So, you've been keeping up with all the latest WMS 'goings-on' perhaps and you will know that we don't like what just happened. If you've been around long enough you will also know that we will do everything we can to avoid anything like it ever happening again....
In my head the answer to our issue is simple - backup. And so I jumped on a plane yesterday morning to go and see some folks who will be able to provide just that.
There will be a couple of folks who will read that phrase 'jumped on a plane' with a raised eyebrow..., this is because they know that I am terrified of flying...it's the height thing, I'm not good with 'up' things, ladders, ferris wheels, planes...
The worst moment is just before take-off, you know that few seconds where the plane judders and makes all manner of scary noises while the pilot, the co-pilot and the stewards all finish winding up the giant elastic band.
Once they release that big elastic and the plane starts to rush forward, I just close my eyes and pretend I'm in the captain's seat on the Enterprise and we're going at warp speed.
In the seat on my left yesterday morning, was a guy who would have admirably filled Lieutenant Worf's uniform twice over. I'll swear the plane seemed to bank to the right every time he refolded his legs.
Seemed a nice chap, smiled in all the right places, although it was hard to tell what sort of message he was getting from me. I have tiny ears, ergo, tiny tubes inside those tiny ears and since altitude seems to squeeze those tubes so much that I cannot actually hear anything when I'm on a plane, I have no idea whether the speaking noises I was making were coming out at a reasonable volume, or whether I was seductively whispering witticisms such as "please, take the window seat" into his right elbow...
Oh Claire tell us more! Tell us more! You are just the best storyteller :) So glad you got to your destination safely!
ReplyDeleteBless you - well done for getting on the plane. Hope it was worth the trauma :-)
ReplyDeleteI am with you Claire! I would not describe myself as terrified of flying but it definitely makes me nervous. Takeoff is the most nerve-wracking part of it for me as well, I always pray! Landing is also a challenge but for some reason not nearly as frightening.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a day for you! But you now more experience under your belt and can say proudly "I did it!" Hope it all goes well since I adore your stamps and the abilities of you and your crew! Be safe.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried the 'pinch your nose and blow' trick for clearing your ears? Then there's the 'warm J cloth in a hot cup held to your ears" .....the list goes on and on. I think if you try them all one after the other you forget you're terrified!!!!!! Why is it James Bond or better still James Morrison is never in the next seat?
ReplyDeleteI am absurdly terrified of flying, but I will do it, on occasion! Where have you been? I'm intrigued!
ReplyDeleteYou really can tell a story...that's why the stamps you design are so good at creating a scene. Tell us more.
ReplyDeleteLOVE travelling, HATE taking off and landing! however, both necessary evils of travelling. hope you're enjoying the destination!!
ReplyDeleteCK.
Well done Claire for getting on the plane, in our house we simly do not fly!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's hysterical! I have bad hearing as it is myself and when I get on a plane, forget it. I'm probably shouting at the stewardesses, "YES I'LL HAVE GINGER ALE PLEASE!" because I'm completely unable to gauge my own volume, and all the other passengers think I am quite the enthusiastic Canada Dry fan.
ReplyDeleteLove the story so far , whats next?
ReplyDeleteChapter 2 tomorrow? I love good stories and am looking forward to hearing more of this one...
ReplyDeleteOh Claire, you're describing agonies I can identify with all too well ... and yet I'm laughing all the way through!!
ReplyDeleteI don't like heights either, but I love, love flying! I know that's daft, but so true. When we were at the top of the Hancock Tower in Chicago I couldn't go near the big picture windows as it made me feel ill! But on the flight home from San Francisco I was in the window seat watching us take off and watching the landscape as we flew. It makes no sense at all!!
ReplyDeleteI am most intrigued to hear more of your tale!
So, we are all waitin for 'The Rest Of The Story!!! LOL
ReplyDeletePaper Hugs,
Jan
(-:
ReplyDeleteWhen is your next post going to be?????? Can't wait!
Oh my word...you didn't!!!! I can just imagine....I don't like heights myself but, can do planes (get a bit nervous with rumbles though)! Ferris wheels, ladders, driving up mountains etc. etc.....start sweating!! Love the story....shameful of me to love a story that was a challenge for you!!! BTW....I know of another company with manufacturer glitches that has never had the problem before....maybe same company? It WILL work out!! Relax!
ReplyDeleteYour a very Brave woman Claire Brennan! I hope you didn't go too far as that plane in the picture is what I would call a "Puddle Jumper". Flying is a lot less scarey in a bigger plane I think. Can't wait to hear more about your adventure.
ReplyDeleteHurry Claire, the suspense is killing me.....
ReplyDeleteJust loved your description of the elastic band and everything else!!!!
Can't wait for the next chapter. While you're waiting for things to get sorted out, why not write a few short stories instead and we will all be happy campers!!
Thanks for all your hard work and don't be fretting too much.
HA!
ReplyDeleteSuch a vision of a plane being catapulted from a giant sling shot. And all the while it's the lovely lady flight attendants doing the heavy pushing in their skirts and heels.
And there's nothing more seductive that a trembling, white knuckled, deaf seat companion politely screaming "I INSIST! YOU TAKE THE WINDOW!" in your ear... ;)
I hope you had a successful trip! :D
Claire, you made me laugh. I love flying but I understand that it is a challenge for others.
ReplyDeleteI am waiting to know more about your trip!
What a chuckle. I had a guy like that on my 1st trip to Europe. He was huge, and insisted on crossing his arms and sitting with his legs apart so he was able to take up even more room. I found myself sitting on one cheek with my legs in the aisle. Luckily he got off in Singapore and the bulk of the trip was more comfortable.
ReplyDeleteOh, Claire, tell us more! We are all waiting to know more about your adventure! Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteOh, Claire...
ReplyDeleteso funny...
and I want to hear more of your adventure! :)
And to know what you'll go through for your customers...
Claire you're the best...
unparalleled!
Hugs!! :)
Oh my goodness Claire!! You on a plane?!!! And you did that for us? I'm so proud of you!! I know that you are terrified of flying!! Huge hugs and kudos to you for braving that !! Where are you going and we'll be waiting on the details when you have it all figured out. And if you went to the states and didn't give us forewarning so we could all come and meet you, well...
ReplyDeletebig hugs and love to you! :-) Helen L
Claire, can't wait to hear more about your journey . . . maybe conquering your fear will inspire you for some future stamps. We`re all on the edge of our seats! Hugs to you!!!
ReplyDeleteClaire you have such a way with words...just wish you hadn't had to suffer through flying white-knuckled. Bless you for going...would love to hear more!
ReplyDelete:)