IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR !

Years ago on the last day of every year, I would open my journal and write this heading at the top of the page after the last entry for the year.  IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR.  Then I would list all the good things that had happened to me and to the family during the previous 12 months.

Then on the next page I would write IT WAS A VERY BAD YEAR and proceed to list a few of the mishaps that had occurred.  Nothing REALLY bad.  Ran out of gas on the way to signing the papers for the house.  Harold and Brice were jumping on the bunkbeds and they collapsed.  Brice's front tooth took a hit and the nerve died.    That kind of stuff.

The last time I made those entries was year-end 1987.  I was able to list all the positive negatives about Jeremy's death for the VERY GOOD part, but for the VERY BAD part I only listed two things:  Jeremy died and Cathy Callahan walked away from our friendship. 

 

Everything else paled in comparison.

But the other night I began thinking that this year was worthy of an "IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR" entry because the family had THREE milestone events.  (Forget the IT WAS A VERY BAD YEAR for 2019....the list is endless with United experiences for practically every single day.  No need to dredge all that up for a recall.)

So, here's what would be my journal entry on December 31, 2019--if I still kept a personal journal. 

1--Savannah Nichols married Jake Hatfield in the Payson Utah Temple in March.

2--Chardonnay Rozyc married Caleb Jones in Buena Vista, Colorado, in September.

3--Caleb Jones was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Orion George in December.

Three great entries that make 2019 a very special year.  Life is good!  

IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR !

Savannah and Jake Hatfield

Married March 9, 2019  

Payson Utah Temple

Happy Nichols Family

Celebrating Savannah's wedding

in front of the Payson Temple

L-R  Momma G, Papa Lou, Uncle Harold, Uncle Brice, Aunt Burgandy, 

Aunt Brittany, cousin Pippa, and cousin Cheyenne in the background

Bride and Groom--

Caleb and Chardonnay with Caleb's siblings

Wedding guests belonging to the Bride's extended family

Buena Vista, Colorado  

September 19, 2019

Orion and Caleb after the baptism  December 28, 2019

Westminster Colorado Stake Center

Happy Family posing with Caleb

L-R Orion and Briggs George

Chardonnay and Caleb Jones

Momma G and Papa Lou

Jason (Daddy Too) and Lynette George

LIGHT THE WORLD!

Today is Christmas Day!

In all the years I have worked for United Airlines, I have only had just a couple of Christmas Days that I was at home.  The rest of the time I was flying by myself, or Louis was able to come with me.  We've had some good times doing that.  But when I have been by myself, it hardly seems like Christmas Day at all.

When I got my schedule for December this year and saw that I had BOTH Christmas Eve day and Christmas Day off, I decided I would keep what I had been assigned, even though it meant no holiday pay.  I really looked forward to having a "normal" Christmas.  The only trouble is....I don't know what a normal Christmas is anymore with no kids at home to plan for and prepare with all the fun--and sometimes stressful--activities we used to have while they were growing up.  And, I didn't put up my Nativity collection this year and invite friends and neighbors to an open house to share in that very special feeling of Christ's birth.  So, there wasn't that to keep me grounded.

Add to that a whole different set of Christmas "rules" in Louis' family than I had in mine.  There was bound to be some clashes over how we opened presents, planned the day, what we had to eat, etc.

It so happened on this Christmas Day Burgandy and her two teenaged boys were with us.  Most of the presents under the tree were for their own Christmas with a couple of presents for me and Louis from my kids, our Ministering brother and his wife, and a friend at my work.

Then we had a "different" dinner.   That wasn't like Christmas either.

But...we had a great activity to fill the afternoon which really made up for a day that seemed just a little bit off-kilter to begin with.  We drove to Writer's Square in downtown Denver to "buy" some charity at the LIGHT THE WORLD Giving Machines that are in Denver this year.  Denver is just one of 10 locations around the world that have these vending machines, and we wanted to take advantage of that unusual opportunity.  Especially to give Orion and Briggs an opportunity to help disadvantaged people.

The full-time missionaries--without name tags--take three-hour turns from their regular assignments assisting visitors and answering any questions they have.  I asked how the machines were doing with the goal which had been set at $500,000.00.  It has been met and exceeded!  Plus, there is still one more week that the Giving Machines will be here.

What a lot of great good is being generated!  I believe people WANT to do something for those less fortunate here and in other countries but might not be sure how to do it, particularly if they don't have a lot of money to give.  The "gifts" started at $3.00 and ranged all the way into the hundreds of dollars.  It's the widow's mite all over again.  One small amount added to others' small amounts turn into something great.

On this special Christmas Day, we were able to LIGHT THE WORLD with bus passes, chickens, and school supplies.  They sound like great presents to me!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO SOME SPECIAL SOMEONES!

Here we are at Writer's Square ready to buy some charity...Burgandy and Briggs are getting ready       to push the choice button.  (I look mad, but I wasn't.  Inside I was happy!)

HELLO....I LOVE YOU!

I've been following the LIGHT THE WORLD prompts every day to do my share in serving others in a unique way this Christmas season , much as Jesus Christ did as he went about doing good during His ministry on earth.  Don't know if what I have done has touched anyone else's life, but I feel better about reaching out to others in small, simple ways that even I can handle.

Today the prompt was to call your parents and tell them you love them.  No can do!

My mother and father died within three months of each other in 1984 when I was in my 39th year. They've been gone nearly half of my life.  There are still many days, however, that something will happen and I think, "I need to tell Momma that." Or "I can't wait to tell the folks!"  And more  now that so many years have passed, "I wish I could talk to my mother.  She would understand and give me insight."  Or just have her put me on her lap and rock me (even as a big girl)  because I know that would comfort me more than anything.

All of that is not possible at this time, but I can still give a shout out in tribute to my parents and the blessings they were in my life--though I was often too stupid to see some of the positives at the time stuff happened.

I find myself quoting my dad's advice to me from my choice of shoes to the gentle reminder that my college roommates and friends might NOT believe the same as I did even though they were members of the same Church.  My mother's examples of homemaking and organ playing are just two of the myriad ways she influenced me, most of the time without saying anything directly but by my just observing and watching what she did.

I don't know if this blog qualifies as social media, but I am using it today to say, lovingly and sincerely...

Hello, Mom and Dad!  I love you!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

Christmas is coming!  


And with it once again the joyous excitement surrounding Christ’s birth which was heralded by singing angels, marked by a star that led the way, and was manifested by shepherds who made this glorious news known to all around them.  Sharing the good news of the Savior is a big theme of the Nativity story.
  

In a world that is becoming more and more secular, we can still declare the same glad tidings about Jesus Christ.  This month as we focus even more on the Savior, think of a special memory or a Christmas tradition that reminds you of Christ.  Then share it with your family, your neighbors when you “visit over the fence”, your co-workers, or on your Facebook blog.  Or in all these ways!


Here is my special memory that grew into a Christmas tradition:

Over 45 years ago I had an opportunity to teach a lesson at Church about the birth of the Savior.  I was just a young mother with two toddler boys, but I was transformed with what I studied from the New Testament—along with the music, art, and literature—about this one, wonderful night that changed the world.  My whole outlook about Christmas took a major shift toward the real meaning of the holiday.  


One consequence of that was my quest for the “perfect” Nativity set.  One that was far beyond our means at that time just wasn’t going to materialize.  So, we made our own little scene with the resources at hand—twigs from the tree in the back yard, little figures with painted bead heads which we dressed in scraps from my sewing basket, and animals from the kids’ farm set.


Thus began my long history of collecting Nativity sets.  Happily, I have found the “perfect” one many times over in a variety of different depictions, all of which I enjoy displaying and sharing (now every other year) in an open house for my neighbors and friends.  


What a wonderful spirit of love and true Christmas cheer permeates my home during this time.  I really enjoy placing each individual figure into its particular scene.  Through all my decorating and repurposing those Nativity figures, I never fail to marvel at the countless ways artists and craftsmen have borne testimony of Christ through their work.  Best of all, this happy endeavor strengthens my own testimony of Jesus Christ.

A wonderful addition to our Christmas celebration this year is a brand new video about the birth of Christ.


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints produced a new Christmas video which debuted on November 24^th.  Titled “The Christ Child”, it is about 18 minutes long with a cast of real people depicting the details about Christ’s birth both in the scriptures and with several added cultural and historical details.  It is amazing!  You can stream it or download it at LightTheWorld.org.  Invite someone to watch it with you in your home.  It will be a memorable time for everyone present.


Denver is also one of ten cities throughout the world which has been chosen as a location for a Light the World Giving Machine, also sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It is a vending machine with a Christmas twist which—instead of candy bars or soft drinks—contains a variety of charitable contributions from which to choose.  What a great way to serve others and fun for kids to select which charity they want to donate to.  

These items and services at the Denver Giving Machine are unique to the Denver area, determined and requested by local and global charity partners.  Using the machine is easy, and 100 percent of donations will be used to purchase the items donors select.  It will be open daily November 26-January 1, from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., at Writer Square (1512 Larimer Street #300).  Plan a fun trip to downtown Denver and “buy” some charity!  If you are reading this blog. and you are not in Denver, go to LightThe World.org to find out how you can also contribute to this Christmas initiative.


Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, 

“Christmas is a time when [we all] strive to emulate the love of Christ and show compassion for others…Light the World [gives] opportunities to bring up your faith with people in natural and normal ways, both in person and online.”





AND LASTLY....


One of the best Christmas experiences every year for me happens in sacrament meeting just before Christmas.  We sing praises to the Savior, partake of the sacrament to remember Him, and hear the beautiful messages of His gospel. This year it is on Sunday, December 22^nd.  I invite you to come and see what the Church is all about that day.  Also at LightThe World.org you can find how to locate a chapel near you with times of service so you can attend a Christmas celebration.


All of us have been focusing on Christ’s attributes all year through our study of the New Testament:   how He exercised faith, was always firm and steadfast, overcame fear, was a source of light for us to follow….   Now you can follow the Savior’s example and reach out in love and charity.   Let this Christmas season make a difference in someone’s life who is not expecting it. I promise, your own Christmas will be a hundred-fold better!

Merry Christmas! 

FORGIVENESS....AN IMPORTANT REPEAT!

In all the times I have studied the New Testament either as a seminary student and as a student in a New Testament class at BYU, plus the years I studied and taught seminary and the Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday School, I didn’t really recall the contents of the book of Philemon at all.  But in our Come Follow Me study this last week, it was one of Paul’s epistles that was on the docket to get a greater understanding. 

It’s the shortest of Paul’s letters, just one page, and it sounds more like a personal letter to Philemon as Paul encourages him to forgive his servant Onesimus who ran away but ultimately was converted to the Church.  

As I was studying this little epistle, I thought a lot about forgiveness—seeking forgiveness and forgiving others who have injured us.  There are some powerful messages in these few verses in the Pauline epistles.

Then I thought about a book I read recently which one of my flying partners recommended.  It was a really good book.  The kind we used to read in Book Club that had some meat in the story and some great writing to make it unforgettable.  (THOSE have been far and few between since the B.R.O.A.D.S. disbanded when Janean moved to Utah and the rest of us scattered here and there after hanging on for a couple of years following Rosalie’s departure.)  


M. L. Stedman wrote “The Light Between Oceans” as a debut novel set in her native Western Australia.  Briefly, it is about Tom a World War I soldier who survived the horrible trenches in Western Europe.  He enjoys being alone as the lighthouse keeper on a small island at the tip of the continent.  Then on one trip back to the mainland, he meets Isabel and eventually brings her back to the island as his wife.  Life is solitary and hard.  Soon after she has suffered her third miscarriage, a small boat washes up on the shore with a baby who is alive and a man who is dead.  Isabel talks her husband into letting them keep the baby, though he is very opposed to it because the baby obviously belongs to someone else.  The rest of the book is about the consequences of that choice.  


Eventually this couple finds out who the baby belongs to and the circumstances of its being out on the ocean in a boat with her dead father.  In flashbacks the reader learns that the father was an Austrian whose own father took the family to Australia when his financial condition was reduced to nothing because of his gambling addiction.  The father commits suicide leaving Frans (now Frank) the sole provider.  He does very well for himself as a baker, but the townspeople don’t see any difference from him as an Austrian as from a German.  He speaks German.  To these people he is the embodiment of everything evil about the Great War.  He is shunned.  He is treated very poorly.  He is ridiculed and taunted.  But he has chosen to rise above it and treat others better than he has been treated—always a smile and a good word even with their meanness directed to him.  That is what attracted his wife to him.  His wife, who is the baby’s mother.


One particularly bad day Hannah, the wife and mother of the man and baby in the boat, 

"recalled a conversation with her husband Frank.  “But how?  How can you just get over these things, darling? She had asked him.  “You’ve had so much strife but you’re always happy.  How do you do it?’

    “I choose to,” he said.  “I can leave myself to rot in the past, spend my time hating people for what happened, like my father did, or I can forgive and forget.”

     “But it’s not that easy.”

   He smiled that Frank smile.  “Oh, but my treasure, it is so much less exhausting.  You only have to forgive once.  To resent, you have to do it all day, every day.  You have to keep remembering all the bad things.”  He laughed, pretending to wipe sweat from his brow.  “I would have to make a list, a very, very long list and make sure I hated the people on it the right amount.  That I did a very proper job of hating, too:  very Teutonic!  No”—his voice became sober—“we always have a choice.  All of us.”  


Forgiveness is such an important part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The world is permeated with wisdom and stories (both classical and homely) which catalog its importance, not only to the one wronged, but for the one who is doing the “wronging”.  


Bottom line...we all need forgiveness.  Daily.  And we all need to be reminded that we need it.  Either through our study of the scriptures, or through the thoughtful creation of a talented writer.  There is no end of worthy examples for us to follow, beginning with Jesus Christ.


To err is human; to forgive, divine. 
 Alexander Pope

NOTE:  There is also a movie of the same name which came out in 2016, I think.  It follows the story pretty closely, so I thought it was also worthwhile.  Actually, I saw the movie first--and then could hardly wait for Amazon Prime to deliver the book two days later.  I was not disappointed.

NOT ALL CARDS ARE CREATED EQUAL...

NOT   EITHER / OR

                  

            You may or may not know that when flight crews go through security checkpoints in airports, the government now has a program that is called "Known Crew Member" which expedites that necessary process.  Each pilot and flight attendant had to fill out paperwork and make application to receive a special badge in order to pass into secure areas of any airport without having to go through the regular TSA lines for passengers.  

This was a real boon for everyone, and even though I am often the "random" number person to go through the same set-up as the passengers start to finish--as some kind of control, I guess--the majority of the time it saves a LOT of hassle on my way to the plane at the beginning of each work day.

In addition to scanning the TSA issued card with our unique Known Crew Member number on it. we have to present a second government issued identification to complete the scan.  Most flight crews use their passports.  But my passport is in the bowels of my work bag, so I use my driver's license because it's easier to get to and if I'm in a hurry and don't get it put back and for some reason it gets lost--well, a driver's license is less expensive to replace.  

So.... a few weeks ago I asked Louis to take me to DIA which means that I have to go through KCM in the main terminal instead of the employee terminal where we catch the employee bus out by the rental car companies along Pena Boulevard.

He pulled up to door 612 on the West side, I jumped out, grabbed my bags and dashed to the escalators which lead right to the secure door for KCM.  The TSA guy let me in.  My KCM badge is also on my lanyard, so I scanned it and handed my driver's license to the worker.  He just looked at me.  I thought maybe it hadn't scanned properly, so I blipped the KCM badge under the red laser once again.  

When the worker said, "I'm sorry I can't take that," my mind jumped ahead thinking I had passed the deadline for renewing my badges.  No.  It was still 90 days before my birthday.  What could possibly be wrong!  I began to panic.  How was I going to get through security and get to my briefing and flight?

Then I looked down at the card in my hand.  Instead of my Colorado driver's license, it was my debit card that I use for all purchases I make.  "Whoops!"   I confessed that was a pretty good indication that I pull that credit card out WAAAAAY too often.

We both laughed as I traded it with my driver's license.  And I was soon on my way down to the train to begin yet another day in my life at United Airlines.

So far I haven't made the same mistake at the temple, pulling out my credit card instead of my temple recommend.  But you can be sure I'm a little more careful now because I know....

NOT ALL CARDS ARE CREATED EQUAL !      

DEMOLITION DERBY

 a.k.a.  LOTS OF CAR TROUBLE!

A couple of months ago, Louis' car began making a funny clicking noise and did a little jerk just about when he got to 12 mph.  He took it in and the mechanic said the computer was out of whack.  They reset the computer and said it would be good to go.  Ninety bucks.....but worth the peace of mind.

Personally, I thought that one day Louis would be driving along and the transmission would just fall to the road.  So, I was relieved that "the fix" was so easy and not so expensive.

But I was wrong.  After a few days the sound was back.  That was about the time Louis was leaving to go to Omaha to work for Werner Transportation once again.  We could shelve the problem.  However, when he returned after a very unhappy outcome with Werner, he figured he could just drive LYFT while he was searching for a new job.

NOT!  That didn't work out either.  The transmission--and oh, by the way the brakes--would have to be replaced.  There were almost 200,000 miles on his car from using it for LYFT.  Of course the parts were worn.  To be expected.  

I was thinking $5000.00.  Fortunately, only $3200.00.  And instead of having the car dealership replace the brakes, too, Louis said he could do that himself and save a couple hundred using his own labor.

So, the car went into the shop for the transmission fix.  Can't drive for LYFT because his rental car wasn't registered or approved by the company.  Lots of available time then because of that, which could be devoted to reorganizing files in our home office, getting the quarterly taxes squared away, etc.  Louis started with his "home" project.

A week later close to midnight on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, I came home from my trip to find Louis' car in its regular spot in the garage sparkling clean inside and out awaiting the brakes replacement.  It was the last step in the process so Louis could begin making money driving for LYFT again.   He planned to do that job on the morning of Labor Day.

Louis "labored" all day while I enjoyed my first Labor Day holiday at home in years.  Later Brice, Judy, and Cameron came up to join us for an early afternoon  lunch.  Louis stopped his repair job long enough to join us for the picnic spread then went back out to the garage to finish the job.
The Colorado Nichols  had arrived before Burgandy got home from breakfast with her friend Jenny.  They parked in front of the house where Burgandy parks, so she parked across the street opposite the driveway.  In the meantime I had been to the store and also parked in front of the house.  However, discovering that he needed a missing bolt for something or other, Louis took my car to the hardware store then parked it ON the driveway while his car was still inside the garage waiting for the final bolt--literally.  

By that time Brice, Judy, and Cameron had gone home.  I cleaned up the rest of the meal and went outside to enjoy my lovely patio get-away.  The neighbor to the north had been mowing his lawn, so when I heard a huge bang, I thought maybe it had to do with his lawn mower.  

The next thing I knew, Louis was in the backyard.  "You can hate me, shoot me, be mad at me for the rest of your life.  I deserve it.   I'm sorry but I wrecked the car--and hit Burgandy's truck (also parked on the driveway) and her car (still parked across the street)."

I went out the side gate to the front of the house.  So THAT was the bang I had heard!  BIG WHOOPS!

Louis said he got into his car with the express purpose to pump the brakes and get the brake fluid into the working parts.  But, at the same time, he mentally told himself to be careful not to hit my car.  Forgetting the first purpose to finish the brake job by pumping the brakes, he put his car into gear and literally shot out of the garage.

Along the way as he picked up momentum with no way to stop, he crunched the left rear of his car and totally crushed the left front as it tore off the bumper of both his car AND Burgandy's truck before T-boning Burgandy's car which was still parked across the street.

Oh, what a sorry sight!  I could see dollar signs floating before my eyes as I surveyed the damage and realized the magnitude of three cars now needing major body work.  No wonder I had heard such a loud bang!

Well, nothing to do about it but call the Insurance company and get the ball rolling.  However, instead of calling our agent, Louis called the 800-number.  Let THAT be a lesson to you....don't!  Get to the agent ASAP.  That detour to the 800-number cost about three extra days.

Burgandy was apprehensive that they would total her car--and her truck, which for anyone who knows, it is her first "baby".  Not going to let it go!

I'd like to say all's well that ends well.  But that would be jumping the gun.  I THINK it is going to turn out okay.  Repair facilities have been located, assessment of the damages has all been done, appointments made for the repairs, cars AND truck have finally gone to the auto body shops, and Burgandy and Louis are driving around in rental cars.

However, there is still at least another week before the cars are going to be completely repaired.  More damage found on inspection and lengthy waits for parts to arrive.  Nothing to do about that but cool our heels.  Chomping at the bit won't make it happen any faster.

So, why not fix my Momma G Mafia car, too...  I went out to drive my Mitsubishi Eclypse down to Johnstown last month and the clutch went straight to the floor.  DRAT!  This was BEFORE the demolition derby on Labor Day.  I thought, no money to fix the car now.  Phone estimates since I couldn't even drive the car to the repair shop ranged from  $1100 to $2000.  My conclusion: It will just have to sit in the garage for awhile.

Then, after all that other happened, I told Louis  we might as well see what could be done about getting my white car up and running, too.  I left for DIA.  

Following my request, Louis called the local repair shop in Johnstown across from Hays Market.  They came and towed the car, fixed the clutch and a couple of other things that were also broken like a tie rod, I think, and charged $812 which seemed doable after the hefty estimates over the phone and three vehicles needing body work to the tune of THOUSANDS of dollars.  He even walked down to Johnstown to pick it up and drive it home when the repairs were complete.  All that got done before I came home from my trip that week.  Yes!  At least that was going right!

Though it wasn't very funny when the Demolition Derby happened, even now we can look back and laugh at what a comedy of errors we experienced on Labor Day.  Just the visual alone is comedic as you imagine in your mind this car whizzing out of the garage, side-swiping a truck to avoid hitting the car opposite and coming to rest with its bumper couched in the driver's side door of a parked car across the street--just exactly in line with the driveway.  Whew!!  And....no one got hurt!  That is very important, too.

I couldn't help but think of that Brian Regan routine where he does a monologue about talk show hosts who always interviewed Evil Knievel about that one awful crash he had. "So, what were you thinking, Evil, as you crashed after that jump?"  

And Brian Regan's idea: "Let me see now, I was thinking, 'Did I turn off the iron?'  Yes.  I'm sure that was what I was thinking."

So, tell me, Louis, what was going through your head during that wild ride before you heard the BANG!!

SHADOW OF A JOB....

Promising faces for a future United Airlines!

Outside our gate at Denver International Airport

Zylee Anderson, Sage Sudtelgte, Abigail Strickland and ME!

 

About three weeks ago I got an email from a girl who is a senior at Roosevelt High School here in Johnstown.  She said her speech class was doing a lengthy project during which each student was  to pick a career that they were interested in and then find someone working in that career field who would be willing to take the student to her workplace and let her follow her around for a period of time one day to see just exactly what some of the responsibilities were.  It was also expected that the person chosen would out the everyday details that had to be addressed in executing a particular job.

I was kind of surprised.  How would one go about "shadowing" a flight attendant who does not perform duties in a conventional workplace?  And that is not to mention the security issues that would be a big obstacle.  There are so many places in an airport that the regular passengers never get to see!

But before I had an opportunity to respond to that email, another girl emailed me with the same request.  And then a third.....

My one reply to all three of them was that I wasn't sure if something like that could be arranged, as 98% of my workday is on an airplane.  But, I said I would look into it.

Armed with the results of that flurry of emails back and forth, I went to work the next day determined to find out just WHAT might happen--if it could happen at all.

As luck would have it, I approached EXACTLY the right person  at my domicile here in Denver.  That was a relief!  Teri was enthusiastic about the idea. She said that a group had come in June from Denver Public Schools, and they were able to take a tour around the domicile for United flight attendants which is on the 4th floor over Concourse B at Denver International Airport.  She said now that all of our briefings take place on the plane rather than in the domicile as they used to, it wasn't much for the students to see.  However, we could let this group see what IS there.

And that would include

…  the flight attendant lounge which was reduced in size by half when the City of Denver took back the offices that were "down the hall and around the corner" from the original domicile.  Back then it was a spacious area with couches and recliners where one could look out through walls of glass windows to the tarmac and beyond.  Almost a bird's eye view of airport operations.  Now it is a dreary place full of shrouded windows and people engaged with their smart phones, tablets, and laptop computers. Artificial light from the screens.  Almost no fresh air. 

…  a small kitchen with tables and chairs, fridge, microwave, and sink.

… an appearance room stocked with hairspray, hair electronics like blow dryers and curling irons, fingernail polish, a continuous vanity height bench with stools attached to two of the walls, and a steamer...don't forget the needles and thread for quick repair jobs on buttons, hems, etc.  Oh, and plenty of full-length mirrors 

…  rest rooms, also with built in vanities and stools

…. the domicile proper 

• This is where the computers  are from which we can access the Crew Communication System to find out details for all aspects of life as a United Flight Attendant.  
• 
  
• There is also a CBT room with a bank of computers and flat screens where flight attendants can work on any Computer Based Training they have to complete for yearly requalification or for any other teaching modules which update our handbooks to the most current version.

• A small alcove has multiple file drawers where all flight attendants have a "mailbox" in case there are flyers or other info from United, or another  individual would like to leave a message or some kind of a surprise goodie.  
• 
  
• Supervisor offices line the outside window wall in the open area.  
• 
  
• Across from that is the "Concierge Desk" manned by flight attendants who are on special assignment to work doing Company Business rather than fly.
• 
  
• A small purser station is tucked into the wall near the coffee urns and huge water dispensers filled with slices of lemon, lime, or orange.  (THAT is a new addition in the past six months.  Kind of nice.)

…. the Mainliner Store   That's across the hall from the FLIGHT ATTENDANT area on the PILOT side of INFLIGHT where all things United like lanyards, keychains, T-shirts, suitcases, etc.  are sold.  Teri said they could go there, too, and buy a little memento if they wanted. 

Well, that sounded like it would make a decent tour around the 4th floor offices.

But bottom line, I don't have access privileges with my GREEN airport badge.  There has to be someone with a purple badge to escort people through security doors.  The concierge desk people have those badges, so Teri told me the day I brought the girls to DIA one of the supervisors would go down to Security Checkpoint and bring them to the domicile on the B Concourse.  We decided to arrange a visit for the RHS girls to visit United's DIA operations on Tuesday, September 10.

Then I got thinking about the possibility of having the girls go on a short round trip with me using  my companion passes.  I ran that suggestion by Teri, and you would have thought she had had the idea herself she was so excited about it.  What a great thing for me to do! How they would love actually being on the plane!  Sitting in on a briefing with Captain and the rest of the crew!  Watching me do my safety checks, see the safety briefing in person, and  observe the service while the flight attendants are in the aisle handing out drinks and snacks!  yes. Yes. YES!!

Well if that, then they could just come to DIA earlier on the day they were to fly with me and we would do the "tour" in the domicile before going to the gate.  Unfortunately, Teri told me she was going to be off the day the girls came.  But Vicki would escort the girls and do the tour. Well, surely Teri would fill Vicki in with all the details she and I discussed.  Didn't think another thing about that aspect.

After a week of emails, I was finally going to meet Sage, Abigail, and Zylee.  I had them come over to the house to get acquainted.  They asked me questions about being a flight attendant, and I gave them a short version of my own entry into the airline industry.  We also talked about the physical aspects of the job--not everything is glamorous.  And some of the days are loooooong!

I suggested there might be a possibility the girls could go on a trip with me.  They were very enthusiastic about that!  Louis and I explained the procedure and emphasized, however, that NOTHING was written in stone.  Numbers of empty seats could change between then and the next week, even as late as the night before and the morning of.  But they were still willing to take that chance.  Louis had them give him their driver's license numbers and their full names. In addition he gave them a little tutorial about the role of the United app once their names were added to the standby list, then promised he would add the girls to my companion pass list and check seat availability for the four round trip assignments I had during September.

The first couple of weeks after schools begin across the country, airline workers notice there are a FEW less passengers than in the mad dash of people during the summer months who are going on vacations, cruises, attending weddings, family reunions, and just getting away for the weekend to the beach, to the mountains, to the cities for concerts, plays, and other entertainment venues. Whew!  Anywhere but home!

Of my assignments to go to Phoenix, Albuquerque, Minneapolis, and Jackson Hole Louis found that Albuquerque would be the best bet.  Lots of open seats going--and coming home, a VERY important part of the trip!  Though we knew that number would shrink over the next few days, it seemed to be the safest course to take.

The girls came over to the house again the afternoon before the Albuquerque flight so we could go over the details of their visit. Louis also gave them their standby boarding pass to get them through security.  Zylee, Sage, and Abigail were to get themselves to DIA somehow (They told me their parents were okay about their going to the airport on their own.)  They did ask about parking rates.  Once again Louis was the one who told them how much money and how much time to allow for them to go through security so they could meet me at 1 pm on the B Concourse by the departure board near John Elway's restaurant.

On the morning of 9/11 I was on the road by 5 a.m.  The round trip to Phoenix was going to be first with an ETA back in Denver about 12:45 p.m.  Just enough slack for me to get my passengers deplaned and arrive at the rondevu point on time.  I was excited--and a little apprehensive about this whole deal.  What if something happened and all the seats were sold out.  What if?  What if?  What if?
RELAX!  Just roll with it.....

But when the time came for me to go upstairs from the concourse to the domicile and let Vicki know our "guests" were ready to tour my United "home away from the hubbub of all the travelers", Vicki looked at me and said, "That was supposed to be yesterday.  I had it on my calendar and you didn't come.  Though I did see that your double turn was today.  And, just exactly, what is it you want me to do with the girls?  You know they can't go into the offices, etc."  I was taken aback.

It sounded to me like Terri hadn't briefed her as to what was supposed to happen.  Or the fact that since the girls were going on my turn to Albuquerque with me, there was no need to come a day before and do the tour then.  All on the same day!  Wednesday!  So the Tuesday part was superfluous.

Truly, I didn't know how to answer that barrage of questions, so we got into the elevator to go down and escort the girls through the security doors using Vicki's badge.

When we got upstairs again, Vicki took them into the hallway and pointed to the Flight Attendant Lounge, briefly telling them that if a flight attendant has some time between trips and chooses not to sit by the gate, she can come upstairs and be more comfortable.  There is even a sleeping room that is completely separate from the TV and any conversation that might be going on.

As she went to move on down the hall I said, "Is it possible to open the door and just let them SEE what it looks like?"  Vicki opened the door a crack, no more than about a foot, and quickly shut the door!  There was no time to see anything but a blur of blue uniforms. I thought maybe they would be able to step inside and get a better look.  NOT!

"And here on the right are comfortable lavs for men and women.  The kitchen with a refrigerator in which a flight attendant coming in during the morning and having a day sit might want to put some lunch or something.  But NOT overnight!    (I didn't know that....it was news to me!) 

Next is the appearance room..... a lot of flight attendants use this to spruce up their uniforms or hair or nails on a sit."  (I rarely see THAT happening.  Someone is usually on the phone or one of the commuters who had to sleep there is getting ready for the day.  WOW! I'm learning a lot myself!)

When we got to the glass entry for the domicile proper, Vicki ushered the four of us in over the threshold and stopped just about five feet inside the door.  With a sweep of her hand, she took in the computers, the CBT room, the mailboxes, the offices, the Concierge Desk, and the purser station.   She just pointed as she named each one, though some of those places were actually out of sight.

And the tour was over!     I was astounded!  That was LAME, LAME, LAME!  I was embarrassed!

I asked if the girls could cross over to the Mainliner Store and pick up a little memento.  "No....they need a different badge holder to accompany them to that area.  Now I will go down to the gate and let the Agent know these three are your guests and see if she will issue them a boarding pass and let them get on with you."

Okaaaaaay.  But at that point we are still one and a half hours BEFORE I have to check in at the gate.  Vicki looked at me expectantly.  I said I would go get my bags as I had left them upstairs and we could go to the gate.  Then she asked the girls if they had eaten.  No.  So Vicki told me to go get my bags and meet them at B13 which was our departure gate while she escorted them to the Food Court.

I did as I was told.  As I was ready to step onto the elevator, I stepped back and pushed open the door on the PILOT side of INFLIGHT--as I have done many, many, many times before--and went into the Mainliner Store.  Quickly picked up three keychains with a little mini plastic United Airlines plane, pulled out my credit card, threw the sack into my bag and hurried on my way to the gate where I arrived before Vicki and her charges.

Still an hour to go before my check in.  Time that was supposedly tagged for the tour of the domicile.  Since the gate agent doesn't even show up before an hour prior to departure, Vicki said she would be back at 45 past the hour and left.

 I apologized profusely to Abigail, Sage, and Zylee for such a LAME presentation.  I told them it wasn't at all the way Teri and I had agreed it should go.  I thought plans were in place for them to walk around the glassed in area--as I do--while each area and it's purposes were pointed out.  Differing ideas for sure!

Anyway, it was 9/11 so I told the girls MY 9/11 story from 18 years ago.  Then to fill in the time, I inquired about where they lived, where they had been born, what kinds of summer jobs they had had, what their school activities were and anything else I could think of to pass that last hour.

Eventually the gate agent came and I told her about the job shadowing.  She gave the girls seat assignments right then.  Even though they weren't able to sit three abreast, they were all in the same row right behind the exit row.

By then Vicki was back and began to launch into the whole job shadowing when the gate agent said she was aware and they had seats.  I got on first to do my safety checks, then after five minutes Vicki brought the girls down the jetway where I met them at the door and gave them a tour of the plane and "shadowed" me while I did my pre-departure responsibilities.  It was time for the Captain to brief with the flight attendants and we were there in the aisle waiting.

Instead the Captain, a beefy man gone soft with a florid face, stormed past us and accosted one of the cleaners.  And a 15 minute irregularity ensued while supervisors, a union steward, and two policemen stood at the door of the plane and debated what course to take.  They removed the cleaning person, and to this day I am still not sure just exactly what the altercation was about.  The only words I could hear with some understanding from the Captain was something about that was not going to be tolerated on HIS plane!  I didn't hear the young man's defense.  We never had a briefing....

And then the show began.  The passengers boarded while I was stationed at Door 1L.  I made the boarding announcements, wrestled the bags in the overhead bins into positions that allowed for more bags, and then briefed the exit row.  After arming the doors, the flight attendants did a live safety demo and we were  off for Albuquerque!

The short, short flight was turbulent all the way so we didn't even take out the beverage cart--just passed out cups of water.  Picked up the trash, did our "prepare the cabin for landing duties" and sat down during a really bumpy touchdown.

After all the passengers were off, I ran out to the gate area to make sure the girls got a seat assignment and boarding pass for the flight back.  They were on top of it.  Had already talked to the gate agent, had passes in hand,  and had gone to use the bathroom.  They came back just as I got back onto the plane.

The return flight to Denver was also irregular.  We hadn't been in Albuquerque long enough for the weather to leave the area.  So, amid even more turbulent thrashing about, we again passed out water in cups.  The girls didn't even get to see how we handled the beverage cart.

Though that four hours from the time I checked in seemed both so long and really no time at all, we were soon back in Denver.  I told Abigail, Zylee, and Sage to wait for me in the gate room, as we hadn't even taken any pictures to document their day.  (They asked upstairs and Vicki said "Not in secure areas!"  I don't know if that is true or not.....)

The three of them seemed delighted at their experience.  And truthfully they were thinking they got a good deal out of it after all since they went on the plane for an actual flight.  Probably MORE exciting than some of the job shadowing experiences of some of their class mates.   Their project, report, and speech are due October 7th.  I told them to be sure and let me know how their efforts were received.  They promised they would.



I just hope that "shadow" doesn't turn out to be a dark cloud.....