Wednesday, 22 July 2009- Key Words
Tailspin, Crash-landing hotline, Bounce back, Food stamps, Anxiety attack, Cute bus driver, Dream Pilot…
‘nuf said.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday, 21 July 2009- New C-47 Added to my Fleet of Models
Tuesday, 21 July 2009- New C-47 Added to my Fleet of Models
I went back to the museum and bought a C-47 (Military DC-3) and assembled it on the Metro. I also spoke to the volunteer coordinator. After displaying my new model in my storage unit, I went to Taco Bell for lunch.
I went back to the museum and bought a C-47 (Military DC-3) and assembled it on the Metro. I also spoke to the volunteer coordinator. After displaying my new model in my storage unit, I went to Taco Bell for lunch.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Monday, 20 July 2009- Aircraft on my College Park Aviation Museum Afghan
Monday, 20 July 2009- Aircraft on my College Park Aviation Museum Afghan
In an effort to offer sincere congratulations, I congratulated the second winner. I was surprised when this person thanked me, and also chose to follow me. It turned out he didn’t know that it was me, because I sent out a (non-reply) tweet that just gave him a heads up that I am the former foxwhisperer. His reaction/reply was classic! I wasn’t offended one bit, I only indulged in continual laughter for an entire day! How’s this for reading? “Oops that was an accidental follow. Didn’t realize the cursed & disturbing element changed her ID to continue deceiving & annoying folks”. I am sorry he thinks that’s my motive or nature, or that any others think that too. Thanks for the laugh, eh. Irony rocks!
To celebrate, I enjoyed some more of my #warplanes Rock e-Road ice cream. Wouldn’t it be cool if there were crunchy warplanes in it? ;-)
I’ve also begun to promote the College Park Aviation Museum’s AirFair100 on twitter, as well as the book by Jill Rutan Hoffman about her father and uncle, Dick and Burt Rutan, called First Flights. I also bought a beautiful afghan at CGS that depicts eight of its museum display airplanes: the Wright Model B, Bleriot, Gus McLeod’s Stearman, Berliner Helicopter, Piper Cub, Monocoupe, Ercoupe and Curtiss Jenny.
In an effort to offer sincere congratulations, I congratulated the second winner. I was surprised when this person thanked me, and also chose to follow me. It turned out he didn’t know that it was me, because I sent out a (non-reply) tweet that just gave him a heads up that I am the former foxwhisperer. His reaction/reply was classic! I wasn’t offended one bit, I only indulged in continual laughter for an entire day! How’s this for reading? “Oops that was an accidental follow. Didn’t realize the cursed & disturbing element changed her ID to continue deceiving & annoying folks”. I am sorry he thinks that’s my motive or nature, or that any others think that too. Thanks for the laugh, eh. Irony rocks!
To celebrate, I enjoyed some more of my #warplanes Rock e-Road ice cream. Wouldn’t it be cool if there were crunchy warplanes in it? ;-)
I’ve also begun to promote the College Park Aviation Museum’s AirFair100 on twitter, as well as the book by Jill Rutan Hoffman about her father and uncle, Dick and Burt Rutan, called First Flights. I also bought a beautiful afghan at CGS that depicts eight of its museum display airplanes: the Wright Model B, Bleriot, Gus McLeod’s Stearman, Berliner Helicopter, Piper Cub, Monocoupe, Ercoupe and Curtiss Jenny.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday, 19 July 2009- UA232, Kayaking, Winning the Warplanes Contest
Sunday, 19 July 2009- UA232, Kayaking, Winning the Warplanes Contest
Today marks 20 years since United Airlines Flight 232 crashed in Sioux City. Ever since I first heard about it, shortly after deciding I wanted to be a flight attendant, I have held Captain Al Haynes and his crew in the highest esteem. I saw a re-enactment of the crash on TV, Captain Al Haynes spoke briefly, along with Senior Flight Attendant Jan Brown Lohr. They became heroes to me- it became important to me to recognize their accomplishments on this day, and throughout the week on twitter. Although I did get little feedback, I appreciated hearing others express the same respect for the crew of that ill-fated flight.
I went to Seneca Creek State Park and borrowed a kayak. At first, it looked like the bus 61 didn’t run on Sunday, but it does! The first kayak I was given was new and was very unstable. Since I had my new BlackBerry, I was taking a GREAT RISK! A couple layers of Ziploc bags didn’t make me feel anymore secure. I returned to new kayak and requested one more stable. I could tell a huge difference. I didn’t see any turtles this time. I concluded that that made last week’s sighting even more special.
Later tonight, I joined my twitter friends in the third day of attempting to win a model airplane from www.warplanes.com . This time I won! What was laughably ironic was that the second winner for today… HATES MY GUTS!
Today marks 20 years since United Airlines Flight 232 crashed in Sioux City. Ever since I first heard about it, shortly after deciding I wanted to be a flight attendant, I have held Captain Al Haynes and his crew in the highest esteem. I saw a re-enactment of the crash on TV, Captain Al Haynes spoke briefly, along with Senior Flight Attendant Jan Brown Lohr. They became heroes to me- it became important to me to recognize their accomplishments on this day, and throughout the week on twitter. Although I did get little feedback, I appreciated hearing others express the same respect for the crew of that ill-fated flight.
I went to Seneca Creek State Park and borrowed a kayak. At first, it looked like the bus 61 didn’t run on Sunday, but it does! The first kayak I was given was new and was very unstable. Since I had my new BlackBerry, I was taking a GREAT RISK! A couple layers of Ziploc bags didn’t make me feel anymore secure. I returned to new kayak and requested one more stable. I could tell a huge difference. I didn’t see any turtles this time. I concluded that that made last week’s sighting even more special.
Later tonight, I joined my twitter friends in the third day of attempting to win a model airplane from www.warplanes.com . This time I won! What was laughably ironic was that the second winner for today… HATES MY GUTS!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Saturday, 18 July 2009- Walking to DCA from Downtown Washington DC.
Saturday, 18 July 2009- Walking to DCA from Downtown Washington DC.
This morning, after charging my phone at Starbucks, I simply just started walking. I walked down D Street, past the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial. When I stumbled upon Pennsylvania Avenue, I decided this was the perfect time for me to see the White House for the first time. After seeing the White House, I saw a sign indicating the direction of the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial. It intrigued me enough that I decided to check it out. The Tidal Basin had a distinct fishy smell. Near the memorial, I saw bikers and walkers emerging from what certainly looked like a pathway over the river.
I kept walking and soon found myself on the footpath of the bridge over the Potomac River. I stopped for 10 minutes and took pictures of the planes flying over the bridge. This was a historic moment: I crossed a state boundary on foot. I then walked to Gravelly Point where I took many more pictures. I continued my walk to DCA and had a Cinnabon.
Finally, I went to the College Park airport. I enjoyed their Pilot Day activities and looking at exhibits. Then I walked over to the aircraft restoration facility and enjoyed meeting an older retired Eastern Airlines pilot and his friends. They showed me the Aeronca they were restoring, as well as a Pusher.
This morning, after charging my phone at Starbucks, I simply just started walking. I walked down D Street, past the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial. When I stumbled upon Pennsylvania Avenue, I decided this was the perfect time for me to see the White House for the first time. After seeing the White House, I saw a sign indicating the direction of the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial. It intrigued me enough that I decided to check it out. The Tidal Basin had a distinct fishy smell. Near the memorial, I saw bikers and walkers emerging from what certainly looked like a pathway over the river.
I kept walking and soon found myself on the footpath of the bridge over the Potomac River. I stopped for 10 minutes and took pictures of the planes flying over the bridge. This was a historic moment: I crossed a state boundary on foot. I then walked to Gravelly Point where I took many more pictures. I continued my walk to DCA and had a Cinnabon.
Finally, I went to the College Park airport. I enjoyed their Pilot Day activities and looking at exhibits. Then I walked over to the aircraft restoration facility and enjoyed meeting an older retired Eastern Airlines pilot and his friends. They showed me the Aeronca they were restoring, as well as a Pusher.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday, 14 July 2009- Mental Breakdown
Tuesday, 14 July 2009- Mental Breakdown
I had a mental breakdown today. The trigger was the news I got of a hole that depressurized a Southwest Airlines jet. The reason this is the suspected trigger is because I had no access any more information than that. I had expected it to have happened either shortly after takeoff, or shortly before landing, because there had been no hint of serious injuries that could have likely occurred in any degree of a rapid decompression at cruise altitude. Also I didn’t know where on the fuselage (assuming it was on the fuselage) the hole occurred, could it have been the cockpit or the passenger cabin, or some portion of the aircraft not accessed by people. Each of these scenarios played out in my head. All I could do was obsessively speculate through the middle of the night on the story behind the headline I read.
The other, probably more significant reason I suspect that this incident was the trigger, is because it literally brought back from the dead the dream I had of becoming a flight attendant or working for the airlines. Incidents like this always reignite my desire to be on the frontline, reassuring a cabin full of passengers, and preparing them all for a safe return back to earth, in the event of such an incident. I had to bury the dream again.
Put simply when I was walking to the second building, I was crying my eyes out. I lay face down in the grass and concluded that no one would know if I just stayed here and let the tears run out over the next couple hours, or I could just walk off my post and leave this job for good. Fortunately I had the good sense to call Chris who was working over at Medimmune. He came right over and listened to me and consoled me. I was able to return to duty in fair condition.
I had a mental breakdown today. The trigger was the news I got of a hole that depressurized a Southwest Airlines jet. The reason this is the suspected trigger is because I had no access any more information than that. I had expected it to have happened either shortly after takeoff, or shortly before landing, because there had been no hint of serious injuries that could have likely occurred in any degree of a rapid decompression at cruise altitude. Also I didn’t know where on the fuselage (assuming it was on the fuselage) the hole occurred, could it have been the cockpit or the passenger cabin, or some portion of the aircraft not accessed by people. Each of these scenarios played out in my head. All I could do was obsessively speculate through the middle of the night on the story behind the headline I read.
The other, probably more significant reason I suspect that this incident was the trigger, is because it literally brought back from the dead the dream I had of becoming a flight attendant or working for the airlines. Incidents like this always reignite my desire to be on the frontline, reassuring a cabin full of passengers, and preparing them all for a safe return back to earth, in the event of such an incident. I had to bury the dream again.
Put simply when I was walking to the second building, I was crying my eyes out. I lay face down in the grass and concluded that no one would know if I just stayed here and let the tears run out over the next couple hours, or I could just walk off my post and leave this job for good. Fortunately I had the good sense to call Chris who was working over at Medimmune. He came right over and listened to me and consoled me. I was able to return to duty in fair condition.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Saturday, 11 July 2009- The Third Annual Pilot Appreciation Day
Saturday, 11 July 2009- The Third Annual Pilot Appreciation Day
I spent nearly the whole day wishing twitter and Facebook pilots a happy “Pilot Appreciation Day”. I was disappointed with my uninteractive delivery of the greetings which stemmed from my lack of being online continually. In addition to that, I was still mourning the death of a three year old dream that I recently buried six feet under. I received some positive feedback from some of the pilots, so the third annual Pilot Appreciation Day wasn’t a complete disaster.
I spent nearly the whole day wishing twitter and Facebook pilots a happy “Pilot Appreciation Day”. I was disappointed with my uninteractive delivery of the greetings which stemmed from my lack of being online continually. In addition to that, I was still mourning the death of a three year old dream that I recently buried six feet under. I received some positive feedback from some of the pilots, so the third annual Pilot Appreciation Day wasn’t a complete disaster.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday, 10 July 2009- Staring Contest With A Red-Eared Slider and Trouble Because I Stripped (the Bed)
Friday, 10 July 2009- Staring Contest With A Red-Eared Slider and Trouble Because I Stripped (the Bed)
When I arose this morning, someone walking by my bed told me to strip the blanket and sheet and put them in the dirty laundry pile. I then went on my merry way to Germantown.
It was a beautiful day outside, and I wasn’t packing that much with me, so I decided to visit Clopper Lake. I anticipated taking the kayak out on the lake for 2 hours, but one hour ended up being long enough. I was even treated to a special bonus as I explored a random cove. From a distance of about 50 feet, I spotted a turtle sunning itself on a log. I thought it might be one of those Mississippi Mud Turtles (why, I don’t know, except I didn’t know what the native species were). I stopped the kayak and slowly paddled near the turtle. As I neared it, it looked more and more like a red-eared slider. With some careful periodic paddling, I was able to drift within 10 feet of the turtle. I was awed when I confirmed it was indeed a red-eared slider.
It was likely planted there by an owner who could no longer care for it. I’m sure a wild turtle wouldn’t have let me get this close, no matter how careful I was. We had a staring contest for about 20 minutes. Then the turtle slid into the water when the kayak drifted so that the tip came within 6 inches it. I definitely miss my little guys, this turtle was full sized, and weighed at least 10 lbs. Of all my turtles’ names, I decided to name this one in the memory of Captain Jupiter.
After returning the kayak, I headed to the shelter. I ate a Lunchable and drank a Red Bull while standing in line on the sidewalk for Intake. I couldn’t help but feel stared at and judged by all the passersby. Riff Raff. I learned earlier today that that is what Sir Richard Branson wanted to call the Economy Class of his Virgin Airlines brand. I LOL’ed upon learning that.
When I got inside the shelter, I noted that the staff was in a light hearted mood. None of the clients were causing trouble. This time the potato concoction was cold. I had dinner next to a lady who had an animal companion, a tiny dog, slightly bigger than a Chihuahua. She was a nice lady and friends with a former US Army soldier also named Lee, who slept in the bunk next to the one I would be assigned for a second night. I didn’t have to wait long for word on whether I had a bed. The same lady was on work release, so again, her bed was available. I did get in trouble for stripping the bed. I tried to explain that someone instructed me to do it, with a voice of authority. I felt very intimidated by the scolding, but was told they’d let me off easy this time because I was new to the program, and that only the staff member behind the desk has the authority to tell me what to do with my bedding.
I had a nice conversation with Lee and found out she always wears “Life is Good” shirts, and goes to the VA every day. She had joined the Army during peace-time, just 6 months after the end of the Vietnam War and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. As we chatted, I told her about my kayak ride and was about to invite her to join me sometime, but she said she wasn’t an outdoorsy type of person.
I began to hear Brendan Frasier’s voice in my head and realized that some of the ladies at the shelter were watching The Mummy Returns. I decided to join them, but the picture quality was so bad on the TV, it took away from any enjoyment of the movie I might have had. Instead, I called Marty and began to enjoy a pleasant conversation with him, until T-Mobile called. I had business to attend to, so I had to take the call.
The T-Mobile rep set up a replacement phone order for me and verified it could be received by the UPS store. Soon I will have a Blackberry again! I’m grateful that T-Mobile valued my 6 years as a loyal customer enough to give it a second try, I had only called to find out how much I was going to owe for not turning in the old phone.
I called Marty back and let him have the last of my battery juice. Charging cell phones isn’t allowed at the shelter, so I went to bed.
When I arose this morning, someone walking by my bed told me to strip the blanket and sheet and put them in the dirty laundry pile. I then went on my merry way to Germantown.
It was a beautiful day outside, and I wasn’t packing that much with me, so I decided to visit Clopper Lake. I anticipated taking the kayak out on the lake for 2 hours, but one hour ended up being long enough. I was even treated to a special bonus as I explored a random cove. From a distance of about 50 feet, I spotted a turtle sunning itself on a log. I thought it might be one of those Mississippi Mud Turtles (why, I don’t know, except I didn’t know what the native species were). I stopped the kayak and slowly paddled near the turtle. As I neared it, it looked more and more like a red-eared slider. With some careful periodic paddling, I was able to drift within 10 feet of the turtle. I was awed when I confirmed it was indeed a red-eared slider.
It was likely planted there by an owner who could no longer care for it. I’m sure a wild turtle wouldn’t have let me get this close, no matter how careful I was. We had a staring contest for about 20 minutes. Then the turtle slid into the water when the kayak drifted so that the tip came within 6 inches it. I definitely miss my little guys, this turtle was full sized, and weighed at least 10 lbs. Of all my turtles’ names, I decided to name this one in the memory of Captain Jupiter.
After returning the kayak, I headed to the shelter. I ate a Lunchable and drank a Red Bull while standing in line on the sidewalk for Intake. I couldn’t help but feel stared at and judged by all the passersby. Riff Raff. I learned earlier today that that is what Sir Richard Branson wanted to call the Economy Class of his Virgin Airlines brand. I LOL’ed upon learning that.
When I got inside the shelter, I noted that the staff was in a light hearted mood. None of the clients were causing trouble. This time the potato concoction was cold. I had dinner next to a lady who had an animal companion, a tiny dog, slightly bigger than a Chihuahua. She was a nice lady and friends with a former US Army soldier also named Lee, who slept in the bunk next to the one I would be assigned for a second night. I didn’t have to wait long for word on whether I had a bed. The same lady was on work release, so again, her bed was available. I did get in trouble for stripping the bed. I tried to explain that someone instructed me to do it, with a voice of authority. I felt very intimidated by the scolding, but was told they’d let me off easy this time because I was new to the program, and that only the staff member behind the desk has the authority to tell me what to do with my bedding.
I had a nice conversation with Lee and found out she always wears “Life is Good” shirts, and goes to the VA every day. She had joined the Army during peace-time, just 6 months after the end of the Vietnam War and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. As we chatted, I told her about my kayak ride and was about to invite her to join me sometime, but she said she wasn’t an outdoorsy type of person.
I began to hear Brendan Frasier’s voice in my head and realized that some of the ladies at the shelter were watching The Mummy Returns. I decided to join them, but the picture quality was so bad on the TV, it took away from any enjoyment of the movie I might have had. Instead, I called Marty and began to enjoy a pleasant conversation with him, until T-Mobile called. I had business to attend to, so I had to take the call.
The T-Mobile rep set up a replacement phone order for me and verified it could be received by the UPS store. Soon I will have a Blackberry again! I’m grateful that T-Mobile valued my 6 years as a loyal customer enough to give it a second try, I had only called to find out how much I was going to owe for not turning in the old phone.
I called Marty back and let him have the last of my battery juice. Charging cell phones isn’t allowed at the shelter, so I went to bed.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday, 9 July 2009- The John Young Center for Homeless Women
Thursday, 9 July 2009- The John Young Center for Homeless Women
One of my former managers at Taco Bell had offered his place as a crash pad for tonight. He had just moved there and didn’t forsee a clause in the contract he had signed yesterday calling for no overnight guests for the first 30 days. I think that was because the first 30 could be considered a probationary period. I went to the Germantown Police Department to seek direction to find shelter because I don’t want to get into trouble for sleeping in the wrong place. I joked with Carolyn that when I got to the PD, I was tempted to introduce myself and say I was there to turn myself in, in case there was a reason for me to. Better judgment called for me to scrap the humorous approach.
When I talked to the officer at the front desk (window), she said, “Maybe Social Services at the County Building can help”. I was amused by her uncertainty, but went there anyway. Social Services referred me to the Crisis Center, which had appeared to be a dead end when approached with a phone call. Social Services advised, “Don’t call, just go.” So I went. I felt like I was on a quest for a wild goose, but I went anyway.
To my relief, when I arrived at the Crisis Center and explained my need for shelter two nights a week, she had me talk to a counselor. The counselor filled out my application for me during the interview. I was really amused when asked to describe my mood right now. I said with conviction, “I am at peace with myself”. She was impressed. She gave me several referrals to shelters, I chose one in the District of Columbia that was near the Judiciary Square Metro Center. I left all of my valuables at the storage unit, and began the trip. The wild goose I was chasing bore a golden egg.
I got to the John Young Center just in time for the intake process. I talked to a very religious minded laid off nurse who stood next to me in line. She was a nice lady. I had a delicious concoction of vegetables such as squash, zucchini, potato, yam, tomato etc… The big news, and the source of the biggest crises at the shelter that night, was that a group from Indiana had included in their visit to DC, a service project to clean the shelter. Several clients had failed to comply with the shelter policy to take all personal items with them that morning, (for personal belongings left behind were subject to being thrown away). Those clients arrived tonight with the reality of having lost bed sheets, magazines, and some valuables. It was interesting to see the power struggles between the clients and staff. I maintained a polite demeanor in my interaction with staff and clients as I waited for word on whether there would be a bed available for the night. To my good fortune, the staff was able to secure a temporary bed for me. I thanked them with much gratitude, took a shower, and went sleep. Relief!
On a side note, I thought about buying a ticket to Salt Lake City for a group interview for flight attendants, and encouraged by my key twitter friends, looked into prices. After much introspection, I realized that the prices plus my current circumstances weren’t the best spring board for me to use to get a job as a flight attendant.
One of my former managers at Taco Bell had offered his place as a crash pad for tonight. He had just moved there and didn’t forsee a clause in the contract he had signed yesterday calling for no overnight guests for the first 30 days. I think that was because the first 30 could be considered a probationary period. I went to the Germantown Police Department to seek direction to find shelter because I don’t want to get into trouble for sleeping in the wrong place. I joked with Carolyn that when I got to the PD, I was tempted to introduce myself and say I was there to turn myself in, in case there was a reason for me to. Better judgment called for me to scrap the humorous approach.
When I talked to the officer at the front desk (window), she said, “Maybe Social Services at the County Building can help”. I was amused by her uncertainty, but went there anyway. Social Services referred me to the Crisis Center, which had appeared to be a dead end when approached with a phone call. Social Services advised, “Don’t call, just go.” So I went. I felt like I was on a quest for a wild goose, but I went anyway.
To my relief, when I arrived at the Crisis Center and explained my need for shelter two nights a week, she had me talk to a counselor. The counselor filled out my application for me during the interview. I was really amused when asked to describe my mood right now. I said with conviction, “I am at peace with myself”. She was impressed. She gave me several referrals to shelters, I chose one in the District of Columbia that was near the Judiciary Square Metro Center. I left all of my valuables at the storage unit, and began the trip. The wild goose I was chasing bore a golden egg.
I got to the John Young Center just in time for the intake process. I talked to a very religious minded laid off nurse who stood next to me in line. She was a nice lady. I had a delicious concoction of vegetables such as squash, zucchini, potato, yam, tomato etc… The big news, and the source of the biggest crises at the shelter that night, was that a group from Indiana had included in their visit to DC, a service project to clean the shelter. Several clients had failed to comply with the shelter policy to take all personal items with them that morning, (for personal belongings left behind were subject to being thrown away). Those clients arrived tonight with the reality of having lost bed sheets, magazines, and some valuables. It was interesting to see the power struggles between the clients and staff. I maintained a polite demeanor in my interaction with staff and clients as I waited for word on whether there would be a bed available for the night. To my good fortune, the staff was able to secure a temporary bed for me. I thanked them with much gratitude, took a shower, and went sleep. Relief!
On a side note, I thought about buying a ticket to Salt Lake City for a group interview for flight attendants, and encouraged by my key twitter friends, looked into prices. After much introspection, I realized that the prices plus my current circumstances weren’t the best spring board for me to use to get a job as a flight attendant.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, 8 July 2009- A Return to a Sense of Normalcy, Plus the Rise of Math Geek
Wednesday, 8 July 2009- A Return to a Sense of Normalcy, Plus the Rise of Math Geek
Today was an overall good day. I got the good news that my gift for Paul’s new daughter was received. I took a bus to Silver Spring and had lunch at the Panera there. My internet experience was pretty weak. They only had 3 power outlets and I had come in the middle of the lunch rush. Carolyn suggested that I carry a multiple outlet adapter, so I can share the power. Good idea!
I started a favorite math venture on twitter after drinking a Red Bull at work. It involved using the same five digits: 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 and any combination of operations: + , - , *, / , using associative and distributive properties, to make the digits equal 1, 2, 3…. Consecutively to as high as possible. I got as far as 62. I found it ironic that I was stumped on 63, because of the 7 and the 9. While some twitter followers validated my project, the Savvy Navigator didn’t seem to, LOL. He was glad when I stopped.
Today was an overall good day. I got the good news that my gift for Paul’s new daughter was received. I took a bus to Silver Spring and had lunch at the Panera there. My internet experience was pretty weak. They only had 3 power outlets and I had come in the middle of the lunch rush. Carolyn suggested that I carry a multiple outlet adapter, so I can share the power. Good idea!
I started a favorite math venture on twitter after drinking a Red Bull at work. It involved using the same five digits: 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 and any combination of operations: + , - , *, / , using associative and distributive properties, to make the digits equal 1, 2, 3…. Consecutively to as high as possible. I got as far as 62. I found it ironic that I was stumped on 63, because of the 7 and the 9. While some twitter followers validated my project, the Savvy Navigator didn’t seem to, LOL. He was glad when I stopped.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday, 7 July 2009- Reconciliation
Tuesday, 7 July 2009- Reconciliation
I am happy to say that today I reconciled with one of my key twitter friends. Glad that this twitter connection was no longer strained, I fixed my following list to include him. I was also comforted by his take on the rumor I read.
An e-mail from a Pinnacle pilot assured me we were on good terms. That was important to me. Another pilot out of south Wisconsin, who had invited me to fly with him if I was ever in the area, also wondered why we weren’t following each other. I told him I was in the middle of a mess, but glad he chose to add me back.
Later in the afternoon, I took note that my heart didn’t weigh heavy as lead, and the fact that I had reconnected with key people made all seem right with the world. Another significant change that occurred was the return of the emoticon . During this insane period of a few days, I had to keep telling myself that everything happens for a reason. The words of a Friend also saved me additional heartache: You should always trust yourself…
I am happy to say that today I reconciled with one of my key twitter friends. Glad that this twitter connection was no longer strained, I fixed my following list to include him. I was also comforted by his take on the rumor I read.
An e-mail from a Pinnacle pilot assured me we were on good terms. That was important to me. Another pilot out of south Wisconsin, who had invited me to fly with him if I was ever in the area, also wondered why we weren’t following each other. I told him I was in the middle of a mess, but glad he chose to add me back.
Later in the afternoon, I took note that my heart didn’t weigh heavy as lead, and the fact that I had reconnected with key people made all seem right with the world. Another significant change that occurred was the return of the emoticon . During this insane period of a few days, I had to keep telling myself that everything happens for a reason. The words of a Friend also saved me additional heartache: You should always trust yourself…
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday, 6 July 2009- Twitter Catastrophe
Monday, 6 July 2009- Twitter Catastrophe
Shortly after my shift ended, I received a text message welcoming me back to twitter. I thought it strange because I hadn’t activated my profile. It didn’t turn out to be Carolyn, who had stepped up after the FnF incident and recreated a profile for me to come home to when I was ready. I became even more alarmed as I read comments made by some twitter friends who, ironically, I didn’t want to leave high and dry, and therefore sought out yesterday on Facebook and issued a friend request to bridge the gap. I had also made the mistake of using this transition time to change my name to Lee which I had been mulling over in my head for a few weeks but never suggested over the twitter stream, so I can see how it may have appeared as a red flag to those that I invited. One of my twitter friends that I conversed with on a daily basis had made a comment that shortly after he accepted my friend request, I called and left a message. This disturbed another key twitter friend who trusted me, who then made a comment that he would ignore my friend request. Reading these comments devastated me. I feared that someone was trying to hurt me. The possibility that the phone call and text message were from the same person, alarmed me to no end. Other twitter friends removed me from their Facebook friends as well. I went into shock and serious panic. I couldn’t believe that all these people who trusted me, and who I trusted back, now no longer trusted me. I felt extreme embarrassment. Other individuals that I sent friend requests to did accept my friend request. I seriously felt it was my responsibility to send them a message asking them to reconsider friending me as I had a questionable reputation and was a threat to his security, especially those with connections to those I have offended. I knew that was irrational thinking…
In this devastated state of mind, I called Carolyn and she comforted me. I reactivated my twitter profile, and simply said “I am confused”. I made comments to two of my twitter friends who were most disturbed by my sudden disappearance from twitter and equally sudden emergence into their facebook worlds under a new name. I was welcomed back by another one, but being hurt and confused, asked what was up with the rumors. I was hurt by his doubt in me, but also wanted to protect him from any attacks by being associated with me- remember, the bottom line I was confused. He mentioned Gimli’s informing those interested, of the circumstances surrounding FnF’s last words to me. I then whittled my 200 followers down to 20. I let go those that I didn’t converse with much, as well as those that I enjoyed tweeting with a lot, but shared friends in common with those who doubted me. I hoped those might choose to follow me back. I felt like 20 was still too many.
Comforting was when a student pilot friend in Europe asked me not to remove him. He said he enjoyed my tweets and admired my enthusiasm in wanting to work for the airlines. Enthusiasm isn’t enough. I told this friend that I had a dug a hold six feet deep and buried my dream of becoming a flight attendant or working for an airline in it, and therefore be prepared for a less interesting twitter stream from me. Again, thoughts of the text message and mystery caller claiming to be me, was disconcerting. I felt like I had a price on my head.
These are some thoughts I tweeted while I was riding the bus to work:
“When I slept in a homeless shelter four years ago, I could walk the streets with my head held high. I helped out my fellow homeless neighbors, tied quilts and made tote bags (from airplane seat covers donated by Delta, LOL) for a church service project, and held a part time job. Now it seems every other gesture of kindness that I proffer, fails, though some haven’t. I have been more selfish this time, constantly dodging attacks from an invisible enemy bent on hurting me. Whether it’s Jackie or Jeremy, or Akbar, I don’t know. I stopped caring. A large part of my troubles were aggravated further by my reactions to these guerrilla attacks. The only mystery I want to solve is who used my phone number to associate with their profile? Four years ago, choosing to sleep in a homeless shelter was one of the best actions I could take for my circumstances. Back then, I was alone, supported only by my belief in God. Now I stumble around with my head bowed in the shame of failing many.”
I also want to thank Elliott for calling me back and offering friendship and advice, and Marty who invited me to reach out to him if I needed to talk.
Shortly after my shift ended, I received a text message welcoming me back to twitter. I thought it strange because I hadn’t activated my profile. It didn’t turn out to be Carolyn, who had stepped up after the FnF incident and recreated a profile for me to come home to when I was ready. I became even more alarmed as I read comments made by some twitter friends who, ironically, I didn’t want to leave high and dry, and therefore sought out yesterday on Facebook and issued a friend request to bridge the gap. I had also made the mistake of using this transition time to change my name to Lee which I had been mulling over in my head for a few weeks but never suggested over the twitter stream, so I can see how it may have appeared as a red flag to those that I invited. One of my twitter friends that I conversed with on a daily basis had made a comment that shortly after he accepted my friend request, I called and left a message. This disturbed another key twitter friend who trusted me, who then made a comment that he would ignore my friend request. Reading these comments devastated me. I feared that someone was trying to hurt me. The possibility that the phone call and text message were from the same person, alarmed me to no end. Other twitter friends removed me from their Facebook friends as well. I went into shock and serious panic. I couldn’t believe that all these people who trusted me, and who I trusted back, now no longer trusted me. I felt extreme embarrassment. Other individuals that I sent friend requests to did accept my friend request. I seriously felt it was my responsibility to send them a message asking them to reconsider friending me as I had a questionable reputation and was a threat to his security, especially those with connections to those I have offended. I knew that was irrational thinking…
In this devastated state of mind, I called Carolyn and she comforted me. I reactivated my twitter profile, and simply said “I am confused”. I made comments to two of my twitter friends who were most disturbed by my sudden disappearance from twitter and equally sudden emergence into their facebook worlds under a new name. I was welcomed back by another one, but being hurt and confused, asked what was up with the rumors. I was hurt by his doubt in me, but also wanted to protect him from any attacks by being associated with me- remember, the bottom line I was confused. He mentioned Gimli’s informing those interested, of the circumstances surrounding FnF’s last words to me. I then whittled my 200 followers down to 20. I let go those that I didn’t converse with much, as well as those that I enjoyed tweeting with a lot, but shared friends in common with those who doubted me. I hoped those might choose to follow me back. I felt like 20 was still too many.
Comforting was when a student pilot friend in Europe asked me not to remove him. He said he enjoyed my tweets and admired my enthusiasm in wanting to work for the airlines. Enthusiasm isn’t enough. I told this friend that I had a dug a hold six feet deep and buried my dream of becoming a flight attendant or working for an airline in it, and therefore be prepared for a less interesting twitter stream from me. Again, thoughts of the text message and mystery caller claiming to be me, was disconcerting. I felt like I had a price on my head.
These are some thoughts I tweeted while I was riding the bus to work:
“When I slept in a homeless shelter four years ago, I could walk the streets with my head held high. I helped out my fellow homeless neighbors, tied quilts and made tote bags (from airplane seat covers donated by Delta, LOL) for a church service project, and held a part time job. Now it seems every other gesture of kindness that I proffer, fails, though some haven’t. I have been more selfish this time, constantly dodging attacks from an invisible enemy bent on hurting me. Whether it’s Jackie or Jeremy, or Akbar, I don’t know. I stopped caring. A large part of my troubles were aggravated further by my reactions to these guerrilla attacks. The only mystery I want to solve is who used my phone number to associate with their profile? Four years ago, choosing to sleep in a homeless shelter was one of the best actions I could take for my circumstances. Back then, I was alone, supported only by my belief in God. Now I stumble around with my head bowed in the shame of failing many.”
I also want to thank Elliott for calling me back and offering friendship and advice, and Marty who invited me to reach out to him if I needed to talk.
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.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thursday, 2 July 2009- It’s Almost Like Day Camping
Thursday, 2 July 2009- It’s Almost Like Day Camping
After work, I returned to Seneca Creek and Clopper Lake. I stretched out my sleeping mat in the same area that I found yesterday. This time, I had ants invading my space, or perhaps more accurately, I was invading their space. It made it difficult to sleep. I was in the mood to go to a new place for dinner so I sent out a tweet which was answered by the Savvy Navigator. He recommended Ben’s Chili Bowl. Another reason I wanted to eat somewhere other than TGI Fridays was that it began closing at 8:30 pm. It was already getting late. I went to the storage unit to get my laptop and then headed to the U Street Metro Station for dinner. I had a half smoke (Bill Cosby’s favorite).
Afterwards, I looked for a bar. I picked Solly’s. They didn’t have Blue Moon in a bottle or any other form. When I asked what was available in a bottle, the bartender pointed to a dark corner 15 feet above me and about 30 feet away per my line of sight and walked away. He wasn’t gaining any points in my book as a new user friendly bartender. It made me wish I was at BWI’s bar. That bartender, I think Jeff was his name, was nice and social. I decided upon a Guinness that wound up being Draught- not as good as Stout.
After work, I returned to Seneca Creek and Clopper Lake. I stretched out my sleeping mat in the same area that I found yesterday. This time, I had ants invading my space, or perhaps more accurately, I was invading their space. It made it difficult to sleep. I was in the mood to go to a new place for dinner so I sent out a tweet which was answered by the Savvy Navigator. He recommended Ben’s Chili Bowl. Another reason I wanted to eat somewhere other than TGI Fridays was that it began closing at 8:30 pm. It was already getting late. I went to the storage unit to get my laptop and then headed to the U Street Metro Station for dinner. I had a half smoke (Bill Cosby’s favorite).
Afterwards, I looked for a bar. I picked Solly’s. They didn’t have Blue Moon in a bottle or any other form. When I asked what was available in a bottle, the bartender pointed to a dark corner 15 feet above me and about 30 feet away per my line of sight and walked away. He wasn’t gaining any points in my book as a new user friendly bartender. It made me wish I was at BWI’s bar. That bartender, I think Jeff was his name, was nice and social. I decided upon a Guinness that wound up being Draught- not as good as Stout.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wednesday, 1 July 2009- Canoeing on Clopper Lake
Wednesday, 1 July 2009- Canoeing on Clopper Lake
With the intent to just sleep away the day under the sun and shadows of the tall trees, I returned to Seneca Creek State Park with my sleeping mat, only to discover the Boat Center was open. My plans changed and I rented a canoe for $7 for an hour. I was amazed they would let an inexperience person take a canoe out on the lake without another person with them. I paddled, meeyaddled the little canoe off to the right of the boat center and aimed it for the Earthen Dam. A kayaker led the way about 200 yards ahead of me. I kind of followed his track. The kayaker went into a little cove and just sat. When I got to the Earthen Dam, I turned around and paddled to the shore opposite of the Boat Center. I smiled when I could see fishes swimming beneath me in the somewhat clear water. There was also a plant growth that the fishes darted in and out of. When my hour was coming to an end I returned the canoe to the boat center rejuvenated and refreshed. Then I walked a trail that led to a grassy area I saw from the canoe earlier. I stretched out on my mat and slept for about 4 hours. Then it was time to get a bite to eat at Taco Bell and go to work.
With the intent to just sleep away the day under the sun and shadows of the tall trees, I returned to Seneca Creek State Park with my sleeping mat, only to discover the Boat Center was open. My plans changed and I rented a canoe for $7 for an hour. I was amazed they would let an inexperience person take a canoe out on the lake without another person with them. I paddled, meeyaddled the little canoe off to the right of the boat center and aimed it for the Earthen Dam. A kayaker led the way about 200 yards ahead of me. I kind of followed his track. The kayaker went into a little cove and just sat. When I got to the Earthen Dam, I turned around and paddled to the shore opposite of the Boat Center. I smiled when I could see fishes swimming beneath me in the somewhat clear water. There was also a plant growth that the fishes darted in and out of. When my hour was coming to an end I returned the canoe to the boat center rejuvenated and refreshed. Then I walked a trail that led to a grassy area I saw from the canoe earlier. I stretched out on my mat and slept for about 4 hours. Then it was time to get a bite to eat at Taco Bell and go to work.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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…
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…
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, June 22, 2009
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
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
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