A New Year

Greetings and welcome to my first blog! My friend Heather (smile) inspired me to do this - so here goes!!

As one year ends and a new one begins, I find myself looking back on the past year - it was a GREAT year!! 2010 started out with a bang!! I was selected to participate in a leadership development program at work called NASA FIRST. FIRST stands for Foundations of Infuence, Relationship, Success, and Teamwork. It was all of that and more!! I traveled, made new friends, and had a blast! I traveled every month out of the year except for one. It was busy, tough, and exhausting at times, but worth every minute. I wouldn't have traded it for anything!! I learned things about myself that I wasn't aware of before. The saying, "everyone's got stuff", is really true!! Some made a joke of that particular saying and even teased one of our coaches who said it, but it really struck a chord with me! While it wasn't a "new" revelation or anything, God used that particular phrase to get my attention!!

Aside from my normal travel to Florida for the Space Shuttle launches, I was also able to travel to multiple NASA Centers: Wallops Island, AMES Research Center, and Johnson Space Center, as well as to ATK in Utah. Anyone who knows me, knows I love to travel! It's always easier and better when I have friends along. When I travel to FL, my friend Sallie and I hang out together - it's always fun and interesting!! You will most likely find us at one of the following in Orlando: Sonic, Cheesecake Factory, or Brighton Collectibles in the Mall at Millenium! We always have such a good time! This year, Lisa was able to accompany me on 2 of my trips: one to FL and the other to CA and Canada. We spent a week in CA and a week in Canada visiting with my best friend Melinda who was on assignment in British Columbia! While in Canada, we were also able to visit with our friend Rachel's parents, Pastor and Mrs. Spence! We had a great visit!!

December 2010 brought the close to the NASA FIRST program. It was a bittersweet time for sure! I was happy to be graduating from the program, but also sad to leave behind the wonderful new friends and colleagues I had made through this program.

When I returned from this trip, it was time for our annual Christmas play/musical. It turned out awesome!

At work, before I left for the Christmas holidays, I was told that I would be getting a promotion and it would begin right at the start of the new year! All I can say is, PRAISE THE LORD!!! He is so good to me!!

Right before the close of the year, our whole family came down with an awful stomach virus. It was horrible! I wouldn't wish it on anyone. We didn't go out on such a high note, but we survived! At least misery loves company, right? ;-)

I wish all of you a great year!! May we be able to see and experience God in all the aspects of our lives! May we know that nothing takes Him by surprise! He is most definitely in control!!

Blessings,

Dawn