For a nice change of pace, here are a few pics from the hotel I stayed in last night in Costa Mesa, CA. Two are of the courtyards and one was taken in the lobby. Nice, huh?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Better Safe, Than Sorry...
You know that harrowing drive I mentioned in yesterday's post? I had another this evening. It was SO BAD (a normally 5 minute drive took me 3 hours), that I turned around and checked into a hotel...! And it's a good thing that I did - I just got a call from crew scheduling - I have a round-trip flight tomorrow to San Jose, CA. I have to be back at the airport tomorrow at 11AM. Hopefully, the roads will be cleared in the morning!
For a nice change of pace, here are a few pics from the hotel I stayed in last night in Costa Mesa, CA. Two are of the courtyards and one was taken in the lobby. Nice, huh?
For a nice change of pace, here are a few pics from the hotel I stayed in last night in Costa Mesa, CA. Two are of the courtyards and one was taken in the lobby. Nice, huh?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Super Susan to the Rescue!!!
After a harrowing drive from Colorado Springs to Denver this morning at 0400 (icy and foggy), I sat on the couch at the airport. Twice, I got called to pre-board flights...and then the phone in the crew room rang once again...it went like this:
"Brriiiiiinnnnng, briiiiiinnnnnng."
Another flight attendant answered the phone and yelled out "SUSAN MOORE!"
The crewroom came to life - all the FAs and pilots started saying "You're going on a trip, you're going on a trip!"
I picked up the phone...."Hello?" and heard that it was Bernadette in Scheduling. She said that she had a trip for me - meanwhile, all eyes are on me, so I decided to play it up. "COSTA RICA?!?! You're sending me to COSTA RICA!?!?!" People in the crewroom actually believed me! Hahahahahaha! We don't start flying there until 12/19...GOTCHA!
What Bernadette called to tell me is that they were flying me to Orange County, CA - I got to be a passenger, watch free TV and sleep! I'd spend the night and then work a flight back in the morning - one of their flight attendants called in sick, and evidently flew home on the flight that I just came in on.
This is a beautiful hotel...and it's a beautiful day. I think I'll go out and explore for a little while!
"Brriiiiiinnnnng, briiiiiinnnnnng."
Another flight attendant answered the phone and yelled out "SUSAN MOORE!"
The crewroom came to life - all the FAs and pilots started saying "You're going on a trip, you're going on a trip!"
I picked up the phone...."Hello?" and heard that it was Bernadette in Scheduling. She said that she had a trip for me - meanwhile, all eyes are on me, so I decided to play it up. "COSTA RICA?!?! You're sending me to COSTA RICA!?!?!" People in the crewroom actually believed me! Hahahahahaha! We don't start flying there until 12/19...GOTCHA!
What Bernadette called to tell me is that they were flying me to Orange County, CA - I got to be a passenger, watch free TV and sleep! I'd spend the night and then work a flight back in the morning - one of their flight attendants called in sick, and evidently flew home on the flight that I just came in on.
This is a beautiful hotel...and it's a beautiful day. I think I'll go out and explore for a little while!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Crew Scheduling just called...Ryan said "Gobble gobble, you are released until 5AM tomorrow!" Woo hoo!!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Home for the Holidays!
I got an almost 4-hour call-out (whew!) for a Dallas turn yesterday - now THAT'S my kind of call! I had time to shower, dress, get organized, and drive to DIA in a nice, relaxing manner.
The flights were full both ways - lots of people going to be with loved ones for Thanksgiving! I spoke with a Colonel in the U.S. Army on the way to Dallas - nice guy... and I had a plane full of TCU (Texas Christian University) students on the way back to Denver.
We were on an Airbus 318 that had recently had leather seats installed - and the last row had inoperative TVs...that's a temporary situation that will be rectified within the next week or so. The passengers in that row on both flights were disappointed...so I offered to purchase them a beverage as a token of apology. Not all of them took me up on my offer, but they very much appreciated it.
I was the "B" position this time, so I didn't really talk much with the "A" flight attendant, but I had a very nice chat with Vanessa, the "C" flight attendant. She's another FA who loves her job! Those job-lovers are a joy to be around!!!
The flights were full both ways - lots of people going to be with loved ones for Thanksgiving! I spoke with a Colonel in the U.S. Army on the way to Dallas - nice guy... and I had a plane full of TCU (Texas Christian University) students on the way back to Denver.
We were on an Airbus 318 that had recently had leather seats installed - and the last row had inoperative TVs...that's a temporary situation that will be rectified within the next week or so. The passengers in that row on both flights were disappointed...so I offered to purchase them a beverage as a token of apology. Not all of them took me up on my offer, but they very much appreciated it.
I was the "B" position this time, so I didn't really talk much with the "A" flight attendant, but I had a very nice chat with Vanessa, the "C" flight attendant. She's another FA who loves her job! Those job-lovers are a joy to be around!!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Happy Birthday, Jen!
I have to do two posts today - I can't let today go by without giving a "shout out" to my not-so-little girl who turns 20 years old today...where has the time gone?
Dear Jen,
I can't believe that you are 20 years old.
I have so many memories - wonderful ones - of you from throughout your life. You and I were constant companions (until you got your driver's license) from the beginning, and even now, when we get together, it's like we never were apart. Here are just a few of the billions of memories that come to mind:
* Watching you sleep when you were a baby, and freaking out when, at two weeks, you first slept through the night...I was so afraid that you weren't breathing! But, no...you took it seriously when, the night before, you cried in the middle of the night, and I went and got you and rocked/nursed you, tears streaming from my eyes, saying how I couldn't do this anymore...that I needed SLEEP! You...being the wonderful daughter that you are, started sleeping through the next night. Thank you.
* Remembering the time that I locked you in the car...(not one of my proudest moments). We were at the "mall" in Boeblingen, Germany and had just gotten take-out from the McDonald's. I loaded you (around 12 months old) into your carseat in the back of my Subaru Justy, placed the McDonald's on the front seat, the car keys on the dashboard, and then locked the car and closed the car door. Unfortunately, it was "lunch hour" and the German guys at the nearby service station didn't want to be bothered to try and understand my broken German, as I tried to explain my dilemma. I ran back to the car...you were crying. I don't know if it was because you were scared or if you were hungry and could smell the McDonald's food! I had to leave you again to try and get help - remember, this was before cell phones! - I ended up going into the mall, begging to use the telephone, and ended up calling Daddy - he came over from work and rescued you with a coat hanger. My hero!
* I am so proud that I was there when you got asked for your hand in marriage the first time. It was at a canal-side cafe in Venice, Italy...a gorgeous Italian waiter came over and told us that you were beautiful. He then asked Daddy if he could marry you when you grew up...
* Enjoying the times you loved to "dress up" - even when it wasn't Halloween...especially the night that we ordered Chinese at "The New Panda" - you had to put on your "mini-wedding dress," veil and high-heeled shoes - I brought you in to the restaurant with me, and you loved all the attention you got from the wait staff, as they told you what a beautiful bride you made!
Fast forward several years...there are entirely too many memories and it would take me all day to record them...
* The fun times we have had together - our "Mystery Trip" to San Francisco, our numerous trips to the mall, our 8-week cross-country trip two summers ago, my visits to NYC. There are so many more to come.
* Watching you dance onstage. My heart bursts with pride, my eyes well with tears. What more can I say?
and finally,
* Watching you bloom and grow in New York City. You are where you need to be - you are showing your maturity, your talent, your focus - I know you will be successful in whatever you decide to do.
I love you,
Mommy
Dear Jen,
I can't believe that you are 20 years old.
I have so many memories - wonderful ones - of you from throughout your life. You and I were constant companions (until you got your driver's license) from the beginning, and even now, when we get together, it's like we never were apart. Here are just a few of the billions of memories that come to mind:
* Watching you sleep when you were a baby, and freaking out when, at two weeks, you first slept through the night...I was so afraid that you weren't breathing! But, no...you took it seriously when, the night before, you cried in the middle of the night, and I went and got you and rocked/nursed you, tears streaming from my eyes, saying how I couldn't do this anymore...that I needed SLEEP! You...being the wonderful daughter that you are, started sleeping through the next night. Thank you.
* Remembering the time that I locked you in the car...(not one of my proudest moments). We were at the "mall" in Boeblingen, Germany and had just gotten take-out from the McDonald's. I loaded you (around 12 months old) into your carseat in the back of my Subaru Justy, placed the McDonald's on the front seat, the car keys on the dashboard, and then locked the car and closed the car door. Unfortunately, it was "lunch hour" and the German guys at the nearby service station didn't want to be bothered to try and understand my broken German, as I tried to explain my dilemma. I ran back to the car...you were crying. I don't know if it was because you were scared or if you were hungry and could smell the McDonald's food! I had to leave you again to try and get help - remember, this was before cell phones! - I ended up going into the mall, begging to use the telephone, and ended up calling Daddy - he came over from work and rescued you with a coat hanger. My hero!
* I am so proud that I was there when you got asked for your hand in marriage the first time. It was at a canal-side cafe in Venice, Italy...a gorgeous Italian waiter came over and told us that you were beautiful. He then asked Daddy if he could marry you when you grew up...
* Enjoying the times you loved to "dress up" - even when it wasn't Halloween...especially the night that we ordered Chinese at "The New Panda" - you had to put on your "mini-wedding dress," veil and high-heeled shoes - I brought you in to the restaurant with me, and you loved all the attention you got from the wait staff, as they told you what a beautiful bride you made!
Fast forward several years...there are entirely too many memories and it would take me all day to record them...
* The fun times we have had together - our "Mystery Trip" to San Francisco, our numerous trips to the mall, our 8-week cross-country trip two summers ago, my visits to NYC. There are so many more to come.
* Watching you dance onstage. My heart bursts with pride, my eyes well with tears. What more can I say?
and finally,
* Watching you bloom and grow in New York City. You are where you need to be - you are showing your maturity, your talent, your focus - I know you will be successful in whatever you decide to do.
I love you,
Mommy
I Love My Job!
Yesterday was so much fun!
I had to be at DIA at 5:45AM (that wasn't the fun part) - first, I did a round-trip to Minneapolis, had a 2 hour layover back at DIA (that wasn't the fun part, either), and then did a round-trip to Phoenix. I was back at home by 8:30PM. I was exhausted, but in a very good way.
First of all, I had a really great crew! I flew with my classmate, LuEllen, again! Michael was the other FA. The CPT and FO were nuts - the CPT kept coming out of the flight deck asking "Are we there yet?" The kids on board loved him!
I think the best part of yesterday was that I was flying with two other flight attendants that LOVE their jobs! That makes all the difference in the world. We had fun teasing each other - playing "go fish" while serving beverages..."Do you have an open apple juice?" "Go fish!" I tried to get Michael to laugh during the safety demo - and I succeeded! He cracked up and had to stop his announcement... just stupid stuff that made the time fly by. I hope to fly with both of them again, soon.
I love my job!
I had to be at DIA at 5:45AM (that wasn't the fun part) - first, I did a round-trip to Minneapolis, had a 2 hour layover back at DIA (that wasn't the fun part, either), and then did a round-trip to Phoenix. I was back at home by 8:30PM. I was exhausted, but in a very good way.
First of all, I had a really great crew! I flew with my classmate, LuEllen, again! Michael was the other FA. The CPT and FO were nuts - the CPT kept coming out of the flight deck asking "Are we there yet?" The kids on board loved him!
I think the best part of yesterday was that I was flying with two other flight attendants that LOVE their jobs! That makes all the difference in the world. We had fun teasing each other - playing "go fish" while serving beverages..."Do you have an open apple juice?" "Go fish!" I tried to get Michael to laugh during the safety demo - and I succeeded! He cracked up and had to stop his announcement... just stupid stuff that made the time fly by. I hope to fly with both of them again, soon.
I love my job!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Boycott United Airlines!
OMG. What a day it has been. When I booked Jen's ticket to come home for the Celine Dion concert, I used credit card miles. Unfortunately, I ended up with a ticket on United Airlines. Luckily, everything went smoothly on Tuesday night when Jen arrived - but today, it's been crazy.
In a rather large nutshell, Jen's first flight today from Colorado Springs to Chicago on United kept getting delayed. I spoke with a UAL employee and told him that I wanted to cancel Jen's reservation, get my money back, and that I'd put her on a non-rev Frontier Airlines ticket from Colorado Springs to Denver to LaGuardia, because "Frontier never cancels flights!" Well...he did one better - he "pushed" Jen's entire ticket to Frontier - in other words, United paid for Jen to have a confirmed seat on Frontier!
But, he did it incorrectly and Jen's ticket remained as a non-rev. She got on the flight to Denver, and then I had to walk back and forth between the United and Frontier counters, until finally a wonderful Frontier customer service agent, Brenda, and her manager, Dixie, figured it out and got Jen a confirmed seat on the flight from Denver to LaGuardia. Whew! (Though she would've had no problem getting a non-rev seat...there were 10 seats available, and she was #2 on the list...but by then it was the principle of the matter.)
I went back to United to speak with the customer service agent to let them know why the "push" did not go through correctly...and without even looking up at me, she said:
I had been blown off. OMG. (By the way...it was very effective.)
In a rather large nutshell, Jen's first flight today from Colorado Springs to Chicago on United kept getting delayed. I spoke with a UAL employee and told him that I wanted to cancel Jen's reservation, get my money back, and that I'd put her on a non-rev Frontier Airlines ticket from Colorado Springs to Denver to LaGuardia, because "Frontier never cancels flights!" Well...he did one better - he "pushed" Jen's entire ticket to Frontier - in other words, United paid for Jen to have a confirmed seat on Frontier!
But, he did it incorrectly and Jen's ticket remained as a non-rev. She got on the flight to Denver, and then I had to walk back and forth between the United and Frontier counters, until finally a wonderful Frontier customer service agent, Brenda, and her manager, Dixie, figured it out and got Jen a confirmed seat on the flight from Denver to LaGuardia. Whew! (Though she would've had no problem getting a non-rev seat...there were 10 seats available, and she was #2 on the list...but by then it was the principle of the matter.)
I went back to United to speak with the customer service agent to let them know why the "push" did not go through correctly...and without even looking up at me, she said:
"I am sorry for the inconvenience.
Thank you and have a nice day."
I had been blown off. OMG. (By the way...it was very effective.)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Garden of the Gods
On Wednesday, it was gorgeous! Jen and I ran several errands, and ended up at the Garden of the Gods - she needed to take some photos for a class project.
I decided to take some photos, too!
Evergreen berries
Jen sees you!
Susan on crack...
I'm a photographer of the photographer!
Rock climbers...
Kissing Camels...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
No Pictures for You!
Since I arrived in Houston in the dark, and left Houston this morning in the dark, I have no pictures...however, I should have taken some in the newly remodeled lobby - it's similar to the Philadelphia hotel's lobby - many stories tall, big, airy, and beautiful.
Since we had such a short layover, I ate out of my lunchbox, watched a little TV, read a used People magazine that was missing its cover and inside middle page, and went to bed. But I didn't sleep as much as I had hoped to - I had a "nightmare" about driving people places and getting everyone to where they needed to go and being on time. I was overcommitted and didn't know how to get to where I needed to go. Whew! I think those short-calls bugged me even more than I originally thought!
It was a half-full flight this morning, so it made it very easy...but it was hard to stay awake! But once we got back to DIA, we all heard those magic words..."you are released to your days off." I don't go back on duty again until Monday!
My daughter, Jen, is flying in this evening!!! Until a couple days ago, our plans were to go to the Celine Dion concert in Denver tomorrow night, and spend the night in a hotel. But I got an email and a phone call from Ticketmaster telling me that the concert has been postponed until February, 2009!!! So I gave Jen the option to cancel her trip home, and we'd rebook her ticket for February - that way she could stay in NYC and go to her classes, etc. But she was on top of her assignments, and decided to come home for a few days. I guess we'll have to spend our time together doing some "retail therapy..."!
Since we had such a short layover, I ate out of my lunchbox, watched a little TV, read a used People magazine that was missing its cover and inside middle page, and went to bed. But I didn't sleep as much as I had hoped to - I had a "nightmare" about driving people places and getting everyone to where they needed to go and being on time. I was overcommitted and didn't know how to get to where I needed to go. Whew! I think those short-calls bugged me even more than I originally thought!
It was a half-full flight this morning, so it made it very easy...but it was hard to stay awake! But once we got back to DIA, we all heard those magic words..."you are released to your days off." I don't go back on duty again until Monday!
My daughter, Jen, is flying in this evening!!! Until a couple days ago, our plans were to go to the Celine Dion concert in Denver tomorrow night, and spend the night in a hotel. But I got an email and a phone call from Ticketmaster telling me that the concert has been postponed until February, 2009!!! So I gave Jen the option to cancel her trip home, and we'd rebook her ticket for February - that way she could stay in NYC and go to her classes, etc. But she was on top of her assignments, and decided to come home for a few days. I guess we'll have to spend our time together doing some "retail therapy..."!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Happy Camper?!?!?
I am trying to be a "happy camper" but am finding it hard today. I love this job. But I do NOT love 2-hour short-calls (where I have to sign in within two hours of receiving a phone call from crew scheduling). I cruised along for a year with only one...but this afternoon, I got my SECOND ONE IN 44 HOURS!
Let me clarify. I live 91 miles door-to-crewroom. One hour and forty minutes. It takes me 10 minutes to tear off my clothes and don my uniform. That leaves me a window of 10 minutes for traffic...those of you who know me, know that I'm not one to cut it so close. I prefer a 30 minute window at a minimum...
Looking at the brighter side, I am flying with one of my classmates - EC! The other flight attendant - Lori, was on my 2-hour short-call trip to Milwaukee! We all get along well together, and hope that we'll all be released to our days off when we return to Denver tomorrow morning!
Let me clarify. I live 91 miles door-to-crewroom. One hour and forty minutes. It takes me 10 minutes to tear off my clothes and don my uniform. That leaves me a window of 10 minutes for traffic...those of you who know me, know that I'm not one to cut it so close. I prefer a 30 minute window at a minimum...
Looking at the brighter side, I am flying with one of my classmates - EC! The other flight attendant - Lori, was on my 2-hour short-call trip to Milwaukee! We all get along well together, and hope that we'll all be released to our days off when we return to Denver tomorrow morning!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
On the Go!
If you look closely, you'll see a mallard duck in the following photo...that's what I saw on my walk around the hotel!
Traffic on a Saturday is a pain. Lots of people out for a joyride, not going the speed limit, etc. But I got there...I had FIVE minutes to spare. Whew. I didn't really enjoy that stress. The entire crew had been short-called - I don't know what had happened to the original crew...they were probably delayed in another city by weather.
The hotel has "Sleep Number" beds...weird! I set it to a really low number, and the entire bed sank in the middle! So I pumped it up and it got harder. Finally, I found a happy medium. There was a McDonald's nearby, and I walked there for breakfast on Sunday. Then I stopped at the Subway shop to pick up a sandwich for lunch. Now I'm sitting in the room watching a documentary about Jim Jones - what an evil man. It's scary that he had so much power over so many people. So sad.
I'm heading back to Denver in a couple hours...but I am not sure what my future holds! I am on duty until Tuesday at midnight...
Saturday, November 15, 2008
My Adventurous Mom!
My Mom and my sister, Nancy, recently vacationed at the Punta Cana Club Med in the Domincan Republic. And, of course, you can't expect my Mom to sit still...nope. She got out there and tried out the flying trapeze! The Club Med trapeze staff were so impressed, that they held a small ceremony honoring her for her adventurous spirit!
Mom, being awarded a gold medal for her flying trapeze adventure...
...showing off her certificate and the weight belt she used while flying...
...being congratulated by the entire Punta Cana Club Med trapeze staff! She impressed them with her willingness to try anything!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Crazy Colorado
Yesterday was a gorgeous day - highs in the low 70s. Today started out sunny, buy now there are snow flurries and the high will be in the low 40s. A perfect day for staying in my jammies, curling up on the sofa and reading a book! Ah...but it is not to be! Today is day 2 of 6 days on duty...so I must be showered and ready to head out the door at a moment's notice!
I have some good news to report! Yesterday, the "case of the missing camera" came to an end! The camera that I fretted over, and finally gave up and replaced, was found on one of my dining room chairs under a cushion! Go figure. For your entertainment, I will present the photos that were on that camera...
The first photo is of one of my dream cars - I took this photo in Indianapolis back in early October...it was a gorgeous day, and I waited for the owner to return so that we could work out a deal, but he/she never came back. Too bad.
I have some good news to report! Yesterday, the "case of the missing camera" came to an end! The camera that I fretted over, and finally gave up and replaced, was found on one of my dining room chairs under a cushion! Go figure. For your entertainment, I will present the photos that were on that camera...
The first photo is of one of my dream cars - I took this photo in Indianapolis back in early October...it was a gorgeous day, and I waited for the owner to return so that we could work out a deal, but he/she never came back. Too bad.
These next two photos were also taken in Indianapolis in early October, and show what I thought was a dog statue (some cities have amazingly lifelike statues spread around the city)...but turned out to be a real dog with amazing control! That dog did not move the entire time I stood and watched it.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Haven't I Learned My Lesson?!?
This evening I took a step back in my history and got reelected to our Homeowners' Association Board. I had been on the board for 11 years and quit a few years ago when the drama got too overwhelming...the cause of that drama is no longer on the board, it seemed like it was now more relaxed and casual, and I figured, "what the heck?" I hope I don't regret this decision.
I ventured out today more than any of the past seven days...and I can feel it. My head is hurting, my cough is gaining all sorts of attention, but I'm trying to still take it easy. There was a really good four-day trip on the board for tomorrow (but I start six-days of duty tomorrow). I even called Crew Scheduling and begged for them to give it to me! I promised them a pizza...but, no go. They're just too honorable for my bribes. Anyway, it was an overnight in Atlanta tomorrow, Los Angeles the next night, and San Francisco the following. Is that a good trip, or what?!?! I have friends and/or relatives in each of those places - I would have loved to have done some serious hanging out. Instead, I'll now wait for my phone to ring...
I ventured out today more than any of the past seven days...and I can feel it. My head is hurting, my cough is gaining all sorts of attention, but I'm trying to still take it easy. There was a really good four-day trip on the board for tomorrow (but I start six-days of duty tomorrow). I even called Crew Scheduling and begged for them to give it to me! I promised them a pizza...but, no go. They're just too honorable for my bribes. Anyway, it was an overnight in Atlanta tomorrow, Los Angeles the next night, and San Francisco the following. Is that a good trip, or what?!?! I have friends and/or relatives in each of those places - I would have loved to have done some serious hanging out. Instead, I'll now wait for my phone to ring...
Monday, November 10, 2008
Will it Ever End?
I'm still sick. Did not even go out of the house on Saturday and Sunday. I did get my oil changed this morning and stopped at Target...and now I'm exhausted.
I am supposed to go to a neighborhood potluck dinner tonight for my Church...I honestly don't think I have the energy. I may just go up to make an appearance, and then leave...all I want to do now is sit on the sofa and sleep.
This strain of the flu (that wasn't included in the vaccine I got) is not very nice.
I am supposed to go to a neighborhood potluck dinner tonight for my Church...I honestly don't think I have the energy. I may just go up to make an appearance, and then leave...all I want to do now is sit on the sofa and sleep.
This strain of the flu (that wasn't included in the vaccine I got) is not very nice.
Friday, November 7, 2008
A Serious Moment
On one of my last flights, I had an interaction with a passenger that went something like this:
He: "When did you get your thyroid scar?" Pointing at my neck.
Me: "Oh...about 10 years ago - I had half of it removed because of a tumor."
He: Pulling back the collar of his shirt to reveal a mean, ugly scar, several times larger than mine with stretched out skin. "Here's my scar - my thyroid cancer had spread to my neck, to my lymph nodes, and around my shoulders. But I survived!"
Me: After visibly flinching and saying "Owww" when he revealed his scar, I said, "Wow."
He: He held out his hand and we shook hands - a very powerful handshake. And he told me "Congratulations."
I've thought about that interaction several times over the past several days. My tumor was noncancerous. His wasn't. He could have died, but he didn't. He survived. He had a great attitude.
Life is precious.
He: "When did you get your thyroid scar?" Pointing at my neck.
Me: "Oh...about 10 years ago - I had half of it removed because of a tumor."
He: Pulling back the collar of his shirt to reveal a mean, ugly scar, several times larger than mine with stretched out skin. "Here's my scar - my thyroid cancer had spread to my neck, to my lymph nodes, and around my shoulders. But I survived!"
Me: After visibly flinching and saying "Owww" when he revealed his scar, I said, "Wow."
He: He held out his hand and we shook hands - a very powerful handshake. And he told me "Congratulations."
I've thought about that interaction several times over the past several days. My tumor was noncancerous. His wasn't. He could have died, but he didn't. He survived. He had a great attitude.
Life is precious.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Adios, Senorita!
I just got back from taking Diane to the airport here in COS. I wasn't the best hostess, what with all this flu nonsense, but dem's de breaks, huh?
I feel a bit better - my fever is lower, my headache and body aches are more under control. I even went to the Safeway pharmacy and told them that even though I got their flu shot, I still came down with the flu! I asked if that's been happening a lot, and the pharmacist said that yes...she has heard that. Oh well. At least when I'm faced with one of the types of flu I've been vaccinated against, I should stay well!
I am going to go lay down on the couch...
I feel a bit better - my fever is lower, my headache and body aches are more under control. I even went to the Safeway pharmacy and told them that even though I got their flu shot, I still came down with the flu! I asked if that's been happening a lot, and the pharmacist said that yes...she has heard that. Oh well. At least when I'm faced with one of the types of flu I've been vaccinated against, I should stay well!
I am going to go lay down on the couch...
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
My Sister Diane
Yesterday, Diane went to see Greg for her dental appointment - she made sure to tell the other patients that she flew across the country to specifically have Greg do her dental work! I don't think she told them that he was her brother-in-law!
After her appointment, I took her to Montague's - a lovely little restaurant that is one of my favorites. Then we visited a couple thrift shops and a dollar store and called it a day! I was starting to not feel so good - headache, body chills, etc.
Well, today I feel like I got slammed by a semi when I wasn't looking. My head throbbed, and I had to cancel our lunch plans with my girlfriends at the High School counseling center. Later on, as my headache subsided, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then drove around looking for "foreclosure" signs - we saw only one in our zip code. By then, though, I was starting to get the chills...103.5 at it's highest.
I hate being sick.
I called Frontier and reported that I wouldn't be available for work tomorrow...I'll have three more duty days after that, so I hope my body kicks this bug in the arse so I can go back to work.
After her appointment, I took her to Montague's - a lovely little restaurant that is one of my favorites. Then we visited a couple thrift shops and a dollar store and called it a day! I was starting to not feel so good - headache, body chills, etc.
Well, today I feel like I got slammed by a semi when I wasn't looking. My head throbbed, and I had to cancel our lunch plans with my girlfriends at the High School counseling center. Later on, as my headache subsided, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then drove around looking for "foreclosure" signs - we saw only one in our zip code. By then, though, I was starting to get the chills...103.5 at it's highest.
I hate being sick.
I called Frontier and reported that I wouldn't be available for work tomorrow...I'll have three more duty days after that, so I hope my body kicks this bug in the arse so I can go back to work.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Go Sarah Go!
I returned this morning from Chicago - I actually had a passenger that did not know how to fasten her seatbelt!!! I guess my demonstration really does pay off. I also got a drunk guy kicked off the flight - and this was at 6AM! I guess he must have stayed up all night drinking. After landing in Denver, we flew a quick turn to Albuquerque, and I released to my two days off. Yippee!
Before leaving the Denver area, I stopped at the Crown Plaza hotel where Greg was attending his monthly Prosthodontics Society meeting. Fortunately, they were eating lunch so I didn't interrupt anything...I stopped at his table, gave him a big kiss, and wished him a Happy Anniversary! I gave him a container of Cheddar/Caramel popcorn, and said that I had heard that popcorn was an appropriate gift for a 24th anniversary...
When I got back to Colorado Springs, I picked up my sister Diane at the airport and we stopped at the house. We started to run a few errands and then heard that Sarah Palin was coming to town! So we dropped everything and headed to the rally - it was awesome. We saw her plane land and taxi over to the rally location. Hank Williams, Jr. sang a couple songs, Sarah gave an awesome speech (she didn't say "You betcha" once...darn it) - it was a great adventure. Though now my throat is sore from yelling so much!
Before leaving the Denver area, I stopped at the Crown Plaza hotel where Greg was attending his monthly Prosthodontics Society meeting. Fortunately, they were eating lunch so I didn't interrupt anything...I stopped at his table, gave him a big kiss, and wished him a Happy Anniversary! I gave him a container of Cheddar/Caramel popcorn, and said that I had heard that popcorn was an appropriate gift for a 24th anniversary...
When I got back to Colorado Springs, I picked up my sister Diane at the airport and we stopped at the house. We started to run a few errands and then heard that Sarah Palin was coming to town! So we dropped everything and headed to the rally - it was awesome. We saw her plane land and taxi over to the rally location. Hank Williams, Jr. sang a couple songs, Sarah gave an awesome speech (she didn't say "You betcha" once...darn it) - it was a great adventure. Though now my throat is sore from yelling so much!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sliders & Cows
I am happy to announce that the rest of my work day was much, much better than this morning's flight! Yippee! It was so uneventful, that I don't really have anything to write about...
But you know me...I can't stand a blank page. So here's what I saw in Chicago outside my hotel:
A boxing cow in shamrock trunks, complete with a black eye.
A patriotic cow who is just as anxious as I am to get Election '08 over with!
Next up, I headed a few short blocks away from the hotel to White Castle, an institution in its own right. And, you guessed it, I ordered sliders. Can you say "YUMMY?"
S.N.A.F.U.
What a morning...
After such a fantastic day, I was all ready for another! But...it started out that the gate people at LAX were not ready for us - they couldn't get into the jetway, the jetway wasn't moved up to the plane so we couldn't get into the plane, it was one thing after another. At one point during the boarding process, I had a passenger with a guitar, a passenger with 5 carry-ons, her angry husband, a little girl with a spilled cup of hot chocolate, and an angry witch with some hot chocolate on her shoe - all these were in my forward galley at the same time. All I could do was yell out "Wet clean-up on Aisle 1!!!"
I also forgot to give the CPT and FO their trashbag and bottles of water, I forgot to tell them that the cabin was secure...Moral of this story is that I cannot let the nonsense get me down. I need to focus on my job and laugh at all the other stuff.
I have a couple hours sit in the crewroom and then we're off to Chicago for the night...
After such a fantastic day, I was all ready for another! But...it started out that the gate people at LAX were not ready for us - they couldn't get into the jetway, the jetway wasn't moved up to the plane so we couldn't get into the plane, it was one thing after another. At one point during the boarding process, I had a passenger with a guitar, a passenger with 5 carry-ons, her angry husband, a little girl with a spilled cup of hot chocolate, and an angry witch with some hot chocolate on her shoe - all these were in my forward galley at the same time. All I could do was yell out "Wet clean-up on Aisle 1!!!"
I also forgot to give the CPT and FO their trashbag and bottles of water, I forgot to tell them that the cabin was secure...Moral of this story is that I cannot let the nonsense get me down. I need to focus on my job and laugh at all the other stuff.
I have a couple hours sit in the crewroom and then we're off to Chicago for the night...
Saturday, November 1, 2008
A Couple NYC Photos
Here are a couple photos that I just found on my camera - I took them during my visit to NYC. One is a pic of the infamous "Jockey Club" and the other is the chandelier in the theatre where Jen works.
It Never Rains in California...Huh?!?
What a weird day.
This morning's flight started out with an "issue" - the flight was booked for a plane with 23 rows, but our plane had only 22 rows...and for some reason, the gate agents couldn't tell me which seats were empty. So once everyone was on board, I asked two single guys to move to the exit row - and that freed up a row of three for a family that was originally in the back row. The gate agents loved me, and almost hugged me! All in a day's work.
Then my coffee pot wouldn't work.
Then a sweet Hispanic woman spilled her OJ all over herself.
Then I twisted my ankle in the LAX terminal - so far, there's no pain or swelling.
But once I was at the hotel, things took a turn for the better. It was 10:30AM and I was DONE FOR THE DAY! Incredible. My co-workers told me about a trolley that'll take me to Manhattan Beach - so off I went! Only $3 for a nice ride to the beach. I walked around the shops, walked on the pier, ate fish tacos, had some ice cream, watched the surfers, and got back on the trolley before the rain came. The trolley stopped at two shopping malls on its way back to my stop, but the stores were the "same old, same old" so I stayed on and went back to the hotel.
So it's now 4:15PM, and we "fall back" tonight, so I'll have lots of sleep before it's time to catch my 5AM shuttle to the airport. But before I sleep, I will watch my Netflix movie (I don't remember which one it is) so that I can send it back and get the next one on my list!!!
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