Lee Note 96 Cynthia Boudloche August 27, 2001

What am I doing today?

I'm divorced and have two wonderful daughters. I've been with Continental Airlines for almost 15 years. Currently, I am the Manager of Customer Database Marketing for Continental. Translation: I manage the systems and processes for the frequent flyer databases for Continental.

This encompasses the various projects, teams, and venders that support OnePass, Elite program, partners, web site, P Club, and seniors' programs. It's my problem when OnePass members don't get their miles; folks get a little testy about that.

The net out is that, while I am not bored, I've made the decision to retire at the end of the year. There's a world out there beyond Continental, and I want to use my industry discounts to see some more of it... from a seat in first class or the deck of a ship. It's my turn.

How did I get here?

I graduated from R E Lee, then Lee College, then University of Houston. For 3 years, I flew as a stewardess/purser for Pan American from Miami, New York, and Houston, primarily to South and Central America and the islands.

I left to get married to someone I'd met at University of Houston. I worked in the Aviation Department for 3 years and flew for the Cullen family's Quintana Petroleum. My spouse became a very successful stockbroker. We were married 20 years and had 2 daughters, Kelly and Casey.

After the kids were born, I became a "domestic goddess", facilitated carpools and volunteered. The marriage was not to last. So what was I going to do to earn a living for myself and support my two daughters with a liberal arts degree, no recent work history?

Back to school I went... to Houston Baptist University to take various computer courses. I needed to take away my fear of those things. Yes, I screwed the curve and aced the classes.

It is called motivation, and it was based on stark terror. I finally got the divorce and went to work for Continental Airlines in reservations. I hated it, but was desperate for a job. I would have paid them to hire me.

Continental was going through some rough times, too; we were a good match. Reservations led to a transfer to TravelBank/OnePass, the frequent flyer service center. I was eager to learn and liked handling the problems.

I became the trainer there until an opportunity opened up in the systems/operations group of the Marketing Department. I finally found my niche. It's been a hulluva ride, including a multimillion-dollar lawsuit for which I was Continental's principal witness. Don't recommend that either.

I travel for business and for pleasure. Sometimes I take someone with me; other times I won't let anyone go. I read somewhere that traveling alone is to the soul like exercise is to the body, it's a ticket to freedom in old age. I like that.

I like to be with people, but, at some point, I need my space. It's been a wonderful experience for me. One of my "life lessons" was realizing that facing my fear of computers ultimately provided a vehicle for supporting myself to the point that I am planning to retire at the end of the year. Who would ever have guessed?

For a gal who has two children, health problems, and no recent work experience, God and supportive friends were very good to me. If I can just walk through the fear... It's time. I have health problems that have become more bothersome in the last few years. I have Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease very similar to lupus.

Initially, it was more nuisance, but has become more annoying in the last few years. Could a-g-e be a factor as well? Hmmm. Anyway, I want to travel some and use the wonderful pass privileges that will be available. Currently, my siblings and I are planning a family reunion on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain next spring. They used to live there, and I visited there.

I am also planning a couple of trips to Jamaica, New Mexico, and Florida to visit family and friends. I also have a couple of cruises planned. My daughters are launched. Kelly practices law here in Houston for an Austin firm, and Casey is a manager and travels and consults for the Solutions Group at Deloitte and Touche in risk management for energy. She is getting married in November.

No grandkids, but I have two very lovable little grand doggies that the girls and I spoil miserably. I wouldn't give anything for these life experiences; I learned a lot about myself that I didn't know. (But then, haven't we all!)

Thanks, everyone! It's been neat to read all the bios and memories. What an interesting group we are!!!

Cynthia Boudloche Conklin