GT | Georgia Tech Doctoral Candidate Named Marshall Sherfield Fellow
Congrats to my good friend Mitch on receiving this prestigious fellowship. I hope Matt and I can find the time (& $$$) to visit him in London!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Happy Birthmas to me!
So, I love Christmas. The cheesy decorations, the music, the wrapping paper, the cookies and candies, everything. At the same time, I resent it. Why? Because somewhere in the mess of all it falls my birthday. One of my favorite stories I have been told about when my mom found out (unexpectedly) that she was pregnant with me was my father's response when they found out my due date: "December? But that's the busiest month of the year!" Like he could change it....however, I know what he was getting at. My dad also was a December baby. I think what he really mean was "December? That means she will never have a "real" birthday because it will constantly be in the way of some other activity". Having a birthday in December is a gift AND a burden.
Here are some examples:
Cons
1. If you live up north, you can never have a backyard BBQ party. You must bundle up many layers (I am currently wearing three shirts), and look like you gained 25 lbs.
2. Birthday party? You can't really have one because everyone has work/school/church parties planned. Oh, and if you are in school, you will probably have a final that day.
3. Birthday cake? Nope, you get X-mas goodies instead
4. Presents? You will get one present, and be told "it's for your birthday AND Christmas". In the meantime, you sibling who was fortunate enough to be born in July gets a birthday present (in July) AND a Christmas gift! They may try to reason by saying "but your (insert present name) is so much more expensive than what we got your sibling FOR CHRISTMAS....so really it is LIKE two presents". This may be true, but if you add up what they spent on your sibling on their birthday plus X-mas and you still fall behind.
Pros
1. X-mas lights: just pretend they are for you and everyone is celebrating your day!
2. Days off: Who else gets a 3-5 day vacation around the same time as their birthday every year
3. Sales: ok, you don't get a birthday gift, but if you get $$$ you can make it last a little longer with the Christmas or post-Christmas sales
4. Go ahead and celebrate: Eat whatever you like. With the heavy eating that everyone does around the holidays no one will notice your weight gain!
This is why, I have now dubbed December the month of birthmas. With a birthday in December you end up celebrating everyday in some way, so why not make it special.
So, while the rest of you might say: Merry Christmas! I will smile and think, "Happy Birthmas to me!"
Here are some examples:
Cons
1. If you live up north, you can never have a backyard BBQ party. You must bundle up many layers (I am currently wearing three shirts), and look like you gained 25 lbs.
2. Birthday party? You can't really have one because everyone has work/school/church parties planned. Oh, and if you are in school, you will probably have a final that day.
3. Birthday cake? Nope, you get X-mas goodies instead
4. Presents? You will get one present, and be told "it's for your birthday AND Christmas". In the meantime, you sibling who was fortunate enough to be born in July gets a birthday present (in July) AND a Christmas gift! They may try to reason by saying "but your (insert present name) is so much more expensive than what we got your sibling FOR CHRISTMAS....so really it is LIKE two presents". This may be true, but if you add up what they spent on your sibling on their birthday plus X-mas and you still fall behind.
Pros
1. X-mas lights: just pretend they are for you and everyone is celebrating your day!
2. Days off: Who else gets a 3-5 day vacation around the same time as their birthday every year
3. Sales: ok, you don't get a birthday gift, but if you get $$$ you can make it last a little longer with the Christmas or post-Christmas sales
4. Go ahead and celebrate: Eat whatever you like. With the heavy eating that everyone does around the holidays no one will notice your weight gain!
This is why, I have now dubbed December the month of birthmas. With a birthday in December you end up celebrating everyday in some way, so why not make it special.
So, while the rest of you might say: Merry Christmas! I will smile and think, "Happy Birthmas to me!"
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
This doesn't make sense....
So, I am back seeing patients in clinic one day a week. One concern is that the H1N1 flu is going around. The Boynton Health Service has H1N1 flu vaccines for health care providers, as we are at risk of spreading it between patients. I fall into the category of "health care providers" who need to get the vaccine.
Additionally, I am an asthmatic, making the flu VERY risky for me. I contacted Boynton today to schedule my shot, only to be told that medical students can only get the intranasal vaccine. One problem: asthmatics can't get the intranasal vaccine.I calmly explained this to the lady on the telephone, but was again denied. Apparently I can only get the shot if I am pregnant.
SOOO, not being one to give up, I contacted the Minnesota Department of Health. When I spoke with them, they agreed that there is not reason why I should not be given the shot, as I 1. see patients, and 2. have asthma. I then wrote a nice email to the flu shot coordinator at Boynton. This is the response I received.
So apparently, I just get to play Russian roulette when I see patients BECAUSE I am NOT pregnant and have asthma. AWESOME! Why to say f*ck you to the medical students with asthma.
Additionally, I am an asthmatic, making the flu VERY risky for me. I contacted Boynton today to schedule my shot, only to be told that medical students can only get the intranasal vaccine. One problem: asthmatics can't get the intranasal vaccine.I calmly explained this to the lady on the telephone, but was again denied. Apparently I can only get the shot if I am pregnant.
SOOO, not being one to give up, I contacted the Minnesota Department of Health. When I spoke with them, they agreed that there is not reason why I should not be given the shot, as I 1. see patients, and 2. have asthma. I then wrote a nice email to the flu shot coordinator at Boynton. This is the response I received.
Dear Joan
Thanks for your email and I apologize for the delay in my response. This flu season has presented us with many tough calls. One of the toughest decisions has been how to use our very limited supply (only several hundred) of injectable H1N1 vaccine intended to reach the high risk groups at the University of Minnesota.
Due to our very limited supply of injectable vaccine, and the uncertainty of when we would receive more we decide to follow MDH guidelines that were given to us the week of Nov. 2nd.
Those instructions stated that while injectable H1N1 vaccine could be opened up to Health Care providers with direct patient contact, pregnant women and children under the age of 6 mos were still top priority since these groups are at highest risk for complications and death.
When we receive more of the H1N1 injectable vaccine we will be making it available to more high risk groups.
At this time, you are ineligible for the vaccine that we have. But please keep checking our website for updated information and instructions.
Sincerely,
The Boynton Health Service Flu Team"
So apparently, I just get to play Russian roulette when I see patients BECAUSE I am NOT pregnant and have asthma. AWESOME! Why to say f*ck you to the medical students with asthma.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Rare blood condition likely to keep Steelers S out - NFL News - FOX Sports on MSN
Rare blood condition likely to keep Steelers S out - NFL News - FOX Sports on MSN
This is why I do the research that I do. This football player just has sickle trait, and still almost died due to his condition. Sickle is rare here in the US, but thousands are affected by this in Africa and SE Asia, and do not have the medical resources that we do here.
I am glad that this is getting a little attention. Please support medical research folks, it makes a difference.
This is why I do the research that I do. This football player just has sickle trait, and still almost died due to his condition. Sickle is rare here in the US, but thousands are affected by this in Africa and SE Asia, and do not have the medical resources that we do here.
I am glad that this is getting a little attention. Please support medical research folks, it makes a difference.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
AHHHHHHH!
The title is the scream that has resulted from my frustrations.
Ever have one of those days when everything starting going downhill the minute you woke up? That was today for me.
In a nutshell, I got into lab early, but have little or nothing to show for the past 10 hours of work! The forces of nature were against me getting anything to work.
To make matters worse, now I will be even more crammed tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday!
Uggggg! I am heading home for a stiff drink and cuddling with my boys (kitty and hubby).
I just pray that my immune system can fight off whatever has afflicted Teena and Tom in the last few days. I can't afford to miss any days in the next few weeks!
Ever have one of those days when everything starting going downhill the minute you woke up? That was today for me.
In a nutshell, I got into lab early, but have little or nothing to show for the past 10 hours of work! The forces of nature were against me getting anything to work.
To make matters worse, now I will be even more crammed tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday!
Uggggg! I am heading home for a stiff drink and cuddling with my boys (kitty and hubby).
I just pray that my immune system can fight off whatever has afflicted Teena and Tom in the last few days. I can't afford to miss any days in the next few weeks!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Fall craziness
You know the school year is in full swing when Karen and Joan are both frazzled. Karen is trying to complete her written prelim. I am trying to get my new project off the ground while trying to complete my miRNA project AND convince my thesis committee to let me graduate! Matt has teacher conferences and baseball to keep him busy. That way he doesn't notice as much that I am working every weekend until the foreseen future. Wish all of us luck!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
I came into work this Saturday wearing a coat and looking at snow! Even I am going to admit that it is a little on the early side for the white stuff, especially for here in Minneapolis. I have to say, the weather is definitely showing the Gophers, and hopefully the Twins, why the move to the Metrodome was so welcomed in the 80s....the weather her can be VERY unpredictable in fall and spring.
I am doing an animal treatment right now. I couldn't help but think of that poor Yale student while I was trudging along the sub-basement hallways to get to the animal rooms. Her senseless murder made all of us in our lab pause for a moment or two. However, if I EVER want to graduate with any of my degrees I have to suck it up and come in on weekends (daily treatments are so fun!)
Matt and I have Minnesota Orchestra tickets. We worked a sweet discount for all we could and got 6 concerts for $50 a piece (less than $10 a concert). I LOVE the symphony, and Matt does too. We had to go with Saturday tickets because he always falls asleep early on Fridays (unless the Yankees and Twins are playing).
Well, I have to trudge back down the animal room. The Gopher's have Homecoming today, so I can hopefully get out of lab BEFORE the game ends. I need to catch up on laundry, grocery shopping, and gardening before the symphony tonight!
I am doing an animal treatment right now. I couldn't help but think of that poor Yale student while I was trudging along the sub-basement hallways to get to the animal rooms. Her senseless murder made all of us in our lab pause for a moment or two. However, if I EVER want to graduate with any of my degrees I have to suck it up and come in on weekends (daily treatments are so fun!)
Matt and I have Minnesota Orchestra tickets. We worked a sweet discount for all we could and got 6 concerts for $50 a piece (less than $10 a concert). I LOVE the symphony, and Matt does too. We had to go with Saturday tickets because he always falls asleep early on Fridays (unless the Yankees and Twins are playing).
Well, I have to trudge back down the animal room. The Gopher's have Homecoming today, so I can hopefully get out of lab BEFORE the game ends. I need to catch up on laundry, grocery shopping, and gardening before the symphony tonight!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Getting prepared
I am busy the next few days preparing for my trip to Miami for the conference. I think I have my slides finished for my wondrous 7 min talk (why not 10!). Now I just have to practice the crap out of it. It is a good thing Tommy is a cat and can't complain....he will be hearing it a lot. Matt will be too, unless he avoids the office.
I had a total experimental melt-down over the weekend. It was really depressing, as that project had just started yielding positive results after MONTHS of stagnation. Since the trip is coming up quickly, I can't troubleshoot until next week. It is hard to grasp everything that I have to get done in the next 8-9 months before I can defend my thesis. I am not hitting the panic button just yet, but am pretty close. The good news is that my return to clinic has not been a disaster, and I am starting to regain my confidence in that area.
At home, things are going well. I wish I had about $6000 dollars extra cash right now so I could get my home improvement list going. We are diligently saving for a furnace, but I am afraid we are falling behind on getting anything else accomplished too. New countertops, new carpet, a new bathroom vanity, and new trim just do not appear out of now where, and after the furnace next spring I don't know if we can get it all done before 2012 (potential sales date). Sometimes it depresses me thinking about it, because I know that those were the projects I could have and would have done with my dad's help. Now Matt and I are left with "phone an uncle" options. Both of us feel guilty doing this, as our uncles are busy with their own children and shouldn't have to be burdened with helping out the adult children of their deceased brothers/brothers-in-law. No one ever tells you that it is in the little things where you will miss your parent the most.
Well, I better get back to practicing my talk.
I had a total experimental melt-down over the weekend. It was really depressing, as that project had just started yielding positive results after MONTHS of stagnation. Since the trip is coming up quickly, I can't troubleshoot until next week. It is hard to grasp everything that I have to get done in the next 8-9 months before I can defend my thesis. I am not hitting the panic button just yet, but am pretty close. The good news is that my return to clinic has not been a disaster, and I am starting to regain my confidence in that area.
At home, things are going well. I wish I had about $6000 dollars extra cash right now so I could get my home improvement list going. We are diligently saving for a furnace, but I am afraid we are falling behind on getting anything else accomplished too. New countertops, new carpet, a new bathroom vanity, and new trim just do not appear out of now where, and after the furnace next spring I don't know if we can get it all done before 2012 (potential sales date). Sometimes it depresses me thinking about it, because I know that those were the projects I could have and would have done with my dad's help. Now Matt and I are left with "phone an uncle" options. Both of us feel guilty doing this, as our uncles are busy with their own children and shouldn't have to be burdened with helping out the adult children of their deceased brothers/brothers-in-law. No one ever tells you that it is in the little things where you will miss your parent the most.
Well, I better get back to practicing my talk.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Heading to Fargo for Joan and Keith's wedding in a few hours. With Labor Day/Lake/State Fair traffic both Matt and I decided to do our packing, eat dinner, and other prep work today after work. There is no point in getting on the road early, only to sit in traffic. We could leave at 4:30 and get to Fargo at midnight, or leave at 6:30 and get to Fargo at midnight. I pick the latter....
The weekend will be interesting. Joan has not been the best at making Matthew feel like a part of her "new life". Matt tries to not act bothered by it, but I know that deep down he is. With his father gone, and that side of his family pretty much out of the picture due to distance, he is really left sort of the odd man out now. Luckily my family has embraced him. In fact, I think they would take him over me any day!
The new undergrads are on campus now. It is hard to believe it has been nine years since I faced the fear and uncertainty of being a freshman in college. I sort of feel like a grizzled, crusty sailor now. It is also hard to fathom that I have been in "higher education" for almost a decade now.....as a student! I consider myself lucky that all of it has been paid for. Time flies when you are having fun.
Matt's birthday is coming up next week. I am doing my now annual tapas (NOT topless) party. Basically, I cook up LOTS of yummy spanish foods and drink tons of sangria. I am once again lucky that my mom can come and help with food prep/cleaning/and drinking, so Matt can play host and enjoy his b-day. We are coming home early on Sunday so I can get into lab. I have to take all day 9/11 off to start cooking for this thing....which me luck.
The weekend will be interesting. Joan has not been the best at making Matthew feel like a part of her "new life". Matt tries to not act bothered by it, but I know that deep down he is. With his father gone, and that side of his family pretty much out of the picture due to distance, he is really left sort of the odd man out now. Luckily my family has embraced him. In fact, I think they would take him over me any day!
The new undergrads are on campus now. It is hard to believe it has been nine years since I faced the fear and uncertainty of being a freshman in college. I sort of feel like a grizzled, crusty sailor now. It is also hard to fathom that I have been in "higher education" for almost a decade now.....as a student! I consider myself lucky that all of it has been paid for. Time flies when you are having fun.
Matt's birthday is coming up next week. I am doing my now annual tapas (NOT topless) party. Basically, I cook up LOTS of yummy spanish foods and drink tons of sangria. I am once again lucky that my mom can come and help with food prep/cleaning/and drinking, so Matt can play host and enjoy his b-day. We are coming home early on Sunday so I can get into lab. I have to take all day 9/11 off to start cooking for this thing....which me luck.
Friday, August 28, 2009
The State Fair has started two miles down the road from my place. Last night I was alerted to 10:30PM by the fireworks. Since the Hennipen Bridge is out the traffic in our quite little area is horrendous. Is it Labor Day yet?
Mom is coming this weekend to go to the fair with us. She is having a hellacous time balancing her new job while trying to train in the new owners on her new job. I think the new owners are realizing my mom does/did the work of three people! I hope she can cut lose and relax this weekend.
Matt's mom is getting remarried next weekend in Fargo. Matt got a new suit for the occasion. He looks VERY handsome. He is down 30 lbs. from this time last year. It wasn't easy for him, but it was worth it. I am very proud of him for taking charge and working toward a goal of being healthier. Both of us lost our fathers at a young age (both were 61 when they died), so we know that we need to take care of ourselves.
I start clinic next week. I will be in Endocrine Clinic one afternoon a week. I am excited for the first day because most of the cases are pituitary cases. I have lots of personal interest in this because of Dad's history.....Hopefully that will make the first day a bit easier. I am VERY nervous because it has been three and a half years since I have even though about doing a physical exam and history. It is rather intimidating to think about all the knowledge I have lost over that time. Hopefully it will be like riding a bike and I will catch on again quickly. Otherwise this could be a very painful and frustrating fall on that front. Lab is looking to be tough this fall as well, so having at least one aspect of my training going well would be a positive. Wish me luck!
Mom is coming this weekend to go to the fair with us. She is having a hellacous time balancing her new job while trying to train in the new owners on her new job. I think the new owners are realizing my mom does/did the work of three people! I hope she can cut lose and relax this weekend.
Matt's mom is getting remarried next weekend in Fargo. Matt got a new suit for the occasion. He looks VERY handsome. He is down 30 lbs. from this time last year. It wasn't easy for him, but it was worth it. I am very proud of him for taking charge and working toward a goal of being healthier. Both of us lost our fathers at a young age (both were 61 when they died), so we know that we need to take care of ourselves.
I start clinic next week. I will be in Endocrine Clinic one afternoon a week. I am excited for the first day because most of the cases are pituitary cases. I have lots of personal interest in this because of Dad's history.....Hopefully that will make the first day a bit easier. I am VERY nervous because it has been three and a half years since I have even though about doing a physical exam and history. It is rather intimidating to think about all the knowledge I have lost over that time. Hopefully it will be like riding a bike and I will catch on again quickly. Otherwise this could be a very painful and frustrating fall on that front. Lab is looking to be tough this fall as well, so having at least one aspect of my training going well would be a positive. Wish me luck!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Where has summer gone?
I find myself sitting in lab here on a Wednesday wondering where the summer has gone. I know that I am not alone in this feeling, as Matt is probably sitting at home in front of his computer wondering the same thing.....he starts school next week already!
I missed my goal of getting an abstract submitted to the ASH meeting again this year. I put in a valiant effort, the stars were just not in alignment. My crucial experiment is getting on on Friday, the deadline was yesterday. Who says scientists can't relate to athletes, this is like coming up 5 yards short at the end of the quarterfinals!
On the positive side, my paper was accepted and the proofs are in. It looks like it will "hit press" in Oct. You can already get it on Pubmed though, which is fun. I am also getting to do a platform talk at the HO-1 Meeting in Miami at the end of Sept and just came back from Keystone, CO. I think I can safely go into my next thesis committee meeting feeling like I got some tasks accomplished this summer. Now I just have to worry about keeping my momentum going forward toward the end goal: a PhD by the middle of June 2010!
I just spent two hours getting our lab group's second paper fixed this morning. Dr. Belcher is first author. We submitted on Monday before he left for his 3-week Vietnam vacation, only to get it back yesterday because he had it in the wrong format. Since he is gone, it was left up to me (sixth author and only one with familiarity with the software) to fix it. I am getting sick of him pulling stuff like that. The major lesson I have learned from Dr. Belcher is how I do NOT want an employee like him when I have my own lab someday. For every good thing about him (there are some), there is at least 2 negative.
Well, I better wrap this up. The next two weeks are full of talks and lab work. Derek is coming this weekend for a visit, then my mom next weekend. Joan and Keith get married on Labor Day. Matt and I still don't know what to expect for that event.....it could be quite bittersweet, as is most things involving that aspect of our life.
Bye for now.
I missed my goal of getting an abstract submitted to the ASH meeting again this year. I put in a valiant effort, the stars were just not in alignment. My crucial experiment is getting on on Friday, the deadline was yesterday. Who says scientists can't relate to athletes, this is like coming up 5 yards short at the end of the quarterfinals!
On the positive side, my paper was accepted and the proofs are in. It looks like it will "hit press" in Oct. You can already get it on Pubmed though, which is fun. I am also getting to do a platform talk at the HO-1 Meeting in Miami at the end of Sept and just came back from Keystone, CO. I think I can safely go into my next thesis committee meeting feeling like I got some tasks accomplished this summer. Now I just have to worry about keeping my momentum going forward toward the end goal: a PhD by the middle of June 2010!
I just spent two hours getting our lab group's second paper fixed this morning. Dr. Belcher is first author. We submitted on Monday before he left for his 3-week Vietnam vacation, only to get it back yesterday because he had it in the wrong format. Since he is gone, it was left up to me (sixth author and only one with familiarity with the software) to fix it. I am getting sick of him pulling stuff like that. The major lesson I have learned from Dr. Belcher is how I do NOT want an employee like him when I have my own lab someday. For every good thing about him (there are some), there is at least 2 negative.
Well, I better wrap this up. The next two weeks are full of talks and lab work. Derek is coming this weekend for a visit, then my mom next weekend. Joan and Keith get married on Labor Day. Matt and I still don't know what to expect for that event.....it could be quite bittersweet, as is most things involving that aspect of our life.
Bye for now.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Where did summer go?
Where did summer go? That is the question I find myself asking today as I am frantically trying to get all my presentations done. This week I present not only at the annual MD/PhD retreat (since I am now a "senior" student), but also at a national MD/PhD retreat in Colorado. I also have to get a talk ready for the end of August on a topic that I am mostly unfamiliar with.....making it 2x the work of any other talk I have given.
The good news....MY PAPER WAS FINALLY ACCEPTED! I was beginning to think that would never happen. I swear persistence is the unheralded skill needed to succeed in science. Speaking of persistence, I am still attempting to come up with fresh ideas on where to take my project. I have been throwing every antibody known to man (that I have access to) on some westerns, but nothing is overwhelming exciting yet. I am up against several deadlines and time constraints, so things are getting pretty desperate for me. Right now it looks like August is going to be a huge pile of 12-14 hour days at lab, followed by 2-3 hours more of reading at night. Weekends to do stuff with Matt and my family and friends....I wish! I apologize to everyone if I am a grumpy mood. I need SOMETHING to start going right soon to make all this work a little less depressing.
On a happier note....it has been three years since Matt and I moved to our condo, and also 3 years since we got Mr. O'Malley. Both are doing excellent....
The good news....MY PAPER WAS FINALLY ACCEPTED! I was beginning to think that would never happen. I swear persistence is the unheralded skill needed to succeed in science. Speaking of persistence, I am still attempting to come up with fresh ideas on where to take my project. I have been throwing every antibody known to man (that I have access to) on some westerns, but nothing is overwhelming exciting yet. I am up against several deadlines and time constraints, so things are getting pretty desperate for me. Right now it looks like August is going to be a huge pile of 12-14 hour days at lab, followed by 2-3 hours more of reading at night. Weekends to do stuff with Matt and my family and friends....I wish! I apologize to everyone if I am a grumpy mood. I need SOMETHING to start going right soon to make all this work a little less depressing.
On a happier note....it has been three years since Matt and I moved to our condo, and also 3 years since we got Mr. O'Malley. Both are doing excellent....
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day to everyone out there who is or has a father to celebrate with. Matt, Karen, Mom, and I were lucky to get to spend Father's Day with my Uncle Terry and his family this year. We went to the Twins/Astros game and had a great time. June is always going to be a bit of a "blue" month for me....It will be two years on Wednesday since Dad passed away and I think I miss him more now than last year.....so much I wish I could talk to him about.
I have been extremely stressed out in the lab the past few weeks. My boss pulled a really dumb ass move while I was on funeral leave, and I hate to say it, but no matter how much he apologizes for it, I lost a little respect for him.
I think I have finally turned a corner on one of my really frustrating projects, but I don't know if the price I paid for it was worth it. I worked so hard the last few weeks that both my forearms and hands are screaming in pain. I now have "repetitive motion tendinitis" in both arms and have to take a bucketful of ibuprofen, ice, and wear splints for at least the next two weeks. Oh....I have to avoid pipetting and playing my bass.....like that is going to happen!
Sort of a negative post....blame it on the gloomy weather outside.
I have been extremely stressed out in the lab the past few weeks. My boss pulled a really dumb ass move while I was on funeral leave, and I hate to say it, but no matter how much he apologizes for it, I lost a little respect for him.
I think I have finally turned a corner on one of my really frustrating projects, but I don't know if the price I paid for it was worth it. I worked so hard the last few weeks that both my forearms and hands are screaming in pain. I now have "repetitive motion tendinitis" in both arms and have to take a bucketful of ibuprofen, ice, and wear splints for at least the next two weeks. Oh....I have to avoid pipetting and playing my bass.....like that is going to happen!
Sort of a negative post....blame it on the gloomy weather outside.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Early day in lab
It is a Sunday and I was on the 6:36am bus this morning. I am redoing an experiment from about two weeks ago over the weekend so I don't have any distractions (ie broken freezers) to disrupt it.
Last night was scary for me as my mom came down with food poisoning while on the phone with me. I felt REALLY helpless listening to her suffer. I think my concern was annoying her because she stopped answering the phone. I haven't tried calling this morning yet, I hope she answers (and is ok).
Matt's grandmother passed away yesterday. It is for the best, as I don't think she could have functioned without her husband (who passed away about two weeks ago). I know that it is quite a shock to Matt's family, but overall I think everyone know it was how it was meant to be. The funeral is late next week, which means I will miss more precious work time. Which in turn means that I have MANY more 7AM-9PM work days ahead of me this summer......
Matt and Tommy may put out a missing person ad for me....
Last night was scary for me as my mom came down with food poisoning while on the phone with me. I felt REALLY helpless listening to her suffer. I think my concern was annoying her because she stopped answering the phone. I haven't tried calling this morning yet, I hope she answers (and is ok).
Matt's grandmother passed away yesterday. It is for the best, as I don't think she could have functioned without her husband (who passed away about two weeks ago). I know that it is quite a shock to Matt's family, but overall I think everyone know it was how it was meant to be. The funeral is late next week, which means I will miss more precious work time. Which in turn means that I have MANY more 7AM-9PM work days ahead of me this summer......
Matt and Tommy may put out a missing person ad for me....
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Rural Ypsilanti residents get creative to ensure mail delivery | The Jamestown Sun | Jamestown, North Dakota
Rural Ypsilanti residents get creative to ensure mail delivery | The Jamestown Sun | Jamestown, North Dakota
This is a neat story about my Dad's hometown, Ypsilanti. It features my cousin Doug Beckman, who is the rural mail carrier for that area. I was just out in Ypsilanti last weekend and was amazed by how much water is out there. It has been a long winter for everyone back home, and this spring was full of even more suffering for everyone. My Uncle Terry is slowly getting his house back in order. The power of the water is unbelievable until you see it up close.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
I am doing another 1 h. stimulation of cells followed by 12 hours of incubation today. I have plenty to do, but I am exhausted from work late last night on revisions and getting up ass early this morning to get on the bus by 6:30am. I would like to castrate whomever decided to do road construction on Como Avenue AND Hennipen at the same time. My little condo escape is now really cut off from the lab, making my commute, which used to be easy, VERY stressful.
On the bright side, I did plant some flowers last night. This normally makes me a little sad, as it was one of the last things I did with my father before he died. I have a feeling that planting will always have that association for me.
Well, my timer says I have 6 min. until I remove my treatment....then I can get a giant espresso and hopefully get some work done.
Wish me luck!
On the bright side, I did plant some flowers last night. This normally makes me a little sad, as it was one of the last things I did with my father before he died. I have a feeling that planting will always have that association for me.
Well, my timer says I have 6 min. until I remove my treatment....then I can get a giant espresso and hopefully get some work done.
Wish me luck!
PHD Comics: Did you get it?
PHD Comics: Did you get it?
This web site helps captures some of the humor of being a graduate student. I only wish they had a MD/PhD character.....
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
After a hellacous end to last week it should not be surprising that I have the urge to not do anything at work. In fact, this afternoon I am at my desk at home attempting to start on my paper revisions. I don't have many to do, so I know if I start I can't use it as an excuse for leaving early anymore:)
Mom is in Texas this week until Thursday, then we are painting my kitchen. Matt and I just experienced a "plumbing" emergency, and had to pay through the nose to get it fixed. So much for a new furnace this year, it looks like our bathroom remodel comes up first......ugg!
Well, enough procrastination today. If I get motivated I will post before and after pictures of our dining room/kitchen after it is painted.
Mr. Thomas O'Malley hates it when I disrupt his sleep schedule.......he is a cat for Pete's sake....I pay the freaking mortgage and should be able to work at home when I want to!
Mom is in Texas this week until Thursday, then we are painting my kitchen. Matt and I just experienced a "plumbing" emergency, and had to pay through the nose to get it fixed. So much for a new furnace this year, it looks like our bathroom remodel comes up first......ugg!
Well, enough procrastination today. If I get motivated I will post before and after pictures of our dining room/kitchen after it is painted.
Mr. Thomas O'Malley hates it when I disrupt his sleep schedule.......he is a cat for Pete's sake....I pay the freaking mortgage and should be able to work at home when I want to!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Thursday, May 07, 2009
No Good Bad Day
Fact: Our awesome cell culture technician is out on a well-deserved vacation
Fact: Our "lab manager" comes into the lab twice a week, max,
Fact: Cell culture requires carbon dioxide to survive
Fact: The door to the -80 freezer needs to remain closed to stay at -80
Fact: Three years worth of irreplaceable samples are in the -80 freezer
Fact: Undergraduates should NEVER be allowed to work in a lab unsupervised
using equipment they have never seen before
Fact: I want to the rip the f*cking head off of undergrad responsible for leaving
the door the -80 freezer open, and the person who brought them into the lab
to f*ck stuff up (just because you like the kid does NOT mean he should be
doing stuff that affects EVERYONE in the lab, have him wash your
f*cking dishes in your lab, NOT MINE), and the "lab manager" who does not do
his job.
All of these facts contributed to a really bad day in lab for me.
How long until I head back to Med School?
Fact: Our "lab manager" comes into the lab twice a week, max,
Fact: Cell culture requires carbon dioxide to survive
Fact: The door to the -80 freezer needs to remain closed to stay at -80
Fact: Three years worth of irreplaceable samples are in the -80 freezer
Fact: Undergraduates should NEVER be allowed to work in a lab unsupervised
using equipment they have never seen before
Fact: I want to the rip the f*cking head off of undergrad responsible for leaving
the door the -80 freezer open, and the person who brought them into the lab
to f*ck stuff up (just because you like the kid does NOT mean he should be
doing stuff that affects EVERYONE in the lab, have him wash your
f*cking dishes in your lab, NOT MINE), and the "lab manager" who does not do
his job.
All of these facts contributed to a really bad day in lab for me.
How long until I head back to Med School?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
· The Jamestown Sun ·
· The Jamestown Sun ·
Here is the other side of my Uncle's house. His is on the top of the photo.
Here is the other side of my Uncle's house. His is on the top of the photo.
Gmail - Images in "Fwd: Pictures for Peg"
Gmail - Images in "Fwd: Pictures for Peg"
Here are pictures of my Uncle's home in Adrian, ND. The house was just finished in summer 2007. The record levels on the James, Pipestone, and Sheyenne Rivers are threatening many people. All will recover, but will need our help.
Here are pictures of my Uncle's home in Adrian, ND. The house was just finished in summer 2007. The record levels on the James, Pipestone, and Sheyenne Rivers are threatening many people. All will recover, but will need our help.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Matt is in Florida this week, so I am manning the homefront alone. Judging by his frequent text messages and phone calls he is not having the best time down there. Tommy (our cat) is going nuts because he can't figure out where Matt is. I am just going nuts because for some reason I have a compulsion to start a huge home-remodeling project. We do not have the time (or money) to do this.....and yet I feel the urge. Hopefully it will warm up soon so I can channel it outside to planting flowers and the baseboard trim project.
Happy Easter everyone!
Happy Easter everyone!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Floods, Homework, and Papers...Oh My!
What a few weeks it has been. I think this week is a great microcosm of what Matt and I have going on. We spent last weekend in Omaha, Nebraska celebrating the marriage of Matt's best friend Brian to his sweetie Jenn. We meet up with Joan Larson and her now fiance Keith. It was a BUSY weekend, full of lots of old and new friends. Both Matt and I are really happy for Brian and Jenn, and we are looking forward to traveling down to Chicago to visit them this fall.
Once we returned on Sunday night we were greeted by news that Fargo and Jamestown, our hometowns, were in danger of floods. My Uncle Terry was in Germany on a business trip, but his house was in danger of going under. Luckily his co-workers and friends were able to help fight it off. Fargo's fight with the mighty Red River has been all over the news. Joan and Keith decided on Thursday to leave Fargo for higher ground in Fergus Falls. Matt and I are happy they are safe and sound with Jim (Joan's brother), and grateful for Jim's kindness in taking them in. Mom has two people staying with her, Kathy Davis and my Aunt Sherry. Both of them live on ranches with their husbands, and neither can pass through the awful roads to get home. It is nice to know Mom has company. I think both Sherry and Kathy lay claim to the bedrooms that Karen and I consider ours. Heaven forbid we are all home at the same time....a real fight could break out!
On top of the all the flood stuff, Matt is busy with softball coaching. He leaves the house at 7:30 am and doesn't get home much before 7:30PM. I have not been much better, and I have had thesis committee meetings and other business keeping me late at lab. I unfortunately heard back about our paper submission. The journal we submitted to did not like the work and passed on it. All I can say is that it is pretty bad when one reviewer (or group) imposes his/their views on an entire field of research, and does not allow for other hypothesis to flourish. This is NOT good for patients and leads to stagnation in the area. I have a fear that this is where the sickle cell research community is heading. I will be happy once my paper is out and my PhD is finished so I can find a more open minded research area.
I started Medical Spanish last week. Boy am I overwhelmed! I have not used my Spanish heavily since I took classes at NDSU. I really have no need, since Matthew can usually cover my ass. This class is totally in Spanish, and students CAN NOT use English under any circumstances. The next eight weeks will be a crash course for me. Matt just laughs.....
Well, pray for the entire state of North Dakota. I know that I watch anxiously to see if Fargo and hang on, and also hope that the Army Corps of Engineers is wise in their decisions to release water from the Jamestown and Pipestone Dams.
Until next time!
Once we returned on Sunday night we were greeted by news that Fargo and Jamestown, our hometowns, were in danger of floods. My Uncle Terry was in Germany on a business trip, but his house was in danger of going under. Luckily his co-workers and friends were able to help fight it off. Fargo's fight with the mighty Red River has been all over the news. Joan and Keith decided on Thursday to leave Fargo for higher ground in Fergus Falls. Matt and I are happy they are safe and sound with Jim (Joan's brother), and grateful for Jim's kindness in taking them in. Mom has two people staying with her, Kathy Davis and my Aunt Sherry. Both of them live on ranches with their husbands, and neither can pass through the awful roads to get home. It is nice to know Mom has company. I think both Sherry and Kathy lay claim to the bedrooms that Karen and I consider ours. Heaven forbid we are all home at the same time....a real fight could break out!
On top of the all the flood stuff, Matt is busy with softball coaching. He leaves the house at 7:30 am and doesn't get home much before 7:30PM. I have not been much better, and I have had thesis committee meetings and other business keeping me late at lab. I unfortunately heard back about our paper submission. The journal we submitted to did not like the work and passed on it. All I can say is that it is pretty bad when one reviewer (or group) imposes his/their views on an entire field of research, and does not allow for other hypothesis to flourish. This is NOT good for patients and leads to stagnation in the area. I have a fear that this is where the sickle cell research community is heading. I will be happy once my paper is out and my PhD is finished so I can find a more open minded research area.
I started Medical Spanish last week. Boy am I overwhelmed! I have not used my Spanish heavily since I took classes at NDSU. I really have no need, since Matthew can usually cover my ass. This class is totally in Spanish, and students CAN NOT use English under any circumstances. The next eight weeks will be a crash course for me. Matt just laughs.....
Well, pray for the entire state of North Dakota. I know that I watch anxiously to see if Fargo and hang on, and also hope that the Army Corps of Engineers is wise in their decisions to release water from the Jamestown and Pipestone Dams.
Until next time!
Monday, February 16, 2009
WDAY Audio/Video
Here is a link of my cousin. He won two silver medals and one bronze at the Special Olympics World Winter Games. I am so proud of him
WDAY Audio/Video
WDAY Audio/Video
Friday, January 30, 2009
RULE: Once you've been tagged you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you.
If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
To do this, go to "Notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.
1. I really should be working on my paper right now......
2. I am really good a procrastination
3. My feet are always cold, but I hate wearing socks
4. I have to compulsion to yell the people at the gym who tan. You live in
Minnesota in the middle of winter, who are you trying to fool!
5. I still do not understand how Matt can play hours of video games without
getting bored, but can't sit through a single movie with me on most nights
6. I wish I had the same show size as Karen so I could borrow some of her shoes
7. Same for clothes....she has more clothes than I do and they are cute!
8. My first job was delivering drugs.....(legal drugs for the pharmacy...but still)
9. I hate it when people ask me if I am done with school
10. I miss my father daily and feel like I should have known that something was
wrong with him
11. I hate petty workplace politics
12. My dream would be to have all the condo projects magically done (and paid for)
13. I don't like horror movies, why do they release them around Valentine's day?
14. I am a sucker for old Doris Day movies
15. I sometimes wish people dressed more modestly. I don't need to know what kind
of underwear you are wearing
16. I think cell phones should be banned from the bus
17. I was rejected for everything I applied for in the Spring of 2002, it sucked
but I learned a lot
18. Chai tea is like crack for me....I can't just have one cup
19. I admire people who run marathons, I am too lazy to put in that much effort for
that much pain
20. I worry that my career will keep me from helping my mom out more when she needs
it
21. I am not worried about starting my own family, and get annoyed when people ask
me. It is our decision (and my uterus), we will get around to it when the time
is right!
22. I have to have a clean kitchen when I go to bed, I have no idea why
23. I can always find room for dessert
24. I get a gag reflex when I try to open a can of tuna, but can handle any bloody, pus-filled lesion at work
25. I really want to know if OJ knows what "Pink Taco" is slang for
If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
To do this, go to "Notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.
1. I really should be working on my paper right now......
2. I am really good a procrastination
3. My feet are always cold, but I hate wearing socks
4. I have to compulsion to yell the people at the gym who tan. You live in
Minnesota in the middle of winter, who are you trying to fool!
5. I still do not understand how Matt can play hours of video games without
getting bored, but can't sit through a single movie with me on most nights
6. I wish I had the same show size as Karen so I could borrow some of her shoes
7. Same for clothes....she has more clothes than I do and they are cute!
8. My first job was delivering drugs.....(legal drugs for the pharmacy...but still)
9. I hate it when people ask me if I am done with school
10. I miss my father daily and feel like I should have known that something was
wrong with him
11. I hate petty workplace politics
12. My dream would be to have all the condo projects magically done (and paid for)
13. I don't like horror movies, why do they release them around Valentine's day?
14. I am a sucker for old Doris Day movies
15. I sometimes wish people dressed more modestly. I don't need to know what kind
of underwear you are wearing
16. I think cell phones should be banned from the bus
17. I was rejected for everything I applied for in the Spring of 2002, it sucked
but I learned a lot
18. Chai tea is like crack for me....I can't just have one cup
19. I admire people who run marathons, I am too lazy to put in that much effort for
that much pain
20. I worry that my career will keep me from helping my mom out more when she needs
it
21. I am not worried about starting my own family, and get annoyed when people ask
me. It is our decision (and my uterus), we will get around to it when the time
is right!
22. I have to have a clean kitchen when I go to bed, I have no idea why
23. I can always find room for dessert
24. I get a gag reflex when I try to open a can of tuna, but can handle any bloody, pus-filled lesion at work
25. I really want to know if OJ knows what "Pink Taco" is slang for
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Brrrr....
I am at home right now working on paper revisions. I am happy about this, as it is really cold outside. In fact, I am not happy about the sun, as that allows it to get even colder. Bring on the clouds and warm up already!
Hope everyone is staying warm and safe today.
Hope everyone is staying warm and safe today.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Working from Home
I have a nasty case of writer's block and/or procrastination. I have working my my CO project for almost two years (first treatments were done Jan. 13, 2007!), but I just can't seem to get this paper done. Maybe I have attention deficit disorder....
Since the lab is not the best place to write (or form any type of cohesive thought), I am working from my cozy condo today. Mr. O'Malley has been fed well, so he is leaving me alone. Matt is at school until at least 4. That give me 5-6 hours of piece and quite to get writing. Hopefully I can get it done. It truly is getting ridiculous....
Christmas and New Years were fine. I had a great time on Christmas Eve with my Aunt Sherry and Uncle Tom. All I can say it that it is NOT a good idea to drink and then try to do yoga on the Wii Fit.....even if you are a yoga instructor!
Christmas in Fargo was as good as can be expected. Matt's grandparents are starting to decline in health, so we had a scare with Grandma. She is doing as well as can be expected and is back in the nursing home. I went through all of this with my grandma's when I was in middle school, so I know that this is going to be a long and painful process for everyone in Matt's family. In many ways I am grateful that my Dad passed away peacefully in relatively good health (he died...so that is arguable). Watching him (or my mom) slowly decay would not have been pleasant. Speaking of my mother's health, I am happy to say she does not have breast cancer. We had a scare right before Christmas. She had two abnormal mammograms. I spoke with my boss, and he got her into the Breast Center at the U. In less than two hours she had a new ultrasound and a biopsy confirming that it was just a cyst! Needless to say we all partied hard on New Years. I am so thankful she was ok, as I can't face losing another parent so soon.
Well, I better get back to work on the paper.
Since the lab is not the best place to write (or form any type of cohesive thought), I am working from my cozy condo today. Mr. O'Malley has been fed well, so he is leaving me alone. Matt is at school until at least 4. That give me 5-6 hours of piece and quite to get writing. Hopefully I can get it done. It truly is getting ridiculous....
Christmas and New Years were fine. I had a great time on Christmas Eve with my Aunt Sherry and Uncle Tom. All I can say it that it is NOT a good idea to drink and then try to do yoga on the Wii Fit.....even if you are a yoga instructor!
Christmas in Fargo was as good as can be expected. Matt's grandparents are starting to decline in health, so we had a scare with Grandma. She is doing as well as can be expected and is back in the nursing home. I went through all of this with my grandma's when I was in middle school, so I know that this is going to be a long and painful process for everyone in Matt's family. In many ways I am grateful that my Dad passed away peacefully in relatively good health (he died...so that is arguable). Watching him (or my mom) slowly decay would not have been pleasant. Speaking of my mother's health, I am happy to say she does not have breast cancer. We had a scare right before Christmas. She had two abnormal mammograms. I spoke with my boss, and he got her into the Breast Center at the U. In less than two hours she had a new ultrasound and a biopsy confirming that it was just a cyst! Needless to say we all partied hard on New Years. I am so thankful she was ok, as I can't face losing another parent so soon.
Well, I better get back to work on the paper.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Amen Jim Caple and ESPN Page 2
Below is the article by Jim Caple that was on ESPN's Page 2 website today. In Minnesota the owner of the Vikings is trying to get a new tax-payer funded stadium by calling it an "economic stimulus". Open your wallet mister (for a new quarterback AND a stadium). Don't expect your ride to riches to be paid for the little people!
DON'T BASH THE FANS
Arizona Cardinals Fans It took some last-minute reprieves, but as expected, both the Vikings and the Cardinals sold out their NFL playoff games to avoid blackouts this weekend.
Rather than criticize these fans for their "tardiness" in purchasing expensive playoff tickets after Christmas during a severe recession, let's instead praise fans everywhere for their astounding support. After all, what is surprising is not that a couple teams needed extra time to sell out their games but that this happens seldom enough to be considered newsworthy.
Purchasing playoff tickets is not cheap. Not only are they expensive on an individual basis but many teams require fans to purchase tickets for every potential home game of the entire postseason -- up to 16 games in the NBA and NHL and 10 in baseball. Many game times are undecided at the time of purchase. Yet fans still buy them, not knowing whether they will need to take multiple days off work or arrange sitters for the kids or whether they can attend.
The NFL is worse during the regular season, requiring fans to purchase tickets to meaningless exhibition games at full price in order to buy season tickets.
Yet the league has the audacity to impose its insulting blackout policy? It's one thing to do so if it was playing in privately built stadiums -- but to threaten the very people who paid for the stadiums' construction that they won't be able to watch the game on TV is unconscionable.
Hey, we know your 401K lost half its value this year, you're worried about your job, your kids' tuition is due, the roof needs replacing, your spouse has been begging for a kitchen remodel since Kurt Warner was stocking grocery shelves, the banks that taxpayers bailed out are charging 18 percent interest for your credit card purchases, the public spent $400 million on our stadium and we still gouge you $8 for a cup of beer … but if you don't buy a pair of $150 seats, we're blacking out the game and you can just watch Rachel Ray on your 72-inch plasma screen that you still owe six payments on instead.
I don't want to hear any criticism of the fans in Minnesota or Arizona for not shelling out hundred-dollar bills fast enough to a league that reaps billions of dollars in revenue each year -- especially since those critics almost never are the ones who have to open their wallets.
-- Jim Caple
DON'T BASH THE FANS
Arizona Cardinals Fans It took some last-minute reprieves, but as expected, both the Vikings and the Cardinals sold out their NFL playoff games to avoid blackouts this weekend.
Rather than criticize these fans for their "tardiness" in purchasing expensive playoff tickets after Christmas during a severe recession, let's instead praise fans everywhere for their astounding support. After all, what is surprising is not that a couple teams needed extra time to sell out their games but that this happens seldom enough to be considered newsworthy.
Purchasing playoff tickets is not cheap. Not only are they expensive on an individual basis but many teams require fans to purchase tickets for every potential home game of the entire postseason -- up to 16 games in the NBA and NHL and 10 in baseball. Many game times are undecided at the time of purchase. Yet fans still buy them, not knowing whether they will need to take multiple days off work or arrange sitters for the kids or whether they can attend.
The NFL is worse during the regular season, requiring fans to purchase tickets to meaningless exhibition games at full price in order to buy season tickets.
Yet the league has the audacity to impose its insulting blackout policy? It's one thing to do so if it was playing in privately built stadiums -- but to threaten the very people who paid for the stadiums' construction that they won't be able to watch the game on TV is unconscionable.
Hey, we know your 401K lost half its value this year, you're worried about your job, your kids' tuition is due, the roof needs replacing, your spouse has been begging for a kitchen remodel since Kurt Warner was stocking grocery shelves, the banks that taxpayers bailed out are charging 18 percent interest for your credit card purchases, the public spent $400 million on our stadium and we still gouge you $8 for a cup of beer … but if you don't buy a pair of $150 seats, we're blacking out the game and you can just watch Rachel Ray on your 72-inch plasma screen that you still owe six payments on instead.
I don't want to hear any criticism of the fans in Minnesota or Arizona for not shelling out hundred-dollar bills fast enough to a league that reaps billions of dollars in revenue each year -- especially since those critics almost never are the ones who have to open their wallets.
-- Jim Caple
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