---
blogpost: true
date: December 31, 2025
location: Wichita Kansas
category: Annual Recap
tags: accomplishments, inspiration, self-reflection, travel
---
# 2025 Recap
Table of Contents
-----------------
- [This Year's Theme](#this-years-theme)
- [Work](#work)
- [January](#january)
- [Christmas on New Year's Eve](#christmas-on-near-years-eve)
- [March](#march)
- [Texas Tuesday Longhorn](#texas-tuesday-longhorn)
- [Spring Fun for My Nieces](#spring-fun-for-my-nieces)
- [Jamie Dimon Plano Townhall](#jamie-dimon-plano-townhall)
- [April](#april)
- [Trip to Belton, Missouri](#trip-to-belton-missouri)
- [La Nonna](#la-nonna)
- [Last Gymnastics Meet of the Season](#last-gymnastics-meet-of-the-season)
- [Lucy's Bakery](#lucys-bakery)
- [Fun in Dallas](#fun-in-dallas)
- [Hutchins BBQ](#hutchins-bbq)
- [Battle House Laser Tag](#battle-house-laser-tag)
- [Scheels Ferris Wheel](#scheels-ferris-wheel)
- [Boot Barn](#boot-barn)
- [May](#may)
- [Vonda Wright's Building Better Bone](#vonda-wrights-building-better-bone)
- [Zero Latency Virtual Reality](#zero-latency-virtual-reality)
- [June](#june)
- [Stepped Down From DEFNA Board](#stepped-down-from-defna-board)
- [July](#july)
- [Eating Clean](#eating-clean)
- [Stroopwafels](#stroopwafels)
- [Summer Fun for My Nieces](#summer-fun-for-my-nieces)
- [Django's 20th Birthday](#djangos-20th-birthday)
- [Mom Meets Rodeo Royalty](#mom-meets-rodeo-royalty)
- [August](#august)
- [Return to Office Full-time](#return-to-office-full-time)
- [DjangoCon US Interview](#djangocon-us-interview)
- [September](#september)
- [Vonda Wright's Unbreakable](#vonda-wrights-unbreakable)
- [Wellness Screening](#wellness-screening)
- [Phil and Christine](#phil-and-christine)
- [DjangoCon US](#djangocon-us)
- [Featured Three Times in Django News](#featured-three-times-in-django-news)
- [Employee Appreciation Week](#employee-appreciation-week)
- [Annual Physical](#annual-physical)
- [Commit Your Code Conference](#commit-your-code-conference)
- [October](#october)
- [Six Flags](#six-flags)
- [Trip to Fredonia, Kansas](#trip-to-fredonia-kansas)
- [Tour Around Town](#tour-around-town)
- [Bucket List](#bucket-list)
- [Class Reunion](#class-reunion)
- [Homecoming](#homecoming)
- [Prairie Sunset Home](#prairie-sunset-home)
- [Halloween](#halloween)
- [Favorite Restaurants](#favorite-restaurants)
- [November](#november)
- [Birthday](#birthday)
- [Elvis](#elvis)
- [Northern Lights](#northern-lights)
- [Therapy Dogs](#therapy-dogs)
- [Thanksgiving](#thanksgiving)
- [JPMorganChase Three Year Work Anniversary](#jpmorganchase-three-year-work-anniversary)
- [December](#december)
- [JPMorganChase Advent of Code Texas Leadership](#jpmorganchase-advent-of-code-leadership)
- [JPMorganChase DjangoCon US Recap Presentation](#jpmorganchase-djangocon-us-recap-presentation)
- [JPMorganChase Financial Advisor](#jpmorganchase-financial-advisor)
- [Christmas Festivities](#christmas-festivities)
- [A Family Tragedy and a Christmas Miracle](#a-family-tragedy-and-a-christmas-miracle)
- [Looking Ahead to Next Year](#looking-ahead-to-next-year)
- [More Favorite Snapshots Throughout The Year](#more-favorite-snapshots-throughout-the-year)
- [Dallas Love Field Oath of Office Observation Deck](#dallas-love-field-oath-of-office-observation-deck)
- [Coco Ichibanya](#coco-ichibanya)
- [Big Truck](#big-truck)
- [La La Land Banana Cream Top Latte](#la-la-land-banana-cream-top-latte)
- [More Hutchins BBQ](#more-hutchins-bbq)
- [Window Washer](#window-washer)
- [More Six Flags](#more-six-flags)
- [Harvest Moon](#harvest-moon)
- [More Class Reunion](#more-class-reunion)
- [IP Forum Breakfast Buffet](#ip-forum-breakfast-buffet)
- [Sunrise on a Plane](#sunrise-on-a-plane)
- [Fried Green Tomato](#fried-green-tomato)
- [Orchid](#orchid)
- [BTK House Lot](#btk-house-lot)
- [Amaryllis](#amaryllis)
Disclaimer: the content of this post is a reflection of my life journey and not specific to my work at JPMorganChase.
You can read my [2024 Recap](https://katherinemichel.github.io/blog/annual-recap/2024-recap.html) here.
(this-years-theme)=
## This Year's Theme
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## Work
It has been another great year for me at JPMorganChase. I am grateful.
I continued working as a software engineer in Infrastructure Platforms, Databases Department.
I spent most of the year working on a Python/Django control plane and React UI for a new Valkey product offering.
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## January
### Christmas on New Year's Eve
Christmas on New Year's holiday in Lawrence brought Wicked movie, taco bar, gift exchange, and noisemakers and champagne when the ball dropped.
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## March
### Texas Tuesday Longhorn
JPMorganChase Plano celebrated Texas Independence Day with line dancing, painting classes, Texas trivia, and a photo op with a real Texas longhorn.
Me with a Texas longhorn!
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### Spring Fun for My Nieces
Last year, I set the goal to do random, fun things for my nieces. I continued this year.
Just in time for spring break, I ordered a special delivery of board games and fun toys including Checkers, Chinese Checkers, Twister, Trouble, Pictionary, Scrabble, Exploding Kittens, and Do you Really Know Your Family?. The Magic 8 Ball in particular was a big hit.
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### Jamie Dimon Plano Townhall
Jamie Dimon visited Plano a few weeks before I joined JPMorganChase. I was disappointed to have missed it.
When I found out he was visiting again to do a townhall, I had to attend.
I saw the Queen of England in-person a few times. Jamie Dimon might be the second-most influential person I've ever seen. He was exactly the same as he is on TV.
I had 40 people waiting in line in front of me. I had a great seat!
Jamie Dimon on stage
Expert level: my friend Cole getting his AI podcast on Jamie's radar! Jamie asked him to send him the link.
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## April
### Trip to Belton, Missouri
Mom and I traveled to Belton, Missouri to attend my niece's last gymnastics meet of the season. I only found out after the trip that we were near the Mahomes Family home!
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#### La Nonna
The evening before the meet, I googled "Best restaurant in Belton." The answer was [La Nonna](https://www.orderlanonnabelton.com/).
Mom wasn't too sure about the place, until the bread came out. It was heavenly.
Dining at La Nonna
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#### Last Gymnastics Meet of the Season
I've never been to a gymnastics tournament before. It was surreal to find out that famous gymnasts start out at tournaments just like this and rise to the top of the sport.
My niece did well, and I interviewed her afterward for fun. She said, if I ever want to interview her again, she is happy to do it!
Gymnastics tournament arena
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### Lucy's Bakery
JPMorganChase Plano invites local vendors to sell food at lunchtime. [Lucy's Bakery](https://www.lucisbakery.com/) is my favorite. They serve Argentinian empanadas and arepas (round, flat corn patty sliced open and filled with protein). Chicken is my go-to.
Arepa filled with chicken, rice, black beans, fried plantains, entrada (fried mozzarella stick)
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### Fun in Dallas
It was great hosting colleagues from London in Plano and a perfect opportunity to extend some Texas-style hospitality. I love that my work is a passport to the world.
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#### Hutchins BBQ
[Hutchins BBQ](https://hutchinsbbq.com/) is a must-visit when you are in Dallas.
Me in front of the world-famous Hutchins BBQ
Hutchins BBQ main dining hall
JalapeΓ±o sausage, Texas Twinkie (a maple-syrup coated, bacon-wrapped jalapeΓ±o filled with brisket and cream cheese), mac & cheese
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#### Battle House Laser Tag
I played laser tag for the first time at a team-building event at [Battle House](https://www.battlehouselasercombat.com/plano-tx/). My co-workers keep me young.
Me kitted out for laser tag
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#### Scheels Ferris Wheel
[Scheels in The Colony](https://www.scheels.com/store/the-colony/096/) contains a 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel. It costs $1 to ride. I jumped at the chance.
Scheels indoor Ferris wheel
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#### Boot Barn
A trip to [Boot Barn](https://www.bootbarn.com/stores?StoreID=0306) was in order.
Me and my sweet Italian colleague from London trying on cowboy hats. He asked me for a selfie.
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## May
### Vonda Wright's Building Better Bone
One of my managers from work randomly texted me to suggest that I watch [an interview](https://youtu.be/ffgpqk5hZBE?si=tJRCGOYYjrReQhAm) with an "amazing" doctor named Vonda Wright. He had no idea we were from the same small town and that she was my childhood ballet teacher. Vonda is now a highly regarded orthopedic sports surgeon who trains high performance athletes and teaches women midlife and beyond how to reach "max badassery."
Me and my incredible ballet teacher Vonda Wright in her studio at the back of her dad Gene's shop in our hometown.
As I get older, I have started to learn how underserved by the healthcare industry women midlife and beyond are. Dr. Vonda is trying to change that by starting the conversation and providing the most up-to-date, science-based knowledge and tools available.
Dr. Vonda has the bones of a 30-year-old. Bone health is an important topic that many of us do not know enough about until it's too late.
I signed up for the [Building Better Bone](https://www.drvondawright.net/betterbone) course.
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### Zero Latency Virtual Reality
I experienced VR for the first time at [Zero Latency Virtual Reality](https://zerolatencyvr.com/en/frisco). It was amazing! So realistic.
Me on the left in virtual reality
#4... not bad for a first-timer
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## June
### Stepped Down From DEFNA Board
After ~8 years on the DEFNA Board, I stepped down. This [thank you from the board](https://www.defna.org/defna-board-member-update-july) was a wonderful surprise!
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## July
### Eating Clean
My cholesterol was identified as being high at my work wellness screening in 2023. I began to adjust my eating habits in line with the recommendations of my doctor. Since then, my numbers have consistently improved. This year, I decided to go all-in on "eating clean." I replaced high cholesterol foods in my apartment with low-cholesterol alternatives. While I have not completely cut out red meat, poultry, and dairy, by default, I do not eat them at home, and I eat them less often outside of home.
When I did my annual physical later in the year, the results were amazing.
Some favorite substitutions:
* Hummus and triscuits instead of dairy-based dip and potato chips
* Grapes, strawberries, or blueberries instead of an egg, bacon, and croissant breakfast sandwich or afternoon snack containing refined sugar
* A low cholesterol salad as a quick, healthy meal or snack
* A salmon filet drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of honey, baked and served with steamed veggies or rice instead of a hamburger, chicken, or dairy-based dinner
* Almond milk or skim/fat-free milk instead of whole milk (almond milk is not a doctor's recommendation, just a personal preference at times)
A giant black grape from Kroger compared to a red grape of more normal size. So delicious. You can practically eat them with a knife and fork.
Strawberries and plain Greek yogurt
A low-cholesterol salad (lettuce, low-cholesterol dressing, half an avocado, hard-boiled egg with the yolk removed, veggies)
A baked salmon filet served with steamed sweet corn (I use Kroger 2 lb "Big Deal" individually wrapped Atlantic salmon portions that can be cooked from frozen. They are tastier and more convenient than the pink salmon version.)
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### Stroopwafels
It's not everyday that you get a special delivery of stroopwafels from the Netherlands! Thank you to Roy Tomeij and AppSignal for your generosity. It put a huge smile on my face! I also love the Developer Dilemmas card deck.
Special delivery of stroopwafels!
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### Summer Fun for My Nieces
In keeping with my plan to do more random, fun things for my nieces, I supported their hobbies:
* Lemonade stand donation (proceeds went to gymnastics)
* Gymnastics fundraiser donation
* Gymnastics inflatable mat
* Sewing supplies money
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### Django's 20th Birthday
I wrote a [short reflection](https://katherinemichel.github.io/blog/personal/happy-20th-birthday-django.html) in celebration of Django's 20th birthday.
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### Mom Meets Rodeo Royalty
I always enjoy seeing mom have fun at work. When the rodeo comes to town, the celebrities stop by Prairie Sunset Home, the nursing home where she works, to meet the residents.
Mom with local Barrelman Justin Rumford, one of the most decorated entertainers in the history of the PRCA (10x Clown of the Year)
Mom with Bullfighters Tyler Dahl and Wacey Munsell. Wacey is a multiple time-freestyle bullfighting world champion.
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## August
### Return to Office Full-time
In August, my workplace returned to office full-time.
The view from my floor
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### DjangoCon US Interview
Thank you to Velda Kiara for [interviewing me about DjangoCon US](https://2025.djangocon.us/news/getting-to-know-folks/)! It was a trip down memory lane.
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## September
### Vonda Wright's Unbreakable
After I read an interview Dr. Vonda Wright did for The Times, I immediately bought her new book [Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging With Power](https://www.drvondawright.com/resources/books/unbreakable). I know she is a voice you can trust.
In the book, she gives a roadmap for defusing "timebombs of aging" through nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, and supplements to achieve stronger muscles and bones, increased mobility, and lifelong independence.
Her words on page 23 of the Kindle version hit me: "Movement gives you agency over life." That is what it's about: agency over life.
I immediately felt motivated to take action. I also love that she uses her dad Gene as an example in the book.
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### Wellness Screening
For the third year in a row, I took advantage of JPMorganChase wellness activities. After completing certain wellness activities, JPMorganChase will pay money into my MRA (Medical Reimbursement Account) and reduce my monthly insurance premiums. Although itβs not the primary reason to do it, itβs a nice incentive.
At my wellness screening, my blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) were calculated, and a fingerstick was used to calculate my blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides.
Fortunately, my numbers are all trending toward optimal.
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### Phil and Christine
My friends and colleagues Phil and Christine visited Plano to speak at DevUp, an internal JPMorganChase conference, and we had time to hangout before I flew out for DjangoCon US in Chicago.
Phil was part of the interview process when I was hired at JPMorganChase and Christine and Julie were two of my teammates. I have learned so much from all of them!
Phil, me, Julie, and Christine
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### DjangoCon US
I attended DjangoCon US, and it was truly epic. I wrote a [deep-dive about my experience](https://katherinemichel.github.io/blog/conferences/djangocon-us-2025-recap.html). Thank you to everyone who brought the knowledge and fun! Can't wait for next year.
Chicago River at night
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### Featured Three Times in Django News
It's always an honor to be featured in Django News Newsletter. I was featured three times in 2025, that I know of.
* [Happy Birthday, Django! in Issue 294](https://django-news.com/issues/294#start)
* [Getting to know folks: a preference interview in Issue 296](https://django-news.com/issues/296#start)
* [DjangoCon US Recap in Issue 303](https://django-news.com/issues/303#start)
### Employee Appreciation Week
I returned from DjangoCon US in time to enjoy the spoils of JPMorganChase Plano Employee Appreciation Week.
Me posing on street art at our campus block party
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### Annual Physical
I completed a full physical, mammogram, and got up-to-date with my vaccinations again.
After cutting most high cholesterol foods out of my diet and eating more fruits and vegetables, I had lost 16 pounds and my bad cholesterol was greatly reduced. My doctor assured me that I did not need a prescription, to my surprise, something I had assumed would be inevitable. This only motivated me to eat even better.
I asked for a dermatologist visit to be added to my preventative care regimen. In August, a college sorority sister of mine [revealed](https://www.facebook.com/3crazykids/posts/pfbid0RdvNS5W4Pu4bRKzggFsWrDz9G7xQMY5rMTfLXHQnvfFM6zMu8dHTPrRhJp6nw9N5l) that she had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma with mets in her liver, lungs, brain, and soft tissue. She's a redhead with fair skin. She knew she was at higher risk, but never had a checkup. She made the news public, believing that if her story helped someone else prevent skin cancer, it would be worth it.
Although I have no cause for concern, it's a good idea.
Omelette and pancakes after my mammogram
I feel fortunate to be healthy.
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### Commit Your Code Conference
I was able to spend time at [Commit Your Code conference](https://www.commityourcode.com/) held a few blocks away from JPMorganChase Plano.
A special thank you to Danny Thompson, Francesco Ciulla, Erik Weibust, Rizel Scarlett, and Mark Thompson for taking my experience to the next level.
I wrote up a [recap of my experience](https://katherinemichel.github.io/blog/conferences/commit-your-code-2025-recap.html).
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## October
### Six Flags
JPMorganChase Plano offered discounted Six Flags tickets. I couldn't resist buying one. It had been years since I'd been to an amusement park.
I decided to go on the two most popular rollercoasters first and get that out of the way. So I trekked to the far corner of the park where The Texas Giant and Titan are. I encountered [The Texas Giant](https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas/attractions/new-texas-giant) first, so I went on it. Oh my. It was intense and relentless. I felt nauseous by the time I got off. I sat for a while outside of the Titan entryway, wondering if I could go on it, but I could see that it was similarly extreme. I decided to walk away.
As I was walking, I started to feel terrible. I walked straight into a bathroom, went into a stall, and threw up.
I should have paced myself, and the heat didn't help. I think my amusement park days are over.
The Texas Giant: the rollercoaster that did me in...
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### Trip to Fredonia, Kansas
Mom and I traveled to Fredonia, Kansas for my class reunion.
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#### Tour Around Town
Mom and I went on a little Fredonia driving tour. I couldnβt resist a photo at my high school, home of the yellowjackets. Fredonia High School is on the site of the former Ben S. Paulen Elementary School. I started school at and graduated from the same place.
Me in front of a yellowjacket sculpture made by a student
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#### Bucket List
I crossed a couple of items off of my "bucket list": a meal at The Kitchen Table, a restaurant and bakery specializing in homestyle favorites, and coffee at The Hive, a student-led coffee shop.
The Kitchen Table's outstanding breakfast buffet... best I've ever had
Coffee at The Hive. I had a signature Wake-Up Call.
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#### Class Reunion
I loved hanging out with my classmates! It's like no time has passed. Appreciate you all!
Me and some of my classmates
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#### Homecoming
I enjoyed reconnecting with people and places I've known all my life.
Fredonia United Methodist Church beef burger meal. My mom was the church organist for many years.
At the band stand, Mike Jeffers, longtime President of First National Bank, was performing (on the left). Mom and I went up to him afterwards to say hello. I commented that he'd given me my first loan and that it was for my first car. He immediately said "and you never missed a lick." Decades later, he remembered the loan and that I'd never missed a payment. It was for around $800 and a lot of money to me back then. Guidance Counselor Gene John helped me get a job at Dr. Rindt's Office and the loan. Two great men.
Me with my former boss and director Rebecca Timmons
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### Prairie Sunset Home
I am a longtime volunteer at Prairie Sunset Home. Spending some time in Kansas gave me the opportunity to do some volunteering.
Mom, a music therapist, at her keyboard.
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#### Halloween
I judged a Halloween costume contest for the first time.
Mom and I before the Halloween party. She was wearing a skeleton costume that belonged to my Aunt Judy. I joked that I was dressed as a Prairie Sunset Home volunteer.
It was a tough decision. The winning staff costume was "a flock of ostriches."
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### Favorite Restaurants
Spending time in Kansas also gave me the opportunity to have some stellar meals at my favorite restaurants [Carriage Crossing](https://www.yoderkansas.com/carriagecrossing) and [Dutch Kitchen](https://www.dutchkitchenrestaurant.org/).
Carriage Crossing breakfast... homemade bread and the most delicious sausage gravy, made with local sausage
Carriage Crossing cinnamon rolls
Carriage Crossing fried chicken
Dutch Kitchen chicken and noodles special. So good!
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## November
### Birthday
Thankful for every day
Me the day before my birthday
The incredible sky while driving home from my birthday dinner
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### Elvis
Elvis visited Prairie Sunset Home.
Elvis holding court
Elvis and me. Elvis was working the crowd. He was making some audience-members sing. I was afraid he was going to make me sing!
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### Northern Lights
Had I known about the Northern Lights in advance, I would have planned an unobstructed view. Still, this pic is not bad for seeing a post about it on social media in real-time and running outside with my phone.
Northern Lights in rural Kansas
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### Therapy Dogs
I love spending time with my therapy dog friends at Prairie Sunset Home.
Lulu giving me another hug before Elvis performed
Me and Baxter's sister Jubilee after a Veterans Day Pinning Ceremony. She helped with the ceremony!
Me and "The Little Dog" (yes, that's her name). She is cute as a bug and could star in her own adventure movie!
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### Thanksgiving
After three turkey dinners, Thanksgiving in Lawrence brought family time, Wicked for Good, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and a pasta bar! The bar consisted of fresh linguini and spaghetti, hamburger, chicken, Italian sausage, sautΓ©ed mushrooms, marinara sauce, vodka sauce, Alfredo sauce, breadsticks, and salad.
Making fresh linguini and spaghetti
Round two... linguini, Alfredo sauce, mushrooms, spaghetti, marinara, hamburger, bread stick
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### JPMorganChase Three Year Work Anniversary
I had my three year anniversary at JPMorganChase. I can't believe it has been three years. The time has flown by!
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## December
### JPMorganChase Advent of Code Texas Leadership
I led JPMorganChase Advent of Code Texas for the third year in a row. It was an honor to play a role in a record-breaking year.
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### JPMorganChase DjangoCon US Recap Presentation
I presentation a DjangoCon US Recap presentation to my department. It kicked of a spirited conversation that led to a request to present to additional stakeholders.
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### JPMorganChase Financial Advisor
Last year, I began working with a JPMorganChase Financial Advisor. This year, he continued to counsel myself, and now other family members, about complex financial subjects that are highly impactful to our future. I have begun to understand over time the benefit of having an advisor on my side.
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### Christmas Festivities
Christmas season brought much-needed family time in Lawrence: sweet and savory breakfast kolaches, gift exchange, and Wicked for Good movie.
Mom and I took Christmas photos together in front of the four scenes at Prairie Sunset Home. This was my favorite...
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### A Family Tragedy and a Christmas Miracle
Life is fragile. My cousin-in-law Lynette suffered a major brain bleed the Monday before Christmas. She was kept alive on a ventilator until her organs could be harvested on Christmas Eve. Through Midwest Transplant, multiple families received the Christmas miracle they had been waiting for.
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## Looking Ahead to Next Year
Goals for the new year
* Continue clean eating and get back to the gym
* Fully embrace Building Better Bone course and Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging With Power lifestyles
* Continue conference and personal travel (PyCon US, DjangoCon US, New York City, and Washington D.C. are on my radar)
* Achieve Red Hat Enterprise Linux System Administrator Certification equivalent
* Further professional learning. AI and Distributed System Design are topics of interest.
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## More Favorite Snapshots Throughout The Year
### Dallas Love Field Oath of Office Observation Deck
An [observation deck](https://www.dallas-lovefield.com/passenger-services/art-program/public-art/permanent-artwork/lbj-observation-deck) overlooking the spot where Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath of office November 22, 1963 on the Air Force One
Replica presidential seal and marker
A light marking the spot where the oath of office was taken
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### Coco Ichibanya
[Coco Ichibanya](https://ichibanyausa.com/) cream and mushroom omelet curry... the omelet is filled with rice
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### Big Truck
Me next to a big truck...
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### La La Land Banana Cream Top Latte
[La La Land](https://lalalandkindcafe.com/pages/menu) Banana Cream Top Latte... so delicious. Fresh banana, secret sauce, vanilla bean cloud, cinnamon, espresso, ice.
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### More Hutchins BBQ
Hutchins BBQ counter
Sliced brisket and potato casserole
Complimentary peach cobbler and banana pudding. Not pictured: vanilla ice cream cone
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### Window Washer
High-rise window washer... would you do this job?
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### More Six Flags
[Texas SkyScreamer](https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/skyscreamer): the swing ride you see at a carnival, except it's 400 feet in the air. Tallest ride at the park.
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### Harvest Moon
Harvest moon as seen from JPMorganChase Plano
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### More Class Reunion
Our Airbnb was conveniently located directly across the street from Tri-Mee, a Fredonia institution. We walked across for a jumbo beef burger, Frito Pie, fries, and chocolate milk shake. I hadn't had a beef burger in years and had two of them within 24 hours in Fredonia. The town has a beef burger thing.
Baked goods at The Kitchen Table
[Wilson County Historical Society](https://www.wilsoncountykshistoricalsociety.org/) Janell Smith-Carson exhibit. A Fredonia native, she competed in the women's 400 metres at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Me with my former co-worker Sandy McBride-Turner
Mom with her childhood friend Susan Welton
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### IP Forum Breakfast Buffet
Walked into a presentation and had an amazing breakfastβ¦
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### Sunrise on a Plane
In a plane enroute to St. Louis. A Pink Floyd sunrise.
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### Orchid
A beautiful orchid
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### Fried Green Tomato
First time trying a fried green tomato. I had it at Grace Cafe. It was tasty!
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### BTK House Lot
After years of occasionally eating in a nearby restaurant, mom and I finally drove by the infamous BTK house lot
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### Amaryllis
A gorgeous amaryllis
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