dias quatro

I awoke suddenly and looked at the clock on my cell...damn it, only 13 minutes until my tour bus is here. I grabbed my clothes, threw some toothpaste on my toothbrush and ran out the door. Standing in the reception area, it occurred to me that my clock was an hour fast and I had a heart attack for nothing. I sat in the sunshine for the next hour until my driver arrived. Off I went with a German couple to the canopy. A short, bumpy drive to the top followed by a fifteen minute hike straight up took us to the first platform. I will admit that I had butterflies for a second after I looked at the first cable but the moment I was harnessed in and took off flying through the air like superman, my adrenal was pumping. Nine ziplines in total, it was one of the coolest things I ever did. After I returned, I layed by the pool to work on my tan to at least prove that I have been on holiday. A couple of hours later another bus arrived to take me to San Jose. Five and half hours later thanks to traffic coming into the capitol city, my ears talked off by the three sisters from LA, I arrived at my second hostel. This one is not as nice as the other and I have a bit of hesitation of taking a shower here...yep that kind of eew. I don´t dare leave the hostel either since this is not a nice city to wander out and about in. I have made a new friend from Scotland; she and I just finished dinner at the hostel, I had my first drink this whole trip hoping that it will help me sleep until my 0500 wake up call. I finish my holiday now on the eve of returning back home. It has been wonderful to do everything I wanted to do and prove to myself that I am as adventureous as I pressume to be and to get in touch with me, and of course to meet new friends.
P.O. via Costa Rica!!!

dias tres

A six o´clock wake up, naturally by sunlight, perfect time to catch my bus up to Aernal. A few stops later we are on our way on the gravel road. I dose in and out and listen to the conversations of the couples on the bus. Three hours into the bus ride, we stop for rest, a fourty minute rest where I ate a muy deliciouso taco de pollo. Switching buses and backtracking 20 miles or so, we turn off and start to climb. The volcano is constantly in our site and the lake provides the view for the last part. Five and half hours later I arrive at my 5 star hostel. I am room 2, filled with four bunks and clearly inhabited by three guys thus far, judging from the contents on their beds. I claim a bunk and a locker and lay out by the pool. After a while, I take a walk into town to get some cash and a towel (don´t stay in hostels too often forgot). I walk into the city that seems futurally untouched by Americanism, which is a nice surprise. I find an atm and store to get supplies. On my way back to the room to prepare for my volcano hike, I meet two girls from New Foundland and convince them to take the tour with me.
Do you ever wonder if adults seek out guided tours as a reach for the childhood days of field trips? Our guide was adorable, picture the Costa Rican version of Brian Daly if you will, same mannerisms and him with a tan and an accent. We hiked through the beautiful rainforest with the sounds of rocks tumbling down and monkeys howling. I was able to see a sloth, howler monkey, white faced monkey, and an army of leave carrying ants. After our hike, we watched the sunset and sat face to face with an active volcano awaiting the darkness to fall in order to see the red embers as the cascaded down the mountain. The best part of the evening was when the Canuks and I were lead into a fabulous place to sit in the hot springs, they were every where. The water beat down upon our shoulders and warmed our bodies. I think we sat in every single one in between our time in the pool. A waterslide was our entry into the warmest pool I have ever been in. I swear we went down that slide thirty times before we headed off to the buffet. In one of the eight beds in our hostel room by 2330 but my eyes opened each time the door did. Five boys occuppied the room with us and the one underneath my bunk was the loudest snorer ever. Someone eventually kicked him and he silenced enough for me to get a little shut eye.

c.r. dia dos

After a great nights sleep I finally got up this morning and talked to the receptionist to help me get a game plan for the rest of the holiday. She is muy helpful and booked my transportion and accomadation. I went over to Banana Surf and paid for a lesson in the afternoon and then ate pizza while sitting in view of the gorgeous coast line. Laying by the pool filled up the remainder of my time. I walked over to the shop, put on a tight surf shirt and was off to the beach with my own personal teacher. He taught me the basics about paddling and getting up whilst on the beach and five minutes later we were out in the ocean giving it a shot. I got up on my third try and had many more successful rides than I first anticipated. He would wait for the perfect wave for me then instruct me to go. There were many waves however that were too big and beat the shit out of me while I was laying on the board. After shallowing a gallon of salt water, four perfect rides, and an hour and half of almost perfect rides, I threw in the towel. Just wandered around the rest of the afternoon and took some last minute photos and then back to the villa for a siesta in my hammack. There is something truly wonderful about a hammack. Think I will have some freshly caught fish for dinner at my new fav restaurant.
Tomorrow I catch the bus to Aernal, six hour ride to a beautiful volcano which I will be hiking and then relaxing at a hot springs.
adios for now.

costa rica day one

As I sit in the curve of table designed after a wave, the wave worshipers themselves made their way back from the ocean, boards in hand as the sun began to fade. I chose to eat dinner at a place called Ectera, it came recommended from my adorable hotel here in Talmarindo. Getting up at 0600, making it barely to the plane on time, being repremanded and almost not getting on because I was wearing leggings with a bubble skirt over, napping in out during mimosas, sitting in the sun waiting for the death trap communiter plane, arriving on a runway the size of my old drive way in Klamath, taking a cab with no window roller-uppers, and finally settling in. I walked around this adorable town and down to the beach to feel the warm water hit my feet and the sand between my toes. I met some Americans, one the owner of the restaurant who makes a damn good burger, and a photographer who is pretty damn adorable. I am off to bed to get a good nights rest and then hitting the beach tomorrow for some surfing lessons. It is fabulous to escape the 10 degree weather of NY and great to have enough courage to take this trip on my own...but I sure do miss my drinking buddy!!!

law and order

First a funny story about my flight home from LA. My aisle guy (the one who takes the orders, runs the food, etc.) was a real ass. Straight out of Long Island, ass. That is besides the point. On my flight was the author of a book I think every woman should own a copy of and reference at least monthly, "He is just not that into you". He was headed to NYC to appear on the Today Show. We were talking before I figured out who he was and I was semi-whinning about the disappearance of my favorite winter coat in LAX. He told me it was time to let it go, and my response was that is was hard since it was Banana. Sitting next to him was the boss guy from Law and Order SVU. The back galley flight attendant started gushing at him and wound up with a page from his scripted autographed. With a little more talking, I ended up with one of my own. The best/funniest part of the evening was as I was saying goodbye to my passangers and heading toward my jumpseat in the back, he shook my hand, pulled me close and said, "I think you hooott!".

radisson

"How do you like staying at the Radisson?", was the queston for a man with a rollerboard trailing behind him as I entered the parking lot of the hotel. My kind response was that I was in LA and it was wonderful. He approached me, leaving his bag and told me he stayed in Radissons in Florida. I informed him of my hatred of Florida. He asked why and I told him that people there were assholes. His response was that he was a yankee and he just went there. I told him hee just proved my point as I stepped away from him. He then read my tank top aloud to me and as me about some Roxy club from the 70's, I told him that I was too young to remember and I walked as fast as I could into the lobby of the hotel. What a freak, if he had gotten any closer I was prepared to attack him with the find of the week I held in my hand, fabulous hot pink heels with rhinstones.

Getting up at 0330 EST proves for a very long day when coming the West Coast although sleep was not an option due to the big game. I was on the look out for celebs as we exited the airport and waiting for our van. I made to the hotel and jumped into the shower. Unable to meet up with friend out here, I went downstairs to the bar and watched the game with the crew, well the boys of the crew. Coronas, nachoes, and pizza filled afternoon. By the time the game was through, I could barely keep my eyes open and finally found the sleep I have been looking for days. We head back home this afternoon and the best part about our flight will be the ice cream sundaes and that I get to work first class. Tomorrow I leave bright and early for my holiday to Costa Rica which unfortunatly, I will be traveling solo.

philly cheesesteak

My experiment was sucessful! I was able to pick up a four day trip which allowed me to work first class and to arrive in LA tomorrow in time to watch the Superbowl. It is a great trip and my crew is fantastic. This is the first time I have been so close knit to the fact of having lunch and dinner with them. Sure the other two talk a lot and the pilots are super overly-friendly, but it's great. It did take five hours of flight time to get to SAT yesterday and I had big plans to go and check out The Alamo, however when I got to my room I ended up taking a six hour nap. Today we headed to IAH for some sit time and usual FA chit chat around our Subway sandwiches and then on into PHL. Our layover is only ten hours but I was determined to get an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. Our crew walked the block and a half in 19 degree weather to Jim's place...and omigod, was that a sandwich!!!! If we had more time here, I would get another one it was so good. Surely the wake up call that is looming for 0345 will not make me happy but the fact that I am headed to LAX does. We have to bypass through IAH again, which means we may be dozing in the cockpit on the flight there to ready ourselves for the afternoon of drinking beer and watching the game. This time if I have a celeb on the flight, I will take a pic that includes me in the frame.

new look

I was sent to ATL yesterday on a turn which enabled me to both get out of the house and break my guarantee for the month. Today, I am patiently waiting until 1600 so I can exacute my experiment of picking up a trip. I have choosen the one I wanted by the fact that I will be done early enough on Sunday to watch the SuperBowl. I don't think I have ever missed one and I don't want to start this year. I am going for the Colts because I have always liked Manning and think he deserves a ring after all his hard work. The house is quiet, just the way I like it and I am trying to kill time, which apparent by the new look of the ol' blog. This hopefully will be the last trip I work before I head off to Costa Rica for holiday with my "romantic partner" (j/k). I am so excited to be outdoors and see the beautiful rainforest, oceans, and hot tourist men.

Aries
March 20 - April 18
Travel by air, perhaps in the company of some friends, could well be in the works for you, dear Aries. A group with which you're affiliated might want to take a trip together, perhaps to a place associated with artistic or spiritual traditions. Your romantic partner could accompany you as well, making it as much a romantic getaway as an adventure. Tip: take plenty of money with you! Your friends will want to go to nice places!

bored

So, here is the crappy thing about this job...the wondering. I wonder if they will use me today and if so where will I go. Will it be a turn or do I need to pack my bag? I am unable to pick up trips becasue I am over the 65 hour mark but shy of my guarantee which dropped to 75 due to my extra day in PDX and one in OMA. This means my life is in the schedulers hands. There are no trips in open time, and I am many pages down on the list of people they will call, which almost predicts they will not use me today. It is depressing because I am bored. I have a few activities sketched out that leave me within two hours of getting home and to the airport. If it was up to me, I would be lollie-gaging around in the city. I want to go to work!!!!!

When I arrived home from AA at 0130 the other night, the city was covered in a blanket of snow which I happily watched from the crew room window. The street was dead silent and everything was beautiful, yes even here in Jersey, snow makes things beautiful. My on-call day was comprised of sleeping in until noon, playing on the computer, hanging out with the roomies, and then venturing out for dinner and a movie. My date was C, and dinner was TGIFridays and the movie, The Departed. Great flick!

Alright going to get some socks on and begin my day...this house is cold but I am bound and determined to keep myself warm and busy today. Here's hoping for the phone to ring.

ropes and ziplines

The phone just sang it's song, "Leaving on a jet plane" as I was sitting on the living room floor trying to plan my upcoming vacation to Costa Rica. It is no less than a pain in my ass at this point but I am tredging forward to get it done. I set the alarm for 0555 this morning in order to get up and trade my days off around. I am working on this new theory handed down from a lineholder that if I change my days off that I will not have as many people in competition for picking up trips. We will test it out come Febuary, I think scheduling gives all the new people the break with good trips and so forth thinking that by now, we should have learned the ropes. Hopefully I have found the answer to holding my trip destiny and my life will be more in my hands. Here's hoping! Anyway I am going to airport alert tonight at 2100. there are not many flights departing that late but I will go and serve my time, I will get released as soon as the last flight taked off. I actually like AA because you get paid for 4 hours (if you don't get used) and four hours flight time is a lot of work versus sleeping a chair or reading a book and getting to go home afterwards.

a meeting in the midwest

I sit in Omaha at the crew hotel, however I am not here on business, I am here for family. My Aunt Millie has passed but brought our family together in the middle of the country. I am suffering from the four bottles of wine that I consumed on the way here. The two other pass riders and I sat in the back of the plane, played cards, and drank the whole way. "KLB" We had such a great time but the fact that I was laying on my suitcase on the ground waiting for my parents to arrive from another flight clearly indicates that I drank too much. The steak here is excellent, I would recommend it to anyone and I refused to leave this home town of my fathers without one. We have been blessed to spend time with family which I don't know that well but have had the chance to get close to over the past day and a half. Being an adult has its benifits when it comes to relationships, you tend to cherish them more. I am so grateful to be here with my dad as I have always wanted to see where he grew up. I definately see myself returning to this midwest town with tons of hospitality.

...and one dead roach

This four day trip has drug on forever, I am writing on day three which feels like a month. It was dropped in my line and just by chance I logged on and saw that I would be away for the next four days. The first day took me to SFO for a brief, yet wonderful layover because we stay at the Westin and any evening at a Westin is always nice, the heavenly shower, the heavenly bed, uhm, love it! The next day we went to IAH then onto PBI. Our first leg had a bunch of crazies but one stood out in particular with her cat. First she asked me for a cup of water to put in her salad tray for her cat, whatever, then she has her cat out. I told her she needed to put it back in the carrier, she responsed that she was trying to get it to go to the bathroom and showed me her ziplock bag of litter and pan. What?! That can't go down on the plane ma'am unless you place the pan inside the carrier. Good luck with that. The second flight of the day brought along an unticketed passanger which was crawling up the fuseloge, a cockroach, yes folks we are in IAH. A brave passanger killed it and we were all saved. Before a flight can push from the gate, a customer count needs to be given to the pilots. It is a break down of weight and balance and upon this sheet of paper we write our "specials" for examples wheelchairs needed at the destination, lap children, unaccompanied minors...so forth. I, of course, like to be silly and write things like "no specials beside fabulous FAs" or "crazy bitch in 14D", so this night I wrote...1 whlchr, 1 lap, and one dead roach. The IAH based pilots didn't think we were funny and immediately scratched it out. Today we deadheaded to EWR and then sat around for three hours before we did the God aweful flight back down to PBI, which I have dubbed the worst place on earth. So here I sit in the same exact room as the night before only five floors lower wondering why I packed so much since all I have done on my layovers is workout and sleep. I am working with a somewhat annoying guy that doesn't know when to stop or when to get out of my personal space bubble and with a girl from the past...remember the night in DFW when I missed out on the party and the FO and her...Yep I am working with her again. No hanky panky this time since we keep switching pilots and none of us have been drinking. Tomorrow it is back to EWR and then a BOS turn which menas two things, clam chowder and delays.

ode to my rollerboard

You are my seat while I wait.
You are my footrest while I wait,
You are my cupholder while I wait,
You contain the necessities for a life on the road,
You contain an outfit for most anything along with the tolietries to make me clean,
You remain ready at all times,
You have travelled almost as my as I, although you tend to take turns as your day off,
You fit perfectly in your second home of the overhead bin,
You trail happily beind me in the airports making me feel complete as a flight attendant,
Ol' Rollerboard of mine, I look forward to our upcoming adventures together.

upstate

My roommates are sleeping now, it is 19:30 and they must be tired from keeping me up all night with their giggling and loud music. I was determined to get out of the house and out of the state for that matter today. I was dying to go shopping and found exactly where I wanted to go...New York outlets. An hour drive across the GW bridge, and through upstate NY and I found the meca of outlets. Dior, Kate Spade, Barney's, Burberry, Gucci, Versace, D and G, and on, and on, a girls dream. I considered this my cardio as I walked around for hours going into to every shop. I was so excited to go into Neiman Marcus but I felt as though I walked into a Ross, a place where good clothes went to die, it was all a little much. I found such good deals: a Burberry scarf for fifity dollars, BR shorts, a Ralph Lauren sweater for ten bucks, Kate Spade stationary for $4, a jumper dress, and my two fav items, a blouse from Marc Jacobs and a dress from Diane. The day was topped off so well that a Starbucks (not a Dukin Donuts) was in the complex and...it was snowing!!
On my way back, I saw signs for Sufferin, the town were Aidan had his cabin in SITC. My drive actually reminded me of Oregon with the rocks, trees, and countyside, it made me a little less home sick. Hell, who could think of home with such great new clothes?!

chicken?

A dream of a dog barking sharpley inches away from my ear awoke me suddenly this morning moments before 0900. I grabbed my phone to inspect the time and discovered that I went on call in just a few minutes. 0902, the phone sang 'Leaving on a Jet Plane", I picked it up and asked the scheduler if she had been waiting for the clock to change to call me. She informed me of an MCO turn to check in later that morning. Not a bad flight down but good grief the people were looney on the way back. First of all, we are the only airline that still serves food for free, a two hour flight doesn't warrent a four course meal, we have 142 people and two FAs in the back. Here is the random responses I get to "join us for a little dinner of a turkey sandwich?" WHAT ARE MY CHOICES? yes or no IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE? no CHICKEN? turkey IS IT KOSHER? I don't even know what that means. VEAGATARIAN? no turkey. CHICKEN? no turkey PRETZELS? no turkey MY CONNECTING FLIGHT... do you want a sandwich? I'LL HAVE A COKE does this look a drink cart? People just freakin' kill me!

damn it

I am so tired, I didn't sleep well last night again. Not sure why, I guess I could not get my mind to shut off. I left for work this morning around 0730 and didn't return until 1015. My assignment was two BOS turns (these usually take an hour) my day, however, was 14 hours long. I think it was a tease since this is the city I have been dying to go since I was a kid and I have only had turns there. The first delay resulted in lunch with the crew at Legal Seafood and some damn good clam chowder. The second delay in BOS provided time for dinner at Johnny Rockets diner. The flight back was the fewest number of passangers I have ever seen...three whole people. I took a miniture nap in the back and then went up and hung out with the pilots and looked at the cities below...they have such a cool job.

The tempature has dropped ten degrees an hour and is now freezing cold, it took forever to dial Janene's number because of my gloves only to confirm that there was snow in Portland, snow!! I am so mad that I am missing it. I move to the damn NE in expectance of a great winter with lots of snow and it was the first December in 150 years there was no snow, what bullshit. I want snow, send me somewhere with snow!

So the roommates are home again, I don't know why the hell they are not working at all and always here. Currently they are starting a movie and rapping some song...mind you it is almost 2300. What the hell people, go fly somewhere and give me some damn peace and quite. Jorge and I are hanging out looking at mail and catching up. Get what Carol sent..."Scorpion stings man on the plane".

Alright, I am hittin' the hay as I have discovered my excess cursing and can resolve my inner anger by going to bed. P. out!

jax

So my trip yesterday consisted of deadheading down to IAH to work a flight to JAX. There was an hour mechanical delay on the way down while I sat in a middle seat wondering why I liked my job and then a hour ground delay in IAH while I sat in the back wondering when I was going to make it to bed. I am waiting in the hotel lobby because my room gave me the hibbies and ready to go back home. Some days make me greatful to have a comfortable, clean bed and girl named George waiting for my arrival.

a day in...

A day in the life of me at the place where my mail arrives. I do not profess to call this home...home is the plane and of course the NW.

I slept in until 1200 today because a. I was comfortable and b. I didn't arrive home until 2330 last night.

I awake to the roommates troughting upstairs giggling. The next twenty minutes are spent listening to their weeks spent at home not working, the other roommate acting like an ass, and a Met player that M met on the way home from KC. A little teasing (jealousy) about my hook up in LA, and stories about George.

I get up and brush my teeth and go the bathroom, then return to my room to sort out the laundry. I exhange texts with friends.

Some breakfast for George and then a breakfast of instant oatmeal and green tea for me while I sit staring at the white board which holds the days off of the household, I have Thursdays and Fridays off this month...the pink L tells me so.

Preparation for the bank visit and filling up my ziplock bag with more detergent.

I go and check the computer for trips that avaliable to pick up at 1600 and decided on a four day to the west coast.

A six block walk to the laundrymat, change for a twenty, five machines, and a Vanity Fair. I walk the three extra blocks to the bank (one of the most popular places in town) to deposit some money and get some money if the need arises. Stop at the Eckards for water and some jerky and head back to the laundry.

While awaiting for my clothes to dry, I read the mag, nibble on the jerky while the sounds of children running around and Spanish soaps fill my ears.

I fold my clothes and actually recognize that I like the sound of my nails against the folding counter, pack up the bag and head back home.

I have two pieces of mail, both from mom. I am waiting for it to be 1600 so I fill my time reading Bazzar (a rare find on a plane....but I was in LA so that makes more sense). I think I found a dress for my birthday so I will research were to try it on and how much it is.

I check myspace to find out if anyone has put up some of the one hundred pictures I posed for during my stay. I check my email to see how many forwards Carol has sent. Eharmony to see what losers they think I would be a good match for. Portland news to see what is shaking back home.

Four o'clock comes and I hit the button and wait, it is taking too long...I didn't get the trip. Instead I make my bed and the phone rings...it is 19C who is all of a sudden obessed with talking with me. We chat for a bit and make plans to go out next week. Finally I get to see him.

George is close to the end of her cat food, so I journey out to Target stopping along the way at a Michaels to get supplies for my birthday invites. It is nice to wander around a crafty place and imagine what I can create. Target is not too exciting but it is some time away from home. KFC provided dinner and dessert. B has gotten me hooked on Greys Anatomy, I have spent the last three and half hours watching it.

Just checked my schedule and nothing is assigned to me as of now. That means that I go on call tomorrow from 0900-1700. I will finish watching the last episode of season one, wash my face, and then head to bed.

That ladies and gentleman is a day off in the life of one girl living in Kearny, living her dream of being a flight attendant.

take the zoom off

My 100th post; what better way to bring it in than with a silly story. I am back in Jersey after what seems likes a month. I was fortunate to go home and spend six wonderful days in Oregon, seeing my family and my friends, celebrating, sharing friendship, and enjoying myself. It is refreshing to go home and remember where the roots of ones personality lie, where the heart longs to be is still there, and my friendships are still in tack. I was emersed in love and I soaked up every moment of it.

My day off was spent sleeping in after arriving from the red eye. My room is finally perfectly organized, and at 1600, I attempted to pick up a three day trip, the only one in the computer. I hit the button and crossed my fingers and wa-lah! I picked up the trip that would take me to two new places, Toronto and LA. My crew was fantastic and we had a good time joking around. Toronto is beautiful to fly into but damn cold!! We just missed a snow storm, they seem to be one day behind me every where. Our flight to IAH consisted of 15 passangers, they slept the whole time and I found myself nodding off while reading...not a good thing. So from IAH we headed to LAX. I was working away and then when I was heading to the back galley, I looked at a guy and thought it was Jared Leto. I asked for another opinion but no one knew who I was taking about. I walked off the plane and had the agent look up the name to 27F...it was him!! We walked outside and waited for our van and Fernando pointed him out to me as he waited for his ride. I am such a dork, I took a picture from a far and then got up the courage to go and take to him. I ran up and asked if I could take a picture with him. He said sure so we did the arm reach picture, I told him that I wasn't just some crazy but was his flight attendant to which he smiled and told me that he knew who I was. I ran back to the crew and they were all laughing at me. I finally looked at the picture to realize I didn't take the zoom off. So my first pic with a celeb is only of his eyes and a portion of my head. It is always nice to be on the west coast, there is a feel of home to it. I was able to see a familiar face while I was there, the guy from Halloween. Our trip home was pretty good, a day off to do laundry, and then ready for my next adventure.

30

It doesn't take long to feel comfortable at home. It is day four of my journey to Oregon and I managed to see most of my friends at least once. Unfortunatly my sinus' took the comfort of home a little too far and decided this would be a great place to try and confine me to bed. I have fought it as much as possible but they seem to win at night, when things slow down. Not tonight, though I have already declared victory as this is the night of my girl's fabulous 30th birthday party.

nye

I received my wish, I found a boy to kiss on New Year’s Eve. My flight to MCO was actually a good one, my favorite agent works down there. On the way home we had a couple board early and as I helped them to their seats, I was informed that it was their 70th anniversary. They were so adorable. There was a family that needed to sit together so the agent came on the pa and asked people to move, no one volunteered so he volunteered me to be the in-flight entertainment. I got on the pa and told everyone that there was no way in hell that I was spending my new year’s eve in Orlando so they needed to pull it together. We got back in time to go home, eat a budget gourmet, and change my clothes. B and M were getting ready and invited me to go and sit at the house of the guy she can’t manage to get over…humm No. I had them drop me off at the Euro Lounge. Never being there prior I went on the advice of C that the men there were not too bad and the place was sort of non-Jersey. A cosmo in hand, I stood in the corner and began my search. There were only a couple of tall guys so I choose the best looking one, had another drink, and walked up to him. “Are you claimed for midnight?, What? “Are you claimed for midnight?” What does that mean? “Are you here with someone?” Yah, my friends. “Are you going to kiss your friends? No, oh..that is what you mean! We chit chatted for a bit and then the ball dropped. It was strange to be in the same time zone as the notorious ball. We dance for a little more and drinks kept finding there way into my hand. Around 0200, common sense took hold and I told the guy that I needed to go to the bathroom. I ran outside and miraculously there was a cab waiting for me. I blabbed to the driver about my escape then found myself in bed by two.

absent too long

It proves that I have been away too long; the fact that I recognize how friendly the people here are. They say excuse me, thank you, and have a nice day. It is refreshing to say the least. Obviously I am somewhere other than the NE as I write about the people with manners...I have managed to make it home.
My last flight was okay however the crazy lady that refused to sit in her seat with her baby and starting crying when I told her to sit down or leave the plane, yah, that family was drama central. They believed that they were the only people on the plane. I stopped making eye contact and sent the newbies to go and help them. Yes, I was a senior mama on this flight. The eight turns in a row all seemed worth it when at 0200 after my turn to PBI, those sweet words, "you are released to your days off" were spoken. I spent the night in the crew room, dozing in and out, waiting for the 0645 flight home. I ran upstairs an hour prior and sweet talked the agent. I landed a window seat not too far from the door and was out for the next six hours. An hour or so of decompressing and then back on the road, this time via car to see my parents. Three more hours later, I surprised, let me rephrase that, almost gave my mom a heart attack as she was not expecting me until the next day. No matter how old you are it is nice to come "home" and be taken care of by your mom.

.

The last day of the year, a time for reflection and looking ahead. Where has this year gone? I was getting ready to become a loan officer this time last year. Getting ready for a party and going out with good friends, it seems like a million years ago. It seems like I am living in the twilight zone or a stuck in a holding pattern and if I am patient things will return back to normal, my life will make sense again. I am allowing myself to be sad and upset but just for the day as tomorrow is a new year. It will be the first time I have worked on New Years since my days in retail over a decade ago. I need to return to Portland simply because I need to remember what it is like to be surrounded by people who care about me, beautiful streets, and friendly people. I need a shift in perception, I need to go home.

december days

The scheduling gods are still upset with my previous request for an international flight. My sixth, yes count them sixth turn of the past eight days with one day off. The turn to FLL was alive with crazies, one with a peanut allergy, people who hated their seats, people who wanted us to serve dinner at nine o'clock at night, angry New Yorkers. Thankfully the flight back was nicer and I soon forgot how aweful my job can be. Today...today ranked in my top three worst flights. Excitement was my inital reacation when seeing my new destiny for the day, Belize, only to have it deflate when I saw it was a turn. A twelve hour day with nine and half of which was spent in the air. The first part of my day was good, good crew, good crowd, not a lot of carry ons. We hopped off the plane and hit the duty free for some good deals on liquor. They came on the plane in full force from the front and back doors, bringing their anger, trashiness, and bratty children. Four and half hours of glaring, non mannered, assholes and I was done. I come home to be greeting with the message of yet another turn tomorrow, this time to absolute, favorite place, Orlando. Can taste the senisism?

~~~~~~~~~~

I have done it, the thought that every woman has at one point in time in their lives; what would be like to be with a rich man who would do anything in the world for me? A man who has a penthouse in the city, a driver, a sucessful business, a guy who drops everything when I wanted to go the theatre and walked the streets of the theatre district looking for box seats, a man that takes me to exclusive lounges, cigar clubs, and night clubs, then gets me a town car all the way back home. Yes, this is what I found. But is there the butterflies, the za-za-zu that I long for? Not at all!! Don't get me wrong, he is absolute wonderful guy, generous heart, successful but not, well just not. The play however was fantastic!! My second Broadway show and I was sitting thirty feet away from Nathan Lane in his new play, Butley. He is an amazing actor and it was exciting to be that close to him. I need to go to more shows!

~~~~~~~~

Manhattan two days in a row. The roommates where nice enough to deliver the grease to my bed. I knew that I needed to get up and get ready as our tour was awaiting our arrival. It took a few tries until I made it into the shower, the final attempt was made on my hands and knees; too many cosmos the night before. A shower and my new pink dress was my motivation of pulling it together for the day and looking fabulous, very Carrie-like. We awaited the bus in front of the Plaza and toured around NYC for three and half hours, stopping at the Pleasure Chest (the place of the rabbit purchase), Carrie's stoop, and finally O'Neills (Scout) for a cosmo. We passed by three restaurants that appeared on the show that I had actually been too, Sushi Sambi "dirty martini, dirty bastard", Tao (with the jazz player), and Asia de Cuba (compliments from the Russian). Many more to experience though. Our group was not that enthusiastic but C and I sure had a great time and knew almost all the trivia asked. Dinner, all dressed up was in SoHo at Boom. The food and company was fantastic and greatfully I was in bed by midnight.

~~~~

Tomorrow is the last day of the year. I am supposed to return from my trip by 2130 and I am NOT going to hang out at the house. I am going to get a midnight kiss...somehow...I am still working on the game plan.

theatre part dioux

The movie theater and the nachos called my name once more this holiday weekend. This time I was not alone in my journey as my roommate returned from her trip shortly before my return this afternoon. My turn to PBI this morning was horrible, the people were so rude and nasty that I declared it the worst Christmas ever and it was only 0900. I took a short nap after my return and then we headed off to the movies to watch The Good Shepard. Excellent movie and the addition of whoppers added to the intrigue of the evening. I have received my assignment for tomorrow, a double turn, which equals no prediem, small paycheck, and an early check-in. I need to start picking up trips and trying to control my schedule because this crap sucks! The good news is that if the temp drops even the slightest bit, there will be snow.

movie for one

How did I spend my first Christmas Eve away from home? I arrived in from my charter flight around 0200, slept until awakened with an offer to go to the Giants game which I had to decline because I was on call. I sat around the apartment all day long waiting, knowing that they were going to call me. I watched movies I had seen many times on TV, ate a Lean Cusine, and then finally had enough of waiting around and decided to go to a movie. I pick a romantic comedy and sat very aware of my singleness amongst the couples. I return to an empty house, something I usually enjoy, but not tonight, to find out that I have a 0545 check in for a West Palm turn. Clearly I did not get what I asked for, for Christmas. I was in such a mind set to be away and didn't expect to be here.

football boys

I think it would be easier to stick this out if I didn't have a wonderful, clean loft at home; if I didn't have wonderful friends that I miss so much at home; if I didn't have my family at home. I am sure that it is the winter blahs and still not knowing where my life will be for Christmas that is making me so home sick. That and all the wonderful holiday cards that keep coming in the mail. But here is something that I would not be able to do from my fabulous home...charter a NCAA footbsll team on their way to a bowl game. I have be elected by scheduling to be the lead on a 777 flight taking the Rutgers football team to the Texas Bowl. This is what I get for asking for something international, oh well, it is a change from the norm and it's a plane full of college men for christsakes! I will admit that I pretty unfamilar with this huge plane so I will be whipping out the ol' manual over lunch today. So off to Houston I go, I think I might lie and stay that I haven't been in the cockpit for landing since it is so damn cool to see.

presents

I am awaiting to find out where I will be spending my Christmas holiday. I called scheduling today to ask for an international trip if they had any extra. It didn't sound very promising but it doesn't hurt to ask. The rest of the roommates are on trips and I am home with George cleaning my half of the room and surfing the net. This exciting life I lead! We exchanged presents last night where I received silk pajamas, boxers, a "sex kitten" book, a Duck's key chain, a dating guide, and a ticket to go on the Sex in the City bus tour. You can guess which one I am most excited about. Looks like it is going to snow night judging by the sky. I am hoping to spend my Christmas somewhere cold and white.

new stamp

The Chrystler Building was so close it seemed as though I could reach out my hand and touch it. The three-sixty of the roof continued to bask in the shadow of of impressiveness. The Trump Tower, the Hudson River. The penthouse of the CEO I had met a few weeks ago was very nice. Janene and I paid it and him a visit during our day in the city. We searched Canal Street for the perfect bags even if it meant getting into a van with an Asian woman or following on up three flights of stairs to ajoining rooms filled with purses and a guy in the corner sewing on the designer labels. Our journey continued to the West Village which left a permanent mark with Janene in the form of a tattoo. After the ink came the tour of the penthouse, followed by a slight tour of the city in the back of a Suburban, and then on to dinner at Asia de Cuba. It was a very nice restaurant and we enjoyed the courses with newly made friends. The evening was cut short (ie at 0100) because I had to work the next day. We took the notorious Path station and found ourselves in the middle of a freak show. A guy from Poland offered us one of his dates that he purchased at a 99 cent store and showed us his beautiful gift bag he purchased for a dollar while his friend who was in desperate need of chapstick talked to us about something or another. All of a sudden this black girl jumps up and starts spraying mace yelling that we called her names, we weren't even talking to her. After the thiry minute wait for the train, the police came got her and we made our way home.


I have just arrived home from a long trip, four days felt like an eternity. Here it was...EWR-RSW-layover-RSW-EWR-BOS-EWR-RDU (16 hour day)-layover-RDU-IAH-TPA-layover-TPA-EWR-BDA-home (12 hour day). I am so exhausted but need to stay awake to see where I have to go tomorrow. I have had ten days off this month so far but have to pay my dues with only 2 days off the rest of the month. I am glad to have gone to new places and it was a relief to get the roommates Christmas shopping done in Tampa, and today was pretty neat as well. We flew into Bermuda, yes we dared to enter the triangle, and was able to run off the plane, take photos, go to duty free then customs, get a stamp in my passport, and then hop back on the plane to fly home.

Bienviendos a Miami

Or at least to South Beach. Our trip thus far has consisted of dream like experience, which make us look at each other and start cracking up. The smoothness of getting down here to begin our holiday ended when we were outside waiting for the grey, beach shuttle with blue writing, which never appeared. Once we checked into our adorable hotel, which we dubbed a gay friendly hotel. A walk to the accent building and through dimly lit hallways brought us to a stark white room with color only provided by a red, shag runner and the box of condoms on the mini bar. We set off to find some lunch and check out the town. A walk along Lincoln Blvd provided us with terrific people watching, a nice lunch, and a familiarization with our surroundings. The concierge was to be in at four so we walked along the beach path until then. An hour, yes you heard me correctly, an hour with Gregg (with three g’s) proved to be most informative as he printed off a book of things to do and went as far as making an itinerary of our three days here. We were standing there for so long that my feet became a little bored from lack of movement. He was so funny with his enthusiasm that when he went to grab something, Janene whispered to me, “ I can’t wait to get back to the room so we can talk about him!” Nightlife does not really begin until 2300 so it gave us time to get a nap in, make our massage appointments, and for me to run down and get a wax. The five blocks turned into eight as random streets were thrown into the numeric. I accidentally passed the place only to be face to face with the legendary Miami Ink. I had no time to stop and stare like the other tourist, I was late for a bit of touchier. Feeling a little lighter, I made my way home to get ready. Dinner was Mexican food and a pitcher of margaritas to get the night going. Our next stop was Sushi Samba, which turned from sushi bar during the day to party with girls dancing on the sushi bar itself. A couple cosmos later found me dancing with a bunch of Chilean TV producers.

Day 2
This is the bizarre day, which ended with me kissing an ex-NBA player. The pool was calling our name for relaxation and a little bit of sunshine. Our massage appointments were more than walking distance away so we ordered a cab. It was awaiting us downstairs with a thin woman running around with a walkie-talkie and a bebe shirt. We got into the cab and told her our destination, including address. She proceeded to tell us she didn’t know where that was and we needed to take another cab. She “apologized a hundred times” and took us to the corner and basically shooed us out. We looked at each other with disbelief wondering if we were on some reality show or if Ana the driver was just a little coo-coo. It was the latter and we got out of the cab and searched for a new ride. Our new cab driver thought the story was quite funny and dropped us off at The Standard. We were unsure that we were at the correct place as the sign on the building was not correct and there was a huge bulldozer blocking the entrance. We ran around the obstacle and made our way into the twilight zone. The third floor held the spa and while walking down the hallway, I made the comment of how I felt like I was in a Mission Impossible movie. We changed into our robs and made our way into the steam room, followed by the sauna, and then to a general room with marble, large steps and bathtubs. We sat and relaxed and then began to watch this guy, who had an incredible body walk around, over to what we assumed his boyfriend, then back over to the tub to wet his face, then put oil on, the back over to the guy, then returning to the tub for some sit ups and more oil. I didn’t know what the hell he was doing but sadly it was turning me on. That being our cue to the leave and wait in the meditation room. An hour and a nice massage later, we walked back to our side of town. Stopping for a bite, we chose a pizza place that didn’t know its head from its ass. There was no apparent line, so we waited patiently, to be acknowledged. Once we placed our orders and there were warming in the oven, our helper told us he would be right back and our pizza wouldn’t burn in the mean time. Once again we looked at each other in disbelief. What is going on in the place? The other girl refused to hear our plea for the banded slices so we waited. After the ordeal we ate outside in the company of a nativity scene, a Christmas tree, a menorah, and dradel made out of seashells. The left over pizza was left on the table in hopes someone hungry would benefit. As I walked through an erotic gallery, Janene yelled for me to come look at the man in drag getting free dinner. We made it back to the hotel and took a nap. Our dinner reservations were at Prime 112, a famous hot spot known for its celeb sightings and Kobe burgers. It was the perfect setting for an elegant dinner, we ordered drinks at the bar and then made our way to the back. Next to us was a couple complaining about the prices and irritating the wait staff, on the opposing side was a table of two turned into five (but on the guys was hot, so that was okay). Beyond the first table was a group of younger guys out with possibly their father. Tons of food passed by us on the way to that table which may explain what we saw shortly after. A pink bottle was lifted chugged, and then passed clockwise around the table. The bottle of pepto appeared for the below the chair and made a couple appearances until emptied and placed back under the chair. All humorous to us as we shared the story with the cheap ass next to us. Dinner was amazing and as we were leaving, Janene asked the guy behind us about his gigantic ring. Turns out he is a scout and received the ring after his team won the championship. We talked briefly and then went outside. Undecided on what to do, we went back inside and joined his table talking until 0200. It was while I was retrieving mints that I was met in the hallway and kissed by the guy, nice surprise. It was interrupted by Janene pounding on the door and we ended our evening early.

Day 3

No plans, no appointments left us slumbering until 1100. We made our way down to the end of the continental US during the overcast day to check things out. A call to our friend guided us to the Big Pink Diner on the corner. Our waiter was very friendly and brought me a Big Pink Lemonade, very tasty. We sat outside and continued our people watching disappointed that we hadn’t seen silly things like the day prior. Then it pulled up, a limo obviously rented, with a group of men in velour track suits with the accompaniment of gold chains and greasy hair. Clearly they thought they were on the set of Sopranos. We made our way back walking off our large lunch, looking at tattoo places. Our stark white room welcomed us back and lured us into bed to watch TV and take a nap. Hours of Law and Order later, we made reservations at 9:52 for 9:30, at 10:07 I realized that we didn’t know what time it was when we called and that the hostess was an idiot as well. The downpour of ran which soaked the Nike runners passing by our room let up enough for a short walk to The Shore Club for a delightful dinner at Ago. Our waiter was a bit eccentric with his description of what kind of mood drugs Paris takes each day and how sweaty he was. We threw in the towel on our partying evenings and headed back to the hotel. My clam spaghetti in white sauce not agreeing with me caused me to lay down with stomach agony. I felt guilty for not going out and expressed that the young side of me still wanted to go out. Janene laughed at the pained look on my face and ultimately me.
We now sit at the airport awaiting our flight home and crossing our fingers that we can get on; a night in Manhattan with an old high school buddy of J’s awaits us.

sunshine

I can see why all the old people flock to the state of Arizona for the winter, it is beautiful here. I am speaking about the tempature not the clouds of dust due to the lack of grass. I truly believe that you can go through winter blahs as my attitude has lightened since I have been here. I started my morning with a nice run on the treadmill and then a breakfast of instant oatmeal in the hotel coffee mug near the sink. Feeling energized I walked the two miles to the Scottsdale Fashion Square (ooh-la-la). I wandered around trying to find presents for the roommates without much luck mostly due to my lack of having a fortune to spend. It was great people watching over my shrimp tempura roll as the plastic wives walked around the mall and the boyfriends with lists and bags from Tiffany, Coach, and Burberry walked around the mall dumbfounded at the amount of money they had been suckered into spending. I did get quite a few comments on my "I love Ducks football" tee as I was clearly in Pac 10 territory. The funniest comment came from a gentleman in the lobby of my hotel as he used my shirt to engage me in conversation and ultimately asking me out. He does live in NY and is the president of some recruitment firm according to his business card. So I guess the sunshine is a great up lifter of the mood, that and some cheap flattery!!

phx

I just looked at the weatherchannel.com to find out the not surprisingly warm weather for PHX. I was actually able to keep a nice trip this time and am about to pack my bags for my 20 hour stay in Scotsdale. Just a light sweater, some work out clothes, and a nice skirt for a light dinner. I am the only girl working this trip besides our load out of IAH today. I am sure they are all gay but I would rather work with men any day of the week. Heres hoping for some hotties in AZ.

east side/ west side

A fabulous way to start off my fourth day in a row off work, with a homemade chocalate chip cookie and of course all the thoughts running through my head.

Our girls evening out ended up being only three of us since M proclaimed that she didn't have enough money. I don't think that was the really reason for her absence but who knows. So C, B, and I got all dressed up in excitement for the city. We had decided to drive so we left an hour and half prior to our reservations at the exclusive Tao'. Two hours later through the Lincoln Tunnel and the chaos that makes up traffic in Mahattan we parked and ran to the restaurant. Our table had been given away so we decided to stay for one drink to make a game plan and see if we could spot some celebs. C make friends with the bartender so we able to grab a table and eat in the lounge. The table we grabbed came with two other guys on the opposite couch. We made nice chit chat with them as we nibbled on great sushi. And then our less out going roommate switched personalities and began to be a grouch. She said that she felt stupid all dressed up and she was out of her element. My response was that I just entered mine, so deal. We ordered some more small plates and had some of the best sushi I have ever had along with wine and a lot of silliness. The nice gentleman invited us out and gave us tips on clubs should we want to go, took care of our tab, and the exited nicely. Of course I came away with his card and an invite to his penthouse warming this evening....yes I am debating going. We decided to stick to the plan of a short evening even though C and I could have stayed out all night, and went next door to the Four Seasons for dessert. (The Four Seasons that Big always stays). We met some other gentleman that invited us to sit at their table with them and then bought us dessert and Spanish coffees. The evening was great success and there was much tension in the car as we drove back home, I drove down 5th for B as she wanted to see the tree, it put her in a little better spirits.

A mobile was left at the restaurant and since I had plans to go into the city anyway, it became my mission to rescue the phone. I got off the Path at 34th to be welcomed into Herald's Square and Macys. I started walking because it was a beautiful day and made it up to E 58th in twenty short minutes. I choose to walk up Madison Ave as that is where all the good shops are. I made a pit shop for a hot dog next to Bear Sterns just in case my investment banker husband was needing a hot dog at that exact second in life too. No luck, still single. I made my way to the restaurant and then grabbed a cab to my next agenda. I soaked in the drive as this may be my new neighborhood. I pulled up on Edgar Allan Poe Blvd and rang the buzzer. My new friend came running downstairs and let me in the double doors. His place was so cute as it was about 300 square feet if that. We sat and talked for a while about the neighborhood and other places in the city. I layed it on the table about my indecisiveness and that I didn't want to make a decision right now. He is a nice guy, lonely, but nice and talks a lot most of the time outloud thinking. We drank our water and then made our way back over to the East side for some Bikram yoga. This is a first time for me with the heat and it was awesome. I fell right back into the swing of yoga and loved every drop of sweat that hit the mat. Staring at myself in the mirror for 90 minutes did not make me happy as I remembered the toned body I once had and now desperately longed for. We went back and talked some more over wine and it hit me that I was not ready for this move and I just wanted to house sit next month as he went on vacation. I kept this to myself as he asked my option on a new chair for his place, I actually sat in this one before giving my thoughts on it. We continued to check out the nieighborhood with drinks at a local bar and then dinner at Chinesse restaurant. A visit to his friend on Columbus to see what a $1500/month room looks like and then I returned home to Jersey.

I could see myself living in the city but it would be hard to get to work and forsee myself partying all night but it is a once in a lifetime chance that I honestly say, I still don't know after all that research.

deja vu'

Today felt like deja vu'. I awoke to the sound of John Denver as my phone rang at six a.m. alerting me to yet another turn. I slept for a little while longer and then got up to the same empty house I enjoyed last night. I drove to the airport once again during the wind gust, waiting on morning traffic to move onto the parkway. I parked my car and awaited the bus that takes me to the airport. Same terminal as yesterday, the A terminal because I repeated my trip to Chicago. Granted this is my favorite turn to do because the passangers are usually behaved and there are usually some good looking business men on board. The downside to Chicago is that there is almost always a delay. We left late yesterday and once again today. I didn't mind sitting there waiting in the plane with the 16 degree weather blowing through the open door because today I was entertained by that hot pilot that I flew with a couple of months ago. I left the plane in a hurry once we got home becasue I thought he had already left, the cockpit door was open. But to my dismay, he was still on board and since I didn't want to stand around like an idiot, I made my way home.

On the first of my many Chicago trips in the past week and a half, I talked to the captain as we were making our way home. He mentioned that he lived in the city and my face must have brightened up because he followed me and gave me his email address. He told me he would as around for some rental control places for me. Well, we have been communicating and it looks like he may offer his place to me for next month while I look for places. This is so what I wanted but now, I am starting to think of the little things and get nervous about making the big step. If I do jump to across the Hudson, George will need to move home because is not fair to her that I would be gone for days at a time (sad), I would need to take public transportation to/from work because of parking, the cost would be more, I may miss my roommates, I would need to condence the small amount of stuff I have to even smaller, little things....but here is the big thing....IT IS MANHATTAN, a dream of mine to live in the city that never sleeps. To have a fabulous life like Carrie Bradshaw. The oppurtunity is here, upon me, why I am so scared? I am meeting with the guy Thursday to take a look at it and talk more in deepth. I just received an email from him about the time and he asked if I wanted to do anything "New York" . My response was to get some Motza ball soup as I have heard that it is very New York. He also mentioned that he usually goes to a yoga class on Thursdays and 'if I was interested I could join him". Yoga? That is music to my ears. I was speaking to another FA on the jumpseat this evening about my worries of moving. Her response was very on target, that I will know when I see the place. Sooo, Thursday I hope to know how I really feel about this.

One more day on and then three days off. The girls and I are going to the city for our holiday diiner Wednesday night. We are getting all dressed up and toasting the town. We are all working on Christmas so this is our time together!

bill

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

randomness

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

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

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

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

woo-eeee!

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

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

ludo

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

cle

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

boys

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

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

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

jersey dike

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

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

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

upcoming holiday

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

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

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

what the hell

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

wonder woman

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


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

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

columbus

I got sent out on a trip yesterday which took me to CMH. We worked the flight there and then deadheaded back. The take off was pretty exciting since we are experiencing 30-40 mile/hour winds. So I am hanging out in my HI hotel room talking to Janene and my friend Carlos calls. He is at the same hotel so we ended up going out with a guy that drove an hour and half to come and see him. I am sure that he enjoyed me being the third wheel. It is halloween weekend and let me tell you, the gays sure like to dress up. I spent the night checking out guys, having a few drinks, dancing with the date so Carlos could cruise, and chit chatting with the masses. My favorite costume of the night was a slender black man wearing a Rupunzile like wig (blonde and to his calves), a box of Godiva chocolates around his neck, black high heels and a fox tail covering his...well unit. And that was it, nothing else. He had a rockin' body though. He was "Lady Godiva". On the way back to the hotel we saw a White Castle and yelled until the date pulled over. I got my first experience with the tiny burgers, they gave me heartburn and I laid in the back seat wishing the boys would stop fighting about the damn directions and find the hotel. Gratefully I got an extra hour of sleep this morning and got to sleep on the way home.

loraine

I have decided to take my destiny of meeting a good guy here from fate and give it a little nudge by joining eharmony. I was speaking with Dave May about being unable to find someone to hang out with that doesn't give me the he-be-jebes. I will admit that I am very picky in what I find attractive and who I would consider dating. The fact that you would have to align all these wants I have, my heart being open, being in the right place, right time, someone who finds me attractive and whose heart is in the right "mindset" as well. So the other night the girls helped me do my profile, it took about an hour. I received a few matches right off the bat so I sent them five predetermined questions to see what happens. Wish me luck or at least some more good date stories.

Speaking of stories, you know how I am always good at attracting crazies...This pretty cute guy asked for my number on the way home from Portland when I went to pick up George. His name was George as well. So he calls, I can't go out because I was on call, then he texts, and texts, and texts. Finally I stopped texting him back because I got irritated about his pushiness. He calls me several weeks after the communication stopped from a restricted number demanding to know when I was free and going to go out with him. I got off the phone and then texted him that I didn't want to see him and if he wanted to know why it is because of his pushiness. Get what he text me back, "When I c something or someone that requires a closer look, i become voracious 4 more information. I didn't mean 2 b so agressive, i have recently re-entered the dating scence so forgive my assertivness. Ultimately, i pity your loss. Much love to George (my girl), goodbye Loraine!" That is not even my name jackass!!

take off

The up side to this job is that it is not that much work. The downside for someone who likes to be productive, is that there is not a lot of work. After having six days off from flying an assignment was dropped into my schedule. I had to refer to airportcode.com to find out where they were sending me. I memorized 180 city codes for training, these were not among them. I regonized as a charter flight, however and speculated that is was a college team going somewhere to play a game. I was correct. We headed up to Syracuse to pick up the football team and take then to CVG. I was able to sit up in the cockpit for take off and we wrapped around the Hudson in order to see the Statue of Liberty and the city line. These boys were very demanding and like children while I was offering candy. They were a lot of fun but had a hard time having shit flicked back at them. BTW, the head coaches wife is from Oregon...small world. There were onlly six people on the plane for the ride back and I took a nice nap in first class seats, after I had eaten candy, ice cream, cheese and crackers, and drank gatorade. I woke up just as we were beginning our decent and wandered up to the cockpit to watch the landing. Those boys work hard up there with all the calls, buttons, and aligning the plane in the clouds. It was so cool to watch!

Today they are sending me to CMH and then deadheading me home tomorrow. I have racked up 15 hours of deadheading this month and am two hours short of my guarantee to get paid for them. I only have the 30th to fly those two hours as I have Halloween off. Well, I best hop in the shower and look pretty for my second trip to Ohio.

oregon

Going home always has it's negative and positive sides. The negative is that I long to be there all the time, to be with my friends, sit in the park, eat great food, have my own, beautiful space, and...it's Oregon for Christsake! The positive is that I get to get away and renew my love for home, I get to see my friends and celebrate their lives with them, I got to sit in the park and enjoy the beautiful fall colors, I was able to have down time in my loft, I got to sit on 23rd with a favorite friend and drink milkshakes, I spent the day with my favorite friends and renewed my strength to carry on. The beautiful thing about these friends of mine is that sometimes I don't have to say a word, it is just being with them that makes my life at peace.

I am now back in Jersey and awaiting a trip from crew scheduling, it is getting pretty late so the chances of working today are slim. I have offered to make dinner for my girlfriends here and we are going to watch movies, and enjoy laziness while it is avaliable. I have motivation to not sit around and eat junk because I leave for the Bahamas in 13 days. I am so looking forward to the sun, the wedding, and hanging out with the Nener. No offense, Nichole...I don't think we will have much one on one time!!

B, M, and I went to our first diner last night. Jersey is apparently known for them. The portions are huge (no wonder why these people are too), but it was good to experience something new. Let me tell you though, nothing I order will come close to how amazing the Kobe steak from Ringside was.

mets

Just got back from my two day trip to have my heart broke by the Mets. It is not necessarily that I am a Met's fan, I just wanted the chance to watch a world series game. I doubt I will be sent to Detriot of St. Louis for a two day layover.

I got the call at 2230 telling me that I shouled probably go to bed. My check in wat 0445 or what I like to refer to as o'dark thirty. My sleep was only an hour and half long before my alarm went off at 0300. I was given a load pairing which means I go from plane to plane helping out crews. My first flight was to IAH, and because of the crew, I worked first class aisle. It was great because a. I enjoy first class, and b. the galley guy was the most laid back guy I have ever met, I had to explain to him what he needed to prepare. Any woo ended up chatting with him on the jumpseat and confirmed that he was straight...not by any actions, just conversation. So I gave him my number at the end of the flight while we was waiting for me at the end of the jetway. We'll see what happens. So I get to IAH and hold up in the Mariott for ten hours sleeping and subconsciencely listening to the thunder hit right outside my window. I went to catch my next flight to PHX which was two and half hours delayed which pushed my crew rest into illegial. What that means is that I didn't have to work a 15 hour day, I just had to work and eight hour day and got home in time to watch the fifth inning on.

Tommorow is airport alert, or what I call sleeping in the crew room.

home

I returned from SEA this morning to the freezing cold tempetures very willing to get off the plane. The passangers were strange complaining about the air saying it was making them sick. I had two pukes, one lady who wanted two seats and had to deal with the agents on whether or not she was going to stay on the plane. It was a very long trip. I felt bad calling B to give me a ride home at 0600 but the sweetheart she is, she came willing. I went and grabbed a bid packet and sat in the cold waiting for her arrival. I checked my messages and found out that a dear friend (my strength in coming to Portland) is having a baby and moving to Seattle. I also found out that my "big sis" got engaged. Both of these friends once dined with me once a month to catch up on life. I sat on my rollerboard and tears flowed freely. I can't believe how much I am missing at home. B joined me in tears on the ride home as we expressed our frustration with our situations here. I climbed in bed for much needed sleep and set my alarm for 1430 so I could get up and watch the Duck game. I called a bar with satelite and got my gear on. I was feeling better after some rest but after driving to six different bars, my heart was broken when Applebees found the game but didn't have the chanel ordered. I am now here watching up to the minute stats wishing I was home. Home at the game, home celebrating huge life things with the people I love, home with those I owe my time to, home with my friends, my family, home where I can have a beer while I watch the game, home where I can feel at home.

Before I left I expresed concern to Anne about when I came back everyone would have moved on with their lives. She gave me the perfect response of "that will happen whether you are there or not". I understand and it made me feel better until those message. I wish I could be there to celebrate the moving on.

"blooood"

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

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

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

chicago

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

chill

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

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

military charter

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

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

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