Monday, 19 October 2009

  • We're all strangers in the big city



    Occasionally, magic happens in my city. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it can be the most incredible feeling ever.

    It wasn't the fact that he was tall, or good looking that caught my eye. It was his pristine attire. Business men in New York are mostly the same, but occasionally, one will stand out from the crowd. His polished leather shoes, pin striped suite, black vest, and lustrous white tie were enough to make me notice him immediately. I was standing behind him at the Starbucks line, catching glimpses of his smile as he casually flirted with the cashier.

    I felt a tinge of jealousy as she smiled back and began talking about such frivolous topics as how strong she likes her coffee, perhaps alluding to something more sexual. The guy gave a slight chuckle and then turned around and asked me if he should go with the usual espresso, or try something adventurous like the bold Gazebo Blend special of the day.

    "Be adventurous, you only live once right?" I smiled back, hoping that he wouldn't see right through me.

    "I'll have the special of the day, and I'll pay for this young lady's order as well," he said, as he looked at my direction.

    Maybe I was still delusional from staying up late the previous night, but I swear I was soaring as high as a kite that morning. I don't want to sound like I was gushing like a little girl... but in all honesty, I probably was.

    A $3.50 Caramel Macchiato was enough to buy my company for a good 20 minutes that morning. I guess I am a cheap date after all. I probably couldn't tell you what we talked about during those 20 minutes, I think I was too busy checking out his eyes, and his nose, and his lips, and that slight but very noticeable bulge between his legs...

    Before I left, he asked me for my number. I thought about giving it to him, but told him to give me his business card instead.

    "I'll call you if I'm still interested after today," I smiled.

    "Don't keep me wanting too long," he replied, as I walked out the front door.

Sunday, 23 August 2009

  • bed and body



    There is only one thing I look forward to these days. My bed. My life has been busy... actually, busy really doesn't begin to describe the whirlwind schedule that I'm on. From the transcontinental flights, to the line of potential suitors and late night dinners, I've barely had any time for myself.

    When I come home at some ridiculous hour, I enjoy immediately removing my clothing. I like to shed away the corporate uniforms, the fancy dinner dresses, and the outward image that is projected and used to hide the inner demons. And when all is bare except for my satin black undies, I like to lay on my bed and just breathe. It's a small reminder to myself that despite everything, life should be enjoyed. Life is a precious gift, and the simple luxuries like having a comfortable bed to sleep on every night, should be worth noting.

    I enjoy being alone. While my bed is big enough to comfortably hold two, I prefer it only having one. If I ever spend the night, it is always at his place, never at mine. My bed is my sanctuary, it is the only place reserved for me. To this day, I have never had a man sleep over. I don't like the smell they leave behind, even if it may be nice, it is not mine. I don't like how they don't bother to fold the sheets after they leave. I like leaving my bed pristine in the mornings so that it is a welcoming site when I come home at night. The men don't understand, and they probably never will, but that is okay because my life is not for them to control.

    And the truth is, the first guy that I let in my bed, will also probably be the last, for it is a sign that I am letting them permanently enter my life as well. 

    PS. Despite Yosho's efforts at trying to get me to join his silly competition, I will have to gracefully decline. The flaunting of physical beauty for the satisfaction of others should be reserved for those who actually need the attention. I could live without it.

Wednesday, 04 February 2009

  • What is Love?

     

    What is love? Is it bed time kisses? Singing in the rain? Or is it that warm fuzzy feeling when you meet someone new?

    Is love eternal? Everlasting? Or is it just a mix of chemicals surging in our brain? Is love unconditional? Unwavering? Or simply just another word in the English dictionary?

    Sometimes, I think I know what love feels like. Sometimes I laugh, and I cry, and I fall for a person whom I think I love, only to be shattered into a million little pieces. And then I start to wonder if I truly understand the meaning of love. At times, I feel like I have this abstracted version of love. I have the love witnessed on the big screen, and the love I read about in trashy romance novels,...but who's to say that that is what love should be?

    Maybe we only love until we can find someone better. Maybe we love for convenience. Or maybe we love because we simply don't know any better. Maybe love isn't real...perhaps it's a bunch of idealistic ramblings from people who believe in too much. I'm not sure anymore.

    I don't think I've ever experienced true love, or at least not in the way that I believe it to be. Lately, my heart has been guarded with thick chains and bolts and yet...I can feel the shackles loosening their hold. Light at the end of the tunnel? Perhaps. Abstract ramblings from a confused girl? Definitely.

Tuesday, 27 January 2009

  • The First Man In My Life

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    I miss the way he used to touch my nose before tucking me into bed. I miss his gentle eyes hidden behind thick, silver, rimed glasses. I miss his smile, I miss his laugh, I miss him.

    Daddy wasn't perfect. Some nights he came home with the smell of alcohol and cigarettes in his breath, a smell I used to abhor, but now slightly relish. He worked late hours at a shipping yard, delivering goods to various clients. It wasn't the most glamorous job, but it paid the bills and supported our family.

    When I was five, Daddy took me camping. We didn't have enough money to stay in nice hotels for family vacations, so our vacations consisted of a tent in the woods. And even though the luxuries of modern life ceased to exist where we were, we definitely had a view that money couldn't possibly buy. Mountains, lakes, and rivers were scenes that I'd cherish... memories of a time where happiness wasn't measured by a price tag.

    When I was ten, Daddy bought me a pink bicycle on my birthday. He taught me how to pedal, how to keep my balance, and how to steer correctly. And when I fell and bruised my knee, he carried me home and bandaged everything up for me. While the scar remains from the wound that has long since healed, the wound in my heart remains.

    When I was fifteen, Daddy yelled at me for dating a boy who he thought was garbage, though I'm sure no man I was with could ever measure up to his expectations. Daddy told me that love is not judged by physical attraction, or childish romance. It is judged by a deep undying commitment and a strong underlying faith. Words I still live by to this day. And when the boy finally decided to end things with me, Daddy was nice enough to throw him out of the house.

    When I was nineteen, Daddy passed away from lung cancer. And since then, I have missed him with each passing day.

    Happy Lunar New Year, Daddy. Family dinners just aren't the same without you.

Thursday, 22 January 2009

  • A wonderful date with a guy on Xanga

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    It's cliche but I seriously never thought I'd meet someone off of Xanga.

    As I write this, my heart is beating a little fast knowing that he'll read my entry...

    Our first date happened after many hours of online messaging, emails, and phone calls. I really wasn't into this online dating thing, but something about him made me reconsider. I had already seen his picture, and heard his voice...all that was left was putting together the puzzle pieces and finally meeting him in person.

    We met in front of Per Se, a quaint French Restaurant in the heart of Hell's Kitchen. He was shorter in person than what I had expected from pictures, but I was also wearing three inch heels that night. When we made eye contact, he walked over to me and gave me a light hug as if he wasn't quite sure how these meetings were suppose to begin...not that I knew any better.

    And within about five minutes, I was laughing and giggling at his lame jokes as we conversed about life, our career, and everything in between for the rest of the night. I loved how he made me smile, how he told stories about his past that would truly touch me...and maybe it was the alcohol talking, but a part of me wanted to take him home and rip his clothes off. Fleeting thoughts of course...

    After our date, he took me back to my apartment. I told him that he wasn't getting any tonight, but I felt bad and eventually gave him a small peck on the lips.

    "That's all I get?" he sighed.
    "Great things come to those who wait," I smirked.
    "Oh, you're worth it..."
    "Of course." (as I walked away)

    This was two weeks ago, but I haven't had the chance to write about it until now since I've been away for work. We've had three more dates since then, each one better than the last. I am a little excited, a little hesitant, but hopeful that things will work out. So here's to you, Xanga boy, for lighting my fire and turning me on...and for being a patient little boy.

Wednesday, 10 December 2008

  • Tokidoki snowboard = <3

    My Tokidoki snowboard, boots, and bindings finally arrived today!!!!





    I am super giddy and super excited! I can't wait to go boarding this season. My guy friends have already gone 4-5 times without me since I've been working, but I am definitely making it out before the end of the month.

    Anyone want to come boarding with me? I promise I don't suck! (hard *wink*)

Tuesday, 09 December 2008

  • Single In The Heart Of Winter



    New York City winters are truly breathtaking. Watching the people march outside as the snow gently falls, the tall buildings creating a perfect framework as a blanket of white descends upon the denizens.

    I love winter for so many reasons... the warmth I feel cuddled up in my bed, my satin sheets caressing my naked body, the orange glow of my light as a sea of white appears through my window. I love the layers of clothing that I put on in the morning: the pea coat, the boots, the gloves, the scarf... only to slowly take it off again when I get back, letting each piece of garment slide off my skin in a sensual strip-tease that leaves more to be desired.

    I love the lights of the city, and the window displays, and the hustle and bustle of this mighty metropolis. There's so much movement and energy that I can't help but to believe that I am truly a part of something grand. And yet, it is also times like these that I feel the most alone.

    I miss having a warm body next to mine. Someone to hold at night and wake up to in the morning. I'm used to being single. I like my space and independence... but the holiday season really makes me wish I had that special person to share all of life's wonders with.
     

Monday, 08 December 2008

  • My Love Affair With A Pilot

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    The first time we met, I brought him his drink.

    The second time we met, we both had drinks.

    The third time we met, I didn't stop drinking.

    There wasn't a fourth time.



    It started a couple of months ago when I was still getting used to the job. I saw the call signal appear from the cockpit, and since I was the closest attendant to the door, I went in to see what they wanted.

    He immediately grabbed my attention, with his green eyes, dark brown hair, very clean shaven, with sharp European features. He asked for a Coke and I immediately obliged to his request. When I came back with his drink, he asked me if I've ever seen the sunset from the flight deck... and that's when I noticed the deep crimson and orange hue emanating from the cockpit windows.

    It was stunning. I stood there, speechless, and just stared. The horizon was a blanket of clouds with the sun peaking out in the distance, ready to say it's daily farewell. And that's when I fell in love with him.

    ....

    We talked about Monet, Shakespeare, and the musings of Keats. He laughed at my attempt to imitate a puffer fish (my favorite animal), and he held me as I told him the story of my father (a story for another day). I soaked in his presence. His wit and charm immediately overwhelmed me as I sat across from him putting together all of his pieces.

    ....

    "I don't usually do this," I whispered.

    "Is that what you say to all the guys you bring back on the first date?" He answered smugly.

    I let him have me.

    ....

    I saw him a week later. We were assigned the same flight again.

    "Why are you ignoring my calls?" I asked.

    After a long pause that seemed to last an eternity, he looked at me and I knew it was over. My stomach sank to the floor, my heart skipped a beat, and my soul died just a little.

    "I'm married."

    And just like that, it was over.

    Perhaps it was just lust and sexual frustration that got the best of me, but deep down, a part of me truly believed that I loved him. A seed of love that had just been planted, but never got a chance to grow and flourish.

    That night, I didn't wait to get back to the hotel. I found the emptiest bar at the airport, sat down, and finished a bottle of wine by myself.

    My career in the air had just started, but I already felt like I was crashing and burning.
      

Friday, 05 December 2008

  • How NOT to hit on a Flight Attendant

    I think everyone needs to know what NOT to do. You wouldn't believe the absurdness that we have to deal with on the job. Being a flight attendant, I get hit on about 9-10 times a day. I'm sorry, but my cockpit is off limits for most passengers, and frequent flyer miles are not accepted.

         

    1. Pressing the call button multiple times will not make me your call girl.
    Yes, it's really cool that when you press that little button above your head, a light flashes, and a sexy lady comes to your service. Do it too often, however, and I will spit in your coffee. Just kidding. But guys, please knock it off. Pushing that button will not remove any of my buttons, so stop wasting my time. 


     

    2. If you need help unbuckling your seatbelt, you're a moron.
    Guy: I need help unbuckling my seatbelt...
    Me: *Click*, there you go
    Guy: Wow, how did you do that!!! I could've sworn it was stuck.
    Me: *Stabs his eyes out with my flight pin* (I wish)

    Seriously, airplane seatbelts are designed so that any moron with half a brain could use it. If you can't figure it out, please don't talk to me. 




    3. Asking about the mile high club and saying you're a VIP member.
    Yes, yes, we've all heard of the Mile High Club. No, it's not actually as exciting or sexy as most people believe ...not that I would know *cough.* But anyway, please don't make any references to this 'elite' club, especially if it is my first time talking to you. I get it, I'm a flight attendant, and you want to stick your tray into my cart, but really, the idea of getting hot and dirty in a 5 x 6 space is not my idea of fun... not to mention it usually smells like crap.


     

    4.  Staring at my ass as I walk by.
    Please keep your hands to yourself and your eyes straight forward. I'm not eye candy or a piece of meat, and honestly, if you're going to stare, at least make it less obvious. I know every guy likes to sneak a peak, but I want to be respected on the job... disrespect me after hours only *wink*.




    5. Not saying the magic word.
    You'd be surprise how far a little courtesy and politeness goes. My personal pet peeve is when a guy says, "Give me a coke." Are you kidding me? Give ME? At least use the magic word and say "please" or "thank you", then I will probably return the favor with a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye. Just remember, ask nicely and don't demand, and we will all get along.

Thursday, 04 December 2008

  • The Road Less Traveled

    My life has been a whirlwind lately.
    I suppose this could be a place for my thoughts...we'll see how it goes.

    I just got back from HK a couple of hours ago. A thirteen hour transcontinental flight on a 747. My legs are tired from standing, my back is sore from the sitting, and all I'm really craving is a big gigantic cheeseburger at the moment...an American Cheeseburger.

    How did I end up as a flight attendant? I'm still not entirely sure. After graduating from a prestigious university, I worked at an investment bank for two years and decided that it wasn't for me. I hated finance. I hated the hours, and the big bonus at the end only made me realize just how much I was giving up for money. I left last year and became a flight attendant on a suggestion from a friend who worked in the industry. She said my language skills and American education would allow me to work the high paying transcontinental flights. And that's how I got here.

    I travel the world one destination at a time. I live from my suitcase, hopping from hotel to hotel, and I say goodbye to my men before they wake up in the morning because I operate in a time zone 12 hours ahead of theirs.

    It's not the most glamorous profession being a glorified coffee maker. But I love it.