Something for Thursday

Your nickel's worth of wisdom for today.

Life is more about the journey than the destination.

Mid Week

Hello Troops,
We had a few no shows yesterday (no shows - an assigned volunteer or staff that doesn't show up to work and didn't call in earlier to ask for a replacement). An absent flight director or supervisor is serious trouble. Telling a group that has already arrived and waiting in the lobby that we don't have the staffing to run the mission they booked months in advance is something I fear more than anything else. Luckily I didn't have to, thanks to a few awesome members of our staff.

Devin S. rushed in to take a 4:30 P.M. Odyssey mission for us. His parents weren't home so he called a neighbor for a ride. Now that's dedication. Thanks Devin!

Aleta stayed after her scheduled time to fill in as a Supervisor for the Voyager's 11:30 A.M. field trip mission. Thanks Aleta!

Staffing issues eat up a lot of my time so I appreciate staff and volunteers that are flexible enough to come in at a moment's notice to fill in for a "no show" (no shows are very rare indeed but when they happen they are remembered). I'm also grateful for those that answer their phone when they see its me calling (darn Caller ID).

The Space Center's staff and volunteers are just great people, a bit flaky at times and a pain at their worst (many are teenagers so you know what I mean), but awesome all around.

And now, a few items from the Imaginarium:


"Take a Smile" is a good idea to have up on the wall at the Center. When I see you're having a bad day or need a pick me up I'll direct you to the "Take a Smile" dispenser (who knows, it might save me a few minutes of staff consoling).


Can you name all the cartoon character in the picture above? Some of them are real 'old school'.

And from the "Isn't that True" Department, although some would argue that many of the adults they know haven't mastered the "how to act in public" part.

The following is another example of thinking outside the box. An inspirational story, worthy of five minutes of your day.

See you in the Trenches,
Mr. W.

Thank you for the Recent Emails.

Hello Troops,
Two recent emails to the Space Center staff, demonstrating once again how awesome they really are (in case you doubted).
Mr. Williamson

First a poem written by Nathan R. to the Space Center staff.
Thanks Nathan!

Mr. W
This is Dedicated to You and the Space Center Staff.

I imagine the stars, going by so fast.
I look back through the mission, remember the past.
Through space, and the planets, the fun, and the strife.
I remember the coolest, best thing, in my life!

I imagine the people behind the wall,
Who worked so hard to do it all.
I wish, and I hope, and I dream, and I pray,
That I could be one of them someday.

--
Nathan R

Lieutenant Junior Grade

Christa Mcaullife Space Education Center

(Coolest Place On And Off Planet Earth!)

And another email from Deven:

It's Deven again, if you remember me. I recently went on the Voyager with friends and it has been the best experience by far. The flight director Emily did an excellent job and the rest of the crew did not cause trouble. (Other than what they were suppossed to do, but I quickly took care of them. I was security.) Anyway, the only thing I found lacking was how long it took to train the Security position. It didn't cause a problem but we were still on our tour while the missioin had started. My suggestion is you re-record the tapes so they play a little faster. However I do realize that children do this and that is why they are so slow. Perhaps you could make a second set of tracks. However, you guys did excellent as always. I am planning on doing another mission in April, we don't have a time set yet but we plan on a five hour mission this time to compare how the longer time goes to the shorter time. It will also be my last chance to do it before I leave on my Mission in South Carolina for two years. Keep up the good work. I'll be sure to let you know how it went. Please tell Emily and her crew they did an excellent job. Many times praise is seen by the higher ups and doesn't get passed down to the people we are thanking.

Sincerely,

Deven