Is it too late to add an old school arcade & ice rink to the DAL expansion plans? I got here a few years to late to enjoy the bizarre, yet most excellent amenities of Love Field.
If not already in the works, you really ought to go big & write a book, Brian. I LUV your insight into all things aviation... especially the stuff about our Employer. Keep up the great work, Media Master.
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05-16-2009
12:39 PM
10 Loves
Gee Brian - Must've been nice to have so much time to kill while on the clock. No wonder why you know everything about OAK - Delta paid you to explore & learn the airport.
I spent a decade working for Southwest in Oakland before transferring to DAL, and let me say that not an hour goes by that I don't miss my Airport along the Bay. Don't get the wrong idea - the people in Dallas are wonderful, but OAK is really special. Our people are funny, hard working and borderline nuts; the weather in the Bay Area is peculiar and highly unpredictable; and the airport - although now expanded - is still small enough to be quaint & efficient, with easy access / egress and a host of great destinations. I miss working @ six feet above sea level and seeing the astounding views of San Francisco and the surrounding hills in the near distance, all the while having a wonderful time at work. It's awfully nice to get paid to laugh all day & be in the midst of pure beauty.
Terrific post... but where are the photos?
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01-14-2007
06:05 AM
2 Loves
I had the pleasure of being a part of the Makeover Team that worked on the house for Jhryve and her family in Martinez, Ca. Although we did put in many hours during the very short two day involvement, none of our success would've been possible had it not been Angela's extreme planning and dedication.
My Mechanic pals & I left Oakland International with little more than coffee, some tools and a few scattered ideas that first morning, not knowing exactly what to expect. Our confusion grew much greater upon arrival, as a raging sea of people worked frenetically to prepare the house for it's returning occupants. Where and how would we fit in to this very organized chaos? That's when we first met with [modest little] Angela, who had already coordinated with Southwest Materials Specialists and Boeing Spare Parts Representatives to procure the components necessary to design the theme room for Jhryve's brother, Lucas. With much help and many laughs from Angela, EMHE's Paul DiMeo and my Co-workers, we managed to transform an hours old, completely bare bedroom into a super cool, Southwest-flavored airplane oasis. And Laura really should get credit for the peanut curtains. Sure - it might've been Paul's idea, but she spent atleast ten hours stringing together countless bags of our favorite inflight snack.
There really are no words to describe both the sense of accomplishment in participating and the joy in witnessing the relief & elation of the recipients during the 'reveal'. I will never forget those two days of my life... and I will forever be indebted to Angela and the hundreds of caring folks that donated their time, sweat and LUV to help a very deserving family.
On a side note... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANGELA!
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