Letter To Cincinnati

Dear Cincinnati,

I would really like to have a pastry but I can’t find any freshly baked gluten-free ones and I don’t have time to bake any this morning! Can someone please get right on that? I can find them everywhere in Italy, so why not here??

Thanks for having them ready for us very soon.

Yours truly,
Christina

Living The Dream One Day At A Time

What happens in a day in the life of a flight attendant?

Well, this morning my husband dropped me off at work (this is called Princess Parking!), I walked through the turnstile (also know as the people shredder and if you’ve ever tried to get through one with any luggage, you would know why) and off to where I check in (this is classified but I can tell you that it includes walking, a train, a people mover, some stairs and door codes, more walking and some more codes).

Now that I know you are really excited, there is some more walking. I can never figure out why so many flight attendants are on the chunky side with all of this activity. I guarantee you it’s the constant junk food that we are forced to stuff in our mouths as quickly as possible during the few seconds before or after the passengers are boarded or while walking to the next aircraft. Of course, I have learned to bring my own food. I have red pepper humus, Montgomery Inn pulled pork, Laughing Cow cheese and some gluten-free bread I made last night among other things. Of course, I did see that McDonald’s has a new Big Mac wrap if that’s your thing. *frowning*

I did have a really good flight from Cincinnati to NYC. I have a great flight crew that I am working with and the passengers were a lot of fun and very diverse, my favorite. Two particularly nice people were two young ladies from Germany. So sweet when they walked on the plane, telling me hello like they were actually happy to be there. I love that. Next, we are off to Chicago. Too bad I’m not there long enough to go into the city.

One thing that I do love about my job is that I consider myself PR for the company (lucky for them, I love my job and avoid the negative stuff), I would love to be able to speak 6 different language (now, I speak bits and pieces of 6 different languages), and I would love to have the room to have parties (now, I have guests a day that I get to cater to). I love staying in hotels, flying on aircraft and traveling all over so what a great job for me!

I don’t get paid a lot and it’s not always easy but last month, I got to go to Italy! I certainly cannot complain. Right now, I am sitting at Kennedy waiting for a late aircraft, which gives me time to sit and write this so again, I can’t complain.

Cincinnati Ballet: Ballet & Beer, New Works

Last week, I went to my first Beer & Ballet night at the Cincinnati Ballet.

 

Each week the Cincinnati Ballet will hold a special more intimate opportunity to see a glimpse into the upcoming production. Starting tonight last night, Thursday, September 10^th, New Works is a production of local choreographers and musicians debuting their current work here. Also a special return by Italian choreographer Luca Veggetti. This program runs through September 20^th.

 

I wasn’t sure what to expect and surprised in more than one way. Reservations are recommended but not required. Considering that the event was sold out, I highly suggest making a reservation. Your name will be on a list as you come into the building where you are given a ticket to go up stairs and watch a preview of the upcoming show. Get there early for a good seat although I didn’t see anywhere that would be a problem.

 

After the “rough draft” of what you will be viewing, you have the option of sticking around to watch the instructor critique each move. While you and I see possible perfection, this particular audience only see what should be. It’s an amazing creative process and the dancers seem only eager to get it right.

 

After the performance, catered appetizers along with beer, wine, soda and bottled water are available complimentary to enjoy while mingling with other ballet friends. Once the dancers have finished and changed, they join the gathering for a chance to meet everyone. I had the opportunity to talk to Heather, one of the instructors and a few of the dancers. Not only talented on the stage I thought that the dancers were kind and professional, not at all pretentious. Another surprise was to see a Mom with her baby and other small children. Next month, I will surely bring my own son.

 

The entire evening was new for me. I have been to the ballet before, I have loved the ballet for years. And, thanks to movies like Center Stage and books from such as the American Ballet Theatre in NYC, I know a bit more about the ballet that some. What one sees in front of their own eyes though cannot compare with such things. When you watch the dancers out of formal costume in this venue, you can physically see the strength, the power and the feeling behind each move. Behind each note. Knowing the steps is not enough. Feeling each beat of the music, each pause of every frame makes a great dancer and a perfect ballet.

 

 

Travel and Still Save Money

When I first started working for the airlines, I was too afraid to go anywhere. I didn’t have the time or money to go anywhere. It’s really expensive to travel, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be.

 

With the economy the way it is, that leaves room for traveling. Using sites like Priceline.com and vacationstogo.com (for some examples) are two such sites that can save you a fortune. I have personally used priceline for hotels and car rentals. I was able to secure a hotel in Charleston, WV that runs for around $100/nt for only $42 and a car rental in Cincinnati, Ohio for $12 a day!

 

I usually look for hotels that also offers at least continental breakfast and make PB&J sandwiches for later. Another blogger suggested purchasing one of those discount books for that city if you are going to be there long enough to save money on food, shopping and activities. The hotel in CRW is the Holiday Inn Express downtown. They offer a really nice breakfast, apples at the front desk, coffee and tea all day, free Internet and they are right there by the mall. There is also some low cost eats around the area, the Capital Building and public transportation. They will pick you up from the airport or train station so really, who needs a car?

 

I have not used vacationstogo.com however, they always have some really great deals on cruises if you can get away at the last minute! One being offered right now is a 7 day cruise on the 12th of September leaving Port Canaveral, Florida for $409 per person. It’s on Carnival and regularly runs at $1669.00 per person. That’s a 75% discount! 

 

One thing that I do since I travel for a living is bringing food with me. There are some things that you can and cannot bring with you so don’t forget or they will take them! Remember that you cannot bring more that 3oz each in any liquids that you may want to bring however, you can bring some milk and juice for your little ones through security at the airport. I wait for these small Organic milks to go on sale and buy some of those. They do not need to be refrigerated until opened and are really yummy. Powdered milk is great because it can be mixed up as needed and is, well, not liquid. Cereal in small boxes (grab an extra at breakfast) or separated in ‘ziplock’ bags is handy. I even use re-usable bowls with lids so that I #1, have a bowl and #2, do not crush my cereal. Some other examples are dried fruit and nuts, tuna fish or chicken breast packets and crackers (pick up mustard and mayo packs when you see them), a loaf of bread and jar of peanut butter and ready meals that do not need refrigeration to be heated later if your hotel has a microwave. If you do not want to bring a bulky loaf of bread, you can bring a package of tortillas. Laughing cow cheeses (the little triangle packages in the round container) do not need to be refrigerated until opened. If you do bring cold things or have left overs, some hotels have small refrigerators or you can bring ziplock bags to hold ice and put them on your food. I have been doing this for years and it works great.

 

Another thing that I do is spend a little more for lunch and take some for later. I like Ruby Tuesday’s where I get the salad bar with the mini Turkey Burger’s for only a $1 more. It’s a little more expensive but at least I know that I am eating healthy and it’s actually two meals for me. I eat a full salad bar and take the burgers with me for later. Some cities have a special ticket or card that you can get that allows you to visit more than one site for a low price and even offer coupons for food.

 

If you are planning on taking a cruise, you will want to remember to take all of the important stuff. At a hotel, there’s usually a corner store some where. If you are on a cruise…it’s a boat in the middle of the water! *laughing, and not sarcastically* You are at their mercy and they will not hesitate to charge you $20 for a $5 disposable camera. Bring your meds, camera and film if you need that, sunscreen, proper shoes, feminine items, and a bottle of “water” filled with vodka (or your clear liquid of choice). *again, laughing. win, wink* You will get all of the food you could possibly need. Water, coffee and tea are free. Soda, juice and liquor are NOT free. I hear that you can purchase a drink card for soda these days but I would ask your particular line of choice.

 

All inclusives are a good deal too, especially when you can find a great deal due to the economy. One price that may seem pricey up front but includes just about everything can save big bucks. All of your food, drinks, activities and more.

 

Check out http://littlemissknowitall.net/ for more discount ideas, even Disney World!

Holiday Weekend

Hello world!

I am in NYC tonight and off to Houston for Labor Day with the family. I am so grateful that my family can come with me on this trip. I will try and get some information on the ballet event that I recently went to. It was really nice and I can’t wait to get to go to a full ballet performance. Yeah!

Have a great holiday tomorrow and check back later.

Are All Italians Nice?

Yesterday on the plane, I had a passenger that walked on with a piece of luggage that was too big for the aircraft so I pointed to the jetway for him to leave it there. When I began to tell him that he could pick it up when we got to our destination, he looked like he didn’t know what I was talking about. A brief interaction discovered that he was Italian and I was speaking too quickly.

TIP: I know from experience to learn hello, goodbye, thank you, where’s the…bathroom, food, museum, and “speak more slowly please”.

Immediately I was excited and determined to let he and his wife (?) know where to pick up their suitcase. Since my Italian is not that versed yet and I didn’t have use of my Google Translate, I got out my handy 4 language guide that I carry with me on the job at all times. (Comes in handy when you work NYC most of the time) I managed to write down: Buon gior no. Mi chiamo Christina. La valigia accanto la aero Detroit. Grazie!

If you don’t speak Italian either, it just says “Hello. My name is Christina. The suitcase next to plane Detroit. Thank you!” OK, not the best grammar but come on I wrote a brief not that they understood in less than two minutes using a tourist book and at least 4 different pages. Not bad, I think!

We were able to talk a little bit between my limited Italian and their English and they were so kind and gracious. I had time to show them some pictures of a trip that my husband and I took recently to Italy and they were so excited at the journey we took. They also asked if they could send me some pictures of their trip. Yeah! I love pictures.

Of course when they were getting off of the plane, I got a typical double kiss on the cheeks from the woman and a courteous handshake from the man. This is the same response that we got from everyone on our trip, which leads me to wonder if all Italians are this nice?

Cincinnati Women Bloggers Meeting: Cincinnati Ballet

Today’s Cincinnati Women Blogger meeting was held at the Cincinnati Ballet.

First of all, let me thank Terry Honebrink, Group Relations Coordinator for the Cincinnati Ballet for hosting the meeting and allowing us the opportunity to tour the building.

After a great meeting where we were able to discuss the pro’s and con’s of a recently past blogging conference (BlogHer 2009) held this year in Chicago, Illinois, the attention was passed on to Mrs. Honebrink. Her enthusiasm, rightfully so, for the ballet and especially the Cincinnati Ballet, is inspiring. Terry also has a daughter that dances for the company and understands the dedication and passion that is required of this group of talented individuals.

Did you kn ow that Cincinnati is one of only 8 states in the entire country that has their own ballet company, opera and symphony. The ballet was founded in 1958 by Nancy Bauer, Virginia Garrett and Myrl Laurence and was originally called the Cincinnati Civic Ballet.

Please read more about the Cincinnati Ballet and check into the amazing schedule that they have for the upcoming season with opening day on September 10th!

Everything Happens For A Reason

Image by Kliefi – (back in two weeks, ahoi) via Flickr

Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that I always say this.

 Today, I was supposed to fly to Houston, Texas to spend the night. When I got to the airport, I found out that the aircraft was downgraded from a 90 seat passenger jet to a 50 seater. This meant that I was going to sit in the back while the junior flight attendant worked on that flight. In the m iddle of eating my salad waiting for the flight, I was paged to say that I was now needed to go to Miami, Florida. Fine. Different city, same thing.

When we got to Miami, the first officer handed me a piece of paper with a name on it. Just airline stuff with notes but who’s name could it be. Out of all of the people in the whole world, it was my Twitter friend and co-blogger, Julie. I felt like I had a celebrity on my flight!

So nice to have you on board so that you could see what I do for a paycheck aside from my hobby as a health and travel blogger.

 

Will The Pool Cure A Headache?

In Ft Lauderdale for the whole day with a 6 year old that wants nothing more than to go to the pool. It’s a beautiful pool. The perfect temperature, gorgeous shape with two step in shallow ends, areas covered with palm trees  so that it’s not too hot.

Why do I want nothing more than to lay in my bed in the air-conditioning and send my husband with the boy. It’s so cute to see a child having that much fun with no cost involved.

I do remember sitting outside at my Mom’s house in the sun with a coke when I had a headache years ago. Is there something with the caffeine that can help a headache? I never have liked coca cola so I can only think it’s the caffeine. I think that I’ll make a cup of coffee and go to the pool.

Goodwill Finds 9/8/2008

I love Goodwill, especially on a Saturday when things are 50% off. Today, I found some small coffee cups that are perfect. A little larger than an espresso cup (since my machine is not working) but smaller than a full size coffee cup. I had found 8 of them in light blue when I found a creamer cup in a pumpkin color. Then, I found two slightly larger pumpkin colored cups that are the same material, weight and inside color that matched the creamer cup. Yippy! I purchased four of the blue ones, the two orange ones and the creamer cup for the bargain price of $2.50!

I also found a perfect modern brushed stainless lamp for my room that has a dimmer built right in the on/off knob also for the bargain price of $2.50. Gotta love the half off days.

Oh yeah, and the brand new looking pair of uniform school shorts for my son for .99! These run around $10 at the “regular” store. All for a couple of months of wear. That’s a savings of $9 on something that won’t even fit next year.