The Valley Of The Sun

My work took me to Phoenix, Arizona today. I had to talk to some people about something someone said that offended a customer. My boss thought it would be better to do this in person rather than over the phone. I don't disagree. It's always better to have these conversations face to face. That way I can see body language, such as the employee whom never makes eye contact with you during the interview.

Besides, it's kind of a treat to travel because I don't get to too often. I'm behind a desk in an office most of the time dealing with a high volume of phone calls and e-mails. A day out of the office is a break from that routine.

Have you ever had the experience of holding up a whole airplane? Being the last one to walk on board, and walking past several rows of full seats with everyone looking at you like you did something wrong? Then finally finding the one open seat left on the whole plane, and two people had to move for you to sit down? Well that describes my return trip home today.

And mind you, it wasn't even my fault. A couple of the passengers booked for this particular flight didn't show up by the departure time. I was on the standby list (my flight wasn't scheduled to leave for over 1 hour - so I was technically EARLY). One other standby passenger was called before me. Several minutes later I was called and allowed on the plane. No one on the plane knew that I was on standby, and just assumed I was holding things up. Oh well. I'm sure they got over it - and I got home an hour earlier than if I left my office on a normal work day.