Work

Okay, I know I've spoken briefly about my job at Southwest Airlines in the past.  But today I just had to share a couple of photos I took while on the job. 

Even though it's the end of January, the temperature this week has been unseasonably warm; highs in the 40's and lows in the 20's.  I'll take it!  Today was no exception.  As the sun was rising and the daily ritual of our flights being loaded, deiced and sent off continued, I was totally enjoying the weather.  The wind was calm and the sun made it feel like a spring morning. 
My job today included deicing the morning frost off the airplanes before departure.  After they were pushed off the gates, we sprayed them.  Here is a photo I found online of exactly what I had to do.  It was taken in Manchester, New Hampshire.  Anyway, today I happened to be in the bucket of the deicing truck while someone else drove and as I raised myself up to the level of the aircraft's tail, I just couldn't resist getting a picture.  Being high up in the air (even with the aircraft's wings and tail) I prayed that I wouldn't drop my cell phone!  We were right in between one airplane parked at the gate and another airplane being pushed back from another gate.  So I took a picture of both! 

 Just about ready to deice the morning frost off the airplane and loving the sunrise from my bird's eye view!



Parked at the gate and almost ready to be loaded up for departure.



Inside the truck, there is a control panel used to run a separate engine on the truck that heats the two different types of fluid used to deice the airplanes.  There are also controls on the panel used to maneuver the bucket in the event the controls up on the bucket themselves quit working for some reason.  (the person in the bucket moves the bucket around as needed to spray the aircraft)  The driver and the sprayer each wear a headphone and can speak to each other.  The driver uses a different radio to speak to the pilots of the airplanes to coordinate the deicing procedures. 

 All the ramp employees are trained to do both; drive the truck and be the sprayer in the bucket.  Depending on our job duty for the day determines who does what job.  We all do all the jobs. 
So, as you can see....sometimes I have the best view!  Early morning sun rises can be quite beautiful and in all the years I've been doing this job, today was the nicest one yet!

Leadership Conference 2011, Day 4

Before going to bed last night, I had to figure out just what flights we'd be on to fly home today.  We flew standby so we didn't have any confirmed seats.  No problem.  On the way to Nashville, we flew through Chicago's Midway airport.  Easy and only one stop.  That's the way we had originally planned to get home again as well.  But I knew before we left Omaha that the flights were filling up quickly.  Sunday is one of our busiest days of travel at Southwest.  But not to worry....
We had many choices actually.  Going through St. Louis was my first choice, however.  Even though we weren't going to be able to go non stop from Nashville, there was an alternate routing through there if we went to Birmingham, Alabama first.  All the flights from Nashville to Birmingham, Birmingham to St. Louis, and St. Louis to Omaha had more than 30 seats open on them.  Ding ding ding!!!  Sold!  Works for me!  So our flight out of Nashville was leaving at 12:05 PM.  Not too bad. 
After breakfast this morning we still had one more speaker, Jill (CEO and founder) herself.  She was going to be sending us all off from conference with her own encouragement and well wishes.  Some people had already left because of their flight schedules.  We knew we'd have to leave the hotel by 10AM to have ample time to check in.  We were hoping that we wouldn't miss out on hearing Jill speak.  As it turned out, we heard alot of her speech but did have to leave before she finished.  I'm hoping that we didn't miss too much!
Others had been filtering out during the morning as well. 
It had been an inspiring conference and filled me with new vigor.  Besides the speakers that we heard for inspiration, I got a list of books that I can read as well to help me work my business.  I'm excited to start on the list!   
There are always incentives for us as consultants to do well.  Some look so far out of reach but does give me reason to do as well as I can. 

Jill....CEO and founder of Tastefully Simple

It was nice to get home again, as always.  My cats survived thanks to my friend Trisa.  Next trip....Kansas City in February.  Yep...you guessed it.  Another conference for Tastefully Simple!

Leadership Conference 2011, Day 3

Saturday was our short day for sessions.  After having our breakfast, we again met in the Presidential Ballroom for a few announcements.  It was then followed by three Leader Spotlights. These were presented by our very own consultants that have been in this business for more than 8 years each.  They all have very large teams and two of them have advanced into the highest level of leadership that they can.  So all of them were fun to listen to.  We heard how they have consistently dreamt, believed and worked their business to get it where it is today.  All of them have earned many trips with Jill (CEO and founder) and many of the HQ team. 

We also learned of some new tools that we as consultants will be able to use with our web sites and parties to make everything a little more efficient.  It's getting better and better all the time! 

We finished up at 1:00 PM for the day.  The rest of the day belonged to us to allow us to get out and see some Nashville sights.  Teri (my sponsor) and I headed back to our room; she for a nap and I to get on my lap top.  Then at 4:00 PM we took a bus down town.  That's where we would be able to sight-see.  Many of the places I was hoping to see, such as the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame, were closed already but we made due.  I'll have to make another trip to see the ones I missed!

The bus dropped us off at one of two locations.  We could either be dropped off at the Ryman Auditorium or at the Wildhorse Saloon.  We chose the Wildhorse.  It was closer to the shopping area we wanted to get to.  Broadway was very nearby and it was already busy with tourists and regulars alike that had ventured out for the night.  The temperature wasn't bad, lingering in the upper 40's. 

Walking into the shops that had once been under water from the floods last spring, made me wonder how long it must have taken to get their businesses back into shape.  Everything (in my eyes) appeared as if nothing had happened!  The wood floors looked just as rustic as they must have been the day they were put down.  I don't know...but everything looked awesome!  It was fun to see all the little knick knacks, coffee mugs, key chains, hats and t-shirts that one could purchase as a souvenir of Music City.  I chose a couple of shirts, a coffee mug for myself and my friend that had been taking care of my cats. We were starving and had thought some good BBQ would be our first choice of food.  We saw one restaurant with a line out the door and down the sidewalk.  Alrighty then, no thanks.  So we kept walking and shopping.  We saw lots of people taking advantage of a carriage ride.  It looked like fun but we didn't do it.  I did get a picture of one of them. 

One of several horse-drawn carriages that we saw traveling around.  This is Tom and his horse Bill.

As we walked around and saw so many places to eat, we finally came upon one without a line!  So we stepped in to see if we could be seated right away.  It would be about 45 minutes....and there was no line!  Really?  Okay, we'll wait.  We were starving!  A mere 20 minutes later, we were seated.  (I thought so...the girl at the door was being a little bit snobby...)  We were in Rippy's Ribs and BBQ.  It was quaint with live music and many TV sets going all over.  People of all ages were enjoying the food and atmosphere.  We were even asked to take pictures of a group of about 10 people that had been waiting to go to a hockey game featuring the local Nashville team, The Nashville Predators.  There were many people wearing jerseys in support of the team. 


Rippy's Ribs and BBQ....we ate here.  Not bad for a little old hole-in-the-wall joint.

From there, as we meandered in and out of various shops, we found a dueling piano bar, The Big Bang Bar.  There was hardly anyone there but it was early.  We sat for awhile and before we knew it, it was packed!  People were having bachelorette parties and birthday celebrations.  So we stayed.  However, I wasn't overly impressed by the young piano players.  The older songs just weren't familiar to them.  But the ones they knew, they did perform well.  

The piano players at The Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar.  They were young guys so they had a hard time with some of the older songs that had been requested.  I've honestly heard better right here in Omaha. 

Walking down the street I spotted the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.  My own Dad loves to listen to his records and also play Ernest Tubb music on his accordion.  I knew he would appreciate this photo.  In the background is the infamous Batman Building.  We didn't go inside but now I wish we had.  The pictures from the link of the web site make it look pretty neat.  Shoot.....oh well.


On Broadway, Ernest Tubb's Record Shop.  The building on the left is called The Batman Building because of the spires.  I see why they call it that.  It's neat to see from the freeway.  Here is another popular song of Ernest Tubb's.

One of the last stores we visited (not sure of the name) had many novelty items as well.  Not only shirts, hats and the like, but also kitchen items, rugs, belts and cute pet dishes and treats.  There we saw a line of people forming.  We hadn't noticed the signs as we entered detailing the visit of the ever famous Wanda Jackson later that very night.  And she had just performed at the Ryman Auditorium prior to her planned visit.  An older gentleman heard me asking about her and explained to me just who she is.  (I had no idea!)  Well, I know now! 

Wanda Jackson....she had just performed at the Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry.  Wanda was in this little shop that we were shopping in, after her performance to sign autographs.  Apparently, she used to date Elvis Presley and even toured with him!   

It had been a great evening of walking and shopping.  It reminded me a bit of Fremont Street in Las Vegas.  The streets were barricaded and there were hundreds of people milling around all over.  We walked to the Ryman and waited for a bus to arrive and take us back to our hotel.  We were exhaused and ready to sit!  We still had an early morning the next day and then we'd be heading back home.  Phwew!!! 
                                    

Leadership Conference 2011, Day 2

All of our meals for this weekend were provided to us. Including breakfast if people actually got up to enjoy it.  Breakfast was being served from 7:30AM-8:45AM.  Sessions would start at 9:00AM sharp.  They had "hot seat" drawings for those that were on time and in their seat!  Prizes were given to the people whose names had been called.  Being the early riser that I am, I made sure to get there for breakfast!  There was always a huge selection and undoubtedly, something for everyone. 
Our Friday session started with announcements followed by a "Welcome" from our Founder and CEO, Jill Blashak-Strahan.  Later, a keynote speaker, Robin Creasman, a motivational speaker, was our next guest speaker.  He has done and see it all when it comes to meeting and knowing well known performers.  It was fun to listen to him tell his stories and make the jokes about different things.  Watch the video on the link I provided; it tells alot about his experiences.  I thought he was an awesome speaker!  He told us how we can use different tools to make our business grow and to become the Rock star that we can become. 

Robin Creasman with a few consultants on stage singing with him. 

Robin....

After lunch, we attended different breakout sessions in different rooms, with keynote speakers from our own Tastefully Simple consultants.  We had the opportunity to pre-register for these sessions before conferences to ensure a reserved seat.  I'm glad I did.  I happened to be in a session that had Kim Schultz as the guest speaker.  You can read about her here and here.  She is a multi-talented person and had the entire class involved in improv demonstrations.  Me included.  She has an improv studio in New York and Minneapolis both.  The class was packed and had a line outside the door in case there was room for more inside. 
It was great and so much fun to see how people let down their own personal walls in order to be in front of perfect strangers. 
That night, we had our awards celebration dinner.  When we arrived, music was being provided by Melissa Greener of Nashville.  I had never heard of her and quite honestly, I wasn't overly impressed.  Just sayin'. 
She was performing while we ate our huge meal.  It was delicious as usual!  Here's what we had:

Top plate:...dessert- Mini caramel tartelette with a shortbread crust and a zest of sea salt, Key lime pie with graham cracker crust and toasted meringue and raspberry coulis, New York style cheesecake.  Yummy!

Bottom plate....salad- Mixed green salad with Radicchio, Asian pears, spicy peanuts and Lemongrass Dressing.  Yummy!

 And because I was so involved in my salad, when they brought the main course, I forgot to get a picture of the plate!  It was beautiful and just as yummy!  It was:  Fillet of beef with Merlot wine, Grilled shrimp with roasted garlic butter, mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.  Needless to say, we were very full when we got done! 

Once dinner was over, awards were given out, just like National Conference last summer.  Then back to our rooms we went.  It had been a long day and I was ready to kick my shoes off and relax.  Tomorrow would be another activity-filled day with a busy agenda.

On the way back to our room, I got a picture of many of the hundreds of pretty lighted decorations that hang from the huge, tall ceiling in the hotel.  Isn't it pretty?

                                                   

Leadership Conference 2011, Day 1

Now that I'm a Team Leader for Tastefully Simple, I'm eligible to attend leadership conferences.  I became a leader last summer after signing my fifth recruit.  The conference was held in Nashville, TN.  Each year it's in a different city.  This year it was held  at a beautiful resort and conference facility, The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center.

I attended along with my own sponsor, Teri.  She and I flew on SWA early yesterday morning.  We arrived in Nashville about 10 AM.  We, along with hundreds of other consultants, rode by bus to our hotel.  We could register anytime during the day and things would kick off that night.  So once we had gotten checked in to our room, we had the afternoon to explore the resort and get some food.  We were in awe over the size of the hotel.  Just finding our way to our room required a map, which we carried with us for the rest of the day!  The place was huge!  I was taking pictures constantly!    

Looking into and area known as Delta Island.  It's right in the center of the resort.  We saw that there were still Christmas decorations hanging all over.  It was beautiful!

Delta Island

Looking towards the section of the hotel called Cascades.   

In the rotunda of the hotel.....No, I don't know the chic. 

A waterfall that has a walkway under it. 

Many little water fountains that have lights inside them.

 

This area was near our section of the hotel....Delta. 

That night we were all to meet in the Presidential Portico of the resort (near where all our conferences were being held) in order to get on buses that would take us downtown.  We were heading to the Wildhorse Saloon.  (if you click on the bar and restaurant tab for the web site, scroll to the bottom and you'll see photos of the inside of the saloon.)  The entire facility has three levels in it which are all open, like an auditorium, and all face the dance floor and stage.  There are pool tables on the second and third levels, a couple of dart boards and if you look up at the ceiling, you'll see life sized (fake) horses that appear as though they are running wild across the ceiling--upside down!  It's very neat!    

As we came through the door, (it was closed to the public for our group of about 600 people!), we were greeted by ALL the employees, each one holding and shaking, a very large cow bell, and they were cheering for us!  We were giving them high-fives as we literally ran in to find a good spot to sit!  Once we were all in and seated, Jill, our CEO and owner of Tastefully Simple, spoke along with a couple others.  Two large tables had been set up, buffet style, for all of us to fill up our plates.  It consisted of brisket, sliced beef, salads, potatoes, baked beans, vegetables and pie.  We had our choice of a molasses BBQ sauce or a mustard based sauce to use on the meat.  It was the best BBQ I've ever had!   

 Then we were treated to a concert by a duo called LoCash Cowboys.  I had never heard them before but I loved their style!  We had fun line dancing and simply just standing down in front of the stage taking many pictures.  It was fun because they interacted with all of us alot.  They have a great band as well. 

Chris and Preston

Preston was taking pictures of us and "twittering" them after he took them!  I was very close to the stage!

One of the many bars inside...

The other two levels....

The main bar.

Signage out front.

We danced and sang and partied.  The last bus was leaving at 10 PM.  If we wanted a free ride, that's what we needed to be on!  Otherwise, transportation was up to us!  I rode the bus. 

 It had been a great night and I met several people that I'd see all weekend.  Sometime I'd like to come back to Nashville and visit the other museums and the Grand Ole Opry.  I knew we'd never have time on this trip. 

It's a beautiful city and has come back greatly from the terrible flood from last year in May.  The resort we stayed at had once been under water as well and had their grand re-opening last November.  You would never know it now by looking around at all the beautiful flowers and decor inside.  Many of the pictures in the previous link show places we actually saw and sidewalks that we walked on that had been under water too.  It's amazing how strong so many people can be when they come together to work as one unit in times of need. 



SWA Christmas Party 2011

As is typical for our group at Southwest Airlines here in Omaha, we hold our holiday party in January.  It's always cheaper to rent a facility after the new year rolls around.  This year was no exception.  It was last night at a local beer brewery called The Lucky Bucket.  It happens to be very near my house too.  It takes me less than 10 minutes to drive there.  How convenient for me! 

The brewery obviously doesn't have food so it was catered in from a local Omaha establishment called The Varsity Sports Cafe.  It was mostly meat and veggie trays, cheese and fruit trays with dipping sauces and deep fried snacks like mushrooms, etc.    It was perfectly fine to have just these items for snacking. 

Included in our rental fee was a keg of lager beer and four flavors of their very own infused vodka.  They were so tasty!  We also were given a tour of the brewery and it was told how everything was brewed and where the business was "growing".  They've already expanded their building space into two other bays of the building they occupy.  Soon they will have a two thousand square foot tasting room that will include a bar.  It's very impressive to have such a successful Nebraska brewery right here in Omaha.  I've heard people talk about the Lucky Bucket beer before our party so it must be okay!

Our parties are always taken care of by our local Culture Committee of which I'm the treasurer.  We raise money throughout the year.  Part of the funds are used to help our largest charity, The Ronald McDonald House, and the rest is used to sponsor activities for our employees here in Omaha.  We had a great turnout.  Those that had to work were provided pizza and were included in a drawing for gifts that are normally given out for our past year of hard work.  This year, I won an Ipod Shuffle (gold in color) and a hotel stay in Ontario, CA, which I traded with someone for a gift card to The Nebraska Furniture Mart.  I knew I wouldn't have a chance to use the hotel stay and I'd definitely use the gift card!  I usually do end up with something pretty nice! 

Everyone had a pretty good time and there was a lot of camaraderie.  One former station employee was there that had transferred to Phoenix last summer and also a former employee that took retirement.  It was fun to see them both again!