Lazy Day in Sunny Portugal

First the news: GREAT NEWS!!
While I was gone 2 people put offers on our house! Of the the two, one stood out as a more solid offer so we took it! The other guy asked if they could be a backup. Both were for our asking price, but the other guy wanted us to pay for more stuff. I signed some papers yesterday and we are now officially in escrow! This thing will close within 30 days, possibly sooner. Wow.
On a dimmer note...I did not win the SIA election. Just like before I ran a good race and almost won. I suppose the timing is still not right. God knows best. I'll keep trying.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program: Portugal!

Tuesday, October 23rd.
I woke up with my head still pounding. I wanted coffee. Luckily we were staying in a cottage villa (time share) so our "room" had a kitchen, living room, 2 bathrooms & 2 bedrooms. My dad had already fixed coffee and made his famous monster breakfast. Eggs, potatoes, linguisa, onions & toast. Throughout the meal he sharred with me their adventures of shopping at the local grocery store and his trouble with ordering a cup of coffee.
I later found out what he was talking about. Though I didn't really do any grocery shopping, trying to get a cup of coffe that I am familiar with was impossible. It simply didn't exist. If you say 'coffee' they will bring expresso with milk in it. Small cup. And charge you 3 euros! More of that later.
I ate, took a couple pills and went back to bed. My body ached to much to enjoy anything. Later, I woke up to the girls walking through the door with my dad. They had just spent the last few hours at the beach. By that time I had caught up on my sleep and my headache had subsided. It was around 4pm. We all decided to go back to the beach.

Before we left on the trip, I told the girls to pack their swimsuites. They thought I was crazy. Now they were happy I made the suggestion.
The beach was not a very far walk. Across the street and down another to a narrow dirt path. Warning!...stay out of the street! The cars drive fast and don't stop for you. Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way. My dad learned this real quick when he got his elbow whacked by a passing car's mirror.
Single file we stepped out of the tunnel-like enterence and saw the most beautiful sight; The atlantic ocean from another continent's point of view.
We headed back for the same area that the family had been to earlier to find the same bull fighting arenea sand castle that they had constructed.
The girls ran ahead and I took a picture of them. Walking together I said, "We made it Dad! We're finally here in Portugal!" Like a child he smiled and with a giggle in his voice he replied, "Yeah, I know!" Then a more serious expression washed across his face as he added, "Thank you".
With a free arm I wrapped it around his waist and rested my head on his shoulder. "I love you dad."
"I love you too babe."

We spread out two towels that my dad had purchased in Spain the week before and rested. It was almost evening and the wind was picking up. I didn't go in the water. This certainly isn't Hawaii, though not as cold as the beached in Northern Ca. Goose bumps started appearing on my arms so I put on Kaytee's sweatshirt and talked with my dad about relationships and other stuff. I've always been able to talk with him about anything. I thank God for that.
After a while we walked back and discussed where we would be having dinner. Our tummys had turned on the hunger indicator switch which in turn activated our sense of smell and locator beacon.
My dad made the choice and soon we were all dressed and back on the road walking to the restaurante. I look horrible in this picture because I had not bothered to do my hair or make up and still jet lagged from the journey.

The meal was great. Toni and I had the salmon, Megan had fish fingers & chips (fries) Kaytee had spare ribs.
I ordered water because they don't give you glasses of water for free. They bring you a water bottle. Small or large. The large is REALLY large and the small is very small. Nothing in between. I had the large and sharred it with everyone.
Our waitor spoke enough English to help us, though I gave him with the word "skin" to help him discribe the outer layer of a potatoe.
Just before we were served, the chef came out and started speaking Portuguese to us. He was surprised to learn that we didn't know much. Confused he said, "But you are Portuguese? I can see it in your faces." We explained. Yes, we are, but do not live here.
Later the chef came back and did a magic trick. Then he asked Kaytee to sing. When she wouldn't do it, Megan did! He told her she sings beautifully. Megan choose to sing the song "Umbrella". The crazy thing we noticed is that Portugal loved this song! It played on every station all the time. On the bus, in the taxi and even in the mall in Lisbon...you could hear "under my umbrella...ella ella, eh eh eh."

After dinner, something happened that I have not experienced in the states. Both the waitor and the chef stood at the exit (salida) to shake our hands and thank us for coming. Obregada! Boa Noite! Thank you and good night.

In good with God! But let's take it from the top.

I hearby give all the credit of my good fortune to the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is only by His grace and love that I am here right now and not stuck in Portugal by myself wondering how the girls will manage in Newerk airport without money for the next 24 hours alone.

I want to explain my entire trip to you in logical sequence, but bare with me...that will take a few posts and several hours (and days) of my time. However, I'm willing to do it so that I will have the history preserved as long as there is internet.
Furthermore, I will restrain my desire to describe what happened yesterday, and start from the beginning. Okay- here goes...

Saturday night; October 20, 2007

I picked up Kaytee in Georgetown from her boyfriend's homecoming dance and returned back to my apartment at 12:30am. Since the alarm was set for 3am, I didn't bother trying to sleep. I brewed a pot of coffee and finished wrapping up details for the trip.

6am, we flew Sacramento to Chicago. Waited for 1.5 hours and barely made it on the plane to Newerk, New Jersey. I had no idea just how close it is to New York and was surprised to see the Statue of Liberty outside our window just before landing. In Newerk, we took the air tran to the international terminal where I found the Continental ticket counter and printed out our standby tickets for Lisbon. I made sure to stop and exchange American dollars for Euros before leaving America, knowing that taxis and buses only take Euro cash and nothing else.
3 hours later we had NO trouble getting on the flight, as there was about 50 open seats. 6.5 hours after that, we arrived in Lisbon. It was 8:30 in the morning October, 22nd. I had not slept on the any of our flights. After 2 full nights and days without rest, I was exhausted.
However, we still had much to accomplish before I could colapse into some sort of bed. At the Lisboa airport, I found a tourist information desk and figured out how we could travel down to Albuferia which is in the southern region of the Algarve. My choices were catching a taxi to the bus station or taxi to the train station. I chose the train as it was cheaper and closer than the bus.
In portugal it is very easy to get a cab. At the airport you wait in line to catch a taxi, much like waiting for a ride at Disneyland, I was surprised that none of the cab drivers speak English very well. Only a little. I simply said "Oriente train station" and they took us there. Figuring out the train system was difficult. There was not anyone you could talk to. The station is 4 levels high, with the metro (subway) on the bottom and the train at the top. Shopping and waiting rooms existed on the 2 middle levels. Kaytee tried approaching a security gaurd to ask for help, but he only pointed to something, spoke in an annoyed tone and walked off.
I finally found a machine that I was able to purchase tickets from. We had to wait 3 hours for the next train to Albuferia. While waiting, Kaytee tried to lay down and take a nap on one of the benches, but a guard came by and poked her on the shoulder. He grunted to make her sit up and we understood that she wasn't allowed to lay down.
On the train, we learned that the seats were assigned when someone pointed out that fact that we were in their seats. 3.5 hours later we arrived in Albuferia. A cab was waiting only a few steps away. I got out my address for the resort my dad was staying at and showed it to the driver. Moments later we zoomed off for our final destination. It was 5:00 o'clockpm. 8 hours later than California time.
15 minutes later we pulled up the frount enterence of Balagia Golf Resort in Albuferia. My dad and his girlfriend Toni, were waiting to greet us.
I tried to visit, but my head was pounding and I couldn't stay awake one more minute. I fell asleep and didn't get up until noon the next day.

Yo, Drama on the Block (Blockbuster, that is)

I just witnessed a crime.


It's weird when these things happen because you're not expecting it. Here's what went down. (keep in mind that it all took place within about a 15 minute span).


I walked into the local Blockbuster Video where I rent movies. I casually looked around for a few minutes until I spotted what promised to be exciting and historical...Flyboys.

I am generally oblivious to my surroundings, but the fallen sun outside gave the store a bright illumination that forced me to take notice the second I opened the door...as if I had just stepped under a tractor beam or flipped on the kitchen florecents first thing in the morning.

He was a large stocky (not fat) black, uh-hem, African American male with long, but not that messy dreadlocks. I know I saw his face while I was searching for a movie, but I don't remember it that well. If I had to guess his age, I'd say mid 20s? However these days the kids are so dang big, who knows!

There was a car waiting for him outside. I didn't notice that until it was peeling out in front of me.

My normal routine when randomly picking out a movie is to start in the middle, go right, then left. I don't know why, it's just what I do. That wasn't important, I know. Anyway- oddly enough I selected a movie in record time and approached the register. Blockbuster had just recieved a shipment of movies and the 2 clerks were busily opening them and taking inventory.
2 large boxes sat on the counter.

The black man was the only other customer in the store besides myself. He was slowly heading toward the door and had just past the scanner when it happened.

He turned around, grabbed one of the boxes, ran out the door and jumped into the waiting car outside. It was an old model white caddy or Buick? I can't be sure due to the dimly lit parking lot. Although it happened so fast, I probably wouldn't have known in day either.

I was stunned. It took a few seconds to register what had happened.

"Did he just steal that box?" I asked feeling like a dope. The two guys at the counter had acted so casually that I thought perhaps it wasn't what I thought I just saw. Most likely the guys were so wrapped up in their task that they didn't have time to freak out. In fact there was no freaking out at all. I rented my movie and said, "has that ever happened to you before?"
"No" he aswered.
Immediately it was business as usual except for one of the guys had gotten on the phone. I don't know if he had called police or the company, but he was talking about the robbery.

"Thank you. good night."

Then I left.

Looking back, I wonder why I didn't ask if they needed me to give a police report. After all, I was the only one who watched the dude grab it and run. That's weird huh? It didn't even occur to me.

Perhaps I'll get called in, but I'm guessing not. Perhaps if he had used a gun or yelled out demands for money he would be considered violent and the police would give it more attention than a report.
But right now this guy's a chicken. I suppose with added victories under his belt he'll take his time. He'll become more violent and dangerous with experience.


In other news: I applied for the SIA rep position. There are 2 spots open and at least 10 candidates running. I hope Ron and I win! The cruel part is I will be in Portugal when the election closes and not able to use my phone. But fear not! For I have conquored death! hehe. To dramatic? I mean, I rented a phone that will work in Portugal. However, at $1.49 a minute it will be reserved for emergencies. That counts as an emergency, right? Also I recieved Megan's passport today! Pure gold! Okay- now we can go. Nobody get on my flights last minute! BTW- most of my flights plans have changed...again. Uhhhh

Close Call

My alarm sounded at 5am today. I was sure to get down to the lobby a few minutes before 6am so that I wouldn't get left behind (shuttle nazis in LA...). All was going well (no broken airplanes, on-time departures, etc) until the last few minutes of our last leg into SJC.
It didn't feel like much to me, but enough to make me think, hmm, why'd they do that?

After we landed and I opened the flight deck door, Captain Neilson said, "You were almost dead and you didn't even know it."

Say what?

"Didn't you feel that dip?"

"Yeah, what was that about?" I asked calmly.

"We were going head on with a single engine aircraft!" he added.

Both Scott and Julie (First Officer Julie Brooks) seemed a bit shaken.

Oh, the excitment! I shrugged it off and finished gathering up my things. What else could I do?

I'm glad I'm alive and not spread all over the bay area. That would have ruined my day and made me wish I would have missed the shuttle.

Vacation...all I ever wanted, vacation...have to get away!

Portugal, here we come!

I'm freaking out, but that's a good thing. It gets me motivated to do things I should have done at least a month ago. Like figuring out how I'm gonna get there...you know, little stuff like that!

Flying stand by means I have to be prepared for getting stuck by making 2nd, 3rd and if possible...a fourth alternate plan. I have a plan A and plan B.

Plan A is getting a ride to SFO and flying United to EWR (Newerk). Then Continental EWR to LIS (Lisbon).

Plan B is getting a ride to SFO and flying Lufthansa to FRA (Frankfurt, Germany) then FRA to LIS.

I hope we can get a ride!

I know what you're thinking...Kathy, why don't you fly out of Sacramento instead of trying to get a ride? Well, it's simple...SFO is a larger hub and I doubt that me and the girls will be able to get on one of our short morning flights to SFO now that they pulled the jet off that route. Those are always full. I guess I can look it up, but I'm not counting on it.

For the flights home the plan is pretty much the same only in reverse.

The tricky thing is knowing what options are available and what ZED tickets to purchase ahead of time. Yes...PURCHASE. This will not exactly be "free" traveling. I am hoping to spend between $500.00-$800.00 for the three of us. Why so much? Taxes. Plus anytime I fly on carriers that are not partnered with SkyWest, I pay a percentage based on mileage. I can't complain, though. These tickets would cost about $3000.00 per person without my flying benefits...and maybe we can snag first class seats. The gate agents will bump us up if nobody else buys them. I sure hope so! This is going to be the longest flight I've ever been on! The saavy non-rever (and I've known a few) know how to get seats worth 24,000.00 for next to nothing. Ah, it's inspiring really. As luck would have it, I'm flying with such a person tomorrow. I need help!

We will be gone for 1 week. That's enough time for me. I get homesick. My dad and his girlfriend are leaving the day after tomorrow and will spend 1 week in Spain and then the week with us in Portugal. I am so glad this is finally happening for him. What will he say now? I've been hearing..."one of these days we're going to visit Portugal" for all 36 years of my life. Perhaps Alaska? Kaytee really wants to see Italy. That shouldn't be a problem. Lots of choices there. Me? I want to see Greece.

Unfortunately there is one big pain in the butt that threatens to dump sour milk all over my cake...The United States Passport Center.

They think I'm going to run away with my under age children and never come back! I can see their point, can't you? Parents are divorcing...one has been violent...there are questions about custody....this happens all the time. One parent takes off with the tot and the other never sees that kid again.

However, that is not case here. I'm not doing that! I just want to go on vacation! I love my job! I'm not leaving everything behind to start a new life in Portugal. Oh, hell no!

But, I don't have a legal document from the court ordering full custody to me because the divorce is not yet final. It should be...dang, I hate lawyers. I do have a restraining order that states right on there who has full and legal custody...ME. But that wasn't good enough. So I went to the courthouse and paid $15.00 per page for certified copies of court minutes from the most recent court date that states "All orders to remain in effect."

I've been going through this rigamaroll all summer. As of this morning, I have a FedEx tracking number for Megan's passport and it should have been here this morning, but....

nothing.

I remind myself during times like these.....good things come to those who wait...and when you're butt falls asleep, stand up and shake it!

A scare, a trip and an opportunity

First for the scare...

Last week I decided to go to the house to paint the living room. I had many things to do and didn't get on the road until about 6pm. I had been looking forward to stopping in the canyon to run before arriving at the house.
It's amazing how fast it gets dark as soon as the sun sets. The run was going great the first 2 miles in and I was enjoying it so much that I accidently continued on to the 3.5 mile mark. At that time I realized that I wouldn't be back before dark and I became concerned about wild animals. Well, not to long after that I heard something that sounded big and not like a deer. I know what deer sound like and that wasn't it. Seriously- it freaked me out! I stoped for a moment and then decided to run like hell! I made good time; finishing the second 3.5 miles in only 25 minutes. I was very happy to finally see headlights about a half mile to the end. By that time I couldn't see where I was stepping. I spent the entire next day painting the living room and hallway. We are currently under market value. We have been on the market for about 7 months now. We have dropped our asking price by $104,000. dollars. Yep- we started out at 429k and now down to 325k Ouch. Now that's scary.

Now for the trip...

Yesterday I finished a 4 day trip. I hadn't worked the jet in 2 months! Now I'm tired. The jet is so much more work than the brasilia. 50 people, 4 times a day, early shows....but fear not! I have a funny story...

During the boarding process, bound for Boise, Idaho, I had an Asian lady in her mid 50's I'd say, who had a rather large carry on bag that she insisted would fit. She was seated at the bulkhead 1C, which meant she HAD to put it in the overhead bin because she has no seat in front of her. I usually stop the boarding traffic for these such individuals so that they don't have to swim upstream to find there way back to their seat.
So me and this older gentlemen waited while the lady fought with her bag. Then I noticed it. I hoped she would figure it out soon and correct the problem, but it just kept getting worse. Finally the gentlemen leaned over and said to me, "maybe you ought to go help her out."
A little startled, I pulled myself out of the trance I seemed to be locked into and replied, "oh yeah, your right- I should."
I walked down to row 3 and began trying to help her make the bag fit.
"I can do it! I can do it!" she insisted.
I shifted my head over my right shoulder and whispered softly, "I know you can ma'am, but you need to check your pants."
I would have been much more embarrassed if it were me. She simply said, "Oh my gosh!" then pulled them back up over her butt and fastened the button that had come undone.

An opportunity...

At least 2 SIA representative positions have opened and there will be another election to fill the spots. Should I run again? I have to decide by Oct. 15th. I'm not sure that I want to. I was somewhat relieved when I didn't get it last time. This makes me wonder if it's even right for me. Perhaps I'm just scared that I'll do a bad job? Do I have the extra time to devote to it? What about becoming an instructor? I can't do both. Will this opportunity come around again or will it take a while?
Career decisions are tough!