Time For Thinking...

I've been sitting around all day expecting crew support to call me. They didn't. That's good.

I didn't want to work today. The rest felt good.

Tomorrow I start a 3 day trip. In that time I will recite all 6 of my announcements 20 times. I will serve approx. 500 people a beverage and a snack. I will take my jumpseat 40 times and sleep in 2 large hotel beds. Does this sound like I'm complaining?

Nah. This is what I signed up for. It's kinda fun. Most of the passengers are great! Honestly, I'm happy to help as long as you don't have your nose in the air. Those "I'm better than everyone else" people drive me crazy!

I don't know about all the other F/A's, but as for me...I say a prayer before every takeoff and landing. I revue my CLUE (commands, lights, useable exits & abp's and emergency equipment) and I then I smile as I look at my passengers. I wonder what their story is, where they are going and why. Each person is special. Each one is a mystery. I notice the ones who are also praying. I know what they are praying for. They are afraid of flying. I say a special prayer just for them. Lord, give them peace.

Sometimes I make comments about things they bring onboard or a shirt they are wearing...as they say, it's a small world. You just never know who you're going to meet.

Sure the schedule is tough...mostly on me physically. I worry about my hearing and my stomach. I miss my family most of all. But I'm not giving up. My work here is not yet finished. I'll know when it is. Until then, God will empower me to carry it through to complition.

BTW- I spent 2 hours today working on my book. I bridged a gap in the story, so this makes me happy.
As for my running- I'm starting to finally feel better. I hope to venture out tonight just before the sun goes down.

I get to go home on Wednesday night after a security class that I must take at work. Ahhh, a whole week at home! Sweet. Hey Denise...want to have an artist day? Let me know, k? I miss ya!


I see skies of blue..... clouds of white
Bright blessed days....dark sacred nights
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world!

The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky
Are also on the faces.....of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands.....sayin.. how do you do
Theyre really sayin......i love you.

I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow
Theyll learn much more.....than Ill never know
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world!

Brasilia IOE....could have gone better

I just wrote a very long post about how my IOE went and this computer just dumped it!!! I'm so mad.

Well, let's see how much I can remember.

First day- Deadheaded to SFO. Met with instructor (John). Flew to Medford. I didn't do much, but watch him. When I got to the hotel my parents were waiting for me. My mom did her best to embarrass me in front of my crew. It worked! I felt like I was 18 again. My crew didn't need to know that I was looking SO SKINNY or that I was the tinest cheerleader in high school. UHHHH!!!

The rest of the day went well. My parents took me out to dinner (Tin Tin) and then we went to the movies and saw RV. I thought it was funny.

Second day- 4:30am wake up call. Out by 5:30am and taking off by 6:15am. From here on out, I did all the work. We had 6 flights to do that took us all over Oregon and into Portland 3 times. The whole day was VERY turbulant. However, that didn't stop my instructor from making sure I offered the beverage service on every flight no matter what.
By 1:30 in the afternoon I was feeling VERY nausious. I hadn't eaten a thing all day. Just before we landed in Eugene on the 5th flight, I got sick. Yeah, the flight attendant got sick! However, I don't think the passengers knew it. Except maybe that one lady who asked me if I was feeling better as she was getting off the plane.
My instructor had some obvious concerns about me. He even told me to my face, "Maybe this isn't the right job for you."

I got angry inside.
I've worked to hard for this little man to tell me I should quit! I made it through the last flight with a smile on my face and a determination in my heart.

Back at the hotel in Medford, I crawled into bed, still partial dressed in uniform and fell asleep. Later that evening my dad picked me up and we went out for dinner at a nice restaurant by the rivers edge. Finally some food.
After that we drove over to Grants Pass to watch my brother in law play at the bar with his band. An hour later my sister showed up and we had a nice visit.

Third day- I have 3 flights and 2 preflight evaluations that I have to ace. I woke up feeling HORRIBLE! I forced down 2 dramamine with a danish, grabbed a bagel for later and hopped on the shuttle with my crew. I gave the heads up to John and told him I think I might have the flu. He shook his head and asked if I thought I could do it.

"Yes. I can do it!" I said. He wasn't so sure.

Then I prayed. Please Lord, give me strength.

The first flight to San Francisco was nice and smooth, but a little choppy coming in. The captain and first officer did tell me they would do their best to avoid rough air for me. Thanks guys!
The second flight to San Luis Obisbo went pretty well too. It was windy there. I never got off the plane. 20 minutes later we were airborne heading back to San Francisco.
That's where I ended my IOE and waited for my deadhead flight back to Fresno.

Today is my day off. Tomorrow morning I go on reserve at 4am. Who knows what that will bring...bring it on!

Home?

Well, I'm back in Fresno.

I'm spending my first night at my new place. David's house. Savanna was here when I came in. We had some nice curry chicken dinner. Then we watched a movie while getting our bags packed.

I'm leaving early in the morning for my IOE EMB training. The EMB is our twin engine turbo prop aircraft. I've been working the jets and now I'm learning the EMB (Brasilia). Savanna is going home (Idaho) since she has a few days off.

My flights getting here today were both delayed. I wish there was a direct flight from Sac to Fresno, but bummer...no such luck. I have to go through San Francisco. Something spooky to report...I was assigned the same seat on both flights. 11A. Odd. Also I was sitting next to a guy that was transporting a prisoner and I had NO idea! I did know the flight attendant (Tiffany) and she told me when we landed.

Tiffany:
"Didn't you hear the shackels? That's why I asked if you wanted to sit up closer!"

Me:
"OH!! dah..."

Lucky me...my IOE takes me to a town close to where my parents live. I'll get to spend a whole afternoon with them tomorrow. Sweet!

Nebraska Photos

Nice frat house! See the couches and BBQ?

Me and the Captain walked around the University for a while.

Lucky me...Sat morning farmers market! Yeah!

He's doing better!

I'm happy to report that MB has graduated from Azure Acres Rehab and is doing much better. AA meetings are certainly in our future plans.

On The Fly, 3 day Trip

Hey Wavers!

I'm just now finding a computer to use on my trip. Some hotels have "business centers". This is just a little room with a couple computers with free internet access. Very nice.

I'm in Lincoln, Nebraska. This is the final day of my 3 day trip. Oh my gosh...there is so much to tell you about how my first 2 days have gone. Let's just say...I've survived! Yes, I've messed up a little (I hurt a ramper and pissed off another flight attendant) but on the bright side, I don't think any of the passengers could tell I am new. I have been getting my announcements right and everyone leaves my plane with a smile :-).

I think I had someone famous on the flight yesterday into Lincoln from Peoria, but I didn't have a list of passengers on that flight and I wasn't about to ask him. How stupid would that look? Uh, hey sir...are you famous? Dahhhhhh

Well, gotta go. I found a farmers market while I was out running this morning and I need to go back and make my purchases! Don't worry MB, about 40 bucks. hehe.

One more thing...my hotel overlooks the big college football stadium. The view last night was awesome. Sweet!

I think today we fly to Denver, Salt Lake and San Francisco. I'll end my trip there and figure out how to get back home for my next 2 days off.

Where am I going?

So I was supposed to go on call at 4am.

Last night at 9pm I got my first call from crew support. They wanted to put me on a 4 day trip and reschedule one of my days off. I told them no. Yikes! My first call and I'm already negotiating with crew support!

I haven't seen MB more than 2 hours in the last 5 weeks. I'm going home this weekend. As it turns out, I'm taking a 3 day trip instead and ending in San Fan by Sat. night. I'm leaving in 3 hours. I"m going to be all over the place...Chicago, Missouri, Nebraska...

This is my first time on my own without an instructor. Oh my gosh! I didn't sleep very much last night and I had a HORRIBLE dream that MB drank. In the dream I took the drink out of his hand and threw it at the wall. Even though he's NEVER hit me, in the dream he did. It was AWFUL.

I guess I need to face these fears. Perhaps that's why I'm writing a post about it instead of doing ALL the stuff I gotta do this morning. Hey, that reminds me...I found a place to live yesterday!!! Whoa wee! Savanna called this guy (male flight attendant for SkyWest) who owns a house and wanting to rent out a room. It's a great deal in a rich neighborhood. He's got internet and laundry machines and pretty much anything else you could need. Me and Savanna are gonna share the room and rent. SWEET! I'm so happy to have someplace that is safe and won't take every last dime I'll be making.

I better get off the computer now...I'm supposed to take all my stuff over there this morning before my flight leaves. So I've got about 1 hour to get ready.
Let's see...today is 4 legs. Tomorrow is 4 legs and Saturday is 3 legs. Cool. I think I can handle that. Here's hoping!

Where's the Dramamine?

Frustration

I don't like Fresno.

It's hot and the area around the airport is scuz city.

Now, now Kathy....look on the bright side, it's an adventure, remember? Think positive.

Yeah, yeah.

Yesterday we went out driving to get a feel for the area. Today we hit apartments hard in search of a place to live. Our biggest obstacles are availability and location.

We did fill out an application to rent a house.

Honestly, I doubt we'll have anything by tomorrow.

Thea's Website

All you Thea fans...now you can read all about my TERRIFIC friend on her very own website. Click the title of this post to learn more.

Fresno Bound

Well friends,

I'm leaving now for the pit town called Fresno. The good news is I'll get to caravan down with my classmate/roommate, Savanna. She will be passing right through my town, so we'll follow each other from here.

I was going to leave yesterday, but that didn't happen. I'll probably be away from internet for a while and perhaps if I have time, I'll post via audio.

Life is just one big adventure after another.

MB comes home tomorrow. Boy is he ready to come home! Pray that all will go well.

You know what? I haven't printed out driving directions yet...I guess that would be a good idea, huh?

Love ya babes,
Kat

Donations For Thea

Want to help my friend Thea? Here's your chance.

Remember how I told you that she will NOT need the stem cell surgery after all? However she DOES need intense physical therapy which will send her to Detroit this summer. This program is not covered by their insurance. It will cost $320.00 per day. $1600.00 per week. She will need 35 days worth. You do the math. It's expensive!

Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Now here's my pitch...Thea is a WONDERFUL person. She is there for you when you need her and NEVER complains about her situation. A true friend and fabulous mother. Her 3 children are blessed to have her. She cooks, cleans and still goes out riding (horses) with her daughter even though she is paralyzed. She wants to walk again. Please help if you can. Thank you.

Make your tax deductible, checks payable to...

Cool Charity (att/ Thea Rosa)
c/o Beth Lee
1844 American River Trail
Cool, Ca. 95614

Happy Mother's Day

I love my friends!
Today was the big fundraiser carnival for my kids school. Here is a picture of me and my buds. From left to right...Dana, Toni, Denise and me. My shoulders got a little burnt walking around in the bright May sunshine.
I love these events because it gives me a chance to catch up with everyone all at one time. However, I didn't see Thea. That's okay, I bet I'll see her at church tomorrow.
I sure hope I don't have to move away from here. I love this place and my cool friends. I truly am having a good time with all my crazy life altering decisions. I have met so many interesting people already. People are precious. Tonight I need to wash my car and pack up my stuff. I'm off to Fresno tomorrow where I'll have 3 days to find an apartment. I want furnished, 2 bedroom, pool, workout room, nice area, near airport and secure all for a REASONABLE price. Wish me luck!

Perfect Day Off

Today is darn near perfect.

I got up and went for a 5 mile run.

Went out for lunch and shopping with my dad.

Swam and layed out by the pool.

Now I'm getting ready to go out for dinner with my friend, Carl.

I love these kind of days...

He Did It!!

I've been watching this guy.

He's a real inspiration. Click the title of this post and check it out!

Training Wheels

Hi there!

It's me...your official flight attendant, Kathy.

Holy crap! I can't believe I'm really a flight attendant....heck, I can't believe I'm WORKING.

Well, my trip went well, thanks for asking. I screwed up on 2 of my announcements. Darn it. The first one I royally biffed was the 'Welcome to'. It's the last announcement you give while you're sitting in the jumpseat and just after the plane turns off the active runway. I struggled and fumbled through the gate information. We had just landed in Arkansas. I did other minor goof ups, like the wrong flight number (opps) and the wrong part of Arkansas (I said N.E. Ark. when it was N. WEST Ark.), but that wasn't a problem...the passengers made sure to correct me.

Okay, so I don't know where I'm heading to half the time and I can barely figure out what time it is because of the time zones...but hey, I think I did pretty good for a first timer. My passengers were great. They told me nice things like..."you have a pretty smile", "you did great" and "you're going to be a great flight attendant". I was happy to hear these things. It feels good to know people appreciate your efforts. I will remember those people when I get the other kind that treat me bad. It all balances out.

Speaking of appreciation...I got my first RAVE! RAVE stands for Recognizing A Valuable Employee. Apparently someone named TED was on my flight from Eugene to Salt Lake. He works for SkyWest and had nice things to say about me. Well here, let me cut and paste it for you.

"Kathy was on what I suspect is her final training flight today - our 3772 out of Eugene. The little I got to watch of her with our passengers the more impressed I was. She is truly going to be as stellar as her trainer today, Shevon. It was a real pleasure to watch a soon-to-be-star. Welcome to the family!"

Is this a great company or what?

Well, gotta go. The girls come home from school in a couple minutes and I want to be at the bus stop to give them a great big hug! Remind me to tell you about why I got to sit in the cockpit during flight today! Awesome! Don't worry- it was allowed and part of my job! Sweet.

IOE

Tomorrow I report for my IOE (initial operating experience). I will spend the next 2 days learning my job, inflight with real passengers and my crew.

I'm nervous, but also excited.

I can't believe how fast my 3 days off went. I woke up the next morning in my own bed feeling like Utah was all a dream. Am I really trained to be a flight attendant? Can I really do this?

I guess so. Time to step up to the plate Kathy and do what you know you can do.

Everybody gets nervous. We all have moments in our lives when we must jump into the water with both feet and pray the water is not to shocking.

This is my moment.

This is my time.

I'm jumpin in with a smile on my face...a laugh in my heart...a twinkle in my eye.

Speaking of eyes...mine is getting better. I wonder if my instructor will notice? Perhaps I'll give her the bar fight story and see what she says?

Well folks, this is it for a few days. I won't be able to post until I come back. I'm not taking my computer with me. It's to much of a pain getting through security.

Here's my schedule...

Sac to Salt Lake
Salt Lake to Reno
Reno to Salt Lake
Salt Lake to Eugene
stay overnight
Eugene to Salt Lake
Salt Lake to some little town in Northwest Arkansas
stay overnight
Arkansas to Salt Lake
Salt Lake to Sac

After that I don't know. I'll either start the hunt for a place to live in Fresno...or start working flights on my own... I will do my VERY best to come home on days off.

MB has 8 more days in rehab. I hope he is learning a bunch. Our visit yesterday went well.

HOME

There's no place like home.

I was going to post a picture of me in my uniform during graduation yesterday, but for some strange reason blogger is posting it sideways. Nice.

I spent this day with my dad. He has been such a big help. Honestly, I couldn't have done any of this without him. We went out for breakfast and took in my uniforms for altering. I hope they will be ready for Monday. They have to be!

After that we stopped at a couple yard sales (nothing but junk) and then found a train store. My dad is big into trains. Then we did our grocery shopping. The day is nice and warm. I am happy to feel the sun on my skin. I am thinking I'll go out for a run later this evening.

Tomorrow we are driving down to Sabastopol. That is where MB is doing his recovery. It will be nice to see him. He's doing much better and I hope it stays that way.

I'll be driving his truck down so we can leave it there for him. When he is released he can drive himself home. I did have to take the truck down to our mechanic first and see if he could pull the bumper away from the tires. Yes, there was an accident involved....NO injuries. Thank GOD!

Passed! Time to Party!

Hey folks,

Guess what...I'm packing my bags and going home! Yap, I passed my tests. Well, almost. I just have to one announcement that I have to do over. I messed up the descent. Heavens to Betsy...I forgot the electronic devices and cell phones!

Let me write it down just one more time for practice...

Ladies and gentlemen, we have initiated our descent into Sacramento. Please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened for the duration of the flight. All electronic devices should now be turned off, and all carry on items properly stowed. Your tray tables and seatbacks must be in their upright and locked position. I will be coming through the cabin in a few moments to collect any trash items you do not wish to take with you. Please take a moment to look around you for any service items, trash or newspapers you no longer need and hand them to me as I pass through the cabin. Thank you for your help.
We now allow the use of cellular phones upon taxi in. If you choose to use your phone, please have it accessible as all carry-on items must be stowed at this time.

Geez...I don't know why this one throws me. It's not very long. For some reason I just goof it up. I'm sure I will have no trouble tomorrow. Thankfully, I get to go home tomorrow. I miss my family.

Tonight I went out with my classmates to celebrate. We had Thai food and then walked over to a karaoke bar. I sang Mama Mia (ABBA) and RESPECT with my roommate, Janice. Somehow it got out that we are flight attendants and the DJ made sure that everybody knew it. Great. We've actually been told to keep it a secret. People get weird when they find out you are a flight crew member.

Whatever...

I will have 3 days at home and then I'll be gone for my IOE (initial operating experience). This will be the second phase of training. Actually inflight training. In 2 days I will travel to salt lake, Reno, salt lake, Eugene, salt lake, Arkansas, salt lake, and back to sac. Then I go to my domicile. I've been assigned to Fresno. I think I can work with this.

My BIG FINAL!!!!

Oh YEAH! This is what I've been waiting for!! I'm so siked!! Jumpin up and down...dancin like a crazy woman!

Woke up early in my hotel room
wait for my alarm to go
I think about the things I gotta do
Damn my mind is gonna blow
I'm freakin out about what's ahead
maybe I'll just stay in bed
cause it's no fun
to be the one
goin out of my head
so tell it to me once again

You're lookin for somethin you can't find
if you give it up you'll loose your mind
there's always somethin in the way
YOU'RE GONNA HAVE A GOOD DAY!!

Lord, Thank You for this day. Turning points in our lives are blessings from you.

So Close You Can Almost Taste It

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you can not find
Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten


This song is my pep talk.

I am determined.

I am focused.

I will do my best.

I will pass.

My goal is right in front of me. I am trained for this. I am ready for this. Confidence, Recovery, Posture, Flow, Presentation. I can do this...I know I can.

Tonight I will study, practice, run and call my mother. Tomorrow I will be brave. But first I need a nap.

Day Off

I studied and practiced, ran and walked. I caught a show at the planetarium (Black Holes) and took some pictures of Salt Lake City. Enjoy.
Tomorrow my class and I will flying to Denver on an observation flight. Off we go into the wild blue yonder!!