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.

Applying for Jobs- Fleet Services

Instead of tweeting, I found more productive things to do today: Diseminate my personal info into internet cyberspace hoping it will reach people who like what they read enough that they will invite me in for an interview. Just how many times have I done this in the 16 years I've been working? Hundreds, if not thousands. It gets even worse when I have to apply online. How many companies have I filled out applications for and how many profiles do I have to maintain now?

I just added US Airways to that list of virtual prospective employers. I applied for their customer service position, as well as what appears to be four vacancies for Fleet services. I would like doing that. :)

What kind of experience are they looking for? This is a job that people can get right out of high school. It takes and intelligent person with safety common sense, the ability follow instructions closely, and work in a fast paced environment.

I can read tail numbers on the aircraft, I can even see the number on the landing gear door. I can lift heavy bags. I can work with a team. How many Fleet Service crew members work on each individual aircraft?

I want to learn to marshal aircraft and operate ground equipment, such as for towing and loading. I would feel very fulfilled contributing to the successful operation of an airline, and the job would require my mind to be focused, which it needs. I have a driver's license.

I would enjoy cleaning the aircraft. I could cope with the blue water. Many have done it before me.

The position requires me to be at least 18 years old. I am almost double that. I graduated from high school that long ago. I can be flexible when it comes to scheduling. I have always possessed in my work a positive, cooperative and self motivated attitude. I enjoy working in harsh conditions. I like the challenge. I am a pretty easy going person and can work with a variety of personalities. I don't see why I couldn't pass the required US Postal Service background check.

I hope to get called in to interview for the position. That would make my day.

The economy is taking a toll on pilot training

http://news.ino.com/headlines/?newsid=68978584735790

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.

Please Let the CanJet Crew Go Unharmed

My thoughts and prayers are with the CanJet crew who are being held hostage in Jamaica. May those negotiating with the hostage taker be skillful bringing this frightening experience to a peaceful end. May the man with the gun see the error of his behavior and peaceably surrender.

These pilots and flight attendants are my friends- I consider all flight and cabin crew members my friends.

My friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I can't get enough of this! Thank you, Paul Bonhomme!

My Little Pony Birthday Party

Over the last six years, I have instituted a tradition of giving my daughter My Little Ponies for her birthday and Christmas. Now that she is seven, she is beginning to understand their collectible status and can differentiate between the real and the counterfeit. When I went to Sacramento for her birthday, we gathered all 26 of her My Little Ponies. They were all due for their annual hair-brushing. I decided to make an event of it and suggested we have a birthday party for her Ponies, since she got most of them on her birthday. Soon every stuffed animal was on the floor, invited as guests to the My Little Ponies' birthday party, and only half of them got their hair brushed. The Free Hot Air Balloon Rides never happened.

Tweet-Up at SMF

I love Twitter and apparently so do many of the folks I follow and who follow me. I feel especially lucky to have connected with men and women in aviation, folks who get excited about contrails like I do, folks who believe spending a day at an aviation museum and an airport is having a fulfilling day.

While I was in California for Veronika's birthday, I had arranged to Tweet-Up with four new friends. Elliott flew down to Sacramento from Seattle. He is @AlaskaAir, the customer service/social media representative for Alaska Airlines. He loves meeting people, and was one of the earliest birds on the Twitter scene. As for me, if Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Skiles hadn't have landed their US Airways A320 in the Hudson River the 16th of January of this year, I still would not have the foggiest idea what Twitter is. I understand why so many people I talk to on an average day don't know Twitter or what a tweet is, but that makes the interaction I have with my Twitter Crew all the more magical.

In addition to Elliott, a husband and wife duo drove down from Reno. The husband currently flies Oriental routes for a US legacy carrier, and the wife is the director of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, an annual competition held in Reno, Nevada that attracts beautifully restored vintage aircraft from abroad.

My friends from Reno offered to pick me up in Elk Grove on their way in to Sacramento, which was a way out of the way for them to go especially after the lengthy and windy mountain highway through the Sierras. As a token of gratitude, I gave them a bottle of Merlot. Upon presenting it, they presented me with a bottle of Two Buck Chuck, with the Swift club's label attached.

The logistics worked out perfectly, for we arrived at the museum within a minute of Elliott's arrival. It was quite a meeting, it felt more like a reunion to me, for we knew a lot about each other and talked about Twitter memories.

Inside the museum, my eyes were drawn to a sky blue Pitts hanging from the ceiling. While I've been in airline limbo,waiting for an airline to come swoop me off of the ground, and turn me into a Cabin Queen, the Pitts represented the aerobatic arena of aviation that I was feeling attracted to. It baffles me that I think I can grasp the proper responses an aircraft requires in all kinds of attitudes when I haven't even flown straight and level for a full hour, not to mention I need A LOT more practice taxiing, and haven't performed a single takeoff or landing alone. All I can hope is someday that all this book knowledge will translate into skill.

My favorite display was the C-47 that we were actually able to enter. I got to sit up in the cockpit, and @atp4tr explained some of it's features. @elliottp and I took pictures of each other sitting in the cabin.

For lunch, we went to Sacramento Executive Airport and ate at the restaurant there. @Captain_Ron flew in to have lunch with us. After lunch, we parted. @elliottp drove me to the skating arena where Veronika's birthday party was being held. It was definitely too loud to hold any kind of conversation. After a little while, Elliott left to go meet some other friends.

What a fabulous day!

My Take On Self-Actualization: Part One

Discovering the Dream

In 2006 I re-discovered aviation, thanks to an acquaintance who was offered the First Officer's seat in SkyWest Airlines' Embraer Brasilia 120. I say re-discovered because during the only six years of my childhood spent living with my parents, my dad was an airplane spotter- a real aviation enthusiast, before access to airport terminals was eliminated to the non-flying public. I still have a lingering memory of watching planes at the gates of LAX and LGB's terminals.

Looking back, my dad's mission in life appeared to be to teach me everything he knew about aviation. His scanner was on 24-7. I knew the difference between Boeing and McDonnell-Douglas. The Beechcraft Bonanza was my favorite airplane because it had a V-tail, and for some reason, All the Piper Native American names for their aircraft intrigued me. At six years old, I was reading the schedules of commercial airlines, loaded with numbers and acronyms which were beginning to make sense to me. All this came to a premature end when I became a ward of the court as a first grader.

The SkyWest F/O faded out of my life, but a taste for the non-glamorous life of a flight attendant had seized me. My ties to the home state of that regional airline and the fact that it had 15 (at the time) possible flight attendant domiciles, one being at SMF, where I had family I hadn't really learned to identify with, made it the top airline on my list. Unfortunately, I wasn't the top candidate in the recruiter's eyes. I guess she didn't see the wingbuds beneath my interview suit.

I had wingbuds ready to emerge and soil conditions were right, so to speak. While reading Flying Magazine, an amazingly designed advertisement for Lakeland, Florida's Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, caught my eye.

Living the Dream

The Sun 'n Fun Fly-In was like the sun and water to my budding wings. I realized that I didn't have to be a flight attendant to be able to fly. I went to the first volunteer meeting for the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, where I met a couple, each wearing a sweater with a seaplane depicted upon it, and said "Go jump in a Lake". I asked, "Is a Lake a type of plane?" From the context, that's how it appeared, and it turned out the appearance wasn't deceiving at all.

Their answer to my next question FLOORED me! "Where are you from?" I asked. They could have said, "Winterhaven", where they were spending the winter, but of all things they said, "St. George, Utah". NO WAY! That is SkyWest Airlines' headquarters! I came to learn that they had two pilot son's and a daughter-in-law who was a flight attendant for SkyWest on leave! He was a retired TWA Captain, and she was a retired teacher. After their meeting, they took me out to their plane and told me about their flying adventures. One day, for each of the next two consecutive months, I attended the volunteer coordination meetings and gradually fell in love with General Aviation.

Wings to the Dream

Looking back, having now volunteered at two Sun 'n Fun Fly-In's and interviewed with half a dozen airlines, I have much to look forward to. No Sun 'n Fun theme will ever represent self-actualization as the theme for my first year, "Living the Dream". It is a mantra for nearly every aviator I've met. They know what it means: It means they've got the wings that would have helped them reach higher and realize their potential. My dad gave me my wing buds, which were long neglected as life took me other places, but once they're planted, they'll let you know when it is time to harvest your destiny.

My Reading List For February 2009

I've decided to read a book or two a month.

A few friends abroad have impressed me with an idea of doing an aviation-related book exchange. It will be fun to participate.

I have listed the books I want to read this month below one is about General Aviation Air Races in the P-51 Mustang . The other is about a flight attendant's experiences on the job.

You can buy your own online, or join my book club!



Galloping on Wings with the P-51 Mustang: Diary of an Air Race Pilot

By Howie Keefe












Flying by the Seat of My Pants: Flight Attendant Adventures on a Wing and a Prayer

By Marsha Marks