To celebrate Thanksgiving Dave and I went to Ohio. Pop, Polly, Mom, Dad, Patrick, Lydia, John, Michelle, Reganne, Uncle Don, Stephanie, her boyfriend Ryan, Aunt Jeannie, Uncle Dennis, his daughter, and her family. I think that was everyone? Gee there were a lot of us.
We flew in Tuesday (first class). Wednesday we went to the Airforce Museum so Pop could tell all of his stories to Dave and Uncle Dennis. We will be sending out the pictures in an email. If you do not receive one in the next week or so and you'd like to see the pictures please email one of us and we'll send you one. That evening we met up with Ryan and Steph to play pool with them.
Thursday morning we met Dave's relatives Barb Marriot and George Marriot. They live right down the street from Pop and Polly! Then we met the family at the Officer's Club for a Thanksgiving feast. It was super! Later that night we went with Ryan and Steph to see Harry Potter!! It was excellent! Steph and Dave said that it had some great similarities to the book however there were some differences.
It snowed a little in Ohio and my mom hit me with a snow ball! Oh and I got Dave with one. hehe (o; Reganne tried out snow for the first time and she looked soooo cute all bundled up!
Friday we flew home kind of early and made first class again. (a benefit we may not have for long)
Overall we had a wonderful Turkey Day! Also we wanted to let you know that we are very thankful for our friends and family!
Monday, November 28, 2005
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Idaho Tourism
The state legislature of Idaho has issued an official commendation of the creators of Napolean Dynamite. Apparently they are sighting them for the "increased tourism and economic growth" the movie is creating. Here are some of my favorite direct quotes from the bill:
"The Preston High School administration and staff, particularly the cafeteria staff, have enjoyed notoriety and worldwide attention"
"...tater tots figure prominently in this film, thus promoting Idaho's most famous export..."
"Uncle Rico's football skills are a testament to Idaho athletics..."
"Napoleon's bicycle and Kip's skateboard promote better air quality and carpooling as alternatives to fuel-dependent methods of transportation..."
"Pedro's efforts to bake a cake for Summer illustrate the positive connection between culinary skills to lifelong relationships..."
"Napoleon's tetherball dexterity emphasizes the importance of physical education in Idaho public schools..."
Think I'm kidding? Go check it out for yourself.
"The Preston High School administration and staff, particularly the cafeteria staff, have enjoyed notoriety and worldwide attention"
"...tater tots figure prominently in this film, thus promoting Idaho's most famous export..."
"Uncle Rico's football skills are a testament to Idaho athletics..."
"Napoleon's bicycle and Kip's skateboard promote better air quality and carpooling as alternatives to fuel-dependent methods of transportation..."
"Pedro's efforts to bake a cake for Summer illustrate the positive connection between culinary skills to lifelong relationships..."
"Napoleon's tetherball dexterity emphasizes the importance of physical education in Idaho public schools..."
Think I'm kidding? Go check it out for yourself.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Dave's Roots
This past weekend, Dave and I went to Houston on his overnight. He was able to show me his old house, High school, Randall's, and other old memories. We also got to eat lunch with Raj (his bestman / best friend from high school)
Then we went to Galveston and saw another old house of Dave's and his old school. Plus Dave was noticing things that had changed there... like a huge building that isn't there anymore right on the seawall.
After all that we met up with Angie (my friend from Baylor) and her boyfriend Matt at Bennigans. We needed to catch up. I miss Angie!
Overall it was a great trip! Gosh Texas is hot!! It was nice to see "home" again.(o;
Then we went to Galveston and saw another old house of Dave's and his old school. Plus Dave was noticing things that had changed there... like a huge building that isn't there anymore right on the seawall.
After all that we met up with Angie (my friend from Baylor) and her boyfriend Matt at Bennigans. We needed to catch up. I miss Angie!
Overall it was a great trip! Gosh Texas is hot!! It was nice to see "home" again.(o;
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Allison vs. 50 Cent
Get Rich or Die Tryin'. Hmmm. For those of you familiar with pop culture, you are also likely familiar with the rap artist, "50 Cent." That's 50 CENT singular, not plural. Even though there are multiple cents involved once you go over 1 cent, he chooses not to use proper English.
Recently, this entrepreneur has taken the obvious next step in a "music" career that many "musicians" do: Movies! Yes, that's right folks, it's the long-awaited 50-Cent film, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. What is this movie about? From what I understand, it's basically his true life story about doing whatever it takes to "make that paper" so you can have fancy cars, big houses and lots of bling-bling. Whatever it takes involves lots of wonderful selfish criminal acts with no regard for anyone but me Me ME!
In addition to a new movie, he also has a new video game coming out called, "50-Cent: Bulletproof." The cover features a computerized version of 50-Cent's mug looking all sinister and intimidating. The goal of the game is to use your gang of followers to kill as many people as possible in order to gain power, respect and most-importantly, CASH baby! Target even has a sweepstakes where you can win the new game and a bunch of gansta loot, including my favorite item, a life-sized cutout of 50-Cent himself. I'm peeing my pants I'm so excited! Oh and don't forget the bling. It literally says that. Go look at the website.
Who is going to see this movie/buy this game? More importantly, what kind of message does all this crap send? And who really teaches our (proverbial) kids this days? Is it Allison and the under-appreciated group of teachers that have to put up with kids who's parents send them to school after letting them be exposed to this sort of junk, therefore undermining any concept of morals and respect that kids should have? Or is it 50-Cent and his G-Unit?
You decide.
In a recent interview, 50-Cent was asked if he was planning on continuing with a movie career or sticking to music. "It's a big thing making a jump to movies, but I took a HUGE PAY CUT to do this film. Let's say I had an album that sold 6.5 million units. If I had been touring for three months, I probably would've made maybe $15 million. That's likely more than I'll make for this." Man, that must suck, huh? Less than 15 million in 3 months. Life can be rough sometimes but you just have to keep that chin up.
How much does Allison make?
I rest my case.
Recently, this entrepreneur has taken the obvious next step in a "music" career that many "musicians" do: Movies! Yes, that's right folks, it's the long-awaited 50-Cent film, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. What is this movie about? From what I understand, it's basically his true life story about doing whatever it takes to "make that paper" so you can have fancy cars, big houses and lots of bling-bling. Whatever it takes involves lots of wonderful selfish criminal acts with no regard for anyone but me Me ME!
In addition to a new movie, he also has a new video game coming out called, "50-Cent: Bulletproof." The cover features a computerized version of 50-Cent's mug looking all sinister and intimidating. The goal of the game is to use your gang of followers to kill as many people as possible in order to gain power, respect and most-importantly, CASH baby! Target even has a sweepstakes where you can win the new game and a bunch of gansta loot, including my favorite item, a life-sized cutout of 50-Cent himself. I'm peeing my pants I'm so excited! Oh and don't forget the bling. It literally says that. Go look at the website.
Who is going to see this movie/buy this game? More importantly, what kind of message does all this crap send? And who really teaches our (proverbial) kids this days? Is it Allison and the under-appreciated group of teachers that have to put up with kids who's parents send them to school after letting them be exposed to this sort of junk, therefore undermining any concept of morals and respect that kids should have? Or is it 50-Cent and his G-Unit?
You decide.
In a recent interview, 50-Cent was asked if he was planning on continuing with a movie career or sticking to music. "It's a big thing making a jump to movies, but I took a HUGE PAY CUT to do this film. Let's say I had an album that sold 6.5 million units. If I had been touring for three months, I probably would've made maybe $15 million. That's likely more than I'll make for this." Man, that must suck, huh? Less than 15 million in 3 months. Life can be rough sometimes but you just have to keep that chin up.
How much does Allison make?
I rest my case.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Halloween weekend
Dave and I went to Murphy's restaurant in Virgina Highlands for (My twin friends from Texas that live in GA too) Mel and David Veatch's birthday celebration. It was a fun time to eat and chat while being all dressed up.
Mel was in a bright orange wig with a flashing pumpkin necklace and a crazy/glittered orange mask. I told her she was the spirit of Halloween. Her boyfriend Danny was Tom Cruise from Top Gun. Mel said she was Katie Holmes dressed up for Halloween. (o;
Dave was dressed up like a cowboy wearing a HUGE belt buckle. (It was really our Texas Trivet) Very creative and funny! I was a pirate with jingly coins on my boots.
David Veatch was a priest with a walking stick. The food was great and the conversations were much needed. This was the first time in awhile we have all been able to hang out. Happy 25th Birthday Mel and David! Happy Halloween everyone!
Mel was in a bright orange wig with a flashing pumpkin necklace and a crazy/glittered orange mask. I told her she was the spirit of Halloween. Her boyfriend Danny was Tom Cruise from Top Gun. Mel said she was Katie Holmes dressed up for Halloween. (o;
Dave was dressed up like a cowboy wearing a HUGE belt buckle. (It was really our Texas Trivet) Very creative and funny! I was a pirate with jingly coins on my boots.
David Veatch was a priest with a walking stick. The food was great and the conversations were much needed. This was the first time in awhile we have all been able to hang out. Happy 25th Birthday Mel and David! Happy Halloween everyone!
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Wedding things are getting wrapped up.
We have worked hard to finish Thank you notes but, we appogize about the last few that took so long to complete. Finally... a few weeks ago we finished our last documented thank you note! Yeah!!!! (all you married people know what I'm talking about)
Plus we were able to take the (traffic filled - weekend construction issues on I-20) trip to downtown ATL to get some final William Sonoma and Crate and Barrel gifts. Thank you for the gift cards!! We enjoyed searching out things we really wanted and didn't get. Plus we got some fun random things like little funky cheese knives from Pottery Barn. (o:
** Did you know that Crate and Barrel gift cards can be used at Pottery Barn? Well they can! **
The only other wedding thing that I'm not sure will ever get wrapped up (until we move) is that the apartment kitchen just doesn't fit some of these wonderful appliances that we have! So we are finding that this second room/closet is great for storing things! Everyone who said, "You'll need a lot of room" you were right!
Plus we were able to take the (traffic filled - weekend construction issues on I-20) trip to downtown ATL to get some final William Sonoma and Crate and Barrel gifts. Thank you for the gift cards!! We enjoyed searching out things we really wanted and didn't get. Plus we got some fun random things like little funky cheese knives from Pottery Barn. (o:
** Did you know that Crate and Barrel gift cards can be used at Pottery Barn? Well they can! **
The only other wedding thing that I'm not sure will ever get wrapped up (until we move) is that the apartment kitchen just doesn't fit some of these wonderful appliances that we have! So we are finding that this second room/closet is great for storing things! Everyone who said, "You'll need a lot of room" you were right!
Monday, October 03, 2005
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Wedding Pictures!
Our wedding pictures are now posted on our photographer's website.
Madden Photography Click on the "wedding" link and then scroll down to click on the picture of us. (:
Madden Photography Click on the "wedding" link and then scroll down to click on the picture of us. (:
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Spam in New York, New York
We received tickets to Spamalot as a wedding present from Dave's sister Ellen. It was a hilarious comedy that was full of satire and crazy songs. It was mostly a take off of Monty Python and the Holy Grail and there were other bits of Life with Brian. We thoroughly enjoyed the show and the sites of NY. I had never been to New York and Dave used to live there when he was young, so he was an awesome tour guide that showed me most of the major sites there.
Just to tell you a few things we did; we rode many subway trains, saw Time Square from a revolving resturant, walked around Time Square, ate a NY hotdog, ate NY pizza, ate a NY pretzel, ate at Cafe Lalo (famous cafe on "You've Got Mail"), I fed some pigeons, we went to the top of the Empire State Building, visited Ground Zero, saw the Statue of Liberty, saw Governer's Island (Dave's old home), saw Rockefeller Center, Saw Radio City Music Hall, saw the Booklyn Bridge, and walked most of Central Park. We should have some pictures posted soon!
Just to tell you a few things we did; we rode many subway trains, saw Time Square from a revolving resturant, walked around Time Square, ate a NY hotdog, ate NY pizza, ate a NY pretzel, ate at Cafe Lalo (famous cafe on "You've Got Mail"), I fed some pigeons, we went to the top of the Empire State Building, visited Ground Zero, saw the Statue of Liberty, saw Governer's Island (Dave's old home), saw Rockefeller Center, Saw Radio City Music Hall, saw the Booklyn Bridge, and walked most of Central Park. We should have some pictures posted soon!
Monday, August 22, 2005
Small Australian Business
This is an interview with a lady that I met in Australia. Her daughter Shari and I still communicate through email. (o: You'll love the accents!
http://www.radio4smallbusiness.com.au/business_in_action.html#JennieCowdell It takes a little while to load.
http://www.lavenderhillfarm.com.au/ Here is the small business website too.
http://www.radio4smallbusiness.com.au/business_in_action.html#JennieCowdell It takes a little while to load.
http://www.lavenderhillfarm.com.au/ Here is the small business website too.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Delta Sells ASA to Skywest, Inc.
In a tentative deal, Delta sold my company, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, to Skywest, Inc of St. George, Utah yesterday. The deal isn't supposed to be finalized until sometime in September.
What does this mean for me and, more importantly, Allison and I? Well, really, nothing. It is simply a transfer of ownership of our primary stockholder from Delta to Skywest, Inc. ASA and Skywest airlines will still operate as separate Delta Connection carriers, us out of Atlanta, them out of Salt Lake City. They also fly as United Express and there are no plans for ASA to do the same right now. The agreement calls for another 15 years of Delta Connection service from both ASA and Skywest.
Why did Delta do this? Delta is trying to improve their liquidity to avoid chapter 11 bankruptcy and does not need to own us outright in order to take advantage of our much-needed regional service. With that said, there is speculation that they will also sell Cincinnati-based Comair, the other Delta Connection carrier wholly-owned by Delta.
Therefore, my job is secure and ASA's Atlanta operations won't see any major changes any time soon. Skywest and ASA are planning on looking at the strengths and weakness of both companies in order to grow together as the largest Delta Connection carrier while remaining independent of each other from an employment and operation standpoint.
What does this mean for me and, more importantly, Allison and I? Well, really, nothing. It is simply a transfer of ownership of our primary stockholder from Delta to Skywest, Inc. ASA and Skywest airlines will still operate as separate Delta Connection carriers, us out of Atlanta, them out of Salt Lake City. They also fly as United Express and there are no plans for ASA to do the same right now. The agreement calls for another 15 years of Delta Connection service from both ASA and Skywest.
Why did Delta do this? Delta is trying to improve their liquidity to avoid chapter 11 bankruptcy and does not need to own us outright in order to take advantage of our much-needed regional service. With that said, there is speculation that they will also sell Cincinnati-based Comair, the other Delta Connection carrier wholly-owned by Delta.
Therefore, my job is secure and ASA's Atlanta operations won't see any major changes any time soon. Skywest and ASA are planning on looking at the strengths and weakness of both companies in order to grow together as the largest Delta Connection carrier while remaining independent of each other from an employment and operation standpoint.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Allison's job change!
Okay as if there wasn't enough change in my life already... I'm not going to be teaching fourth grade anymore. There is a "shortage of kids." So I'll be teaching first instead!! I've started moving somethings over to my new room and the special ed. teacher is moving her things into my room.
So I have a job still and I'm at the same school... but I'll be teaching different children (about 3 grade levels lower) I'll have a new schedule for lunch/recess/specials and on a different team. The team will be good because they are very organized and helpful (so I've heard) but I'll miss my old team. :( I was just becoming great friends with Joi Dix (another new 4th grade teacher to Beulah.)
Anyway please keep me in your prayers... I'll be moving and setting up Saturday and most of the week this week!
So I have a job still and I'm at the same school... but I'll be teaching different children (about 3 grade levels lower) I'll have a new schedule for lunch/recess/specials and on a different team. The team will be good because they are very organized and helpful (so I've heard) but I'll miss my old team. :( I was just becoming great friends with Joi Dix (another new 4th grade teacher to Beulah.)
Anyway please keep me in your prayers... I'll be moving and setting up Saturday and most of the week this week!
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Friday, July 29, 2005
The Wedding from Our Side
Thursday morning Dave arrived. I ran off to get a facial and later we all ate dinner at mom and dad's house.
Friday morning the girls went to get their nails done at my favorite nail salon. Then everyone arrived at the church to help decorate. After that we all met up for the rehearsal. We had a few run troughs and Dad did a trombone solo. Next we went to the rehearsal dinner at La Casa. It's one of our favorite restaurants and they really dressed up the place for us. I was excited because of all the gerbera daisies decorating everything. To end the night Dave and the guys went out and the girls came over to my parents house to have a little shower and munchies.
Saturday morning the girls went to get their hair done at my hair place where I grew up getting my hair done. Then we went to Main Street Bread Baking Co. On Grapevine Main Street for a Bridesmaid's luncheon that my aunt Linda hosted. It was perfect to help us relax and eat some fabulous food. Dave didn't have to get his hair done or have a luncheon so I heard that he really wanted to speed up time and start the wedding.
Then we started taking some pictures separately in the sanctuary. The wedding began and we didn't get to hear the beautiful prelude music. The wedding was beautiful and meaningful for us. We were nervous about being in front of all the people however it wasn't as bad when we were standing up there. After we were announced Dave was tugging me down at mach 3 like he was flying a CRJ. Next was a picture craziness and then we went to the reception. The fellowship hall was absolutely stunning!
We flew through the cake cutting and had a few bites to eat. We mingled with a few guests and went out to the hallway for the garter and bouquet (: My counsin, Steph, caught the bouquet and Dave's friend Bryan caught the garter. We ran out through the bubbles and jumped into the limo.
The honeymoon night (that was a secret to me) was at the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Las Colinas. It had a gorgeous view of downtown Dallas and Reunion Tower where Dave proposed to me. Another awesome thing about it was when we walked around the lobby there was hardly anyone there. So we requested a song from the pianist and were able to dance our first dance as man and wife.
It was a perfect wedding for us. Thank you to everyone involved with it!!
PS. We'll let you know as soon as our pictures are posted online.
Friday morning the girls went to get their nails done at my favorite nail salon. Then everyone arrived at the church to help decorate. After that we all met up for the rehearsal. We had a few run troughs and Dad did a trombone solo. Next we went to the rehearsal dinner at La Casa. It's one of our favorite restaurants and they really dressed up the place for us. I was excited because of all the gerbera daisies decorating everything. To end the night Dave and the guys went out and the girls came over to my parents house to have a little shower and munchies.
Saturday morning the girls went to get their hair done at my hair place where I grew up getting my hair done. Then we went to Main Street Bread Baking Co. On Grapevine Main Street for a Bridesmaid's luncheon that my aunt Linda hosted. It was perfect to help us relax and eat some fabulous food. Dave didn't have to get his hair done or have a luncheon so I heard that he really wanted to speed up time and start the wedding.
Then we started taking some pictures separately in the sanctuary. The wedding began and we didn't get to hear the beautiful prelude music. The wedding was beautiful and meaningful for us. We were nervous about being in front of all the people however it wasn't as bad when we were standing up there. After we were announced Dave was tugging me down at mach 3 like he was flying a CRJ. Next was a picture craziness and then we went to the reception. The fellowship hall was absolutely stunning!
We flew through the cake cutting and had a few bites to eat. We mingled with a few guests and went out to the hallway for the garter and bouquet (: My counsin, Steph, caught the bouquet and Dave's friend Bryan caught the garter. We ran out through the bubbles and jumped into the limo.
The honeymoon night (that was a secret to me) was at the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Las Colinas. It had a gorgeous view of downtown Dallas and Reunion Tower where Dave proposed to me. Another awesome thing about it was when we walked around the lobby there was hardly anyone there. So we requested a song from the pianist and were able to dance our first dance as man and wife.
It was a perfect wedding for us. Thank you to everyone involved with it!!
PS. We'll let you know as soon as our pictures are posted online.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
We're MARRIED!
It finally happened!
Now we can breathe and actually enjoy our lives.
:-)
More to come later. Like pictures. Especially pictures.
Now we can breathe and actually enjoy our lives.
:-)
More to come later. Like pictures. Especially pictures.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Welcome to Douglasville!
Allison and I recently acquired new digs in Douglasville, GA, where she will soon be teaching 4th grade. I know there is another post further down in which Allison explains all this. Sorry for the repetition.
Anyway, she and her brother Patrick headed out on July 2nd from Dallas in a big Uhaul truck dragging Allison's Honda behind it on a trailer. They got here in the afternoon the next day and we unloaded the following morning. I arrived fashionably late as I had to fly the previous night and got off work at about 8am on the 4th. Just in time for all the big heavy stuff!
Click here for documentation provided by Patrick and Lydia's camera with Lydia behind the shutter.
Anyway, she and her brother Patrick headed out on July 2nd from Dallas in a big Uhaul truck dragging Allison's Honda behind it on a trailer. They got here in the afternoon the next day and we unloaded the following morning. I arrived fashionably late as I had to fly the previous night and got off work at about 8am on the 4th. Just in time for all the big heavy stuff!
Click here for documentation provided by Patrick and Lydia's camera with Lydia behind the shutter.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Simile or Metaphor?
Reading funny books while riding on airplanes can cause people to give you funny looks. A book I read recently, Fluke, by Christopher Moore, caused me to do this, well, pretty much the whole time I spent reading the book, which was about 3 flight legs between Atlanta and Dallas. I have my system, iPod and book. Excellent system. Especially when I'm stuck in a center seat which has been my luck for the last several trips to Dallas. All of the horrors of fat arms invading my arm rest just fade away. :-)
Anyway, here's a tiny tidbit that caused me to draw attention to myself. Probably the best simile I've ever seen, or at least it seemed at the time. I nearly spit Coke everywhere and I was in pilot uniform.
"Kona and Clay were standing to the side, following her movement like dogs watching meatball tennis."
Picture the event and you'll laugh just like I did.
Anyway, here's a tiny tidbit that caused me to draw attention to myself. Probably the best simile I've ever seen, or at least it seemed at the time. I nearly spit Coke everywhere and I was in pilot uniform.
"Kona and Clay were standing to the side, following her movement like dogs watching meatball tennis."
Picture the event and you'll laugh just like I did.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Shower, Reganne's Birthday, and Moving...
That is the summary of my June and start of July.
This weekend is Reganne's 1st birthday celebration. (o: I hope we get a great picture with cake on her face!
Also I have my second shower on Sunday. Lydia did an awesome job on the invitations. They have gerbera daisies on them! (my favorite) I can't wait to see who comes and what wonderful things Dave and I will get.
Then there is the MOVE to Georgia. Patrick is being so wonderful and flying in to help pack, drive, and unload my things to GA. It's a loooong drive but he and I plan on taking turns. Plus we may make a sleep stop on the way.
Dave has been flying a real line schedule (where he flies with the same crew all month.) He really likes his crew and has enjoyed knowing exactly where and when he needs to be somewhere. Except of course when things are delayed because of maintenance issues or other things.
I'm excited about the move, new job, and the wedding! I can't wait! (o:
This weekend is Reganne's 1st birthday celebration. (o: I hope we get a great picture with cake on her face!
Also I have my second shower on Sunday. Lydia did an awesome job on the invitations. They have gerbera daisies on them! (my favorite) I can't wait to see who comes and what wonderful things Dave and I will get.
Then there is the MOVE to Georgia. Patrick is being so wonderful and flying in to help pack, drive, and unload my things to GA. It's a loooong drive but he and I plan on taking turns. Plus we may make a sleep stop on the way.
Dave has been flying a real line schedule (where he flies with the same crew all month.) He really likes his crew and has enjoyed knowing exactly where and when he needs to be somewhere. Except of course when things are delayed because of maintenance issues or other things.
I'm excited about the move, new job, and the wedding! I can't wait! (o:
Friday, June 03, 2005
Allison Goes to Georgia and comes back smiling...
Yey! I got a job teaching fourth grade in Douglasville, GA at Beulah Elementary!!!! It seems I have an awesome principal (like I've had in the past) and a great new school home.
We are going to be living in Arbor Vista aparments!
Now we can check off two things on our list of stress!!
:-)
We are going to be living in Arbor Vista aparments!
Now we can check off two things on our list of stress!!
:-)
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Cookies & Cream
Such a healthy breakfast. Blue Bell Ice Cream. I'm thinking of pioneering the ice cream/pizza diet. Oh wait. That already exists. Add beer to that list and you have the College Diet. Oh well.
I've been busy lately. I've been home to my own apartment for about 12 hours in the last week or so. Maybe even longer. I'm not quite sure. Between work, the conference with Allison and more work, I literally spend all my time in airplanes. Not that I'm complaining, it's just amazing how much your life can change.
I could make a really long entry and tell you details about all the excitement but instead, I'll relate one particular trip I did in the last several weeks that was fairly memorable:
It's May 2005, Friday the 13th. I wander into operations around 6:45pm to duty in for work. My trip tonight is one leg to Naples, the Beverly Hills of southwest Florida. I look at the screens and see that the aircraft has arrived and I'm going to have to make the haul over to D concourse from C, where I am now.
After powering up the plane and doing my walk around inspection, the rest of my crew arrives. I quickly learn that the Captain and flight attendant are romantically involved. I also learn they are planning to rent a car once we get to Naples so they can go get pizza at this local Chicago-style place right on the beach. Apparently the Captain is originally from Chicago and his parents now reside in Naples which is why he knows the area.
After landing, the Captain jumps off the airplane, even before the passengers, to go procure us a car. He says the pizza joint stops making pizzas after like 9:30pm or something so it's in his interest to hurry. After everyone is off, we do our normal securing of the aircraft, change clothes, and jump into our blazingly sleek grayish Ford Focus. I just love the pleasantness of riding in the back seat of a car while 2 smokers puff away in the front seat.
The pizza is outstanding. And the walk on the beach under a full moon afterwards is equally incredible. All except for the fact that I am the 3rd wheel. "Where is Allison?!?!" One day soon she'll be able to come along.
The next day, they go out and do their thing while I sit in the Hampton Inn. Those are my favorite, by the way. If you are in the market for a hotel stay, I highly recommend Hampton. Around lunch time, the Captain calls me and asks what I'm up to. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing," I reply. "That sucks! Wanna go with us to Vanderbilt beach for lunch?" How could I say no?
Picture this: Warm sunny skies, outdoor patio-style restaurant, broken-shell-infested white Florida sand 10 feet away, key lime pie, lemonade and most of all, overly-tan 50-somethings who really shouldn't be wearing what they're wearing. After lunch, we decide to splash around in the Gulf of M and enjoy the water. Follow that by about 10 minutes of natural drying by the big orange star in the sky.
Now it's back to the hotel, shower, pack, dress and head to the airport. It's 4:30pm and I'm back on the airplane. Load up, punch out and it's back to Atlanta to wake up tomorrow and do it all over again some where else.
I've been busy lately. I've been home to my own apartment for about 12 hours in the last week or so. Maybe even longer. I'm not quite sure. Between work, the conference with Allison and more work, I literally spend all my time in airplanes. Not that I'm complaining, it's just amazing how much your life can change.
I could make a really long entry and tell you details about all the excitement but instead, I'll relate one particular trip I did in the last several weeks that was fairly memorable:
It's May 2005, Friday the 13th. I wander into operations around 6:45pm to duty in for work. My trip tonight is one leg to Naples, the Beverly Hills of southwest Florida. I look at the screens and see that the aircraft has arrived and I'm going to have to make the haul over to D concourse from C, where I am now.
After powering up the plane and doing my walk around inspection, the rest of my crew arrives. I quickly learn that the Captain and flight attendant are romantically involved. I also learn they are planning to rent a car once we get to Naples so they can go get pizza at this local Chicago-style place right on the beach. Apparently the Captain is originally from Chicago and his parents now reside in Naples which is why he knows the area.
After landing, the Captain jumps off the airplane, even before the passengers, to go procure us a car. He says the pizza joint stops making pizzas after like 9:30pm or something so it's in his interest to hurry. After everyone is off, we do our normal securing of the aircraft, change clothes, and jump into our blazingly sleek grayish Ford Focus. I just love the pleasantness of riding in the back seat of a car while 2 smokers puff away in the front seat.
The pizza is outstanding. And the walk on the beach under a full moon afterwards is equally incredible. All except for the fact that I am the 3rd wheel. "Where is Allison?!?!" One day soon she'll be able to come along.
The next day, they go out and do their thing while I sit in the Hampton Inn. Those are my favorite, by the way. If you are in the market for a hotel stay, I highly recommend Hampton. Around lunch time, the Captain calls me and asks what I'm up to. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing," I reply. "That sucks! Wanna go with us to Vanderbilt beach for lunch?" How could I say no?
Picture this: Warm sunny skies, outdoor patio-style restaurant, broken-shell-infested white Florida sand 10 feet away, key lime pie, lemonade and most of all, overly-tan 50-somethings who really shouldn't be wearing what they're wearing. After lunch, we decide to splash around in the Gulf of M and enjoy the water. Follow that by about 10 minutes of natural drying by the big orange star in the sky.
Now it's back to the hotel, shower, pack, dress and head to the airport. It's 4:30pm and I'm back on the airplane. Load up, punch out and it's back to Atlanta to wake up tomorrow and do it all over again some where else.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Two Weeks Left of School
My class had Field Trip to the Zoo last week, a Spelling Bee, and we are working on plays. The plays I'm directing will be May 19th - Little Red Riding Hood and then on May 25th - Little Red Hen. As for the remaining weeks: Friday the 20th is Field Day however I have Jury Duty. (fun,fun) Mom has jury duty that day too, so we are going to get to sit around together to find out if we are picked or not. :-P
This coming Sunday is the first shower. This one is for most of my co-workers from last year and my mom's friends. Monday is my school's shower for us. I heard there will be cake! hehe. At the end of school I'll be doing a lot of moving and boxing up my school stuff. It will be interesting how we will get all this STUFF from my school to my parent's house without a truck. I might be asking a friend for some help.
After May it's less then TWO MONTHS till the BIG DAY! (o: I can't wait!
This coming Sunday is the first shower. This one is for most of my co-workers from last year and my mom's friends. Monday is my school's shower for us. I heard there will be cake! hehe. At the end of school I'll be doing a lot of moving and boxing up my school stuff. It will be interesting how we will get all this STUFF from my school to my parent's house without a truck. I might be asking a friend for some help.
After May it's less then TWO MONTHS till the BIG DAY! (o: I can't wait!
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Wedding update
Well the invitations have been ordered and to my mom and my surprise they will be here in about 10 days! That will be nice because it will give us plenty of time to procrastinate addressing them.
I'm talking to the florist Tuesday and looking at the engagement pictures the following Tuesday. (He's hard to schedule with so I just decided to plan a day for me to see them and look for another date where Dave can see them too) That way if they are all icky pictures then we can re-take them soon. Hopefully they will be wonderful like we think they will be.
Other then that... the wedding rings are picked out. Now all we have to do is find a good place to buy them for a good price. :-P
The first shower seems to be well planned by my mom, and many of my mom's friends. By the way Dave and I are fully registered at William-Sanoma, Dillards, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Target (although I'm sure there are more things we would love to have). We are excited about all the items we have registered for but since I'll be moving from Texas to Georgia it means that hauling MORE STUFF will be interesting... so if you are sitting there thinking to yourself.... "gee I want to get Dave and Allison something GREAT"... just know that a gift card would be PERFECT. All gifts are welcome but, cards are much smaller and lighter to move to another state. (o;
That's all for now folks.
I'm talking to the florist Tuesday and looking at the engagement pictures the following Tuesday. (He's hard to schedule with so I just decided to plan a day for me to see them and look for another date where Dave can see them too) That way if they are all icky pictures then we can re-take them soon. Hopefully they will be wonderful like we think they will be.
Other then that... the wedding rings are picked out. Now all we have to do is find a good place to buy them for a good price. :-P
The first shower seems to be well planned by my mom, and many of my mom's friends. By the way Dave and I are fully registered at William-Sanoma, Dillards, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Target (although I'm sure there are more things we would love to have). We are excited about all the items we have registered for but since I'll be moving from Texas to Georgia it means that hauling MORE STUFF will be interesting... so if you are sitting there thinking to yourself.... "gee I want to get Dave and Allison something GREAT"... just know that a gift card would be PERFECT. All gifts are welcome but, cards are much smaller and lighter to move to another state. (o;
That's all for now folks.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
iPod photo & CRJ's
I recently made the decision to purchase an iPod photo through my sister's Mac hook-up. And now I'm in "sit-in-front-of-the-computer-for-hours-playing" world. These little boxes are amazing. I have yet to mess with my photos. There will be plenty of time for that later. But isn't it cool to think I can carry ALL my digital and scanned photos AND music with me WHEREVER I go?!? I thought so. I opted for the A/V cable as well so I can connect it to a TV to show pictures a little bigger.
Also, my dad stopped through Atlanta a couple days ago on his way to Ft. Lauderdale for work. I had a flight that night so I went in to work early to keep him company at ATL. Well, with a little luck, I was able to get him onto a CRJ so he could see my office finally. It was quite ironic because the aircraft we happened to tour was N876AS, the FIRST CRJ I ever flew back in Nov. '04. Cool! So enjoy the photos below. Comments are always appreciated. :-)
Also, my dad stopped through Atlanta a couple days ago on his way to Ft. Lauderdale for work. I had a flight that night so I went in to work early to keep him company at ATL. Well, with a little luck, I was able to get him onto a CRJ so he could see my office finally. It was quite ironic because the aircraft we happened to tour was N876AS, the FIRST CRJ I ever flew back in Nov. '04. Cool! So enjoy the photos below. Comments are always appreciated. :-)
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
I am POSTING! - A Super Sized Post
So I haven't really posted much. Dave has more opportunity to blog then I do since he gets stuck in hotels often. (Well that is my excuse anyway)
Dave and I watched "Super Size Me" and holy cow I will never eat fast food again! Okay well that is an over statement but, after watching that movie... I dunno. Dave was avoiding fast food after watching this and I agree with him. The movie really brings the reality of the fast food JUNK that we put in our bodies. It's amazing how terrible the guy's health was after 30 days of McDonalds. WOW it was crazy! Heart, liver, energy issues, and depression.
I couldn't believe it... if you are still regularly eating fast food, check this movie out and tell me what you think after watching it.
Dave and I watched "Super Size Me" and holy cow I will never eat fast food again! Okay well that is an over statement but, after watching that movie... I dunno. Dave was avoiding fast food after watching this and I agree with him. The movie really brings the reality of the fast food JUNK that we put in our bodies. It's amazing how terrible the guy's health was after 30 days of McDonalds. WOW it was crazy! Heart, liver, energy issues, and depression.
I couldn't believe it... if you are still regularly eating fast food, check this movie out and tell me what you think after watching it.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Continental vs. Delta
Since it's late, I'm going to keep this short. My body still thinks it's 9:50pm due to being in LA for 4 days but I'm tired none the less. Quick recap: I went to LA on Friday morning after getting back from Charleston, WV at about 0715. Got first class out there, arriving around noon LA time. Allison joined me later that day around 9pm or so, via Salt Lake due to Delta's unfortunate closure of Dallas. Have to go through SLC, CVG or ATL if you want to get anywhere else on Delta out of DFW.
Flights were so bad for Allison to get home on Sunday via buddy pass that she didn't even make it. Problem was getting her to SLC. Once she got there (in theory), the flights looked fine to DFW. But it wasn't meant to be. We ended up using my mom's frequent flier miles on Continental Monday morning, sending her back via Houston to Dallas. I think maybe Denver's awful snow might have had something to do with it. Who knows.
Either way, we had a good weekend of adventure. Saturday we drove north out of LA toward Owens Valley and Lone Pine, CA. It's up along highway 395 south of Mammoth and Yosemite if you're looking at a map. Gorgeous country. I mentioned it here in a recent previous entry, as you may recall. We did some hiking and enjoyed the majesty of it all. Very nice. Sunday morning we went sailing with my dad on one of his club's 26.5' Hunter sailboats. Not a ton of wind but enough to make it enjoyable as we went uh-crashing through the 3-4 foot ocean swell. Then we headed for the airport and hung around for almost 4 hours because we both just love sitting in airports for no reason. At least we had each other to keep, uh, each other company.
Okay, I'm tired now. I'd write more about it but those who read this will probably hear more details from each of us individually anyway. So I leave you with a few photos to enjoy. Click on them to make them bigger n stuff. Uh huh huhuhuh.
Flights were so bad for Allison to get home on Sunday via buddy pass that she didn't even make it. Problem was getting her to SLC. Once she got there (in theory), the flights looked fine to DFW. But it wasn't meant to be. We ended up using my mom's frequent flier miles on Continental Monday morning, sending her back via Houston to Dallas. I think maybe Denver's awful snow might have had something to do with it. Who knows.
Either way, we had a good weekend of adventure. Saturday we drove north out of LA toward Owens Valley and Lone Pine, CA. It's up along highway 395 south of Mammoth and Yosemite if you're looking at a map. Gorgeous country. I mentioned it here in a recent previous entry, as you may recall. We did some hiking and enjoyed the majesty of it all. Very nice. Sunday morning we went sailing with my dad on one of his club's 26.5' Hunter sailboats. Not a ton of wind but enough to make it enjoyable as we went uh-crashing through the 3-4 foot ocean swell. Then we headed for the airport and hung around for almost 4 hours because we both just love sitting in airports for no reason. At least we had each other to keep, uh, each other company.
Okay, I'm tired now. I'd write more about it but those who read this will probably hear more details from each of us individually anyway. So I leave you with a few photos to enjoy. Click on them to make them bigger n stuff. Uh huh huhuhuh.
Allison in front of the CLOSED Frosty Chalet in Lone Pine, CA. Where have you readers seen a similar photo before? Hmmmm...
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Charley West
Everyone feel free to celebrate in my honor after you read this as I made my 100th landing in the CRJ today in Charleston, West Virginia!! I'm excited! And yes, it was a good landing. ;-)
We even had 4 old folks, one who was 88 and needed our assistance off the plane, who commented on the good flight. It's always nice to see/hear that people leave with a smile on their face. One of the people with her asked me, "How'd you like landing on our postage stamp of an airport?" It's a bit mountainous here so needless to say, they have a lack of flat land required for a long, hub-style runway. But it makes it more of a challenge and thence, more satisfying when everything goes well.
We even had 4 old folks, one who was 88 and needed our assistance off the plane, who commented on the good flight. It's always nice to see/hear that people leave with a smile on their face. One of the people with her asked me, "How'd you like landing on our postage stamp of an airport?" It's a bit mountainous here so needless to say, they have a lack of flat land required for a long, hub-style runway. But it makes it more of a challenge and thence, more satisfying when everything goes well.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
How Many Bars Do YOU Have?
2? 4? Even perhaps 5? Does Cingular actually think they'll get more customers because their new AT&T/Cingular juggernaut offers 5 bars instead of 4? What difference does it make whether you have 4 or 5? It's a full signal, either way. Does it really make a difference? I'd think it's simply the way the phone presents the data. But the common man will be retarded as usual and see it as, "Oooo, this phone has FIVE bars so that HAS to be better!" More is better, right?
We seem to be living in a society that is defined by cell phones. Remember like 6 or 7 years ago when you didn't have one? HOW DID YOU FUNCTION?!?! I remember I was against them. Everyone around me was getting them. And I hated how people were connected to the damn things. But I was eventually swayed while working at Best Buy where I could get an "amazing deal" through Sprint because I was an employee. At the time, it was an amazing offer. Piddly by today's standard. And then I was hooked.
I guess it really gets to me when I walk through a mall or somewhere where teenagers are and they ALL have a cell phone. Family plan! Talk for free! I'm 25 and I'm already saying "back in my day...." Is that wrong? I mean, I welcome change and new innovation, but cell phones are the epitome of rudeness. I HATE being forced to listen to another's conversation. It's an invasion of privacy. Besides, when I'm on the phone, as those of you know who've talked with me on my cell phone before, I try to be as quiet as possible.
Don't get me wrong, I welcome the convenience afforded through cell phones. It's come in handy many times. But I also think a line needs to be drawn. There should be an etiquette book that comes along with every new service plan. Or maybe even phones that shock you if you speak above a certain decibel level if the phone senses other people around. Just a thought.
We seem to be living in a society that is defined by cell phones. Remember like 6 or 7 years ago when you didn't have one? HOW DID YOU FUNCTION?!?! I remember I was against them. Everyone around me was getting them. And I hated how people were connected to the damn things. But I was eventually swayed while working at Best Buy where I could get an "amazing deal" through Sprint because I was an employee. At the time, it was an amazing offer. Piddly by today's standard. And then I was hooked.
I guess it really gets to me when I walk through a mall or somewhere where teenagers are and they ALL have a cell phone. Family plan! Talk for free! I'm 25 and I'm already saying "back in my day...." Is that wrong? I mean, I welcome change and new innovation, but cell phones are the epitome of rudeness. I HATE being forced to listen to another's conversation. It's an invasion of privacy. Besides, when I'm on the phone, as those of you know who've talked with me on my cell phone before, I try to be as quiet as possible.
Don't get me wrong, I welcome the convenience afforded through cell phones. It's come in handy many times. But I also think a line needs to be drawn. There should be an etiquette book that comes along with every new service plan. Or maybe even phones that shock you if you speak above a certain decibel level if the phone senses other people around. Just a thought.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Frosty Chalet
You know, I was thinking about it. There are a lot of words in the English language that are really fun to pronounce incorrectly rather than the way they're supposed to sound. At least I think so.
For example, anything that ends in the suffix, "et." I find myself eagerly awaiting the use of one of those words in conversation just so I can purposely annunciate that final T that's always left so rudely behind. I guess the French like T's like they like America, right?
My favorite word to apply this to is, of course, CHALET. Here in the USA, there really isn't a common need for the use of this word but I try and work it in there.
Let's see why:
Chalet: from dictionary.com
1. A wooden dwelling with a sloping roof and widely overhanging eaves, common in Switzerland and other Alpine regions.
2. A cottage or lodge built in this style.
3. The hut of a herder in the Swiss Alps.
Notice the multiple references to areas not in the USA.
There are 2 occasions which may bring you to using this word here in the states. One is if you go skiing. There is always a Chalet to be found somewhere at the slopes. Two is if you find yourself driving north on 395 through Owens Valley to the chalets at Mammoth Mountain ski area, you'll pass through Lone Pine, CA, home of the Frosty Chalet. It's the first place you should stop. Read this article if you don't believe me. Nearby is the famous Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48 states standing 14,494 feet. Check out the picture following this entry.
Therefore, I encourage you to go forth and mock the French. But make sure you only do it around people who are familiar with your humor and/or intelligence level as this could possibly make you sound quite ignorant.
And you thought this blog would only have entries about the wedding.
HA!
For example, anything that ends in the suffix, "et." I find myself eagerly awaiting the use of one of those words in conversation just so I can purposely annunciate that final T that's always left so rudely behind. I guess the French like T's like they like America, right?
My favorite word to apply this to is, of course, CHALET. Here in the USA, there really isn't a common need for the use of this word but I try and work it in there.
Let's see why:
Chalet: from dictionary.com
1. A wooden dwelling with a sloping roof and widely overhanging eaves, common in Switzerland and other Alpine regions.
2. A cottage or lodge built in this style.
3. The hut of a herder in the Swiss Alps.
Notice the multiple references to areas not in the USA.
There are 2 occasions which may bring you to using this word here in the states. One is if you go skiing. There is always a Chalet to be found somewhere at the slopes. Two is if you find yourself driving north on 395 through Owens Valley to the chalets at Mammoth Mountain ski area, you'll pass through Lone Pine, CA, home of the Frosty Chalet. It's the first place you should stop. Read this article if you don't believe me. Nearby is the famous Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48 states standing 14,494 feet. Check out the picture following this entry.
Therefore, I encourage you to go forth and mock the French. But make sure you only do it around people who are familiar with your humor and/or intelligence level as this could possibly make you sound quite ignorant.
And you thought this blog would only have entries about the wedding.
HA!
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Speaking of Wedding planning
I found out that it is difficult to do anything without a wedding date. So Dave and I have been on a quest to determine one. We'll let everyone know when we know. Hopefully it will not be much longer. We have picked the bridesmaid dresses and the flowers.
Here are the dresses
Here are the flowers (This is a picture to show you the type of flower not a particular arrangement or anything.)
So... as I said, Dave and I will get back to you soon if we know more. (o:
Here are the dresses
Here are the flowers (This is a picture to show you the type of flower not a particular arrangement or anything.)
So... as I said, Dave and I will get back to you soon if we know more. (o:
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Now I Understand..
...why they say that wedding planning is tough. Allison took the liberty of organizing the planning on The Knot.com. We have a personalized website but it's not ready for public eyes yet. Anyway, they have a handy dandy "wedding checklist" which, being a pilot, you'd think, "Wow, Dave, it's just like running checklists for the CRJ right?" Wrong. Oh how totally wrong you are.
It is mind-numbing how much you can drive yourself crazy with a simple wedding. Vegas you say? ::rubs chin and ponders:: No really, it's worth it in the end. I'm just glad that Allison is so gung-ho about planning/organizing because I know I couldn't do it. But isn't that the way it's supposed to be? I leave it up to her!
It is mind-numbing how much you can drive yourself crazy with a simple wedding. Vegas you say? ::rubs chin and ponders:: No really, it's worth it in the end. I'm just glad that Allison is so gung-ho about planning/organizing because I know I couldn't do it. But isn't that the way it's supposed to be? I leave it up to her!
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Welcome!
As a symbolic start to our engagement, Allison and I will now have this blog to relate our lives electronically to you, the reader. It's only fitting that one of the first things we have together as a couple involves the internet since we, well, MET each other on the internet through match.com. Insanely ironic, I know!
Additionally, Allison's 2 brothers and their wives have mutual blogs so it's almost automatic that we have one too. Could I risk saying it runs in the family? :-) So check back here for all the most interesting stories you could possibly read. Possibly.
Additionally, Allison's 2 brothers and their wives have mutual blogs so it's almost automatic that we have one too. Could I risk saying it runs in the family? :-) So check back here for all the most interesting stories you could possibly read. Possibly.
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