Inflatable Planes and Balloons

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Thu, 12/11/2008 - 13:14 — Caleb Fox

As I sat in the lobby of the Southwest Airlines Headquarters I couldn’t help feeling a little nervous, I mean, who wouldn’t on their first day of work? Would I like the work? Would I like the people I worked with? All legitimate concerns when starting a new job. I couldn’t help but look around at all the history that adorns the walls of the building. To see where Southwest came from, to see where it is now, and to know that I was going to be a part of this somehow…I think this is something I want to be a part of.

I have to mention the welcome that awaited me at my new desk. “Welcome Aboard, Caleb” along with Inflatable Boeing 737s and balloons. I was definitely impressed. I felt special enough that someone took the time to decorate my desk.

You hear that Southwest is one of the best companies to work for but you really never realize until you are inside and it hits you. You know that usually everywhere you work there is that one person who you want to avoid at all cost, I mean, the person that not seeing makes your day better, sort of like Dwight from "The Office"; I have yet to find that individual at Southwest, and I don’t think I will. Everyone I talk to is one of the nicest people I have ever met, and I especially love the hugs that I get from people I have known a week. I think this is something I want to be a part of.

Well, my first week really flew by. Out of the first five days I was here, I have two T-shirts to add to my collection. I guess it is time to start changing out the wardrobe. I was able to go to my first event. Kidd’s Kids in Hanger 5. What an incredible event to see these kids get to do something so cool with their families. I must say this is the best first week of my life. You know what…I think this is something I want to be a part of.

Picture: Millie Richter handing me my first T-shirt here at Southwest at my new desk. The shirt highlights the best University in the world.

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Comments

Caleb,
We're sure glad you're here -- welcome to the SWA Family! However, you need to run that picture through some photo editor and fix the color balance, because something strange happened to it when you posted it. You see, I happen to KNOW which university is the BEST university in the world, and its color AIN'T red.

You're a great guy, but...
Hook 'em!
Kim
CRBB :-)

Kim Seale — Thu, 12/11/2008 - 13:52

I am new to this site, but like you i share your enthusiasm for (someday) being a part of the Southwest team. I want to congratulate you on your new position, it sounds like they definitely made your first day a very memorable one! I hope that someday my career path will lead me here as well! It's funny you mentioned the inflatable airplanes because it seems like it's the little things that always stand out. I think with Southwest Airlines there is especially a lot of pride in their fleet, being that they are all Boeing 737s. You should check out this Boeing 737 decal that I found at another aviation site. I thought it was clever because it displays the plane's nickname "The Guppy." Anyway, i thought you might like it.

Congratulations once again on the new position. I hope that your entire experience is as enjoyable as that first day because that will prove that it is still a place that lives up to the reputation that they have achieved over the years of being a really good airline to work for.

Cheers!

airxn — Thu, 12/11/2008 - 15:16

Caleb--welcome to the SWA Family! It's been great having you as a neighbor these past few weeks! I'm so glad you captured the receipt of your first swa t-shirt on film--there will be MANY more to come!

Katie — Thu, 12/11/2008 - 23:23

I want one of those little inflatable planes! They rock!

I also pretty much would die to work for Southwest, though I wouldn't have any of the "new job" concerns because from what I've learned I KNOW it would be an awesome company to work for (aside from the fact that being a CSA or F/A is pretty much my dream job). Guess I'll just keep trying. :)

Amanda — Fri, 12/12/2008 - 00:10

well, apparently that link to the 737 sticker didnt work, so here's the website address by itself.
http://www.aviationalias.com The Guppy!

airxn — Fri, 12/12/2008 - 14:55

Hi Caleb. This is Cousin Kathryn from Houston. Congratulations on your new job from the Cousins - we are so happy for you!

Kathryn — Fri, 12/12/2008 - 18:02

Caleb,

This is very cool. From now on I will book on SW through your blog. Can I do that? The cousins are proud!

Judi — Fri, 12/12/2008 - 18:49

My son -in -law rocks! SW is lucky to have you and it won't take them long to figure that out. Congrats and love...

Ginger — Fri, 12/12/2008 - 19:25

Hi Caleb,
I remember my first day, 6 years ago. The anticipation, the thrill, the joy, the excitement...it will continue. Welcome to the Family.

Ann H — Sat, 12/13/2008 - 18:23

Hey Caleb,
Are you lining up relatives to come post on your blog just to artificially jack up your comment total?!? Cousins...mother-in-law...next it will be uncles and neighbors, huh? I can't wait until you start soliciting responses from all of the OU alumni out there. Oh, wait, do they have electricity and the Internet in Sooner Land yet?
Hook 'em,
Kim :-)

Kim Seale — Mon, 12/15/2008 - 09:58

Kim Seale -- Don't forget about Caleb's Mom and Dad. We are also reading the blogs and are very proud.

Arron Fox (the Mom)

Mom — Mon, 12/15/2008 - 17:20

Oh no, more Okies???!

Seriously, Mr. and Mrs. Fox, you have good reason to be quite proud of Caleb! He seems to be a very outstanding young man with whom I've had the privilege of working on an assignment recently. His choice of colleges notwithstanding, he displays excellent judgment and has terrific people skills, although I did see him eating lunch with his fingers yesterday.

Kim :-)
CRBB

Kim Seale — Mon, 12/15/2008 - 18:30

Well I've got to jump in a say something too. We are so happy for you. Looks like there are some good folks working with you. That makes everything so much better. You and Chelsey will have to jump on one of those guppies and come visit us in DC.
Merry Christmas!
Dean (I'm the Texas uncle temporarily transplanted in northern Virginia)

Dean — Tue, 12/16/2008 - 21:51

Where can I get an inflatable Southwest plane like the one on the picture???
I got one on a trip a couple years ago, but it broke when I jumped on it...
Now, I really would like another one to replace the one I broke...
(I didn't know any better... I am only three!!!)
Any suggestions???
P.S. My mom helped me type this!!!

Sean — Sun, 12/21/2008 - 10:35

Caleb, thanks for being such a great help!!!
Good luck with Southwest...
We love to fly!!!

Sean's Mom — Sat, 01/03/2009 - 12:15

So, I realize that I am a little late on my comment. Just wanted to join in with everyone else congratulating my husband. He's doing a great job...I know this because I see how hard he is working on these videos and blog posts from home :) And yes, that shirt he is holding does indeed highlight the best University in the world! I love you babe!

Chelsea Fox — Tue, 01/20/2009 - 11:23

Caleb

Sounds like your having a blast at Southwest. Keep up the good work! When are you and Chelsey coming to San Antonio to visit. It is no longer a 5 hour drive...It's only a 1 hour flight!

Jeff and Pam(Chelsey's aunt)

Jeff Witten — Fri, 01/23/2009 - 00:37

Where can I buy the inflatable planes? I need them for decorations at my son's birthday party.

soccer-mom29 — Mon, 08/03/2009 - 23:54

Where can I purchase some of the inflatable planes?

soccer-mom29 — Tue, 08/04/2009 - 09:50

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