Dateline: American Airlines Flight Number Zero…Length of Flight…72 hours.
Lesson: This weekend conference in the amusement park known as American Airlines World is a trial run for next week’s promised “An Emotional Weenie Goes to a Marketing Conference in Hollywood” Report. The goal in reporting the Hollywood (actually LAX) experience is to demonstrate, however humbly, that even a certified emotional weenie (which should give you some hope) can keep anxiety from closing off opportunities to learn from people whose life interests and approach are different from her own.
The effort will be to not allow circumstances (my anxious response to circumstances) rule my behavior. This weekend’s lesson from American Airlines World is a beginning shot. The goal is to not let the AA environment dent my mood. I know, pitiful goal. But, I trust, I am not alone.
What is American Airlines World? …Now I have accepted that my second address is DFW Airport, which is okay since I’m on a first name basis with the wait staff in the major restaurants and I know which facilities are tucked away and rarely used and which ones are way too close to the International Arrivals gate.
But, this weekend is really too much (Just a saying, I’m working the program.) The conference is being held at the American Airlines Training Center on the DFW Field. Right. My second address is my only address for the weekend. The “Lodge” is the semi-converted dorm used to house flight attendants in training. Which should tip you off on what the rooms are like. Think shoebox. Better yet, think of the toilets on planes. Yep, the dorm stays with the “miniature” theme. Tiny half-closet with three hangers on one side and the smallest television I’ve ever seen on the closet shelf. Admittedly, the bathroom is twice the size as the ones on plane, but the doubling is only in length to accommodate a tub which can only be used if you straddle the toilet facing the wall, flip your heel up to close the bathroom door, then quickly grab the shower curtain with your left hand and jump in. Extricating yourself is too complicated to explain in a step-wise fashion. Just let it be said, that injuries are frequent.
Dining options? Cafeteria, limited hours. Seriously disturbing middle school tray-carrying flashbacks.
Back to the Lesson: Our goal is to not let circumstances control our feelings and behavior….Thus, I’ve not even mentioned the “bed” in my ex-dorm room and the luxurious bedding (Now I know what they did with those skimpy little blankets that they don’t hand out anymore.)… which has to be some kind of progress. Because the half-closet has two sections, it’s obvious the room was made to accommodate two trainees at a time. Thus, with my new and improved ability to manage anxiety…I will definitely treat flight attendants with awe.
Next: Dirt Bike Daddy Meets Beetle Blondie on the Freeway.
