Uniform

I like to mix and match. I had lunch with Denise today and she asked me to post a picture of myself in uniform. Hmmm, I thought I've already done this? Here's the cobalt blue shirt, pearls & skirt combo. I don't wear the same thing everyday...I'm way to girly for that kind of behavior! BTW Denise- lunch was great! I'm glad we set that up.

I still got it..well, most of it

The desire to run.

I don't know what made me think I could do it. I just finished the Quarry Trail in the canyon. It's 13 miles long. The first 7 miles went pretty well, I struggled the next 4 and hit the wall at mile 11. It felt like I was pulling a 2 ton truck as I walked/jogged the last 2 miles in. My throat was dryer than the dust I was kicking up, gnats swirled around my sweaty face and my feet burned as though I was running on lava.

All the while I knew I would do this to myself again...some other day when the memory of this pain would fade and lose it's sting. I climbed into my SUV and guzzled down the hot water that used to be cold just a little over 2 hours ago.

Now I wonder...will I ever be able to run a marathon?

The RJ 200

I understand your fear. I really do...but for pete's sake, don't blame the plane!

It's a very safe vehicle. Excellent safety record. It was human error that caused the RJ 200 (which is what I work on) to crash yesterday.

I have no idea why they didn't notice that they were on the wrong runway. Hmmm, it looks a little dark this morning...wonder why?

I will be interested to find out how much rest they had the night before.

I will refrain from speculation.

What ticks me off are the dumb media questions. Here's one I saw on the news last night that they wanted viewers to call in and answer:
"Would you avoid taking a commuter flight at all costs?"

Luckily most people recognized how ridiculous the question was and said no. However they did manage to record one ignorant woman who said "yes, she will never fly on that plane again."

This crash hit close to home for us. We fly the exact same plane. The paint job is even the same, except our plane says "SkyWest" instead of "Comair".

I was supposed to start a jet trip on the 1st, but I swapped it for a Brasilia trip instead. This was NOT because I was afraid to fly the jet. Certainly I'm not. But the other trip worked better for my schedule. Infact, I am kinda sad to be giving up that trip. I have been flying the Brasilia all month and would enjoy the change.

I understand how passengers must be a little nervous in light of the crash...especially the ones with over active imaginations like mine, but planes are still safer than cars and always will be.

Yet...I can't help but wonder who was on that plane? The people are what keeps me channel surfing...looking for reports on the victims. I want to know what they looked like, what they did in their life and how special I know they must have been. That is the true loss.

People are special. I feel that the airline industry (as a whole) doesn't treat passengers very well. We charge them a fortune, we search and stripe them down like criminals, we stereotype and take away their possessions, we lose their bags (and don't act like we care), sometimes it's just flat out true...we don't care. Like any other job...we get tired.

But look closer. Some do care. Many of us do. Passengers are the only reason we have jobs. We need to care more. We need to for the safety of everyone.

Smile...it's healthy!

Eight Days of SkyWest

I've been meaning to post this because it's so funny. At least it will be for Ron, who knows exactly what I'm talking about! One of my captains last month was singing this over the PA. Little did he know that we had already started boarding!

On the last day of my trip, SkyWest gave to me...

8) eight legs 'O flying

7) seven rampers hiding

6) six UM's crying

5) five miss-con-n-ects

4) four late bags

3) three wheel chairs

2) two aircraft swaps

1) And a deferred A - P - U!!


Translations:
UM- unacompanied minor
aircraft swap- when the crew has to change to another plane during their day. It's a hassle and sometimes causes delays.
A-P-U- Auxiliary Power Unit. If this baby isn't working the cabin has NO air conditioning! HOT!

If I had written the song, I'd change #4 to 4 hours Flow! Last's weeks trip had us sitting in San Luis Obispo for 2.5 hours due to flow. I hate her! Seriously- "Flow" is the word used to describe the madding occurance when the airport you're trying to get into (in this case SFO) slows down traffic on purpose usually because of weather. They call you and push off your departure time. Fog was low in San Fran. We actually had to deplane shortly after boarding because of the 3 times she called to make us wait. I think I'm going to be spending a lot of time with Flow this winter.

I think my next post will be about the tolls this job is taking on my family. Rough. Get your tissues ready. I'll need 'em.

Wasps on a Plane

Today's adventure?

I viciously fought off 3 wasps that tried to board my plane.

TAKE THAT! WHACK! WHACK! AND THAT! WHACK! WHACK! IF YOU WANT IN HERE, YOU GOTTA BUY A TICKET!

I had 'em rolling in the isle!

I also changed up my welcome/arrival announcement quite a bit today. It all started when we had a really nice landing and I said...

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to San Francisco. Wasn't that a nice landing? I tell ya, it doesn't get any better than that! SMOOTH! Please be sure to tell the captain on your way out what a nice job he did!"

I also added to my "refrain from smoking for the rest of your life" line. Now it goes like this...

"please refrain from smoking for the rest of your life, however if you must smoke please wait until you have exited the airport and are as far away as you possibly can be from another living human being or if you happen to find a designated smoking area."

I also tell them "For those of you who have made connections flights today, I certainly hope your checked baggage was transferred for you. If you are one of these lucky folks, you will be picking up your checked baggage at the baggage claim area."

Then the punchline...
"It has been my pleasure having most of you onboard today..."

Trust me- now matter how the flight went, this final announcement leaves them with a smile. If not on their face, certainly on mine!

As far as I know, I can do this without getting in trouble.

So many faces staring at me wondering...what is she going to say next? She must be crazy!

Oh boy, if you only knew me! This doesn't have to be that hard. It can be fun.

Low Fog and a call from Crew Support

I walked around Eureka yesterday and wondered if the PM flight was going to be able to land. The fog was settling in fast. This morning I woke up at 4am for a 4:50 van time. When my phone rang at 4:15 I noticed it was crew support. I didn't answer.
I've been told by to many crewmembers not to.
Now I wish I had.

If I would have answered the phone, I would have known that our plane didn't make it in last night. I would have been able to go back to sleep.

Instead I was dressed and ready for work at 4:50 as orignally scheduled only to find out that our new van time was 6:30am. Well, that's what I get. O'well.

Since I couldn't go back to sleep for that little amount of time, I decided to open up Annie and write. I did a page and man, I tell you...it sure felt good to fall back into that world.

I was supposed to do 6 flights today. Instead I'm deadheading the first leg and then working 3. Luckily we still get paid for the full 6 flights.

And that's life!

UPDATE: Holy Crap!
I can't believe it. This day just kept getting worse and worse! Honestly, half way through I figured we must be cursed.

It started with my brand new nylons. Sanged before I even got them over my knees.
First flight cancelled. Second flight cancelled. Third flight cancelled. All due to weather.
We were hoping to deadhead on the 9:30 flight to SFO.
Well, that flight was late due to flow. (That's when the airport slows you down on purpose due to traffic).
When it finally got to Arcada we had been waiting for nearly 7 hours.
We got our boarding passes and went through security.
The poor gate agent (working her tail off) told us the plane was broken and the flight might not go out. My captain laughed and said "you're joking" she replied, "I wish I was."
So we returned to the tiny cold crew lounge and waited with that crew for a mechanic to arrive on the next flight in. 3 hours later the mechanic arrives.
We were hoping he could fix the problem and we could hitch a ride on the ferry flight (no passengers) back to SFO. Nope.
The mechanic couldn't fix it. He didn't have the parts.
Great.
So we waited another hour for the plane that was working to board. We laughed and found ways to entertain ourselves with a game we made up... "What are the odds." We also joked about how many crews can get stuck in one place.
It was almost 4pm when our plane finally left for SFO. We deadheaded there and waited 2 more hours for another deadhead to Redmond.
I was dying to work a flight, so I pitched the offer on both of my deadheads. The first guy (Monte) didn't let me, but the second guy (David) did. Hmmm...2 deadheads and 2 male flight attendants in a row...WHAT ARE THE ODDS!
I was actually nervous because my crew was making me laugh.
The flight went well, except for the fact that we got a little bit of a late start because during my preflight with David the smoke detector went off. I swear I didn't do it!
I felt like I was laughing the whole time! However, it did turn into a very long day. Even though it was a lot of waiting, I was on duty for 16 hours.
Thank goodness we still get paid for cancelled flights or else you'd have one ticked off crew onboard!
Just in case you were wondering...yes, I did do some more writing on my book. The news anchor didn't get the story he was after!

The world has not changed, I am just in it.

Most of the time, I don't watch tv. I am most likely to waste time in front of it when I am home, in a traditional setting, making dinner and thinking to myself..."It's 5 o'clock...the news is coming on."

So what great bits of information have I learned this week?

*People are over zealous with terrorism. They are showing their fear.

*JonBonnet's killer is finally found. The guy appears to be a very sick man.

*Middle east is still a dangerous place.

I've been home for the last 4 days. It has been nice. I took Katie and her friends to the movies (Step Up), Okay...I liked it! Honest. Something about all that dancing. Just made me want to work harder towards my own personal goals.

I spent some time with my dad. He's still my favorite man.

I took Megan out yesterday to run errands (my car, uhem..."NEEDED" (not really) a SMOG test). It's always fun to be with her. If anyone could put a smile back on my face, it's her. We walked over to staples and bought some school stuff. She was so good about NOT asking for everything. However, I knew that what she really wanted for school was not there. She had seen some notebooks and folders in Limited Too last month that she liked.
After we picked up the car I was about to drive home when I looked at her and remembered the special supplies she wanted. I made a right turn and got on the freeway. The Gallaria Mall was about 15 minutes away.
She smiled, knowing where we were going and why.
We had fun singing together to her favorite music. I let her sit up front with me, even though she BARELY meets the weight and height requirements to be safe sitting where there is an airbag.

Michael is disappointed because he always gets the tired me. The me that needs down time. The me that doesn't smile. The me that gets stomach aches. The me that doesn't know what to say. The grumpy me.
I suppose he has a point. Why do I get that way? Why do I get that way only around him?

Today I'm busy doing laundry and making brownies. Yes, it's that time again. I start another 4 day trip tomorrow morning at 6am. I thought about flying to Fresno this time, but I just have to much to do to make an early afternoon flight. Also the thought of wearing my uniform on a day off, getting to the airport at 7:30 and sleeping on the crew couch doesn't sound very pleasent. I'll just drive. I don't mind the drive. Besides, Katie made me a new cd.

A randomly sad song

Launch Dress Rehearsal Concludes

Image above: With the final launch rehearsal completed, the STS-115 crew gathers on the 215-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B. From left are Pilot Christopher Ferguson, Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Joseph Tanner, Commander Brent Jett, and Mission Specialists Steven MacLean and Daniel Burbank. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

Mission STS-115 training exercises culminated last week in Florida with a launch dress rehearsal and simulated countdown with the look and feel of a real launch day. The astronauts suited up in their familiar bright-orange launch and entry suits before leaving for the launch pad aboard the "Astrovan," just as they will on launch day. At the pad, they were strapped in their seats aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis as the launch team took them through the mock countdown.

It's scheduled for August 27th. Oh man! I want to go in the worst way. But I work that day. Any of my F/A buds want to pick it up for me? It's on the swap board. F2059. One leg on the 26th and 4 on the 27th.

Well, my plan is simple. See the south. I've wanted to visit Kennedy Space Center all my life. I also want to get a taste for the south. I'm hoping to end my trip on the 27th and fly to either Florida or Alabama for a few days. It's nice having these flight benefits and I want to use them while I can.
Michael figured out how much our little Maui trip would have cost if we didn't get to fly free. Round trip from SFO to Maui is $1600.00 per person and our room was supposed to be $525.00 per night! Dang! No wonder people looked at us funny when we said we were only there for two days.

Wish me luck on the Shuttle thing. Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll pospone it a day or two. Remember First Officer Gasik? He has a house in Orlando he's trying to sell. He said I could stay there for free if I wanted. Nice, huh?

Sunset at 22,000 feet

This is last night's sunset coming from Redding, Ca. to San Francisco, Ca.

Liquid Threats

Airports in California and throughout the country remain on high alert today -- and fliers will be banned for a second day from bringing on board liquids, gels or creams -- in the aftermath of what authorities described as a foiled plot to blow up passenger jets bound from Britain to the United States.


Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday ordered 300 National Guard troops deployed at Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland airports, each of which handles flights from England, "to provide an armed and highly visible military presence."


So have I noticed the change?

Not really. I haven't heard much complaining, although it was more difficult to get people to smile. Luckily my last joke just before they leave me usually works.
"Please refrain from smoking for the rest of your life, however if you must smoke please wait until you have left the airport or if you can possibly find a designated smoking area."

I feel sorry for my passengers that they have to go through so much extra security...but it's for our safety. I'd rather save your life than your expensive bottle of wine. Still sucks though.

Honestly, I have noticed one change...less trash. Since people can't bring their drinks onboard, I don't have used Starbucks coffee cups, water bottles or fountain drinks shoved in the seat back pockets.

I do try to serve my guests a drink as soon as possible, since they are more thirsty than before.

I did get an email from one of my bosses informing us that all crews will be screened as well. That's fine, because we are used to going through security anyway, but we always have liquids and gels. Dang...we live out of a suitcase for days. Luckily if we just show our schedules that prove we started our trip before the threat went up, we don't have to hand over our food or haircare. I've been flying in and out of SFO a lot this trip. However, none of it requires going through security.

YESTERDAY'S TIDBITS:
An old Italian lady who didn't speak English, gave me three kisses on the cheek before she deplaned. She also waved kisses at me from her wheelchair as she was being assisted to the terminal. It made me smile.

I had 6 people on the flight from Modesto to SFO and decided to do the beverage service even though I didn't have to. 5 men and 1 woman. The men wanted beer, wine and soda. The lady ordered diet pepsi. Everyone was pleasantly shocked to be offered a beverage. However it was a VERY quick flight and I laughed as I asked them to CHUG down their beer over the PA. That was my favorite flight of the day simply because everyone was so happy. I got to let them sit wherever they wanted, give excellent service and get to know them a bit.
The two fellas in the front were connecting to London Hethrow Airport. I told them it should be interesting there. Next week they will be flying to Russia. I warned them to pack their patience. They work in the engineering field. They said it wasn't that glamorous and that they don't get a holiday.

But you get to travel, I said...I hope you find time for fun.

YES, he replied, we make sure to have fun!

It was dark outside as we taxied out to the runway on my last flight to Modesto. I looked out the window and noticed two other planes also trying to get to the runway.

it felt like...me first! it's my turn!

NOW NOW, no pushing! no shoving! We'll all get there...take your turn, get in line...GEEZ!!!

How long will it take before they build a large screening detector that the entire plane has to go through before take off?

I bet it's coming...

More Maui Pictures

The Plantation Golf Course in Kapalua

Yes, this is where the really good golfers play. We took this shot while having breakfast, overlooking the 18th green.

Kapalua, Maui

Jesus coming to Maui soon!

My head hit the pillow at about 4:45am last Sunday morning. I slept in til nearly 8am. I hugged my kids, helped them gather some things and waved good-bye with a forced smile as my dad drove off with my darlings. I miss them.
Even though my body screamed for more sleep, instead I suggested to Michael that we go somewhere for my days off. I checked the flight schedules and we settled on Honolulu. I had never been to Hawaii.
When our first flight reached San Francisco, we noticed that a flight to Maui was boarding in only 15 minutes. We walked up to the counter and changed our reservation.
In no time, we were sitting in Economy Plus onboard United Airlines headed for the lovely island of Maui. We would have been seated in first class, but Michael was wearing flip flops. Doah! There is a dress code for non-reving.
O'well, better luck next time!
More pictures and stories to come, but for now...me sleepy...me go night night!

funny!

If you are offended by this clip...you have no sense of humor. It's just a joke, Geez!

16 flights in 2 days

OY! I'm tired.

Stories? Yep, I got some.

We almost didn't land in Monterey because the guys couldn't see the runway. Luckily they saw it at the last possible moment and we landed. When I opened the door, a customer service agent asked if he could greet my passengers over the PA. He then sang...
"Zipedee do da, Zipedee a, I want to Welcome you to Monterey!" I thought it was cute, especially coming from this very large black man.

It was almost midnight on Wednesday and I had just learned that my passenger in 1C was celebrating her birthday. She was in a chipper mood despite the outrageous price she had to pay for her last minute ticket...$1400.00!!! She was coming from South Dakota to visit and take care of her grown daughter who is very ill. This lady's name was Tracy, but I thought she looked like a Gina. When she told me she hadn't eaten anything since this morning, I offered her my crew meal. I had been saving it for when I had a chance to eat, but I decided that time was never going to come. We had been running an hour behind all day and was never able to make it up. I counted myself lucky just to be able to go to the bathroom on the 5th turn.
When we landed, I gave my final announcement...
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Arcata. The local time is Approx. 12:10am....blah blah blah... carry on bags, blah blah blah, for your safety...blah blah blah....it has been my pleasure having you onboard, especially one of my very special passengers who is celebrating her birthday today. Please join in with me and sing Happy Birthday."
Tracy got the biggest smile across her face. Sure, I felt like an idiot singing Happy Birthday over the intercom, but I'm guessing it made her day. I have visions that she probably told her sick daughter that everyone on the plane sang to her.
I'll be a fool if it can make a sick person smile. Fine by me.

Yesterday, I had a few interesting passengers. On my first flight into Modesto, 2 armed police officers boarded with a prisoner. I knew he was a prisoner because of the handcuffs he was wearing. Also there is paperwork...always paperwork! They sat in the back and were very quite. I noticed the prisoner watched me the whole time and it gave me the willies.

On my 4th flight I got a break. 2 flight attendants came onboard and offered to work my flight for me. Huh? I was confused. They said they were the President and Vice President of SIA (sort of like our union, but not). As long as I occupied the jumpseat for take off and landing, they could do everything else. Hey! Sounds good to me! Go for it!
This flight was a short one (no beverage) so I got to talk with them the whole time. It was great. I am trying to transfer to Sacramento and these two are based there. They had some interesting info to share with me. Plus I discovered that one of them (Ruth) is actually my neighbor! Yeah, she lives in the same community with me right around the corner from our house! What a small world! She said she is a runner, and that's when it clicked. I've seen her several times running on American River Trail and Pointed Rocks. Of course she's seen me too. Strange!
We discussed the cost of our dues going up and we talked about Thea. Dang, I wonder how many flight crews we have living in Auburn Lake Trails?
Anyway- when I let everyone off the plane, one male passenger from the back pointed to my new friends and said "watch out for these two...they've been crashing planes all day!"
Now my brain knew exactly what he meant. Like crashing parties. But it wasn't until much later that I got the significance of the comment. Crashing planes? That didn't sound very good. I laughed outloud just before falling asleep in my hotel bed.

Am I there yet? #3

Talking to Myself #2

Keep me Awake! #1