Two Years Later

On February 23, 2015 I started Flight Attendant Training. 

In the last two years, a LOT has happened. 

So many new experiences, adventures, and people have been a part of the past 24 months... Sometimes it's a little overwhelming to think about how much has changed since I walked through the doors of the training center. 

76 Domestic Layovers

7 International Layovers

5 new states (for a total of 41)

This is the morning of the very first day of training. I was nervous, sad, and I had absolutely no idea how phenomenally my life was about to change. 

When you practice together on fake airplanes you end up bonded for life.

With my friend Andre before we left for our initial operating experience! We were hired together on the same day. 

Right before we jumped into a pool to practice saving some lives.

Roommate Kate! 

Two years later at recurrent training: everything changes, everything stays the same. 💖

Yesterday was the most exciting/scary day on the job so far, and I am so grateful for the changes that have taken place in my life because of it.

Thanks stars. 

Happy Galentine's Day!

I love Leslie Knope. 

More than a few times, I've been compared to her and I'm always flattered. 

One of the best things to come out of Parks and Rec is the fabulous tradition of Galentine's Day.

I wanted to share with you my favorite Galentine's Day tradition.

Two years ago right now, I was walking through one of the hardest times of my life. I didn't have a Valentine but I did have awesome lady pals who were holding my hand as I went through hell. 

So I started crafting cards for them. 

There were some embarrassing mishaps early on involving glitter glue, but now I've got my favorite format down. 

Glitter washi tape. Knope compliments. Heartfelt words. 

I am so lucky to have so many cool, hilarious, strong, and gorgeous women in my world. 

THANKS Chi Omega, Miss America, Girls State, Flight Attending, and other awesome ways I've met cool women. 

I usually can't eat waffles with my gal pals on Galentine's Day, but I CAN spend the day celebrating awesome women and letting them know I care about them. 

Here are a few of the cards that I put together this year:

Valentine's Day is lovely, but honestly, I'm way more excited about a day devoted to inspiring women, glitter, and breakfast food. 

Happy Galentine's Day! 

Packing List: Flight Attendant Training

Exactly two years ago I was getting ready to leave for Flight Attendant Training, and I was trying to figure out what the heck to bring with me. 

Packing for training is complicated by two factors:

1. You're about to live in a hotel room for six weeks.

2. You don't know where you're going after those six weeks are up. 

Normally I abhor overpacking, but in this particular situation there are so many different factors that can come into play. Location of training, your base, whether or not you'll be able to go home before going to to your base, if you're moving to your base, time of year, weather, etc.  

Here is a general list of things that I packed when for initial training. 

Business Casual Attire:

Two pairs of pants

Trouser socks

Three dresses

Two blazers

Four button down shirts

Three blouses

Two skirts

Ten pairs of pantyhose

Black flats

Black heels (less than 3in)

Additional flats

Additional heels 

Casual Attire:

Workout Clothes

Gym Sneakers

Socks

Undergarments

Leggings

Dresses

Jeans

Casual tops

T-shirts

Casual shoes

Flip flops

Seasonal Clothing:

Sandals

Boots/Booties

Warm coat

Scarves

Gloves

Toiletries:

Shampoo

Conditioner

Soap

Hairspray

Facial Care routine items

Extra contact lenses

Glasses

Makeup

Makeup remover wipes

Lotion

Hand sanitizer

Enough medications for two months (prescription and OTC)

Vitamin C Supplements

Hair dryer

Class Supplies:

Notebook

Folder for loose papers/handouts

Highlighters

Pens

Post it Flags

Post It Notes

Masking Tape

Markers

Flash cards

Tote bag to carry class stuff in

Swimsuit that you can wear a shirt and shorts over

Other Items:

Laundry soap (I brought a baggie of soap pods)

Quarters for laundry

Water bottle

Snacks

Extra phone battery/external charger

Tablet

Chargers for phone and tablet

Reusable grocery bags (these are great for laundry)

Plastic baggies

Power strip/extension cord

Things to keep in mind:

-You're going to get uniform clothes and luggage while in training, so be ready to leave with more than you came with.

-Depending on the time of year and your base options, you may want to bring more or less seasonal apparel. I trained in Dallas and got based in Philly over March, so I had to make sure I had some transitional coats etc.

-Honestly, you probably won't NEED all of this for your six weeks of training, especially if you have access to a washer and dryer, but you will probably want most of it when you get to your base. Think through the logistics of getting to your base now. Will you fly home to collect your things before driving to your new city? Will you fly straight from training to your base? If you're flying to your base straight from training, I'm going to recommend that you take advantage of checking as many bags for free as you're allowed to. 

-Store your suitcases under your bed. You can keep a bunch of stuff that you aren't currently using in your bags during training. Use them for storage.

Have more questions? Email me: highflyingadoredblog@gmail.com