annie on the road

I've only flown on American Airlines once, when a colleague from Hong Kong made her first--and I just found out: miserable--visit to the US. The only other flights I'd been on prior to that was on China Airlines, Singapore Airlines, JetBlue, Cathay Pacific, Southwest and United Airlines. I can easily say that the service and experience on American Airlines is horrible.

AA is a partner airline on Asia Miles, the frequent flier program of which I'm a member (as part of the OneWorld Alliance, any flights I take on AA will accrue as part of my Asia Miles). I was making my First Major business trip that spanned Europe and Asia, and the flight on American from Los Angeles to Chicago was the second to last of a total of eight flights. After making it through a 12 hour flight with another hour waiting for luggage, I made my way to the AA ticketing counter, where this lady completely refused to offer assistance, even when I was next in line. She went to the aid of another gentleman that was in another line next to me and said she could only help those in that particular line. But after I got all checked in, I spied her helping the person standing in line behind me.

I was surprised to hear of a "complimentary refreshment beverage" while on board as you had to pay for pretty much everything else. But what really bothered me was when the flight attendants would come by not 5 minutes after serving drinks/food with a trash bag and wearing gloves asking for trash. I have never seen flight attendants don gloves when picking up after a meal on long haul flights; they only do so when they're sprucing up the lavatories. It's not that I mind the gloves so much (well, maybe a little), but the entire timing -- at least give the person who paid $8 for that sandwich some time to eat it for heavens sakes!

So now American Airlines announces they will be charging $15 per checked bag starting June 15, with another $25 charge for the 2nd checked bag. My immediate reaction was: of course. But this shouldn't be that shocking as airlines around the world have already been charging for excessive / overweight baggage. What I'm curious about is whether that $15 charge is limited to a certain size of luggage. I can easily recall the number of times that the carry-on compartments on flights become so jammed packed, someone carrying a purse or slim briefcase couldn't stow away their items. AA's new fare for checked bags makes for a great incentive to travel light. Take only what you need and chuck the rest. My point of view may be slightly different when considering vacation travel instead of business travel, but the idea remains the same, particularly with vacation travel as you're bound to pick up various tchockies to take back home. I think the its just bad timing, coming after all those delayed/canceled flights awhile back.

Nevertheless, if you ask me, I'd only fly AA as a last option, member miles or no.

Change is difficult to adapt to for some, and when it comes to in-flight comfort--especially for long haul flights--I can easily claim that I'm not one to relinquish a good reclining seat. On my last flight to Hong Kong/China via the ever punctual Cathay Pacific Airlines, I was a bit befuddled to find that when pressing on the little lever on the arm rest to recline my seat, no reclining action ensued. The only resulting action from pressing said button was to trigger movement on the seat base, causing it to slide forward so you ended up in a slouchy position. The seat back remained in its rigid 45 degree position.

According to Cathay Pacific, such changes are attempts to enhance the Economy Class flying experience. "The exclusive LEAP Live Back™ feature uses office chair technology to provide active support of the spine in all positions....Our new seat creates a fixed living space that no longer interrupts the space behind when you recline...The recline button enables the seat bottom to slide forward while the back recedes into the shell."

Office chair technology? Fixed seating? Receding seat back? For a fourteen hour flight? Well, it's no wonder my last flight wasn't the most comfortable. At least there'll be plenty of space to put my food, hang my coat and securely stow my flight literature. Now let's just hope the movie selection is entertaining.

Currently enjoying the pairing of the following scents:

Silky Underwear Dusting Powder (Lush Cosmetics)

with

Green Tea Solid Perfume (L'Occitane en Provence)

The smell of jasmine and tea bush is a better alternative from the synthetics in my deodorant bar, which I find too overpowering.

This may not seem like much, but believe me: it is. I was really hesitant even just to meet with my Work Out Consultant (ie: sales rep) and flaked out at least 4 times before finally making it through the door, just to get that free pass. I actually circled the parking lot prior to a scheduled appointment okay - two! and never set foot out of my car. "The hardest part is getting through the door," My Sales Rep tells me. Well no kidding here! My challenge was more mental than anything else; with thoughts of I've body image issues, I'm too self-conscious, I'm easily intimidated by complicated machinery…and I'm horribly, horribly shy weren't helpful and was really keeping me back.

I ended up making my initial visit on the spur-of-the-moment, which shattered all my preconceived notions of when and how I'd walk into the gym. Luckily, I was in my warehouse grubbies (I'd finished helping Chris unload the latest container from China). I didn't notice it was peak hour until I took in the facilities on tour. The crowd definitely made me nervous--everyone seemed so knowledgeable about whatever workout regimen they're on--and meanwhile, I was trying to figure out how to operate the elliptical (Note to self: move legs) and seeing just where I fit into the scheme of this particular gym. My free trial membership was upgraded from one week to two, but I didn't use it until the start of the 2nd week.

On Friday night, I finally got the courage to go and work out...at 8pm when I was pretty sure that the gym would be relatively empty. I lasted about 3 minutes on the stair climber, another 10 on the elliptical and the remaining 30 was on the safety of the treadmill. I had more "fun" than I thought I would and there was plenty to keep me entertained: my iPod, the music overhead, your own TV and channel selection, even people watching. With this being the first spurt of any activity in a long sedentary lifestyle, I knew to pace myself, and couldn't get away from watching the minutes tick by, but was rather surprised at 45 minutes passing so quickly. Equally as unavoidable were the little quips in my head of my laughing at myself, but I cut myself some slack as this was a new environment/experience and hey, I can't be perfect. (I sure can be a slow learner though).

I tried to stop by on Saturday, but was pressed for time in making a delivery to Carlsbad between 11-1pm. I made up for a lack of activity by stupidly putting together a reception hutch with the help of Y. (I say stupidly b/c the assembly instructions were totally wrong so Y & I had to piece parts together like puzzles.) The top counter is to hold a marble slab which I wanted to put on, but I was getting joint spasms from my waist down my hips to my legs and the hutch was rather rickety and wobbly. So the marble slab is going on another day (as in when hutch and table are no longer rickety!). Upon return home, I had a hot soak in the tub + Tylenol. Woke up not as sore on Sunday and tried to make it to the Zumba class at 9pm, but didn't leave until 10. The gym still full by the time I got there (ack! slight panic), but I managed to find an elliptical for 15 minutes, after which I spotted my Sales Rep. My arms & legs were getting trembly, so I stopped and found a paper towel to wipe down the equipment ($7.50 for a towel?!). Went over to former trainer, new Navy recruit, no-nonsense kinda guy Sales rep to say 'thanks' for being pushy and giving me motivation (BMI 38 - obese!). And I ended up doing crunches on this ab machine.

I leave for a conference in Vegas tomorrow and off to HKG again before the ides of March (not nearly enough time to get office set up for employees starting in April). For the first time, I'll be checking out the fitness amenities in each of the places where I'm staying. I think by the time I return from travels, 24Hr will be having their discounted sale rates. I just may be cashing in on that after all.

[cross posted: LJ]

There's two kinds of blues, there's happy blues and then there's sad blues...The blues is sort of a mixed up thing, you just have to feel it - Billie Holiday

Been feeling unsettled and out of sorts; still suffering from a combination of jet lag and insomnia. Trawling through old tunes as temporary relief. Came across a set of music labeled "the Hotel Cafe Scene" (ahh...good stuff!) and wondered what's going on with Rachael Yamagata. Checked out her site and was immediately drawn to her next album, the album teazer of which feels like a preview clip for a movie. Well done.

Hmm. Off to check out vid taken from Shanghai - duo on guitar at restaurant/bar.

Ew. Nothing like home sweet home.

Retire in your mid thirties.

My question: with all the free time, what does one do with oneself? Mmm...travel for leisure and fun instead of work! Mmm...give back to community. Mmm...putter around?

It's okay to take OTC medication that has passed it's expiry date, right?

I've managed to book a standby ticket on CX departing to HKG on January 4, 2008. After a stop at LAX on Thursday, I've seen how imperative it is to travel light. The lines were long at the ticket counter, but more so at the baggage security check. So I've decided the following course of action: take nothing but essentials; NO luggage. Then BUY everything once in Hong Kong. This to include luggage bag(s) and a new digital camera. The return trip will be more of a hassle in terms of baggage check, but Hong Kong airport is ultra convenient (free wifi, free baggage trolleys, early baggage check-in, etc).

I'm such a pack rat though...I wonder if I can accomplish this?