Furlough Truth

First, I apologize that it has been so long since I have posted.  But I plan on getting you all caught up the last month's worth of activities.

First, the truth about the furlough.  I was directly affected by the furlough as was all of NASA.  It was especially disappointing for me because all of my work leading up to the furlough was in preparation for working the NASA exhibit at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  I was to have been there for ten days, teaching everyone about pressure suits and what happens to your body at high altitudes.

This is your body in a vacuum.

It would have been an amazing event and I was really looking forward to going, but with the furlough, no one from NASA was allowed to travel to and work the event.  So, even though all of our materials had already be shipped to New Mexico, the tent would never open.  It was disappointing, to say the least.

Sorry, we're closed.

The "barriers" in front of the World War II Memorial

There were as many reporters at WWII as there were tourists.

The shutdown left me rather jaded, as for the first time, I experienced the journalistic slant that I didn't want to believe existed.  Based on what I saw on CNN, there were hundreds of protesters, looking longingly at the memorials and the monuments.  In reality, it was one guy with a sign.  Everyone else was enjoying the memorial.  Yes, the fountains were off, but it was still open.

Yeah...I'm protesting.  Or something...

But, I enjoyed the furlough, because it meant that I got to spend time with the best people ever!

Furlough Update

As you know by now, NASA is currently shut down due to the disagreement between the House and the Senate.  So here's my situation.  First, I am still going to be paid.  I do not, technically, work for the government or NASA and am, technically, not on furlough.  However, everyone in my office is.  So I can't report to work and I am not allowed to do any work on NASA's behalf.

So, I will work on my own professional development for the Fellowship and take advantage of some down time to set some goals for the year.  Once Congress comes to an agreement on the 2014 budget, NASA will reopen and I will go back to work.  Until then, I have one more day to spend in Alabama with my family before I fly back to DC.  I am enjoying time with my guys.  Here's hoping this shutdown is resolved quickly!