OK! After much hounding from my dear roommate and a slightly guilty conscious, I have once again taken up the keyboard to type out a small tid-bit about my life and where it has gone!
"Jelly Leg" syndrome has been conquered and I find I'm quite the isle surfer when it comes to a rocking boat these days. December had a glimmer of sweet light when I was awarded a true blue schedule. However, in January I was knocked back into reality with yet another reserve schedule. February has followed suit.
I have flown to many a tantalizing southeast regional destinations such as Little Rock, AR and Jackson, MS. On a more exotic note there has been many a trip to Beaumont, Tyler, and Del Rio ;-). I do admit a bit of fondness from Mississippi and a lovely little restaurant, The Mellow Mushroom. They have a wide selection of beverages, and the most amazing homemade pretzels with accompanying dips. I find I enjoy exploring the little areas around our accommodations in every town, except Mcallen....dodgy place. Although work has been slow these past couple months, I have found it very fulfilling when I fly. There is something about making people smile and bringing back that 60's glamour to flying that drives me.
I have this philosophy about flying these days. Most people fly out of convenience, I don't argue that, but I know people still long for that nostalgia when they walk on board. I know it is a taboo thing for someone in my position to argue with the status-quo for fear of upsetting someone, but it is the truth. People don't want to sit on a cramped plane and be bombarded by your derriere as you move through the isle. Beating them up with the beverage carts is cruelty enough (although some of you have justly deserved a bruised elbow or mushed toe, you know who you are -.-) . Nor do travelers want a negative Nancy or pout-y Polly. We are here to work and work well. We are not oppressed by the girdles of those who have come before us nor hand cuffed in white gloves and apron strings. There has been considerable liberation, can't you just smile already?! (stacking another soap box on top the last) We have access to the world, THE WORLD! and a job most can people only dream about. No, its not glamorous. We look frumpy, work long hours, deal with incredibly rude people, and get paid next to nothing. But, it's FUN! So my advice...relax, smile, tell them you are doing everything you can and actually do it. Even if the result isn't successful 9 out of 10 times people are satisfied you tried. (steps down, kicks soap boxes aside feeling unstoppable, and smiling)
Now, onto my personal stuff. I bought a house! That's right my avid readers! I am a fully 100% independent woman ;-) look out world here I am! I have the worlds loveliest, and persistent, roommate. My little dog is loving her new back yard, and I'm loving working around the house "nesting" as mom puts it. My birthday is just around the corner as well. 24. Officially in my mid-twenties, and leaving you early twenties crowd behind! Oh how we long to be grown up and adults, and then it happens...overnight.
God is good, as always, and has provided me with everything I need. My cup runneth over and I am thankful. So many blessings in 2011 and so many many more in 2012. Praise be to Him!
As always, Happy Travels.
P.S. please feel free to leaves questions in your comments, I promise I read them...and it does tickle me pink when you do respond! :-)
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Getting Over Jelly Legs
Well, I'm 3 weeks in and I'm loving it! Sitting in the airport for 8 hours waiting to fill-in for someone is a little less fun, but actually flying is great! My passengers have been really good. I've had some get sick, cranky, and a little weary of the bumpy journey but I think my smile and a few reassuring words have straightened them out. I realize it's been forever since I've written, but a lot has been happening! I think I've flown about 20-25 flights on my reserve time. I have my schedule for next month already! Praise be to God that I was able to get Sundays off all month. I'm sure not every month will be that way, but for now I'll take the blessing and fly with it!
I find myself lacking meaningful relationships at work. I have the few people I trained with and a some acquaintances from the crew room, but nothing really personal. I have a hunch I'm hear to be a light in a dark place, but I feel very dim right now :-(. I'm doing my best to stay vigilant. I would love to have a Christian friend though, untainted by the gossip and inappropriateness in the crew room.
My hosts in Atascosita have been fantastic! I've known them since birth and it's been great to get to know each other at this stage in life. They enjoy spending time with their 2 grandsons and their family, as well as enjoying retirement. It's a really laid back relaxed environment to come home to. I do miss my own family when i'm away though, especially my puppy dog :-).
The more and more I fly the less I have the feeling of "Jelly Legs" when I'm back on the ground. It's very similar to sea legs I imagine. It's been a lot of fun to surf down the aisle while serving, and not spilling. Its so much like surfing it's unreal! The plane drops out from under you or it swerves left/right throwing you around, but if you keep your knees bent and get your center of gravity under your hips you'll do fine!
Well, I am going back to cleaning up the house! Good afternoon and happy travels!
I find myself lacking meaningful relationships at work. I have the few people I trained with and a some acquaintances from the crew room, but nothing really personal. I have a hunch I'm hear to be a light in a dark place, but I feel very dim right now :-(. I'm doing my best to stay vigilant. I would love to have a Christian friend though, untainted by the gossip and inappropriateness in the crew room.
My hosts in Atascosita have been fantastic! I've known them since birth and it's been great to get to know each other at this stage in life. They enjoy spending time with their 2 grandsons and their family, as well as enjoying retirement. It's a really laid back relaxed environment to come home to. I do miss my own family when i'm away though, especially my puppy dog :-).
The more and more I fly the less I have the feeling of "Jelly Legs" when I'm back on the ground. It's very similar to sea legs I imagine. It's been a lot of fun to surf down the aisle while serving, and not spilling. Its so much like surfing it's unreal! The plane drops out from under you or it swerves left/right throwing you around, but if you keep your knees bent and get your center of gravity under your hips you'll do fine!
Well, I am going back to cleaning up the house! Good afternoon and happy travels!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Free to move about the country
I am finished!!! I passed all my inflight training, and am ready to starting flying solo. I have been to New Orleans, Mcallen, Killeen, Shreveport, and Tyler already! Everywhere we stayed was lovely. The Holiday Inn in Tyler was especially nice.
The flying itself was a ton of fun. My first trip out on either aircraft I was a little timid (hard to believe, I know), but I took control by my second flight. My bag got left in New Orleans all day the first day. It finally showed up around 11pm. I had to be up at 0330 the next day. Thanks to everyone who flew that 5:20am flight with me after only having 4 hours of sleep. I had the best passengers in the world. Not one of them gave me a hard time, most of them were laughing with me (you who weren't know who you are, don't think I didn't notice you laughing AT me). I am still working on getting my "sea legs" so to speak. Every night when I lie down to sleep it feels like i'm on the ocean waves and my body is rocking with the surf. Its an odd sensation that will pass with time I hope.
Today was the most exciting of all, I think. I only flew one leg and it was my exam. I feel I did very well and will represent the company fairly well when I'm on my own. I still bobble a little as we begin to taxi and fumble with my announcement cards, but the awkwardness will subside. I think maybe 2 of the 6 flights I flew this week were on time...I really will have to work on the semper gumby style of life. My last flight today (The Test) was flown without the cabin being pressurized. The pilots kept the plane at a breathable altitude and we did just fine. I don't think a single passenger noticed. It was bumpier than normal at the lower altitude, but I managed to not spill drinks on anyone or fall...All in all I think it was a successful day. I'm pooped and ready for bed. I've got my dog and my teddy bear ready to go!
As always, good night and happy travels.
The flying itself was a ton of fun. My first trip out on either aircraft I was a little timid (hard to believe, I know), but I took control by my second flight. My bag got left in New Orleans all day the first day. It finally showed up around 11pm. I had to be up at 0330 the next day. Thanks to everyone who flew that 5:20am flight with me after only having 4 hours of sleep. I had the best passengers in the world. Not one of them gave me a hard time, most of them were laughing with me (you who weren't know who you are, don't think I didn't notice you laughing AT me). I am still working on getting my "sea legs" so to speak. Every night when I lie down to sleep it feels like i'm on the ocean waves and my body is rocking with the surf. Its an odd sensation that will pass with time I hope.
Today was the most exciting of all, I think. I only flew one leg and it was my exam. I feel I did very well and will represent the company fairly well when I'm on my own. I still bobble a little as we begin to taxi and fumble with my announcement cards, but the awkwardness will subside. I think maybe 2 of the 6 flights I flew this week were on time...I really will have to work on the semper gumby style of life. My last flight today (The Test) was flown without the cabin being pressurized. The pilots kept the plane at a breathable altitude and we did just fine. I don't think a single passenger noticed. It was bumpier than normal at the lower altitude, but I managed to not spill drinks on anyone or fall...All in all I think it was a successful day. I'm pooped and ready for bed. I've got my dog and my teddy bear ready to go!
As always, good night and happy travels.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Graduation Day
I finally made it! I received my wings today!!! Some of my very very good friends were able to make it and I couldn't be happier! Thank you all so much for coming out to support me. It has been a whirl-wind experience, and I know I would never have made it with out all your prayers ;-)! God has been so good to me and blessed me with a many splendid things. I have my first in flight exam on the 6th of July. I am flying a two day trip and staying overnight in deep in south Texas. I fly again on the 10th and I bounce all over the place for 3 days. It's all so exciting! I just can't wait to get to it and start working :-)! I fully intend to keep writing as long as I am flying, and maybe even after (who knows really!). As always, good night and happy travels!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Drillzzzzz
Spent all day in the hanger working on our drills. This is probably the most important thing we learn and my whole class was behind me and helped me get to this point. Between staying up all night to practice together, quizzing each other over commands, or sweating it out with me in the hanger they all are equally responsible for my success. Enjoy!
Good night and happy travels!
Good night and happy travels!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Graduation Approaches
We received our uniforms today. Not very glamorous. Excited to have them, it means I am one step closer to my wings, but man...I wish they were at least a little fashionable. I spent the heat of the day today in the hanger with no air conditioning on a plane with no air conditioning pre-flighting equipment and playing around on the PA system. I have completed the pre-flight checks for both types of aircraft we work on. All I have left now is to do about 3 emergency drills, operation of some equipment, and my written final. After I pass all that, I get WINGS!!!!
Graduation is tentatively scheduled for Saturday morning. I need to get a head count of who Might be coming, so we can have enough chairs for folks to sit it. You can e-mail me at rebecca.nelson88@gmail.com. Don't be shy about coming either. Most of my class isn't from the Houston area so they won't have anyone there for them. The more of you that show up the more people there to show them love. There will be cake, and possibly cookies, but other than that I have no idea what to expect. Its supposed to be a 2 hour ceremony so I can't imagine what we are supposed to show you guys!
Not much else to report on this end. As always, good night and happy travels!
Graduation is tentatively scheduled for Saturday morning. I need to get a head count of who Might be coming, so we can have enough chairs for folks to sit it. You can e-mail me at rebecca.nelson88@gmail.com. Don't be shy about coming either. Most of my class isn't from the Houston area so they won't have anyone there for them. The more of you that show up the more people there to show them love. There will be cake, and possibly cookies, but other than that I have no idea what to expect. Its supposed to be a 2 hour ceremony so I can't imagine what we are supposed to show you guys!
Not much else to report on this end. As always, good night and happy travels!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Goose Story
We spent the day talking/learning about team work and how that can prevent fatalities in most crashes. There is a story they shared with us to really illustrate what they meant, it's called "The Goose Story"
Next fall when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying in their familiar "V" formation, you might be interested in knowing why they fly that way. Science had learned that, as each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately behind it. By flying in a "V" formation, the flock together gains 70% more flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
Like the geese, people who share a common direction and a sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Whenever one goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to do it alone. It will quickly try to get back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going.
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose takes over the point position. It pays to take turns doing a hard job.
The geese from behind honk constantly, as you've no doubt heard whenever a flock passes overhead. They do this to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. An encouraging word goes a long way.
Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded by a gun shot and falls out of the formation, two geese follow it down to stay with it and protect it. They stay until it is either able to fly again, or dies. They then launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with the group. If we have the sense of a goose, we stand by each other.
~ Author unknown
Next fall when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying in their familiar "V" formation, you might be interested in knowing why they fly that way. Science had learned that, as each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately behind it. By flying in a "V" formation, the flock together gains 70% more flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
Like the geese, people who share a common direction and a sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier, because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Whenever one goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to do it alone. It will quickly try to get back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are going.
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose takes over the point position. It pays to take turns doing a hard job.
The geese from behind honk constantly, as you've no doubt heard whenever a flock passes overhead. They do this to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. An encouraging word goes a long way.
Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded by a gun shot and falls out of the formation, two geese follow it down to stay with it and protect it. They stay until it is either able to fly again, or dies. They then launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with the group. If we have the sense of a goose, we stand by each other.
~ Author unknown
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