One of my best F-T buds newself Wanted to celebrate my birthday early so California here I come again!

An Angel is Watching over me

Got to EWR three hours early because I had something from Santa Claws to give some angels at the RCC (more on that in a moment.) Glad I did because after a 30 sec check-in I endured a 35 minute wait on the long and winding security line at the UA gates. One of the angels (I don't like to give names) and I were talking about travel and getting holiday gifts past security (use Nordstrom boxes, the best, don't need wrapping) and other stuff. The angel gets called over by the supervisor.

Confession here: Tried to get on with a rollaway, shopping bag and a little strap thing around my shoulder. Big no no but I figured no one would notice.

Supervisor did. He said to the angel that I had to check one of my bags. I was just near the gate but the angel (who saved me in the past) did it again: telling me to squeeze the carry thing in my rollaway bag. It worked and the guy checking tickets offered to sit on the bag to close it if it didn't.

Notice several people arriving with 20 minutes to their flights and needing to go to the front of the x-ray line. Some people (on my LA flight with 2.5 hours before takeoff) whining about that. I let sevearl go ahead. WHat's the big deal: your only options at the UA gate are the very nice RCC or the dreaded TGI Fridays.

A Delivery of Cats

Got into the RCC and was greeted by Gus who I prompted presented with Tescheur's (SP) chocolates.

Chocolate cats of course.

He was shocked saying very few people give anything. I told him to give to all the angels at the desk adn save some for the other crews. Lynn came in and was shocked by Chocolate covered cats. They thanked me profusely and asked if I wanted anything. I said "just enjoy the cats."

I gave a second box to Maria the angel of beer at teh bar and she shared it with LUZ and Sophia. Maria in particular loves chocolate. They were in heaven but I sensed a few passengers there felt guilty about not giving anything.

Maria insisted on me having one and I did. It's heavenly no calorie chocolate. THe best!

You know You need more sleep when...

Wanted to get something on my stomach so stopped at TGI Friday's. Bonnie the bartender was working alone (she says it's typical on weekends) and tried to manage a bunch of somewhat crabby delayed Air Tran FLyers (and a few who had too much holiday cheer in them!) Ordered my buffalo wings and a beer and gave her this e-mail I got for 800 Goldpoints. She happily processed it (tried it recently at the outside securiyt TGI Fridays and the bartender whined about doing some extra work.)

Off the plane, quick boarding and on time takeoff. Once the seatbelt sign went off went to use the lavatory.

Then one of my most embarssing incidents happened...

Fell asleep in the bathroom!

I did not realize it until one of the FA angels knocked on the door and said "Mr. Blanchard, are you ok?"

Bolted up, got back to my seat embarassed and apologized to the FA's. THe one angel said "You know you need more sleep when this happens."

Well i did have like 2 Sam Adams between the RCC and the TGI Fridays. That could have knocked me out.

I slept most of the flight. Well going on 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night for the past week (not counting pain pills) it catches up to ya.

A Warm So Cal Welcome from my Bodyguard

The plane was 25 minutes late (I can hear newself and mileCrazy say "Continental would be EARLY!") With no bags checked got to the luggage area where the goateed and smiling face of Newself patiently awaited. It was good to be back with my good buddy and bodyguard as I call him (some know the story of why. Wont' do here.)

Always wanted to go to the Fishtail, one of Newself's favorite hangouts. We got there and I enjoyed a scooner of Newcastle (My Flyertalk buds are trying to expand my beer horizons.) Brother and philsopher Jailer joined us to catch up on stuff and flying and life in general.

The Fishtail "docked" for the night (closing time) at 11pm so we could say we closed one of Long Beach's most happening places. Jailer called it a night but promised to hook up withme somewhere next year.

Newself was hungry so as is becoming a tradition we headed over to In and Out Burger. He did the double double and I did teh regular. It's one of the few fast food places I would good and it with the fries and shake was a welcome late night snack.

In and Out: Official West Coast Fast food joint for Flyertalkers.

Feeling good and stuffed and ready for double snoring miles we called it a night.

Next: Breakfast "Babes"

[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 12-16-2001).]