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.

tap tap tap tap

I am in PDX and wake up in confusion...

OMG...what is that sound? Is someone locked out of their room and trying to wake the person up to let them in? Why isn't the noise stopping? Seriously what is going on its 7am and I just went to bed 5 hours ago...I still need to sleep and the noise will not end...UGH!

After 15 minutes of constant tapping or knocking, I finally call the front desk to have them send up someone to investigate the issue. I am certain some maniac is trying to brake down a door. I have already glanced in the hallway through my peephole and can't see anyone, but surely this must be the reason for the disturbance. The front desk lady chuckles and informs me the noise is coming from their friendly woodpecker....WTF. Apparently they have a woodpecker who visits their hotel and they can't do anything about it because its an endangered animal.

I was so frustrated but luckily after I called, the bird stopped for about two hours and then like clockwork came back about every hour or two for about 20 minutes. Next time I will request a room as far away from the woodpecker as possible. Moral of the story you may think its a maniac trying to break down your neighbors door when its simply satin in the form of a bird.

What number are you?

I am in ABQ for the second time this month and I don't really mind the overnight my favorite part is the gym that is behind the hotel. It's an actual gym people pay money for and we get to go for free. They have awesome equipment and weights plus a pool. I think its ingenious that the hotel only has 10 channels thus enticing you to make a trip to the gym for a plethora of channel selections. I spent about two hours watching some Law and Order and burning those calories on the elliptical and treadmill. I did use some restraint and avoided the sonic up the street.

Now my biggest pet peeve about this hotel is the bed. Some might think that a sleep number bed would be perfect because you can pick how hard or soft you want your bed. Genius idea however these beds suck and feel like you are sleeping on an air mattress. The first couple times I had a sleep number bed I would spend half the night trying to find my number....I would end up waking up sleep deprived and with a back ache. I have resigned to just leaving it alone at least this way I won't be sleep deprived and have a back ache.

If you haven't seen this movie, I highly recommend doing so immediately. I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie. Spoiler alert...In the movie the main character's daughter goes on a European trip with her friend. Two young girls talk to this guy in the Taxi line and end up sharing a cab. The whole thing was a setup and the guy arranges their kidnapping and sell into a sex trade. The idea that it was so easy for this man to find out so much about the girls in such a short amount of time without sending any red flags. Its frightening how easy a target they were and I could really see a similar situation happening in any country. I'd like to think that I am pretty conscious of my surroundings and what situation I may be putting myself into, but those girls had no clue.

possible new camera

Here is the camera I am thinking of buying for my birthday present from both my parents and myself. What do you think? It also comes in pink, but I think I've settled on the blue.

Computer malfunction

My computer has been resurrected from the depths of virus HE**. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but I tried everything in my power to fix the problem on my own and unfortunately was unsuccessful. I did luck out and my parents were having a computer genius fix their computer problems and he showed me what needed to be done for mine. Lucky me his advise worked and I am now up and running. I am so excited to have a working computer once again. I felt completely lost without facebook, bank monitoring, blog checking, and many other Internet luxuries.

I am currently purchasing a new anti-virus and hope to not have another crippling virus. Plus I plan on backing up all of those important files and pictures that I have yet to back up. Next time I will be better prepared for that little bug. I always thought I was cautious but even I can get fooled and tricked. Beware of anything that says A 360...that is the one that caused me such problems.