reason I am working so it seems crazy not to apply for this time off. Of course there is the question of what I will do while on my leave. I still have the pooches but I think it will be a great time to find a fun, well paying job in NYC. Life is changing, it will changing without my lead and it worried me at first. But now there is a calm about staying here and seeing how it will all unfold.
10 June 2008
brs with no diversion
I was given a second chance to see a place in my 501 Must-Visit book when getting a trip to Bristol. The town of Bath is located right next door and I was determined to see it this go around. I had previously flown with the first officer so we decided to go together. He decided we were going to ride bikes. Seventeens miles later we found the quaint town after a couple water stops. We grabbed a sandwich and had a nice picnic near the water. Afterwards we locked the bikes up and took a stroll around a city that makes the USA look like today's new iphone. I was on the search for great photo ops and a magnet. Being that it was a Sunday and after six o'clock in the UK, everything was closed except the pubs. Finally I tried one last place for a magnet, my spirits sunk about the prospect of not adding to my collect, I walked into a book store. I asked the guy because I didn't see any, and then...he had some. I got so excited I ran over and gave him a kiss.
a helping of Turkey with side of nightlife please
My top five is constantly changing when it comes to travel. This not because I waiver in my want to see the world, it is joyfully, because I am able to see places and quickly move others up.
Current top 5
Greek Islands, Morocco, Cuba, Lima, Dubai
I had read a book, some fluff easy read in which the main character goes to Turkey for some party yatta-yatta. It sparked my interested with her description and then to find ten pages of the country in my 501 Must See Places. It had moved into my top ten. While in BCN and meeting my Turkish friend, he suggested I move Turkey up as Barcelona had just fallen out. I agreed and as of purchasing my Lonely Planet book at Powells, I was set to go.
With a bag of cupcakes in hand from Crumbs, I set off to JFK. I was so excited to be going on holiday, it was great, no fuss, everything was lined out, it was perfect. Being unassuming, I brought eyeshades, a blanket, and a Xanex for the 11-hour flight. Much to my surprise, I was put in Business Elite and let me tell you, it was wonderful! Granted I spent the first hour of the experience comparing it to our service to the travel agent who sat next to me, but after dinner and a movie (27 Dresses, thanks for the recommend Nichole) my down blanket and I were fast asleep.
It is my habit to take a nap upon arriving in a foreign city just to reward my body for making it there. I ended up sleeping a little too long but according to my new friend, introduced on facebook, it was a good thing. Atinc had me meet him in front of a hotel in non-tourist side of Istanbul. My hotel manager decided to escort me all the way there just make sure I got there okay and I think he was excited about having a hotel guest under the age of 50. I met my new friend and we immediately hit it off. He had lived with Mehmet in NYC previously and had heard about the bodyguard story in Spain. We took a quick tour of the streets watching the vendors and people before stopping in for a drink at a restaurant his friend owned. A few meters later we walked into the club Angelic where we danced the night away on the edge of the Bosphurous. It was a fantastic open air club and the owners loved me for some reason.
The next day, I slept in to recover from our 0500 end to the evening and decided to check out my area of town, Sultamaytah. I walked around in awe of the gorgeous buildings, the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sophia, and spent the evening wandering the welcoming streets. It was that moment that you love when you travel and realize that you are on the other side of the world…just hanging out!
Day three, it’s about damn time I am back to normal if you consider normal waking at 0330. I dinked around my hotel until 0600 watching the sunrise from my roof top terrace before I made my way down to the city. The temples were untouched by people and tourist at that hour and it was the perfect time to reflect on the long history that lay before me. I sat for a cup of Turkish tea and toast before wandering on some more. My favorite thing to do is to get lost in a city and that I did. It took two hours to get to the water; I wound in and out of streets with the company of a dog from the Aya Sophia. I finally bought my pooch breakfast and some water before crossing the Golden Horn. I walked and walked stopping for a coffee or water, taking pictures and walking towards the Bosphurous Bridge where I had been prior. Now the great unique thing about this bridge it that is connects Europe with Asia, This was a detail of this city which thrilled me to death. As I walked, I saw a billboard for Sex and the City. Disappointed not to go to either the premier or the opening, I stepped in to find out if it was playing in English. I set my clock to return for the matinee. So onward, I went checking out life in Turkey. I must tell you this is a beautiful population of people so it made my people watching even more enjoyable. I finally made it to the bridge and the harbor below to find a movie being filmed. I took the necessary photos and grabbed a stuffed potato and laid in the sunshine near the water. My movie and an hour more of walking lead me to the public transport back to my side of town. A quick nap and then I met my fellas for a cocktail and some chatting on the terrace overlooking the Bosphorous.
The next day I went out to buy the remaining souvenirs and see what else I had maybe missed in my journey. I finally ended up purchasing a ring from all the catcalls and toughed up enough to stop being nice and start being my NY self in defense. I met Atinc at another secret local, I felt like I was given Mission Impossible journeys all week with him, and this time we boarded a boat to a man made island. He had been invited to a jewelry line launch fashion show and party. Now this is what I call living! We watched the show, sipped on wine, and mingled with the elite of Istanbul social scene before we were on another boat headed to Reina. This gorgeous nightclub was also open air and was the perfect way to end my holiday.
Current top 5
Greek Islands, Morocco, Cuba, Lima, Dubai
I had read a book, some fluff easy read in which the main character goes to Turkey for some party yatta-yatta. It sparked my interested with her description and then to find ten pages of the country in my 501 Must See Places. It had moved into my top ten. While in BCN and meeting my Turkish friend, he suggested I move Turkey up as Barcelona had just fallen out. I agreed and as of purchasing my Lonely Planet book at Powells, I was set to go.
With a bag of cupcakes in hand from Crumbs, I set off to JFK. I was so excited to be going on holiday, it was great, no fuss, everything was lined out, it was perfect. Being unassuming, I brought eyeshades, a blanket, and a Xanex for the 11-hour flight. Much to my surprise, I was put in Business Elite and let me tell you, it was wonderful! Granted I spent the first hour of the experience comparing it to our service to the travel agent who sat next to me, but after dinner and a movie (27 Dresses, thanks for the recommend Nichole) my down blanket and I were fast asleep.
It is my habit to take a nap upon arriving in a foreign city just to reward my body for making it there. I ended up sleeping a little too long but according to my new friend, introduced on facebook, it was a good thing. Atinc had me meet him in front of a hotel in non-tourist side of Istanbul. My hotel manager decided to escort me all the way there just make sure I got there okay and I think he was excited about having a hotel guest under the age of 50. I met my new friend and we immediately hit it off. He had lived with Mehmet in NYC previously and had heard about the bodyguard story in Spain. We took a quick tour of the streets watching the vendors and people before stopping in for a drink at a restaurant his friend owned. A few meters later we walked into the club Angelic where we danced the night away on the edge of the Bosphurous. It was a fantastic open air club and the owners loved me for some reason.
The next day, I slept in to recover from our 0500 end to the evening and decided to check out my area of town, Sultamaytah. I walked around in awe of the gorgeous buildings, the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sophia, and spent the evening wandering the welcoming streets. It was that moment that you love when you travel and realize that you are on the other side of the world…just hanging out!
Day three, it’s about damn time I am back to normal if you consider normal waking at 0330. I dinked around my hotel until 0600 watching the sunrise from my roof top terrace before I made my way down to the city. The temples were untouched by people and tourist at that hour and it was the perfect time to reflect on the long history that lay before me. I sat for a cup of Turkish tea and toast before wandering on some more. My favorite thing to do is to get lost in a city and that I did. It took two hours to get to the water; I wound in and out of streets with the company of a dog from the Aya Sophia. I finally bought my pooch breakfast and some water before crossing the Golden Horn. I walked and walked stopping for a coffee or water, taking pictures and walking towards the Bosphurous Bridge where I had been prior. Now the great unique thing about this bridge it that is connects Europe with Asia, This was a detail of this city which thrilled me to death. As I walked, I saw a billboard for Sex and the City. Disappointed not to go to either the premier or the opening, I stepped in to find out if it was playing in English. I set my clock to return for the matinee. So onward, I went checking out life in Turkey. I must tell you this is a beautiful population of people so it made my people watching even more enjoyable. I finally made it to the bridge and the harbor below to find a movie being filmed. I took the necessary photos and grabbed a stuffed potato and laid in the sunshine near the water. My movie and an hour more of walking lead me to the public transport back to my side of town. A quick nap and then I met my fellas for a cocktail and some chatting on the terrace overlooking the Bosphorous.
The next day I went out to buy the remaining souvenirs and see what else I had maybe missed in my journey. I finally ended up purchasing a ring from all the catcalls and toughed up enough to stop being nice and start being my NY self in defense. I met Atinc at another secret local, I felt like I was given Mission Impossible journeys all week with him, and this time we boarded a boat to a man made island. He had been invited to a jewelry line launch fashion show and party. Now this is what I call living! We watched the show, sipped on wine, and mingled with the elite of Istanbul social scene before we were on another boat headed to Reina. This gorgeous nightclub was also open air and was the perfect way to end my holiday.
a journey back to the past
I was good for two days and expected scheduling to roll my day and send me somewhere international. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to find I had a trip to SFO, the same trip in fact of my very first flight with this airline. What I was not pleased to find was the check-in 0600, I swallowed my horror and took a cab to Penn Station at 0430 for the 0454 train. I was going to be a good lead and buy the crew Krispy Kremes to find that they were not even open at that ungodly hour. So on the train I am slowly waking up. And the train stops…for too long, I begin to panic. My check-in time looms closer and closer so finally when we make it to Newark Penn, I get off with my bags and arouse others to join me in getting a cab to the airport. I immediately call the duty desk to explain my situation and they have no sympathy. I throw the money at the cabbie, run through the airport, cut off everyone in security and run down to the desk. Out of breath as I plead for the elevator to go faster, I had a thought, “this is sure a lot of work for a job, I am beginning to hate”. Two minutes late but still under the grace period, I checked in and then proceeded to my gate. Of course it was a full concourse away.
I made it to my gate and met my crew and of course had a fantastic trip. I went right out and rediscovered one of my favorite cities not only in the US but the world. It was a nice break from international and I enjoyed everyone speaking English and being able to pay in USD. I guess sometimes it is good to have a break from the norm.
I made it to my gate and met my crew and of course had a fantastic trip. I went right out and rediscovered one of my favorite cities not only in the US but the world. It was a nice break from international and I enjoyed everyone speaking English and being able to pay in USD. I guess sometimes it is good to have a break from the norm.
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