This post is not about photography. It’s about sharing my work as a flight attendant, the one that pays my bills.
Flying in bad weather can make for a physically exhausting day and I’m not talking about the continuous flapping of my arms. During turbulence, mild or severe, flight attendants will always be bodily tired. First, our work requires long hours of standing as we seldom have time to sit, too many passengers feeling needy. And, if you were to ever sit in a flight attendants jumpseat you would understand why we stand, our seats are straight backed and no padding. But more importantly, when we do stand we never stand in a relaxed stance like you would on a street corner. There is always some muscle working hard to keep our balance whether we are standing in the galley or fighting for balance with a coke in one hand and scalding hot coffee in the other.
Sunday was a rough day for flying with lots of turbulence due to the massive weather system moving across the states. On turbulent days it always feels good to be touching down after an hour and half flight, whether the pilots landed softly or smacked us hard. After settling into my hotel room last night, I ran myself a hot tub of water and soaked. Felt good. My body needed it. By the time you read this I will be back in the air flapping my arms wildly somewhere along the east coast and struggling to keep my balance. Hope everyone has a good week. And, please don’t ask for eight sugars to go in that six ounce cup of coffee. You don’t need that much sugar, you’ll permanently stick to the ceiling. 🙂
PS: If you read this far thanks for the patience in hearing me out. Oh, and can you believe it’s less than two weeks till Christmas?
10 Comments
Brad Mangas
My pleasure to read you entire posts Monte. You know I never really thought of the standing most of the time while flying but you have a point, it’s not just standing more like doing a balancing act for hours. You’ve made me more grateful to set in the cushioned seats of coach. And less than 2 weeks till Christmas! Oh man where is that list!
Save journeys.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Brad, and glad you check in once and a while. It is probably true that most people really have no concept of the work involved in someone’s work. I think people feel that way about photographers. There is no comprehension of the post processing involved in a wedding photographers work. Most people only see them working the wedding and reception. Also, holds tree of nature photographers. How many hours of sitting in the cold, or how many miles were hiked to get our images. We are all guilty of wearing blinders when looking at the world.
QPB (Mary Ann)
I often wondered how flight attendants fair after flying several flights in turbulent weather. Not for me–too confined and bouncy. More power to you, Monte, stay safe!
Monte Stevens
We also probably average about, much needed, 12 days off a month to recover. So a 4 -day trip and 3 days off works good. It’s also another reason I avoid airports on my days off. Would rather walk or ride in a car.
Earl
As I’ve said many times before I personally don’t believe I could do what you’re doing each day…and now you’ve given me another reason to know that’s true. Take care and may today’s flights be smoother with less grumpy/needy passengers. 🙂
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Earl. Todays flights were bumpy but the passengers were awesome. Just what Rhonda and I needed. We’re done for the day and will meet downstairs later on for dinner. I’m thinking crab cakes this time. And, maybe chowder.
pj
I’m just glad you’re able to stop wildly flapping your arms long enough to be able to get out and make fine photographs like this one.
Monte Stevens
I need to stop cuz my arms do get tired. 🙂
Paul
Hey, Monte. I flew on Sunday and it was a bit bumpy. In particular, our landing in Charlotte was interesting. It was a good landing, but the plan was rocking, left, right, left, right all the way down. Kudos to the pilot for not bouncing it.
I thought about you when I was on the flight and wondered what destination you were headed for. Every time I fly US Air, I hope that I run into you a flight.
Monte Stevens
I’m always looking for people I may know. About 3 years ago my old boss walked on the plane. What a surprise for both of us. I have a friend who worked with me at Agilent and now lives in the RDU area. He travels a lot so I’m always expecting to run into him. Strange as it is we did meet up but at the Houston airport. Who knows we still may meet in the air.