Sunday, October 25, 2015

Ella's Flight Plan and ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)





There is a little rule that Sam has had on the books ever since we started ttwd.  Well, let me qualify.  I think it is a little rule; apparently Sam thinks it is a bigger rule.  On work days my schedule can be different every day of the week.  I usually don't know exactly when I will get off.  His rule goes something like this:


                           Wife needs to let Husband know 
                             when she is getting off work and 
                            if she is planning any errands/stops
                                        on the way home.




This information can be communicated in an email or by phone,
but the Flight Plan needs to be filed by 4:00 pm.

In the beginning, I did forget about this fairly regularly.  Mr. Paddle (the one Sam crafted in his shop) would make an appearance on the Flight Deck and (not so gently) remind me.  And very soon, it just wasn't an issue any longer.  I have remembered to inform him for about the last 8 months.  UNTIL MONDAY!

ETA

Usually I send an email with a Subject Line titled "PM Plans."  I will include my Departure Time and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).  There may be errands or shopping that I plan to get done before heading home.  I may just be reminding Sam of a hair
appointment or a Happy Hour with friends from work.  I may say that I think I will be leaving work at a certain time but will call with any last minute responsibilities.  (This happens at least twice a week!)  All is well as long as I provide updates and report any Delays to the Control Tower.

Let me repeat, "UNTIL MONDAY."  First day back to work after a week off.  Very busy!  Ninety-three emails to pore through.  Phone never stopped ringing.  Paperwork Stacked and Packed.  I did not get my Flight Plan in by 4:00 pm.  Totally forgot.  I sent a note to the Cockpit very late that just said, "Crap!  I forgot."  As I headed out to my truck, I reasoned it all out.  Sam would not hold me to this on my first day back.  There hasn't been a lapse on this rule in so long; surely it will just be a verbal reminder.  So I convinced myself that this was simply just a bit of Turbulence.  Not to worry.
 
Uh Oh!


Traffic kept me in a Holding Pattern for a while but soon my truck was on its Final Approach.  Sam was juggling garbage and recycling bins on the driveway.  He shot me a smile and a wave.  The neighbor was out in her flowerbed, and I stopped to chat for a short time.  Sam was still outside when I dropped my stuff on the kitchen counter.  THEN I saw the dining room chair pulled out and Mr. Paddle and the wooden spatula sitting on the table.  This lapse was not going to be overlooked, and there was going to be a
penalty levied by the FAA.  I wanted to move the implements to the bedroom but thought better of it.  Federal law prohibits Tampering with, Disabling, or Destroying a lavatory smoke detector or paddles.  The only thing that was going to be smoking was my bottom.

When Sam came in the house, he commented in a matter of fact tone that I had not forgotten this rule in a very long time.  He asked me to put away my things, and he sat down in the dining room, picked up the paddle and waited.  I started to explain, but he just shook his head.  Could tell we were ready to start Pre-Boarding as I went across his lap.  Once my bottom was in the Full, Upright, and Locked Position, the spanking began.

There was no warm-up, just hard and fast; this was a Non-Stop, Direct Flight.  Sam asked me to repeat the rule, which is difficult when he is whaling away.  I did recite it to the best of my ability, including the cut-off time of 4:00 pm.  Soon, though, he lightened up a bit and even said how much he laughed at my, "Crap!  I forgot" email.  He rubbed a bit then, and I was hoping it would soon be time to Deplane.  Sam pulled me up to sit on his lap.  My Tarmac was just a little bit sore, but all was forgiven.  My Pilot hugged and kissed me, and I smiled.  I was again his First Officer in good standing.  





        My Flight Plan for Tuesday was filed by 9:00 am sharp.

25 comments:

  1. We are not home as you know, but from far away, I did like your post very much. Analogies are wonderful. Sam wants you safe and sound, and if necessary, sore!
    Meredith

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    Replies
    1. I do know that you are away. Checked the scores just for you! Glad you liked the post, Friend. I am safe and sound and accountable. That's the way it goes with ttwd, thank goodness. How happy it makes me.

      Ella

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  2. Hi Ella, oh this did make me laugh. Bless you. Sounds like the pilot has his flight plans sorted. Lol
    Love Jan.xxx

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    1. Speaking of flight plans, we are investigating flights across the pond. Expensive, but my pilot has been cross-checking competitive fares. Hoping to have a flight plan soon!

      Hugs to Sweet Jan,
      Ella

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    2. Oh how lovely, are you aiming for London?
      love Jan,xx

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  3. Excellent post - love the story and especially the ending - warm bottom and happily ever after!

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    1. Thinking of you this weekend. Hope it was a positive experience.

      My bottom has recovered, and you know that is my favorite ending to my favorite end! Ella's Happily Ever After.

      Very Happy Ella

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  4. I love the way you wrote this...smiling...and laughing...all the way through it. Bet there won't be any more forgotten flight plans for a while...
    hugs abby

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Abby! It makes me happy to know I made you smile.

      I have not had any problems with the Control Tower since. Of course, my pilot knows how much I love him. Perhaps that sometimes helps when there is an occasional lapse in communication.

      Hugs,
      Ella

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  5. Great post! Perfectly settled forgetfulness!

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    1. Yes, Minelle, I paid for my forgetfulness in spades. Now I am getting those flight plans into the Cockpit in good time. Perfectly settled, as you said.

      ETA 5:00 pm and home to my HOH.

      Ella On Time

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  6. Oh, this was so clever, great analogy. I hope you collect all your Frequent Flyer Points from now on.

    Rosie xx

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    1. Ha! Forgot about Frequent Flyer Miles, Rosie. Thanks for visiting. If I was earning flights to wonderful places, I would never forget again.

      Happy to Hear From You,
      Ella

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  7. Enjoyed reading about your Flight plan and ETA Ella. Hope you check in to the control tower on time each day. So funny, thanks for sharing.
    Hugs Lindy

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    1. Thanks, Lindy. I would much rather just sit in the Pilot's lap for hugs and kisses.

      Hugs,
      Ella

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  8. ROFLMBO Ella...your analogy is just too funny. Not sure I'd want Frequent Flyer Miles. ;)

    Hugs and blessings...Cat

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    1. What a compliment, Cat! And this from the good lady who sends us laughs and smiles every day. I call that "High Praise."

      Hugs to You, Too,
      Ella

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  9. Hi Ella, I love the flight plan analogy and enjoyed reading this. Ouch, your poor bottom, love how this ended though :) Seems your pilot has things firmly in control. Hope you remember to lodge your flight plan on time in future :)

    Hugs
    Roz

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Roz, it was definitely an "Ouch." You know how the pilot comes on the speaker? "Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. This is your Captain speaking. We are cruising at an altitude of 30,000 ft, and Ella better remember her Flight Plan!"

      Hugs,
      Ella

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  10. What a cute post. Sorry about your bottom but glad the plane landed safely.

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    1. Thanks, Sunny. It has been high flying and smooth landings ever since.

      Ella Just Cruising

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  11. Hi Ella! Oh my, this made me smile all the way through with a lot of interspersed laughter! I have missed reading your fabulous posts!! This was such a great analogy. Just loved it. Glad you are in the upright position now...hope you stay that way! xoxo

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    1. Hi to you, too, Maggie,
      Glad you are back. This was not all that funny until I wrote about it! Glad you enjoyed.

      Upright and Upstanding,
      Ella

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  12. Ella, This is so beyond fun. I love reading about you and Sam because you two always seem to enjoy such a wonderfully creative and playful side to everything you do. I shared this with Eric (he's flying constantly and could totally relate) which was fun but after reading what Sam wrote, your blog really resonated with him in his own role down this path. Thank you both for that. I'm grounded at the beach right now - a gift I think partially inspired by your blog! Woo hoo! Happy Halloween. Amy

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  13. What a cute story...and I am certain you will remember this rule moving forward and everything will be smooth sailing. :-) Hugs

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