Today I Lost A Friend

Sorry I have not been updating regularly. After returning from a Mexico trip ( I PROMISE to post the pics) I worked 16 days without a day off. Back and forth across the Atlantic. Never any idea the day of the week. Now I leave for Sweden, the Arctic Circle, to be precise for some skiing at an airline ski week. 

But a damper is put on it as I have learned a friend just passed away. She was a colleague that had been fighting lung cancer, a disease rather cruel for a non smoker like herself. Things looked hopeful until she had a collapsed lung over the weekend and passed the Monday after.

I feel particularly terrible as I never made the time to contact her during her illness. I would get her email address with the best of intentions, then not write. Time and again, and now it is too late. Fiona, I will miss you in spite of my lackluster communication.

She was a wonderful purser to fly with, always bringing the crew things like fresh limes from a friends orchard while on a layover in San Francisco, or buying champagne for the crew that flew a New years Eve trip with her. If your home was remotely on her drive home ( mine was) there was always a free ride for you . She also took care of her aging mother, that is who I really feel for.

Fiona, rest in peace.

I will be away snowboarding for a week, will return with postings then.

Airport Meltdown

This woman's meltdown was over.....missing a flight. Seriously. Imagine if she did not get her meal choice onboard.

The Cruise Statistics

I recently returned from a 5 day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. I will tell you, dear readers, I was not the person who selected the cruise line (Carnival) or the destination, so please do not judge. Photos will be uploaded shortly and the cruise analyzed in depth. But in the meantime, a few of my cruise statistics for you to enjoy .

Number of days while sailing it was warm enough to truly wear a swimsuit:0
Mullets spotted on men who were unaware it was not still 1983:4
Amount of money I spent in a Mexican pharmacy buying unnamed 'necessities' that are sold over the counter there : $36
Total money won after putting 3 dollars in a slot machine :120
Number of velvet bedazzled jackets with crucifixes on them spotted on men :1
Phone calls from a lovesick Colombian room steward :2
The number of flights I stood by for in an attempt to get home:3
Kilos of guacamole and pico de gallo consumed while in Cozumel :2 (estimate)
Number of years a blue agave plant takes to mature to produce a 'pineapple' from which tequila is eventually made :10
Types of tequila I sampled in appreciation of the above fact :5

The Worlds Best Passenger Complaint Letter

Sometimes I think the airline I work for is the only one people complain about. I get fairly convinced every airline has better uniforms, aircraft, food, movies, etc. It is not uncommon of a flight to hear "Virgin has better amenities" or "British Airways does not charge for drinks" or "Lufthansa has personal video screens" and it can sometimes get a little demoralizing.

 THEN I read a letter like the one posted on the Daily Telegraph's website and I realize we are all the same after all. It really 'takes the biscuit' as the writer says. The photos included are also worth a look!

                                                      The letter

I feel much better about my airline after having read it, though I do need to wipe my eyes.

In Honor of Today

What an exciting day!!! As the sun sets on former President Bush's time in office, sir I cannot say I will miss you but I do promise to read American Wife. Also, I have been waiting 4 years to be able to call you former President, so no one can tell me I do not know about delayed gratification...

Hysterical Ad

This clever ad if for Virgin Atlantic. In spite of being totally un p.c., I LOVE it!! It is a total lift from the movie Catch Me If You Can. (Hate to quibble with the ads director, but VS crews have always pulled their hair back, they would have never worn it down, but the swinging hair is half the sex appeal of the ad.)

Dear 3E and 3F

Dear 3E and 3F,

Everyone saw you two go into the economy handicapped toilet together. You fooled no one by spacing it 30 seconds apart. If you want to get busy and join the mile high club, wait till an overnight flight when there is not a queue for the toilets.