Life's a changing.

My dearest loyal blog readers,

We've been through so much together over the past few years. I've shared my life with you, through the good and the bad.  It's hard to keep secrets from you.  I've wanted to tell you so many times, but the timing wasn't right.  The time has finally come to share something that I've been trying to keep to myself for quite awhile.  In times like these, it's best to let the photos do the talking.

.

.

.

.

And just to be certain that you've got the message.... 

So it's official. We are bringing another little aviation geek into the world, and we can't wait to meet him or her this September! I've seen the world, jumped out of planes, and lived out of a backpack, but this is without a doubt the biggest adventure of my life thus far.  

under the weather and stuck due to weather.

My most recent pairing was exhausting from the moment that it began. Unlike most overnight flights in which I arrive well rested and ready to take on the long evening ahead, this time I hadn't slept nearly as much as I would have liked to and I knew that I was in for a sleepy sleepless night.  

It was a long night, but thanks to a great crew we got through it and arrived in St. John's... finally. We were happy to have landed, especially after bad weather nearly forced us to divert to Halifax.  

It was a gloomy, foggy morning, perfect for crawling into my hotel bed for a much anticipated nap.  I woke up a few hours later and proceeded to the Tim Horton's attached to the hotel for a little energy boost. Much to my dismay, I didn't win my car as I'd planned to playing Roll Up the Rim.  Next time.  

I met up with another crew member, who'd spent the night raving about a small restaurant 15 minutes from the hotel. We agreed to venture into the slushy streets to get some delicious snacks for the flight home the next day.  Upon arriving, we found it to be closed and left heartbroken and hungry. With time to kill before meeting the rest of the crew, we wandered down Water Street and browsed the shops... including the candy store, where I left empty handed for the first time ever.  (I'm giving this healthy thing a shot again. It's so much less fun.) Our feet were soaked by the time that we met everyone at the Yellowbelly Brewery. While the rest sampled the local beer, I sipped water. Beer is gross, but the food was good!  After stuffing our bellies it was back to the hotel, where continuing my healthy streak I headed for the gym.  A quick run made me just sleepy enough to call it a night.  

Unfortunately, I'd been feeling a looming cold for a few days prior to the pairing. It decided to strike in full force that evening, keeping me awake and sniffly when I should have been fast asleep. The next morning came far too soon, and I felt terrible.  Luckily for me, the plane that we were to take home was delayed. This meant breakfast for the rest of the crew, and an extended sleep for me. 

I'd been completely unaware of the snowstorm that had occurred overnight, and on the way to the airport I was surprised at the amount of snow on the streets. Of course, the snow had also accumulated on the runways and heavy winds were making it rather difficult to clear. Shortly after we'd boarded our passengers the airport closed due to the weather. We sat and waited for hours before our flight was finally cancelled and we returned to the hotel. It wasn't only our flight that was cancelled. The entire airport had closed, making the hotel jam packed with only upgraded rooms left for us! 

We knew that the next day would be an early start and extremely tiring, but we were hungry and insisted on going for dinner before bed. It was off to the Keg, where I spoiled myself with steak and left feeling full and ready for bed. 

I slept much like the evening prior... awake for hours as my wake up time grew nearer. When my alarm clock went off at 5:15 am (1:45 am my time) I felt terrible, but ready to finally get home.  Every single person on the plane breathed a sigh of relief when we took off, leaving the snowy city behind.  It would take us over 12 hours, but we'd be home that day.  I couldn't wait to crawl into my bed.  After a few stops and a couple hours of waiting in Calgary, we flew back to Edmonton and we were done. I drove home, headed straight for the couch and self-prescribed bed rest for the evening.  Now it's the next day, and I'm off to do it all over again... here's hoping things go more smoothly this trip!  St. John's, I love you, but I love my cozy house more and am not ready to leave again!  

the newfie life

This month I've felt a bit like an honorary Newfie, spending half of my month in the gorgeous city of St. John's.  There is nothing quite like the fresh air, the sea breeze, and the friendly nature of the locals.  

I love everything about St. John's pairings, with the exception of the overnight flights.  This year I've been trying to cut back on my usual excessive caffeine consumption, which is difficult enough when I can sleep through the night! 

My trips to Newfoundland are generally quite consistent... I land early in the morning, sleep until lunch, force myself awake, take a walk through the slushy, rainy streets, buy some candy, and then meet up for dinner with the crew. Last week I was privileged enough to have a 48 hour layover, which is relatively unheard of these days. I enjoyed plenty of wonderful food, spent time with my awesome crew, and took advantage of some spare time to nap. Outside was a slushy, snowy mess and my feet were soaked every time that I left the hotel, but I didn't care. I'd happily live in St. John's, in a bright purple house.  

I'm headed back again tomorrow evening, fuelled by minimal caffeine and a love for my job. It's tiring, it's repetitive, but it's my life and I still love it. Just a few more weeks and I'm on a long awaited vacation with my husband! 

finally, going places!

After a long month of sitting around on reserve, I was finally headed for my first layover in weeks. It was also my first overnight flight in months, and I was feeling exhausted just thinking of the lack of sleep in store for me.  Fortunately, I was working with some great crew and I was excited for a quick getaway to beautiful St. John's.  

It was a snowy night as we left Edmonton bound for better weather.  We flew across the country, fuelled by numerous snacks and sugary beverages.  It was a long, bumpy night.  The turbulence was especially rough landing into St. John's, leaving even us frequent flying flight attendants feeling a bit ill.  

We were exhausted by the time that we reached the hotel, heading to our respective rooms for a much needed nap. While the rest of the crew continued sleeping, I forced myself to wake up in an effort to enjoy some of the sunlight.  I changed out of my pyjamas and headed into the city. It was sprinkling rain, but the weather was far better and much warmer than back home so I certainly wasn't complaining! I headed for Rocket Bakery, a place I've grown quite fond of in my previous travels. I picked up a juice and cinnamon bun to enjoy the next day on the flight home.  Continuing down Water Street, I browsed a few random stores and then after a lengthy argument with myself, I gave in and entered the candy store.  I tried and failed to leave empty handed, exiting with a bag of assorted treats that I would later eat until my stomach hurt.  

I ventured back to the hotel, where I got ready for dinner with the crew. After a bit of aimless wandering we settled on the nearest restaurant. I was immediately drawn to the fish and chips of all other things on the menu. Not my usual pick, but they were certainly delicious!  After dinner I led the other girls to the candy store. After I'd talked it up throughout dinner, they wanted to experience the sugar glory themselves. I was happy when they left with their own bags of goodies, making me feel a bit less guilty about my binge earlier that day.  We made another quick stop at a convenience store to pick up some drinks that we don't have back home... including Pineapple flavoured Crush! I'm a sucker for bringing back all sorts of treats that are different and unavailable in Alberta. 

Finally, it was time for bed. I slept for a total of 11 glorious hours before it was time to get up and get ready for work. I'm not sure how, but I was still tired. In my defence, it was 3:30 am at home and my body was very confused.  I was sad to leave St. John's on such a gorgeous sunny morning, but looking forward to having the weekend at home with my husband. 

It was a long journey back to Alberta, but finally we arrived in the northern oil sands with only one flight left to work.  We'd been ahead of schedule all day and things were looking good until a mechanical issue delayed us by 2 hours. Eventually the issue was sorted out and we were off to Calgary, but we'd officially missed our deadhead flight back home to Edmonton. We managed to get on the next flight home, making for a late night and a grand total duty day of 15 hours! It was straight home to the couch for me!  I was relieved to be home and even more relieved that it was finally February! I'll be seeing a whole lot more of St. John's in the coming month!

it's still january?!

January, January, January... why do you seem to last forever?! 

I feel this way nearly every year. This month is cold, dark, long, and the excitement of Christmas is in the past. Add a bunch of reserve shifts and very little flying to the mix, and you've got one bored, restless Krysta. Sure, spending time at home could be very productive, but let's face it... this is me.  I take one look outside at the miserable weather and decide to hibernate on the couch, day after day.  

Fortunately, my puppy takes after my husband in that he loves the snow and playing outside despite the cold. This leads to tiny paw prints scattered along my floor, but how can I get mad at a face like his?! 

On the bright side, January has brought the return of my guilty pleasures on TV... American Idol, and even worse... Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.  I can now waste many mindless hours parked in the living room.  Judge me all you want, it's quality entertainment.  

One of the rare eventful days that this month has brought was a late Christmas celebration with some of our good friends. In the middle of January we cooked a turkey with all of the delicious fixings and it was a day of food glory.  

It was also on this day that I came to know of a wonderful little place called the Duchess Bake Shop. Who knew that in the heart of this very Canadian city lives a little piece of Paris!   For the first time since my last time in France, I devoured amazing, authentic macaroons reminiscent of my beloved Laduree.  Fortunately for my bank account and waistline, but unfortunately for my cravings, the bake shop isn't in close proximity to my house. That certainly won't stop me from returning! 

Just one more week left in this longest month ever. I'm looking forward to many of the things to come in February, if it would just get here already!  

Here is hoping that the rest of you aren't as anxiously awaiting the end of this month! 

bored on reserve

Reserve. Ahhh, that ugly blemish on my schedule.  I suppose that I'm a control freak.  I'd much rather know where I'm going and when, and plan my sleep accordingly.  Sitting around waiting for a phone call, although often productive (I only clean when confined to my house) drives me a bit crazy.  

And that, my friends, has been January thus far.  Sitting, waiting, wondering what the day will bring. Clinging to my cell phone wherever I go. Waking up each morning and breathing a sigh of relief that the phone didn't ring at 4 am.  Reserve, I hate you.  

I do however quite enjoy the extra time I've spent at home without getting called out. I've wasted many hours on Facebook, Twitter, watching the Food Network (and then craving everything) and cuddling with my lazy little puppy.  

January has been very uneventful. I have lots that I could do around the house, but who wants to do that?!  I'm borderline bored out of my mind. Somebody come visit me. Bring cookies.  

first post of the year.

I can officially say it... Happy 2013! Holy smokes, that is crazy to type. Hey all of my fellow class of 2004 grads...  it's been almost 9 years since we finished high school. 9 years?! Just doing my part to make you feel a bit older. Although I've done a lot over those years, it still seems hard to fathom.  It's all okay though, because I married an older man... it's been 10 years since he finished high school and I'll forever be thankful for that extra year that he's got on me.  

2013 has been just peachy, so far. We've been busy with family and life and work, and counting down the days to our next vacation.... 82, in case you were wondering.  This month is a month filled with reserve... the bane of my existence.  I absolutely hate not having a set schedule and sitting around the house with the anticipation of a potential phone call to work.  Expect me to either have nothing to blog about, or be so bored that I bore you with useless posts such as this one. Though I often miss my life of international travel, I'm really not sure that I'd have the energy for it these days.  The past year has shown me just how truly wonderful sleep is!
Following our January tradition, we are making an effort to eat healthier.... we threw away all of our junk food and I haven't had a cup of coffee in 6 whole days. This is insanity. I'm so tired. 

I've only worked one pairing so far this month, and it was an easy one! When I initially saw it on my schedule, I was horrified, but I later learnt that the 11 pm departure to Ottawa was a ferry flight... no passengers!  I settled in for the ride, arriving to the capital city at 5 am.  After a day of sleep, and hanging out with a friend,  we hopped back on the plane and headed back to Alberta. Sure, we arrived 2 hours late due to an unanticipated stop for fuel, but we were home and overall it had been an easy pairing!  

Reserve begins tomorrow... who knows where I might end up! 

Wish me luck. I'm not really feeling up for frozen arctic adventures.  Is it summer yet?