prior vs present

Prior Neighborhood Present Neighborhood

abundance of healthy food options /abundance of crap/fried food
fun bars/my watering hole /I don't go out after dark
Ready, willing, & able street cleaning /trash? just throw it on the ground
lots of nanny pushing strollers /lots of pregnant minorities
blocks from Madison Avenue /99 cent stores on every corner
dropped off my laundry /people asking me for money while I do laundry
I could be somewhere in 15 minutes /have to leave at least an hour
sounds of cabs honking /loud latino music and car alarms
fresh flowers at delis /people selling bodywash and watches from tables
fast paced/get there /all the time in the world and taking up the whole sidewalk
Post office and post box /have yet to see anyplace to send mail
movie theaters /99 cent stores
starbucks /fried chicken (that they insist you eat with ketchup)
taste-d-lite /unconditioned bodegas with freeze dried popsicles

lotto

I bought my first NY lottery ticket today, the jackpot is $132M, with the thought that if I win I could move back into Manhattan. I am not saying my apartment is not great, it is, once you get to it. My roommates are very kind and have once saved my ass when I was running late for work. As a 31 year old it is odd to have to return to sharing a space and not really feeling like it is my own. I am considerably homesick and this is attributing to my thoughts of my fantastic large loft in which George feels at home as well. I am sure that my impending trip home is aiding in this longing I have.
I changed my bedding today to brand new sheets and duvet cover after getting my duvet from the dry cleaner since this cat (which is about to get shipped home in a box) decided to take her homesickness out on my bed. Suffice to say, it is miracle she is still alive right now. We are now working on tough love in which she is not allowed in my bedroom unless I am here. Luckily the roomies are very loving to her while I am away on trips and such. I am not sure how long it will take to get her adjusted and what to do if she doesn't.
While I am ranting on, I also have to say that it is a pain in the ass just to run home to change or just grab something so I wander around the city like a nomad sometimes when I have multiple things happening in one day. I am sure Chris loves that I always bring my shopping bags over!
I realize that is has only been a month and there are adjustment periods for everything so I am going to be patient with ol' Brooklyn and remember that I am saving half in rent. Plus my new bed is fantastically making me smile at the moment.

what the hell?

Explain to me this: I am usually the one who text/calls Chris to figure out how to fit him in my week. Granted I am never worried about can I call and all the bullshit that goes along with dating, it just doesn’t apply to us. He always gets back to me and usually within minutes of contact. So after our great date Monday I just haven’t called him mostly because I don’t have a day next week to give him yet. Plus, I wanted to see if he would call me. Well Wednesday night after getting off work and looking at my phone on my way up the stairs, the bouncer tells me there is a guy here to see me. I immediately thought it was Chris since he knew I was working that night. It was the St Patty’s guy, Dave and you’ll never guess who I missed a call from twenty minutes earlier. The message was that he took his softball team to the new store (where he thought I was working) and was sorry to have missed me. I asked my manager whom I love, what the fuck? He told me guys seem to have a sixth sense when they should make a move. My response was, so you guys are smarter than we give you credit for? Nah, just enough to mess with you girls, was his response.

my week...

So I have been working my tail end off lately even with the dog walking taking the month off as any good New York does. I have picking up shift with the waitress/hostess gig. On Sunday after surviving the day but in much need of a hug, I worked 1700 til 0100 at the new store and then met the roomie for after work drink and to split a cab home.
Monday I did nothing all day and met up with Chris for dinner. We went to an excellent tapas place and then I introduced him to Laurant. And there was a moment as he poured me another glass of Sangria that I thought, “I could defiantly do this for a while”. We even got into a heated discussion about the politics of cultures agreeing to disagree.
Tuesday I was back at my favorite store on the Westside playing the part of hostess. Getting off at 2300, changing and then hiting a friends birthday party at Mansion. I was showing a new flight attendant friend the in’s and outs of nightlife in the city as she just had moved. After hanging at Mansion for a bit, we headed over to Marquee and then Bungalow 8 finishing, of course, at my favorite Cafeteria.
Five hours of sleep was rewarded with pressed coffee and conversation with Laurant the next morning. I dinked around the house and spent some q.t. with Jorge who is still adjusting but getting better with her three roommates. Finally I drug myself up and back into the city. Since I never spent any real amount of time on the Westside, the plethora of trains is a bit of a mystery but according to hopstop.com I was to take the j to the f transfer at 14th to the 1 and walk a couple of blocks. Simple enough if I was paying attention at 14th and had more patience at 66th I finally got into work and ordered up a burger to curb the hangover I knew would be arriving soon. We spent the first hour of my hostess then waitress shift trying new shots. I swapped shirts and shoes and then hit the floor to wait. We had a good amount of people and I didn’t feel as overwhelmed this time. I sat a couple of guys out of my section just so I didn’t get too swamped and then ended up staying forever. Since they were a table I passed by a bunch I stopped and bantered a bit every once and a while.
I had no tables so I went back to talk to these guys and one of them asked me what I would give him if he could guess my last name. Not wanting to explain to my manager that I had to comp a drink because I lost a bet. So I told him that I would give him a kiss. He took the offer which must have surprised him and then said it. I looked down to see if I was wearing a nametag. And then I really looked at him and with wide eyed surprise figured out who his was. The guys Yoder and I were hanging out with on St Patty’s Day! I immediately blurted out, wow you fell off the face of the earth. We texted for about a month and never seemed to meet up. So with advice from Craytie and a bruised ego, I stopped trying. He thought the same about me. So some quick apologizes proceeded catching up.
Friday I headed out to LHR after meeting the lady I met on the flight home from NRT (Bali) in SoHo for lunch. I worked the first class galley on the 777 for the first time and rocked the hell out of it! My aisle girls are absolute idiots but that’s ok because it just makes me look better! Headed home tomorrow and then picked up the closing waitress shift at the Westside. Currently dancing around my hotel room to the new Rihanna, great song!

the ride

The 15th of this month held the answer to whether or not I would have a job still, whether or not I could walk away from this crazy world of going, gong, going but wait, there is a weather delay or we are totally full, or aren't you too new to know what you are doing?
Added to all of this day to day bullshit that people don't consider when you are "glamorously" walking through the airport in uniform with luggage, is when you are stuck working with a person you don't like. I was assigned this trip and immediately cringed when I saw the ISM. I hadn't worked with her before but I knew that she was friends with the ex. I went to work with that on my mind and who do you think got on the bus at Port Authority? I can't begin to tell you how uncomfortable it made me. The trip was fine and I kept to myself most the time intentional dodging the personal questions expect to relay that I am fantastically happy now. She will her "power" to tell me how unprofessional I was to be playing cards with some of my passengers. I intern told the customers the message and they wrote in three letters of compliments. And to top off the trip she along with the ex were on the bus home gossiping away. It was sure a trip I would like to forget and hope doesn't occur for quite some time if ever.


It occurred to me while walking around Edinburgh, a city transformed by annual festivals, that this ride I am currently on is not over, nor is it stopping to let me off. Like it or not.

next wave of boarding

So last night was the first night I was on the floor as a waitress. I took the shift at the store mostly because I was excited to work but also because the golf outing (which Chris participated in) and I wanted to check it out. Well, I could have picked a better store to throw myself into the action. Mind you, besides the two private parties, the store just opened so for four solid hours I ran around with my head cut off. My 11 tables would all be sat at once, and then they wanted to order at once, then they wanted their check at the same time. Finally I just went from one table to the next taking orders and then dropping off drinks. I didn't have time to be overly friendly and to be the waitress that I would like to be. I didn't even have time to pee. I would take my deep breaths while standing at the computer inputting 11 orders at a time. I had the thought that being a flight attendant and waitress...pretty much the same thing with 35,000 feet difference. Well, here is the main difference: once people are served that's it, the doors don't open and reseat people.
I made it back home at 0130 with my cab driver telling me how bad my neighborhood was and that I should move to Staton Island. How bout you mind your business and just drive motherfucker...the Brooklyn is rubbing off! ; )
So today, I am doing nothing. My legs hurt from working, I bathed then in the sunshine and they are about to get a pedicure. I have no plans to leave the hood today. The roomies are home as well and the four cats, yes I said four are trying desperately to get along. Organized chaos, right here in Brooklyn.

bella roma

Even though the other aisle gal was the New Yorker that I hope to never end up like, the ISM hated me, the other reserve under minded me and told everyone that I was new and didn't know what I was doing, I had a great layover which erased the bullshit of the flight. I got to go Rome!!! The first officer and my galley gal set off and saw everything you are supposed to while in Rome while finding time for gelato, pizza, and Italian beer. We even hit the supermarket and picked up wine coffee, chocolate, and stuff to make Chris dinner. I even got a tan while checking out the sights.
These are the trips I live for and pay the dues of UK flights for months on end, crazy crews, and rude passengers. Yes, this is my silver lining for the summer.
Love, love Italy and can't wait to go back!

sending out an s.o.s.

I land from my long ass trip with the slow crew of the year and do the exact opposite to get into the city. The guys I met on St Patty's Day while waiting for Yoder have come into town and invited me to a tv taping. I changed in the back of a cab, dropped my luggage off at their hotel, and hopped another cab up to Harlem. I arrived at the Apollo just in time to meet the guys and walk in before the door shut. None of us really knew what was going on but sitting twenty feet from the stage, we learned this was tv taping for a new show on Sundance. Elvis Costello is interviewing musicians while adding in his music and stories. Mind you I knew who he was and I knew his songs but I never linked them prior. We were instructed to clap on clue although the performances required no fakeness what so ever. So the band....THE POLICE in their very last appearance of television together. First interview was Andy then Stewart, and then Sting, and then all together. After the amazing, intimate conversations, with a few versus of chorus between Elvis and Sting their bands got together and started jamming.
Definitely one of those, Holy Shit moments in life.

my role model

I was given trip to EDI and was super excited first to return to one of my favorite cities but also to see Pam Ann. She is a comedian who makes fun of flight attendants. We were a poor showing compared to Zoom and Easy Jet but still got pulled up on stage to end the show with a dance. It pretty much consisted of us with our arms out like airplanes "flying around". Good fun with the only two people on the crew I could handle to be around voluntarily. The crew in the back, the ones I had to work with because I signed myself up for the purser position, I was about to kill them because of their slowness and unnecessary drama. Old goodie-to-shoes in the back convinced an anorexic girl that she needed an ambulance to meet the aircraft. I asked her why she didn't just give her something to eat? Thank goodness the day got better....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge_x1U2rYBo&feature=related

toto (george), i don't think we are on the upper east side anymore

I seem to pick the hottest days on record to do my moving but this time I spent the best $170 ever by hiring movers. The day prior I was blessed with getting a personal drop so I could spend the whole day packing and cleaning. The movers came at the bright early time of 0800 and I greeted them with donuts and water. Within 45 minutes they had my life loaded and I hopped in the truck with them and their absolutely looney boss. We drove to my new home in Brooklyn. Even though I had been here once to check the place out and knew that I would be "down grading" from the UES, it was still funny to see how much different my neighborhoods were. No Starbucks in sight, it was throw back to ol' Kearny but luckily within five minutes of the city, the city is within viewing of the rooftop.
I unpacked a bunch of stuff and then went home to finish cleaning up and get the rest of my stuff which snowballed into five damn bags plus George. I called a car because I couldn't begin to tell a cab where the hell I moved to and I didn't want any fuss about the other passenger. So we drove in style to the new neighborhood, leaving the strollers, nannies, and jews behind. I now live in raw Brooklyn with two French guy roommates and three other cats.
Should have some good stories coming up....

i have to go where?

My dumb luck doesn’t seem to extend to work. I was good for one day and was assigned airport alert at 1055, which means I was covering NRT, PEK, etc. Well, genius here who does not operate well in the mornings left my blackberry home by accident. This wouldn’t have been a big deal if I would have brought my second phone or my computer but I left them because if I were sent to Central or South America they would be taken. So I get a call around 1130 to monitor a flight, I am sorry, do what? So I go up to the gate to find out the flight to LAX isn’t leaving until 1400. So I walk back down to the crew room and pass the domestic reserve that came in right after me. I asked her what she got and almost strangled her when she replied, Honolulu. I call back to scheduling to pick up an AMS and figure out what the hell I am really supposed to be doing. They put the LAX trip on my line so I had to work domestic. LAX wouldn’t have been the worse thing to happen to me as I have a plethora of men to choose from, however I didn’t have anyone’s numbers. So I am on the pay phone to Carol almost crying at the clusterfuck of my day when my name is announced over the pa. I call and go back to the crew room. I was the second to be called again and this time they gave me a flight that left at 1600 to PHX. I flipped out once more and cursed my fortune. Well the ol’ flight didn’t end up leaving until 1900. At least the crew, minus the fat-ass working first calls was cool.
It was our FO’s birthday so we made him some crew juice and ordered up some apps for our quick overnight. I knew it was time to leave when the quite, shy FO ended up telling all of us that he was a swinger. Weirdness aside we started our three-leg day with sit time in IAH and AUS. Getting home at 1230, I realized how grateful I was to be international. I have no idea how I survived the year I did in domestic.
While heading for the gate in PHX and going to get a salad, I ran into my good friend Chris whom we have done a couple of trips together and had an absolute blast. I ran and jumped on him declaring he just made my day so much better. As we were chatting, he says hello to people passing. Then he tells me that it was Steffi Graff and Andre Agassi. We set off to hunt them down and say hello. We found them at the Brookstone store and finally I walked up and introduced myself.
“I was such a huge fan growing up”
A: “of me or Steffi?”
“Both, your both great but I had you plastered all over my walls”
A: “I am sorry bout that” he said with a grin
“I am not, you are hot” to the amusement of his wife
Small chitchat and a couple more handshakes later, we walked away. I was shaking from the experience of meeting one of my childhood idols.

cdg to man

Sitting here in Manchester, glad to have a familiar place which I can rest and get caught up on my sanity. The trip prior was Paris and it was awesome because I worked first class galley, the crew was awesome, and I didn't have to deal with any passengers. Ended up shopping on the Champs Ellysses and hanging out in the crew room drinking wine till the late hours. The flight home was fun and the relief pilot was super hot so the aisle guy and I spent our time staring at his body and taking photos of him while he slept. Lucky for me, wine gave me enough courage to kiss him the night prior! No one to kiss here in jolly ol' England so I think I will call it a night and hit the hay.

three plus volunteering please

As if having two jobs isn't enough for me, I added volunteering to my life this month as well as getting a job at my favorite watering hole. During my week off "work" I walked pooches in the day and in between trained or volunteered in the morning with the opposing during the evening. All this and finding time for a date with Chris. It was sort of a relief to go back to flying and just have to hang out in Paris all day shopping!
So, Brother Jimmy's...well I am officially the fill-in girl since my schedule is so damn sporadic. I feel in love with the Westside Jimmys during my six day training period. I will be able to be either a hostess or waitress but that whole seating table bit throws me for a loop. My niche is defiantly with people and serving, shocking! The very first day of waitress training, one of the tables was three guys interning for the summer in NYC from U of O.
I haven't worked a shift yet but imagine as soon as I can tell someone what is happening in my life tomorrow and the new store opens up that I will be busy working away.
I am honestly getting tired of flying, the not knowing, the supervisor up my ass all the time, and the feeling of being held captive.
I am really hoping to be granted the leave of absence and be able to enjoy NYC fully, just as I did during my crazy, wonderful week of last.

my all-star week

I had planned my whole summer around volunteering for the All-Star week with landed at Yankee Stadium this year. Months ago I put in my application, then went to an interview, and finally got the letter of acceptance. I was assigned to work FanFest in the Javits Center which many have proclaimed (myself included) to be baseball heaven on Earth. We were given a tour the evening prior to the opening and it was amazing. Our uniform consisted of a red baseball hat, bright yellow polo, and the ultimate topper of a MLB fannie pack...yes, you read correctly! No worries because all of us looked like dorks. I accented my outfit with khaki shorts and red velvet tinnies. My assignment was to work the You Call the Play booth where you could make a dvd with your favorite play and your voice doing the announcing. Instead I got stuck at the Cover Photo which was broke for the first hour so I spent the time watching the Home Run derby and eating free Taco Bell from the neighboring booth.
The next day Chris and I went to enjoy as baseball fans and spent some time actually playing. The Home Run Derby was fun but the damn ball dropped too fast and made me look like an idiot while ol' softball man was hitting them out of the park. On Monday I worked a private party and thus had to decline tickets to the actually Home Run Derby but I did get to work my assigned booth and we had loads of fun goofing around. The last day was Tuesday and I got to work the main attraction The Diamond where legends came out to do clinics with kids and give autographs. Even though I was a day off from Jeter and Bernie Williams, it was sure great to see David Wright, hottie!!
So the perks to this giving of my time included the cool uniform, tickets to Fan Fest, the ability to volunteer next year in St. Louis, a commemorative baseball, the joy of hanging out in such a cool venue, and getting to go to a party and the game.
I was invited to Tao' by my friend Reach to a private party and while trying to grab his attention in the dj booth to thank him, I look to the left and see Shaq. I met him later in the evening and his hand enveloped mine plus half my arm. Amazing party!! Can't even describe how fortunate I feel with my dumb luck.
Even more dumb luck...you remember the guy who ticket I inadvertently scalped a while back? Well he stopped by Fan Fest to see me and offered me a ticket to the All-Star game. I jumped on the chance and come Tuesday around 2000, I was standing in Yankee Stadium watching in awe as baseball greats walked onto the field. Hands down, one of THE BEST MOMENTS in my life Even though the game was the longest all-star game in history, I survived thanks to 2 seventh inning stretches, a beer, and my absolute love for the game.

i'll have a third please

As if having two jobs is not enough, I have just started a third. My local watering hole is opening a new joint and I have been hired to be a waitress/hostess. My training began today followed by orientation for the new place.

a kiss

Aries
March 20 - April 19
Unfortunately you can't measure love the way you would the stock market, dear Aries. And it's all right if that scares you a little, because you know that you have to work at something if you want to make it happen in your life. We all need to have the courage to try new things. So, yes you will find love in your life, but as to whom you will 'invest' with and how much you will 'invest,' you won't find out until the big day. Be patient, you won't be disappointed.

Given my history with blind dates and bad dates in general I was willing to try it once again when my local bartender and friend Larry asked to set me up with his friend. I didn't ask any questions about my upcoming date, I just said yes. He called me and we set up a date and then he actually called me later in the week when he said he was going to. We met at an Irish pub on Mother's day after my flight from OSL. I was nervous at first but then fell into talking to him over Guinness about work, movies, and sports. I called it a night after a couple hours due to exhaustion. He left for Mexico and took over the pooch patrol. We made plans for dinner prior to my departure for Turkey but I had to change it to coffee.
I've got to tell you, he isn't my type and there was no fireworks. But I am realizing that "my type" is no good for me and who have I actually had a relationship with in five years? No one. So I stuck with it. About a month after our first meeting we had our third date bowling and an irish bar. Something that night shifted for me, I became comfortable and less pre-occupied. While we were at the pub, Guinness in hand, Yankee game to the right, Celtic game ahead, live band to the right, I told him that I was pretty close to heaven. Then he kissed me. I was like, oh...OH!
Come to find out, he had the same reservations about me during our first two dates. But he admitted to feel the shift as well that evening.
We ended up spending the fourth of July together first at his softball game, lunch, and then I took him to Lance's party. And then last night I took him on a date to an outdoor cafe and then to a bar with board games. We spend hours playing connect four, checkers, and jenga. Hands down one of my best dates. And the thing is that I am myself around him, no front, no games, me. I have no idea what to think about it, I know that I am not sick to my stomach or worried about whether I can call him or any of the usual bullshit that goes with dating.
I guess a kiss can change everything.

cph

With my crazy schedule lately, I have been unable to find 15 minutes to hit the tanning bed, sometimes the thought of it overwhelms me. Luckily I have been building a nice tan thanks to open roof busses in London, a glorious day at Wimbledon, gay softball tournament in Central Park, dog walking, and today in Copenhagen.
I had my fingers crossed for a good trip knowing that people would call in sick for the holiday weekend. And low and behold, here I am in Scandinavia! Although it was an early check-in I was able to nurse my hang over from the evening prior where I celebrated the 4th of July in my new tradition of a penthouse party. I actually brought friends along this time and was able to enjoy the fireworks with Chris, who is slowly finding a way to my heart.
Besides the back galley gal who wore driving gloves the whole time, the loud ISM, and the other gal who I schooled on the beverage cart, it has been a great trip. We even got to take a nap on the way over (which helped out the hang-over as well). My room is right up against the bank of the river and boast fantastic views of Christiana.
I can’t begin to tell you how beautiful this city is. Gorgeous buildings everywhere you turn and gorgeous people to boot. I wandered for hours before setting off to find the statue of the Little Mermaid. After a wrong turn and thirty minutes of walking, I found the damn thing and got my photo with it. I headed back to go to the Tivoli gardens that were featured in my 501 MSD book. It was a prettier version of Disneyland with outrages prices so I just wandered about and then said what the hell and rode a giant swing set.
Back in my room and looking forward to my bed while across the bank Copenhagen Jazz Fest is playing live. I can’t begin to tell you how much I love this job when trips like this occur!

strawberries and cream please

For the second time in three days, Carol and I were off to London. This time on the 777 headed to LHR. We ended up taking the Tube into the city (which is way more complex than it needs to be) and then after a quick catnap headed on the tube once more to Wimbledon. A couple other crewmembers joined us as we sat on the Hill and watched Venus play on the big screen and then checked out the grounds were legends once walked, played, and won championships.
Although we had a three hour bus ride back to the airport, ground delay because the police shutdown all departures at Heathrow, it was a pretty great trip, especially for Carol who sipped champagne and enjoyed first class. She has become quite spoiled lately!

trip from hell

Good thing the crew was so great. And I was glad Carol was there to actually witness some of the stories, which happen to me. To start off we were four hours delayed due to hydraulics and a plane swap. The crew just sat together and made the most of our time joking around. Well once we boarded the plane, the pain in the ass people started. Everyone on that flight was mad at us and so rude that after our service we just ignored them. Horrible, horrible people. One lady told me I missed her meal on purpose and had a shit fit when all the was left was chicken, She yelled at me, then the lead and then the other guy until the back galley (straight from Harlem) went and straightened her out. The other lady we hated was 14F who tried to take another seat then bitched about it not reclining then was mad because we didn’t know about her connection on another carrier. Another guy refused to put his elbow in for the carts so we made it a game to hit him every single time. Because Carol was with me I had to go through regular customs. I was taking off my sweater and breathing a sigh of relief when ol’ 14F came marching up to me and asked if I was still working. “I am finished working” I said. “That’s been everyone’s attitude the whole flight, the other girl told me that you have been working for 12 hours and got paid for 6” “She is right and I am done working and ma'am a crew’s attitude is a reflection of how passengers treat us” “Well I am going to write a letter” “Knock yourself out lady!” All the while Carol is telling me to stop and I went and told customs that they need to hold that lady because she was mean. What a bitch!!!
And oh, on the way home I had to break up a fight between two grown men one of which (the instigator) was wearing a "Holy Ghost" tee-shirt. Real godly of you jackass!

time is running out

I am sad today because it feels like a deadline is looming over me. I am embracing this summer as if my current life will end when the leaves change and begin to fall. The news about work is getting worse and the chance to keep seeing the world grows shorter with each passing day. I have been extremely disappointed not to be as busy as I thought I should be this month. I am also disappointed that there are amazing trips in open time and I don't get to go because I picked up LGW just to work and now there are dream places that someone else gets to experience. I was able to change my trip to Manchester but it is definitely not Madrid or Berlin or Geneva. Time is running out and luck doesn't seem to be in my corner with work right now. It is sad to think of my comfortable, fantastic life changing without my say or knowledge of what the next season will bring to me.
This I do know for sure, I am moving to a less expensive place out in Brooklyn, formally know as BK for further blogging purposes. I am excited to move to another borough and see what else NY has to offer. Change in any form is always a hesitation for me even though good things usually do eventually happen.
My friend Jim has been in town and takes me to do NY stuff with him because he likes the company. I like that he realizes I am broke and drags me out of the house anyway. We went to Curtains on Wednesday and then out for cheesecake. The show was amazing!! Yesterday with my day off, I embraced the sunshine and headed out to Yankee Stadium. I had to scalp a ticket but ended up sitting with some guys who bought my beers and kept me entertained. I was even offered tickets to the All-Star game. Yes, I got his number just in case! : ) An afternoon nap followed my afternoon ballpark buzz and then we headed off to a comedy show in the village. Good stuff! I enjoy hanging out with Jim because he calls me out on all my bullshit neuroses and asks me the tough questions. We have figured out that I smitten with a boy who lives way too far away. But isn't that me? Wanting what I can't have easily?

aaa to the third

I am usually a live in the moment gal. Whether it is a joyous moment or one of angry or irritation, the feeling is powerful but soon dismissed say with another event or sleep. I awoke this morning still peeved about my "evening" at work.
I realize that airport alert is part of being a reserve. I actually don't mind it because my best trips have come as a result of sitting on the couch waiting for the bat phone to ring. But to have this assignment three times in a month (so far) is absurd! What sucks even more about not making any money and wasting my time going back and forth the the airport is not having a clue what is going on with my life. I don't even know what time I am on call today, my name isn't even on the list. The three times I have been almost going on great trips, teases if you will. The first was after 3:45 hours of sit time, they called me to go to ZRH, which I was super happy about since last time I was there I didn't feel good and a friend of mine was strangely enough there on business. Yet, the guy walked on at the last minute and gave me a hug for my trouble. The next airport alert, same thing about 3:30 into it, I got called for LIM and I was soooooo excited as it is in my top 5 and another friend of mine was down there for a stint. The girl walked nastily in and told me that is was her flight and I needed to go.
Airport alert number three. This call came about two hours in and they told me I was going to Spain, MAD to be exact. I actually squealed on the phone and ran to the gate. The weather of course caused massive delays and the 2300 flight didn't even end up boarding until 0015. We were about to button up and push when another flight attendant walked on board...she actually made it after being four hours late. Guess who got to go to MAD. I walked all the way back to the crew room and the phone rang again. This time sending another FA and myself back to the other side of the airport to go to AUS. We get there with no direction after ending up in Texas to find the crew had changed their mind, they were going to waive legality and go. So all the way back the crew room to wait five more minutes and get released. Mind you it's after 0130 in the morning now. I look at the train schedule, I can make the last train at 0200. I get up to the rail-link to find the trains are only running every 15 minutes. PISS!!!! Now I have to take a cab to the city. $85 and an hour later I am home and I am reeling at this stupid job.

random nyc

I rushed in the door and gingerly sat down my tasti-d-lite and my purse and ran to the bathroom. George just recently up from a nap approached the ice cream as if I brought it home for her. She was a good eight licks into before I could shew her away.
The day has been a little all over the place I managed to make it to brunch at a lovely little Italian place. I had to wait for the rain to stop so I could sit outside and drink mimosas and eat eggs benedict. Later I wandered around the city in search of a swimsuit I had orginally seen in SFO. Five Gaps I have been to today to find the pieces separately but it was the happiest thing that happened all day. The last Gap set me in the West Village so I ended up walking around enjoying the sights and stumbling upon the best pizza in the city. Famous Ray's Pizza on 11th and 6th, great stuff!! Now as I try to write about my NYC weekend, George is laying on my hands begging for attention, or maybe just another ice cream!

ny has beaches?

With a weekend off to myself, I had many options, I thought about visiting a friend, or going to the beach. But the one thing I so want to do is enjoy Sunday brunch. So that is exactly what I plan to do tomorrow. Today however was spent in bed and then leisurely getting coffee an my dry cleaning. Finally I got a wild hair, packed a beach bag, and headed for Brighton Beach. About an hour away on the subway, who knew that there was a beach? Tons of people were out as it was a hot, humid day. I walked up and down the ocean just taking in the scene before heading up to the boardwalk. I had to go pee and with no Starbucks or an other 20th century place in sight, I finally ducked into a Jewish restaurant and ordered up some knish so I could use the potty. This town I was in was a mix of Russians and Jews, it was very odd to see them living in harmony and to feel like I was walking the streets of 1970.
I made it back to the island of Manhattan and to my apartment just in time as the humidity broke into rain, Right now I am sitting in my place with all the lights off to watch the lighting striking my street, listening to the earth shattering thunder, and watching the heavens dump onto the ground. I have nothing but admiration for Mother Nature and all of her force and glory.

tribute

I am tired but yet I lay in bed wide-awake wondering what is not taken care of in my thoughts. Then it hits me...the calendar has changed its day to the 13th. I cheered on the Celtics win this evening in his honor. I recommended a friend stop by the war memorial which stands proudly with his name engraved. I thought about it earlier today but tonight it becomes over powering.

To the man who taught me the love of sports,
To the man who taught me to be tough and get through things.
To the man who taught me to conserve energy,
To the man who taught how to change the oil, a flat tire, and to care for my car
To the man who taught me the value of a hard days work,
To the man who taught me to suck it up,
To the man who taught me the value of my word,
To the man who taught me how to live from the earth,
To the man who watch every World Series with me as a kid,
To the man who taught me the perfect hook shot like Larry Bird,
To the man who played house and restaurant with me because I was an only child,
To the man who ate my grilled cheese over and over again,
To the man who took me fishing,
To the man who taught me how to play black jack well,
To the man who will always be strong in my eyes even though the last years took his physical strength away,
To the man who tough exterior faded away and who could finally tell us he loved us.
To my father and my friend, you are dearly missed.
In memory of Ray 15.Feb.26~13.Jun.07

end?

Cut backs in the industry have been announced. The price of fuel is causing a once profitable company to make the business decision to eliminate flights and offer to its employees volunteer leaves of absence to reduce the number of furloughs. These changes will take affect at the end of August. So what does this mean for me? I am in the danger zone of being furloughed because of my youth with the company. Full information came out today about our options, which are apply for the COLA or take our chances about getting laid off. When the news broke, I immediately knew that I would apply for the COLA and see what happens with the company. The beauty of this leave business is that I keep my flight benefits. You and I know that is only reason I am working so it seems crazy not to apply for this time off. Of course there is the question of what I will do while on my leave. I still have the pooches but I think it will be a great time to find a fun, well paying job in NYC. Life is changing, it will changing without my lead and it worried me at first. But now there is a calm about staying here and seeing how it will all unfold.

brs with no diversion

I was given a second chance to see a place in my 501 Must-Visit book when getting a trip to Bristol. The town of Bath is located right next door and I was determined to see it this go around. I had previously flown with the first officer so we decided to go together. He decided we were going to ride bikes. Seventeens miles later we found the quaint town after a couple water stops. We grabbed a sandwich and had a nice picnic near the water. Afterwards we locked the bikes up and took a stroll around a city that makes the USA look like today's new iphone. I was on the search for great photo ops and a magnet. Being that it was a Sunday and after six o'clock in the UK, everything was closed except the pubs. Finally I tried one last place for a magnet, my spirits sunk about the prospect of not adding to my collect, I walked into a book store. I asked the guy because I didn't see any, and then...he had some. I got so excited I ran over and gave him a kiss.

a helping of Turkey with side of nightlife please

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a journey back to the past

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

devil horns

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

fleet week myth

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

utc outcome

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

life

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

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

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

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

ten dogs: eight hours

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

dogs, dogs, and more dogs

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

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

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

bfs...more like bs

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

0320

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

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

better to have UTC than a UTI

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

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

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

sleep

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

diablo

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

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

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

paris

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

a box of triscuts

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

pope walk

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

practice italian under the buddha

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

nothing but two feet and a metro card

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

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

4-12

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

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

strange

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

it just gets better and better

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

movies...uhm..no

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

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

travel guides

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

cgn

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

thirty-one

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

approaching the thirty range

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

taxicab tv

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

st patty's day

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

mxp

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


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

good seeing to

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

aa to the power of three

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

embracing the morning

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

you’ve gotta give these straight guys props

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

jet-lag

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

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

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

magic shake

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

gili

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