We did it!

Well the race is all over, and I'm pretty happy about it. But we did great. Kristen and I finished in an hour and one minute, me running in two seconds before her, only because I got a "second wind" and figured that if I slowed down at all I would fall so I kept running. She definitely ran a better race than me, in that she wasn't cursing the world for the majority of it. After the first kilometer my knees and ankle were hurting quite a bit, and I was getting pretty discouraged, but there's something about running in a big group that makes you keep going and not want to look like an idiot. Kristen and I mostly ran together except when I thought it would never end, lagged behind, then realized we had one kilometre left and just ran and ran and ran. I had missed the route marker for 7k, and then people started saying "only two kilometers to go!" and I was thinking to myself "what a cruel joke, we haven't even gotten to 7 yet!" Then I saw the 8K marker, got a little happier, then booked it for the last one and was very happy when it was over. It felt really good to finish though, and with a pretty good time too.

Jordan ran his marathon today, and he did incredibly. He beat what he was going for by quite a bit, and if it wasn't for Matt spotting him out of the blue we would have totally missed him. I'm so proud of him! And of us! Yay us for following through on this. After running the 10k, I think I want to try for something more. We'll see.

I can't stand up

Why? I am so incredibly sunburned on my legs. It hurts to stand. Ridiculous. I sent my sister a pretty funny e-mail describing how it all happened and how it took me a few minutes to walk down the hall at Matt's house while holding the wall to keep steady, but I'm feeling uninspired at this moment because I'm worried that I won't be able to run my race on Saturday. Or go to Wonderland tomorrow. I'm thinking I'll just suck it up and go, and suffer through the pain. Is it bad that my bones hurt?

I didn't really get burnt anywhere but my legs, because I put sunscreen everywhere but my legs. Why? Because I thought they could use "a little sun" since they're so pale. "A little sun" turned into a touch more than anticipated, and my legs are seriously more burnt than I've ever seen. Or felt. It's horrible.

That is all. I don't know what else to say about that.

H and M? (blogger isn't letting me put the "and" sign... not sure why)

A store with my initials HAS to be fabulous right? Right. It's awesome. In Montreal, in Toronto, and probably a lot of other great cities. Do you know where is licks testicles? Calgary. Yep. Sucks.

I went in today after hearing from two different sources that it was bad. I kept a positive attitude, decided I would find out for myself if it was good or bad. I had a pair of fabulous jeans that I got in the one in Toronto that I wanted to exchange for a different size, and I thought instead of waiting until I go back to Toronto, I would do it here, since YAY we have an H&M here. Well, it was bad. Very very bad. It is sort of like Le Chateau. So not great. And they didn't even have the jeans I had.

I walked around, looking for all the cool print t's and the graphic hoodies, searching for all the things with skulls all over them and super trendy clothes that can't be found anywhere else. There were none. NONE.

I found a cute tank top and decided to buy it. When I was at the till I decided to ask the worker why it sucked so very badly. He informed me that they only carry a few of the lines that H&M has. So the super cool line with all the super cool clothes? Not at this H&M. BUT, there are supposed to be two more H&Ms opening within the year here in Calgary, so they will have more of the lines. But for now, extreme disappointment. I told him that it was a tragedy, and he looked at me and said "sweetie, you're telling me. I'm stuck wearing a bad american eagle button up knockoff to work!" and I giggled, and felt slightly better since he hated it too.

So now I'll have to resort to eastern H&Ms with more tax until Calgary decides we can be cool too.

Weekend? In Toronto? Yes, it's true.

I know it's almost next weekend, but I'm posting about my last weekend. Matt and I went to Toronto to spend the weekend with his family and friends. Technically he lives just outside Toronto, in a little town that's pretty quaint, yet so close to the city. It's quite convenient.

We flew in pretty late, and I should add that that was the closest I've ever come to not making a flight before... We were literally the last two people on the plane, and not because we were late, but because they didn't think there was room for us. I basically kept harassing the CSA and finally he told us there was room for us. Yay!

We went out to a bar that night, had some fun, drank a beer, and then went home. The next day we slept a lot, then went out to see one of Matt's brother at the golf course that he works at, kind of far away but nice. Then that night we went out in downtown Toronto to this super cool giant pub called Madison, and as a side note I saw Matte Babel from Muchmusic and we're best friends now. Then the next day we went downtown during the day and walked around and saw a bunch of things... We went back to his house, I gave his brother a mohawk, and we went to bed. The next day Matt was working at his job from last summer, so his mum and I went to this warehouse perfume sale. I kind of bought a few perfumes, but they were super cheap so I couldn't resist. After, I went for a run and then cooled off by swimming in their pool. Seriously, my boyfriend ('s parents) has a pool!!!!!! I was like a little kid, so excited that someone I knew had a swimming pool. No one but me and Matt's little brother would go in so early in the season, so the two of us had somersault competitions while everyone else thought we were crazy for swimming in the cold pool. Then on Tuesday morning I left for home, and that's about it.

I had a really great time, and I definitely like Toronto, but I won't compare it to Calgary even though everyone there asked me "so it's better than Calgary hey??". They're just way too different. I'm super excited for the long weekend because we're going back to Toronto, and then near the end of the week we're going to Ottawa to visit with Kristen and Jordan and for the big race!! Eeeps it's coming up pretty soon!

Carts, carts, and more carts

Yesterday was the first day of carts. Carts for pepsi, carts for pretzels, and carts for pringles, licorice and the chicken ciabatta sandwich. It was very different. But not all that bad. Though I really do have to watch for that transition. It's a toughy.

Wherein I use the F word, but I'm just quoting someone else so don't get offended, and also say Open a can of whoop ass, so feel free to make fun.

I haven't been so tired in ages. I just got back from four long days, each one more interesting than the next. And by interesting, I mean shitty.

I had a great crew. I can't complain one bit about that. We laughed, hid maxi pads in various spots throughout the galley, and laughed some more. Good times.

But the guests. Oh my god the guests. The first day wasn't anyone's fault... A guy (an employee actually) had a mini seizure. The lady next to him rang the call button, said "there's something wrong with this guy", and the guy was all spaced out and shaking, and then he snapped out of it and had no idea what had just happened. We were 25 minutes from landing. Hectic. The guy was fine (well as fine as you can be when you've just had your first ever seizure), we landed, got him some medical attention, and that was that. Day one over.

The next day was just really long. LONG long. Across the country twice long.

The next day, we were in the back galley when we heard someone scream "WHORES! FUCKING WHORES!!" We looked around at each other, almost to wonder if we had imagined it, but no, we hadn't, since we had all heard it. I was ready to whip out a can of whoop ass, since I just finished my self defense training and was all eager to test it out on someone, but alas, I didn't get to. We found out who it was, and realized that the guy in fact had Tourette's, and wasn't actually verbally abusing us. I was super awkward though, and it made for an interesting flight.

Today was the weirdest. A girl travelling alone (but who was over the age of unaccompanied minors so had no real care from us) basically spilled her guts to me after I asked her "how are you today?" and told me that yesterday she ran away from home, called CSI on her dad because he said someone was dying and she thought it was him and now she's going to meet her brother who she doesn't know (and doesn't know what he looks like but don't worry he knows what SHE looks like) and stay with him till this thing blows over. (Those are her words). I was obviously concerned that a) she was running away now and her dad didn't know she was flying somewhere and b) that some creeper was going to pick her up and it wasn't her brother and she would get raped and murdered and it was all my fault. It was a huge long ordeal that I won't get into, but in the end we contacted the dad, found out she had behavioural problems, he has health problems and can't deal with her, and her brother who is an adult with his own children is going to help with the situation for a bit. We got the info of the brother, and decided we'd go down and meet the brother with her and check his ID. I basically felt horribly uncomfortable through the whole ordeal, desperately hoped that this guy was going to be a decent human being and that I wouldn't get the "NO!" feeling when I met him. It was ALL good in the end, the brother had two adorable children of his own, thanked us for bringing her down, and I felt really good about it. I just really really hope this girl will turn out ok. She was obviously lacking attention from the adults in her life and needed some guidance. I hope she gets it.

I was so emotionally exhausted by this situation, I just wanted to come home. Lucky for me I got to. So I'm home. And I'm happy about it.

Edmonton is lame.

Sorry to the Edmonton folks, but I just spent two days in Edmonton, and I feel pretty sad about it. I won't get into all these details, but Edmonton, blowy snow, crappy hotel, rainy, and all around blech.

I got home yesterday to glorious weather (ooops) and came home, napped a bunch, got a blizzard for me and Vanessa and we watched the game whilst enjoying delicious ice creamy treats. It was pretty great. And plus we won the game, so really that's great too.

This weekend, not too much is happening. Well, I have to do my taxes (!), and then leave on Sunday for four days. My life is boring.

I got some new running shoes the other day, and so far they're making quite a difference. My runs are long now, and they are harder. Much harder. It's tough. But I'll push it.

That's that.

Go Flames Go.

Weekend Update

It's less of an update of the weekend, and more an update that's occurring on the weekend. But I'm still calling it a weekend update.

This week I had all my annual training, which went quite well. I only got one question wrong on my exam, and my evacuation drills went flawlessly and I had no missed criteria or teaching points. The instructors commented that I was surprisingly loud and shouldn't have a problem getting my voice projected above all the mayhem. (Are we surprised, really?) Oh and that I portrayed confidence in my eyes (aka am bossy) which would lead to compliance. (Again, surprised?) So when I'm screaming for you to cross your arms, jump, and slide, you'll do it damn it. NOW!

Last night I had a little shin dig at my place, which was mainly me and Vanessa, eating, drinking, and painting our nails. To be fair, other people came soon, like Katie, we drank some more, then Matt, his brother, James and their friend came, we drank some more, then we went to Molly Malones in Kensington. Yvette met us there, THEN we went to Amsterdam Rhino, drank some more, and partied our little hearts out. Well I partied my little heart out the whole time really. My friend Andrew came and met us at Amsterdam Rhino which was cool, I hadn't seen him in a while, and all in all it was a good night. This morning, however, was NOT a good time. I haven't felt this terrible since, oh, Montreal in the summer... I honestly thought I would die of head explosion and nausea. I finally crawled out of bed at 3:30. Yes. 3:30 pm. I feel like death.

Tomorrow, I am SO excited, I am going to the Banff Springs Hotel for brunch. I am fasting for the rest of today so I can eat enough tomorrow to last until Monday. This brunch, if you haven't been, is phenomenal. Food as far as the eye can see, and anything imaginable. I am known to eat, ummm, a few cherries jubilee, that is made at a station all fresh and delicious. Anyway, lots of food, good food, and I get to eat it all day tomorrow.

My plans for the day involve sitting on the couch. So I better get back to that. All this typing is making my head hurt.

Sick...

What kind of normal person gets sick three times in three months? Oh right, the kind who is in contact with 500 people a day, breathing re-circulated air. Gross. I feel like death.

On a lighter note, the W network has started playing Veronica Mars. That's always good.

Ouch?

So snowboarding was awesome, but the day ended with be biting it hard on the ski-out at Sunshine, slamming my head on the ground, almost getting my face slashed by a brand new snowboard, and feeling all around like death all in one fellow swoop. I got distracted, did some kind of spinning fall which resulted in impacting my ass, knees, elbows and head all at once. Then Matt skidded and almost hit my face with his board and we both just kind of sat on the ground for a while reflecting on what had just happened and being thankful that my face wasn't slashed open and that I still had the use of my legs and arms. I'm still stiff in the neck and have bruises, but it was so worth it because everything leading up to that was incredible. The weather was great and the snow was awesome, and we had a total blast. I boarded really well (except for that fall) too so I was excited.

Anyway, my weekend after that was pretty alright, I got a free breakfast in Regina (hotel), a free dinner in Ottawa (mum), so that makes it nice. I'm off now for a long while since I have my annual training starting Monday. I just finished four out of the five homestudies, so I'm well on my way. I also got to do a seriously wicked awesome homestudy on our new cart service that included videos and how-to's. I swear I have never wanted to barf more. "Of course", says the sickeningly sweet flight attendant in the video, "we would never deny a guest the use of the lav during cart service, so back your cart into the galley, wait for the guest to pass, and resume service. Oops, careful of that transition!" (referring to the lip on the floor that separates the plastic floor and the carpet. Seriously, it was cheesier than anything I've ever seen. Oh well, I got a laugh.

I also did a homestudy on good body mechanics and wasted one hour of my life learning how to bend my knees. I realize it's important, but seriously. An hour? Give me a break. It was slightly humorous to be doing the homestudy while thinking about how much my neck hurts from snowboarding though... And while slouching on my mum's medicine ball. Maybe I should re-read some of those points...

Tired?

I'm pretty tired. I had a long four days even though they went by quickly... I'm not sure how that works out, but it did.

I think I'm going snowboarding tomorrow afternoon. That excites me.

I have to work again on Saturday for four more days. BLAH. But then I get a whole shwack of days off, so it makes me happy.

How's everyone else doing?

I'll just come out and say it...

I am petrified of anything first aid.

I am trained in first aid, CPR, defibrillators, and all things aidy, and I still am so scared of having to deal with any kind of situation.

I have personally never dealt with too much... The other week there was a small girl choking in the middle seat. Her father was a)hitting her on the back, b)shoving his hand in her mouth to remove the item causing her to choke, and c)grabbing her neck and shaking her. The first two things are what they tell us to NEVER do, and the third one, well, I have no idea what would drive someone to do that but oh well. I stood at the aisle, yelling and the dad to stop it. Well, actually I said "stop! STOP! STOP!!!!" without giving any other instructions than that. After realizing that me yelling stop wasn't really an effective use of my skills, I reached across the dad to grab the girl, and I imagine my idea was to start doing abdominal thrusts when she coughed and what looked like a litre of water came out of her mouth. I stared at the girl, then looked at the dad and said "are you ok now? can you talk?" which is what my mum does any time someone is coughing/choking, since if you can talk your airway is clear, and the dad just said "yeah she's fine." I asked the girl "can you talk? what's your name?" She answered me, so I decided she was ok. Then, I looked at the dad and said "don't DO that!" and walked away. Since that experience I have learned that a)I need to be a more effective communicator in emergency situations, since "stop it" and "don't do that" don't really make my message clear, b)I should trust my instincts and act a little more quickly, and c)some parents have no idea what to do in those situations and just do anything they think might maybe help. Panic I guess?

So this brings me to someone dying. We have things we're supposed to do when someone dies on board, and that article on Kristen's blog really isn't far off. The only thing I would have done differently is perhaps INFORM THE GUEST SITTING NEXT TO THE DEAD BODY AND NOT JUST LET HIM WAKE UP AND FIND IT!!!!! Are you freaking joking me?? There must have been some kind of miscommunication between the flight attendants, that guest, and perhaps the media, because there's no way I'd sit a dead lady down and walk away with no further instruction. We DO have to "secure" the corpse, because if we just left it lying the galley or aisle for example, if we needed to evacuate they would hinder everyone else's evacuation. We're told to be as discrete as possible but really, carrying a dead body isn't easy or discrete. Hopefully they have just died in their seat, because then we can leave them there and call it a day. If someone dies while we're performing first aid, we have to continue until EMS comes to take over since we can't pronounce anyone dead. SO, we have to continue CPR until we land unless it's deemed too dangerous by the captain to do so. (This slightly contradicts the whole securing the body so it doesn't hinder an evacuation, but in that situation we would, and I'm going to use my own words here, huck the body out the door before initiating the evacuation. Or at least that's what I would do.) I've worked with several flight attendants who have had guests die on board, and it's never a good situation, but you just have to deal with it. I would hope that the people sitting in the first row would get up and move so we could put the dead person there since there is more room. I don't think anyone has the right to be mad or upset or judge the crew in the situation from the article, because honestly, how on earth are you supposed to deal with it?? Yes, they should have told the person who was sitting next to the corpse, and I highly doubt they really just plopped her down and left without any explanation, but if they did, well oh well. At least that guy is still alive! That's just me. I wouldn't be exactly rational in a situation like that.

On a more positive note, I'm up for my first aid re-certification, so I'll learn all the new first aid (since it's changed this year) and hopefully become a little more confident. On an even more positive note, every month we get our statistics on medical emergencies on board, and in almost 90% of all situations there is either a doctor or nurse on board. So they can at least help us. We also have a sat phone that is a direct line to a hospital, where they will give us instructions on what to do and we can even administer some of our crazy medical supplies we have in a secret compartment. And we have a defibrillator. So if you get sick on the plane and need an IV and your heart stops, we're prepared.

iPods and ponytails

I've been a blogging slacker recently.

I very much enjoyed the three nights that I got to spend with my sis and Jordan last week. We just hung out and had a good time, saw 300, ate some good food, and just had fun. I miss that.

I went to Puerto Vallarta for an hour. I was really nice out, and I was super jealous that I wasn't staying there. I won't talk more about that. I'm a bitter, bitter person.

Yesterday was my mum's birthday. We gave her an iPod shuffle... Today I have to go give her a tutorial on how to use it. I hope she finds it easier than checking her voicemail on her cell phone, because I've had to give her instructions at least four times on how to get her messages.

I start my annual training soon for my job... I can't believe that I've worked there a year already. Insanity.

This is kind of lame... Sorry my big comeback post is so terrible.

I missed the big St. Paddy's day parties this weekend. I have a Guinness with Kristen, but when everyone else I know was partying hard, one beer isn't really sufficient. I talked to Matt a few times that night, and each time was significantly more hilarious. The highlight for him was being able to fit his hair in a ponytail and looking like an irish fighter. I know you're all wondering how I ended up with such a sexy guy who has hair that can fit in a ponytail, and I wonder the same thing every day, don't you worry.

I will come up with something better soon.

Outside

It's harder running outside than on a treadmill. I miss only having to run upwards while the ground moves under me.

Oooops. And by "oooops", I mean "F@#$ this f@#$ing s%&*".

So I was supposed to arrive last night at 8:40. Well, things didn't really go according to plan, and we sat in Hamilton for a while waiting for the reverse thrust on the right engine to be fixed. I ended up getting into my house at 12:30am. I set my alarm for 6, since I had to work at 7. Well, I woke to a light knocking on my door, to which I said "hunh, what? My mini bar doesn't need to be changed thanks*", but REALLY it was Linda telling me it was 6:58. So I said "oooops", which was actually a little bit stronger than "oooops".

I shot out of bed, threw on clothes, and got to work. Whatever, no biggie, but it just sucks to be late since I hate being late.

*So when I was in Moncton yesterday, I was napping in the middle of the day after some waffles from Cora's, not wearing pants, when I woke to a soft knocking at my door. I walked over to my suitcase, to find pants, which couldn't have taken me more than 5 seconds, when I heard the keys in the door and the lock opening. I grabbed a towel from the floor, threw it around my pantsless self, and opened the door as it was opening from the outside. It was a guy, and he asked "oh, I was just checking the mini bar and wanted to know if you needed more stock." I just stared blankly at him and finally said "ummm, no, it's fine." and closed the door. Who does that??? Knocks, waits five seconds and then opens the door??? What if I was just walking out of the bathroom after a shower? What if I was getting ready for work? (Which I normally do in undies and a tank top to cut down the polyester wearing the most possible) It totally freaked me out. Anyway, this morning's knock brought back memories of that and I even checked to make sure I was wearing pants before going to the bathroom.

Exciting day for someone... I don't know who, I think you know them very well...

Tomorrow will be a very exciting day for SOMEONE I know... Not me, but someone. They maybe, just maybe, will be getting their very own brand new toy delivered to their office, providing that* nothing irregular happens in my flying schedule that is. They should bring an appropriate bag with them to work, so they can bring all the bits and pieces home with them.

*Is it "provided that" and "providing", or did I do it right? I can never remember.

I heart cooking

I decided I'm lazy. I never cook anymore since I think "oh well what's the point of cooking for one?" Also, on the road I live off granola bars and hummus, so why shouldn't I at home? Well, I'm sick of eating miscellaneous snack items for every meal or ordering out, so I'm cooking again. Two nights ago, I made some Thai turkey burgers that turned out really well, though the tomato on my bun was slightly mealy. They were tangy, juicy, tender, and all sorts of other delicious things. Last night, I decided to make tofu parmesan. The description of the recipe says "a delicious alternative to the family favourite" or something like that, to which I said "what the hell is ____ parmesan? I've never had anything like this in my life". So apparently whatever-it-normally-is parmesan wasn't a favourite in my family. In any event, I made it. It had tofu slices in bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, baked for a bit, then put in a casserole dish with some pasta sauce (that happened to have a nice kick in it, which, in my opinion, made the whole dish) and then topped with more sauce, mozza, parm, parsley and the leftover bread crumbs. Baked for a while, then broiled for a few minutes, and voila. It was really good. As I was making it, I thought to myself "you know, I don't think I'm going to like this", and the whole reason I chose to make it was because I had some tofu, and wanted to get rid of it before it went nasty. But in the end, I liked it a lot, and so did Matt. It's really nice to date someone who's slightly adventurous in their eating habits, since I am as well. One of the things I like the most about eating is trying new things, going to different restaurants, eating "ethnic" foods, and cooking with different ingredients. He pretty much likes anything, and basically just appreciates that he has some kind of food to eat, so he likes it when I cook too. (And by "likes it when I cook", I mean the whole two times I've cooked since I've known him).

I'm leaving for the weekend, get back Sunday at midnight, and then leave again on Monday for three days, so I'm going to be tired. And it sucks. Oh well. I love my job......... right???

Don't even go there Angela*

I totally fell off the running wagon, but I'll get back on it, I promise. I was sick. You can't run when you're sick. I also have this weird pulled muscle/fake hernia in my lover stomach that happened as a result of coughing and now hurts me a lot every time I move basically. I'll ignore it and hope it goes away.

I flew to Phoenix and back yesterday. That's really all I have to say about that.

Today I worked at Starbie's, and had a pretty good shift since there were a few people whom I LOVE that I got to work with. One is a girl I just met, who is hysterical and weirdly knows some people I went to high school and junior high with. Another is this guy who is from Vancouver and worked at Starbucks there before moving here. Whenever he messes up he just says "well in Vancouver we did it this way" in a super holier than thou voice (on purpose) and wears women's size zero skinny jeans and glasses with sparkly be-jewels on them. You would think automatically that he's gay, but he's (according to him) not, and despite repeatedly getting hit on by guys at work, I will believe him. I'm not going to ask him flat out "are you suuuuuuuuure?"... I won't go there. But he's awesome.

OK so that was written yesterday, and then I had to go and didn't have time to post it. Now I have time to post it, so here you go.

*Did anyone watch Jonovision on CBC? In the commercials for it when it was first coming out there was this chick that said "Don't even go there, Angela" in this weird voice, and to this day I say that on a semi-regular basis.

I'm bored.

All this sitting around has made me SO BORED. I can't seem to sleep lots, which tells me that my sickness isn't really all that bad. Normally when I'm super sick all I do is sleep. I'm just woozy, coughy, snotty, achy, and sleepy without being able to sleep.

I have some major cabin fever today too. I'm on the verge of being better, so I'm able to stand up without falling down and have noticed that I look like crap, unlike yesterday when I didn't even think about what I looked like and walked around all day with clumps of snot and drool on my face. (Well I don't think there were actual clumps, but it felt like it). I'm thinking about working tomorrow, since I only will have to work the one day, and then I won't feel as bad about having to call in sick. Why do I feel bad about calling in sick? I HAVE NO IDEA. That's a problem in my opinion, since I shouldn't be made to feel bad about it. And I don't think anyone really has made me feel bad about calling in sick, but I have the guilt. Oh yes, the guilt is there. I should work on that.

I'm sad that I was sick this pairing because I missed three overnights in Ottawa. Oh well, next pairing I have three more overnights in Ottawa, so not all is lost.

I got a new ring tone today. Life is exciting.

I don't think I'm going to Orlando in March anymore... Some of the little details kind of fell through, so it's (hopefully) postponed... Maybe we'll be able to make the trip a little later. I could use the extra time to save some money anyway, so I'll take it as a good thing in disguise. As a few people have pointed out, I'll have to find another occasion to wear my sweet bathing suit.

I got woken up this morning by a bunch of people working outside my bedroom window, hammering incessantly. Forever. Non Stop. I wanted to kill them. The hammering is still going on, actually. The inability to sleep is actually making quite a bit of sense now. See, I must be getting better... My brain is working again.

Grey's is on at 7 tomorrow instead of 9. I thought I would share that information.

I think I'm going to take a walk or something. Anything to get me the hell off this couch.

Ow.

I'm home. Sick. I tried to work yesterday, and I made it to Vancouver and had to come back home. I am all stuffed up and coughy and gross. To top it off, my whole body hurts from snowboarding, so as I'm coughing up a lung, I'm cringing because it hurts my abs and back. It sucks. Boo. Make it stop.