UGH!
Topic: Airline Industry

Well, I just compiled a complete composition of what's been going on for the past few month's and totally lost it because of a little "finger fidget" on my behalf!  I'm totally beside myself!  UGH!

 Anywho,

Had pneumonia last month (September), probably had it for more than a month, was diagnosed with it three weeks ago, was off for at least ten days per doctor's orders, got a written notice from inflight management for extending my "Sick Call" notices and was put on notice.  Can't be sick between now and May 12, 2007.  Light a Candle of protection and health, please?"  Otherwise, I'm on notice for termination if I call in sick one more time.  Hello?  Airborne?

Anywho, I still love my job!  Despite the fact that every time I'm on call I still get the short layovers, 10hours or less.  That's what they call "Paying Your Dues" in the airline industry!  Hope  I can hold out for much longer!

Recovered from the pneumonia and reported back to duty.  Six days straight of work.

When I returned to the base I decided to stay at one of the airport hotels because  I grew tired of going back to the "Crashpad" a.k.a. the "Trashpad", because of the "younger gals" either staying up late, drinking, stealing either your money or food and just taking advantage of whomever they felt.

Staying at the airport hotel was "Glorious" compared to what I've endured over the past few months.  Peace and quiet (guess I'm showing my age), was spectactular compared to the past two months!

Call me "Cranky" lately!  Guess being on "Reserve" longer than I was told is taking it's toll along with recovering from the pneumonia.  I "FINALLY" got to go to two places I've wanted to where we fly.  Savanah, Georgia and St. John's, Newfoundland!  YAY!  But!  Yet again!  Each place, each time I've gone there I've flown in when It's dark and left when it's dark!  DAMN!  One of these days it'll all pay off! (sigh)

One of the fringe benefits of this industry?  Well, having someone noteable on your flights.  I've had actor Arte Johnson of "Laugh-In" fame and his wife on one of my flights.  They were both so sweet and genuine!  (Gosh. I'm feeling old!)  Then on my "MARATHON" set of six days of flight's after my pneumonia, to which I was calling crew scheduling to give me "ANYTHING" with a layover to make up for time lost I managed to have someone to whom I'd never thought I'd ever get on one of my flights!  Mr. Randolph Mantooth himself!  "Fireman John Gage" of "EMERGENCY!" fame!He was on my flight from Buffalo, NY to Cleveland, OH!

 I "LOVED" that show!  Grew up to it!  Fact of the matter is, I didn't even notice he was on my flight until after we were in the air on the way to Cleveland until I was passing out he embarrising "Pretzels" before the beverage serivce on short 40 minute flight on the way to Cleveland.  I'm so embarrased to say that I was so busy getting the galley ready for the flight, greeting the passengers boarding the flight that I didn't even notice that he was a passenger on my flight!

More embarrasing is the fact that I had bandages on my thumb, forefinger and middle finger to protect them from the cart drawers because they were worked raw from working five days prior and I think he noticed!  If you read this Randy, I'm sorry!  Just trying to protect my fingers from the wrenching they've experienced over the past days!  I can only hope you understand!  It was a pleasure and a great and wonderful opportunity to have you on my flight!  You're a great inspiration for all that you do for the cause you are working for!  Bless you and all of your efforts!  They will all be fruitful!

Anywho!  I'm off for now!  I need to try and arrange getting from home back to work on the 26th.  Will update you with more later!

Flying Time?

What can I say?  There's alot!  Just look at the following cities I've been to over the past two and a half months, not including where I've been this past week.

 Newark, NJ, Houston, Texas, Lafayette, Lousiana, Richmond, Virginia, Charleston, South Carolina, Saint Louis, Missouri, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Corpus Christie, Texas, Buffalo, New York, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Louisville, Kentucky, Cleveland, Ohio, Kansas City, Missouri, Rochester, New York, Minneapolis St. Paul, Minnesota, Norfolk, Virginia, Madison, Wisconsin, Indianapolis, Indiana, Toronto, Ontario - Canada (like that's anything new?), Greenville-Spartanburg, Raleih-Durham (sp?), North Carolina, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Mexico City, Mexico, Dayton, Ohio, Albany, New York, Providence, Rhode Island, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Witchita, Kansas, Dallas, Texas, Montrose, Colorado, Memphis, Tennessee, Washington D.C., Charlotte, North Carolina, Asheville, North Carolina, Leon, Mexico.......

 And that's just the starters.  Some of these places I've been to multiple times already calculating to an accumulated time of flight hours equalling to approximately 200+ flight hours (not including duty time), alone.

Definition of "THUMP"?  Read above!

To Be A Flight Attendant - Stewardess, Stew, Etc.
Mood:  cool
Topic: Airline Industry

Okay, so, as promised, here's what I've been up to for the past two and a half months.

 Yes, busy as a Flight Attendant.  And in the process I've managed to lose apporximately 15 pounds.  That can be a good thing and a bad thing at the same time.  Good thing:  Because I put on weight after my surgery last June.  Bad thing:  Because when you're working 16 hour days and have early show times/report times to the airport and the hotel ('s) you're staying at don't have restaurants open at 5:00am and you need some sort of sustinance to keep you moving for those 16 hour days.  Yet, I still like what I'm doing despite it all.

 Being a "Reserve" Flight Attendant means that you are under, as most call it in our industry "Under Satan's Grasp", means that they can call you  2 hours prior to a flight or pairings ahead of time.  I.E. your cell phone rings at 3:40am and scheduling is on the other line saying that you have a report time of 5:40am for a flight that leaves at 6:40am for a four or five day group of flights that can take you all over the country in that span of time.

 Is it hard?  Hell Yes!  Do I Like It?  Hell Yes!  Why?  Well, I guess you have to love what you're doing to just take it with a grain of salt.

 Is it glamorous?  Not like it use to be.  The unfortuneate thing is that alot of younger girls come in to this industry with the idea that being a "Flight Attendant" means going to great places, to which you do some times, and have alot of wonderful stories and sights to see.

 Well, for the most part you DO go to alot of cities and see alot of great things.  But, as it goes with anything you do, you have to pay your dues before you get that far.  And when you start off, and before you advance, alot of what you are doing is seeing the inside of the aircraft, inside of the jetway of the airport you're going to, closing the door to the aircraft, seeing the inside of the aircraft and then seeing the inside of the jetway, inside of the airport, inside of a hotel van, inside of the hotel room, inside of the hotel van, inside of the jetway, inside of the aircraft, before you're off again.

 Allbeit, the past two and a half months I've come across the most INTERESTING things (more on that later), anyone could ever possibly think of ever doing in thier lives.  And for this, all though I'm exhausted at times, I'm greatful for.  Why?  Because who can say they've done this and actually appreciated it?  Sounds crazy, I know, but it's just chalking it up to another of life's experiences and only enriches the memories and stories they can tell those who are curious about what you do.

Afraid of flying?

Okay, I know there are those of you who know me and what stories I've told from past experiences of flying.  Yes, it's still there.  But, it only comes to mind, while working, after I'm done with my service and I'm wiping down the galley floor thinking to myself "Um, okay, there's 36,000 feet between me and the ground."  Then I quickly dismiss it when I start to do my paperwork.  I get so busy with work that I have no time to think about it any more.

My fear came from a very bad experience I had on a flight from Miami to Cleveland to Detroit some 15 years ago when we flew from Miami to Cleveland through REALLY BAD storms all the way up the east coast.

Needless to say, I've had flying phobics, chlostriphobics, etc., on my flights to whom I've had conversations with on why I do what I do and how I'm overcoming my fear and how.  Because I've been taught on how the aircraft works, what turbulence is and that it's okay!  But, told them that I'm overcoming it and understanding how the aircraft works and am more comfortable with the idea.  Yes, I'm slowly getting over it.

Schedules:

Being on "Reserve" means a few things.  Yes, some think that being a "Reserve" means being a "Slave" to the schedulers and the airline that you work for.  But at the same time I look at it this way.  It means that, like anyone else in the industry, you've had to "Pay You Dues" to earn what you want when it comes to a relatively normal schedule in the future.

So, no whining here.  Yes, it's damn hard at times.  And there are times where I sometimes hope that scheduling doesn't call me because I'm tired and I miss home.  But, that's the way it is.  Face it!  The days you work go by so fast that you sometimes don't have time to think about being away from home or when you're going to be there next.  You just do it!  Before you know it, you're home with the family for your days off.  Funny thing is, especially today, my daughter asked me "Mom, when do you go back to work?"  I lifted an eyebrow and said "What?  You want me to leave already?"  She's liking the idea of Mom being away so she can have the vehicle and free-time.

I'll end this post here!  Next post will sound like that hotel comercial with "Johnny Cash" of "I've been to......." 'Cause that's pretty much the case.

Ciao' for now!

Days Off!
Mood:  chillin'

Been a while since I've had the chance to update.  Flying on reserve takes alot of time out of the day and by the time you're done you have no energy to even push the power button to the computer.  All you want to do is take a nice hot shower, dry off, plop in to bed, wind down and then examine the inside of your eye lids until the 4:30am wake-up call for a 5:30am show time at the airport for the first flight of the day.

 As soon as I get some more things done this afternoon I'll post where I've been and when.  Be prepared for a LONG update!

Ciao'

We've Lost Chessie!
Mood:  sad


For those that may or may not remember.

I've been taking care of my sister's two dogs Chessie and Max (one of
Chessie's offspring), for almost two years since her eviction. Well,
yesterday while I was flying (between Cleveland and Madison
Wisconsin)/working I made the usual call home to see how things were going.
I found out that Chessie, who was 11 (I think), was bleeding all over the
place. Joe called my sister to come over and have a look at her and see
what was going on. By the time she got her to the vet she had been bleeding
profusly and her abdomen was distended extenxively and having a hard time
breathing.

The vet had no questions in letting her know that she was hemorhaging
(cancer/tumor), and there was only one option. To put her down. Well, sis
went in to the room with her. As Chessie laid her head on Sis' arm she went
quickly in crossing the rainbow bridge. I can only be thankful that she
didn't suffer too long.

I came home tonight in preperation for Krista's graduation party and Max is
still looking for his mommy and the cats are being quite dossile and looking
for her as well. I'm still trying to come to terms and realize that she's
not here but know that when I'm working and I look at the clouds that she's
there with every other animal I've known playing and chasing rainbows.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to read this!

Mary

Back To Work!
Mood:  a-ok


Hi Everone,

Well, I've had a few glorious days home for my daughter's graduation this past Thursday. Yep, she's done with high school and will starting college next September. To top it off, she turned 18 this past Wednesday. Yep, both of my kids are adults now. Talk about feeling old? I can't begin to tell you!

Work has been very interesting. Because I'm on reserve I'm either Airport ready or they call and say I have 2 hours to report for duty. Sounds military? Well, in a way it is! Can't say any more than that.

I've already had a few two and three day trips with absolultely wonderful crews to work with! We've hade a blast on every leg of the trips! Already dealt with "passengers" who have thier own thing to say about the flights and dealt with it all with regard to my job. That's what I'm there for after all.

The oddest thing to happen so far is when the captian comes over the com and tells me to take my seat in preperation for landing and I'm already in my jumpseat: "Mary, please be seated or landing!".......and "EVERYONE" leans out towrds the aisle and stares at you as if......."Well, is she seated?" Um, yeah!

Anywho, gotta get ready to go here soon!

Anyone have anything to say or comment? Let me know.

Chat with you all soon!

Cheers,

Mary

I'm Working!


Hi gang!

Yep! I'm working as a Flight Attendant now. Currently in Richmond, Virginia waiting to get ready for my next set of flights.

My class graduated last Friday and then we were sent immediately to our base in Newark. Those of us had two days there to find a place to live before we started base orientation on Monday.

Lucky for us we found a crash pad (a place where you stay while on call and then commute home on days off) pretty much at the last minute.

Monday came fast and we found ourselves at orientation. Half way in to orientation we were summened to duty and three of us had to deadhead to the other hub to cover shortages.

When we got there two of us were sent on flights right away while I waited in the crew room for a possible assignment.

Lucky for me I wasn't assigned a flight right away, I don't think I was that ready yet, and was released for rest until the next day.

I decided once I got to my room to call scheduling to see if there were any assignments for the next day so I had time to prepare myself. Well, lo and behold I was given a three day line of flights.

I'm in the middle of my line right now in Richmond and will be flying out in a few hours for two more flights before calling it a day.

Early tomorrow I have one more flight before I'm (hopefully), released from duty for two days off then I'm on again.

Well, have to go for now.

More later!

Mary

I'm Working!


Hi gang!

Yep! I'm working as a Flight Attendant now. Currently in Richmond, Virginia waiting to get ready for my next set of flights.

My class graduated last Friday and then we were sent immediately to our base in Newark. Those of us had two days there to find a place to live before we started base orientation on Monday.

Lucky for us we found a crash pad (a place where you stay while on call and then commute home on days off) pretty much at the last minute.

Monday came fast and we found ourselves at orientation. Half way in to orientation we were summened to duty and three of us had to deadhead to the other hub to cover shortages.

When we got there two of us were sent on flights right away while I waited in the crew room for a possible assignment.

Lucky for me I wasn't assigned a flight right away, I don't think I was that ready yet, and was released for rest until the next day.

I decided once I got to my room to call scheduling to see if there were any assignments for the next day so I had time to prepare myself. Well, lo and behold I was given a three day line of flights.

I'm in the middle of my line right now in Richmond and will be flying out in a few hours for two more flights before calling it a day.

Early tomorrow I have one more flight before I'm (hopefully), released from duty for two days off then I'm on again.

Well, have to go for now.

More later!

Mary

Been Quite A While!


Hi Every,

Yes, it's been a while since I've had the chance to enter anything to the blog.

I've been, as usual, incredibly busy.

I've got a new job! I'm in the final stages of becoming a Flight Attendant.

I've had four gruelling weeks of intenswive training and have had a few precious days at home after final exams anhd in flight competency's. I'm currently in Detroit's airport waiting to catch my flight back to Houston for my graduation on Friday ande head back home Friday morning after graduation so I can gather my stuff together for my base assignment in New Jersey!

I'm excited about the whole idea while at the same time anxious about what the future holds,

Please light a white candle in prayer for safety as well as being able to adjust without too much anxiety.

Will update you with more later!

Cheers,

Mary

"Lights, Camera, Auction - Take 9!"
Mood:  happy


Yes my dear readers, it's already time to announce the next "Lights, Camera, Auction!"

See the below release!

March 22, 2006

MPICA? is pleased to announce that the dates for our next auction are September 15-17, 2006 and it will take place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Recipient charities will be announced shortly.

Auction registration will open in April, and we will announce the hotel location and reservation information at that time.

Please stay tuned for further announcements.

Regards,

MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY CHARITABLE ALLIANCE?
501c Non-Profit Organization 31-1588233
http://www.mpica.org
Lights, Camera, Auction, Take 9!
http://www.mpica.org/LCA9/main.htm

Okay.......


Yah, It's been a while since my last post! What can I say? It's been the usual, busy!

I've been applying for other jobs because the other job, although I love it, doesn't pay enough to live on. It'd been incredibly hard and dissapointing to say the least!

Considering where I live and the current job market it's been incredibly hard! There's nothing available for the kind of experience I have!

I'm just down! Depressing? Yes! With no doubt!

On to other things!

Great Aunt passed this past Sunday! It was quicker than I thought! I had to work that night, came home, changed clothes and made my way to the care centre where she was but missed her passing by five minutes! I felt sooooo bad! I can only hope she knew I was thinking of her the entire time I was working!

Met my parents at the main entrance and we made our way to her room before the undertaker came to take her.

Please, don't think of this as morbid but at an attempt to have a proper blessing of passing for her. We made our way to her room, I saw her laying there peacefully, eyes closed as if taking a nap, I bent down tearfully and kissed her on the forhead, stroked her hair and thanked her for the blessing she bestowed upon my life and wished her peace in the life she now knew!

I just wish I had the time to spend more with her before she went to eternity. I feel sooooo bad!

Anywho, I have alot going on right now and just don't have the time to jot it down right now.

Thanks to all who come here to read what's going on! Hopefully something more positive will emerge shortly!

Cheers,

Mary

No Title But Tired!


I've worked six days straight and am about ready to turn in to jelly. I'm pooped!

Between finding out about my niece, work, covering for shifts that were not covered and catching extra hours to get more for myself, I'm plum exhausted!

I can't wait for a break where it doesn't concern getting the bathroom finished and then fixing the ceiling's fixed so we can put the house up on market. I'm so in need for change it isn't even funny!

Tomorrow I take daughter to get her cast off and fitted for a splint. She's not going to like that! But, it's better than four more weeks in a cast!

In the mean time I'm just greatful to have a bath to clean up with!

Amazing how the simple things in life mean so much when so much seems to be topsy-turvey!

Okay, I have to go take care of a bad case of hiccups!

Cheers,

Mary

It's Official...I"m...
Mood:  hug me


.....going to be a "Great Aunt!"

Yes! As much as I would like to be in denial...it's true!

My sister's daughter who's 17 is indeed 8 weeks along with child.

Un-believeable!

I had a feeling all along that she would be the first one to produce the first great-grandchild for my parents. But not this soon.

Oh well! What can you say? It was bound to happen sooner than later.

Talked with Sis yesterday to confirm it. And then talked with mum. And she says that the plan so far is to adopt the child out. Only time will tell.

Mary

"...Just Because..."
Mood:  d'oh


....I can!

Okay, starting on getting more done on the bathroom before I have to work tomorrow through Monday. Taking a break already for eats and having a 'Canadian' to follow. Well, they're known for thier little quotes on thier bottles. Here's one I really like! 'STOP IGNORNING ME!'

Yep, sometimes I feel like I'm talking to walls! UGH!

Mary

The Usual Stuff!


Not much new this week. The bathroom project is on hold until the weekend. Between work and kid stuff it's been next to impossible to get much more accomplished except for getting the rest of the insulation installed and plastic over it. Well, I got the plastic is over it but ran out of staples for the staple gun. Then, I get a message on my cell phone while I was at work yesterday. Seems that the welding on the plumbing job sprung a leak. Oh well! Not that I'm surprised but that too will put the project behind a little more!

Oh, and another thing! My niece who went to live in Chicago a few months back returned home for good. There's more to this story than I can say right now but will update when I get confirmation on a few things.

Anywho, off I go to take care of some errands!

Mary