Beat the Heat

Now the summer months are upon us (in the southern hemisphere, at least) the weather is warming up and things are becoming hotter. As flight attendants, we're very aware of the weather, because even in summer it can mean bumpy flights and turbulence. Sometimes, summer turbulence is worse than winter. In Australia especially, the flat land heating up can produce very fast updrafts of hot air, which in turn becomes turbulent and we end up getting thrown around.

Even with modern planes that have air-conditioning, it can still get very hot. For example, if the plane has been sitting on the ground for a long time, or parked on the hardstand, the aircon might have been off. Sometimes the aircon might not work properly, and some aircraft only have cooling systems on when they have the engines on.

So how do we beat the heat? For passengers, it's possible to take off your jacket, or wear shorts (I'll leave why I think this is a bad idea to another post) but for the crew, sometimes we have no choice what to wear- maybe we have to keep our jacket or jumper on, or have a scarf which can make us feel hotter. For the ladies, stockings certainly don't help matters in the hotter months. Here's some ways I try to keep cool & refreshed on the plane.

Drink Up!

It's always important to keep hydrated on flights, but even more so in the hotter months. Although a lot of the time I don't feel like it, I force myself to drink as much water as I can to stop myself from feeling fatigued or getting a dehydration headache. it can get boring drinking plain water, but I don't like tonic or soda (not to mention all the salt in them) so sometimes I add in some lemon or lime, or just a touch of fruit cordial to liven things up.

Good Skin Is In
As crew, I've always taken care to use a good hydrating moisturiser, especially given the dry aircraft environment. In summer though, it's possible to switch to a lighter formula (even a gel) to stop that feeling of your face melting when it gets hot! As an Australian, it's very important to use a product for daytime wear that has a sunscreen in it.

I like the Nivea Daily Face Veil because I can wear it under my makeup and it's got SPF 30, which is the highest you can get here. I also look for foundations that also have SPF, in case I wear them alone.

Making It Up
Aside from using foundations that contain an SPF (most major brands now have them)

I also use a light dusting of powder to keep away shine. If you tend to sweat a lot in the face, sometimes blotting papers can help, especially to stop your makeup coming off as well! I use a brand from Hong Kong, but there's plenty available in Priceline such as ModelCo or Manicare.

Misting You
Another good item to have handy is a nice cooling facial spray. I like it for when I'm driving to work in the car, it's nice to have because once you use it you can turn on the airconditioning and it cools right down. It's also nice to use on those long night-time flights to make myself feel more awake, or to use after coming off the crew rest, so I don't look like I just got up! ;)

I have a nice one from the Face Shop, which is Jeju Marine and has a nice scent, but not irritating. Plain water sprays also work, such as Evian, but I find they make my skin feel a little tight and dry, so probably better if you can moisturise after using it.

Taking Stock
I might be trapped in nylons for the whole flight, but in hot weather the type that you use can make a real difference. So long as we have the right colour, the company doesn't really care what type or brand we choose to use. Instead of a full stocking, lots of girls chance to the 'stay up' kind in summer.

Basically it means there's less layers of clothing around the middle of your body which is where you feel hottest, especially when sitting down and stuck in a seatbelt harness for ages. The only thing you have to watch out for is that if it is VERY hot, the elastic doesn't always 'stay up'- so it pays to choose carefully when and where to make use of this type of stocking :P

Fan of Your Work
Another easy way to cool down is to carry a small folding fan in your bag, or even in your pocket. Handy for those times when the airconditioning doesn't work, or when you're strapped into your jump seat and can't get up.

In a pinch, a safety card or menu will do just as well!

These are just some of the simplest ways to beat the heat on flights, hope they have been useful to you. Have a great trip & stay cool!

End of Summer...

Even though summer was officially over at the beginning of March, we've been having some quite nice weather. A friend & I decided to take the opportunity yesterday to hit the beach for one last outing. We thought it'd be really crowded, being a Friday and so nice out, that people might have taken the day off work to go. But, while there were a fair few people, it wasn't too crowded, so we were able to find a nice spot on the sand and relax.

The water was beautiful, really blue and refreshing.


I'm a bit of a wimp so of course squealed at first when I got in, it was kind of cold, but once in it was really nice. We swam around for a bit, then walked the length of the beach in knee-deep water to get our exercise quota. After that went up onto the breakwater to have a look around, then back down for some more swimming. This was fun until I thought I saw a sea snake, and we both ran away like girls and wouldn't go back in. (My friend & I are both really paranoid about creepy-crawlies, especially with so many shark attacks & sightings in Oz this summer)

On the exercise front, I've been really good. Did a one-hour walk on the river with my walking buddy, and did 5 k's on the bike (yeah it's not much in the scheme of things, but it's heaps for a noob like me). Also, I must be getting used to the bike as my butt doesn't seem to hurt so much any more. Pity the one-hour walk wiped out my hamstrings and they feel really sore! Good thing I didn't have to work today, and had a day off before that! =)

There's not too much else to report. Work has been pretty good, had some good flights with a lot of good passengers, and quite a few friends on the crew. Got another really good performance review which was great. (BTW yes I am photocopying these before signing them and handing them in so as to have them handy should the need arise)

Also looking into other options just in case any good opportunities come up. Ideally would like to stay where I am but I can't ignore the fact I'd really like to be doing a 'bit more' work-wise. What that is, I'm not sure yet. Either something different at my current airline, or maybe moving back to a regional in a training role. That would be cool, and leave the travelling for holidays.

Haven't done too much shopping lately, well aside from food and whatnot. Seeing as I've been at home on reserve a lot I've been buying up big on fresh fruit and other food, also have a bit of a thing for flowers lately. Bought some red roses today which are sitting in my bedroom looking really pretty.

Aside from that, just trying to enjoy the small things, taking time out to read books, chill out with my iPod and snuggle time with the kitties. I also found my diary from last year about writing down positive things. So I've been doing that this week and it's amazing when you think about it, just how many things in a day there are to be happy about or grateful for.

One more good thing that happened this week- I did an event gig and basically waitressed/organised the drinks & canapes for a fancy cocktail 'do for a designer here, and got very good compliments from the guests. But it was enough for me to know I'm not made to do waitressing full time. We have a lot of good equipment on the aircraft to help us, and it's amazing just how much we rely on it- I kept looking around the kitchen for things that weren't there, and found carrying a normal-sized tray weird!!! :P

Next month's roster is looking pretty sparse, only one international trip (boo) and a couple of two and three day trips, the rest is all home reserve. Yuck. So SHB and GirlOnTour, let me know if you're around at the same time as me and we'll see if we can manage a meetup!!! :P

I'm Still Here... Sort of

I'm stil here, just not posting as much. Have been having intermanet/laptop issues, which I seem to have sorted for the time being. Fingers crossed laptop starts behaving. I had to reboot it to its factory settings. Luckily, the portable hard drive I had ordered arrived a day before the computer crapped out completely, so I still have all my photos and things. Getting support finally worked out once I managed to convince the computer people that I did, in fact, have more than a 12 month warranty, and that it hadn't expired.

On a side note, I've got the iTunes Top 20 playing in the background... does anyone else think that Beyonce looks totally hoochie in the clip for 'Single Ladies'?? Waving one's crotch at the camera while wearing a black leotard does not classy make, especially when you are more on the curvy side like she is. Nothing against her size, but that dance routine does her NO favours! Let's not even start on that HIDEOUS dress that she wore to the Oscars. Okay, back to your scheduled blog.

My latest work trip totally kicked my ass, al this time off does not good flight attendant condition make. Especially flying horrible red eye flights. I was so knackered, I didn't even go to the shops. Woke up 3 hours after I started my supposed 45-minute ' power nap'. Oops. Luckily the supermarket near the hotel was still open, so I got some supplies and then stopped by Subway to get a sub for dinner.

Weather has been nice, I'm on standby tomorrow but if I don't get called out I'm thinking I might head down to the local pool and sit with my book, get a bit of sun before it's gone and swim for a bit. Always fun!

In career news, I did hear back from Etihad, they said I have been shortlisted for their visit to Australia, and they will let me know what date they want me to come to an interview. Always worth checking out what other people are offering. I love my current job but it's just impossible to get anywhere career-wise at the moment. I don't want to be 30 and still renting... ugh. Though apparently if one moves to Queensland there are properties to buy that cost less than renting, and not too far from Brisvegas. Not sure I believe that, though. Hmm.

The Calm Before the Storm...

Don't worry, nothing bad!!!

Just alluding to the fact that I've done pretty much sweet F-all over the last few days, in contrast to plans for the rest of the month.

Valentine's Day was fun, seeing as this year is all about me, I elected not to attend the varous 'singles parties' I'd been invited to, or go on a dinner date with any of the guys I've met recently (don't want that added pressure, thanks!) and instead opted for a girls' night in with booze, popcorn and DVDs. Perfect- no having to dress up for anyone else, can sit around being un-ladylike and best of all it didn't matter if we pigged out on chocolate (yes we did)

Meeting up with SHB again as he is in Perth at the same time as me (I'm on leave remember) and we're going to have some drinks and gossip, yay!! That should be good. Then drinks with the girls on Tuesday, movies & dinner on Wednesday. Thursday- not sure yet but am sure something can be arranged as it's after pay day (thank god!!) Friday- ditto just left it free for last-minute ideas, Saturday birthday dinner, Sunday- arvo session at the local pub.

So, should be good. I really do need to get off my ass and clean the house. I think Foxtel has had enough of my presence today!

Aussies- Get Thee to Coles...

Jesus. It's now up to 173 and rising.

The cops say they're on the verge of releasing identikit photos of a suspected arsonist. (Somehow I think they better find him/her first before a member of the public does)

If you want to help, hold off your food shopping until this FRIDAY 13TH FEB. Coles stores nationally will be donating all proceeds from sales that day to the Bush Fire Relief Fund. If you can't donate money, buy your groceries then- it's the next best thing and every bit helps!

How Much Can a Koala Bear?

(Ok, so I know they're not bears, they're marsupials, but anyway)

Most of Australia is suffering a heat wave at the moment, most especially Melbourne & Sydney. This article was on the main login page to my email account. When the animals start taking swims to cool down, you kow it's hot!!!


You can read the article here.

I have some posts planned, but don't feel much like writing at the moment.