Final Destination

So today has been another travel day. This morning was not so bad. I woke up at about 5 am and was tired, yes, but fine with it. I went to the lobby where I spent most of the day. I greeted my guests as they checked out and as some of them even extended their trips. It was nice weather outside, and I had some nice relaxing conversations with my clients. This morning was a great day for reflective blogging, which as you can see I did.

Now it is six hours later and as you can guess my mood has changed. I really do not get it about people in airports. It is every man for him self. I do not expect people to cater to me by all means, but at least keep yourself from knocking me all over creation.

I was waiting in line in the Orlando airport to go through security when my bag fell over and my wallet spilled out on the floor. Do you think people helped me? No, they just moved out of the way so my stuff would not hit them, like it was red paint or something. Then I placed my items on the conveyer belt, which I had quite a lot - one bucket for bag and shoes, one bucket for laptop, one bucket for purse and then my extremely heavy rolling case (which I make very apparent with grunts quite often). I was literally laying over all of the buckets in order to push them down the line. Do you think the man with only a backpack behind me offered a friendly hand? No, he walked AROUND ME!!!! Enough said on that one.

So I wait an hour and a half for my flight. No big deal. I expected it. Disney gets you there so far ahead of time so you spend money in the airport. It is such a ploy and let me tell you they will not fool me. So I waited patiently. Then I got up to board my over booked flight only for the airline person at the door to tell me I had to check one of my three bags. I know I may not fly much and am supposed to know this naturally, but post that somewhere will ya? The nice man behind me tried to take one of my bags for me because literally the tears were on the way, but the woman would not let him. Evil. So I got out of line, stood there a minute, then two of my bags in the same hand and tried again. Got her!!!! I was on the plane. I still have the sneaky touch.

Now I find myself sitting alone in the Atlanta airport lounge with a Scotch (neat) writing to you. How on earth would you have time to do this might you ask. Well, well, do not be fooled by the new renovations of the Montgomery Airport. They still do not know how to run flights! My patience is delayed and so is my flight. I sure am glad I have this laptop with me. If not, I would be writing holes in the pages of my journal.

Thank you for listening this week. I hope it is all humorous to you, because all in all, it is to me. One thing I have learned about myself is that, yes, I am a bit crazy and ,yes, my fuse may be a bit short, but I always end up laughing at myself over it. If you cannot laugh at yourself, then why breath?

Homeward Bound

I am finally getting to go home today. I do not mean for that to sound like I have been misearable all week, because I have been far from that. I have enjoyed each and every one of our guests this week in Disney World. We have such a great client and their customers are just as great as they are.

I think it is their mindset that I am attracted to the most. Everyone on our trip was from Alabama. They all work hard all week long and understand what it means to earn what they gain. They do not ask for much when it comes to getting away or celebrating. Most of them find pleasure in the same things I do; warm weather, fresh air, cold beverages, and a little face paint does not hurt either.

All in all the trip was a success. It was the first program I have managed where I have not been the one sweating the whole time, setting up the layouts and driving the trucks! It was nice to not be stressed out for once, but I still miss the sweat. I think that is something my Daddy instilled in me - hard work. There is just something about working so hard that you sweat, your hands get banged up and your feet feel as though they have been walking on stones. Your mind and body feel as though you have gone beyond your limits and you survived. I definitely need that and miss that.

While I have been here at Disney World I have had a lot of time to observe and a lot of people to watch. There are all kinds of families and cultures here. It is a good place to come and observe when you are not too sure about what parenting style you want to go for. I am definitely not wishing I had a family at the moment. I want to travel and experience things with someone, but I am not ready to tote the kids around yet. I do know that when I am ready to do that, I want to go somewhere we can fly by the seat of our pants and experience the location instead of "see" it. I have never been much of a tourist and always look for the local aspects of a place so I can live in their culture. That is what I want to teach my children. I want them to learn about culture and how people live their lives in their own ways and in their own norms. Knowing and understanding this will help them know and understand themselves. I never want my children to feel as though they were born into a certain future. I want them to make their own future.

So I guess I could say I got a good bit out of my trip. I tried to at least. I feel as though our client got a lot out of it. This trip was planned to focus on the relationship building of their staff and their customers. Not only did they want to focus on the relationships between their staff and customers, but between customers in general. They are working to build a network, a family within their vocation. I cannot stress how important this is in an economic situation as this. Their family will take care of them anywhere they go, help them build their businesses and help them reach their goals. Amen, right?

I look forward to the next venture and the lessons learned there. Hopefully they will all be as positive and enlightening as this one, but I embrase the hardships and the stress too. I am a firm believer in the the hardest and scariest experiences and decisions in our lives are the most worth while.

Thank you for reading and until next time...

WDW Day.....What Number Is It Again?

Breaker. Breaker. We have the mug. Over and out.

I was in the gift shop yesterday shopping for postcards for my little cousins. I found myself giving other women bad looks because they were seriously shopping for Disney jewelry. They had on these awful mom outfits with Mickey all over them and I thought to myself, “Did you look in the mirror and really think your husband was going to think that was hot?” Then something shiny caught my eye. I found myself engulfed in all of the different things you put Mickey ears on. It is incredible what they do with those ears! As I came out of my traces I looked down at myself and at what I was wearing. I am 5 foot 2 so of course there are no capris that fit me right, but yet it is a uniform requirement. So I was currently sporting a pair of seersucker khaki capris with a crotch that lands somewhere between the actual crotch location and my knees while the cuff of the pants lands just an inch above my ankles. I also had a sporty golf shirt with my nametag and gold Mickey ears perfectly in place. I was one of them. I do not know how this happened, but I felt as though I should be shopping for Disney jewelry because for some reason at the moment, I cared about the jewelry.

Immediately I walked out of the gift shop. I went to my room and put on the only other items of clothing I brought besides the “uniform”. I pranced out of my room in my sexy work out clothes, a.k.a red running shorts and an Umbro t-shirt. I went for a nice long walk and felt normal again. I wanted to sit out by the lake after my walk and eat my dinner, but I was concerned about stinking up the place. Then I passed by a Hispanic man who obviously was not concerned about his odor, so I figured he would cover mine up.

I do have to mention something that happened at the hotel today. A young boy about the age of 3 was found early this morning (around 5 or 6 am) by one of the pools in his pajamas. He could only remember his first name so the staff took him to the front lobby. This little boy was lost for over five hours. There was never any word from parents or any clues as to what may have happened. There were even multiple police around him in order to keep him safe. This poor little boy was so scared, but the front desk staff was taking good care of him. The police began going door to door until they finally found little James’ parents. They were sound asleep, claiming they has locked and latched the door. I just do not understand how this happens. I thought parents slept with one eye open? Am I wrong?

Anyway, the weather is good and the trip is a hit! Everyone has enjoyed themselves and we have heard nothing but positive feedback. I plan on getting some rays today. I found a somewhat hidden pool in the back of the property where I may rest my soul for an hour or two. I hope my travels tomorrow will be smooth, but I sure hope there are some stories to tell too.

Chao!

WDW Day 3

I need a really big, strong black man to come and rub my feet. That is all I ask.

Day three has ended and it was a fantastic end my I add. I got to meet all of our guests today as they registered with us. It is so funny to communicate with people over the phone or email and you get this picture in your head of what they look like. Then, once you actually meet them, they look completely different. This happened all day!

My Conf. Services Manager was a bit more on her toes. Our Conference Center Concierge, Eddie, offered Liz one of the staff radios so she can get whomever she needs when she needs. I think my Conf. Services Manager almost killed him in front of us, but of course Liz’s eyes light up. I was howling inside and I think Eddie was too. My Conf. Services Manager was in fear all day of her radio, but little did she know, Liz has no idea how to use it.

Eddie also gave me a private lesson on the Segway (sp?). Do not worry, ladies, I have pictures. I was also ready to kill someone for one of those machines about mid-day when my feet started screaming.

Ok, Ok, enough about my feet, I know. I just want to know who is responsible for the pedi when I return. According to our dress code, I am no longer up to standards.

Speaking of dress codes, I wish you could have seen Jim’s shoes tonight at the beach party. His tennis shoes were so crisp and clean I could have sworn he just took them out of the box. I am telling you, the whitest shoe laces I have ever seen, and you know I bent down and investigated. The best part is, they are 5 years old and he wears them every week!

The beach party was a blast. We definitely have some notes, but everyone had a good time. Our camera is full of pictures of children, so of course you know I was in charge of those. I am in love with Pattie Riethmiare and Mike is pretty much in love with me too.

About 8:30 pm when the bar was just about to close, all the men decided they had just enough to drink to be completely confident and all got their faces painted. Then they went to the bar. We have all kinds of creatures in the Coronado Springs bar at this moment. We have parrots, alligators, butterflies, tigers and so much more. The best part is when the alligator tries to eat the parrot! We definitely have pictures of that.

I wish I had more to report, but I will just have to make something up tomorrow I guess.

Miss ya’ll.

Mr. Howard Holman

My father lives vicariously through him. We all do.
He is a simple man who still knows the value of hard work.
You can see the years of labor on his hands, and you experience his joy in this work when he speaks to you.
He and his wife live in the farming lands of Lillian, AL.
He wakes up each morning in a place I would give my life to wake up in.

When I was growing up we always went down to my family’s house on Soldier Creek for any possible vacation allowed. When we would get there the water would be turned on, the lights and fans inside the house would be on and the curtains would be opened. We knew he had been there. We knew that little red pick-up truck had made its way down our road so we could start enjoying this land from the moment we arrived.

My father’s eye sight has weakened over the years, and he understands that. Our house is old and there is always something to repair when we visit. He knows that too. There have been many times he has selflessly left his family on holidays or weekends to help my father with what needs to be fixed, only so my father could enjoy his family. Selflessness.

Mr. Davis has a home down the road. He would visit Mr. Davis every morning, sit on the porch and enjoy a cup of coffee. The blackest coffee I can only imagine. They would share and understand each others ways and trials. They would silently watch the natural wonders of this land and know they have more than any other man could buy. Now Mr. Davis is gone and he sits with his son, Johnny. Johnny is a grown man with grown children of his own, but he still sits and he still shares those cups of coffee in the morning. He still understands.

When we heard of his illness, I cried. He is an older man and I understand it is his time, but he has so many more people to touch. If everyone could just have a minute with him, our world would be so different. My friends and acquaintances do not always understand my desire to live at Soldier Creek. There are no young couples, there are no night time venues, but there is an essence of him there. A person I want to become.

If I could live my life waking up at Soldier Creek, working my hands to the bone each day, and having those relationships with my community and their descendents, I would be the wealthiest woman alive. That is what he did. He lived, he loved, he gave and he understood.

Howard Holman passed away yesterday from a short fight with Cancer. They are a righteous family and do not want gifts, they do not want visitors. They simply wanted each other. Our prayers need to go out to his wife, Mrs. Holman. She is now without her love, without her heart. They lost a daughter a few years back to the same villain. There is nothing stronger than the power of prayer, and I give all of mine to her.

WDW Day 2

Disclaimer: actual names have been changed for privacy purposes.

Mountains were moved today, Girls, and my feet feel as if they have climbed each and every one of them! Debbie, the shoes may be cute, but if you plan on walking for 12 hours straight, I suggest you just take them off.

So the amazin Conference Services Manager showed up this morning to greet me and tell me nothing about the program. She did have all of the correct Park Hopper passes and Disney Dollars to hand over, but if I wanted to ask her anything else today, I was out of luck. She made sure I knew she had a full plate with other clients and would only be available at 2:30 pm during our pre-con.

I noticed that if I wanted to use the internet in the convention center and in my room on the same day, I still have to pay two separate 24 hour fees for each location ($10 each may I add). So, I asked my Conf. Services Manager if there was anything we could do about it. I am pretty sure you can see where that went. Blank stare. Awkward silence. I guess I simply asked too much. What on Earth was I thinking? I mean, I am only bringing in over 240 room nights, 179 people with disposable income and two large events with over 170 food and beverage guarantees each. So they really must need those double charges for internet fees to make up for all the money they are going to lose while they are sold out this week. I can understand that. Sure.

Then swept in our very own Angel Elizabeth. Debbie told me she would shape up that Conf. Services Manager of mine and she sure did. Liz made a fantastic introduction at the pre-con and was even able to talk the staff into rolling the 8 foot table full of fruit into our hospitality room. She then approached the internet issue with the Conf. Services Manager in front of the pre-con meeting. When she received the same response as I had, Liz let the silence set in and at the right time she went in for the kill. Calm before the storm I tell ya. She looked those department heads right in the eyes and said, “Well, that needs to change. How can we do that?” I literally had to look down and pretend I was writing something very important. Next thing I know Liz has changed the entire internet process for meeting planners. So if you ever plan on hosting a meeting at Coronado Springs, you now have a private internet code so you have free internet anywhere. Mountain number one.

Mountain number two may be a bit more of a shocker for you all. Are you ready? Do you think you can handle this one? Debbie and Trish, get a fresh cup of coffee for this one. Marrilee, take a hit of your shaker, and Amy, run to the bathroom real fast. We can wait.

Drum roll…….As soon as the bottles of water arrived and were ready for stuffing, "Mr. I Only Pretent To Work" arrived. Not only did he actually show up, he worked. He took command and executed the task at hand within 20 minutes. It was as if I saw the sea parting in HD. I could not believe my eyes.

Of course I cannot end this day’s recap without mention of mountain number three. You girls were so awesome to help me out today with Mike’s flight changes. I would like to quote Amy in saying you all were “on it like white on rice.” Thank you! I was actually able to call the airline myself and re-arrange the flights without totally screwing everything up. Maybe there is a travel agent somewhere deep inside of me. Deep, deep inside of me.

Have you ever noticed that everyone here is named Juan or Jose? Oh, and EVERYONE speaks another language. I find myself listening to people’s conversations just to try and see what their accent sounds like or if I can decipher what they are trying to say in their foreigness. It is so cool to not speak English. I am serious! I keep looking at people in awe as I eavesdrop on their conversations. Now, if I had actually taken advantage of all the money my parents dished out on my college prepatory high school, then I could have some sort of second language to impress people with, but I guess I will just have to stick to eavesdropping.

Well, Ladies, that is all for today. My dogs are barkin’.

WDW - Day 1

I am currently in Walt Disney World escorting a trip for work. I guess you could say I am quite the critic of customer service. I just really believe it should be any business' top priority, especially in this economic state. So, for the next 5 or so days I will be writing emails back to the girls at the office so they will not feel left out of my daily experiences. So please enjoy these next few posts as I journal about my trip to Walt Disney World. Did I mention I am afraid of mascots and fake faces? Perfect.

A little background on the trip for you. I work at a travel agency in Montgomery. My position is as the Program Manager for incentive travel. I am taking a large group (179 individuals to be exact) of Heating and A/C company owners and their families to Walt Disney World. Everyone is from Alabama and everyone is totally excited. The girls back at the office (Amy, Debbie, Trish and Marrilee) all have been joking on me because I am not what you would call cheerful. I am honestly excited to be here in Disney, but I am not going to wear the ears.

Day 1: April 14, 2009 - travel day

Amy, no matter what I tell you do not ever book me a flight out of the Gump again. I will actually pay you the booking fee personally to fly me out of any airport but the Montgomery Airport. It is sad when everyone else waiting on the flight turns to me to translate the Ebonics being communicated over the intercom. It is even sadder when I can actually do it.

I am walking through the Atlanta airport lacking two days worth of sleep, looking like I am ready to punch someone in the face and all of the Delta sales agents throughout the airport call me out to try and sell me something with sky miles. The first agent got a nice, “No thank you, I already have sky miles.” The second agent got a frustrated, “No thank you”, and the third agent got a, “Stop talking to me”. Seriously. I said it.

Have no fear, all was not lost once I boarded the plane heading to Disney. I did have to store my carry on about 10 rows behind mine. My bag weighs about the same as I do, but do you think anyone stood up to help this little 5 foot 2 girl lift that bag into the compartment? No way, they just kept creeping closer to me so they could try and get by me.

But back to the all was not lost part. I was sitting in the middle of the three-seater with a nice girl already by the window. So of course I am looking at each person walking on the plane wondering if that is the individual who would be lucky enough to sit next to me. Low and behold a nice young stud has the honor of the seat next to me. I swear he was about 6 foot 9 and pretty big, he is a military man by the way. I still could have cared less about him when he sat down and flashed his welcoming smile at me, because of course I was only thinking of myself and my bad mood. I quickly got over myself.

We spent the rest of the flight playing the trivia game on the plane and acting like we were really into it. Once the plane landed he was nice enough to dart through the crowd to fetch my bag. I am not so sure he was happy he did it once he felt how heavy it was and how much everyone else around him could have cared less. After he got feeling back in his arm from lift my bag, he was nice enough to walk me all the way to the Disney Magical Express. Of course, he claims he had to go that way to get to his car, but I have a feeling he did not have to go ALL the way to the Disney Magical Express. It was in the farthest corner of the lowest level. He wanted to walk with me. J

So, all in all the day ended well. Still have not had any food, but I am too tired for that now. I did catch that his name was Chris, in the military and lives in CoCo Beach, FL. Is that enough to Facebook him?

This place IS magical Marrilee!!

Go Your Own Way

Oh selfishness, why have you consumed me?
These past few years have been great together.
We have lived and loved and when we got bored,
We just picked up and left without another word.

We never considered others in our decisions
Or even thought it mattered to them.
How blind you have made me to what real life is like.

I have focused on my wants and needs
So I could have the life I wanted -
The life I knew would make me whole.

Absorbing the lyrics and the rhythm of Music City.
Feeling the cool of the waves around my shoulders.
All of it was what I was striving to make for myself,
But what is it all really, when you cannot share it?

I’m sorry selfishness, but this must be the end.
I would say we could still be friends,
But we both know that will never work.
You have tried to make me someone I am not,
And I will no longer crumble to your deceiving charm.

So leave me alone in this big world,
Because everything I need is already here.
It has been behind me and been beside me.
Even when I refused it.
It was here….waiting.

Where for art thou...

For those of you have been following my blog you know my history with The Montgomery Humane Society. You know I want to take home each and every stray I see, but have just enough rational to know I cannot provide the home I would like for 100 dogs. After my last encounter with the Montgomery Humane Society, I thought maybe, just maybe things had gotten better over there. I actually physically saw improvement, but was once again a bit discouraged this morning when I was told I was not allowed to take pictures of adoptable dogs (even if the purpose of the picture is to try and get him adopted!!!). The Dog-U-Tante Ball was just too good to be true.

That’s right. I said Dog-U-Tante Ball. Last night I had the pleasure of attending the 11th Annual Dig-U-Tante Ball at The Renaissance Hotel. This is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Montgomery Humane Society working to raise money for the shelter and place dogs in appropriate homes. It is such a great idea, really.

First, I need to go on record by saying I DO NOT agree with dressing up your pets. God made them perfect just the way they are, and if animals could talk, they would cuss you out if you dressed them up. Exhibit A was on stage last night when each dog dried to scratch out of their costumes. I’m just sayin’.

Anyway, the event was great. All of the adoptable dogs were walked around all night and I could tell many hearts were stolen by these angels. I know mine was. Sweet Romeo took my heart and ran all the way down the hall with it!



Have you ever seen such a pink nose on a dog before? I’m not sure if this picture is doing him justice, but it was PINK. I know I cannot provide this pup with an appropriate home right now, so I want to help him get his little face out there. Romeo is sweet as can be. He will lie in your arms and is extremely content. He is trained and still has a lot of growing to do. From the looks of his legs, he will be quite a tall and handsome dog. I think his personality will allow him to learn very quickly and become a fantastic hunting dog….just so long as he gets treated like a pet too.

Do not be discouraged, this Romeo is not without a Juliet. Juliet is Romeo’s sister (a little odd if you think about it, I know) and she is up for adoption at the Montgomery Humane Society as well. I did not get to meet her last night but word is they are identical. If I could, I would take them both and they would be the best two side kicks I could ask for. Man, they sure would look good on my boat!

All in all, the event was, in my eyes, successful for the Humane Society. They had a good crowd, a lot of bids on their silent auction items and you could see people going wild over the adoptable dogs. One thing I did not understand was that the “lead out” portion of the event focused on dogs that have homes and the adoptable ones were walked out at the end. I would think the adoptable dogs are the ones who need to be on display, but again, they did not ask me.

Help me find Romeo and Juliet a home to save their little loves from ending in tragedy.