Phoenix-JFK-ARUBA

Phoenix-JFK

9/19-19/2009

Red Eye

Another Sleeper Uneventful but smooth. All were sleeping the moment we were seated.

JFK - Aruba

9/19/2009

This was a close one! Arrived at 6:15 AM Aruba Flt 755 leaving 6:40

IT appears that Jet Blue delayed for 20 min so other connecting flights could make it.

Bravo Jet Blue!!! These guys are really good. Fly them and see…

Flt Deck: Stephen Walker and Stephen Barnwell?

Cabin Crew: Rich, Jennifer and Kate

Superb cabin service- Kudos to Rich; 1^st officer opened with some great humor which put the cabin in a great mood. BTW they got a great well deserved round of applause on landing in Aruba.

Fellow Travelers: Enrico and Elsie

Elsie is a certified Real estate professional, and also works in the Pharmaceutical business. Her company is headquartered in Austria. I believe business in the Real Estate market is slow at this time, but for a young woman she appeared to have had some success earlier. She was very enlightening on properties and values. Elsie was staying at a time share in Aruba, and it appeared she owned several properties, and a few time share slots: A very industrious and intelligent young woman. She was joining some friends and relatives some of who were already there ahead of her and others following. Seemed like some big parties and lots of fun were in the offering for nine days [ I mean this is Aruba-vacation island]. In the aisle next to me was Chris and his friend. They were with Elsie, but I didn’t get to find out much about them since I spent a lot of time chatting with Enrico to my immediate left.

Enrico was also staying at a time share in Aruba on Palm Beach. I understood that he kind of lucked into it in that someone else was supposed to go and they could not make it so Enrico went instead.

Enrico is an IT Professional Project Manager also in the Pharmaceutical business – unrelated to Elsie’s work. I did not ask if he had PM certification, but I kind of thought he may have. We shared some stories about the business. At one time in my career, I managed IT projects too. However, I also told Enrico of my exploits as a Network Engineer. As he said, “Oh yea! The guys we are always waiting on to get service up.”

“Guilty,” I said.

Actually I did a lot of different WAN networks as they relate to Cell Towers, Cable TV fiber networks and Electric Sub and Generating Stations. I also went into how the CATV companies expanded into building 5ESS Phone switches, another project which I managed.

“You ought to chat with my Dad.” Enrico commented,” He retired from ATT.”

Getting more to the point, we discussed Tim Donohos book “ Arguing With God” I have only to review the various chapter headings to facilitate a meaningful discussion about where one is heading in life and how they view the deeper more meaningful side of life.

Enrico was no exception.

He told me of a life changing experience he had in his life recently. After looking at his work and his one sided focus on the job about a year ago he decided that this year ,2009, he was making a commitment to refocus and begin to think about the broader aspects of his existence. Life was not all about the job. “Oh, I still do a good job,” he said,” and I am as conscientious as ever, It is just that it is no longer the only thing in my mind.” He said.

“Yes, I understand,” I added. “I went through a similar change, and I knew I had to begin to experience my relationship with God to more fully understand why we are here and what our purpose is in life .”

Enrico and I were both raised Catholic and each rejected the ritualistic service to God in a formalized church setting. We each sought a more personal communication with our Maker. At that point I knew we were on the same page with our discussion. I spoke a bit more about closing off the internal dialog and listening more for God’s input. Enrico was very receptive to the idea.

I gave him this blog address and my email. I will send him AWG and I also recommended some other books.

Great flight, and Great company!!

Aruba for 2 days and then on to Denver via JFK again.