I have a new least favorite city. Atlanta. What's up with the people that live here. So high maintainence and rude. Anywhere else around here, charolette, Raleigh... The people are so nice. Maybe it is too close to Florida.

Lent makes me think.

My mom always said people die in Lent. I don't think more people really do die (I know most die in December bc my dad is in the business). But our reflections on death might be a little different in Lent. At least mine are. More somber, more mournful, also a little bit more peaceful.

A good friend's mother died. Today, I spent about two hours in the car with my mother (and kids). I was driving mom to take a plant and give a hug to our special friend. I was sad because it pains me, really pains me to think of my mother dying. Mom was sad, but differently. She has lost her mother. She knows, really knows the pain of the surviving daughter. She was telling me that people die, but they are with us. In our mannerisms, in the way we think, in our actions. That our loved ones are with us. That the important thing is to bring the good from these people and incorporate that into our lives.

Kind of like Lent. It's about the good. About being kind, loving one another, being ready and available, cleansing our hearts.

My heart goes out for the pain of my friend. Her tears silenced me. This person is Joyful, She is kind, and compassionate. Her mother is visible. You can see her. You can feel her.

My friend had Madonna on her Flight. Apparently, she was horrendous. Bummer when someone that you *like* turns out to be a total Bitch, with a God complex...

Sometimes I do things and I am just thankful I am on a plane with a bunch of strangers, rather than with people who will remember and make fun... Today, I got up after take off and used the restroom. I zipped my pants, washed my hands, got my pen and went to ask the people what they wanted for lunch and to drink. A few people in, I feel something bumping against my ankle. I look down and it's my belt. I forgot to buckle up...

I counted all the people I had in first class. Then I counted how many I was SUPPOSED to have. It irritates me when people try to sneak a free seat up there (unless they're a babe). So I go out and the man I had targeted asked me for a vodka soda. I ask him where his original seat is. He points and tells me up there, still in first class. I repeat to him, where was your original seat? He tells me again. I go to examine my already examined paperwork. I had miscounted.

Bullying

I met these two very nice guys on my last trip. I started talking to them and discovered they were on their way to meet with some attorneys regarding a terrible thing that happened to them on another airline. Now, this is unsettling. I believe they were bullied, and embarrassed, and should be at least apologized to. This is the website they created, and I warn you it's bad ... I for one will be rooting for Christopher, and Mitchell.

WWW.PLIGHT2171.com

New job ideas

With the awesome announcement of yet 500 more layoffs, I have been considering my future.

Here are the top five jobs I will consider,

1) birthday train conductor. Yours truly is ready to build a train. (dad, may I have your golf cart and lawn mower?)

2) florist... I always have thought this would be a fun job and my dad works in an industry where he could get me some customers.

3). Errand runner.... I was always responsible for buying cigs and beer for my very good old lady friend, Virginia. I figured there are lots of seniors that need beer and can't drive.

4). Poem writer. Do you need to make a toast? For a birthday, wedding, or roast? I will help you, so you can be proud. When you get up and speak to a crowd.

5). last but not least, I have considered being a critic. I like to read, eat, and watch movies. I would be willing to review things for pay. This one seems like a bit of a longshot. Really, only my mom cares what I think of movies and books. However, in most of my new job options she will probably be my only customer...

Bankruptcy

OK. I work for a company going through bankruptcy. I know I am not the first. I know I will not be the last. But, this is absolutely terrible. I am amazed at the news today. I have been a flight attendant 12 years, my anniversary is Valentine's Day. That's right, 12 years. 12 YEARS and my seniority still places me in the bottom 2300 flight attendants. This brings me to a fairly annoying question that well meaning people often ask. Will this news about AA affect you? Like I said, I know it is asked with well-meaning, but DUH!!! 13,000 layoffs will most certainly have substantial consequences to anyone employed there.

So, the magic flight attendant number is 2300. There are about 16500 total flight attendants. This percentage is worse than the original numbers set out post 9/11.

To me, this is what makes it worse: There will be no disruption of service. The remaining flight attendants, that are not furloughed, will be expected to work that much more. Work more, make less.

This industry is so different than most careers out there, and is governed by a contract that is agreed upon by the company and the union. The proposed changes in the contract make me equally as sick, as the prospect of losing my job. Well, maybe not equally, but both are extremely disturbing. It is called a term sheet. It is the first (and please God) worst proposal for pay, benefits, and work rules. I am trying to think of a funny name for it. Obviously, shit keeps coming to mind instead of sheet.

Now, the other thing that people say (and I'm unsure if they mean well) is, "at least you have a job."

To those people, I say yes, today I have a job. And it's one that I love. However, the aforementioned effects of today's news, still have me slightly irritated and quite concerned.