As I stood at the edge of the training field, the sun rising lazily over the horizon, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. Here I was, a freshly minted USAF crew, ready to embark on a journey that would stretch my limits in ways I had never imagined. This was no ordinary training; this was advanced indoor and outdoor medical and survival training. And believe me, it was a wild ride!

The first day kicked off with a bright-eyed instructor, whose enthusiasm for the training was only matched by the intensity of the material we were about to cover. With a twinkle in his eye, he welcomed us to the world of medical training. “You’re not just going to fly, you’re going to save lives!” he declared, and with that, we dove headfirst into a whirlwind of medical scenarios.

At the beginning we focused on mastering the art of triage. Picture this: a simulated airplane crash site, complete with smoke machines, scattered luggage, equipment, and a cast of dramatic actors portraying wounded passengers. As I rushed through the chaos, my heart racing (as in every training, meh), I quickly assessed the injuries. “You’re stable, you’re critical, and you… well, I’m not sure if you’re even alive!” I thought, as I prioritized who needed help first. The pressure was immense, but years of experience have already taught me that the decisions I was making could potentially (and many times indeed did) save lives.

But nothing could prepare me for the extreme medical scenarios that lay ahead. One day, we faced a particularly harrowing simulation involving a simulated mid-air explosion. The scene was gruesome. A fellow trainee lay sprawled on the ground, his arm grotesquely mangled, what appeared to be bone protruding through his skin, blood was everywhere and flash was falling down on the ground. The smell was doing the job as well. My heart pounded as I remembered my training. I had to act fast. I grabbed the tourniquet, my hands trembling slightly as I wrapped it around his upper arm, applying enough pressure to stem the flow of blood. “This is it,” I thought. “If I don’t do this right, he will say hello to angels.” 

Then came the moment I’d never anticipated as with my former experience, I was never trained or allowed to do: administering adrenaline directly to the heart. The trainer had prepared us for this, but seeing it in action was a whole different ball game. “In a life-or-death scenario, where every second counts, this can be the difference between life and death,” he explained, his voice steady. “You need to know how to do this, even if it’s terrifying.” I watched as one of my classmates grimly injected a dose of adrenaline straight into the dummy’s chest, simulating a cardiac arrest. And then everyone, one by one participated the show. The rush of adrenaline felt palpable even in that artificial environment, a reminder of the stakes at hand.

Then there were the scenarios that tested our mettle and our stomachs. One day, we encountered the “open stomach” after a mid-air bomb or landmine explosion simulation. A lifelike mannequin lay on a makeshift operating table, its belly grotesquely opened, showing a complex array of organs. “This is not for the faint-hearted,” the instructor warned, but we pressed on. With tools in hand, we learned to identify organs, apply pressure to stop internal bleeding, and even simulate suturing the open wound. The sight was enough to make even the most seasoned among us feel queasy, but we pushed through, our determination fueled by the knowledge that this could one day save a life.

Then there was the amputation scenario. A fellow trainee had “sustained” a severe injury, and we needed to act quickly. “In extreme cases where a limb is too damaged to save, you may need to make the call to amputate,” boss explained, his tone serious. We practiced on a dummy that mimicked the look and feel of a real limb, learning how to apply an emergency equipment above the injury and simulate the act of amputation with precision. The thought of making such a drastic decision was chilling, but it drove home the reality of our training. 

We also faced scenarios involving severe head trauma. One exercise involved dealing with a “patient” who had suffered a broken skull. The instructor simulated blood loss, and we learned how to stabilize the head, apply a cervical collar, and control bleeding from the skull. The sight of the dummy with a gaping head wound, the faux blood oozing out, was enough to send chills down my spine. My hands kinda shook as I worked, but I reminded myself that this was practice for a situation that could arise at any moment in this job...

And let’s not forget the loss of sight/eyes scenario. One of our classmates, acting as a wounded passenger, had his “eyes removed” for the simulation. The sheer horror of it sent a shiver down my spine. We had to assess his injuries, comfort him in his panic, and guide him through the chaos. The emotional weight of the scenario was immense, and I found myself lucky to keep my own nerves grounded in check as I played the role of a calm, collected flight attendant.

As the days rolled on, we faced various survival scenarios: navigating through dense woods, reading directions from nature, signaling for help using makeshift signals, and even facing the dreaded “lost in the wilderness” test. I remember my heart pounding as I tried to retrace my steps   after being “dropped” off in the middle of nowhere. “Stay calm and think logically,” I reminded myself, channeling every ounce of mental strength I had. Finally, after a few hours of wandering, I stumbled upon a familiar landmark that led me back to our camp. Victory tasted sweet, even amid the sweat and grime.

One particularly memorable simulation involved a mock rescue operation. We were split into teams, each tasked with responding to an emergency scenario that required teamwork, quick thinking, and a sprinkle of creativity. My team faced a scenario where a pilot had suffered a medical emergency mid-flight. We had to stabilize him, communicate with ATC, ground staff, base, and prepare for an emergency landing - all while keeping our cool. The stakes felt high, and I could practically hear the engines roaring in my ears.

As we wrapped up the training, I enjoyed the myriad of skills I had acquired. From advanced medical techniques to survival strategies, I felt like I had transformed from a flight attendant into an iron military flight attendant ready to tackle anything. The training was intense, and at times, it felt exhausting and exciting at the same time, but it was incredibly rewarding. I left the classes knowing that I was equipped to handle emergencies both in the air and on the ground on the highest level ever.

Looking back, I can barely believe how far I had come. The gang vibe among my fellow trainees was palpable. We shared laughter, fears, and the occasional “I-can’t-believe-we-just-did-that” moments. As we completed our final debriefing, I felt a surge of pride wash over me. We weren’t just flight attendants; we were a team of resilient individuals, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As I now prepare for my another flight, I carry with me the lessons learned from those intense weeks of training. The skills I gained are more than just techniques; they are a mindset, a way of thinking that will serve me well in the skies and on the ground in all circumstances.

So, here’s to the adventures ahead - high above the clouds, with a heart full of courage and a mind trained for survival. 

Happy and safe sky surfing!

 Good morning!

As the sun pushes its way above the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sprawling expanse of the United States Air Force base that I call my work home, I find myself embracing a rare and welcome change of pace: a day of ground duty.

One might think that for a flight attendant in the Air Force, a day without the roar of aircraft engines and the hustle of in-flight service might seem a tad out of the ordinary, but it's these moments between flights that provide balance and remind us of the community we serve and belong to.

My day started with the kind of crisp morning air that can only be found on base, a blend of jet fuel and freshly cut grass that somehow becomes the scent of ambition at the break of dawn. After exchanging salutes and smiles with the guards at the gate, I made my way towards the heart of the base, past the neatly lined up homes of service members and their families.

Ground duty days are less about serving coffee and meals at 40,000 feet and more about the groundwork that keeps our unique flying community aloft. Today, my schedule is peppered with trainings, meetings, and the everyday admin that can easily be overlooked when your office is usually a C-17, Galaxy and other beauties' cabin and cockpit cruising at high altitude.

First on the agenda was a safety briefing. As flight attendants, our primary responsibility might be service, but safety is our creed. We pored over new protocols, emergency procedures, and discussed the ever-evolving world of aviation security. Our group's camaraderie shone through as we shared experiences and asked questions, each of us playing a part in safeguarding our skies.

After the briefing, I had the chance to catch up on some computer-based training. It's less glamorous than donning my uniform and taking to the skies, but staying current on regulations and policies is what keeps us sharp. As I clicked through modules and quizzes, I was reminded that every detail matters, whether it's in the nuances of international diplomacy or the correct handling of a passenger's request.

Lunchtime arrived quickly, and I joined my fellow crew members at the base dining facility. The conversations around the table ranged from mission debriefs to the latest Netflix series, a blend of work and play that reinforces the bonds among us. We're a family, united by our love for the job and the call to serve our country, even if it means being thousands of miles away from home or risking our lives in war zones at times.

Post-lunch was dedicated to inventory checks. Our aircraft are our lifelines, and everything within them needs to be in perfect working order. From ensuring we have the right number of headsets to checking the expiration dates on our emergency medical kits, this meticulous process is just another day in the life on the ground.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with a leadership development course. The US Air Force doesn't just build airmen; it builds leaders. We discussed leadership styles, conflict resolution, and the importance of effective communication. As flight attendants, we're often seen as the face of the Air Force to our passengers, who can range from top military brass to foreign dignitaries, so these skills are crucial.

As the day waned and the golden light turned to a soft dusk, I wrapped up my duties with a sense of fulfillment. While I may not have soared through the skies today, my efforts on the ground are just as vital to the mission's success as any operation in the air. It's these behind-the-scenes tasks that ensure we're ready to fly at a moment's notice, delivering excellence and representing the United States Air Force with distinction.

The final item on my day's agenda was a physical training session. Fitness is a cornerstone of military readiness, and as flight attendants, we must be able to handle the physical demands of our job, from lifting heavy equipment to potentially handling in-flight medical and technical emergencies. The camaraderie continued as we encouraged one another through the last set of push-ups, a reminder that we rely on each other's strength and support both in the air and on the ground.

As the workout came to an end, I felt the satisfying fatigue that comes with a day well-spent. The base had quieted down, with families settling in for the evening and the distant hum of patrol units ensuring our safety through the night.

Before calling it a night, I took a moment to stroll around the base, reflecting on the day. I saw the aircraft lined up on the tarmac, silent giants resting before their next journey. Each one was a testament to the countless hours of maintenance, planning, and care that crews like mine invest every day.

The life of a USAF flight attendant is a unique blend of service, adventure, and dedication. It's more than just a job; it's a commitment to a way of life that demands excellence in every aspect. Whether we're serving meals at cruising altitude or checking inventory on the ground, each task is part of a larger mission that we're proud to be a part of.

Finally, it was time to turn in. I knew that tomorrow might bring an early wake-up call and a flight to some far-flung destination, but for now, I was content in the knowledge that I'd made the most of my day on the ground. I headed back to my apartment out of the base, the sky now a canvas of purples and pinks as the last light of day retreated. I drifted off to sleep with the comforting thought that whether we're in the air or on the base, we, the flight attendants, are always flying high in our pursuit of excellence.

Cheers! Until our next adventure, whether it's on the ground or miles above it, we'll be here, ready to serve and soar with the pride of the United States behind us.

Hi there, come, revive some of the precious memories with me!

Today is a day of immense joy and nostalgia as we celebrate the 9th anniversary of my blog! It feels like just yesterday, but it was on this very day, August 8th, 2015, that a teenage girl with dreams larger than life found herself sitting on a rock in a beautiful lagoon on a Greek island, listening to the rhythmic whispers of the sea waves and the gentle hum of cicadas. As the hot Greek summer sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the tranquil waters, I felt a profound inspiration to create my own little corner online—a sanctuary where I could pour out my thoughts, share my feelings, and be a beacon of support for other lost teenagers trying to navigate the tumultuous seas of life.

That serene moment in Greece was the catalyst for what would become a transformative journey—not just for me, but for all of you who have been part of this incredible ride. Can you believe it's been nine years? It feels like a blink of an eye, like it was just last summer that I was that lost girl, unsure of what the future held but determined to find out.

As I sit here today, reflecting on the past nine years, I am filled with a mix of emotions. That teenage girl has grown into a strong, successful woman with a sense of purpose and a fierce determination to chase her dreams. I have achieved things that the younger version of me couldn't even fathom. From the messy, heartfelt posts about first loves and teenage tears, through the exhilarating yet challenging experiences of living abroad and working as a flight attendant, my blog has evolved in ways I never imagined.

I remember my first steps abroad, the excitement and trepidation of living in nine different countries, each one shaping me in unique ways. The journey was not always smooth—there were moments of trauma and struggle, like my time with Emirates which ended with a PTSD diagnosis. But every experience, no matter how difficult, added to the tapestry of my life, making me who I am today.

And oh, the adventures! Moving to the USA and landing my dream job as a flight attendant for the American army was a milestone that felt like the pinnacle of my wildest dreams. My blog has been my constant companion through it all, a place where I could share every high and low, every triumph and tear.

Looking back, it's amazing to see how far we've come together. This blog started as a teenage mess, a collection of raw, unfiltered emotions and experiences. It has grown with me, evolved into a platform that not only documents my journey but also connects us all. It's a reminder that we are never alone, that there is always someone out there who understands and supports us.

Today, as I raise a glass to celebrate this incredible milestone, I am filled with gratitude for each and every one of you. Your support and encouragement for my writing have been the wind beneath my wings, helping me soar to heights I never thought possible. Here's to more adventures, more dreams realized, and more mysteries of the future unfolding.

And before I sign off, I want to share a special photo with you. The photo you see here is an authentic snapshot taken on the evening of the day I started this blog. Looking at it now brings tears to my eyes. I remember that time so vividly, when people affectionately called me Aphrodite, and I was just a girl with a dream.

Cheers to nine incredible years and to many more to come! Let's continue this wild ride together, embracing every moment, and making every dream a reality.

Hey there, my globetrotting friends! 🌍✈️

Long time no see, huh? I promise it wasn’t because I decided to live on a deserted island without WiFi (though that does sound tempting sometimes!). Life has been a whirlwind of changes, challenges, and new adventures that have literally turned my world upside down, spun it around, and then launched it back into the skies. 

Let’s start with quite a big news: 

Magdalene Anne Blog is now Sky Magdalene, aka The Flying Mermaid! 🧜‍♀️✨ 

Why the change, you ask? Well, after nearly nine wonderful years of blogging - everything started with me sitting on the rock in the Greek island’s lagoon on 08.08.2015, imagine! - it felt like the right time to start a fresh chapter. Plus, the name Sky Magdalene just feels more… well, me! Same like so-me is the handcrafted by me new logo, with my real tattoos! Not to mention, the privacy concerns with the old domain were giving me more sleepless nights than a red-eye flight, so I opted for the new and improved www.skymagdalene.com. (Yes, I did flirt with the idea of a Greek domain, but privacy won that tug-of-war. Sorry, my sweet Greece!).

Life update - well, that’s a big deal: 

Where do I start? Since my last post, my life has been like a high-octane action movie. Picture this: since I decided to end my flying military adventure, I’ve changed airlines not once, but twice! Yes, folks, TWO times. And with that came two new uniform colors (still kept in various shades of blue, no worries!) and two new national colors, because hey, what’s life without a wardrobe and flag update, right? 🎨👗

In the midst of all this, I moved to a new place. Yes, I decided to pack up my life, wave goodbye to my old digs, and say hello to a brand new home. Moving is always a bit like trying to pack an elephant into a Mini Cooper, but I managed it with only minor meltdowns (and a lot of bubble wrap). It was challenging but also incredibly refreshing, even though there were plenty (like a million) of moments when I literally regretted it so much. New surroundings, new opportunities, and a new perspective on life - the last one hit me so hard that you can’t even imagine, for real.

And if that wasn't enough, I caught an extreme, 7-week-long, antibiotic-resistant pneumonia. It was like my lungs decided they were auditioning for a medical drama with hospitals sightseeing included in the entertainment package. Spoiler alert: I won the battle, but it was a tough fight. I’ve come out stronger, healthier, more determined than ever and above all - with open eyes and refreshed priorities and goals of my life.

From Military Contract back to Civil Aviation:

For those of you who’ve been with me since the early days, you know about my time with the US Air Force. It was a period filled with incredible memories, flying and working closely with politicians and the army, and living the California dream. I’ll be sharing more about these and more experiences in upcoming posts. So many stories to tell, from the sunny beaches of California to the halls of power in Washington D.C.!

But after giving up my military contract, I returned to civil aviation, and boy, has it been a ride! I’ve undergone two different airlines trainings and earned type ratings for not one, not two, but THREE new airplanes. That brings my total to 18 type ratings! I’ve practically got a pilot’s encyclopedia in my brain now. Bruh, I could actually create my own Air Force! I’m starting to feel like the Pokémon trainer of the aviation world, gotta catch (and fly) ‘em all!

😂📚

Now that I’m back in action, you can expect a flood of new content. I’ll be sharing my latest flying adventures, complete with photos of my new uniforms (because who doesn’t love a good uniform pic?). I’ll also be dishing out tips on living in the US, travel hacks, military backstage and so much more.

Some of these posts were penned months ago, so while they’ll read like they’re happening now, they’re actually treasured memories.

Here for more:

For those who can’t get enough of my in-flight escapades, make sure to follow my brand-new flight attendant Instagram: @virearose. It’s where I’ll be posting the latest updates, behind-the-scenes shots, and, of course, plenty of uniform pics. 📸✈️

Thank you for sticking with me through thick and thin. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to embark on this new journey together. Here’s to new beginnings, high-flying adventures, and many more stories from the skies.

Stay tuned, stay fabulous, and keep your tray tables in the upright position. The Flying Mermaid is back, glowing, powerful and ready to soar! 🌟🧜‍♀️✈️

With love and high spirits,

Sky Magdalene (aka The Flying Mermaid)

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!