I am trying to get back on a schedule that includes going to the gym. With few people at work, I do not feel the pressure to be there by 8:00 (plus, there is plenty of parking any time of day!), so I eased myself back into my gym going by getting there at 7:30 instead of the usual 6:30. This morning I got there early for the last hatha yoga class that the instructor I love will be teaching Wednesday mornings. She is moving and apparently does not want to get up super early to teach the class. Whatever. ;-) No one else came this morning I had a private yoga class this morning, which was a nice way to end the year of Wednesday morning yoga with her!
Anyway. The whole reason I was posting is because I am afraid. This week was QUIET at the gym. Look out though, because New Year's resolutions start tomorrow. I will have to start getting there at 6:15 just to get a machine.
Happy New Year! Hope you all have a great night whether it is crazy or calm, and whether you are up until day break or in bed by 9:00.
31 December 2008
30 December 2008
Late to my own interview
So, I have been really bad about blogging in general, both posting and consistently reading and commenting on other blogs. I saw this interview meme over at Spark's and thought, "Gosh. THAT would get me to post." I asked Spark to interview me and then never posted. Oiy. Here it is though, Spark's questions and my answers.
Question 1#
Question 1#
What's the most spectacular story you've ever heard about something that happened in the lab where you do your research?
Research-wise? My friend recently found her protein of interest! Sounds scary, huh? But really, she "had to" find this, according to our esteemed advisor, in order to graduate. So YAYAYAY!
Research-wise? My friend recently found her protein of interest! Sounds scary, huh? But really, she "had to" find this, according to our esteemed advisor, in order to graduate. So YAYAYAY!
Question #2
What are you most looking forward to in the New Year?
Hmmm...I am looking forward to starting something new. Hopefully I will finish up this whole PhD thing this summer and start a new job...closer to Cheerios Farmer (CF...I would stop explaining who he is, except I post so infrequently that I am afraid people will forget) if I am lucky. I think the new year is going to FLY by.
Hmmm...I am looking forward to starting something new. Hopefully I will finish up this whole PhD thing this summer and start a new job...closer to Cheerios Farmer (CF...I would stop explaining who he is, except I post so infrequently that I am afraid people will forget) if I am lucky. I think the new year is going to FLY by.
Question #3
What's your least favourite part of the holiday season?
Spark, did you mean 'favorite'? Just kidding. Really, it is being with family. Christmas morning is HUGE in our house. Our stockings are filled to ridiculousness and there are piles under them. Never mind all of the presents under the tree. The fun of it all is being together for all of the excitement, though, and relaxing and eating and hanging out all day together. Sadly, because of the snow in the Pacific Northwest, my brother did not make out East despite the fact that the flight he had a ticket for took off. LUCKILY, he and his girlfriend are coming in a couple of weeks (his Christmas present to her), so I will still get to hang out with him soon. I also love the holiday music, snow when it comes, and those who seem to be in a good mood just because.
Question #4
Do you have any New Years' resolutions for 2009?
Nope. Maybe it should be to get a job? :-) Closer to CF?
Nope. Maybe it should be to get a job? :-) Closer to CF?
Question #5
If you could pick any gift for yourself for Christmas, regardless of the cost, what would it be? (Condition: it has to be a gift that someone could actually go and get for you, not an intangible like "world peace").
I am going to go with a trip to South America and Antarctica. I saw the National Geographic organized trips edition of their magazine. I think the one to S. America and Antarctica ran about $15,000. I will be happy to get you my address, social security number and sign away my first born child (okay, maybe my second so I can keep this first) if you are willing to buy this for me.
According to the rules I must link back to the post I got this from.
If you want to be interviewed....
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (And your e-mail address, please.)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
21 December 2008
The holiday season
With the start of Chanukah, I thought it would be appropriate to share this song:
Now excuse me if I'm not being reverent
But I was hoping for a miracle
to hold me, wash me
Save me from my righteous
doubt as I watch helpless
And everybody sings
If it's Chanukah or Kwanza
Solstice, harvest or December twenty-fifth
Peace on earth to everyone
And abundance to everyone you're with
The randomness
I am home alone and not being distracted. My kitty is staying with a friend for the next week so that I do not have to worry about her while I am at my parents' house!
I could be wrapping, cleaning or doing work. Instead I am posting.
What have I been up to lately? Trying to cram a semester's worth of experiments into two weeks while our first big snowstorm dumps a foot of snow, and now rain, on us. Good times. I started a new experiment, twice; I repeated two different experiments and scored them (although one was crappy so I will have to do it again); I FINALLY finished all of my holiday shopping (today); I sent out some Christmas cards; I had a meeting with my advisor*; I cleaned the lab (as I tend to do every four to six months when it gets filthy); I did other peoples' lab jobs; I reported a steam leak in the wall of the lab three days in a row (if we are lucky, facilities will open the wall and find asbestos tomorrow!!!).
I have not started my presentation for a conference right after the new year; I have not emailed an updated budget for a fellowship I got for lab supplies within the school; I have not wrapped all of the presents; I have not cleaned; I have not done laundry; I have not looked up scientists who may be at the meeting, namely one with whom I would LOVE to do a post-doc; I have not returned my friend's phone call from earlier today because my phone is charging; I have not eaten dinner and I am starving.
Off to cook dinner...call, clean, work...
I could be wrapping, cleaning or doing work. Instead I am posting.
What have I been up to lately? Trying to cram a semester's worth of experiments into two weeks while our first big snowstorm dumps a foot of snow, and now rain, on us. Good times. I started a new experiment, twice; I repeated two different experiments and scored them (although one was crappy so I will have to do it again); I FINALLY finished all of my holiday shopping (today); I sent out some Christmas cards; I had a meeting with my advisor*; I cleaned the lab (as I tend to do every four to six months when it gets filthy); I did other peoples' lab jobs; I reported a steam leak in the wall of the lab three days in a row (if we are lucky, facilities will open the wall and find asbestos tomorrow!!!).
I have not started my presentation for a conference right after the new year; I have not emailed an updated budget for a fellowship I got for lab supplies within the school; I have not wrapped all of the presents; I have not cleaned; I have not done laundry; I have not looked up scientists who may be at the meeting, namely one with whom I would LOVE to do a post-doc; I have not returned my friend's phone call from earlier today because my phone is charging; I have not eaten dinner and I am starving.
Off to cook dinner...call, clean, work...
Ashamed to say
We got our first big snow storm Friday through today. I shoveled my car out Saturday to get the majority of the snow removed and then walked to work. This morning, I had to shovel a bit more, moved my car and REALLY cleaned it out.
Then, I put a garbage can where I had parked and shoveled to save my spot.
This is my sixth winter with a car here, and I have never done that before. Parking seems like a hot commodity on my road though, and I can not 'afford' to lose it, not having a driveway and all this year.
If all the older members of my street are entitled to their parking spot, then so am I!
Then, I put a garbage can where I had parked and shoveled to save my spot.
This is my sixth winter with a car here, and I have never done that before. Parking seems like a hot commodity on my road though, and I can not 'afford' to lose it, not having a driveway and all this year.
If all the older members of my street are entitled to their parking spot, then so am I!
13 December 2008
Christmas ornaments
We always had a "family" Christmas tree growing up. As pretty as color coordinated trees are, I still have a preference for colored lights, the mylar silver tinsel, handmade ornaments and ornaments from various trips. As I have traveled, I have followed my parents' example and brought home ornaments and others have given me ornaments too. Here are some from my tree:
This Santa is made from ash from Mt. St. Helens.
This one is from the last trip to Disney World.
This wooden one is from a set of angels my old roommate brought back from Germany for me.
This is one my grandmother had given me that had been my great-grandmother's. You can't really tell, but the yarn it is tied to even looks old.
I got this Ortiz ornament as a gift...
...and this New England Patriot's football snowman too.
This tin boot is from a tinsmith at old San Diego.
This blue and white one is one of a few my brother brought back from the Netherlands for me. The red one in the back has a piece of tinsel-garland in it and was also one of my great-grandmother's. The twisted metal thing in front of the red ornament is "victorian tinsel". Much less messy than the mylar stuff and you can reuse it! I think my Mom got it from the Vermont Country Store if you are interested.
This is my newest edition. One of the grad students in my lab loves giving Christmas presents, and she made personalized ones this year. The little quote at the bottom is because she will bring in two McD's hashbrowns, and I will pretend to resist the offer. I always end up eating it.
Do you have any favorite decorations for the holiday(s) you celebrate this time of year?
This Santa is made from ash from Mt. St. Helens.
This one is from the last trip to Disney World.
This wooden one is from a set of angels my old roommate brought back from Germany for me.
This is one my grandmother had given me that had been my great-grandmother's. You can't really tell, but the yarn it is tied to even looks old.
I got this Ortiz ornament as a gift...
...and this New England Patriot's football snowman too.
This tin boot is from a tinsmith at old San Diego.
This blue and white one is one of a few my brother brought back from the Netherlands for me. The red one in the back has a piece of tinsel-garland in it and was also one of my great-grandmother's. The twisted metal thing in front of the red ornament is "victorian tinsel". Much less messy than the mylar stuff and you can reuse it! I think my Mom got it from the Vermont Country Store if you are interested.
This is my newest edition. One of the grad students in my lab loves giving Christmas presents, and she made personalized ones this year. The little quote at the bottom is because she will bring in two McD's hashbrowns, and I will pretend to resist the offer. I always end up eating it.
Do you have any favorite decorations for the holiday(s) you celebrate this time of year?
11 December 2008
Finding humor in it all
I wore this t-shirt today. It was a freebie from Promega. My friend went online to get one and their website said that due to the high demand, they were no longer offering PhD shirts. Um, hello? It's hilarious! Did they think there would be a low demand for the free shirt from grad students? I even got to pick my size so it fits!
10 December 2008
08 December 2008
Some fun stuff
Lest anyone think I have taken any drastic measures since the last post, I have not. I have been pleasantly distracted by a visit from CF. We did some fun stuff at a relaxing pace over the weekend. I went to see the Glass Flowers which I had never done before. They were originally made so that a botany professor could have three-dimensional models of plants and flowers for teaching. These are amazing, as they are life-like and many samples include blown-up versions of the flower parts like this one:
And some other pretty flowers, all made of glass:
This iris is a great example of the fine leaves they would make. Notice the little white stands supporting the thin leaves?
And glass sea animals:
These are both sea cucumbers. There were models of others, but I like the more colorful models.
And some other pretty flowers, all made of glass:
This iris is a great example of the fine leaves they would make. Notice the little white stands supporting the thin leaves?
And glass sea animals:
These are both sea cucumbers. There were models of others, but I like the more colorful models.
03 December 2008
Where to start with grad school?
The past two days I have become so angry at one point that I have shaken uncontrollably. That is not right. The eye twitching the other day was actually a physical reaction to thinking about a particular situation. Tonight, as I was leaving, I could feel that tightening in my head that precedes a headache. Not good.
My friend was so upset yesterday that I almost started crying because I truly do not know how to help her (luckily she has found support on campus). Today, she was medicated so that she would not break down throughout the day periodically. That is not right.
I try to motivate myself to do work for me, but that is very difficult. Sadly, as I walked to my car today, I realized I no longer find any reward in accomplishing something in lab. That almost made me cry too. How can I be motivated to do something from which I get no satisfaction knowing there is not a definitive end in sight? How can I be motivated when I do not feel as though I have anything more to learn from graduate school, merely motions that must be completed to receive my degree before I get to go somewhere else and start learning again?
I have not scheduled a committee meeting, even though my advisor told me to, because I am afraid to meet with them. I do not know what they will say. The system so far is to tell a student they are doing great and then all of a sudden, tell them they are a mere fraction of a graduate student and do not work hard enough. What ever happened to providing feedback when that is what is expected from committee meetings along the way? Believe me, after committee meetings I have gone to my advisor asking what feedback she got. "Oh, you're doing fine. We really did not talk about you, we just chatted." Really?
I have recently often wondered what leads people to lie. Why lie about whether you placed an order on a particular day or not? What is the harm in saying, "Sorry, I completely forgot. I'll write myself a note and do it today," or "Whoops. I'll go take care of that," or "Shoot me an email so I remember." Why lie?
If you are in charge of a group of people and someone does something you do not think is appropriate for a situation, why would you go to your boss and have your boss tell the person without first finding out why the person did it yourself?
If you are being accused of doing something, and that accusation may affect someone else, why would you stop speaking to that person?
Why would you also pretend that everything is okay to other people? I am not a big fan of double standards when it comes to treating people fairly.
So, all of this is vague and not all examples that are mine personally, but some are things that happen around me about which people speak openly. Here is the catch. I am in an office with 11 other grad students. We are all friends. You vent to your friends. You vent to get things off your chest so you can let things go and go about your daily business. The problem is when faculty overhear this and gossip about it as if we are always complaining. They say you do not know the whole picture, are being unreasonable, or unprofessional.
I am trying to come up with ways to be productive while I am at school. One is moving my desk to a different office when one of the defending grad students leaves. I need to be able to separate what I should be doing at my desk and lab more. I am also debating talking to one of my committee members who is another friend's advisor. He intimidates me because I respect him and know he is forthcoming and would rather hear someone tell me to step it up, then hear rumors of someone implying that I am not working to someone else (follow that?). I do not think he lies. I also wonder if I can really go to him without telling my advisor I am doing so. Can I tell her I am going to ask different people about advice to get new perspectives? I know faculty talk allll about us and even when things are "confidential", they are not really confidential. Any meeting not with my advisor will surely get back to her. Should I go to former bosses who would likely not talk to people who would talk in such groups for it to get back to my advisor?
I know grad school is not supposed to be easy and life is not fair and sometimes you have to do things you do not want to. Blah, blah, blah. I am not naive. I never thought graduate school would be easy. I thought graduate school would be intellectually challenging. I did not realize how emotionally and personally challenging it would be.
My friend was so upset yesterday that I almost started crying because I truly do not know how to help her (luckily she has found support on campus). Today, she was medicated so that she would not break down throughout the day periodically. That is not right.
I try to motivate myself to do work for me, but that is very difficult. Sadly, as I walked to my car today, I realized I no longer find any reward in accomplishing something in lab. That almost made me cry too. How can I be motivated to do something from which I get no satisfaction knowing there is not a definitive end in sight? How can I be motivated when I do not feel as though I have anything more to learn from graduate school, merely motions that must be completed to receive my degree before I get to go somewhere else and start learning again?
I have not scheduled a committee meeting, even though my advisor told me to, because I am afraid to meet with them. I do not know what they will say. The system so far is to tell a student they are doing great and then all of a sudden, tell them they are a mere fraction of a graduate student and do not work hard enough. What ever happened to providing feedback when that is what is expected from committee meetings along the way? Believe me, after committee meetings I have gone to my advisor asking what feedback she got. "Oh, you're doing fine. We really did not talk about you, we just chatted." Really?
I have recently often wondered what leads people to lie. Why lie about whether you placed an order on a particular day or not? What is the harm in saying, "Sorry, I completely forgot. I'll write myself a note and do it today," or "Whoops. I'll go take care of that," or "Shoot me an email so I remember." Why lie?
If you are in charge of a group of people and someone does something you do not think is appropriate for a situation, why would you go to your boss and have your boss tell the person without first finding out why the person did it yourself?
If you are being accused of doing something, and that accusation may affect someone else, why would you stop speaking to that person?
Why would you also pretend that everything is okay to other people? I am not a big fan of double standards when it comes to treating people fairly.
So, all of this is vague and not all examples that are mine personally, but some are things that happen around me about which people speak openly. Here is the catch. I am in an office with 11 other grad students. We are all friends. You vent to your friends. You vent to get things off your chest so you can let things go and go about your daily business. The problem is when faculty overhear this and gossip about it as if we are always complaining. They say you do not know the whole picture, are being unreasonable, or unprofessional.
I am trying to come up with ways to be productive while I am at school. One is moving my desk to a different office when one of the defending grad students leaves. I need to be able to separate what I should be doing at my desk and lab more. I am also debating talking to one of my committee members who is another friend's advisor. He intimidates me because I respect him and know he is forthcoming and would rather hear someone tell me to step it up, then hear rumors of someone implying that I am not working to someone else (follow that?). I do not think he lies. I also wonder if I can really go to him without telling my advisor I am doing so. Can I tell her I am going to ask different people about advice to get new perspectives? I know faculty talk allll about us and even when things are "confidential", they are not really confidential. Any meeting not with my advisor will surely get back to her. Should I go to former bosses who would likely not talk to people who would talk in such groups for it to get back to my advisor?
I know grad school is not supposed to be easy and life is not fair and sometimes you have to do things you do not want to. Blah, blah, blah. I am not naive. I never thought graduate school would be easy. I thought graduate school would be intellectually challenging. I did not realize how emotionally and personally challenging it would be.
02 December 2008
Uh oh.
My eye is twitching and I am not sure it is going to stop until I defend and graduate.
Being in lab/grad school is THAT good.
Being in lab/grad school is THAT good.
01 December 2008
Reminders to be thankful.
I have many things to be thankful for, but I will start with a few reminders to be thankful from the past few days.
The saddest of which is the loss of a friend from college. She and I were no longer in touch, really, but we go back to freshman year. I called one friend who was not on the email to let him know and we were reminiscing about her and how hilarious she was. She will be missed.
My brother's girlfriend's mom had a heart attack the day after Thanksgiving. She has a stint and is recovering, but this is a healthy woman who eats well, exercises, and should not be having heart attacks!
Almost two years ago, I had my thyroid out because of an inconclusive biopsy. I have been happy to be able to tell my story and what the whole process was like to a few people. Right now, Victoria Winters is dealing with a similar situation. Stop by to offer a hello and support!
So like I said, there are numerous things for which I am thankful, some of which are:
I have wonderful and fun memories of an old friend who is no longer here.
I have wonderful friends who are and who are very dear to me.
My brother's girlfriend's mom is recovering.
Victoria Winters has a beautiful little girl, wonderful husband, and lots of other family and friends to help her get through her thyroid diagnosis and treatment.
My immediate family was all together for a second Thanksgiving meal and some Christmas tree fun over the weekend (pictures to come).
I have a great apartment, kitty, and Christmas tree...wonderful friends...
I am close to finishing grad school. (Close is all relative - I am certainly much closer than when I started...I also liked grad school more when I started than I do now...)
Travel opportunities I have had and the friends I have made along the way.
Lots of little things - the smell of Christmas tree in my apartment, the glass of wine I am finishing, my new computer I am using, the things that hang on my walls and remind me of things I have done...
I start feeling silly when I go to try to list everything I can think of, but really, I am thankful for most everything.
Hope everyone had a memorable and thankful moment over the weekend.
The saddest of which is the loss of a friend from college. She and I were no longer in touch, really, but we go back to freshman year. I called one friend who was not on the email to let him know and we were reminiscing about her and how hilarious she was. She will be missed.
My brother's girlfriend's mom had a heart attack the day after Thanksgiving. She has a stint and is recovering, but this is a healthy woman who eats well, exercises, and should not be having heart attacks!
Almost two years ago, I had my thyroid out because of an inconclusive biopsy. I have been happy to be able to tell my story and what the whole process was like to a few people. Right now, Victoria Winters is dealing with a similar situation. Stop by to offer a hello and support!
So like I said, there are numerous things for which I am thankful, some of which are:
I have wonderful and fun memories of an old friend who is no longer here.
I have wonderful friends who are and who are very dear to me.
My brother's girlfriend's mom is recovering.
Victoria Winters has a beautiful little girl, wonderful husband, and lots of other family and friends to help her get through her thyroid diagnosis and treatment.
My immediate family was all together for a second Thanksgiving meal and some Christmas tree fun over the weekend (pictures to come).
I have a great apartment, kitty, and Christmas tree...wonderful friends...
I am close to finishing grad school. (Close is all relative - I am certainly much closer than when I started...I also liked grad school more when I started than I do now...)
Travel opportunities I have had and the friends I have made along the way.
Lots of little things - the smell of Christmas tree in my apartment, the glass of wine I am finishing, my new computer I am using, the things that hang on my walls and remind me of things I have done...
I start feeling silly when I go to try to list everything I can think of, but really, I am thankful for most everything.
Hope everyone had a memorable and thankful moment over the weekend.
25 November 2008
99 things meme
I saw this over at Ern's and what better way to get a post in and learn random stuff. Bold's are done. (notes/clarifications at the bottom)
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
#4 - does marching band count?
#14 - does decoupage count?
#23 - how do you think I was able to spend a long weekend with CF??
#27 - KHC, now you have to do the meme.
#47 - does a chalk portrait when I was a child count?
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
#4 - does marching band count?
#14 - does decoupage count?
#23 - how do you think I was able to spend a long weekend with CF??
#27 - KHC, now you have to do the meme.
#47 - does a chalk portrait when I was a child count?
24 November 2008
Poignant-ish
I've fallen many times in love and every time it's been with the wrong man.This is sorta cheating, because I posted more of this song previously. What can I say, I like it.
Right now, much like election night ;-), I am cautiously optimistic about my situation with, ummm...I am actually having a hard time deciding between KHC's and Molly's suggestions, the boy. I miss him. He left for his Thanksgiving weekend today, and I am heading to my parents tomorrow. He is going to be somewhere in Wisconsin, and I will be in the middle of no where on a mountain with limited cell phone reception. I think I am going to miss the amount of contact we have throughout the day online, and certainly talking to him...I suppose I could give him my parents' house number. That would be shmart. ANYWAY.
The countdown has begun. Have I told you how he started counting down when I went out there? As it got closer, he even broke it down for me by hours and minutes. How freakin' cute is that? Right now, it is nine days until he gets here.
Oh, yeah, so the lyrics. I keep coming back to that idea because I have been in love before and am obviously single. I am trying not to be too closed off while not feeling too vulnerable with the boy. That is my problem in relationships. I am really good at not talking about the relationship or how I feel. I blame circumstance. The boy in college was into blond athletic chicks...not my M.O. There was the relationship in China, and we did not share any languages in which we were both fluent...kinda limits the conversation. Then there is the ex, and, well, that was just what it was. Then this quote from One Tree Hill the other night made me think of the guys in between all that stuff (we will count Poop in that too), the gist of which was:
Guy: Do girls always fall in love the with rebound guy?All this means is that I do not really want to do all that in between stuff again. It is tiring. Dating is tiring. Meeting new people and trying to be interesting and interested is tiring. I much prefer the friendship-turned-into-something-more thing. SO much easier. And although that is not necessarily how Cheerios Farmer (CF???) may view it, I feel like that is how we started. I am so much better at the sharing when I am already comfortable with the person.
Girl: Yes. Your head tricks you into the love so you can escape the crushing pain of the break-up.
Danielle mentioned something about swooning if CF had taken me dancing. That was not his intent when I visited, but when we went to a bar he frequents, the last song was Kenny Chesney's 'You Save Me' and he took me out there to dance to it. Now, he and I both listen to it frequently. I am concerned that if this works out, 'our song' will be a country song. Not cool. What else...Um, he has a habit of writing 'I <3>----. Typed flowers? Grad students do what they can afford. ;-) He constantly subtly probes to see if there are other boys in my periphery and I assure him there are not. He all but directly asked if I would want to go to where he is for my post-doc by having a friend show me around the friend's lab and later asking me if I would want to switch to that lab's study system after I am done.
So to sum up all this rambling: I (we will stick with) like and miss CF a lot and am afraid to feel too vulnerable but have resolved myself to do just that when he gets here in 9 days and counting.
(And yes, I watched half of One Tree Hill the other night. Sue me.)
22 November 2008
Better than nothing
I finally had to get my winter coat out this week. I reached in the pocket and found a large pack of gum with only one piece gone. I suppose I would have preferred any denomination of money, but gum will do.
18 November 2008
Puppies!
Okay, so I am "writing" right now and had to share this with you. A great site to visit if you like puppies and need a break.
(There was something wrong with the code they had to embed the video and I don't do html...at least not that well.)
(There was something wrong with the code they had to embed the video and I don't do html...at least not that well.)
Dry hands season
I have put hand lotion on about 4 times today and it is not even lunch time. Working in a lab - washing my hands a lot, and wearing gloves throughout the day - definitely make my hands and nails worse off. This always made it difficult before I had my thyroid out when my doctor would try to determine if I had any symptoms of hypothyroidism because my nails were so crappy, but I worked in a lab full time. When I was studying for my qualifying exam and only in lab maybe part time for several weeks, my nails were amazing. I have my favorite lotions for different times.
When I am not working in lab and washing my hands, I love L'Occitane's dry skin hand cream.
When I am in lab, Gloves in a Bottle works great because it absorbs so quickly and does not get all slimy when you wash your hands.
I also have Burt's Bees nail/cuticle cream.
A long time ago, my hands were REALLY bad (you know, when you are a teenager and just starting to realize that you have to do things like put hand cream on). You should definitely go for bag balm in those cases. I mean, if it works for chapped cow udders, it should totally work for chapped hands.
When I am not working in lab and washing my hands, I love L'Occitane's dry skin hand cream.
When I am in lab, Gloves in a Bottle works great because it absorbs so quickly and does not get all slimy when you wash your hands.
I also have Burt's Bees nail/cuticle cream.
A long time ago, my hands were REALLY bad (you know, when you are a teenager and just starting to realize that you have to do things like put hand cream on). You should definitely go for bag balm in those cases. I mean, if it works for chapped cow udders, it should totally work for chapped hands.
16 November 2008
Gosh I'm shmart*
[The boy needs a nickname. Those of you who hear more stories than I write here have any ideas????]
Recent conversations between the boy and I:
Boy: I really should be more dedicated to my research!!!!!!!!!!!! I just can't get motivated! So I'm drinking wine now
Jenski: It's easier to drink wine and work on the class we went to in MT, than it is to drink wine and think about research. Do you think philosophers are just drunk all the time?
Boy: Or stoned?
Jenski: And we are getting doctorates of philosophy - doesn't that mean we are supposed to be philosophers? Which means we should be able to be drunk (or stoned) all the time? Sometimes I like the way I think.
Boy: That's a great philosophy!!
Jenski: Well, I need to get my butt in gear with the research too
* The boy always tells me I am "shmart".
Recent conversations between the boy and I:
Boy: I really should be more dedicated to my research!!!!!!!!!!!! I just can't get motivated! So I'm drinking wine now
Jenski: It's easier to drink wine and work on the class we went to in MT, than it is to drink wine and think about research. Do you think philosophers are just drunk all the time?
Boy: Or stoned?
Jenski: And we are getting doctorates of philosophy - doesn't that mean we are supposed to be philosophers? Which means we should be able to be drunk (or stoned) all the time? Sometimes I like the way I think.
Boy: That's a great philosophy!!
Jenski: Well, I need to get my butt in gear with the research too
* The boy always tells me I am "shmart".
Her 'tudes
I guess I should be glad Lexi does not go after plants. She would not even eat cat grass I grew. This is her what-is-this-crap-next-to-my-food sniffing.
"Stop typing on your computer, you're supposed to pet me."
"Seriously. Why aren't you petting me?? I'm on your lap and that computer is not."
"FINALLY."
"Fine. If you aren't going to keep petting me, I'm going to sit over here and pretend not to care."
"Stop typing on your computer, you're supposed to pet me."
"Seriously. Why aren't you petting me?? I'm on your lap and that computer is not."
"FINALLY."
"Fine. If you aren't going to keep petting me, I'm going to sit over here and pretend not to care."
15 November 2008
I should go more often!
A couple of weeks ago, my friend wanted to go to the farmer's market near campus to stock up on squash. I do not know why I do not go more often. I try to limit what I buy so it does not go to waste. It is hard though because this stuff is soooooo good.
13 November 2008
We'll start with the boy stories...
Okay, right now, {knock on wood}, things are going well and I do not think that by writing anything about the boy I will jinx it. He came to visit a while back. I just went to visit this past weekend. We talk almost every day, definitely on line and usually right before bed. We live a 2 hour plane flight, 18 hour train ride, or 13 hour drive apart. He is smart, funny, attractive, and a good person. I would say it sounds too good to be true, but there is that whole distance thing that puts a wrench in it. We are both grad students, after all, and travel is expensive.
I learned a lot about cows when I visited. We went to two dairy farms, one where he does his work and the other a commercial one where he talked to the owner and we wandered around. He "saved" a calf while I was there...it had managed to get its head caught, and he found another guy to help him get the calf unstuck.
His office mates are mostly women, two of whom have been harassing him incessantly about me. He kept telling them a guy friend was coming to visit, and when they finally found out who I was, one of them added me on Facebook to check me out. I knew that was why she had added me and that is fine, but he was really paranoid about it asking me how I knew her and stuff. While I was visiting him, I went in to his office one day and saw the white boards the two women had written on. One just had "Hi Jenny" over and over again among funny quotes. The other was a suggested itinerary of things to do with me while I was there. There were also rules. NO NASCAR was written alllllll over this second board. My other favorites (or really just the ones I remember) were NO GETTING WASTED, and OPEN HER CAR DOOR FIRST. For all of the hassle they gave him, including texts while I was there, they were awfully quiet that day. We had gone out to dinner one night and he made a point of telling me the place had been HIS idea, not theirs. He pointed out the mums he had bought to put on the table, lit candles when we had dinner, and bought me ice cream...twice.
I really do not know what else to say. We are sorta dancing around the fact that I am, in theory, finishing in the not-to-distant future. At some point we will probably have to have a more explicit discussion of this...I figure that is a good reason for him to come visit again as soon as possible. :-)
I learned a lot about cows when I visited. We went to two dairy farms, one where he does his work and the other a commercial one where he talked to the owner and we wandered around. He "saved" a calf while I was there...it had managed to get its head caught, and he found another guy to help him get the calf unstuck.
His office mates are mostly women, two of whom have been harassing him incessantly about me. He kept telling them a guy friend was coming to visit, and when they finally found out who I was, one of them added me on Facebook to check me out. I knew that was why she had added me and that is fine, but he was really paranoid about it asking me how I knew her and stuff. While I was visiting him, I went in to his office one day and saw the white boards the two women had written on. One just had "Hi Jenny" over and over again among funny quotes. The other was a suggested itinerary of things to do with me while I was there. There were also rules. NO NASCAR was written alllllll over this second board. My other favorites (or really just the ones I remember) were NO GETTING WASTED, and OPEN HER CAR DOOR FIRST. For all of the hassle they gave him, including texts while I was there, they were awfully quiet that day. We had gone out to dinner one night and he made a point of telling me the place had been HIS idea, not theirs. He pointed out the mums he had bought to put on the table, lit candles when we had dinner, and bought me ice cream...twice.
I really do not know what else to say. We are sorta dancing around the fact that I am, in theory, finishing in the not-to-distant future. At some point we will probably have to have a more explicit discussion of this...I figure that is a good reason for him to come visit again as soon as possible. :-)
06 November 2008
Where to start - on politics.
This election has people talking. I was just over at Kelly's reading and started writing more than should be in a comment. So, I guess I am posting about politics. Here we go.
I am a strong believer that people should vote for who they believe is the best candidate for whatever public position for which they are voting. Many of my voting decisions have been based on a candidate's stance on social issues. If you are reading, you better have voted this week. If you did not, go away. :-)
While my more, um, Republican family members are far from happy with the election results, I think they misunderstand my optimism. I, in no way, believe that Obama is going to "fix" things in his term. I think it is impossible. I am sure he will make mistakes, and there will be times he says or does things I do not agree with. I truly believe he will always do what he can to better this country. Aside from agreeing with his stance on most issues, I love that he is young and fresh. I think it will be great to have his family in the White House with their puppy. He is smart and articulate.
I had a soft moment for my ex the other day. (Bear with me people.) His Facebook status said something to the effect of, "Ex is glad with the election outcome and accepts that he will pay more in taxes." He was a card carrying Republican when I met him. We talked about our gay friends and their right to get married. We talked about a woman's right to make decisions for her own body. We talked about how I could not get a particular government fellowship because there was not enough money that year (or since) for the number of grants they had awarded in past years. He realized there are more important things than keeping a few thousand dollars more per year when he files his taxes because all of these other things are at stake. He turned in his card.
Some of these issues I have brought up with my family. It is easy for me to through tax reform issues out the window when I vote. I am the poor grad student in the family who has crappy healthcare options, no mortgage to worry about right now, will rely on the government to fund my research if I stay in academia, and no one but my cat at home to discuss these things so they get to hear me vent. I deleted most emails, and replied to others with snide comments. More recently I tried replied to emails with my opinion and clarification when the facts in the email were not checked. For something as important as this presidential election, I think it is wrong to keep passing on inaccurate or blatantly untrue quotes of either candidate and said as much. I posted both candidates official sites here the other day. I also was very open (in my daily life at least) that I hoped Obama would win.
I could babble on about this forever, I am sure. But really, what I keep thinking about is that I went to bed Tuesday optimistic, but ready for a let-down and the ensuing dismay just like the past two presidential elections in which I have been able to vote. I woke up happy, optimistic, and excited about the next four years.
I am a strong believer that people should vote for who they believe is the best candidate for whatever public position for which they are voting. Many of my voting decisions have been based on a candidate's stance on social issues. If you are reading, you better have voted this week. If you did not, go away. :-)
While my more, um, Republican family members are far from happy with the election results, I think they misunderstand my optimism. I, in no way, believe that Obama is going to "fix" things in his term. I think it is impossible. I am sure he will make mistakes, and there will be times he says or does things I do not agree with. I truly believe he will always do what he can to better this country. Aside from agreeing with his stance on most issues, I love that he is young and fresh. I think it will be great to have his family in the White House with their puppy. He is smart and articulate.
I had a soft moment for my ex the other day. (Bear with me people.) His Facebook status said something to the effect of, "Ex is glad with the election outcome and accepts that he will pay more in taxes." He was a card carrying Republican when I met him. We talked about our gay friends and their right to get married. We talked about a woman's right to make decisions for her own body. We talked about how I could not get a particular government fellowship because there was not enough money that year (or since) for the number of grants they had awarded in past years. He realized there are more important things than keeping a few thousand dollars more per year when he files his taxes because all of these other things are at stake. He turned in his card.
Some of these issues I have brought up with my family. It is easy for me to through tax reform issues out the window when I vote. I am the poor grad student in the family who has crappy healthcare options, no mortgage to worry about right now, will rely on the government to fund my research if I stay in academia, and no one but my cat at home to discuss these things so they get to hear me vent. I deleted most emails, and replied to others with snide comments. More recently I tried replied to emails with my opinion and clarification when the facts in the email were not checked. For something as important as this presidential election, I think it is wrong to keep passing on inaccurate or blatantly untrue quotes of either candidate and said as much. I posted both candidates official sites here the other day. I also was very open (in my daily life at least) that I hoped Obama would win.
I could babble on about this forever, I am sure. But really, what I keep thinking about is that I went to bed Tuesday optimistic, but ready for a let-down and the ensuing dismay just like the past two presidential elections in which I have been able to vote. I woke up happy, optimistic, and excited about the next four years.
05 November 2008
To blog or not to blog
Oh, do not worry. I am not going to stop blogging. This is more a reflection on pre- and post-trip this August.
I signed up for this whole Blog365 thing last January with the best of intentions. I have not been checking the official site or anything, but figured it would be motivating. It was! I was doing great before I headed out of town. I even planned ahead for a conference I went to in order to show you how crazy-overgrown my backyard was (and it only got worse!). I would think all day about what I would blog. Some was complete and utter randomness; other stuff was thinking "outloud" on my blog. Lots of it was about silly online dating. (Although, I guess that was mainly pre-Blog365.)
Anyway. I went away. I came back. Had no internet. Moved. (Although my living room is much more set up now.)
Still had no internet.
Then I got internet! So why haven't I started posting, like, every day again??? I don't know. I guess I broke the habit.
I walk around during the day thinking in blog posts though! I think about good titles and a few witty lines (well, I find them witty), and then never end up posting them. I think part of it is that I want to post these deep things or super funny things and then I get caught up in Facebook. :-)
Seriously though, there are a lot of things that I do not want, nor should I really, be posting about.
The do-not-want is the boy.
The should-not is my advisor and whatever the heck happened this summer that is still not resolved, but I have a VERY good idea about what it is.
And I do not want to post about Lexi all the time. Although, I must admit it is tempting. She has an attitude, let me tell you. She is not a fan of the computer taking over my lap! I try to move her and she warning-bites at me, makes a noise and just gets down. All I want her to do is lay next to me!
And to make this post as random as possible, I am really excited about the president-elect. I really hope Obama takes this presidency and runs with because there is so much he could do! I am less happy about all of the various ballot questions around the country that will limit civil rights and impede childrens welfare. Why are people allowed to vote on civil rights? If 51 out of 100 vote against a human right, does that mean their opinions are morally/ethically fair/correct? Crazy.
I signed up for this whole Blog365 thing last January with the best of intentions. I have not been checking the official site or anything, but figured it would be motivating. It was! I was doing great before I headed out of town. I even planned ahead for a conference I went to in order to show you how crazy-overgrown my backyard was (and it only got worse!). I would think all day about what I would blog. Some was complete and utter randomness; other stuff was thinking "outloud" on my blog. Lots of it was about silly online dating. (Although, I guess that was mainly pre-Blog365.)
Anyway. I went away. I came back. Had no internet. Moved. (Although my living room is much more set up now.)
Still had no internet.Then I got internet! So why haven't I started posting, like, every day again??? I don't know. I guess I broke the habit.
I walk around during the day thinking in blog posts though! I think about good titles and a few witty lines (well, I find them witty), and then never end up posting them. I think part of it is that I want to post these deep things or super funny things and then I get caught up in Facebook. :-)
Seriously though, there are a lot of things that I do not want, nor should I really, be posting about.
The do-not-want is the boy.
The should-not is my advisor and whatever the heck happened this summer that is still not resolved, but I have a VERY good idea about what it is.
And I do not want to post about Lexi all the time. Although, I must admit it is tempting. She has an attitude, let me tell you. She is not a fan of the computer taking over my lap! I try to move her and she warning-bites at me, makes a noise and just gets down. All I want her to do is lay next to me!
And to make this post as random as possible, I am really excited about the president-elect. I really hope Obama takes this presidency and runs with because there is so much he could do! I am less happy about all of the various ballot questions around the country that will limit civil rights and impede childrens welfare. Why are people allowed to vote on civil rights? If 51 out of 100 vote against a human right, does that mean their opinions are morally/ethically fair/correct? Crazy.
03 November 2008
Public service announcement
I should have posted earlier today so all you absentee voters had time to overnight post your votes, but alas. All you who are voting tomorrow, DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE.
Obviously I would love for you to vote for who I will vote for, but really, it is just important than you vote period. So I will not influence you with my well thought out rationale about how I picked my candidate (more of a gut feeling, really, but whatever), but I will leave you with the two main presidential candidate websites. As I have learned, people send out email forwards indiscriminately with statements the candidates have allegedly made. It is not too late - if there is a particular issue about which you are passionate, just double check the the official stance of the candidates to make sure you know where EACH one stands on the issue for real.
www.johnmccain.com
www.barackobama.com
Obviously I would love for you to vote for who I will vote for, but really, it is just important than you vote period. So I will not influence you with my well thought out rationale about how I picked my candidate (more of a gut feeling, really, but whatever), but I will leave you with the two main presidential candidate websites. As I have learned, people send out email forwards indiscriminately with statements the candidates have allegedly made. It is not too late - if there is a particular issue about which you are passionate, just double check the the official stance of the candidates to make sure you know where EACH one stands on the issue for real.
www.johnmccain.com
www.barackobama.com
27 October 2008
Clothes
I am beginning to feel a little ashamed. My parents brought me another dresser this weekend because I have three boxes I can not unpack. My apartment does not have a lot of storage, so I have no where to store sheets, blankets, and towels. That aside, when I get everything shifted around, I will have two dressers full of clothes, a 3-shelf thing with my linens, and a long closet rod in my "closet" (i.e. storage space) full. This feels excessive to me.
My friend astutely noted that being a grad student in New England requires a complex wardrobe. I have gym clothes, summer clothes, winter clothes, beach stuff, ski stuff, dress clothes, non-dress clothes, and lab clothes. I have relative equal amounts of a lot of this stuff. I do not have to dress up for work, but I am involved in student council so I try to look somewhat presentable most of the time. I also keep around some of the crappy stuff for just lab. :-)
My friend astutely noted that being a grad student in New England requires a complex wardrobe. I have gym clothes, summer clothes, winter clothes, beach stuff, ski stuff, dress clothes, non-dress clothes, and lab clothes. I have relative equal amounts of a lot of this stuff. I do not have to dress up for work, but I am involved in student council so I try to look somewhat presentable most of the time. I also keep around some of the crappy stuff for just lab. :-)
26 October 2008
Pet peeves
I really dislike the shortcuts people have started taking with text messages and emails.
Working on a college campus and interacting with undergrads regularly, there seems to be a general decline of correspondence etiquette. I understand that texting takes a long time and abbreviations are helpful. I am not sure they are so necessary when writing an email though. Some of the things undergrads write are incredible: Hey Prof, when you gunna be available, etc. Spell it out properly, for crying out loud. And FYI, hay is for horses.
What makes this irk me even more is that recently MY use of text messaging and online chatting has increased, and I have seen my use of proper capitalization, punctuation, and etiquette declining. NOT COOL.
Working on a college campus and interacting with undergrads regularly, there seems to be a general decline of correspondence etiquette. I understand that texting takes a long time and abbreviations are helpful. I am not sure they are so necessary when writing an email though. Some of the things undergrads write are incredible: Hey Prof, when you gunna be available, etc. Spell it out properly, for crying out loud. And FYI, hay is for horses.
What makes this irk me even more is that recently MY use of text messaging and online chatting has increased, and I have seen my use of proper capitalization, punctuation, and etiquette declining. NOT COOL.
21 October 2008
Tell me it's not true
Is it true that calico cats are moody?
Lexi and I had our first fight on her second night here. She was still adjusting, sure, but come one. She was scratching on a chair so I tapped her nose a couple of times. Literally. A tap. And the little brat swatted at me.
I have since learned that she has a spot somewhere on her chest where she does not like to be pet. I am fine with the pseudo bite if she does not want to pet me somewhere. The follow-up swat is unacceptable though. Um. Hello? Who is bigger?
She is really very sweet. And I am a pushover. I was not going to do the wet food thing until she meowed at me soooooo much the first morning that I had to. And then one night she was meowing at me in the kitchen AGAIN so I HAD to give her more wet food, of course. Just a bite. She just gets a bite and has been eating her dry food.
If I stop petting her on the couch, after a few minutes she looks at me and meows. Like, "HELLO! You're supposed to be PETTING ME." So I do for a few minutes, then go back to my computer and we repeat the whole process.
She loves the little fur mice that she can pick up by the tail and throw around.
She is still not a fan of being picked up yet.
She has found a box of towels I have not unpacked that is right in the sun with a view of the street where she spends most of the day.
I still have not dared to cut her nails. I think I will have the vet do it to save my hands...
Lexi and I had our first fight on her second night here. She was still adjusting, sure, but come one. She was scratching on a chair so I tapped her nose a couple of times. Literally. A tap. And the little brat swatted at me.
I have since learned that she has a spot somewhere on her chest where she does not like to be pet. I am fine with the pseudo bite if she does not want to pet me somewhere. The follow-up swat is unacceptable though. Um. Hello? Who is bigger?
She is really very sweet. And I am a pushover. I was not going to do the wet food thing until she meowed at me soooooo much the first morning that I had to. And then one night she was meowing at me in the kitchen AGAIN so I HAD to give her more wet food, of course. Just a bite. She just gets a bite and has been eating her dry food.
If I stop petting her on the couch, after a few minutes she looks at me and meows. Like, "HELLO! You're supposed to be PETTING ME." So I do for a few minutes, then go back to my computer and we repeat the whole process.
She loves the little fur mice that she can pick up by the tail and throw around.
She is still not a fan of being picked up yet.
She has found a box of towels I have not unpacked that is right in the sun with a view of the street where she spends most of the day.
I still have not dared to cut her nails. I think I will have the vet do it to save my hands...
20 October 2008
Not enough hours in a day
In case you all were not aware or missed the memo: there are not enough hours in the day. I REALLY want to get back on my schedule I had going last spring into the summer. I was getting up just before 6, heading to the gym, getting to work around 8, getting home by 6, in bed by 10. I mean, how can that schedule be bad? Tonight would have been a perfect night to get back into it. I just need to get my lunch together and get in bed super early (i.e. 8:30-ish) so I can get my exhausted butt out of bed in the morning. Instead, I got home, made something quick dinner (Annie's Mac N' Cheese - YUM), picked up a bit, am online for a course I am taking, watching How I Met Your Mother, making out a grocery list and clipping coupons, and ultimately skipping the Patriots game (sad), and probably will not be in bed before 10:00.
So if there were about 3 or 4 more hours in each day, I think it would be perfect.
So if there were about 3 or 4 more hours in each day, I think it would be perfect.
15 October 2008
Hypothetically speaking, of course.
So what would you say if someone you met a couple of months ago, and had been talking with/texting/messaging with online suggested that he come visit. Then he figures out it is a 13 hour drive, and the logistics of flying or taking a train. Then he drives 2 hours to get on a train for about 18 hours to visit for 3 1/2 days, only to do the train and car drive in reverse. And he keeps mentioning that he is looking forward to getting away and visiting and relaxing for the weekend. You know, hypothetically speaking?
13 October 2008
Meet Lexi *Updated already!*
I got a kitty! This is Lexi. She's been checking out the apartment. I thought it might take her a while to warm up to me, but she just had a little love session on the couch within an hour of coming home. She keeps talking to me too.*Update* I think she's settle in.
10 October 2008
GROSS?!?!?!?!
I am a neat person. Clean even. Just ask around.
The first few weeks I was in my new apartment were creature free. Why would I have creatures if I am clean?
The day after my Come-see-my-new-place party, I found three ants. They were big. I smooshed them and got nervous
It was either that same day or soon there after when I found four silverfish in my bathroom. They were all in the tub, so I assume they came up through the drain.
I bought some bug killer stuff, which I sprayed in the tub. I bought ant traps, which I put in strategic locations.
Today? Another tiny little baby silverfish in the tub that I smooshed.
Just now? I smooshed a freakin' house centipede thing and put its twitching body parts in the toilet?! I would post a picture of what these things look like, but they are gross. Google "house centipede", and you will see what I mean. We have these things at work because it is a really old building, and we have cockroaches. These centipedes are supposed to eat other bugs and hence eat the cockroaches. Really, I would rather not have any bugs than have bugs that eat the bugs. I'm just sayin'.
The first few weeks I was in my new apartment were creature free. Why would I have creatures if I am clean?
The day after my Come-see-my-new-place party, I found three ants. They were big. I smooshed them and got nervous
It was either that same day or soon there after when I found four silverfish in my bathroom. They were all in the tub, so I assume they came up through the drain.
I bought some bug killer stuff, which I sprayed in the tub. I bought ant traps, which I put in strategic locations.
Today? Another tiny little baby silverfish in the tub that I smooshed.
Just now? I smooshed a freakin' house centipede thing and put its twitching body parts in the toilet?! I would post a picture of what these things look like, but they are gross. Google "house centipede", and you will see what I mean. We have these things at work because it is a really old building, and we have cockroaches. These centipedes are supposed to eat other bugs and hence eat the cockroaches. Really, I would rather not have any bugs than have bugs that eat the bugs. I'm just sayin'.
09 October 2008
Too much excitement to handle
I have a new baby.
I also just got my internet connected at home.
I also will be getting a new cell phone in the next few days because I reached the 2-year mark with my phone plan again so it is free.
I also still live in my new apartment alone.
I also am looking at adopting a kitty. I already have a litter pan, litter, litter scoop, and toys. I am committed.
Hmmm...I think that's it for now. Look out though - as soon as I transfer all my files to my new baby, I am going to be a machine of a grad student writing up my work and graduating...or posting regularly to my blog and visiting others' blogs more regularly, whichever seems more enjoyable.
I also just got my internet connected at home.
I also will be getting a new cell phone in the next few days because I reached the 2-year mark with my phone plan again so it is free.
I also still live in my new apartment alone.
I also am looking at adopting a kitty. I already have a litter pan, litter, litter scoop, and toys. I am committed.
Hmmm...I think that's it for now. Look out though - as soon as I transfer all my files to my new baby, I am going to be a machine of a grad student writing up my work and graduating...or posting regularly to my blog and visiting others' blogs more regularly, whichever seems more enjoyable.
08 October 2008
I totally called it
My friend and I were talking recently about how we both find Korean men particularly attractive in general. Yes, Koreans. Yes, it is possible to tell what East Asian country someone comes from.
I was tutoring last night and this cute nervous undergrad comes and asks about getting help with his paper. As he walked away, I thought, "Huh. He's pretty cute. I bet he's Korean."
I was right. :-)
I was tutoring last night and this cute nervous undergrad comes and asks about getting help with his paper. As he walked away, I thought, "Huh. He's pretty cute. I bet he's Korean."
I was right. :-)
07 October 2008
Singing along...
I've fallen many times in love and every time
it's been with the wrong man
Still I'm out there living one day at a time
and doing the best I can
Cuz we've all made mistakes
that seem to lead us astray
But every time they helped to get us where we are today
And that's a good a place as any
and it's probably where we're best off anyway
05 October 2008
Happy Fall!
My heat came on for the first time this morning. Previously, my apartment would be just not cold enough for it to come on, so it made it a little easier to get out of bed.
It definitely is fall. I have been apple picking twice. Where jeans and sweaters and vests because it is chilly. I have been baking up a whole bunch of fall-type stuff. Apple pie. Apple oatmeal muffins. These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies.
They are pretty darn good. For the record, they are pumpkin because it is fall, not because by adding pumpkin you take away butter.
It definitely is fall. I have been apple picking twice. Where jeans and sweaters and vests because it is chilly. I have been baking up a whole bunch of fall-type stuff. Apple pie. Apple oatmeal muffins. These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies.
They are pretty darn good. For the record, they are pumpkin because it is fall, not because by adding pumpkin you take away butter.
30 September 2008
Boys are dumb
*Disclaimer: The below was written after I finished the final glass of pre-bed wine.*
K. So, two posts in one day. (You get to read them in the morning after I wrote them.) What a treat with my online absence and all, right? You all just wait until I set up internet, start reading everything you have written in the past month and comment on it all. I owe you…
So, the boy from my friends’ wedding? Did not work out. I think there must be something wrong with him (obviously), because, even though he “had fun hanging out, [he] did not want to pursue anything further.” Ummm…okay. I will blame his younger and stupid age, as well as the loss of momentum when I went on my trip in August. KHC’s boyfriend, the Captain, had named this stupid groomsman Captain #2 (not because their real-life names are the Captain, but rather their real-life names are real names, like Jack, for example, and the Captain came up with the numbering system, so he gets to be #1.) Now I refer to the stupid groomsman/Captain #2 as #2, like poop.
Poop prevented me from taking advantage of certain things when I traveled in August, like a Dude at the course in MT, for example. And by Poop, I mean the stupid groomsman/Captain #2/# 2/Poop; not like I had an intestinal problem while I was traveling. Certain things = fellow grad student, who I have apparently nicknamed Dude, participating in the course with whom I am currently obsessed because I decided it is not good to be obsessed with a friend with whom I have been obsessed all month (got it?). He, the Dude, and I flirt INCESSANTLY on Facebook chat now. Seriously. I need to give the dude my phone number so we can flirt on the phone. My friend who also went to MT mentioned that this Dude and I should have, you know…yeah…And she is right. Now I am stuck with someone with whom I can only flirt incessantly while in different time zones and invite to visit for the next beerfest here (which he then LOOKED UP, I might add), because what other excuse could I come up with to suggest he visit??? It is a plane flight away, people, and we are in grad school. And he is an international student (I do not know why that is important, but I am a few glasses of wine into the night). And we are not in the same city. Did I mention we are not in the same city? Because am I doing this to torture myself because it is easy to say, “Oh, it did not work out because we are in different cities,” or am I willing to live in a land-locked state (well, they have a ginormous lake at least) to date someone?? And why am I even thinking about dating the Dude when we did not even, you know…, in MT and we merely flirt incessantly ONLINE. Ummm…I just like him because he is a smart farmer. Seriously. How sexy is a really smart farmer with an accent???
*Second Disclaimer* I feel silly for posting this now that it is the morning after I wrote it, but I will anyway. If I had internet at home, I totally would have posted it last night, what with the wine and all.*
K. So, two posts in one day. (You get to read them in the morning after I wrote them.) What a treat with my online absence and all, right? You all just wait until I set up internet, start reading everything you have written in the past month and comment on it all. I owe you…
So, the boy from my friends’ wedding? Did not work out. I think there must be something wrong with him (obviously), because, even though he “had fun hanging out, [he] did not want to pursue anything further.” Ummm…okay. I will blame his younger and stupid age, as well as the loss of momentum when I went on my trip in August. KHC’s boyfriend, the Captain, had named this stupid groomsman Captain #2 (not because their real-life names are the Captain, but rather their real-life names are real names, like Jack, for example, and the Captain came up with the numbering system, so he gets to be #1.) Now I refer to the stupid groomsman/Captain #2 as #2, like poop.
Poop prevented me from taking advantage of certain things when I traveled in August, like a Dude at the course in MT, for example. And by Poop, I mean the stupid groomsman/Captain #2/# 2/Poop; not like I had an intestinal problem while I was traveling. Certain things = fellow grad student, who I have apparently nicknamed Dude, participating in the course with whom I am currently obsessed because I decided it is not good to be obsessed with a friend with whom I have been obsessed all month (got it?). He, the Dude, and I flirt INCESSANTLY on Facebook chat now. Seriously. I need to give the dude my phone number so we can flirt on the phone. My friend who also went to MT mentioned that this Dude and I should have, you know…yeah…And she is right. Now I am stuck with someone with whom I can only flirt incessantly while in different time zones and invite to visit for the next beerfest here (which he then LOOKED UP, I might add), because what other excuse could I come up with to suggest he visit??? It is a plane flight away, people, and we are in grad school. And he is an international student (I do not know why that is important, but I am a few glasses of wine into the night). And we are not in the same city. Did I mention we are not in the same city? Because am I doing this to torture myself because it is easy to say, “Oh, it did not work out because we are in different cities,” or am I willing to live in a land-locked state (well, they have a ginormous lake at least) to date someone?? And why am I even thinking about dating the Dude when we did not even, you know…, in MT and we merely flirt incessantly ONLINE. Ummm…I just like him because he is a smart farmer. Seriously. How sexy is a really smart farmer with an accent???
*Second Disclaimer* I feel silly for posting this now that it is the morning after I wrote it, but I will anyway. If I had internet at home, I totally would have posted it last night, what with the wine and all.*
Flitting around
Gosh. What am I doing without internet at home???
Well, certainly not keeping up with any of the other fantastic blogs out there, for which I am deeply sorry!!!
I will stop over-using punctuation now…maybe.
Since I moved into my own place, I have not been just home to sit much. Most of this is due to the lack of internet. I am less productive than I may otherwise be, but oh, well. I just drive back to campus when I NEED internet.
I have been productive at work, relatively speaking. Trying to complete experiments so I can write papers and get the heck out of this place. My advisor just told me I have until mid-November to get a paper written for a special edition of a journal if I am interested – can I do it? I registered for another big meeting and am worried I may end up giving a talk – SCARY!! (Anyone out there go to SICB???) I have been relatively good about keeping up with the online part of my Montana course – partly to procrastinate on more pressing issues, partly my latent competitiveness because a particular boy is posting a lot on the wiki we are working on.
I pulled off a house warming and only had to hide away one box – I do not have a place for my socks and workout clothes?! I got lots of compliments on my apartment, and even if I did not enjoy having people over, that would have made it worth it. I FINALLY invested in a laptop and should get it in less than 2 weeks – I went with a Lenovo and do not want to hear about how I should have gone with a Mac, thank you very much. I finally made it to the gym this morning – it has been rough with a cough I have had for over a month. The inhaler seems to have done the trick with the cough though. And now I am sitting at home enjoying a glass of wine before I go to bed typing a post in Word so I can post it from work because I do not have internet…
Well, certainly not keeping up with any of the other fantastic blogs out there, for which I am deeply sorry!!!
I will stop over-using punctuation now…maybe.
Since I moved into my own place, I have not been just home to sit much. Most of this is due to the lack of internet. I am less productive than I may otherwise be, but oh, well. I just drive back to campus when I NEED internet.
I have been productive at work, relatively speaking. Trying to complete experiments so I can write papers and get the heck out of this place. My advisor just told me I have until mid-November to get a paper written for a special edition of a journal if I am interested – can I do it? I registered for another big meeting and am worried I may end up giving a talk – SCARY!! (Anyone out there go to SICB???) I have been relatively good about keeping up with the online part of my Montana course – partly to procrastinate on more pressing issues, partly my latent competitiveness because a particular boy is posting a lot on the wiki we are working on.
I pulled off a house warming and only had to hide away one box – I do not have a place for my socks and workout clothes?! I got lots of compliments on my apartment, and even if I did not enjoy having people over, that would have made it worth it. I FINALLY invested in a laptop and should get it in less than 2 weeks – I went with a Lenovo and do not want to hear about how I should have gone with a Mac, thank you very much. I finally made it to the gym this morning – it has been rough with a cough I have had for over a month. The inhaler seems to have done the trick with the cough though. And now I am sitting at home enjoying a glass of wine before I go to bed typing a post in Word so I can post it from work because I do not have internet…
28 September 2008
Living alone
Last night, I decided the hardest part of living alone is when you have a party and the door bell and your phone ring at the same time. What do you answer???
I guess there are worse problems to have...
I guess there are worse problems to have...
26 September 2008
Nostalgia
Now that I have my own place, everything in my apartment is mine. (Go figure the logic there!) One morning I decided to go through all my photo albums from high school and college (that I have with me at least), and I started remember how happy I was in college and how much fun we would have. I tried to pick out some of my favorites and then posted them on Facebook. I had a mixed response from those who were tagged in the photos and won't post any here, but they were fun!
Last night I drove almost two hours to hear a talk by a scientist who is really well known and works on a compound with which I also work. I have been dying to see this man talk. I gave myself plenty of time to get there because I had to drive through two cities around rush hour. I got to the college campus almost an hour early, called a couple of people (who did not answer) and wandered around the campus. This made me miss college even more than the pictures I had been looking through last week. Campus was pretty quiet, there were some people around, and it is fall, which I love. I noisily walked through my first pile of dry leaves for the season(!), because really why would you try to walk through dry leaves quietly? You have to scuff your feet right through and make that dry leaves noise! I loved the campus, but I don't know if it's for nostalgic reasons or because I could really see myself there when I start looking for jobs.
Then I heard the man talk and got all excited about my work, which is good to keep me motivated. I got excited about looking for and getting a post-doc. I got all nervous, but introduced myself and he knew of my publication!! (Mostly because the company that makes the compound we work with, does a really good job down-playing any publications about the compound AS SOON AS they are published, and he keeps track of that. Whatever.) This story was so much better in my head, but my question is - is there a word like "nostalgia" but for the present? Like fondly thinking about the present? Like "fondly thinking about the present"? Because while I was walking around being nostalgic on a campus I had never visited, I started being nostalgic for the present and going to the great talk and being outside in the fall air walking through the crunchy leaves...
Last night I drove almost two hours to hear a talk by a scientist who is really well known and works on a compound with which I also work. I have been dying to see this man talk. I gave myself plenty of time to get there because I had to drive through two cities around rush hour. I got to the college campus almost an hour early, called a couple of people (who did not answer) and wandered around the campus. This made me miss college even more than the pictures I had been looking through last week. Campus was pretty quiet, there were some people around, and it is fall, which I love. I noisily walked through my first pile of dry leaves for the season(!), because really why would you try to walk through dry leaves quietly? You have to scuff your feet right through and make that dry leaves noise! I loved the campus, but I don't know if it's for nostalgic reasons or because I could really see myself there when I start looking for jobs.
Then I heard the man talk and got all excited about my work, which is good to keep me motivated. I got excited about looking for and getting a post-doc. I got all nervous, but introduced myself and he knew of my publication!! (Mostly because the company that makes the compound we work with, does a really good job down-playing any publications about the compound AS SOON AS they are published, and he keeps track of that. Whatever.) This story was so much better in my head, but my question is - is there a word like "nostalgia" but for the present? Like fondly thinking about the present? Like "fondly thinking about the present"? Because while I was walking around being nostalgic on a campus I had never visited, I started being nostalgic for the present and going to the great talk and being outside in the fall air walking through the crunchy leaves...
It's rainin'
And this is what I'm singin'...
I'm singin' in the rain
just singin' in the rain
What a glorious feeling I'm happy again.
I'm only happy when it rains...The great thing, is that it's raining and these lyrics are all about being happy.
18 September 2008
Public service announcements
I have two things in the past week that have really bothered me.
If you are a man and are hairy, please tuck in or trim that chest hair that usually peaks out the top of your shirt.
If you like to wear perfume, and I mean nice perfume, please do not BATHE in your perfume. Just spritz it on a little so you smell nice and I, I mean, people do not have to crank the air conditioning to air out a room with no windows.
And one more that I keep noticing.
If you are talking about a person, it is "who". If you are talking about a thing, it is "that". Do not say, "The person that I was speaking to." If you want to get all grammar police, I would recommend saying, "The person to whom I was speaking," in that situation. I would settle for "The person who I was speaking to," though.
If you are a man and are hairy, please tuck in or trim that chest hair that usually peaks out the top of your shirt.
If you like to wear perfume, and I mean nice perfume, please do not BATHE in your perfume. Just spritz it on a little so you smell nice and I, I mean, people do not have to crank the air conditioning to air out a room with no windows.
And one more that I keep noticing.
If you are talking about a person, it is "who". If you are talking about a thing, it is "that". Do not say, "The person that I was speaking to." If you want to get all grammar police, I would recommend saying, "The person to whom I was speaking," in that situation. I would settle for "The person who I was speaking to," though.
17 September 2008
What a pleasant surprise
I tend to pick out my clothes the night before, particularly when I go to the gym in the morning. I figure the less I have to think first thing in the morning, the better! I have also started the habit of trying on the outfit to make sure things go together. Sometimes you just can not tell unless it is on, right?
So last night I was thinking I would wear my dark jeans and my black boots and this button down shirt that hes 3/4 length sleeves. [It is that in between summer and fall weather right now where a t-shirt doesn't seem like enough and a long-sleeved shirt feels like overkill!] I put the jeans on and am half way to my "closet" (I'll write more about my apartment when I have internet there and can post in the comfort of my own home)...where was I? Oh, so I am half way to the closet and I think, "These aren't the dark long jeans with stretch that I meant to put on. Which jeans are these? NO. It can't be???" I take them off right there in the hall (I live alone now, I can do that!) and they are my skinny jeans.
These are the jeans I could wear when I first started grad school four years ago! These are the jeans I could not pull past my knees just a couple of years ago! I guess it is worth making time to go to the gym.
So last night I was thinking I would wear my dark jeans and my black boots and this button down shirt that hes 3/4 length sleeves. [It is that in between summer and fall weather right now where a t-shirt doesn't seem like enough and a long-sleeved shirt feels like overkill!] I put the jeans on and am half way to my "closet" (I'll write more about my apartment when I have internet there and can post in the comfort of my own home)...where was I? Oh, so I am half way to the closet and I think, "These aren't the dark long jeans with stretch that I meant to put on. Which jeans are these? NO. It can't be???" I take them off right there in the hall (I live alone now, I can do that!) and they are my skinny jeans.
These are the jeans I could wear when I first started grad school four years ago! These are the jeans I could not pull past my knees just a couple of years ago! I guess it is worth making time to go to the gym.
13 September 2008
Lots of music
I still have not set up internet at home.
The old TV I have has a built in VCR...and therefore no video input I can use to hook up my DVD player.
Therefore I have been listening to a lot of music while I have been home. I always have done this, but now living on my own I turn on my radio/CDs as soon as I get home because I am not worried about bothering anyone. My parents ALWAYS have music on at home. [This also means I do not listen to NPR or talk radio as many people do because you are supposed to be able to sing to the radio as far as I am concerned.]
I rediscovered some CDs too!
My senior year in college, there were six of us sharing an apartment. Carolyn, KHC, and Molly, all of who comment here, being three of the six. I think it was Carolyn's idea that we all put together a playlist of college songs, and she took it upon herself to make the CDs. I have been listening to KHC's the past few days. I lost my version of the JRL CD (my playlist), in case anyone wants to email me that song list. Hint, hint. I remember liking the songs I put on it. :-)
A few notes on KHC's: Old school Destiny's Child and Christina Aguilera are great. Christine Lavin's Shopping Cart of Love: The play is really fun to listen to. And I was reminded of what a stark difference of feeling the two versions (that I know of) of Romeo and Juliet are - Dire Straits and Indigo Girls. I would put in links, but then you would not have anything to do if you wanted to look these things up! :-)
On other music...the song on random mix CDs in lab that I love right now:
The old TV I have has a built in VCR...and therefore no video input I can use to hook up my DVD player.
Therefore I have been listening to a lot of music while I have been home. I always have done this, but now living on my own I turn on my radio/CDs as soon as I get home because I am not worried about bothering anyone. My parents ALWAYS have music on at home. [This also means I do not listen to NPR or talk radio as many people do because you are supposed to be able to sing to the radio as far as I am concerned.]
I rediscovered some CDs too!
My senior year in college, there were six of us sharing an apartment. Carolyn, KHC, and Molly, all of who comment here, being three of the six. I think it was Carolyn's idea that we all put together a playlist of college songs, and she took it upon herself to make the CDs. I have been listening to KHC's the past few days. I lost my version of the JRL CD (my playlist), in case anyone wants to email me that song list. Hint, hint. I remember liking the songs I put on it. :-)
A few notes on KHC's: Old school Destiny's Child and Christina Aguilera are great. Christine Lavin's Shopping Cart of Love: The play is really fun to listen to. And I was reminded of what a stark difference of feeling the two versions (that I know of) of Romeo and Juliet are - Dire Straits and Indigo Girls. I would put in links, but then you would not have anything to do if you wanted to look these things up! :-)
On other music...the song on random mix CDs in lab that I love right now:
'Cause lately you make me weaker in the kneesI have also begun listening to country occasionally. I mostly blame this on my brother. I have learned of a lot of great music from him (like Dispatch and Howie Day before he was all famous and stuff) and he listens to country, so it can't be all that bad, right? [I have written about this and my aversion to NPR before.] Country lyrics are so catchy and cute. I think it is mostly some of the artists' voices I do not really like. If a voice is too twangy, I probably will not leave it on the country station long enough to hear the cute lyrics. These are the songs I know of that have caught my attention though (in addition the the ones in the link above).
And race through my veins baby every time you're close to me
Take me away to places I ain't seen
They say you've got a hold on me'
And I won't disagree
Cause I'd like to see you out in the moonlight
I'd like to kiss you way back in the sticks
I'd like to walk you through a field of wildflowers
And I'd like to check you for ticks
Come on in boy sit on down
And tell me about yourself
So you like my daughter do you now?
Yeah we think she's something else
She's her daddy's girl
Her momma's world
She deserves respect
That’s what she'll get
Ain’t it son?
Hey y'all run along and have some fun
I'll see you when you get back
Bet I’ll be up all night
Still cleanin' this gun
And shes ridin in the middle of his pickup truckI mean, how can you not love the sentiments in those lyrics?
Blarin Charlie Daniels yellin, “Turn it up!”
They raised her up a lady
but there’s one thing they couldn’t avoid
Ladies love country boys
12 September 2008
The 500 mark
In my four years of grad school, I have now put more than 500 reference papers into my reference manager program. I have read over 500 papers (mostly, with a couple of books in there) about research that is relevant to my research. I have a rule that I have to read them before I put them into the program, so I really have read them all. I also have a pile of paper about a foot tall sitting on my desk to read.
I also have more references that I have to put in manually because I can not find them to import the information.
It really does not end up sounding like so much if you figure that is about 125 per year of grad school. It feels like a lot though. I also have at least one year of grad school left and a dissertation to finish writing.
How many of these papers could I voluntarily recall? 10? Maybe 20? :-)
I also have more references that I have to put in manually because I can not find them to import the information.
It really does not end up sounding like so much if you figure that is about 125 per year of grad school. It feels like a lot though. I also have at least one year of grad school left and a dissertation to finish writing.
How many of these papers could I voluntarily recall? 10? Maybe 20? :-)
10 September 2008
You heard it correctly!
I never knew the words to this song.
I just looked them up and wish I had not.
I just looked them up and wish I had not.
You strut your rasta wear"Rasta wear"? Really? Weird.
and your suicide poem
09 September 2008
Saving the best part
When I started packing to move, I decided to reread some of the books that I find so important to keep. In general I do NOT like rereading books I like. I am afraid I will not like them the second time around. This happened with Ahab's Wife: or, the Star-Gazer by by Sena Jeter Naslund. The first time around, I loved that there were so many words I learned. The second time around, I thought it was really slow. Maybe third time is a charm?
Anyway, that is not the book I started reading. I am SOOOOO close to finishing Persuasion by Jane Austen. And really, can you read a Jane Austen novel too many times? I would argue you could not.
Even though the following line is not about the heroine, it is right at the beginning and made me glad I had started reading it when I did, because really it is about me.
This is not the case with a book I have never read that has my attention. I have definitely stayed up "just a little longer" to read more and then looked at the clock at 3:30 a.m. when I finished the book.
I might finish Persuasion tonight and hope that I can keep that happy-ending feeling for a couple of days. (Taken out of context, that statement is highly inappropriate, but you know what I mean.)
Anyway, that is not the book I started reading. I am SOOOOO close to finishing Persuasion by Jane Austen. And really, can you read a Jane Austen novel too many times? I would argue you could not.
Even though the following line is not about the heroine, it is right at the beginning and made me glad I had started reading it when I did, because really it is about me.
It sometimes happens that a woman is handsomer at twenty-nine than she was ten years before.I am in the middle of the penultimate chapter. (I just wanted to use a big word after thinking about Ahab's Wife.) It is against my reading habits to stop in the middle of a chapter unless there is a break in paragraphs, and there is not where I stopped last night. Every night when I go to read more, I do not want to finish it because I know the ending is good and I want to save it.
This is not the case with a book I have never read that has my attention. I have definitely stayed up "just a little longer" to read more and then looked at the clock at 3:30 a.m. when I finished the book.
I might finish Persuasion tonight and hope that I can keep that happy-ending feeling for a couple of days. (Taken out of context, that statement is highly inappropriate, but you know what I mean.)
03 September 2008
Seeing the world
I am not sure I like the greedy and selfish part at the end, but otherwise this seems pretty true. Admittedly, I do sometimes feel selfish though. I do love money...I would love to have more of it (stupid graduate school).
| You See the World Through Green Colored Glasses |
 You judge all your interactions through the lens of harmony. You figure you have something to learn from everyone, and you listen well. You face challenges with a persistent attitude. You can see the prize at the end of the road, and you have the strength to get there. You see love as the utmost expression of self-esteem. You have to love yourself before you can truly love someone else. At your worst, you are greedy and selfish. You love money more than you'd like to admit. You are happiest when you are in nature. You appreciate the feeling of balance that being outdoors brings you. |
02 September 2008
Moving is*...
…a time to call on your friends…and feed them pizza and beer (and water) in return for them carrying all your crap.
…a good time to carry a camera around…otherwise you miss great photo ops like the guys sliding your sleeper couch down a ladder off the back porch when it is too difficult to maneuver down the stairs. :-(
…a good time to carry a camera around…otherwise you miss great photo ops like the guys sliding your sleeper couch down a ladder off the back porch when it is too difficult to maneuver down the stairs. :-(
…bad for your nails…or maybe it is just real life that is bad for your nails after having more than two weeks of travel during which you were not in lab.
01 September 2008
All moved!
And as unpacked as I can be without buying more furniture! I had a bunch of friends help with the move and it was fast and painless (at least for me).
No one in my area has wireless I can mooch off until I get my own. :-( I keep thinking of these funny things to post but do not have internet to do so. Maybe I'll start writing drafts so when I get internet I can post a gazillion times in one night. This also means my plan to catch up on others' blogs has gone right out the window.
K...off to get ready for the beach. :-)
No one in my area has wireless I can mooch off until I get my own. :-( I keep thinking of these funny things to post but do not have internet to do so. Maybe I'll start writing drafts so when I get internet I can post a gazillion times in one night. This also means my plan to catch up on others' blogs has gone right out the window.
K...off to get ready for the beach. :-)
28 August 2008
The Big Day
Today, I move. It has ended up more last minute than I wanted, but it will all work out. I move my bed today and sleep in a new place!
My roommate says to me this morning, "You know what they say about your first night in a new home!"
Uhh...I did not and was not sure where this was going...
...Apparently, whatever you dream of the first night in a new place is supposed to come true. I am not sure this is a good time in my life to be having my dreams come true. I will have to listen to happy music and think good thoughts before I fall asleep. Maybe I will even leave happy music on all night.
Anyway. Today, I move.
My roommate says to me this morning, "You know what they say about your first night in a new home!"
Uhh...I did not and was not sure where this was going...
...Apparently, whatever you dream of the first night in a new place is supposed to come true. I am not sure this is a good time in my life to be having my dreams come true. I will have to listen to happy music and think good thoughts before I fall asleep. Maybe I will even leave happy music on all night.
Anyway. Today, I move.
25 August 2008
Big Sky, the summary
Well, unfortunately my new landlady is a flake. My new apartment is not quite move-in ready. Rather than moving some stuff tonight then, I can get some work done...and post! So here is the story of my course in Montana...
This is by far the softest plant I have ever felt. I think its common name is Partridge Feather. It really holds water! My friend who is interested in Green Roofs is definitely interested in this plant! It was in a little garden with drought-resistant plants that we came across one afternoon.
The University of Montana Grizzly with the University Hall and 'M' on the hill behind it late in the afternoon. I did not see any real grizzlies, which I suppose is good.
They can not stop watering the campus! 24 hours a day there are sprinklers going. Seriously. We were told that the water table is so high there, that there are never water concerns. I am still not sure it is necessary. Does watering a wet lawn in the afternoon really do anything aside from provide for a photo shoot?
We went to an organic co-op farm for dinner one night and got to poke around. They had ripe raspberries we could pick that I tried not to gorge myself on, as well as a bunch of sunflowers. You can see the farm in the background, but I really did not get any good shots of it. With a digital camera, I love pretending I am all fancy with my picture taking and macro setting. :-)
There is the 'M' on the hill in the background again! This is the band that was playing at a weekly outdoor lunch event at which local restaurants set up vendor tents and the town comes out to eat and take in the entertainment together.
The Country Fair at night...
...where we saw these kids showing their pigs...
...and the end of the rodeo...
...and also a weird hypnotist, the 4-H food exhibits, the photography barn, llamas, cows, chicken, and a drunk teenager getting in trouble with the police. Good times.
Such good times, in fact, that this is how I felt on the last night.
And I started with a plant, so why not end with a plant. This is some cool dry grass up near the 'M' on the mountain. It is no wonder that fires are a concern out there with hills covered in this stuff! Part of the hill had actually burned a few weeks prior, but did not reach as far as this.
So, that is the first week of my trip! I loved it there and would DEFINITELY go back for just a vacation.
This is by far the softest plant I have ever felt. I think its common name is Partridge Feather. It really holds water! My friend who is interested in Green Roofs is definitely interested in this plant! It was in a little garden with drought-resistant plants that we came across one afternoon.
The University of Montana Grizzly with the University Hall and 'M' on the hill behind it late in the afternoon. I did not see any real grizzlies, which I suppose is good.
They can not stop watering the campus! 24 hours a day there are sprinklers going. Seriously. We were told that the water table is so high there, that there are never water concerns. I am still not sure it is necessary. Does watering a wet lawn in the afternoon really do anything aside from provide for a photo shoot?
We went to an organic co-op farm for dinner one night and got to poke around. They had ripe raspberries we could pick that I tried not to gorge myself on, as well as a bunch of sunflowers. You can see the farm in the background, but I really did not get any good shots of it. With a digital camera, I love pretending I am all fancy with my picture taking and macro setting. :-)
There is the 'M' on the hill in the background again! This is the band that was playing at a weekly outdoor lunch event at which local restaurants set up vendor tents and the town comes out to eat and take in the entertainment together.
The Country Fair at night...
...where we saw these kids showing their pigs...
...and the end of the rodeo...
...and also a weird hypnotist, the 4-H food exhibits, the photography barn, llamas, cows, chicken, and a drunk teenager getting in trouble with the police. Good times.Such good times, in fact, that this is how I felt on the last night.
And I started with a plant, so why not end with a plant. This is some cool dry grass up near the 'M' on the mountain. It is no wonder that fires are a concern out there with hills covered in this stuff! Part of the hill had actually burned a few weeks prior, but did not reach as far as this.
So, that is the first week of my trip! I loved it there and would DEFINITELY go back for just a vacation.
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