taxicab tv

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

st patty's day

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

mxp

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


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

good seeing to

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

aa to the power of three

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

embracing the morning

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

you’ve gotta give these straight guys props

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

jet-lag

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

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

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

magic shake

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

gili

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

kuta, still

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

surf and palm

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

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

ewr-arn-kul-dps

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

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

osl

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

pooches, pooches, pooches all around

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

he wasn't spanish...

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

bcn

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

pooch patrol

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

super tuesday

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

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

in charge

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

stand up

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

waiting

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

paths

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

good grief

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

bfs

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

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

a year long week

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

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

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

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

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

I feel ashamed but yet I have done nothing wrong.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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


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

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

bhx

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



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

nothing but cold going on here

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

cab-cab

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

christmas

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

k-mart

The need for a hat took me to the K-Mart at Astor Place where I purchased a beanie. While finishing up my transaction with the cashier and bagger, two packs of panties where placed on the belt. "Can I return one later?" ask the lady behind me. The cashier and I exchange looks and she responses, "I don't think you can return underwear ma'am:. "Well one is a five and the other is a six." I turn to look at the 60 year old lady who is maybe 5'2 and a size for under her fur, and tell her, "oh honey, you're a five." ...."but I want the thong!" I laughed and got the hell out of there.

beat the clock

Saturday was spent picking up my final holiday presents and centered around watching the Ducks play basketball against Nebraska. I decided to head to a place in the Village called Off the Wagon to watch the game. I walked in to a relatively empty bar and pulled up a stool. I placed an order for the game and a Bud Lite. You can get a pitcher for $4.50, "what the hell am I going to with a pitcher?" "drink it". So I got my pitcher, ordered up some nachos, and watched the game. During the second half the place was invaded by fourty or so Santas all ordering pitchers. As of noon in this place on a Saturday pitchers start at four dollars and go up fifty cents per hour. This will tell you how early I started drinking. After the santas, came a pub crawl, and then another (these people had their own mugs). And the comedy rolled on sort of like my own commerical break. The game went into overtime which allowed me to finish my pitcher, and the bartender daring asked if I wanted another? Good, god no! I instead tagged along with one of the pub crawls for another bar before heading back to my neighborhood. With the knowledge that John is no longer working at my favorite bar, it has been released back to me to freely go into wtihout feeling strange. So I ordered my favorite comfort meal and some water. The place was slow and i looked at my watch to discover it was only six. Around seven, because the bartender was cute, I got back on the wagon with a couple of beers and then called it quits around eight, when the cute bartender got off work.

good clothes

They say that good clothes can open all doors. Myself, being a fashion conaseaur, firmly believe that statement, plus is always feels good when you have the perfect outfit. Friday evening had approached and my previous plans to spend the weekend with Janene had fallen through (ie she decided not to come visit) so it left me to fin for myself in the entertainment department. I got dolled up and went in search of a second job as a cocktail waitress. The area I would adore to work in The Village so I trouted my fabulous self down there and started pounding the pavement. After dropping off a few resumes, I decided to treat myself to dinner. The restuarant I desired to go to was closed for a holiday party so off I went. And as I was walking down Sullivan Street two men were out smoking and as I walked passed criticed my outfit with this commentary. "She looks good." "She has her shit together." "She is totally New York." I floated the rest of the way to the next place. Balazathar is a hoydie-toydie place here where stars dine and it is always packed. I have walked by prior but always have been a bit intimidated to go in. Well, tonight, I walked through the door and asked for a table for one. The host asked me to wait a moment, which I did, and while I was standing there at least five couples came in and asked for tables without reservations. It was a two hour wait. After a five minutes of me standing near the front, I was seated at a prime table for two for one. The people watching, the food, and the company was exquiste! During the course of my meal at least ten people came by to see how I was and thank me for being with them and then to top it off, a glass of champange was brought to my table. "Compliments of the house as we like to encourage ladies to dine alone." I walked to the subway thinking the evening could only go down hill if I stayed out and got another compliment that I looked sharp. You gotta love New York sometimes!

two hundred

Celebrating my two hundreth post, a year and a half of stories, travels and emotion. And here is my topic: keys.

I have been doing this dog walking job for a couple of months now and would say it is the best therapy there is. I can talk away to these pooches and they don't judge me, they don't care that I pour my affection out on them (in fact, I think they love it). Walking in the city with a dog is so great that I have often looked at George to see if she would take part in this walking business. Part of the job, of course, is going to pick up the dogs from their apartment and take them out and about. Well considering that every apartment building has a key and every door has at least two locks, I walk around with a gaggle of keys. The extra weight and feeling like a janitor is not what the issue is, my issue is getting the damn door open. I have never seen locks like these before, some you have to push and turn others you have to hold the key a certain way then turn the knob the other way. Sometimes the damn knob has nothing to do with the door opening. It seems that the keys also can sense my frustration because between me feeling like an idiot and the dog crying for me to come in, I experience mini breakdowns. I myself carry three keys to get into my apartment and find ir funny to even lock the door because a burgler would have to be a genius to know how all the different, damn doors in New York worked.

contentment

There is a lot to be said about being content, whether it is in life, an event, or even for a fleeting moment. The bigger thing is taking the time to notice this contentment and appreciating the moment in which it presents itself. I had many such moments during my stay in Portland last week. They came in the following forms, sitting a my favorite lunch at the Manzone, ordering a beer at Kells, having coffee and discussing life, sitting at a friends kitchen table, getting a foot massage, eating my Thanksgiving dinner (better late than never), watching the Ducks play football in person, and having dinner with dear friends. The friends are what highlighted these perfect, wouldn't want to be anywhere else moments But I even had them alone, whiile standing in my beautiful loft or walking through the neighborhood. I appreciate that I was able to take it all in and save it for a rainy day such as today. Back in NY where everything is shallow and lonely, I am grateful that I can close my eyes and be back in those moments.

ice cream is less asinine at 0300

If you were on the receiving end of one of my drunk dials last evening, my formal apologies. I had planned to go and drop off the perfect travel gift to John as he is now managing my bar and then head to the movies, in and out, no drama. Even for a brief appearance with the person you are madly in love with, the proper outfit, make-up, and hair need to be taken into consideration. Luckily I got my hair cut yesterday and the outfit looked as cute on as it did in my head, I felt fantastic. So off I went in the rain, under my Chanel umbrella towards my bar. I said hello to my favorite bartender, Heather and asked for John, he wasn’t working. Damn it! I choose Starbucks next and then went to see Before the Devil Knows Your Dead at the local, independent theatre. The movie was fantastic and let out around 2130. The rain had stopped and been replaced by a warm fog so I set off towards home with ice cream in mind. I got to the door of Baskin and Robins (which does not have 31 flavors out here- rip off) and decided that a glass of wine had fewer calories and my cuteness needed to be appreciated by more than the ice cream guy. I headed off to this place recommended by Lynne. As I walked in, I felt like I was transformed back in time to an old movie. The guy was in the corner playing the piano, Christmas decorations were lit up, the bartender was an older gentleman in a bow tie, and the crowd was very “Rat Pack” era. I ordered a glass of Chianti and sat alone with my thoughts feeling very rejected. I wasn’t there to make friends as I normally do; I just wanted to wallow in my loneliness. As my glass was being emptied, Eddie told the bartender to fill it up and began chatting with me. It must have been the loneliness because I engaged him in conversation and even agreed to grab a bite to eat with him. He took me to this place he claimed famous people go and ironically when we got in the car, the dj was also talking about this place. We walked into another nostalgic bar and had a glass of wine and then he decided he wanted to smoke a cigar so off to another club we went. Another glass of wine and apps and then we headed to the oh so -dead MPD where they were filming a movie at Buddhakon so we went to Buddha Bar. I convinced him to take me to Cafeteria for a real meal and then home. Around three am the loneliness came back and I cried myself to sleep. Should have had the ice cream.

fco minus turkey

The night before was spent partying with beautiful people at a table at Marquee. When the phone rang at 1000 announcing my airport alert assignment, it didn’t surprise me, as it was the holiday week. I was wondering where I would be spending the Thanksgiving holiday as it is my second favorite and I wanted to get myself in the mindset of being away or at home. I took my computer, which I never do, to play on the internet and perhaps watch a movie during my four-hour duty. For two and a half hours I sat there, ate subway, shopped and bought a bed online, and started on a resume for a bartending job I saw. The phone rang and I walked up when I heard my name called. “Okay this is just a maybe that you will go since the person is late coming in. So head to the gate and it won’t be official until the door closes.” “May I ask where I may be going?” “Sure, it a 5 day trip to Rome.” Holy Shit! Please don’t let this lady show up is what I was thinking as I made my way to the gate along side my former roommate, Missy. I get onboard this super senior flight and do what I am supposed to do. The door closed, I called scheduling, and now I am sitting in Roma on Thanksgiving Day. The ironic thing is that the movie I choose to bring with me was Roman Holiday; I think this was meant to be.

Day one
Since I was off the clock when it came to sightseeing, a. because I had been here previous on holiday and b. I had three, count them, three days to explore, I spent the afternoon catching up on my rest. The remaining crew met at 1830 to join for dinner and celebrate Thanksgiving with our make shift family. There are no turkeys over here so we settled for an amazing restaurant a cab ride away. Our captain was Italian and ordered tons of appetizers and kept the wine flowing. We ate mussels, calamari (fried and steamed), fried stuffed fish, prosuttio and mozzarella, bread and olives. An hour of eating and then we ordered dinner. I spilt the veal with a coworker and then came the tiramisu and cappuccino. We laughed and chatted away for hours as the Europeans do over dinner. Then we caught a lift back and ended our night with pistachio gelato. In true Turkey Day form, I was stuffed to the gills as I headed to bed. Tomorrow we set off for the south to explore. My favorite person thus far on this trip is Ramona, a senior flight attendant whose seniority is 280 and mine, well mine is 8700. She is fantastic!!

Day two

The plan was to go to Pompeii via train with Jan and see the ruins. Instead we were able to talk two more people into going with us and managed to hitch a ride. We met in the lobby at 0630, however I had been up since 0230. A two and half hour car ride with way too much information in the form of conversation lead us to a train station where we made our way to the base of Mt. Vesuvius. We were guided through the ancient ruins with stories and mostly awe for the way they lived and how advanced their society was. The city existed from 800 BC until 79 AD when the volcano erupted and buried the city. It took two hundred years to excavate. It was absolutely amazing to walk through history. After we jumped on a train and headed north to Naples, as we exited the train a black lab was in the station so of course I petted the dog and it then proceeded to follow us up the escalator and through the city. We ate lunch at the city credited for inventing pizza while my faithful dog, named Metro Napoleon, sat beside me (I insisted on outdoor dinning). Metro shared my pizza and then kept with us as we walked through the city that was actually really dirty. Sadly we lost her in the protest but it was probably better that way since she wouldn’t have fit in the cab on the way back to the train. My long day ended with a small picnic in my room. In true Italian style I ate bread, salami and cheese with some wine.

Day three

I woke up early and grabbed a cappuccino then made my way to the Vatican were the line stretched for easily a half mile. I was just taking photos since I have gratefully already visited. From there I headed to an area suggested by a local flight attendant but after two hours of being next to it but not able to figure out how to get the area, I gave up. During my wrong way, however I did manage to get to the tallest point in Rome and see the city as a whole. I ran into another lost American and we talked for a bit then I decided to turn left and kept seeing all of these priest and bishops. I unsure what was going on but perfectly safe walking down that street. I came upon a crowd and what I first thought was St. Peter’s Basilica but I wasn’t sure. Thousands of people were standing around and more and more church heads were exiting. I went into a shop for water and asked what was going on but the guy said he didn’t know. I stood to watch and the thunder and lighting started. It was kind of a “Godly experience” for lack of a better description. Thankfully I packed my umbrella because the heavens opened and dumped rain. The twenty-minute walk back to the hotel was done in ten and a nap soon followed. Feeling guilty about not seeing the cliché Rome, I took the Metro to the other side of the river and walked around. It was over running with people so I grabbed a slice of pizza and headed back. Watching the news I found out that the crowd was there to watch the Pope create 23 new bishops.

I have packed up and can actually say that I am ready to go home. It has been a great little holiday, a Roman Holiday.

prg

With a four day weekend on my hands and, may I dare to say, getting tired of exploring NYC, I set off for a city that has nothing but rave reviews. It is Sunday morning here in Prague and the only people wandering the streets are a few old people, the Japanese, and myself. I wandered into a previous internet cafe to find people still drinking beer at 0900. I heard the party doesn't even get going here until 0200. I am offically an old lady on this trip as I was in bed by then. Because time is so precious and there is so much to see in this outstanding city, I refrained from the temptation to go and party.
I arrived yesterday via FRA and wandered the cobblestone streets looking for accomadation. I ended up at this adorable boutique hotel next to the Old Town Sqaure. It is so amazing here, that words don't even begin to describe the beauty of the architecture, the amazment of the history, and the peace that comes from being here. They have an old Czech saying that where beer is brewed, life is good. That couldn't be more true here.
My obstacle of trying to convert the currency according the sign at the airport made for a bit of hillarity at the souviner shop as I was mentally a decimal point off. Well, at least people are getting nice gifts! I have also found the lack of coffee shops here since I am running on seven hours total sleep, I have been seeking them out only to find bars. And it seems perfectly acceptable to have a beer with your breakfast.
I am now off to a tour of all the must see things, off to explore on my own after, lunch, a nap, maybe a ghost tour, and then meeting up with some new friends and pulling an all nighter. My taxi arrives at 0330 to begin my journey back home.

day two

My short time in Prague was exactly what I needed to clear my head and heart whilst momentarily living among centuries of history. I elected to take a walking tour to ensure I saw the highlights of the city plus it is always great to hear the history and some antidotes. I met the group under the horse statue and we were off, immediately a girl befriended me and we hung out the whole journey. Her name was Linda from Australia. That is what I love about traveling is meeting new people and even though I wanted to be alone, it was so nice to have another half for the day. We learned about the communist area, the protest, the conditions, and the overturning. It was strange to think that it was in my lifetime. We learned about the astronomical clock, the beginning of Protestants, the Jewish quarter, we took a river boat cruise and looked at the city whilst drinking a beer, ate goulash for lunch and then we walked across the St Charles Bridge and up to the Prague castle for the changing of the guard. Our tour guy was fantastic and funny. Six hours of walking around in the freezing cold warranted a nap. After Linda and I met up for the ghost tour, which was free with our journey and certainly not worth paying for. A small dinner and then we chit chatted in my room over beers until the wee hours. After pulling an all nighter, and switching planes in FRA, I made it home. Sadly my peace was distributed with the finding of the roommate, a dirty bathroom, and my missing pita chips. Sometimes I think I should just get a boyfriend to have somewhere else to go, today it wouldn’t have mattered who the hell is was as long as they had quite, warmth, and something to eat.

wandering the city

The beginning of November is a wonderful time to be in NYC. The leaves are changing, there is a chill in the air that calls for a jacket, beautiful new boots make their debut, and the tourist sector dies a bit. I have been up early this week and enjoying the fall by taking a long walk with my coffee either to the park, in my neighborhood, or adventuring to another. I am working on a Christmas present for John of photos of things he loves in New York. This journey took me down to Union Square and over to the Village. From there I wandered around and found a delightful place to have lunch on Bleeker and then proceeded to walk uptown with point of winding up at Tiffany. So I walked, and walked up 60 blocks while people watching and popping into a store here and there. I made my purchase and a guy came up to me asking me if I was buying something for myself. I replied it was a gift and we started chatting. He told me to meet him for drinks and I agreed. I walked the rest of the way home and changed. We met at Scalinatella for dinner. He was very nice and I think I accepted the date as thankfulness that someone was aggressively interested in me. Christina rang up and wanted to know if I wanted to join her in the quest to get into the infamous Rose Bar. My date and I met her there after getting into four wrong cars. A few drinks there and my date had to go, so off he went and on our night continued. We went to Tao’ where the Knicks were having dinner and chatted with a few gentlemen before we headed off to Bruno’s. We arrived without a member and they let us right in. It was there fifth anniversary and I think they needed ladies to balance out the crowd. We danced and hung out with filthy rich men until it was time to throw in the towel for the evening and make it home. A nice guy walked me home and with one stop at a dive bar, I was headed to bed around 0500.

Today, still not working, I met a friend from the Late Show for lunch and then walked all over SoHo and Little Italy. I am all about checking out my beautiful city, but this girl is ready to work and check out the other fab cities of the world!

turtles

“Slow and steady wins the race.” This is what was spoken to me yesterday while on the topic of a relationship with my guy. It seems appropriate considering the NYC marathon is happening right outside my window.
My weekend has been outstanding and I am hoping to keep under the radar for the rest of the day work wise and finish it out. Friday was spent alone in my apartment catching up on Grey’s and me time since my hangover finally wore off from Halloween. Saturday was spent cleaning the house, laundry, and preparing for Ducks football. I got a text from John that he was in my shirt and off the wagon and to meet him. I text him that I couldn’t drink because I was on call and where should I meet him. I figured out that he was at a bar called Off the Wagon and when I walked he was proudly wearing the Oregon football I gave him. A few pictures of beer while the Notre Dame game was on and conversation about us and everything else lead us to another bar to watch the Oregon game. Today I ate breakfast with my boy and then got bundled up to watch the marathon. It was such a powerful thing to walk next to and to see the thousands of people who worked so hard for this day was a bit ah inspiring. I have a friend that was running and I was actually able to see him. Now I am relaxing at home on Sunday afternoon the crisp breeze is coming through the window. The cheers are still present as people make there way to the finish line.

one bar marathon

Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year. I am sure my need to dress up each year steams from the lack of dressing up as a child. I planned the whole month around having the day off and much of it was needed to prepare for our entry into the city. Seeing how we live in nanny, rich, old neighborhood our mid-driffs and long legs were met with some looks from the ladies and head turns from the gentlemen. As we road the subway more and more costumes came on until we exited at Union Square. I swear we posed for fifty pictures as we tried to make our way to the parade. Not sure of a true schedule and letting the night take us were it may, we grabbed a drink at Republic and then decided to stop in and see John (read: get free drinks and let him see me in my hot outfit). We had invitations to Plumm and to the playboy party at the Empire State Building. Our one drink turned into God knows how many while we hung in the corner with the firemen. They were eating wings and thought is was funny to put them in my basket with my dog. I don't remember much after that besides sitting on the sidewalk puking and Christina dragging me out of the cab on the way to our door. We awoke the next morning her sox on my pillow, my clothes everywhere, her shoe on my rollerboard, my basket in the hallway with chicken bones on the floor.

start sending mail here...

Once again I am in London. This trip however, has a friendlier crew and our rooms only took an hour to get. None of this matters as I will have two days off when I return to enjoy and recoup from Halloween. My Dorothy costume is awaiting me at the house and I am so excited to go trick or treating. I am hoping this 45 hour jont over to the UK has been enough time for me to get over my irratation with my roommate constantly being home lately. We are usually good about having our schedules balanced but since she personal dropped days, they are now in sink and after a week of coming home and her being there, I am going a little crazy. I love my alone time in my house, alone time here is just that...alone time. Our downstairs neighbors hooked me up with a deal on a flatscreen (thanks Carol). I was super excited to watch the third game of the WS but sick that the stupid Sox won. Now that baseball season is over, I can give 100% of my attention to the ol' Ducks, who have been playing pretty damn well this season if I might say so. I was able to enjoy the USC game this past weekend in an Oregon Alum bar. It was so great to be around fellow Oregonians!! Made me a little more homesick though.

...the damn winter is coming up though

Once again in London, I feel like I don't ever leave the UK. I am very excited however to have Saturday off so I can watch the USC/Oregon game and the world series...got to love October! I am working my favorite position of first class aisle but my galley gal is not someone to be reckoned with. I have successfully stayed out of her way and I think she has spoken thirty words to me the whole trip. The other aisle gal has never worked first before and keeps asking me questions, so I have been babysitting her all trip. I warned her to stay out of the galley although it would be fun to see her get her ass chewed I was not in the mood to deal with the aftermath. I have kept to myself once more on the trip and layover mostly because there is no one that exciting on my crew. It sucks and I miss the summer when this flight and others were chalked full of reserves that wanted to go out and have fun. I haven't gone out with the crew for a month and I miss it. My pilot is trying to get me to pick up a trip with him in two weeks, which, of course I will if I can...he was fun to go out with and super cute.

I have decided that I am no longer calling John and with help from my favorite author, Greg I remembered that if a guy is ready, he will let you know. So it up to fate now as I have laid the ground work/baited the trap (just kidding). I don't really know what I want. I think of how great it would be to have a boyfriend but then there are many times that I don't want to be bothered. I might just want to get on Didi's program of partner for the winter, single for the summer. Hmmmmm...

stewart

Monday night and we were in the mood to get dressed up and see what Manhattan had to offer for the evening. Christina and I were feeling a bit on the fancy side and made it a point to aim our adventure for hotel bars and more upscale places. We started off with a warm up drink at our local watering hole and got carded because we were so dolled up. On to Barunda then Tao' where we met Stewart. I watched him circle the bar working up the courage to come and talk to us. Finally he sat down and his North Carolina drawl as our names. He was very sweet and wanted to take us where ever we wanted to go. After exchanging looks with Christina, she said yes and off with Stewart and his driver we went. On our way to Columbus Circle we got sidetracked by the Pierre hotel and stopped in for a drink in which we met Marquaret and her friend who then wanted to take us to Bruno's which is a members only club that Christina had been taken to prior on on of her dates. So off we went. A bottle of wine there and we were ready to dance. Our newest memeber of the party wanted to go to some other exclusive club but we wanted to get our groove on in the MPD. The driver liked us so that is the way he headed until the other dude flipped out and wanted to go home. We got out of the car and headed to the nearest bar, Employees Only where I discussed the leaving of A-Rod from the Yankees (my opinion) and Christina flirted with some guy. More walking and then we were finally dancing. Of course we had to end our evening at Cafeteria with grilled cheese and just as we were paying the bill and about to turn into pumpkins this guy, Jimmy came up and started talking to us. It came up that I was from Oregon so he took me over to meet his friend, Rueben a player for the NY Giants and former Duck alum. Rueben and I talked about Duck football while his girlfriend fell asleep on the table. In bed around 0530 laughing about the strange paths our evenings always seen to take.

pooche patrol

A week later and I am back in England, this time in Manchester. We stay at this great hotel with gothic ceilings and mazes for hallways. A part of me wants to wander and get lost but the stories of the haunts and ghosts that live here, make me hesitate. I spent most of the day sleeping after our flight was delayed by an hour. It is getting to be that time of the year once more when the weather decides our departure and arrival time. Flight was easy and I am becoming more and more confident in the first class galley position. I have sat around all week on call with nothing coming my way flight wise. Instead, I interviewed to become a part time dog walker on Wednesday by spending the day walking miles around the East Village with dogs and my new friend Beth. I will be on call with this job as well and may have some overnights with the pooches. A paid night away from the air mattress...sign me up!
With time on our hands the roomie and I decided to hit the town and see what was shaking. We met a guy at Butter the other night who invited us to his table at Marquee. Hoping to run into some Yankees we headed to Olives and then the Underbar...nada going on. Marquee, Pink Elephant, House, Bunglow 8, a visiti to my boy, and homemade grilled cheese ended our evening at 0530. I was feeling homey and made some lasange Thursday, gotta love fall cooking.
So get this. I am in Manchester and want something warm and quick to take back to the hotel. Sadly, I decided on Pizza Hut for familarity. I walked in and everyone was being waited on and eating there pie with knifes and forks. It was bizzare! I got my personal pan and went back to eat it with my hands.

change of weather

The weather has turned, soup is ordered in place of salads, the lattes have switch from iced to hot, sweaters are coming out of the closet, and thoughts of home fill me. There is not one specific place I long to be but the idea of hot apple cider, the smell of turkey cooking, and a warm fire is what my heart desires even longs for at the moment.
I am in London after failing to make it to my check in yesterday due to weather. I have my first mark on my file, a mistrip and am disappointed to have risked being away from base simply for the idea of family. It was not my family, mind you, but Christina's who welcomed me in, feed me, and made the comforts of home avaliable. I spent three great, lazy days in Kansas City and gained five pounds from the incrediable food and lack of activity. Let me tell you, the bbq is everything that they proclaim it to be!

My absence from writing is not due to want or laziness, I just always want to write when my computer is unavaliable. I don't take it on international trips because of the hassle of transport and security. Therefore it sits at home waiting for me to pick up and pour out my thoughts.

The month of September was filled with new trips to new destinations and was all around a great month. I discovered Glascow (much different from its conterpart, Edinburgh) but still lovely. Great shopping! Manchester was also new and I had a great time there looking for Crayton's jersey in white, going to the best Indian food ever, hanging out at the gay bars and with a cool pilot...enough said. Our hotel is gorgeous there and the rooms boost thirty foot high ceilings and the reports of being haunted. I had the pleasure of playing host to my mom in my city of NYC. We walked through Central Park, let her meet the guy, dinner in Little Italy, went to San Germano festival, shopping on Fifth Ave, taught her how to hail a cab, spent time in a old fashioned soda shop, and then took her to Ediburgh on my flight. We returned and watched Wicked, which was the coolest play ever. I highly recommend. And it gave me the final decision to be Dorthy for Halloween.

Things with John are great, moving at a slow pace. It is nice however, to have someone to hang out with once a week. He is oh, so handsome and still gives me butterflies to think about. My Yankees have been eliminated, sadly but I was able to go to game three and witness the end of an era. The game was incrediable and just being there....wow! My Ducks are doing well and I plan now to go back to my room and watch the play-by-play on my phone. Lazy days in London, sometimes I just have to smile at what a great life I have.

ben harper encore

You are always supposed to be exactly where you are when you are there. I was not supposed to be out on a date last night as noted by my date who “forgot”. My ego a little bruised I decided to walk it off and just started headed in the direction of home. A gentleman asked me if I knew where the Triumph hotel was and then asked me how my night was going. “I just got stood up”, I replied. The look on his face was priceless but he quickly recovered and asked me if I wanted to go and see Ben Harper with him and some friends as they had an extra ticket. I said yes immediately and within thirty minutes was sitting eighth row in Radio City Music Hall watching an incredible show with five new friends. Drinks on the rooftop of the Peninsula Hotel proceeded bar hopping and grilled cheese at my favorite late night hangout. All in all an evening that took a turn down made a nice 180.

Here’ what sucks about being a girl. I don’t profess to be a girl in most forms of the word, I don’t take eighty years to get ready, I hang with the boys, I like sports, I don’t let my emotions get in the way, and I certainly don’t take things too seriously. I am currently kicking myself for being a girl when it comes to John. Looking back over the past few weeks, I have been building things up in my head instead of taking it slow as we both established the first night. I had a nice wake up call today, sitting here thinking about conversations, how I have been a little too overly aggressive, and acting like a girl, pure and simple. I have decided to go into our date tonight with the mindset of what happens, happens, I can’t believe I let myself slip into the girl mind frame and set myself up for over thinking It is a sophomoric mistake that hopefully I have caught in time.

p.s. my humsaa necklace broke today...i wonder what the hell that means?

liam

Something more to add to my top five best feelings: watching Ducks football when they are playing amazing. Being in the Bighouse for the big win last week was incrediable!!! The whole weekend in Detriot was a success, hanging out with my best bud, her family, seeing old friends, rooting on our team, attending a Ben Harper concert (8th row), and then having my friend come back with me...Good Stuff!

BFS

I picked up a trip to Belfast to round out my turn of Ireland and to also bring along Janene. The crew was great, the hotel located in the heart of the town filled with so much history, and the company was a unique and welcomed change. We got to the room and napped for a bit before heading out to site see. Our first stop was the Crown Saloon, which is modeled after something on the Titanic or something like that. They poured a mean pint of Guinness, that is all I cared about. After making friends with the barkeep, we wandered around some more and came upon the oldest pub in Belfast. At Kelly's we ordered up a pint and took in the old building. It wasn't long before we were joined by a gentleman named Liam. He proceeded to explain the history of not only the pub but the conflict that still plagues Northern Ireland. According to his story we were sitting in the very seats were the IRA was formed. The declaration was upon the wall and the passion behind his story made the hairs on my arms stand up. This is why I love traveling.

dtw

A major thing I miss about my previous life was attending Duck games. It is the perfect fall thing to do, get the Duck gear on, drive down to Eugene with friends, grab pizza at Tracktown, tailgate, and then cheer our team onto victory. I wasn’t able to attend a single game last year but to day I am heading to the Bighouse. Not jail, rather Michigan to watch my team play ball. I have already made friends with the four Oregon fans on the plane.

Today was also my first day with NY public transportation. With my previous history of it in Jersey you can understand why I allowed myself four hours to make my flight. I must say, however, it was a breeze and I was from my door to security in an hour and a half. I think I lucked out with my past month of driving in the city but the last attempt to drive to work and the two hours I sat in traffic was enough. I am now bound and determined to learn my way around the subway and the city without driving or cabs. I was made fun of on more than one occasion for being a “princess” about my getting around. Well princess here is going to enjoy her weekend in Michigan with good friends, football, and plenty of Bud Lites.

jpk

Let me tell you about this guy...
I have had two dates officially with John. Introduced to him at a bar two weeks ago and my walls have already been brought down. He is handsome, smart, funny, and so sweet. Our last date was spent in Central Park walking around, hand in hand while he narrated the surroundings. I never thought I would be the person that was so giddy to see someone, or thought about them daily. I was not a believer until it happened. The cynical side of me keeps some walls up just in case so my heart doesn't get stomped on again. But I get it now; I understand why Christina squeals at movies, why Nichole was so enamored, and how your heart could flutter about the single thought of someone. What does all of this mean? I have no clue, but at the moment I am acting outside of my normal box and letting life take me where it may.

top five

Christina and I pose questions to each other all the time in order to get to know each other better and to challange the others mind. My question to her the other evening was: "What is your top five best feelings?". Here is my list thus far, in no particular order...
¬getting a 100% on a test
¬how I feel the last five minutes of a yoga class
¬how I felt when John kissed me for the first time
¬singing along to a song you know at an Irish/UK pub
The fourth is concreted tonight as I am in Edinburgh and enjoying this beautiful city. Crew scheduling being in charge of my life has wound me up in EDI, after first being assigned LGW then airport alert and then EDI. This city is absoletely beautiful with its coast line, history, castles, the friendly people, kilts, bag pipe players, and adorable dogs. I spent the day walking around and the evening in a Scottish pub listening to music. I can safely say that this town has moved into my top three favorites thus far.

cafeteria ban lifted

The roomie and I have been home for the past week hanging out. She was feeling a bit blue so we made a date prior to our last trip for dinner and some girl time. We didn't get motivated until 2300 so dinner was scratched and replaced with going out. The east village was our destination as we decided to get out of our ues bubble and see what else NYC had for us. We stopped by a previous visited bar and grabbed a drink before wandering for a bit to the suggested place Solas. We walked in and it was dead but we stayed because they had connect four. We were ordering our second round and had graduated up to jenga when the bar filled up and the karaoke began. Christina has an amazing voice so she was right up there but in order to get a mic in my hands, it takes a lot of booze. Long story short, I sang a couple of duets. The bar closed down and not quite ready to go home, we decided to press our luck at Cafeteria. We were banned previously from my puking and passing out. We walked in casually with some random nerd we found on the street and ordered our usual. The next day was spend in bed, hung-over....urgh...am I getting old!
Wednesday was work out day for me as I finally found someone to play tennis with. I walked two miles, biked three, and play tennis for two hours. I came home to find Christina ready to go out, so I showered up and we hit the town. This time we went to Nolita to check out some bars she found. Nothing was poppin' so I made the decision that I wanted to see my boy at midnight. We walked into his bar and I stopped with hesitation in front; then walked in nervous as can be. We stood there patiently as he made drinks and it was while he stopped to take a sip of water that he noticed me. It was the perfect reaction and he took a second to figure out how to get to me. Single most romantic moment in my life: he scaled the bar, picked me up and kissed me. I could hear C squealing in the background. So we hung out for a while, me talking to firemen and gazing at him, Christina talking to the nerdy guys that had followed us from three bars previous. 0200 rolled around and we decided to call it an evening and get some grilled cheese. Back to our place we went, un-detected...that is damn good grilled cheese!!!