We had a teamwork exercise in class yesterday. It was about wilderness survival. Let me just tell you.. Daddy I'm sorry. But we would have died. I thought growing up camping would help me out with this exercise.. I think I may need to watch some more survivorman. Feel free to test yourself. If you do better than 5/12. You may be qualified to give Texie and I survival lessons.
1.) You have Strayed from your party in trackless timber. You have no special signaling equipment. The best way to contact your friends is to:
A. Call help loudly in a low register.
B. Yell or scream as loud as you can.
C. Whistle loudly and shrilly.
We chose, C.
2.) you are in snake country. Your best action to avoid snakes is to:
A. Make a lot of noise with your feet.
B. Walk softly and quietly.
C. Travel at night.
We chose, A.
3.) You are hungry and lost in wild country. The best rule for determining which plants to eat is to:
A. Try anything you see the birds eat.
B. Eat anything except plants with bright red berries.
C. Put a bit of plant on your lower lip for 5 minutes.if it seems alright try a little.
We chose, A.
4.) the day becomes dry and hot. You have a full canteen of water (1liter) with you. You should:
A. Ration it- about a cupful a day.
B. Not drink until you stop for the night, then drink what you need.
C. Drink as much as you think you need when you need it.
We chose, A.
5.) your water is gone and you become very thirsty. You finally come to a dried up watercourse. Your best chance of finding water is to:
A. Dig anywhere in the stream bed.
B. Dig up plant and tree roots near the bank.
C. Dig in the stream bed at the outside of a bend.
We chose, B.
6.) you decide to walk out of the wild country by following a series of ravines where a water supply is available. Night incoming on. The best place to make camp is:
A. Next to the water supply in the ravine
B. High up on a ridge.
C. Midway up the slope.
We chose, A.
7.) your flashlight glows dimly as you are making your way back to camp. Your surroundings are unfamiliar. You should:
A. Head back at once keeping the light on, hoping the light will glow enough for you to make out landmarks.
B. Put the batteries under your armpits to warm them, and then replace them in your flashlight.
C. Shine your light for a few seconds, try to get the scene in mind, move out into the darkness and repeat the process.
We chose, A.
8.) an early snow confines you to your small tent. You doze with your small stove going. There is danger if the flame is:
A. Yellow
B. Blue
C. Red
We chose, A.
9. You must ford a river that has a strong current, large rocks, and some white water. After carefully selecting your crossing spot, you should:
A. Leave your boots and pack on.
B. Take your boots and pack off.
C. Take off your pack and leave your boots on.
We chose, A.
10.) in waist deep water with a strong current, when crossing the stream you should face:
A. Upstream
B. Across the stream
C. Downstream
We chose, B.
11.) you find yourself rim rocked; your only route is up. The way is mossy, slippery rock. You should try it:
A. Barefoot
B. With boots on
C. In socks
We chose, B.
12.) unarmed and unsuspecting, you surprise a large bear prowling around your campsite. As the bear rears up about 10 meters from you, you should:
A. Run
B. Climb the nearest tree.
C. Freeze, but be ready to back away slowly.
We chose, C.
CORRECT ANSWERS: a, a, c, c, c, c, b, a, a, b, c, c.
If you did better than we did, were looking for camping buddies/ wilderness survival trainers ASAP. :)
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
You better want it.
Sometimes in life you've got to fight for things. Now, I'm not trying to sound full of myself here but throughout my life things have often come fairly easy for me. If I put my mind to something, I do what I have to, and I reach my goal. This time spent at training has been hard. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this program they don't tell you much, and the things they do tell you are constantly changing. You have to be completely flexible, and always on top of your game.
Sometimes when I get stressed I have the bad habit shutting down instead of working harder, pick up small distractions and lose sight of the end goal. That's where having good friends and family come in. I have had such an amazing support group throughout this experience. From encouraging calls from my parents, to sweet messages from friends. My rock through everything though has been Texie. She and I have decided to never let doubt touch us, we speak positivity and agree to just do what we have to do to graduate training. She calls me out on the carpet when I'm not doing my best and helps me to stay on track. I seriously don't know what I would do without her here. I'm super thankful for her! PLUS SHE CRACKS ME UP.
Yesterday in class we watched the sheet go around to check our name spelling and make nickname changes for our wings. It was a small encouragement, but realizing that they were ordering our wings gave us some hope and lots of excitement. We are living for that moment when we get our wings pinned to our uniforms. We want it. Were going to get it.
Sometimes when I get stressed I have the bad habit shutting down instead of working harder, pick up small distractions and lose sight of the end goal. That's where having good friends and family come in. I have had such an amazing support group throughout this experience. From encouraging calls from my parents, to sweet messages from friends. My rock through everything though has been Texie. She and I have decided to never let doubt touch us, we speak positivity and agree to just do what we have to do to graduate training. She calls me out on the carpet when I'm not doing my best and helps me to stay on track. I seriously don't know what I would do without her here. I'm super thankful for her! PLUS SHE CRACKS ME UP.
Yesterday in class we watched the sheet go around to check our name spelling and make nickname changes for our wings. It was a small encouragement, but realizing that they were ordering our wings gave us some hope and lots of excitement. We are living for that moment when we get our wings pinned to our uniforms. We want it. Were going to get it.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
2 DOWN!!
So the "A" Team has successfully completed their first two tests! Texie, Cody and I all got 100% on our A319 & A320 schematics! We are over the moon That we have gotten the first 2 out of 9 tests done and our GPA's are all still in perfect condition!
To celebrate Texie and I decided to walk over to Chipoltle, which was supposed to be right across the street from the mcdonalds next to our hotel. An hour and a half later we were still walking. It had been a long day, and so hungry + tired = one hot mess. We finally made it to Chipoltle {no thanks to apple maps, or google, or around me app!!!} Good ol' Texie went the old fashioned way and CALLED them! Such a novel idea in todays world, no??
Luckily we made it to eat before either of us bit the others heads off! Crisis averted we enjoyed a quick bite, then called the shuttle to pick us up. No more walking for these girls! At least until we decided to hit the ellipticals for some stress relief. :)
Happy ladies! Ignore the sweat... We worked hard fir every stint drop. Hehe!
To celebrate Texie and I decided to walk over to Chipoltle, which was supposed to be right across the street from the mcdonalds next to our hotel. An hour and a half later we were still walking. It had been a long day, and so hungry + tired = one hot mess. We finally made it to Chipoltle {no thanks to apple maps, or google, or around me app!!!} Good ol' Texie went the old fashioned way and CALLED them! Such a novel idea in todays world, no??
Luckily we made it to eat before either of us bit the others heads off! Crisis averted we enjoyed a quick bite, then called the shuttle to pick us up. No more walking for these girls! At least until we decided to hit the ellipticals for some stress relief. :)
Happy ladies! Ignore the sweat... We worked hard fir every stint drop. Hehe!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Lessons in Publix.
It's been a few long days in training tonight Texie and I decided we had earned our weekly hot meal. We headed over to our usual table at Chilis and ordered 2 bowls of their enchilada soup. If anyone hasn't had this... Try it. It always hits the spot for us. And with tip our bill is $5.55... WIN.
After a quick meal and just enjoying a little silence together we headed over to CVS for some caffeine pills (essentials here in training...) and Publix for some food to stock up the hotel room.
I was so excited to see that my favorite cereal was on sale, it's the little things people! So we got some cereal and some soy milk. During check out, we were talking about how nice it will be to have some cereal for dinner, and then I realized we didn't have any spoons or bowls. The cashier had been listening to us talk to her about staying in a hotel for a month, and after she handed me my receipt, she reached down and pulled out a handful of spoons and put them in my bag, then she pointed us toward the soup bar where we could grab a few bowls to get us through the week. We thanked her profusely and she smiled and wished us a good night. Her small action (giving us some plastic spoons) completely made my night. She listened to what we were saying and did what she could to help.
I've been thinking, it's easy to forget why we serve, and it's easy to grow tough against our customers, and not allow ourselves to be truly caring and present when we interact with others. though our work may seem like something small in the grand scheme of things, (checking groceries, helping a passenger with their bag, or find their seat) it can mean a great deal to them, as tonight it meant a lot to me. Not to mention she earned a repeat customer for her store. If we all remembered to act that way, the world would be a little better place to be.
After a quick meal and just enjoying a little silence together we headed over to CVS for some caffeine pills (essentials here in training...) and Publix for some food to stock up the hotel room.
I was so excited to see that my favorite cereal was on sale, it's the little things people! So we got some cereal and some soy milk. During check out, we were talking about how nice it will be to have some cereal for dinner, and then I realized we didn't have any spoons or bowls. The cashier had been listening to us talk to her about staying in a hotel for a month, and after she handed me my receipt, she reached down and pulled out a handful of spoons and put them in my bag, then she pointed us toward the soup bar where we could grab a few bowls to get us through the week. We thanked her profusely and she smiled and wished us a good night. Her small action (giving us some plastic spoons) completely made my night. She listened to what we were saying and did what she could to help.
I've been thinking, it's easy to forget why we serve, and it's easy to grow tough against our customers, and not allow ourselves to be truly caring and present when we interact with others. though our work may seem like something small in the grand scheme of things, (checking groceries, helping a passenger with their bag, or find their seat) it can mean a great deal to them, as tonight it meant a lot to me. Not to mention she earned a repeat customer for her store. If we all remembered to act that way, the world would be a little better place to be.
Touring the Tarmac.
Yesterday was our first official day at the airport, and the first time we got to tour the different areas of our aircraft and see a bunch of the pieces we've been learning about up close. The Tarmac is a secure area, so to gain access we had to get our special badges and run 8 people through security doors in the time it should take one person to enter. We were quite a sight to see right outside the baggage claim running through the doors with our instructors saying "hurry, hurry, go, go, go!".
When we finally got outside, it was such an awesome moment. We walked out onto the Tarmac at the perfect time when the sun is about to set, and the light shining off of the planes was just beautiful. Texie and I both had such an awesome feeling out there. She leaned over to me and said, "what do you think? You feel right?" I nodded yes, and she said "I can tell, you've got a big smile on your face." I didn't realize how much that moment would mean to me. Being outside with the planes and watching the hustle and bustle of the runway, I just took it all in. I'll never forget the sun in my eyes, and the fullness in my heart. I wish I had a photo but I'll just have keep the memory in my mind.
When we finally got onto the plane we learned a bit about each station, and what tools belonged where. We enjoyed laughing with our instructors and seeing the things we will be doing in a few short weeks! I tried to just take it all in and listen, but of course I can hardly ever do anything without embarrassing myself. During our lesson on the Forward Galley, our lead instructor asked me to open one of the special overhead bins we use to stow tools, and I couldn't open it. It took two people doing it in front of me before I could do it myself... I'm blaming nerves. But really, what flight attendant can't open up an overhead bin?? Oh well surely my instructor has forgotten by now.. Right?
The coolest moment on the aircraft for me was standing in the aisle, looking out at all of the seats and practicing walking with my hands on the safety rails up top, and imagining myself doing this job and spending days in the sky. It seems small, but from wanting this for so long, in the scheme of things, it was big. It was a day that started to make all of this feel real.
After we got a tour of the cockpit we got to take a few photos before exiting the plane. So of course I'll share them with y'all here.
When we finally got outside, it was such an awesome moment. We walked out onto the Tarmac at the perfect time when the sun is about to set, and the light shining off of the planes was just beautiful. Texie and I both had such an awesome feeling out there. She leaned over to me and said, "what do you think? You feel right?" I nodded yes, and she said "I can tell, you've got a big smile on your face." I didn't realize how much that moment would mean to me. Being outside with the planes and watching the hustle and bustle of the runway, I just took it all in. I'll never forget the sun in my eyes, and the fullness in my heart. I wish I had a photo but I'll just have keep the memory in my mind.
When we finally got onto the plane we learned a bit about each station, and what tools belonged where. We enjoyed laughing with our instructors and seeing the things we will be doing in a few short weeks! I tried to just take it all in and listen, but of course I can hardly ever do anything without embarrassing myself. During our lesson on the Forward Galley, our lead instructor asked me to open one of the special overhead bins we use to stow tools, and I couldn't open it. It took two people doing it in front of me before I could do it myself... I'm blaming nerves. But really, what flight attendant can't open up an overhead bin?? Oh well surely my instructor has forgotten by now.. Right?
The coolest moment on the aircraft for me was standing in the aisle, looking out at all of the seats and practicing walking with my hands on the safety rails up top, and imagining myself doing this job and spending days in the sky. It seems small, but from wanting this for so long, in the scheme of things, it was big. It was a day that started to make all of this feel real.
After we got a tour of the cockpit we got to take a few photos before exiting the plane. So of course I'll share them with y'all here.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Night Night Termite!
My first week of training is over! So far, so good. The best part is finally learning and getting into the actual learning process. I honestly had no idea of the main job description of a flight attendant was a safety official. We have been spending a lot of time learning about the FAA and their regulations. There is so much to know. we are also learning how to use aviation lingo, and all the schematics of each of our planes. It is a lot to take in!
The days in class are extremely long, but we are so lucky to have awesome instructors and people who are passionate about this industry and excited about where our company is going. they keep us inspired and push me to get through the tough parts of training to make it to the end, so that I can wear my wings and be proud of what I've accomplished.
Part of me feels like I am part of a reality show. We all live in a "house" together and are put under high stress to see what happens. There are some definite personalities in the group, and I am doing my best to keep my head down and stay out of the drama. I'm so thankful that Texie and I see eye to eye on so much. She has been such an encouragement to me and has been keeping me sane through this process so far.
Last night when we were finally getting into bed I made the comment that i felt like we were in bootcamp, except we are judged daily on our beauty routine! Come to find out today that they call flight attendant training, Barbie Bootcamp. Haha. Makes perfect sense.
Off to study! I'll leave you with a few photo highlights from the past few days.
The days in class are extremely long, but we are so lucky to have awesome instructors and people who are passionate about this industry and excited about where our company is going. they keep us inspired and push me to get through the tough parts of training to make it to the end, so that I can wear my wings and be proud of what I've accomplished.
Part of me feels like I am part of a reality show. We all live in a "house" together and are put under high stress to see what happens. There are some definite personalities in the group, and I am doing my best to keep my head down and stay out of the drama. I'm so thankful that Texie and I see eye to eye on so much. She has been such an encouragement to me and has been keeping me sane through this process so far.
Last night when we were finally getting into bed I made the comment that i felt like we were in bootcamp, except we are judged daily on our beauty routine! Come to find out today that they call flight attendant training, Barbie Bootcamp. Haha. Makes perfect sense.
Off to study! I'll leave you with a few photo highlights from the past few days.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Tomorrow We'll Know.
Hello from Boca!
Right now all I can say is wow. I am such a blessed lady! We arrived to our hotel and it is in such a wonderful location. We have shops and fun restaurants right downstairs. The hotel is filled with lots of areas to study and enjoy the Florida weather.
My roommate Texie and I have been studying, laughing and getting to know each other. Im so glad that she is a fun, easy-going, and hilarious girl. Everything so far has been so nice. We have access to a vip lounge upstairs that feeds us breakfast and dinner time snacks everyday, so we really only have to fend for ourselves with lunch, and I've heard through the grapevine that we are the first class to have any meals provided for us at all, which I am so thankful for. Meeting all of the other trainees and being able to study together and bounce ideas and study techniques off of one another has been so great. I have learned so much so quickly being around all of these awesome people.
I am ready to get started, tomorrow is the first day of class and I'll be excited to finally talk to our instructors and know some concrete information. It's like HS all over again around here, and the rumor mill is cranking out new ideas every minute. We all say "I heard this" and "so and so said that" every 2 minutes. The scariest rumor we've heard is that both classes will be night classes, meaning we will work from 4-1am or 5-2am! Now that for this early morning barista whose bedtime is 8:30ish?? SCARY. But Texie and I have resolved to do whatever it takes to get through this. We are doing this, no matter what. We both are so excited for this opportunity and refuse to let a little thing like sleep deprivation get in our way. Tomorrow we'll know.
Here's a photo from the first day we were here before we ate at Rocco's Tacos!
Left to right:
Carol, Angel, Rhonda, me, Cody, Stephanie, Gary, Heather, & Joe.
Right now all I can say is wow. I am such a blessed lady! We arrived to our hotel and it is in such a wonderful location. We have shops and fun restaurants right downstairs. The hotel is filled with lots of areas to study and enjoy the Florida weather.
My roommate Texie and I have been studying, laughing and getting to know each other. Im so glad that she is a fun, easy-going, and hilarious girl. Everything so far has been so nice. We have access to a vip lounge upstairs that feeds us breakfast and dinner time snacks everyday, so we really only have to fend for ourselves with lunch, and I've heard through the grapevine that we are the first class to have any meals provided for us at all, which I am so thankful for. Meeting all of the other trainees and being able to study together and bounce ideas and study techniques off of one another has been so great. I have learned so much so quickly being around all of these awesome people.
I am ready to get started, tomorrow is the first day of class and I'll be excited to finally talk to our instructors and know some concrete information. It's like HS all over again around here, and the rumor mill is cranking out new ideas every minute. We all say "I heard this" and "so and so said that" every 2 minutes. The scariest rumor we've heard is that both classes will be night classes, meaning we will work from 4-1am or 5-2am! Now that for this early morning barista whose bedtime is 8:30ish?? SCARY. But Texie and I have resolved to do whatever it takes to get through this. We are doing this, no matter what. We both are so excited for this opportunity and refuse to let a little thing like sleep deprivation get in our way. Tomorrow we'll know.
Here's a photo from the first day we were here before we ate at Rocco's Tacos!
Left to right:
Carol, Angel, Rhonda, me, Cody, Stephanie, Gary, Heather, & Joe.
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