Your Job Is To Do What?!?

It is no secret that Casey and I have had our share of interesting jobs throughout our lives.  We have worked by air and by sea (flight attendant/cruise performer), handed out flyers in Times Square, decorated cakes at the infamous Magnolia Bakery, walked dogs (and chased by some).  At one point I even worked at a L'Oreal warehouse opening hundreds of boxes containing make-up displays separating the various pink shaded, plastic samples into different boxes.  That was a strange job, seemed pointless, and only lasted two days.  Temp agencies will send their people ANYWHERE.  But I don't think anything compares to the paid activity that I partook in last night.  This is definitely going on my resume and LinkedIn.  Read below.

Aircraft Slide Jumper/Tester, Zodiac Aerospace/Air Cruisers (Sprocket Staffing Services) , Wall, New Jersey

2013 through Present

* Test evacuation systems jumping into emergency slide/raft  testing for durability and reliability for current and future aircraft

* Among the first to test slide for the upcoming Airbus A350 at a height of over 25 feet

* Test conditions include slide in normal conditions, high air pressure, low air pressure, angled, and simulated rain storm

* Teamed with thirty-nine additional jumpers in evacuation drill under loud, high-stress, chaotic, fast-paced, crowded, and potentially claustrophobic conditions

* Jump team has met egress rate consistently

* Exhibit abilities to maintain calm demeanor in high-stress situations, unafraid of heights, crowds, tight spaces, the ability to follow explicit directions, maintain physically fit and healthy lifestyle

You heard it right, and you heard it directly from the source.  It is a glamorous life I lead.  I have officially become a test dummy.  In fact after you don your gear (which consists of a helmet, ankle supports, and gloves), you receive a shirt with a number on it, and that is how you are known.  Not Kurt, but #130.  "Hello, my name is Kurt, and I am test-dummy #130."  And if you hold them back from hitting their rate goals, you are pulled (like #168) was last night.  Of course he will be given future opportunities, but last night, his game was over.  As well as the girl who busted her ankle.  I guess they have high insurance premiums.  I have to thank my friend Jerry for helping me obtain the jumping opportunities.  Originally, I was an alternate.  I guess being one of the new guys, they ease you in with caution.  But, with his persuasive communication, I was able to start jumping pretty early in the evening. 

So, there you have it.  Another interesting job to add to the resume.

-Kurt

The Comedic Stylings of Mallory and Emily

Another Cruise

So you would like to know about my recent cruise?  Well, it was incredibly relaxing.  Massages, relaxing in the hot tub, a good book , libations, and time well spent with Casey.  Although, I will say, with the exception of Cozumel, the weather was not quite favorable with high winds and cool temperatures.  I did not take many pictures of this cruise, but below are some pics of Cozumel as well as videos of what the ocean looks like from the perspective of Casey’s cabin.  I took the pictures on a day when the water was a little rougher than usual so you could truly get the washing machine affect that occurs within her port hole on a daily basis.  However, all in all, it was a nice week away with a great deal of time spent together.  One of the funniest parts of this particular trip was the creative efforts and makings of Julie Junglepanties.  If I can find a video of that, you can bet it will be posted, and I am sure you will find it as hilarious as I myself did.  I had the opportunity to have brunch at Palo’s.  I have now had both dinner and brunch at that particular restaurant, and I have to say, I would almost recommend brunch over dinner.  If you enjoy an endless array of seafood, then it is imperative you attend if ever aboard DCL.  It is with my great hope that you one day engage in this experience, if you haven’t already.  Not that I am downplaying dinner (because the antipasto is another adoration of mine), but I was truly impressed with the fine cheeses, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts.  And to begin and end my trip on United First was a nice touch as well.  I do appreciate their fine service on the preferred side of the cabin curtain.

However, even though DCL has afforded us excellent cuisine, a relaxing atmosphere, and a lucrative means to sustain our lifestyle, it is time that this chapter of our life come to a close.  The difficulties of distance, time, and communication make this venture a difficult life to sustain.  Casey will be home in just seven weeks, and while we are grateful for all that DCL has provided, we look forward to rooting ourselves again at 41 Monmouth.

Happy Blogging!

-Kurt

The video below is from the December 2012 trip.  It shows Casey's cabin and Maho (Airport) Beach.