Thanks, Michael.

Cats = NO Steaks = YES
1 out of 2 ain't bad... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Wanna try for 2 out of 3?

But do you like Krispy Kreme's, the official donut of FlyerTalk?

Hello

I am a 53yr young graphic artist by vocation and soccer referee by advocation who lives in the wine country north of San Francisco.
As I said in an earlier trip report I have an agenda of places to go and things to do before dying and recently have added going to a FT event to that list. All my travel is leisure and I enjoy flying.
My first FF membership was with PanAm some years ago - who well ever forget triple miles and 30k transatlantic awards. I became a DL medallion by default when PanAm went into the wild blue yonder. I now do most of my flying with NW/KLM and BA but still belong to Delta. Several years ago I wed Jerbear - my high school sweetheart - after we remet at our 25th reunion. All her life she had wanted to travel and her first two husbands did not so now when she has vacation we travel together and I still travel by myself for my advocation with my extra vacation.
We have a yellow lab who thinks it is a human and we have a calico cat who thinks it is a god. We have plenty of grown children between us so it is easy to find pet sitters when we travel. In addition we own one time-share in Las Vegas which we use to trade and we own another in Greece which we use some years and trade others or to pay off our petsitters.
I always request a window seat since I also enjoy looking down at the third rock from the sun - I use to really enjoy the old Swiss Air calendars and try to find the same patterns.
I still use my same Travel Agent of 15 years and even invited her to my wife's surprise 50th birthday which she helped me pull off by printing me a fake itinerary saying that I was in the UK. I just enjoy going down and talking with her about travel.
I usually give Transatlantic Business awards to Jerbear with my miles and sit in a paid economy seat. In addition I have given donations of miles to charity whenever I've receive extraordinary service or kindness.
Whenever and wherever we travel we try to at least learn thank you and please and excuse me in the native language.

ciao

Jim

Welcome and keep them coming!

Violist:
Abandoning the Red Sox after a crushing defeat? Considering the regularity with which that occurs, how did you last so long between '75 and '78?!

I've been living and dying with them since I was 7 (mostly dying). Should the day come where they ever actually win it all (yeah, right!), I honestly can't say what my reaction would be.

I've come to realize that the Sox winning the Series must be one of the seven signs of the apocolypse.

------------------
"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."

Just watch out though, I think the Cubs winning the series (even with Sammy & Kerry Wood) is the seventh sign! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

------------------
Regards,
- Anna

Hello everyone! I am relatively new to FlyerTalk. I have been reading along with you all for the past 5 months or so. I live in the SF Bay Area. I have been flying for business for the past 4 years or so for a number of the Bay Area's High Tech companies.
My flying has been mostly from SFO to many Asian cities. I fly into Tokyo's Narita airport so often - it sometimes seems like I am arriving at home! I fly mostly NW. It takes me everywhere I need to go. They have been good to me over the years. I love business travel. It not only lets me meet new faces all the time, but it is great to get out of the office. My best trip was a 19 day business trip to Tokyo, Manila, Bangkok, Hong Kong and
Taipei. After a while, it was hard to remember what city I was in when I awoke in the morning!

Anyway, I want you all to know that I am enjoying all of your postings. I have learned so much over the past few months from all of you. Thanks so much for a great forum. I may not post a great deal - but I am always reading along. I check in a few times a day. Thanks again!

[This message has been edited by RKG (edited 03-10-2000).]

Welcome to everyone, especially my Bay Area neighbors magic111 and RKG. Hope to meet you at one of the get togethers one day. violist, great to have you here, too.

And Jon, good to see you posting again.

[This message has been edited by dgolds (edited 03-10-2000).]

Such interesting lives http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Thanx everyone for sharing with us.

And all this talk of baseball (the best sport played off of ice) makes me think we should head for a Cactus League game tomorrow...

- I am also "a couple kg overweight" - partially owing to my fondness for all fried doughballs from zeppole to you tiao to Drunken Drivers'. On the few occasion I've had KKs, I've liked them, but they're not local here in NE: tough competition from indies such as Congdon's on US1 in Wells ME; Verna's on Mass. Ave. in Cambridge MA (famous for being the subject of a deathbed reminiscence by Tip O'Neill); the place on Bridge St. in Salem MA; and the various members of the small local chain Honeydew Donuts.

------------------
Cheers
Michael *G

Welcome everyone and don't worry if you are allergic to cats. Several of my closest friends are... (and I even helped two of my closest friends go ahead wtih their wedding because he was deadly allergic to cat fur)

And with that CATMAN was born. they married and are very happy. and I got Yaz and Cleo (now in kitty heaven.)

Since Shadow brought it up:

*Official Domestic beer: Sam Adams
*Official International Beer: tie between Becks and Guiness
*Official Steakhouse: negociable but maybe official CHAIN steakhouse: Ruth's Chris
*Official Discount retailer: Target
*Official Retailer: Costco
*Official donut: Krispy Kreame.
*Official wardrobe: Any Hawaiian shirt.

*Official as in unofficial. I don't want to be hit with lawsuits...

Catman-

Isn't Costco considered a "discount" retailer?

How about official "membership CLUB discount retailer"?

BTW- You'd think FT might have an official "online" retailer as well. Oh well.

Hello Catherine!!! Hhope you have a nice view of Manhattan!!!

[This message has been edited by doc (edited 03-11-2000).]

That was sort of a joke I suppose: my abandonment of the Sox relates more to my eyesight degrading such that I can't see a batted ball, but the late '70s were a convenient milestone (and I am still proud enough of having attended those two major historic
events that I still weave them into conversation - the Fred Lynn homer in 75-6 landed about 5 rows in frontof me). As far as the attitude of the loyal Sox martyr, er, fan goes, I was watching the Mets-Sox thing on TV with some Met-ites, and when the
fateful grounder was hit, all the Met fans were going "oh sh*t, there goes the series,"and I looked at bowlegs Billy Buckner and said "oh sh*t, there goes the series."
Speaking of baseball, I'm going to be seeing friends in PHX 3-26 to 3-28 and will be catching a couple of spring training games, so anyone (I see onefreeman is in Scottsdale) interested?
-
Thanks to all for the various welcomes and things. I hope to be a productive (although possibly sporadic) contributor to this group.

------------------
Cheers
Michael *G

Thanks for the welcomes and invitation! Would love to come to an event sometime.
Just a note...boy you guys get up early on a
(and in the case of NJ - rainy) Saturday morning!

I'm 32, and I am a Canadian foreign service officer.

I am presently posted in New York (which I will like much better when I don't have to live here).

Prior to this I was in Hong Kong, which I loved, despite the fact that I was trying to survive on a frozen, junior officer's salary.

I have also had a short stint in Beijing (which I was lucky enough to be in before the explosion in road traffic). My favourite part of that assignment was the Embassy bike--it had cute little diplomatic plates on it!

I will be cross-posted to Seattle this year which I am looking forward to.

I grew up in the airline business. My father was a pilot, and I almost wept the day I graduated from University and had to give up my passes. I am addicted to flying. It is my only vice. I drink in moderation, I don't do drugs, I don't smoke, but I freely spend money on plane tickets like it is going out of style.

Like Islandcub, I am prohibited from collecting points on official travel, but I fly enough personally to accumulate over 100K annually. (Which, I think, speaks volumes for my fanaticism).

Islandcub: are you with the Government? My bargaining unit is currently in negotiations with TBS, and it is going very badly indeed. We just rejected the last tentative agreement by 83% (and PAFSO is not known as a stroppy union).

There are strong rumours that TBS is looking into the issue of FF collection. I have seen nothing on paper yet, but I think someone has finally clued in that significant sums could be saved (esp. on J class travel in the DM, EX and parallel groups, and for FS travel overseas).

I was working retail in the Financial District of Boston during the '86 series. While I was not alive for the JFK assassination, the "group depression" that surrounded almost everyone on the day after Buckner's date with destiny was unlike anything I'd ever seen, or seen since.

Considering how the heartbreak ante has been upped, I don't really know what is left.

In '67, just making it to the Series was enough.

In '75, they lost in what most call the greatest Series of all time.

In '78, they choked, rebounded, and came up short.

In '86, they came as close as you can really get.

I'm convinced that the next time they make it to the Series, they will be ahead 3 games to 0, with the score 12-0 in the bottom of the ninth with two outs.

Then a plane crashes into Fenway, killing everyone.


------------------
"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."

AC*SE, yup, we're heading back to bargaining soon. I don't know why the Canadian government doesn't collect points; it's not like they get a discount on airfares by not collecting. Or they could at least donate the miles to charity.

Violist -- you've got mail...

I'm also new to the forum (posting wise) although I've been reading for months.

I'm 52, live in Colorado where I am a Logistics Mgr for a defense contractor on an Air Force contract. My interests are golf, sports in general, reading, and an occasional turn in the kitchen preparing a Cajun dish (born and raised in SW Louisiana). I've recently resumed traveling after an extended period where I travelled very little. I've learned a great deal in the short time I have frequented the forum.

Hope to become a more frequent contributor once the miles start accumulating.

Jon Toner

Don't feel so bad about the Sox. I had my Angels World Series tickets in my hand and watching the last playoff game when Henderson hit the homer off Donny Moore. There was a lot of beer to be cried in that night! At least your team has been there!

After (finally) catching up with this thread, I figured I too would post before we go to Who we... 45.

I'm a 30 yo Ph.D. student in College Park, MD, though I am originally from Montreal.

I started flying a lot 6 years ago. I was studying in Albany, NY and met another foreign student, from Germany, there. She went back to Germany after a year (and I back to MTL), and it has been a long and very long distance relationship since. [Though I am happy to leave CB with the longest distance relationship award! <g> ]

Over the last 6 years, she has been in Germany for 3 years, then 2 years in Japan, and is now in Argentina. All this has meant a lot of travelling... my first trips to Germany were on my mother's frequent flyer miles, which was certainly a great way to travel... Such a bonanza couldn't last though, so since then I have flown mostly AA and KLM/NW to Europe (and JAL a couple of times to Japan).

It's been a real blessing to find this board given that my girlfriend (and many friends) frequently mock my addiction to FF miles. Then again, I don't see them flying to Argentina for free using miles solely from MCI sign up bonuses! <g>

I hope to meet fellow Flyer Talkers in the near future. I'm on my way to EZE the day of the NYC get together, but hopefully I can make the next one.

A dear friend of mine posted this on another board - it may be relevant to the hot topic of what should be the official grease-bomb of FT -
fwd From: "Carol" Subject: Krispy Kreme

OK, me too before = Who we all are 1001...

This 34 yo male was born and raised in South Africa, in the "good" old says of apartheid, where in high school I had this unbelievable geograpghy teacher <Liz Powell> who instilled in me a desire to see the world... Its such an amazing place.

Despite studying accounting and then teaching, I was 23 and unhappy with my life, before I managed to get to travel anywhere at all, and then went off travelling to Europe. and the US. On my first visit to the US I discovered FFP's and was attracted to the idea - good old Worldperks.

Some weeks after I arrived here in Europe my father had a heart attack, and I returned briefly to SA, for 6 days. At that point I knew I could never live happily there again !

Eventually I returned to South Africa, and was dreadfully unhappy - I was too far away from civilization !!

I moved to the US, and attempted to make a career as a freelance travel writer, but discovered that I am not disciplined enough to make it. ( Nor good enough as a writer - but that's beside the point ! ). Joined AS's Mileage plan, and despite having NEVER flown AS have earned well over 150000 miles on them - and yes am Elite too, thanks !

Lived in LAX, NYC, BOS, MSP and MEM for approx 6 months each, and loved it - for a while. While living in NYC, i was dating a gorgeous actor who lived in LA, and as a result of this relationship I commuted between NY+LA roundtrip +- 5 x a week. Exhausting, but rewarding !!

Elite on NW, UA, and US for achieving (100 flights in a year)!

The relationship ended ( he became famous ), and I moved back to the UK. NOT by choice, but because my US visa expired, and I was not going back to the RSA !!!

Lived and travelled only within Europe, again managing to get myself involved in a International relationship - this time London and Lisbon. I have been elite on KLM FD since 94 after a 1 year lapse when moving back to Europe. I now live relatively happily in Oxford.

In 1999 my leisure travels too me to Amsterdam x3 ($50), Frankfurt($50), Philadelphia($250), Toronto($250), Lisbon($140), Stockholm($160) and eventually back to South Africa($450) - my first visit back since the VERY early 90's. I feel that at this time i should point out that I have never travelled on business as such ! ALL my travel has been for pleasure.

It's a very different place to where i grew up, and a place I much prefer now.... to the point that I am contemplating moving back !

So I am 35, live in oxford - 34, do accounting contract work, and LOVE to travel. And still single !

[This message has been edited by Chris L (edited 03-12-2000).]

Welcome all new posters from EDDIE, YAZ and Myself.

That was an interesting post from "Carol:" Maybe she should wait for the HOT sign and give them another try.

We all LOVE our Krispy Kreames (especially Newself and me!)

I'm pretty new to FT, so here's a little bit about me. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I'm 36 years old and work for a company named Boeing. I'm sure nobody on this board has heard of them. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif
I have two beautiful kids and a really cool cat. I travel several times a year on company business and several more with my husband and children. Our favorite destination is WDW. We take the kids there at least once a year. My husband and I both love to golf and we intend to take advantage of the UA 5000 bonus miles between PHX and LAX. My favorite city next to Orlando is Toronto. I'm looking forward to a Long Beach gathering of FT folks! Anybody like the British Brewing Company?

Catman:
Damian did not say he is a cat lover. He said he has a cat. There just might be a difference.
Phil

Violist, sorry that it took me so long to see that you are going to PHX to see some spring training games. I just returned. If you are a sports fan, there is a very good steak house in Scottsdale with the most sports memorabilia that I have ever seen. Don and Charlies, I believe it is on Indian School Road - not far from the Scottsdale Stadium. The stadium is on Osborn Rd. From Phoenix, take McDowell Road (or from the airport, take 202) to Scottsdale, turn left on Scottsdale Rd (by the way, the old shopping center at the southeast junction of Scottsdale Rd and
McDowell is where they are going to build the new ice hockey arena for the Phoenix hockey team), turn right on Osborn Rd and the
stadium will be on your left. Hope you enjoy it and if you get the chance, check out Don and Charlies. I always go when I'm there. I would be willing to pay an admission fee just to see all the items there. Literally almost every square inch of the walls and ceilings.

Phil,
I have a cat and I'm a cat LOVER too !

I'll post the link with the pictures of him If you like to see.
BTW, He's my "brother" http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif ( the only one I have )

For those who don't like cat stories... go elsewhere.

Damian: FOUR PAWS UP FOR YOU AND YOUR BROTHER!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Do post a link of your pictures (or if we get accused of cluttering the board, then whomever is interested can e-mail you for the pixs!)

I guess I can call Yaz and Eddie my brothers, but they are more like my children.

It's great to see so many cat and Dog (I believe philforest that you and your lovely (sorry, but it's true) wife have dogs and they are very smart and good looking.) and other pets.

Anyone who could love a child or love an animal is first rate in my book.



[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 03-22-2000).]

We love to vacation in Ireland, but the mileage bonuses keep taking us to places we hadn't expected. It is a fun time.
and Satori... I learned of the word when I was 12 and listening to David Bowie - In Memory of a Free Festival. It took me months to learn its meaning. If only I had the internet back then.

[This message has been edited by satori (edited 03-22-2000).]

[This message has been edited by satori (edited 03-22-2000).]

[This message has been edited by satori (edited 03-23-2000).]

First, I wanted to say that this site has my two thumbs up as the best travel site on the Net (and that I am probably spending waaaay too much time hitting the refresh button everyday in hopes of reading more words of wisdom from the gurus here).

Since I enjoy reading about everyone else, I figure I should post my bio before I turn 30 soon and finish the second year of what was supposed to be a four-month sabbatical from paid employment. I have spent the time overlanding/traveling across Asia (for the second time), trying my hand at starting my own company, and catching up on sleep (I can sleep anywhere anytime anyhow). Nowadays, I am waiting for the right opportunity with the right company before rejoining the workforce.

I live 30 minutes from JFK (when "the bridge" is down for those of you familiar with the Belt Parkway) but have just landed silver status on CO, so I will probably be flying out of EWR more and more this year (at least whenever there is a great deal or AA doesn't offer a good alternative). I first reached elite status on AA in 1996, when I started traveling more regularly to Europe and Latin America for work (in my previous incarnation, I was a stock picker for a global investment bank) and finally made it to Platinum a few months before I quit my job of six years. Leaving those double miles and international business class bonus miles and upgrades was darn difficult but I have no regrets except every once in a while when...

A benefit of the AA gold status was on my most recent trip back from Asia on a free coach ticket, I managed to get upgraded to Business for free (thankfully, I know a few tricks of the trade on free upgrades). Another great moment in my traveling history was when I snagged the last FC upgrade on a very crowded AA flight from DFW to LGA with my stash of coupons, right ahead of a young, cocky corporate finance analyst from my former firm who thought that the FC occupant was a no show. With an upcoming trip to Asia, I hope to regain my Platinum status on AA this year and at a minimum keep Gold through Feb 2002. With elite on CO and AA, I should be a happy camper once I start traveling for business again.

Most of my trips are long haul and I find this to be most suited to my style of traveling, especially since I can't stand crowded single-aisle planes. I am always amazed and impressed by the folks who earn elite based on flying hundreds of domestic segments.

My favorite city in the US is SFO, and I love visiting the national parks. But, most of my favorite places in the world, such as Mongolia, Tierra del Fuego, and the temples in SE Asia, are in remote, far-flung places, where it is usually safer to take a long-distance bus or train than to fly (or in the case of Siena, Italy, where cars are not even allowed).

As much as I love hoarding my miles, I actually get more excited when I find an especially good airfare deal. Lately, I have taken advantage of Internet specials to fly to Europe. Managed to rack up 25K base miles on CO for less than $650 in the first two months of this year. I have yet to take a real mileage run but look forward to the chase one day. Maybe the LatinPass promo will be my first (I am an inaugural member of that program).

But, more than anything else, I love to travel and (day)dreaming about my next trip is definitely one of the things that keeps me going when I am about to fall asleep from exhaustion (or plain old laziness). That, and counting the number of blank pages in my passport before I run out and have to apply for my third 48-page one. I would love to bore the board with more irrelevant stories, but I think I will spare everyone's bandwidth http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by fallinasleep (edited 03-22-2000).]

[dupe sorry http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif]


[This message has been edited by violist (edited 03-23-2000).]

Thanks, crews, I'm scheduled out on the dreaded March 25, and the first leg is on US Scaryways, so assuming I eventually get there, a good steakhouse will be most welcome.

Bringing this back up front, for all the newbs...

I guess I have posted enough that I need to leave a short bio.

I have been in FF programs from the Start (about 1982 I think). The best deal was the CO "We're Sorry" program shortly after they took over People's Express. My wife and I got 6 free RT tickets to Europe, NZ, Australia, etc. If the Web were active then, it would have made Latin Pass look like small potatoes. But without easy communication - most people didn't benefit.

Also I volunteer for "bumps" often. Unsually get 4-5 a year (either free tickets, $$ vouchers, etc. Once in HI I "lead" a family group of 10 for vacation on UA (back in the old "1st Class voucher for 6 segment" days. We all earned the voucher + each got a $800 bump on the return (when $800 could buy something).

I write letter to airlines, hotels, etc. (good and bad experiences). Some seem concerned, other probably just hit the big round file.

My home is in Ohio, but I am on the road (air) almost every week. Accumulate lots of miles and points - so most vacation travel is very low cost. Work travel is usually in Midwest, but also in France and Germany about 6 times a year. Enjoy traveling, so do not get weary of flying and new cities. But it does make it difficult to keep all the "daily tasks" as home completed. At least I have Web banking, invenstments, etc. that I can do on the road. That has helped a great deal.

Will be doing the Latin Pass thing at end of April. I am a worry wart, so try to get info on possible problems, delays, etc. and plan for it. But when on vacation, I usually just get a car and take off without hotel reservations. (With LP, have short stopovers, etc. so have it planned out.)

Grew up overseas. Graduated in Berlin, Germany the year the wall went up -- yes, I am an oldie. Also spent time in Asia during my wild and crazy youth. Still have contacts from those days - thanks to the WEB.

I like the Board. Am on it every week. I wish WebFlyers would post their LP trips all in one place with dates. I am sure I will be on planes, in hotels, etc. with some -- but may never know it. YES, We need a sign/signal. I think I will place a WebFlyer sign on my Carry-on. Perhaps I should have got a hat or shirt (not a tee shirt) to wear for traveling. I haven't looked recently - but does Randy sell these?? Maybe I am too consumed with all the travel, bonus plans, etc. I need to get a life??

Good to hear from all of you. Hope we can meet someday.

I guess I'd better say hi. I'm living in Kentucky, been here for 18 months. Love living in the US, but sometimes need a translator, despite speaking English(well it is the South!)
Born in Wales 32 years ago, but parents emigrated to South Africa when i was 6. Lived in Botswana after that and went to school in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. Dad believes that travel is best education so was fortunate to travel around South America, US and Europe as child. Went to boarding school in UK for last few years of High School and my sister and i became addicted to scoring upgrades (in days before FF).

Went to Medical School in London, and travel restricted to pleasure, and limited by cash!!but am addicted to getting cheapest deals to exotic places!

Sent to Louisville, to do some Research, and told colleagues that liked travelling. Don't think they realised how much until managed to get away at least once a month for last year. Joined lots of FF but now travel mainly CO/VS transatlntic and UA around US.
I love this forum as it proves that its not just me addicted to getting miles, getting upgrades etc. Managed to score 2 elusive operational transatlantic upgrades, one VS in Dec, and UA in March so am v happy at moment.

Thanks for all the advice/ info etc

First off, Thanks Everyone so much for the great info. I have really learned a lot since I started reading these messages.
A special thanks to the people who mentioned the 500 mile bonus on AA last year for every trip taken.- all I had to do was make 1 phone call to get it.

I live in Dallas and am a Senior Consultant with a well known accounting firm. the job requires a lot of travel.

I am AA Platinum and CO Gold. It tends to be a nice balance. I also have Marriott and Starwood Platinum status.

My favorite vacation spot in the world is Maui.

I will be in Seattle from 4/15-4/28, so if anyone else will be there at that time maybe we can get together for a drink.

Once again, Thanks to Everyone for all the Great advice.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Welcome on board everyone. Anyone else care to post?

Hello to all
I am probably the strangest individual on this board, for you see - I hate to fly!!! Give me a valium and a stiff drink and I am good to go. Only kidding - wellllll maybe; maybe not. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I only fly because I must (work) and I love to travel - plus, if I didn't force myself this fear would definetly get the better of me - so off into the wild blue I go! Granted - medicated sometimes, but I'm going!

I live in NJ - lived in LA for a bit - born in NY - work in NY. I graduated from Rutgers College with a BA in Psychology and did some post graduate - research, and the like. I am 31 (female) and still deciding if I would like to go forword with a PhD program...(go figure) Yet, what I do for a living has nothing to do with my schooling. I am a self employed photographers' representative as well as a photo stylist/assistant on occasion.

I travel for work often, but not often enough for the elite status yet - am hoping to gain some extra mileage through all of your wonderful advice! Which by the way, thank you all very much - I have already learned so much. When I travel for pleasure it is usually with friends of mine in the travel biz so I do not get the miles, but hey most of the tickets are free - so who's complaining. I am going to Seattle on a free flight this summer and then off to Hong Kong and Bali for only $650.......no complaints here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I see so many are telling of the animals in their lives so for the CATMAN let me just say that I too am a cat lover. We - oh that would be my boyfriend and I - own (or they own, still haven't figured that one out yet) 2 beautiful kitties. They are Simon and Derby. Derby gives kisses CATMAN! We also have a wonderful dog named Maxwell who is the goofball of the bunch.

Again, let me say thank you to all - you are all so informative and I have really enjoyed this board. I am beginning to think too much, I visit it far too frequently.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Lvjava originates from my aol account, my other reads OvrCafnatd, so I think you can all see where my obsession lies. May need to change that to a mileage name soon.
~Leigh



[This message has been edited by Lvjava (edited 04-02-2000).]

LVJVA I also have a dog named maxwell and hate flying, but love to travel. Most of my travel is for pleasure and I have attempted to instill the love of travel in my almost- grown children. With an academic schedule, I often have log periods in which to travel- limited only by financial considerations. This bulletin board has been an informative and fun opportunity to collect and share information.

------------------

Well here it is... My name is Fred Donatucci, I live in Los Angeles, CA.
I am 30 years old, italian (6 foot tall dark hair,etc).. look for the frantic italian guy.

So what can I say, I started flying 5 years ago when I first worked with Deloitte and Touche. I was living in Philadelphia, PA and flew US Airways...first Prefered Plus, the Chairman's Prefered. I started staying with Hilton and got status... then while working in LA, met my wife... got married, moved to LA, switched to United.

I live in a one story house, love to garden (never knew what fun it was until I moved to California with Green winters). I have been married for 17 wonderful months. She is my inspiration and a gift from the Lord. I thank Him for her everyday.

I work as a consultant doing ERP (computer related) implementation projects, so I fly up and down the west coast and sometimes to Texas. I always fly United when I can. I fly out of LAX to PDX alot.. (so if ever in the two airports, you may see me at the RCC or 1K room).

I also want to admit I am a mile-aholic. I have an addiction to Miles.. but practice my addiction in a safe environment (Flyertalk).

So, if you every in PDX, LAX, (or currently in the DALLES, OR) let me know... can stop by for a drink, a hello, or some prayer... whatever you like http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thank you all for being such a blessing online.