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Saturday, November 14, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Purser, schmurser!
Last week, I watched the days tick away as I sat at home on Ready Reserve. I wasn't needed on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. As I watched The List, I knew I was going to be called for an oh-dark-thirty check-in on Sunday, and my Company didn't disappoint, calling me at 10 pm to give me my next day's assignment. I was even smart enough to go to bed at 8 pm that night and get a mostly-good night's sleep--which was a good thing, as I needed my energy with the Purser I was flying with!
Since I was only "good" for one day, I was assigned a Denver (DEN) turn out of Baltimore (BWI). (Here in the Washington area, we cover all three airports: Washington Dulles (IAD) where the bulk of our flying occurs; Washington Reagan (DCA), and BWI). I would fly the first leg of the turn with one crew, and change planes to another crew for the return flight.
At BWI, our Purser had a funky name that sounded like "Taco"....and she had a bad attitude before we even got started! I worked the #2 position on the 757 in First Class with Taco, while two super-sweet stews, Ashley and Sharon (aka "Meemaw") worked in the back. They had flown with Taco before and knew her drill...
Our sign-in was 0613...and our departure was 0713. Bright and early in the morning, right? With 24 passengers in our First Class, I decided to make a nice pot of coffee--while doing our pre-departure beverage service, someone would probably ask for a cup at that time in the morning, right? Taco refused the coffee, saying she wasn't going to "let" anyone have anything until she decided they could. (Huh?) So, she did pre-departures with an inch of orange juice or inch of water in the cups...not even half filled up. Weird--and stingy--and embarrasing--and not very nice to our best passengers. She refused to allow a woman to put her sewing machine in the closet--it was too heavy to lift into the overhead bin. (I hooked the lady up with the closet space when I acted like I didn't know Taco had refused her the space...) She would not take a First Class gentleman's coat when he asked her to hang it up, please. She told him, "The other Flight Attendant is doing coats and jackets." (meaning me) and then she just stood in the galley, doing NOT A THING.
During the breakfast service, she worked the galley and I worked the aisle. She didn't set anything up--not the beverage cart, or juice and water and glassware--everything was in the carrier boxes like when we boarded. I have to give her credit, she did put all the meals in the ovens (Bet that wore her out...) She helped me plate--oh, maybe--four or five meals. Other than that, this chick stared at the tiny 3-inch screen on the video equipment and watch the inflight movie, "Julie and Julia" without sound. She delivered not one drink or breakfast tray, did not refill any drinks, nor pick-up any of the breakfast trays when the folks were finished eating them--she just stood at her jumpseat and watched the movie.
After the service, she pulled out her school books--she told us in briefing that she was working on her Master's degree, so she could get out of the flying business and become a counselor--and sat on her jumpseat during the flight working on her schoolwork.
And, at that moment--I was no longer stressed that I had basically done the entire service for 24 by myself. Nope...it all came together and made sense--her aversion to work, her venom towards passengers, and bitterness toward the Company. Naaaa-aah...I didn't need her help--I was going to let her get as much of her schoolwork done as possible. I want her to graduate with honors as soon as possible. And, to get a high-paying job away from the airline and away from our passengers.
You're welcome! Sphere: Related Content
Since I was only "good" for one day, I was assigned a Denver (DEN) turn out of Baltimore (BWI). (Here in the Washington area, we cover all three airports: Washington Dulles (IAD) where the bulk of our flying occurs; Washington Reagan (DCA), and BWI). I would fly the first leg of the turn with one crew, and change planes to another crew for the return flight.
At BWI, our Purser had a funky name that sounded like "Taco"....and she had a bad attitude before we even got started! I worked the #2 position on the 757 in First Class with Taco, while two super-sweet stews, Ashley and Sharon (aka "Meemaw") worked in the back. They had flown with Taco before and knew her drill...
Our sign-in was 0613...and our departure was 0713. Bright and early in the morning, right? With 24 passengers in our First Class, I decided to make a nice pot of coffee--while doing our pre-departure beverage service, someone would probably ask for a cup at that time in the morning, right? Taco refused the coffee, saying she wasn't going to "let" anyone have anything until she decided they could. (Huh?) So, she did pre-departures with an inch of orange juice or inch of water in the cups...not even half filled up. Weird--and stingy--and embarrasing--and not very nice to our best passengers. She refused to allow a woman to put her sewing machine in the closet--it was too heavy to lift into the overhead bin. (I hooked the lady up with the closet space when I acted like I didn't know Taco had refused her the space...) She would not take a First Class gentleman's coat when he asked her to hang it up, please. She told him, "The other Flight Attendant is doing coats and jackets." (meaning me) and then she just stood in the galley, doing NOT A THING.
During the breakfast service, she worked the galley and I worked the aisle. She didn't set anything up--not the beverage cart, or juice and water and glassware--everything was in the carrier boxes like when we boarded. I have to give her credit, she did put all the meals in the ovens (Bet that wore her out...) She helped me plate--oh, maybe--four or five meals. Other than that, this chick stared at the tiny 3-inch screen on the video equipment and watch the inflight movie, "Julie and Julia" without sound. She delivered not one drink or breakfast tray, did not refill any drinks, nor pick-up any of the breakfast trays when the folks were finished eating them--she just stood at her jumpseat and watched the movie.
After the service, she pulled out her school books--she told us in briefing that she was working on her Master's degree, so she could get out of the flying business and become a counselor--and sat on her jumpseat during the flight working on her schoolwork.
And, at that moment--I was no longer stressed that I had basically done the entire service for 24 by myself. Nope...it all came together and made sense--her aversion to work, her venom towards passengers, and bitterness toward the Company. Naaaa-aah...I didn't need her help--I was going to let her get as much of her schoolwork done as possible. I want her to graduate with honors as soon as possible. And, to get a high-paying job away from the airline and away from our passengers.
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Friday, November 6, 2009
Waiting...
I'm sitting "Ready Reserve" at home today--just waiting for The Call. I was on Reserve yesterday, here at home, and didn't get called. Now, I'm kinda itchin' for a trip.
Just checked The List. I am #6 on The List for a 3-day trip. Just checked The Trips, and as of now, there is only one--a 4-day trip to Dubai.
I'll keep you posted...
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Just checked The List. I am #6 on The List for a 3-day trip. Just checked The Trips, and as of now, there is only one--a 4-day trip to Dubai.
I'll keep you posted...
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Tuesday, November 3, 2009
London for pizza!
Had a great trip to London! I worked in Business going over with a London-based crew. Since I was the only one not based there, I was the only Flight Attendant going to the hotel. And, that was just fine, because I love being in London and am very comfortable finding my way around.
Lower Regent Street, just a couple more blocks to New Burlington Street to....
...a Speck pizza at Strada. Described on the menu as: Slices of northern Italian smoked mountain ham, gorgonzola, tomato, mozzarella and rocket. (Rocket is arugula.)
Deeeee-lish!
Flying back Monday morning, I worked the Business Galley--we rocked out two hot meals and had fun doing it. I arrived home yesterday around 1 pm...and was in bed for a few hours a little later. Fun trip for me!
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We worked the day flight over, so we arrived in London around 9:30 pm. Add another hour or so to the hotel in Central London--I checked into my room--and was given Room 1815. Took a little while to find it--it was behind this door (doh!) marked incorrectly:
Torrential rains the next morning made it perfect to sleep in. The skies cleared up a little afternoon, so I headed out for a bite to eat.
A block from the hotel I passed the Hyde Park mansions.
I walked through Marks and Spencer on my way over to the Edgware Road Tube Station. Interesting the way the shoes are displayed there-different from the way they are displayed in a 
US store. After I snapped this picture, I had a Security guy follow me through the rest of the store. With the law following me, I made sure to stop and look at everything!!
US store. After I snapped this picture, I had a Security guy follow me through the rest of the store. With the law following me, I made sure to stop and look at everything!!
Down the escalator to the the Bakerloo Line, which will take me right to Picadilly Circus, and only a few blocks from my favorite restaurant near there.
Getting closer...
Hey! Did you lose your tennis shoes?
Lower Regent Street, just a couple more blocks to New Burlington Street to....
...a Speck pizza at Strada. Described on the menu as: Slices of northern Italian smoked mountain ham, gorgonzola, tomato, mozzarella and rocket. (Rocket is arugula.)
Deeeee-lish!
Flying back Monday morning, I worked the Business Galley--we rocked out two hot meals and had fun doing it. I arrived home yesterday around 1 pm...and was in bed for a few hours a little later. Fun trip for me!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
London snob
See that building at Picadilly Circus with the flags flying on it? (Double-click on it to see it better.) It has become a Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. Bleh. Excuse my while I go hack up a hairball....
I don't know...I just don't like it there. Any other tool in the box called capitalism, sure. I love the Boots store there, and the Gap...but Ripley's? It just doesn't feel London enough for me...
Ack!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wishin' and hopin'....
My prayers have been answered...I received an international trip early this morning, and dammit! I am NOT in Frankfurt. This teeny post comes to you straight from my London hotel room...where it is 1:15 in the morning. Hopefully, I will have some pretty pictures to post tomorrow evening...I don't leave the hotel until 0530 Monday morning.
And, hopefully, the rain is gone. I'm just wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin'.....
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And, hopefully, the rain is gone. I'm just wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin'.....
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Sunday, October 25, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Coffee, Tea, or AED, part 2
A couple of weeks ago, the newspaper USA Today had an article about Flight Attendants and the use of the AED called Coffee, Tea or Defibrillator. Almost a year ago, I wrote a post about some of the emergency procedures that Flight Attendants train for: Coffee, Tea, or AED. At the end of the post, I told a true story about my friend that I called "John."
I sent John a link to that article, in case he didn't see it. He sent me back an e-mail:
I used the AED, one year ago today. And look what shows up in the newspaper today. Coincidence? Or GOD shaking my foundation today?
I wrote the editor of the USA Today and said:
Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to compliment my profession in today's ...article: Coffee, tea or AED? My response is two-fold.
To all of my colleagues: your training skills will help you through this type of inflight emergency, but be prepared to deal with negative circumstances. One year ago today, I used the AED on one of my passengers on a trans-con flight. Unfortunately, the man did not survive. Be prepared to deal with grief. I went to my layover hotel in shock and had nightmares for a week. I grieved for a man I didn't know for months.
And, to all of our passengers: please say something if you're not feeling well. If my passenger had only said something to one of the flight attendants we could of kept an eye on him. I'll never know how long he was sitting there unconscious until someone finally rang for assistance.
I was able to write the family and send my condolences after this incident. So, today, on the one year anniversary, I'm wiping away tears on my jumpseat. Still saddened by my experience. Saddened for the children who no longer have a father and a wife who no longer has her soulmate.
He gives great advice--if you don't feel well, let us know.
It makes me sad that my friend is still haunted by his experience from last year.
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I sent John a link to that article, in case he didn't see it. He sent me back an e-mail:
I used the AED, one year ago today. And look what shows up in the newspaper today. Coincidence? Or GOD shaking my foundation today?
I wrote the editor of the USA Today and said:
Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to compliment my profession in today's ...article: Coffee, tea or AED? My response is two-fold.
To all of my colleagues: your training skills will help you through this type of inflight emergency, but be prepared to deal with negative circumstances. One year ago today, I used the AED on one of my passengers on a trans-con flight. Unfortunately, the man did not survive. Be prepared to deal with grief. I went to my layover hotel in shock and had nightmares for a week. I grieved for a man I didn't know for months.
And, to all of our passengers: please say something if you're not feeling well. If my passenger had only said something to one of the flight attendants we could of kept an eye on him. I'll never know how long he was sitting there unconscious until someone finally rang for assistance.
I was able to write the family and send my condolences after this incident. So, today, on the one year anniversary, I'm wiping away tears on my jumpseat. Still saddened by my experience. Saddened for the children who no longer have a father and a wife who no longer has her soulmate.
He gives great advice--if you don't feel well, let us know.
It makes me sad that my friend is still haunted by his experience from last year.
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Sunday, October 18, 2009
Last week
With Norm preparing to head to Germany and Africa for the next year, it was time to tie up loose ends.
On Wednesday morning, he kissed me good bye and said, "I'll be home around 2--let's go get our marriage license."
That cold and rainy afternoon, we drove to the courthouse in Alexandria. Walking through the wet streets of Old Town, he pulled me closer to his side. The rain, the cold, the brick street--the silence between us, the knowing between us, our quick steps --it all felt soulful.
After receiving our license, he called one of the celebrants on the list--could we get married today? Yes? Now? Yes.
We parked almost in front of the attorney-celebrant's office. Two things about the location of this parking spot--it is directly in front of the restaurant where we met almost 9 years ago. And, it is the only free parking spot in Old Town Alexandria. (Efficient and a good value. These are things that are important to Norm!)
The elevator door opened into the reception area. "Your 'wedding' is here," the receptionist informed the celebrant on the phone. (I suppose a big poofy white dress would have been proof that we were 'the wedding'...but Norm and I were in jeans. Maybe it was the looks on our faces...)
The attorney greeted us, led us into a small conference room, reviewed our license, asked a couple of questions..then we stood up...
Facing each other, and holding hands, we began.
"Do you...?" the celebrant asked.
"I do," Norm replied.
Do you...?" the celebrant asked of me.
"I do."
Kiss. Big hug. Kiss.
It was perfect for us.
We went next door to King Street Blues. The town drunk (as defined later by the bartender) asked could he kiss the bride. Tracy arrived and we had a small celebration. I threw the napkin, er..um... I mean bouquet....and Tracy caught it.
Yesterday, he left for 3 weeks of training. He'll come home for a few days, then head over to Germany. I'll be able to see him, hopefully frequently. He'll be an hour's train ride outside of Frankfurt.
Yes, Frankfurt. My home away from home. The city I have been to the most this year.
And now that my new husband is there...let's take bets on how often I get a FRA trip. I'll bet that I never see it again on a layover...
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On Wednesday morning, he kissed me good bye and said, "I'll be home around 2--let's go get our marriage license."
That cold and rainy afternoon, we drove to the courthouse in Alexandria. Walking through the wet streets of Old Town, he pulled me closer to his side. The rain, the cold, the brick street--the silence between us, the knowing between us, our quick steps --it all felt soulful.
After receiving our license, he called one of the celebrants on the list--could we get married today? Yes? Now? Yes.
We parked almost in front of the attorney-celebrant's office. Two things about the location of this parking spot--it is directly in front of the restaurant where we met almost 9 years ago. And, it is the only free parking spot in Old Town Alexandria. (Efficient and a good value. These are things that are important to Norm!)
The elevator door opened into the reception area. "Your 'wedding' is here," the receptionist informed the celebrant on the phone. (I suppose a big poofy white dress would have been proof that we were 'the wedding'...but Norm and I were in jeans. Maybe it was the looks on our faces...)
The attorney greeted us, led us into a small conference room, reviewed our license, asked a couple of questions..then we stood up...
Facing each other, and holding hands, we began.
"Do you...?" the celebrant asked.
"I do," Norm replied.
Do you...?" the celebrant asked of me.
"I do."
Kiss. Big hug. Kiss.
It was perfect for us.
We went next door to King Street Blues. The town drunk (as defined later by the bartender) asked could he kiss the bride. Tracy arrived and we had a small celebration. I threw the napkin, er..um... I mean bouquet....and Tracy caught it.
Yesterday, he left for 3 weeks of training. He'll come home for a few days, then head over to Germany. I'll be able to see him, hopefully frequently. He'll be an hour's train ride outside of Frankfurt.
Yes, Frankfurt. My home away from home. The city I have been to the most this year.
And now that my new husband is there...let's take bets on how often I get a FRA trip. I'll bet that I never see it again on a layover...
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Are you kidding me?
Sunday afternoon, my position on the Reserve list was lining up with a trip to Rome (FCO). Do you think I got that trip? Ohhellno! I was given one leg to San Francisco, arrive there a little after midnight, layover 18 hours, one quick leg to San Diego, then the redeye back home, arriving at 6 a.m. Bleh...
So, I made peace with the trip--I had no choice, anyway....
I packed and drove to the airport. As I was pulling into a parking space, my cell phone rang. It was the Crew Desk-and my trip was being changed.
Guess where they sent me?
Frankfurt.
And, that's all I have to say about that...
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So, I made peace with the trip--I had no choice, anyway....
I packed and drove to the airport. As I was pulling into a parking space, my cell phone rang. It was the Crew Desk-and my trip was being changed.
Guess where they sent me?
Frankfurt.
And, that's all I have to say about that...
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Voice just called...
Henry from the Crew Desk just called. I like getting calls from him. He usually calls early to assign a trip--not just the required minimum 4 hours prior to departure. And he has a big, deep, booming voice--if he wasn't such a pussycat, his voice could scare you!
I've never met Henry--I know we walked through the Crew Desk area when we were in training in Chicago--but, I don't remember anyone's face or name--we were all scared of our shadows in that place!
There is one woman at the Crew Desk that calls to assigns you to a trip from hell with weird sneer-reminds me of the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz: "I'll get you my pretty...and your little dog, too!" I dread hearing her calls. Now, when Henry calls, his is a reassuring voice (in a weird, Crew Desk type of way...)
Henry called about 30 minutes ago to give me an assignment with 7 hours notice. SEVEN hours! That's like gold to me!
I'm working the last flight out to San Francisco (SFO) with just under 12 hours there, then deadheading back home tomorrow afternoon. Easy peasy!
Thanks, Henry!
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I've never met Henry--I know we walked through the Crew Desk area when we were in training in Chicago--but, I don't remember anyone's face or name--we were all scared of our shadows in that place!
There is one woman at the Crew Desk that calls to assigns you to a trip from hell with weird sneer-reminds me of the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz: "I'll get you my pretty...and your little dog, too!" I dread hearing her calls. Henry called about 30 minutes ago to give me an assignment with 7 hours notice. SEVEN hours! That's like gold to me!
I'm working the last flight out to San Francisco (SFO) with just under 12 hours there, then deadheading back home tomorrow afternoon. Easy peasy!
Thanks, Henry!
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Monday, October 5, 2009
This is weird...
Last night, I was lining up for the Geneva (GVA) trip--there were four open positions--people had called out sick, must have been a bad Purser! Today: nada...nuthin'...bupkus. The telephone has been eerily silent all day.
I checked the phone to make sure it was working or that I didn't sleep through a call. (I think all reserve Flight Attendants have done that!) It's working...no voicemails. Then checked the list--I'm still there. Then I checked the Open Trips, none there--they have all been staffed.
Shhhh...be vewwy vewwy quiet....
My View 1 Year Ago: Saturday night
My View 2 Years Ago: San Antonio
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I checked the phone to make sure it was working or that I didn't sleep through a call. (I think all reserve Flight Attendants have done that!) It's working...no voicemails. Then checked the list--I'm still there. Then I checked the Open Trips, none there--they have all been staffed.
Shhhh...be vewwy vewwy quiet....
My View 1 Year Ago: Saturday night
My View 2 Years Ago: San Antonio
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Frankfurt (this is a recording...)
I got back from Frankfurt (FRA) yesterday afternoon. I worked the First Class galley on the 767 going and coming back. Suh-weet! There were eight Flight Attendants on the trip and everyone got along really well--so, it was a fun trip! I went to bed as soon as I got to my room-around 9:30 a.m.-and slept until almost dinner time. The hotel gives us all a free drink coupon when we check in so all the crews tend to meet in the hotel bar around 6 p.m.
Some people walked over to Im Herzen Afrikas--the restaurant that I enjoyed so much last year. Having just gotten back from FRA, I really wasn't in the mood and was tired--really tired. I walked the block over to the Hauptbahnof train station and found a food court there--got myself a bratwurst, potatoes and red cabbage--mmmmmm-mmm! Took it all back to my room and had a nice quiet dinner there. It wasn't long before I was falling asleep again...only to wake up at 5:30 in the morning and not be able to go back to sleep (it was 11:30 p.m. in Washington!) and I was awake until I hit my own bed at 4 pm when I got home.
My sleep is all screwed up--and I am really tired. Back on Reserve tomorrow for three days, then off for two. Maybe I won't get used. Then again, there is a Rome, Buenos Aires, Brussels and Geneva in Open Trips. But, with three flights a day to Frankfurt from Washington, I'm sure someone will call in sick, and a Frankfurt will pop into Open Trips--with my name all over it!
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Some people walked over to Im Herzen Afrikas--the restaurant that I enjoyed so much last year. Having just gotten back from FRA, I really wasn't in the mood and was tired--really tired. I walked the block over to the Hauptbahnof train station and found a food court there--got myself a bratwurst, potatoes and red cabbage--mmmmmm-mmm! Took it all back to my room and had a nice quiet dinner there. It wasn't long before I was falling asleep again...only to wake up at 5:30 in the morning and not be able to go back to sleep (it was 11:30 p.m. in Washington!) and I was awake until I hit my own bed at 4 pm when I got home.
My sleep is all screwed up--and I am really tired. Back on Reserve tomorrow for three days, then off for two. Maybe I won't get used. Then again, there is a Rome, Buenos Aires, Brussels and Geneva in Open Trips. But, with three flights a day to Frankfurt from Washington, I'm sure someone will call in sick, and a Frankfurt will pop into Open Trips--with my name all over it!
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
Karma? I'm not so sure...
I went to the briefing with my crew going to Frankfurt (FRA) yesterday afternoon. In the briefing, we choose our working positions based on our seniority. Usually, the #8 position goes super-senior--the First Class galley is a primo working spot. I was the most junior person of the 12 Flight Attendants--and was surprised that I was left with the #8 position.
Then, the Purser kept talking. And she was selling all kinds of crazy. And control issues?? Not even Dr. Phil would touch this chick! Now, I knew why the position was mine--no one wanted to work near her.
Apparently, karma was on my side...once we were onboard and setting up, the Crew Desk called and took me off the flight. They decided we were overstaffed with 12 Flight Attendants on the 777. (Actually, 12 Flight Attendants makes for a really nice service inCoach the Village.) I sat Standby at the airport for the next 3 hours and came home.
And, I was typing this, the Crew Desk called me with a trip. Guess where I'm going, again? Frankfurt.
Hey, Karma.....really?
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Then, the Purser kept talking. And she was selling all kinds of crazy. And control issues?? Not even Dr. Phil would touch this chick! Now, I knew why the position was mine--no one wanted to work near her.
Apparently, karma was on my side...once we were onboard and setting up, the Crew Desk called and took me off the flight. They decided we were overstaffed with 12 Flight Attendants on the 777. (Actually, 12 Flight Attendants makes for a really nice service in
And, I was typing this, the Crew Desk called me with a trip. Guess where I'm going, again? Frankfurt.
Hey, Karma.....really?
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Really?
Just got a call from the Crew Desk. This afternoon, I am going back to Frankfurt (FRA) again.
Do we fly anywhere else????
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Do we fly anywhere else????
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Pics from my camera
I'm just back from Frankfurt (FRA)--or as my friend Steve calls it, my "home away from home!" I worked the late flight over on Saturday night and got into my hotel room at 12:45 Sunday afternoon. A nap was necessary and a little later, I met some friends for dinner.
My colleagues, Wayne, Mandy and Vicki--who worked the earlier flight.
Wayne, Vicki and I walked over to the Klosterhof restaurant for some schnitzel. The Flight Crews affectionately call this place "The Orange Door." I bet you can guess why...
Always a good time and a great meal--and the weather was nice enough that we could still eat outside in the bier garten.
Other pics in my camera...
One of the girls I flew with showed off her new tee-shirt!
I could see the tall ship from the view from my room in San Diego last week.
I was walking down the airport concourse, heading to the employee parking lot to go home, and ran across this man with this bird. Turns out, the bird is the mascot of the US Air Force Academy and they were heading back to the Academy in Colorado Springs. CO.
It was so hot on the 767 I was working a couple of weeks ago--that we opened carts every few minutes to get a cool breeze...
Miss Emmie, in Tracy's lap next to her computer, says enough with the pictures, she wants a nap!!
My View 1 Year Ago: Where have all the flowers gone?
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Thursday, September 24, 2009
Notes from the cocktail napkin
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I had a good trip this week--two legs to San Diego (SAN) with a 32 hour layover, then worked three legs back home. While I was in SAN, the phone woke me up around 0900. It was the front desk letting me know I had a fax from the night prior. I made my way to the lobby, where the clerk at the front desk handed the fax to me and said "It was pretty funny." And it was! Complete with an official letterhead and photo on the page, our cat, Emmie had sent me a fax to let me know that Tracy's dog smelled, Norm wasn't feeding her the good food that I do, and that she missed me. Loved it!
So--here are some of the notes from the serviette (cocktail napkin) shoved in and out of my pocket during this trip...
I was walking on the right hand side of the concourse, heading to my gate. Not in the middle of the concourse, just on the right hand side, following a few people in front of me--just walkin', single file, draggin' my bag, in an orderly fashion.As I walk past a gate, I see a woman with a double baby buggy, inches from me. She had two babies in this double stroller, both appeared to be sleeping. She was in the gate area, facing the concourse. If traffic rules apply here, she would have to yield to oncoming traffic--me. Just as my body passed her, BAM! She drove her baby carriage into my rollaboard suitcase! I was so startled by this, I did not know what to say. So, I said what I have to say quite a bit as a Flight Attendant, "I'm sorry." And, she just looked at me, like I was evil. She rammed her kids into me...I was just walking along, following traffic...Whatever, Wierdo...
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Working so many hours without a break, the Company is contractually required to provide us with a crew meal. The only place to eat these meals is standing up in the galley. Conveniently located next to the galley is the lav (bathroom). People in line for the lav stare at us scarfing down our meal.
Jumpseat Confession:
What's up with that? Have they never seen a person eat before? Strange feeling for me, knowing the guy in 22C is staring at me while I shovel chicken and rice into my mouth. I felt like a freak show. Maybe I should sell tickets!
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Saw these Cool Feet in a magazine--wrote it down so I could remember to check it out.Wanted to look at Eat This, Not That on Men's Health website.
Also wanted to remember to friend Josie on Facebook. She's a terrific Flight Attendant I flew with this trip. We had flown together before and had a good time--she's so funny!
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From Denver (DEN) to Tampa (TPA) I was the #4. During boarding, I am the "Greeter" and stand at the 2L Door, between First Class andthe Village Coach
. After most everyone had boarded, a gentleman came up to me from First Class. From the gate, he had noticed the first passenger to get on, a young man who was on crutches because he was an amputee. His gear had military insignia on it, and with his haircut and demeanor, it was safe to assume his injuries were war related. The gentleman in First Class asked me if it was alright to switch seats with the young man in the back. "Of course," I said..."lets wait until everyone else has finished boarding." After locating him in the back of the bus (or the 757, as in this case!) the gentleman from First Class softly spoke with the young man, who didn't want to leave the friend he was traveling with. The friend insisted that he go, and as they changed seats, I carried the young man's bag to the front closet in First Class. His bag had his prosthetic leg standing straight up--and I could look down and see the inside of it. Carrying the bag to the closet, I could not hold back the hot tears of gratitude I felt for this soldier--it reminded me of the song with the words, "All gave some, some gave all." I was also very moved by the very generous offer of the gentleman from First Class. Some talk the talk--but, he walked the walk.
From Denver (DEN) to Tampa (TPA) I was the #4. During boarding, I am the "Greeter" and stand at the 2L Door, between First Class and
. After most everyone had boarded, a gentleman came up to me from First Class. From the gate, he had noticed the first passenger to get on, a young man who was on crutches because he was an amputee. His gear had military insignia on it, and with his haircut and demeanor, it was safe to assume his injuries were war related. The gentleman in First Class asked me if it was alright to switch seats with the young man in the back. "Of course," I said..."lets wait until everyone else has finished boarding." After locating him in the back of the bus (or the 757, as in this case!) the gentleman from First Class softly spoke with the young man, who didn't want to leave the friend he was traveling with. The friend insisted that he go, and as they changed seats, I carried the young man's bag to the front closet in First Class. His bag had his prosthetic leg standing straight up--and I could look down and see the inside of it. Carrying the bag to the closet, I could not hold back the hot tears of gratitude I felt for this soldier--it reminded me of the song with the words, "All gave some, some gave all." I was also very moved by the very generous offer of the gentleman from First Class. Some talk the talk--but, he walked the walk.My View 1 Year Ago: Blondie's Triumph over Tommy the Tumor!
My View 2 Years Ago: The Drive to Hilo.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Early Christmas present?
Did my 0500 Standby yesterday. Four hours of Airport Appreciation. Standby is an available Flight Attendant at the airport in case another can't work for whatever reason (car troubles, goes illegal, calls in sick, etc.) I spent my tour of duty in a big, fat LaZ Boy chair with my cell phone in my pocket and took a nap.
Last night, the Crew Desk called at 10 p.m. I was sure I was getting something that had a check-in at oh-dark-thirty, again. For whatever reason, the Crew Desk called to give me my trip that checks in at 3 p.m. this afternoon! I have never had this much notice--it was like being a kid on Christmas!
And my trip is a good one, too! Washington to San Francisco to San Diego tonight--with a 32 hour layover (!)--then work back to Washington on Tuesday via Denver and Tampa.
I am a very happy girl!
My View 1 Year Ago: My CA-thee Cwaire
My View 2 Years Ago: Captain as a Flight Attendant-not pretty!
Sphere: Related Content
Last night, the Crew Desk called at 10 p.m. I was sure I was getting something that had a check-in at oh-dark-thirty, again. For whatever reason, the Crew Desk called to give me my trip that checks in at 3 p.m. this afternoon! I have never had this much notice--it was like being a kid on Christmas!
And my trip is a good one, too! Washington to San Francisco to San Diego tonight--with a 32 hour layover (!)--then work back to Washington on Tuesday via Denver and Tampa.
I am a very happy girl!
My View 1 Year Ago: My CA-thee Cwaire
My View 2 Years Ago: Captain as a Flight Attendant-not pretty!
Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Which trip will I get?
I'm going back to work on Friday for my half of the partner flying for the month of September. My partner, Sue, has been flying the last two weeks--and now it's worked it out so I will fly the last half of September and the first half of October, so she will have four weeks off in a row. And, I'll get the same in November/December. And, she'll have Christmas off, and I'll have Thanksgiving off--just the way we like it!
A bit prematurely, because it all changes so frequently, but I took a peek at the Open Trips for Friday. There's Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Geneva, Rio de Janiero, Munich, Zurich, Paris, and Sao Paulo. Ni-ice!
But, since I am good for five days of flying, and am #1 on the Reserve list, I'd bet almost anything that I'll be sitting 0500 Standby at the airport.
I'll let you know!
My View 1 Year Ago: Duck, Duck, Goose!
My View 2 Years Ago: Late to Lexington
Sphere: Related Content
A bit prematurely, because it all changes so frequently, but I took a peek at the Open Trips for Friday. There's Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Geneva, Rio de Janiero, Munich, Zurich, Paris, and Sao Paulo. Ni-ice!
But, since I am good for five days of flying, and am #1 on the Reserve list, I'd bet almost anything that I'll be sitting 0500 Standby at the airport.
I'll let you know!
My View 1 Year Ago: Duck, Duck, Goose!
My View 2 Years Ago: Late to Lexington
Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, September 10, 2009
What do I pack in my mobile home?
I am so totally stealing this title from Brajit over on Popslinger's Paradise. Go on over and say hi to him--he has been jamming with a lot of great posts the last couple of months!
So, what do I pack in my suitcase? We have a 20" Travelpro issued to us in training, as well as a lovely matching tote bag. (While it is issued to us, we still pay for it.) This is my mobile home for any trip I take. It may be a week in Prague or a quick work trip to Chicago (ORD) and back. (See, if I just carried my FAA and Company required stuff, something--like a mechanical problem or weather--would happen and I'd end up with an unexpected layover, without MY required stuff. Been there, done that!)
I think most Flight Attendants have the same sort of thought process that they use everytime they pack for a work trip. I keep mine real simple: work clothes, play clothes, jammie clothes. And the associated underthings that go with each, plus extra-just in case.
I usually wear my dress for work trips--saves me from packing a ton of uniform shirts. I do lose out in that I have to pack several pairs of panty hose. So, that covers the work clothes category.
Play clothes is jeans and capris and a couple different shirts. Something that I could go someplace relatively nice, or a whole-in-the-wall and be comfy. Depending on where I go, I may bring a swimsuit and cover-up.
Jammie clothes is easy, too--just some yoga pants, a camisole and zip-up jacket. Something I can wear to get ice or a soda at the hotel and also sleep in. (In case the damn fire alarm goes off at 3 a.m. and I am on the 19th floor of a hotel--I wanna be able to get out of there fast, and covered up!)
Then the list gets a little long, but, since I pack the same stuff all the time, I almost always am able to tell if something is missing.
My Flight Attendant Manual. Required.
Passport. Required. (Even if I am only going to ORD and back, still gotta have it.)
Flashlight. Required.
Make-up. Required. (By me!) And a toiletry bag that lies flat...love this! It goes on the top of all my stuff when I am finished packing and takes up so little room in my suitcase!
Inflight shoes. Flat and comfortable.
Laptop and cell phone and iTouch and associated chargers. And two pairs of earphones.
Corkscrew. (You never know...)
Chapstick. In my uniform pocket.
Moisturizer-within easy reach during my flight.
Hand sanitizer. ('nuff said...)
Pens galore. I must have 30 in my tote bag. All hotel pens.
A couple of Ziploc bags. I don't know why I have 'em. Have never used them.
Moisturizing eyedrops. Also within easy reach during the flight. Since my Lasik surgery, my eyes get as dry as a desert!
Sewing kit.
Magazines. (My love for People magazine is well-documented!)
I bring another pair of shoes to wear with my jeans, and some Switchflops for the capris.
I also bring along my own hair conditioner--will usually use the hotel shampoo, though.
Febreeze. Can't live without it. Travel sized, of course!
An alarm clock.
Electrical outlet adapters if I am flying on an international trip.
A couple of small shopping bags that fold up to nothing. In many countries, you get charged for a bag when you check out--so, I like to have a couple just in case. They fit into a flat, outside pocket on my roll-a-board.
Baby wipes. I use them all the time when I want to wash my hands and can't.
Clorox wipes. My germophobia is also well-documented!
Now I know why the hotel van driver always grunts when he picks up my bag--I guess I do carry a lot of stuff with me.
What do YOU carry in your bag?
Sphere: Related Content
So, what do I pack in my suitcase? We have a 20" Travelpro issued to us in training, as well as a lovely matching tote bag. (While it is issued to us, we still pay for it.) This is my mobile home for any trip I take. It may be a week in Prague or a quick work trip to Chicago (ORD) and back. (See, if I just carried my FAA and Company required stuff, something--like a mechanical problem or weather--would happen and I'd end up with an unexpected layover, without MY required stuff. Been there, done that!)
I think most Flight Attendants have the same sort of thought process that they use everytime they pack for a work trip. I keep mine real simple: work clothes, play clothes, jammie clothes. And the associated underthings that go with each, plus extra-just in case.
I usually wear my dress for work trips--saves me from packing a ton of uniform shirts. I do lose out in that I have to pack several pairs of panty hose. So, that covers the work clothes category.
Play clothes is jeans and capris and a couple different shirts. Something that I could go someplace relatively nice, or a whole-in-the-wall and be comfy. Depending on where I go, I may bring a swimsuit and cover-up.
Jammie clothes is easy, too--just some yoga pants, a camisole and zip-up jacket. Something I can wear to get ice or a soda at the hotel and also sleep in. (In case the damn fire alarm goes off at 3 a.m. and I am on the 19th floor of a hotel--I wanna be able to get out of there fast, and covered up!)
Then the list gets a little long, but, since I pack the same stuff all the time, I almost always am able to tell if something is missing.
My Flight Attendant Manual. Required.
Passport. Required. (Even if I am only going to ORD and back, still gotta have it.)
Flashlight. Required.
Make-up. Required. (By me!) And a toiletry bag that lies flat...love this! It goes on the top of all my stuff when I am finished packing and takes up so little room in my suitcase!
Inflight shoes. Flat and comfortable.
Laptop and cell phone and iTouch and associated chargers. And two pairs of earphones.
Corkscrew. (You never know...)
Chapstick. In my uniform pocket.
Moisturizer-within easy reach during my flight.
Hand sanitizer. ('nuff said...)
Pens galore. I must have 30 in my tote bag. All hotel pens.
A couple of Ziploc bags. I don't know why I have 'em. Have never used them.
Moisturizing eyedrops. Also within easy reach during the flight. Since my Lasik surgery, my eyes get as dry as a desert!
Sewing kit.
Magazines. (My love for People magazine is well-documented!)
I bring another pair of shoes to wear with my jeans, and some Switchflops for the capris.
I also bring along my own hair conditioner--will usually use the hotel shampoo, though.
Febreeze. Can't live without it. Travel sized, of course!
An alarm clock.
Electrical outlet adapters if I am flying on an international trip.
A couple of small shopping bags that fold up to nothing. In many countries, you get charged for a bag when you check out--so, I like to have a couple just in case. They fit into a flat, outside pocket on my roll-a-board.
Baby wipes. I use them all the time when I want to wash my hands and can't.
Clorox wipes. My germophobia is also well-documented!
Now I know why the hotel van driver always grunts when he picks up my bag--I guess I do carry a lot of stuff with me.
What do YOU carry in your bag?
Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Any wannabes out there?
You probably know that many airlines here in the US are struggling. "The friendly skies" of my airline decided this summer that it was overstaffed and needed to have some people go "buh-bye." They managed to offer 1926 Flight Attendants a voluntary furlough and an additional 165 Flight Attendants (including me) are partner flying (job sharing.)
In addition to the 1252 already furloughed, American Airlines just laid off another 921 Flight Attendants. (Well, 244 of them are out for the months of October and November, and will return to flying to be Santa's elves for December. It will be interesting to see what January brings for them.)
Earlier this summer, US Airways sought to furlough 400 Flight Attendants. The country has been hearing this sort of news plenty in the last 8 years--and these numbers are daunting!
I know in July, when I was staring at the computer to see whether or not I had a job anymore, the waiting was terrible. The uncertainty, the not knowing, the unfathomable future without this job that I love or the benefits I adore...(yeah, it's that cool of a job!)
On the second day at training at my mainline job, we were given the news that there would be no more classes hired after us for the time being. This was blamed on the price of fuel at the time. There were people who were on their way to the Training Center--one girl had already quit her job and had her car being shipped to Chicago when she received the call not to come to class. And being in the last class that was hired--if anyone is going to be involuntarily furloughed, it will be me. I am about #10 from the bottom of the seniority list here at my airline.
Okay, after reading that...are there still any Flight Attendant wannabes out there? While many airlines are laying off Flight Attendants, there are still some that are hiring.
The scuttlebutt over on FlightAttendants.org (a pay site--and worth every penny if you are a wannabe) is that Hawaiian Airlines will be hiring. It's a small airline with big plans of expansion--for now the word is they are looking for 30 more Flight Attendants.
Qantas is accepting "interest."
Regional carriers that are hiring: Trans States, Air Wisconsin, and Skywest.
Kiki Ward, who for a long time has put together a great interview guide specific to each airline has a list of the airlines hiring--and there aren't that many...
Two of my favorite bloggers have recently posted important information for any wannabes (and we all were one before we were hired!)
Ben, aka Airboy, is a 23 year old Flight Attendant from Paris, who flies for Emirates (EK). Looks like EK is hiring. Check out Airboy's website--it is chock full of fun stuff and great information. He has a great section on joining Emirates Air Crew with a lot of FAQ's and other useful information for wannabes or even wannaknows!
And, Heather Poole, who flies for an American mainline carrier and writes Galley Gossip for Gadling, and also has a personal website, gives all the wannabes great advice when it comes to Flight Attendant Training Schools.
If you're a wannabe, you'll definitely want to follow Heather and Airboy and subscribe to FAs.org. And, hurry up and get hired, please! We all want to have you onboard with us! And, I want some seniority!
Sphere: Related Content
In addition to the 1252 already furloughed, American Airlines just laid off another 921 Flight Attendants. (Well, 244 of them are out for the months of October and November, and will return to flying to be Santa's elves for December. It will be interesting to see what January brings for them.)Earlier this summer, US Airways sought to furlough 400 Flight Attendants. The country has been hearing this sort of news plenty in the last 8 years--and these numbers are daunting!
I know in July, when I was staring at the computer to see whether or not I had a job anymore, the waiting was terrible. The uncertainty, the not knowing, the unfathomable future without this job that I love or the benefits I adore...(yeah, it's that cool of a job!)
On the second day at training at my mainline job, we were given the news that there would be no more classes hired after us for the time being. This was blamed on the price of fuel at the time. There were people who were on their way to the Training Center--one girl had already quit her job and had her car being shipped to Chicago when she received the call not to come to class. And being in the last class that was hired--if anyone is going to be involuntarily furloughed, it will be me. I am about #10 from the bottom of the seniority list here at my airline.
Okay, after reading that...are there still any Flight Attendant wannabes out there? While many airlines are laying off Flight Attendants, there are still some that are hiring.
The scuttlebutt over on FlightAttendants.org (a pay site--and worth every penny if you are a wannabe) is that Hawaiian Airlines will be hiring. It's a small airline with big plans of expansion--for now the word is they are looking for 30 more Flight Attendants.
Qantas is accepting "interest."
Regional carriers that are hiring: Trans States, Air Wisconsin, and Skywest.
Kiki Ward, who for a long time has put together a great interview guide specific to each airline has a list of the airlines hiring--and there aren't that many...
Two of my favorite bloggers have recently posted important information for any wannabes (and we all were one before we were hired!)
Ben, aka Airboy, is a 23 year old Flight Attendant from Paris, who flies for Emirates (EK). Looks like EK is hiring. Check out Airboy's website--it is chock full of fun stuff and great information. He has a great section on joining Emirates Air Crew with a lot of FAQ's and other useful information for wannabes or even wannaknows!
And, Heather Poole, who flies for an American mainline carrier and writes Galley Gossip for Gadling, and also has a personal website, gives all the wannabes great advice when it comes to Flight Attendant Training Schools.
If you're a wannabe, you'll definitely want to follow Heather and Airboy and subscribe to FAs.org. And, hurry up and get hired, please! We all want to have you onboard with us! And, I want some seniority!
Sphere: Related Content
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