Lewis--dear, sweet Lewis....

January 28, 2009 7 Comments A+ a-

Omigawd! Heather Poole just has the best post about dating a Flight Attendant--written by Lewis. Lewis, who, were I not previously spoken for, I would have to hunt down like an animal and date myself! (Honey, I keed, I keed!)

Here's a little taste of her post:

Dear Heather,

I've really enjoyed reading your blog. I thought I'd add a different perspective...what it's like to be the guy who is dating a flight attendant. ALL red-blooded American men dreamed for years of dating a flight attendant. My turn finally came and I was in awe. I then was rather surprised that the glamorous life we were led to believe didn't really exist. I found flight attendants have one of the toughest lives out there, and to this day I don't understand how they endure it. My suspicions are...those who can't take it drop out in the first year, leaving those who can....

I was horrified...and mystified...that essentially flight attendants get paid door closing to door opening. ALL that work-heavy time boarding....is their "contribution to the airline." ....They report two HOURS before a flight....out of the "goodness of their heart." I was even surprised they weren't paid on layovers.

Read the rest of Heather's post here.

Blondie

Japanese Mall Fountain

January 28, 2009 0 Comments A+ a-

Just thought this was way cool and thought I share. It is video of a fountain at a mall in Japan-- (In case the title of this post didn't explain it enough...!!)

And, if you are clamoring for more of the video, here is a longer version on You Tube.



Blondie

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

January 25, 2009 3 Comments A+ a-

I read an article in Time magazine online, called "Is it Healthy for Couples to Travel Apart?", and it got me thinking. Does the fact that we vacation apart mean that Norm and I have a bad relationship?

Norm and I travel apart often. I remember when we first became a couple, he sent an e-mail to few of his friends around the globe, sort of "introducing" our relationship. One of the ways he described me was "she travels well." At the time, I thought it sounded like "she eats her vegetables" or "she is hardy" or "she is of good cheer". Now I understand his message to his friends. It was a compliment in the truest sense.

Work plays a big role in whether or not we can do stuff together. As a Flight Attendant, I can move days around so I work a bunch of days in a row, and have a bunch of days off, too. As a Grand Poobah at the Pentagon, Norm has world peace on his "To Do" list, and isn't able to vary his days off too much. He's a Monday through Friday man, and I'm a workin' on the weekends kinda gal.

When we do travel together, we definitely have our differences. He likes to be the first one on the plane, and as a non-rev/standby sorta person, I am used to being the last one on the plane. So, when we have actual assigned seats, he likes to board and get settled, where as I am likely perusing a magazine, or yakking with a Gate Agent, waiting for everyone else to board. We live with our differences when we travel--he boards first and I board whenever....but, it took a couple of discussions to get to that!

When flying, Norm likes the window seat--unusual for most men--they tend to want the aisle, like me. He wants to get on the plane, and go to sleep. Being an Air Force fighter pilot (retired), he learned to fall asleep whenever and wherever he could...and he does. Aggravates the crap outta me, too! I like to yak, and chat and have cocktails--especially on an international flight. Not Norm. He is all rested and ready to hit the ground running when we land at our destination. Me? I'm usually whining for the hotel room. That's one of the reasons I like traveling with Shelby...we take full advantage of our First and Business class benefits that we have earned from our jobs (well, the Company calls 'em privileges, we call 'em benefits...toe-MAY-toe, toe-MAH-toe). The style of ride to our destination, to us, is pretty important. Shelby and I have been known to wait at the gate for a few hours to get our First Class seats. There may be a gazillion seats in Coach, but we have waited for the next flight to London to get our upgrades. We pick our movies, taste the wines, chat with the Flight Attendants. Norm? He'd have none of that. That's him snoozin' in the corner, in Coach...

The first year we were together, Norm and I went to London, Paris and Rome. I had never been to any of them. We were traveling fools! (Now, London and Paris are like my backyard--and it's all his fault!) Then, the unthinkable happened: Norm asked me to go to his high school reunion in California. Ugh! A high school reunion??? I knew how important maintaining these relationships with people he grew up with was to him. And, it would have been one thing if I knew a few of the people who would be attending, but I knew none of them. So, I asked him to give me a pass on going, and he graciously did. He was able to have a great time with his friends, and I wasn't bored to tears with people I didn't know. Then, I decided I wanted to go to London, and he had work obligations, so he gave his blessings. Thus, a pattern was born.

We do at least one big trip a year together. This summer, it will be a cruise. Even our cruise styles differ. The first time we cruised, he drove me nuts. Having done the bulk of my cruising with my sister Donna, I was used to getting up fairly early, having breakfast in the dining room, going ashore to shop, back in time for Team Trivia (and winning!) Oh, wait! What time is it? sing-a-long in the Schooner Bar (you can ALWAYS find me in the Schooner Bar!) time for dinner and a show, c'mon, don't be late, let's go! Norm likes to sleep in, order room service, read the paper on the balcony, watch the world go by and contemplate his belly button. (Okay, I made up that last part.) He'll mosey to lunch, then want a nap, then dress for dinner--if putting on khakis and a polo shirt is called dressing--and start his evening. He truly relaxes on a cruise. Thankfully, this sort of vacation can accommodate both of us!

In the first week of February, his dear friend Danny has a birthday party. Danny lives in London. Norm asked me to go, and I would have loved to, but having little say-so on my schedule means I did not get the days off I wanted.

From the Time magazine article:

Ian Kerner, a sex and relationships counselor...wishes more couples would take them. "I certainly think [separate vacations] would be an excellent trend because absence does make the heart grow fonder".....Far from being a symptom of a troubled relationship, Kerner says solo vacationing is often quite the opposite: "I think it's cool to be able to travel separately — it's an indication that you're in trusting, safe, secure relationship," he says.

So, we'll find a weekend here and there to do things together, and in the meantime, we'll travel on our own. And my heart will grow even more fonder!
Blondie

Inside Flight Attendant training

January 25, 2009 2 Comments A+ a-

Here are a couple of 3 minute videos about Flight Attendant Training. This video was filmed at the American Airlines Flight Academy, in Fort Worth, Texas, where I trained for flying with American Eagle.

Here is a video for Delta--with Joel Stein from Time magazine. Delta's facilities are in Atlanta, Georgia.

Which reminds me...my annual Recurrent training is coming up soon..."release seat belts, leave everything, come this way..."

Blondie

Overheard on a Southwest Airlines flight...

January 20, 2009 2 Comments A+ a-

Voice heard over the PA on a Southwest Airlines flight: "Ladies and gentlemen, here at Southwest, we recycle; so ladies, please wipe the lipstick off your cups so we can use for the next group of passengers."

;)



Blondie

The pre-inaugural day through my daughter's camera

January 20, 2009 2 Comments A+ a-

My daughter, Casey, is a coat checker at a couple of the Inaugural Balls at the Washington Convention Center. I stole her digital card and some of her photos. (Which, I believe, there is a "no camera" policy there...but, I would never tell on my kid!)

So, here are some pics...and some fun facts--39,500 expected inaugural ball attendees, 211 coat check staff, 852 coat racks, 35,000 hangers, 60 coat check stations.






This, as I understand it, is where the "White Ball" will be held. (I think they are color coded.)








Music equipment for Will.i.am




















The sound check for Alicia Keyes.
Mariah Carey's sound check. Casey mentioned that Mariah's microphone stand is diamond encrusted. (I suspect it is cubic zirconia...ya think???) Mariah will be singing "Hero"...the video is bouncy because Casey recorded it surreptitiously... only because I begged for it for this blog. The things I do for you!!
Blondie

It's our job...

January 17, 2009 5 Comments A+ a-

Wow! The "landing" of US Airways Flight 1549 was nothing short of amazing....awesome--in the truest sense of the word. And that 155 people are alive to talk about it, relatively injury free, is incredible! The entire crew deserves the applause-- but, really--they were just doing their job--just doing what they have been trained to do.

Pilots train for years and years to just be able to get a job at an airline. They may come from learning to fly at their local airport, or may have learned in the military. Either way, it takes many flight hours to become an airline pilot.

Once at the airline, the pilots train on the specific equipment they will be flying, learning everything they can about that plane. They know the systems and nuances of that aircraft. They train in a simulator--they know their stuff before they ever sit in the cockpit. They eat, sleep and breathe this particular plane--they probably know the plane better than they know their spouses! Most airline pilots have thousands of hours perfecting their skillset.

At least yearly, pilots go to FAA mandated Recurrent Training and keep a current Medical Certificate. At their Recurrent, they practice scenarios--over and over again. Emergency situations--some that, perhaps, seem far-fetched--are drilled into their brains. Pilots can handle most anything thrown at them at any given time, because of the training they receive.

Jim, a Captain I used to fly with, wrote these words regarding the US 1549 ditching:

The crew seems to have done their job, no more, no less. This is what we are paid to do. We are not paid these salaries because day to day flying takes extraordinary skill, it doesn't. We are paid for a few minutes every career when it matters; heroes, no...they did their jobs.

Jim is absolutely right--even given the extraordinary circumstances of the US Airways ditching, the pilots just did their jobs--made good decisions with lightning speed, a high degree of expertise, and landed the aircraft safely. Not every pilot has the experience of Captain Sullenberger, but I'd be willing to bet that, given the same set of circumstances, there aren't many flight crews out there that would not have been able to do the same--because of the training they receive.

Very little has been said about the rest of the crew--First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, Flight Attendants Donna Dent, Sheila Dail & Doreen Welsh. Each of these crewmembers contributed greatly to the successful ending of Flight 1549. While one pilot is flying the plane, the other "sets up" for what the next course of events will be. Trust me, the First Officer was not just sitting in the cockpit twiddling his thumbs--he was a busy as he could have possibly been. The Flight Attendants were responsible for getting those doors opened--and not opening the rear doors (that would caused the plane to sink.) They were the ones that fussed at the passengers to make sure their baggage was stowed all the way under the seat in front of them prior to departure (so passengers wouldn't trip over them on the way out in an evacuation....). And, they also made sure that Mr. 17B had really turned off his iPod...(can you see where listening to Beyonce singing while the Captain was making an announcement to brace for impact that he didn't hear could've caused an issue?) Flight Attendants don't make up these rules--and they do have importance, even if our passengers don't know why.

I just noticed something in this picture--do you see the man standing on the wing in the middle--sort of by himself? What does he have on his shoulder??? His computer bag!! He was getting out of an airplane to save his life, and he brought his computer bag! Okay, I'll say it--IDIOT!

But, I digress....


I am ecstatic that no one was killed or seriously hurt in that incident--and I continue to be amazed at the level of skill exhibited by the Flight Deck. Just know that this sort of competence will be found on your next commercial flight. All of your crew members are highly trained. You are in good hands with us. It's our job.

Blondie

Singing grandbaby & dancin' girls

January 13, 2009 7 Comments A+ a-

My daughter, Jennifer and I are in Honolulu for a few days. I was able to "steal" some video and pictures from her camera--including this video of The Most Amazing Child on the Planet, singing "Jingle Bells" in the shower:
Alright...back to our regularly scheduled blog....
Jen and I non-revved to Honolulu (HNL)...well, we actually had to non-rev to Maui (OGG), spend the night, then fly to HNL as regular paying passengers! (GASP!!) The flights to HNL were full, so we had to develop a Plan B.


This is the view from our room--we are staying at the Hale Koa, a military recreation facility. The grounds here are just gorgeous--thick and plush.

















Friends that I used to fly with, Abbe and Kevin, came by to have a few drinks with us. I had so much fun seeing them again!


We went to a luau last night--here are a couple of girls stringing leis together.


He's always one to appreciate beauty, so I'm posting this video of pretty, half naked, dancing girls for my Dad.

Weather in the continental US promises to make non-revving home Thursday an adventure (shakin' my head!) Cross your fingers for us!

Blondie

Binhog

January 08, 2009 2 Comments A+ a-

I have a friend who flies for another airline--and she makes these really cool, embroidered luggage handle wraps. From her website:

These unique luggage handle wraps are a great way to ID your bag quickly in the overhead bin, on the luggage carousel, or in a crowd. Use them on roller bag handles, laptop handles, backpack handles, or even straps etc! Wraps won't rip off handles like some ID tags do. They make great gifts for family & friends!


I have this one on my suitcase, and people were cracking up about it tonight on my flight home from DFW. (Or, they could have been laughing about all the other crap I hang on my bag to differentiate mine from yours...)








I should get this one--to feed my inner pirate. Or, is that galley wench? Whatever....
aaaaaaarrrrr!













Let the Patriot within shine through!











I bought this handle wrap for Norm, who is a retired US Air Force pilot.












I should have ordered this one--I didn't see it until tonight! I really need it for my trip to Hawaii with my daughter Jennifer on Saturday!

Check out Rita's website, Binhog!








Blondie

Welcome to my Pity Party!

January 06, 2009 3 Comments A+ a-

I'm back from Rio--and then some! I'll post about my trip a little later--but, just a little taste of my trip for ya...the churrascaria!


Our flight arrived home in Washington around 6:30 in the morning...and I was in bed by 8:30 am. Slept 'til 3 pm. Then, I had the audacity to think that the Crew Desk wouldn't be calling me for my last day of Reserve, with so many hours for the month already....

(In my best Dan B. voice....) Oh, HELL no!

The Crew Desk called at 2:00 in the morning with a lovely (NOT!) trip. Washington to Saint Thomas, sit for 1 hour and 40 minutes WITH passengers onboard, then a 19 minute flight to San Juan, an hour there WITH passengers onboard, board new passengers, then back to Washington. A nine hour day, without any sort of break. Well, I did use the lavatory twice. There, I was able to luxuriate in a few minutes to myself!!

Anyway, for the first six days of January (December 31st is part of the Flight Attendant month of January) I have flown 47.29 hours...this is more than half a month of flight time! My legs ache, my eyes won't open all the way, and don't anyone think of calling me just to chat--I am just too tired to do a thing!

So, please excuse the lack of postings for the next day or two--I will be attending my Pity Party and Whiners Not-So-Anonymous meetings! I'm sure I'll see a few of you there, too!
Blondie

Dancing Nina's All Star Revue

January 03, 2009 4 Comments A+ a-

What do Flight Attendants do on an overnight flight at 4:30 in the morning, trying to stay awake? Here to show us is Dancing Nina with her back-up singer & dancer, Terrence.

*Hollywood producers, call me at 1-800 FA STARS....


Blondie

Fly me....please!!

January 01, 2009 3 Comments A+ a-

What is WRONG with the Flight Attendants in my Company? No one is calling in sick!!! It is New Year's Day, the National Day of Hangovers, and people are working what they are scheduled to be working. What?? They aren't calling in stupid sick! Which means that I've been sitting here at home, on Reserve, for the last two days, just waiting to be called to go to work. Hanging out, just waiting for my phone to ring. It's killin' me! Can't really go out and do anything--I have to be at the airport within four hours. Work me, already! I'm ready to go!

I hate being on Reserve. I know, hate is a strong word...but it exactly how I feel! Just fly me and let me get on with it!

I just checked the trips that are available today/tonight--there's a one day trip with one leg to Denver (DEN) and gawd knows what after that....and a four day trip that goes to Dubai (DXB). Cross your fingers for DXB, please!

***Update--no DXB for me. They needed an Arabic speaker. I 'splained to them I speak perfectly good Southern, to no avail, y'all....


***Update to my update--got a trip...going to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)!! Tried to get Shel to go with me--but, apparently she can't get a yellow fever vaccination or visa with 30 minutes notice on a Federal Holiday... whateva...talk to the hand!

Blondie