NJTPK

I can't remember the first time I ever drove down the New Jersey Turnpike, as either driver or passenger. It's just been one of those staples in my life, like pot roast or sunscreen. I have so many memories about going up and down... like the day I drove to Newark for my flight attendant interview; the first time my mother and I drove to Rutgers, both to tour the campus and when I moved in freshman year; thinking that my "Voldemort" was the one when we drove to see the Statue of Liberty in August, 2001; driving with my sister to my grandmother's funeral; today, rocking out to Weezer. The New Jersey Turnpike is an epic part of the northeast, and has an illusive part in American pop culture along with other roads like route 66 or the 405.

When we were either sophomores or juniors at RU, my roommate with whom I also went to high school, came to my house on a hot August day, we loaded my crap into her car, and drove off to the turnpike and up to the banks of the old Raritan. I'd never felt more grown up or important or empowered cruising along at 70 mph (it was a bit of a Japanese jalopy, we all know the real speed limit is 80). It was one of those cheesy movie moments that make the open hearted weepy, complete with some Britney songs blaring, I'm sure. But that moment, and those other precious ones like holding my college boyfriend's hand and playing pidittle, or driving home knowing I was about to become a flight attendant for a legacy airline, that's what the turnpike's all about.

Credible Threats to Aviation: Stupidity

This is what happened yesterday in Philly.

I either read or heard elsewhere that the driver was trying to outrun the cops who were chasing him. Most likely because he was doing something stupid prior to do something really really stupid.

Festive Holiday Decorations

I moved into my apartment a month before Christmas 2010. My mother bought me two festive kitchen towels, and a red frosted candle with an "A" on it. I highly protested any sort of holiday fare that year, and ever since, due to an extreme lack of storage. Recently, my mother gave me these bad boys. And I have to admit, I kind of love them. I never quite fancied myself as a "Martha" or Stepford-esque. Apparently, evidence proves contrary.

And no, I do not display them both at the same time! One's February and the other March.

Pink Eye Fail

This month I've been back and forth, teaching in two of our facilities. My first round outside of the EWR, I had a severe cold and then got a cold sore. Two visits to the clinic. I powered through and managed to do as best as I could to still be a part of the team and work hard.

And now this week, I've got pink eye. I'm so sad. I'm being shipped back home later tonight (I have to wait for a flight with open seats) and of course my optometrist isn't in the office again til Monday. Awesome. The worst part is I selfishly put my class and coworkers in danger because I'm contagious. It's taking the wind out of my I'm going home sails.

My couch, here I come.

Via iPhone

Fan Mail: The Interview

I got this job just over five years ago and good interview advice is still the same. Smile. Be confident, well-dressed, and well-groomed. Always dress professionally in a suit. Women should wear hose and heels; men should be clean shaven with professional hair. Hair that's acceptable on Wall Street, not Haight Ashbury. Gum is never a good idea. While you should be prepared to answer the interviewer's questions, perhaps you should have a few questions to ask. Know a few things about the company before you get there.

An even better person to ask is The Flying Pinto, and you can start right here. Pinto's a great resource for people who are interested in the career, beginning the interviewing process, and provides great camaraderie for us flying veterans as well as industry insider looks for those peering in from the outside.

Best of luck to those of you out there who are getting ready for the interview, beginning initial training (Barbie Bootcamp is hard!), and even well wishes to those of you on probation. Because yes, you're STILL new.

Epic Love Songs

Happy Belated Valentine's Day from my 17 yr old self. 10 years later, and I still absolutely love this cover... and the rest of the Pop Goes Punk albums...

New Hire Fail

There was a group of new hire flight attendants in our training center to get their hands on with equipment to maintain their qualifications. It's required of all reserves who are based elsewhere. As a junior stew, I get excited to see new, shiny faces and tell them how happy we are that they're here and welcome them to the company. This particular girl said she came out online December 24, and was very quick to tell us that a new class came out online last Saturday, one today, and every week til June... so she wasn't new anymore.

I politely smiled and walked away.

There are a zillion things I SHOULD have said... like aw, that's cute - good luck with that attitude out online. I've been here for five years and you're still on probation for another five months.

I don't know where these new hires get this false sense of awesomeness... enjoy reserve!