When it comes to learning new programs, I am the eternal optimist. I love digging in, getting messy and seeing what I can make them do. There are very few joys in the world of business that match the feeling of joy you get when they are working and very few frustrations that match the frustration of when they fail. The main problem is these programs are always changing, getting bigger and the more they grow, the more complicated they become. The options have become so limitless; it reminds me of one of those old disaster movies where the flight attendant has to try to decipher the control panel and land a 747 assisted only by radio while simultaneously trying to save the pilot and copilot from some other incapacitating calamity.

There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane? 

Elaine Dickinson, Airplane

While the learning process may not always be pretty, I am always willing to give it a go. At the moment I am in the middle of learning a new mail system, well newish to me anyway. So I’d like to take this opportunity in advance to apologize for any small bumps in the road or hiccups that may or may not occur as a result of becoming more familiar with the system. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank my most excellent trainer for her endless amounts of patience while I become more familiar with the system. I promise I will do my best to follow my checklist as I attempt to land this giant 747.  

Speaking of 747s we are now officially entering the holiday season and with the holidays comes holiday travel. I know a lot of you will be traveling over the holidays and unfortunately, that also means having to deal with the stress that goes with it. We all handle stress in different ways so try to be patient with those around you and know that a little kindness especially this time of year goes a long way. Do your best to stay positive and try to remain optimistic as you go about your travels and don't forget to slow down and take a little "you-time" this year to fully enjoy the season.

 

 

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