Mood:  not sure

Okay,

 I've finished my two and a half week tour of duty and I'm well, wired to the hilt.  I'm so friggen' tired but I can't seem to sleep.  I'm sure I'll be back to edit and add more later.

The pairings went pretty good.  Had a great and fun crew for the first pairing, the second crew, well, some what blaze, third crew we had some fun.

I'm mixed about alot of things right now and can't quite put my finger on it all but I'm sure it'll come out later.

Off to go put the feet up, cuddle with the cats and have dinner with the kids later!

Posted by ramper63 at 4:14 PM EDT

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Mood:  blue

As the title says.......I'm bummed! Anyone else out there?  Hello?

Sitting in Ottawa, ONT Canada after dinner with the crew and I'm well.......bored!

Had a great crew last week.  Alot went on and had a great time each night.  My current crew isn't so bad it's just that I'm a little down right now.  I feel like I"m (no pun intended), on "Auto Pilot" living day to day and that's all there is to it.

All I can say is I hope that somehow I've put some sort of meaning in to someone's life without seeming like I'm some sort of "Crazy Psychopath".  I'm human too!

Sorry gang!  I just needed to vent!

Posted by ramper63 at 2:11 AM EDT

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Mood:  smelly

Okay!  Where to start?!?!?

How about the fact that this is the "FOURTH TIME" I've put this entry in and hope that I don't hit the wrong key to delete it again!  UGH!

How about the day my dad calls me to tell me that while he's visiting a friend in West Virgina that Amtrak calls to tell him that his sleeper car that he paid for is now not a part of his return.  He's hyperventilating and stating that there's no way in hell he's taking a coach seat for the long duration of his trip home!  Okay, no problem dad!  What do you want me to do?  He wants me to put him on a flight home.  Allrighty then!  After last year there's no way in hell you're non-reving home given the fact that you have a health condition that I will not let you do that.   You are now going to pay for a ticket home with a "confirmed" seat!  I can't be there to travel with you so this is the only way you can do it.  Lucky for him we found a fare and a seat that was affordable.  My son met him at the airport and took him home.  Ofcourse, after I insisted that he took a wheelchair from the gat to the car!

Now, let's start the "Four Day From Hell!"

I report for duty with time to spare for paperwork, heading to the gate to get the plane ready, meet the Captian, brief and board the flight.  Well, "Go Time" comes and goes and we still don't have our First Officer!  Captain calls operatons to find out where he is.  He's called in sick!  Okay, so, when are we going to get a First Officer?  Well, we have to wait for a flight to come in so they can get one.  Okay!  We wait and we finally get one for our first turn of the pairing.

First turn of the pairing comes and goes.  Our first First Officer comes and goes.  We then head to the gate for our next set of flights while we wait for our second First Officer.  Time passes....say oh, an hour and a half (play "Jeopardy Theme Song").  No First Officer.  Captain calls operations to find out where he is.  He's on a flight from another outstation that's been delayed.  Okay, we look at each other....dinner?  Okay, we get something to eat.  Another hour passes, still no First Officer!  Captain calls operations again to find out where he is.  He's diverting for fuel!  Allrighty then!  Now what?  Operations says they're finding another First Officer!  Another hour passes, we get another First Officer!  Yay!  We board!  Last passenger boards, I close the cabin door and we're hit with a major storm that includes hail pelletting the plane!  Guess what?  We have to wait for push back!

Finally the storm passes!  I do my safety demonstration!  I hear a ding! It's the Captain calling saying that we're going to the "Ballpark" to hold for another hour or so indefinatly because of A.T.C.  Allrighty then!  I can handle this!  I just plaster on that "Smile" and start the snack/water service until we find out more!

Two hours pass and we're "finally" on our way to the second for five destinations of the day.  I can't be more thankful for a great group of passengers than I've ever had.  Especially after enduring a delay at the gate, delay on the ground before finally getting to thier desitnation!  They were fantastic!

We get to our destination, turn that flight and head to the next to only find out that we were staying the night there.  Our last flight of the night was re-crewed because of our extended delay!

We head to the hotel, check-in and being a smoker I ask if there's any smoking rooms left (our company only books non-smoking rooms), well, none left!  No suprise with the way things have been going.  We all head to our rooms, I settle in, head outside for one last smoke before calling it a night!

Next morning:  I wake-up, head outside for a smoke then grab a wonderful breakfast of a farmer's omlette, milk, o.j. and coffee!  Then head outside for one more smoke before getting ready for our flight back to base to pick up the rest of our pairing.

After getting out of the shower I check my schedule to only find out that our next set of flights has been cancelled leaving us staying the night in base before catching our "next" set of flights!

I inform the Captain of the situation and we meet outside catching the van to the airport for our deadhead back to base.  We head to the airport, check-in for our dead-head back to base and head to the gate to only find out that that flight is now delayed by an hour due to A.T.C.

Oooookay!  We take it in stride!  No worries!  Just accept it as it is and start joking how long it's going to take me to either head to the ice cream parlour or "Cinnabon" for something sweet to eat.  Well, not enough of a delay for that before they start boarding us.  We board the flight, settle in and push back for our return to base.  We head for the runway and the plane pulls off to the side.  The Captain of this flight comes on to state that we have been delayed and given a "Wheels-Up" time of 45 minutes later.

Allrighty then!  So, I start a conversation with the two girls sitting next to me, one of whom was flying for the first time, and sharing magazines!

Finally comes the time for us to approach the runway!  We line-up for take-off, start our roll and the abort!  Another A.T.C. delay!

Time passes and we finally take-off!  We arrive at base, head to the shuttle area for our hotel, head to the hotel were we find mirads of folks waiting to check-in because of the delays and cancelleation's.  We check-in, I ask if there are any smoking rooms left and am given a look of "Oh MY GOD!"  Okay, forget I asked!  I accept it, Captain and I agree to meet for something to eat in a half hour.  We eat, we go outside for my one last smoke before calling it a night.  Wake-up the following morning, eat breakfast, get dressed and decide to head to the airport earlier so I can have my smoke and get back in the swing of things hoping for a smoother day!  I call Captain to tell him of my plans and agree that I will meet him on the plane later.

All is good!  We meet on the plane, work of First Officer #3 at this point and head for our next destination.  We close on time, start taxxing!  Then, I hear a "ding".  Oh no!  What now?  We now have a maintainance issue!  Thus this flight is now delayed another two hours before we "finally" wheels-up two hours later!

We get to our destination, turn the flight as quickly as we possibly can and head back to base.  We get back to base and now have another issue!  As we reach the "Minnimums 100" mark I have a passenger at the back of the plane with a lap child holding her child, standing up (right before we touched down), in the aisle and slowly turning towrds the lav.  All I could do was think to myself..."oh NO!  This REALLY isn't happening now!"  Sure as all get out!  It was!  I immediatly yelled "Ma'am, please sit down!"  She didn't comply!  She was still standing in the aisle!  I again yelled..."MA'AM, SIT DOWN NOW!!!"  She was still standing in the aisle!  One more time...."MA'AM!  SIT DOWN NOOOOWWWWW!"  She finally sat down in the seat behind where she was, still holding her toddler and leaned her head on the seat back in front of her!

At this point I'm frayed!  We landed and I waited until we taxxied off of the runway before leaving my jumpseat to walk back to her to find out what was going on!

As I approached her, she was ill.  It was then decided that we needed to declare a medical emergency.  After all was said and done I had to leave her with medical assistance so I could then take my next flight of the pairing.  I could only hope that it would finally stop!  Like I said, I could only hope!

First Officer #4!  We're on our way to Canada!  Yay!  No hitch!  No delays, we board and our on our way!

We get there!  I go through customs, no problem, First Officer goes through, no problem!  Captain?  He's detained, questioned, held for another 45 minutes before we're FINALLY released!

We FINALLY get our cab to the hotel.  Get to the hotel only to find out that our rooms are no longer there!  Oooookay!  Now what?!?!?!?  Captain is on the phone trying to figure out where we're going to stay!  Hotel personelle are trying fratically to find us a place to stay.  NOTHING!  At this point I've decided that it's time to head outside for a smoke and then to start drinking my bottled water and pretending it's something else!  Then, after an hour and a half we have a hotel that has rooms for us.  Mind you it's a "Swanky Hotel" with suites for us.  Who cares?  I do!  At this point I just want to collapse!

We get there, ofcourse no smoking rooms left.  We get to our rooms, I head "OUTSIDE" for one more smoke before calling it a night, calling the front desk for n 0830 wake-up call.

Next morning:  I wake-up past the wake-up call.  Call the Captain to find out when our van time is, 45 miutes!!!!!!!  Oooookay!  I rush to spritz up and head outside for a smoke, snack on snacks on the way to the airport for our showtime, board the flight and get the heck out of "Dodge"!

The rest of the pairing went smoothly!  Thank goodness!  We finished our last turn after returning from Canada.  Captain briskly headed for his gate for his flight, First Officer #5 headed for his flight home and well, you know the rest of the story.  I remained at base!

All I can say is "WOW!"  Of my past year of inflight this has got to be the "WORST" four day pairing I've EVER had!

Anyone else with anything worse please chime in to let me know that I'm NOT ALONE in this!  All I can hope for is that at this time I've paid my pennence or suffered for any past life karma due!

Peace to all and "Safe Flying!"

Posted by ramper63 at 12:39 AM EDT

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Mood:  lazy

Sorry it's been a while since posting.  I've just been too lazy or otherwise too busy to post.

Update in brief:

I Lost my "Other Mommy" a week and a half ago to diabetes and congestive heart failure.  Although sad about her loss her long suffering is over.  I'm just down on myself for not taking the time to see her as much as I should have before she went.  Mommy Judy, you've got your wings now fly and be free!

Working issues:  My schedule isn't half bad it's just the commuting that's getting next to impossible.  The commute is becoming more stressful than the job itself at times so I've pretty much become a part-time resident in base to cut back on the stress of getting to and from.  Passenger loads are more than what they were last year and they're cancelling more flights than before.  They're also cutting back on the size of equiptment to handle the loads.

Last pairing, not bad.  Had a great FO.  She and I bonded somewhat.  And, tops of it all there's nothing like us girls, Female FO (mine), female CA (another DH'er), and two other F/A's getting a manicure on the plane (after passengers de-planed for long delay) in Milwaukee while waiting for long groundstop to Houston to be lifted.  Us girls had a blast!

For those coming here for "Entertainment" updates I regretfully must advise you that quite frankly, I've had enough of the industry.  If you're in to the "Rose Colored Glasses" aspect of it or want some juicy gossip you're not going to find it here anymore.  There are far more important issues going on in my life right now.  As a friend of mine states "That's the end all and be all of it!"

Home:  The usual!  Daughter moved back from university last week and is planning on staying in town for classes next fall (Thank the Goddess!  No more addition $500.00/mo for rent.), and is trying to find another job.  She did however take home another pet!  A ferrett!  This is going to go well with the dog and two cats!  Son is trying to find a different job as well.  But, they're few and far between here.  It's getting bad and we have a Mayor who thinks that free wireless internet downtown is more important than trying to fill the three vacant skyscraper's/building's with new business/jobs!

Otherwise, same-old, same-old!

Posted by ramper63 at 11:44 AM EDT

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Mood:  happy

I am now an official "Hard Line" holder!  Whooooo!  Yay!  (Does the happy dance).  Allright guys, get your minds out of the gutter!  Yah, you know who you are!

 Okay, some of you are sitting there scratching your heads and asking "What the hell is she talking about?"  A "Hard Line" is a schedule of flights that you can/have the opportunity to alter to make it a little more convienient for you to hopefully have some sort of quality of life with the days and times you fly as well as the days you have off.

Anywho, off I go to celebrate!

Posted by ramper63 at 6:21 PM EDT

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Mood:  lazy

Just jotting a quick "Hello" to everyone out there!  Been relatively busy and that's a good thing.  Guess that explains why I'm being a little lazy.

Had eight days off recently but it was anything but time off.  Spent most of my time at home taking care of personal issues as well as number crunching for taxes.  Not to mention getting everything ready for the accountant.  Hopefully they'll find more deductions than I've come up with plus a few amendments to the past few years returns with the kids college tuition, etc.  I could really use the break this year!

I'm scheduled for vacation at the end of April and am still pondering where to go.  Ireland or swim with the dolphins in a warmer climate?  I'll come up with a decision at the last minute.  Spontonaiety is what I enjoy most.  Makes the adventure more fun!

Anywho, off to bed I go.  Had a real early show today, got to the overnite this morning, took a power nap, went out to eat with the crew, came back to the room and felt like doing pretty much nothing.  Still dealing with some issues but want to take my time in dealing with them.  It's going to take some time.

Until later!

M

Posted by ramper63 at 9:52 PM EST

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Mood:  suave

Here's an awesome video on "YouTube" that a pilot made.  Makes you really think!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHLlus9AN6A

 Love the song as well!

M

Posted by ramper63 at 11:30 PM EST

Updated: Sunday, 3 December 2006 9:00 PM EST

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Mood:  chillin'

Not much really going on right now.  Just got off of ARC.  Hanging out in "The Bat Cave" a.k.a. the crew room all cleaned up.  Most of you wouldn't even recognize me without my "War Paint" (make-up) on.

While serving my "Airport Appreciation" I accomplished completing my six month probationary exam and turned it in.  All I can do now is sit and wait for my Supervisor to schedule my appointment for my evaluation.  Keep your fingers crossed.  I'm a little anxious!

One more day of availability left.  I can only hope to be released at 18:00 for days off.  However, I have this sneaky feeling that it's not going to be that easy.  Weather is suppose to hit the fan and getting out of here means taking a crap shoot.  That's the way the cookie crumbles in this business.

Finally getting sleepy!

Good Night!

Posted by ramper63 at 12:59 AM EST

Updated: Sunday, 3 December 2006 9:02 PM EST

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Fellow F/A came in, we chatted,  had a cigarrette,  vented, feel a little better and decided to stay in the Crew Room tonight as opposed to going to that crummy "Trash Pad!"  (Aw Damn!  I'm getting a charlie horse in my left leg!  OOOOWWW!).

The Crew Room Christmas tree is being set up tonight and it sure is pretty to stare at.  I only wish the lights could go down so we could enjoy it more!

Surfed a few forums just to see what's up.  Nothing much in the F/A one except the Charter Operation's.  Pilots?  Lots going on and trying to keep up is almost next to impossible.

Checked my schedule.  Still nothing for someone who's on call for two days.  We'll see what's in store when I get up.  Bid packets for F/A's open the first week of December.  I'm anxious to see where I stand as far as even getting a relief line.  Keep your fingers crossed!  If not?  I'll still accept it.

Time to go to la-la land now and dream of better things to come!

M

Posted by ramper63 at 11:13 PM EST

Updated: Sunday, 3 December 2006 9:03 PM EST

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Mood:  hungry

Ah yes, back  home for two days off after this past week of work.  Amazing I even made it considering the load factors and possible weight and balance issues that could have kept me from coming home sooner.  No biggie, If I didn't make a flight tonight I probably would have caught a flight out early tomorrow morning.

Left the pad earlier in the day to head to the airport, get something to eat and hang out in the crewroom.

Every time I go there I check my employee file for anything that needs to be brought to my attention.  Well, I see something sticking out of the file and hope it's something good, like say a "great service" letter from a passenger.  Nope!  Just a note from my supervisor saying it's time for my six month probationary exam and comptency report along with the test questions and answer sheet.  It's due December 8th.  Guess what I'm doing with the spare time I have between now and then?  Yep, studying, testing.  Can't wait for recurrent!  

Ran in to another fellow F/A I graduated wtih and caught up on sooooo much!  I told her although I worked Thanksgiving I hung out at the Holiday Inn in EWR during my pairing.  She lives in Jersey and nearly ripped my head off because I didn't call her so I could hang with her family for the day.  I laughed and said "I DIDN'T know you were off!"  She about thwapped me upside the head (all in kidding ofcourse), and warned me if I'm stuck in Newark on Christmas that I'd better call her.  We'll see how things work out.

Otherwise, I'm off for two days, head back Tuesday evening to report for two more days (please, no day trips), then off for three.  That's probably when I'll try to get started on my Christmas shopping because I really don't see much opportunity to get home after the December schedule starts.

The two days I have so much to do between now and when I go back and "so little time" to get it all done.  The list is big and It'll be a marathon to do. 

Just some of the things I need to do.......

Drop off the uniform to the cleaners, Buy new shoes both heels and flat, serving shoes (a.k.a. "Cinderalla Slippers" I jokingly call them), pick up some more "Airborne".  Works wonders, trust me!, see Mom and Dad (they love it when I come home with stories of how each week of work went), do bills and maybe, just MAYBE after all is said and done, treat myself to a manicure and pedicure.  Something to which I haven't had the opportunity to do in a very long time.

Anywho, just finishing up some potato soup, cuddle the kitties, puppy and then begin worshiping my pillow!

Posted by ramper63 at 11:28 PM EST

Updated: Sunday, 3 December 2006 9:07 PM EST

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Mood:  a-ok

Yesterday's weather was so damn gorgeous!  Perfect for flying!  And this time around I had the oppportunity to enjoy the weather and the view while working.

The CVG turn was one of the pretties ones I've experienced while working.  The flight from EWR to CVG on had 9 people on board.  We all joked around that they were all going to get First Class Service.  To which I gave them anyway.  Well all joked, laughed and had a great time.  Then after that I had the chance to take some time to look out the window to enjoy the incredible view.  Breath taking!

CVG back to EWR, pretty much the same thing.  I did have a flying phobic onboard to whom I helped out by explaining her every little noise the plane made to the speeding up and slowing down of the aircraft which made her more comfortable.

EWR to DAY I had an unaccompanied minor who sat in 1A and happily showed her what it takes to be an FA from the training to what I have to do to get the flight ready, serve the pax and take care of prepairing for landing including my paperwork.  Half way in to the flight she stopped me and said of all of the flying she's done by herself I was the nicest Flight Attendant she's ever had.  The others would just ask her if she wanted anything to eat and then leave her without checking on her.  Burns me up when I hear shit like that!

Anywho, gotta go meet the crew for lunch.

Posted by ramper63 at 10:27 AM EST

Updated: Sunday, 3 December 2006 9:08 PM EST

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Mood:  mischievious

Ah yes!  The sweet revelry of being able to "FINALLY" get connected to the internet.

Here I sit in the Holiday Inn in Newark, NJ on Thanksgiving kicking it up with a few beers and winding down.  Let me put it simply, it's been crazy these past two days in the industry.  Hense the start of the "Holiday Travel Season!"  Yep!  Let the madness begin!

Let's start by saying that the first day started off pretty good.  Just a Minneapolis turn and then overnight in Pittsburg.  Went smoothly.  The next day was suppose to go from PIT to EWR to CVG (Cincinnatti).  Well, we did manage that trip but wound up laning in CVG at just after midnight the next day but not after sitting on the tarmac in PIT for two hours before we finally finalized our wheels up time.

After finally getting airborn we were put in to a holding pattern for almost another hour before we were finally cleared to land in EWR.  What was suppose to be a total flight time of 1 hour 1 minute turned in to a four and a half hour flight time because of ATC and weather in EWR.

After landing in EWR we had to turn the plane quickly so we could get to CVG for our now very short overnight.  We were suppose to land in CVG at shortly after 8:00pm.  Our early showtime of 5:40a.m. for today was moved by a few hours to 8:20a.m. thus taking away our Ashville, NC overnight because of the delay.  Good thing because we wound up in yet another holding pattern for EWR for this trip as well and wound up diverting to ABE (Allentown, PA), for refuling.  The fun part of the diversion was having two young boys with curious eyes wide open wanting to take a look at the flight deck.  We happily abliged and what a thrill it was to see the looks on thier faces when they had the opportunity to sit in the Captains seat and test out the equiptment!  When they finished I took my little plastic wings out and pinned each one of them as they exited the flight deck after thier experience.  The looks on thier faces was precious and priceless!

tAfter arriving in EWR the CA, who lives in Jersey, took off the minute we were on the jetway leaving the FO and I to get the shuttle to the hotel. Then we waited and waited for the shuttle where the hotel told us to wait. Took freakin' forever and still no bus. The FO decided to head for the Crew Room and would meet me at the hotel later. Dah-dah! Never happened and I wasn't too suprised either. 

After waiting a while longer for the shuttle I decided to say "S@rew it!", hauled my a$$ to P4, called the hotel again and asked how long before the shuttle now? "He's on his way!" Yah, how long of a wait this time?

So, I spent Turkey Day by myself. No biggie really! The family knew I wasn't going to be there but at least I had a chance to talk with them. I rather welcomed the chance for a nice, long hot shower, a few beers and the sweet solitude but was just a little bored so I caught up on my Blog. 

So here I sit in the EWR the Holiday Inn for a much longer overnight that is very much welcomed!  Hense the beers and time to kick it up!  I'm enjoying this!  But, not after having to take an hour plus of relaxing to re-format my Internet Explorer and wait for the wireless network to decide it was finally going to work.  UGH!  I need my internet!  Sad, sad, sad!  Guess I need to get a life!

Anywho, time for me to hop in the shower and relax.  If the internet cooperates I'll be back later for more!

Posted by ramper63 at 7:09 PM EST

Updated: Sunday, 3 December 2006 9:09 PM EST

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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!

Posted by ramper63 at 11:45 PM EDT

Updated: Sunday, 3 December 2006 9:11 PM EST

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Mood:  cool

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!

Posted by ramper63 at 8:13 PM EDT

Updated: Sunday, 3 December 2006 9:12 PM EST

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