Well it was bound to happen at some point, might as well get it out of the way. The ugliness that is present in all corporations of any size has appeared in great force. This is not the first time I have experienced corporate mis-communication, but this one nearly cost me a day's sanity.
One the second day of training we were introduced to the "People" Division of the airline, they chose the name in order to take away the stigma associated with most HR departments (at least that's what they told us). During their presentation they made a ginormous deal about the fact that our families would be enjoying our flying benefits before we even graduated from class. Well they LIED! I guess they can claim they didn't lie, but they did communicate an incorrect process. I am paying the price for their failure.
You see, I followed their direction in turning in ALL required documents of legal persuasion to get my flight benefits started for my spouse, son and parents. They said I wouldn't need to do anything else. They would be processing the papers and those family members who qualified would be able to fly to see me on the last day off AND to my graduation ceremony 25 days after.
Today was the day the benefits should have been activated. I was trying to book flights for Karen to come see me on Thursday, when I ran into a snag and had to call the Corporate Travel Center for assistance. To make a long story short, they told me she would be unable to fly until 12- 14 days from when I added her electronically (which I did on a whim last Friday, which nobody ever mentioned to us). I was devastated!
Karen is not so easily defeated. She found a way to get here on her own and will be seeing me on Thursday morning, no thanks to corporate ugliness!
I LOVE MY BRIDE! I will marry her again in a an instant!
Joshua 1:9 is a verse that a friend shared with tonight which I will claim from now on.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Stamina To Make It Through
When you sign up to become a flight attendant, the FAA requires that you and your fellow trainees must complete all required sessions at the same time without missing a single spoken word, video played, or action defined. Once you realize the length and depth of the knowledge that must be attained it can be a bit overwhelming. Just consider for a moment that most travelers feel the flight attendants are only there to "sweeten the ride" or serve the juices, or better yet ensure my comfort.
What is hidden beneath the shiny smiling faces is the incredible amount of stamina these ladies and gentlemen have mustered to conquer the twenty-five (25) straight days of grueling hours spent watching film, reading books, practicing CPR & First Aide, commanding frantic passengers through thick smoke and flames, just to be "eye candy".
Some trainees have to overcome even more because of pressures, and life-as-normal back with their families. One of my fellow trainees is going through the ultimate challenge today, and in the coming days. Her father died yesterday.
Now his death comes as no surprise, he was in failing health when she interviewed, and continued to deteriorate throughout the confirmation processes. Before she left home, nearly 10 days ago now, they had a deep conversation about what she would do IF his time ended before she earned her wings. She made a promise to him that she would complete this course as a testament to his will.
I have a new-found respect for this particular classmate. She is maintaining her composure as she completes each assignment and activity with a smile on her face. Now don't think she is not suffering, on the contrary, she will break down at various times and start to cry over the loss, but our trainers are very conscious of this and will declare a ten (10) minutes potty break to allow all in the room to mourn with our new friend.
God places people in our lives for only a season, just a season. What we do, and how we do it with them is up to us.
What is hidden beneath the shiny smiling faces is the incredible amount of stamina these ladies and gentlemen have mustered to conquer the twenty-five (25) straight days of grueling hours spent watching film, reading books, practicing CPR & First Aide, commanding frantic passengers through thick smoke and flames, just to be "eye candy".
Some trainees have to overcome even more because of pressures, and life-as-normal back with their families. One of my fellow trainees is going through the ultimate challenge today, and in the coming days. Her father died yesterday.
Now his death comes as no surprise, he was in failing health when she interviewed, and continued to deteriorate throughout the confirmation processes. Before she left home, nearly 10 days ago now, they had a deep conversation about what she would do IF his time ended before she earned her wings. She made a promise to him that she would complete this course as a testament to his will.
I have a new-found respect for this particular classmate. She is maintaining her composure as she completes each assignment and activity with a smile on her face. Now don't think she is not suffering, on the contrary, she will break down at various times and start to cry over the loss, but our trainers are very conscious of this and will declare a ten (10) minutes potty break to allow all in the room to mourn with our new friend.
God places people in our lives for only a season, just a season. What we do, and how we do it with them is up to us.
Friday, September 24, 2010
How Old Should You Be?
In the first few days of training to be a flight attendant, it becomes very apparent that you can't be just any "old" age and be an effective flight attendant.
Some of me fellow trainees are just barely old enough to qualify, meaning they are 21 and can serve liquor.
Others, like me are not so spry of step, no... my knee is just fine : - ).
Still others can enroll in AARP, and quite possibly could draw SSI.
So my question is....How "old" is too old to be a flight attendant?
You must take into consideration several factors..
1) Do you have a pleasant disposition?
2) Do you have the mobility to accomplish all the various bending, lifting and twisting maneuvers we are called upon to perform?
3) Do you have the mental capacity to adjust, on the fly, to the multitude of attitudes, demeanor's, and personality types that will be boarding the planes each and every day?
4) Can you complete a shift without begrudging another flight attendants performance of ability?
If you find that the answer to any of these four (4) simple questions is "no", then feel free to skip the next interview session? (please notice beauty is NOT a factor)
Having a blast laughing at all the drama (33) women can muster.
Some of me fellow trainees are just barely old enough to qualify, meaning they are 21 and can serve liquor.
Others, like me are not so spry of step, no... my knee is just fine : - ).
Still others can enroll in AARP, and quite possibly could draw SSI.
So my question is....How "old" is too old to be a flight attendant?
You must take into consideration several factors..
1) Do you have a pleasant disposition?
2) Do you have the mobility to accomplish all the various bending, lifting and twisting maneuvers we are called upon to perform?
3) Do you have the mental capacity to adjust, on the fly, to the multitude of attitudes, demeanor's, and personality types that will be boarding the planes each and every day?
4) Can you complete a shift without begrudging another flight attendants performance of ability?
If you find that the answer to any of these four (4) simple questions is "no", then feel free to skip the next interview session? (please notice beauty is NOT a factor)
Having a blast laughing at all the drama (33) women can muster.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Ever have One of THOSE days?
Today was a big one for me.
The transport bus this morning should have been a warning for me that I was going to have "ONE OF THOSE DAYS". It was an early report morning, 0600, the bus was almost full of bleary eyed trainees. I was in the very back of the bus riding along silently when a fellow classmate asked what i was so pensive about.
I had been thinking about my friend, Bill Ludwig. Bill was a fellow trainer, more like a mentor, several years back. He was a giant of a man, with a tender heart, willing to share any knowledge freely, openly, without thinking more of himself. Bill had more training knowledge that had been lost from him than I could ever hope to gain in a lifetime. He and I would co-train classes together where we could almost finish each others sentences, thoughts, and ideas - without being offended or offensive. He had the most amazingly simple outlook toward life, one that I hope to achieve. I write this to let you know how training can be a conducive environment for all participants to facilitate effective learning of the materials without the trainers getting in the way of the learning objectives.
You are probably wondering why I would be reminiscing about Bill while attempting to learn the duties of a flight attendant, well as the day wore on we were given over to a "trainer" who was the "nails on the chalkboard" for me. As a former trainer of trainers, I find it difficult to learn when a really poor trainer is leading a class. I sometimes can't focus on the learning objectives of the course because I am so distracted by the mannerisms and nervous ticks being displayed by the facilitator.
I was so frustrated that by the end of class I nearly failed the daily test being administered for the portion of class the "trainer" was facilitating. Thankfully I passed by the skin of my teeth, something not comforting to my already worn psyche. I was visibly shaking as I returned to the bus waiting zone; spoke to no-one on the ride back to the hotel; and disappeared to a lonely, but refreshing dinner before anyone could approach me.
God had other plans than to let me wallow in pity. he placed into my mind Bob Willey, a mentor, confidant, and brother in Christ. Bob and I spent several minutes in prayer over the phone before we rekindled each other to face another day in waiting for paradise.
Thank You God for friends to shoulder the load.
The transport bus this morning should have been a warning for me that I was going to have "ONE OF THOSE DAYS". It was an early report morning, 0600, the bus was almost full of bleary eyed trainees. I was in the very back of the bus riding along silently when a fellow classmate asked what i was so pensive about.
I had been thinking about my friend, Bill Ludwig. Bill was a fellow trainer, more like a mentor, several years back. He was a giant of a man, with a tender heart, willing to share any knowledge freely, openly, without thinking more of himself. Bill had more training knowledge that had been lost from him than I could ever hope to gain in a lifetime. He and I would co-train classes together where we could almost finish each others sentences, thoughts, and ideas - without being offended or offensive. He had the most amazingly simple outlook toward life, one that I hope to achieve. I write this to let you know how training can be a conducive environment for all participants to facilitate effective learning of the materials without the trainers getting in the way of the learning objectives.
You are probably wondering why I would be reminiscing about Bill while attempting to learn the duties of a flight attendant, well as the day wore on we were given over to a "trainer" who was the "nails on the chalkboard" for me. As a former trainer of trainers, I find it difficult to learn when a really poor trainer is leading a class. I sometimes can't focus on the learning objectives of the course because I am so distracted by the mannerisms and nervous ticks being displayed by the facilitator.
I was so frustrated that by the end of class I nearly failed the daily test being administered for the portion of class the "trainer" was facilitating. Thankfully I passed by the skin of my teeth, something not comforting to my already worn psyche. I was visibly shaking as I returned to the bus waiting zone; spoke to no-one on the ride back to the hotel; and disappeared to a lonely, but refreshing dinner before anyone could approach me.
God had other plans than to let me wallow in pity. he placed into my mind Bob Willey, a mentor, confidant, and brother in Christ. Bob and I spent several minutes in prayer over the phone before we rekindled each other to face another day in waiting for paradise.
Thank You God for friends to shoulder the load.
Friday, September 17, 2010
What's Your Story?
As I am meeting my fellow trainees I am finding some very interesting reasons for becoming a flight attendant.
Indianapolis (by way of Australia) - Was a Virgin Air Flight Attendant over 10 years ago. Started a new relationship after a long time alone and now needs a new career. Has a fantastic Aussie accent.
Portland - Sleep Number Bed salesman ended a 5 year committed relationship, quits job as depression continues to cut his salary, went from 43k per year down to less than 25k. Sells everything(except his sleep # bed) for pennies on the dollar. Ships bed to his parents house for long term storage as he plans on living the FULL TIME job of a FA. Has no worldy-possessions other than clothes he brought to SLC.
Unknown - Mother of two Army Soldiers, spouse has been in Iraq since 2004(civilian job), signs up to be FA so she can travel the world and not be at home alone worrying.
Longmont - Spouse and Mother not happy with lack of love in the house. gets the job to show she can be away as much as everyone else.
San Antonio - Just bored with life. Was a flight attendant in the 70's for Hawaiian Air. thought it might be fun again, now that we are 10 years past 9/11.
San Antonio - Fiance was caught cheating 3 months before wedding. Wedding planner gets jilted by law school graduate 4 months before big date. 10-2 Wedding planned with $10k in deposits paid by daddy. June 15 the bride catches soon to be husband with hickeys on his body, groom denies at first saying he "burned" himself. She didn't believe him of course, but only after long conversations with friends did she dump him saying, "If he cheated on me as a bride-groom, what's to stop him from cheating on me as a wife?"
Bride is now happy again even though Daddy lost over $7k in non-refundable deposits. AND get this, she returned the engagement ring.
Stay tuned for more adventures of FA Madness
Indianapolis (by way of Australia) - Was a Virgin Air Flight Attendant over 10 years ago. Started a new relationship after a long time alone and now needs a new career. Has a fantastic Aussie accent.
Portland - Sleep Number Bed salesman ended a 5 year committed relationship, quits job as depression continues to cut his salary, went from 43k per year down to less than 25k. Sells everything(except his sleep # bed) for pennies on the dollar. Ships bed to his parents house for long term storage as he plans on living the FULL TIME job of a FA. Has no worldy-possessions other than clothes he brought to SLC.
Unknown - Mother of two Army Soldiers, spouse has been in Iraq since 2004(civilian job), signs up to be FA so she can travel the world and not be at home alone worrying.
Longmont - Spouse and Mother not happy with lack of love in the house. gets the job to show she can be away as much as everyone else.
San Antonio - Just bored with life. Was a flight attendant in the 70's for Hawaiian Air. thought it might be fun again, now that we are 10 years past 9/11.
San Antonio - Fiance was caught cheating 3 months before wedding. Wedding planner gets jilted by law school graduate 4 months before big date. 10-2 Wedding planned with $10k in deposits paid by daddy. June 15 the bride catches soon to be husband with hickeys on his body, groom denies at first saying he "burned" himself. She didn't believe him of course, but only after long conversations with friends did she dump him saying, "If he cheated on me as a bride-groom, what's to stop him from cheating on me as a wife?"
Bride is now happy again even though Daddy lost over $7k in non-refundable deposits. AND get this, she returned the engagement ring.
Stay tuned for more adventures of FA Madness
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
How Do You Greet New Hires
It's been fifteen years since I have experienced a day like yesterday. If you've ever worked for a large corporation, especially a government regulated one, then you might be able to empathize with me on this one.
We arrived at the training hanger before 6:15 AM, so we had actually beaten the training staff (or so it would seem). We were dropped at the door by the very courteous shuttle driver, Cirbie (who will have her own story later). She told us to enter through a certain door and we did. No one was at the reception desk to greet us, but there was an obscure sign that was cryptically (or so we thought) written. Almost 10 minutes later, still no one having arrived to greet us or direct us, we noticed a rather large room with both doors open. Having the curious mind, I walked to one of the doors and attempted to partially close it and read the sign posted on the front of it. The sign read, "INH 14-10". Having seen this phrase before I went back to the obscure sign and deciphered that we, the trainees seemingly abandoned, were in fact Initial New Hire class # 14. We entered the room to find additional confirmations that we were in the correct space and no longer blocking the entrance to the facility.
Finally just after 7:10 AM the three "trainers" glided into the conference center and introduced themselves.
The day wore like any typical FIRST day at preschool, hurry up and then wait syndromes occurring almost hourly. Most of the day the class felt more like cattle than highly valued crew-members.
The moral of this post....
TREAT YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE NEW HIRES HOW YOU WANT THEM TO TREAT YOUR CUSTOMERS.
We arrived at the training hanger before 6:15 AM, so we had actually beaten the training staff (or so it would seem). We were dropped at the door by the very courteous shuttle driver, Cirbie (who will have her own story later). She told us to enter through a certain door and we did. No one was at the reception desk to greet us, but there was an obscure sign that was cryptically (or so we thought) written. Almost 10 minutes later, still no one having arrived to greet us or direct us, we noticed a rather large room with both doors open. Having the curious mind, I walked to one of the doors and attempted to partially close it and read the sign posted on the front of it. The sign read, "INH 14-10". Having seen this phrase before I went back to the obscure sign and deciphered that we, the trainees seemingly abandoned, were in fact Initial New Hire class # 14. We entered the room to find additional confirmations that we were in the correct space and no longer blocking the entrance to the facility.
Finally just after 7:10 AM the three "trainers" glided into the conference center and introduced themselves.
The day wore like any typical FIRST day at preschool, hurry up and then wait syndromes occurring almost hourly. Most of the day the class felt more like cattle than highly valued crew-members.
The moral of this post....
TREAT YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE NEW HIRES HOW YOU WANT THEM TO TREAT YOUR CUSTOMERS.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen Welcome Aboard Delta Connection Flight 4621....
It's travel day and already some interesting stories are happening all around me. The first was boarding the plane.
After checking in I was assigned seat # 12B. Since I love to be seated early on in the boarding process I went to my assigned seat and settled myself and began watching for other trainees to board and be settled in their seats. Sure enough it wasn't long till I realized everyone in the exit row seats were my fellow trainees. We had jusy begun introducing ourselves when a lady and her daughter walked up and said I was sitting in her seat. The AFT FA came up asked for our boarding passes. When we both showed that we were assigned to the same seat the FA informed us she would investigate and get back to us.
Being a gentleman I allowed the two ladies to sit down and begin to get settled for the flight, while I walked back with the FA and waited to hear my fate. You see I was so scared about how they would let new hires know they were dismissed my mind was already sprinting towards an early dismissal and a long wait for Karen to return to DIA and retrieve her once again unemployed spouse. Much to my surprise the FA let me know I had been "upgraded" to First Class.
What a Relief!
I was now seated in 1D with a much needed bottle of water and pillow with blanket awaiting my weary mind.
That's when I recognized the young lady next to me from the interview day last month. Becca and I both had a good laugh after I relayed the story.
Onward and upward!
After checking in I was assigned seat # 12B. Since I love to be seated early on in the boarding process I went to my assigned seat and settled myself and began watching for other trainees to board and be settled in their seats. Sure enough it wasn't long till I realized everyone in the exit row seats were my fellow trainees. We had jusy begun introducing ourselves when a lady and her daughter walked up and said I was sitting in her seat. The AFT FA came up asked for our boarding passes. When we both showed that we were assigned to the same seat the FA informed us she would investigate and get back to us.
Being a gentleman I allowed the two ladies to sit down and begin to get settled for the flight, while I walked back with the FA and waited to hear my fate. You see I was so scared about how they would let new hires know they were dismissed my mind was already sprinting towards an early dismissal and a long wait for Karen to return to DIA and retrieve her once again unemployed spouse. Much to my surprise the FA let me know I had been "upgraded" to First Class.
What a Relief!
I was now seated in 1D with a much needed bottle of water and pillow with blanket awaiting my weary mind.
That's when I recognized the young lady next to me from the interview day last month. Becca and I both had a good laugh after I relayed the story.
Onward and upward!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The Start of Something New
It's September in Colorado 2010 and I am beginning a new chapter in my life. Tomorrow I will board an airplane bound for Salt Lake City where I will check-in for Flight Attendant School with SkyWest Airlines.
Several months ago I had become very unsure of my future with InfoMedia, and Joel Comm. The economic recession was looking more like a DEPRESSION and I needed to make a change to ensure my families ability to survive the coming wave of Obamanomics. I listened to a good friend who told me I should try my hand at sales, COMMISSION only sales. Boy was that a mistake. After whittling away for three months God opened my eyes that I was not to continue this line of work, so on July 30th I left the sales job, having nearly depleted my families savings.
I didn't want to jump into another dead-end job so I prayed for God to show me where I should concentrate my efforts. Little known to me a friend had been put in my life this year who planted a seed from God. Stan Friesen suggested to me one morning that I would make a great flight attendant.
I laughed and told him he was off his rocker, or smoking crack (neither of which is true). After several days of prayer and seeking God's will for my life, my mind was drawn to the seed planted by Stan. I considered the thought and began to really contemplate what a life of traveling might be like. I called Stan up and asked some important questions after which I decided it was worth further investigation.
Several months ago I had become very unsure of my future with InfoMedia, and Joel Comm. The economic recession was looking more like a DEPRESSION and I needed to make a change to ensure my families ability to survive the coming wave of Obamanomics. I listened to a good friend who told me I should try my hand at sales, COMMISSION only sales. Boy was that a mistake. After whittling away for three months God opened my eyes that I was not to continue this line of work, so on July 30th I left the sales job, having nearly depleted my families savings.
I didn't want to jump into another dead-end job so I prayed for God to show me where I should concentrate my efforts. Little known to me a friend had been put in my life this year who planted a seed from God. Stan Friesen suggested to me one morning that I would make a great flight attendant.
I laughed and told him he was off his rocker, or smoking crack (neither of which is true). After several days of prayer and seeking God's will for my life, my mind was drawn to the seed planted by Stan. I considered the thought and began to really contemplate what a life of traveling might be like. I called Stan up and asked some important questions after which I decided it was worth further investigation.
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