Yum, Italian sports cars. Ima likin' the red.

I'm a Ferrari 360 Modena!

You've got it all. Power, passion, precision, and style. You're sensuous, exotic, and temperamental. Sure, you're expensive and high-maintenance, but you're worth it.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Masters and slaves and jumpers, oh my

The new zippy CPU has been installed and this morning I learned how to transfer data from one hard drive to another. Jumpers tell the old hard drive whether it is to master or slave (slave in this case) and one plugs it into the slave cable of the DVD drive though and IDE thingy. And then when you turn on the computer, it automatically detects that there is another hard drive and one can easily transfer data to the main, master 160 GB hard drive. Grrrr! Granted, I will have forgotten all of this tomorrow, but it was a bit of fun this morning.
To offset all of the other fun.
I managed to get up really early this AM and make it to the post office to send off the pieced quilt for machine quilting. I am very excited, as this will mark my first to completion quilt. It is in a ladybug pattern and I hope to hand deliver it when I visit the wee niece in March. If all goes well, I will post pictures when completed and advertise this lady's business. So far, she is super nice and reasonably priced. I only hope that the end product turns out well.
Part of my getting up super early was to make it to the post office before I came into work at ***8 AM*** (gasp) to help an undergrad who had needed my help. Now, I was late, by about 15 minutes. But I called, twice. No one answered. And it is my perrogative as senior grad student. Young Eager Pup claims to have been here himself and waited until 8:30 AM (I'm gonna call bullshit on that one!). So, I got here really early and still had to deal with him later on in the day. Ugh.
And on TSB front - things are going, well, fantabulous. Scary, really. We spent the entire weekend together last, save about 6 hours where I went to work and shopped with my Nicuaraguan/ German friend and he went home to !nap!. Much is to be said about the N/G friend and the shopping that day, but I will hold off.
Nevertheless, TSB came over Saturday night, took me out on a proper date (dinner and a movie - yea Crazy Noodles!) and then we headed back to my place for a little nookie. That's right, you read correct. Nookie. Yum. I hadn't planned it (though was prepared) but the decision came easily enough and so far there are no regrets.
There's more, but I have to get back to the assays.
The assays, Jim. My God, The Assays!
ciao

OK, so tired

Maybe I should rename The Sweet Boy to The Sweet Beau. Still TSB so it is easy on me.
Yes, still sweet. And I am exhausted. Not from that, but from trying to accommodate a whole 'nother person into my already full and tight schedule. Right now, sleep time seems to be taking a hit. This is not a good situation, because when I get overtired, I turn into a crabby abby. Any other time this would be acceptable, but tonight I am supposed to meet TSB for dinner with a group of his friends. Not an opportune time to be cranky. I have to snap out of this.
The department is not helping, or rather the life sciences and the university as a whole is not helping. On the department level, there are faculty candidates coming at the rate of 2/week. This is in addition to all of the other talks that we must attend. The life sciences as a whole are looking for four new faculty - that's a lot of talks. There were three today alone. And then the University pitched in the other day and evacuated the whole of the 'Science Center' because of an anonymous email threat against a liberal arts department. I guess if there are threats against any of the departments, the default is to clear the sciences. On one level, this seems prudent. On another, I needed to get enzyme assays done and we had the service guy here for the defunct FPLC. Me: "Uh, hi, we have to leave. Now. Mandatory evacuation." Him: "Why?" Me: "I dunno. We gotta go, apparently. When can you come back?" Him: "Not any time soon. Sorry."
So the machine is still down and my assays had to be done yesterday. And like an idiot, I volunteered to cook for TSB. Really did not need the extra stress, but hey, it's me. I thrive on stress. And here I just told one of my therapists that I felt more in control and was getting better on assessing my limits. Hah!
OK, gotta go shine. There is more to each of these stories, but no time to regale them now.
ciao

There is a boy

Hmm, so part of my craziness lately has been the introduction of a new presence in my daily routine - The Sweet Boy.
I met him at a New Year's party - the first one I haven't boycotted in years for myriad reasons. While at the party I met a bunch of new interesting people. I knew only two people at this part - the hosts - and as Queen Barkms reminded me that day, considering my track record with New Year's disappointments, maybe not knowing anyone would be a good thing.
So The Sweet Boy was one of the people I met. Very attentive and... well... sweet. I really do need to think up a new adjective - I have been overusing that one these past two weeks.
So, it's New Year's, it's me - I get drunk. Not too bad, but definitely jolly. Not out of control spastic, but definitely pushing my own limits. Part of pushing those limits was jumping this poor boy after midnight (again out of *recent* character). Not soon after that I wandered upstairs, where I proceeded to nod off (pass out) in D+D's craft room. Sooo comfy - and I had worked all day. I was tired.
When they woke me so I could move down to the pull out, I got a little nauseous. A teensy bit. TSB was very sweet and held my hair and took care of me. When I had suitably purged my system, we moved down to the pull out. I must say, considering the circumstances, I had a very restful sleep that night. TSB offered up his arm the entire night, and I slept so well.
Now in the AM, there was much contrition on my part (I do so hate being a burden on friends) and a definite need for coffee. It had snowed overnight, and the plows were out early. The scraping of the roads just intensified the scraping in my head, which I justly deserved. I can take my hangovers, so long as there is coffee. As is true with all instances of drinking, I awoke the following morning REALLY early.
TSB helped sweep of the snow from my car. And in another uncharacteristic move, I gave him my mobile number and told him we should go out when I am not excessively inebriated.
And he called - That Night! We spoke on the phone a couple more times that week, all leading up to a date last Sunday that went on for ~10 hours. TSB was true to his name, very sweet. We went out again last night for sushi (of which, of course, I ate too much) and then headed back to my apt. We talked long into the night, snogged a little, talked some more. Apparently, he wants to date me - I got this when he asked me to go to dinner with him and a bagillion of his friends next Friday - eek! I argued (of course, you would expect no less) that he doesn't really know me, nor I him, making all this a bit of a crap shoot. I can handle the dating part; it makes me nervous to make plans so far in advance and to bring in other variables, i.e. our respective friend pools. It is hard enough getting to know someone new, but to add friends into the mix. And I suck at remembering names. And I always feel like I am performing, or on display. It is a bit of a self conscious position. And like a dolt, I said sure I'll meet your friends. Better lay off the bottle or there is no telling what will come out of my mouth.
Anywho, I think I made a deal whereby I go to his friends thing in return for coming with me to the superbowl party at QB and DrD's. So now, like the true hypocrite that I am, I bring my friends into the mix. Ugh.
I am trying really hard to keep my head about me and not get too carried away or project too much. Challenging, given my predilections, but still I try.
He spent last night. I was very clear that nothing was going to happen 'cept sleep and he seemed to accept this. Halley was very very put out. He took up her side of the bed, and she was not happy. Poor girl, it's been her domain for so long without having to share. I warned TSB that while I guessed he was accustomed to sleeping with women, sleeping with an IG is a whole 'nother experience entirely. And it was. Halley made here presence and displeasure with her displacement well known. This included several bouts of scraping at the covers, getting up several times in the night just to shake and climbing everywhere like the part mountain goat she is. In return, we go to M+D's tomorrow, so Halley will be pampered and cooed over by her 'grandma.' Maybe this will take away some of the sting.

Anyway, we are getting together again tonight. Not sure what is on the docket. I didn't really sleep very much last night, and I am finishing up an 8 hour day in the lab. I might not be up for another late evening. God, I am getting old.

So we shall see...
ciao

hah! this we already knew...

You're an Expert Kisser

You're a kissing pro, but it's all about quality and not quantity You've perfected your kissing technique and can knock anyone's socks off And you're adaptable, giving each partner what they crave When it comes down to it, your kisses are truly unforgettable

What Kind of Kisser Are You?

last one, I promise. goD I am bored

can...not...resist...

results for Halley - girl

Your Superhero Profile

Your Superhero Name is The Dream Midget Your Superpower is Super Strength Your Weakness is Atomic Explosions Your Weapon is Your Magic Torch Your Mode of Transportation is Helicopter

What's your Superhero Name?

she really is a dream midget. I'm sure that is just a coincidence.

seriously, this has got to stop

You Are Somewhat Machiavellian

You're not going to mow over everyone to get ahead... But you're also powerful enough to make things happen for yourself. You understand how the world works, even when it's an ugly place. You just don't get ugly yourself - unless you have to!

How Machiavellian Are You?

and this

so I am rummaging through other people's blogs and coming up with stupid quiz links. Hey, it's late, my column's runing slowly. Shoot me.

You Are an Appletini

Most of the time, you're a typical party girl / guy. But when you get super sauced, you really up your sex appeal.

What Mixed Drink Are You?

giggles

Your Hidden Talent

You have the power to persuade and influence others. You're the type of person who can turn a whole room around. The potential for great leadership is there, as long as you don't abuse it. Always remember, you have a lot more power over people than you might think!

What's Your Hidden Talent?

eBay is brilliant

I found out recently (Friday PM) that much of my displeasure with my enzyme assays derives from the fact that the CPU running the diode is a Pentium II 256 MHz with 192MB RAM. No, really. Not being technically inclined, it took somebody to actually point out that these were the exact reasons my computer and consequently the programs it was attempting to run were so slow. Now it is clear.
I talked to my boss on Monday and got the go ahead to get a new CPU. I have a budget - I set out to find my new computer.
Now my University has a special deal with Dell for the purchase of PCs, so I head there first. I find the exact PC I want - Celeron D 533MHz, 1G RAM DDR blah blah blah with an 80 G harddrive. And most importantly it has three expansion busses, one of which will be used for a PCI card so that the 'puter can talk to the spec, and vice versa. And it is $60 below my budget limit. Sweet! I talk to our biology sys admin, who says go forth and purchase. I talk to LTS, who parrots the sentiment.
I call Dell, and they say I cannot have the CPU I want, because it is not under agreement with my University. Ha! If I were to purchase that computer, then it would be considered a personal purchase, and even though they have all of our info on file, the purchase would not be tax exempt. Well, if one is to buy equipment with NIH funds, one cannot pay tax. Also, this CPU would not be subject to the institutional discount, so there goes the budget limit.
I ask the gentleman a Dell whatever am I to do?!? He says, Let me give you a quote for a CPU that would be under the institutional agreement. All the same parts - different skeleton - $200 more than what I had wanted and way over my budget. This is stupid.
I give all of the info to my boss and let it be known that it is her money and her decision. I leave her with the specs of what I desire.
15 minutes later I am walking in the hallway with a refreshed ice bucket when I am called into her office. On her computer is a computer that would satisfy my needs - on eBay. The reserve is way below my original budget limit. After some discussion and much warning, she decides to place a bid. We will know at mindnight (last night) whether we were successful bidders or not.
First thing this AM I ask and she congratulates me by saying we get a new computer. Yea! But still, it is off of eBay. Fresh in the box, supposedly brand new, but off of the back of a truck somewhere??!? Don't ask, don't tell.
so now I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new processor. Hopefully the data will be infinitely easier to handle and process, and as a result I will be a happier camper. Assuming the damned thing works.
Also, I got this outrageous urge to cook last night. Based on another blog Chocolate and Zucchini, I made a spinach and cheese over whole wheat pasta dish. Tasty last night and even better for lunch, where I could share it with my labmates and have it be suitably complimented.
1-2 shallots thinly sliced
1-2 cloves crushed garlic
evoo
spinach sauteed in the shallot/evoo/garlic mix with the two liquids below
vegetable stock
red wine (merlot)
whole wheat pasta
feta
gruyere
diced proscuitto
pignolli nuts
olives
ground pepper

no need for salt, b/c of the proscuitto, gruyere and olives. The cheeses are understated, there is a lot of spinach. with the proscuitto and pignolli and olives, the presentation is brilliant. Great color and even better flavor. Yum.
Make this again.
ciao

Hmmm, a title

Just thought I would type a quick note to remind myself that I am utterly crazy. Really. Clinically.
I am finishing up a work (writing this) and thinking about how I made plans for tomorrow but I really need to be working - and how I have to clean my apartment and especially the dishes in the sink - which have become an experiment in unto themselves. I seem to be writing a bunch of run-ons lately. Apparently I can't be bothered to construct proper sentences with the appropriate punctuation. Hmmm. I have fallen behind this week from where I want to be and I have yet to catch up. Mondays are always shot for me; Tuesday has GM. That means that the next three days are effectively null and void as far as progress on my project. Shit. I don't see how I am ever going to get everything done to actually graduate when I want to. ciao

need to vent

So, my goal to be more blase and less annoyed by everything around me in 2006 has lasted exactly 6 days. This is a PR.
Got sick this week, which wasn't so bad except for the fact that it happened when I needed to be purifying protein - a draining process in itself - as well as when both of my bosses are actually taking an active interest in my thesis. Where did this sudden interest come from, you ask? No earthly idea. Shocked the living daylights out of me. So the illness manifested itself in an itchy nose first - the kind where the itch isn't on the skin or in the nose but IN the skin of the nose. I thought I was going to have the bugger off. As it stands, I only managed to abrade the top layer of skin. Becoming, really.
That same night (midweek? sometime) I could not sleep. At all. Read. No luck. Drank sleepy tea. No luck. Took antihistamines. Nothing. Practiced shavasana. Nada. Tossed and turned and maybe slept fitfully 1.5 - 2 hours. Not nearly enough if you have to purify prots and have multiple bosses breathing down your neck.
Next day I was miserable. I managed to fry my gut on a cocktail of Vit. C, zinc, antihistamines and caffeine. After that, the only thing that I could stomach was vanilla chai.
Met up with Queen Barkms at the end of the day for an abbreviated SnB. it was just what I needed. Stella Artois and tea - sitting in the bar, knitting and regaling stories of New Year's. Tired me out so that I actually got a wonderful night's sleep and can get back on track to get some serious work wrapped up and get some manuscripts out so I can go on job talks and get a postdoc in another part of the US so I can write and defend my thesis and FINALLY graduate and get the F out of here. Yea. Best laid plans.
The undergrads in my lab are pissing me off. but not in the traditional sense, where I stomp around like lord of the manor. Unfortunately, we have a crop of really sweet, earnest undergrads who are all a little clueless in their individual ways. One of my favorites has just finished a full year in the lab and is really great. Still inexperienced, but is very bright and eager to catch on. And willing to take the lead and be the 'senior undergrad', setting the standard for the others to follow. OK. He's great.
But the others. Young, young and more young. I don't begrudge inexperience and I am more than willing to teach and train. In fact I excel at it. I rock. but I am getting increasingly annoyed with having to make the same statements over and over again - individually and in group meeting. Whatever happened to public humiliation as a training device. Why don't they catch on? Two things in particular have got my feathers in a huff - not cleaning up common areas (balances, pH meters, SDS-PAGE, etc.) and not reporting broken instruments or equipment. There is no excuse for either. Really, it doesn't take experience to think - 'Hmm, this is broken, I should tell someone instead of just placing it back in the drawer for someone else to discover.' Really! It doesn't.
One of the other things that annoys me of late is that very few people in the lab are doing protein work right now, besides me. So there aren't any other grad students or postdocs that have to deal with these things. As a consequence, I am the only one complaining, and that makes me feel like a shit. Good lab citizenship is an acquired skill, but only with the reinforcement of the whole village. OK, not sure what I meant there. Anyway. I think I am done. Just needed to get it all out.
Sumptin's happening this weekend. More later... ciao

J306

So it is January - named for the Roman god Janus - a god who looked both forward and back on account of his having two faces. Thus it is fitting that I look forward and backward, in the tradition of great Roman gods.
Hmmm, backward. Well, 2005 was not particularly a banner year for me. The year started off innocuously enough, with me grinding away at various rat body parts and cow brains in the ever exhaustive search for my enzyme. That was gruesome. My favorite word in that period was macabre - I used it for every occasion. There was the T9 Mother's Day race in Boulder CO, that was brilliant. It was a 9K - the first for my mother. My sister joined us and we managed to actually... get along for three days. It just about blew me away. And the mountains - ah mountains. Not like the little ant farms of the Appalachians, these were truly purple mountain majesty.
I dumped my old therapist - that was a positive. But then I got really depressed - that was a negative. Then I got a new therapist and I am slowly making my way back to the land of the living. That is a positive.
The hPD has not really progressed at the rate I expected. This is a negative. My bosses still have blind faith in me, though. Not sure if that one is a positive or a negative - we'll say yea.
I finally reigned in some of my bad habits, quitting several for good. That's positive. Unfortunately, during the depressed summer I let go of some good habits and revisited other old bad habits. That's bad.
Then there was the fall, the arrival of my niece YEA!!!!! Nothing but good there. Gabi died this fall - I still haven't reconciled whether that is a positive or negative - it just is. At least she suffers no more.
I made it through the holidays without losing my head or going on a major bender, so that's good.
Now I get to look forward. I have set additional goals for myself. A formal (if mental) graduation deadline. A trip to Scotland for a meeting and another trip or two to SF for a meeting and to get a postdoc. A manuscript or two - I think that's reasonable. Perhaps trying to remain happy and positive and productive. I have additional projects to finish in 2006 - I am looking forward to getting my hands on those.
As an aside - I finished cleaves in time for New Year's. I had to make a couple of modifications - my bust needed a bit more than 8 inches of the cowl for it to look appropriate - plus I added a 3-way cable down both arms. Anyway - I showed up at a party where I hardly knew anyone and within 5 minutes was being poked and admired for my handiwork. Go Me.
Maybe I will get around to posting a picture of it here. I really like it.
felice anno nuovo
ciao