Rough word. Tonight it really kind of hit me, I guess. Josh is in Austin and I'm spending the night in the Grand Forks Airport. Tonight he went out with old friends of his. That's the dilemma. I can't expect him to stay home every night that I'm gone but at the same time I feel left out.
Here I am. Moving to another city, another state, where I don't have any relationships with anyone other than people he already knows. That part really kind of sucks. I will be commuting back and forth from Austin to Salt Lake City to start my trips. A three hour flight there and a three hour flight back on each end of my 4-5 day trips. It's going to be difficult to find my groove there. I'm not going to want to go out every night I'm home. I'm going to want to relax from being on the road for soo long. I'm going to want alone time with Josh since I'll be gone soo much. So how am I going to manage this? It's frustrating. Just tonight he ran into an old friend, went to another friend's birthday gig at a bar, and here I am a thousand miles away. I'm going to always be missing out on things with other people and Josh will be going without me. His girlfriend will never be around. That's going to suck. I'm being negative I know. But it really hit me tonight that's how it's going to be. I don't want him to sit at home but at the same time I don't want me to miss out on everything. That's going to make it really difficult to build friendships with people in Austin as well as maintain the few that I have in Utah. Am I being selfish? Is it just insecurity because of all the changes?
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Guilty Conscience & Ramble
It's that time of year when you're suppose to be with your family. But this year since I'm spending Christmas in Austin, Texas with Josh and his family it feels a bit weird. I know they seem excited to have me there this year but I still feel bad that I haven't been to Sedalia lately to see my own family. With Josh's new job we should be able to get to Missouri soon. We have too.
I think a large part of me going to Austin this year is because we are moving there. I'm trying to adjust as much as possible because it's going to be a lot different for me now. Plus, to add on commuting. Ugh I don't even want to think about it. I'm going to have to really figure out how to get back and forth to Salt Lake city. Pluse since it's costing us soo much to move (money we don't have, really) I won't even have a car to drive in Austin since we are leaving mine in SLC for now. Really it will stay there. There is no way that car will ever make it to Texas, HA! So it's going to take some time before I can get one in Austin. So Josh and I are going to have to figure out how to get me back and forth to the airport with his work schedule. We're soo off the point of this blog!
Anyways, I've been asking Josh a lot what they do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It's going to be different not going to the Candlelight service like Brittany and I used to. That's certainly going to be a priority when we move is to find a Lutheran Church. I miss going and it's something I certainly want to get back into.
I'm going to have to fly on 3 flights tomorrow to get from Grand Forks, ND to Austin, TX. As long as I can get on each of them then I will be there by 1 PM. Which would be perfect and I could possibly get a quick nap when I get there. I'm sure I'm going to be exhausted. Josh said his Mom normally makes chicken tortilla soup (it's soo yummy and now that I have crockpot I can attempt to make it too) and people come by randomally. And then on Christmas afternoon we will go to his aunt and uncle's home for dinner. These are all people I already know so it's not like I'm meeting them all for the first time. I guess it feels wierd to be there with his family and not my own. I've never experienced that before. I guess I'm probably just worrying about nothing! I'll update tomorrow with my travel experience!
I think a large part of me going to Austin this year is because we are moving there. I'm trying to adjust as much as possible because it's going to be a lot different for me now. Plus, to add on commuting. Ugh I don't even want to think about it. I'm going to have to really figure out how to get back and forth to Salt Lake city. Pluse since it's costing us soo much to move (money we don't have, really) I won't even have a car to drive in Austin since we are leaving mine in SLC for now. Really it will stay there. There is no way that car will ever make it to Texas, HA! So it's going to take some time before I can get one in Austin. So Josh and I are going to have to figure out how to get me back and forth to the airport with his work schedule. We're soo off the point of this blog!
Anyways, I've been asking Josh a lot what they do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It's going to be different not going to the Candlelight service like Brittany and I used to. That's certainly going to be a priority when we move is to find a Lutheran Church. I miss going and it's something I certainly want to get back into.
I'm going to have to fly on 3 flights tomorrow to get from Grand Forks, ND to Austin, TX. As long as I can get on each of them then I will be there by 1 PM. Which would be perfect and I could possibly get a quick nap when I get there. I'm sure I'm going to be exhausted. Josh said his Mom normally makes chicken tortilla soup (it's soo yummy and now that I have crockpot I can attempt to make it too) and people come by randomally. And then on Christmas afternoon we will go to his aunt and uncle's home for dinner. These are all people I already know so it's not like I'm meeting them all for the first time. I guess it feels wierd to be there with his family and not my own. I've never experienced that before. I guess I'm probably just worrying about nothing! I'll update tomorrow with my travel experience!
25 Minutes
It's December. It's Minneapolis. It's a large airport with several different terminals. Did I mention it's December?! The last time I checked, that's a winter month. This is the time of year where there is SNOW, FREEZING RAIN, ICE, and MORE SNOW. So ummm, I think that means you might need to allow yourself more time then you would say, during a summer month when it's warm and sunny.
My point, you ask? Well, let's see. You might need to actually ALLOW yourself time for delays PEOPLE! Let's go over this, step by step. You're starting in a warm sunny place and it's the middle of winter AND a holiday but you're flying through let's say Minneapolis or Chicago. A 25 minute connection is NOT going to happen. I'm almost willing to bet my life on it. I'm serious! Now, let's say you start somewhere COLD, depending on the weather (it IS winter) you will most likely have to de-ice. Yeah, that takes TIME! Everything and I mean EVERYTHING runs slower when it's cold. Don't expect the ramp crews to bust their butts running around the ramp with the chance of slipping on something. It's not worth it to them. And no, I have no idea of you're bag will make it. On top of it, especially if it is a holiday, be prepared that if you miss your flight (due to weather) you will be placed on standby for the next available flight. Flights are full this time of year so plan to sit in the airport for a while.
So today, we left on time. In the middle of our 30 minute flight (for a flight blocked for at least an hour) a passenger freaks out about his connection time. A scheduled 25 minute connection through Minneapolis in the middle of December right before Christmas. His connecting flight, of course, was on the opposite side of the airport. We de-iced in Fargo, and then arrived 25 minutes early. But, yup, it was all MY fault. Love it.
So, do this:
There's my rant for today!
My point, you ask? Well, let's see. You might need to actually ALLOW yourself time for delays PEOPLE! Let's go over this, step by step. You're starting in a warm sunny place and it's the middle of winter AND a holiday but you're flying through let's say Minneapolis or Chicago. A 25 minute connection is NOT going to happen. I'm almost willing to bet my life on it. I'm serious! Now, let's say you start somewhere COLD, depending on the weather (it IS winter) you will most likely have to de-ice. Yeah, that takes TIME! Everything and I mean EVERYTHING runs slower when it's cold. Don't expect the ramp crews to bust their butts running around the ramp with the chance of slipping on something. It's not worth it to them. And no, I have no idea of you're bag will make it. On top of it, especially if it is a holiday, be prepared that if you miss your flight (due to weather) you will be placed on standby for the next available flight. Flights are full this time of year so plan to sit in the airport for a while.
So today, we left on time. In the middle of our 30 minute flight (for a flight blocked for at least an hour) a passenger freaks out about his connection time. A scheduled 25 minute connection through Minneapolis in the middle of December right before Christmas. His connecting flight, of course, was on the opposite side of the airport. We de-iced in Fargo, and then arrived 25 minutes early. But, yup, it was all MY fault. Love it.
So, do this:
- Allow yourself at least a two hour layover (this allows time for de-icing, real bathroom breaks, time to get food, or just running to your next gate on the opposite side of the airport)
- Pack some snacks (you can take food! and this way you can save money and time if you don't get the opportunity to get something in the airport on the way to your next flight)
- Carry a water bottle (you can fill it up at a water fountain anywhere in the airport!!!)
- Be nice to airport personnel (we didn't ruin your trip so don't ruin our day!)
- Dress Appropriately! ( just cause you initiate your trip in Hawaii doesn't mean the flight will be that warm or your destination will be)
- Don't Fly Sick
There's my rant for today!
Friday, December 17, 2010
My Baggage!
Ever wonder how us flight attendants pack for so many days?! Ha! It's a science. A project that being OCD definitely helps with. It all starts with an empty suitcase and I learned early on that have a GOOD bag is the key! This week is a 5 day trip but on top of that there are two more additional days. Josh is meeting me at the airport when I get in from my trip so that we can fly to Austin together.
So here we go!!!
So this is level one. Two pairs of tennis shoes, one pair of jeans, workout pants, one pair of dress pants, 2 t-shirts, 2 tank tops, 3 regular tops, and pajama bottoms and an extra workshirt and bottoms (this amount of clothes is abnormal for flight crews! Normally we just take 1 outfit, workout clothes and additional uniform pieces).
I just honestly adore this pocket. all undergarments get shoved in here (and my single sheet for laundry-this is the best thing ever! you stick it in the washer and it follows the clothes into the dryer. perfect for doing laundry in a hotel!!!)
This zipper pocket (full length of the bag itself is perfect for stuffing in the flip flops!
I got this zippered pouch from a previous suitcase and it's been used for many purposes but has finally found it's permanent use. I stick every liquid in here. Since we are not required to follow the 3-1-1 rule we are allowed to bring what we need. So I have it all!
And the pajama pants go on top and this is a finished suitcase! I have 7 days worht of clothes, 4 pairs of shoes, and all the liquids I could need, as well as the device for my neck in this one bag!
There are 3 zippered pockets, holes for earrings and a spectacular idea for the rings!
We do normally care additional bags. This one hold my inflight manual, small netbook, and inflight shoes (what you thought I wore heels the entire 12 hour day?!) All those colred cloths beneath are all the extra scarves we have!
So here we go!!!
This thing is amazing! I found this in the crew store and it's a jewelry case!
We do normally care additional bags. This one hold my inflight manual, small netbook, and inflight shoes (what you thought I wore heels the entire 12 hour day?!) All those colred cloths beneath are all the extra scarves we have!
This has two books, one to read and my ming strengthening sudoku, liqor paperwork, extra pens, etc.
The BASICS! We can't stink! We can't have lent all over us! Some of us live off of the Emergen-C stuff (obviously not me because that's why I need the added Nyquil!)
There is one more bag. The FOOD bag!!! This is probably the most importnat. We rarely have time to stop and get food in between flights. Plus it's SOO expensive and very unhealthy. So having some basics in tow with us in necessary!
Rest? What's THAT?!
I'm stinkin' pooped! My last trip was a crazy one. Our last overnight was in Fargo and we were aware that there was a winter storm coming through. It was suppose to hit Fargo as well as Minneapolis as well. Our plane that we brought in was suppose to go back to MSP for a quick round trip and end up back in Fargo for us to take to SLC (our last flight and our way home) the next morning. Well Well well....that certainly didn't happen. I had this perfect plan for Josh to meet me at the airport and we were going to be flying together on the morning flight to Austin. This was an important trip because it was our only chance to find an apartment. I was looking online and saw that my trip had been modified. Sure enough, they had canceled our flight home to SLC for the following day. My heart just sunk. This was going to make things harder.
I started looking for different ways home to SLC or ways to Austin, meaning Josh would have to nonrev alone. I ended up taking my now original deadheads planned by the company to get home. By the time that I got to Denver though, everything was getting delayed. I luckily found on time flight on SouthWest to SLC. I actually got home earlier than scheduled. Josh picked me up and we got to have a quick dinner together before heading back to the airport. We landed in Austin around 11:30 PM (after being up since 8AM in Fargo!!!) We had lost a day of finding an apartment. So the next morning, We headed out (of course after his mom Julie made a wonderful breakfast!) and started our journey. We hit up the first one that we had been looking at a lot online. Then we headed to the complex called Riatta which is the area in Austin that Josh will be working on. The complex was amazing! It was made up of 5 different villages, there were several amazing amenities, but the apartments themselves were small and we would have had to sell furniture to make it work. We wanted an apartment that worked for us, not one that we had to change for. Josh had the misunderstanding that I really wanted this apartment. I just didn't like the kitchen in our first apartment that we looked at but I certainly wasn't willing to move in somewhere that was going to cost us more than what we wanted or what we were getting for for our money. It was a rough day and 4 hours wasn't enough to find an apartment, especially since I needed to leave that night for SLC while josh stayed behind in Austin. I have to say, it was nice to have parental figures around to line us out. It didn't matter where we live, at the end of the day it was just going to be us. I chose to stay in Austin for one more night and we would go do the application for the first apartment. We were excited and really it was a relief to just know we were getting an apartment. Ha! Definitely didn't go as planned. When they ran the app it came back denying me. I was shocked by the information saying that I had been evicted previously. I've never been evicted! I disputed the information with the third party company that they use. What a mess! It takes a minimum of 30 days but can take even longer to get it off of my record. Stressful!!!
We were back at square one since we didn't get approved and because of the situation the complex wouldn't make any exceptions. I flew back to SLC and was stressed. We didn't have an apartment, Josh was staying in Austin, I was going to start packing our apartment in SLC, give our notice to our current complex, and start working yet another 5 day trip, and I was staying in SLc without Josh there. That was the awful part. Now I know what it feels like when I'm gone. I don't like it. The next day I took user time for the first round trip so that I could continue the dispute but try to find us a place to live. I was definitely getting frustrated. I even started looking at Craigslist.com . . . talk about being at the bottom. I found an apartment locator though and called just to inquire about what I should do about this information on my record. She ended up being a great blessing. She found us a place to approve us (with a small additional deposit) and Josh checked it out and dealt with it while I was gone. I am soo appreciative that he helped out like he did and took control of it while I was gone. So here is the new apartment:
http://p1-prod.ingconnect.net/public/g2.asp?SID=thedblyean
At the top if you click on the 2-1 floor plan, that will be ours on December 31st. It's a relief to have an apartment and have a plan. Now to just come up with all the money. Moving is soo expensive. We had been planning on Josh getting relocation funds and that hasn't gone through. It will all work out and things will be tight financially for a bit but we've already gone through that once and we can do that again.
So tomorrow I get home from this trip. We have a lot to do still. And then Monday I'm leaving again for a 5 day trip and Josh is heading back to Austin. My trip ends technically on the 24th but those are all deadheads so I will be nonreving all over the country to get to Austin for Christmas. Still trying to find a way to get to Missouri shortly as well.
I'm definitely tired and exhausted. I figure I can rest when we drive from SLC to Austin. Josh has already said that he isn't going to let me drive. Boo!!! But that will allow me to take care of Molly and Aiden and keep them calm on the move. Poor Molly will be a mess. She's just soo tense anyways. Aiden though, it will barely touch him at all. He's soo laid back. Looking forward to it all though. It will all work out.
I started looking for different ways home to SLC or ways to Austin, meaning Josh would have to nonrev alone. I ended up taking my now original deadheads planned by the company to get home. By the time that I got to Denver though, everything was getting delayed. I luckily found on time flight on SouthWest to SLC. I actually got home earlier than scheduled. Josh picked me up and we got to have a quick dinner together before heading back to the airport. We landed in Austin around 11:30 PM (after being up since 8AM in Fargo!!!) We had lost a day of finding an apartment. So the next morning, We headed out (of course after his mom Julie made a wonderful breakfast!) and started our journey. We hit up the first one that we had been looking at a lot online. Then we headed to the complex called Riatta which is the area in Austin that Josh will be working on. The complex was amazing! It was made up of 5 different villages, there were several amazing amenities, but the apartments themselves were small and we would have had to sell furniture to make it work. We wanted an apartment that worked for us, not one that we had to change for. Josh had the misunderstanding that I really wanted this apartment. I just didn't like the kitchen in our first apartment that we looked at but I certainly wasn't willing to move in somewhere that was going to cost us more than what we wanted or what we were getting for for our money. It was a rough day and 4 hours wasn't enough to find an apartment, especially since I needed to leave that night for SLC while josh stayed behind in Austin. I have to say, it was nice to have parental figures around to line us out. It didn't matter where we live, at the end of the day it was just going to be us. I chose to stay in Austin for one more night and we would go do the application for the first apartment. We were excited and really it was a relief to just know we were getting an apartment. Ha! Definitely didn't go as planned. When they ran the app it came back denying me. I was shocked by the information saying that I had been evicted previously. I've never been evicted! I disputed the information with the third party company that they use. What a mess! It takes a minimum of 30 days but can take even longer to get it off of my record. Stressful!!!
We were back at square one since we didn't get approved and because of the situation the complex wouldn't make any exceptions. I flew back to SLC and was stressed. We didn't have an apartment, Josh was staying in Austin, I was going to start packing our apartment in SLC, give our notice to our current complex, and start working yet another 5 day trip, and I was staying in SLc without Josh there. That was the awful part. Now I know what it feels like when I'm gone. I don't like it. The next day I took user time for the first round trip so that I could continue the dispute but try to find us a place to live. I was definitely getting frustrated. I even started looking at Craigslist.com . . . talk about being at the bottom. I found an apartment locator though and called just to inquire about what I should do about this information on my record. She ended up being a great blessing. She found us a place to approve us (with a small additional deposit) and Josh checked it out and dealt with it while I was gone. I am soo appreciative that he helped out like he did and took control of it while I was gone. So here is the new apartment:
http://p1-prod.ingconnect.net/public/g2.asp?SID=thedblyean
At the top if you click on the 2-1 floor plan, that will be ours on December 31st. It's a relief to have an apartment and have a plan. Now to just come up with all the money. Moving is soo expensive. We had been planning on Josh getting relocation funds and that hasn't gone through. It will all work out and things will be tight financially for a bit but we've already gone through that once and we can do that again.
So tomorrow I get home from this trip. We have a lot to do still. And then Monday I'm leaving again for a 5 day trip and Josh is heading back to Austin. My trip ends technically on the 24th but those are all deadheads so I will be nonreving all over the country to get to Austin for Christmas. Still trying to find a way to get to Missouri shortly as well.
I'm definitely tired and exhausted. I figure I can rest when we drive from SLC to Austin. Josh has already said that he isn't going to let me drive. Boo!!! But that will allow me to take care of Molly and Aiden and keep them calm on the move. Poor Molly will be a mess. She's just soo tense anyways. Aiden though, it will barely touch him at all. He's soo laid back. Looking forward to it all though. It will all work out.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Amazing HOTEL!!!
I began gettin sick on my day off after working 9 straight. That's right, 9 days straight of flying multiple flights in day. No wonder I'm not feeling well. When I woke up yesterday I was coughing more and was having a hard time keeping my voice. I made it through the day but the coughing wasn't giving up so easily. I'd been taking good healthy double doeses of Nyquil at home. At 1 AM here in Fargo, North Dakota (where it was only 7 degrees at the time) I was walking to the nearest gas station buying MORE Nyquil so that I could sleep. This morning though, I was 10x worse. I couldn't swallow, headache, and wasn't having difficulty breathing. I knew breakfast was ending early (9AM here) but I couldn't drag myself out of bed. I finally awoke at 9:45 AM and made my way downstairs to find breakfast completely finished and cleaned up and put away. DEVASTING!!! I asked the front desk with my barely there voice if I could possibly have some milk (I always bring my own cereal). There were two staff members enjoying thier coffee in the breakfast area and to my surprise, we're extremely caring. When I asked for milk they pffered me cereal, yogurt, and fruit. When they realized that I was ill they jumped up and made me some lemon ginseng hot tea with lemon and made sure I had extra to take to my room with me. Most hotels NEVER EVER do this. You miss breakfast...well doesn't that suck for you. Many would have sent you to walk in the weather to the gas station to get your milk and certainly wouldn't have made tea for you. I noticed the manager at the front desk and complemented him on his amazing caring staff. As a flight attendant we know we're on our own when we're in hotels and to stay somewhere where the staff honestly cares, there is nothing better. Lucky for me we stay here 2 more additional nights. Hopefully I can start to feel better.
A Move To Austin
It's been a secret for a while. A few months ago, Josh applied for a Junior Fraud Analyst position for the company he currently works for. They have an office in Austin as well and this position became available. He always, on a regular basis, looked for positions in Austin so that he could move back. Since he is a criminal justice major this just seemed like a silver lining. Here it is, a job in his field although he's not done with school, in Austin, staring him in the face. He applied and after weeks and weeks of phone interviews, paperwork, background checks, etc, . . . .we're moving.
From the very begining he said he wouldn't go if I didn't. That's a hard thing to imagine. This wasn't an opportunity he could pass up. We've come soo far that this is something that you just have to stand behind with faith that it will all work out. This was something that I certainly played with in my mind on whether or not I should go. I kept going back to a similar situation in my past and although I was comparing them, they really weren't comparable at all. All circumstances are completely different! It took me a while to realize that. So I'm standing behind my decision to go and be supportive knowing that there will be benefits for me personally down the road.
Everyone has inquired how this will affe ct my job. It simply won't...well not too much. Things will certainly be different. I will be commuting back and forth to SLC (flying as a non revenue passenger, 3 hours each way) to start and finish my trips for work. As for right now I will still try to work at least 100 hours. Two of my friends are going to attempt to bid to fly with me so that we can still see one another. We'll see if they can stay caught up with me on my schedule flying as much as I do!!! We are leaving my car in SLC 1) because I don't think it will make it to Austin and 2) so that if I get stuck I have a way to my friends' apartments if they aren't home. I will still be continuing my medical treatment in SLC as well for my back and neck. Hopefully, if and when I get my settlement from the car accident I can not fly as much or go to part time and really get established in Austin. This transition will not be easy.
The plan is to fly to Austin this weekend and look for an apartment. Possibly sign a lease as well. Josh is staying behind while I fly back to Salt Lake City to go back to work. He will have an opportunity to meet with his future co-workers. Then we will be spending Christmas in Austin, flying back to SLC on the eve of Christmas Day, finishing up small packing and cleaning and then starting our drive to Austin that week afterwards. It will be a difficult transition for both of us as individuals as well as on our relationship. It's a scary but exhillerating experience. Whatever happens happens for a reason.
Right now though, money has become a huge issue. The cost of a moving truck, gasoline, food, lodging, and paying for apartments is outrageous. We've come this far though so that money will be there eventually. I'm believing that. We've come to far for it to fall apart at the seems now.
So that's that for now!
From the very begining he said he wouldn't go if I didn't. That's a hard thing to imagine. This wasn't an opportunity he could pass up. We've come soo far that this is something that you just have to stand behind with faith that it will all work out. This was something that I certainly played with in my mind on whether or not I should go. I kept going back to a similar situation in my past and although I was comparing them, they really weren't comparable at all. All circumstances are completely different! It took me a while to realize that. So I'm standing behind my decision to go and be supportive knowing that there will be benefits for me personally down the road.
Everyone has inquired how this will affe ct my job. It simply won't...well not too much. Things will certainly be different. I will be commuting back and forth to SLC (flying as a non revenue passenger, 3 hours each way) to start and finish my trips for work. As for right now I will still try to work at least 100 hours. Two of my friends are going to attempt to bid to fly with me so that we can still see one another. We'll see if they can stay caught up with me on my schedule flying as much as I do!!! We are leaving my car in SLC 1) because I don't think it will make it to Austin and 2) so that if I get stuck I have a way to my friends' apartments if they aren't home. I will still be continuing my medical treatment in SLC as well for my back and neck. Hopefully, if and when I get my settlement from the car accident I can not fly as much or go to part time and really get established in Austin. This transition will not be easy.
The plan is to fly to Austin this weekend and look for an apartment. Possibly sign a lease as well. Josh is staying behind while I fly back to Salt Lake City to go back to work. He will have an opportunity to meet with his future co-workers. Then we will be spending Christmas in Austin, flying back to SLC on the eve of Christmas Day, finishing up small packing and cleaning and then starting our drive to Austin that week afterwards. It will be a difficult transition for both of us as individuals as well as on our relationship. It's a scary but exhillerating experience. Whatever happens happens for a reason.
Right now though, money has become a huge issue. The cost of a moving truck, gasoline, food, lodging, and paying for apartments is outrageous. We've come this far though so that money will be there eventually. I'm believing that. We've come to far for it to fall apart at the seems now.
So that's that for now!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Day 7 of 9
Oh! This girl is EXHAUSTED. As the title states, today is day 7 of flying straight in a row! Two more to go after todays single flight from MSP to MEM. Sadly though, I will only have two days off before heading out for a 5 day trip.
I did a two day trip with Rachel (also a flight attendant whom was in the same class with me) in which we flew into LAX on a earlier flight in order to enjoy some down time at Venice Beach. We got home the following night around 11 PM. Unfortunately, I had picked up an additional 3 day that started at 7:45 AM the following morning. Which meant by the time I got home around 12, spent some time with Josh and preparing my bag, I didn't get to bed until 1AM. I was back up at 6 AM to get ready. Another snow storm had hit overnight leaving me little time to drive to the airport safely. I was going 15 mph on I-215. It was soo slick and Utah had not prepared the roads at all. That was not the worst. It continued to snow ALL day long causing serious delays. Our initial flight was late due to it taking FOREVER to push back from the gate and the long line to de-ice the aircraft. Once we were on our way we were an hour behind. We knew this was going to cause some possible missed connections for the passengers coming back into SLC with us. Well, of course other variables had to show thier ugly faces that day. Our back lavatory broke. That meant we had to have our maintenance team come out and look at the lavatory to make sure that our aicraft was still safe to fly. Let's add some more to that. The Vice President of Inflight was on our aircraft and sitting in my first class cabin. I was certain to follow all P's and Q's even more than I normally do. it was awful that we were now even another hour delayed. We had definite missed connections. I did walk through the cabin a lot answering what questions I could and reassuring passengers of how they would get to thier destinations. When there is weather the airline is never responsible. They'll try to do all they can to help but we don't control the weather! That's a hard concept for some people. Most people realize this and just go with the flow. Sometimes that's all you can do. However, one lady had had an issue with us from the very begining. Intially it started with her having to gate check her bag. Which means it goes under a different part of the aircraft and it's returned to you immediately as you deplaned. I reassured her that even with her tight connection she would stil lreceive her bag. Then, I couldn't believe what she did next! She actually complained verbally to us about the passenger she was sitting next to, stating that she didn't feel safe and was very nervous because he was of Indian descent. I was appalled at her ignorance and disrespect. Even the people around her were shocked. The only open seat we had was the exit row and with behavior like that and her nervousness WE didn't feel safe with her sitting there. I felt bad for the passenger sitting next to her. You can't group all of them together like that. Awful....some people just don't THINK! (she did miss her connection with absolutely no sympthy from me!)
Once we landed in SLC we were over 2 hours late. And we still had one more flight to go! A 3 hour flight at that! No time to eat and barely any time to go in and use a real restroom we hurried to get on our way knowing that we were still going to have to de-ice yet agtain. It was still snowing and hadn't let up at all. We did make it to our overnight in IAH that evening but 2.5 hours late. That day wore me out and it was only day 3. Our next day was jsut two long flights and when we arrived in SAT at 2 PM I went straight to bed. I even skipped out on dinner with my crew. I just couldn't do it. I needed the rest. We got home the following morning around 8 AM. Unfortuanately, it took me 45 minutes just to scrape a foot of snow nad ice off of my car. It was only 10 degrees that morning as well and with no gloves. . . . I wasn't a happy person doing that. To make it worse, the gas light came on while trying to warm up a car that the heat element is going out on. EERRRGGGG!!!!! Off to the gas station I went. Finally got home around 10 AM and had a full day.
I got to spend a little time with Josh before he headed off to work. I went to the grocery store, went to the hospital to have my blood work done to try to rule out possibilities for the hot flashes (I got the results today and need to see and endocrinologist), went to the chiropractor's office and Dr. Frogley had no choice but to release me from care due to the accident back in September. Now I am on my own to have my insurance pay for the continued care I need to continue my spinal manipulation to fix things. I'm okay with that though since I have great insurance right now. Although it is costly but cheap for me with all the things going on currently. I cleaned the apartment and did all the laundry. Then, I made a beef stew in the new crockpot and cooked a turley breast since it travels soo well in my lunch bag. Nothing is better than turkey sandwhiches. Talk about a full day!
I started a 4 day yesterday. I did NOT want to go to work. I wanted to stay home soo much. I'm just tired of being gone. i miss being home. I was also a bit concerned because my flight attendant was switched at the last minute and I was now flying with a brand new flight attendant who has only been here for about 3 months. So since she hasn't flown a 700 or 900 aircraft, needless to say she learned a lot from me yesterday! It seems to be a very communicative trip though. I've been careful about the way that I suggest things to her so that I don't come off offensive. She seems responsive to a lot of it though.
One of our flights yesterday was amazing. It was our first flight. I had a family of four in the back with me. There was a little 2 year old namde Jase. I sat and played with him while we were boarding. He was getting a bit antsy during the service so I asked for permission from the parents to take him with me to the front of the cabin. Kids LOVE to push the carts. They feel soo important when they get to help us. I try to do that when I see kids struggling. I picked up the trash and he got to push the cart. Everyone loved watching him and commented on how adorable (and he was!) he was, and helpful, etc. When we got to mom and dad in the back he didn't want to sit with them. He wanted me. He turned to me, put his arms up and asked me to pick him up. I ended up holding him and playing for over half of the flight! He played with my heair, earrings, and necklace. He talked and talked and talked. He made my day. I hated to see them get off the plane! The other two flights went well as well. I've given the other f/a ideas on packing her lunch bag and how I keep my stuff cold so we took a trip to Target since there is one 2 blocks from the hotel here in MSP to get the things she needed for her bags. Plus we NEEDED gloves! Two more days! I can't wait to be home Saturday. I need some rest time! Really I want a nice hot bubble bath! I even got up this morning and worked out for 45 minutes! Go ME!!!
I did a two day trip with Rachel (also a flight attendant whom was in the same class with me) in which we flew into LAX on a earlier flight in order to enjoy some down time at Venice Beach. We got home the following night around 11 PM. Unfortunately, I had picked up an additional 3 day that started at 7:45 AM the following morning. Which meant by the time I got home around 12, spent some time with Josh and preparing my bag, I didn't get to bed until 1AM. I was back up at 6 AM to get ready. Another snow storm had hit overnight leaving me little time to drive to the airport safely. I was going 15 mph on I-215. It was soo slick and Utah had not prepared the roads at all. That was not the worst. It continued to snow ALL day long causing serious delays. Our initial flight was late due to it taking FOREVER to push back from the gate and the long line to de-ice the aircraft. Once we were on our way we were an hour behind. We knew this was going to cause some possible missed connections for the passengers coming back into SLC with us. Well, of course other variables had to show thier ugly faces that day. Our back lavatory broke. That meant we had to have our maintenance team come out and look at the lavatory to make sure that our aicraft was still safe to fly. Let's add some more to that. The Vice President of Inflight was on our aircraft and sitting in my first class cabin. I was certain to follow all P's and Q's even more than I normally do. it was awful that we were now even another hour delayed. We had definite missed connections. I did walk through the cabin a lot answering what questions I could and reassuring passengers of how they would get to thier destinations. When there is weather the airline is never responsible. They'll try to do all they can to help but we don't control the weather! That's a hard concept for some people. Most people realize this and just go with the flow. Sometimes that's all you can do. However, one lady had had an issue with us from the very begining. Intially it started with her having to gate check her bag. Which means it goes under a different part of the aircraft and it's returned to you immediately as you deplaned. I reassured her that even with her tight connection she would stil lreceive her bag. Then, I couldn't believe what she did next! She actually complained verbally to us about the passenger she was sitting next to, stating that she didn't feel safe and was very nervous because he was of Indian descent. I was appalled at her ignorance and disrespect. Even the people around her were shocked. The only open seat we had was the exit row and with behavior like that and her nervousness WE didn't feel safe with her sitting there. I felt bad for the passenger sitting next to her. You can't group all of them together like that. Awful....some people just don't THINK! (she did miss her connection with absolutely no sympthy from me!)
Once we landed in SLC we were over 2 hours late. And we still had one more flight to go! A 3 hour flight at that! No time to eat and barely any time to go in and use a real restroom we hurried to get on our way knowing that we were still going to have to de-ice yet agtain. It was still snowing and hadn't let up at all. We did make it to our overnight in IAH that evening but 2.5 hours late. That day wore me out and it was only day 3. Our next day was jsut two long flights and when we arrived in SAT at 2 PM I went straight to bed. I even skipped out on dinner with my crew. I just couldn't do it. I needed the rest. We got home the following morning around 8 AM. Unfortuanately, it took me 45 minutes just to scrape a foot of snow nad ice off of my car. It was only 10 degrees that morning as well and with no gloves. . . . I wasn't a happy person doing that. To make it worse, the gas light came on while trying to warm up a car that the heat element is going out on. EERRRGGGG!!!!! Off to the gas station I went. Finally got home around 10 AM and had a full day.
I got to spend a little time with Josh before he headed off to work. I went to the grocery store, went to the hospital to have my blood work done to try to rule out possibilities for the hot flashes (I got the results today and need to see and endocrinologist), went to the chiropractor's office and Dr. Frogley had no choice but to release me from care due to the accident back in September. Now I am on my own to have my insurance pay for the continued care I need to continue my spinal manipulation to fix things. I'm okay with that though since I have great insurance right now. Although it is costly but cheap for me with all the things going on currently. I cleaned the apartment and did all the laundry. Then, I made a beef stew in the new crockpot and cooked a turley breast since it travels soo well in my lunch bag. Nothing is better than turkey sandwhiches. Talk about a full day!
I started a 4 day yesterday. I did NOT want to go to work. I wanted to stay home soo much. I'm just tired of being gone. i miss being home. I was also a bit concerned because my flight attendant was switched at the last minute and I was now flying with a brand new flight attendant who has only been here for about 3 months. So since she hasn't flown a 700 or 900 aircraft, needless to say she learned a lot from me yesterday! It seems to be a very communicative trip though. I've been careful about the way that I suggest things to her so that I don't come off offensive. She seems responsive to a lot of it though.
One of our flights yesterday was amazing. It was our first flight. I had a family of four in the back with me. There was a little 2 year old namde Jase. I sat and played with him while we were boarding. He was getting a bit antsy during the service so I asked for permission from the parents to take him with me to the front of the cabin. Kids LOVE to push the carts. They feel soo important when they get to help us. I try to do that when I see kids struggling. I picked up the trash and he got to push the cart. Everyone loved watching him and commented on how adorable (and he was!) he was, and helpful, etc. When we got to mom and dad in the back he didn't want to sit with them. He wanted me. He turned to me, put his arms up and asked me to pick him up. I ended up holding him and playing for over half of the flight! He played with my heair, earrings, and necklace. He talked and talked and talked. He made my day. I hated to see them get off the plane! The other two flights went well as well. I've given the other f/a ideas on packing her lunch bag and how I keep my stuff cold so we took a trip to Target since there is one 2 blocks from the hotel here in MSP to get the things she needed for her bags. Plus we NEEDED gloves! Two more days! I can't wait to be home Saturday. I need some rest time! Really I want a nice hot bubble bath! I even got up this morning and worked out for 45 minutes! Go ME!!!
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