Class of 2011

It's Memorial Day weekend and many high school graduations are taking place around the city of Omaha as well.  Millard South High School is no exception.  If you remember, back in January, news spread of gun shots being fired in a high school.  Well, that happened at Millard South, merely a couple miles from my own home.  It was a very sad day as one of the two victims that had been shot, died from her wounds, as well as the shooter who took his own life. 

After working overtime today I would be celebrating with a young lady, Rachel Smith, at her graduation open house.  The actual ceremony took place yesterday at the Civic Auditorium located down town.  It was bittersweet for the senior class as they had a moment of silence to remember the day of the incident involving the shooting. 

The high schools have so many students in the senior classes that the school gymnasiums would never be large enough to hold all the people in attendance.  So they usually take place at the Civic.   

So after arriving home, I took a short nap, and then got cleaned up.  Rachel, the daughter of one of my co-workers on the ramp at Southwest Airlines, has grown up before my eyes.   I've known Rachel for the better part of 14 years as I've worked with her Mom for at least that long. 

I went to their house and found everyone outside on the driveway or just inside the garage.  There was a long table of food and beverages for all to enjoy as well as a long table of photos featuring Rachel as she grew up through the years.  It also had her diploma and several yearbooks for anyone to browse through. 



Rachel

Her grandparents from Iowa, her aunt and uncle from Iowa and the east coast, her boyfriend and many school friends were there to help her celebrate.  The weather was perfect even though the humidity was a bit high.  The sun was hidden behind some clouds and aided in keeping the temperature at a comfortable setting.  After enjoying some food and company, I congratulated Rachel on her accomplishment and decided to head for home.  Another successful education.  Congratulations Rachel!  A job well done!

Overtime Galore!

Over the years of my employment with Southwest Airlines, I've seen a lot of ramp agents either quit, get fired or simply promote to supervisor.  Whichever of those things happens, a position on the ramp opens up which in turn creates over time.  I'm not usually one to turn down the extra pay or the extra hours.  I'll work over time pretty much anytime I can if I have nothing else happening. 
This spring has been no exception.  All of a sudden we had three positions open up on the ramp.  Wow!  Over time hours were in abundance!  I decided to cash in. 
I signed up to work overtime on both my days off, Sunday and Monday, for the next two weekends.  And I knew I would get it too.  There were so many shifts available that they actually had to mandatory agents if there weren't enough people volunteering to work it. 
I remember one year, maybe about 14 years back, having worked a month straight without a day off.  Some of it was voluntary and some of it was mandatory.  But I raked in any hours I could because it definitely enhances the paycheck!  We get paid time and a half on our first day off and double time on our second consecutive day off.  So it's worth it to put in the time.  I knew I was in for a long couple of weeks by doing this but I wanted to take whatever I could get. 
I'm so used to getting up early that even when I do have a day off, I'm up by 6AM, as a rule.  So why not just work and make some extra money? 
I was ready for the long haul....bring it on! 

Girls Night Out

Every once in a while, some of my friends and I will have a girls night out.  We go for drinks and then dinner.  This is usually just an excuse to share with each other, some of the details of our lives that we may need advice on.  Tammy, Trisa, Susan Mortensen and myself met tonight for our monthly night out.  We met at a place called The Upstream in West Omaha.  There are two locations in town and this was the easiest one to get to for all of us.
We ordered cocktails, appetizers for all to share and then our own individual selection for the main course.  We proceeded to talk non stop while we waited for all the food to be brought to our table.  Typically we each take a turn at venting about whatever is happening with work, relationships or kids.  There's never a dull moment or a silent moment for that matter!  I know, four women and no silence.  Shocking, right? 
We had asked for a table that was in a more secluded area so as not to disturb those around us.  But we were actually right in the middle of the main dining area.  So much for that idea!  But we did manage to keep our volume down to a low roar and the other patrons didn't seem to notice us.....much! 
Our food arrived and we dug in but it didn't slow our conversation at all.  We were eating as fast as we were talking.  This is pretty typical for us.  The waiter kept coming back to check on us and even though we picked on him a bit he didn't seem to mind. 
A few hours later we seemed to have talked everything out and decided it was time to go home.  We all had to work the next day anyway or I think we would have sat there for a few more hours! 
Our girl time is special to us even though our huge group of friends gets together pretty often at someones home.  But the nights we can gather without the men or children is much more productive!  I love you girls!!! Thanks for the great night! 

Happy "10" Anniversary Trisa and Jamie!

May 5th marked 10 years married for my good friends Trisa and Jamie.  I had told them several weeks before that they should do something special, just the two of them.  Because they have a young son in school, I told them that I would even take care of him while they were gone.  Then it wouldn't upset his schedule and the dog would be taken care of at the same time.  So the planning began and for them the biggest challenge was to figure out just where to go.  Jamie wanted to be somewhat close by yet out of town was okay too.  Trisa was game to go anywhere.  But going somewhere they hadn't been before was a must. 
After making the decision to go to Nebraska City, NE., I arranged to have an extra day off for the weekend. 
Gavin, their son, had a soccer game on Saturday morning.  I went to watch him play along with Trisa and Jamie and Judy, Trisa's Mom.  From there Trisa and Jamie left for their overnight trip.  Gavin had a birthday party to attend at noon immediately following his game.  I took him to Chuck E. Cheese Pizza where he found his friends and I stayed to have a little bite to eat myself.  The Grandma of one of his friends came by to pick up both boys and take them to an outdoor amphitheater for a couple of hours.  So I had time to go to my house and change clothes, take care of my cats for the rest of the day and go to Gavin's house in time for him to be dropped off.  He had been a very busy little guy for the whole day up to this point.  He was glad to be home and changed clothes. 
He relaxed for quite a while and played his XBox 360.  After awhile we went outside and played soccer on the driveway.  I saw another friend of mine (that is a neighbor of Trisa and Jamie) sitting outside with her kids and enjoying the outside air.  We walked to her house and visited with her for awhile. 
That night, after getting to say hi to his Mom and Dad via a phone call, Gavin fell asleep pretty early.  I turned in myself shortly afterwards. 
The next morning after sleeping in, Gavin and I had some cereal for breakfast.  It wasn't long after that the Jamie and Trisa arrived home.  It was a short 45 minute drive for them.  I made my way home and being it was also Mother's Day, made a call to my step Mom Beverly to wish her a good day. 

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!

Easter Sunday

Today will be a quiet day as Beverly is in the hospital and Dad and I will go there to spend a good portion of the day with her. 

I got up this morning and made a big breakfast of french toast with sausage and coffee.  While we were eating, I had put some bedding in the wash to help a little in the house.  After getting to Dad's last night, I changed the bedding for the bed I was using and then this morning Dad took the sheets off their bed as well. 

We planned on going to the hospital in time for Beverly's dinner and also eat there with her.  While we were all eating, Beverly's daughter Kathy (Jacobson) Huravitch walked in for a visit.  She lives in Stanley, ND and came to Tioga for part of the day. 

After spending several hours there, Dad and I went back to their house to relax a bit and visit. I actually fell asleep while sitting in a comfy chair for awhile.  Sister Cathy called from Oregon and brother Kevin called my cell phone to see where we were.  He had tried Dad's house but he was on the other line with Cathy and didn't answer!  So eventually, we all connected for an Easter visit! 

That night for supper I made spaghetti and garlic bread for our supper.  I had scrounged in the freezer after I arrived the night before to find things to make for our meals.  Dad later went back to the hospital for another visit with Beverly.  I stayed home to clean up after our supper.  While I was sitting in the living room watching TV and using my lap top, I heard someone talking and discovered my Aunt Penny, Dad's sister, coming in the door.  She knew I was in town and stopped on her way home from a trip to Williston.  It was fun to visit with her! 

She left for home and soon after, Dad arrived back home.  We sat up for a long time just talking before going to bed.  It had been a very relaxing Easter Sunday, albeit much less food and excitement than would normally occur in our family on Easter!

Dad and Hattie....Kathy Huravitch's dog



Hattie showing off her pretty pink bows on her ears. 



Just a Quick Hop Home

My last trip home to ND was last summer in August.  One of the reasons it's been so long since I was there is the simple fact that the weather there has been relentless.  It seems like they have had one storm after another since last fall.  At Christmas time, my family came to Omaha.  In January when I always have vacation during the first week of the year, I opted to stay home again, because Mother Nature felt the need to stir things up in the upper Midwest.  The roads were always icy or covered with snow.  Each month since then, I've heard the reports of other snow storms that had passed through as well.  The state of ND just couldn't catch a break this winter!  So I've post poned my trips back home whenever I've thought I would go.  Finally, the weather in ND was supposed to be nice for the Easter holiday and I decided to make the trip home.   

My plan was set in motion to drive to my brother and sister-in-law's house today.  Then Saturday I'll go to Dad and Beverly's.  I still had to work today until 1:30 PM.  After work I went home to get my things ready to go and make sure my cats would be okay until the next day when one of my friends would stop by and check on them.  I stopped for gas on the way out of town and when I finally got on the road, it was 3 o'clock.  I thought for sure that I'd tire very soon due to the fact that I'd been up since 3 AM for work.  But I guess I was really excited to go home because I didn't stop one time to nap; I felt wide awake! 

The weather was nice which made for good driving conditions. 

As I was driving through SD near Brookings, Dad called to see if I had heard the weather report for ND.  The forecast was for snow/slushy driving conditions near Bismarck and travel would probably be an issue.  Really???  Great!  What happened to the nice weather?  I needed to stop in Brookings anyway, for refueling and something to eat.  So while I was there I checked the weather conditions on my phone and texted Kevin to see what the weather was like in Dickinson.  It looked like the south edge of the weather system that was moving through was hovering over Interstate 94, my route to Kevin's.  Lovely.....

I was hoping by the time I got to the Bismarck area, that it would be out of there or melted....one or the other.  So after making my stops I continued on my way north up Interstate 29.  Wouldn't you know it, about an hour later, I drove into rainy weather and eventually fog.  The fog was so thick that I could hardly see directly in front of my own vehicle.  This continued for about 20 miles.  Little did I know that the rain would never end, for the rest of my drive!  I had MANY hours to go!

Thankfully, the roads were only wet for the rest of the drive.  However, I'd had enough of rain for one day!  It is a little monotenous to have to keep watching the window wipers!  I made a few more stops along the way and arrived in Dickinson around 1AM mountain time.  It was almost 24 hours since I had gotten up for the day.  Ish. 

My nieces didn't know I was going to be there.  Well, at least two of them didn't.  Suzanna had seen some comments I had made on Face Book and kind of figured it out.  So the next morning after having slept a little upstairs in Hillary's room, I snuck down to the basement and found Suzanna awake and watching some TV.  She wasn't exactly surprised to see me!  But we still giggled with excitement to see each other.  Then I went to Abigail's room and woke her up.  She was so surprised she lept out of bed to give me a hug!  Then we went into Suzanna's room where Hillary was asleep on the floor.  Abigail told her we had a surprise for her.  She saw me and said "Auntie Sandy!  I'm so glad you're here!"  It was fun to surprise them!  We all went out to the family room and just sat around talking and laughing.  Upstairs Kevin and Susan were listening to the squeels and getting breakfast ready. 

That day, I was going to help Kevin with his weekly Saturday meal that he prepares with the help of one of the girls or Susan. He nominated me to help this week being I was there.  Here is what we prepared, in Kevin's words.  We made the meal for dinner instead of for supper, as I would be leaving for Dad's and they had church to attend.  It was very yummy!! 

Later we played Norwegian Whist and soon it was time for me to leave for Dad's.  Kevin's family had to get ready for church and eat supper before hand.  So we said our goodbye's and out the door I went for my 2 1/2 hour drive north. 



Abigail, Me, Kevin, Hillary and Suzanna

Abigail, Hillary and Suzanna coloring Easter eggs. 



Driving north to Dad's.  The scenery is gorgeous even though the roads are pretty bad with craters from all the oil field traffic! 




Sunset over ND



One of the hundreds of oil drilling rigs that have moved into the area. 



Gorgeous

Highway 22 north out of Dickinson and then highway 1804 takes me most of the way to Dad's.  However, when I got to the junction of 1804, there was a construction sign that said "road closed to thru traffic."  Really???  Great!  It was my connection to highway 2 that goes to Tioga.  I only had about 30 minutes left of my drive!  I had to drive west, almost to Williston.  I found the gravel road that goes north into Epping.  From there I made my way to highway 2 and then into Tioga.  Sheesh!  It was almost 10 PM when I arrived at Dad's!  An extra hour added to my drive that should have only taken 2 1/2 hours! 
After I got there, Dad and I went to see Beverly, whom was in the hospital and had been there for a couple of days by then.  Now, you have to realize that Tioga hospital is small.  Even at the late hour, we were able to go see Beverly.  The nurses know Dad and let us in.  We sat there for about an hour. 
Then we went to their house and visited a while before going to bed.  Tomorrow is Easter Sunday.