The Holidays Are Here!

Hello!

Hope that you are getting into the holiday spirit, and signing your Christmas cards and mailing them off today, if you haven’t already done so.

I will be spending Christmas with my sister, which I am very excited about, since we haven’t had an actual Christmas together since I was like 8 years old.

 Santa on Socials

Fun fact:  Santa Claus is on social media.  He has his own Facebook page, and he live streams a lot.  

He live-streams from snow-covered places he visits, and you get to hear plinkly, plunky holiday music laid overtop the gently pitter patter of snow falling whilst gazing upon a wintery, relaxing scene.  It’s fun to have on, just playing in your earbuds whilst you are typing away completing your normal activities.

Of course, people tune in and start writing in their comments.  Don’t spend too much time reading the comments, because you’ll get bored or depressed.   Most people are just saying fun things like, “Santa is real! I believe!” "Hello to my grandchildren, from Denver, CO!"  And there is a lot of fun connection from people from all over the world saying where they are and sending well-wishes, prayers, and lots of encouragement. 

There are also lots of people who use the comments as a live connection to a proverbial deity figure, sending prayers for their loved ones,

Trying to cope with misery,

And there are plenty of folks sending Santa-sized requests like, “Santa, are you real? Could you possibly bring home our troops this Christmas?”

And then others may respond and send very encouraging words, and sometimes it briefly turns into a support group for cancer survivors or the like.  

It unites people together, and therefore, I believe in Santa.

 

I did so many fun things over Thanksgiving!

My brother (the 7’ tall brother) came to Maryland for the week from his new state of residence, Tennessee. He’s lived in Louisiana the past almost 10 years, and now he is starting over in TN. So, he took a bus over.

A few highlights: We went to NASA, where my stepdad works, and took a bit of a private tour there. Are you into outer space? Well then buckle your seatbelt.

Mario explained to us all about the new telescope they are sending out, the James Webb Space Telescope (click here)

We got to actually see it!

This actual thing is going to be launched into outer space, and will be able to see where life began, and if our universe is still expanding, and other things about the Big Bang!  It was very cool. 

Then, we went to my stepdad’s office area, and played with his toys.  Well, we didn’t actually touch anything, but he explained all the things, and showed us compression chambers and stuff.

This compression chamber could probably suck up Baltimore!

So, my stepdad made this thing with his hands.  It's a compression chamber which will test space matter to see if it can withstand the temperature and pressure.  That machine was set to something like -220 degrees F.   He makes all sorts of things like this!!

We also saw this machine/mirror that is for optical engineering (I have no idea about what its actual purpose is,) and it has a ton of little mirrors which zoom right in on your eyeball as soon as you get in front of it.  I went to take a photo of it, and it thought my phone camera lens was the eyeball (which is true) so that’s what this photo is:

Here is the machine, stand in front of it but DON'T TOUCH IT

Look up close:

ICE! and E.T.

We also went to ICE! at the Gaylord National Harbor.  You should totally go!  It was so much fun.  I went a few years ago, and it was cute (they did “Frosty The Snowman”), but it wasn’t as good as this year!   This year  is something like, “Christmas Around The World,” and it was fun!

Nativity scene

Flag ornaments

Bet you can't spot me!

E.T.

We also went to The Kennedy Center to see the National Symphony Orchestra play the score to “E.T.”.  I didn’t realize that they were actually going to play the movie, and have the symphony play in front of the screen! 

It was absolutely amazing, I loved it.  You should definetly look to see when local orchestras are doing stuff like that again.  This morning I passed a billboard that was advertising “It’s A Wonderful Life” by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.   Here, here is the website.  click here.  You better go!  I want to see that Facebook check-in!!

Finally, we made a trip up to NYC to visit our great Aunt again, as you may remember we did a couple of years ago.  It’s so good to see her and her family. 

Okay, so that’s my news!

Also, at around 3 AM Thanksgiving morning, I got a message from Mike with this photo:

I love the story of Veronica.  I remember connecting instantly with her when I saw the depiction of her actions in the movie “The Passion.”   

As Jesus was stumbling and falling and bleeding and desperate walking towards Calvary, he fell a few times carrying his own gigantic cross.  One time when he fell, this lady ran to him, devil-may-care, and brought him water and wiped his face and just took a moment to BE with him, amidst the chaos and panic and torture.  

Probably, she could have been executed right on the spot, but the Lord put his hand over the whole situation.  Nothing else mattered in the world at that moment, only that she was going to run towards who she believed in.

When she looked at the rag used to wipe his face, his image remained in the blood and sweat soaked fabric.  Hence, she was dubbed the lady of the True Icon – Vera Icon. Veronica.  Click here for more.

I’d like to think I would do the same thing.

I’m going to start signing all of my emails with this signature:

Veronica

True Image, LLC

Okay, have a nice holiday!

Saw this sign at a barber shop in Pennsylvania

Tis The Season

Hello!

I have been gone.

My apologies.  Don't be mad, bro.

I have been holiday-ing and adult-ing and sleeping.

I went to a friend's holiday party this past weekend and it felt very grown up.  Mostly because her house is huge and beautiful and she's younger than me.  She had fancy things:

I sat at a beautiful rustic table and "talked shop" with a colleague, and we were using language that confused her husband, and after a few moments, I realized we were being very grown up.

I observe what it's like to be an adult quite often.  I was just talking to Karen the other day about being an adult.  We were at my boyfriend's house, (George Washington,) Mt. Vernon for the annual Illuminations event, and this little girl was doing cartwheels instead of walking.  I mentioned that I used to do that.  Karen said, "Remember when you were a little kid, how all the adults used to tell you to enjoy being a kid, but you just wanted to grow up and be an adult?  I miss that."  I disagreed -  Maybe I am over-trusting, but whenever an adult said that to me as a kid, no matter how I actually responded, in my head I always thought, "Okay, I will enjoy being a kid, thanks for the advice."

Had lots of fun at Mt. Vernon and very pleasant weather again.

Meanwhile, did I show you a photo of my neighbor's house last year?  Even if I did, they add something new each year, so feast your eyes upon this year's decor.

I've had the goal this holiday season of watching as many Hallmark Channel Christmas movies as absolutely possible.  I've thrown in some ABC Family Christmas movies here and there, but mainly I've been sticking to Hallmark.  

I do hope that you've given yourself a fair chance to get into the Christmas spirit, with enjoying colors and lights and shiny things and furry things and people being extra-ordinarily nice, despite it still being a rather warm winter.

I feel obliged to take a moment with you and hold your hand and make eye contact and get real. You know how I get.  

As you may or may not know (or care,) while I am not the most devoutly religious person by any means, and I swear like a pirate, and I wasn't raised in a church, I am a Christian.  I am about as non-denominational as they come, but I can see truth in almost every religious practice out there - whether it's Catholicism, Baptist, or even if you worship crystals and hug trees, I can respect it.  

I've taken part in churches where they speak tongues and been a part of Native American drum circles.  I can appreciate so many different kinds of religious practices, and in fact, I relate more to folks who lay on the ground and worship the God of the Forest, and then bow before the ocean and worship the God of the Seas more or the same as people who diligently report to their pews every Sunday morning. 

I have my own ways of nourishing and protecting my spirit, which include attending (non-denominational) church, standing in a silent forest, listening to Yanni, and surrounding myself with the talisman of the Evil Eye: 

Click here to find out more

Those who know me know that I have this with me basically always.  I even have a room in my house painted these colors.  It's everywhere around me.

All that to give weight to my telling you that I was really moved recently by some experiences, and I feel obliged to encourage you to partake in the same experience.  

The Hallmark Channel, along with other Christmas favorites such as "Love, Actually," likes to keep reminding me that Christmas is a time for telling the truth, so here I go. 

I've had an interesting history with this church called Lighthouse.  I've been off-and-on with them for the past ten years or so.  I could talk more about this, but maybe another time. 

Recently I've been going more regularly due to having more free time (I can't justify sitting around watching The Hallmark Channel without also going to church.)  I am here to tell you that I was absolutely moved by a couple recent episodes they are doing surrounding the Christmas story.  

I love history.  I like sitting back and listening to a good, true story.  I have never heard anyone describe the ACTUAL history WITH CONTEXT of what was actually happening, and what each movement meant.  I am in LOVE with this story.

So either listen below, or please download the Lighthouse Church app on your phone, set up your phone before you slide your car into Drive, press play, and then just listen to the story while you are driving home today, and then on your way to work tomorrow.  You will not regret it, whether you care about Jesus or not.  I am in love with the way this church is giving historical context to the stories that you and I are hearing songs about right now.  If you are a believer, listen to all three, in order.  If you are just here to hear what I'm talking about, watch in this order:

Number Two:

Number Three:



And here is the First, in case you are interested:



Trust me.  You will like it.

Okay, please do listen to those, even if you are just at work with nothing better to do.

Have a merry Christmas, my friends.  

Mt. Vernon

Mt. Vernon

Saturday, I went to (one of my) boyfriends’ house and had a party on his lawn.  

George and Martha Washington hosted an awesome holiday party.  There were horses, and hot apple cider, and fireworks choreographed to Celine Dion, and it was basically Heaven.  It was not freezing, which was great, since we sat on the lawn to watch the fireworks because we didn’t have time to run back and get chairs from my car.  It was a mild night, beautiful weather, and the fireworks were reflected over the glassy Potomac River.  

Paired with good company and good health, one simply could not ask for anything more.

I’ve never been to Mt. Vernon when it’s been warm out.  I don’t know why, but I always end up going when it is freezing out and there is nothing green or floral to see.

Last year, I went to Mt. Vernon for the day and spent a great deal of time walking around the property with Kate.  

Fast history – George wanted to be buried here:

which was an old family crypt in a lovely nook of the property, but they moved his tomb (after realizing the crypt was just in bad condition, and then someone tried- and failed - to steal his body, so it was time to go) to a new mausoleum which is further away and gigantic, and now Martha was buried near him (along with the other family members.)  

The old crypt still stands, but is in disrepair.  It still is one of my favorite spots on the property because it is so lovely.

When I went with Kake a couple years ago, there was hardly anyone there because it was freezing and windy.  

This is one of our favorite photos of us.  

I hug the trees (I know, it's embarrassing) when I go to Mt. Vernon, especially this one, which George himself planted.

We got to the mausoleum, which is always guarded.  We were not being disruptive, just casually chatting about things we were seeing, but this lady was being such a jerk and was giving us the side-eye and shushing us.   It was outrageous. There was no one else there.  

I mean, I get it; it’s a place of sanctity and silence.  If there were other people around, I would get that it’s really a place for just walking up, paying respects, and walking away.  But, as there was no one there, we were just casually talking about the trees around and the architecture and whatever else, but this lady was being such a b.  So, I went up and hung out with George for a minute, just to hang out with his presence and say hi, and then I turned on my heel to leave, and looked down, and there was a $20 at my feet. 

It’s as if George himself said, “Hey gurl.  Sorry about my betches, you know how they can be; they’re just looking out for me.  How much was your ticket?  $18?  Here’s a $20.  Sorry, boo.”

Someone remind me to go back to Mt. Vernon in the Spring.  Actually, let's go together.  

(Are you still wondering why someone would try to steal G.W.'s body?  Me, too.  I mean, what... why?... what would one even do... Maybe we don't want to know.)

Side note, I just Google image searched George Washington, and this site came up, which YOU HAVE TO GO SEE.  Maybe I am the only one who finds it as funny as I do, but I am sitting here dying at my computer from choking back the fits of laughter.  I can only look at one at a time and then I have to look away, because they are so funny.

Well, I hope you have a great Christmas.  I'll be traveling for a while, so I will post again upon my return, boasting of several adventures, I'm sure.

Merry Christmas!!

Goodbye Forever, Hong Kong, Army/Navy

Look at my neighbor's house.

Complete with life-size, talking waving Santa.

And that is just the front.
I love it.

Goodbye Forever

I don’t know when it happened, but at some point in my life, I picked up the habit of saying, “Goodbye forever!” whenever I leave work.  

This can be traced back to one of my very first jobs, when I was 15 years old working at Taco Bell. My friend (with whom I worked there, and several other jobs to come) said that was one of the things he loved about working with me;  at the end of my shift, I would say, “okay, I’m leavin’ y’all!!”  And then I would come back in about 3-4 more times because I kept forgetting things, and then finally, when I actually had everything, I would say, “OKAY GOOD BYE FOREVER!!” 

I must do it still to this day, more often than I think.  One day recently, I was leaving work, and I said, “Okay, bye.”  I was answered with a choir of “Okay, goodbye forever,” from all of the guys.  I just started laughing and laughing.  We all took a minute to talk about it.  I said, “Do I say that?”  And they said, “Yes, you say it all the time, and we didn’t know what to make of it at first!”  

I told them that I’ve always said it, and I don’t know why – I guess you just never actually know if it is goodbye forever!  I have to walk across a lot of streets in the city!  And the one guy who is from Kenya (we have a pretty cultural group) told me, “See, that’s what we’ve figured, and now we get it and think it’s funny, but at first I was really worried, because we don’t talk about such things in my culture.”  And I told him that you have to talk about things!  And he said, “Well, now I get it, now it is okay, but it was a learning experience.”

It’s like that story in “The Princess Bride” where the Dread Pirate Roberts says every single night, "Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you in the morning."  Click here for the reference.

Hong Kong

I have to say “goodbye forever” to two of my very good friends soon.  They (husband and wife) are part of the archery family, and they are moving to Hong Kong in a couple of weeks because they were both offered jobs at a college over there.  Can you even imagine being given 3-4 weeks to just move across the world?  They have to find places for everything – from furniture to their cars and pets.  Neither of them speak the language.  I can’t even imagine.

Well, I need them to learn quickly, so that they know what is going on over there by the time I go to visit them.  I have never in my life wanted to visit the Asian countries.  I don’t know why; it’s just never appealed to me.  But now they are going, so I have to visit.  It’s just like Florida – I do NOT like Florida, and yet I’m always there for some reason or another. 

Well anyway, if you have any helpful tips for my friends, please feel free to pass them along, and I am sure that they could use all the help they can get.  I will miss them.

Army/Navy Game

I have weird hearing, and can hear things very far away, like music in restaurants that no one else can hear, and I can process three conversations at once. 

(Although if one conversation takes me away from the others, it can lead to a lot of confusion.  For example, yesterday, this guy Kevin was at my desk talking about how his hair was really long in the 80’s and then I noticed that the box marked “produce” which was delivered to the lady across from me was walking away.  I started chasing the box, not willing to miss out on the opportunity for free quality pears.  I tracked down the girl carrying the box, and expressed my concern, and she laughed and said we could open the box together.  We opened it, and lo and behold…. Cookies.  DARN THE LUCK!  I said how disappointed I was, since I really thought I was going to get free produce, and then it was noted that I was probably the only person in the whole office who would be mad about cookies not being produce.  As we were discussing this, Kevin slowly rounded the corner, with such a confused look on his face, and I just started laughing and apologizing.  He said, (whilst laughing) “I was in the middle of a sentence, and you just ran away…” I said, “Yeah, I know,  I’m sorry.  I tend to do that a lot.”  And he said he was used to it by now.)

So I heard what sounded like a bunch of low-flying helicopters in the distance yesterday, and I ran over to the window to see what was going on.  Turns out it was a bunch of low-flying helicopters coming over the harbor.  I also saw a ton of people gathering, so I grabbed my coat and went outside.  Army and Navy were outside having a huge pep rally for the Army/Navy football game today, and I gotta admit – I had SO MUCH FUN watching the pep rally.

Go Army!

Go Navy!

I usually would lean towards considering myself more of a Navy girl, but, when the Army band broke out into some Taylor Swift yesterday, I must admit that I was nearly swayed:

The pull-up challenge - Who can do the most pull-ups in 5 minutes?

Very fun to watch!

Now I REALLY want to go to the Army/Navy game.  :-(

Star Wars, Thermal Engineers

Star/Office Wars

There was a minor explosion at work yesterday when it was discovered that I have never seen Star Wars. 

I think I just heard the sound of half of my followers slamming the door behind them on their way out.

I didn’t know it was such a hot button issue, okay?? 

The conversation went something like, “And I showed the website to Veronica, but she didn’t think it was funny because she didn’t get it.”  So I say, “I’ve never seen Star Wars.” 

Just then, a cold, dark chill swept the room.  The lights flickered.  The hanging florescent lights suddenly started shaking and swaying in a sudden inexplicable, icy gust.

A choir sounded from all around me.  “You’ve WHAT?  Not even ONE?”   

I told them that I feel like it’s normal for people to not have seen Star Wars, and that they are all nerds, and not by any means a proper representation of the US populous as a whole.  They completely disagreed.  I said that I thought it was weird that none of them have seen all of the Twilights.  They said that was TOTALLY different.  I said it wasn’t different to me.  Or how about Lord of the Rings?  Harry Potter? 

It was a stalemate.  None of us had anything to say to each other.  You could have cut the tension with a knife.  There was fire in every one's eyes.   The temp was inconsolable.

Anyway, yadda yadda yadda, now I’m not friends with any of them, and I’ve been uninvited to all company holiday events.

Thermal Engineers

Speaking of the holidays, it is so hard to buy Christmas gifts for men.  I say this as a woman, since men are probably saying how hard it is to buy for women.  But really, with women, you can’t go wrong with anything that smells good (lotions, candles, food) or you know… money.   

But what do you buy for a man who 1) has everything (and is all set in the BBQ area)  and 2) is not into things like golf, or golf packages, or golf retreats?  This is what I was running into with my step dad, and everyone at work is very unhelpful, since they all like golf.   So, he finally actually made a Christmas list, and now, ladies, I have the answer to all of your holiday buying guide needs for the NASA thermal engineer YOU know! 

 Here it is!!! (This is the link to the item)

And, don't forget one of THESE!!!

Please disguise your jealousy.  I know, now you want one.  Well, get in line!

Okay, I've run out of things to say to you for right now.

IM from temp (I am so proud.)

9:40 AM Temp

(*_*) Q------(-_-Q)

Knockout

Kids these days are so clever with their internets.