up in the air

so I went on my first business trip last week. A team of 2 from Mactec flew up to Philadelphia to do an energy audit for the Defense Logistics Agency. We were on our feet for 4 very longs days looking at offices, warehouses, mechanical rooms and rooftops. It was nice to get out into the field and participate in gathering data. We looked for energy saving opportunities that ranged from looking at light fixtures to toilets to mini refrigerators to 50 foot long boilers. Here are my observations:

1. Have a Philly Cheesesteak. In Philly.


2. In my field of work, I will always be surrounded by men. Seldom will there ever be a female.


3. I am one of those Asians that George Clooney talks about in Up in the Air when he is going through security—get behind me in the airport security line, I always wear slip on shoes.


4. DO NOT make a connection with an airline carrier that differs from your first flight leg. They will bump you to stand-by. Awesome.


5. If you are walking around a military base with a wide-eyed expression on your face, you will be flagged as a suspicious individual.


6. Having a per diem for meals is awesome.
   
7. One really cool thing at the DLA was a flag room. It’s the only one in existence. A bunch of Asian women are all hand sewing flags. Every single one of them approached me throughout the week to tell me how beautiful I am (what a confidence booster!). The flags made here are for the different branches of the military in addition to the President ) and the Vice President’s flags. One woman even asked me to sign the President’s flag she was working on. I signed the fabric, and she embroidered over my signature. I also saw the first flag that went to the moon on display! Very cool.

A few travel mishaps to and from Philly did not spoil the trip. I am enjoying my new job, and I’m decent at it, too! Next week I’ll be on the Atlantic coast of Florida for a few days working on Canaveral National Shoreline. Maybe I’ll just hop on a cruise ship from there!

Zach and I are on our way to becoming members at Christ Community Church where we have been attending since we were married. I've gotten involved with a Women's Bible Study and have been volunteering with the Children's ministry. This fall is filling up with frisbee (Zach joined a community league, and we will both be playing for the med school intramural team), school (Zach has his 3rd test tomorrow), and business trips (leaving on Monday for the week!). We are staying busy and cheering on the Bulldogs every Saturday!


Since the first day of Fall was yesterday, and we will not be feeling it at all for at least another 2 months, I am going to carve a pumpkin this weekend! I'll blog about the finished product! Happy Fall!