The Big Easy

The Cajana Team was in two places this week. Three of us were in New Orleans and our developer was in Sioux Falls, SD. It is a challenge to work from two places but the week went well and we accomplished some work on the transition document. The team is still working to get clarity on the requirements of NFC and their agencies as we move forward into EmpowHR 9.0. We work at the NASA facility in New Orleans which is in the picture. It looks a long way off as we are not allowed to have cameras on site.


The facility is a long drive in the morning from Metairie past where the old Six Flags Amusement Park is located. The rollercoasters are still standing but the park is no longer open so they look like large giant caterpillars standing in the distance or magnificent sculptures.

New Orleans looks very different from my last term of duty here on the SPAWAR project. Damaged homes that have not been torn down or renovated and many areas in significant disrepair. We see so many broken windows and buildings with parts missing as we drive to work each morning.

We did manage a dinner out this week but for the most part went back to the hotel at the end of the day. Even though you only see a part of Bob's plate, believe me it was empty at the end of dinner. The entertainment at dinner was also quite engaging.

The airplane book this week was "Shut Up, Stop Whining & Get a Life" by Larry Winget. Larry is a popular speaker and has some great advice in the book. The title sounds a bit harsh but has good information on listening and who to listen to, and how to live by design, not default. It is a down to earth approach to work, relationships, business, money and even religion. Larry is known as the Pitbull of Personal Development. The book may make you better or it may tick you off but it is worth the read.

Dallas andTheSlide

When the team had to spend a week in Dallas because of the hurricane threat in New Orleans, we found a fun slide. Sharon took us to a local establishment for dinner and we all got our exercise sliding down the slide.

Going to Kansas City

The team made it to Kansas City. Bob, Sharon, Colin and I arrived safe and sound. Well almost...Bob was stopped by the airport police for parking outside the airport while I ran in to pick up a bag that was not on my flight. Colin came in late which allowed us to go pick up the rental car, drive back to the airport and pick up Colin and make the final stop for my bag. We were navigationally challenged on the way to the hotel (Even with Neverlost) but somehow we made it.

Sharon didn't get to participate in the adventure to the hotel as she came in on an earlier flight from Dallas.

Training went great and it was a good week for the team. The evening events included good food, good conversation, and relaxation. You can see by the photo who relaxed the most as they were seated in the Fish Chair outside of Red Lobster on Metcalf.

I am sure you recognize Bob Patti and the newest member of the team, Colin Lambert. He is our developer.

I am recommending a book for our team. The title of the book is 212 and there may be some of you who remember Bob with the nickname 212. This book is very small but filled with great information. It provides insight into making small differences that provide great results. An easy read that you can complete on one flight. If you don't have it...click the link below and buy it today. What is your 1 degree of difference?