Ok, so last week another long one I didn't care to mention. Last weekend was our annual Trunk or Treat activity, though. That was fun. I was golidlocks. No, I didn't get any pictures, but other people did. I may have to go find them. I told everyone that I break into people's houses, eat their food, break their furniture, and then go to sleep on their beds. One little boy, dressed as a police officer, gave me a ticket. Cause I was bad.
I went to the doctor yesterday to get the results of the tests I did about a month ago. Results are, he couldn't find anything wrong. Whew! I'm thinking diet and exercise may clear up my problem (now where have I heard that before?). now I need to call the Red Cross and let them know I'm ok to donate blood again.
As for other things, life's about to get crazy again...
At work we have our Critical Design Review coming up, and I get to present (stand up in front of the room and talk to my 7-8 slides). Speaking in front of a group is really not a problem having been a Mormon all my life--they start us when we're very small giving talks and stuff. It's good preparation, really. The tricky part is that the review board gets to ask you questions and interrupt you and stuff like that. Practicing a talk no problem, but the ad libbing stuff gets to me sometimes and I say thoughtless things (those HOPE guys!). Whatever Nicky says, I did NOT use the 'd' word to describe those HOPE guys (HOPE is the name of one of our instruments). Although it does make for a better story when she tells it. So the next month I get to prepare for that.
In the Mormon Choir we have a fireside coming up, and after that the Interfaith Concert. That's pretty cool because choirs from all over DC, all religions and aspect, come and perform. It's done to encourage cooperation and peace between people of different faiths. But what this means for me is Tuesday Night Rehearsals. And Thursday Night Rehearsals. Not to mention we have the Temple Lighting Ceremony the week right after Thanksgiving, so the first week of December will see me at rehersals and performances. Yay. Busy busy busy. No time to sit and watch tv :(
Speaking of TV, November is Sweeps month. Which means all the best tv episodes will be played. Can't miss that, but I don't think my DVR can hold more than 40 shows at a time, so exactly when will I be able to watch them? I'm at rehersal twice a week, remember? Yikes.
but I may have my weekends off. That would be nice. Stay home and veg. Oh, wait, clean house, that's it. I have to clean my house. And get ready for Christmas.
So if I don't blog quite so much the next few weeks, you know why.
Have a great day!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
I work in a scary place...
Now don't get me wrong, I love where I work and what I do. I'm in the Space Department at JHU/APL. I get to fly satellites for a living.
This week I had PSOP--basically orientation for new employees. I know, I've been at APL for over 2 years now, but this is the first time I haven't had a conflict. It's a four-day orientation, with presentations in the morning and tours in the afternoons. Every department at APL gives a presentation so you get an idea of what goes on in the other departments at the lab.
Really cool stuff, for the most part. There's a lot of work going on for development of a prosthetic arm right now. There's also a lot of work on building a human-like mannequin they can stick sensors into and see how it reacts to different types of trauma. Like what happens when a person puts on a bullet-proof vest and gets shot. Ok, so the bullet didn't go through, but what happened to the person's innards?
Scary stuff too, though. I learned that, during the Cuban Missle Crisis in 1962 at one point the guy in charge of the arrmed forces went into President Kennedy and told him that we had a huge command and control problem. There was no way to stop some guy out in a sub from starting the next nuclear war. Up to that point our focus was just to have more bombs and whatnot than the Russians. Once the crisis was resolved they decided we just needed enough to insure total anihiliation. I.e. the guy who shoots first dies second. APL was asked to step in and do some of the command and control work. Like I said, scary stuff.
I knew there was a lot of military stuff going on here--it was formed during WWII for just that purpose--but I had no idea what. I like my nice, safe, little bubble in the space deparment, working on the civilian space side of the fence (i.e. NASA). We do cool stuff too, discovering new things on other planets and determining the environment outside of our atmosphere. I'd much rather be involved in the work I'm doing. Far more positive. Though it is kind of nice to know some of the things we're doing to help our troops overseas. And under the seas as well. And I'm thinking I really need to get my brother (the unemployed one) to take a look at applying here. I think he would do well in the technical services department.
As for the rest of my week, it's just been long. So glad it's the weekend.
Oh hey, I didn't mention my trip to NYC! Shannon and I went up last Saturday on the train. We had lunch at a place serving New York Pizza, and then went to the theater. The play ("A Steady Rain") was ok, I think it suffered a little by being so time constrained, but there are no complaints at how well it was acted. Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman did FABULOUS!! They're so cute. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go. I'm really glad Shannon keeps up with what's going on around here. Next month we're going to the Star Wars concert at the Baltimore Maritime Arena. So cool!
This week I had PSOP--basically orientation for new employees. I know, I've been at APL for over 2 years now, but this is the first time I haven't had a conflict. It's a four-day orientation, with presentations in the morning and tours in the afternoons. Every department at APL gives a presentation so you get an idea of what goes on in the other departments at the lab.
Really cool stuff, for the most part. There's a lot of work going on for development of a prosthetic arm right now. There's also a lot of work on building a human-like mannequin they can stick sensors into and see how it reacts to different types of trauma. Like what happens when a person puts on a bullet-proof vest and gets shot. Ok, so the bullet didn't go through, but what happened to the person's innards?
Scary stuff too, though. I learned that, during the Cuban Missle Crisis in 1962 at one point the guy in charge of the arrmed forces went into President Kennedy and told him that we had a huge command and control problem. There was no way to stop some guy out in a sub from starting the next nuclear war. Up to that point our focus was just to have more bombs and whatnot than the Russians. Once the crisis was resolved they decided we just needed enough to insure total anihiliation. I.e. the guy who shoots first dies second. APL was asked to step in and do some of the command and control work. Like I said, scary stuff.
I knew there was a lot of military stuff going on here--it was formed during WWII for just that purpose--but I had no idea what. I like my nice, safe, little bubble in the space deparment, working on the civilian space side of the fence (i.e. NASA). We do cool stuff too, discovering new things on other planets and determining the environment outside of our atmosphere. I'd much rather be involved in the work I'm doing. Far more positive. Though it is kind of nice to know some of the things we're doing to help our troops overseas. And under the seas as well. And I'm thinking I really need to get my brother (the unemployed one) to take a look at applying here. I think he would do well in the technical services department.
As for the rest of my week, it's just been long. So glad it's the weekend.
Oh hey, I didn't mention my trip to NYC! Shannon and I went up last Saturday on the train. We had lunch at a place serving New York Pizza, and then went to the theater. The play ("A Steady Rain") was ok, I think it suffered a little by being so time constrained, but there are no complaints at how well it was acted. Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman did FABULOUS!! They're so cute. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go. I'm really glad Shannon keeps up with what's going on around here. Next month we're going to the Star Wars concert at the Baltimore Maritime Arena. So cool!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Long boring week
Hmmm, nothing of note really happened this week either.
Saturday and Sunday I watched General Conference on TV. It was good, per usual. I need to work on noticing the Spirit more in my life and temperance. I also did some yard work and let the lawn guy cut my lawn. I do pay him for it...
Monday I went to work then went home and crashed on the couch and watched TV. Donny danced very well on Dancing with the Stars. I really like Louie and Chelsie too.
Tuesday I went to work then went home for dinner before going to the Chiropractor. He straightened me out. Oh, and Donny's safe for another week.
Wednesday I went to work then went home and crashed until time to go get my vegetables. Got these weird bulb things attatched to what looks like chard. No idea how to cook that. Maybe boil it and eat with butter, salt and pepper? A stir fry? Hmmm. Spent the evening watching NCIS on USA. Totally hooked. Yikes. Seven seasons to catch up on. Not clear if the current season is 7 or 8.
Thursday I went to work and then went home for dinner, programed my DVR to record NCIS off of USA, then went to Choir Rehearsal. Tried really hard not to be jealous of the beautiful talented alto that gets all the solos. Not her fault she's so talented. Not her fault the directors don't seem to choose anyone else for the solos, even with auditions. Not her fault I have no breath control (I did audition, just in case you were wondering).
Today I'm taking the Sister Missionaries for dinner before going to the store to get some stuff. I've been on restriction from shopping this week, but I got paid today so all is well. And I really need some new pants. Oops, not going to make the RS Social. Not a very social person anyway, so I guess that's ok. I do better in small groups. Large groups, even if I know everyone, intimidate me.
Tomorrow I'm going to NYC to see Hugh Jackman on stage. Live, in person. In a show. With Shannon, my partner-in-crime. Well, not crime. She's in Law Enforcement, so no illegal activities. Then again, she did tell me to bring restraints to make sure she doesn't leap over the balcony onto the stage to get closer to the Most Handsome Man Alive. Must remember to take credit card in case I need to bail her out of jail... Oh, and don't ask me what the name of the show is, it's enough that Hugh is in it. I'll know more when I return tomorrow night. Yup, quick trip, on the train, up and back. You won't even know I was gone...
Wish me luck!
Saturday and Sunday I watched General Conference on TV. It was good, per usual. I need to work on noticing the Spirit more in my life and temperance. I also did some yard work and let the lawn guy cut my lawn. I do pay him for it...
Monday I went to work then went home and crashed on the couch and watched TV. Donny danced very well on Dancing with the Stars. I really like Louie and Chelsie too.
Tuesday I went to work then went home for dinner before going to the Chiropractor. He straightened me out. Oh, and Donny's safe for another week.
Wednesday I went to work then went home and crashed until time to go get my vegetables. Got these weird bulb things attatched to what looks like chard. No idea how to cook that. Maybe boil it and eat with butter, salt and pepper? A stir fry? Hmmm. Spent the evening watching NCIS on USA. Totally hooked. Yikes. Seven seasons to catch up on. Not clear if the current season is 7 or 8.
Thursday I went to work and then went home for dinner, programed my DVR to record NCIS off of USA, then went to Choir Rehearsal. Tried really hard not to be jealous of the beautiful talented alto that gets all the solos. Not her fault she's so talented. Not her fault the directors don't seem to choose anyone else for the solos, even with auditions. Not her fault I have no breath control (I did audition, just in case you were wondering).
Today I'm taking the Sister Missionaries for dinner before going to the store to get some stuff. I've been on restriction from shopping this week, but I got paid today so all is well. And I really need some new pants. Oops, not going to make the RS Social. Not a very social person anyway, so I guess that's ok. I do better in small groups. Large groups, even if I know everyone, intimidate me.
Tomorrow I'm going to NYC to see Hugh Jackman on stage. Live, in person. In a show. With Shannon, my partner-in-crime. Well, not crime. She's in Law Enforcement, so no illegal activities. Then again, she did tell me to bring restraints to make sure she doesn't leap over the balcony onto the stage to get closer to the Most Handsome Man Alive. Must remember to take credit card in case I need to bail her out of jail... Oh, and don't ask me what the name of the show is, it's enough that Hugh is in it. I'll know more when I return tomorrow night. Yup, quick trip, on the train, up and back. You won't even know I was gone...
Wish me luck!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Ahh, October!
I just have to say, that I love Fall. I love the cool crispness of the air, I love being able to leave my windows open all day and all night (with a good comforter and my kitty for warmth). I love when the trees turn briliant colors. Hasn't quite started yet here in MD, unless you count my poor tree in my front yard that's been losing leaves all summer. Poor thing. It gets so confused and doesn't know what season it is.
Last weekend was pretty tame. I was on a committee for the Relief Society dinner before the broadcast on Saturday, so I spent most of the day at the church setting up and helping out. Sunday was nice and laid back, complete with a visit from my HT and his wife (my other HT was in the hospital :( ) This week has been fairly calm too. I know a lot of that is due to my recovery from my cold--I just don't have the inclination to do a whole lot. I am much better now, though, and all ready for a night of singing. Choir rehearsal, you know.
This weekend I have the opportunity to listen to General Conference at home. I'll spend time before and between sessions in my yard, trying to make some sort of order there, but for at least four hours I'll sit on my couch and listen to the General Authorities in Salt Lake and try to get a feel for what I should work on for the next six months. I just love Conference Weekend.
Kitty and I had a cat-fight the other night, though. I sat on the couch and was drinking some juice when she latched on to my leg with both front claws and her mouth. I don't think she was trying to hurt me, she didn't draw any blood, but my juice spilled all over the place, including me, and I was unhappy. She knew it. She ran down to the basement to escape my wrath. I am really tired of her attacking me. She might find herself with a new home. Actually, what I will try first is to get a cat trainer over to my house to help us. And maybe play with her more.
I've gotten into NCIS now, too. My Fall TV-Watching schedule is greatly reduced from last year--mostly because half my shows were cancelled and part of the others don't start until January. I have two whole nights where I'm not recording anything. That is just amazing. Throw in the fact that I'm only recording one or two shows on about two other nights, and now you really get a sense of it. fortunately (unfortunately?) USA runs up to 6 hours of NCIS nearly every day. That's a lot. That's more than I can do, actually, but I usually only catch one or two episodes. Lori is going to laugh at me when I tell her. She told me to try it last year (or maybe the year before) but I didn't. She was right.
Last weekend was pretty tame. I was on a committee for the Relief Society dinner before the broadcast on Saturday, so I spent most of the day at the church setting up and helping out. Sunday was nice and laid back, complete with a visit from my HT and his wife (my other HT was in the hospital :( ) This week has been fairly calm too. I know a lot of that is due to my recovery from my cold--I just don't have the inclination to do a whole lot. I am much better now, though, and all ready for a night of singing. Choir rehearsal, you know.
This weekend I have the opportunity to listen to General Conference at home. I'll spend time before and between sessions in my yard, trying to make some sort of order there, but for at least four hours I'll sit on my couch and listen to the General Authorities in Salt Lake and try to get a feel for what I should work on for the next six months. I just love Conference Weekend.
Kitty and I had a cat-fight the other night, though. I sat on the couch and was drinking some juice when she latched on to my leg with both front claws and her mouth. I don't think she was trying to hurt me, she didn't draw any blood, but my juice spilled all over the place, including me, and I was unhappy. She knew it. She ran down to the basement to escape my wrath. I am really tired of her attacking me. She might find herself with a new home. Actually, what I will try first is to get a cat trainer over to my house to help us. And maybe play with her more.
I've gotten into NCIS now, too. My Fall TV-Watching schedule is greatly reduced from last year--mostly because half my shows were cancelled and part of the others don't start until January. I have two whole nights where I'm not recording anything. That is just amazing. Throw in the fact that I'm only recording one or two shows on about two other nights, and now you really get a sense of it. fortunately (unfortunately?) USA runs up to 6 hours of NCIS nearly every day. That's a lot. That's more than I can do, actually, but I usually only catch one or two episodes. Lori is going to laugh at me when I tell her. She told me to try it last year (or maybe the year before) but I didn't. She was right.
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