Southwest Airlines Goes Bowling!

Our local station likes to have fun with our employees.  Not just on the job but away from work as well.  It's been awhile since we've done it but last night, we went bowling!  It's a great way to get out and have some fun. 

My co-worker, Tim Wald, operations supervisor, was in charge of arranging our night out.  He spoke with the owners of Sempeck's Bowling Center.  We were able to do some trading with them; buddy passes for travel in exchange for some of the services they offered.   This night was an employee and spouse/date night only.  Typically, we try to have "family oriented" events set up.  But sometimes you just need to leave those kids at home, right?!  

Each person from our group that bowled, was given a free pair of nifty socks with a design of a bowling ball and pins around the ankle.  How neat!  The women's varied slightly from the men's.   We had 4 lanes reserved just for us and at each lane there were chips and salsa for our enjoyment.  Alcohol had to be purchased and it seemed to be flowing quite easily for some.  We had such a great time! 

Co-workers Lori, Nanci and Tim

Nanci and Lori



Me, Tim and Lori



Me and my gear.  Do I look professional? 



Me walking like an Egyptian!



Our entire group that came out....so much fun!



Co-worker Don and his wife Kathy

Co-worker Scott and his wife Cindy

Co-workers Lisa, Don and I



Co-worker Lori having just bowled a strike.  The proof is on the computer moniter over her head! 



Co-worker Tim being a geek with cowboy boots and a drink in his hand.  Only Tim can pull this off.....


We had 2 hours to bowl as many games as we could or wanted to.  After most everyone left, Tim, Lisa and I stuck around for one more cocktail at the bar and then headed home.  I still had to work the next day bright and early so I couldn't over do anything!  Thanks to all the employees that were able to make it out!

Nearing the End...

Today was sad on two notes:  One, Kevin's family would be leaving for ND and two, all our time together was almost over. 
Kevin's family has been on the road for almost a week now.  First they were in Harwood, ND to visit friends, then they came here to my home in Omaha.  Today, they'll be traveling back to ND but not home.  They will be going to Grand Forks.  They lived there for several years and remain friends with so many people.  Every year they make the trip back to Grand Forks to catch up with those friends and usually ring in the new year with all of them.  This year, they'll visit but leave before the end of the year in order to make another road trip to Tioga, ND, where our Dad and Beverly reside.  Kevin's version of their rode trip can be read here. 
Early this morning I awoke to find that Kevin had been making a pile of "things-that-need-to-be-loaded-in-the-van" in the living room.  All the girls were up and dressed and Susan was making sure that nothing was left behind.  I set to finding a quick breakfast for them.  Once they had all eaten, the girls helped Kevin take their stuff out to the van.  After hugs and kisses, it was bon voyage. 
Cathy and I still had another day or so before she would be leaving for her home in Oregon.  We were up for the day so I made Tastefully Simple Harvest Spice Pancakes that we ate with Cinnamon Apple syrup (from Tastefully Simple) while Cathy fried up some sausage links.  After breakfast, we showered and got ready for the day. 
Cathy had numerous items that she would be shipping home so she got a big box ready to go and we took it to the post office.  After running another small errand, we went back home and just chilled for awhile.  I had bowling that night so we didn't do much before it was time for us to leave.
Typically some of my teammates will go to a local Keno parlor after bowling for a few drinks and of course, to play some Keno.  Knowing they would be doing this, Cathy and I joined them.  I only go when I don't have to get up at O' dark-hundred for work the next day!  But tomorrow I didn't! 

After a couple hours there, we headed for my house.  It was a nice day that seemed to pass much too quickly!  Tomorrow, Cathy leaves for home.  (sniff sniff)