Merry Christmas @ Work!

Yes, I spent Christmas day working to get people to where they needed to be. Final Destination: Portland, OR. Fortunately, I had some great crew to work with. . .

. . .and the hotel was kind enough to give us a free Christmas dinner because we were away from home.

Sweet!

Coronado

I had another layover in San Diego, this time during an entire day. So, I decided to take a "taxi" ride over to Coronado for the day.

Once I got there, I walked approx. 10 blocks out to the ocean.  It was beautiful!

I didn't know it, but the street I chose to walk came out right next to the famous Coronado Hotel.

Probably as close as I'll ever get to staying THERE!

Cool sand art. . .by the famous Artist and Creator of all.

I walked back through town, and saw some cute churches on my way, which also happened to be historical landmarks.  Makes me wonder how they got there.

A  Poinsettia TREE. . .amazing.

I sat here for a while waiting for the ferry to come back.  Nice view!

Someone hitched a ride back to the city with us.

Christmas Military Thanks

No offense intended, but sometimes I forget about the Navy branch of our military. Not because they're not important, but because I'm not familiar with them, having grown up surrounded by land all my life. Being in San Diego, however, you cannot help but notice their presence there.

So, thanks to them, and thanks to all the military personnel who are spending Christmas "at work" instead of with their families.  You are missed.  And you are not forgotten.

Small Group Christmas Party

On Wednesday night, I got back to my house from a trip at 5:04 p.m. I then hosted our small group Christmas party at 6 p.m.! WHEW!! Thank You, God, for flights that were on time!  Anywho, we had a fun evening, and took another group picture.

BTW, Mason is our little  mascot.  He belongs to Annie and comes with her for now to each study.  As you can plainly see, he is a CUTIE!!

Busy Layover in SFO

What a day!! 

First, while I was exiting my airplane, I was met by Ling, my former roommate-on-workdays.  We had a short and sweet visit together.

Then Julie (the human) and Lucy (the dog) came to walk along the bay by my hotel with me.  Julie and I used to play music together for the women's Bible study at our church in Foster City.  

Lucy thought picture taking was for giving kisses. . .love the smiles in this one!

Then someone took pity on us, and took a great shot of us.

That same evening, God worked it out so Debee (based in SFO), Wendy (based in ORD) and I (based in DCA) ALL ARRIVED in SFO THE SAME NIGHT!!  This has not happened for YEARS!!  We all lived together as roommates right after training with United in the same class.

Although the day was exhausting, I wouldn't have missed it for the world!  Who needs sleep when you've got great friends like these . . . right???  ;)

Christmas Comes Early

I had a chance to celebrate an early Christmas in Seattle with my family this past weekend, as I will be flying over the Christmas days. 

A wintery fountain near mom and dad's new home.

I know these smiles are directed at someone else, but this truly was the best of the lot!

 

We also celebrated Sharla's little one(due to arrive in the next 6 weeks or so) with a baby shower for her.

Coco decorated for Christmas for me...

Complete with name tags for each person

And a great meal was shared by all!

When I got back to Virginia, I finally had a chance to put my Christmas tree up with a friend tonight.  It turned out pretty good, I think!

Dinner with Carly and Andrew

On my Seattle layover, I met up with Carly and Andrew, who are engaged, and have asked me to be a bridesmaid in their wedding in the spring.

While I was waiting for them to use the facilities, I got a call from Carly.  She was laughing so hard I could barely understand her.  She asked me to come to the hallway by the bathrooms, and THIS is what I found!  I, too, burst out laughing and then documented the find! 

What a blessing it is to have such excellent friends, a gift from God, for so many years now.

San Diego Sunshine!

Another beautiful layover in San Diego this week. It's kind of bazaar to me to go to a city on December 2nd and walk around in flip flops and a t-shirt! There were even people swimming in the pool! BEAUTIFUL day!

Coronado Bridge

Can you imagine trying to FIND your boat in THIS?

Walking along the waterfront

A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier that is now a museum.  Pretty cool!

The maritime museum, one of 5 vessels you can tour all tied together in the water.

Looking towards the airport. . .

. . . and United comes flying in, right over the city!