Current mood: blah
To all my friends (and newly found family here on MySpace):
I am sorry I haven't posted since my illustrious return from Asia, but I have felt like complete shit and didn't want to look at a computer screen any longer than I had to (and that includes TV/XBox). Thanks to the women in my family, I am a migraine sufferer and none of the "new-fangled" miracle cures actually work.
So I am on the mend...shortly you will all be seeing more regular blogging from me once again. Please, please...contain your excitement.
Love y'all!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Safe and Secure?!
Current mood: groggy
Flight 2: Amsterdam to Atlanta. A KLM flight. Don't you just love the Dutch? Traci and I decided not to go back to the fancy lounge and to just have a seat and kill an hour while we waited for our flight home. Both of us were really anxious to be stateside once again and didn't want to end up in crazy security lines anymore. So we hung out by the McDonald's and tried to make jokes about our experiences of the day so far.
We looked at the clock and decided we should go line up early at the gate to avoid more frustration. In Amsterdam, each gate has an x-ray machine and a metal detector...we knew we were in for a big ol' pain in the arse! We got to the gate and there were maybe 6 or 7 people already waiting. There was no one at the security station, so we all hung back and waited. More and more people began to arrive and some just walked in front of my - like skipping to the head of the class or some crazy crap! Granted, we were not in an organized line, but there was clearly a pecking order for those of us who had been there for a while. This one crazy guy just stepped right in front of me and smacked me with his briefcase!
Finally, some security people showed up and we got to watch for 20 or 30 minutes as they "set-up" for the craziness about to ensue. After a bit, a guy walked up and explained the rules:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to being boarding. Please remove your laptops from your bags, remove your shoes and discard liquids of any kind. Please step forward."
Easier said than done - suddenly there was a mad rush through this small doorway and I think maybe some little kids got knocked around.
I kicked off my shoes, pulled out my laptop (easy access in my snazzy new Timbuk2 Designs Ace Backpack)...but dammit if that ass that had cut me off before, still managed to beat me to the x-ray machine! This means war!
They scanned my bag and shoes and purse (and my person) and I passed with flying colors...almost. Apparently, the chick behind me had a very large water bottle stashed in her bag and they saw it on the scanner...but one of the screeners thought that was my backpack and snatched it up so fast he almost threw it across the room. Luckily, the other screener called him some funny name (ah, the Dutch) and told him he grabbed the wrong bag and so he handed it back to me. I walked to one of the Flight Attendants while stepping back into my shoes and handed her my boarding pass. She said thanks, scanned it, gave me my boarding card and directed me to the chairs...that was it! What?! No hand checks, no pat downs...something fishy is going on here...
Apparently not! The Dutch feel they can see any liquids or gels in the x-ray and therefore do not need to check any further...after everything with my Epi-pens, they let them pass through with just an x-ray...I wa floored!
After about 30 or 45 minutes, they let us onto the plane (yes, the jackass managed to board before me again, evern though Traci and I were first in line). Imagine the look of shock on his face when I walked past him in Business Class and took my seat...ahhh, revenge is sweet!
We had a nice flight; the Flight Attendants were really cool and the food was decent - no India fare for once. I did manage to start to have an allergic reaction to something, so I had to drug up (no shots luckily). Thankfully, the drugs caused me to pass out for 5 or 6 hours - missing the flight almost completely! I managed to actually watch a movie this time and I think I read my book a little.
Once we landed (yes, we got another little blue house), we had to go through Immigration (they always let me pass) and then through Customs (again, they always let me through). However, you then have to recheck your bag (to get it up to the North Terminal Baggage Claim) and go through a security check (x-ray and metal detector). Can you believe, the chick in front of me had a hair product (mousse) in her carry-on bag that Amsterdam didn't catch?! DUH! They didn't really check anything! Needless to say, they confiscated it.
So I managed to escape any more drama. I got my bag upstairs and walked out straight to my limo and then sort of napped on my way home.
I am thrilled to be home once again and sleeping in my own bed. My next trips shouldn't be until October, so I can take it easy for a bit! Thank goodness :)
Flight 2: Amsterdam to Atlanta. A KLM flight. Don't you just love the Dutch? Traci and I decided not to go back to the fancy lounge and to just have a seat and kill an hour while we waited for our flight home. Both of us were really anxious to be stateside once again and didn't want to end up in crazy security lines anymore. So we hung out by the McDonald's and tried to make jokes about our experiences of the day so far.
We looked at the clock and decided we should go line up early at the gate to avoid more frustration. In Amsterdam, each gate has an x-ray machine and a metal detector...we knew we were in for a big ol' pain in the arse! We got to the gate and there were maybe 6 or 7 people already waiting. There was no one at the security station, so we all hung back and waited. More and more people began to arrive and some just walked in front of my - like skipping to the head of the class or some crazy crap! Granted, we were not in an organized line, but there was clearly a pecking order for those of us who had been there for a while. This one crazy guy just stepped right in front of me and smacked me with his briefcase!
Finally, some security people showed up and we got to watch for 20 or 30 minutes as they "set-up" for the craziness about to ensue. After a bit, a guy walked up and explained the rules:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to being boarding. Please remove your laptops from your bags, remove your shoes and discard liquids of any kind. Please step forward."
Easier said than done - suddenly there was a mad rush through this small doorway and I think maybe some little kids got knocked around.
I kicked off my shoes, pulled out my laptop (easy access in my snazzy new Timbuk2 Designs Ace Backpack)...but dammit if that ass that had cut me off before, still managed to beat me to the x-ray machine! This means war!
They scanned my bag and shoes and purse (and my person) and I passed with flying colors...almost. Apparently, the chick behind me had a very large water bottle stashed in her bag and they saw it on the scanner...but one of the screeners thought that was my backpack and snatched it up so fast he almost threw it across the room. Luckily, the other screener called him some funny name (ah, the Dutch) and told him he grabbed the wrong bag and so he handed it back to me. I walked to one of the Flight Attendants while stepping back into my shoes and handed her my boarding pass. She said thanks, scanned it, gave me my boarding card and directed me to the chairs...that was it! What?! No hand checks, no pat downs...something fishy is going on here...
Apparently not! The Dutch feel they can see any liquids or gels in the x-ray and therefore do not need to check any further...after everything with my Epi-pens, they let them pass through with just an x-ray...I wa floored!
After about 30 or 45 minutes, they let us onto the plane (yes, the jackass managed to board before me again, evern though Traci and I were first in line). Imagine the look of shock on his face when I walked past him in Business Class and took my seat...ahhh, revenge is sweet!
We had a nice flight; the Flight Attendants were really cool and the food was decent - no India fare for once. I did manage to start to have an allergic reaction to something, so I had to drug up (no shots luckily). Thankfully, the drugs caused me to pass out for 5 or 6 hours - missing the flight almost completely! I managed to actually watch a movie this time and I think I read my book a little.
Once we landed (yes, we got another little blue house), we had to go through Immigration (they always let me pass) and then through Customs (again, they always let me through). However, you then have to recheck your bag (to get it up to the North Terminal Baggage Claim) and go through a security check (x-ray and metal detector). Can you believe, the chick in front of me had a hair product (mousse) in her carry-on bag that Amsterdam didn't catch?! DUH! They didn't really check anything! Needless to say, they confiscated it.
So I managed to escape any more drama. I got my bag upstairs and walked out straight to my limo and then sort of napped on my way home.
I am thrilled to be home once again and sleeping in my own bed. My next trips shouldn't be until October, so I can take it easy for a bit! Thank goodness :)
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Dramatic Pause
Current mood: exhausted
Hello my friends - thanks guys for sending all your good thoughts for my dad - this is why I love you guys :)
My dad is much better - they actually let him go home a day early...but my mom is watching him like a hawk! I had dinner with them when I got home last night (meatloaf and mac n cheese - yum!) - thank god for American home cooking! He is in good spirits and is eating real food - but is resting a lot. He was very happy to watch his Braves win!
So I am off to get my hair cut and something...letting Brenda the hair goddess decide what else to do with me :) But, I have plenty to report about my flying experience thanks to the idiot terrorists.
SO...Thursday was the day - the day that some damn fools were going to blow up airplanes over the Atlantic on their way to US destinations...lucky for me I was flying over the Atlantis to a US destination...that made for security HELL!
Flight 1: Mumbai to Amsterdam. A NorthWest partnered with KLM flight. We got to the airport to the huge masses of people (mind you, we really didn't know what all was going on, just bits and pieces). When checking in, they gave me a sheet of paper that stated: You cannot carry any liquids or gels in your carry-on items - this things MUST be checked. The nice lady at the NWA counter said "you know, toothpaste, hand lotion, contact solution." So I removed the Visine and hand lotion from my purse and quick put them in my suitcase. She told me I would have to consume the bottle of water in my backpack by the time I got to security. I told her that would be no problem, it was like 80 degrees in the airport.
We made our way through Immigration without any problems and proceded to the Business Class Lounge for some more liquid. We passed the crazy security line and decided that we would have a quick drink and then go get in line. An hour passes and we were STILL in that line and it had barely moved. Our flight was going to begin boarding in 20 minutes and there were still 50 people in front of us. NWA ladies were walking around putting carry-on tags on every purse, backpack, laptop bag, etc.
Then, up walks our flight crew. They skipped the line (fine), but we saw all the liquid and gel items they had in their bags as they were discussing how they would be fighting for their toothpastes and lipsticks. Apparently, the rules do not apply to flight crews - they made it through with no problem.
Finally, it was our turn. I put my bags on the belt for x-ray and walked over to get frisked by the militant Indian lady. I walked over to the x-ray and grabbed my bags...but wait! Now you have to get your bags hand-searched. So, I got in that crazy line. By now, our plane was boarding. The line did not move...there were like 2 security guys for a line of 50 people. I happened to glance behind me and saw a table with 3 security guys and only 6 people - quick!
Next was the fun of getting every item I own pulled out of my purse and backpack - then even went through the cash in my wallet! The did not take anything, but stamped my little baggage tags with the big OK and let me go to the plane...YEAH!
We get to the boarding door and the lady says "Business Class only!" This was fine, since we were flying Business. She told us to walk on the jetway, but then see the security guys on the right or left...WHAT?! We have to get hand-searched AGAIN! AGAIN!
I walked up tot he table with 6 guys, all with plastic gloves on. They proceded to ask me 20 questions and again, pull out everything I own. The took my Lip Balm (yes, Angie, the good kind). I was miffed...especially since I knew I had like 6 tubes in my purse...money down the drain thank you. But, he only removed one...he missed checking the other side pocket. But the guy explained that it was a gel (actually no, it is a wax), but fine...take it. Youa re keeping me safe, right?
Next came the backpack and my medical kit. They pulled out every prescription bottle, every snack pack, every, everything. Then, they found my Epi-pens (for those of you who do not know, this is if I injest nuts by mistake and am about to die!). They pulled out the auto-injectors and shook them up and turned them over and then tried to deny me since it was liquid! Now comes the fight...I politely explained that this was emergency medication and that they could NOT take it from me. I tried to explain what it was for, while telling the guy to stop shaking it up and trying to break them open. Finally, they called over the head guy and he gave me the thumbs up.
Finally, I made it to the plane and to a comfy chair and all the water I could drink. However, Traci looked pissed off...not sure why. I gave her a little time to cool off before I walked over to her...she told me they took ALL her lipsticks - about $150 worth. Now understand, this was the 2nd hand search - the 1st one the guy said they were fine to keep! Traci had no way to check them; they just TOOK them. Raw deal...but underneath, you know they have to do this and its to keep us all alive. I respect this, but get some consistency, people!
After an hour delay (just waiting for all the passengers), we took off and headed for Holland! We hung out in the airport, bought fancy chocolates, avoided anything liquid and killed some time before the next flight...
Flight 2: Amsterdam to Atlanta. A KLM flight. To be continued....
Hello my friends - thanks guys for sending all your good thoughts for my dad - this is why I love you guys :)
My dad is much better - they actually let him go home a day early...but my mom is watching him like a hawk! I had dinner with them when I got home last night (meatloaf and mac n cheese - yum!) - thank god for American home cooking! He is in good spirits and is eating real food - but is resting a lot. He was very happy to watch his Braves win!
So I am off to get my hair cut and something...letting Brenda the hair goddess decide what else to do with me :) But, I have plenty to report about my flying experience thanks to the idiot terrorists.
SO...Thursday was the day - the day that some damn fools were going to blow up airplanes over the Atlantic on their way to US destinations...lucky for me I was flying over the Atlantis to a US destination...that made for security HELL!
Flight 1: Mumbai to Amsterdam. A NorthWest partnered with KLM flight. We got to the airport to the huge masses of people (mind you, we really didn't know what all was going on, just bits and pieces). When checking in, they gave me a sheet of paper that stated: You cannot carry any liquids or gels in your carry-on items - this things MUST be checked. The nice lady at the NWA counter said "you know, toothpaste, hand lotion, contact solution." So I removed the Visine and hand lotion from my purse and quick put them in my suitcase. She told me I would have to consume the bottle of water in my backpack by the time I got to security. I told her that would be no problem, it was like 80 degrees in the airport.
We made our way through Immigration without any problems and proceded to the Business Class Lounge for some more liquid. We passed the crazy security line and decided that we would have a quick drink and then go get in line. An hour passes and we were STILL in that line and it had barely moved. Our flight was going to begin boarding in 20 minutes and there were still 50 people in front of us. NWA ladies were walking around putting carry-on tags on every purse, backpack, laptop bag, etc.
Then, up walks our flight crew. They skipped the line (fine), but we saw all the liquid and gel items they had in their bags as they were discussing how they would be fighting for their toothpastes and lipsticks. Apparently, the rules do not apply to flight crews - they made it through with no problem.
Finally, it was our turn. I put my bags on the belt for x-ray and walked over to get frisked by the militant Indian lady. I walked over to the x-ray and grabbed my bags...but wait! Now you have to get your bags hand-searched. So, I got in that crazy line. By now, our plane was boarding. The line did not move...there were like 2 security guys for a line of 50 people. I happened to glance behind me and saw a table with 3 security guys and only 6 people - quick!
Next was the fun of getting every item I own pulled out of my purse and backpack - then even went through the cash in my wallet! The did not take anything, but stamped my little baggage tags with the big OK and let me go to the plane...YEAH!
We get to the boarding door and the lady says "Business Class only!" This was fine, since we were flying Business. She told us to walk on the jetway, but then see the security guys on the right or left...WHAT?! We have to get hand-searched AGAIN! AGAIN!
I walked up tot he table with 6 guys, all with plastic gloves on. They proceded to ask me 20 questions and again, pull out everything I own. The took my Lip Balm (yes, Angie, the good kind). I was miffed...especially since I knew I had like 6 tubes in my purse...money down the drain thank you. But, he only removed one...he missed checking the other side pocket. But the guy explained that it was a gel (actually no, it is a wax), but fine...take it. Youa re keeping me safe, right?
Next came the backpack and my medical kit. They pulled out every prescription bottle, every snack pack, every, everything. Then, they found my Epi-pens (for those of you who do not know, this is if I injest nuts by mistake and am about to die!). They pulled out the auto-injectors and shook them up and turned them over and then tried to deny me since it was liquid! Now comes the fight...I politely explained that this was emergency medication and that they could NOT take it from me. I tried to explain what it was for, while telling the guy to stop shaking it up and trying to break them open. Finally, they called over the head guy and he gave me the thumbs up.
Finally, I made it to the plane and to a comfy chair and all the water I could drink. However, Traci looked pissed off...not sure why. I gave her a little time to cool off before I walked over to her...she told me they took ALL her lipsticks - about $150 worth. Now understand, this was the 2nd hand search - the 1st one the guy said they were fine to keep! Traci had no way to check them; they just TOOK them. Raw deal...but underneath, you know they have to do this and its to keep us all alive. I respect this, but get some consistency, people!
After an hour delay (just waiting for all the passengers), we took off and headed for Holland! We hung out in the airport, bought fancy chocolates, avoided anything liquid and killed some time before the next flight...
Flight 2: Amsterdam to Atlanta. A KLM flight. To be continued....
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Sleepless in Mumbai
Current mood: worried
Or Bombay for those of you who are not aware.
So day I-don't-know in India and I am ready to be on the way home. This has been a crazy-fast trip and it has completely tuckered me out! We have seen some scary sights here in Mimbai - the poverty, the beggars - it has been eye-opening. Traci seemed much more shocked than I have been, but again, I prepared myself for the very worst...still, it hits home.
I have pictures, but came overseas without a way to download them from my dad's camera (yes, I have NO digital camera of my own). I am old-fashioned...I use film and frame shots with different lens, etc...one day someone will give me a digital back for my Canon and all will be right with the world. Until then, you guys have to wait to see such devastation.
On a sour note, as we were packing up to leave the last call center 6 hours ago, I took the opportunity to spend someone else's money to call home...no one answered...hmmm. So I rang my dad's cell...still nada! Okay, in the world of cell phones, this is odd at 4:30pm on a Wednesday. I called my mom - and she seemed off her game - clearly trying to hide something. Basically, they were at the hospital!
So apparently my dad is somewhat okay - thank god - but he had lost a lot of blood and was close to needing a transfusion. So this happened 8 years ago and due to a heart problem (very minor), he takes blood thinners. Fortunately, that fixes the heart problem...unfortunately, that means that when he bleeds, his blood doesn't clot. This is very dangerous!
Anyway, he is staying in the hospital for a few days and is on clear liquids only. He hopefully will be out of the hospital by the time I am stateside, but I am not 100% convinced. Thank goodness for Traci being over here with me - she gets it and has a way of talking me into not worrying...how does she do that?
So this is most likely my last India post - we are headed to shop after we have breakfast (saris, spices, toy auto-rickshaws, buddahs apparently - this is a Hindu society, not Buddist). Luckily, we have an Indian National taking us on our spree, so we shoudn't have to worry about haggling or getting ripped off...plus, she knows where to go and who to see!
So while you are all sleeping, I will be shopping - my least favorite pasttime ever! Then we can take a nap and head to the airport for Amsterdam and more little Blue Delft houses full if liquor! Then HOME! Damn, I want my bed and my XBox...and my dad, of course!
Or Bombay for those of you who are not aware.
So day I-don't-know in India and I am ready to be on the way home. This has been a crazy-fast trip and it has completely tuckered me out! We have seen some scary sights here in Mimbai - the poverty, the beggars - it has been eye-opening. Traci seemed much more shocked than I have been, but again, I prepared myself for the very worst...still, it hits home.
I have pictures, but came overseas without a way to download them from my dad's camera (yes, I have NO digital camera of my own). I am old-fashioned...I use film and frame shots with different lens, etc...one day someone will give me a digital back for my Canon and all will be right with the world. Until then, you guys have to wait to see such devastation.
On a sour note, as we were packing up to leave the last call center 6 hours ago, I took the opportunity to spend someone else's money to call home...no one answered...hmmm. So I rang my dad's cell...still nada! Okay, in the world of cell phones, this is odd at 4:30pm on a Wednesday. I called my mom - and she seemed off her game - clearly trying to hide something. Basically, they were at the hospital!
So apparently my dad is somewhat okay - thank god - but he had lost a lot of blood and was close to needing a transfusion. So this happened 8 years ago and due to a heart problem (very minor), he takes blood thinners. Fortunately, that fixes the heart problem...unfortunately, that means that when he bleeds, his blood doesn't clot. This is very dangerous!
Anyway, he is staying in the hospital for a few days and is on clear liquids only. He hopefully will be out of the hospital by the time I am stateside, but I am not 100% convinced. Thank goodness for Traci being over here with me - she gets it and has a way of talking me into not worrying...how does she do that?
So this is most likely my last India post - we are headed to shop after we have breakfast (saris, spices, toy auto-rickshaws, buddahs apparently - this is a Hindu society, not Buddist). Luckily, we have an Indian National taking us on our spree, so we shoudn't have to worry about haggling or getting ripped off...plus, she knows where to go and who to see!
So while you are all sleeping, I will be shopping - my least favorite pasttime ever! Then we can take a nap and head to the airport for Amsterdam and more little Blue Delft houses full if liquor! Then HOME! Damn, I want my bed and my XBox...and my dad, of course!
Monday, August 07, 2006
Indian Summer
Current mood: complacent
Okay - to mess with all of your heads, it is 5:23am here in Hyderabad, India. Yes, folks, their time zone is 9 1/2 hours ahead of Atlanta - bizarre, huh? I mean, what does the 30 minutes gain you, anyway?
Day 1 here was pretty good. 2, 8+ hour flights in Business Class was not too bad with free booze, and a comfy seat to sleep in. The second flight, I slept the entire flight!
We flew KLM, and they are very nice and very Dutch. As souvenirs, they give out these little Blue Delft houses - wait for it - filled with alcohol! There is Dutch Genever, 35% alcohol, in the houses, which are in fact bottles with wax seal on the chimneys. So now, I have 2 of these things!
We got into India and had to wait an hour for our bags to come out. Then we got to the hotel, checked in and crashed...hard! I think I slept like 12 hours or something crazy like that.
Today was going to the first call center - meeting all the folks, taking pictures, having focus groups and giving a presentation - all in all, it went well. I haven't been outside at day light yet, but pictures to come I promise.
I miss all my peeps in the US and I will be home soon! I need an XBox fix!
Okay - to mess with all of your heads, it is 5:23am here in Hyderabad, India. Yes, folks, their time zone is 9 1/2 hours ahead of Atlanta - bizarre, huh? I mean, what does the 30 minutes gain you, anyway?
Day 1 here was pretty good. 2, 8+ hour flights in Business Class was not too bad with free booze, and a comfy seat to sleep in. The second flight, I slept the entire flight!
We flew KLM, and they are very nice and very Dutch. As souvenirs, they give out these little Blue Delft houses - wait for it - filled with alcohol! There is Dutch Genever, 35% alcohol, in the houses, which are in fact bottles with wax seal on the chimneys. So now, I have 2 of these things!
We got into India and had to wait an hour for our bags to come out. Then we got to the hotel, checked in and crashed...hard! I think I slept like 12 hours or something crazy like that.
Today was going to the first call center - meeting all the folks, taking pictures, having focus groups and giving a presentation - all in all, it went well. I haven't been outside at day light yet, but pictures to come I promise.
I miss all my peeps in the US and I will be home soon! I need an XBox fix!
Thursday, August 03, 2006
I Left My Heart...
Current mood: awake
Hey friends and strangers...
Sorry for disappearing, but I was in Sunny and 65 San Francisco for a week visiting with the family (niece, 4 3/4; nephew, 15 mos; brother and sis-in-law). It was an amazing time and I think I am more relaxed than I was after my previous weekend of relaxing-yet-not activities.
So the good news is I am back at home...the bad news is I hit the road (the air actually) for India for 6 days. I wish this was a pleasure jaunt, however I am off to do WORK! I cannot complain too much, it gives me an ass-load of SkyMiles. The bad news is that it is 2, 9 1/2 hour flights to get there, but the good news is I will end up flying through Amsterdam both ways (sorry, YB. Wish I could bring you with me (or bring you something back)).
Anyway, I am enjoying a couple of crazy days on solid ground before the culture shock of the next week. I will be posting blogs (and pics, hopefully) from there - so stay tuned!
Currently Listening:
Strange Little Girls
By Tori Amos
Release date: 18 September, 2001
Hey friends and strangers...
Sorry for disappearing, but I was in Sunny and 65 San Francisco for a week visiting with the family (niece, 4 3/4; nephew, 15 mos; brother and sis-in-law). It was an amazing time and I think I am more relaxed than I was after my previous weekend of relaxing-yet-not activities.
So the good news is I am back at home...the bad news is I hit the road (the air actually) for India for 6 days. I wish this was a pleasure jaunt, however I am off to do WORK! I cannot complain too much, it gives me an ass-load of SkyMiles. The bad news is that it is 2, 9 1/2 hour flights to get there, but the good news is I will end up flying through Amsterdam both ways (sorry, YB. Wish I could bring you with me (or bring you something back)).
Anyway, I am enjoying a couple of crazy days on solid ground before the culture shock of the next week. I will be posting blogs (and pics, hopefully) from there - so stay tuned!
Currently Listening:
Strange Little Girls
By Tori Amos
Release date: 18 September, 2001
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