Following my Southwest Airlines Twitter friends this morning at work made me wish I was in BOS for the big celebration. I was grateful that @danwebbage @curbcrusher @christiday and others were telling the story. When I learned that one of the flights was going to BWI, I decided that's where I was going- hopefully to meet them, but no guarantee.
As I made my way to the Germantown Transit Center from work, I decided that this was a poster-worthy event- I had to show my SWA Spirit! I went into Rite-Aid and bought posterboard and colored Sharpies for the project. I found a picture of a Canyon Blue Southwest jet to use as a pattern on my Blackberry and started to sketch it on the MetroRail to Greenbelt Metro Station. While waiting at the bus stop for the B30 bus to BWI, I spread out on a bus bench and continued sketching and started transferring the sketch to the posterboard.
Much to my pleasure, Brandon, a SWA pilot (I could tell by the SWAPA luggage handle) was boarding the bus. I asked him for a critique of my artistic ability when it came to aircraft graphic design. He was kind and seemed impressed with the project, as I explained what it was for. I also asked if he thought it was possible for it to get a ride to DAL SWA HDQ today, but he wasn't sure of the procedure. So I continued to work feverishly on it on the bus and then at BWI when I arrived.
It wasn't finished when the direct BOS to BWI flight arrived. I know this because a passenger from that flight saw me working on it and asked me where I came up with the "It's On!" slogan. I explained that it was Southwest Airlines' slogan and I was making a poster to greet the folks on the first flight, BOS-MDW-BWI, which left before the BOS-BWI, which in hindsight should have been the one that I greeted, since later, I would find no one who identified with the BOS-MDW leg. I continued to talk to this man who was quite a successful entrepenuer (sic) as I worked on the poster. When all was said and done, I had a pretty neat poster (if I do say so myself) and a great time, although I didn't get to meet anyone from Southwest Airlines.
Showing posts with label BWI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BWI. Show all posts
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Saturday, 4 July 2009- BWI Scare is Catalyst for Leaving Twitter
Saturday, 4 July 2009- BWI Scare is Catalyst for Leaving Twitter
I saw an airport employee who had on a previous date given me permission to sleep in the Observation Deck. I asked if I could again sleep there, I told him I had been in Baltimore for the day and was heading back to Germantown in the morning. I thought I had gained legitimate permission to sleep there again after talking to him tonight. But an hour after entering, I received a rude awakening from the airport police. They grilled me on my business at BWI, I explained it exactly as I had to the other airport employee, but under duress. I was still waking up and getting my bearings. In the end they asked to see my ID, rather, demanded it. I put on my glasses first- that was the other problem, it was dark and I couldn’t see. They called in my name. Then they asked what I call the fatal question- if I was homeless. I said yes. I tried to explain that I was only homeless two nights a week. I never felt so intimidated by police, not even when I had the hot car incident. They didn’t tell me directly that this was a warning, but I took it as such.
I won’t step foot at BWI unless I have a flight or am meeting friends. I couldn’t sleep for an hour after that. To make things worse, the bus doesn’t pick up until 9:40 on a holiday schedule. I am officially gun-shy of airports. I don’t want to risk a trespass charge. That would totally ruin any chance or desire I would have left of working at the airport or for an airline. This incident was also a catalyst for me closing my twitter account later in the day, on top of starting to feel depressed and extremely embarrassed. Twitter was a big contributor to my depression. I followed about a dozen or more flight attendant friends, who when they got together complained about their job, and I felt like I could never belong to such an exclusive group- was I trying to fool myself? In addition to this, I received the bad news that any prospect of moving to HOU was shot, largely in part thanks to this “Roger” who called and sabotaged my opportunity, and also thanks to the economy, the business I was going to work for would be put on the market very soon.
I really wanted to simplify, and these speed bumps presented an opportunity to reorganize my plans. Alaska was beckoning me, although after much research, I learned it wasn’t the untamed last frontier that I grew up thinking of it as. I became all the more discouraged after city after city’s Chamber of Commerce website made the prospect of successful relocation at this time extremely bad. I was pleading for any twitter soul to call me, and was to the point of streaming tears at Panera, and couldn’t wait. I was aware of a physiological factor that was aggravating my depression, but couldn’t compartmentalize it as the sole factor. Feeling overwhelmed, I quit twitter with no notice to anyone.
Carolyn called me before her shift started. She told me her neighborhood fireworks celebration got off to a bad start when a group of people were struck by lightning. The lightning left one fatality, and she had to write a report because it occurred on her watch. Yikes. It makes you reflect and think about your lifetime some. I am sure I am going to live to be at least 80, and I hope not much longer after that. I don’t want to spend twenty years thereafter holed up in a senior citizen’s center. Right now I am truly living- having experiences most will never have with an attitude about it that gives a greater insight into the meaning of life. Jackie and Jeremy’s critical and judgmental opinion of me is shortsighted and insignificant to my life-choices and lifestyle.
Free of twitter for the evening, I listened to aviation podcasts on my shift and organized photos on my laptop.
I saw an airport employee who had on a previous date given me permission to sleep in the Observation Deck. I asked if I could again sleep there, I told him I had been in Baltimore for the day and was heading back to Germantown in the morning. I thought I had gained legitimate permission to sleep there again after talking to him tonight. But an hour after entering, I received a rude awakening from the airport police. They grilled me on my business at BWI, I explained it exactly as I had to the other airport employee, but under duress. I was still waking up and getting my bearings. In the end they asked to see my ID, rather, demanded it. I put on my glasses first- that was the other problem, it was dark and I couldn’t see. They called in my name. Then they asked what I call the fatal question- if I was homeless. I said yes. I tried to explain that I was only homeless two nights a week. I never felt so intimidated by police, not even when I had the hot car incident. They didn’t tell me directly that this was a warning, but I took it as such.
I won’t step foot at BWI unless I have a flight or am meeting friends. I couldn’t sleep for an hour after that. To make things worse, the bus doesn’t pick up until 9:40 on a holiday schedule. I am officially gun-shy of airports. I don’t want to risk a trespass charge. That would totally ruin any chance or desire I would have left of working at the airport or for an airline. This incident was also a catalyst for me closing my twitter account later in the day, on top of starting to feel depressed and extremely embarrassed. Twitter was a big contributor to my depression. I followed about a dozen or more flight attendant friends, who when they got together complained about their job, and I felt like I could never belong to such an exclusive group- was I trying to fool myself? In addition to this, I received the bad news that any prospect of moving to HOU was shot, largely in part thanks to this “Roger” who called and sabotaged my opportunity, and also thanks to the economy, the business I was going to work for would be put on the market very soon.
I really wanted to simplify, and these speed bumps presented an opportunity to reorganize my plans. Alaska was beckoning me, although after much research, I learned it wasn’t the untamed last frontier that I grew up thinking of it as. I became all the more discouraged after city after city’s Chamber of Commerce website made the prospect of successful relocation at this time extremely bad. I was pleading for any twitter soul to call me, and was to the point of streaming tears at Panera, and couldn’t wait. I was aware of a physiological factor that was aggravating my depression, but couldn’t compartmentalize it as the sole factor. Feeling overwhelmed, I quit twitter with no notice to anyone.
Carolyn called me before her shift started. She told me her neighborhood fireworks celebration got off to a bad start when a group of people were struck by lightning. The lightning left one fatality, and she had to write a report because it occurred on her watch. Yikes. It makes you reflect and think about your lifetime some. I am sure I am going to live to be at least 80, and I hope not much longer after that. I don’t want to spend twenty years thereafter holed up in a senior citizen’s center. Right now I am truly living- having experiences most will never have with an attitude about it that gives a greater insight into the meaning of life. Jackie and Jeremy’s critical and judgmental opinion of me is shortsighted and insignificant to my life-choices and lifestyle.
Free of twitter for the evening, I listened to aviation podcasts on my shift and organized photos on my laptop.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Friday, 3 July 2009- Crab Feast and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Friday, 3 July 2009- Crab Feast and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
I got to DCA at midnight and set up in a corner of the old terminal near the picture window. The big white a on the tail of a 737 haunted me, but I ended up sleeping well, and remained there until noon, twittering away personalized Follow Friday’s.
I then took the Metro to Greenbelt and the express bus to BWI. I then went directly to the Light Rail and took the train to the Convention Center stop and walked to the Inner Harbor. While walking down Pratt Street, there was a sudden sound of crashing metal to my immediate left. I don’t remember hearing squealing tires, but less than 20 feet away, one car had rear-ended another.
When I got to the Inner Harbor, I saw no sign of crab, but I found the Water Taxi. The cost was $9 rides all day. The attendant recommended Captain James’ Crab Deck as a good place to eat crab. I liked the name immediately. On the way, I saw beautiful and expensive boats. These nautical beasts bore every kind of name. Ooga Booga and Soggy Dollar were my favorites.
Upon arriving at Captain James’ Crab Deck, I was scared by the prices- $36 for a dozen medium crabs. When I learned I could buy half a dozen, I went ahead and sat down to order. I made the mistake of ordering fries, but a smart move ordering corn. I could have shared this feast, and therefore split the cost, and two people would have been sufficiently fed. With a Heineken, my bill came to $32 plus a generous $6 tip. I made it back to BWI near 11pm.
I got to DCA at midnight and set up in a corner of the old terminal near the picture window. The big white a on the tail of a 737 haunted me, but I ended up sleeping well, and remained there until noon, twittering away personalized Follow Friday’s.
I then took the Metro to Greenbelt and the express bus to BWI. I then went directly to the Light Rail and took the train to the Convention Center stop and walked to the Inner Harbor. While walking down Pratt Street, there was a sudden sound of crashing metal to my immediate left. I don’t remember hearing squealing tires, but less than 20 feet away, one car had rear-ended another.
When I got to the Inner Harbor, I saw no sign of crab, but I found the Water Taxi. The cost was $9 rides all day. The attendant recommended Captain James’ Crab Deck as a good place to eat crab. I liked the name immediately. On the way, I saw beautiful and expensive boats. These nautical beasts bore every kind of name. Ooga Booga and Soggy Dollar were my favorites.
Upon arriving at Captain James’ Crab Deck, I was scared by the prices- $36 for a dozen medium crabs. When I learned I could buy half a dozen, I went ahead and sat down to order. I made the mistake of ordering fries, but a smart move ordering corn. I could have shared this feast, and therefore split the cost, and two people would have been sufficiently fed. With a Heineken, my bill came to $32 plus a generous $6 tip. I made it back to BWI near 11pm.
Monday, June 8, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, April 20, 2009
BWI to Sun 'n Fun
I have been waiting for this day for a year now! It's time to begin the trip to Sun 'n Fun.
Today is about shifting my sleeping pattern from Graveyard operations to normal waking hours. So, after finishing my shift at 8am this morning, I set out to the Baltimore Airport in the pouring rain. With Paul (my rollaboard) in tow and a carry-on bag with my laptop inside, I arrived at BWI at 1pm.
Inside the BWI Terminal, I asked the ladies at the Maryland Welcome Center for some touristy ideas of things to do. I almost had to reassure them that I wasn't a juvenile runaway and they kept trying to hook me up with a hotel when I told them my flight was tomorrow. My stubborn resistance paid off and I hopped on the light rail to make my way to Baltimore's Inner Harbour.
My all day light rail ticket was a mere $3.50. First stop was Convention Center. There I exited the train with Paul and my Green tote bag in tow, and stepped onto Pratt Street.
I found a place called Cafe 100 on my walk. In the spirit of adventure, and hunger, I checked it out. Upon stepping inside, I didn't find an intimate ten table eatery, I found stairs- and lots of them! The cafe turned out to be on the third floor. I dragged my baggage wearily up the stairs with me. Then I saw the spacious uninviting buffet style cafe. One look at the buffet brought back memories of my uneaten leftover Chinese food. I wasn't in the mood to pay for the same stuff over again. I returned to Pratt Street, walked a couple more blocks, and found a mall called the Galleria.
Once again, this building was multi-level, but it was equipped with escalators. I went direct to Payless Shoes and bought my white sneakers. I haven't had white sneakers in years. All of my jobs lately have required black shoes of some kind.
Across the street from the Galleria was Harbour Point. A few quick minutes of browsing revealed nothing interesting, and once again, there were stairs. Moving on...
At last, I saw M & S Grill and decided that's where I would have lunch. They searched for a table that had access to an outlet so I could charge my phone. My $3 OJ, dispaced by a half glass of unwanted ice, was drank in seconds. I came to get just some crab soup, but upon seeing Idahoan Rainbow Trout on the menu, my appetite changed. It's been years since I ate the last Rainbow Trout I had caught. This one turned out boneless. I missed fishing through the bones for the fish's flaky flesh.
Stepping out a different door, I came face to face with the Harbour and heavier rain. Against my better judgment, I determined that now was the time to buy an umbrella. The Outfitters store appeared to be a promising place to buy an umbrella, but no. It turned out I was in another mall environment. I saw a small store called Harbour Gifts. They had an umbrella for $6. I was grateful it wasn't $30. I calculated that if the $6 umbrella lasts me the next 6 blocks to the light rail, then I got my money's worth. Bottom line: I expected the umbrella to: 1. Knock me upside the head a few times, and 2. Get blown out of shape by the wind.
I still had time to explore, so I took the light rail to the Timonium Station, hoping to see the sights... I ended up sleeping. As I promised to the volunteers at the Maryland Welcome Center, I returned to the airport at 7pm.
Halfway down the terminal, I found a moderately occupied set of seats. I squeezed my way to the back middle seat and fell asleep until 11pm. I missed the window to get through security. The checkpoint was closed.
I scored a seat on the second level that had an adjacent outlet, and parked my stuff there. Around 1am I noticed my friend Elliott was still tweeting, so I asked him if I could call him- I was having such a fun time and needed to share it. I enjoyed a nice conversation with him, and learned more about Alaska Air's current promotions and more in the works.
After drinking my Red Bull, I was ready to redo my awful packing job.
While waiting for my plane in the morning, I saw several pilots walk passed me. I greeted them with a "Hello" or "Good morning, sir". Out of this, I observed more of a response from saying "Good morning sir".
When Richard, the Gate Agent appeared on scene, I asked him if he could help me get my picture taken with the crew, if they would oblige. He said he'd do better than that- that he'd get me a visit to the cockpit! I felt like a kid at Christmas! I was on fire.
I noticed a uniformed non-revving crew member from another airline waiting for my flight. Carefully, I greeted her, making sure she wouldn't mind being bothered by a troublesome pax. She engaged me in a conversation about her company and her trip. She was familiar with Sun 'n Fun, so we talked about that for a while. I felt like I was tweeting live. The plane wasn't full and I found a seat adjacent to Judy. She had settled down with her book, so I didn't bother her. But later on in the flight once drinks were passed out, I got to talk to her once more. Such a nice lady!
Upon landing in TPA, I mentioned to the flight attendant about my wish, and Richard's promise, for a visit to the cockpit. The Captain had left, so I sat in his seat and exchanged a few words with Noel, the First Officer and had my picture taken with him. Such an awesome experience!
I met Lynda in the terminal an hour later. We went down to Baja Fresh, and both had a tostada salad. Another hour later, Jo came in. We all gathered by the cabs and decided to take the cab all the way into Lakeland, rather than just to the Greyhound station, all for $30 each. I'd say the price was right!
I want to thank all my friends on Twitter who actively paid attention to my trip as I tweeted. It was a pleasure sharing and trying to keep you engaged.
Today is about shifting my sleeping pattern from Graveyard operations to normal waking hours. So, after finishing my shift at 8am this morning, I set out to the Baltimore Airport in the pouring rain. With Paul (my rollaboard) in tow and a carry-on bag with my laptop inside, I arrived at BWI at 1pm.
Inside the BWI Terminal, I asked the ladies at the Maryland Welcome Center for some touristy ideas of things to do. I almost had to reassure them that I wasn't a juvenile runaway and they kept trying to hook me up with a hotel when I told them my flight was tomorrow. My stubborn resistance paid off and I hopped on the light rail to make my way to Baltimore's Inner Harbour.
My all day light rail ticket was a mere $3.50. First stop was Convention Center. There I exited the train with Paul and my Green tote bag in tow, and stepped onto Pratt Street.
I found a place called Cafe 100 on my walk. In the spirit of adventure, and hunger, I checked it out. Upon stepping inside, I didn't find an intimate ten table eatery, I found stairs- and lots of them! The cafe turned out to be on the third floor. I dragged my baggage wearily up the stairs with me. Then I saw the spacious uninviting buffet style cafe. One look at the buffet brought back memories of my uneaten leftover Chinese food. I wasn't in the mood to pay for the same stuff over again. I returned to Pratt Street, walked a couple more blocks, and found a mall called the Galleria.
Once again, this building was multi-level, but it was equipped with escalators. I went direct to Payless Shoes and bought my white sneakers. I haven't had white sneakers in years. All of my jobs lately have required black shoes of some kind.
Across the street from the Galleria was Harbour Point. A few quick minutes of browsing revealed nothing interesting, and once again, there were stairs. Moving on...
At last, I saw M & S Grill and decided that's where I would have lunch. They searched for a table that had access to an outlet so I could charge my phone. My $3 OJ, dispaced by a half glass of unwanted ice, was drank in seconds. I came to get just some crab soup, but upon seeing Idahoan Rainbow Trout on the menu, my appetite changed. It's been years since I ate the last Rainbow Trout I had caught. This one turned out boneless. I missed fishing through the bones for the fish's flaky flesh.
Stepping out a different door, I came face to face with the Harbour and heavier rain. Against my better judgment, I determined that now was the time to buy an umbrella. The Outfitters store appeared to be a promising place to buy an umbrella, but no. It turned out I was in another mall environment. I saw a small store called Harbour Gifts. They had an umbrella for $6. I was grateful it wasn't $30. I calculated that if the $6 umbrella lasts me the next 6 blocks to the light rail, then I got my money's worth. Bottom line: I expected the umbrella to: 1. Knock me upside the head a few times, and 2. Get blown out of shape by the wind.
I still had time to explore, so I took the light rail to the Timonium Station, hoping to see the sights... I ended up sleeping. As I promised to the volunteers at the Maryland Welcome Center, I returned to the airport at 7pm.
Halfway down the terminal, I found a moderately occupied set of seats. I squeezed my way to the back middle seat and fell asleep until 11pm. I missed the window to get through security. The checkpoint was closed.
I scored a seat on the second level that had an adjacent outlet, and parked my stuff there. Around 1am I noticed my friend Elliott was still tweeting, so I asked him if I could call him- I was having such a fun time and needed to share it. I enjoyed a nice conversation with him, and learned more about Alaska Air's current promotions and more in the works.
After drinking my Red Bull, I was ready to redo my awful packing job.
While waiting for my plane in the morning, I saw several pilots walk passed me. I greeted them with a "Hello" or "Good morning, sir". Out of this, I observed more of a response from saying "Good morning sir".
When Richard, the Gate Agent appeared on scene, I asked him if he could help me get my picture taken with the crew, if they would oblige. He said he'd do better than that- that he'd get me a visit to the cockpit! I felt like a kid at Christmas! I was on fire.
I noticed a uniformed non-revving crew member from another airline waiting for my flight. Carefully, I greeted her, making sure she wouldn't mind being bothered by a troublesome pax. She engaged me in a conversation about her company and her trip. She was familiar with Sun 'n Fun, so we talked about that for a while. I felt like I was tweeting live. The plane wasn't full and I found a seat adjacent to Judy. She had settled down with her book, so I didn't bother her. But later on in the flight once drinks were passed out, I got to talk to her once more. Such a nice lady!
Upon landing in TPA, I mentioned to the flight attendant about my wish, and Richard's promise, for a visit to the cockpit. The Captain had left, so I sat in his seat and exchanged a few words with Noel, the First Officer and had my picture taken with him. Such an awesome experience!
I met Lynda in the terminal an hour later. We went down to Baja Fresh, and both had a tostada salad. Another hour later, Jo came in. We all gathered by the cabs and decided to take the cab all the way into Lakeland, rather than just to the Greyhound station, all for $30 each. I'd say the price was right!
I want to thank all my friends on Twitter who actively paid attention to my trip as I tweeted. It was a pleasure sharing and trying to keep you engaged.
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