.done.

Finally I am through the "Initial Operating Experience" training. I am officially a flight attendant for Skywest!! 

 (I am the one on the left...)

I started my training by deadheading to the O'Hare airport in Chicago. Dressed in my full uniform I was already being bombarded by the general public wondering how to get from point A to point B. Everyone assumes that if you are wearing the uniform you must have all the answers.  I would just smile and say, "Follow the signs and you'll find your way in no time...", then I would walk away very quickly. I learned to keep smiling and stay positive, but above all avoid eye contact. Also,  it's not a good idea to pretend that you don't speak English. On average,1 out of 2 people can see right through that lie (and my high school french doesn't sound pretty). 

I woke up the next morning with a new outlook on my first trip as a flight attendant. I would be flying from Chicago - Oklahoma City - L.A. - Seattle. Meeting up with my IOE instructor, Eveleen, at Terminal 2 we cut in front of everyone in line for the security check and rushed off to board our plane. Observing only for the first leg of the trip I was feeling pretty confident in my new black tights. So, on the next flight I stood in front greeting boarding passengers with the giddiness of a new employee. That giddiness faded to a nervous twitch as I was being handed more and more responsibility during my training. Flying into Seattle that night and looking over the mossy pines I finally allowed myself to relax a little bit. The bonus for being a flight attendant is that I get to sleep at nice hotels. As a sunk into the pillows on my queen-sized bed, sleep found me very fast that night. The next day I did the same trip (backwards) all over again. Only this time I was flying solo. No help from Eveleen- just the occasional glare over her glasses keeping me in line.

Through it all I really enjoyed myself :] I am still excited to be a flight attendant. I got my first business card from a strange man and a compliment from a very drunk first class passenger. Awesome. I can tell this is a great start to an interesting career. 

Stay posted for traveling stories to come...