Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Chance of a Lifetime--December 30, 2009

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Woke up at 4:40 A.M.  Whoa!  Had I fallen asleep last night?!  Sure enough!  Still had my jeans on!  Went back to bed.

Woke up at 7:20 on my own!  That hasn't happened in a long time!!!  I had slept 12 hours!!!  Kind of funny, too...I woke up to a dream of me having an egg...a cooked egg.  But it was beating.  I opened up to find a small chicken...with batter on it.  It was certainly cooked!  But dead now that it was open.  I love dreams.  I also remembered one of my mom opening up a letter back home...it turns out Delta had hired me.  Hmm.

Grabbed breakfast at Denny's in the hotel.  Didn't come with the hotel...that's my fault!  I should have checked that.  Went out to the airport to fly.  Skies were looking pretty good.

And sure enough, they were!  Fly, fly, fly!!!  On station at 9:45 A.M.  One of my flight plans took me right up to NASA's restricted airspace.  I couldn't get in.  We don't have clearance until January 1.  Bummer.  I moved to another flight plan.  I finished that one up.  But before doing so, I called up Cape Control.  I asked if it would be possible to get in there today...after all, we had GREAT weather.  Clouds were starting to pop up, but so far, I was staying out of them.  He granted my request?!  No kidding?!  Really?!  SWEEEEEEEET!!!  I called up Matt to let him know.  We were granted access into the Restricted Areas over Cape Canaveral!  Woo hoo!  We were so going to finish this project today.

I finished the plan I was on, then headed up to finish the one that I had to leave due to the Restricted Area.  I finished those four lines, then headed down into the middle of the Restricted Area to finish one more flight plan.  Matt and I tag-teamed that one.  I was flying just a few miles west of the Space Shuttle landing site...and the assembly plant.  Pretty neat.  Not many pilots are allowed in here.  What a fun time!

Well, Matt finished his four lines, then went in for fuel.  I grabbed the remaining six, turning just a few miles south of NASA's huge assembly building.  So beautiful.  I finished, thanked the guy for letting us in there, then requested a lower altitude for my own picture-taking.  My camera was not working earlier in the day, and I was sooooo frustrated!  Here I was, having the opportunity to fly over Cape Canaveral, and my camera doesn't work!  I had needed to charge the batteries and even mentioned that to Matt this morning after Denny's, but I just didn't have time.  Agggh!  I had searched everywhere for batteries.  I replaced the ones that were in there.  I tried different combinations of batteries.  I pulled out an old GPS from my flight bag searching for batteries.  Nothin'.  Grr grr grr!!!  Oh well.  Such is life.

But it started working as I flew over the Cape.  I was more than thrilled!!!  I couldn't believe it!!!  It seriously did not work all morning...and now it was!!!  Woo hoo!!!

Well, I dropped down to 2ooo and took a couple more pictures (I had already taken several from 4500 as I made my turns).  Then I headed back for Space Coast.  But I couldn't shake the thought.  I owed it to myself.  I HAD TO.

"Control, 151, it's probably a little too much to ask for a touch-and-go on the runway, isn't it"?

<chuckled response>  "Yeah, I can't let you do that, but if you want, you can fly over the runway at 500 feet."

I couldn't believe my ears!!!!  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!  I seriously didn't believe what I was hearing and had to verify it for myself a couple of times.  Sure enough, I was granted the honor of flying over the 15,000-foot NASA Shuttle Landing Facility runway.  I immediately took him up on it.  He joked that if my partner called in, he would have to deny any such acknowledgement of such a request.  ha!  What a privilege.

It was seriously an honor.  So I turned around and a made a base for the runway.  I aimed right towards the assembly facility and dropped down to 500 feet.  This was simply spectacular!!!  I grabbec my camera and started snapping shots.  What a privilege!

I actually was so consumed with taking pictures that I nearly overran the runway!  I turned sharply and tried to line up.  A bit embarassing!  Oh well, it wasn't by much.  I was able to line up before the actual runway, but I missed a great shot of the approach lights and all.  Agggh!!!!  Oh well.

And just like that, I was seeing a view that I would imagine VERY few other pilots have seen.  I was staring down the 15,000-foot runway where the space shuttle comes to land.  Who else can say that?!  And I flew 500 feet across the ENTIRE runway.  It all happened so fast!!!

I thanked the guy profusely.  That's a memory I'll cherish for life.  Frankly, it's nothing spectacular.  And yet, it's everything spectacular.  I certainly enjoyed it!  As I flew along the runway, he asked where we were based out of.  I told him and just had some small talk.  As I turned off the runway, he said I must have a pretty sweet job.  Next only to his, of course.  I simply couldn't argue.  As a pilot, I am getting opportunities that I will never have the rest of my life.  Stories to remember!  Not always good, but certainly memorable.  How many pilots can say they've flown down the NASA Shuttle runway?  Ok, yeah, them.  But they are ASTRONAUTS!!!!

Headed back to Space Coast.

Landed, called the boss, found out we are going to Lakeland, Florida, next.  Matt and I weren't necessarily thrilled, but oh well.  We had just finished a project in two days.  Awesome.  I flew 4.1 hours today.  Then about 20 minutes later, I received another phone call.  Scratch that.  Head to Alexandria, Lousiana.  ha!  What a job we have.  I later learned that we will be heading to Daytona Beach tomorrow where I will get an oil change and where Matt will hopefully get new radios.  Then from there, we (plus Jeff) will head to Alexandria, Louisiana.  We have a VERY large project awaiting us.  I think we have 105 flight plans!!!!

Talked to Sandy for 45 minutes tonight.  That was nice.

Had some Waffle House for supper.  I still want to own one of those.  I have a perfect spot for it back in Illinois.

Went to bed at a respectable 11:15 P.M.  I haven't seen that in way too long.  I'm looking forward to being fresh in the morning.

Moving On--December 29, 2009

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Woke up at 7:30.  Much, much earlier than I had wanted.  But Matt and I were to meet "window open" up in Melbourne.  I just went through the motions this morning...I did what I had to do.  I wasn't sure how today was going to be.  I was tired.  Again.  I HATE this.  I need to stop doing this!!!

Matt and I were ready to go 8:15...but we had to wait on the other guys.  We ended up leaving around 8:35, I think.  We weren't going to meet our "window open."  But I took off a bit after 9:00...I had about 120 miles to get to the project.  The first hour wasn't too good.  I had downed half a cup of coffee...enough to hopefully keep me awake...but not enough to make me pee in a half hour.  I hoped it would work.  But it really didn't.  Grr.  I really needed this to be a good day.  We had the absolutely most perfect weather we have had since I have been in Florida.  SEVERE CLEAR.  Not a cloud in the sky.  Anywhere.  I could see everywhere!!!  Well, ok, as soon as you hit the coast, there was clouds.  Right above the ocean.  But the earth had NO cloud.  I could easily see 60 miles in every direction!!!!  100?  More?!

Flew up to Melbourne and started mapping.  I was "on station" at 10:21...about a half hour late.

The first flight plan was routine.  Smooooooooooth air.  No problems.  But my next flight plan put me over an airport that had skydiving going on.  And a whole lot of it.  Crap.  I talked to Approach about it, but they just informed me that they were doing ops all day long.  Hmm.  I went over to the advisory frequency and got ahold of one of the Twin Otters doing the skydive ops.

"151, doing aerial survey, will be passing over the airport, you guys out here all day"?

"Yes, sir, all day."

"Um, is there any way of coordinating this?  I will be over the field just a couple of times, then out of here for good."

"Two Twin Otters in the sky all day, skydivers, that would be REALLY dangerous."

"Right, I know.  Is there any way of coordinating with you"?

"I don't know.  There are two of us.  I'm dropping now.  Then again in 3 minutes.  Another guy is on his way up dropping right behind me.  If you stay 2 miles away, you won't be a problem."

"Um, I will be mapping over the field.  10 mile lines. North and south.  2 miles south of the field, 8 miles north."

"That will be dangerous."

"RIGHT.  ARE WE ABLE TO COORDINATE THIS SO I CAN GET IN THERE"?  I was a bit frustrated.  I know what you are doing, now here is what I am doing.  Let's work together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Peoples' lives are literally at stake here.  We don't call them "meat rockets" for no reason.

But I was getting nowhere.  I had been circling south of the field about four miles.  With not much help from them, I went east of the field to at least complete some lines.  I had wasted 15 minutes already.  Maybe more.

I kept making radio calls.  But I was getting no help from them.  They HAD to be hearing me.  The other guys on frequency were.  I could hear them making their calls when they were dropping the meat rockets.  But they weren't really talking to me.  I was so frustrated.  So I listened for them...when they made their drops.  And I based my flight around that.  Frankly, it was aggravating.  And not 100% safe.  I didn't like it.  I made my radio calls very frequently.  5 miles north, southbound.  3 miles north of the field.  Over the field.  North, south, whatever.  I let everyone know.  They did not.  Whatever.

At one point, I just wasn't comfortable with one of the lines.  A drop had been completed from 14,000 feet about 10 minutes earlier.  Maybe 8?  I didn't know when the chutes would be deployed.  How long are these guys staying up?  Free-fall for how long?  It made me nervous.  I broke off one of the lines that put me just east of the field.  I didn't want to risk it.  I circled around, finished the very eastern lines, then came back.

I finally finished that flight plan...45 minutes later than it should have taken.  I was sure glad to get out of there.

I landed at Melbourne (again!) for fuel.  Ate a little, then headed back up.  A quick 20-minute turn-around.

I was able to finish one more plan and half of another one.

Matt and I landed at Space Coast Executive Airport...just five miles west of the Space Shuttle station.

I was pretty tired.  I had made it all day...certainly not the most tired I've been while flying, but I certainly wasn't feeling great, either.  I focused on my landing (which was fantastic!) and taxied in.  Again, I was thrilled to be on the ground.  It was a great day for flying...so smooth and clear...but sometimes the days just get long.  I had logged 6.4 hours.

The airport was simple.  And that was nice.  Actually, the whole day was nice.  Approach was quiet (unlike Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach) all day.  The airport was a simple Class Delta.  No fancy FBO.  Just a small little one.  I felt at home.  Matt was more than thrilled to be out of Banyan.  Too busy.  We were just another number.  I understood his viewpoint.

Grabbed a car, went to our hotel,  then headed out for some food.  We drove and drove and drove.  Not much.  We finally settled on a small bar and grill.  Bad decision.  It was pretty sad.  I would call it "depressed."  In every sense of the word.  Financially, mentally, etc.  It seemed to be a place where people came to get away from it all...in alcohol.  A dark, quiet bar.  It took us over 30 minutes to get our food after we ordered.  And we were so tired already...and hungry.  We were happy to put that one behind us.

Came back to the hotel, then laid down on my bed.  It was 7:20-ish.

I never woke up.

The End is Here--December 28, 2009

Woke up at 7:45.  I was pretty nervous because I was expecting to be tired again.  I don't like that!!!  But surprisingly enough, I was good that first hour after waking.  Hmm.  I wasn't completely convinced, but at least I didn't have to lube up on coffee.

Headed for the skies.  I flew up to Palm Beach where I was met with broken clouds at 2300 feet.  Broken on the ATIS anyway.  It looked like overcast.  Oh boy.  I flew over to the western flight plans.  I found myself between a layer above me (about 500 feet higher) and a layer below me.  I headed back for the airport even as Matt was flying out to the plans.  As I was coming upon my downwind, Matt said he could probably stay out there and do some of a flight plan.  Ok, I said.  That was fine.  I had just been out there and was pretty sure he wouldn't last long.

I landed and grabbed some coffee with Jeremy's breakfast...he was waiting on his flat tire to be fixed.

After 30 minutes of not seeing Matt, I figured I had better go back up.  The skies were clearing here, too.

So I headed back out there.  And sure enough, the flight plans were doable.  Mostly.  The fields were burning again, so we had to dodge the smoke, but after going back and forth to the two flight plans, I was able to finish both.  But not before one of the worst fights I have had against my bladder.  I was losing miserably.  And I was in a Catch-22.  I had a little bit of V-8 left.  And I needed the bottle.  So I had to DRINK the V-8 in order to get an empty bottle to pee in.  How unfair is that?!  And so I had my first pee at altitude this season.  And it was a LONG one.  The pee, silly.  Well, that, too...but...anyway!  I flew with my feet as I let the liquids flow.  Oh sweet mother, how good that felt.

Moving on!  Matt finished his project, too.  Palm Beach was getting better, too.  I headed up there to check it out...and landed at North Palm Beach County to grab some fuel.  We were going to finish this project!!!!!!  C'mon, c'mon!

I headed back up.  Matt was on his way over from Pahokee where he landed for fuel.  I only had 8 lines to do, Matt had 7.  We should be done in an hour or so.  Perfect.  I started doing my lines...talking with Approach.  ha!  And yes, I was getting into their approach end again!  Oh well.  Deal with it!

I had let Approach know exactly when I was getting out of there.  Just six more lines, I said!  Perfect.

Almost.  Never, ever plan on anything with this company.  Ever.  <sigh>

Just one line into this flight plan, Matt had computer problems.  He could not continue.  Crap.  We were going to finish this project!!!  I needed him!  GRRRRRR!!!

Well, I finished my project, then told Approach I would have to finish his, too.  It was going to be close.

I started on line 6 of 12.  Easy enough. I finished my last line, then told Approach thanks, and headed for Ft. Lauderdale.  But as is habit, I checked my lines.  Hmm.  Why was there still a line 12 left?  I cycled through the lines.  No, no, NO!!!  I had completely missed a line!  GRR!!!  For whatever reason, I had thought I only needed to do six lines.  Since I started on line 6 of 12, my mind told me I only had to do 6.  But I didn't include Line 6!  I needed to do 7 lines!!!  I quickly called Approach, and embarrassingly requested to come back.  I was only a couple of miles away, but we were all looking forward to getting me out of there!!!  I was right in the departure end now!!!  Jets were taking off, being given 4000 feet to level off...because of me!  I had a handful of departures to watch for.  But I HAD to finish this.  Man oh man!  How could I have missed that?!

Well, the request was granted.  Thankfully.  I finished the last line.  The very last line.  Matt and I were finally done with the project.  It took  us 2 1/2 weeks.  Yikes!!!  But we were done.  Finally.

Landed back at Ft. Lauderdale.  I was fighting ANOTHER vicious pee attack.  I simply couldn't make it.  There, on the busy ramp, I hit behind the door and let the deluge flow into the bottle again.  These pees were monstrous, too.  Not sure what was going on there.  I had literally filled up my 2-quart bottle to half-full.  A whopping quart in just six hours.  It was nothing short of painful.  But seriously, each pee was sooooooooooooo long!  haha.  I had to quickly hurry up as the fuel guy came to fill my plane up!  oops!

I then headed back to the hotel.  I had flown 6.1 hours...the most since I had been in Ft. Lauderdale.

Matt and I learned that we were heading up to the Cape Canaveral area the next day for our next project.  We were both kind of eager to get out of Florida...the flying is just...different.  But, oh well, we'll take what we can get.  We went through the ridicuous process of finding a rental car (expensive!!!), an airport, and a hotel.  I really, really hate this part of the job.  We settled on Titusville, FL.  The car was expensive ($350/week), as we were now paying $142/week to put that into comparison, but we had to have it.

I called up Sandy, told her I would be heading out.  But I let her know I wanted to see her before I left.  I ended up driving to her house to say good-bye.  It was so good to see her.  And she had a little bit of a surprise for me, too.  She let me ride her motorcycle!!!  With her on it, of course!  I would have it no other way!!!  We went about 25 miles...not goin' to lie, it was pretty chilly, but definitely worth it.  We stopped at a park, walked around for a bit, then came back.  Thank you, Sandy!!!  I had a blast.

We came back to her house and just hung out for a bit.  She had mentioned watching a movie, but I told her I was not at all interested.  I wanted to enjoy time with HER instead!!!  I stayed with her for a couple more hours.  We snuggled...I'm goin' to miss that!!!  We may have kissed, too.  hehe.

I ended up leaving there at 2:00 A.M.  I think?  Later than I had wanted, but it was definitely good to see her before I left.  I definitely wanted that.

Went to bed at 2:30 A.M.

A Shark?! December 27, 2009

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Woke up at 7:30.  Matt was calling me.  I needed a ride.  Stan had to come pick me up.  Turns out they went back to the hotel without me.  Grr.  What an interesting life.

Anyway, he picked me up, and we were off to the  hotel to pick up the other guys...to go straight to the airport.  I grabbed my flight gear, then was out the door...didn't even have time to brush my teeth or shower or anything.  We were late.  Late late late.  We rolled up to the airport at 9:15 A.M., about a half hour later than we needed to be there.  We found the other guys from the other hotel waiting, so we didn't feel half as bad, but still...things should not go this way!  Again, a life of having four guys in one location...using one car.  For personal (I'll say it again...selfish) reasons.  It is what it is.

Anyway, we had an OK day for flying today.  I headed up to Palm Beach with Matt, and we started on the two remaining flight plans up there.  We were talking with Approach, and they pretty much hate us here.  They just treat us like the biggest nuisance to them...which is quite frustrating.  We talk to them, we make all radio calls, we listen to radio calls...we fly in busy airspaces all the time.  I get so frustrated when someone just doesn't give us the time of day.  We are treated like all other Cessna 172's out there...weekend warriors, etc.  They don't realize we do this FOR OUR JOB.  Hey, I do my flying as best I can...why don't you do your job as best you can?  And we can WORK TOGETHER.  There is no reason why we shouldn't be able to fly in your airspace!!!  It's a Class Charlie for crying out loud!

Anyway, about halfway into my flight plan, Approach called me and said that I would not be able to continue.  Frankly, I know why it happened, too, and it's bogus.  I was on the eastern end of my flight plan, about 2 miles over the ocean.  This put me right into the Approach Corridor for incoming flights into Palm Beach from the north.  No biggie.  Frankly, I see the jets coming in, they (usually) call them out to me, I turn at the EXACT same location each time.  It's NOT THAT HARD.  Well, I had a jet coming in.  Nothing unusual.  I had him in sight.  They eventually saw me.  I was at the end of my line, he was at supposed to be at 5000 feet.  I was at 4500.  I banked into my turn, maybe less than a mile from him.  He passed right at my 12 o'clock as I started my turn.  Well, in my turn, I hear this radio call...

"Approach, we have the lil' guy in sight.  Uh, he made our RA go off, too...so, uhhh...."

"Roger, continue approach, blah blah blah."

I checked my altimeter.  I was right at 4500 feet.  I'll be honest, sometimes I get 100 feet off or so.  It happens.  But I was pegged right at.  Maybe 4520.  But when the jet said that, oh, man, I was NOT happy!  Frankly, 500 feet is REALLY CLOSE, and I'm pretty sure those guys just aren't used to that.  I understand.  But I do not appreciate you saying I'm not at my altitude.  That's a wash.

Well, I was able to do one more line and then start another before Approach came on.  "151, yeah, I am going to have to limit you to 1/4 mile off shore."  He told me this right after he told Matt.  What crap!!!  Frankly, we did NOT have to even be talking to Approach!!!  I was outside their airspace, Matt was above it!  We were literally doing THEM a service (as well as keeping us all safe up in the skies!!!).  We could be flying out there squawking VFR all day if we wanted to.  C'mon, guys, do your job.  We can work together here.

I was sooooooo tempted to just squawk 1200 and keep doing what I was doing.  But the clouds were actually rolling in from the coast.  I am positive I took a couple of pictures of clouds, and they kept creeping in.  Frankly, if I could have continued the flight plan, I would have just squawked 1200 and stayed there.  Listen, if you don't want to help me help you, then you can just deal with me flying out there in your approach corridor.  Agh, I was mad.  But I simply couldn't continue due to the clouds.  In frustration, I DID squawk 1200 and just left to go see if the western flight plans were doable over the Everglades.  They weren't.  So Matt and I headed in.

These controllers really haven't been too helpful.  It's crazy.  Once you get on with them, they are usually pretty good.  But they just don't want us in there.  I don't think they get that we are going to finish this project with them...in their airspace, whether they like it or not.  Let's at least work together, be safe, and get this done.

GRRRRRRR!!!!

I flew 2.0 hours today.

Went back to the hotel, called up Sandy, and she came over.  Then at 7:30 that night, we all went out fishing again!!!  I have decided that I am absolutely in love with ocean fishing.  I was catching fish left and right the first hour...I think I had around 9 or so?  Mostly yellow snapper (I think).  I even had a couple of keepers!!!

Sandy wasn't doing so hot.  That kind of made me sad!!!  I wanted her to catch lots!

Then about an hour and a half into it, I got a fairly aggressive bite.  And my line just went!!!  I had something and something big!!!  And the line just kept on going!!!  I was reeling it in, and then it would just run with it!  My drag would squeel!  The fish was running to the back of the boat.  You usually catch one, then reel it right up.  Maybe a minor fight.  But not this time.  This fish was simply running with my line!  I had to start walking to the back of the boat!!!  I would reel it in some more...then lose more line!  I went around Sandy, under Jeremy, over Matt.  And I found myself in the corner of the back of the boat!  One of the guides was there...they had the net!  I joked that I was ready to see the Marlin jump anytime now...he said you never know!  What?!  I was completely being sarcastic...and here he was saying it's a possibility!!!

The drag was too loose, though...and the guide reached over and tightened it up.  And then bam, just like that, the fight was over.  I didn't want to believe it.  But sure enough, nothing was there.  Crap.  I reeled and reeled and reeled and reeled it in.  I was just watching the line build upon itself on my reel.  Wow.  We were just 50 feet deep...pretty easy to reel back in.  I would guess I had probably 300 feet of line out there.  He was just having a hey-day with my line.

I pulled the hook back into the boat to re-bait it.  You have got to be kidding me!!!  My hook had BENT itself out!!!  Once we tightened the drag, the fish just straightened out my hook.  Unbelievable.  I was incredibly (moreso than I would have imagined!) disappointed!  I wanted to know what was on the end of my line!!!  Come back, you, come back!!!

Well, I continued to fish.  And it WAS disappointing.  We had been having some ridiculously good luck on this reef, so we decided to stay there the entire night.  But what was a very productive first hour ended up being a very slow second and third hour.  I did not pull up anything for over an hour after I had that bigg'un.  I didn't like it!!!

In that time, though, another guy had a big fish on the end of his line...someone said it may have been the one I let go!  Ha!  Of course, joking...but who knows?!  He got it all the way up to the boat, and it surfaced...a small shark!  So neat to see right down in the water in front of me.  But just like that, it was gone.  It broke loose.  Crazy!

I LOVE ocean fishing!!!

Then I switched to a different type of bait.  And just like that, I got fish again.  I was pulling up strawberry grouper (calico grouper) as fast I could drop the bait!  So fun.  We were down to just 20 minutes left, though.  I was baiting that hook as fast as I could!  Seriously, as soon as I hit the bottom, then pulled it up a few inches, I had another one!  I loved it!  It was soon time to go, though...but the Captain said we could stay 5 more minutes!  Thank you, Capitan!

Sandy was finally catching a few, too, so I was happy about that!

The guy next to me pulled in an eel at one point.  They just cut the line.  Not worth the risk, the guy said.  Crazy!

Sandy pulled in some crazy fish, too.  The guy took it off the line, then put it up against the boat wall.  It fell off.  ha!  He did it again, and this time it just stuck there!  Sweet!  He took it off, lifted up my sleeve, then stuck the fish against me.  And sure enough, it just stuck there!!!  It had a very rough top of the head...felt kind of cool...but that's what it stuck to me with!  Pretty neat.

I pulled in another poisonous fish...the same one from my last fishing trip.  This time I could see the wound from the guide's wrist...the one that was covered up with a large wrap last time.  The guide again told the story of how he spent seven days in a hospital from the sting.  Yuck.  He said he got MRSA.  Yuck.  I recognized it this time and didn't touch it (again!).

All in all, I just had a lovely time.  I could definitely see myself on the ocean, and frankly, I'm a bit afraid to pick up sailing because I think I'm going to fall in love with it.  I really do have a love for the ocean.

The guys drove home, and Sandy and I went and laid on the beach for about an hour.  It was a bit chilly, but it was still nice to spend some more time with her.  Kind of.  It was a bit awkward.  I had been quiet earlier, not sure why, I just didn't feel like talking!  On the way to go fishing.  Anyway, I was a bit quiet on the way back...just thinking about everything.  She made the comment on the beach that she doesn't think I'm a person who can love.  She just didn't see me as that "type of person."  I never really let go of that thought.  Here is a woman who has known me for a whole two weeks...and already gets the hunch that I can't love well.  <sigh>  Oh boy.  She said I just don't have emotion.

I am a renegade after all.  I chuckle.  Not out of humor, just out of...I don't even know.  I was reminded of the book in Texas I had read just last month about types of men in Texas.  Types of husbands.  One was the "Cowboy"...a man who will never, ever let you get close enough to him...or even open up.  It's funny to me, because out of all of the "types" listed in that book, I resonated with that one the most.  I think by circumstances more than by choice, but the life I have shaped for myself just...well...it has just made me cold to the world.  To myself.  To feeling?

It's funny, though, because I cried in Sandy's arms just a week and a half ago.  Who knows.

I can't love, huh.  Hmm.

Anyway, I thought about that on the car ride back.  Thought about a lot.  She asked if I was OK.  I guess.

I left the car in front of the hotel with just a good-bye.  Not much else.  It was pretty awkward, pretty weird.  But it was certainly no moment for a hug.  Or kiss.  Or...whatever.  It was just a...umm...all right, good-bye.

Went to bed at 2:30.

I Need Sleep!!! December 26, 2009

Woke up at 7:45 A.M.  Not good.

It even looked like we were going to be able to fly.  Even more not good.

Went to the airport...took off.  I flew up towards Palm Beach.  Thankfully, the clouds were actually lower than my altitude.  A quick scouting flight was all we would have today.  In terms of safety, that's probably for the best.  I only flew 0.7 hours.  I was pretty glad about that...at least for today.  My body simply needed sleep.

Headed back to the hotel...and crashed.  I took a nap.

Went back to the Moonlite Diner for lunch.

I actually came back and took another nap!!!  Four hours simply isn't cutting it for me!!!  Sandy, you're gorgeous, but whewee!!!  I need some sleep!!!

I was actually supposed to get together with her again for a movie night...but things weren't going as planned.  A couple of the guys wanted the car to head to Miami.  Crap.  I couldn't take it tonight.  I don't think she really understands that (who would?!), and she was pretty disappointed/sad/mad that I couldn't come over.  I told her I was really trying (and I was!), but having six guys on one car just makes it kind of difficult.

Well, I asked the guys to take me to her house on their way to Miami.  They could then pick me up on the way back.  I said that would be no problem.  They said they would probably be back through around 3:00 A.M.  Again, no problem.  I've been staying up that late anyway!!!  So they dropped me off at her house where I watched some lame-o movie...Sweet November.  More or less, some random chick tries to get this guy (Keanu Reeves) to stay with her for a month.  I watched the first third???  It was pretty bad.

Umm...we kissed again!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand...well, the guys never came back to pick me up.  I guess they stayed in Miami longer than anticipated.  Which made it a bit interesting on my end.  Hmm.  What a life.

Went to bed at 4:00 A.M.

Merry Christmas--December 25, 2009

Woke up to a very cloudy day.

Ended up going to the Moonlite Diner for lunch.  Man, I love this place.  All six of us headed over...we now have Matt, Jeremy, Stan, Jeff, Bill, and myself.  Four of us drove over...the other two walked.  Another very nice lunch...they feed you so much!  I ordered a (halfway) light meal as I was anticipating a rather nice Christmas supper.

I ended up walking back to the hotel.  In flip-flops.  On Christmas.  I think it was in the mid-70's.  Unbelievable.

In the afternoon, we all talked about doing a scouting flight...some wanted to, others not.  But we had a problem.  Two of the guys wanted to take the car down to Miami for the rest of the day...without asking!  Hmm.  I'm not goin' to lie, Christmas kind of seemed like any other day down here, but I WAS going to do something special for it!  The thought of staying in a hotel the entire day just did not sit well with me.  So, after talking with the other guys, we all pretty much agreed that it was simply not fair to have the car taken away from us...and that the guy that wanted to do that would have to compromise.  We agreed to let him have it for a couple hours, but we wanted to be able to go out to eat.  He understood.

Oh, the joy of trying to get six people on the same page...each with different and often personal (selfish?) desires.  Myself included.  But we avoided a possibly large confrontation there.  Good.

So two of the guys ended up going down to Miami to pick up a friend...then came right back up.

I had to drive these three guys downtown where they were going to drink.  Whatever.  So I drove them downtown, then came back to the hotel to pick up the three guys who wanted to go out to eat for Christmas.  We, too, drove downtown looking for a nice restaurant.

After walking down Las Olas for 30 minutes, looking for a place that would take us, we finally settled on a Bar and Grill.  Somewhat fancy, but certainly not as fancy as other places we looked at.  This is SO different than back home, as the streets were packed with people and cars...turns out everyone wanted to eat out on Christmas.  Whatever happened to the typical Midwest-eat-with-the-family-at-home gig?!  Definitely NOT here.  Restaurants turned us away left and right for not having a reservation...and walk-ins were simply not an option at most of them.  Oh well.

I ended up ordering a $28.95 steak dinner.  Fine by me.  Hey, it's Christmas.  We sat outside, and outside of the loud street, it was just a nice meal all-around.  Bill, Jeff, Matt, and I all enjoyed our time.  We certainly made the most out of what we had.  I told Matt later I like hanging out with them because they just have good conversation.  Some of the guys are not so easy to talk to.  I mean, we talk...but not necessarily about anything in particular.  I enjoy a nice conversation.  And we certainly had that tonight.

I actually had to leave that restaurant early (9:25!) to go pick up the other guys.  The friend needed to be taken to the train station so he could return back to Miami.  I picked all three up, drove to the train station, then drove the other two back to the hotel.  I called Sandy (who got off work at 10:0o) and told her to come meet me at the hotel!  She did, and we drove back to downtown together to pick up the rest of the guys.  I was happy to see her.

We picked the guys up, then headed back for the hotel.  Kind of a pain, but in the end, it all worked out, and we were each able to enjoy our Christmas.  I hope.  Sandy and I ended up staying at the hotel for quite awhile.  We sat and talked for a long time...then I walked her out to her car.  I thought it was going to be pretty simple...boy, was I ever wrong!  I sat there and talked to her FOREVER.  Let's just say emotions were pretty high...in a great way.  To be honest, it was kind of cute.  She literally REFUSED to leave!  Not in the negative, mean way...she just wavered.  So I stood there and talked to her while she leaned against the car.  We hugged, we talked some more, and she kept trying to convince me to allow her to stay the night.  I told her I wasn't comfortable with that (and I'm not!).  I just don't want to treat a girl like that...I mean, I want her to know she is worth waiting for.  Somewhere.  The other part of me says "C'mon, c'mon, let's sleep together!"  It was pretty rough.  We literally sat there and went back and forth for...30 minutes?  Longer?  I don't know.

What I do know, though, is that I kissed her!  With the car door open...and her leaning against the side of the car...I just stared into her eyes and pretty much told her I wanted to kiss her.  She had mentioned that she wasn't over her old boyfriend (which I respected), and so I hadn't done it up to this point.  But wow, is that hard!  But I had waited two weeks!!!  And well, she said it was OK.  So we kissed!!!

We continued to go back and forth about her staying over.  I said I wasn't going to have it...I didn't want the guys to get the wrong impression, draw conclusions, etc.  I do have a reputation to uphold.  And frankly, whether I like it or not, perception is often 90% of the battle.  I just didn't want to waste that.

But she insisted.  Agh!  I finally gave in (yes, I did) and let her come back inside for a bit.  Matt was already sleeping, but we just laid there and cuddled for an hour...more?!  I don't know.  And yes, we kissed some more.

She ended up leaving around 3:00 A.M.  This girl is going to be the downfall of me yet!  All I do is stay up late when she is around!!!!

So yup, I went to bed around 3-ish.  About 3 hours later than I had anticipated!

I am going to be so tired tomorrow.  Agh, I hate that!!!

Chance of a Lifetime--December 30, 2009

Woke up at 4:40 A.M. Whoa! Had I fallen asleep last night?! Sure enough! Still had my jeans on! Went back to bed.

Woke up at 7:20 on my own! That hasn’t happened in a long time!!! I had slept 12 hours!!! Kind of funny, too…I woke up to a dream of me having an egg…a cooked egg. But it was beating. I opened up to find a small chicken…with batter on it. It was certainly cooked! But dead now that it was open. I love dreams. I also remembered one of my mom opening up a letter back home…it turns out Delta had hired me. Hmm.

Grabbed breakfast at Denny’s in the hotel. Didn’t come with the hotel…that’s my fault! I should have checked that. Went out to the airport to fly. Skies were looking pretty good.

And sure enough, they were! Fly, fly, fly!!! On station at 9:45 A.M. One of my flight plans took me right up to NASA’s restricted airspace. I couldn’t get in. We don’t have clearance until January 1. Bummer. I moved to another flight plan. I finished that one up. But before doing so, I called up Cape Control. I asked if it would be possible to get in there today…after all, we had GREAT weather. Clouds were starting to pop up, but so far, I was staying out of them. He granted my request?! No kidding?! Really?! SWEEEEEEEET!!! I called up Matt to let him know. We were granted access into the Restricted Areas over Cape Canaveral! Woo hoo! We were so going to finish this project today.

I finished the plan I was on, then headed up to finish the one that I had to leave due to the Restricted Area. I finished those four lines, then headed down into the middle of the Restricted Area to finish one more flight plan. Matt and I tag-teamed that one. I was flying just a few miles west of the Space Shuttle landing site…and the assembly plant. Pretty neat. Not many pilots are allowed in here. What a fun time!

Well, Matt finished his four lines, then went in for fuel. I grabbed the remaining six, turning just a few miles south of NASA’s huge assembly building. So beautiful. I finished, thanked the guy for letting us in there, then requested a lower altitude for my own picture-taking. My camera was not working earlier in the day, and I was sooooo frustrated! Here I was, having the opportunity to fly over Cape Canaveral, and my camera doesn’t work! I had needed to charge the batteries and even mentioned that to Matt this morning after Denny’s, but I just didn’t have time. Agggh! I had searched everywhere for batteries. I replaced the ones that were in there. I tried different combinations of batteries. I pulled out an old GPS from my flight bag searching for batteries. Nothin’. Grr grr grr!!! Oh well. Such is life.

But it started working as I flew over the Cape. I was more than thrilled!!! I couldn’t believe it!!! It seriously did not work all morning…and now it was!!! Woo hoo!!!

Well, I dropped down to 2ooo and took a couple more pictures (I had already taken several from 4500 as I made my turns). Then I headed back for Space Coast. But I couldn’t shake the thought. I owed it to myself. I HAD TO.

“Control, 151, it’s probably a little too much to ask for a touch-and-go on the runway, isn’t it”?

<chuckled response> “Yeah, I can’t let you do that, but if you want, you can fly over the runway at 500 feet.”

I couldn’t believe my ears!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?! I seriously didn’t believe what I was hearing and had to verify it for myself a couple of times. Sure enough, I was granted the honor of flying over the 15,000-foot NASA Shuttle Landing Facility runway. I immediately took him up on it. He joked that if my partner called in, he would have to deny any such acknowledgement of such a request. ha! What a privilege.

It was seriously an honor. So I turned around and a made a base for the runway. I aimed right towards the assembly facility and dropped down to 500 feet. This was simply spectacular!!! I grabbec my camera and started snapping shots. What a privilege!



I actually was so consumed with taking pictures that I nearly overran the runway! I turned sharply and tried to line up. A bit embarassing! Oh well, it wasn’t by much. I was able to line up before the actual runway, but I missed a great shot of the approach lights and all. Agggh!!!! Oh well.

And just like that, I was seeing a view that I would imagine VERY few other pilots have seen. I was staring down the 15,000-foot runway where the space shuttle comes to land. Who else can say that?! And I flew 500 feet across the ENTIRE runway. It all happened so fast!!!

I thanked the guy profusely. That’s a memory I’ll cherish for life. Frankly, it’s nothing spectacular. And yet, it’s everything spectacular. I certainly enjoyed it! As I flew along the runway, he asked where we were based out of. I told him and just had some small talk. As I turned off the runway, he said I must have a pretty sweet job. Next only to his, of course. I simply couldn’t argue. As a pilot, I am getting opportunities that I will never have the rest of my life. Stories to remember! Not always good, but certainly memorable. How many pilots can say they’ve flown down the NASA Shuttle runway? Ok, yeah, them. But they are ASTRONAUTS!!!!

Headed back to Space Coast.

Landed, called the boss, found out we are going to Lakeland, Florida, next. Matt and I weren’t necessarily thrilled, but oh well. We had just finished a project in two days. Awesome. I flew 4.1 hours today. Then about 20 minutes later, I received another phone call. Scratch that. Head to Alexandria, Lousiana. ha! What a job we have. I later learned that we will be heading to Daytona Beach tomorrow where I will get an oil change and where Matt will hopefully get new radios. Then from there, we (plus Jeff) will head to Alexandria, Louisiana. We have a VERY large project awaiting us. I think we have 105 flight plans!!!!

Talked to Sandy for 45 minutes tonight. That was nice.

Had some Waffle House for supper. I still want to own one of those. I have a perfect spot for it back in Illinois.

Went to bed at a respectable 11:15 P.M. I haven’t seen that in way too long. I’m looking forward to being fresh in the morning.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Back in Business--December 24, 2009

DSC09318

I woke up at 7:04 A.M.  To the view of the sun rising over the ocean.  It's kind of crazy to wake up in your "office."  I stepped outside to pee, then hopped back in my airplane.  I started up and headed for Ft. Lauderdale.

I arrived at 8:30 A.M.  I grabbed some mouthwash in the bathroom, called Matt and asked him to grab me breakfast, called home, and just waited for work to start!

A half hour later, I was out in the airplane again.  What a life.

I was able to finish one flight plan, but that was it.  We had clouds.

I landed at 11:30...having flown 4.1 hours by that time.

I grabbed Arby's on the way to the hotel, then came back and slept from 1:15 to 3:00.  I woke up mildly refreshed.

Sandy came over to "talk" at 4:00.  That was anything but pretty.  In no uncertain terms, it's over.  She wants long-term, I want companionship.  It's not that we want different things, really.  It's just timing.  I can't get her what she needs.  She won't give me what I need.  Crap.

Went out to eat with the boys for supper.  I was so hungry.  I hadn't eaten well in a little over a day.  I stuffed myself at Chili's.

Came back and spent the night in the hotel.  Chelsea called me and said she had made it back fine.  Good.  We talked for 20 minutes.

I went to a Christmas Eve Service at night.  I suppose it was good, but church is just silly to me.  It's certainly geared towards "locals."  I don't know where I fit into life anymore.  Relationships with people, relationships with God.  It's all geared towards having roots.  I have no roots.  So I have no...

Came back to the hotel.  Stayed up until 1:00.

I guess it's Christmas right now.  Hmm.  I walked home from the church...a little over a mile.  It was 74 degrees.  Matt made the comment it feels anything BUT like Christmas.  Yeah, I agree, sir.  I told him I was a bit nostalgic last year...especially with Thanksgiving and flying over and seeing families meeting at various homes.  I just knew what they were doing!

This year, though...hmm...I have no emotions.  I am nothing short of numb to it.  I guess you just accept your allotment in life.  I get no holidays, so I guess I just live with no holidays.  No need to be sad.

Christmas tomorrow.  Today.  Whatever.

No, it sure doesn't feel like it.

I'm not sure what I'm ready for...but I think I'm ready for it.

Plod On--December 23, 2009

Woke up at 8:00 to the guys moving around the room.  Grr.  Without an airplane, I had planned on sleeping in.  As long as I could!!!  I didn't even set an alarm.  I never could fall back asleep.  I HATE that.  Chelsea came in at 9:45.  She grabbed some breakfast and brought it in.  I still hadn't moved.  Ah, I wanted to sleep!!!

We chilled in the hotel for a bit, then went out in search of a nice lil' sub/sandwich shop.  After driving forever, we never really found what we were looking for.  We even stopped to ask a guy for one, and he advised us to get Italian instead.  What?!  We finally ended up at some bagel shop...the first one we had seen a half hour earlier!  Ate and talked.

From there, we went out shopping for Chelsea's brother...just grabbed a couple t-shirts.  And then we hit the beach for one last time.  It was a bit warmer today, and the beach certainly showed that.  Hundreds of people...though it still wasn't all that warm.  People were still in long sleeves and jeans!  Some braved the water and bare skin, but we chose not to.  Nothin' like a dress shirt and jeans on the beach!  ow ow!

We stood there and just watched the waves for awhile, then sat on the bench for a bit.  Time was passin' quickly, though, and we had to leave to get her to the airport...and me back up north.  <sigh>

I stopped by the hotel real quick, then headed for the airport to drop her off.  This trip was WAY too quick.  I really, really hope she has no regrets.  Things certainly did NOT go as planned...and I'm kind of sad by that.  But at least we were able to see each other...I hope that was worth it.  I hope.

I said my good-byes on the way to the airport...then once we got there, I grabbed her stuff, we hugged, and she was gone.  Soooo fast!  What a short couple of days.

From there, I headed straight for the highway.  I had 4 hours to get behind me.  I had no time to waste.  I was leaving at 4:30 and had to get the car back to Enterprise by 8:00.  I called up Sandy that first hour, and we talked for about that whole time.  It was anything but pretty.  Actually, it was ugly.  We talked in circles.  It boggles my mind how something so enjoyable can turn so sour in just a few days.  Not the day I was hoping for.  I'm goin' to miss her.

I just plodded along.  The trip went by fairly nicely...mile by mile, hour by hour.  But that last hour I was just tired.  Very, very tired.  Very tired.  I bought some coffee to try and help out.  Yesterday it worked...tonight it was doing nothing.  The road started giving me tunnel vision.  NOT cool.

I bought some more coffee once I arrived in Daytona Beach.  I had the car back at 8:30.  I headed over to the company and met the mechanic.  I called for an IFR flight plan, fueled up the plane...and realized I was pretty much unhealthy.  I was unbelievably tired.  And I knew it.  I downed the coffee, and I also did some laps.  Yes, I ran.  Out on the ramp, I ran back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.  Suicide style.  I needed to get my blood pumping.  Somehow someway.

I did the pre-flight, then taxied out.  It was only 2 hours.  Just two hours.  C'mon, sir.  2 hours.

I did the run-up but wasn't completely confident in my engine yet.  A jug had just been replaced (it had a 4 PSI reading...4!), and my run-up was a bit rough...I had to lean the engine out to get it from dropping too many RPM's.  Not how I wanted to start out this already difficult night!  But it finally settled up.  I was now ready for departure.

I took off into the ridiculously calm night.  It's so beautiful flying at night.  Nothing really compares.  There were some broken clouds out there, but for the most part, visibility was unlimited.  They pointed me out towards the ocean for awhile, then told me to intercept v3.  I climbed to 6000.

I was doing OK...for a short while.  But I was sleep-deprived.  And I was losing that battle.  Quickly.  After about 30 minutes, I was shot.  I was worthless.  I couldn't focus normally.  My visualization process was sporadic...was I even doing it?  Was I catching them all?  Why did it seem so "blocky"?  It had absolutely NO fluidity to it.

I started the battle.  C'mon, I can make it.  It's only two hours.  I've already paid for a hotel down there.  I'm joining the other guys in their crazy flight stories.  I need a hangar tonight.  I have no rental car if I land now.  It's JUST an hour and a half more.

Terrible focus.  Open up the cold air vent, point right in my face.  Gulp down the coffee.  C'mon, c'mon.

Only two hours, sir!  You can do it.

Can't focus.  I'm scared.  Will I make it?

The battle ensued.  I knew of other pilots who had gone down.  I wondered how many were just too tired.  I checked my map.  140 miles to go.  That's not far.  In an hour, I would be within 30 miles, and by that time, I would have mentally considered myself there.  30 miles is easy.

Something isn't right.  This is NOT safe.  This is NOT how my body normally flies...or reacts.

The battle continued.

"Center, 151, request."

"151, Center, go ahead."

"151, would like to drop down to MLB, information Bravo, field in sight."

I had made the decision.  I simply wasn't sure if I would make it to Fort Lauderdale.  I had to dig deep, but I realized that death hunts even me.

And frankly, the 20 miles to Melbourne proved to be difficult, too.  I was told to descend to 2000 feet...in total blackness...I assume water?  I don't know.  Night flying can be like IFR flying!!!  But I was still struggling.  I simply was losing this fight to sleep to my body.  My mind was shot.

I never should have taken off.  I hate the fact that I let circumstances make that decision for me.  It was TERRIBLE pilot decision-making.  Terrible.

Well, I landed on 9L and requested a 24-hour FBO.  Nothing was open.  I just taxied over to the ramp and parked.  Some guy walked over...I told him I landed because I was tired, and he flooded me with 8 minutes of pilot stories of his own.  C'mon, man, I just want to sleep.  He told me to not cross the line into the building or he would have to charge me $55.  Hmm, ok.  I'll just stay out here.

My plan was to sleep for an hour, then go the rest of the way.  It was only 10:30 anyway.  Well, that plan was good except for one reason...the sleep part.  I couldn't fall asleep.  I had lights shining in my airplane, and I had a very tight space.  I just couldn't get comfortable.  Feet up, feet down, seat forward, seat back.  I tried to sit on the floor.  Nothing.  I leaned over the passenger seat, I leaned on the side window, I sat back.  NOTHING.  It was frustrating.

I fought that battle for the next couple hours.  I would go in and out of sleep.  I woke up and saw 1:17 A.M.  Hmm, I could go now.  Nah, I still didn't even feel like I HAD slept.  <sigh>  I finally fell asleep.

What a life I live.

I'm not goin' to lie...these last three days have made me really not enjoy this job.  I just haven't been too happy with the "stuff" that has to go along with the job right now.  Just put the day behind you.  Move on.  Plod on.

Plod on.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

(Trying to) Roll With the Punches--December 22, 2009

If it could've gone wrong, it did.

Woke up at 7:45.  Headed out to the airport with Chelsea and the guys.  Nothing like fitting six people into a Ford Focus!!!

I was pretty excited to be flying with Chelsea...but I'm not sure she could've said the same!  She's an easy-to-talk-to gal, but after I started the airplane, she kind of became quiet!  So much so that I asked if she was nervous as we were taxiin'!  She certainly was!  Awwwwwww!!!

Well, we took off Runway 8 and headed up north to see if we could work.  The boss had called this morning, and I was supposed to be in Daytona Beach between 11:00 and 12:00 for my maintenance.  No worries.  Well, maybe one.  The problem was I could work!  The skies were AGAIN clear enough to work!  This never happens here!  I think I spent the first six days not flying anything!  And now all I do is fly!  Crazy!  Oh, well...I started a flight plan.

It's not the most exciting of flying, and I certainly wasn't over the most exciting of areas.  Trees, a seldom-used runway, and a rocket-launch area.  Yeah, it turns out the earth opens up for the rocket...it was pretty neat to see from the sky...just kind of crazy to think about an entire rocket down underneath the earth...and whatever else was down there.  The earth sure does make a good hiding spot.

So Chelsea and I flew an hour's worth of work.  Clouds were in other flight plans, and I needed to be in Daytona Beach in an hour.  So I pointed north.

We flew at 2500 feet.  I love flying lower.  You can see so much.  Lots and lots of orange trees.  I think Chelsea eased up a bit, although it wasn't until hours later that she told me she was feeling pretty sick while doing the sharp turns in my work!  Sorry, girl!!!

I let her fly a bit, although she didn't like that too much.  Buuuuuuuuuuut I guess she felt pretty comfortable with me flying...because she FELL ASLEEP!!!  Yeah, she sure did!  Silly girl.  Of course, I had a hey-day with picture taking, but she wouldn't learn about that until several hours later, either!!!

We saw Cape Canaveral on the way up there...that was kind of neat.  I would love to watch a shuttle launch someday.

Landed up in Daytona Beach, dropped the plane off, and we were out of there!  I grabbed the company van, and we headed straight for the beach.  I drove on the beach, but we were desperate for some food.  We couldn't find anything there on the beach, so we settled for a greasy Starlite Diner.  Just sat and talked.

From there, we headed back to the beach where we just parked...and napped!!!  I'm serious!  We had brought our swim gear and towels, but it was chilly!!!  It was only 62 or so and windy...so we stayed inside.  I tried to sleep on the floor in the back, but I never really could fall asleep.  Chelsea had to pee like mad, and she let me know it, so I didn't stand a chance of sleeping anyway!  After a little bathroom break, we came back and tried sleeping again!  I was pretty tired.  I think she was, too...although I think she actually fell asleep the first time, so she was more awake than me.  I just wanted 20 minutes is all.  Just 20.  That would take me through the rest of the day...but it never happened.  I never could fall asleep.  I hate it.

Well, from there, we headed to Burlington Coat Factory so she could shop.  We went in for a coat, but oddly enough we looked at wallets and shoes, too.  I can't even tell you the last time I went shopping with a girl...I had completely forgot that's how they operated.  I make a beeline path straight for what I want, then head straight out.  Not so much here.  I also saw perhaps the most attractive female while shoe-shopping.  Hmm, maybe I should do this more often!!!

While in the store, I received a call from our mechanic.  "Andy, you have a bad jug.  We're not going to be able to get you out of here today."

3:36 P.M.  I don't think I'll forget it.  I couldn't even bring myself to tell Chelsea yet.  I let her know about the call, but I told her to enjoy her shopping...she knew it was bad news, but I refused to tell.  Man, I wanted her happy!!!  This trip was NOT going as planned AT ALL.

Before we left, I let her in on the news, then completely focused on how to roll with it.  She needed to be back in Ft. Lauderdale by tomorrow for a flight out.  I had no airplane.  The flight was 2 hours long...I could only imagine how long it would take to drive.  But I knew that was our only option.  I needed to find a rental car.

But not before I was needed elsewhere...

My company was repo'ing a couple of airplanes.  A flight school had failed to make payments, so we were taking them back.  ha!  They needed me to fly one of the two back.  I said ok.  They drove us down to the airport, and Chelsea and I hopped in.  It was a very nice 2006 Skyhawk SP with the G1000.  It had been some time since I used the G1000, but I managed to get it up and goin'.  And yes, it did take awhile!!!  I had flown these back at my old flight school, but that was over a year ago!  It's crazy how much you can forget in such a short period of time.  Not good!

It was pretty funny, too.  I had no idea how far away we were until I punched in our destination.  8.2 miles.  haha.  Take-off, land.  And that's about what it was, too!  A VERY quick flight.  But I did enjoy the glass screen again.  Those are pretty nice.

Landed at Daytona Beach, then headed for Enterprise.  A Dodge Avenger later, Chelsea and I were off on our 4-hour journey.  It was 6:00.  <sigh>

But ya know what...that car ride was probably the best thing for us.  It gave us time just to talk.  And that we did.  About everything.  That's probably the greatest thing I enjoy about her...we can talk about the nitty gritty.  It's not always easy to get there, but given time (thank you, 4-hour car ride), it usually comes out.  So we talked about our families, our upbringing, our likes and dislikes, about having to meet a certain image, being fit, how we felt about ourselves, about tithing, about relationships, mission trips, about getting out of comfort zones, and on and on.  I loved every bit of it.  She is young, but she is just solid on the inside.  I'm learning that that inside stuff is just so ever important.  She's a pretty special young lady.  I still feel like she is holding out on some stuff, but we just never have the on-going, CONSISTENT times together.  I think that's key in order to get to know someone.  But we scratched the deep...and I was glad for it.  I really hope we helped each other out.  It's just good to talk genuinely with someone.  To listen, to be heard, to sharpen each other with words.

We rolled in at 10:45 P.M.  Not all too late...but I was still tired.  We hit up the hot tub for one last night and were joined by a middle-to-late-aged woman from Kentucky.  She seemed to have a pretty simple life...and she was in love with Florida.  This was just special to her.  Sometimes I wish I was simpler...that these hotels and beaches and temps were just as special to me.  I'm just given so much that it's sometimes hard.  I hope I never come to expect it.

I called and e-mailed Sandy to see if I could see her, too, before I went to bed.  That turned out to be a terrible move, as she completely took it the wrong way.  I really am not sure why, but she is incredibly mad.

Went to bed at 2:30 A.M.  With girl problems.

Hang on.  <sigh>  I know my life is unique, and with this job, you always have to expect the unexpected, but today I just feel like I got a bad deal.  I sometimes wonder if there aren't higher powers involved.  The fact that the 100-hour fell on a day she was here.  Although it really didn't...but how it had to be early due to the holidays...it was MOVED to the day she was here.  Really?  Unbelievable.  The fact that the ONE 100-hour with a major problem in my 1.5 years with this company is THIS ONE.  How this 100-hour was NOT at my current location, but how I had to relocate for it.  How the 80-degree temps are now 60's.  How a day on the beach was actually not as desirable.  It's just...well, I just don't get it.  It's not like one thing went wrong...the whole thing had to crumble.

When it rains, it pours.  I told Chelsea I'm tryin' to roll with the punches, but c'mon.  This is ridiculous!!!  But with all of that said, if these are the worst of my problems, then I guess I have a pretty good life.  I need to remember that.  I just wonder if she has any regrets about this trip.

And I think that's the thought that kills me.

She's Here!!!--December 21, 2009

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Woke up at 7:45.  Clouds were forecast to be at 3000 feet scattered from 9 o'clock on.  Seeing as how I had a friend coming in, this was going to work out perfect.  Headed to the airport for a short scouting flight.

The problem?  I could work!!!  The clouds had disappeared.  We had nothing but clear skies...at least at our altitude.  Enough to fly six whole hours!!!  GRR!!!

I flew the first couple of hours...just same ol', same ol'.  I contacted Approach and had no problems for the first hour and a half.  I told the controller I would then be working in the departure end of Runway 28R.  He said ok, advise on station.  So I flew up there and told him what I would be doing.  On the short 15 miles to get there, he finally "listened" to me and asked if I was going to be in the departure area.

"151, are you going to be working in the DEPARTURE end of the runway"?

"151, affirmative."

"151, ummm....ok."  What?  "151, not receiving Mode C.  Recycle transponder."

I recycled.  Hmm, funny why that would stop working NOW.

"151, yeah, still not receiving Mode C.  Listen, we can't let you into our airspace without Mode C.  Unless that starts working, we can't let you continue your lines."

You have got to be kidding me.  Seriously?  He's going to play that game?  I turned off the transponder, then back on.  Buddy, why is it you've been making radio calls to me for the last two hours but the MINUTE after my request, somehow my transponder stopped working.  I was anything but impressed with his handling of the situation.  What a schmuck.

He passed me off to another controller who I advised what I would be doing...just like I have been doing the previous several days, guys.  C'mon.  He let me work it with no problems.  I made sure to tell him to thank the supervisor after I was done.  Sheesh!

I landed around noon up at North Palm Beach County for fuel.  Actually, I also used that to figure out where the ol' girl was!!!  Turns out she had left from St. Louis, missed her connecting flight in Atlanta, but was still on her way.  She was supposed to arrive at noon-something.  I gave Sandy a call and asked if she could help out!!!  She said she would love to....agh, perfect!!!

I talked to the guy and girl behind the counter, and they asked what I was doing.  I showed 'em our maps online, and they were infatuated with that the rest of the time I was there.  I keep seeing this...everywhere I go, people are not familiar with our product.  It certainly beats out Google no questions asked...yet not many people seem to have ANY idea that it exists.  Shoot, I didn't even know until I started!  A good advertising gig would do wonders for the maps...I keep thinking of calling and letting Microsoft know that...

I flew the rest of the window, then landed back at Fort Lauderdale.  I took the guys back to the airport, then rushed over to meet Chelsea and Sandy!  They had gone to eat at the beach.  Lucky girls!!!  A quick 25 minutes later, and I found 'em!  ha!  I couldn't believe it!  She actually came!  It's really kind of crazy.  I thanked Sandy, gave her a hug, and then she was off.  Then Chelsea and I headed back for the hotel.  She read me a letter from her dad that he had given her that morning.  Translation:  Andy, I hate you.  You are not a Christian.

Oh boy.

Well, we checked her in to her room, then chilled the rest of the night!  Went to Arby's for a quick supper.  It's good to see her.  It would stink to go an entire season without that.  We caught up on life...her new boyfriend, job, family stuff, etc.  We hit up the hot tub with the guys that night.  It was just a good day all-around.

Well, almost.

I got a call that I need to head to Daytona Beach tomorrow for my 100-hour inspection.  Crap.  I had really hoped for a nice, warm weather day.  The ones where the sun is still shining brightly but where the clouds are still in the way.  That way Chelsea and I could head to the beach...have a good time together.  But it wasn't too happen.  The downside is that I was still about 10 hours away from my 100-hour.  In other words, I wouldn't be needing it for a few more days.  Maybe not until Thursday?  Until after she left.

Welcome to my life, though.  Welcome to the aerial mapping life.  I had two days.  Just TWO DAYS where I needed things to be smooth.  For the past 30, they have been relatively normal.  Mostly.  But because these are the two days I needed, this had to happen.

I'll make the most of it.

Chelsea, we're goin' to Daytona Beach tomorrow.

Went to bed at 1:30 A.M.

(Oh, and the picture up above is actually from yesterday.  It's the mall just a few days before Christmas.  I just don't miss that.  Here I am, looking at the ocean, watching people, away from the commercialism I have come to hate.  Nothing but me, the sky, and my thoughts.  And they pay me to do this.  Hmm.)

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Plod On

Woke up at 8:00 to the guys moving around the room. Grr. Without an airplane, I had planned on sleeping in. As long as I could!!! I didn’t even set an alarm. I never could fall back asleep. I HATE that. Chelsea came in at 9:45. She grabbed some breakfast and brought it in. I still hadn’t moved. Ah, I wanted to sleep!!!

We chilled in the hotel for a bit, then went out in search of a nice lil’ sub/sandwich shop. After driving forever, we never really found what we were looking for. We even stopped to ask a guy for one, and he advised us to get Italian instead. What?! We finally ended up at some bagel shop…the first one we had seen a half hour earlier! Ate and talked.

From there, we went out shopping for Chelsea’s brother…just grabbed a couple t-shirts. And then we hit the beach for one last time. It was a bit warmer today, and the beach certainly showed that. Hundreds of people…though it still wasn’t all that warm. People were still in long sleeves and jeans! Some braved the water and bare skin, but we chose not to. Nothin’ like a dress shirt and jeans on the beach! ow ow!

We stood there and just watched the waves for awhile, then sat on the bench for a bit. Time was passin’ quickly, though, and we had to leave to get her to the airport…and me back up north. <sigh>

I stopped by the hotel real quick, then headed for the airport to drop her off. This trip was WAY too quick. I really, really hope she has no regrets. Things certainly did NOT go as planned…and I’m kind of sad by that. But at least we were able to see each other…I hope that was worth it. I hope.

I said my good-byes on the way to the airport…then once we got there, I grabbed her stuff, we hugged, and she was gone. Soooo fast! What a short couple of days.

From there, I headed straight for the highway. I had 4 hours to get behind me. I had no time to waste. I was leaving at 4:30 and had to get the car back to Enterprise by 8:00. I called up Sandy that first hour, and we talked for about that whole time. It was anything but pretty. Actually, it was ugly. We talked in circles. It boggles my mind how something so enjoyable can turn so sour in just a few days. Not the day I was hoping for. I’m goin’ to miss her.

I just plodded along. The trip went by fairly nicely…mile by mile, hour by hour. But that last hour I was just tired. Very, very tired. Very tired. I bought some coffee to try and help out. Yesterday it worked…tonight it was doing nothing. The road started giving me tunnel vision. NOT cool.

I bought some more coffee once I arrived in Daytona Beach. I had the car back at 8:30. I headed over to the company and met the mechanic. I called for an IFR flight plan, fueled up the plane…and realized I was pretty much unhealthy. I was unbelievably tired. And I knew it. I downed the coffee, and I also did some laps. Yes, I ran. Out on the ramp, I ran back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Suicide style. I needed to get my blood pumping. Somehow someway.

I did the pre-flight, then taxied out. It was only 2 hours. Just two hours. C’mon, sir. 2 hours.

I did the run-up but wasn’t completely confident in my engine yet. A jug had just been replaced (it had a 4 PSI reading…4!), and my run-up was a bit rough…I had to lean the engine out to get it from dropping too many RPM’s. Not how I wanted to start out this already difficult night! But it finally settled up. I was now ready for departure.

I took off into the ridiculously calm night. It’s so beautiful flying at night. Nothing really compares. There were some broken clouds out there, but for the most part, visibility was unlimited. They pointed me out towards the ocean for awhile, then told me to intercept v3. I climbed to 6000.

I was doing OK…for a short while. But I was sleep-deprived. And I was losing that battle. Quickly. After about 30 minutes, I was shot. I was worthless. I couldn’t focus normally. My visualization process was sporadic…was I even doing it? Was I catching them all? Why did it seem so “blocky”? It had absolutely NO fluidity to it.

I started the battle. C’mon, I can make it. It’s only two hours. I’ve already paid for a hotel down there. I’m joining the other guys in their crazy flight stories. I need a hangar tonight. I have no rental car if I land now. It’s JUST an hour and a half more.

Terrible focus. Open up the cold air vent, point right in my face. Gulp down the coffee. C’mon, c’mon.

Only two hours, sir! You can do it.

Can’t focus. I’m scared. Will I make it?

The battle ensued. I knew of other pilots who had gone down. I wondered how many were just too tired. I checked my map. 140 miles to go. That’s not far. In an hour, I would be within 30 miles, and by that time, I would have mentally considered myself there. 30 miles is easy.

Something isn’t right. This is NOT safe. This is NOT how my body normally flies…or reacts.

The battle continued.

“Center, 151, request.”

“151, Center, go ahead.”

“151, would like to drop down to MLB, information Bravo, field in sight.”

I had made the decision. I simply wasn’t sure if I would make it to Fort Lauderdale. I had to dig deep, but I realized that death hunts even me.

And frankly, the 20 miles to Melbourne proved to be difficult, too. I was told to descend to 2000 feet…in total blackness…I assume water? I don’t know. Night flying can be like IFR flying!!! But I was still struggling. I simply was losing this fight to sleep to my body. My mind was shot.

I never should have taken off. I hate the fact that I let circumstances make that decision for me. It was TERRIBLE pilot decision-making. Terrible.

Well, I landed on 9L and requested a 24-hour FBO. Nothing was open. I just taxied over to the ramp and parked. Some guy walked over…I told him I landed because I was tired, and he flooded me with 8 minutes of pilot stories of his own. C’mon, man, I just want to sleep. He told me to not cross the line into the building or he would have to charge me $55. Hmm, ok. I’ll just stay out here.

My plan was to sleep for an hour, then go the rest of the way. It was only 10:30 anyway. Well, that plan was good except for one reason…the sleep part. I couldn’t fall asleep. I had lights shining in my airplane, and I had a very tight space. I just couldn’t get comfortable. Feet up, feet down, seat forward, seat back. I tried to sit on the floor. Nothing. I leaned over the passenger seat, I leaned on the side window, I sat back. NOTHING. It was frustrating.

I fought that battle for the next couple hours. I would go in and out of sleep. I woke up and saw 1:17 A.M. Hmm, I could go now. Nah, I still didn’t even feel like I HAD slept. <sigh> I finally fell asleep.

What a life I live.

I’m not goin’ to lie…these last three days have made me really not enjoy this job. I just haven’t been too happy with the “stuff” that has to go along with the job right now. Just put the day behind you. Move on. Plod on.

Plod on.

Not Safe--December 20, 2009

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Woke up at 7:45.  This was not going to be good.  I was simply unbelievably tired.  And it never went away.

On the ride over to the airport, I just could never wake up.  I felt like crap.  Every part of the word.  My body was worthless.  Grr, I hate feeling like this.  Hate it, hate it, hate it.  And all for a girl!!!

And to add insult to injury, today was our longest flying day to date here in Florida!  I ended up flying 5.6 hours.  I kid you not, I was nothing short of stupid for flying this morning.  I honestly wasn't very safe in the airplane.  I wasn't sure if I was going to fall asleep or not!  I kept moving around, knocking on the window, throwing my arms in the air, forcing myself to focus on things inside, objects outside...constantly moving my eyes.  But I just wasn't sure.  I was so tired I felt unhealthy.  I debated whether to land or not.  But I had to work.  Arrogance.  Stupidity.  I recognized it.  Stubbornness.  Agh, this sucks.

But I plodded on.

I landed at noon for nothing more than coffee.  I ended up heading to Palm Beach Internatinal Airport...it was quite busy!  So much so that I was almost asked to quit doing my flight lines today...because of the traffic!  Frankly, I didn't even need to be on radar, and I could squawk VFR if I wanted to.  But I chose not to...for their sake AND mine!  But the guy told me he would probably have to cancel me.  And then on the way in, the guy said "I can say with the utmost certainty that we won't let you continue this when you come back up.  We just can't deviate from our 'bread and butter.'"  ha!  I love when a Class C airport thinks they are "all that!"

Well, landing here turned out to be a bad idea, too.  My fueling took nothing short of 45 minutes...turns out they didn't fuel me even after I was asked TWICE on the ramp if I needed topped off.  I went to the lounge to indulge in endless supplies of coffee...and I treated myself to the free Signature cookies.  After 20 minutes, I headed back out to pay only to find out that they hadn't even started fueling.  I had to sign something first stating that's what I wanted!!!  The madness.

While there, though, I talked with a corporate pilot who was watching football.  He worked for NetJets...and they have been affected by this whole economic downturn as much as anyone.  I guess they are laying off 395 pilots.  Crazy.  He used to fly for the military...and then an airline...it was one of those small talk talks.  Pretty much convincing me AGAIN that I need to keep my job.  I really have it made.  I get paid to fly.  So many people just don't have that.  And frankly, I'm not talking about just "normal" people.  I'm talking about people who really, really want to get paid to fly.  Just not enough jobs for the desires.  Yes, I'll certainly keep it.

Went back up for a couple more hours.  The coffee did the trick...for an hour.  Then I hit another wall.  The last hour was painfully brutal.  I am worthless when I'm tired.  And I hate it, hate it, hate it.

A fun moment today, though.  I was doing a line in the arrival corridor for 28R, and I had a jet literally at my 12 o'clock at 5000 feet.  I was at 4500.  He was asked to descend down to 4000.  Perfect!  We were at 4 miles...he had his landing lights on, and I was just "pootin'" along.  Right on target!  So beautiful.  The rates close ridiculously fast head-on.  As he flew underneath me, I could read "Delta" on its side...only 500 feet below!!!  So fun.

I landed at 3:25.  What a long day.  I remember touching down and just being thankful that I had made it.  Bleh, not even smart.  What a yucky day.

Took an hour and a half nap.  And then I spent time with Sandy tonight!!!  Went over to her house and watched a movie with Sandy.  Another late night.  She has a pretty strong tug on me!!!

Went to bed at 2:30.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Long Date--December 19, 2009

Woke up at 7:45.  Went and grabbed some breakfast, came back and had a pleasant surprise on my bed!!!  Sandy was here.  I had told her to meet at the hotel at 8:20...she made it!

Went over to the airport and headed for the skies.  And wouldn't ya know it, we had clouds.  The forecast was calling for overcast clouds at 5000 feet.  These clouds were scattered at 1700 feet...but everywhere!!!  Unbelievable!!!  Oh, to have a job where you can be wrong 90% of the time and still get paid...and listened to!

Landed, then headed for the hotel.  Sandy stayed with me...all day!  Watched a movie on TV in the afternoon...actually, she watched, I listened.  I was pretty tired!  Never could fall asleep, though.

Our "boss" came into town later in the afternoon, and we all went out to eat at Flanigan's.  An enjoyable day.  The guys all went to see "Avatar" in the theater, but I just wasn't feeling a late night.  I was pretty tired and was eager to get to sleep at a reasonable time.  So I stayed in, and Sandy and I just talked through the night...pretty nice.

Actually, maybe too nice!!!  By the time she was leaving, it was 1:42 in the morning!!!  I walked her out to her car, only to meet the guys coming in from the movie!  Agh!!!!  And mah oh man, was I tired.

Went to bed at 1:50.  Forecast is calling for scattered 25,000 tomorrow.  We are convinced that the guy just held down the "0" button too long, and it's probably going to be 2500...but we'll just have to see.  I'm afraid 7:45 is just not too far away.

This may be my longest date...to date!!!!  ha!  I like it.

Friday, December 18, 2009

No Work...Again...--December 18, 2009

Woke up at 12:10.  In the afternoon!!!

I was still pretty tired.  Eewh, I hate being tired.

It was still pouring outside.  I jumped in the pool literally 5 minutes after waking up.  It was pretty brisk...so I hopped in the hot tub for 15 minutes while waiting for the shower.

Went out to eat at the Moonlight Diner with the other guys for lunch.  I love that place!  Went to the mall after that...the Galleria.  Man, I hate malls.  I mean, I hate malls.  People hounding others to buy stuff, asking for donations, tons of trendy crap (turns out flannel is back in...nothing short of stupid how trends come and go...in my mind).  I was asked to sample perfume by a transvestite...the tw0-day moustache and beard (and manly face and body) gave it away...although the dress and boobs were supposed to dissuade me.  I just don't get it.  I never really gave the guy (can I say guy?) the time of day.  We stayed 30-40 minutes?  About 45 minutes too long for me.

Came back to the hotel...I desperately needed to sleep.  But I went out for my haircut late this afternoon.  I had to keep my word.  It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it works.  I made sure to pay for it, although the lady didn't want me to.  I said if I didn't pay for it, then my generosity last night would be completely negated.  If she had to "return the favor," then there really never was any favor.  I made SURE to pay for it.  She was still in shock.  While shampooing my hair, she introduced me to another hairdresser there, as "the man who rescued me."  Hmm.  She even brought up the integrity issue again.  Evidently something I said made an impression.  I told her I meant it...I live to be a man of my word.  Certainly a work in progress, but I'm trying.

Came back to the hotel and slept for an hour and a half.

Woke up, went to McDonald's, read some more of the Lindbergh biography.  Came back and spent the night at the hotel.

Some of the other guys went to the "dollar store."  I have no desire.

Went to bed at 12:30.  Looks like we can actually fly tomorrow!!!  Clouds are forecast at 5000 feet.

What a Lazy Day!!! December 17, 2009

Well, I was a man of my word...just a day late!

Sandy came over this morning, and I was able to take her up.  It was actually almost afternoon before she finally got here, but we were moving slooooooooooooow today.  The clouds were really low anyway, so we knew we wouldn't be able to map.  But we had to at least "scout" from the sky.  Rain was pretty much everywhere south of the field...all the way down to Miami.  But we tried it out anyway.

And I had my worst experience on the ground so far!!!  I called up Clearance and was asked to "standby."  I obliged.  The frequency was lit up this afternoon...jets trying to push out...the guy never stopped talking.  Well, after 10 minutes (literally), some foreign-accent voice came on the the middle of all of the mumbo-jumbo, requesting some type of pattern work.

"Skyhawk 151, I asked you to STAND-BY!  I will get to you when I get to you!!!!"  His voice was less than pleasant...

I keyed up the mike.  "Actually, Skyhawk 151 has NOT said a word."  And I just sat there.

The only guys laughed at me.  But c'mon?!  What was that all about?!  I was yelled at, and I didn't even do anything!!!

Five minutes later he came on and asked if I was still wanting to do the pattern work.  "No, sir, I am flying northwest at 2500 feet."  He QUICKLY passed me off to ground.  Couldn't that have been easier 15 minutes ago?!  What a pain.  Oh, well.  Kenton had logged 0.3 before he even taxied.

Sandy and I flew out west over the Everglades...I took her up over and between the clouds...so fun!  Then we cut back over Pompano Beach and flew down the coast, then back in.  It was a pretty quick flight (3o minutes), but I was glad I could take her up.

The rest of the day involved reading outside (before the rain pushed me in), eating out at the Moonlight Diner (a new favorite of mine!), picking up Matt in the pouring rain, and then visiting Sandy at her house.  I watched "Fracture" with her...a decent flick.  Ended up getting back at 4:00 A.M.  yikes!

Oh, and on the way to her house, I stopped to help a couple in the rain.  They were standing outside their car waving for help...in the pouring rain.  I initially passed by, but I stopped and backed up.  I was told they were out of gas.  "Oh boy, another money request."  But I listened.  They wanted a ride to the gas station.  I asked how they would get gas in the car.  She had no idea.  Hmm.  Well, I told them I would be back...but I didn't feel comfortable giving them a ride (the guy said he would go along with me...I said nope).  I called Sandy and told her I would be late.  I went to the gas station, bought a gas can, filled it up, and took it back.  They were nothing short of surprised when I pulled up.  Before I had left, she asked where I was from, and I told her Illinois.  She said NOBODY down here would stop, so she knew I wasn't from here.  The guy told me he knew I wouldn't be back.  I told him in no uncertain terms.  "I live to be a man of my word.  If I say I'll something, I'm going to do it.  Even if I couldn't find a gas can, I would have returned and told you that simply because I said I would be back."  I really believe that.  It was kind of a pain, but integrity comes at a price.  They poured in the gas, started up, and headed off...but not before she gave me a number.  She wanted to repay me with a haircut...ha.  I took the number, told her I would call tomorrow...but didn't feel too good about that because it just showed me that they thought they HAD to repay me.  My gesture was no longer generosity.  I hated that.  I even refused money on the scene because of that.  I didn't do it to be repaid.

Anyway.  I'll call her tomorrow.

But tomorrow is definitely going to be crappy.  Thunderstorm and rain everywhere.

Oh, our parking lot literally has 6-8 inches of water in the entire thing.  It's unbelievable.  Even the restaurants had the same thing going on.  I have never seen anything like it.  It's a mess!

Sleep, sleep, sleep!!!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Perfect! December 16, 2009

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Woke up at 7:45.  Was NOT planning on working, but Kenton told me the clouds were at 5000 feet!  You have to be kidding.  I had actually gone to bed at 2:00...I wasn't ready to be up!  Quick shower, breakfast, out the door.

But sure enough, the clouds were high enough.  Well, mostly, anyway.  We had "creepers" ALL AROUND.  Comin' in off the coast, comin' out of the north.  But I was able to fly for 2.1 hours today.  I flew three flight plans...but was not able to finish any of them.  Quite frustrating.  Clouds literally overtook the entire sky by mid-morning.  This project is going to be sloooooooooooow!!!

But that worked out GREAT!!!  Because...

I had a date!!!  I met a chica for lunch where we just talked and got to know each other.  I had originally told her I would take her flying today (around noon), and since she had stayed up until 5:30 A.M., she simply was not ready to go at 8:30!  Not a good way to start out!  Oh well!  After lunch, we went and laid on the beach...that was so nice...it probably helped that she is so attractive!  And easy to talk to.  From there, we came back to the hotel, watched some TV, then went out to eat before...

Fishing on the ocean!!!

The guys and we took a large boat out on the ocean!  We all grabbed a pole and started fishing!   I had never fished in the ocean before, but I looooooved it!  Especially with a girl!  We had the cities off in the distance, the darkness of the vast ocean on the other side, and nothing but four hours of fishing!  Sandy beat me to the first fish...she pulled in a grunt.  I soon followed.  Then she kept reeling them in!  After an hour, she was up 6-5.  We pulled up grunt, markey?, and some others.  Then we changed locations.

NOTHING was biting there.  Except on Sandy's pole!!!  She pulled in a very nice 17-inch grouper.  What a catch!  We took a picture together.  Awwwww!!!

We moved again, but my luck was running dry.  I pulled in some type of poisonous red fish which had actually put our guide in the hospital for 7 days.  I was getting ready to take it off my pole, but something just told me it wasn't right.  I literally grabbed it with my hand, tried to fold down the back fin, but just didn't feel right.  A minute later, the guide came over and then explained what a dangerous fish this was (and finally explained his large medical band on his wrist!).  I sure would have liked to know that earlier!!!  Oh well.  I was so glad I stopped.  What was that that told me it was dangerous?!

A couple of thoughts just from today...first...there are filthy ridiculously rich people out there.  We passed by houses which easily cost several million dollars...that also had yachts out front that pushed $50 million or more.  But not just a few.  An entire water neighborhood of multi-million dollar yachts and houses.  Mansions.  It's a world I don't always know exists.  But it was certainly alive and well here.  I really just don't get it.  I told Sandy that I have no desire for that...I hope I'm always simple-minded...that I remember where I came from...that I remember others.  I really mean that.

Also...people in southern Florida are just stinkin' hot.  Seriously.  I don't know what it is, but the "pool" here is MUCH more enjoyable than central Illinois (and most other places!).  No questions asked.  From the waitresses to the chicks on the beach to WHEREVER, they are just waaaaaaaaaaay skinnier and often more attractive.  And not just a few of 'em!  They are everywhere!  In mass droves.  I like.  In a totally unrelated note (talking about something else), Sandy had said that she felt people were more shallow down here...I wonder if that goes hand-in-hand...

Anyway...

All in all, it was just a perfect night.  That followed a perfect day!

We came back to the hotel and hung out some more.  Sandy and I went to the hot tub and dipped our feet in...and just talked.  She's a pretty stinkin' neat woman.  I like her.

I promised her "another" flight tomorrow.  Agh, I hope it works out!

Oh, numerous times tonight...while out on the boat...over the ocean...I just thought about my life.  Right now, it's perfect.  I seriously cannot complain.  I never thought I'd get here again.  I feel kind of "wrong" and "nervous" about being here.  But I can seriously say I am happy.  Just very happy.  I pray it stays.

Went to bed at 1:30.