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Thursday, November 16, 2006

My Story, the long and short of it so far...

I was born the youngest of 10 in Auckland, New Zealand. Yes, I am a Kiwi. And no I don't claim any formal religion so that takes being mormon or catholic out of the equation. However I do have several family members who are one or the other and I still love em anyway whether it's reciprocated or not. :)

In 1975 I married my childhood sweetheart and I'm happy to say he is still my sweetheart even though I don't tell him nearly often enough.

Approximately 28 years ago I watch a commercial about having an exciting career in travel. I could feel the excitement just watching the commercial. My husband was in the Army and we were based in Ft. Lewis, WA. I was a stay at home mom to a precious little boy but I thought I needed something more. I was also 8 months pregnant with our 2nd child and I insisted Jim attend this travel seminar with me. Telling me 'No' was not an option, not when your dealing with an hormonal pregnant woman. Needless to say we attended the seminar and that was the day I just knew I had to have a career in the travel industry.

About a year and a half later we moved back to Utah where all our family and friends were and I graduated top of my class from 'The Western International School of Travel'. My career in the travel industry had been launched. Shortly thereafter and with stars in my eyes I was on a plane headed to Atlanta to interview with one of the major Air Lines that was new to Salt Lake at the time. My two children thought their mom must have just won a major prize or something when I got the call saying I was hired. For the next 10 to 20 minutes I jumped around the house like a crazy lady saying; "I got the job, I got the job." Little did I know then what direction my life would take...but hey, it was exciting at the time.

I started my career on the ramp and lost my female identiy wearing steel toed shoes for the next 8 years of my life. I even loaded planes throughout one more pregnancy. If there would have been a contest for the most fit pregnant lady I would have won. Now that's dedication. Throughout my career I wore many hats. The previous 11 years my hat was that of a Flight Attendant (even though they don't wear hats anymore) and even spent a short term in management. Lucky for me it didn't take me too long to figure out that office politics and brown nosing were not part of my true character. However during the timeframe I do have accomplishments I'm quite proud of.

Well to make a long story short it took me 24 years to realize I had lost a great deal of who I am to corporate America and enough was enough. My children grew up (like most kids today) with both parents working full time jobs and I feel great sadness when I think of all that I missed out on while they were growing up.

Our oldest son, James, is now flying F-16's and next month will be moving to Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix to be an Instructor Pilot. Our daughter Stephanie, is married to Joe (head Karate' Instructor at the local studio) and they have blessed us with two of the most beautiful grandbabies ever. AJ is 5 and Aleigh is now 3 (guess I should update the picture on this website huh, LOL). Our youngest son, Bryson, is pursuing photography at the Art Institute of Atlanta and also works with Joe as a Karate' instructor. He earned his Blackbelt at the age of 12 and was instrumental in introducing Joe to his big sis. I'm very proud of all 3 of my children!!!

It was early this year when I realized I had lost my passion and I was no longer in tune with my life purpose. I probably realized it a long time ago but I didn't listen till now to what the Universe was trying to tell me. Well all steps taken lead us to where we are and I'm happy to say I finally learned that the only way to truly be in control of your life is to know your purpose and to follow your passion.

I have a passion for wanting to be in touch with my spirituality. I have a passion for my family and spending time with them. And I have a passion for Travel! You can take the girl away from the airline but you can't take the love of travel away from the girl...LOL

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hi Jolene -- I would invite you to use my song on your website(s), Redesign My Life, copyright 2007 by Barbara Horton. After reading your blog, I believe you will fall in love with the song (and maybe some of our other songs). All I ask is that you put a link to our webpage on your site. Get this -- our band name is The JaJa's (pronounced The YaYa's). You can visit our website and sample the music at www.thejajas.com. And yes, I am living a life that I love, and I'm glad to see that you are too!!! I hope you enjoy the music! Please email me at barb@thejajas.com. Thanks! Barb

Sending Real Cards...made ez!!!