Sitting at the airport in the Admiral's club waiting on the 12:25 to Chicago. Never made a trip to China by way of Chicago before. On the way to Xi'an for two weeks. Xi'an is the only place I know that can have no clouds in the sky and still not be able to see the sun for the pollution. A bad day in LA beats a good day in Xi'an. I should have good connection there so don't count on me to miss a week in the contest! 8) Get this: I just taught a class over the internet at 01:00 in Austin yesterday for people in Taiwan (2 p.m. their time). While I am in China, I am teaching a class over the internet for students in Manassas, VA.
Long flights are no longer boring. With onboard WiFi and an iPad, time flies by. Still on the Austin to Chicago leg. Long layover in Chicago. I arrive at 2:55 p.m. and my Beijing flight doesn't start boarding until 8:20 p.m. Gotta find someon... Make that something to do for 5 hours. :wink:
Diane, I have no choice but to take care of myself. My manager is sending several people to do the physical labor I was going to do. I have but to point and command. :? Actually, I would rather do it myself.
After I hurt my leg in 2007 my company had to send my younger, cheaper assistant to fill in for me on a Chrysler Show in Vegas. I knew then....in my gut......that my job would become demystified and that the "cheap" wheels would start to turn in my employer's head. Took one year and threats of bankruptcy by my largest clients but the 'cheap" alternative was already established.....and experienced. Be careful what you show to whom Tom.
Tom A buddy of mine who used to live in Colleyville and now lives in Austin invited me and a friend down to the Lions-Cowboys game. Looking forward to seeing their new stadium and enjoying a good game. Flying from Dallas to Phoenix for some fall golf therapy.
That was a most enjoyable flight... for 14.5 hours in a cigar tube. The business class seats recline out to fully flat for bed time. I watched two movies during the served meals and the rest of the time I watched the movie playing on the inside of my eyelids. I did watch the flight path every onece in a while. From Chicago, we wen North by Northwest over Canada, way north of Alaska, and came down over Siberia into China. We were in total darkness the whole trip. I am here in Beijing for a one night stay at the airport Hilton. Tomorrow morning, I am off to Xi'an (two hour flight) and will stay there for the remainder of my two week stay.
Dave, If that happens, it happens. However, I think the differences are apparent. I could teach someone in my field the theory, the mechanics, and the methodology. They still would not have my troubleshooting ability. That is what keeps me in my position. I have seen, in my 21+ years in this industry, every single problem that can lift its head. I am the contact for new products coming down the line. Even the new products have the same basic design that keeps my knowledge fresh. I am part of a team that troubleshoots issues around the world. They can find someone to turn wrenches for less money than they pay me. I hardly ever turn wrenches anymore. They can't find someone to replace my experience in troubleshooting. When our customers reportedly are losing millions in revenue for ever hour that a piece of equipment is sitting idle, my salary is nothing. When I can have a tool up from a hard down in 1/3 the time of a lesser engineer, they will keep me around. I have been through 4 downturns with 3 companies (my choice to move to the next company) since 1989. None of them chose to remove me from my position.
:wink: ANyway....... Have a good safe trip and take care of yourself... take pix's .... lota of Hugs D
I plan on it Diane. Thanks! Just got my wake up call and slept pretty well considering the sleep on the plane. Got to be at the airport in 2 hours. By that time, hopefully Tennessee will have a good start to a win against Memphis.
Now in Xian and here to stay for 13 days. I'm glad I don't have to drive here. I'm sure there is a method to their madness but I can't figure it out.
That's good Tom.....and essential in this day and age of layoffs. I too was very good at client relationships and troubleshooting issues to keep them small issues. The probelm is sometimes the value of that abilitty goes unnoticed or is undervalued. I think now with the business that I did off 75% they do realize more about what I brought to the table.....too late.
Plans have changed a bit. My two weeks here have been reduced to one week. I catch a flight in 14 hours to Beijing. I will be home by Monday at noon.
Do you get to keep your air miles? If so you must have a boat load of them. I have a Brother in Law who flew a lot as well, including regular trips to a mfg facility in China by the time he retired he had enough points to pay for air fare for he and my sister and hotels for a month in Australia and New Zealand. Still has more left.
:wink: have a safe trip home .... wave if you go over California. I am sure Cindy will be very happy to have you home a week sooner than planned.... Hugs///D
Thanks Diane. I am traveling the reverse of the outbound trip: Over Siberia, well North of Alaska, down through Canada, to Chicago. Nowhere near LA.