Be Kind Mission-Day Eight

Today, I arose at 4:00 am, and boarded the shuttle from the Quality Inn in Charlotte. A pilot from 'the other airline,' and a pilot from my airline was on the shuttle. The 'other pilot' said 'our airline' was the 'bottom of the barrel.'

I wondered, 'what does he mean by that?' I was still kind, but rather annoyed. I think he meant in the payscale, because our pilot said that many pilot's are miserable with our airline because of the paycuts they have had to take in many years-atleast two. PAY CUT?! I thought pilots made 100,000 grand a year! NOT!

So, I made it my personal mission to smile and be kind to every captain I saw today at the airport while I sat on HOT reservs!e. Obviously, I should always be kind to any Captain I see.

At 5:05 am I sat staring at starbuck's-they weren't open yet. My tastebuds watered, and I had to listen to those driving carts and their loud 'beep, beep, beep' as they drove by carting milk, water, and everything else to all the stores in the airport that weren't even open yet! Finally, they opened. I went to starbuck's and was kind to the clerk who took my order. She said those carts got on her nerves day after day after day.

I figured I'd be extra nice to her. So, I was. She said I made her day.

I then tried to find the business center and when I did, they said that there was a fee to enter, 'but I'm a flight attendant,' 'it doesn't matter..' was his response. He then followed me out to where I was typing on my computer about being kind! He said, 'You can go here, or there, but you can't go in that room.' I shewed him away-he said, "I was just trying to help."

What would Mother Teresa do?

"A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, must empty ourselves. The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace." Mother Teresa

I guess I should never shew anyone away!

Be Kind Mission Day Twenty Four

Standing on front of the luminious, antique Redmont Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama, on a hot Tuesday...looking at my mom, my Captain and my Aunt...she approached my mother rather reluctantly.

She looked like she had a rough night.

Originally, the eve prior, I was supposed to go to Arkansas for my overnight. However, scheduling had phoned me at 10:15 pm stating, "Can you work the flight to Birmingham, Alabama instead..?" Well, of course, I thought, my mom lives in Alabama!

Mom and I spent the morning together. She had surprised me at the Redmont Hotel at approximately 8:30. Mom brought me back to the hotel for my shuttle in the afternoon.

There the four of us were, talking in front of the beautiful Redmont, historic hotel.

What an exciting adventure-to be in Alabama suddenly with my family. They got to meet the Captain!

This woman, who approached my mother, looked so rough and said, "Do you have any change, or a few bucks?"

With concern in her voice, mom said, 'No.' Then she looked at me and stated, "Do you ?"

What?!

She totally put me on the spot.

What was I to do?

Well, I had made it my personal mission to give any tip money away that I received on the aircraft. I remembered I had received some tip money the eve prior.

I gave it to the lady.

The Captain said, "You are  more kind than I. I don't give any money to those racketeers."

My Aunt agreed.

Mom was apprently proud of her daughter.

What would Mother Teresa do?

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. Mother Teresa

I realize though,  my weaknesses in this situation. Would I have given the money to the lady if my mother had not put me on the spot?.....hum....................................................................

Be Kind Mission day Twenty Three

He boarded the airplane in Washington DC and boldly stated, "I sat on the shuttle bus for twenty minutes. I was on time. This aircraft is late because of the crew."

I was floored. Truthfully, we were not late. The aircraft had just landed. My captain got the call, and we walked about two miles, to the airplane in Dulles. Yes, while the passengers get to take the shuttle bus from the gate to the aircraft, the crew has to walk pulling their bags!!!! I was already worn out, it was my last flight of the night, and this guy is yelling at me.

I said, "Well, we walked two miles, while you were sitting on the shuttle bus, and the airplane was deplaning when we got here-it's not our fault it's late."

He huffed and puffed and about blew the pland down.

He sat in the emergency exit row.

I began to make my announcement with a smile on my face and laughter in my voice. That gentleman got up out of his seat and made his way to the front of the aircraft. He yelled and said, "flying is serious business..." I said, 'yes it is sir.' He said, "I will sit down and not say anything to you the rest of the flight." I said, 'ok.'

I went to talk to the Captain who did nothing.

A flight attendant on the second row stated, "You handled him much better than me, he would be off my airplane."

When I went to debrief my emergency exit row he grunted and huffed while I asked him the questions-in a serious manner. I then stated, "This is serious business-sir."

Then, what do you know but one young man heard me say that to him and yelled out loud, "Why are you being mean to him-what if he has a heart problem or something?" (this first guy was about fifty six, and here this now young kid whose mom was beside him was yelling at me!)

I tried to tell the kid that he didn't know the guy had yelled at me twice. The kid said, 'I don't care.'

Then his mother did nothing while another lady beside them started yelling at me!

No, I was not kind at this point.

I walked away and went to the front of the aircraft where I asked my Captain to go talk to all of these people in the back.

He did.

The people in the front were on my side, and had seen all that had happened. They wrote their names and numbers down in case I needed them.

When we landed in Akron, Ohio, one lady complained to the Captain, the lady that had been behind the guy seated in the emergency exit row.

What can I learn?

What would Mother Teresa do?

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." ..."
— Mother Teresa

Be Kind Mission Day Twenty Two

Work began at 8:30-which is the time I must show up at the gate. I am not getting paid for this time. We get paid the minute we push back from the gate.

It was HOT. Summer was rolling in-it was still Spring-but May, and it was HOT in Charlotte.

I got on the aircraft and learned that the aircraft had maintenance issues. The lav was NOT working, and the air was not properly flowing. We sat at the gate for an hour, while passengers yelled at the gate agent inside the Charlotte airport.

At one point the gate agent came out and we told her she could sit in the aircraft with us, and not get yelled at continously by passengers. She said, 'No thanks, it's too hot in here!!..'

Passengers began to board. They were angry. One man even said so the minuste he boarded, "I am angry."

He went to sit in the emergency exit row 8.

When I went to that exit row, the window shade was down-and in exit rows, and row one, window shades must be open for taxi, take off and landing. I advised him of this, and he grunted, yelled and stewed and recluctantly put his shade up. I offered to move him to another seat. He refused stating he paid for this seat in the exit row!

He then looked down at his cell phone with his head phones in his ear. I said, 'Sir, I need your attention for one second. Are you willing and able to assist the crew in the unlikely event of an emergency?' He did not look at me, nor did he answer me! I asked him again..this is a federal law issue, and it is very important we have passengers attention at this point.

He did not look at me and finally in an angry voice said, 'Yes.' I said, 'Sir, if you are not you are more than welcome to change your seat.' He grabbed his carry on and got off the plane!!!!

He went inside the gate and cussed at the gate agent using many words that were unacceptable. She got a manager out to calm him-but he was totally mad.

What would Mother Teresa do?

"Do not allow yourselves to be disheartened by any failure
as long as you have done your best."
~ Mother Teresa ~

I did not allow myself be disheartened in this situation. I did my best. I offered to move him, and he refused. I validated his frustration-and he ignored me angrily. He voluntarily got off the airplane. I had a wonderful day despite this situation. I was kind, and he was angry!

Be Kind Mission Day Twenty One

Be Kind Mission:

Suddenly, without warning, we had an hour delay. This would cut into our evening sleep and rest.

Wonder why flight attendants ever look so tired?!

So, as the passengers sat on our air craft, murmuring and complaining about this delay-it happened.

My co-worker flight attendant took kindness charge! I can certainly learn a lesson!

She grabbed the microphone and announced with glee, “Ladies and gentlemen, I realize that each one of you came onto this aircraft grumbling and complaining. We realize you don’t want this delay, and neither do we! –“ (people start laughing, and she continues,) “we are going to give you some cookies, and some drinks. Relax people, it’s a thunderstorm and we can’t control the weather. Plus, I’m going thru menopause, so I don’t want any murmuring, grumbling, or complaining on my flight. I’ve gotta work til midnight now, and this cuts into our sleep!”

I, and everyone else, laughed so incredibly loud and hard. The Captain in the flight deck heard all the laughter.

There is a psychology in handling people. This flight attendant became very popular amongst the crowd. We began to hand out cookies, water, and cokes to the passengers. We told jokes, and walked around the cabin as if we knew these people forever.

She was kind to passengers in the midst of an uncomfortable situation.

She did not allow others attitudes to steal her kind attitude.

Somehow, I bet, this is what Mother Teresa would do.

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”Mother Teresa

Day Twenty Four be Kind Mission May 14, 2011

She boarded the aircraft with the warmest smile. She must have been about seventy years old.

It was a beautiful Spring day, and I was happy to be flying.

She minded her own business during the entire flight. She was sitting in row nine, right behind the emergency exit row.

I never would've dreamed she would have caused an emergency!

She didn't even take a drink when I did my beverage service!

Right before landing, say about five minutes-she got up to go to the bathroom. I said nothing at that point, which I should have because the seatbelt sign was on.

After three minutes I had to go check on her. We were about to land!!

I went and knocked on the door and she reluctantly came out. She didn't cause an issue, and she sat back in her seat.

Right when we landed, she got up and went back to the bathroom! We were on an active runway, and it is against federal law to be going to any bathroom on an active runway.

At this point, it was hard to be kind.

I made an announcement for her to sit down, and she totally disregarded my announcement. She actually shewed me!! Yes, she shewed me away with her hand! I haven't ever had anyone shew me away since I was a child!!

She went to the bathroom anyway!

I had no choice but to call the Captain. The Captain had a manager meet this sweet lady at the gate.

When we deplaned I had to ask the lady, kindly, to wait right there beside me because she had to talk to the gate agent manager. She said, "Why?" I said, "You broke federal law-and it was a safety issue. You could have been hurt in that bathroom!" She said, "I am 86 years old honey, and I can't hold my bladder anymore."

I said, "Honey, when I am 86 I am sure I won't be able to hold it either." We laughed.

The manager met her and I don't know what happened after that. My Captain mentioned 'depends' to me after the lady left. We laughed.

It's hard to be kind when you have to be the safety commando. However, kindness is always a must in this business, whether or not we feel like it.

What would Mother Teresa do?

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
— Mother Teresa

Be Kind Mission day Nineteen!

It was Palm Sunday, and I desperately wanted to be at church, but had to work for a living. The day ahead would be a twelve hour one. Showers and thunder storms were predicted for the delightful day.

She boarded the aircraft in a delightful mood, and sat on the front row. We chatted about the wedding she had attended the eve prior. She told me all about the wine, dancing and food.

Through the entire flight, she was a delight to laugh with! Then suddenly, out of nowhere, she grabs the barf bag.

It was easy to be kind to her when she was fun-loving and clean. Once the bags came out, I knew it was trouble.

She said, “I never get sick, I drank too much last night.” She filled up four bags.

The trick of it was that I had to sit in my jump seat, it was right before landing! I was completely horrified. I could not reach any paper towels, or anything. I handed her something to drink, because I could reach the beverages from my jump seat.

Upon landing, and once we got off the active run way, I got up and gave her some wet paper towels, and some wet ones to clean herself. She had stuff all over her face, and did not have any napkins. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was definitely hard to maintain my kindness and composure. I learned that it is easy to be kind to people when they are fun-loving, and harder to be kind and maintain peace when a passenger is throwing up.

When she got off the aircraft she told the pilot I did a great job. There was another pilot on the aircraft who also told me I did a great job.

After the ordeal was over, my pilot brought me a chicken salad sandwich. I didn’t eat that for a while!

What would Mother Teresa do?

“If you look at the cross, you will see His head lowered to kiss you. You will see His arms stretched out to embrace you, you will see His heart open to welcome you.”

Mother Teresa would be kind to this woman whether she was healthy or sick, and so would Jesus.

How appropriate this would all happen on Palm Sunday!

Be Kind Mission Day Eighteen

It was a beautiful Saturday. Spring had definitely arrived. The birds were singing a tune to die for, and I really didn't want to leave my husband. However, reality set in at about 1:30 pm, and it was time to head for the airport.

I was on 'hot ready reserve.' This means I had to be hot and ready to be called at any moment to hop on a air plane and fly.

Minutes turned into hours, and before I knew it, it was 9:00 pm and I had not been called.

I was getting aggravated.  The beautiful spring day, had turned into doom, gloom and dark clouds. It was lightning and thundering outside, and flights were cancelled and delayed. I listened to loud crying babies, frustrated parents, and angry passengers complain. Suddenly, the fire alarm at the airport went off and disturbed the loud complaining all around me!

I decided to leave the spot I had taken over, and stroll through the airport to a new place.

I walked passed several gates, up several elevators, and ended up in a lovely part of the airport where a wonderful sound came from around the corner. As I came around the loud corner, the sound of a piano filled the air.

'Ah, my dream...to learn to play the piano!' I've longed to be able to read notes since my grandmother played. My husband bought me a keyboard, and all the tools to play, and I've yet to discipline myself to learn.

As she played, I was drawn to the mesmerizing sound.

I just had to sit and listen, and I did.

I then remembered my promise to myself that any tips I got, I would give away. I had been given an 8.00 tip the other day on the airplane, and knew I had to drop it in her jar.

I did, I, with a song in my heart, tipped her 8.00. She was ecstatic!

I smiled to myself knowing the old saying comes true, "You reap, what you sow." Maybe, just maybe, one day I'll be her, playing at an airport somewhere, somehow, someway.

A beautiful spring like day, that had turned to gloom and doom, ended with a song in my heart. All because of a change in my step, and kindness in my heart.

What would Mother Teresa do?

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."
— Mother Teresa

Be Kind Mission Day Seventeen

The alarm crowed at its usual hour-before the sun arose. I was sleeping soundly in a nice, comfortable, warm hotel in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

My flight to Charlotte was wonderful. Passengers were chipper, and my flight crew I worked with was fantastic.

The next flight I worked to Tallahassee. When he boarded the aircraft, I greeted him warmly, with my usual, "Welcome Aboard!" He grunted as he took his seat.

When I sat in my jumpseat for take-off, he was staring at me, and it was quite the intimidating stare. He just would not stop staring at me.

When we did beverage service, it was the same thing. It was a stare that I had not had in a long time, and it was beginning to make me uncomfortable.

I greeted him during the beverage service, and was quite kind to him, even though I was very uncomfortable.

It was a rather interesting situation, one I hadn't encountered.

I remember when I lived in Hawaii and I stared at someone for a long time, and after class one day she approached me and said, "Your stare really bugged me. It was inappropriate, and you stared at me for a long time." When I remembered that, I began to laugh at myself.

All he was doing was staring at me! Nothing more, nothing less-just like I had been doing to her.

What would Mother Teresa do?

"Take time to think, to pray, to laugh." This is a quote from her book I am reading.

It's interesting to me that when I find myself in these challenging situations, if I think about it long enough, instead of allowing my feelings to get in t he way, I begin to laugh at myself-and my own ludicrous feelings!

Day Sixteen Be Kind Mission

I sit in the Charlotte airport at 6:00 in the morning. I'm in uniform-not being paid. I am on call, what they call hot reserve.

It's early, I have not had Starbucks yet, and I go to concourse B to turn on my laptop. Before I can even get to the plug, I see coffee cups on the floor where I am about to sit. I see newspapers in empty seats where travelers used to be, and I begin to clean.

I ask myself why I am doing this. Why am I cleaning opm-other people's mess?! Passengers do not want us to treat them like children, yet this is precisely how they act when they leave trash in their seats. There are plenty of trash bins all over the airport. They could even bring it on the air craft with them and hand it to the flight attendant who would be glad to put it in her trash bin. Yet, they leave it there, in their empty seat as if to say, "This is someone else's job, and not mine."

What does this teach their children? What does this say to a flight attendant like me, who is cleaning up their mess, with an attitude, and not getting paid.

These could also be passengers that end up on my aircraft, and I have no clue that they were the ones who left their trash in the empty seats. Trash left behind.

Trash left behind. I don't think God has come back to earth and the rapture has occured so they have a good excuse. It's just rude, and I must be kind at all times-especially in uniform.

What would Mother Teresa do?

I just read in one of her books that there is no shame when we ask for help. I really needed help with this one. I really needed a dose of my own advice inside my head as I cleaned up opm.

Her quote for the day: "There is no shame when we need guidance of help."

I asked my higher power-God-for help that day, and He did. He gave me inner peace and gratitude of heart as I continued to clean.

Thank goodness that we can ask for help in our internal Spirit when we need it. We can also ask other's for help, and not feel ashamed!

Day Fifteen-Be Kind Mission

He stood in front of the flight deck-texting. It was right after beverage service.

He knew that I had specifically asked people to wait their turn to go to the bathroom-he did not comply. My flight attendant I was working with almost ran into him because his toosh was up against the flight deck door, and he was oblivious to her coming backwards into the galley.

I walked towards him and said, "Sir, please don't crowd the flight deck door." He said, "Sorry to be a bother." He gave me a dirty look, and went back to his seat.

When he left the aircraft, I smiled and told him to have a good day. He grunted. I don't think he was happy with me.

After 911 don't people know that they shouldn't crowd the flight deck door.

Now, on every flight, I make an announcement to specifically not crowd the flight deck door.

Will they comply?

Will I be kind, even if they don't comply? That is the question!

What would Mother Teresa do?!

"Let us more and more insist on raising funds of love and kindness."

Be Kind Mission Day Fourteen

My husband's alarm clock went off at 5:00 am, because I had to be at my gate at the Charlotte Airport at 6:45 am.

He brought in the coffee, as I got ready. We ate canteloupe for breakfast, and headed towards the airport. It was a beautiful Winter day, yet close to Spring-St. Patricks Day!

I was working the flight to Louisville, Kentucky. I was working with a very nice young lady named India...yes, India. My favorite country-where I worked in 2005 to help with tsunami relief work! She and I were getting along great, and chatting up a storm when we worked.

As we did the beverage service, an Indian woman was reading a book called, "The India Calling." Oh, what a great flight, I thought to myself-all this India reminder! I loved India!

As my new friend India and I chatted about India, India went to collect trash. As she did, one woman said, "Who are you and the other flight attendant gossiping about?!"

What?! My new friend India said, "We weren't gossiping, we were having a conversation."

When India came back to the galley to tell me what she said, I was completely horrified! I wanted to go punch her! The nerve of her judgment towards us! What does that lady want, for India and I to be enemies or something? If two flight attendants talk now a days, does the message come accross like we are gossiping?!

Not all flight attendants are gossips!

I wanted to go yell at her.

I thought to myself, "I have to be kind to her when she exits the aircraft?!" What would Mother Teresa do?


Quote:

"Take time to think, to pray, to laugh." Mother Teresa

-Oh, the humor of it all. The fact that just because two flight attendant's were actually getting along, and talking she thought we were gossiping! Ha. Ha. Ha!!!!!- I wish I had that attitude when it actually happened, instead of waiting to research what my heroin would do!

Be Kind Mission Day Thirteen

I was in Scranton Pennsylvania. The alarm went off at 6:00 am. I had lost an hour of sleep, and knew this was going to be a long fifteen hour work day.

I made my way down to the lobby to have breakfast. A guy in the lobby smelled so badly, like cigarette smoke. Come to think of it, the elevator smelled like dirty feet. Woulld this be a day of bad smells?

Could I be kind in the midst of a bad smell day?

Two women in the lobby smiled at me, I did not smile back.

I got my eggs, sausage, coffee and yogurt and began to feed my stomach.

My husband called, to tell me he had missed his flight to the Outer Banks. He was going there to get some stuff for me. Boo Hoo!

I hung up the phone, the smelly guy walked by me again. I stood up and moved.

When passengers began to board the airplane to Charlotte, I couldn't believe it when that smelly guy was on my plane! Now, I HAD to be kind!

I did my best to avoid him most of the flight.

Man, it sure is hard to be kind when you don't want to be kind.

What would Mother Teresa do?

"The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life. Being open to what God wants to give will always be a greter challenge than what we want to give others." Mother Teresa

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Be Kind Mission Day Twelve-Thursday March 10, 2011

I awoke at 7 am with my husband beside me in Charlotte, North Carolina. I drove him to work and had the truck for the day. We are new in this city and don't know our way around, so it was my job to explore. I love to explore.

I found a Panera Bread with the help of the GPS.

When I walked into Panera, the cashier walked right up to me and said, "Would you like a rewards card?" There was no morning greeting, no hi how are you, just that. End of statment, end of story.

Of course, I was annoyed already.

I hadn't been to a Panera in years and now I know why.

I said, 'No thank you-I'd just like coffee.' "We have great breakfast sandwiches, and we stop serving breakfast in twenty minutes." No thanks was my reply.

I got my coffee and the Hazelnut was running low and at this point everything was annoying. I forgot all about my kindness mission since I had been off work for two days!

Suddenly, I was at Panera for an hour and then another surfing the web.

I ordered lunch-bean soup in a bread bowl. The annoying lady was still there.

After eating, I realized I had mis-placed my car key and began to freak out. Guess who I had to turn to for help?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Uh-can you say 'I' was humbled!

I went up to her nicely and asked with kindness if anyone  had turned in a set of keys. She said no and began to look with deep concern.

She was nice after all.

I found my keys in the bathroom and went back to the lady and thanked her.

I drove around Charlotte for three more hours, and went back to Panera. She was still there. She offered me a 99 cent treat.

I got a cheese danish, and shoved it in my mouth.

What would Mother Teresa do?

-"If you judge people, you have no time to love them"-Mother Teresa

Be Kind Mission Day Eleven March 6, 2011

My alarm went off at 5:00 am, and I boarded the shuttle at 6:15. We arrived at the Greensboro airport at 6:30 and made our way through security. When we got to the aircraft, I did my usual security check of the a/, as well as putting seat cushions down, putting up tray tables, opening overhead bins, crossing seatbelts, and much more-while not getting paid until up in the air.

We boarded the a/c on time. We pulled out of the gate..and we sat and sat and sat for what seemed like forever.

Suddenly the Captain makes an announcement that there is a maintenance problem, and we have to go back to the gate.

I heard the groans of the passengers, I saw the rolling of the eyes, and I knew this would not be fun.

Could I still be kind, not getting paid, dealing with angry passengers who have connecting flights?

Fortunately, this was a big airplane and I was working with a wonderful woman. Between her and I, we made coffee, served each passenger with a smile and did the best we could.

The first passenger said, "I am meeting my daughter and we are going to Cabo San Locos, what's the chance of me making my flight?"

The next passenger said, "Is this normal? Does this happen often?"

One by one, as I served them, not getting paid, I answered their questions-with my other co-workers friendly, warm demeanor.

Suddenly, without warning, the Captain makes an announcement, "We are going to have to deplane."

Did I mention we were having a severe rain storm in Greensboro? When we opened up the a/c door, the galley got sort of flooded. There we stood, soaking wet.

Ugh. It was not fun.

I was still kind!

Each passenger deplaned, the Captain stood there extending his apologies. One woman yelled at him as she got off and said, "Thanks to you, I'm going to miss my cruise." He handled her quite well, and said, "It's nothing personal, maam, this is only a machine."

Several passengers got off the a/c and told the Captain what a great job the flight attendants did!

After thirty minutes, the problem was fixed, and we were able to re-board. One woman got on the a/c , (the woman going to Cabo San Locos,) and begged us to let her put her big bag in our personal flight attendant closet. We moved our bags, and put her bag in the closet.

One lady saw what was happening and yelled, "If I miss my flight, it is her fault!"

Oh brother!

We finally left Greensboro at 9:10 am, and landed in Charlotte at 9:50, about two hours late. I listened in the back with each person's complaint and spoke to them with kindness and compassion.

As each passenger deplaned they told us we handled the situation with excellence!

When I looked at my pay for that flight, I was only paid for about forty five minutes. I started the day at 5:00 am, and I literally only got paid for the flight time.

This really is a mission right here in America.

Being kind, when it's difficult.

 “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
Mother Teresa

March 5 2011 Be Kind Mission-Day Ten

Awoke at 5:00 this morning in my husbands arms in Greenville NC. I had to make the 8:30 shuttle, but couldn't sleep.

Scheduling called me at 8:15 to tell me they had 'modified' my schedule.

I had Monday off, and my husband and I had plans. We are trying to relocate to Charlotte. I am now working Monday, and I am at the mercy of my job.

It's not like a regular job, you can't just say 'no.' You have to work the modification, if you are in the middle of a trip, and are on reserve. I am in the middle of a trip, and am on reserve.

So, off I go, into the wild blue yonder. I'll now be in Savannah Georgia Sunday night, without my husband, staying in a hotel not in his arms.

Was I kind to them? Yes, I sure was-even though it was hard.

"I know God won't give me anything I can't handle; I just wish He didn't trust me so much"
Mother Teresa

(we have heard this quote before, but did we know it was my heroin who said it first?!)

Be Kind Mission-Day Nine

Was on regular reserve today which means that they can call me within two hours for a flight. They called me at 6:45 am and told me to be at the gate for Greenville by 8:45 to work three flights today! Yippee!

I got to the gate eagerly and early. I boarded early, we shut the main cabin door early. Everyone was happy and feelin' the love when suddenly we stopped! WE just totally stopped!

Several minutes went by and the Captain made an announcement saying, "Sorry folks, from the flight deck, we can't take off until Air Traffic Control releases us because of weather."

I got the looks, and the rolling of the eyes from fifty passengers and 100 eyes all looking back at me!

One by one people called me to their seat. "What about  my connection?" "We can get you a speedy cart upon arrival." Next person, "There's no bad weather, it's clear in Greenville." "I apologize sir for the inconvenience, we have to wait for clearing from ATC before we can go-and from the feaderal weather patrol." (Or whatever they call themselves."

Another lady, "They told me they would bring my boarding passes onto the plane for Orlando before we took off, do you have them?" "No, maam, I apologize."

I made coffee and began serving coffee and water. All the while, I'm not getting paid!

Captain says, "Laura, can you make another announcement, we are still waiting on weather and air traffic control."

I made the announcement.

People drank coffee, and water and began laughing at the absurdity of it all. Yes, laughing! I couldn't believe it. They told me I was doing a great job being kind while the Pilot was in the flight deck! I laughed as I passed out water and coffee. People were so kind to me, as I was kind to them.

What a novel idea!

Kindness-it really does work!

One guy even had compassion on me when I told him that I was getting paid half my pay for the flight because it was only a 35 minute flight. He said, "You mean they won't pay you a full hour?" "We only get paid for fly time." I said.

Finally, the Captain called me and said we could take off. We were an hour delayed now because of weather!

Upon landing in Greenville all passengers as they left said I did a great job and they enjoyed the flight! Many missed their connections, but overall it went well.

Mother Teresa is right!

"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin."

"Like Jesus we belong to the world living not for ourselves but for others. The joy of the Lord is our strength."

Mother Teresa

Be Kind Mission-Day Eight

March 3, 2011

When I fly I am happy, free and glad. When I don't fly, I'm snappy, silly and mad.

The alarm, (two of them just to be sure I get up,) went off at 4:00 am. I rolled out of bed, and made it to the shuttle by 4:30 am.

When I arrived to the Charlotte Airport Starbuck's was calling my name. By 5:05 am, they weren't open yet-was my watch wrong? They should be opened at 5:00! If I've gotta be at the airport on time, surely starbuck's does!

I got my coffee and went to the business center. I was already annoyed at the carts that drive around with those beeping noises. The day before those carts had given me a migraine-yep, after sitting in an airport for ten hours-you'd have a migraine also!

So, when I went into the business center to ask the guy if he could let me into this quiet room he said it was for paying customers only!! "But, I'm a flight attendant," I said! He said, "I don't care. You have to pay."

So much for special perks!

So, back to the noisy area I go. Although, I did find a quiet area-not so quiet. It was, though, quieter than where the noisy carts were. I began to listen to my cd's. Some guy walked up to me and said, "Could you put your headphones on, it's a little loud." I said, "Could you put yours on? I don't have any." He sighed heavily and put his headphones on.

I had to listen to loud, noisy carts, get bumped by starbuck's, and deal with his attitude all by 5:30 in the morning! Shew, it would be a long day.

It sure was! I didn't get called until 10:15 for a short one hour flight to Ohio. I was filled with glee, delight and joy when boarding all my passengers. I bet they wondered what I was up to, I was so chipper! Remember, I had been sitting at the airport for days, hours and it seemed so delightful flying in the air!

Ah, I'm learning so much about this being kind thing. I think I'm only kind when I want to be! I think that's most of us.

By the time 3:30 pm I was exhausted, and not from working hard, but from sitting hard! The hotels in Charlotte were booked because of some basketball game. I had to rent a car, to get to another hotel. When I went to rent a car, they denied me because I didn't have some ungodly amount of money in my checking account. So, I had to take a shuttle back to take a cab to get to the hotel. The cab driver was from Africa where my husband had done a missions trip!

Oh gosh, I was too tired to be kind! However, I knew I was supposed to be kind to this man. So, I began chatting with him. He said that if the hotel he was going to was only two miles away, he wouldn't take a cab, he would walk! That was when I asked him where he was from! He told me all about Africa, and asked me if my husband had been a missionary to Africa. I told him yes, and that my husband had loved the African people.

I tipped the cab driver 6 bucks-and I never tip that generously. However, I thought, "What would my heroin do?"

Maybe, just maybe, six bucks will make a difference in that man's life!? If not, it sure did make a difference in mine, giving it to him!

Ah, now, Lord, I wish I had more than enough funds to tip everyone in the service industry six bucks!

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
~ Mother Teresa~

Be Kind Mission Day Seven

March 2, 2011

My schedule for the day was to be on hot reserve-ready at the aiport-from 5:00 am to 3:00 pm. Ten hours of not getting paid until they call me to fly.

So, I sat in Charlotte at the airport, and waited. I prayed, I hoped. I called scheduling. I did all I could, and never got a call.

When I called them to check out for the day-it was definitely hard to be kind. However, I was kind to them, but needless to say I took it out on my husband when I called him-for no good reason..:)

I then had to pay for a hotel room for the night.

So, we'll see what happenes tomorrow. Another day of hot reserve. Can I be kind when I don't get my own way?

The be kind mission travels on!

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.
Mother Teresa

Be Kind Mission Day Six

Flight from Augusta, Georgia to Charlotte, North Carolina Monday February 28, 2011

When we landed in Augusta at the charming, smalltown, brick airport I thought, "How charming, how hospitable, how adorable." I was thrilled at the airport. We arrived at the lovely Double Tree Hotel and everyone was quite hospitable-we even got a warm cookie to greet us!

The next morning, at 4:30 am, I awoke and got ready for my day. We got to the Augusta airport, and walked to our aircraft. I got on board, walked up those stairs with my bags, and did my security check. I put all seat cushions down, crossed seat belts, and put up tray tables. All this time, not getting paid. (We only get paid for fly time...remember?)

When the gate agent asked me, "Are you ready to board.?" I said, "We need some ice, please." He said, "I'll bring you some ice, are you ready to board?" I said, 'When I get my ice.' We were already early, and I knew we'd be boarding early. We need ice not just for drinks, we need ice for emergency situations, and every gate agent brings me ice-without attitude.

Several minutes later, his manager comes out and brings me my ice. He then says to me, "Did you tell the gate agent you wouldn't board without ice?" I said, 'Yes, we need it for emergencies, and we can't leave without it." He said, "Don't ever tell a gate agent again you won't board without ice." I was completely aghast!

He handed me my ice rudely, abruptly and rather quite mean. Needless to say, I bit my tongue, but was not kind to him.

After he left, I found it a challenge to be nice when I boarded my passengers-not getting paid to even board them. My passengers would have had to wait for ice whether or not they were on the aircraft. The gate agents just want the passengers out of their site and to move onto the next plane.

It was just ice!

The pilot told me I handled the gate agent well, and to not let it ruin my day.

I started being kind to the passengers on the aircraft, and did get a customer compliment sent to  my manager.

I find it is a challenge to be kind, in the midst of adversity and rudeness.

Mother Teresa

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it."

Be Kind Mission Day Five

Tuesday February 22, 2011

Flight Charlotte to Norfolk Virginia

It was my fifth day of being on reserve, working four 14 hour days, and getting up at 4:00 am for the fifth day in a row. Needless to say, I was exhausted, worn out and frazzeled!

Scheduling had originally put me on a different schedule, but then when I was in the bathroom in Gainesville, Florida they said I would be working the flight to Norfolk upon my return to Charlotte. We landed in Charlotte late and I ran to the gate. I had not eaten in many hours, and the flight was ready to board. I went to grab some 3.00 chicken tenders at Burger King, and ran back to board the flight to Norfolk.

People weren't happy because the flight was delayed. When we were about to land in Norfolk many people started hitting their green flight attendant call button. I answered each passenger about their connecting flight with a smile and compassion in my voice. One lady, who had two beautiful daughters, rang her button. I made my way quickly to her, and she said, "My daughters are peeing in their pants."

Ugh.

I began to help them, and then I helped her children to the bathroom. As I made my way back to the bathroom, many angry passengers also wanted to know about their connecting flights.

I was kind to everyone of them, even though it was hard.

When we landed in Norfolk a gentleman approached me and said, "I want your name and employee nummber. I heard you got up at 4:00 am and now it is 5:00 pm. You have been kind to every single passenger today and we appreciate it. Your manager needs to know!"

Ah, finally, maybe I'm learning something about being kind-and it paid off!

Quotea "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
~Mother Teresa

The miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy to do it.
~Mother Teresa

Don't wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.
~Mother Teresa

Be Kind Mission Day Four

Monday February 22 2011

Flight Washington DC to Nashville

We boarded the plane and then passengers had to sit there while we waited for ten more passengers. It was quite early, and people were beginning to get annoyed.

I made several announcements, as I was told by the gate agent what was happening.

Finally, we took off! After doing my beverage service, I began to have very needy passengers on the aircraft. I worked my tail off.

One gentleman rang his flight attendant call button and as I was running back to his seat, a lady stopped me in the aisle. "I'm cold." She says this and is wearing a long coat, turtleneck and very heavily dressed.

I said, "One moment please while I help the gentlemen who rang his call button."

She got annoyed.

I made my way back to the aircraft and helped this man out who spilled coffee all over him and his wife. I made my way back to the cold lady.

"I'm cold." "Maam, I think you're the only one cold I really can't adjust the heat for one person." She said, "The lady beside me is cold."

I called the Captain and he was more annoyed than I. He said, "Tell her to put her shoes back on." I cracked up! He did turn the heat up and it got very hot in that airplane. Fortunately, most people were asleep and didn't seem to notice. The rest of the long flight she grunted at me and was not very nice to me. I even went up to make sure she was now warm and she grunted again. I offered her bevarages, coffee and tea. She just wasn't going to be kind to me.

As she left the airplance she grunted again and I wished her a great day and week ahead.

Of course, it was my job and I had to be kind. Yet, it was definitely hard.


Mother Teresa prayer:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."Mother Teresa Prayer"

Day three Be Kind Mission February 20, 2010

Before the roosters crowed, I awoke. Time was approximately 4:00 am. I was in Huntsville, Alabama.

I made coffee and it came out weak-not a good start to my day. "Oh, forget the java."

I put on my flight attendant uniform, checked out of the Sheraton and made my way through security.

I got onto the aircraft at 5:15 am and did my usual morning duties. After about fifteen minutes, I was ready to board for the 6:00 am flight. The first officer said, "We're broke." I said, 'Broke, do you want me to buy you guys coffee?' He said, 'No, I mean we're not going anywhere the plane is broke!' "For this, I got up...?!" I said, and he said, "You're preaching to the choir."

We got off the aircraft and the Pilot bought us coffee.

Two hours went by and the problem was fixed.

We got back onto the aircraft at about 7:20 am. A passenger boarded the plane and said, "I'm sorry, but you won't have happy passengers this morning." I said, 'Well, thanks for smiling!'

Then, here comes my passenger challenge of the day. She walked onto the aircraft with a major frown, didn't look at me and literally ran down the aisle crying to her seat. Some distraught man was tagging along behind who, and I would later find out that was her husband.

As I made my announcement I apologized for the delay and assured everyone that this would be a good flight. I did my beverage service and when I reached this particular couple, she still was not smiling.

I said, "Is there anything I can help you guys with?!" Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! She said, "Oh yes, we are going to be late for our flight to Fort Lauderdale. If we miss that flight, we will miss our family cruise."

Ok, now it was beginning to make sense! I asked for the time of departure and the flight number. I spoke with the Captain, and he made a call into their gate to hold the plane. I even moved this couple to the front row so they could depart first. I made it a point to have a speedy cart at the gate for them when we landed.

By the end of the flight, they both were smiling. She said, "Right before I boarded the plane, the ramp agent said that I had an attitude problem." I said, "What?!" She told me the story and we both began laughing very hard.

Now, I know why she was totally upset. She was afraid she would miss her family cruise, and the ramp agent had been rude to her.

Kindness did pay off.

Quote "Receptivity is the posture that fills empty hands." Mother Teresa

Day Two February 19, 2011 Be Kind Mission

Saturday February 19, 2011 My birthday Day Two

We landed in Asheville North Carolina lastnight. I was reminded of the lady I did not like who set up the breakfast in the morning! Could I be kind to her?

I awoke on my birthday and walked downstairs to the breakfast area. I smiled at complete strangers, and got my fruit cup and biscuits and gravy. There she was. Still here, still the same person that I remembered.

I said nothing to her. I actually kept my back to her, and got my food as soon as possible hoping that she wouldn't say anything to me.

I'm not doing too good on this be kind mission. Obviously, this is why I need to do it. I need to learn lessons myself about being kind to those that are not kind to you.

It's easy to be kind to others when they are kind to you.

It's more of a mission here on earth to be the first to be kind when those who are miserable need it.

Quote "What matters is not how much we do, but how much love we put into what we do."
Mother Teresa

be kind mission-day one

February 18 2011

 Day One Be Kind Challenge

Blew it first thing this morning! Got up at 3:00 am to get to work. My husband had to drive me from Outer Banks to Norfolk. Flight Attendants are on standby-we don’t get special boarding priveleges, even when we need to get to work.

When I got to the airport it was packed, so early to be packed! I wasn’t smiling much. I forgot about my be kind mission. When I got to the gate, the gate agent was especially short and rude and I don’t mean short in height like me.

I tried explaining to him that I needed to get to work, and that last night I was bumped from my flight. So my husband and I had already driven four hours yesterday and I got four hours of sleep to get back to here in the morning to catch this flight. First thing he says is ,  “It’s not looking good for you. The 7:00 am flight was cancelled so everyone is on this 5:20 am flight. If you have a problem, speak to my manager-you need more patience.”

What?! More patience? Is he kidding me? I bit my tongue, and walked away. I went to the other gate agent who was equally as rude, and yet he gave a pilot a seat before me who came to the window after me. I sat and waited and got on the airplane when all was said and done, there were six empty seats on that plane!

I was not kind to the gate agent.

I failed day one..but wait, it is only 7:53 in the morning, maybe I can redeem the day!

Quote “By forgetting yourself, you find yourself.” Mother Teresa

Be Kind Mission

BeKindMission/Mother Teresa/LauraAnn 365 days of kindness

February 17, 2011 Introduction

Kindness is a lost art. It has faded with time. Yet, kindness is worth gold. There is an old proverb that says, “A kind word is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

Mother Teresa has always been my heroin. As a little girl I was fascinated by her kindness. It was my mother who wrote often on my bathroom mirror, “Be kind to everyone.” Mother Teresa drove the value home.

Yet, somewhere down the time line, I lost the art of kindness. Perhaps it is because after traveling the world as a missionary, I realized the truth that people aren’t kind. It is in the moments where people aren’t kind that makes it quite challenging to be kind to others.

Mother Teresa was kind even when others weren’t kind to her. She is our example in this blog for the next 365 days.

I spent five years traveling from Mongolia to India. Now, I am a flight attendant with PSA airlines. It was easy to be kind to a Mongolian orphan. It is more challenging to be kind to someone when they are on your aircraft lying to your face, or worse, lying to your manager with you standing right there.

I have only been a flight attendant for two months, and have made it my personal mission to be kind to everyone for 365 days-even those not nice to me. I will let Mother Teresa be my inspiration, and let God give me the strength for this mission.

Quote “If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you will know who you are.”

Mother Teresa