Today, more than 80% of global shipping involves containers. They're packed with everything from personal storage items in dry containers to heavy machinery on flat rack containers. For business owners shipping products, getting a container from point A to point B requires precise planning and high-level tracking. But that's easier said than done when global supply chains become over-congested, leading to loading time issues and delays.
That's bad news for business owners who are already under a massive amount of stress. The truth is that container storage delays can cripple a business, but there's a viable solution: drayage brokers in Tulsa, OK like RelyEx. Drayage companies provide unique solutions to minimize demurrage and help ensure the successful delivery of your freight.
With more than 30 combined years of experience and a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx has quickly become the first choice for streamlined, efficient drayage services. To understand the true value of RelyEx's offerings in the global logistics industry, it helps to understand first what drayage is and why it's used.
If you're a seasoned business owner who uses port drayage to transport your products, you know exactly how important the service can be. But if you were to poll a group of random people, you may get five different definitions of the term "drayage." That begs the question, how is one of the most crucial steps in the supply chain and most vital components of global trade such a confusing concept? When you break it down, it's not too difficult to grasp.
Drayage, by definition, means the transportation of freight from an ocean port to another destination. Today, drayage is also used to describe the process of transporting products and goods over short distances or over "the first mile."
While drayage often means short-distance movements during the supply chain process, it's primarily used in the container shipping space. Drayage loads usually have arrival and departure points in the same city and don't include long-haul, national transportation.
Because a drayage load can mean a few different things, confusion among carriers is common. Many carriers link drayage with going into a port, but that isn't always true. While all drayage loads typically originate from a port of entry, there are often several legs of a drayage journey before a container turns up at its final stop. Legs of a drayage load may include:
You may be thinking, what's so important about drayage? It's such a small step in the container storage transport process. In reality, it's an integral piece needed in the logistics industry and a crucial part of U.S. supply chain management.
To truly understand the importance of drayage, let's use flowers as an example. Most cut flower shipments enter the market from areas in South America until they end up at Dutch auction houses. Once there, wholesalers purchase flowers in bulk and send those products to retail outlets worldwide. Because flowers are perishable, they typically need to be refrigerated and are often shipped in reefer containers. These refrigerated vessels must maintain a certain temp to prevent loss.
Drayage companies like RelyEx allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services. Drayage companies allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind, because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services.
If port drayage is compromised, it can cause delays and even fines. You know the packages you get delivered to your front door from apps like Amazon? Without drayage and drayage brokers, one or two-day shipping times wouldn't even be possible.
As a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone, it seems like drayage shipping issues shouldn't exist. But the fact is inefficiencies and congestion are still major problems at ports. Whether it's a lack of carriers, absent chassis, or overburdened terminals, delays lead to missed deadlines, lost revenue, and worse.
But anytime challenges exist, so too do innovative solutions.
QUOTE REQUESTRelyEx was created because our founders saw a need in the logistics space for more reliability and efficiency. The reality of the shipping and logistics industry is that it has become very transactional. It's an odd evolution, because most businesses seek a third-party logistics partner that is accessible, transparent, and committed to providing solutions.
As the logistics space continues to grow, it creates newfound expenses and complexities. Clients like ours know that and need a supply chain partner who is genuinely interested in their business. By understanding the needs of our customers and carriers, we can provide the most reliable, effective drayage services possible.
Unlike some drayage companies in Tulsa, OK, we begin managing your containers before they ever hit the ports by mapping out the most efficient pathways of delivery. That way, our team can discover the best drayage pathways to expedite delivery time and reduce fees that cut into profits.
Our valued drayage customers choose RelyEx because:
At RelyEx, we like to consider ourselves problem solvers. The nature of the container drayage industry presents new challenges every day, but we're firm believers that there's a solution to every hurdle we encounter. And while some drayage businesses implement a reactive approach, RelyEx customers choose us for our proactive mindset. We take pride in solving your company's drayage challenges to help you avoid frustrating fees, missed expectations, and delayed shipments. We strive to make every transaction successful and streamlined by partnering with shippers who prioritize transparent, prompt, and accurate communication.
RelyEx approaches your business from the customer's perspective - a unique approach that helps us provide high-quality, effective drayage services. We've been in the customers' shoes, know their pain points, and because of that, provide first-hand solutions to stressful supply chain issues. With over 30 years of collective knowledge, our team excels in:
Our varied, high-level drayage shipping experience helps us achieve our overarching goal: expertly managing your freight movement needs. That way, you can direct your time and focus on growing the core aspects of your business while we handle the heavy lifting. Throw in proactive planning to avoid bottleneck situations and strong communication for transparent customer relations, and you can see why so many companies trust RelyEx.
When it comes to shipping logistics, it only takes one mistake by a mediocre worker to disrupt your business. That's why, at RelyEx, we pride ourselves on forming and nurturing relationships with carriers who match our standards of care. Our founding partner started his career transporting freight for companies as an on-demand carrier. He uses that knowledge to maximize the resources of our carriers so that our customer's expectations aren't just met - they're exceeded.
Based in the port city of Tulsa, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
Customers choose RelyEx because:
Some drayage brokers don't care how customers feel about their service as long as they sign a contract and get paid. As a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx takes the opposite approach. We're motivated by the opportunity to overachieve for our customers and to provide them with the best logistics experience possible. With professional experience as carriers and shippers ourselves, we know the roadblocks and challenges you're facing. We excel at mapping out the best plans of action to solve those problems. But that's just the start.
Our tracking experts monitor and manage every aspect of your drayage shipment from booking to delivery, 24/7. Once booked, we look for the availability of your containers hourly once they're at port. When they arrive, our team acts quickly to access your storage containers when they're available.
Plus, RelyEx ensures your company's requirements are met by the carrier during loading and delivery and provide necessary documentation as fast as possible. With real-time tracking updates and access to our customer service professionals, your team has complete visibility throughout the shipping process.
Over the years, RelyEx has built a strong network of drayage carriers, transloading locations, and container storage spaces to provide you with the best possible options to match your drayage service needs. We know that searching for quality service presents an added layer of complexity and stress to our customers. That's why we work hard to take that off your plate by connecting you with our reliable shipping partners.
With a background moving freight as an on-demand carrier, our founding partner understands how to maximize the resources and equipment of our carriers to match your needs.
Like other industries, the global logistics space is complex. Mistakes will be made, and problems will happen. With those truths in mind, RelyEx has built its reputation as problem solvers. Unlike other drayage companies, we don't shy away from this industry's complexities because we take pride in solving problems. Even better, we aim to do what's needed to avoid those problems altogether.
As your logistics partner, we will provide your company with accurate, transparent, and prompt communication. If there are unexpected issues, we'll notify you immediately and will provide several options to remedy the problem. We even offer custom reporting for large clients who need at-the-moment updates and quick access to shipment documentation.
Why let the unpredictability of your industry dictate your success? With a background working in manufacturing, our founders are familiar with the demands of managing production schedules and sales orders. That experience makes it abundantly clear to us that every business and industry is different. If you struggle with seasonal surges or other factors, our team supports your business with a mapped-out plan and schedule, so you stay ahead of the game.
QUOTE REQUESTBased in the port city of Tulsa, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
Demurrage is a charge issued by a port, carrier, or railroad company for storing containers that do not load and unload their cargo promptly. Once the daily limit of free time is exceeded, shippers are charged daily demurrage fees until their cargo is shipped. Though different ports have different policies, charges can range from $75 to $150 per container, per day, for a set number of days. Additional demurrage fees are incurred if a shipper exceeds the port's parameters.
Even when shippers maintain a tight schedule for unloading freight, external factors can play an uncontrollable part. Typically, shipping mistakes caused by human error trigger the most demurrage charges. Some of the most common causes of demurrage include:
Typically, shippers need four specific documents to clear shipments through customs: A Bill of Lading (or BOL), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and an arrival notice. Seasoned drayage brokers like RelyEx are used to preparing these documents, but new shippers tend to miss this step due to inexperience.
If a shipper only pays for part of their shipment, a vessel operator may refuse to release their freight until their bill is fully paid. Payment delays lead to cargo detention at the port of entry, which triggers demurrage charges.
QUOTE REQUESTPaperwork is needed when you're shipping goods with a drayage company. When documents like the Certificate of Origin or Bill of Lading arrive at their destination late, you can expect demurrage fees. RelyEx avoids this situation entirely by being proactive when submitting paperwork.
Additional causes for demurrage fees can include:
At RelyEx, we know first-hand how stressful supply chain problems can be for business owners. Though drayage shipping might seem minor on the surface, it affects every stage of your shipping process. And when inevitable hurdles manifest, RelyEx propels you over the proverbial roadblocks with a proactive mindset and a passion for challenging projects. We believe that all problems have a solution, and our unique vantage point allows us to provide first-hand solutions to customers in a wide array of industries.
When it comes to your business, don't settle for anything less than RelyEx. Contact our office today to learn more about how we make your shipping experience streamlined and stress-free.
843-885-3082The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (8-3, 0-0 AAC) face a fellow AAC team, the Charlotte 49ers (6-5, 0-0 AAC), on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Dale F. Halton Arena. The game will tip off at 7:00 PM ET and you can watch via ESPN+.If you're looking to go to this matchup in person, head to Ticketmaster to buy your tickets!Charlotte vs. Tulsa Game Informatio...
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (8-3, 0-0 AAC) face a fellow AAC team, the Charlotte 49ers (6-5, 0-0 AAC), on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Dale F. Halton Arena. The game will tip off at 7:00 PM ET and you can watch via ESPN+.
If you're looking to go to this matchup in person, head to Ticketmaster to buy your tickets!
Watch college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo! Use our link to sign up for a free trial.
Rep your team with officially licensed college basketball gear! Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, and much more.
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Charlotte Rank | Charlotte AVG | Tulsa AVG | Tulsa Rank | |
---|---|---|---|---|
311th | 68.1 | Points Scored | 75.5 | 167th |
15th | 62.1 | Points Allowed | 67.2 | 97th |
336th | 32.2 | Rebounds | 37.0 | 167th |
348th | 6.4 | Off. Rebounds | 8.5 | 230th |
269th | 6.5 | 3pt Made | 6.9 | 237th |
178th | 13.5 | Assists | 11.7 | 301st |
22nd | 9.3 | Turnovers | 14.1 | 326th |
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By Ken MacLeodOklahoma lost one of its greatest golf ambassadors Wednesday evening when Pat McCrate, whose company JSJ Inc. contracted with Tulsa County to run the golf operations at both LaFortune Park Golf Course in Tulsa and South Lakes Golf Course in Jenks, passed away of a heart attack.McCrate, 56, was known for running one of the most comprehensive public golf operations in the state. One that stressed not only quality courses to play at affordable rates, but full service pro shops, lessons, club fitting, junior golf, beg...
By Ken MacLeod
Oklahoma lost one of its greatest golf ambassadors Wednesday evening when Pat McCrate, whose company JSJ Inc. contracted with Tulsa County to run the golf operations at both LaFortune Park Golf Course in Tulsa and South Lakes Golf Course in Jenks, passed away of a heart attack.
McCrate, 56, was known for running one of the most comprehensive public golf operations in the state. One that stressed not only quality courses to play at affordable rates, but full service pro shops, lessons, club fitting, junior golf, beginner programs, tournament operations and more.
An editor’s note here. McCrate and I have been fast friends since even before he took over the reins of the Tulsa County operations when his mentor Jerry Jones retired and sold him the business in 2001. I am personally devastated by Pat’s passing, apologies in advance for any lack of objectivity in what’s to follow.
An Ohio native who attended Ferris State in Big Rapids, Mich., before being hired as an assistant pro to Jones, McCrate learned from one of the best on how to run a quality golf operation that did not concede equipment, apparel and merchandise sales to the discount shops. Like Jones, he was a tough negotiator but his attempts at projecting the same curmudgeonly air usually fell apart due to his friendly and optimistic disposition.
As a fellow Buckeye fan in a land of Sooners and Cowboys, we shared a lot of game days together and even a trip to the 2015 national championship conquest of Oregon in Dallas. I respected him greatly for what he did at LaFortune Park to promote golf in general and his unwavering support for our mission to do the same. We communicated on a near daily basis, agreed on a lot, argued vociferously about other things (golf ball rollback being the latest). We played when we both had time and I’ve still got the dollar he signed in my wallet from our first match.
Many others feel the same way about McCrate. It was stunning morning of disbelief for all that he could actually be gone.
“I love Pat, absolutely love him,” said teaching professional Maggie Roller, who got her start working for McCrate at South Lakes and is now the director of instruction at Cedar Ridge Country Club. “He was the ultimate supporter of junior golf in Tulsa. We had LPGA Junior Girls Golf out there every year and he never charged us. He supported U.S. Kids, our AJGA qualifier, high schools. He just got the future of golf and it’s junior golf.
“A lot of my career is because of him. He always texted me when my kids did something, always. What a loss for all of us.”
“The loss of Pat is hard to wrap your head around,” said PGA South Central Section Executive Director Brian Davis. “He was one of the best PGA Professionals in The South Central Section, always pushing to enhance the PGA brand through LaFortune Park and South Lakes. He was someone who other PGA Members called on as a friend and a mentor. Pat checked all the boxes from an award winning golf shop, to a junior golf promoter and a business manager. His void will be hard to fill as I’m sure so many of us have great memories of sitting in his office learning and listening to his wealth of knowledge.”
Former Tulsa County Parks Director Richard Bales, who worked closely with McCrate on the operations and capital improvements at both South Lakes and LaFortune Park for decades until his retirement in 2019, was devastated by the news. Under their working agreement, the county is responsible for hiring and funding the maintenance operations and restaurant operations while McCrate hired pro shop staff, instructors, cart room attendants and marshals under a revenue split of all income generated by greens fees, range fees and cart rentals.
“Pat was a top-notch golf pro and his priority was growing the game,” Bales said. “He was constantly looking for improvements and innovations. He was extremely customer oriented and he helped grow the game tremendously in Tulsa. I was proud to work with him and proud to call him a friend.”
McCrate had battled a variety of health issues in recent years including a heart issue, liver problems, gout and a recent hernia surgery. Yet he was in good spirits and looking forward to a resolution of a drawn-out contract renewal process with the county and a good year for golf in 2024 during recent visits.
Now JSJ Inc. will pass on to his daughters Madeline and Molly and hopefully Tulsa County will find a worthy successor to arrange a purchase of the company’s assets and continue McCrate’s legacy of excellence.
“We’re absolutely devastated by this,” said Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith. ‘We’re just stunned. He’s been an amazing partner with Tulsa County and in the process developed a huge community of followers in golf that adore him. He did a remarkable job and is not going to be easy to replace. His footsteps were always positive. It’s a huge loss for Tulsa County and the golfing community.”
LaFortune Park, with its 18-hole championship course and 18-hole par-3 course, and South Lakes are consistently among the most-played courses in Oklahoma every year, partly due to the welcoming atmosphere and professional courtesy McCrate demanded of his staff.
Tulsa golf architect Randy Heckenkemper worked closely with McCrate when doing major redesign work of both the championship course and the par-3. More than that, they also shared many long discussions about what makes a successful golf operation.
“Pat was a great friend who taught me many things about golf operations. His willingness to share his knowledge also influenced my design of municipal golf courses,” Heckenkemper said. “Pat was extremely attentive to his players and sincerely listened to them and wanted to address any concerns they may have. The “local pro” is the face of a course and person players want to have a relationship with.
“He gave his time growing the game by conducting many clinics which included juniors, business women, and veterans to name a few. He often told stories of the people who trained him growing up in the golf industry and recognized his role to help the next generation of golf professionals. He always provided the best merchandise and equipment for his players to choose from. He truly wanted each play at his courses to have a fun and memorable experience. I will miss him greatly as a friend and confidant.”
Bill Harper, one of many LaFortune Park golfers who enjoyed seeing McCrate as much as they did playing the course, had this reaction today.
“He was the consummate golf ambassador. He never met a stranger. When you walked into LaFortune’s pro shop he always greeted you with a smile. And if he knew you you probably would had to dodge a barb or two.
“To say he was funny is an understatement.
“And he helped my golf game. It’s not that great but better than it would have been without him. He gave me oodles of lessons with one stipulation: you can’t tell anyone. “It would be harmful to my reputation,” he would always say laughingly. He truly knew golf, how to run the business and to grow the game. Without him LaFortune wouldn’t held in as high regard as it is. It’s not just the best public course in Tulsa but the state. Maybe the region as well.“
Michael Boyd, a former PGA pro at Indian Springs Country Club now in private business, said McCrate was public golf in Oklahoma.
“You can’t think about public golf in Oklahoma without thinking about Pat McCrate,” Boyd said. “And he did so much to help me when I was in the business. He showed me how to set up a pro shop, what to buy, everything.”
Pat McTigue, head professional at Meadowbrook Country Club and a former neighbor in south Tulsa, said the news hit hard today.
The atmosphere at LaFortune Park Thursday was somber to say the least. Head professional Josh Stewart, who at 39 has been a PGA pro at various Tulsa-area courses for 10 years, said it was “shocking and heartbreaking” when he learned of McCrate’s passing this morning.
“Pat’s main goal was to put the people of Tulsa County first, always,” Stewart said. “The customers were No. 1 and a dollar wasn’t important, it was the experience of the public. Public golf in Tulsa is what it is because of Pat. He taught us that’s who you’re going to serve and that’s why this operation has always ran so well.”
Explore licensing requirements, operational guidelines, and plan submission processes for mobile food services. Get an overview of fee structures and find vendors in Tulsa County.All food service establishments in Tulsa County, including mobile food vending operations, require a license that must be renewed annually.THD categorizes mobile food services as follows:Construction, Equipment and Operation GuidelinesFull-service mobile food establishments are required to meet certain regulations regarding their constr...
Explore licensing requirements, operational guidelines, and plan submission processes for mobile food services. Get an overview of fee structures and find vendors in Tulsa County.
All food service establishments in Tulsa County, including mobile food vending operations, require a license that must be renewed annually.
THD categorizes mobile food services as follows:
Full-service mobile food establishments are required to meet certain regulations regarding their construction, water system, equipment, personnel and food safety. Pre-packaged mobile and pushcart food establishments are exempted from some of these requirements.
Mobile food establishment plans must be submitted to THD with the appropriate fees. Completed plans and applications can be submitted digitally or as hardcopies. Documentation submitted needs to include a menu, equipment layout, size of water tanks, location of lighting and any additional photos or documents to better illustrate the mobile unit.
Properly prepared plans and specifications must be submitted for review and approval whenever:
Mobile food establishments that only sell prepackaged foods and are not engaged in food preparation operations are not required to submit a plan review application or pay the plan review fee.
Click here for Application and Payment for Digital Submission
Hardcopy Submission
Submitter hand-delivers plan documents or sends to our office by courier. Plan application, finish schedule document, plan review questionnaire, along with establishment plans must be submitted with the appropriate fee, made payable to the Tulsa Health Department. Three complete sets of plans need to be submitted for City of Broken Arrow projects (two copies will be returned after THD review which will then need to be taken to the City of Broken Arrow). Two complete sets of plans are needed for all other Tulsa County jurisdictions.
Regardless of submission process, the review turn-around time should take approximately fourteen (14) business days. Please review all Tulsa Health Department (THD) review notes prior to construction. The THD reviewed plan documents should be referred to and maintained on site until the final inspection is conducted. Any redraws or changes made to project drawings after THD approval must also be reviewed and approved.
For questions regarding food establishment plans, please call 918-595-4300.
Oklahoma State Department of Health Fee – $425 required for all mobile operations.
Every city has the ability to adopt a city ordinance that requires additional permits to operate a business within the city limits. Below are cities in Tulsa County that will require additional permits in order to operate within their city limits.
*Additional city permits for outdoor sellers or peddlers may be required. Please contact the City of Tulsa licensing and permits office at (918) 596-9456 regarding mobile outdoor sellers application for a mobile food operation or the City of Broken Arrow licensing and permits office at (918) 259- 2411 for an itinerant merchant food vendor application. Please contact the City of Bixby licensing and permits office at (918) 366-0453 regarding mobile outdoor sellers application for a mobile food operation.
If you are interested in finding mobiles that operate in Tulsa County, use the retail food inspection search feature.
For more information, please call 918-595-4300.
Running a restaurant is not easy, and current resident at Kitchen 66's space Se Yeon Kim knows firsthand that it requires you to wear many hats. TULSA, Okla. - A Tulsa restaurant incubator program is looking for applicants to join its spring classes to help bring their dreams of running a restaurant to life.Running a restaurant is not easy, and Se Yeon Kim knows firsthand that it requires you to wear many hats...
Running a restaurant is not easy, and current resident at Kitchen 66's space Se Yeon Kim knows firsthand that it requires you to wear many hats.
TULSA, Okla. -
A Tulsa restaurant incubator program is looking for applicants to join its spring classes to help bring their dreams of running a restaurant to life.
Running a restaurant is not easy, and Se Yeon Kim knows firsthand that it requires you to wear many hats.
"What are roles that I don't do, that's the better question to ask," said Kim.
Se Yeon and her mom own Sobahn 82.
"82 in Korean is a slang for fast."
They are the current residents at Kitchen 66's space here in Mother Road Market and graduates of its incubator program meant to help grow and develop passionate food entrepreneurs.
"I'm ready to share my culture and my food and my family again to Tulsa, and when I heard this opportunity, I was like, ‘this is a great way to kind of get back into it as a full-grown adult,’" said Kim.
Program organizers are taking applications now for the 13-week course that will provide participants with commercial kitchen space, teach them business economics, and give them a chance to feature their food in Mother Road Market.
Se Yeon says along with learning the skills to succeed, her big takeaway was building a community.
"It reminded me that there was more to running a business than to have a successful money-making business that brings you money, but to have a personal connection to the people that you're doing the business with," said Kim.
She says making a leap of faith to start a business can be scary, but says the teachers in the program inspired her to thrive.
"To know that they are here to be celebrating your success, to help you with your ups and downs, it means a lot, and you shouldn't feel scared to have someone who cares about you in your life and your journey to be a successful businessperson," she said.
Se Yeon's restaurant is only here for two weeks, but she revels in the opportunity to share her food with Tulsa.
"It means a lot, and I just can't say enough how grateful I am that people come and enjoy our food,” said Kim.
Tuition for the program is $500, but organizers say scholarship opportunities are available.
For more information on how to apply, visit their website here.
The deadline to apply is January 14.
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TULSA, Okla. — A Tulsa woman is living her dream. She is working on not one, but two floats that will appear in the world-famous Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day.
"I just visualized it. I didn't draw anything," said Breniss O'Neal, horticulturist and landscape designer.
Breniss O'Neal's midtown Tulsa backyard is her paradise. Every tree and shrub, every pathway, was personally chosen by Breniss.
"There was one nasty crepe myrtle over there that came out," she said, "and some trees that came out too. I designed all this stuff, by the way."
Her design skill is so unique, that it landed Breniss a rare opportunity last year: Horticulturist to two major floats in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. A job she did so well, she is invited back.
"I am assigned to DirectTV and the SnapChat float as of the last communications," O'Neal said.
She will be guiding volunteers on the best way to position each and every petal on the massive floats.
"Only 2 petals and the stamen is cut really short and then a gentle application," O'Neal stated. "The technique sounds easy, the application isn't!"
She is also the one they turned to when volunteers ran into difficulties on a competitor's float.
"And if someone is calling out for help on their floats - do it! One for all and all for one - who loves a parade! Make it happen. Make it joyful for everyone!"
This stylish, vivacious woman lives life so irresistibly, you can't help but join in when she makes up a song and begins dancing on a platform in her backyard pool.
"Call the elves, off the shelves here we do our Christmas Dance!'
She will spend 16 hours a day on her Rose Parade projects this week. It is work she is delighted to do for she is thrilled to be living her dream.
"I am so grateful and so thankful that a friend like that believed in me to suggest and recommend me for that position. So, now, I live the dream."
A dream that millions around the world will see when the floats roll through Pasadena on New Year's Day.
And if you've ever wondered what happens to all of the florals used in the dozens of floats, O'Neal said the petals are gathered up, put into vats and composted to help grow more flowers for next year's parade.
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