Starting New

Well, I have officially been on reserve for 8 days now and haven't been called yet. I'm sooo senior to everyone else on the list that I've been at the bottom. Management said that staffing is stable and there was a chance that I wouldn't get called. Whew! It's a relief so far since I don't want to fly the Brasilia!!! Turbo prop airplanes just freak me out!

LOOKS SCARY RIGHT?! PPSSHHH!!! YES!!

This is MY BABY though!

(76 seats, 12 that are first class! And Delta just has more options for passengers!)

So yeah, so far this girl hasn't had to fly it yet. Although, maybe it would be good for me. I had my IOE (initial operating experience-when you're not qualified for a specific aircraft you fly with a LEAD who is trained in trainging newbies for it and you fly with them for a trip on that aircraft in order to become qualified) nearly 2 years ago! And being as senior as I am having flown for nearly 4 years altogether now I have the ability to bid against it, meaning, in most cases that aircraft doesn't get awarded to me. Not a smart idea when you get put back on reserve! So I'm a bit nervous to say the least. I've been studying up on it though with my manual. Because with my luck, I'd have to prepare and evacuate that plane on my first flight for an emergency! HA!

I am pretty eager to go back though. While Josh has been extremely supportive with the taking on the financial responsibility for both of us, recent therapy and new medical diagnosis, I'm excited about being able to contribute financially again. I haven't been able to contribute in that form very much. And while the short term disability was VERY helpful, it just didn't go as far as it needed to. Although. I did contribute by doing all of the laundry, cleaning, coupon clipping, and errands. How this boy is going to survive with my gone now is beyond me! I'm sure he'll do fine. I just have a different outlook now and a new plan on handling certain situations and other personalities. I've certainly learned that I don't want to hear gossip about ANYONE. . . EVER. It's like a dirty game of telephone where everything is just blown out of proportion and it's ridiculous for any age group, especially ours.

Starting October 31, 2010 though is MY own schedule. As of right now, I have 3 five day trips. That's a long time to be gone after being home for 3 months! On the 24th of each month we are able to go through SEP (schedule enhancement period) where we can add, drop, and exchange trips that haven't been awarded to anyone or those that other flight attendants are trying to get rid of. One of my trips is during Thanksgiving. I don't want to be in Billings, MT, alone! So I definitely need to get rid of that one! I don't even know what I am doing yet but still . . .