My Memorial Day weekend consisted of sitting in Bayonne waiting for crew scheduling to call. It sucks because I can't go far - I was afraid to go shopping in Hoboken for fear they'd call me because it takes almost two hours to get to the airport from there. Public transportation is quite limiting in that regard.
Yesterday I finally got called to do a double turn: Chicago Midway, then Boston. A good crew is what makes or breaks any day at work. I flew with one of my classmates, and a Jersey guy and we had a blast. The service was ridiculously easy now that I've got 4 international trips under my belt. My ISMs would be so proud. The highlight of the day would definitely be after we landed in Boston, the pilot went out and bought a huge tub of clam chowder to share with everyone. And we all know how I feel about clam chowder.
So now I've been released to my days off til Sunday! I'm off to the City tonight to spend some quality time with the B-sisters. Home for my personal high school reunion - meaning I'm going to see the select few that I actually still talk to. Hilary's graduation from high school! They grow up so fast... then I'm back on call Sunday.
Time flies when you're flying :)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Happy Memorial Day!
Yesterday, I was on page 6 of the reserve list. Translation: crew scheduling wasn't going to call me. So one of my dear college buddies came up and we did the dinner and a movie thing. He was slightly impressed by this strange little place called Bayonne. I'm guessing it was because he was under the impression that Bayonne = Newark, which isn't the case. This led to a geographic conversation about the American ideal of what constitutes a 'city' and comparisions between NYC, Philly, LA, etc. I know, every moment with me is just sheer excitement (I'm sure that's why a movie was involved...).
This morning, I awoke to find a large, noisy parade outside my window. Happy Memorial Day at 10 am. Don't these people know that flight attendants are sleepaholics? For a while, Preston and Steve were renting out a marching band to come and wake up your delinquent teen - that's how I was woken up, minus the Preston and Steve part. These crazy town folk have a parade for absolutely every event they can - St. Patrick's Day (when I first moved in), Memorial Day... I'm anticipating the next one to be 4th of July, followed by Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and one at Christmas wouldn't surprise me. Its kind of nice in a Middle America kind of way, but it would have been much nicer to have slept just a little bit longer. After all, today I'm on page 2 of the list!
This morning, I awoke to find a large, noisy parade outside my window. Happy Memorial Day at 10 am. Don't these people know that flight attendants are sleepaholics? For a while, Preston and Steve were renting out a marching band to come and wake up your delinquent teen - that's how I was woken up, minus the Preston and Steve part. These crazy town folk have a parade for absolutely every event they can - St. Patrick's Day (when I first moved in), Memorial Day... I'm anticipating the next one to be 4th of July, followed by Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and one at Christmas wouldn't surprise me. Its kind of nice in a Middle America kind of way, but it would have been much nicer to have slept just a little bit longer. After all, today I'm on page 2 of the list!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Mans!
Manchester was cool. Manhattan is cooler.
After I landed around noon, I hopped on the next train home and was in Camden by 4. Its nice to go home to my mother's sauce and dinner with my family. Then my sister, father and I went to see Pirates which was good. Except by that time, I'd been up for over 24 hrs and kept falling asleep during the movie. The jet lag was horrible and I'm looking forward to flying domestic for a change.
It was also nice to go out in Manhattan. Last night a few of the other flight attendants and I went out to the city. Apparently, it's fleet week; I saw no fleet. We ended up at this bar where if you ordered a beer, you got a free pizza and it was amazing. There is nothing better than a Yuengling and your own small pizza. So if you're on 14th, between 1st and 2nd - go to the Crocodile Lounge. Eat, drink, and play skeeball too.
As for work, I'm at the bottom of page five on the list of reserves. I have a lot of hours so they're not going to fly me... stupid pay gaurentee. They didn't fly me yesterday, I doubt today, nor for the next two days. Then I'm off for the rest of the month to see my sister graduate from the high school. The excitement just doesn't stop.
After I landed around noon, I hopped on the next train home and was in Camden by 4. Its nice to go home to my mother's sauce and dinner with my family. Then my sister, father and I went to see Pirates which was good. Except by that time, I'd been up for over 24 hrs and kept falling asleep during the movie. The jet lag was horrible and I'm looking forward to flying domestic for a change.
It was also nice to go out in Manhattan. Last night a few of the other flight attendants and I went out to the city. Apparently, it's fleet week; I saw no fleet. We ended up at this bar where if you ordered a beer, you got a free pizza and it was amazing. There is nothing better than a Yuengling and your own small pizza. So if you're on 14th, between 1st and 2nd - go to the Crocodile Lounge. Eat, drink, and play skeeball too.
As for work, I'm at the bottom of page five on the list of reserves. I have a lot of hours so they're not going to fly me... stupid pay gaurentee. They didn't fly me yesterday, I doubt today, nor for the next two days. Then I'm off for the rest of the month to see my sister graduate from the high school. The excitement just doesn't stop.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Denmark is cool. Red Sox are not.
Heck, the Europe is cool. Except for jet lag. I'm beyond the point of exhaustion, and am watching the Yankees game in order to stay awake while I describe the wonders that is my journey to Copenhagen, compliments of my kick ass job.
Let me start by saying the back of the bus kicked my ass. I was not first class aisle, and was responsible for a galley; I've never been responsible for a galley before. Needless to say, the lead was not impressed with me. International service is hard - there's the pre meal beverage with those goddamn peanuts, the meal (chicken or beef?), and another full beverage service with a water service every hour. Going there, we ran out of red wine. Coming home, I had a couple that almost single handedly drank all the Heineken in coach; I had another girl drinking Jack like it was her job. I was surprised that I didn't have to flag either of them. Other than that, the flight was rather uneventful.
After we got to the hotel around 8:30, I decided that I was going to see the city and took the 10:30 bus tour. Similarly to the state I'm in now (as the Yankees are leading 4-0), my chickens were cooked and I was having a hard time staying awake. Of course the tour guide is from the city and had an accent so I had to pay attention. I missed what he said Copenhagen means - Wikipedia says it means merchant's harbor. The country of Denmark is comprised of a peninsula as well as an archipelago; there are over 200 (I think) islands, and only 85 are populated. We drove around and saw city hall, the Parliament building, we stopped to see changing of the guards at the Palace (once again, the Queen was not there). We walked around to the Gefion Fountain, which is right by The Little Mermaid, both of which I thought I recalled from art history but that all runs together (like the CHURCHES! right, Allison??). By that time we'd been touring for over 2 hours, and I fell asleep when we stopped at the National Cathedral, which is Lutheran. Got back to the hotel around 2, slept til 5:30, met with the crew at 6 for dinner and was back in bed by 10. I'm very perturbed by the lack of ketchup and extreme use of mayo. I am new to even putting mayo on my turkey sandwich, let alone using it for my pomme frits. Its kind of nice to be able to have a coke everywhere you go; Copenhagen also has 7-11's like South Jersey has Wawa's. I think I liked it better than London because the weather was beautiful - 60 and breezy, and as a tourist, I didn't feel overwhelmed with different things to do or with its size. The actual city is home to only 500,000 with 1.2 million people in the metropolitan area; in terms of population, it is comparable to Oklahoma City or Buffalo.
Next time, I'd like to actually go into the art museum and possibly Tivoli Gardens, which is an amusement park. Rent a bike, and cycle around town. Its a cool little city, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to go - regardless of how exhausted I am now.
Could be what's wrong with the Red Sox too.
Nah.
Let me start by saying the back of the bus kicked my ass. I was not first class aisle, and was responsible for a galley; I've never been responsible for a galley before. Needless to say, the lead was not impressed with me. International service is hard - there's the pre meal beverage with those goddamn peanuts, the meal (chicken or beef?), and another full beverage service with a water service every hour. Going there, we ran out of red wine. Coming home, I had a couple that almost single handedly drank all the Heineken in coach; I had another girl drinking Jack like it was her job. I was surprised that I didn't have to flag either of them. Other than that, the flight was rather uneventful.
After we got to the hotel around 8:30, I decided that I was going to see the city and took the 10:30 bus tour. Similarly to the state I'm in now (as the Yankees are leading 4-0), my chickens were cooked and I was having a hard time staying awake. Of course the tour guide is from the city and had an accent so I had to pay attention. I missed what he said Copenhagen means - Wikipedia says it means merchant's harbor. The country of Denmark is comprised of a peninsula as well as an archipelago; there are over 200 (I think) islands, and only 85 are populated. We drove around and saw city hall, the Parliament building, we stopped to see changing of the guards at the Palace (once again, the Queen was not there). We walked around to the Gefion Fountain, which is right by The Little Mermaid, both of which I thought I recalled from art history but that all runs together (like the CHURCHES! right, Allison??). By that time we'd been touring for over 2 hours, and I fell asleep when we stopped at the National Cathedral, which is Lutheran. Got back to the hotel around 2, slept til 5:30, met with the crew at 6 for dinner and was back in bed by 10. I'm very perturbed by the lack of ketchup and extreme use of mayo. I am new to even putting mayo on my turkey sandwich, let alone using it for my pomme frits. Its kind of nice to be able to have a coke everywhere you go; Copenhagen also has 7-11's like South Jersey has Wawa's. I think I liked it better than London because the weather was beautiful - 60 and breezy, and as a tourist, I didn't feel overwhelmed with different things to do or with its size. The actual city is home to only 500,000 with 1.2 million people in the metropolitan area; in terms of population, it is comparable to Oklahoma City or Buffalo.
Next time, I'd like to actually go into the art museum and possibly Tivoli Gardens, which is an amusement park. Rent a bike, and cycle around town. Its a cool little city, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to go - regardless of how exhausted I am now.
Could be what's wrong with the Red Sox too.
Nah.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
New York, New York
Today was the most moving day I've had in a long time. I woke up this morning at 5:30, trying to catch the 9 am flight to DCA. Unfortunately for me, the 9 am flight goes to Dulles and not Reagan; the DCA flight was at 11. I was mad at myself for not paying attention - its not like IAD and DCA are close enough to blame on dyslexia. So I was back at my crash pad by nine.
By then my roommate was up, and she was going to the city for the day so I decided to go along. From here, we take the light rail to the path into the World Trade Center Station. I was completely unprepared for what I saw. I know its been six years since everything, but all these emotions came bubbling to the surface. The ride is so short, and after once you're out from under the river, you're right there in ground zero. As soon as there's light, you're surrounded by giant concrete walls, with symmetric holes where steel used to go. There are ramps and construction workers; it feels so alive yet mournful. The walk from the platform to the street is colorful with children's art portraying events that happened there and memories associated with them. I didn't realize how close St. Paul's was, or how miraculous it is that it's still standing. I'm sure the last time the chapel was used for its intended purposes was the remembrance service with our President in attendance. It has all sorts of artifacts and displays inside, and the chairs and pews are pushed to the sides. I lit a candle (such a Catholic thing to do!) and signed the wall with a fuchsia Crayola crayon. I was amazed at the different tourists that were there, the ones who didn't speak English, the ones who had obviously been there before, and the others who, like me, were so touched and moved with tears streaming down our faces.
After that we went to Chinatown and bought knock-off hand bags.
And a good day was had by all.
By then my roommate was up, and she was going to the city for the day so I decided to go along. From here, we take the light rail to the path into the World Trade Center Station. I was completely unprepared for what I saw. I know its been six years since everything, but all these emotions came bubbling to the surface. The ride is so short, and after once you're out from under the river, you're right there in ground zero. As soon as there's light, you're surrounded by giant concrete walls, with symmetric holes where steel used to go. There are ramps and construction workers; it feels so alive yet mournful. The walk from the platform to the street is colorful with children's art portraying events that happened there and memories associated with them. I didn't realize how close St. Paul's was, or how miraculous it is that it's still standing. I'm sure the last time the chapel was used for its intended purposes was the remembrance service with our President in attendance. It has all sorts of artifacts and displays inside, and the chairs and pews are pushed to the sides. I lit a candle (such a Catholic thing to do!) and signed the wall with a fuchsia Crayola crayon. I was amazed at the different tourists that were there, the ones who didn't speak English, the ones who had obviously been there before, and the others who, like me, were so touched and moved with tears streaming down our faces.
After that we went to Chinatown and bought knock-off hand bags.
And a good day was had by all.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
London, Part Two
London was fantastic. I loved every moment. In terms of my actual job, I did a much better job on the service; I was first class aisle again. My fellow co-worker in the galley was new too, which worked out well for him because we were both rather clueless. As a new flight attendant, the only thing I know for sure how to do is evacuate the aircraft; everything else is rather hit or miss. Going there things were kind of choppy and the service took a long time, but coming home we only had 7 people and the service was perfect. This is definitely my favorite position to work, and I hope someday you'll get a chance to fly with me and check it out. The best part of the whole service is definately the ice cream sundaes - bring your own M&Ms!
After we landed, I debriefed with the pilots til 1 in the afternoon. Then I took the train into Victoria and met up with Janel. We had an early dinner at a cute little Italian resturant (we're protesting the horrors that is British cuisine, including the mayo that comes with anything fried). We met up with the crew for a bit, but they wanted Indian food so we parted ways. Janel and I went to Marks and Spencers and I found the most perfect piece of clothing EVER and for those of you closest to me, call and we'll further discuss. You'll laugh when you hear, and I appologize for not being able to fully share the wonders that is British bras, on the internet, for anyone in the world to read.
Now, up until this point in the day, the weather was horrible. Rainy, chilly, and not tourist friendly. As soon as we were done in M&S around 7, the sun had emerged and we were off! We went to Buckingham Palace, walked over to Big Ben, and made our way over to Trafalgar Square. It was amazing; London is beautiful when the sun's out and you're not alone, not like last week. I can't wait to take Hilary - we'd have a blast!
That night back at the hotel, I met an economist named Jamie while the crew and I were down at the bar. He was very sweet, American, came complete with manners, and bought everyone drinks - charged to his company. He was talking about how he spends a lot time in London and was excited to sit down and talk to Americans. He said he hadn't been into London yet, and I told him he should go and then we discussed the glories of being in the airline industry. Out of all the professions, only actors, musicians, and athletes party harder or as frequently. I highly doubt there would ever be a "CPAs gone wild".
Fear not my friends, I made it to bed by 1 am, and was bright eyed and bushy tailed for our noon flight home. The only annoying thing about flying in the UK is that all liquids must be travel sized (the same rules passengers must follow in the states) and they apply to crew members too (same rules passengers must follow in the States. Annoying, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. There are some airports in the States where certain crew members or ramp workers are not required to go through security. I think that's not fair to those professionals who are out there everyday, or passengers who expect an achieved level of secuirty, and service, from the TSA.
The coolest part about this trip was that I flew with two female pilots, one captain and the other a first officer (she was the international relief officer) and of course another male FO. They were both cool and to see them in a tradionally male career made me feel all Susan B Anthony/Gloria Steinum. It was also nice to be with female not flight attendants. They have a different perspective on the industry and better stories. It was also interesting to me to see the differences between pilots on different planes. I hope I get to fly with everyone again - the whole crew was a blast to work with. I also hope I get to go to London again, and hit up the Tate Modern. I love how finally after learning about all these different places and all those annoying art history classes I get to go and see it all! And come the fall, you guys can come with me!!! Yay free travel passes and yay off-season tourism!!!
After we landed, I debriefed with the pilots til 1 in the afternoon. Then I took the train into Victoria and met up with Janel. We had an early dinner at a cute little Italian resturant (we're protesting the horrors that is British cuisine, including the mayo that comes with anything fried). We met up with the crew for a bit, but they wanted Indian food so we parted ways. Janel and I went to Marks and Spencers and I found the most perfect piece of clothing EVER and for those of you closest to me, call and we'll further discuss. You'll laugh when you hear, and I appologize for not being able to fully share the wonders that is British bras, on the internet, for anyone in the world to read.
Now, up until this point in the day, the weather was horrible. Rainy, chilly, and not tourist friendly. As soon as we were done in M&S around 7, the sun had emerged and we were off! We went to Buckingham Palace, walked over to Big Ben, and made our way over to Trafalgar Square. It was amazing; London is beautiful when the sun's out and you're not alone, not like last week. I can't wait to take Hilary - we'd have a blast!
That night back at the hotel, I met an economist named Jamie while the crew and I were down at the bar. He was very sweet, American, came complete with manners, and bought everyone drinks - charged to his company. He was talking about how he spends a lot time in London and was excited to sit down and talk to Americans. He said he hadn't been into London yet, and I told him he should go and then we discussed the glories of being in the airline industry. Out of all the professions, only actors, musicians, and athletes party harder or as frequently. I highly doubt there would ever be a "CPAs gone wild".
Fear not my friends, I made it to bed by 1 am, and was bright eyed and bushy tailed for our noon flight home. The only annoying thing about flying in the UK is that all liquids must be travel sized (the same rules passengers must follow in the states) and they apply to crew members too (same rules passengers must follow in the States. Annoying, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. There are some airports in the States where certain crew members or ramp workers are not required to go through security. I think that's not fair to those professionals who are out there everyday, or passengers who expect an achieved level of secuirty, and service, from the TSA.
The coolest part about this trip was that I flew with two female pilots, one captain and the other a first officer (she was the international relief officer) and of course another male FO. They were both cool and to see them in a tradionally male career made me feel all Susan B Anthony/Gloria Steinum. It was also nice to be with female not flight attendants. They have a different perspective on the industry and better stories. It was also interesting to me to see the differences between pilots on different planes. I hope I get to fly with everyone again - the whole crew was a blast to work with. I also hope I get to go to London again, and hit up the Tate Modern. I love how finally after learning about all these different places and all those annoying art history classes I get to go and see it all! And come the fall, you guys can come with me!!! Yay free travel passes and yay off-season tourism!!!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Now You're Really Jealous
In London... right now... as I type... again...
Thank you crew scheduling!!!
Thank you crew scheduling!!!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Liam! Its Summer!!!
I stepped out into the night and put my feet down on the wet patio floor
The sky's air had been cooling and steam rose from everywhere
I could feel drops of rain slipping off tree's leaves and splattering to the ground
It's always misty after a summer pour
And I'll remember turning around and looking out
And staring in and focusing on this one beautiful girl
And I said, "Oh who is this? Where was she all those crazy years?
Where was she when my heart couldn't take its beat?"
I sipped down some warm ginger ale
And drew back a breath
And headed over to see about this girl
I couldn't say a thing and I just stared open and wide
And I connected with her eyes to feel my gut fall through the floor
Oh my god, I think I'm falling.
~Saves the Day
Banned from the Back Porch
The sky's air had been cooling and steam rose from everywhere
I could feel drops of rain slipping off tree's leaves and splattering to the ground
It's always misty after a summer pour
And I'll remember turning around and looking out
And staring in and focusing on this one beautiful girl
And I said, "Oh who is this? Where was she all those crazy years?
Where was she when my heart couldn't take its beat?"
I sipped down some warm ginger ale
And drew back a breath
And headed over to see about this girl
I couldn't say a thing and I just stared open and wide
And I connected with her eyes to feel my gut fall through the floor
Oh my god, I think I'm falling.
~Saves the Day
Banned from the Back Porch
Saturday, May 12, 2007
23... That's Still Cute, Right?
Today, I officially turned twenty-three years old. Its practically been tradition that I have a shitty birthday; things just never seem to go quite right for me on my special day. There have been a few exceptions - like that year when my college roommates surprised me with a cake on RutgerFest, or when my boyfriend at the time drove two hours from his school to mine for birthday lunch. But this year was one for the record books and here's how my birthday celebration week went down:
Sunday - Bar Med, Crowley, UK with my crew... in a word, amazing. One of the guys knew the owner/manager person of the bar, so we got free drinks (okay, maybe the hot girls/birthday girl got free drinks?) all night long and danced up on the little stage next to the dj booth. I made eyes with a hot British chap on my way into the "lu" and his way out... one of your friends was wearing a Playboy shirt... you should call me...
Wednesday - one word: Grandma
Thursday - 1/2 price Sushi with JoeCo. Fantastic sushi.
Friday - Cold Stone Cake!!! Hilary's prom too... but mainly just the mint chocolate Cold Stone cake.
Saturday - yay birthday! Dinner at Outback. Shopping spree with my mom, and got to talk to all my favorite people.
I dunno, it may not sound like much to all you guys out there but it was just what I've always wanted. And as for tomorrow, we'll see what crew scheduling has in store for me. I didn't get the trip that I wanted this afternoon; but, last time that happened they sent me to London, so I'm hopeful. Always hopeful.
Sunday - Bar Med, Crowley, UK with my crew... in a word, amazing. One of the guys knew the owner/manager person of the bar, so we got free drinks (okay, maybe the hot girls/birthday girl got free drinks?) all night long and danced up on the little stage next to the dj booth. I made eyes with a hot British chap on my way into the "lu" and his way out... one of your friends was wearing a Playboy shirt... you should call me...
Wednesday - one word: Grandma
Thursday - 1/2 price Sushi with JoeCo. Fantastic sushi.
Friday - Cold Stone Cake!!! Hilary's prom too... but mainly just the mint chocolate Cold Stone cake.
Saturday - yay birthday! Dinner at Outback. Shopping spree with my mom, and got to talk to all my favorite people.
I dunno, it may not sound like much to all you guys out there but it was just what I've always wanted. And as for tomorrow, we'll see what crew scheduling has in store for me. I didn't get the trip that I wanted this afternoon; but, last time that happened they sent me to London, so I'm hopeful. Always hopeful.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Airport Abuse
At this very moment, I am in the crew room sitting airport abuse - I mean, airport alert. When I called scheduling to double check that I had the correct time (from 2230 to 2359), the scheduler basically said that I'm sitting in case someone from the midnight Ponce turn doesn't make it; I sure as hell hope that they do because I would love to get out of here by 0015. When I called to check in, they said that as long as everything goes on time we all should be released (yes, we as in there are more than one of us sitting here). Which is perfect because I'm only good for tomorrow, then I start my days off! Birthday week celebration continues!!!
Now I'm off to read some more of HP #5.
Glamorous. My life is simply glamorous :)
Now I'm off to read some more of HP #5.
Glamorous. My life is simply glamorous :)
Monday, May 7, 2007
Across all the Ponds
London was amazing. The service was hard and I felt like a kid who had lost her parents in DisneyWorld. Going home was a little bit smoother, but I have a lot to learn. Like the names of all the wines - there are 6 different wines on board. I hope I get my transfer to international. I enjoy domestic - there are a lot of cool places to see that I would have never seen otherwise like Indianapolis and Providence. But they just don't compare. Athens, Oslo, Frankfurt, Rome, Dublin, Tel Aviv, Delhi...
Sigh.
Someday.
Sigh.
Someday.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
What a Good Day!
Today was awesome!
So, when I was first assigned my trip, I was a bit apprehensive because it was an ORD turn with a 3 hr sit time. First off, the crew was totally awesome. I love pilots. They have the best stories. We left EWR, no problems, got to ORD and went to Chili's for dinner. We sat and talked for three solid hours and it was a blast!
The pilots had great stories. Our captain was there when they arrested Bobby Brown - flew to EWR from the Bahamas, trying to sneak back into the US to avoid his warrant (hello? you're Bobby Brown... I think at least one of the flight attendants is up to date on her People and/or trashy celebrity magazine). One was flying over Central Park at 0830 on September 11, 2001. Witnessed two different mechanical failures causing MD80's to drive into terminal C. Has flown Joan Rivers, Jerry Seinfeld, George and Barbara Bush; had Pat Benatar removed from his flight because she hit him. FYI - it is a federal offense to hit or abuse (verbally/physically) a flight attendant or pilot (eat that CPA's). I also learned that there are websites with the black box recordings of particularly amusing crash/accident/incident stories - try here and there for more info. (let me know if the links are bad/unamusing)
Now here's some trivia for you: Why are the Northwest tails red?
Back in the day, one of their planes crashed into snow covered mountains. At the time, their planes were a gray color and blended in. Once summer came and the snows melted, the rescue teams were astounded that it was there all along and said that had the tail been red, they would have been able to identify it faster.
One thing Capt. Tom kept emphasizing was keep a journal. Record your stories. Someday, when I'm a senior mama using the bar cart as a walker, I want to be able to share all the crazy, messed up things I've seen with the kiddies, grandkiddies, and even all of you. I must admit, this process is painstakingly slow and thus far the most insane thing I've seen has been poorly dressed trash in the MCO airport. Amusing, but highly unworthy of an entire blog entry.
Tonight's flight was average. I do wonder what these people are like at home though. Growing up, teachers would always say stuff like "you wouldn't do that at home" or "this is not your house." So when this lady says to me "well, I'll basically have a cup of ice, with a little bit of diet coke, and a lemon and a lime" it makes me wonder if that's something she keeps on tap in her fridge. Do you have lemons and limes in your fruit drawer right now? Why do you need both? You're not even getting an alcoholic beverage such as a gin and tonic, thus necessitating said lime. And a lemon?! I'm intrigued. Same with the breakfast drinks. Do you have a coke, coffee, and cranberry juice every morning AND all at once? Or are you just feeling fancy today?
Next time you fly, remember that we do talk about you (and some of us are mean and say bad things!). The best passengers are the ones who's faces I don't even recognize when they get off the plane. That means you were well behaved, didn't ring your button, and ordered the proper amount of drinks.
One.
So, when I was first assigned my trip, I was a bit apprehensive because it was an ORD turn with a 3 hr sit time. First off, the crew was totally awesome. I love pilots. They have the best stories. We left EWR, no problems, got to ORD and went to Chili's for dinner. We sat and talked for three solid hours and it was a blast!
The pilots had great stories. Our captain was there when they arrested Bobby Brown - flew to EWR from the Bahamas, trying to sneak back into the US to avoid his warrant (hello? you're Bobby Brown... I think at least one of the flight attendants is up to date on her People and/or trashy celebrity magazine). One was flying over Central Park at 0830 on September 11, 2001. Witnessed two different mechanical failures causing MD80's to drive into terminal C. Has flown Joan Rivers, Jerry Seinfeld, George and Barbara Bush; had Pat Benatar removed from his flight because she hit him. FYI - it is a federal offense to hit or abuse (verbally/physically) a flight attendant or pilot (eat that CPA's). I also learned that there are websites with the black box recordings of particularly amusing crash/accident/incident stories - try here and there for more info. (let me know if the links are bad/unamusing)
Now here's some trivia for you: Why are the Northwest tails red?
Back in the day, one of their planes crashed into snow covered mountains. At the time, their planes were a gray color and blended in. Once summer came and the snows melted, the rescue teams were astounded that it was there all along and said that had the tail been red, they would have been able to identify it faster.
One thing Capt. Tom kept emphasizing was keep a journal. Record your stories. Someday, when I'm a senior mama using the bar cart as a walker, I want to be able to share all the crazy, messed up things I've seen with the kiddies, grandkiddies, and even all of you. I must admit, this process is painstakingly slow and thus far the most insane thing I've seen has been poorly dressed trash in the MCO airport. Amusing, but highly unworthy of an entire blog entry.
Tonight's flight was average. I do wonder what these people are like at home though. Growing up, teachers would always say stuff like "you wouldn't do that at home" or "this is not your house." So when this lady says to me "well, I'll basically have a cup of ice, with a little bit of diet coke, and a lemon and a lime" it makes me wonder if that's something she keeps on tap in her fridge. Do you have lemons and limes in your fruit drawer right now? Why do you need both? You're not even getting an alcoholic beverage such as a gin and tonic, thus necessitating said lime. And a lemon?! I'm intrigued. Same with the breakfast drinks. Do you have a coke, coffee, and cranberry juice every morning AND all at once? Or are you just feeling fancy today?
Next time you fly, remember that we do talk about you (and some of us are mean and say bad things!). The best passengers are the ones who's faces I don't even recognize when they get off the plane. That means you were well behaved, didn't ring your button, and ordered the proper amount of drinks.
One.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Today and Tomorrow
Yep. I flew the couch for four hours. Four hours reading Harry Potter #5.
No, Wendy, I didn't take a nap. No sleeping on the job for me.
Tomorrow, I'm doing an ORD turn. 3 hour sit time there too.
Crossing my fingers for a good crew.
No, Wendy, I didn't take a nap. No sleeping on the job for me.
Tomorrow, I'm doing an ORD turn. 3 hour sit time there too.
Crossing my fingers for a good crew.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
This Just In:
Tomorrow I will be sitting airport alert from 2 to 6.
(airport alert, aka: flying the couch, airport abuse, officially its AAA)
Now I have to pack my bag for 4 days and seasons, because they can send you anywhere in the world. Last time I had AAA, I got to board an aircraft for a crew that was late coming in from BUF. It was a FLL flight, full of all the usually characters; spring breakers, the couple looking for their kosher meals, pack of 14 yr olds that had never flown before and wanted to take my picture (that was a first, and last I must admit), screaming infants, and average business men in either Texas ties with cowboy hats or Armani suits with shoes freshly shined in the terminal. I suspect had the original crew not made it, I would have a fantastic story about the flight. Oh well, we'll see how tomorrow goes - you never know, now do you?
(airport alert, aka: flying the couch, airport abuse, officially its AAA)
Now I have to pack my bag for 4 days and seasons, because they can send you anywhere in the world. Last time I had AAA, I got to board an aircraft for a crew that was late coming in from BUF. It was a FLL flight, full of all the usually characters; spring breakers, the couple looking for their kosher meals, pack of 14 yr olds that had never flown before and wanted to take my picture (that was a first, and last I must admit), screaming infants, and average business men in either Texas ties with cowboy hats or Armani suits with shoes freshly shined in the terminal. I suspect had the original crew not made it, I would have a fantastic story about the flight. Oh well, we'll see how tomorrow goes - you never know, now do you?
Happy Birthday, Hilary!
I know I go on and on about how much I love flying - I love my job. While I'm doing it.
Today, I sat around my crashpad in Bayonne waiting for crew scheduling to call me. All day. I'm on the request to fly list! That means I want to fly! I could have spent the day at home, celebrating with my baby sister who turned the big one eight. We could have gone from Wawa to Wawa, buying cigarettes and lottery tickets like whoa. I could have taken her to the people in Woodbury responsible for registering voters, and filled out the application. If I actually had real dollars, we could have gotten her a passport too. Gone to Blockbuster and gotten her her very own rental card - gone to the bank and openned a checking account complete with ATM card! The list goes on of cool things you can do once you turn 18. But I wasn't there, and we didn't do them. For I was waiting to fly.
I'm sorry I missed your birthday celebration.
Today, I sat around my crashpad in Bayonne waiting for crew scheduling to call me. All day. I'm on the request to fly list! That means I want to fly! I could have spent the day at home, celebrating with my baby sister who turned the big one eight. We could have gone from Wawa to Wawa, buying cigarettes and lottery tickets like whoa. I could have taken her to the people in Woodbury responsible for registering voters, and filled out the application. If I actually had real dollars, we could have gotten her a passport too. Gone to Blockbuster and gotten her her very own rental card - gone to the bank and openned a checking account complete with ATM card! The list goes on of cool things you can do once you turn 18. But I wasn't there, and we didn't do them. For I was waiting to fly.
I'm sorry I missed your birthday celebration.
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