Changes

So I found out about a week ago that I might be loosing my job effective August. US Airways is laying off 300 flight attendants in PHX and LAS and if they don't get enough volunteers, I will be involuntary furloughed. I need around 93 flight attendants above me to volunteer and then I would be the most junior reserve flight attendant in PHX. This got me thinking as to what I would do during my time off. I could be out for as little as 4 months to 16 months or indefinitely. I have been flying for over 6 years but unfortunately only about 3 here which is why my job is in jeopardy. My fist reaction was crap what in the world am I going to do? This puts a huge road block in my plans to buy a house or condo...even if I made the cut, how long will that last? Could I loose my job in six months? I can't in good faith buy a property with the chance of loosing my income. So then I got to thinking about the possibility of teaching English in a foreign country for a year. If I volunteer I get to keep my seniority and longevity during my time off. If I don't volunteer and manage to keep my job, I would never be able to get any day off that I might need thus making my life pretty miserable. I'm not sure if I can handle another four years of reserve without some type of break. After doing some research, I think that South Korea would be my best bet because they pay the best and have a low cost of living. Many past teachers have reported saving $10,000-15,000 during the year...how awesome would that be to have a huge savings account when I come back home.

I will have to quit RedLobster before I am laid off so that I can collect unemployment until I start teaching. I plan on taking the month of August off and do a bit of traveling around the states to visit my friends and family that I have neglected over the past year due to my second job and lack of time to travel.

I am scared to death to take this huge step, but I think in my heart this is the right decision. I am so stressed and hope that this is the right choice. I think this could be an awesome opportunity to travel to a part of the world I have never been plus experience a new culture. If anyone has any information on agencies they recommend, please let me know.

Trips in May

I took three trips in May for vacation and had a blast. First stop was Puerto Vallarta Mexico with Erin and Sara. We were a bit nervous about the swine flu scare but had a fantastic time at our all inclusive resort. It was nice to relax and enjoy some much needed sun and drinks with some great friends. (I am already ready for a repeat trip)

Next stop was Vegas with my brother and Dad for my birthday. It was a bunch of fun even though I didn't win (but didn't loose too much). Al even treated me to see Pen and Teller for my bday. I love Vegas and going with my family was such a treat!

Then we had Katie's graduation festivities at ASU. It was such a hot day, but we escaped the heat by staying in the concession stand area. The President gave a very eloquent speech and was worth the long wait in the heat. We had her real commencement the next day and went out to dinner to celebrate. I am so proud of Katie now hopefully she can get a job.

Later that week, Katie and I set off to Zurich Switzerland via Philly. We had a bit trouble getting on the flights and ended up missing our connection forcing us to stay in Philly. On the plus side, Katie had never been to Philly, so I was able to show her around the city. The next day we boarded a really open flight (we each had our own row) to Zurich. We arrived on Monday and found our way to a hostel with only a few wrong turns. We changed and headed out to see the city...turns out that all of the museums where closed because it was Monday. We finished our tour of the city by 1 and had no idea as to what to do for the rest of the day. We made the fatal mistake of taking a nap and so we were a bit jet lagged the rest of the trip. On the plus side we found four H&M's within walking distance and heck ya we went into each and every one. We decided to head out of Zurich the next morning and head to Interlaken. Wow it was an amazing scenic trip and we loved Interlaken. We took a bus, three trains, and three gondolas to get to the top of the mountain. Wow what a view it was breathtaking. I don't think any picture could do it justice. After two days in Interlaken, we went to Lucern for a last stop before heading home. Even though it was a really quick trip, we had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed Switzerland and its beauty.

Going back to work was rather challenging and I'm already ready for my next trip.