I Have Thoughts: October 2013

Hey, everyone. Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. I've been crazy busy...in a good way.

As you know, I interviewed with jetBlue and I got the job. It's "Airport Operations" which is customer service: ticket counter, baggage claim, working the gate, etc... It was a part time position but they offered us full time so...FULL TIME for me!

The whole process has been insane.
Online application.
Recorded phone interview (recording answers to questions they show you online).
Quick phone interview with a person.
FOUR HOUR group presentation and interview. Crazy fun and informative. I met a couple of awesome future co-workers there.

It was intense. Very. This company is crazy awesome, btw. They get over 100,000 applications this year and hire about 3,000.

jetBlue University is in Orlando and we were all flown down for 2 weeks of training. This is their campus in Orlando. It's specifically for training their crew members. The inflight and pilots have flight simulators (real planes) and one is over a pool so they can practice water evacuations. So cool. They are about to break ground on a hotel next door so they can lodge crew members instead of shuttle bussing to and from local hotels.

jetBlue University - Orlando Florda

When I got into Orlando, we checked into the hotel and then Jessica and Lisa picked me up to take me to Dade City. I had dinner with Mom & Dad and Lisa & Billy at Koko's (I know you're shocked). I brought Dad's Expedition back with me so I could have a vehicle to use. Very awesome perk.

Ashley making Bananas Foster for Dad

The first day and a half was "orientation." Senior leadership was there from the CEO to the CFO to VPs of Marketing and other high level positions. There were 133 of us: Airport Operations, Ground Operations, Reservations and Pilots. We got the history of jetBlue. We got benefit information (flying, health, investment). We got access to everyone and everything. All the employees stood around the room and one by one introduced themselves to us. Then WE had to stand up and introduce ourselves. That was interesting for me but in line with my new, "stepping outside my comfort zone" mantra. I did it and did it with confidence and humor. After one session there were pilots talking to the CEO so I got behind them and stood in line to speak with him. He is very approachable and he remembers everyone. I mentioned Uncle Mick being a pilot and he was like, "Torsten?" LOL. Very cool.

Hangin w/Dave. No big!

Day 2 - 11 was intense classroom lecture and hands on practical learning of general information needed for our jobs. We learned about the computer program and how to book, change reservations and all the rules associated with that. Ten tests. Crazy stress but oh so worth it.

Since I have so many friends and family in Central Florida, I was able to fit in dinners and evenings with Kevin and Brian and Cousin Kristi Anderson and Uncle Walt & Aunt Cathy and Marcus and Lauren. It was a full two weeks, definitely.

Deb & CJ

Kate

Karen, John and me

Karen and Me

Kate, Karen, Deb & CJ

I even got to see Aunt Leigh, Uncle Courtney and Uncle Scott down at Tinker Field. Sean was playing a lacrosse tournament so I got to see them all for about an hour or so. So, where the heck has lacrosse been all of my life? Fast, violent and fun. Love it.

STS in action

Scott & Sean post-game

All in all it was a great experience. I had a blast and am very happy to be back in Boston and starting on the job training tomorrow. My first 4 days' schedule is 2pm-11:30pm and I'm cool with that. We bid for our next schedule tomorrow. Since everything is based on seniority, I'm sure we (BabyBlues) will get the 3:30am-11am shifts or the late one that ends at 1:30am. Never fear, in less than 2 weeks, another group of BabyBlues come in and we'll have seniority...then another class 2 weeks after that. Woot!

There are tons more pictures but they're mostly of food. I definitely had a food fest down there.

In other news, Daniel and I have decided to do a destination wedding over New Years 2015. We're thinking Aruba or St. Lucia. With my flight perks, it's super cheap to fly down. I have a travel agent looking into inclusive resorts for us. Most include a wedding package if you stay 6-10 days. No worries there. You have to be there 3-4 days before for paperwork so we'd vacay a bit, get married then stay for the honeymoon a few days.

We'll have a party state side in the spring 2015 to show pictures and celebrate with family & friends. Mom said we could have it at her house so that's good.

That's about it for now. It's all jetBlue all the time for me at the moment. I'll keep you posted on what's going on!