"blooood"

It went like this. B and I decided to go to Hoboken for the day to check it out. We asked the sub guy for directions and we were on our way. The turnpikes, parkways, and routes of the NE make absolutely no sense. They fade into other ones with no warning and on top of the confusion, have the audacity to charge tolls. I would say we left the house around 1330 for our adventure which took us past Giants stadium three separate times. We had to stop at Starbucks for a little refueling up north even though we needed to be heading east. Around 1630 we arrived at the small town which reminds me of the Pearl only with a view of the Manhattan skyline. We stopped by our classmates adorable apartment and hung out watching MTV. We ended up going out to Mexican and since I had to work the next day I only had two drinks. At 2100 I called C to have her look up my trip the next day. I had a 1430 check in, with that information I informed her we would probably not make it home that night and I prompty ordered another beer. We moved our party to a great bar, Maddisons, and I drank and danced with the girls even though there was no dance floor. Some of the girls faded away but B and I held strong. Next thing I know, a glass breaks and my foot is bleeding everywhere. I am not as phased as I should have been but I do remember standing on one leg, saying "blooood" over and over again. Men came to my rescue with towels while my friend who caused my bleeding went off to get herself, not me another drink. The gentlemen asked me if I wanted to go to the ER and I said no, I wanted to dance so let's just wrap it up and how about another drink. Twelve hours later, I sit on a plane working until 0200 wishing I had not drank so much. My stomach is grugerling, my head hurts, and I am unable to do my PA's intelligently. And my damn foot is still bleeding.

My trip following my hang over has been a tough one because of all the ups and downs, weather, turbulence, and flights getting in late. My schedule was as follows home-DFW-IAH-SAT-layover-IAH-SAT-IAH-SEA-layover at the Red Lion (currently here)-home on the red eye.

Still not back to my normal, if I even know what that is, self.

chicago

I am in Chicago and I am drunk. I woke up this morning in Miami and dead-headed to Newark to sit around for three hours. When we finally made it MID our crew was picked up in a limo and driven downtown. Our long layover is at this amazing hotel in the heart of the city called the Palmer House. The lobby is like something you would see in Venice and the rooms are so quaint. When I reach my room, I immediately turn on the tv and look for the Duck game. No dice, there is regional action only. I meet up with the pilots and head to a sports bar next door. I ask them to change one tv to the Duck game from the Mets playoffs and they deny me. I eat my steak and drink my wine say goodbye to the pilots and hop in a cab. I am told that Timothy O'Tooles is where I need to go. I arrive in time for the second half and saddle up at the bar with a Guiness next to a Tennesse fan. I cheer loud for the few plays that go our way and drink more beer. After watching the Mets reach the next stage of the playoffs, I retreat back to the hotel and think for a few minutes that I should crash the wedding in the hotel. Common sense takes over at midnight and I rest my head on the down pillows which surround me.

chill

There is a chill in the air, you know the one which you feel when during a football game or the post season of baseball. It is the chill that has one reaching for a blanket as they read a book on a day off. My day off was wonderful, sleeping in till noon and just lying around the house. I had good intentions to get laundry done, go to the bank, and the market. None of those things seemed as important as my down time with my book. I am reading A Million Little Pieces, I realize that I am a year behind the craze but it is an excellent book. C and I just hung out on our matching chairs with George in between us and read. We finally got out of the house to get something to eat and pick up B from her turn. We also went and saw All the King's Men this evening (still without a shower), excellent movie. As we were driving to the nearby town for some civilization, I had this huge desire for Christmas and the warm feelings that once exsisted with the holiday. I remembered how it felt to look at lights on Christmas Eve after dinner out with the rents. It made me sad but at the same time hopeful, hopeful in building new holiday memories. I guess that this is my coming to terms with living here. I will be glad to get my car out here to have freedom and go explore some more of this state that I am trying to make my home. My car will give me the ability to find a much needed gym. I am not getting fat, I am losing my self esteem...something gain from going to the gym on a reguiar basis. Change is in the air and it is for the better.

Got a three day trip, no red eyes like the last one was chalked full of. This one takes me to YYZ, MIA, MDW, and ORD. I am just hoping to find a tv between trip to watch the Ducks continue their winning streak. p.s. flew with a Sooners fan (captian) and he wasn't to happy to have me and my Duck gear in his cock pit, excuse me, the new "p.c" word is flight deck.

military charter

I think I had the best day of my flying career thus far. I was assigned to a military charter which took troops home from Kuwiat to Kentucky. We got the short leg. The hassel of running back and forth between gate 55 and 68 in the unfamilar B terminal was a bit annoying but once that 777 pulled up and the troops came off to stretch their leg, tears were instantly in my eyes. It was my first time on the triple 7, working that is. It such a huge plane with the perspective of an FA. I was in charge of a door, the manual safety demo (our ISM has no clue what he was doing), and the mid galley. There was so much food on this flight and I just walked up and down the never-ending aisle offering things to everyone. Our two hour flight ended in a flat area of nothing but black hawks, buildings, and old planes. We were invited in to join the ceramony welcoming the troops home. When our large crew walked in, the crowd cheered for us. The troops marched in and the crowd went crazy along with all of us. It was such an emotional experience to watch them be reunited with their families and to see the babies which were non-exsistant when they were deployed. We got a chance to hang out while our flight was delayed for two hours. I got my picture taken in the engine of the 777 and then we ate first class meals while lounging in the first class section and running up and down the aisles. Our captain was so great and sang songs over the intercom. I was able to sit in the cockpit for take off and he let me turn on the auto-pilot button. So techicnally I was flying the plane. I felt like a kid up there with all the pictures I took and all the questions I asked.

On the way home flying 43,000 feet, a light caught my eye and then another. I cupped my eyes and looked out to see the most amazing lighting show I have ever seen in my life. This show was about 50 miles from us and followed us all the way home, As I sit here now, at home, the lighting is flashing through the windows and the thunder is almost shaking the house. Besides the Yankee game being delayed, it has been an amazing day.

A special thank you to those who have volunteered their lives to protect our freedom. Welcome home boys, and thank you.

midtown driving

I have spent a lot of time in the city in the past week due to the arrival of my good friend. I been in a cab almost every time I have been in the city but the past couple of rides have been the most memorible. We were on the way to the Guggenhiem and got there in record time with the thrill of riding a roller coaster. I personally loved it but could see how those with a week stomach could not be as thrilled. Our return trip was just as exciting, it made the ride home on the path seem like the tea cup ride at Disneyland. It wasn't until yesterday I understood why they drive this way. It is not for the thrill of the tourist but the way of survival.

I drove Dave May back to the airport yesterday and our route took us through the Lincoln tunnel, through Midtown, the Midtown-Queens tunnel and through some other parkway. Tunnels are not for the colsterphobic as they go one for miles. The time spent on 34th Avenue was great in the way of looking at NYC from a different perspective. One of my favorite things is to look up at a tall building from a car, we had the oppurtunity while parked at a light next to the Empire State Building. In order to survive the couple mile long drive without being hit or honked at excessivly one must drive like they own the road and have stolen the cat. My driving in San Fran, LA, and Seattle had not prepared me for this experience. The addition of people on the streers, large busses, and people cutting one off right and left. My reward for my good driving came on the way back from JFK as I was able to see Manhattan from the non-traditional side; it was beautiful.

Back safely at home and hanging out with the girls, which has become more frequent since we are not working at all this month. We took another trip to Target, this time in C's newly delivered jeep and then dinner at Chevy's. It was a fun girly night and will probably be repeated tonight with two of them. i have been assigned airport alert from 2000=2400. Wonder if I will be sent anywhere considering I am scheduled off tomorrow.

so many noodles

My house is full with bodies, not dead bodies as you would anticipate living in Jersey but friends and roommates. Every roomie is home right now and my good friend, Dave May is here visiting me. I have been up since 0700 thanks to the meowing roommate which wanted breakfast. I wandered around the apartment for a bit and then decided to go to the store to get ingrediants for spagetti night. I am cooking for the thirty friends we have invited over this evening. So off to the market I go, there is no traffic, no lines, and no one at the store. This is the beauty of working crazy days and hours, no one in the way on our days off. I have everything I need minus the pasta and tomato sauce. I walk down the aisle to find which noodles strike my fancy and am amazed the thirty feet of selection before me. I have never had such a hard time choosing noodles. I was quickly reminded of how many Italians live in the NE and hoped my spagetti would meet the standards of the locals we have invited.


Our evening in the city with my first visitor from out of town was delightful. We headed down the meat packing district for dinner at Blue Ribbon (highly recommend!) and found ourselves in the bar next door waiting for our table with wine and the best calamari. More wine with dinner of which I ordered a warm goat cheese salad and 1/2 dozen calms. Much to my surprise, they came raw on the half shell. They were actually pretty damn good but I was glad to have a few glasses of wine in my to not think too much about the not being cooked. A double espreso ended our dinner and opened the door for a night of dancing. I found myself a willing dance partner and never sat down the rest of the evening. My head hit the pillow of a fine Westin bed close to 0500. Tylenol, sprite, and fried mac and cheese helped cure the hangover while we walked around the city and through Central Park. You gotta love NYC in the fall!

Alright, I waking these lazy bums up...I am bored and it 1100.

the cousin

I have been telling myself that something good has to happen to me by the end of September. My last trip left me feeling uneasy about the job and the days of waiting at home with no work also has left a bad feeling in my gut. I was given a trip to SNA the other night but knew that I shouldn't count on it because it was such a great trip. (Line holders can come in and take trips away from reserves 12 hours or more from the flight time.) Sure enough I called yesterday morning to be released to check in and someone took it which left me on call all day again. There is only so much you can do in a small town once your laundry is done, house cleaned, been to Target three days in a row already, so I waited.

All the girls were home for once so we decided to get dolled up and head down to our new hang out, the sub shop. One of my roomies is into the owner and the owner seems to like all of us hanging out and drinking his booze. He let me take telephone orders the other night and people were thrown off by how nice I was when asking what they would like. After our Jack and Cokes we went home and did shots of apple pucker from Germany, then headed over to the sub man's house. He told me that his cousin was interested in meeting me as he has been talking about "us girls" to him. What the hell, the sub man is cute and nice. So we head over to the cousin's house for a party. That is what we called him, the cousin. Well we get there and there was three people there and a very small bathroom in which I had to back myself into. Not into hanging out in strange Jersey kitchens we took off the this place called Hollahans. There was a White Castle next door and no one shared my interest in checking out this place I had always heard of. We ended up singing karoke, only one of us is a good singer and accepting drinks from the cousin who ended up to be a totally creep ball. I was not happy with the sub man for the set up. Now we refer to him as the creepy cousin.

A crew can make or break a trip. My crew is amazing and we are having so much fun that my faith in all of this has been restored. My room overlooks the space needle and is in the heart of SEA. My favorite kinds of trips (transcons) to the beautiful Pacific NW, and my favorite position First Class. My faith is restored and I feel asleep in the Seattle skyline thinking how much I love my job!!

old hood versus new

Coming from such a beautiful state is difficult for me to walk down a sidewalk littered with trash and foul smells in the air. This is a list of other things that are causing me to miss home...


OLD HOOD
NEW HOOD

People meet for coffee at Starbucks
People sit out on their steps in wife beaters alone
Water is served in glass at restaraunts
Water comes in a bottle with a straw
Use of yellow mustard
Spicy mustard ( I do like this difference)
Places take credit cards
Cash only for these mom and pops (nothing over a $20 either)
English as a first langauge
Portuguesse or thick Jersey accents
Comfortable/conservative clothing
Lots of muffin tops
Lots of beautiful trees/ green grass
1 tyoe of tree whose leaves stick to the bottom of your shoes
Choice of bread for your sandwich
Hoaggie rolls only
Healthy choices for lunch
Braizilain or Italian
Farmer's market every Thursday, blocks long
Two tables each week with questionable looking fruit
Coffee
Coouuffee
Trash is in compactors
Trash is left on the streets without cans for pickup
Fabulous gelato
Child melesting ice cream van driving around at all hours
Starbucks
Dunkin' Donuts
Nikes
Spandex
Washer and Dryer at home
Spanish soaps at the laundromat

We finally found a Target and it is the most exciting thing we have discovered this far. I have been there three days in a row and am grateful to have found a bit of civilization. Malls are big things to people out here because of all the small towns just like mine. So be grateful Oregonians, for all that you have.

couuffee?

There is not many Jewish people in the Northwest to my knowledge; at least I haven't really been exposed to them. I know that they wear small hats, don't eat pork, and stand on the reverse side in weddings. I remember watching coffee talk on SNL when I was younger and it hasn't been unitl recently that I have really grasp the hilarity of Mike Meyers. There is a joke about the PBI flight that there are tons of older Jewish women and you have to put on your "Jersey hat" and talk with the accent. "Care for some couffeee?" The coouuffee maker is what I was backed up against on my way home from MCI the other day as this large Jewish woman was in the back galley talking to me. This wasn't a two sided conversation, it was her telling me about some wedding in which she was transporting $3000 worth of the attaire and the hope-a. I sent the time just nodding my head and looking at her large features. She had to be 5'10" a good 200 lbs, and all I could keep thinking was if she was a man underneath, she was huge. She stared down upon me over her half glasses which would have been whole on me. She was the cliche Jewish woman from what I understand. She told me how much money a year she spends on medication, that TSA brushed her leg with the wand and how furious she was at that inderection, and then about some chapstick she found. I wanted to be engaging but once she got angry at me for being able to bring my lip gloss on board, I prayed for someone to ring their call light and get me out of this twenty minute situation. Finally a bell dinged and I let her know that I had to get back to work. I am just glad that she didn't try to set me up with her son, I heard they are also notorious for that.

last season

A bird is screeching as we sit and wait for our plane to arrive. The second day of our tour of the country finds our crew in IAH. It has been an interesting couple of days that seem like a lot longer. I'll you this; a crew can make or break a trip. It is the first time I haven't found at least one person I enjoyed chatting with. Both of the ladies I am flying with have bad breath, one is about as bright as a 10 watt light bulb and the other has stories that last forever and always have a negative spin. She is talking to me right now during this three-hour delay about something or other. I am trying to be polite and nod along even though I am not the least bit interested in way she is yammering about. p.s. the damn bird ended up to be on the flight right in the last row, next to my galley.

This trip has been my least favorite thus far. We have had delays, a crew that I don't really click with but am stuck with four days, hours in the airport, and getting in at two in the morning. I realize it was my lack of sleep that has me in this foul mood today. We are on the third day of our journey and luckily only had to work one flight from JFK and then deadhead to AUS. Four hours is not enough to deal with people arguing with me about their bags, children screaming, and all the while the noise from someone's black jack game. Thank goodness I am safe in a hotel room sitting here in my Duck gear cheering, take that back, screaming for my team. What a great game!!!!

Tomorrow we are off to IAH-MCI-then home. And I can honestly say that I am ready to sleep in my loft bed cuddling with my girl, and enjoying my two well-deserved days off. Bid packets are out so I am going to try and plan my days off next month around an Oregon game. It made me sad not to be there today and a bit reflective of how far I have come mentally and physically since last season.

chair on a wall

Buying a chair that looks nice ascetically is not always a good option. I was lying on the floor the other night half way between my room and the living room watching the TV at an obscure angle, and the toleration of having no furniture ended. I jumped in our community car and drove to a furniture store I saw down by the ol' Dunkin Donuts (which there are tons of in Jersey). I saw a comfy lazy boy but knew that it would be out of my price range. I walked through this store with a garage like feel and saw a beautiful chair on the wall. It was exactly what I had imagined at the end of my bed. It was big and fluffy, just the right size, and within my price range. I backed up the car and the guy, who wants me to stop in again and have lunch with him, loaded it in the back. I stopped at Marshall's to get a cozy blanket but found nothing to suit my taste. Christina helped me bring it in and I gave it a sit. Don't ask me why I didn't do this before I bought it. I think it was because it was hanging off the wall. Anyway, I sat down and it was stiff. I told Christina to give it a shot and she told me I just had to work it in. So here I am hitting the chair trying to work it in. I come back after grabbing a snack and who do I find enjoying the chair…George. Apparently I just bought her a new place to lie. So the rest of the evening found me sitting on the floor with my back against the chair and George all cozy'd up breaking it in to suit her comfort.

westin beds

Sitting here in my robe at the Westin in SFO. It is the start of a four day trip that will take me to each coast, the midwest, and the south. I am working with a girl that was in my class and another lady that is not the happiest person around. Therefore I kept myself busy all flight by actually working, a concept which seemed to escape everyone else on my crew. Nothing much to write about, I was bummed to find out the Giants had an early game today as that would have been a perfect evening here. I am trying to complete my goal of seeing a baseball game in every stadium. It is getting close to post season so here is hoping that I will have layovers in the cities which are leading their divsion.

ode to the care package

When ever someone gets a package via mail it is a very exciting thing. They don't call it junk-Fed-ex. Care packages have been a regular thing for me due to the bordem and love of my mother. They came to training at least weekly with goodies for study group and enough times to make my roommate super jeolous. Here they are arriving with the same regularity and it has put my other roommates moms into competition against Carol. My packages consist of candy, Easy Mac, cough drops, airborne, pantyhose, raspberry Newtons, gum granola bars, almonds, tissues,etc. I think my mom has a pile of things that she just goes to with an empty box each week. She is also in charge of my mail so every now and then I will get a bill or a magazine. Pretty useful stuff, I think. My roommates seem to enjoy nibbling on things which are carefully shifted through and placed in the "comunity goodies from Carol" if I wish to share.

Brit's mom has came out and helped her set up her room and bought her a tv and stuff but has only sent a card and a few pieces of mail thus far. So Christina got a package yesterday and we as usual all gathered in her room to see what she had got. We were pissing our pants laughing at this list and of course the commentary that comes out of her comedic mouth.

-NYC guides
-dog puppet
-2 penis straws (aka straws with mini penie' on the end)
-Trader Joes cookies
-midget strech shirt
-happy whale pen
-1/4 bag of Seattle Best Coffee
-a watermelon gaget with a running bug inside
-gross popcorn
-used hacky sack
-yo-yo
-$50
-parking violation
-previously used mags
-espresso machine (yeah baby)
-almonds
-flamico dancing Christmas ornament
-used highlighter

A little bit of love from home has definatly made the transition smoother and my shelve very full. I am betting that the girl will be getting some packages of her own since she is a new roomies and her birthday is coming up. So far my mom is kicking ass in this race of whose mom cares the most. Thanks Carol!!!!

thirteen pounds

My girl is now here!! I went to the airport on Sunday with the intention of flying to Orlando. I got to the airport about 0600 and got a protien shake. I went to my gate and waiting with my larger than average crew. And we waited...we waited for two and a half hours until they had to switch planes and send two smaller ones instead. Scheduling decided that I would not be amoung the plane swap and reassigned me to a BOS flight. These flights leave out of Terminal A, and there must be some note in my file about how much I am love with that terminal as I have been flying out of there for about two weeks. I hopped on the bus and called to check in, they then decided that I would sit airport alert instead. I took a nap because I was up til 0200 watching Duck football and entertaining our drop in guest.

We sat on call all day Saturday and began to go a little stir crazy. Finally a friend called and we picked him up at the Path and thern stopped at a toy store and picked up some games. I bought Trival Pursuit 90's edition (which I kick ass at because I am the second oldest person here) and Brit bought Twister. The upside of having no furniture is that there is plenty of room to play to Twister. I need to start doing yoga again because I only won one round. Damn it! Good thing I paid attention in the nineties so it was not a complete loser night.

Back to the airport...I was release from AAA at 1025 and had seven hours to kill while I waited for my flight home. I stocked Brit and went and sat at her gate with her until her flight left. The upside to this story of bordem is that a hot pilot came and sat with us and chit chatted it up. We found out that he lives in FLL and had come up for a friends costume party and left with my number on a note. I gave it unasked but didn't feel stupid as he had showed interested and we asked if he was married, no he is not. I found myself having breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the ol' airport. I went to this Jersey Diner which apparently this shit hole state is famous for their diners. I ordered a chocolate shake and it tasted a little blah. I was really dissapointted too because the loud mouth next to me in the Eagles jersey seemed to verbally enjoy his throughly.

Made it to PDX and hopped on the max train home. While walking the rest of the way, I saw a figure in across the street of whom mannerisms I recognized. I ran down the slight hill with my heals clicking and my roller board drug behind me finding every crack in the sidewalk. I spooked the figure who happened to be on a date and gave my husband Crayton a huge hug and a kiss. Spent some time with George's godparents before retiring to my second home and my oh so comfy bed.

Got craploads of stuff done with every parking space I needed magically appearing as I neared my destination. My day was centered around going to the doctor for this cold which has now become a sinus infecton and the doctor for George's anti-anxiety pills. The doctor explained why everything tasted blah, so I may give that milkshake diner another try. My day was perfectly ended with a two glasses of wine (yes, I was buzzed), my fav soup, and convos with two of my favorite people.

All the great timing of the day seemed shot to shit when I got to the airport. I wasn't thinking about anything more than getting the girl through secuirty. Well, I have my crew luggage which has tons of liquids. I can't bring it on unless I am in uniform. I got escorted out of security after being pat down, of course the alarm went off due to my cute shirt, and went to the bathroom to change and go back through. This is exactly why you get to airport early. I went and changed back into my cute outfit and waiting to see if the fortune had returned and I would get on the flight home. George joined me in the waiting with glazed eyes and didn't seem to give two cares about where she was. Must have been some good shit. I was blessed with a first class ticket and was about to relaxed until TSA decided to do random bag checks at the gate. I had to go back in unifom again. Good God! The five hour flight home was pretty good with the girl sleeping until 0330 when the setative wore off slightly and she wanted to get out. Two and half hours I held her on my lap rubbing her head as she did gymnastic like moves in her case. She made it all up to me by taking a nap beside me once we were home and situated.

My spirits are lifted by this thirteen pounds of pure love currently rubbing its head on my computer. I am so happy to have her with me.

turns

My second evening of being home alone has granted me some peace and time to check out the fall edition of Vogue. I sat four hours of airport alert today with no trip given. I did see five people I knew though, so it made the time pass very quickly. Tomorrow my assignement is two turns, one to DC and the other to Chicago. I was hoping for a three day trip but I am happy just to be working.

I don't even have any good stories since I have been to myself lately. Hopefully a good one will drum up tomorrow. Hittin' the hay for a an early check in tomorrow.

miss george

Well it finally happened. I had my breakdown of doubt and wonderment of why I was here. I was fortunate enough to get a ride home from the airport from my fellow FA, and came home to an empty house. It was nice not to talk to anyone or listen to anything but my own thoughts. Well I guess my thoughts got the best of me this evening. I am not too happy about the current living situation because of promises about bills, internet, etc have not been kept. I honestly don't enjoy living with a bunch of people, I don't enjoy the struggle of getting to and from the airport, and I miss George terribly. I wish I would have brought her out before but I hadn't ask the landlady and now I am not sure that I want to live here much longer. I would love to live in Mahattan with George and just take one bus/train to work. Can I financially do that right now? Nope! I have to be patient and plan what to do with my loft, car, and current apartment. But don't you just wish sometimes that something could change automatically? If I had George here, I would feel much better. She is always sympathetic when I cry and will always cuddle on demand. I am sure things will seem better in the light of day tomorrow, but this mind of mine will keep figuring out ways to be content where I live. I wipe away the tears and make some theraflu and hope for a better day tomorrow.

in the big D...again

I am back in DFW again, they must have thought I enjoyed my restless sleep last Friday. This time we have 16 hours to hang out and I have spent most of mine in bed. I am trying to kick this cold/crap that has plaqued me for a week. Airborne and Theraflu have been my buddies but my enemy is the airplane and all the people coughing and sneezing. It is that time of year when kids go back to school and the sniffles are passed around. I am lucky to be in first class on this short journey as people don't tend to cough as much up there.

I am on for four more days after I return tonight and am not sure where they are going to send me. I am hoping for a long trip because desention is starting to happen at home and it is always nice to be in my own space. I like being at work more than I do at home. Don't get me wrong, I love my girls and we are having a good time being young and carefree but I am starting to go a little stir crazy. There isn't a gym and it's been a little chilly outside as fall is making an early arrival in the NE. It is my roommate, M that gets me all stirred up against the boy/girl who hasn't opened any of the utility bills that are passed due. I think she does it because I am the only one that will say anything to him about what idiot he is. I am not sure how much longer I want to live there and would love to have a rent controlled apartment on the Upper West Side fall into my lap. I am going back with a positive attitude and finding a gym nearby even if I am the one teaching classes.

Here's to a great trip home from Texas!

ode to the beverage cart

You must be the bearer of people's decisions they way they so longingly stare at you when asked what they would like to drink. Turbulance makes you sway to and fro as I hope you don't spill anything on the aisle customers. I hold you tightly down the aisle while trying to keep my balance. Orange juice comes from the top and is ordered with with ice. I am not sure whose ideas that was, must be an East Coast thing. But my favorite thing about you, besides the gazing up and down of the cart for answers to one's own thirst, is the order for "coffee". This is like ordering a martini...could you be a little more specific please? The West Coasters tend to take it black while the North Easterners take it with cream and two sugars. Somehow they think I should know. The activity that keeps me the most occuppied is the wathching of the foam slowly decending into soda. Diet Coke is worst, you can pour three other drinks while you wait. I am becoming a better driver of you each time, my average for knocking you into the passangers has gone down tremenously. Now it is just my hips that run into those people who pour out into the aisle watching that damn cart. Until we meet again on Tuesday, my beverage cart.

_________________________________________

My two day trip has been good although I am in the ending stage of a cold thanks to my roomie. The hurricane that is making its way up the East Coast caused a short delay yesterday and is causing quite a few bumps on the way home from DFW. It was the first time I had gotten a drink with the crew. Last night we all met at the Lonestar Tavern for a cocktail. A double screwdriver for me and then I hit the hay for a 0630 show. Hoping to get released to my two upcoming days off. The captain already offered me a ride home so the day is already looking better.

missing cheese

Just sittin' here listen' to Elton John's greatest hits. It is luckly my evening off prior to a 24 hour break from work. I am not feeling well so I am so happy for a little down time. I clocked in 101 flying hours for the month of August, I am exhausted!!

I got home this morning at 0700 but it feels like forever ago. My four day trip was good other than the delays. A few crazies in first class on a couple of legs. Strangely enough they were both time ladies in the first row. This one loony was asking everyone if they owned a home because she thinks that "single woman" can own their homes. She didn't dare ask me as I had already asked her to remove her feet from the bulkhead least they break on a hard stop. It is funny to watch the poor souls which are seated next to them enduring the constant jaber. I think the passanger would have rather given back her upgrade than listen to the "realtor' any more. The other basket case wanted to argue with me about proper stowage of carry-ons. I imformed her that I had four and half weeks of training of proper stowage and I think I knew what was best. Then she jumps up during the taxi out so we have to stop the plane and she just didn't understand why everyone was looking at her. That was a long four hours, let me tell you. I encouraged her to try our wine in order to wind her down. The red eye home everyone behaved and slept. I got through more of my book and drank a gallon of hot water and lemon.

I had the rest of my review today and passed with flying colors, ie. they don't seem too strict up here. Which we all love.

I am off to IKEA tomorrow to finish building a closet as I have brought some of my fall clothes out in preparation for the weather change that has come upon the NE so quickly. Word has it that we will feel some of the effects of the hurricane this weekend. Should be interesting flying.

Roomies are doing okay, the boy was instructed not to dare go into my room this morning as I was catching up on my sleep and no one wanted to be a witness to a murder. Someone has been eating my cheese and french bread pizza which doesn't make me happy. I wrote a note on the white board, we will see if intimidates the culprit..

fourteen hours

I am sitting in ATL wishing I had three more hours to lay in bed. I turned on the coffee maker and wondered why it wasn't working. I need to add water, shows you how much I drink coffee. Green tea, water is a given! Actually it just proves my point of how tired I am. Our eleven hour day turned into a fourteen hour day and then a mile long walk through the airport to our shuttle. Weather delays kept us grounded in ORD for close to four hours. Our customers were not happy in the least bit so it was wonderful that I had a young crew that could make light of the situation and entertain the customers. The most senior person on this trip is 3 months. I love it though because it still hasn't lost its novelity and we are having a great time.

Next time you are on a plane, watch people watching the FAs. It's like they never saw a person pouring Diet Coke before. They just stare at me and look at the cart with wonderment. I don't get it. Chris offered an explaination that there is nothing else to do. I guess I just enjoyed it when he was watching me.

Unfortunatly nothing happen thus far on this pairing that is exciting or even worth embellishment to write about. On to IAH then my second home for the night.

grateful

I have just been thinking about how incrediably lucky I have been through my journey thus far. I did well in training and was honored by being elected the class president, got a long famously with my roommate, had increadiable trips given to me, scheduling has been so nice to me, and I just got a trip that will put me over my guarantee so my check will be a little more next month. Things are running smoothly other than getting home from the ol' airport but if that was perfect, I think I would question it too much. For right now I am taking the transit with a grain of salt and realizing that it makes finally getting home so much better. There hasn't been a moment that I have regreted this decision or not thought this is what I am supposed to be doing right now in my life.

My day consisted of airport alert first thing this morning. I completed my testing portion of my 30 day review, took a nap, woke up to Blue's Clues, solved the mystery, and then with ten minutes left was called out on a turn to MYR. I didn't even know what state it was in, turned out to be a golfing meca in South Carolina. I got home two hours after work through many stops and good bonding time with my favorite roomie.

Speaking of that...we hit the city yesterday and I got my French visa. Yes, ladies and gentlemen when I get that fateful call that asks if I can go to Paris, I can now say wee!! We spent the rest of the day wandering around, playing the piano at FAO Schwartz, looking at diamonds at Tiffanys, pastrami sandwich at Stage Deli, shopping on 5th Avenue, a little flirting with my investment banker, and finally a game at Shae Stadium in Queens. Good times, good times.

My pairing came in for my next adventure, see if you can follow. Home-ORD-home-ATL-layover-ATL-IAH-PDX-layover-home. Three day trip ending in beautiful Portland. Maybe the schedulers have been ready my blog and know that I am not truly ready to release PDX from my heart. I am going to wrap up all things I missed last time and of course, give the girl some love and continue to count my blessings.

ramblings from portland

It was on the way home somewhere between 12th and 14th Street, looking back on the building where he lived without the knowledge of my love, that I decided it was time. It is time to let go of Portland, let go of the life that once brought me somuch comfort and joy, and move on the new life which lays in wait for me.

A conversation with my dear friend, Jeff over the reminants of tiramisu and gelato hit home. How can I begin a new life with my heart still attached to PDX? The friendships will not be over if I move permantely and the memories I cherish so much can be packed and moved. Selling my loft saddens me to think about but Jeff is absolutely correct when he explained how a house looses its home feel once everything is out, off the walls, and packed away.

Heartache is an actual phenomenon. I don't cry very often and when I do break down, it is uaually in private. I am person who likes to talk things out but now I search my list of friends to match this mood I am in, and I come up with none.

The question in my final interview that is now prompted in my mind now was..."What is going to be the most difficult thing for you about this upcoming change?" I answered quickly, my girl, I will miss her dearly. The recruiter was very symathetic to my answer and told me she had the same dilemia. I can't wait for George to move to the big city, it breaks my heart to leave her once more.

___________________________________


I got a ride to the airport this morning nice and early before my 0950 flight. I went to check in and got an error message about my baggage. I went up to the agent and found out that ol' brillant here booked myself on the red-eye instead of my imaginary flight home. What does this mean for my life? Well, since I already exhausted my ride to the airport, I am stuck here for five hours to entertain myself. It also means that I will not be home now until 2200 at which time I have to run to the crew room to fill out my French Visa app and have it signed by a supervisor. Here's hoping the flight arrives in time. I know that you are always supposed to be exactly where you are but I have yet to decifer the meaning of being at PDX right now. Thus far I ahve had my hair cut, ate some eggs benidect, drank 2 mimosas, ran into the lady whose home I stayed at during my first week in Portland, got a Starbucks, read some of my book (Naked by David Sederias--highly recommend), talked to a stranger with a camera, and silently bitched about my luck.

three day trip

08.21.06

Forgetting about the hour time difference during sit time between flights today allowwed me some time for wandering. I found a great little ice cream place and ordered myself a milkshake. Looking around, I realized I was standing in the same food court where I had breakfast three monhs ago on my way to the interview with a kind FA. The nervousness I experienced then made me smile today. This airport has now lost its novelity due to the OB and IOE flights but this is the first time I have walked through this concourse wearing wings, and it feels good.


This is my first trip that has consisted of more than one leg going and coming back. My journey started with a trip to FLL and the haunting tales of aligators earing people. My 25 hour layover gave me plenty of naptime, the ability to way the NYY and Sox game, and some time to wander around. Mind you every time I saw water, I crossed the street. Still alive and not impressed with FLL as I didn't get the chance to go to the beach. The next leg took us home to pick more eldery passangers to go to Florida, this time is was TPA. Our layover was short but the bar/beach was a nice place to grab a glass of wine and watch the game. I feel asleep in my sleep # bed (I am a 20) during the top of the eight inning. TPA-IAH-DFW-then home to try and catch a flight to PDX prior to my 0700 flight tomorrow am.

FUCK!!! All I want to do is go home. I have given up on the idea of getting to PDX tonight. So I missed the 62 and decided to catch the 40 instead. This is the same bus in which the P6 parking shuttle takes you to the north parking lot (aka BFE). The timing worked out perfectly to catch the 8:57 bus. Did it ever show up? No! Was I standing alone in a not-so-great area? Yes! Do I feel guilty as hell about getting my sick roommate out of bed to come and get me because I am on the verge of tears? Extremely! This is the most frustrating part of this job, getting home from the airport. Sometimes I wonder if I should bring my car to save my sanity? Strangely enough it would be easier to get to work if I lived in Manhattan. It would be a lot more fab too!!

city

I am enjoying the last hours of my two days off. They have been entertaining as well as lazy and relaxing. I made it back from Toronto in one piece and was picked up at the airport by all of my girls. We sat up and watched View from the Top and then went to bed to prepare for my big day. I awoke with ease and got ready. Meeting my friend Michele at the path and then in Mahattan. We grabbed a bagel and walked around for a bit then hit the subway and headed to the Bronx. I was so excited to be standing in the shadow of Yankee Stadium. We grabbed our tickets and then got a beer from Stan's across the street. There is nothing wrong with drinking a beer at 1130, it's noon somewhere in Canada!! We proceeded to our seats a hundred feet from first base and watched the boys stretch. A hotdog in the third and many beers later, thanks the guy in front of us with the paper bag, we headed back to midtown to meet 19C and some others for a drink. We donned our Yankee hats and shirts proudly although they did not play well. A quick stop by Bloomingdales and ten minutes in the bathroom, we came out looking like ladies. We walked to Fifth Avenue and went to a rooftop bar at The Pennisula as suggested by my boy. Conversation and the wine flowed freely as I kept thinking how handsome he was. We parted because he had to go back to work and the girls and I were headed to dinner. We stopped by a comedy club for a few minutes and then headed to a lovely Italian restuarant frequented by Mr. Big. He was not there but the chicken breast and noodles certainily made up for it. The roomies picked me up and drug me to a local bar, it was a bit disappointing after the city but I hung out and watched the small town people have a good time.

I am off to San Diego tomorrow for a three day trip and then come my four days off. Glad to have another transcon and to be going home soon.

39 bus experiement

My faith a little restored in the NJ transit system gave me the courage to try a new route to the airport. I studied the schedule this morning while getting ready and had in my mind that my check in was 1530. Hearing the news that a plane was diverted already today due to security issues, I left the house at 1320. I refused the offer for a ride feeling very confident in my experiment. Let's just say that it went a-rye. I boarded the 39 bus and was ready to get our and transfer when they announced "Penn Station". I sat quietly watching the passangers get on and off. Looking around and discovering I was the only white girl on the bus and the streets looked so unfamiliar, I went up to the driver and asked about my stop. I missed it by miles. He told me to cross the street and take the next 39 bus back. I don't think I have ever prayed for protection asmuch as I did walking across the street while eyes of dozens of kids up to no good follewed me. The bus came proptly to my relief and I boarded once more telling the driver to please let me know when I needed to get off. The stop came and once again I had to cross the street, this time is was the main street in Newark. I just missed the bus so I stood patiently on the curb ready to run into traffic if need be. I tried to have an air of confidence but the tears were welling up behind my designer sunnies.
Finally at the airport, checked in and it all washed away because here it is a gorgeous day and the Manhattan skyline guided my walk to gate 87. I tried a Nathan's hotdog for the first time (thought I owed myself a treat for getting here alive and with all my belongings), not too shabby!! I am betting though my dog tomorrow will be better only because it will be accompanied by a beer and the sweet sounds of Yankee Stadium.

mco

It was my second turn to Florida and the fourth time as the lead. I am getting that part down well. Great crew and the trip went smoothly other than the fact that some one had vandalized the mirror with grafetti. It was noticed prior to take off and gave me a strange gut feeling. We had an extra high sense of security through the flight. Nothing came of the message written backwards because a. it was nothing but kids messing around or b. we took extra steps to ensure the message was not received. I don't want to know what would have happened if I didn't follow my gut but I am glad that I did no matter how silly it seemed to others.

Last day until my two days off takes me on a turn to YYZ.

Home life is pretty good when it is just the four girls. I have the luck of not being around when the other party has been home. A lunch mate played a joke on him yesterday about being my boyfriend and it is up to me to keep the straight face and tell ol' nosy that I don't want to talk about it. Currently I am hiding in the tent my roomie has made with her loft bed. Kudos to her right now because I just saw his shadow looking into my room.

The plane has become my most comfortable place to be, my home away from my loft. I feel more and more confident with each flight and I will have to admit there hasn't been a moment that I felt uneasy or that this was not the correct thing to be doing with my life at the moment.

Special congrats are in order for my Aussie friend how will be joining me in the friendly skies of the world with the elite airline, Emirates. Yay!!!!

portlander

Back here at the home base after my last trip. I had the great fortune to pick up a trip to PDX. I took a cab home because I didn't know when my next trip was and I didn't feel lilke spending a couple of hours on/waiting for public transit. My bags were much heavier to haul up the steep stairwell to my apartment this time. A trip home allowed me to gather some things such as my Sex in the City collection, a couple items of clothing, and a couple of cords.

Walking through the door to my loft in my uniform was like two worlds crossing over each other. It seemed to so wrong to be there with a FA mentality. I immediately took it off and got into something more comfortable. Better!! I jumped in the car which has sat idle for two months and drove to get my girl. It was so good to see her and sit on the floor catching up with Gio and playing with her. We had a delicious lunch at Bluehour and then I went home to take a nap. I was exhusted and knew that I needed break the world of Portlander and FA up with some sleep. I awoke and everything was normal; I was in my house with George, nothing had moved or changed. My shower welcomed me and tons of clothes were awaiting my choosing. I grabbed a bottle of wine and made my way to Sunday dinner. It is amazing how you can pretend even when you are older. I was pretending that I still lived in the village, still went to Starbucks every morning, still saw my friends, still lived at home. But I don't. That reality didn't hit me until two hours into the flight home.

I was discombobulated as I went to the airport and checked in for my flight as a crew member. I am usually reading a book waiting to board at this (my fav) airport. I got on the plane and couldn't find my head from my ass. I told myself that I need to disembody the Portlander and put on my FA role instead.

I wish that I could put into words how strange it felt, but nothing articulate is coming to mind. The thing that was even more silly was watching a F-15 land right next to us. I was suddendly rushed back to my home town where they flew into the base daily.

All is well now that I am in my now first home, things are back to normal. I am however, excitally awaiting my return to a Portlander in eight days.

airport alert 2

No assignment was given as is usually the case at 2100 the day before we go on reserve. I took a shower and went to bed early just in case. The call came at midnight, not the c"an you fly to Paris in the morning?" call, it was "can you sit airport alert at 0500?" call. I say yes because I didn't think I had an option. I woke up at 0330 and got ready to go. The security was out of control for the common folk but not for me. i checked in a half an hour early. I grabbed a blanket and joined my fellow waiters in nap. Three hours I konked out and the last hour was spent with a good friend from training.

Since I sat on airport alert, I was eligiable to pick up a trip. And that is exactly what I did the moment it turned 1600, I picked up a transcon to my favorite city of Portland. Can't wait to see see the girl, grab some stuff, hang out with friends, go to Sunday dinner all while getting paid predium.

Life is good, the roomie and I spent all day watching movies, coloring, munching, checking out guys on myspace, and enjoying what our life is now.

historic day and fll

8.10.06

It was brought to my attention while buying water and getting change for the bus. In full uniform I stood in the deli and listened to the news. Bits and pieces did not make sense until I called my mom to see what was going on. The feeling of fear washed over me as I entered the terminal, the fear was on customers faces as well. I walked to the security check point ready to surrender all of my liquids: toothpaste, lotion, and water. By the time I got there, it had calmed down a bit and uniform employees were allowed to bring their stuff through. The feeling in the terminal was quite.

My turn to FLL was a bit eventful. I was given the lead position on the 757, a plane that I have never been on. I didn't get to make any announcements because this fancy computer made them all for me. The trick though was to figure out how the damn thing worked. The FO had to show me. Good trip down with a nice and helpful crew. Our trip home however was long and a bit stressful as we were placed in two holding patterns and the natives were getting restless. Finally we returned home and fourty minutes waiting for a non-existance bus and a ride back to the terminal to catch a cab.

My head met the pillow was great haste. It was a wonderful night sleep knowing that I didn't not have to awake to an alarm or a phone call from scheduling.

SEA and 19C

I sit in the airport where my grandpa used to work security; I am in Seattle.

My roommate awoke me at 0500 to give her a ride to the airport and upon my return I thought it best to stay up until I had to go and sit on airport alert. I am happy to report the bus ride was smooth and I ended up at the airport an hour early. I called and checked in at 0930 and sat there for three and half hours. The white bat phone rang and gave me one minute to check in for my trip and fourteen minutes to run across the terminal to the gate. I was given the lead position (something I have never done0. I didn't know where to stow my luggage, my phone was ringing, and I clinging to my manual and a bunch of forms. Then they had the nerve to give me three kids to be in charge of. To say I was freaking out would be an understatement. Greeting passangers was my main duty for the moment, okay I can handle that. One guy that came on board asked if I would have the same smile at the end of our trip. I told him it would certainly be there because I would have figured out what I was doing by then.

My crew was awesome, they were so helpful and calmed my nerves right down. It helped that 19C was smoking hot and we smiled at each other every time I passed. The five and half hour flight was gone in a blink. But in the fourth hours I finally balls up and went and talked to cutie pie in 19C. A short conversation with me sitting on the armrest across from him resulted in my digits on a cocktail napkin and a huge boost to my ego.

A layover at the HI found me asleep at 0800. What a long day. I will say that I woke up for the phone call from 19C.

The journey home was filled with more confidence and a lot of screwball passangers. Let's see, "can you refridgerate my cheese?", "can you change the movie?", what the hell?

I am finally at home after a good nights sleep and awaiting my next journey. Awaiting the phone to ring.

airport alert

About ready to jump in the shower and head off to the bus stop. I have been assigned airport alert. That means I am ready, willing, and able to go anywhere at a moments notice. They are forecasting thunder showers today, so I will be off somewhere in the world. What a great job!!!!

Bored

I am bored as hell, I have been so blessed by scheduling to have the weekend off. However there is not much to do in the little town. I found the Wal-mart yesterday and got some groceries and little things. I am all settled in and actually wanting to go on a long trip so I can feel more like a flight attendant. It will start again tomorrow and be four days until my next free day. I am going for a walk now to at least get out of the house.

Missing George a lot lately. :-(

Trip 2

Friday

Sitting in my suite over looking the pool to the right and a parking lot to the left at the Marriott in Las Vegas. I am eating a hot pocket and sipping on some gatorade, yes folks, I am hung over. I took full advantage of my 16 hour layover in sin city.

My second trip was assigned and I was off to the airport. I grab a bottle of water and a lemon pie from the corner market (p.s. can't wait to try one of their subs) and stand in the 100 degree heat awaiting my bus. I jump on board and the driver asked me where my friends were, "just me today". Everything ran smoothly all the way to the crew room with the exception of the loonie bins on the bus who find the life of a FA fansinating and want to ask five hundred questions.

I met my supervisor today (cutie) and we ended up talking about this and that and mortgages.

So my crew yesterday was one young girl (partner in crime in LAS), a very sweet Chinesse lady who didn't speak English very well but assigned to make the pa's, and one Texan whose ten years of experience made her the ruler of the plane (or so she thought). Long story short, the older ladies didn't get along and found it necessary to come back to my galley and tell me about it. I just smiled and listened until the left over ice cream sundaess were avaliable in silent, no drama first class.

Thursday Night

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

Our trip home was with a lady 23 years in and cool as shit. The comedy that in ensued on this flight included, the lead taking the dry ice off the ice cream on the floor during the safety demo, screwing up the headset count, and turning on the overhead lights when asked to get a Miller lite. Comedy, just plain comedy!!!!

LAS-baby yeah!!

I have some how managed to appease the flight gods as I have just been awarded a three day trip (with a 20 hour layover) in Sin City!!! Woo-hoo. Despite all the things that keep happening to our household, orders for beds cancelled, denials of car rentals, and the lack of phone and furniture, we are keeping our chins up and making it through. Brit, Missy, and I did laundry this afternoon. I haven't been in a laundrymat for God knows how long. I am not a fan for the record. I off to pack my suitcase with my swimsuit and some going out clothes. Trying for employee of the week!!

hot, hot

It was 110 degrees here in Kearny yesterday and today it is currently 100. Things are finally getting settled and my room is put away nicely. Brit and I went on a walk today and checked out our small town. Finally feeling the heat, we grabbed a sub and made our way back to the ol' apartment. I had five, count them, five minutes alone today before the other roomate came back from babysitting his 17 year old sister. Don't ask, we just enjoyed our girl time last night by watching movies on the floor with a laptop, blankets, pillows, and some popcorn.

I ordered my dress uniform today and hopefully it will be here soon because our uniforms are not that cute. My mom would make the arguement that they are very classic and proper while another would say they are school-uniformish (in a good fantesy way). I am looking for trips to pick up for my next three days on schedule. There is no three day trips avaliable so I am looking to bid on the trip to SEA, let's see if I can pick it up. Otherwise I am at the mercy of scheduling, which worked out nicely last time. The only thing that concerns me is a very early check because of the bus schedule.

Enjoying the air con and the rest of my philly steak sub.

NJ transit sucks

The NJ transit system is the most jacked up thing I have ever experienced. Friday, our last day to ourselves was rung in with plenty of cocktails. Needless to say we didn't arrive home until five in the morning. We stumbled around for a bit and then I needed grease. A short walk and questioning the postman brought us to this fab burger joint whose mascot is a bulldog with a burger in hand. It was so good, they had mini, mini fries and corn with the usual toppings...delic!!!! I highly recommend.

The horror began when we got on the bus to pick up our other roommate. Long story short it took us seven hours to accomplish this mission and get back home via tax from Penn Station because we had given up trying to find where the damn 40 bus picked up. There was a point towards the end when all us were yelled at by the bus driver and we all looked at each other with tears welling up. Right then is when we decided to get a cab.

Yesterday I thought I had it figured out but forgot what day it was and almost missed the bus home. I got off too early and ended up walking a mile to my house. Lessons, lessons learned. My trip home was great, one barcart service and then just walk throughs with water as my whole cabin was asleep. I tried to read but it made me so tired. The load, John entertained me for a bit then went up to the front to hang out with the other girls and make fun of me because I was working so much. "I love new people, they do all the work!" he tells the others.

Waiting for my next adventure.

catching up

Drinks wiith friends, catching up mostly consisted of my stories from FA camp. People have stayed the same,sure there are a couple new bonds, some separations, and new declarations of summer (which I am electing to join the effort, actually I think I have already been inducted! :-))

Four days at home. Naps were the largest consumer of my time to the point I didn't finish packing until Sunday. To say things have changed at home is a stretch, but there is a feeling within me that has changed. Maybe it is me and my new outlook on life. Saying goodbye this time was not very hard; sure there are those who tug on my heart strings more, but overall, I am very glad to be sitting on this plane. Gone is my first class upgrade (I get spoiled so quickly) I sit here in a middle seat with a child kicking my seat and we all know how big of kid fan I am. The agent already copped an attitude about my carry ons, "are you going to fit all of that under your seat?" (read with snidness). I shut her right up when I replied, it is crew luggage. Boarding the plane, I saw a familiar face, the lead FA that was on my IOE to PHX, she is my link to sanity on this five hour flight.

SFO

The first flight was a bit hectic and I was actually glad that we had a 45 minute delay because it gave me enough time to pull my shit together. The five and half long hours in air were met with lots of kids, many people who didn't speak a lick of english, and an Indian man yelling at me about vegitarian platter, he got a bag of chips from me. I can truly say that if I let it get to me, I would have cried but I bucked up instead and fought back. The worse thing about a red eye is the lack of things to do after people fall asleep. I brought a book but at 0200, it makes you drowsy. Anyhoo, after all of our customers left, our bellies were full from left over first class meals and ice cream sundaees, we got to our beautiful hotel in the heart of SFO. I slept in cuddled in down blankets and pillows, got in a work out, walked around naked for some time before and after my long shower, and enjoyed the silence of being alone. I was placed in a handicap room again, I must have something in my file with company, but let me give one kuduo to it....detachable shower head.

Janene's little bro lives down here so after my lunch in Chinatown, shopping at the largest BR and a stop to my fav, Kate Spade, I was picked up and taken to the area called the Mission. We sat and outside with his friends and watched them act more silly than we, the sober, ones acted. Chris got us tamolies from the famous tamolie lady of SFO...they were awesome.

Getting ready to head to the airport soon and see if I can iron out the kinks of yesterday's flight. I am very blessed to have this trip and to get some me time in a great city by the bay.

welcome to ewr

Forwarning: This week will be journaled backwards as I have just now found internet access. I am sitting in the crew room many hours before my first assignment. I was one of the lucky ones who was given a three day trip to SFO!! I fly out tonight, have a 21 hour layover and then red-eye it back. Total time gone is 35 hours although I will have been away from home much longer than that. My roomate M and I took the fabulous NJ transit in this afternoon since she hadn't been to the airport yet and to have a few hours of sanity and alone time.

Looking around the crew room and watching those who seem like they are old hats with this whole process. I wonder if they had to take the bus in or where they are off to. Our class, which we have ran into at least ten of them so far, stick our like sore thumbs. No one is wearing the blazer, skirt, and floppy tie, oh no, they have since cute, cool uniforms.

So, some stories thus far....

I arrived in EWR on Monday and was greated by my new roomate and a sandwich in the baggage claim area. My other roomate was right behind me from the West Coast. We gathered up our many bags and headed off to see our apartment. It needs some love, I won't lie to you. The neighborhood is amazing, small town USA, very safe and friendly. I really expected our place to be really nice since the family of our roomate, N is pretty well off. Everyone knows that I am a clean freak and that bathroom does not make me comfortable. I won't even use the kitchen because that scares me as well. I managed to get the bigger room because I am one of the lease signers. It's strange to start over again because I have already done that in life and worked my way up to a great place, now I am back at the mid rung again. Okay enough about the place were my alarm clock indicated it was 83 degrees at 2300. We dumped off most of our bags and went to check in at the Ramada mostly because I missed seeing everyone and I didn't feel comfortable staying at N's house, I needed some me time. My roomate at the hotel was this adorable girl from training so we got along perfectly for the couple days we were together. Back to the airport to pick up our other two roomates, hotel, and then we headed into the city, It was great first night, welcome to NY evening. We had dinner at Sushi Sumba and then dessert in the East Village.

Base orientation was comfortable because all the naive FA's were together in one room asking all the questions we needed. Our instructors were a kick in the ass and we quickly learned how much more lax everything is up here in EWR. It is going to be great flying out of here. Training was two days long with a visit to the Starlight lounge (courtsey of the Ramada at the airport) in between. C, B and I decided after our nap, to get dinner downstairs. That was all welll and good but I forgot to pack clothes other than the ones I wore to training. So I borrowed some pants and a shirt from C. The shirt I borrowed was the most boob-a-lious shirt I have ever worn. Whatever we were just going down stairs. Needless to say after dinner and the endless beers, the jutbox music, our tap was...nothing. The bartender, Ritchie (total Jersey) was in love with us.

The next night was not as exciting as the two previous but we sure tried to make it be. We got ten peeps together and decided to take the shuttle to the airport and have a nice dinner. By the time we pulled it together and make it the airport, our nice restaurants were closed. Long story short, we ended up taking the train to another terminal only to end up eating at Burger King. The ladies we not so helpful and snapped at the majority of us until the drag queen in our group snapped right back.

Thursday was moving day. We were greeted at our hotel at 8:30 sharp by the roomate who needs a whole 'nother blog about his stupidity. We head to the apartment and have to unload all of his stuff. Why he didn't have his room set up with his five days off previous is beyond me. So off to IKEA we go, we can't go the closer one because of the "riff-raft" that would be there. Who gives a shit, we are not there to socialize. We pick out our beds, dressers, and things to make our life easier but of course we are under a time crunch because the cable guy is coming in the middle of the day. We make it back in time although our driver thought it would be fun to take a wrong turn into a really bad neighborhood. So then we haul all of our stuff through two doors, and up narrow stairs. We decide to tag team the beds and get them put together. Five minutes in and I am pooring sweat. A few hours later another trip to IKEA is in order to get our mattress and lunch. The need to be quick is upon us because we want ol' knucklehead to leave before rush hour so we can go out to the city with the other girls. We get into an arguement, ie him whining and us saying no, to the point that he thinks that some one needs to drive home with him to switch the cars and have dinner with his parents. At this point and time we haven't gotten our beds together, have no sheets or towels, and nothing totally put together. He wants to go the farmer's market and then puts me on the phone with his mom to pick out veggies because he doesn't know how. I offer to drive to IKEA because he is tired of driving, and we get our mattresses. Another quick stop to BBB to get textiles and off we go. The whole car falls asleep on the way home so it was a good thing I was paying attention on how to get home. (p,s. has come in handy the nights we have gone to the city and had to take a cab home as well!) We are back after our lunch at IKEA and putting together our beds, sweating once more. N is whining around the apartment and getting in our way. He started putting this damn coffee table together the one he thought was more important than his bed until I yelled at him about it. Finally after telling us that we need to draw straws to figure out who is going to his house with him, he gives up and leaves. We had beer and tp on the way so we jammed to get ready and headed into Manhattan.

It was our first experience with the path and it went well, we headed into Times Square to meet some friends. It was so great to watch the excitment of the two who had never been to NYC before. We got NY pizza and headed to the Blue Fin, a nice lounge in the W Hotel. We absolutely had to get a cosmo and quote lines from Sex in the City. C and I love, love it!! We ended up staying there until midnight, when they kicked us out. While we were out each of our phones rang and not a single one of us picked up. Finally our friend, P answered. It was him. He claimed to have locked him self out, so he proceeded to drive all the way into the city in his pj's to get a set. C and B met him outside and made light of the situation and then said if he wasn't in his pj's he should come in. So what does he do? Changes in the car and comes in long enough to tell us that we are hanging out with ugly people. We told him to go home. Later we find out that he "found them in pants pocket". It was all a lie and we wanted to know where we were. The night in Manhattan progressed into Soho and we hopped all over to bars until 0400. We took the path back and then a cab, arriving home at 0500.

Friday is a story in itself so I will pick up on my layover in SFO.

what if we never tried?

Tuesday

The rents came in this morning and I made huge brownie points by taking the shuttle from the HI in my pajamas to pick them up at 0630. They get to stay at the Sherton which kicks the crap out of the hole that we live in.

A flight to and from PHX marks the last assignment between me and my wings. Thank goodness for the hotties on the flight and that I was able to work first class on the way home. Our supervisor was someone that no one in our kick-ass group had met before so I fashioned a sign that said "Crew MMCL Clint party of of 1). He just laughed when he saw us and knew that he had a fun group. On arrival we were saying our buh-byes and this hottie was off and I got a photo of his butt and Clint was standing right next to me and said, I didn't just see that? I told him I would send him a copy.

Wednesday

The day is here, the one I thought was so far away....Graduation!!! The day was meet with a bit of a hangover from the celebration last night. Studies were over, IOE's successfully came back with the plane in tact, and it was our last evening together. Our hispanic mama made the best fajuitas ever, which were washed down with plenty of beer, liquor, and shots. Even the people that you never saw outsde the classroom managed to find there way to the party.

I sit here in the exit row ready to be an ABA if necessary at 1750 waiting for the boarding door to close so I may go home. Just hours prior my wings were pinned, my speech made, my award accepted, and many tears were shead. I am finished...I am a FA. The day was hectic, it didn't help that my head was pounding from the final through down in room 179 of the HI. Pulling myself out of the shower, I realized today was graduation day. We got to wear our jeans and our class t-shirts which turned out adorable btw. Class was not exciting what so ever since we had a visit from the union reps who deemed it necessary to talk for two hours. Are you kidding me, the day that everyone is hungover we have to be interested in politics. A pep talk about graduation followed and then we were sent home for lunch and final packing.

J and I had to say goodbye to our handicap home over looking the pool. We were both on the edge of tears anytime we looked at each other. Inspections in our uniforms proceeded our short bus ride to the nice hotel, dress rehearsal, then what seemed like moments later, the big show.

I was the first to cry as my wings wer pinned on. I am so proud of our class and it hard to think that we will not be together every day. Following the wing pinning was a speech from the CEO and then class awards. I was honored to be presented with a golden wings leadership award. I now have a big, wooden plaque simliar to those from elementary school for perfect attendance, honor roll, etc. I just sat down and then was introduced as the class speaker. I had placed my speech on the podium before hand along with my tissue imprinted with the Eiffel tower. I had rehearsed my speech numerous times and only cried the first time I wrote it and in the last paragraph when reading it to J. I started crying at line two and by the end the rest of the room was crying as well. A video presentation followed and as I sat between my roommate and my fabulous Puerto Rican frinds, I held each of their hands and let all the stess, the sadness, and the joy consume me. The reception was short and sweet, but the goodbyes were heart renching.


Speech

As I sat in the Portland airport awaiting the flight that would begin my new life, I wondered what lay before me. What if I didn't like my roommate? Whatif I found out this is not what I wanted to do with my life? What if I failed?

Four and half weeks seemed like an eternity while packing and the first couple of days here. To look back now, you wonder where the time has gone. It feels like we just got here but at the same time we have been here for years.

It is amazing how quickly lifelong bonds can form. I believe all of us has met one or many people who will be reminising abour our days in training well into our retirement. The memories we have made here, whether they be at the pool, in the classroom, on the bus, or in room 179, will stay with us forever.

During our time together we have learned so many skills we hope never to use. But be assured if you are ever lucky enough to be on one of our flights you will be either mothered, told a toast to remember, watch some impressions, or laugh along with us at our own sillyness.

We have all played a role in what has become our friends, our support, and our family. I speak for everyone when I say that each of us could not have made it through this alone. Whether it be the care packets from home, thanks mom. the emails from friends, the silly situations that make us shake our heads and move on, or the encouragement from our name tent neighbors.

We became a crew in four and a half weeks with the leadership of our teachers. A special thank you to Beth, Pam, April, Kelli, and Marti for putting up with us in the first place and making flight attendants out of us in the end.

No one can answer the what ifs in life. But what if we never tried? What if we never made the bonds we made? What if we didn't challange ourselves?

Our what ifs have been answered and I present to you the sucessful answer known as the graduating class 0617.

speaker

Sunday
As usaul we had a mild day after our week four test. The only plane that f*d me up was the 767 and because of my second guessing I missed three questions. I had to quickly put that behind me and focus on the next three tests the following day. Our final was quickly approaching but all I wanted to do was lay in the sun. Our collage is being done by some girls in the class so I made my friend take us to a photo place to get some pic to contribute. I, of course want to be on the collage. We took off and headed to a CVS were we wandered around for an hour looking at magazines and local ice cream. Anything to avoid studying. I was burnt out from the day before and ended up going to be early, well back to the room early. J and I stayed up reviewing to the point of silly giggles.

Monday

J's alarm went off this morning and I almost had a heart attack. Her alarm goes off as the last, last resort at 6:30. "I can't believe my alarms didn't go off on the day of the final." You know we have all had that dream. Luckily it was only six and I got into the shower. Our final consisted of three different parts but lunch time I had my answer, I passed them all!!!! I am so relieved to be finished but at the same time. Single shots and class photos followed our digusting Papa John's pizza. I ordered two single shots, one for my mom of course and one for my future boyfriend. (a 5 x 7 color photo). Finally I sit by the pool in this unGodly heat counting what is now hours until I leave this town. I got my assignments for my IOE tomorrow, I got a great crew and an instructor I have never met. I am going to make one of those "limo signs" and hold it up for him in the crew room. Our desination is PHX,hopefully there will be hotties on board versus a whole bunch of old people.

Oh, one more thing. I was elected class speaker! I will give you my speach tomorrow after I get it approved.

tired

I have studied for twelve hours today and I am so dead tired that I am climbing into bed. Wish me luck on test 4.

international day

Friday night is upon me for the four time since leaving home. The constant noise of the air conditioner has become white noise and filtered into my dreams. I should start packing but instead I sit here eating Mike and Ikes thinking about how fast the next four days are going to go. I keep telling myself one day at a time, one test at a time.

Thursday in my world consisted of taking an emergency equipement oral exam and I got the tougest person. Although I did complement him on his shirt, I missed two questions and again kick myself for it. I was the first girl to walk out of the dressing room in my new uniform. A quick hem of the pants and change into the skirt, I was immediately transformed into a flight attendent. We also received our luggage and I magically gained the powers to walk down the hall with great speed and elegance. Must have been something in that blazer! The final piece of the uniform comes Wednesday, graduation. The rents are comin' on down to check it out and they get to stay in a nice hotel. No worries though since my bed is awaiting my return.

So not only was our day long with self defense, tests, and uniforms. My number was finally up for the "physical". A group of us headed off the airport to get our pee, eyes, ears, and muscles tested. I needed a little help with the ol' eye exam but talked the lady into passing me. Our muscle test consisted of picking up a bag, squeezing some handle thing, and then standing on one leg. Not all at the same time mind you. The menu was Taco Bell and we were so grateful to have something different.

From bad food to amazing food; today was our day for international. A little classroom lecture and then into the "cabin". We learned how to serve a five course meal. I was the only one assigned two jobs, the pre-meal beverage girl and the dessert girl. Our teacher was so quick witted and non-stop comedy. We started with hot towel service, moved on to a choice of proschito (you know that I don't know how to spell) with melon and oranges on a bed of lettuce and smoked salmon. Moving on to a gorgeous salad and fresh bread. The main course was tea sandwiches, followed by a fruit and cheese cart. The cheese was amazing. And of course dessert...made right in front of you sundaees. I guess the ol' Dariy Queen job has finally prepared me for something in life!! I was an excellent sundaee maker and I know because I ate a huge one.

Tomorrow is study, study, study, after I sleep in of course! Nite.

message on a napkin

My neck is tight and I would love to have a visit to the chiropractor. Our day was long learning about security but I am so grateful to have it out of the way. Our class was spilt in two groups today and we learned about security and the other group enjoyed international day. The pictures of 9/11 sent chills through my body, we referenced the day over and over again. We had to have our FBI background checks complete just to receive the chapter so I can't go into any further detail. I will let you know the dumb question of the day in a round about way. "If we are in a really bad situation, do we have to ask for help from trained people by writing on a napkin?" You won't get how silly was but I had a good chuckle.

Emergency equipment orals are tomorrow and I spent another night studying with a group. I feel good about going in tomorrow and hope that I can keep things straight in my head. I had no idea going in, even though I read two books, how much information we would be taught during this month. It could easily be overwhelming if I started thinking about it in bulk.

I am enjoying the silence of my room, I think my roomie is getting some lovin' since she is not at the pool and she was previously hanging out with a boy she has a crush on. Yes, I sound like I am in jr. high and in a way I am. Cliques are formed, people gossip (so far I haven't fooled around, that I know of), and people act like brats at times. No worries for me though, because I always walk around with a smile on my face. :-) I just bitch here and to my roomate.

We received our base assignments today and I a bit disappointed, although I was expecting it, to receive EWR domestic. I am putting in for a transfer to international the day of graduation. One week from right now, I will be home!!!!!!!!! Hip-hip-hooray!

I am happy to report the chicken bone has been removed.

bassinets

I sit here with my roomie listening to her read about how to make a bomb less likely hazardous to the aircraft in flight. I think we are f'ed if we are in that situation!! Today was the last aircraft day, we opened doors and windows. Getting ready for an oral exam Thursday on our emergency equipment. I studyed tonight and feel pretty good but always want to have my guard up. Our class is down to 41 now and we are split in half for the next couple of days. Our half gets security and then international day.

Today the big discussion in class about bassinets on airplanes, who the hell wants to shove their child in a plastic tube attached to wall?

Obviously I have nothing exciting to talk aboiut so I am going to read my chapter and go to bed.

The chicken bone is still hanging out in the stairwell.

chicken bone

I am sure each and everyone of you is wondering how I did on my weekly exam. The fact that I am still writing and not at home enjoying the perfect humity of Oregon lets you know that I passed. The competitve streak in me is in full force and I am happy to say that I did not miss a question on the test. I am hoping for this luck to keep continuing since I have five more exams before graduation next Wednesday. Yes, the end is in sight and we received some advice that hit it on the head. "You see the light at the end of the tunnel..just make sure it is not a bus." The end is near, graduation plans are being made, class pictures are scheduled, uniforms come this week. I am actually grateful for that one so I don't have to do laundry anymore. (Be forwarden Carol, there is a suitcase of dirty clothes coming your way!) It is sad to think about not seeing my new friends everyday and beginning yet another unknown adventure. I have finally slipped into the ease of life here, don't have to think about breakfast or lunch, only when you are serving it, a ride to work, or any other routine house things like cleaning your toliet, The HI doesn't bother thinking about the last one either.

I went to dinner last night with my good friend, K. We went to this fantastic mall that you could leave me at for at least a week and I would be happy. A visit to my fav (within budget) store, Banana and dinner at an Irish pub. The Irish in me is always up for a Guiness. Tonight, I went along with J and C to downtown and ate apps outside in the perfect weather. The company was great, the food good, and the margaritas excellent.

We are still learning about aircraft, today was the 777 and tomorrow is 767 along with lunch with the CEO. I am not sure what I am going to wear but I have to wear my hair up so tight I can't move my neck for the third day in a row.

I have to let you know about this chicken bone that has been on the stairwell for a week now, I take the stairs every chance I get to see if some cockroach, the stray cat, or someone has picked it up. I have a bet that is will out last me at this hell hole. There are finally straight guys staying at our hotel but they are...not that interesting, nice but not worth hooking up with. I am sure there are plenty of pilots in my future.

This girl has to get to bed even though I haven't done my homework, opps those margaritas got in the way.

training kicks in

Let me tell you, training kicks in. I am up this morning at 5:15 and not because I was up partying; this girl was in bed at 11:00. Strobe lights and the faint sound of the fire alarm in the hall awakened me. I jumped up and assessed my door, opened and looked for people or smoke. I saw one person and then turned around and started yelling at J. My heart races as I grabbed my laptop, passport, and phone. She didn't want to get up so I started yelling "get the F* up, we have to go!". We ran down the stairs to J's other home and waited. Another gentleman came down and said that there was smoke on the first floor. Since we were the first people out of building, the guy and J went back inside as I called 911. I ran around the building banging on first floor windows. People slowly came out without an inch of panic on their face. I am not sure if my panic was due to all the training and the evacs this week or how I would react anytime there was a fire. The lady on the phone asked if I would be okay and if I was evacuating people, I said, "Don't worry about me, I am a flight attendent in training, ma'am." I gathered people together under the flag pole and instructed people to call everyone in our class who wasn't there. The people who hooked up last night were nailed as they came out fully dressed in their clothes or in the pilots. After 30 minutes we were told we could go back in and thank God because I had to pee. Wide awake on our day off, my heart racing from the adrenaline that I thought I would never experience again. I am going to be a great FA!!!

7/7

The week has flown by as I sit here eating my turkey, broccoli, and cheese lean pocket. My night has consisted of meeting with the t-shirt lady, discovering some strange rash on my face. and playing a few games of volleyball. We learned about another couple of airplanes today and got to open and close some doors and pull out window exits. I am enjoying the hands on stuff because it seems to stick in my head more. I can enjoy it for a few hours but not for 12. That's right we were at "school" for twelve hours yesterday.

We gathered around the plan after our egg and cheese sandwich, manuals in hand ready for our turn. First group was up, the plane filled with smoke and we soon sliding out. According to my mother, all I wanted to do when I was a kid flying was to slide out of the plane. Oh, how my life long dream has come true! Twenty-three times (my lucky number) I sat and slid off the plane. The only two flights I missed, I was on deck preparing to go in. I was full of adrienalin waiting to go in. Seniority order drew the positions, I was second as I reached in and thanked the Lord that I drew C, the easiest position. We gathered up our team and went over the game plan from the previous night. We had communication as our middle name, and I make up songs and dance moves to remember all the little things. ELS-uh a uh a !! Our crew welcomed passangers, went through the demo, and then took our jumpseats, Probably the only time I wished or will for a crash before take off and that is exactly what we got. I didn't realize at the time but they tilted the plane so when I went to open the door, I was hanging out and giving it a cross hook to get it to stay open. The rest was a blur, commands were lost in the smoke as I raced up front to check the cabin, we all exited together but our job wasn't over. I ran around the plane, taking out a blocking chain, looking for people. As I ran back around the plane we had to ensure no smoking so I started yell "no fumar,no fumar" just in case we had any Hispanics on board. As we went in to retrieve our manuals, my shadower said she heard I was taking out her equipment. I responded, "just saving lives ma'am." The toughest critic gave me "an awesome job" with no mark down on anything. I was so stoked!! The compliment was futher given when I was asked to volunteer for a group that needed two extra people. It was such a cool adrenilan rush.

I was not on board for this but it became the funny story of last night and carried on a bit into today. The girl in class that ask majority of the dumb questions apparently briefed her ABAs with a British accent. I am so glad I wasn't there because I would have been laughing my ass off. It was bad enough at the end of the day when J and were sititng in the cabin and smoke filled it up, she started singing "kum-by-ya".

Silly question of the day: They were preping us for the flight and told us they may put unaccompanied minors on the plane in orange vest. "Are they going to be real children?"

I noticed today was/is 7/7 and for those you that know what I wanted to be doing in one year from now, will laugh.

Our first person was sent home today, it was a bit heart breaking.

prepared

It is always good to be prepared for the worst. That is the decree of a flight attendant. The pressure is on this week with learning of the aircraft, learning evacuations and actually performing them.

Celebrating the fourth of July or ("jill-eye') with classmates ended up to be a pretty good time. The night before I came home, went out to dinner at a fabulous Mexican resturant, and headed down to the pool to study with some of the older people in my class. They and I am actually going to change that to we, know that this is serious business. Although it is fun to goof around at the pool, go shopping with the girls, drink beer, etc., that is not what we gave up our normal existance to do. The old folks of the class formed a fantastic study group for the past test and the lowest score among us was 92%. We meet again to practice our ABA briefings. Comically to on lookers, I am sure, as we set up chairs and talked as fast as we could about windows and doors. I need to ba animated to get my point across so there I am waving my hands wildly at this pretend door. But, let me tell you, in came in pretty damn handy today.

There was a scheduled cook-out for us yesterday, and we got jacked once more by this hotel and had it taken away. Jack in the Box it was only because we borrowed someones car that had a couple of bullet holes in the window. Jack in the Box has never tasted so good, I actually ate something that wasn't fried. Half of the class showed up for the free food as well as the other trainings which are staying here. The other trainees brought beer though and you can't celebrate the fourth without a beer. So once beer it was before I headed off to practice evacs with four queens. They loved my theatrics and joined in as we jumped and slid down the bed and hall. Which made me thirsty so I took it upon myself to throw back a six pack and eat candy from the lobby while hanging out with an adorable pilot. I there is just a natural draw to them for FAs.

The day before the truth. The thing that sends the most people home, evacuations. Today we spent all day in a simulator watching our teachers and then our classmates. We drew teams and apparently I must have been a wonderful person here because I have an awesome team. Remember the 100 percenter from Sunday, um,hu she is on my team and one of my first friends here is as well. Fifeteen teams, you get up get your position, do your checks, prepare for take off and then a scenerio takes place. There are unplanned and planned evacs, the difference is time. We were the first group given a planned evac. Needless to say we were on the stage for twenty minutes. I was lead FA so I made all the announcements and had control of the front of the cabin. Long story short, I got my people out, my crew safe, and all without any tears. My heart was about to leap from my chest but I couldn't telll you what happened except that someone turned on the galley light in the wierd place and I was spinning in circles looking for the switch. Classmates said I did well but they are not the ones grading me. I am more worried about the preflight then the evac. How sad is that?

Heading to meet the group to practice, practice, practice. Then sleep off the beer from last night !! I am definately going to need a cocktail tomorrow evening.

hot tamales

Welcome to the town where hot tamales (thanks mom!) stick together (but stay soft), vitamin C is mush, proper grammer is few and far between, salads are made of iceburg, you raise your core temp by five degrees from being outside for five minutes, and the mosquitos think your leg is their lunch. The count down has begun until I am out of this town and move on up to the big city, with a visit to my favorite city first.

Our second big test was successful, only missed two and the competive streak in me kicks myself for missing them. I am starting to catch on that Sundays are laid back days as we are home early and only learned corporate culture and practiced PAs today. My first class buddy gave me a huge compliment last night as we were studying; he said I had a good aura. I will take that any day of the week. Since our class was sparatic today, I wasn't able to hear any silly questions or comments so I will tell you about a woman on my flght last Wedesday. I was in the aisle during boarding playing baggage natzi and this larger lady in a bright green shirt was snapping photos. I asked her what she was taking pictures of and she replied "everything", okay I said. Then she proceeds to her seat and presents me with a stuffed rat that she takes with her everywhere she goes and takes photos with him. "Okkkaay!' Was my stiffled laugh, reply. She was few cards sort of a deck for sure. I kept an eye on her during the flight for more humor but I didn't gather anything.

Not only was I signed up to co-write the "ditching song", I have also been elected to create the class t-shirt. So I will be working on that this week as well as studying aircraft. Only 16 days more to go, I am putting this one in the books already, it is evening here.

silence

I don't think I have sleep so hard in a year. Dreams the past two nights have been of fighting fires, jumping out of planes, swimming in the oceans, and last night of my ex two prior. Our day off has finally arrived, the first few hours have been devoted to sleeping and the next will be given to eatting something other than Cherrios for breakfast. The six days prior have been packed full of information about emergency equipement, procedures, first aid, and unusual situations. The test tomorrow will be crueling and of course I have this competitiveness (thanks mom) which doesn't want me to miss a single question. Strangely enough the curve setter (ie, 100%) on the last test is one of the clique. He will be my friend today and always, because he is hot...gay but hot!!

I have saved lives in the water, on landing, and via CPR and we haven't left the classroom except for yesterday. The thunderstorm provided the audio and visual for the jumping into the pool fully clothed and swimming towards a life raft that could hold sixty. It took forever to get warmed back up and I am not sure if the lukewarm shower I took help or furthered the coldness. I am starting to feel really bad about myself, take that back, I feel horrible about myself right now. My body is swollen and bloated, I haven't had a good work out since I left home, there is nothing good-for-you to eat down here and I am crabby.

I am laughing at our study group because everyone one of them is passed out in our room. I am enjoying the quiteness and am getting more concentrated work done but miss having my space. I am so used to being independant that is has been and is continuing to be, difficult to share space. Of course I am too nice of a person to tell these people to get the hell out so I must vent here instead.

Stupid question of first aid day: "So, if we see a compound fracture,do you want us to go ahead and set it?"

The test tomorrow has so much material and I am starting to freak out. I feel good about first aid but all the other stuff is not as clear as I would like. So I am going back to the books since silence is now my friend.