Trisa's birthday

Today I joined my friends Trisa, Brenda and Tina for breakfast.  We were celebrating Trisa's birthday!  I couldn't join a bunch of other girls yesterday for breakfast as I had to work.  So a few of us took Trisa out today, on her actual birthday.  She chose Harrah's Casino buffett.  They always have so many different food bars to pick from.  It was a Sunday morning and there were hardly any people in there.  So we had a nice quiet breakfast.
The day before, four other friends had surprised Trisa. She was actually thinking that she would be babysitting for my friend Dee. So after she arrived, three other girls were already there and had the plan to go for breakfast instead! She was shocked, from what I was told.  They gave Trisa a birthday gift from each of us during that time as well.  Earlier in the year we had gone on a wine tour.  I sent one of the pictures from one of the tour stops to a local artist so she could use it as reference and draw a picture of us all together.  This is the finished picture. 

This is the picture I sent to her for her reference.  

  Breakfast at Harrah's was delicious as always.  I made many trips back to the buffett and it wasn't long before I was wishing I had stopped with the last plate full!  We made our way out to our cars and decided that we wanted to go the Nebraska Furniture Mart.  It was simply a "window shopping" spree.  No one had anything in particular to buy but it's always fun to look and wish. 

I think Trisa's weekend over all was pretty good.  She loves to have all her friends together and just have fun.  Happy birthday girlfriend!



The Flood of 2011; Nebraska and Iowa

The Mighty Missouri River actually began to swell back in late May, after having record rainfall in both Nebraska and Iowa.  But going up river towards South Dakota, Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, SD, began releasing water to ease the concerns of flooding in that area, which, in true domino fashion, began the unforeseeable and what would be record-breaking flooding down the river. 
I know the flood of 2011 has been on the news non-stop, especially in Minot, ND.   But here in Omaha, the main flooding concern has been at Eppley Airfield, the airport where I have spent the last almost 16 years working.  So far the levees around the airfield have held up but not without the extraordinary efforts of the employees of the Airport Authority.  They keep a 24 hour watch on them and make repairs where needed.  It's been a battle too.  They have been re-doing drainage pipes, adding pumps to take ground water back out to the river and repairing sink holes and sand boils.  Here is a timeline of all the major occurrences since May 20th.  I feel like I work on an island.  We are literally surrounded by water.  Carter Lake, IA, sits to the west of the airport terminal and has more water in it than I've ever seen.  And the river itself curves around from the north, around the east side and then back around on the south edge of the airfield.  So many businesses have moved out as a precaution or have been forced out because of the water. 
Portions of Interstate 29 and I-680 have been closed as well because it's under water.  There are many people that work at the airport that have to take other routes which in turn creates longer drives for them to get to work.  Many live in Iowa and commute (under normal circumstances) an hour or two.  Now, those people have to allow at least another 45 minutes to be at work on time.
There have been many aerial photos taken of the Missouri and all the victims of the flood.  You can view them here.  As for my own house, I'm in no danger.  I live on the west side of Omaha, nowhere near the Missouri River.  But my heart goes out to those that live near the airport, either in Omaha or Council Bluffs, IA.  Numerous homes have been flooded and property destroyed by the water.  Council Bluffs sits directly on the east side of the river.  Many businesses and home owners have been evacuated over there as well.  The water levels aren't expected to go down anytime soon either.  Reports have stated that it may be into September before any relief is seen. 
I've seen endless photos on Face Book that have been posted from all the devastation up in Minot, ND too.  I grew up in that area and I've never seen anything like it.  I have extended family and friends as well, that have had to leave their homes because of the Souris River/Mouse River overflowing it's banks.  The national news provided coverage from that area for several days.  Amazing....
As far as my job and airline service at the airport here in Omaha goes, it's a day to day thing.  As long as the levees aren't breached, I'll be able to go to work.  If flooding occurs right at the airfield, that's another story.  Efforts would be made by us as employees to get some of our equipment to higher ground and try to salvage as much as possible before the water would reach the actual terminal where we work flights.  That is, as long as we can get to the airport or just happen to be there if it happens.  But my own vehicle is a priority as well as far as I'm concerned!  I'll be making sure I get it away from the airport so that I still have something to drive!
Cross your fingers that Mother Nature decides to have mercy and soon!  She has been quite the force to reckon with this year.  It hasn't been very pretty to this point. 

Happy 40th Anniversary Southwest Airlines!

Southwest Airlines = continued milestones.  June 18th marked the 40th anniversary for SWA.  Fare specials for travel are just one way that the company is celebrating.  One way fares of $59 are available in select markets.  Tickets must be purchased before July 14 for travel between August 23rd and December 14th.  You can go to http://www.southwest.com/ to get your travel reserved!  It's such a great deal! 



An employee in Denver celebrating the big milestone.

At one of the gates in Denver, a little cake with candles! 

I remember my second year with SWA.  It was our 25th anniversary.  Fare specials were $25 one way.  Even employees were buying tickets just so they would have confirmed seating and not have to fly on a space available basis.  It was crazy!  Our ticket counter had a line so long it went half way down the terminal! 
We've also began a big transition.  Southwest and Airtran are becoming "One Luv!"  May 2nd was the day that Southwest began the acquisition of Airtran.  There will be many more months of work ahead and in the meantime, each airline will operate as they always have.  In celebration around our system, food was brought in for all employees to enjoy and cookies were served at the gates for our customers. 



In Little Rock, AR, the ramp agents are smiling big!

The Little Rock ticket counter is excited too!

The two airlines airplanes in Dallas in front of SWA hangar. 

This has been an exciting journey for me with Southwest Airlines.  I've seen many changes and many different employees come and go.  Friendships have been made that I'll value always, no matter what city we all work in.  I'm proud to be part of such a great corporation.  I'll be celebrating 16 years with them in October.  Congratulations to SWA and all the employees for a job well done!

Ronald McDonald House Summer Picnic 2011

It's once again summer and the smell of grilling is a typical scent around town these days.  This is no exception at the Ronald McDonald House.  Each year employees of Southwest Airlines serve a couple different meals to the guests of the RMH; a summer picnic which usually involves barbecuing and then again in November, a traditional Thanksgiving meal.  The RMH is our largest charity.
So last night we gathered at the local RMH and brought all the makings for a BBQ:  hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, buns, chips, soda and cookies for dessert.  Nothing complicated. 
Six employees from our local station here in Omaha were there to grill the dogs and burgers and also to set up the buffet-style counter top with the rest of the food and serving items.  A couple of friends also attended to lend support, one of which was a former SWA employee.  The volunteers of the RMH called each room to notify the guests that the meal was ready to eat and they slowly trickled in to join us.  It's always fun to look at the large map of the USA that hangs on the wall in the dining room.  On it, names of the guests are placed on their respective home towns, which shows just how far they travel just to receive the necessary treatment needed for their children, here in Omaha.  Some even come from other countries! 
But meeting the guests and seeing all the little babies and kids is fun as well.  Seeing them with their little IV's and oxygen bottles, or even cosmetic scars from surgery makes us realize how lucky we are not to have the issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.  

Employees and a couple friends that helped serve our meal.

The weather cooperated and even though it was a bit warm, the clouds helped to shade the patio where the grill stands.  Thanks go out to all the people that helped to make the meal a success. 

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!