It's early evening (about 5:45pm) and I'm waking up from my second nap today. I came home from a FAI all-nighter turn. This means I left last night around 10pm. I left FAI about 1:30am and getting back in SEA about 6am. I was literally up all night. Unfortunately, being on reserve doesn't allow me to pick and choose what flights I can work, and on occasion, I do have to do these all-nighter turns. Honestly, all-nighters (or sometimes called red-eyes) are not that bad. Most people just come on board, grab a pillow and blanket, and fall asleep. Sleeping passengers are the best because they don't ask for anything! Now, doing all-nighters to a layover ain't bad because I'm working to a destination, knowing I'll be in a nice comfortable bed at the end. HOWEVER, all-nighter turns are brutal because the moment I get to my destination, I have to turn around and come right back. On top of that, I have to drive home from the airport. When you're exhausted, an hour drives feels like two, and you're doing everything possible to stay awake, such as blasting the radio, rolling down windows, and self conversations about stupid things. And the sleep once I get home is never restful. I generally have to take 2 naps throughout the day to try get back on my body clock. It takes me a few days to recover from these flights. And yes folks, I go out again tonight to do a JNU all-nighter turn! YAH!!!! I'M GOING TO NEED A WEEK TO RECOVER! Photos and poem to come later.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Compartmentalize Psychology Of Passengers Or How Many Times Can I Leave My Seat Before The Door Closes?
Working as a flight attendant for as long as I have, my people observations skills have gotten better over the years. With long sits at the airport waiting for flights, people-watching has become a favorite pastime. I find that I crack myself up a lot.
I know that air travel, for most folks, can be somewhat daunting, foreign, and alien. Where else in the world does one have 150 or so strangers packed into a silver tube for a period of time? Add the stress of lines, security, time constraints, carry on baggage, children (if you bring them along), babies (if you have them), and the combination of seasoned and novice travelers, and you will get a amazingly provocative psychology project.
With that in mind, nothing is more humorous than watching passenger board an airplane. Any psychologists could write academic papers on this stuff. I would stand in the back of the airplane and just watch how people come on board. Even the most experience air traveler has their particular quirks. Let me share some of them with you:
My favorite is how passengers feel that the compartment bin over their seat is THEIRS and no one else. You would not believe how irate passengers become when someone takes the bin above their seat, and they would insist that the bags be relocated to accommodate theirs. Or, how about the passenger that shoves someone else’s bag out of the way, so they can have their bags directly above their seat. And the nasty looks I would receive from passengers when I tell them to place their bags in space other than the bin over their seat. I call this “Baggage Separation Anxiety.” Passengers would have a sense of anxiety because of the fact their bags are not above them, even if it’s only a row away.
Then there’s the OCD passenger who has to make sure that their bags is place in a particular way to optimize bin space management. It will literally take these folks the whole boarding process to make sure that their bags are placed exactly and intricately in the bin, making sure not to impose their bags on someone else’s space.
Oh, and let’s not forget the infamous bin hog, who will place a fanny pack, small purse, or a hat in the bin and close the door, making sure no one else can use the bin.
My all time favorite is the passenger that boards first, making sure he or she gets the most optimal bin space, and is seated, waiting for everyone else to come on board. During the boarding process, this particular individual would repeatedly leave their seat and into the bin to take out something, put in something, or both. The most I ever seen a passenger do this is 12 times. 12 times this person went up and down between their seat and the bin. It was a funny site to see. I jokingly said to that person that I would have to super glue him into the seat until boarding was done. Fortunate for me, he had a good sense of humor, and explained to me he was a scatterbrain. I told him that he was not alone.
How about the passenger who takes their time putting their stuff away? I mean they casually break down their suitcases, nonchalantly place the larger of the two in the bin and the other under the seat, grabbing a pillow and blanket, neatly folding their garment and placing them in the bin, not realizing that half the airplane is witnessing this whole regimented process as they wait ever so patiently to get to their seats. Of course, the whole entire time this particular individual is thinking the he or she is entitled to hold up the whole entire plane to make certain their personal property is placed correctly, that he or she has done nothing wrong, and that it's all about them. Screw everyone else!
I will not harp on passengers on this entire post, but you have to see the world that I have to deal with 3-4 times a week, and yet still do it with grace, professionalism, and respect. I do know that a lot of these folks are seasonal travelers. I know that a lot of these folks have not flown before. I know that a lot of these folks are only focused on themselves and no one else. That’s ok. I try, in my sarcastic yet humorous way, that they must not be selfish and be good boys and girls and share with everyone else. If everyone does this, we’ll all get along just fine. (At least until the next flight!)
I know that air travel, for most folks, can be somewhat daunting, foreign, and alien. Where else in the world does one have 150 or so strangers packed into a silver tube for a period of time? Add the stress of lines, security, time constraints, carry on baggage, children (if you bring them along), babies (if you have them), and the combination of seasoned and novice travelers, and you will get a amazingly provocative psychology project.
With that in mind, nothing is more humorous than watching passenger board an airplane. Any psychologists could write academic papers on this stuff. I would stand in the back of the airplane and just watch how people come on board. Even the most experience air traveler has their particular quirks. Let me share some of them with you:
My favorite is how passengers feel that the compartment bin over their seat is THEIRS and no one else. You would not believe how irate passengers become when someone takes the bin above their seat, and they would insist that the bags be relocated to accommodate theirs. Or, how about the passenger that shoves someone else’s bag out of the way, so they can have their bags directly above their seat. And the nasty looks I would receive from passengers when I tell them to place their bags in space other than the bin over their seat. I call this “Baggage Separation Anxiety.” Passengers would have a sense of anxiety because of the fact their bags are not above them, even if it’s only a row away.
Then there’s the OCD passenger who has to make sure that their bags is place in a particular way to optimize bin space management. It will literally take these folks the whole boarding process to make sure that their bags are placed exactly and intricately in the bin, making sure not to impose their bags on someone else’s space.
Oh, and let’s not forget the infamous bin hog, who will place a fanny pack, small purse, or a hat in the bin and close the door, making sure no one else can use the bin.
My all time favorite is the passenger that boards first, making sure he or she gets the most optimal bin space, and is seated, waiting for everyone else to come on board. During the boarding process, this particular individual would repeatedly leave their seat and into the bin to take out something, put in something, or both. The most I ever seen a passenger do this is 12 times. 12 times this person went up and down between their seat and the bin. It was a funny site to see. I jokingly said to that person that I would have to super glue him into the seat until boarding was done. Fortunate for me, he had a good sense of humor, and explained to me he was a scatterbrain. I told him that he was not alone.
How about the passenger who takes their time putting their stuff away? I mean they casually break down their suitcases, nonchalantly place the larger of the two in the bin and the other under the seat, grabbing a pillow and blanket, neatly folding their garment and placing them in the bin, not realizing that half the airplane is witnessing this whole regimented process as they wait ever so patiently to get to their seats. Of course, the whole entire time this particular individual is thinking the he or she is entitled to hold up the whole entire plane to make certain their personal property is placed correctly, that he or she has done nothing wrong, and that it's all about them. Screw everyone else!
I will not harp on passengers on this entire post, but you have to see the world that I have to deal with 3-4 times a week, and yet still do it with grace, professionalism, and respect. I do know that a lot of these folks are seasonal travelers. I know that a lot of these folks have not flown before. I know that a lot of these folks are only focused on themselves and no one else. That’s ok. I try, in my sarcastic yet humorous way, that they must not be selfish and be good boys and girls and share with everyone else. If everyone does this, we’ll all get along just fine. (At least until the next flight!)
Friday, July 27, 2007
My First Day With Lucky
Darren’s mother, Becky, went home to Indiana on Tuesday. Apparently, she was sad to leave, but mostly, sad to leave Lucky behind in his new home, which is understandable since she rescued him from a puppy farm back home and had him for almost six months. For that, we will be grateful. Grateful because she had nursed this cute dog back to socialization and most importantly, life. Grateful because what she did, she did without any recourse or reward. Grateful because for her love for animals. How strange the house feels without her.
However, she left behind Lucky, and we're both excited. As you know, I had some difficulties with him at first, but I actually had one full day with him (Unlucky With Lucky), and I’m happy to say that we had a good day. He stayed on his couch, and I stayed on mine. It was a good start.
I needed to do some errands, and I didn’t want to leave Lucky at home alone, so I took him with me. He’s been stuck at home a lot, so I figured I’d take him out of the house. So, we had our first car ride together, and he enjoyed it. It’s a joy to see his tail wag in happiness as we drove through Everett. We reached the pet store and I had to coax him out of the truck, but he was fine once we reached inside. Again, his tail was wagging with happiness. However, I sensed he was overwhelmed once we reached the toys and treat aisle. At one point, he reached up with his hind legs and begged to be picked up, and I obliged. Poor thing was over stimulated with everything that was going on around him. After paying for my things, I immediately brought him home via the freeway, which I think he really enjoyed. Once we got home, he went to his couch and I went to mine. He passed out asleep. I think I wore him out.
The afternoon was pretty quiet, until I brought him out to the backyard. The little thing found his energy and we played fetch for a good 30 minutes. He was having a good time. Later on that evening, we took our first walk together. I tried to recall some training tricks from “The Dog Whisperer,” and most of them worked. Lucky still needs to learn how to heal; however, I got him to heal for at least one block. Not bad. And he pooped. He had a bowel movement. That’s exciting for a new owner! And what a smart dog he is. He pretty much knew his way home and knew which house was ours!
Then Darren came home from work and more energy came from him. But we had a feeling the night would be difficult for him. He kept looking out the window, or watching the door in the hopes that Becky would come home. I sense deep down he misses her. He’d seek her out in the bathroom, the second bedroom, or the backyard. In the middle of the night, he would run into the living room or the second bedroom to double check to see if she returned.
Having Lucky will be an adjustment for all of us. But I am so amazed how such a little dog can bring such happiness and joy to everyone’s life.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Oh Stewardess?
The downfall of air travel occurred not with deregulation of the 80s, not with the lost of the big airline behemoths of Pan Am, TWA, and Braniff, not with airline mergers, decrease in in-flight services, cheap air fares, crowded airports and airplanes, nor security woes, it occurred when we lost the famous stewardess. The stewardess was the epitomes of glamour in the skies.
How I envied those women back in the day. And where is the source of my enviousness? It’s those UNIFORMS! I love the styles and colors. There’s something to be said about the old-school uniforms of the 60s and 70s. Yes, I understand that women were fighting against marginalization, sexism, and male chauvinism to name a few (and still are), but there was a certain allure and aura when a stewardess walked by in the terminal or the airplane. It had to be the uniforms.
The flight attendant uniforms of today have reverted back to the militaristic style of the 40s and 50s. The airlines major concern was that the flight attendants needed to be “identified” as a crew member, which actually promotes us a safety professional. But come on! Do we all have to wear navy blue?? I want color and liveliness. I want the bang and the pop! I want eyes to look at us! I want to hear, “ooh” as we walk by! We don’t have that now. If one looks up the definition of navy blue in the dictionary, one will read “the color of flight attendant uniform.” Not one specific airline, but all airlines.
I’m not saying that we need to bring back A-lines, mini-skirts, and go-go boots (can you imagine me in go-go boots on a beverage cart? It would not WORK!). But there needs to be something that brings back the allure and glamour of the stewardess (steward if you’re a man), and one place to start is the uniform. We can work on the other stuff later, like “Paris! First Class! International!”
Friday, July 20, 2007
Unlucky with Lucky
As you all know, we got our little shih tzu, Lucky, last week. He's a cute dog. Unfortunately, he hasn't taken to me yet. What makes me think that? Well here are some examples:
1) Lucky would be sitting on the couch, and I would sit next to him. He would up and leave and go to the other couch, the other part of the room, or to the bedroom.
2) I'd try to pick him up and he would runaway from me.
3) He would come to me, take a sniff of me, and then runaway.
4) He'd run into the living room, see me, then runaway.
5) I'd pick him up, and he would pee on me.
The only time he would be approachable is during meal time. He'd come up to the table and beg for table scraps. Or if I have a treat in my hand.
I guess I have to use Filipino ingenuity to make this dog like me with FOOD! Hey, I do it at work with my co-workers. I do it at my partner's work with his co-workers. It should work with Lucky, right?
From what I read about shih tzu, they are shy and suspicious of new people, but once they get to know you, they're great companions. It's only been the first week, you would think he would open up a bit, but I guess not. I can't believe I getting upset over Lucky. Most humans I could care less if they like me or not. But a dog? Craziness I tell ya!
1) Lucky would be sitting on the couch, and I would sit next to him. He would up and leave and go to the other couch, the other part of the room, or to the bedroom.
2) I'd try to pick him up and he would runaway from me.
3) He would come to me, take a sniff of me, and then runaway.
4) He'd run into the living room, see me, then runaway.
5) I'd pick him up, and he would pee on me.
The only time he would be approachable is during meal time. He'd come up to the table and beg for table scraps. Or if I have a treat in my hand.
I guess I have to use Filipino ingenuity to make this dog like me with FOOD! Hey, I do it at work with my co-workers. I do it at my partner's work with his co-workers. It should work with Lucky, right?
From what I read about shih tzu, they are shy and suspicious of new people, but once they get to know you, they're great companions. It's only been the first week, you would think he would open up a bit, but I guess not. I can't believe I getting upset over Lucky. Most humans I could care less if they like me or not. But a dog? Craziness I tell ya!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
From the Land of Mickey
How exciting! I'm now blogging on the road. I'm writing you from Orlando. I was called last night @ 6pm for this trip. Working all night to Orlando is pretty brutal, considering that I didn't take a nap at all, spent most of my afternoon at Flower World selecting flowers for the front yard with Darren and his mom in the hot humid sun. All and all, the flight was pretty uneventful, although after hour number 3, we as a crew were becoming a bit punchy and tired.
The fun and exciting thing on this flight was using the new Point of Sales devices. Back in the days before technology, we sold beverages and movies the old fashion way with money. You remember money. It's also called greenbacks, moolah, stash, etc. Now you can purchase stuff on board the airplane with debit and credit cards. The airline is hoping by the end of this year that everything will be cashless. Admittedly, I was a bit apprehensive about using the new device, but after the first transaction, it was a piece of cake. I am able to track my sales, who I owe change to, how much cash I should have at the end of the flight, etc. It's a pretty nifty device. It does take a while to get use to. It did slow me down a bit, but afterwards, it wasn't all bad. It also helps to have a crew that's on the ball. However, tomorrow will be the test when we have more products to sell on the flight, but I think we'll be ok.
I was able to lay out in the sun for a bit. I haven't done that in ages. I did get some color back that I lost decades ago. We got somethings to eat, and returned to the hotel. In the middle of the sun bathing, we were drench with a downpour. It was quite refreshing. After all the sunning and the heat, the rain was a nice welcome. In the addition, the sound of thunder and lightning has a nice calming effect on me. As frightening as they may sound, it's quite a spectacle to see. The clashing noise, the sparks of lightening, the rolling of dark clouds coming from the distance, just makes it a poetic experience.
Now the only draw back of blogging on the road is all the bags I have to drag with me. Let's see: I have my suitcase, my tote bag, my food bag, and now my computer. That's a lot! And trying to haul all that crap through security is a big pain in the ass! The price I have to pay for expressing my feelings. Is it worth it? I'll let you know after this trip.
It's coming up on 8:30 on the East Coast. It's time for bed and I have a long day tomorrow. G'nite from MCO.
The fun and exciting thing on this flight was using the new Point of Sales devices. Back in the days before technology, we sold beverages and movies the old fashion way with money. You remember money. It's also called greenbacks, moolah, stash, etc. Now you can purchase stuff on board the airplane with debit and credit cards. The airline is hoping by the end of this year that everything will be cashless. Admittedly, I was a bit apprehensive about using the new device, but after the first transaction, it was a piece of cake. I am able to track my sales, who I owe change to, how much cash I should have at the end of the flight, etc. It's a pretty nifty device. It does take a while to get use to. It did slow me down a bit, but afterwards, it wasn't all bad. It also helps to have a crew that's on the ball. However, tomorrow will be the test when we have more products to sell on the flight, but I think we'll be ok.
I was able to lay out in the sun for a bit. I haven't done that in ages. I did get some color back that I lost decades ago. We got somethings to eat, and returned to the hotel. In the middle of the sun bathing, we were drench with a downpour. It was quite refreshing. After all the sunning and the heat, the rain was a nice welcome. In the addition, the sound of thunder and lightning has a nice calming effect on me. As frightening as they may sound, it's quite a spectacle to see. The clashing noise, the sparks of lightening, the rolling of dark clouds coming from the distance, just makes it a poetic experience.
Now the only draw back of blogging on the road is all the bags I have to drag with me. Let's see: I have my suitcase, my tote bag, my food bag, and now my computer. That's a lot! And trying to haul all that crap through security is a big pain in the ass! The price I have to pay for expressing my feelings. Is it worth it? I'll let you know after this trip.
It's coming up on 8:30 on the East Coast. It's time for bed and I have a long day tomorrow. G'nite from MCO.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Where is the glamour?
A flight attendant friend sent this youtube video. It’s nice peak into the past. It’s also a great comparison between the air travel “experience” of yesteryear versus the “cattle-car,” “Greyhound,” mode of transportation we experience today. Whatever happened to the glamour of air travel? Gosh, I don’t know where to begin.
Let’s first compare the passengers. OH MY GOD! These people actually dressed up when they traveled. Everyone’s dressed in his or her Sunday best. I was floored to see men in suits (well, I take that back. Most business travelers today do dress in business or business casual attire.), women in their nice dresses and up-dos, and children nicely groomed in their respective attire. It’s like a take back from the Ward & June Cleaver days. Today, suits and dresses are the exception. Common attire for airline travel is flip-flops, tank tops, t-shirts with vulgar personal expressions, and the latest in grunge/ghetto wear. OH, on all-nighter flights, pajama bottoms, bunny slippers, and one’s security pillow and blanket from home is a must. I understand that travel attire should be comfortable; however, I believe there is a fine line between comfortable and tacky!
The next item for contention is food. When was the last time you saw food on the airplane? I’m not talking about airport concessions in bag, which by the way is another topic for contention, but 3 to 4 courses serve to you on sectionalized trays. You have one tray for your flatware, another for your roll, another for your salad, one for your dessert, and lastly your entrée. Better yet, how about 7 serving carts of food that takes 2 hours to serve (kinda like the video)? I remember when I first started flying, international First Class passengers were exposed to appetizers, caviar or sushi, salad with choice of toppings and dressing, 3 choices of entrée ranging from Chateaubriand to seafood medley, fruit and cheese, and the piece de resistance of 3 types of dessert to include ice cream sundaes, cheesecakes, napoleons to name a few. Then a short reprieve before more food would be served (a mid-flight snack), and then before landing, a choice of a hot breakfast, a continental breakfast, or a lighter fare. Now, you’re lucky if you get a bag of peanuts on a 4-hour flight! And if you do get any sort of warm food, one has to pay for it! I’m sure seasoned travelers of the past would be appalled to fork over $5 for a box of snacks, or something that has been mass-produced in a flight kitchen (well, they do complain about it now).
Thursday, July 12, 2007
New Ways to Order Drinks on the Airplane
Just when I thought I have heard everything when it comes to working my flights, someone always comes up with something new!
I was working a flight down to LAX doing our usually beverage service when I came across this one particular passenger. I could tell this person was a smart ass because we already exchanged humorous sarcastic comments during boarding. Anyway, I approached this person's row and proceeded to offer this person a drink. This person asked for a virgin screwdriver (for those of you that are not bar saavy, a screwdriver is an orange juice and vodka. By asking for it "virgin" means omitting the alcohol.)
After this person's request, I gave this person a strange look and said, "You mean an orange juice, right?" And this person responded with a yes and a doing everything possible not to laugh. I was again being toyed with by this person and we had a good laugh. So this got me thinking, what are some other ways to ask for drinks on the airplane, and here's a list I've come up with (and I'm sure will drive your flight attendants crazy the next time you fly, or better yet, see if they catch it!):
1) Virgin Screwdriver = orange juice
2) Virgin Cape Cod = cranberry juice
3) Virgin Cuba Libre = cola with a lime
4) Virgin 7 and 7 = Sprite or 7-up
5) Virgin Baileys and Coffee with 2 sugars = coffee with 2 sugars
6) Black coffee with cream and sugar (think about this one)
Can you come up with anymore?
I was working a flight down to LAX doing our usually beverage service when I came across this one particular passenger. I could tell this person was a smart ass because we already exchanged humorous sarcastic comments during boarding. Anyway, I approached this person's row and proceeded to offer this person a drink. This person asked for a virgin screwdriver (for those of you that are not bar saavy, a screwdriver is an orange juice and vodka. By asking for it "virgin" means omitting the alcohol.)
After this person's request, I gave this person a strange look and said, "You mean an orange juice, right?" And this person responded with a yes and a doing everything possible not to laugh. I was again being toyed with by this person and we had a good laugh. So this got me thinking, what are some other ways to ask for drinks on the airplane, and here's a list I've come up with (and I'm sure will drive your flight attendants crazy the next time you fly, or better yet, see if they catch it!):
1) Virgin Screwdriver = orange juice
2) Virgin Cape Cod = cranberry juice
3) Virgin Cuba Libre = cola with a lime
4) Virgin 7 and 7 = Sprite or 7-up
5) Virgin Baileys and Coffee with 2 sugars = coffee with 2 sugars
6) Black coffee with cream and sugar (think about this one)
Can you come up with anymore?
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Oh How Lucky Are We
Well first off, I've been on the road for a few days. I was called out on a 3-day trip taking me to SFO and OAK (not sure of the city codes, click on the website at the side of my blog). I would love to blog on the road, but until I get my new battery for my laptop, my blogging will be restricted from home for now. It would be great to share my adventures of flying with you all while on my layovers; however, I still have my old "Clamshell" Indigo iBook as a laptop, which is 7 years old with the original battery. When fully charged, it'll give me a whole 60 minutes (1 hr 15 min on a good day) of power. I have ordered a new battery and should be coming soon in the mail.
We are proud to announce the arrival of Lucky, our new shih tzu! He's the cutest thing. He is a rescue dog and was under the care of my partner's mom in Indiana, who by the way, arrived yesterday also. He's a very quiet and subdued little thing, but I think he's just a bit overwhelmed from the cross country trip and his new surroundings. Once he gets adjusted, I'm sure he'll be the lovable dog my partner's mom describes him to be.
It really struck me this afternoon on my way to the airport .(Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I was posing as the human go-between once again between flight attendants and computer. I can go on and banter about the goings-on about bidding, but I shall not bore you!) I was in a pet store buying dog supplies for our new child. However, it really hit me when I actually purchased a new fetch ball for Lucky. At the ripe old age of 41, I'm finally a caretaker of a living breathing dog. It's a little bit weird actually. There was future ex-boyfriends, fishes, more future ex-boyfriends, and a partner I've always looked after and tended to. All have been pretty self-reliant. But a dog? I am a ready for this? I was so use to having other peoples' pets over, entertain them for the life of the visit, and then they were gone (just like other peoples' kids!) But Lucky is here to STAY! YIKES! That was pretty much the thought processes I was having on the drive home from the airport last night. But once I entered the door and saw Lucky, all my apprehensions started to fade. WHAT A CUTE DOG!
OK, so he's a bit standoffish, clinging to my partner's mom, and runs away from me when I try to pet or pick him up, he's all cute just the same. He just gives me that "I'm indifferent to you" stare followed by the "Who the hell are you?" stare. All cute just the same. I'm sure once he's settled in, he'll be just fine. I am looking forward to the walks, feedings, picking up after his poop, car rides, playing, and just vegging with the dog. Good times!
Now you're next question is where are the pictures? Well, if my partner will bring the digital camera home from work, maybe I can get some pictures on the blog (Darren, I hope you're reading this!)
Saturday, July 7, 2007
The Psycho Flight Attendant
I do have to share this Nicoderm commercial. It has finally put into video what many of us flight attendants have dreamed of doing. It's absolutely hilarious!
As you know, flight attendants, as well as being safety professionals (yes, folks we are safety professionals. We don't go to training from 5-6 weeks to learn how to smile and serve you peanuts and drinks), are in customer service. I always tell myself before going to work, "Find my happy place!" And I really have to! Let's be honest here. Generally, passengers come on board the airplane with a very selfish mentality. It's all about them. It's all about the space over their seats. It's all about their pillow, blanket, seat, armrest, etc. (Forgive me folks, I know this does not constitute all of you. I am making sweeping generalizations.) And yes I know that air travel has changed significantly in the last 20 years, or at least since deregulation. With security changes, x-rays machines, personal probing, racial profiling, and service reductions, I agree with all of you that the glamour of air travel is gone. Along with all that, the role of the flight attendant has changed with it.
So, when I first viewed the Nicoderm commercial (I believe it's from Canada), I was laughing my ass off! Finally, someone has put into video what we as flight attendants have been dreaming of since the beginning of our careers! I've had many jump seat conversations with fellow crew members of what they would love to do on their last at work. This psycho flight attendant had visualized all those jump seat conversations! However, being in customer service, the idea of displaying any of those behaviors would a) put one on anyone's "No fly list," b) give management a constant headache, c) put any Professional Standards committee is a tizzy, and d) get one fired!
Flight attendants are unique people. We try to put that smile on our faces regardless on how stupid, idiotic, unreasonable, moronic, and child-like the traveling public can be. Again, I know not all of you are like that. It's the unique 5% of the traveling public that behaves that way (And I'm being conservative with that percentage). Most of you just board an airplane, sit down, buckle up, and just enjoy the flight. To all of you, I thank you :)
Finally, I thank the Nicoderm marketing person. I must also have to apologize. The only way that marketing person ever thought about having a commercial about a psycho flight attendant, was for that person to experience that flight attendant themselves. And to attach that with a Nicoderm Patch is sure utter genius!! My boarding hat off to you!!
Friday, July 6, 2007
Memories of coconut oil
standing at the door
yelling "Nana!"
hoping her deaf ears
hear my voice
"Yes, anak-ko?"
fresh from my bath
in a wrapped towel
hair wet and unkempt
"I'm ready!"
Come here, anak-ko"
she quietly commanded
bad accent
Nana reaches for the jar
filled of white lardy paste
her old brittle hands
cracks open the lid
releasing a wonderful scent
I always enjoyed in my childhoodyelling "Nana!"
hoping her deaf ears
hear my voice
"Yes, anak-ko?"
fresh from my bath
in a wrapped towel
hair wet and unkempt
"I'm ready!"
Come here, anak-ko"
she quietly commanded
bad accent
Nana reaches for the jar
filled of white lardy paste
her old brittle hands
cracks open the lid
releasing a wonderful scent
room fills of fragrant cooked coconuts
frail fingers dig into the lard
filling her palms
small dabs
rubbing between her hands
gentle caresses
on my hair
every stroke with care and love
to her only grandson
in America
our time
our moment
our bonding
sharing stories
her life
her children
rough times, hard times, good times
fifteen minutes
priceless memories
she hands me the comb
I run off
until the next time
Personal Tribute to Candida Agcaoili
My maternal grandmother, Candida Agcaoili, finally found her peace on May 3, 2007. She was 97. The sweet old gal almost made it 100 years. I can remember how excited I was to first meet her when she first arrived here from the Philippines in 1975 or 76; I'm not sure. She was a petite yet hardy woman who took care of me while my parents worked. Hell, she took care of most of my cousins while my aunts and uncles worked. If she wasn't doing that, she was either cleaning the house, tending to the garden, anything to make herself useful to the household.
It was wonderful to see her socialize with the other matriarchs of the family. They would reminisce about times back on the island, both good and bad, complaining about their particular ailments, and gossiping (in Ilocano, a dialect in the Philippines, it's called chismis) about relatives back at home. They had a their own wonderful sounds of laughter and gasping that is indescribable. One had to be there!
My most fond memory of her is when she made coconut oil. It was not for cooking, but for medicinal purposes. It's fragrant smell would fill the entire house. In 2000, I was taking a Filipino American Literature class at San Francisco State University. One of our assignments was to remember of taste, smell, sight, or sound from your earliest childhood memory and wrote a poem about it. I will share that poem with you all in my next post later today.
The most beautiful feature my grandma had was her hair. It was long and flowing. Her hair reached down to the lowest part of her back. It was wonderful to watch her comb, oil, and put it in a bun. After each bath, she would allow her hair to air dry. Once it was dry, she would sit in the corner of her room, usually near a heater vent, take her narrow comb, which doubles as a hair piece, and begin combing her locks of black and gray hair. She would start from the bottom and slowly work her way up toward her scalp, making sure to rid the tangles and rough spots on the way. Afterwards, she would massage coconut oil to the ends and all over her hair and scalp. And in an instant, she'd twist her hair, knot it and roll it in a bun and place the ornamental comb in her hair to hold the bun down. It gave me joy to see her do that. It was a daily regime that I'm sure she has done for years and years.
She was always glad to see her grandkids come home, either from school or work. Asked about our daily events, and then the usual Filipino thing, ask us what we wanted to eat. If you don't understand Filipino Culture, food = love. Relatives are constantly cooking to show their love and affection. Whenever you enter a Filipino home, it's always a greeting followed by "have you eaten?' It's a miracle that I'm not overweight!
Unfortunately, for the last couple of years, she suffered from dementia, so she wasn't herself. Her mind reverted back to a simpler time back in the Philippines. I guess dementia does that to a person. She would sit in her chair or lay in her bed and constantly sweeping or scrubbing herself or something and complaining of all the dust that was around her. My mom shared with me that back in Philippines, they lived in a simple house which was open aired and dusty a lot. Grandma would constantly sweep to keep the house clean and dust free. This would explain to me why she constantly used the static rug cleaner all over the house where I grew up! Anyway, her scratching and scrubbing had gotten so bad that we had to cut grandma's magnificent flowing long hair. That was the last piece of her character that disappeared. From that point on, she was no longer Candida Agcaoili. She was merely just a shell waiting to be taken away.
I'm glad to hear that she died in her sleep at home. She wasn't in a care facility or hospital. She was able to rest with her family and love constantly around her. She was a wonderful woman. And I will miss her.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Ask And You Shall Receive
OK! So, I'm here at the airport again working with flight attendants on how to use the new bidding system (for those of you that care, bidding for our schedules is our life. If we screw up, there goes one's month). How difficult is it to tell a computer what you want to fly?
Well, let me tell you. For some, it's like learning a new language, which in essence it is. However, trying to put what's in your head into computer-ese has been a big challenge. However, being the human go between, let me tell you, IT'S COMPLETELY MIND BOGGLING!!
Comments made:
"Well, I want weekends off, but don't mind flying maybe one weekend a month so long as the trip is 2-days long, gets in early enough so I can watch little Bobbie make a fool of himself playing T-ball"
"I don't care what I fly, so long I don't have to get up too early in the morning, if they're not turns, and I don't have to fly to Las Vegas, San Jose, or anywhere in Mexico. Oh did I mention that I don't like flying the MD-80 and all-nighters, but I'll fly anything!!"
Hearing 8 hours of the numerous possibilities of what flight attendants want to fly can drive the most computer saavy person postal.
I'm here with my other counterpart (Let's call her Cyndi) and she's commented to me that she's dreaming this bidding stuff in her sleep. It's getting to the point where we can't speak in English anymore, and more in this foreign bidding language we need to learn.
1) Bobbie, if Bobbie cries at 1800 , if Bobbie is hungry at 1900 followed by Missie sleeping at 2000 if Missie has doll named Bambi
2) Prefer off Sunday, if spouse has rash followed by spouse has navel lint, if spouse forgets Bobbies diaper change at 700
3) Forget 1
4) Redo from where ever because I'm at the point where I don't know what I'm saying
5) Clear Schedule and Restart
Sounding a bit foreign??? This is my world for the last couple of days. I don't expect any of you to understand. In simple words, GET ME OUT OF HERE!!
Well, let me tell you. For some, it's like learning a new language, which in essence it is. However, trying to put what's in your head into computer-ese has been a big challenge. However, being the human go between, let me tell you, IT'S COMPLETELY MIND BOGGLING!!
Comments made:
"Well, I want weekends off, but don't mind flying maybe one weekend a month so long as the trip is 2-days long, gets in early enough so I can watch little Bobbie make a fool of himself playing T-ball"
"I don't care what I fly, so long I don't have to get up too early in the morning, if they're not turns, and I don't have to fly to Las Vegas, San Jose, or anywhere in Mexico. Oh did I mention that I don't like flying the MD-80 and all-nighters, but I'll fly anything!!"
Hearing 8 hours of the numerous possibilities of what flight attendants want to fly can drive the most computer saavy person postal.
I'm here with my other counterpart (Let's call her Cyndi) and she's commented to me that she's dreaming this bidding stuff in her sleep. It's getting to the point where we can't speak in English anymore, and more in this foreign bidding language we need to learn.
1) Bobbie, if Bobbie cries at 1800 , if Bobbie is hungry at 1900 followed by Missie sleeping at 2000 if Missie has doll named Bambi
2) Prefer off Sunday, if spouse has rash followed by spouse has navel lint, if spouse forgets Bobbies diaper change at 700
3) Forget 1
4) Redo from where ever because I'm at the point where I don't know what I'm saying
5) Clear Schedule and Restart
Sounding a bit foreign??? This is my world for the last couple of days. I don't expect any of you to understand. In simple words, GET ME OUT OF HERE!!
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Fireworks and Cracker Jacks
Happy 4th to everyone!
My computer was down yesterday, so I wasn't able to post; however, that was good thing for I didn't have anything eventful or thoughful to talk about. Additionally, I was called out to do a LAX turn, so I was a bit side track.
Regarding my computer, it's time to put the old (well not so old) thing to the boneyard and get a new one. Since Darren and I have Mac laptops, we are seriously considering going to a Mac desktop. THANK GOD! (Sorry to those PCers out there). I've always been a Mac fan since my first computer. So, hoorah!!
Anyway, I'm sitting here at the airport trying to help out flight attendants with the new bidding system and noticed a BIG bowl of Cracker Jacks! When was the last time one had Cracker Jacks? It was always a thrill to get a box, but mostly getting the prize inside (and a substantial prize in fact). The Cracker Jack's here are SMALL bags (yes, bags), and the prizes are NOTHING!! Oh how times have changed!
Enjoy fireworks, picnics, or however you all enjoy Independence Day!
My computer was down yesterday, so I wasn't able to post; however, that was good thing for I didn't have anything eventful or thoughful to talk about. Additionally, I was called out to do a LAX turn, so I was a bit side track.
Regarding my computer, it's time to put the old (well not so old) thing to the boneyard and get a new one. Since Darren and I have Mac laptops, we are seriously considering going to a Mac desktop. THANK GOD! (Sorry to those PCers out there). I've always been a Mac fan since my first computer. So, hoorah!!
Anyway, I'm sitting here at the airport trying to help out flight attendants with the new bidding system and noticed a BIG bowl of Cracker Jacks! When was the last time one had Cracker Jacks? It was always a thrill to get a box, but mostly getting the prize inside (and a substantial prize in fact). The Cracker Jack's here are SMALL bags (yes, bags), and the prizes are NOTHING!! Oh how times have changed!
Enjoy fireworks, picnics, or however you all enjoy Independence Day!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Sunset in Everett
Trailing white clouds
Inching westward
Setting sun
Peaking through the evergreens
Cool breeze
Brushes my shoulder
Another summer evening
Inching westward
Setting sun
Peaking through the evergreens
Cool breeze
Brushes my shoulder
Another summer evening
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Puddinhead arrives in Blogland
Welcome! Welcome!
How appropriate! Halfway through the year and half way through the summer in our new home in Everett, WA. It's Sunday morning; I just got off the can and I thought, let's start a blog! Hell, it seems everyone I know has started one, is starting one, had one and doing it again, or whatever! WOW!! My first blog! I feel so cyber-techno-geeky-cool right now!
Why a blog? God only knows! I suppose it gives me something to do in the mornings rather than turn on tivo and see what that ridiculous machine had recorded overnight, or see the rambling antics or "The Nanny" or watch for the nth time the nth running of the "The Golden Girls" (hey don't knock it, Estelle Getty rocks!!)
Anyway, I'm last of the PM list today, so the likely hood of getting called out is very slim, unless they pull the same thing last night "hey we have a 2 hour call out for airport standby that starts @ 930pm!" If you're going to pay me to watch tv, read my novel, or do brain teasers at the airport for 4 hours, THAT'S FINE BY ME! However, it does seem a complete waste of my time. But that is the life of a reserve (BIG SIGH!).
Well enough of my ramblings for now. Let me finish up setting up this account so you folks know who I am (Not that anyone out in cyberland will be reading this!) and get my day started.
THINKING OUT LOUD: Need to print that chicken recipe, buy a 13x9 baking dish, and head to the market to buy a chicken (dead of course), and the makings of that yummy s'mores cookie bar recipe I saw yesterday (Our mouths watering yet?)
Later all! Be kind to others (no matter how stupid they are!)
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