Time is FLYING

Six months ago, only six months into my new career halfway across the globe, I found myself thinking thoughts like, "I did it, I fully appreciate this opportunity, I am proud of myself for taking huge risks - when do I wrap this experience up and get home!"

Even though I was (and am) having the time of my life, I wasn't quite settled, I missed home and the people I left behind. Of course, those who love me will always be there and I am not finished with this amazing journey, yet!

Secondary to my naturally unsettled feeling which was driving me to try and set my "expiry date" for this adventure, I was becoming terrified of flying! Not at all ideal when one's job is exactly that.

Currently, fears have almost subsided to the point of enjoying some turbulence now and then. However, I've certainly faked a few smiles during some severe situations and afterwards attended to many injuries, air sickness, fainting, intoxication, diversions due to volcanic ash (imagine the A380, double decker flying at 16,000 ft to divert the threat of ash that may render engines useless, while looking out and seemingly being able to TOUCH the ocean below. Normal altitudes are 39,000 ft). Also, there were instances of threat and subsequently in-air diversion due to world events, such as the demand to contain and therefore close the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You see the news, so much more tragedy continues. There is constant inside information relayed as well. This doesn't reach the news, but is briefed to us personally.

Let's see...I recall one passenger sure that her heart was failing and she was dying! Dementia, advancements from colleagues and passengers, medical attention to a surgical site - an open wound, which took all my professionalism and first aid knowledge. Now THAT was surreal! I loved it!

This is just to name a few! I could go on and I am sure I will in forward entries.

Upcoming

Forward moving, I am excited for my flight tomorrow. I am operating to PARIS! I have been there twice, however it was during last years' very cold winter and I saw the Eiffel Tower for 2 minutes, proceeded to a Trocadero cafe, had ample amounts of hot red wine and decadent dessert - and the rest is a blur due to fatigue. This visit, however, after two days of blissful rest and poolside reading (no partying as my girlfriends are away flying and truthfully, this girl is detoxing from an incredible yacht vacation, sailing around Croatia), I will be fresh and am eager to see the sights and perhaps parle francais! By the way, I have been teaching myself French, here and there! Confession: It isn't going well. I will keep at it though! See you tomorrow, Paris!

I look forward to sharing my France layover experiences! Stay "tuned" to future blogs assuming titles resembling something like, "Kim Shits Her Pants... For the First Time as an Adult," (referring to plans of skydiving) and "Not a Bad Hospital to be In," (referring to my first Arabian racehorse riding lesson), and "It's a Girl" (just joking).......