Georgia L. Harris

aka "Mom"

I was born in Germany into a family that loves traveling and adventures.  From being a MN State champion at racing sled dogs, scuba diving, and competing in gymnastics in the 60’s and 70’s, to a trip up the Mississippi river on a 32’ Egg Harbor accompanying my parents (while pregnant with my daughter, Aja who is now an adult and created this website) and earning a black belt in Tae Kwon Do in the 80’s, to hiking the A.T. in 2006, it’s been one long grand adventure.  In the midst of satisfying my competitive drive with physical challenges, to balance things out, I have pursued (and am still pursuing!) mental challenges.  I graduated from Moorhead State University in the 80’s and from Johns Hopkins University in the 90’s (B.A. Biology, M.S. Technical Management) and hope to work on a PhD after the hike (probably Leadership or Organizational Development). 

 Indoor pursuits:  computers (and other techie gear), reading, video editing.

 Passions: leadership and personal development topics (which guides my ministry involvement), teaching, digital photography, and adding to my life “to do” list.

 My vocational interests:

I spent my early working years in restaurants – mostly cooking – and putting myself through school.  It’s the one area of my life where I still rarely measure anything.  But, I do most of the cooking and experimenting with food in the kitchen and on the trail.

Since getting a real job – I’ve been measuring things (mostly standards).  Measurement science – metrology – is what I do [by the way, World Metrology Day is May 20!  Seriously – look it up!)  I began working in metrology with the State of Minnesota Weights and Measures Division and am now at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, formerly National Bureau of Standards) in the Weights and Measures Division, in Maryland. 

Background on weights and measures:  think about the accuracy of weight from grocery store scales, volume from gas pumps, and lengths from cord word. How do you know the measurements are right? Metrologists work behind the scenes to make sure.  The measurement standards I’m usually involved in at the easiest level are weights (mass), containers (volume), and tape measures (length).

In working with all of the metrologists in State metrology laboratories, I’ve traveled to all of the States except Hawaii. In addition, I have traveled to Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and Mexico for work.  [Hawaii and a couple of other countries are still on my “to do” list!]  So now, after more than 20 years of measuring standards and earning my frequent flyer miles, I’m measuring 2,175 miles by my own feet (but should be converting them to kilometers like the rest of the world!)

 “A false balance is abomination to the LORD:

but a just weight is his delight.”

 Proverbs 11:1 KJV

Keep those standards accurate while I’m not watching, because some ONE is!

 -"Mom"

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