Tuesday, 30 June 2009- A Light in the Seneca Creek State Park

Tuesday, 30 June 2009 – A Light in the Seneca Creek State Park
Yesterday, when I was at the library, I looked at the books for sale and found a long lost favorite called A Light in the Forest. It was about a white boy who was captured and raised by the Lenne Lenape Indians, and then forced to return to the white culture after a treaty had been ratified. If I was in his shoes, I would have done what he did and tried to return to the Indian family of his youth, and Mother Earth. I identified with his feeling of confusion, trying to identify himself with one or the other. I have yet to fully identify myself with the modern culture I live in the midst of, only I didn’t identify with the family of my youth, or my birth family.
I bought the book for 50 cents. Before I had read two paragraphs, I realized that I should be reading this book in that Seneca Creek State Park that I had passed by several dozen times on Clopper Road. I took a trip to the storage unit and dropped off everything I carried with me except the book, my bus pass, sleeping mat, water, keys and phone and caught the bus to the state park. I followed my instinct which suggested I walk toward the lake. When I got to the lake, I discovered that kayaks and canoes are rented here. I stretched out on my mat and read my book. I didn’t put it down until I had read the whole thing. Then I slept for 2 hours. It threatened to rain, but never did. I felt at peace in the peaceful setting.

Singing for their Supper

June 24, 2009
Today was an average, kind of boring day. I had a Turkey Sausage and Potato Souffle at Panera while I tweeted away with friends. Then I took some buses into DC. I have noticed a lot of people singing for their supper at Metro Stations and on the corner. I wonder if I could start too. I would start with Donna Nobis Pacem…

Visit to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum

June 23, 2009
Visited the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. I spent a lot of time at the Ocean exhibits, getting a look at a (shrunken) Giant Squid. I also stood mesmerized at the live fish in the coral habitat reproduction. I found it amusing how everyone was excited about seeing Dory and Nemo from Finding Nemo. I also saw a large stone coin from the Island of Yap. I’ve always been fascinated by those, and learned today that the people carry them around on bamboo poles. On my way to the National Air and Space Museum, I learned via twitter that an F-16 out of HAFB had crashed. I said a prayer for the pilot, only to learn later that he didn’t make it. I offered a moment of silence for him.

Red Line Metro Crash- Too Close for Comfort

June 22, 2009
Strange day today. My Blackberry is officially dead. Useless. INOP. It lived to just hours after the crash of the two Metro trains on the Red Line. Earlier this morning I discovered the Fire Panel going off at the other building. I called non-emergency to see if they knew what the alarm indicated. Instead they sent over the fire department. I tried to help the Fire Department find the electrical room on the main floor, but that wasn’t my jurisdiction, therefore, I knew nothing. We ended up figuring out where the trouble was, and I ended up being told that next time it goes off to ignore it. Some job I have…
I spent some time online at Panera Bread before hopping on a bus or two to Shady Grove to ride the Red Line to Silver Spring, back to Shady Grove, and then back to Silver Spring. I slept the whole way. I arrived at Silver Spring at 1:45 according to my tweets(ATMT). I caught a bus to take me through Langley Park and then rode back to Silver Spring, arriving at Silver Spring once again, at 3:41 (ATMT). I then decided to take a bus to Twinbrook Station, and then Metro to Shady Grove instead of direct Metro from Silver Spring to Shady Grove, get my drift? When I arrived at Twinbrook at 4:40, I received a tweet from Breaking News that two Metro trains had collided on the Red Line. I immediately tweeted that I wasn’t on the Red Line, although I was just about to board it at Twinbrook. I figured that was going to be slow going, so I hopped aboard a Ride On Bus to Rockville and then one to Shady Grove.
I stopped at the Fox Den and unearthed my old cell phones and then headed to Taco Bell for a Cheesy Double Beef Burrito before going to work
This is how I tweeted my travels today.
FoxWhisperer Plugged in at Panera, trying out an orange scone. Wasn't quite what I was expecting... Can't stay long, got errands to run. =)8:29 AM Jun 22nd from web
FoxWhisperer Okay, crew, I'm leaving Panera. Tweet with you later!9:25 AM Jun 22nd from web
FoxWhisperer Yay! I slept well, only to find myself in Silver Spring. Where should I go from here? Eventually I need to get back to Gaithersburg.1:48 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer Just crossed Sligo Rd. I once caught a snake and named it Sligo. =)3:18 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer Back at Silver Spring Station. Had a nice tour of Silver Spring and Langley Park. Now on to Twinbrook Station via bus, then the Fox Den!3:41 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer Yuck! This bus driver is trying very hard to induce motion-sickness in its riders!3:57 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer This bus feels like it's riding on rims.4:01 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer Guys I'm not on that train! But I am waiting for the Red line- not any more though.4:40 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer RT @abc7 Breaking News: Two Metro trains have collided on the Red Line in Washington DC. Number of injuries unknown at this time.4:44 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer Opted to take Bus 46 from Twinbrook Station where I had originally intended to catch the Red Line to Shady Rockville and then Shady Grove.4:58 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer Condolences to those injured, trapped, or those who perished. :-(4:58 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer Feeling a little bit solemn and shook up.5:06 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer There's a lot of conflicting reports about casualties and fatalities. Not much is sure from what i am reading.5:11 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer See my tweet about Silver Spring about 2 hours ago. I didn't want to walk through the construction area to the train, so I decided to take5:34 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer the 3:50 bus to a more convenient Metro stop. I COULD have been on that train, or the very next one!!!5:35 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer Fortunately I missed it altogether.5:37 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer At the Fox Den now.5:54 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer That's terrible! one of our train operators was among the two confirmed dead. :-(6:09 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer I'm hungry, I want my Cheesy Double Beef Burrito!6:46 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer I hope all the DC peeps of my twitter crew are all okay. I'm sad to hear that the operator was one who perished.6:47 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web
FoxWhisperer I can't stop from wondering what could have happened.6:48 PM Jun 22nd from mobile web

Sunday, 21 Jun 2009- Reflections on the week behind me

Today I hung out at Panera and tweeted away with my friends, wishing many happy Father’s Day. After Panera, I went to Walmart to buy my King’s Hawaiian Rolls plus Red Bull and shampoo.
I had left my phone charger at work, so I went to work and claimed my phone charger. At shift change, eight hours before my actual shift, I went to the shower and freshened up. Feeling brave, I went to a conference room and laid down on the hard floor to sleep. I haven’t laid down to sleep in 20 days. It was okay. Before my shift began, I called Veronika. She was playing a Clifford game on the computer. When she said she has a Field Day coming up on Thursday, I asked where, but she didn’t know. The conversation went well. She told me her dad is remarrying. That sounds promising.
I’ve learned this week that people demonstrate a wide variety of ways to care about others- Some condemn my choosing to live out of my suitcase and call me delusional. They might care, but I don’t need to put up with their manner of reaction. Some express concern and ask questions, and maybe judge. I appreciate the concern and thank you for allowing me to trust my own judgment. And others fully support my free spirited adventure and trust my judgment, letting me enjoy and learn and experience in a fulfilling way- Especial thanks to Carolyn for understanding me. *-)-

Bulkhead Ate Jumpseat

Bulkhead and Jumpseat- Two toads: At the same time that I was a turtle mommy, I also caught myself 2 toads in Orlando. The first one I caught was about the size of my fist. The second one was about the size of a quarter in diameter- significantly smaller. I put them in a 10 gallon aquarium and fed them potato bugs and crickets- delicacies to my turtles as well. They lived in harmony, or so I thought, for about 3 days. One day, I watched as the smaller one, Jumpseat, cautiously hopped past Bulkhead. In the blink of an eye, and to my absolute horror, I witnessed Bulkhead make a meal of Jumpseat. I couldn't bear to look at Bulkhead anymore so I released him back into the wild. Mt running joke for a while was, Bulkhead ate Jumpseat. If you are a flight attendant, don't worry, the bulkhead behind your jumpseat isn't going to eat you, but if you get bored on a trip, just think about my two toads. =)

Saturday, 20 Jun 2009- Night at the Museum

Saturday was memorable day. I decided to visit the National Air and Space Museum. And watch Night at the Museum at their IMAX theater. While walking among the exhibits, I found an interactive video display about the evolution of cowlings, landing gear, engines, propellers, and fuselage. I then found an entertaining, pure silly show called “Sneaking Through the Sound Barrier”, that had me in stitches.
Walking around a little more, I discovered in an obscure corner of the museum another film. It was in the process of describing the Polar Expedition plane that I had just seen in a fully restored condition. I was riveted. Then I learned the narrator was Jimmy Doolittle. I was FASCINATED. So many long forgotten legacies and videos were preserved by that film. I saw Jimmy Doolittle flying the Super Gee Bee. That was cool! Hoping to see the beginning of the same film, I stuck around. Three quarters into the film produced by the Daniel Guggenheim Foundation, I realized why that name stuck out to me. I couldn’t believe I had never heard of this foundation or its legacy before now. I’ll just say my jaw dropped as I made a possible connection (that I won’t disclose, unless it’s confirmed). I was AMAZED.
The Guggenheim Foundation is definitely something that every aviation professional and enthusiast should learn about and appreciate (IMHO). I recommend starting here: http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Evolution_of_Technology/guggenheim/Tech3.htm
My fun didn’t stop there. I found my place in the 500 foot long line waiting to see Night at the Museum on IMAX. I couldn’t believe I had a seat. The movie was great! I bought an elementary level book about the movie to send to Veronika. After the movie, I made my way to work with ten minutes to spare before the last 9:30pm bus. *-)-

Friday, 19 Jun 2009- Laundromat

In the morning, I arose and made my way to the Fox Den and prepared my laundry. I finally arrived at the Laundromat after leaving a first one that was disappointing. The second one was just as challenging. A lady didn’t see my three white shirts on the sides of the washer and proceeded to load her stuff and soap into it. By the time I realized what was going on, it was too late. She paid for me to rerun the load. It set me behind, but I wasn’t in a hurry to get anywhere.
I got to DCA around 11pm and set up shop, tweeted until 5am, paid a bill, and slept several hours. I propped my legs up this time. That made a big difference. *-)-

Thursday, 18 Jun 2009- Condolences to the family and friends of the CO Captain who passed mid-flight

This morning, as I was headed to DCA after work, I learned that a Continental Airlines Captain had died mid-flight. I was just boarding Metro, so I knew nothing else until I arrived at DCA. As I pondered the news on the Metro, I knew the media would induce panic. I also knew the remaining First Officer could successfully land the plane, although it would have been nice to have help. So, I wondered if there was a non-revving pilot there to assist him.
Without knowing this was a 777 on an international flight BRU-EWR, I learned a relief pilot was available and all ended favorably.
While at DCA, I saw two Delta pilots carrying on a conversation next to me. I asked if they had a Mx problem. It turned out they were on a productivity break. I mentioned the incident earlier today and they joked that if they were with Continental, the only effect that they’d be concerned about was moving up a seniority number. I kind of don’t blame them,, but my heart certainly goes out to the friends and family of the Captain Lenell.
Later in the evening, I had my traditional meal at TGI Fridays with a Guinness Stout, and accented with a (disappointing) Chicken Salad from Einstein’s. I then found my favorite nook and called it a night. *-)-

Tuesday, 16 Jun 2009- Meeting the Captain

The next morning after work, I took the bus to the Fox Den and collected my colorful Sharpies. Shopping for posterboard was a challenge. I ended up settling for white printer paper, which worked effectively. Since he was a retired Captain of the MD-90, I knew I had to include one on my sign. My friend told me his favorite color was purple, so I accented all of the control surfaces with purple. Chocolate was procured and the greeting ensued. The Captain liked the sign and posed for a picture with it.
I asked him many questions about his career with Delta as we made our way through the airport. I was so engaged in conversation, I forgot our first stop was baggage claim. By then, we had walked to the other end of the terminal and had to backtrack. After locating the baggage, I accompanied him to his hotel at Courthouse via the Metro. Metro was so packed, we had to let two trains pass.
As a gift to me, my friend had given her husband a bag of goodies to exchange with me for the chocolates I bore. As we made our way from the Metro and began to determine our route to the hotel, I let him lead the way, telling him he was the Pilot in Command. I almost felt like a flight attendant following him, with Tug in tow. He gave me some valuable information about airline recruiters that helped answer a lot of questions I had about the recruiting process.
On my way back to Metro, I sat on a bench and began sampling my goodies. I loved the Owyhee Spud. Then I headed into work. *-)-

Monday, 15 Jun 2009: Chocolate Fairy Debuts

This week presented an interesting exposure to contrasts. My upgraded “Chocolate Fairy” volunteer service debuted successfully. I made new friends via twitter, greeted their friends and family at DCA, and, of course, reveled in the DCA atmosphere.
On the other hand, my plans to relocate were sabotaged. Whether they are axed or just hit a speed bump, I don’t know. What I do know is that the attack hurt- and the experience makes my life all the more interesting.
That aside, I want to focus on the opportunity I had been given by a twitter friend, to greet special friends and family of hers who had travelled to DC for a solemn ceremony. The first 6 people arrived at DCA today at 8pm. I enjoyed speaking with the matriarch, who is like a mother to my friend. I presented them with a box of 21 pieces of Godiva chocolate, as I was expecting to have three pieces for each of the seven people, but one had to come on a later flight. (I’ve never spent so much money on chocolate! But it was worth it!).
Also as the time of their arrival neared, I realized I should have a sign. Just yesterday I decided to leave my bag of colored Sharpies at the Fox Den, so all I had to work with was a black Sharpie. It worked for a first sign- tomorrow’s sign will be much better, as I am learning from my experiences.
I was able to get Borders at DCA to give me some of their white printer paper, and Godiva was willing to tape the sheets into a banner. They are starting to like me at Godiva. I might be singlehandedly raising their stock price- if they have one. The challenge at Godiva is the language barrier. Their understanding is VERY limited, and when there was a problem, they spoke in what ever language it is they speak. Nix on working there.
With the sign made and the chocolates in hand, I finally greeted my six guests and walked with them to the baggage claim area, and then to their cab. After seeing them off, I hopped on the Metro and bus to work, making it there with an hour to spare. *-)-

Chocolate Lessons Learned

I spent the last two nights in DCA with a trip to the laundromat in between. Thursday afternoon I went to DCA with a mission to give airline crews chocolate, only for the venture to flop. I realized I didn't want to spook a crew member and lose access to the airport. Once I quit my Chocolate Fairy role, I was able to more thoroughly enjoy the airport and the ground operations outside. I had dinner at TGI Friday's, the Bacon Cheddar Sliders and a Guinness Stout Draft. I watched the US Airways ground crews prepare an EMB-175 for departure, and had a nice conversation with Elliott. I found a comfortable nook and slept... almost well. I think I need to raise my feet next time. I noticed others doing that. I woke up to find a 15 foot tall Eskimo's face looking at me through the terminal window.

Another unexpected adventure awaited me when I saw that @joelglick, who was making a cross country trip in his Piper Cherokee, announced on twitter that he would be landing at GAI in a couple hours. I was on my way to the laundromat from work, when I got the message and decided I must meet him. We both arrived at GAI within 10 minutes of each other. He was surprised to have anyone meet him, but welcomed the welcome party. I helped him cover his airplane to shield it from the hot sun, and invited him to the Airport Cafe and bought him a lemonade. In return, he showed me some card tricks that had me BAFFLED! One after another, he amazed me. Right before my eyes, cards were changing identities with a word or a tap. He told me about his adventure so far and the adventure to come and gave me a tour of his blog. What a fantastic tweet-up!

Living Out of my Suitcase

Well, I've been "on the streets" for nine days now and have collected a few thoughts, and experienced a few new experiences.

The biggest challenge for me had been to find a place to take a shower. I didn't have any local friends for resources, so I had to look elsewhere. I finally found a couple places to freshen up.

Sleep hasn't been a big issue for me. Although it's irregular, I sleep during the day because I work (have a place to go to) at night five nights a week. My first two non-work nights were spent at the BWI and DCA terminals. Both garnered memorable experiences.

I don't look like a bum on the street, so after discovering Guinness at BWI, and meeting Lorrie from Houston at the bar and meeting the Airport Manager (as a law-abiding patron, I might add) I sat at one of the gates with Lorrie and watched the arrivals.

When she left with her brother, I continued to hang out at Gate D. A businessman, who was spending the night waiting for a early morning flight, started up a conversation with me. While we were conversing, an airport security guard on his Segway, came up to us to chat. Upon learning that we were spending the night, he invited us to more comfortable accomodations where we could sleep, if we so chose. I ended up talking with this gentleman for hours. We exchanged our Entrepenuerial experiences, and I bounced my Airline Crew Housekeeping Services idea off of him. Around 4am, I had a hankering for a Subway sandwich. After eating it, I returned to Gate D and watched the pax begin to filter in. I also greeted a number of crew members passing by and wished them a pleasant trip. I was pleased with their acknowledgement.

During this time, a homeless man of more than six months approached me and in a humble polite manner asked if I could help him get something to eat. I chuckled inside as I happily answered his bequest. On our way to Subway, we had a pleasant conversation. I told him I had been homeless for 3 months about 4 years ago, but I made no indication that was my present situation as well. Upon learning this, he seemed more comfortable talking to me. I was happy to help him out.


That was Thursday night. On Friday night, I actually had an appointment to meet a D-Day hero at DCA. Upon arriving, I sent out a tweet to Airline crews that the first crew to find me via Twitter, would earn free Godiva Chocolate.

I had a Jack Daniel's Burger from TGI Friday's and talked to a man who was down on his luck about my attempt to get a Ramp Agent position with US Airways. I was watching their operations from the closest point possible inside of TGI Fridays.

The gate where we were to meet the D-Day veteran was abuzz with many men and women in uniform as well as representatives of Honor Flight. I didn't make any new friends out of the group, but enjoyed cheering with them when our hero arrived.

Due to my poor sleeping habits, I was feeling depressed, so I found a comfortable seat with an outlet and fell asleep. I slept for ten hours, waking up to a 15 foot tall eskimo's face looking directly at me in the terminal window from the tail of an Alaska Air jet.

Upon leaving DCA and entering the Metro station, I started up a conversation with an ExpressJet pilot of five years. We talked about fly-ins and the crazy weather that definitely wasn't in his favor on this trip. I ended up taking Metro to Huntington and stumbling upon a bus that took me to Mt. Vernon. I got a nice sample of of the free areas. I will go back when I can spend $15 on a ticket.

One of my favorite projects right now is using social media to try to help my friend Clint find a Corporate or Charter pilot position. I was initially impressed with his dedication to his job search, and his efficient use of social media. I have decided that his cause is worth investing my time helping him generate leads, and in the meantime, I can build my network and start to help others, and gain experience that will help me feel like a more valuable resource

These are a few of my thoughts about my first nine days living out of my suitcase.