As a military flight attendant, I have a pretty strict routine when it comes to getting ready for a flight. I have to make sure that my uniform is perfectly pressed, my hair is styled just right, and my makeup is flawless. But even though it's a lot of work, I actually enjoy getting ready for my flights. It's a chance for me to relax and get myself mentally prepared for the day ahead.

I usually start by listening to my favorite music, getting dressed in my navy blue or black classy uniform set or dress. I love the way the uniform looks on me, and it always makes me feel confident, professional and special. I then add my wings badge and eventually, depending on the uniform version I decide to wear on the day - also the royal blue scarf around my neck.

Next, I do my hair and makeup. I usually wear my hair in a sleek bun or ponytail, or just let it be loose but flawless and elegant. And of course, I keep my makeup simple and natural - usually a light pink lipstick, a bit of blush, concealer, sparkly eyeshadow, mascara and time to time eyeliner and voila. I wanna look polished and professional, but I also don't want to look like I'm trying too hard or like I’m a supermodel on a runway, waiting’s to catch all the attention.

Once I'm finished getting ready, I take a few minutes to relax, drink a coffee and collect my thoughts. I think about the day ahead and the super special passengers I'll be meeting soon. I wanna make sure that I'm giving them the best possible experience, so I try to stay positive, focused and upbeat… And playful, as always.

When it's time to leave for the base, I grab my bag, suitcase (one or more, depending on eventual layover) and head out the door. I always make sure to arrive at the base early so that I have plenty of time to check in and get ready for my flight.

Here are some more details about my routine:

~ I usually wake up about three hours and half before my flight. This gives me really a lot of time to get ready and eat a tasty, nutritious breakfast and prepare a smoothie to get some more superpower and put myself in a yummy vibe. And if it’s not a morning one, my preparation starts also around three hours and half before, just to make sure I won't need to run (joke, I always run).

~ I always start by getting dressed in my uniform. I make sure that my uniform is perfectly pressed and that my hair and makeup are done just right - the best I can do, anyway. Then, I add some rose or vanilla mist with glitter to smell nice and shine bright.

~ I then pack my bag with everything I need for the flight, including my passport, ID, documents, laptop and tablet. And double check I also have my emergency cosmetic bag with all the accessories needed to survive.

~ I leave for the base about two hours before my flight. This gives me plenty of time to check in, get through security (which is pretty long, detailed and complicated, believe me) and the pre-flight briefing, making sure we have all the necessary safety tools active.

~ Once I'm at the lounge, I usually take a few minutes to relax, chat with the fellow crew, pilots, drink a caramel coffee and collect my thoughts. I think about the day ahead, upcoming challenges and the destination waiting for me on the other side of the sky, or just make a little plan of what to do once I’m back home... Or pray to even come back home alive, if I know I'm about to head to the war zone...

Now I'm mentally ready to rock the day. Welcome on board, Ladies and Gentlemen!

I love having wings. It's a challenging and rewarding job, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve the strongest country in the world. I'm also grateful for the chance to share my routine with you. I hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know if you want more of these!

Ciao guys! Today, I wanna share with you a story of triumph and resilience, a story based on my battle with PTSD, one of the biggest, darkest and harshest battles I won in my entire life. 

We're going to delve into the world of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and explore the incredible journey of fighting and ultimately winning against this challenging evil condition. Remember, there is always hope, and together we can conquer even the battles from the bottom of hell!

Life throws us unexpected challenges, and sometimes trauma can leave a lasting mark. Don’t try to erase it, don’t pretend that the evil didn’t happen. PTSD affects millions of people worldwide, often crippling their ability to lead a normal, fulfilling life. However, it's crucial to remember that this condition is not a life sentence. With the right mindset and support, victory is within reach. It is difficult, I know. It is hella difficult and scary but the scariest is the perspective of the rest of your life with PTSD choking your guts everyday day, everyday night. And believe me, I know what I am talking about.

Every individual's journey with PTSD is unique, and finding inner strength is an essential step towards healing. Begin by acknowledging the pain, but do not let it define you. You are not the one who’s guilty. You’re not the one who hurt yourself. You’re not guilty of this wound someone gave you and the trauma killing you from inside. Recognize your resilience, as you have already survived the unimaginable, the worst is already behind you, now, caress yourself, forgive yourself all the doubt, guilt-feeling and self-criticism. You possess an inherent strength that will drive you forward on the path to recovery, I promise.

Fighting PTSD requires a network of support. Surround yourself with people who uplift and believe in you. Engage with your partner, friends, family, and possibly mental health professionals who understand the challenges you face. 

Sharing your story and experiences can be cathartic, letting others in so they can firmly stand beside you as you navigate the healing process. Trust me, sometimes opening up, even publicly works as a soothing shower, as a deep self-therapy you needed so much. What’s more, you can’t imagine how many people out there you can help by sharing your story, how many poor souls are in exactly the same or even worse situation than you are.

Self-care plays a pivotal role in healing and winning the battle against PTSD. Nurture your body and mind by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Take a moment, relive your old hobbies, read favorite books, come back to your long-forgotten passion, do what used to bring you joy. Engaging in regular physical exercise or any activity that makes you smile can release built-up tension and boost your mood. Prioritize activities that come to you with joy and fulfillment to create a positive environment that promotes mental and physical healing… And get the smile back on your pretty face.

No battle is won alone, and a powerful help of a trusted, loved person or a healthcare professional is a crucial step towards overcoming PTSD. Qualified therapists have the expertise to guide you through evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). By addressing the root causes of PTSD and retraining your mind, therapy can help you develop effective coping mechanisms, unique and strong, just like yourself. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, for real. Open up, accept help and care.

Adopting an attitude of gratitude and positivity will lead you to victory. Focus on the blessings in your life - the small victories, your support system, and the progress you make every day. Remember how far you’ve come in your life to be where you are now, to be the amazing person you are. Cultivate self-compassion and remind yourself that healing takes time and you are getting better and better day by day, even if not too visible, progress is happening. Celebrate even the smallest steps forward, for each one brings you closer to living a life free from the grip of PTSD. It’s not an easy thing to do, it was not easy for me as well, but now I’m more than grateful for all my strength and stubbornness on the journey, on the journey to succeed again, to genuinely smile again, to make my dreams come true again.

As we conclude the story, remember that mind and your journey to overcome PTSD is unique. There will be ups and downs along the way, but you possess the strength to endure. Use the strategies I mentioned in this post, and never underestimate the power of perseverance, self-care, and seeking personal and professional help. And never forget - whatever happened, you’re a victim, not a villain, you are not guilty and don’t feel guilty for the feelings knotting inside your heart.

Ultimately, by cultivating a positive mindset and surrounding yourself with a supportive network, you will regain control over your life and triumph over PTSD. Take comfort in knowing that your story has the ability to inspire others to embark on their own path of healing. Believe in yourself and trust the process - victory awaits and life will’s be beautiful again!

Remember, you are not alone in this fight. I know you might think so, same as I was convinced for months, but there’s always a guardian angel closer than you think. Don’t hide your feelings, don’t be ashamed to cry, to feel sad. You’re loved and understood. Together, we can break free from the shadows and embrace a life filled with hope, happiness, and newfound resilience. Cheers for the healed and free future!

As the final chapter of 2023 closed its pages, I found myself swept up in the heart of an enchanting celebration, standing atop a Los Angeles rooftop, the cityscape stretching out like a glittering tapestry beneath my high-heeled feet. Clad in my long, pink sequin dress that twinkled with every subtle move I made, the evening’s breeze teased the edges of the fabric, sending shimmers of light dancing into the approaching night.

The atmosphere was electric, charged with excitement and the collective heartbeat of my dear ones. My man, looking dapper as ever, stood by my side - a relationship that had braved the turns of time and withstood the tempests of previous years. Tonight, his arm around me felt like a promise, anchoring me in the present, as if to say: Here we are, and here we go, together into this bright new year.

Our friends, that intimate circle of kindred spirits, were the perfect companions for such a gala. We mingled, glasses of sparkling champagne in hand, laughter spilling over the rooftop edges and into the city that was our playground for the night. The sounds of revelry blended with the distant murmur of Los Angeles, a symphony of anticipation for the minutes ticking steadily towards a new beginning.

As the night sky darkened to the deepest of blues, anticipation grew. Our eyes were drawn to the spectacle before us —  giant countdown projected onto the sheer face of the adjacent skyscraper. It began its descent, igniting the excitement in our chests. I felt my heartbeat sync with the digital numbers flashing larger than life:

"Ten, nine, eight..." our voices joined in a cacophony of eagerness, a chorus under the celestial dome.

Seven, six, five... and in an eruption of sound and color, 2024 was heralded by a magnificent fireworks display. Bright blooms of light exploded overhead, showering us with ephemeral flowers of red, gold, and blue. I watched, spellbound, as reflections of a thousand tiny firework showers glinted off the surface of my dress, casting me as part of the skyline's own celebration.

Below, other fireworks joined in, each neighborhood lighting up in a choreography of cheers and colors. It was as if the very stars had descended to join us in this jubilee, enticed by the promise of our human joys and the timeless allure of hope reborn.

And then, as the night sky glowed with the last of the firework embers, wishes began to flash upon the skyscraper's facade. These were not just any wishes but messages from the heart of Los Angeles — our city extending its dreams in bright fonts for all to see. "Happy New Year from the City and County of Los Angeles!" it read, and for a moment, the city felt small, intimate, like a gathering of old friends.

My heart swelled with a sense of belonging, as if every individual hope the city held was also part of my own collage of dreams. My voice joined countless others in affirming the joyous cries and vows that filled the air, weaving my story into the fabric of our collective aspiration for goodness, love, and thrilling new chapters.

The world seemed to pause briefly, balance on the cusp of the new. I stole a glance at my man, our eyes reflecting the myriad of lights, silent acknowledgements of the love and adventures that awaited us. Surrounded by friends whose own journeys entwined with ours, I realized that this wasn't just the start of 2024 — it was another precious moment in the mosaic of our lives.

As the first dawn of 2024 approached, we remained there, above the city that had witnessed our trials and triumphs. This rooftop, under the guardianship of the sprawling cosmos, was a testament to the night my dress became a banner of what lies ahead, and the lights above were mirrors to our soaring spirits. 

Happy New Year, 2024. To the city that dreams as fiercely as it breathes, to the friends who shine as brightly as any fireworks, and to love that dances as wondrously as sequins in the night — you are the pulse of this enchanting life, and I step into this year with gratitude for every glittering second.

As Los Angeles awoke to the first morning of a fresh year, I carried within me the glow of the night — undimmed and ever vibrant. If the year ahead was anything like the welcome it received, then I knew, surrounded by love and lit by dreams, this was going to be a year of incandescent beauty and boundless possibility.