Tested on my birthday

[jay]

Was the first day of testing in my Human Operated Robotic Science Evaluation (HORSE) project. It was stressful getting ready... I was being a bit overbearing with the remote science team, who were asking for last-minute changes (past their deadline for such). The file transfer route was changed once again to enable hopeforyou's automated scripts to run, while getting full satellite data throughput (70-80 KBytes/sec or so). It worked, although there were some actions done manually. We finally went out to the wilderness around 4pm, and ran simulated Mars rover operations for three hours. Reasonably successfully. Team members seem a bit relieved, de-stressed, and bone-tired...

I got lots of happy-birthday email today -- 15 different people, plus LiveJournal, plus cards from L and Vicky and J. My sister Vicky left me a present in camp -- two bags of truffles, some Irish creme, and a sweater. I was *very* surprised...

After the simulation was done (we missed dinner) I had a piece of Valrhona birthday cake that I had smuggled in from home. And a dozen of my friends here sat outside in the midnight sun, brought out several bottles, and toasted my birthday. And camp life, and this barren, harshly-beautiful place.

Comments

[elynne.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a totally awesome birthday. :D Hard, rewarding work on something you love; lots of expressions of friendship, and an unexpected gift; experiencing the wonders of life with trusted companions. I hope I have such a memorable (in a good way!) birthday someday.

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

You have it exactly right. And it was memorable, and (lifting glass) may you have something like it someday!