I am thinking of taking pictures and posting them (along with my clever captions) of some of these people in America's planes and airports.  Kind of.a people of Walmart for air travelers... You could be amazed at some of the things I see people do and wear....

The other day, I was thinking about the happiest days in my life. Obviously, getting married and having kids are there... But, thinking about some of the times I felt soo happy, were not as obvious. Or so I thought. We were at our friends house and I asked the group. Our happy, successful, father of one, friend, said that when Texas tech beat texas was one of his happiest moments. This was exactly what I was thinking. That night was so awesome. A few of the others were, getting my first job, (Or any job, for that matter, except maybe kid foot locker )graduation from college was pretty happy, (looking back, I wish I made those years last a tiny bit). Vacations are usually happy, and one of the happiest things is reading a good book. And I Love how hearing certain songs take you back immediately to a certain time. Music probably is the best thing for turning a bad mood. It does not take money or kids, even a spouse to bring happiness. I think a common denominator is accomplishment. That sense of winning, or succeeding is pretty hard to top. Or even seeing your favorite team beat your least favorite team. As a mom, I hope I can raise independent, confident, and most importantly happy people. Looking around at mankind, I think this might be a major challenge.

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.

Here are a few stereotypes and the top cities that fit in them. In my humble opinion...

RICH, SNOBBY, AND SKINNY. - Orange County

RICH, SNOBBY, SKINNY, AND GAY -Palm Springs

GRANOLAS THAT BRING WEIRD CARRYON LUGGAGE - Portland

J.A.P. FLIGHT - Eagle Mountain aka Vail

NEWLYWED AND NEARLY DEAD - Ft. lauderdale

NYE. Rock on. Tonight I got on the plane and was met be a lively little flight attendant that brought us tiaras and low horns. How fun!! One or two grumps got mad at the tooting horns over the PA. Most people loved it.

We may have been better suited for a Vegas flight. Or new Orleans. Or Austin, or almost any city other than Dayton.

We have a 30 hour layover in Dayton. We stay downtown at a hotel that I would never pay to stay in, but it is centrally located in downtown. When we landed at 1100 pm, we were informed by crap hotel that we were now staying at the drury inn near the airport. And doubling up rooms. Huh??? For 30 hours. No i don't thinks so. Thankfully the captain got it sorted out and we got individual rooms. The crown plaza (original hotel) driver took us to the drury. He apologized forthe smell in the van, some guests had been smoking weed in there. Huh? Is this guy ok to drive? He got us all set up and will be back to pick us up Monday morning. this is a first. I would have gone home if they tied to make me share a room. Or gone across the street to the golden corral.

H O T T O G O

Holy smokes batman, it is so flippin' hot!!!!

I love when people ask me to heat up the airplane.

Hell no, I will not! It is 112 degrees outside, as soon as we set this bird down, we will be heating up like little cookies in an oven.

Returning to my job as a flight attendant after over a year reminds me of things I missed and things I really did not miss. Such funny little things, but things none the less.

I missed
1. washing my hands with club soda. seriously, try it. feels so good.
2. people. I missed being around people.
3. Newspapers, and news. First USA Today I had picked up in over a year.
4. Magazines.
5. feeling so young.
6. leaving my kids

I did not miss
1. people, they can be so rude and indecent. most are nice, but those that are not, well...
2. cell phones. and trying to get people to TURN THEM OFF.
3. Airplane turning. Made me sick. I will get used to it.
4. leaving my kids. (yes, it is a two sided coin)
5. peeing on the airplane. enough said.

I am sure there are more. These are immediate reminders. Funny little things, huh?

steven slater

So, everyone has been asking me what I think of Steven Slater.   I honestly think it is hilarious.   You know sometimes you just get fed up and take 2 brewskis, pop the slide and say F You everyone (over the PA)!!!

This being said, it was dangerous, and he really should be used to people ignoring him, and treating him like he is an unimportant nuisance, rather than a mandatory safety professional.   People ignore me a lot.  I don't care.  If I ask you to sit down because we are moving, it is because I don't want you to get hurt, and also because I am required by law to tell you to sit.   Do you think I really care if you sit?  No.   If I ask you to fasten your seat belt, it is because we are in turbulence.  I am required to check and ask you to buckle up.  If you ignore me, I do not care .(sometimes I secretly hope you fall on your ass, though)  You will be the one who hits the ceiling, as I will be sitting down with my seat belt fastened.

I think this guy is so newsworthy because who hasn't fantasized about saying F you and quitting your job??  I mean, I haven't, but besides me....  ;)

I am now working in the office. As of now I can say; I prefer operating easy bake ovens to copy machines.

Well, I am pregnant again. And what to do about work has been my number 2 stressor since I found out!

So, the opening is at EPTs. That is Emergency Procedures Training. It is at the training center. No airport security, and no bus. I mean NO BUS!!! I am still waiting on the call from the manager over there, but am soooooo excited that I may get to work over there during pregnancy!!! I have heard they are really "good" to the pregnant people over there.

April Fool's Day DFW to LAX.

20 minutes before landing into LA and we have quite a line for the back lav. Why such a line? Well some chick filled one of the lav sinks with vomit, so it was blocked off. (she never said anything, so lucky me found the big fat mess) Down to one lav with a full plane makes for a long line. Anyhow, I was sitting there reading and I sometimes try to make conversation with the people since they are there and I am there sitting between the two lavs....

I notice this woman that I am talking to has a pack of smokes in her pocket and she SMELLS SO BAD LIKE CIGS. I just think that she must smoke so much it is coming out of her pores. She goes in the bathroom and I get up and do some stuff around the galley. She comes out and walks down the aisle.

ding. ding. DING...

Gee that person is hitting their light a lot, let me go over and see what the deal is.

She tells me that she smells smoke. She is worried that we are going down (she doesn't say that I just see it in her eyes)

I tell her that it could be that woman, she smells like smoke. She informs me that there is smoke, and she smells it and it IS NOT on a person.

I go back to the lav and sure the hell enough, she smoked a marlboro in there. I know because

A. it was still smokey in there

B. I found the butte in the trash... IN THE TRASH. The moron put it in the trash with paper towels and could have set the entire plane on fire.

In case you do not know, it is illegal to smoke on an airplane. Doing so comes along with a 10,000 dollar fine. The police met her when we landed. She denied it the entire time, saying it could not be her. The reason?? She uses nicorette. The cops interviewed me and I gave them the butte and told them to check out the pack of smokes in her pocket.

I am still in shock she did that.

Just thinking about the British Airways FAs this weekend as they have their 2nd 3 day strike!

Flygirls

This is the name of the new "reality" TV show on the CW. It is about a group of VA flight attendants. Now, from what I can tell, it is not very good, nor is it very realistic. I had to watch though.

In the first 5 seconds the "sexy" fas were finding and hitting on IFBs.... What is this term you might ask??? I wondered too, as I have never heard it. Maybe I should ask Mark, if he has heard it.

In Flight Boyfriend. What?? funny.

This comment did bring a funny memory back. A memory that makes me seem kind of shallow and rude. When I used to fly with my friends (in Boston, I got to much more)... we had a little game... When men would get off of the plane we would say bye bye. Unless he was a BABE. If we thought he was good looking, we would say So Long. How fun is this game? I always say, "it's the little things" We did it for uglies, too... but I won't go into that much... I know so rude....

They are also living in a nice apartment on the beach and calling it a crashpad.
My crashpad was also on the beach. It was the only house in a marina, had no AC and you had to sleep with the windows open to stay cool. It was LOUD due to the airplanes and the clanking boats in the marina. And furniture? For the first 6 months we had 3 lawn chairs and a TV. We had some beds but no fancy vases, or sofas.

As for getting invited to celebrity events. Right. So often. I am sure those celebs want an ageing group of flight attendants at their parties. If I were to be invited, I would not even be able to stay awake, and I would have to wear my uniform...

I grew up in Texas. I was the daughter of a business executive. I was very unclear of anything related to unions.... until I joined one. As a flight attendant, in my opinion, it is extremely beneficial to be unionized. Almost all flight attendants at almost all airlines are union. This brings me around to the strike question. What do I think about it? I think that it might be an unfortunate necessity to achieve the pay and benefits due back to flight attendants.

Since it is in the news a lot lately, I have been fielding some questions about the possible strike, and what it would mean, would I strike? Would it hurt my company? and so on....

Here is the very basic information and why there could be a strike by flight attendants at my company. (as I see it)... A union and a company usually come up with a contract every few years. (the time is decided by the previous contract.) The contract defines, work rules, pay, benefits, just about everything related to my job. In 2000 our members were rewarded a fantastic contract with agreeable rules, pay, benefits, and opportunities. In 2001, we all know how 9-11 changed the world. It changed just about everything about air travel. There were substantial lay-offs and the company proposed all unions to vote on a TEMPORARY contract that would help save jobs and money. So, the members voted against the proposed contract, because it was a huge pay decrease. The company gave an ultimatum and proposed that the union send out another vote. This time, it was passed. It was a 17% decrease in pay. It also limited layover time, cut perdiem, raised number of hours worked on reserve, took away f/a meals, and much more.

Flash forward.... 2009 came (I believe that contract was up in June) and went. It is now March 2010 and for the past 23 months the company and union have been meeting and trying to come to an agreement. The company is not willing to give ANY of the pay back, and is actually trying to raise the cost of benefits, and make f/as work more. This would mean more layoffs. Including me. It is all very strange, because the membership sacrificed for the better of the company, and now would like some of the good faith promises returned. We shall see what happens.

In the news, they have been talking about a strike vote. The strike process is very long, and very much government regulated. It is planned and organized, and probably would cause a lot of damage. (IMO)

Of course, I would strike. I would never not strike. I think it is pitiful for someone to not make the sacrifice, but retain all of the benefits from the ones that did. They are called scabs.