Flight Manual for Dummies: February 2006

Crew Rest No. 2

Flying Time

Time flies so fast, who would ever imagine that this will be my 3rd birthday here in Doha? I just can't believe it. For the past few days I've had the "I-wanna-resign-too" syndrome since all of my closest buddies are leaving (left) the company (ie. Bob, Imee on the 13th, Diane, and Sam probably this May) but I don't know yet. I'm very fickle minded and easily drawn to whatever's the "in" thing. I'm trying not to entertain the thought since I still have my "projects" and stuff. Hopefully when I'm 25 (next year) so I'll still be "marketable". Tough competition nowadays - has to be young and beautiful also well-equipped for the battle. move over LOSERS! make way for your princess! *evil laughter* bwahahahahaha...

Exorcism of Emily Rose

I hate Diane! I hate Diane! I HATE DIANE!!! for forcing me to watch that movie. I'm easily frightened that's why I never liked watching scary flicks. She talked me into watching it. Now I can't sleep (it's 0830am here OMG!), For sure I'll have nightmares again. Also, I just realized that I'll have to suffer sleeping with the lights-on on my Munich and Casablanca layover! I HATE HER!

How thoughtful, How Goldilocks

Yesterday, Kay, Hennessy and I went to City Center (mall) to buy stuff for my dear dear Sir Paul (Kay's hubby). Kay very much trusts my taste and so we went shopping for a pair of pants in Springfield, a black cardigan from Giordano, blue driving shoes from Adidas and a portable LG DVD player which all in all cost a whopping QR 2000 (1 Qatari Riyal is to 15 Php - do the math). Also, being the bad influence that I am to Kay, she also ended up buying this cool pair of Armani Sunglasses. She just looks fab in those (I hate her for seeing it 1st coz it looked good on me too)! What buying power we have here. Hahaha... Well anyway, those are her gifts to him for Valentine's and their upcoming anniversary on the 10th (which is also Bob's Bday fyi). It's just sooooo sweet and I'm glad that I am a part of her surprise thingy.

Birthday Wishlist

Dreaming ain't that bad, so here's my wishlist for my Birthday! *sings and grinds*: "yo yuri (shorty)! it's my (your) bday.. it's my (your) birthday... We're goona party like it's my (your) birthday!"

Don't kill me... love me hahaha. But a birthday card will suffice. Mail it to me - good old fashioned birthday card please. Qatar Airways, Cabin Crew Department, Pigeon Hole 280, PO BOX 22552, Doha Qatar. Well actually, haven't got any letter in my phole for 2 yrs now. It's usually love letters from the office and memos. So please have pity on the poor birthday boy. *wipes tears*.

Will be busy again. Hope to be back real soon! Thank you all in advance! mwah! mwah!

Chapter 1.3 Love and Prejudice

"I am heartily sorry for whatever's said here. To those people who might be offended or what, it is not my intention. Also, the person referred here is but an individual, don't misunderstand my ranting. As a minute part of this overly populated world, I hope with this, I am able to impart awareness. This prayer I offer and again I'm sorry."

"Lord, Give us the Serenity to accept the things we cannot change; Courage to change the things that we can; and Wisdom to know the difference.."

On one of my after flight bus discussions with the crew (from Cairo), I did get offended by the remark given by our dear dear bird brain Captain. He commented on Chinese and Filipinos being opportunistic hookers ( I dunno if he's is actually aware that they're 4 Filipinos who flew with him that day). That whenever he sees them with expats, they're just interested with their money and passports. Excuse mois? Not all of us. Maybe you've been a victim that's why your sooooo fucking bitter. Well I can't blame our race for being so damn beautiful, fucking made to be whores with tight vaginas, asses and all (to quote Bryanboy). But who gave you that right to judge us? Didn't it ever occur to you that your fucking race is hated by the world too because of terrorism? That wherever you go, people think of you as Bin Laden or Sadam's disciples ever ready to bring havoc. Maybe you deserve to be harassed, persecuted, and chopped into pieces but NO. Intelligent and cultured that we are, we do know that these stereotypes shouldn't be recognized at all.

We do briefings before flights as to refresh our memories with safety and service procedures. And from the day I started working for this company, we are constantly reminded of racial differences. Whatever happened to sensitivity and cultural awareness? Discrimination is a crime when you're working in a multi-national company yet such injustice still do exists no thanks to people like him who should be weeded out and be fed to camels. Bad joke Captain... Bad joke.

This is not what the world needs now. We MUST unite and be one. NO race, NO color, NO gender or whatever. It pains me to actually witness such. Coming from a captain who should be leading us; who was educated yet still has no value. Embarass yourself more. What you reap, you sow.

One precious thing i learned since I came here to Doha and be given a chance to see the world was to realize how diverse the human race is. With such experience, I gained a deeper understanding of our differences. Thankfully I was able to acknowledge that such should be embraced.

Post Script: *Breathes deeply* hmmmmmm HAH!!!

Updates: My new playlist on my IFE are some of the Dance songs I've grown to love. Nostalgic dance genre from my gimikera days. I've saved the love chuva songs still. My new roster is out for those of you interested where am gonna be. I might be in Manila soon, still working it out. Love you all! mwah! mwah! *Waves like a royalty*

Three things to rave about:

I'm done flying for this month
Next roster is far better than this month's
Salary is coming up very soon yey! (hopefully by today)

Three things to rant about:

My off day request was not granted
Will not be able to attend cousin's wedding because of that
A pairing flight on my birthday. (sheesh..)

Crew Rest No.1

Rainy days are here again

Unbelievable yet it's happening. Last night, I was soooooooooooooooo tired from work. I slept right after dinner without even doing my "rituals". About 1 am, I was awaken by the sound of continuous thunder. My gosh, It was raining cats and dogs... and I can't believe it. Now that's the reason why it was too turbulent in and out of Doha. It DOES rain here actually like once or twice a year especially during season shifts. And what's funny is that people are not that prepared. I don't even see stores selling umbrellas or raincoats here. Was not surprise at all this morning when all the roads are again flooded, it was muddy everywhere and everybody was drenched. Good thing my trusty Hamid (my fave car lift driver) is available whenever I need him. Hahahaha...

Whatever happened to Sailormoon?

And so I was not able to sleep til about 5 am. I was panicking already since I have to wake up by 8 for my flight today. Anyhow, I decided to go online. Went to YouTube and saw this video. I almost puked. Oh well, it's true when it rains it pours.

There was no justice done. They all look like freaks with their colored wigs on. I was a Sailormoon fan way way back (don't crucify me please, just one of my guilty pleasures every Saturday night) and it pains me to see what they've done to her. Are the japanese losing their touch in making animes and sentais? I hope not.

Still 2 days to go!!! I'm soooo looking forward til my next day off. Anyway, please do check my profile and hope you like what I did.

Chapter 1.2 Love Platonic

Diane is my "best-est" friend here in Doha - more of a sister to me actually. We met one fine afternoon way back in Bin Mahmoud (where we first stayed since the boy's accommodation at that time was not available) when she was to meet Hennessey and mistakenly went to my flat instead. She heard me singing "Waterfalls" (TLC) and was further amused when I opened the door. Why?

She realized I'm way better looking than Hennessey.
I was in my usual "pambahay clothing" (pek pek shorts and shot gun tee)
I was presently ironing my uniform for my training while trying to belt out another song with matching choreography.

Since then we've been tight buddies. Even our moms did became good friends. We often sleep and cook together. There was even a time when the Housing Department came to have a surprise inspection of the flat. She hid by the cabinet but still her bra and pants was on my vanity table. I wonder what they thought. Hahahaha.. yuck! When I moved out of my company sponsored flat last year, she willingly volunteered on sharing the rent with me. We're roomies now with a double deck bed... very dormitory. She's my ever partner in crime in terms of gossips and mischief. One thing about us is that we do know how to keep each other's secrets... we'll take it to our graves. Also, never a day goes by that we're not laughing except probably when we're asleep the entire day.

Just recently she told me that by May she'll be resigning. I felt really bad at the same time happy for my dear dear friend. She's suffered enough during her 2 years stay in this " dead place"... being away from her family and her beloved JP. She'll brave uncertainty with no regrets but relief.

Anyway, these past few days, she's been her crazy, delusional self again. Diane told me about her dream wedding to be held in 3 years time (take note!). Imagine her asking quote prices from Kay for flowers, churches, gowns, tuxes and reception. Also, as a gift, she even dared to ask us to bake a cake as tall as her! Krung! Krung! This is what Doha has done to the poor girl. Hahahaha... psychotic as she is sometimes especially when she calls me Chocolate and shakes her booty by the tune of "Tsokolate" I still love her (She looks like Pokwang don't you think?). Here's how she murdered our pictures summarized in a video by mwah.

I'll definitely miss this girl. *Sobs*. Well anyway, I regret to inform you that I might be gone for a week. There's an upcoming storm... 6 days of flying non-stop starting tomorrow. Will update as soon as I can. Wish me luck!

Chapter 1.1 Love and Cocktails

Well for those ummm... people like me who go for their dreams and tearfully leave their loveones behind. Here are some recipes on how to manage your heartache and still serve the best bloody mary:

Virgin Mary

---> On a tumbler glass, Put chilled tomato juice, a dash of Worcestershire Sauce, a few drops of Tabasco, garnish it with lemon and swizzle stick.

---> Well you better be praying sweetie coz it takes more than your guts to survive. You need a miracle! Hope and pray that neither you or him will find yourself in the arms of another lover. I still envy those people who can work it out. With how the world now is, there are a lot of temptations. Better not be tempted for if you love someone, it will definitely hurt you to hurt that person.

Bloody Mary

---> On a tumbler glass, Put a shot of vodka top it up with chilled tomato juice, a dash of Worcestershire Sauce, a few drops of Tabasco, garnish it with lemon and swizzle stick.

---> If things don't go well dear, don't blame yourself, blame the vodka. Asked for a bottle and waste yourself up! That's what I did. Bloody hell!!! (British accent please!) Don't even think of mixing it with whatever, drink it up straight and after a while you'll be pouring your heart to your sympathetic friends who would be there to clean up after you puke your guts out too! No guilty feeling. An additional bonus of your crush changing you to your sleepwear. *wink*

Screwdriver

---> On a tumbler glass, Put a shot of vodka and then fill it with orange juice. Garnish with it with an orange slice and swizzle stick.

---> Don't screw up your chance to happiness when a person tries to strip it off you. Life goes on dear. To hell with him. Just don't come bitching around. It will not do you good. Even if inside your haplessly crying, smile, think how expensive botox is. I remember one time I was doing this flight to Moscow, I had no sleep after a night of sulking and crying but still I tried to look fabulous in uniform. The show must go on. I kept myself busy by keeping my cabin satisfied with one short break in the toilet as I just can't control my eyes from crying after seeing a Russian couple kissing. When I went out, I was fabulous again and even got a complimentary letter from a passenger! Don't let it affect you that much as the other person won't even give a damn. Pull yourself together and everything will be alright.

Tom or Ian Collins

---> For Tom Collins Gin is the Alcohol base, While for Ian Collins, Vodka. Put ice, a shot of whichever in a tumbler a glass, mix it up with a measure of lemon juice and top it up with soda water. Garnish with lemon slice and swizzle stick

---> Take this opportunity to explore other options. Tom or Ian or perhaps both. Have fun and don't be afraid to again take that leap. Not all are given such opportunity to explore the world. You'll never know, on your next flight to London, you're prince charming might just be waiting for you to bring him his glass of chardonnay.

Gin Tonic

---> On a tumbler glass, put ice, a shot of Gin and then fill it up with tonic water. Garnish it with lemon slice and swizzle stick.

---> Strengthen up. Don't look back with regret. Time for youself now. Facial, Manicure, Pedicure and the likes. Treat yourself and be beautiful. Don't waste yourself but increase your market value. It's not your lost anyway, it's his. Your not just beautiful now but filthy rich! Not to mention cultured, and well travelled. Whatta package!

Champagne Cocktail

---> On a champagne flute, put one sugar cube, a dash of Anggostura bitter, a dessert spoon of cognac then top it up with champagne.

---> Being single is not so bad. You still get to enjoy things couples do with no strings attached. You get to sleep around with no feeling of guilt whatsoever. You're lusty, fiery and young! A lil bit of this and that can still turn things around. Celebrate girl! Celebrate! At least you know you didn't end up kissing your worst nightmare forevah! At the end of which you'll still get to have the last laugh if not go and kick his balls.

Hope that helped... more Cocktails for life coming up soon. Drink moderately ok. As for me, I'll wait til my next lay over. tatah!

Chapter 1 - Love is in the Air

Here I am after one tiring flight, online and updating my blog. I am stricken by the fact that again on Valentine's day I'm alone. Technically no but since I'm living away from him yes. Never have I really felt Valentine's the way other peeps do. Just an ordinary day. No flowers nor chocolates. Looking back last year, I asked for a 3 days off. I remember coming back from Kuala Lumpur seeing my friend Toni. We agreed on a double-date. I'll fix her up with someone as she'll do the same to me. Ang ending? I stayed home watching all the pirated DVD's I bought. She tried calling me but I already decided to just sleep the occasion off.

Finally now, I got back with my ex-beau last December after almost 2 years of being separated. Funny how things happened. Last October I got the shock of my life when he emailed me... asking how thing's were etc. Cha gave me his mobile and asked if ever I get to fly to Manila, holler him so we can talk. I didn't write back because 2 months back, he txted me the same, replied to him and even called but no... he again ignored me. In my head I was telling myself not to fall for it again. I lived my life in harmony with my new boyfriend Mikey. He was sooo sweet that even if we're not living right next to each other, he sees to it that I'm ok everyday. I even had my bodyclock tuned in Manila. Sleeping at 6pm here waking up at 3am just to chat and see how beautiful and feel how loving this guy is. Mikey's just too good to be true.

When I finally came to Manila last December 26, 2005, I was sooo relieved by the fact that I don't think of Cha anymore and that everything and every places that remind me of him didn't bother me at all. Mikey filled in the emptiness I had.

December 28, 2005

Upon waking up, I got a New Year sms from Cha. We talked on the phone and asked him to meet up. I was thinking perhaps now I'll be able to get the closure I've been longing since we broke up. I went to our secret place... went up the room, knocked, and as soon as he opened the door I just could not contain my emotion. I started crying. Everything came back as in. All the pains were washed away with my tears. Instead of satisfying myself with by hurting him and abusing him verbally, I was was just there awed and still crying as his arms was wrapped tightly to my body. We were trapped by the love that still lives in our hearts. Sadly, both of us are still tied up to our present relationships at that time. We have to face the consequences of our actions and we know along the way someone will be hurt badly. True enough, It was a hell of explanation, bitching... the whole nine yards. whew!

The remaining 10 days of my leave was the happiest and no time was wasted. To date, we're still hanging on and still working up possible solutions to our long distance love affair. I truly hope that in God's time, hopefully sooner, we'll live happily ever after together.

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