a helping of Turkey with side of nightlife please

My top five is constantly changing when it comes to travel. This not because I waiver in my want to see the world, it is joyfully, because I am able to see places and quickly move others up.
Current top 5
Greek Islands, Morocco, Cuba, Lima, Dubai

I had read a book, some fluff easy read in which the main character goes to Turkey for some party yatta-yatta. It sparked my interested with her description and then to find ten pages of the country in my 501 Must See Places. It had moved into my top ten. While in BCN and meeting my Turkish friend, he suggested I move Turkey up as Barcelona had just fallen out. I agreed and as of purchasing my Lonely Planet book at Powells, I was set to go.

With a bag of cupcakes in hand from Crumbs, I set off to JFK. I was so excited to be going on holiday, it was great, no fuss, everything was lined out, it was perfect. Being unassuming, I brought eyeshades, a blanket, and a Xanex for the 11-hour flight. Much to my surprise, I was put in Business Elite and let me tell you, it was wonderful! Granted I spent the first hour of the experience comparing it to our service to the travel agent who sat next to me, but after dinner and a movie (27 Dresses, thanks for the recommend Nichole) my down blanket and I were fast asleep.

It is my habit to take a nap upon arriving in a foreign city just to reward my body for making it there. I ended up sleeping a little too long but according to my new friend, introduced on facebook, it was a good thing. Atinc had me meet him in front of a hotel in non-tourist side of Istanbul. My hotel manager decided to escort me all the way there just make sure I got there okay and I think he was excited about having a hotel guest under the age of 50. I met my new friend and we immediately hit it off. He had lived with Mehmet in NYC previously and had heard about the bodyguard story in Spain. We took a quick tour of the streets watching the vendors and people before stopping in for a drink at a restaurant his friend owned. A few meters later we walked into the club Angelic where we danced the night away on the edge of the Bosphurous. It was a fantastic open air club and the owners loved me for some reason.

The next day, I slept in to recover from our 0500 end to the evening and decided to check out my area of town, Sultamaytah. I walked around in awe of the gorgeous buildings, the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sophia, and spent the evening wandering the welcoming streets. It was that moment that you love when you travel and realize that you are on the other side of the world…just hanging out!

Day three, it’s about damn time I am back to normal if you consider normal waking at 0330. I dinked around my hotel until 0600 watching the sunrise from my roof top terrace before I made my way down to the city. The temples were untouched by people and tourist at that hour and it was the perfect time to reflect on the long history that lay before me. I sat for a cup of Turkish tea and toast before wandering on some more. My favorite thing to do is to get lost in a city and that I did. It took two hours to get to the water; I wound in and out of streets with the company of a dog from the Aya Sophia. I finally bought my pooch breakfast and some water before crossing the Golden Horn. I walked and walked stopping for a coffee or water, taking pictures and walking towards the Bosphurous Bridge where I had been prior. Now the great unique thing about this bridge it that is connects Europe with Asia, This was a detail of this city which thrilled me to death. As I walked, I saw a billboard for Sex and the City. Disappointed not to go to either the premier or the opening, I stepped in to find out if it was playing in English. I set my clock to return for the matinee. So onward, I went checking out life in Turkey. I must tell you this is a beautiful population of people so it made my people watching even more enjoyable. I finally made it to the bridge and the harbor below to find a movie being filmed. I took the necessary photos and grabbed a stuffed potato and laid in the sunshine near the water. My movie and an hour more of walking lead me to the public transport back to my side of town. A quick nap and then I met my fellas for a cocktail and some chatting on the terrace overlooking the Bosphorous.

The next day I went out to buy the remaining souvenirs and see what else I had maybe missed in my journey. I finally ended up purchasing a ring from all the catcalls and toughed up enough to stop being nice and start being my NY self in defense. I met Atinc at another secret local, I felt like I was given Mission Impossible journeys all week with him, and this time we boarded a boat to a man made island. He had been invited to a jewelry line launch fashion show and party. Now this is what I call living! We watched the show, sipped on wine, and mingled with the elite of Istanbul social scene before we were on another boat headed to Reina. This gorgeous nightclub was also open air and was the perfect way to end my holiday.

a journey back to the past

I was good for two days and expected scheduling to roll my day and send me somewhere international. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to find I had a trip to SFO, the same trip in fact of my very first flight with this airline. What I was not pleased to find was the check-in 0600, I swallowed my horror and took a cab to Penn Station at 0430 for the 0454 train. I was going to be a good lead and buy the crew Krispy Kremes to find that they were not even open at that ungodly hour. So on the train I am slowly waking up. And the train stops…for too long, I begin to panic. My check-in time looms closer and closer so finally when we make it to Newark Penn, I get off with my bags and arouse others to join me in getting a cab to the airport. I immediately call the duty desk to explain my situation and they have no sympathy. I throw the money at the cabbie, run through the airport, cut off everyone in security and run down to the desk. Out of breath as I plead for the elevator to go faster, I had a thought, “this is sure a lot of work for a job, I am beginning to hate”. Two minutes late but still under the grace period, I checked in and then proceeded to my gate. Of course it was a full concourse away.
I made it to my gate and met my crew and of course had a fantastic trip. I went right out and rediscovered one of my favorite cities not only in the US but the world. It was a nice break from international and I enjoyed everyone speaking English and being able to pay in USD. I guess sometimes it is good to have a break from the norm.

devil horns

There are pros and cons to being assigned airport alert. The biggest con is that you can’t mentally prepare for your workday and you are unable to pack for your layover. Knowing that this weekend would provide a decent trip due to its place in the calendar, I prepared to go to work. So I packed hoping for something great like MAD or AMS. The great thing about AA is the fantastic trips, which appear out of the blue, for example my FCO trip was a gracious gift from AA.
So I went and sat near the phone and chatted with fellow flight attendants. The notorious sound emanated from the walls, where I would like to add that someone finally took down the devil horns that used to surround the phone. I answered the phone and called down the lucky contestant. She argued for a bit with the caller and then called another name. That person then called mine. I go to the phone and am asked if I have my French Visa…of course. So off to Paris I go. Not the trip I had in mind but it will do. I get on board to find that I am flying with some familiar faces and one of which is a gentleman which I walk dogs for. The crew turns out to be fantastic!!! Love everyone and the trip flew by with chatter and doing each other’s hair.
We were getting close to finishing our service with one last round of coffee. Bonnie and I walk up to two aisles together then turn dramatically to start the show. Well, some guy had his feet in the aisle and of course, I tripped over them. I managed to save most of the coffee and not to fall but some splashed on a passenger who hadn’t been the most polite to us the whole flight. He jumps up dramatically and causes a huge scene. We handed him wet clothes and we yelled at us that we wasn’t working and that he was already wet. Just made himself look like a complete idiot. I offered him my apologies and a dry cleaning voucher and he continued to yell. I just kept on with the service receiving an apology for the man with the feet. I leaned over and told him, it wasn’t a big deal and that man only received instant karma for what a jackass he had been the whole flight.
I had to tell the purser what happened and she went with me to present the dry cleaning voucher. She shook her head with a smile when she read what I wrote. “ While performing the coffee service, I was tripped by a gentleman’s fee in the aisle. I managed to save majority of the coffee and my balance but unfortunately some splashed onto the gentleman in 16D. I continued the service with a smile after my apology.”

fleet week myth

During my week of take out and watching SITC, the episode about Fleet Week was among the watched. On my subway ride home the other day, I saw a sign announcing the arrival of the nation's finest starting on Wednesday. In my Blackberry it went.
So therefore in good NYC girl form, I got dolled up last night and headed to Times Square looking for the big party. I wasn't sure how easy it would be to find these sailors but there they were...everywhere! I had no quams about going right up to them and asking were the party was. But every group I ask, the Marines, Navy, and the officers didn't know of any party. In fact, they themselves were looking for a party. I explained that I was watching the SITC episode were the girls went to a "big Navy party"...still bub-kiss! Disappointed in not being able to live in the moment how I envisioned, I headed for a drink at a favorite bar. As usual, I quickly made friends with those around me and ended up spending an enjoyable couple of hours talking with photo journalist for CNN. All in all a nice evening, only because my party dress didn't go to complete waste!

utc outcome

So I had to re-meet with my supervisor last Friday. I went in with my old Blackberry, my new Blackberry, my new phone, receipts, emails. the union guy, and my New York attitude. She said that I have soon my commitment to the job and she wasn't going to make it a step of discipline. It is nice when you are ready for battle and there winds up not being one.

life

As I approach my last day of dog walking and running the company, I am relieved to be just a flight attendant for the next six days but also sad that I only have one thing going on. I enjoy being super busy and even though my laundry hasn't been done in two weeks and I have three pairs of tennis shoes on the floor, going and going suites me. I purposely let go of plans this evening so I could clean my house and gain a bit of sanity back before the long weekend.

Last weekend was spent in Manchester with my good friend, Nate and a pretty good crew sans the pilot who needed to take a class in political correctness. I returned to meet with my dog colleagues and then was invited to the Subway Series. The exhaustion went away with the invite and our seats behind home plate were fantastic, if we would have won the game, it would have been even better! Monday was another full day of pooches followed by the Broadway show Altar Boyz, which was silly but the cast was wonderful.

Today the rain continued to pour more and more each hour. I was soaked on the train ride home reeking of dog smell and the pee from the one dog which I had to carry all the way to the park. I am sure the unlucky people who choose to sit with me where not happy. I myself was pretty miserable until I made it to the shower. My clothes are still drying.
It is a few pooches before I hand back the keys to Beth and make my way to Glasgow tomorrow. A nice hotel, one of my favorite positions, and an early return come Friday because tomorrow....yes tomorrow, ladies and gentleman is the beginning of FLEET WEEK!! I just watched that episode of SITC and I excited to meet up with some sailors come Friday evening!

A gentleman on the 6 train this morning said something which I had to write down because even though I haven't directly asked for a sign in my direction of life lately, he gave it to me.
He said,
"what you do for a living has nothing to do with life".

ten dogs: eight hours

Exactly eight hours from the time I left my house, I was walking down my block sandwich in hand. My feet started to ache to be freed from their supporting role. I have walked ten dogs in seven sessions only sitting to eat a crepe and check out a Woody Allen film set and then to grab a Klondike bar on my way to the yorkies. My appetite has increased with this minimum ten mile a day job to the fact I finished all of my Pad Thai last night which usually last me three meals. It's okay because I am feeling good, the sunshine has returned to NYC and I feel like I am getting things accomplished in a strange way. A downfall of my day was my phone dropping into the toilet during the hundredth pee of the day. I dried it quickly but was certainly glad to already have a replacement at home waiting. So now I have a new phone but no ones' phone numbers until tomorrow morning. It is kind of nice to be so discounted from the world...only briefly though.
Well, old lady here is off to my shower and then on to bed. These pooches are wearing me out!!! ; )

dogs, dogs, and more dogs

Putting last week behind me in both my mind and thoughts. I started the week fresh in Oslo. I don't give a shit if my supervisor doesn't like me and wants this whole UTC business to drag out for another week. I decided to just do my job and remember that I work for holidays. I decided to embrace the week in which I could put flying aside and just focus on NYC. I am taking over the dog walking biz for the week and am excited about the exercise, the fresh air, and the feeling I get when I am with the dogs.

Pooches Day One
I woke up to the rain and wind. It is May for chrissakes and only 42 degrees outside and I have to walk the dogs. So I layered up and headed off to Starbucks for a kickstart to the long day ahead.
The puggles were first and those two....patience is a virtue...
Then my favorite, Sophie the yellow lab
Lulu the Benji look a like and while I was at the park with her, a woman approached me and asked me if I wanted to be a hair model. Mind you, the rain is still pouring down, I hadn't taken a shower, and was wearing a baseball cap. I asked her if she was sure she wanted me. So after I dropped off the mut, I headed to the saloon. An hour later, I was looking fabulous, well my hair was at least. A free haircut and style.
In that hour, the rain stopped and remained away for the rest of the day.
Zeus was next followed by the yorkies and conversation with Orlando my coworker.
Back to the puggles as we are attempting to potty train them.
A slice of pie in between.
And finally a new client, Chloie who is an absolute doll and somewhat of a celeb at the dog park.

Pad Thai, a little Sex in the City, and some George time. That's my evening.

bfs...more like bs

There is no real flow to my past 36 hours so I have decided to itemize events instead.
1. Slept in til 1500
2. Headed off to look for a pager (due to UTC)
3. Got coffee (thank God for Starbucks)
4. Went to Circuit City (man, do I miss customer service)
5. Went to five other places asking about pagers
6. Headed into Verizon and ended up dropping off my phone for diagnostic check
7. While waiting on corner for light to change, a bird shit on my head
8. Got a napkin from a street vendor and ordered a lamb gyro
9. Purchased an air con unit from PC Richards (man, do I miss intelligence)
10. Ran home to shower and eat my gyro
11. Washed hair three times
12. Walked back to Verizon store with luggage
13. Almost had a panic attach with the slowness of getting my phone
14. Found out that it was a statewide Blackberry issue on Saturday
15. Made friends with the guy because he ended up being a flight attendant as well and is going to email my supervisor
16. Jumped on the 6
17. Transferred to the E
18. Bought the Post and New York magazine while waiting for the train
19. Changed for work
20. Checked in without being yelled at (still waiting)
21. Grabbed a protein smoothie
22. Waited for gate
23. Met crew (not impressed)
24. Met my galley guy, he asked me if I had even worked the position before
25. Gave him dirty look and knew it was going to be a long flight
26. I was right
27. Long taxi in which I solved all the USA Today puzzles (it’s only Tuesday don’t be too impressed)
28. Had General Wesley Clark on board
29. Figured out who he was
30. Ended up talking to the pilots because I didn’t like anyone else
31. Arrived in BFS
32. Almost got detained because our airhead purser didn’t bring a crew declaration form
33. Got searched
34. Finally in hotel room (a handicap one but cleaner than BFS usually is)
35. Went for a walk around the city
36. Bought some crisps and a recommended mag
37. Took nap
38. Met pilots and purser for beer
39. Benedicts-Guinness
40. Went into the Europa hotel to ask how many times they have been bombed
41. Crown Saloon-Guinness
42. Listened to princess tell us how she is saving money because her boyfriend pays for everything
43. Realized why guys hate women
44. Ditched the whiner
45. Went for another beer with the boys
46. Robinsons-Guinness
47. Bed

0320

It was exactly twelve hours after my alarm awoke me that I rushed into the apartment, threw my backpack on the bed, and hauled ass to the bathroom. A part of my punishment for my dis functional phone was a turn to Florida. First I am certainly grateful it was not to PBI or MCO, it was simply to RSW and I was back galley so I didn't really have to deal with anyone. The check in time for the trip, however was 0545...that's right, the time I usually rolling into bed is when the damn alarm was going off. Since it is Sunday, the trains don't run at the crack of dawn and I had to order a car service to the airport. I finally board the plane and realize I have no clue what to do on a domestic flight. Thankfully the fabulously gay load loved me and did most of my work for me. We sat in the back row after the twenty minute service and talked the whole flight. On the way home, a class mate of mine, Josh was the load. So we stayed and talked the whole time. Other than the tiredness of the whole day, it wasn't that bad. I did fall asleep on the train ride home and unfortunately missed a gorgeous day in the city due to my nap.

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo and I have absolutely nothing on my plate other than have a margarita or two...but not too many as I still have a headache from Friday night.

better to have UTC than a UTI

My pink coat is over the laundry basket and my dress and bra are in a pile nearby. My new blue shoes are close to the bed and would indicate they were the last to be removed. At 1000, I woke up wondering were the hell I was and thinking I might still be drunk.

I had a choice last night: stay home watching a movie and order Thai or get out in the city and have a good time. The weariness of my day voted for the former but I pepped talked myself into the later. I got dolled up and headed to my watering hole for a couple starter drinks and to get some food in my tummy. I sat in my usual corner watching games and watching the crowd. A few guys named, John of course, came up to talk to me about sports their three homes in the Hampton’s, blah, blah. They wanted to invite me to a Club Med reunion and I just laughed at the thought and told them I was going to go out dancing. As in standard form, Larry tried to get me drunk with free drinks and I finally decided it was time to go because the Yankee game had ended an hour ago and I thought it would be a brilliant idea to go to their hangout and see if they were there. The Underbar was a little more packed than usual but my investigation showed no signs of my crush or any of his teammates. So off to the MPD I went. Feeling confident in my ability to get in anywhere, I went over to Buddakon and got right in. I spent the next hour or so talking to another John about art and museums. I stumbled over to Tenjune to finally make it to the dance floor. Side note: Nichole I didn’t wait in line at any of these places! Next thing I know I am hand in hand with some French guy and we are heading up to the bar where I had already switched to water and then I heard a song I loved and back out to the dance floor. I am not sure when I decided it would be best to go home or if the club closed or what. I do remember being in the cab with the French guy and I remember walking through my door with him on the other side holding my panties. I always get an attack of morality as given by the contents of my purse, it was everything I had taken with me, lip-gloss, wallet (a little lighter from the cocktails and cab rides), a pen, a comb, and of course of NYC condom. I did have an addition of some environmental sticker, good to know that I was being green even when I was drunk.

I finally rolled out of bed at 1500 to discover I had a UTC from work, which is odd because the phone never rang or showed missed calls. I had six voicemails from scheduling that came in all at once. It was very odd but I certainly didn’t feel like working so maybe it was a blessing in disguise. I headed out the door with a mission of KFC to find an envelope on the call box that said “FAO the flight attendant of Continental Airline”. I opened it to find a business card and a note from the French man.

sleep

Back in ol' London and not by choice mind you. I was assigned this trip last night and breathed a sigh of relief to be working in first class. I had it in my head to venture out but couldn't seem to drag myself out of bed. The motivation was there when I packed but the rain seemed to keep me inside. Needless to say I didn't venture out of the hotel room until nine this evening and the only thing I could find to eat is BK. Let me formally not endorse eating here, as the Brits managed to take all the flavor out of a chain restuarant as well.
I seem to be in a funk lately, not wanting to do anything but sleep. I would consider it a mild depression although it is spring time. So I suppose this layover suits me at the moment with all the oppurtunity in the world to stay in bed.
I am waiting for something great to happen, I don't know what but I need something incrediable in my life soon. Here is hoping!

diablo

The smell of lilacs fill the air. The warm breezes caress my skin. The sounds of multiple languages in awe of the iconic monument fill my ears. After a two hour walk around Paris, I paused to enjoy a from age crepe while the sun set behind my and the Eiffel tower stood in front of me preparing for the evening. To think, I had to drag myself out of bed to enjoy these moments.

The journey over was not a pleasant one as I was assigned to work in the back with one of the most awful flight attendants I have ever encountered. She yelled at me and rolled her eyes, asked me if I was domestic which I about slapped her for that one. Horrible, horrible woman who not only fought with me but with passengers and with another crewmember. She was named Diablo at the end. I told her that I preferred a cart to pick up service items with and she grunted and told me that she was going to pick up instead. I told her to knock herself the fuck out, and then I throw in the towel on working. I am keeping her name on my board as a do not fly with.

Paris is lovely but the flights, let me tell ya, not always worth it.

paris

The smell of lilacs fill the air. The warm breezes caresses my skin. The sounds of multiple languages in awe of the iconic monument fills my ears. After an two hour walk around Paris, I paused to enjoy a fromage crepe while the sun set behind my and the Eiffel Tower in front.

a box of triscuts

My days off were in line to go to Dubai to visit this new wonderment of the world as well as my friend, Turiya. I awoke at 0630 because the flight the night before was full and proceeded to JFK. An hour or so on the subway took me to the air train and then to terminal 4. I checked in for the flight which mysteriously oversold in the wee hours of the night and was told to come back at 1030 for the verdict. I didn't get on. So there I stood in one of the largest airports in the world pondering where my rollerboard filled with summer clothes and I should go. From terminal 4 to terminal 1 to terminal 3 then terminal 6, I searched out a sunny destination which was boarding soon and not flying to Florida. No luck. I went back to the subway with a couple of blisters from my fabulous heels and stopped to find out if the flight to PDX was open. An hour and forty minutes later, I was at my home airport, my own turf and awaiting my flight home. I ran into a friend who got me into the exec lounge and had a few cocktails prior to my flight. A first class seat inabled my rest on the quick flight into Oregon.
I was able to "spread the love" on this visit by staying with different friends each night. Some may call me a nomad with my suitcase in tow, I just call it the usual routine. The first night I stayed at Hotel Duffin, the next was spent at fireman and yoders residence, the third on an air mattress at Mr May's and the fourth at Porter's home. Tonight I return to the pearl to have an easy access to the aiport which is almost impossible to get a ride to.
It has been a fantastic visit, although not planned it has been well received by my soul. I saw a lot of my friends, the piece of the puzzle missing from NYC, and in the spreading of love took my box of crackers (a pressie for Turiya) on a tour of a couple airports and a lot of homes.

pope walk

I am heading home on this glorious spring day, airtrain to train, train to the E, the E to the 6, and then walk home. This is my routine which usually takes an hour and half. Well, the damn E train is held for some damn reason so after sitting there for 10 minutes, I connected to the B one stop and then swapped to the F. I ended up on 63rd and Lex, which for some reason I thought my run into the train I needed but no. Up three flights of stairs to street level, I decided to embrace the day and just huff it home. Along the way there were tons of NYPD and road closures. It was while I was on 66th, I realized the Pope was hanging out in the neighborhood. I ended up getting the low down from the officer who stopped me to take a pic of my "Oregon Girls Rock" t-shirt or maybe just my boobs, and he told me the main man of the Catholic world was finishing up at the UN and then headed this way. I decided to make my way home instead of standing around waiting to get run over by the Pope-mobile.

practice italian under the buddha

I somehow managed to have a whole day to myself, no visitors, no flying, and no dog walking. I didn't know even what the hell I should do with myself until I remembered I needed to finish my envelope day of me. It was a gift from my mom for my birthday with little journeys such as getting coffee, flowers. mani/pedi, etc. So I set off to pamper myself. The phone of course rang while I was getting a manicure for a couple emergency walks so I hopped down south and took care of them then returned to my me day. I came home, got dolled up, and headed to the Hudson Hotel for a cocktail. Two champanges and people watching later, I headed to Tao` for some sushi. I ordered at the bar as it is impossible to get a table without a week's reservation, and the guy next to me started chit-chatting away. The next thing I knew, I was at there table under the Buddha have cocktails with a bunch of watch manufactures or something. I didn't really get what was going on but the rest of my dinner and dessert was free and I got to practice some Italian because my would-be suitor was from Florence!!
p.s. not hot and nothing came of the evening except a story

nothing but two feet and a metro card

I sold my car Tuesday, my baby, the first car I bought brand new. I hadn't driven it in months and while driving it back to the city with Carol in the passenger seat, I experienced the usual road rage. I don't even like driving but there was something about giving the keys to the buyer permently which made me sad.

Carol is in town for the week, actually she just let the island to try and catch a flight home. We have had a nice time and I have been spoiled shitless with nice dinners and the usual mom kindness.

4-12

Trip 4 Day 12
Well I will have to say that my body has finally thrown in the towel and is used to only spending every third night its own bed. I am wrapping up my marathon of flying here in ol' GLA, one of my favorite hotels and favorite little countries. I say that I deserve a nice trip after the crap of the last three. The only spoiler on this trip is the crazy "new people don't know anything" pusrser with large hair. What's funny about her is that she doesn't know anything about the plane we are on, and opps...if you hadn't been such a bitch, I would lend you a hand. Instead I just pretend to be as dumb as she thinks I am. Her aside, the crowd I had up in first class was so much fun, it's nice to have a good group. Majority of them were traveling together and were diplomats of Scotland. I even got a pin from them and my photo taken with everyone. There was one lady (not with the group) that showed me her briefcase upon boarding and told me to kill anyone that came near it as it was valuable manuscript. Ok lady! What was odd is that she was personally escorted off the plane once we arrived. I didn't recognize her name so either she was the transporter or penned under another name.

Carol arrives today to enjoy my upcoming time off. Little does she know that she is signed up for walking pooches both days! Should be good fun as I am taking her downtown to check out Wall Street, etc. And then she will stay and go with me on my next journey.

strange

I have a friend who is a flight attendant and she hates it.
Oh, yeah?
Don't you hate sitting in a strange pub in a strange city talking to a stranger?
"Not at all, you just described why I love this job."

it just gets better and better

So here I am in BRS, hoping to visit the city of Bath as found in my 501 must visit locations book, yet I sit here in my room. I got over the fact that my day off had been taken away and that I had to not only dog walk but work a flight. I missed the initial call from scheduling at 0830 even though the phone was right near my head. I got up at 0930 and began my day. On my way to walking the pooches, I found the highlight of the last 48 hours, a place that only serves Mac and Cheese. Yes, I sat down and carb'd up to walk them dogs and climb the two five story and one three story walk ups. Beth called my day, the buns of steel day.
I made it to the airport with the practice of yoga breathing through rush hour and people shoving and hitting my roller board. I boarded the plane an began to work, luckily I am first class galley so I was very happy in my position and my aisle gal is great as well. Fast forward six hours and we are beginning our descent. But oh, no what's that...we are being diverted to BHX because of fog. I won't drag you through the four hours we sat on the ground not knowing anything with a plane full of people we couldn't let off. The weariness of being up for 24 hours was too much for me so I yelled at each crew member and told them I wasn't doing a damn thing. Finally we took off and unfortunately our jump seats were facing the customers so for an hour, it was everything I had in my to keep my eyes open. Six hours past the time we were supposed to be at the hotel, we arrived and I have been in bed ever since.

movies...uhm..no

So what happens when I get only an hour of sleep the night before working a nine hour flight? It takes three cups of coffee to wake up and to function properly, well that didn't happen all day. While we were waiting for the aircraft, I was informed that the inflight entertainment was on the fritz. I thought I had the magic touch but found out after we took off that I didn't have any touch at all. So picture an eight hour flight with nothing to entertain anyone, in the middle of the day. Adults turned into children with their wining and content asking of "how much longer?", "where are we?". And every time I, or another crew member passed by 8C she had some dumb question for us. "I have 40 minutes to connect to Boston"...I told her good luck with that knowing full well she won't make it. "Can you ring my husband?" How would you like me to do that ma'am. "Don't you have phones in the cockpit?" I just walked away at this point. "Can you save the pull tabs from the soda cans?" This one didn't get asked to me, because I would have told her where she could shove those. The saving grace of the flight were the two rows of hotties. The other people, well let's just say if I need to evacuate the plane, I would save the row of hotties first.

To top off my trip, I was met by the lady with the clipboard instructing me to go the clinic for a drug test. An hour later after blowing in a tube and peeing in a cup (hard thing to do on demand), I called to block in and was given the news that my break started right now and I would be working again tomorrow.

travel guides

I have been mighty homesick lately, I am not sure if it comes from the sudden quiet that is around me or just that I haven’t been home in a while. There is usually only one day a week that I feel ache of Oregon but this week I have felt it many more times. It took me forever to get home from my last trip and when I did, I collapsed on my bed after my shower to wake up fourteen hours later. The rain dripped on my windows as I checked my schedule to find I had airport alert for the evening. I had anticipated working because of a gut feeling and on the way to the airport; I got a call for LGW. I will admit that I have become a bit spoiled lately with really great trips and need to keep in mind that I have to pay my dues every once and a while. I was glad to have my favorite position but traded a girl who didn’t want to be the purser.
So here I am in the oh-so-familiar hotel room at the airport. I am grateful that I brought with me, my favorite birthday gift…Rosetta Stone Italiano! I have been practicing a way. And even recited “la donna magino” as I ate my soup for dinner and lei beve as I sipped my latte.
The only thing that has relieved my homesickness on this trip was looking at travel guides at the bookstore. The places which still await me keep me going strong.

cgn

There is just something about Germany. The people look good, the hotels are a step forward in anticipating needs and everything is very well designed. I would have to give props and say that about the whole country that I have seen thus far. I mean they drive Mercedes as taxis here for Christ sakes!
I have spent my afternoon walking about the city which hugs the Rhein River, the gorgeous city of Cologne. I was awaken by the familiar sound of John Denver and upon answering I was asked if I would like to go to Oslo, London, Dublin, or Cologne. I politely asked for Cologne since I had never been and am very pleased with my choice. I worked first class galley and am also flying with a classmate. He hasn’t changed much since training as he was already trying to be the purser’s pet. Nice guy, good heart, speaks German and is taking me around in about 20.
While walking around the cobblestone streets this afternoon amongst the hordes of both tourist and locals shopping, it occurred to me that I don’t relate as much to the German side of me. I am officially: 3/8 German, 3/8 Irish, 1/8 Welsh, and 1/8 Norwegian. I seem to think of myself more as an Irish gal and seem more at home while there. I can’t speak much of Wales since I have never been but I did have a Welsh teacher in jr high, Mr. Preston whom I didn’t relate that much to either. Loved him but didn’t see myself as a distant cousin or anything. Germans seem (on the outside) clean cut; abide by the rules, efficient people. As I was approaching the crosswalk to continue shopping, I joined the group of people and felt compelled to wait with the mass for the light to turn green even though there was not a car in sight. I wondered what the hell these people were waiting for; let’s get the hell to the other side. But maybe it’s their patience that lays the foundation for the peaceful atmosphere that I so love when I travel to Germany.
I just realized that if you dump Wales into the UK slot with London, I was asked to choose between all my heritages as trips. How weird is that? I choose Germany, maybe I do feel connected…

thirty-one

The times were just as I anticipated with Rob...good friends hanging out in our high school mentality. The conversation topics are a bit more adult these days and we have our minds made up about more that a couple of things, but the beer drinking and silliness still remains.
I popped into to his quaint hotel down the road and we began our journey with a stop at Jack Russell's Pub because we liked the way it looked. After three Guinness (or Guinni as we dubbed them) we headed to my watering hole to eat some ribs. I was greeted by the normal Monday night crowd and had a silly good time taking photos and having beer chugging and burping contest. I only won the latter. Frambroise and Milano cookies replaced champagne and strawberries as we toasted to the change of the calander day. I passed out a few minutes later.
25 MAR
The sunshine made a glorious appearances and warmed the city all day long. I wore my favorite things and headed back to his hotel with my birthday Starbucks and my ipod. When he asked what I wanted to do for the big day, I just had the simple answer: a picnic in Central Park please. So that is what we did. I brought a bottle of Spanish wine for me Belgian beers for him and the rest of our feast was fresh from the deli. We must have laid out for three hours just talking and enjoying the sun. I could not have asked for more.
The West Village was calling us down to Chumleys' (which was closed) so we ducked our heads into the White Horse Tavern, another NYC institute and continued our buzz from the park. Dinner was by suggestion at Jane Tavern and was ever so delightful. A quick change of clothes and a little dolling up on my part proceeded our trip under the East River to Brooklyn. We met up with his sister and her beau to continue in our fun of the day. The bartender gave us fake mustaches so we spent a good half an hour giggling and taking goofy pics.
A long ride home was capped off with yet another beer and a slice from the hospitable Mexicans running a late night pizza shop.

approaching the thirty range

The last day I am 30. Hmmm. It doesn't seem different than any other day other than the fact that the sun is out. Perfect day for walking pooches. As I was skipping across First Ave on St Marks, jamming to my ipod, a conversation with Amy occurred to me. She says that I fit into this city perfectly. When she thinks about New York, she thinks about chaos and just getting things done. I wonder if I arouse a sense of chaos to anyone else? I know that I feel like I am caught up in chaos every once in a while..who the hell am I kidding? I run around like a headless chicken most of the time. But it works for me. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that I have become a "fly-by-the-seat of my pants" kinda gal. It's fun to be spontaneous and not having perfect plans in your head all the time leads to less disappointment.
No real agenda when making this post but I guess, I realized something about myself without even trying.
Here's to a new year of self discovery and spontaneity!

taxicab tv

The great thing about having an out-of-town guest, other than the company, is to see NYC through their eyes. On the cab ride from Penn Station on the first day, I caught myself being more interested in the news cast than looking at the city. My goal with Yoder was to show here classic New York mixing in tourist things as well as real life. She may tell you there was too much real life as I had things to do and could only devote one whole day to sight seeing. I will tell you what though, we covered Manhattan.
I am sad to admit that I have already become a jaded New Yorker when it comes to ideas that first come to mind of those visiting. I had not been south of Canal Street since my visit with Matt over two years ago. Our game plan was to go as far south and work our way up till we dropped. We covered: the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, the Bull, Wall Street, Ground Zero (still brings tears to my eyes), the West Village, SoHo, NoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. We stopped for lunch, a sweet at Ferrara, beers at friends joint and then rounded out our day with Times Square. Twelve hours from door to door. A New York slice ended our day and we hit the hay.
Next day, it pouring down rain and although it was a completely miserable day we were troopers and made our way through Central Park. We dog walked and then practically ran home to dry off and take a nap. After we got dolled up and grabbed dinner and a few drinks before making our way to Pink Elephant to watch my friend do a little spinning. Of course I had to round out our evening at my fav, Cafeteria. As I was getting up to use the bathroom, this guy told me how much he loved my dress. He wanted to buy it. I asked him what I was going to wear. He then offered his shirt and this sounded like a great idea to me. We swapped and I had to ask him for his boxers since I wasn’t wearing panties. Suffice to say, I have new man’s shirt and got a good giggle out of Amy.
So the next day, I had some business to take care of as well. After a breakfast at the coffee shop, we headed down to Chelsea. Sidenote: It is always good to make sure things are how they should be in one’s body so I in light of the crap which occurred in January, it was time to get tested once more. So off to the free clinic we went. I filled out my card and grabbed some NYC condoms (mostly likely the ones Carol was referring to on Valentines Day) and waited. Ironically I was number 69 to be helped. The whole process took a lot longer than anticipated but my time was spent watching a very informative video and people watching. Good stuff! I would recommend it visitors anytime.
After the thrilling hours of the clinic we headed up town to check out the classic sights we had yet to see such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Saks, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Fifth Ave. We went to the Top of the Rock right as the sun was setting and even though the wind was blowing 50 miles an hour we hung out until dusk. And even as a New Yorker, I was in awe.
One more walk on our last day and lunch at a café. She returned to Portland and I crossed the pond to Glasgow. Where gratefully, I have caught up on my rest and almost kicked this cold.

st patty's day

I told the boys up front, "petal to the metal, I have some Guinness to drink." Yes, it was St Patty's Day officially in Italy and my green hair scrunchy was the only thing preventing me from getting pinched. I was sooo excited to be spending my holiday in NYC as I was stuck in LAX last year. What added to the excitement was a visit from my good friend Yoder. I waited for her plane to arrive and started chatting with some gentlemen. Next thing I know, I am upstairs having a beer with these guys having good laughs.
The parade had already ended but the remnants of Irish bands and firemen stilled wandered my neighborhood. We got ready as fast as possible and headed to the old watering hole for a starter beer. We ended up talking to everyone in sight and was thoroughly entertained by three guys in particular. I had the idea that if it was this much fun uptown, downtown would be a hoot as well so we packed it up and headed south. We visited two more bars and neither of them compared to our time at BJ's. We decided to go back and on the way there, looked at each other and knew we were spent. Yep, these party girls were in bed by midnight. We did give it a good Irish go.

mxp

My availablity was wide open for a call to work. Two days on the weekend and a “roll-able” day made me a prime suspect for a trip. I mentally had prepared prior to landing from my BRU trip and went to bed fairly early. I hadn’t heard anything so I called in to request the purser position thinking that I might as well embrace the inevitable. My phone was checked several times during the late morning hours and finally while I was wandering through Ricky’s, it rang.
“Honey, I am sending you to Milan”
“AAAHHHH”
“You are going to be in a speaker position”
“Yes! I need to practice my Italian, so perfect!”
So here I sit, waiting to go out and willing the rain to hide for my visit. The flight was exhausting! I was once again my favorite position and had a couple of people on the flight I could do without however my saving grace was 5B. So all the “what the fuck are acting liking this for” would dissipate when I got to his row. Turns out, he and his seatmate are morning talk show guys. They were good fun.
Then there was another guy, maybe an only-child, the way he plead for attention from each of us during the waiting, boarding, taxi process, he would just say stupid stuff. Well unfortunately I had to look right at him while sitting in my jump seat. He proceeds to get in a one-side conversation about this flight attendant he knew that used to be a teacher and he can’t believe how she through away her life and education. And it weird that she changed industries, to which I (fed-up) asked him if he thought were all waitress prior. He kept going on about no ambition, etc. Asked me what I did prior. Finally, out of disgust and lack of something appropriate to say, I told him that he was digging a hole with me and he needed to stop. What an asshole! I stared at the wall during landing but he still managed to pop off a bit. I hope these Italians eat him alive! : )


My day in Milan was fantastic. Roxanne, a fellow crew member and I walked down to the Duomo area looking at the shops with impeccable clothing and shoes. We stopped at a wine bar for an afternoon glass of Chianti and some accompanying noshes. After receiving our palms, we reverently stood in awe of one of the most gorgeous churches I have ever seen. A pastry vendor caught our attention and I feasted on some chocolate, hazelnut goodness.
Carol told me to pick up a little something fabulous and after falling in love several times in Versace, Gucci, and Dolce, I found a perfect shirt in Armani.
Dinner with other crewmembers followed and even though it was pouring down rain, I wore an adorable dress and heels. Just because it was Italy, my favorite country in the world, Italy.

good seeing to

Once again airport alert was good to me. I was just getting in the mindset to go home after 3 plus hours of sit time when the bat phone rang and sent me to BRU. I printed up the pairing to find my friend Shawn was on the trip. Then I get on the plane and a guy wants to trade me for for FC aisle. So I got to work with a great crew in my favorite position to a new destination.
We debriefed for a bit then a quick nap followed. A map of the city in hand I went off on my adventure. I was told I needed to see the statue of the kid taking a piss, so I kindly asked the hotel man where I could find such statue. It ended up being like a HR Cafe that I overshoot but see tons of good things in the meanwhile. I managed to find some people from the NW and ended up chatting with them in front of this tiny statue which I don't understand why it is such a big deal There are gorgeous buildings everywhere you turn and I can only image how beautiful this city is come summer.
Experiencing things for which a country or city are know for it my favorite thing to do when I travel I had a whole wrap sheet of things to try. First was the Belgian waffle with chocolate sauce, next come one of the 320 different types of Belgian beer, the Belgian fries were next, and I also managed to have some Brussels sprouts. Sadly, I didn't get a chance for a Belgian chocolate but I may steal one from my mom's collection before I ship it off.
We meet as a crew to welcome a new pilot on his first flight and we all went to a Thai place. We spent hours laughing and eating some delicious Thai while the Irish owner Michael told us stories. He was explaining how he was going home to give his woman a "good seeing to". We all thought was hilarious and made him say several times.
A nice flight home with no drama and although my bag was heavy from all the beer I brought home, I sit here cheerfully thinking once more, what a great life I lead.

aa to the power of three

I was kicking myself for not rolling out of bed earlier. This morning at the crack of dawn, I was up once more and gave a thought to go for a run and watch the sunrise but my leg muscles screamed no and kept me in bed. Finally I fell back asleep and didn't get up till 1130. This is the third airport alert I have been assigned this month but didn't mind this time because of the flights I am covering and the fact I need to work the system to ensure I am free come St Patty's Day. I was stressing that I would not be able to make the train in time and it took a little self talk to realize I already let go of control of the situation. Still my NY attitude was with me as I followed the stream of people through the 51st Street station. It was there, on the escalator that I saw a kid wearing a U of O jacket that the calmness prevailed. I gave the kid a high five on the way by. And just as a reminder that your are always supposed to be exactly where you are, I saw a guy in an Oregon Track sweatshirt as I exited the airtrain.

embracing the morning

I have woke up early the past two mornings and I am not sure why. Perhaps it's my body rejecting DLST or just that I am getting old and wake up with the sunshine. Yesterday I milled around for a few hours not wanting to go outside because of the cold. I ended up taking a five hour nap instead of doing anything remotely productive. Today was the opposite. I looked outside to see people running and thought, "hell, I can do that". Fifteen minutes later I was out the door with my ipod attached. I ran down the East River park and when I can to a dead end, I turned west and walked up to Central Park. There were tons of runners and dogs playing in the cold morning air. I just wandered around by the castle and up around the resevivor and when a good song would come on, I would run stopping only to admire the views of the city and think of how lucky I am to live here. That this gorgeous park is only a mile away from the house. And finally that I haven't wasted my day in bed.

you’ve gotta give these straight guys props

I was almost like I wasn’t supposed to go to LGW. I wasn’t listed on the flight and when they did list me, it was for the next day. Finally ten minutes before door closure, I got on. The rest of my crew had scored first class but the leader, yep that was me, was stuck in the back. I could have raised a fuss but thought my incredible sleeping power would take over instead. I have been spoiled. I love first class and have the memory of the extra space, the legroom, and the wide chairs. These features are few and far between in economy. I didn’t sleep well.
I am flying with a friend of mine, whom I never flown with prior but been in the same place and we always exchange kisses hello. He is straight but it always takes a second to be sure when the boys aren’t flamboyant. He wanted to take along to the city and I was grateful to have someone to pal around with. We have silly fun, him and I and there is absolutely no attraction for me.
We saw the sights of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Abby, and rode the London Eye for good measure, all of this in attempt to replace the pictures from my first visit. I was happy not to have to ask strangers to take the goofy shot s of my as my companion initiated most of the silliness.
A bland lunch at a pub and then we headed back to the hotel. We shared my ipod and I spent the train ride alternating my people watching between the cute guy and the overly happy lady across from him.
My friend and I said goodbye on the elevator with plans to meet in the crew room later for a few cocktails. This old lady never made it as I slept though the evening. I hear a knock at my door around 2300; it is my friend. He wanted to make sure I was okay since I never showed up. Then he asked if he could come in and sleep with me (just sleep) since I was so nice. Nice try buddy…I don’t think so.

jet-lag

The good thing about having a roommate who drives you bonkers is the motivation to get out of the shoebox of an apartment and see the city. Now that I have the peace and quite of my own place, I have no motivation to do anything. I haven't even gotten dressed yet and it coming up on 1600. I am going to justify my laziness by saying it may be due to jet-lag and I am still not on the correct time. Yes, that works for me!
After my airport alert was extended until 0130 last night and with heading to LGW tonight, I should be back to normal in no time.
Nothing much going on here except my trip this evening which has me dead-heading over and worker the purser position on the way home. It is the perfect opportunity to rediscover London and replace my photos of my first trip there.

gili-bali-dps-gum-nrt-ewr-nyc

My mind and my body are on the same level during this journey home. Neither of us can tell you the time or the day.
My journey home began on the island where I was picked up in a speedboat and made my way back to Bali. Here is a time breakdown of my journey back to reality.
Gili-Bali 2.5 hrs
Bali-DPS 1.0 hr
wait time in DPS 7.5 hrs
DPS-GUM 5.5 hrs
wait time in GUM .25 hrs
GUM-NRT 3.5 hrs
wait time in NRT 7.0 hours
With my fingers crossed my luck will continue in both my ability to get on the flight and the blessing that is first class seating...
NRT-EWR 12.25 hours
EWR-home 2.0 hrs
I have been fortunate to sleep on both flights so far and NRT is a nice airport to kill time in as it is very organized, has great food, and is clean. So off for some real sushi and some good people watching.

magic shake

A melody of bird songs awoke me from my slumber on Sunday morning. This sleep was filled with vivid dreams since I decided to embrace the island culture and give the magic shake a try.
The rest of my weekend on Gili Twangan, the island which lost all power on the day of my departure, included activities in which I didn't even think about electricity. I rented some snorkeling gear and hung out with the fishes for a bit. Afterwards I sat on the beach and listenend to the waves flirting with the sand. A shower and a nap in my favorite place on the porch preceeded a dinner overlooking the sunset. I went to bed early after checking out the night life. The morning found me renting a bike and taking a ride around the island. There hasn't been a time since my accident ten years ago, I didn't experience fear when first balancing myself on two wheels, but today was different, I felt nothing but freedom and the childness love of riding around. I suppose it may have something to do with the lack of motorbikes or motorcars. I got ready and headed to the boat to wind up chatting with a young couple from SFO on their way to Ubud to be married. I was a bit jealous of their nerdy love but then remembered, I already have my soulmate...travel.

gili

I have been on this island for a mere three hours and have gone through a range of emotions. The speadboat ride over was lovely and I even got a nap in. When I arrived and first stepped out into the water to exit the boat, my mission became a place to stay. First a note of the one thing that drives me crazy and seems to be a running theme here in Indonesia, harrassment for transport or manicure or look, look. I get that it is how they make a living and they don't know any better but it gets really old fast. So I am swarmed upon as I arrive asking me questions and so forth. Finally I found a guy that was a softer sell and I went with him to look at places to stay. Mind you the are no star resorts of any caliber here so I sucked it up and followed him down a dirt road past the chickens and stray cats to look at a room. The price $7 but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I needed a shower because it will be the last before beginning my long journey home tomorrow. We went to a second place 1000 meters away and I fell in love, first with hammock and then the room is ideal. I am currently on a mission to purchase bar soap but other than that, it is good. I set off to explore this little island maybe the size of the whole pearl district and ran into my hotel broker. We walked and talked for a bit and he ended up leading me through the middle of the island as I helped him with his English. It was fine at first but then it becomes frustrating talking to someone in English not American. We kept walking and I had the quick thought that I may wind up captured as a white slave but then the feeling of hunger quickly took it's place and I began to get cranky due to the heat and the apparent hike I didn't sign up for. An hour later, we made it back to the man road and I paid him $5 for his troubles and ran for food. Three dollars purchased noodles and a Fanta. I went to change more money as there are no banks/atms here and encountered the issue I had prior in the week. My bills are from 1996 and no-one will take them nor give an explaination of why not. Finally this kind gentleman, whose internet cafe I am using changed it and now I can pay my hotel bill of $12.50 maybe $14 with the exchange rate.
Plans, now that I have food in belly, a place to stay, and money in my pocket...maybe a little snorkeling, definatly a walk on the beach at sunset, and a hammock nap for sure.
Happy girl, who is lucky in life is today an island girl.

kuta, still

Things don't always go according the way I have them planned in my mind, but yet I hold out hope that I will continously catch a break and have things go my way all the time. It adds to the gratefulness when the breaks are few and far between I suppose. Ideally I would sunnying myself on the quiet, small Gili Islands only genius here didn't book the book in time. So I am spending an additional day here in Kuta Beach. The thing that is different about this sunny day versus the others I have experienced this week is the departure of my travel companion. It is just me and the island now.
Day 3
Being that it is the wet season, the rain dumped in buckets awaking us from our slumber. May I sidenote for a moment, that I have been sleeping like a baby here. We went to breakfast and called our day sunless and went shopping instead. I also stopped to get a fabulous massage and pick up little souviners and some paintings for my house. They have goregeous flowers only found in the Southern Hemispere that I am in love with so, I purchased three paintings for my apartment to remind me that paradise is only a plane ride away...(22 hours worth).
The sun finally heard our plees and came out for the afternoon as we sunned ourselves and watched the overload of testoserone overtake the pool, quite a lovely sight actually. Then for our last night we got dolled up and made our way to Seminyak for a lovely french dinner along side the rice patties. Strangley enough, Turiya knew the owner who chatted with us over a glass of champange and then gave me the number for his friend who lives in the Gili Islands. Fanstatic way to say good bye until our next journey together. This trip makes seven countries we have travel through together.
Day 4
Is it day four? I am loosing track...Anyway today I rented a board and went to "muck about" in the ocean only to find it terriably disgusting with litter...may wait until the afternoon for the tide to take it away...gross...I took two showers after being out there for 15 minutes. A little sun and now I am on way to another massage but thought I would stop for a bit and update my travel journal.

surf and palm

Day 2
After breakfast I went on my way to find a massage. Let me tell you these countries really know how to give massages and for six dollars, sign me up every day. I came back to the hotel with postcards and figured out my game plan for the rest of my stay. I also booked a surf lesson for the afternoon. My partner showed up at the pool finally and I only had to laugh at her misery, I felt great!
The little knowledge I gained in Costa Rica in regards to surfing seemed to escape me and it took hours for me to finally get it again. My instructor, Rane was very patient and just laughed at my falling and fear of letting go of the board. After a 20 minute break on the beach we tried again, and suddenly it clicked. I was up on the board. Surfer girl...well, I am working on it. The waves kicked the shit out me and this old lady was in bed by 2100.

UBUD
I was given a book for Christmas from my dear friend, Hilary whom upon reading the first page chapter went and bought it for me. I started to read it after my trip to Rome over Thanksgiving and finished in the sad month of January. Excellent book that I have in turn given to my friends as well. Eat, Pray, Love is divided into three sections, Italy, India, and Indonesia.
I already had my holiday planned to Bali before reading the last section of the book in one sitting. I was captivated by her writting and it made the desire to see what see saw and experience the tranquility she described even stronger.
Yesterday we got up and took transport up the city where the author lived. It was such a different setting from the hussle and bussle of the surf town. It was the peace I have been searching for the whole time. We toured about the city before going to see the medicine man. We arrived in time to watch a traditional Balinese ritual of blessing holy water. The feeling of being there in the same place of the author to watch the power of healing through blessings and spiritual power overwhelmed me and the tears began to flow. We sat in the sunshine waiting for about an hour for our turn to meet with the legendary medicine man, Ketut who was adorned in an I heart NY t-shirt. He was very funny as he talked to me about NY and welcomed me to his porch to read my palm. It was such a cool experience and when I asked for a photo he got up and went into the house. He emerged with a headdress and placed flowers behind his ears to pose.
We journeyed back into town to shop at the market and then set out on our next search for Wayan, another character in the book.
We found the shop which served the multi-vitman lunch and spoke to Wayan as she sat with us. She sent up an individual prayer for blessing then evaluated our bodies to find out our inbalance. Then she read my palm as well. Her reading was less touristy and spot on. We dined on fresh food and spent hours chatting away. I even helped translate a phone call from Argentina for her. I walked around with my book showing it to each of them, who grinned lovingly at the thought of being semi-famous in the Western world. Amazing experience to say the very least.

ewr-arn-kul-dps

I have finally made it to Bali. My holiday this year was choosen because of how far away it was and how expensive it would be to get here without my flight benefits. I have a romantic idea of how it would be here, sun, sand, surf, peace and tranquility...well, it hasn't been what I thought thus far.

Being air crew has it's advantages in more ways than one. Here is my favorite after cutting through security, I get taken special care of. I introduced myself to the persur on the flight and found myself in a row of five seats with a bottle of champange. Their service was impeccable to begin with and then with VIP service...I was lovin' life! The message was passed on the next crew as they changed in ARN and I received the same hospitality. I will tell you, it makes all the difference in the world on a 25 hour journey to have rest, real rest.
I arrived around 1300 local time and was so grateful to have Turiya meet me at the airport. By the last leg of the journey, I was spent. We made our way to the hotel chatting a bit and planning our week. After a quick shower, it was beer and pool time. The weather here is perfect, around 85 and humid. We took a walk about the city and it seems like any other beach town with pushy marketers. I was a bit cranky as the jetlag set in and opted to go to bed early. I obligied Turiya's plees to have one beer, which turned into five before heading to bed. The sun awoke me and I walked around the city once more, this time peacefully as no one was up from all the partying the night prior. I am currently looking for a surf lesson and a massage before I figure out how to make it to Ubud to find the peace I had in mind as well as my medicine man.
I am sure this holiday will turn around, but currently I feel like I could have done this in Mexico versus a world a way.

osl

I picked up a trip to OSL knowing that another crewmember would mostly likely remove me, so when the phone rang the day of the trip it didn’t surprise me. They called to let me know that I was still on the trip but now I am just in charge of the flight. All right, I will keep my snow pants in my suitcase then and head for the airport.
These flights have the reputation for being difficult due the amount of drinks each person orders. My theory is, I don’t care what you would like as long as you are polite. Well, let me tell you, my flight was a contributor to the reputation. These people, whom I am distantly related to, wanted everything under the sun. The please and thank yous were not as plentiful has I had thought they would be so by the time I got poked for the third time, I about lost it. And not only am I serving drinks, I also have to deal with the video system and questions from passengers and running back to get more o.j. By the time we got done with our first service, I was over it and wondered how I was related to them.
Fast forward to the layover…I slept the whole forty-five minutes on the bus drive in and it was everything I could manage to wash my face and crawl into bed. My new buddy, Seth (domestic reserve) called and we started our trek around the city. We walked for hours looking for a sculpture park we were told to go see and finally we found it as the sun was setting. Let me tell you, it was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen, it seem to go on for an hour with the full moon becoming more defined by the minute. So this park is huge, Hyde Park huge, and has hundreds of sculptures of men, women, children in the buff. The details were incredible down the fingernails yet there was nothing sexual about it, in fact they were playful and innocent. More wandering took us the wrong way back to the hotel and after asking for directions we hopped on a city bus back to our starting point. From there we took a right and stumbled upon not on the town square but a Hard Rock Café. Minda will be so proud to have another shot glass in her collection. We wandered the streets people watching and looking for somewhere to eat. We settled on a great little café and enjoyed a nice dinner over looking the ice skating rink. After dinner we walked over and tried our hand at skating. As we sat there giving our calves a break from keeping us steady, I looked at Seth, and said, “the whole miserable flight…totally worth it”.

pooches, pooches, pooches all around

I took over the biz for four days and I am still exhausted on day five. Mind you I was also entertaining Janene, who was not helpful in the walking just the getting me drunk at night.
My girl could not have picked a better week to go old of town as it snowed Tuesday, flooded Wednesday, and finally became a healthy temp on Friday.
Some pooches wanted nothing do with the rain, other didn't mind so I had to clean them up before returning them, others I just sat at their house and played with. Friday, the sun was out and I walked 12 dogs, mind you the max we do is 3. From 1000 to 1800 I only sat down for 15 minutes for a slice and 30 minutes for a beer and to write my report. I have torn my mud-covered jeans, have a blister on my toe, and my body feels like I am turn 60 next week. Was it all worth it? Hell yes!
On the flip side, I got tons of exercise, socialized with the dogs, received unconditional love, and had six different, four legged Valentines, and made some good money. I am also officially a dog walker now because I have my own business cards and notepad. That's right, moving up in NYC!
Spent today doing nothing so far and enjoying the serenity of my "new home". Off again tomorrow to the friendly skies!

he wasn't spanish...

Hands down best trip I ever had working. The five day Rome is so close but in terms of making the most of out of 24 hours, done! Speaking of Rome, the same FO was on my flight this time and I knew that I was in for some fun. He is a big teddybear and adventurous. I had no expectations of a first class seat for the deadhead portion of the trip but, what do you know, my own big seat. I watched a movie and then hit the hay. I was ready to hit the ground running once we arrived at the hotel so I got a map and set off. My navigation skills left me as it took an hour versus the fifteen minutes to get where I needed to go. The good news is that I have seen the sides of Barcelona, not just the middle. I head to the water and see all the sailboats and yachts, the old and new buildings, and the many people out because it was a Saturday as well as 22C, perfect weather. I continued my wandering and walked along the beach, asked randoms to take my photos, bought sounvieners, and then went in search of a shot glass from the Hard Rock Cafe. My friend, Minda collects these damn things and it has never taking me less than a hour to find the damn place. This time, it took two hours as everyone I asked gave me different directions and I just ended up circling the damn place. I made it back to the hotel in time to take a shower and meet Jim for dinner. In preparation for this top five on my list city, I brought a dress and red patent heals. We went to a great seafood place and I had the salty cod and yummy dessert. We went in search of a disco-tech since the strip of them was closed for the week and the casino would not let us in without our original passport. We had a choice of three, a spanish, an asian, or a brightly colored one called opium. I choose the later. Mind you it is 2330 and people where still eating dinner so we spent our time drinking until 0100 (our cut off) and chatting. Then these two guys came and joined us at our table One (the German) was kind of a dick at first until Jim came up with this story that I was an heir to the Duke fortune and he was my bodyguard. The guy next to him (Turkish) was very handsome and was asking tons of questions about his job as my protector. I told Jim I wanted to dance and he told the guys, she gets what she wants, who wants to dance with her. The German did of course and after a bit I decided I wanted the other guy instead. So, the other guy and i dance and made out. The jig was up when I had to get dressed for work after two hours of sleep in my flight attendant uniform.

bcn

It's one of those mornings when the bed feels so good, particualarly because I have new sheets and because I didn't make it to bed until 0230. I set the alarm to call in for purser at 0600 and then to see if I had to dog walk at 1000. It was my favorite time 1111 when the phone began to sing along to John Denver. I gladly picked up and found out I am deadheading (ie. not working can sleep the whole night) and then working the flight back from.........BCN! Looks like I can begin looking for that Spanish lover a month early!

pooch patrol

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent gearing up to take over the dog walking biz next week. I walked seven dogs on Tuesday and came home exhausted. I am excited to label myself a full time dog walker for five days, getting sunshine, playing in the dog park, getting exercise. It is good for my soul to be out in the city walking pooches, and they seem to like listening to me talk to them as we are strolling along. My line up includes two old labs that walk at a snails pace and don't seem to mind that we walk in circles around Madison Square Park. I have already made friends with the park ranger. The next in the line up is my absolute favorite, a nine-month-old lab. We spend an hour running to the park and playing in the mud. What a sweetheart. Next is the pits whom I have yet to walk by myself but seems really sweet and I guarantee you that no will mess with me while I have them. On to Zeus, my longhaired wiener dog whom only likes the ladies. Then onto the Yorkies who don't want to have anything to do with the outside and even though they are cute, they are a handful. Onto my other favorite, a mastiff who is a big teddy bear and who has my number because she didn't budge from the entrance to the pet store until I got her a cookie. I will have two puggles thrown into the mix when I take over. Looking forward to life with the pooches.

super tuesday

Big day here in NYC, not only for the eight million and change people who live here but for this New Yorker as well. Today is the first day of my new apartment and the start of peace in my home and in my life. Carol was finally able to go home knowing I would be okay. Huge props for her strength and patience. We went out to dinner last night and ended up getting pretty damn drunk, deservely so.

It is super Tuesday and people lined the sidewalks to vote and it was all a certain sector was talking about. I was asked four times if I had voted. The other big hipe in the city was the welcoming home of our hometown heroes, the GIANTS. It was so amazing to be here for the win. Granted it was an amazing game but the addition of being in NY to watch the game, the energy and pure pride in the underdog. I would have rather been here than in AZ actually. New Yorkers are passionate about their teams and I loved being a part of it.

in charge

I was sitting airport alert last night, when a guy came up asking the crowd if any one had international managing experience and would like to go to Oslo. I raised my hand and told him I would be happy to bullshit it. Sold! Off to a small room to complete the necessary paperwork for the flight and then onto the gate. It was a forty-eight hour layover and the excitement to go somewhere new overshadowed my fear of being in charge. The crew was great and we were almost complete with boarding when the original purser came aboard and told me to get off the plane and go back to the crew room. Piss on him! I sat and watched the Democratic debate instead of planning my sledding trip with the crew.
With the want to be home for the Super Bowl, I called and volunteered to be a purser today. The request was granted on the 777 to LGW. I was throw in the deep in and managed to bull shit my way through the whole flight I even had to argue with a passenger about how is new wife couldn’t just happen to sit with him in first class. I wanted to ask him if he loved her so damn much, then why didn’t he buy her a first class ticket? He snuck her up anyway and I had to go and kick her out. I don’t think that man knew whom he was messing with.
I am now sitting in my nice room waiting for the weariness of the pass week to hit me and force me to lay my head down but I am not tired. Well, my mind is at least wide-awake. Even though the sun is out in jolly ol’ England, I have no plans to leave the hotel/airport as I brought plenty of reading material and I am going to be a complete nerd and write out my announcements for tomorrow’s flight.

stand up

There are times in life when you have to admit that you need a life raft. When you have to admit you are not strong enough to fight the battle alone. Sometime this rescue comes from simply talking to someone new about the situation and getting a different view. It may only be a sentence that you didn’t think about. For example, she has control of me in some odd way. Other times the lifeline is thrown out during an argument. The only thing harder than admitting you need a lifeline is the denial of it; the realization comes when you least expect it. Today is came during a fight with Carol. It just hit me, and I had to verbally say that she has some control over me that scares me shitless. Here I was still fighting for her after all she has done. The metaphorical slap in the face was exactly what I needed to get off my ass and get her shit packed up. The battle is not over yet but I now feel like I am my old self and am ready to stand up for myself.

waiting

To answer my previous question: yes I am foolish to forgive. I am now accompanied by Carol because I finally had to admit I was weak against the presence who has because a poison force that residence in my home.
I begged scheduling to give me a trip and Dublin it was. I ran home to grab my things and had to take a cab to Penn Station just to make it on time. I left behind my laptop and apparently my guard. I received a call after arriving letting me know my laptop as well as hers had been stolen. I spent three hours at the 19th preceint filing a report and of course making friends with all the men in blue. Each time a new piece comes out it is conflicting or something that doesn't make sense. She found a way to hurt me more. She let the guys in to our apartment that took away a part of my life, an irreplaceable part. It still makes me sick to my stomach to think about. What is even worse is the waiting to get her out. NY is a very difficult place for break ups of any kind. I have to be careful or I could be the one in jail. She has agreed to move out but it is 0230 on the 1st and her stuff is still here. Now it is a waiting period, a waiting for peace.

paths

There is a thought that when a goal/want/etc is especially challenging that one should perserver because it will be worth more once achieved. But what if the challenges and obstacles are in place to make you think twice about the decision or perhaps "hind sight" rearing its head in the present? As anyone who knows me well knows that my mind is rarely at rest. Since I have too much time to think during this huge mess that has become of my NY lease, I have been going over what a pain in the ass it was to get this place. It was myself who did the majority of the leg work, acting as the responsible party to make this dream of living in NYC happen.
Did I force fate into giving me what I thought I needed? I look back at the purchase of my first home and reflect on the many hours of work, phone calls, and money that it took just to get into the home. The lender said she had never seen someone work so hard to get the loan closed. Buying that house was a mistake. Along the lines of housing, my thought move naturally towards my loft. Oh, my beautiful, much missed loft. It was the first place I looked at to rent and was approved the same day. When I decided to purchase the whole transaction was smooth as glass and finished in two weeks. Aside from the leaving of boyfriends, it was the best decision of my adult life.
Speaking of old boyfriends, one thing Matt loves about me is that I see what I want and I go after it. My relationship with him is an example, this new job, seeing the world, living in NYC... But now I am at a place that I don't know what I want or what my next step should be. I think about the future and become overwhelmed. I have made the childish decision to live month by month and placing a new holiday in each just to have something to look forward to. My personality, the one I have put aside for this job is the control freak that would love to know exactly what I am supposed to be doing.
So, now do I just look for the easy road, the one with no uphills as the correct path? Do I continue to go after what I think I want even if it is the rockiest path of all? Or do I sit back and wait for fate to deal me into the next game?

good grief

There are not many flights that make me miserable, especially now that I am flying international. But today, well I spent the day in bed recovering instead of enjoying this quaint town of BHX. I picked up the trip and worked in my favorite cabin. Things were going smoothly until the captains family boarded and after throwing their stuff around the cabin preceeded to walk in and out of the cockpit (directly in my way of working) and then started demanding stuff from me. It is an unwritten rule that as a non-rev passanger you are to sit and mind you own business and take what you can get. Majority of the time we treat non-revs like gold, going above and beyond for them because they don't expect it. Well, this bitch expected me to kiss her ass. She didn't let up at all the whole flight and the worse part about it, it that 1. she is haunting me on the layover and 2. I have to deal with her ass on the way home.
So whe finally get the door closed and are ready to taxi when...I hear a hissing sound. I walk to the mid galley to throw away cups and see the emergency slide laying in the jetway. My reaction: get the hell out of there before it blows and to look at the flight attendant that caused this and say "you're fucked". Long story short: three hour delay on the ground. I am exhausted and can't wait for tomorrow to end. And yes, I have already touched her food with dirty hands.

bfs

My third time in Belfast finds me walking around the city alone. I turn the corner and a huge, brightly lit ferris wheel consumes my line of vision. So the child in my took a ride, and saw the city in a whole new light.

All I brought with me on my walk around the city is a zip lock bag of previously separated pounds. The kind man at the bodega volunteered to change in into bills, 15 to be precious. I am loaded! The clear night allowed me to walk around the city that has never been seen through sober eyes. It is a perfect European city filled with warmth from memories of my first visit with Janene. I am now back in the room and about to curl up on the coach in the shadow of a BBC satellite and read a book. Let me also state that it is a first for me to spend a day in Ireland without a beer in my hand. It must be the absence of the red hair.

a year long week

The trembling has finally stopped and you would think that it was due to the fact that I have had only seven combined hours of sleep in the last 52 hours plus a couple of lattes to make it through the day. No...I just found out information, clues if you will that left me kneeling on the floor with my head on my hands and my tears pooling on the lacered floors of my studio. The studio I share with her. The old phone was left out, plug in as if I was supposed to go up to it and look. I don't know what I was looking for, something in my gut told me to look at her text messages. Mind you I had forced myself to stay up until midnight so I could send him a happy birthday text. I was multi-tasking and brushing my teeth as I reached for the phone and I what I found was a familiar number. A name was not attached to it as with all the other messages, just a number. I number I subconsciencly memorized even though I had deleted it from my phone through advice from a friend a month ago.

A perfectly wrapped birthday for him present sits on the floor making a mochery of me. I went out and pulled together a nice box of goodies that were Oregon related. I even gave a call to my ex to get advice on what I should add.

I haven't told anyone that I was back to seeing him again for fear that things might fall apart and he would drift away again. I didn't want everyone to ask me why I wanted to be with someone who I had to do the chasing with. When we started talking again, it was slow and pleasant, and the night we met up it was like nothing changed. He was my perfect kiss on New Years and it seemed as though we started fresh. He even started texts with me. We are so great together and he was almost everything I want in a future husband (those of you who know me, know I want perfection, even a 110%). I want to be loved, I am tired of being lonely. We made plans for his birthday, it now after midnight on his birthday. I did not send the text because moments before the calander day changed, toothbrush in motion, roommates phone in my hand, my heart stopped beating.

So many questions fill my mind as to when it started, who initiated it, why, and how, how could she do this to me? The questions which fill my head now are how to deal with it. He will be confronted and left behind without my dignity (no sir, that is coming with me.) He is a lot easier to walk away from than her. What happens to living together? I bet she thinks I will just move home with my tail between my legs, well I am not leaving. This my apartment and I am going to be the survivor. Stronger than ever, is my silent reminder. My heart will not be the same for a long time, if ever. Those walls, yah, there are five feet thick filled in my mind with the souls of those who just knocked me out of my mind.

I tried to sleep but it is no use. I have returned to the phone, the one that sits there are taunts me with my stupidy to be in situation that a 17 year old would be in. I walk to it with my calander to find out what I was doing during those texts. Mostly I was away but one weekend, I was here all alone. Things are now being pieced together in my head and I wonder if she wanted me to find out. We had a conversation of a simliar story regarding our old roommate who left behind her old phone on purpose.

I feel ashamed but yet I have done nothing wrong.

There is a line between wanting to know everything and not wanting to know anything that could hurt me more. I have decided that I will only as two questions: who initiated it and is it still going on? I am sitting here, looking amazing still looking at his present waiting to meet up with him this evening. I want the face to face to see if he will lie or if he will tell me so I won’t have to admit I looked at the phone. Unfortunately I have had to use the lure of sex to guarantee a meeting but I’ll be damned if he getting any. I spent the day drinking coffee and doing beautifying things to help mask the pain on the exterior. I want the next 24 hours to be over. I want her to leave peacefully but I fear it will mirror a break up when things get nasty. I don’t know her anymore, and it looks as though I never really did. My anger lays majority with her, my hurt lies with both, and the pain that is all mine.

Two friends have posed the question to me: would I stay with him if he told me the story and begged for me to stay with him as he had chosen me. We had in fact not been seeing each other and I have no idea when all of this started. I didn’t consider the possibility of staying with him while planning out my speeches. But now it is haunting me as I stand looking out the window wishing that none of this would have happened and I could have the man, the friend, and roommate. I am glad that I found out now though.

I don’t even feel like fighting the fight right now, last night yes, today yes. Right now I am tired and I hope when I see him the mind will take charge and not the girl inside. The idea of being in his arms makes me want to pretend that nothing has happened and he wants to be with me. I won a battle I wasn’t even aware I had been fighting.

The fight in me is still depleting. Session one of the conversations was calm and collected and with a little womanly nudging, he told me the truth. Not the whole truth but I couldn’t push it without revealing my source.

My mind was in battle with my body. I wanted to be held, and told that I was beautiful. But my mind was screaming get out. I finally left while he was sleeping. Now I came home to find that she beat me here. I think about how much hassle it will be to deal with the living situation, to end my friendship, to drag out the hurt and physically examine it.
What if I don’t say anything? What if I stay with him? I only have another six months here, would it be so bad to play dumb but cautious? What if I have someone to be with in the city with? I am lonely. How foolish would I be?

She went somewhere and left the new phone behind as almost a daring for me to look at it. I didn’t, I don’t want to know any more. I am pretty sure she knows I know. There is a mild tension but I am just being me without the overnice until the time is right. It wasn’t right yesterday. I realized that I couldn’t be in such close quarters with her for a minute more so I went out to watch the game and have a beer. Well, Jack Daniels and I decided to have a fling, a fling that has left with nothing but a headache and more empty. Luckily I was able to sleep away the time she spent here today and woke up as she was leaving for work.

I sought out advice from a New Yorker about the rules of leases and etc. I found that I need to get a lawyer to have her removed and if I don’t proceed with caution, I could wind up in jail over this. Here is some advice, never have to break up of any kind in New York State; it will cost you.

My good friend, Butch was my shoulder this evening and the strength I needed. He reminded me that I was a good person and the person in my house is poison and I needed to get her out. Hopefully I can take care of all this soon as everyday I have to look at her or her stuff, it just kills me.


I want a reprieve, an hour at least where this is not the only thing on my mind. I awake each day and then it hits me like a ton of bricks. I haven’t been able to read, the words just sit on the page. I tried to wash it away with booze and it came back even stronger. I leave tomorrow for work and I am hoping I am able to leave the hurt in NY where it belongs. Today however I am here and at least she is not.

Aries
March 20 - April 19
Think of today as a time of restoration for yourself, dear Aries, in which you can come to a point of great ease and comfort. Trust yourself and the people around you. Open your eyes to the reality of the situation at hand. If you are currently working through some major changes in your life, make sure you have faith that whatever happens will work out to your benefit.

My friend visited today and without knowing it, spoke directly to my heart. I have also just written the legal form that I pray she signs without hassle that will allow me to have the apartment. Please let this be over soon.


I just found out something that has made the incident at hand disappear. It is a secret that I will not share but has changed my point of view on him forever. I almost wish now that she knows and we can agree to walk away from him jointly and salvage a friendship. A friendship that would consist of the fun we used to have. And no, I would never introduce her to anyone I was seeing, still need to be cautious. Actually to tell you the truth, I am done dating here because you ever know with someone here. There are no morals, no boundaries, and no concern for a partner. This town has kicked my ass and I very much look forward to returning home.


I awoke this morning to miss texts from him wondering if I was okay. A new day and it took a bit for it to come to mind but as I brushed my teeth, there it was. Each day the anger desinigrates. I knew that I needed to print out my letters and get my ducks in a row before she came home just in case the time was right so I walked until she was due to arrive. What is strange is how at ease we were with each other as we talked about everything but. She talked to me as she held both her old and new phone in her hands explaining that she was transferring numbers. That explains why the old phone may have been plugged in. I replied that I would rather pay the ten dollars than have the hassle. She called her mom briefly and I could assume what the other side of the conversation was. “No, I hadn’t brought it up yet” would have been my answer if I were speaking with her mom. There were a couple more lead-ins, which I led the other way. Then she pulled her beanie over her eyes and put her head in her hands and said, “there are so many text messages and missed calls from men in my new and old phone which I just get involved with and then don’t want. I don’t know why I do it because it doesn’t even make sense at the time it starts, but I think maybe I will see how it goes. I feel stupid.” I just looked at her as she continued along this line, I know that she wanted me to address it but I didn’t want to start the conversation and then leave for work. I told her that telling the men the truth is the best thing and honesty always works for me. We also ended up talking about prom and I told her mine was horrible because my date had taken another girl to hers and I knew that he was sleeping with her as well. She turns to me and says, “Some guys are just like that.” She also asked me how my 2008 was going and I told her it was dragging on. Seriously, it feels like a month has been lived in the past five days. She told me that she woke up on NYD and felt enlightened. I don’t know if that was her way of indirectly apologizing but I took it as a sign to leave for the airport. So here I am, wondering if I forgive and let her stay what does that say about me? That I am a good person or that I am looking for more pain?

I awoke today with a peace in my heart. I have decided to forgive. I am on my way home on the train and sent a silent prayer for the talk to go peacefully. I got a piece of advice today via email which simply says, “when God takes something from your grasp, He is not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.” This week has been a test of my strength, a re-evaluation of what I want in my life, and a realization that I really do have a good heart.

bhx

My commute home usually runs very smoothly as I am not ruled by the clock, the trains seem to be right there and I get home pretty quickly. This was not the case yesterday after I returned from a lovely trip to BHX. I got pulled to go through agriculture in customs, and then the escalator to the air train was broke. I just missed the train to NY but it was such a nice day outside, I didn’t mind. Once I was at Penn Station, I waited forever for the E train. We made one stop before some announcement about changing of the lines due to an investigation in Queens. So I had to get off the train, carry my bags up the stairs, through Port Authority, under the street up another broken escalator then down the stairs to catch the 7. I was among the confused masses that packed the train and I prayed silently for patience. Two stops left me in Grand Central as I began the long watch to the 5 train. Luckily this was an express train and I was home in two stops. Next was the half a mile walk home with my wheels making as much noise as possible to remind me of their presence. My street at last! Now I just had to get up the narrow four stories worth of stairs to the apartment.



Did you know that magnificent was a word, among many, invented by Shakespeare? It was a fact I learned prior to my trip to Birmingham, England. We stay 25 miles away in Strafford-upon-Avon where Shakespeare was born and is buried. My crew was absolutely fantastic and included this gay couple from Staton Island. These boys should have had their own stage show, they were so funny. I was able to catch the evening show as we drank sangria in the rooms after my minuture exploration.
This town is so quaint and so beautiful with the cobblestones, the river passing gently underneath the bridge into town. They seem to be big fans of Christmas as hordes of lights still graced the town. The little shops were welcoming and everyone it seemed was out for a spot of tea during my walk. I truly understand where he received his inspiration, this place is absolutely magnificent!

nothing but cold going on here

Currently at a Tasti D-Lite using the internet to pick up a trip to BHX since my lunch date ran long. I have fourteen minutes left on my time so I thought an update of non interesting details would make me feel like I made the most of working internet.
The weather here has been bitterly cold, I mean longjohns, hat, scarf, gloves still freezing but here I am out and about because I feel guilty if I spend my time in my apartment versus soaking up the city. The new year is treating me well with alone time, happiness, and the keeping up with my resolutions to eat well everyday and not to over indulge in the spirits. Seriously I have nothing to write about...

cab-cab

Luck was on my side this NYE as I walked towards the liquor store to pick up a bottle of champange, a lady was getting out of a cab. Perfect. The rooftop/penthouse party at my friend, Lances was the perfect way to spend the evening. Everyone was dolled up in suits, gowns, and tuxes and yours truly opted for a tiara. We watched the ball drop on tv, toasted, and kissed. Then I spent the rest of the evening dancing to early 80's disco. As I was leaving the building, a cab was dropping off people. This may not seem like a big deal but you have to understand how many people came into NYC for the new year. It was estimated 2 million total with a million of these pain-in-the-ass tourist crowding into Times Square. So that leaves all the locals and the other million tourist vying for one of the 50,000 cabs that inhabit Manhattan. The city was packed but there was such a great energy. And yes, I will share with you that I had a perfect New Year's kiss, I just happened to still be on west coast time.

christmas

It was two years ago that I was spending my holiday in NYC, a planned getaway with my friend; it was then I rode the subway for the first time then. That is what triggered my memory, last night as I rode the 6-line home from my movie. My second trip of the month took me back to jolly ol’ London on a short adventure with a great crew. The plane has spots of eye candy to make the journey go by faster, and we all gathered in the crew room to drink, eat, and be merry. I got a little too merry as I woke up face down, fully clothed (even my shoes) in my hotel room. Let me tell you, working at 36,000 feet with a hangover is not pleasant. Never the less, I decided to spend my Christmas, not at home with my sick roommate who was watching some Russian movie but instead eating Chinese food on Bleeker and catching my favorite Christmas movie at a nearby theatre. It was the second time in five days I had watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” and it was every bit as good as the first time I saw it, ages ago. All in all my holiday was great, not the least bit home sick as I received tons of pressies and cards from friends.
I had a feeling when I journeyed to the big apple for the first time that I would return, in some capacity. It still blows my mind sometimes to think that I live here, New York City…wow. I was standing on Lance’s rooftop the other evening and thinking how comfortable it was being in the middle of the universe. Did you know that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the ball drop in Times Square? Granted you couldn’t pay me to be in the middle of all the tourist, but I will be somewhere. Hopefully somewhere getting the perfect New Years kiss.
A part of the reason I returned to NY permanently was to pick up my heart, where I thought I had let it prior during my visit. That and all the Sex in the City I had been watching.