Friday, March 28, 2014

A picture from ditching day

Today is day 17!!!

Since the last time I wrote a lot has happened. My emergency management instructor was awesome and I am going to miss her. She is stationed in SLC- that is a senior base, if I learn French I could possibly call there home base. On Monday I had my second emergency management test: Turbulence, smoke & fire, decompression. That is a lot of information and drills for one test, but that is over for now. On tuesday we had 'ditching day'. This is the day we are in the pool learning about water evacuations and survival skills. I am not a fan of life vests, BUT it did feel really nice to be in the water-even if there were no goals/balls involved. On wednesday I woke up for a day full of tests. (keep in mind that none of my class days until today and yesterday were less than 11 hours, some 12+). We had a computer test as well as an equipment test, followed by a day full of hands on mockup scenario tests. IT WAS A LONG DAY-but I made it through! It was also a sad day, until that day we were the only class section who had not lost someone.  (if you do not maintain a 90% or pass on the pass/fail exams then you are released from training-sent home). One person from my class was sent home. The past few days have been all about medical. CPR and first aid certifications. Tomorrow-another test.
I am doing well. I am still missing home cooked meals. I am trying to be as healthy as I can with a microwave and snacks. If any of you have any creative meal ideas please share. I have a feeling the tuna and crackers meal may get old soon. I received my first package-THANKS MOM AND DAD! I am hoping that after I study tonight I will have time to color with my crayons and coloring book you sent me!

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Ahhhh.

Today was a long and stressful day.  My head is overflowing with information. I just want to scream-No studying door need tonight.  I don't have a test tomorrow so I made the decision to go out with some people. It was nice to get away since I am stuck in a building all day.  I Knew i needed a break Because everyone was getting on my nerves.  I have so many tests next week! Oye, let's just say I hate having to repeat things verbatim.  I never ever thought I would be in a job where I had to hide my tattoo and conform, aka be a robot. But here I am.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

one week, check.

I just noticed that it was a week ago this morning that I left!  The part few days have been crazy, busy as always.  I had a test Saturday,  I had one today,  and I have one tomorrow. Also,  today they sprung a shot on us! You know I loooved that. Side note: I should be able to avoid yellow fever for the next 10 years: aftica here I come!!
I haven't even found a time to fit in a plank challenge-hope you polo ladies are keeping up on it!
the new class starts tomorrow,  so that means senority for me! Wooohooo!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Earning my wings

Kind of a silly picture.  "Earning my wings". On Saturdays we don't have to dress up,  but we do have to wear jeans with this shirt tucked in with a belt and tennis shoes. 
Long day again today, but still fun!   Started doing some hands on things like operating doors.

I also had my first test,  one down 24 more to go! 

Friday, March 14, 2014

Quick update

Sorry it took so long to post.  My past few days have been super full.  I'm talking 13hr+ days.  This will be another quick post (from my phone) before I pass out and wake up for my first exam.
So far a lot of into overview information. 

Some tidbits:
*even though the days are crazy long and exhausting they are still fun.
*my roommate and I get along great,  she is from Detroit. I think I will probably meet some life friends here!
*my instructors are awesome ( they are all flight attendants that come back to be a part of this,  it seems like they have fun too)
*my dorm is set up like a hotel room
*one item today was uniform fitting
*today on a tour I was able to go in the control room and it was awesome,  all the people controlling all aspects of the planes/airline everywhere,  and a section of meteorologists too! This tech room was mind blowing,  wish I could take pictures!
*I learned I'm not supposed to post pictures,  sorry.  I think if I take some of just people it's fine,  but that's not very fun. 

I think I'd you have any specific questions post them as a comment,  lots of people all me the same things so this way everyone can see the answers :)

Monday, March 10, 2014

The eve of Departure

My flight leaves tomorrow, early.
Short post because I still have tons to do:
finish online modules
pack (as well as prepare things to pack)
go get my measurements
double check my paperwork
+more
*I am feeling very anxious about this adventure I am about to take.... and the countdown begins...

Birthday BBQ for Vince

This past Saturday was a busy one. It was a nice break from all of the flight attendant training preparations. I woke up, baked a cake and started preparing everything for Vince's BBQ. It was 80 degrees, perfect weather for a BBQ. A huge thank you to everyone who was able to make it. Vince loved seeing all of you! Sorry, I forgot to take pictures. Thanks to Elvia for sending this one my way: (I love how you can see a spark from the sparkler candles)

When I finally got a second to check my emails on Saturday I found that I finally had an email that told me I would be flying to Atlanta on Tuesday and that I will be staying on campus in the dorms. (The other possibility was possibly a hotel/dorm type situation).

Sunday, Vinces actual birthday, I was back at it. I still was in need of khaki pants. Vince went with me to the mall... dun dun dun. It was not a complete failure: I found a pair of ankle boots that cover my tattoo, we shared a cinnabon, found a black suitcase that hopefully lasts me a long time AND ended the adventure with a Yogurtland trip for the birthday boy. Still no pants to be found that would fit me. That night was dinner with his family, then home to bed. It was a long and exhausting day.




Friday, March 7, 2014

Keeping In Touch

Last night was my last 'practice' as the official coach for the workout group. We went out to dinner instead of going to the pool. It seems as if the question of "Swim or Drink?" always leans towards one direction. Swimming in drinks?

I am going to miss going to the pool on T/Th nights. Not because of how cold it is, not because of the armed guards, but because of the women who I would call nothing less than my friends. Each and every one of them has a special place in my heart. I AM GOING TO MISS YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH!

I will definitely be keeping in touch. When I think about keeping in touch (in general, with anyone) one thought comes to mind: keeping in touch is a two way street. Please do not hesitate to shoot me an email/text/im/letter/postcard/video call/phone call. I love to hear what is going on with my friends, so keep me posted as well!!!!

TASK UPDATE: Yesterday I was emailed my log in information for my 5 hours of online flight attendant pre-work! I have already gotten started on the modules. So far they mainly consist of becoming familiar with terms, the interior/exterior of different planes, operating exits, etc.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

My Closet is the "Unacceptable Attire" list

Yesterday I received an email that had a 'preparing for takeoff' packet to help me better prepare for training. After looking at it I have decided the packet should be called, "Lets double your to do list 1 week before Training".
Some of the new additions include:
*List of countries visited in the last 10 years including dates: looks like I will be taking a stroll down memory lane- my passport would have been a helpful tool for this list, BUT I had to send it in with my application for a new one. Out of luck there. Good thing digital cameras have a date stamp.
*Professional measurements for uniform fit: I was under the impression we were measured during training, I guess I will have to consult a professional
* I will also have to go shopping. I have decided that whoever put together the "unacceptable attire" list was writing it from inside my closet. Keep in mind this is for training. No jeans or anything denim looking. No cargo anything. No hooded anything. No fleece. No exposed shoulders. No t-shirts. No tightly fitted or stretch fabric. No sandals.  Oh here is a good one: swim suit required for emergency pool procedures but visible tattoos must be covered... hmmm... socks in the pool?
Luggage/lunch bags must be black.. boo. Guess red is not the new black. Purses may be red or black smooth leather.. boo again, I LOVE the fabric purses in fun colors my mom makes!!!

The standards of appearance are not bad, and the rules I need to follow are actually simple, its just that I do not own any of it... so that's a huge task added to my list. If I loved shopping, or was proportional this would be an easier task. I am up for the challenge!!!