to become comfortable

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It's about time that I come out of a Sim session feeling better about the whole thing. It did take up to 4 sessions to finally get to a comfortable level where I thought that I could actually fly the thing. It's awesome once you achieve that too! I had a chance to work on a lot of crosswind landings which did get better over time. I still have more to work on specifically on the final round out. I did a single engine cross wind landing too which went really well. I haven't shined has bright as I've wanted to yet, but I'm definitely getting there. I can just feel it. I got four more till the check. I also have a lot to study for the upcoming oral exam. That's going to be exciting!

I decided today that I might as well try to go home for a quick day. I'm going to be able to study at home which is good, so I won't be that far off. Getting home is going to be an obstacle again, but it is every time. I can't believe that it's Ash Wednesday already. What are you going to give up for Lent?

I had some Bronx pizza for dinner which was awesome! Just wanted to share that. I'm also going to probably have some awesome Chinese food but since it is Chinese New Year, I'm not sure if they are going to be open. Shucks...Happy New Year though!

of expansion

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So, since my waist has been expanding this last few weeks since I started studying and working here, I've gotten rather depressed about it. I'm trying to cut out on the fast food dieting and trying to run a lot more. I've worked out 5 days straight which I haven't done for quite a while and still going strong. I'm noticing that my knees aren't that great anymore because they are starting to hurt a little bit, but I'm just proud that I'm going strong. My diet is a little better these days too with some Canned Tuna and just whatever else. I upgraded from the Chunk Light to the Chunk White Albacore Tuna and man, even though it is about three times the price (.54 cents to 1.37), it's damn worth it. You can't smell it and is just tastes awesome! I really like the fish section that they have. You can get them in pouches and cans, ready to eat, etc, its just so cool! I'm on a fish loving diet right now. I did crave some crazy McDonald's today but I avoided that catastrophe. Anyways...

On expansion terms, I finally just added a little item on my sidebar which links you to some of the items that I've read and think might interest you. I've been using Google Reader which I love. I never thought that I would start using RSS readers again, but it helps so much because I don't have to navigate all my various webpages. I'm leaving out a few here and there and sometimes it takes a little more time to scroll through some items that I wouldn't really read either, but I'm loving it so far. You have to sign up if you haven't already. I also use their mobile function which loads great on my treo 650 and it loads fast too!

The Chargers have always been a growing team and since the departure of the defensive and offensive coordinators, Mr. Marty Schottenheimer was fired today! It's just crazy! I don't know what's going to happen. That's really all I have to say about that.

Seattle here I come!!! Delta just announced that they are going to continue the awesomeness that which expansion in LAX. I'm excited because this just means that I will have less likely of a chance of being on reserve. Delta is going to be using ASA for these flights and it would be awesome if they bring the 700 there, because then maybe, just maybe I'll be able to bid equipment! I'm sure that Seattle is going to be a popular flight right? Check this out below!

 Delta's schedule between Los Angeles and Los Mochis*,effective June 2:--------------------------------------------------------------------Flight   Departs         Arrives         Frequency      Operated by--------------------------------------------------------------------4855     Los Angeles at  Los Mochis at   Wed., Sat      Atlantic         11:15 a.m.      2:35 p.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines--------------------------------------------------------------------4420     Los Mochis at   Los Angeles at  Wed., Sat.     Atlantic         3:15 p.m.       4:27 p.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines--------------------------------------------------------------------

Delta's schedule between Los Angeles and Seattle, effective June 7:--------------------------------------------------------------------Flight   Departs         Arrives         Frequency      Operated by--------------------------------------------------------------------4778     Los Angeles at  Seattle at      Daily          Atlantic         6:05 p.m.       8:27 p.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines--------------------------------------------------------------------4761**   Seattle at      Los Angeles at  Daily          Atlantic         7:15 a.m.       9:45 a.m.                   Southeast                                                      Airlines

san diago...

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Even though this weekend didn't turn out what Adelle and I was thinking it was going to be, we still enjoyed every single minute of our two days. I have to say that it was one of the best weekends in terms of "kicking" it old school where we just played video game amongst the 4-6 of us, hung out and eat at Niban Sushi, watch a play and just have an overall great time. We also had the awesome spicy pork chops from Sam Woo BBQ! Thanks for the great weekend guys! Jojo finally got his Wii today along with two Wiimotes and I got to hang out with Haas for just a little bit. It's going to be awesome the next time I come back!

I finally setup my Google Reader which, by the way, was recently updated and is so awesome and user friendly. It's all about the web applications these days.

Anyways, at Niban, I ordered two large cold, unfiltered sake bottles which were definitely put to good use. We all shared in good times. Thanks again! I've been so energetic these couple of days its awesome!

Now, I'm going to just have to get all serious and just put my head in the sand with a book and cockpit mockup. I'm up to bat and I need to hit a home run this month. It's going to get really tough! Let's see which flight I end up tomorrow. I'm hoping for a seat esp. with 6 First and 10 Coach available.

From (top) left to right: Me, Marella, Jomar, Jojo (bottom) left to right: Adelle, Corinne

of commuting to LAX on an airplane + videogames

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So my girlfriend kick some major butt on Mario Kart on the Nintendo Gamecube. She took first place quite a few times while I only had it once or twice. It was good stuff. I got to hang out with some friends in San Diego tonight and that I haven't done in such a long time. The original plans were to try to make it to Hawaii on a connecting flight to LAX from SAN, but of course, as my story goes, didn't happen. We made reservations at hotels and even planned out a little excursion here and there. It was going to be nice and to think that we only planned it about 3 days ahead. Oh well. I thought that we could head out somewhere else too, but I wasn't pack for anything that had to do with some cold weather. So, only anything south of San Diego would be viable and it just wasn't going to happen this time. I posted some pix on trelijah of tonight's festivities. We also had an awesome dinner at C.P.K. Did you know that you could get a rootbeer float with Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream?

Adelle and I got to airport early enough to get listed and do whatever we needed to accomplish to actually get on board, but because of how overbooked the two back to back flights were, it made it impossible to get on. So, we missed our connecting flight Honolulu. Sadness...but, I'm just starting to learn all the tricks of the trade when it comes to non-revving. It's definitely an adventure but I'm glad that I got to hang out today and just relax a little bit. We all ended the night playing Donkey Konga and some Mario Tennis. I still have a lot of studying to do, but its going to be an awesome weekend.

Marella's brother, Jomar is in a 3 man play and we're all going to check it out at 1400 tomorrow. Probably going to see some grandma early in the morning, do some backing up of documents and pictures in the afternoon, then off to see one of my friends who's wife is due in the next 7 days! It's amazing how much things can change in about 2 years. The last time I saw them, I was just beginning my training and or in the midst of it all. Congrats to Timothy and Stacey Chou.

I can't locate a stupid Aliph Jawbone at any Cingular store in San Diego. I'm going to try a few more, but man, I just want to try it out already and write up a review. I'll post it once I get some usage out of it, but of course, I'll need to buy it. I had a chance in Florida, but I didn't think that it was going to be so scarce already!

A tornado came really close to my house in Florida but I guess I was lucky in that it stayed to the south of where I lived. I pray for those that are now without a house. It's going to be tough especially during this very cold winter.

of the vote...and trying to get on a plane

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ALPA: Deal Not Good Enough, Comair Strike Possible

another link to an informational website: http://www.dcipilots.com

The above is a link to just some general knowledge of the state of the industry that I am now part of. There were a few of my follow pilots from ASA that were picketing on behalf of our other brothers in the now fledging Delta Connection Carrier, Comair. It really stinks that this comes at a time when I just signed on, but I can only hope for the best. It is a service industry out there but finally people are starting to recognize that they get what they pay for in terms of low airfare = crappy seats and service. I do believe that as pilots we are underpaid but I guess a drive from within is the only way to do it. Many say that we did it to ourselves because a lot of us wouldn't mind flying for free, but it hurts to think something like that. I guess if you were to imagine that one thing that you have been wanting to do for a good portion of your life and you had a chance to do it, you would. That's where it comes from. It is sad that I'll be playing it low key for a while, but hey, my view is better than yours!

Looks like I'll be "stuck" in San Diego this weekend. I originally made plans to try to head out to Honolulu, Hawaii with Adelle and got everything setup in like 2 days, but we weren't able to head up to LAX on a commuter flight. I knew that we should have drove to LAX, but I took the chance and just couldn't get on. The ticket counter ladies at American Eagle were very nice and courteous as well as the gentleman at the Sky West booth but nothing came out of it. I got listed as a jumpseater but I didn't want to go anywhere without my Lisa. =( Oh well, at least we have each other and lots of choices of food and I saved some money! (not by switching to Geico either)

of working slowly

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The homework that we were assigned tonight consisted of completing 2 weight and balance cards complete with reading the dispatch, cargo load manifest and TLR. It really isn't that trivial and doing it over and over again will definitely make things easier, but I have to admit that I find myself sometimes adding here or subtracting even though I was suppose to do the opposite computation. I just have to slow down and make sure that I think more about it and work it out slowly. I enjoy doing them but just get frustrated when I miss a computation.

I had some Smokey Bones again tonight for dinner and Wendy's for lunch. I can't say that I've been saving my money but this hotel food thing is just getting to me. I'll try to be good.

I'm so proud of Adelle because she is helping me out in booking a flight back home this weekend and is on top of the new Delta Phone Travel Phone System. I love it when she takes charge of things. It definitely impresses me a lot! I love you sweetie.

My Scott Leather Jumbo Flight Bag came in today and it's freaking awesome! It smells so good and the work is just too perfect. Thanks a lot Dianna Taylor for fulfilling the no logo customization. I was surprised when it didn't come with the inside pocket, but I'll just have to order it later on. The Jeppesen Accessory Case will have to do for now. I took some picture phone photos of the case and you can find them on trelijah. I filled it up to the brim with some space to go, but I just can't wait to start lifting it all day long. The backpack thing and flight bag definitely was a good combo but now, I'm able to be a little more professional without the backpack deal. Maybe a side messenger bag or something would help out carry things here and there. On to the next purchase of my luggage bag from Luggage Works (formally known as Purdy). Man, this occupation is getting pretty pricey!

Enjoy the pics! Click on each of them for some comments of each.

of getting on an open flight!

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After all the testing taking on Friday, I decided that I should try to get on a flight and use some of my benefits. To make a very long story short, out of the 3 that Justin and I listed ourselves on, I got on the last one, but decided to just stick it out together and we finally just got onto another airline. We connected in Phoenix and then made our way to San Diego. Adelle picked us up and we tackled the first thing on the itinerary list: Hit up In-N-Out Burger! I ate that Cheeseburger #2 combo so fast that I really don't even remember it.

We woke up early the next morning (Saturday) and headed to Kono's in Pacific Beach for breakfast, followed by some arcade action at Vincenzo's place then to PQ. Okay so my old time friend of more than 20 years hooked up an arcade machine with a comptuer setup and has over 4300+ arcade games. That includes the NES emulation and everything. It was awesome just playing some Street Fighter 2 and some Altered Beast again! That was a pimp setup. I hope to kick it more with him and everyone else once I get back. I just wanted to get some good old house time and we got to eat some Buckey's Ice Cream and PQ Donuts for some good dessert time. The breakfast at Kono's was just so much that I didn't even eat anything for lunch besides the pint of Ice Cream. (Mudd Pie and Toll House combo is the best) Back to Adelle's townhome for some rest and then off to Wildomar to see my parents. We had some good dinner there then drove down to Adelle's parents house to play some pool and then back up for one last goodnight. My mom has been doing really well lately and its nice to see that my father and her are "hanging" out. My mom is awesome! She just told me that she was looking into some older community place in Vegas and it looked sweet. I just don't know how the heck I'd be able to take advantage of the place because apparently we younger ones are not allowed. Oh well...

I got some Jamba Juice today which totally hit the spot. It stinks that they increased the price by 35 cents but it is definitely understandable being that California lost about $1 billion dollars of crops over this winter freeze. We drove around downtown for just a little bit and got dropped off at the airport. Found out that the PPR number works great and Justin and I were on our way to play more of the standby game. We were numbers 2 and 3 and got seats 1 and 2 out of three available. We were lucky. Our backup plans seemed good too, but this early flight was just right. The Captain announced that the flight was going to be 3 hours and 22 minutes and I was shocked! Everyone screamed a little bit on our landing in Atlanta which startled me a little bit but I thought that the crew did awesome especially in the weather that they were facing.

Ate some Ruby Tuesday's and then I'm off to bed! Goodnight! I'm going to try and head out somewhere this week, but from what I've seen, its hell trying to get on standby on a Delta flight. We'll see how things pan out. I can't really risk too much you know?


For more pictures from the trip. click here

to ride along in the air

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I just found out today, by testing it out for myself, that I was able to list myself on Delta's system. The next obstacle would be to find out what fares I need to pay for and to find out whether or not I can actually use this system. Supposedly because I was able to go through with it, it should be okay! I even found it on my itinerary under Delta.com. It's going to be an interesting day today.

I did well on the System Final today. We had a great "review" prior to taking the test which helped out a bit but I ended up still averaging a 98%. Can't do anything about it anymore. I'm just looking forward to actually putting my knowledge to the test and practicing all the flows. This is when the fun begins! I can't hardly wait, but the amount of more studying to do is going to be a handful.

My friend at another airline took some good pictures today. You should check them out at http://klubic.blogspot.com. He's been good at updating his site every other day. I also have another friend from ASA who is working on his website. You can find that here. http://www.eachristiansen.com. It's a work in progress, but I'm sure that it's going to turn into something awesome!