more than you wanted to know..

Wow.. okay
Long time no blog
Here is a bit of a recap.
1. Maui was fabulous. Everyone should go. Wait.. everyone was there. Hmm. Good idea. Seriously, it was awesome, snorkling with sea turtles, hiking extreme-o trails in Hana, surfing, big old fancy brunches.. just awesome.
2. I made up my mind!!! I am going to UNC!! With the NIH thingy. I have no idea what I am getting myself into.. but I am very excited about it. Time to see the rest of our country, when else will I want to live in North Carolina? Better now then never, right? I am vey nervous, but very excited to start this next adventure. You know me, never miss an opportunity for a good adventure.
3. My excellent friend Jen Duncan got engaged. In Maui, naturally. Congrats to her and her sweet fella Andrew. I hope they hurry up and get hitched before we head to the East!
4. The weather here is SUCKING SO VERY VERY MUCH IT DEFYS MY ABILITY TO DESCRIBE.
5. The absolute best time to go to Safeway is 9am on Friday. Seriously. The people were SO friendly this morning, I had the run of the store, the produce was stocked, MorningStar products were on sale.. it was heavenly.
6. The postal service is not my friend any more. I swear, I try to give them tons of credit. But this whole, losing all our mail, is starting to bug just a bit.
7. Excited for my cousin's b-day party this Saturday.. even though I need to think of something to make for it! Ahhhh.. oh well.
Anyways, that's the update on my life. For all ya'll who read this. Who probably already knew most of that already. Oh well. Now it is public domain!

We had a fabulous weekend. How wonderful was the warm weather?!? We got the weekend kicked off with some St. Patty's day debauchery, doing the whole Front street scene with Shaun and Nathalee and then meeting up with Mike and his crew, and Shelly, for the North Beach experience. It is crazy how the entire city can turn into one big frat party instanteously. Too bad we started drinking so early, we were done by 10:30 just when Emily's friend Nicole was ready to get out there. Sounds like she had a good time though. Then Saturday, Trent joined me on my weekendly run to Ocean Beach where we discussed the bejeezus out of grad school plans. Got back and went to Crepevine to celebrate our decisions and the beautiful weather. Back home for a quick nap, then we snagged Em and Rob's Miata, threw the top down and enjoyed the beautiful weather on our drive to.. The JCPenny's in San Bruno. What a good boyfriend I have. Turns out we stumbled upon some massive sale, so not only did I get what I set out for, I found these cute loafer wedges as well. Throw in some bling and a new wallet, and using the fatty discount.. it was a banner trip. Who knew JC Penny was such a deal?

Back home to stash the Miata, and take a break, and we headed out to the Castro to go here for dinner. SO yum. A bit of a wait, cuz there are only a few tables, but SUCH good clam chowder and I truly enjoyed a huge pile of Black Mussels. Then we walked down to the Mission (in a bit of a roundabout way) to end up at Levende, to meet up with Angie, a friend who moved to Arizona and was back for the evening. Interesting scene at this club under the freeway, but it was great to see some folks we hadn't seen in a while. Finally walked home and crashed after the long day.

Sunday, we finally got around to cleaning our messy little home before heading out to the gym for hours and hours of working out and fun. Lots of climbing to get T ready for his big wall adventure soon, and lots of time on the bike for me and my upcoming triathlon. Came home, did some laundry, made some olive chicken noodle casserole, watched this movie, which really should have been a musical and got to bed. Icky icky weather today, plus a doctor's appointment all the way in the freaking Presidio have makd ethis a pretty lame monday.. but only a few moments (days) until we are in Hawaii.. so life can't be that bad.

I need to work in this lab!

whoohoo

I got into the NIH partnership with UNC!! Which is pretty freaking sweet. And makes me feel all happy and smarty-pantsy. Not ruling out Colorado yet, if they ever decide to get back to me, but this is a pretty clear indication of where I should probably go. That, and the med center for students on campus is the "James A. Taylor Medical Center." As in James Taylor the end all-be all favorite of Jean's.

a momentous decision

I've decided. Not on grad school.. oh no no no. That decision haunts my every waking (and especially keeping me from sleeping) moment. But on some other random stuff.
I really want to get into jewelry making. There. I've decided. From Haley's dad making her mom some righteous bling, to all the cute and way overpriced stuff at websites like these and Feria Urbana.. I am inspired to get into this business. I am like a freaking raccoon.. I love the sparkly stuff! I can't imagine it is that hard, and some of the rock tumbling and such looks downright scientific. And extra bonus.. I will be broke ass for the next few years. Hand made jewelry for everyone for Christmas?? Rob, I hope you like aquamarine for your bejeweled birthday earrings!

Off to Colorado!

Ciao ya'll! For the next four days I will be living it up in the Outdoorsy mecca that is Boulder, CO. Hopefully I will be super impressed with their science comings and goings and they will be impressed with my molecular fabulousness. Keep your fingers crossed.
Or if it all goes bad... "signs, they might be omens, say I am going, going, gone to Carolina in my mind" From the Chapel HIll man himself, Mr. James Taylor. It is hard to argue with that kind of logic. Seeing how I decided to go to Davis, instead of UCSD, on gut instinct and a clipping from a women's soccer game between the two schools my brother sent me. Davis 6, UCSD, 0. Unfortunately, these schools never meet up, or not that I could find. However. UNC is #1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference Standings in women's basketball.. where as Colorado is I think 5th in the Big 120 Conference. For Mens' basketball. Which UNC is #10.. nationwide. So, interesting. Is it weird to pick a school for my Ph.D. in molecular biology on sports statistics? Ah, no.

today at The General

Another day, some more craziness at The General. A dude had a seizure while getting hot water for his tea.. and thereby doused me with hot water as I caught him on his fall down. We're both fine.. luckily they don't make the water that hot (probably for reasons like this) and he snapped out of it in a few moments. Weird though.. we work at a g'damn hospital.. and hardly any one came over to my aid. I need to get out of here before the hospital steals my soul! Or kills me.. ya know, either one would suck a whole lot.

gone to the birds

How pretty is this necklace? I have always liked Moss Mills stuff. And with all the big decisions heading my way.. (Warning.. sappy alert) I feel a little bit like a bird just about to take off. Too bad this little bird is too broke to afford the necklace. Haha. OH well. I am still loving the bird necklace Emily bought me for Christmas.. birds sitting in a large silver wreath. I guess I like birds!

See, it can't be THAT bad..

After an entire week of almost mindboggling productivity.. today has found me completely uninspired and unmotivated. But I have discovered this "internet" thing is a veritable plethora of time wasting activities. And I am not even that good at it.. I bet there are some goldmines out there I am not aware of. Please feel free to pass those along. Some of my favorites are.. The Daily Show on comedy central to keep up on current events and Home Star Runner, especially the StrongBad emails. Oh man, those are funny. I also browsed iTunes for a good while today. Inspired by my trip to the "South" last week, I was interested in hearing some classic country. You know, bluegrass, appalacians.. all that stuff. After an awesome FREE download from Dolly Parton, from the movie Transamerica, I also came across this seemingly movie inspired tune, Cowboys are frequently secretly (fond of each other). SO straight to the point, SO Willie Nelson, but a song that everyone should listen to and take to heart. Hop on iTunes and check it out!
Quote "Well, a cowboy may brag about things that he's done with his women, but the one's who brag loudest the one's that are most likely queer. Cowboys a freaks when they secretly fond of each other. Say what do you think all them saddles and boots was about?"

45!! Not bad at ALL!

Congrats to "Cookie and the SlutMuffins" for an absolutely heroic showing at last nights Trivia at Mad Dog in the Fog. While we were few (only 4!!), we were masterfully strong, especially with my so random song knowledge and Mike's freakish ability to know THE most random information about nearly everything. Strong showing from Trent and Shelley as well. And how cool was calling the sushi place across the street and ordering california rolls and tuna nigiri?? There are definitely somethings I am going to miss about living in the big City. So we gotta get as much trivia in as possible before that sad day comes around!! Too bad that last round just spanked us. I take a lot of credit for that.. I should've known my periodic table!! Next week.. I will study up before hand, promise.

damn you beautiful clothes!

Just a quick note. If I were a weaker person, I would have already spent my entire credit limit (not that great right now due to all the flights to grad schools i am waiting to get reimbursed, but none the less..) on the new J.Crew collection. I am not usually much of a shopper.. but I cannot even go to this website when other people are in the lab because I make pitiful little whimpering noises at nearly every page. Two questions, 1. When did J.Crew become sooo classically cool ? And 2. When did they get SO mind boggling expensive ?? And furthermore.. why are they the only folks with the latest object of my obsession the perfect orange cableknit crewneck sweater???

Yesterday's valentine's dinner and evening was perfect. Maybe tooo perfect. Those darn heavenly burgers at Burgermeister were just too good, especially after all the pre-Hawaii/pre-Wildflower training and healthy eating we've been doing. In a matter of a mere 10, maybe 15 minutes, we managed to devour a half pound burger each, Trent's was covered in cooked onions and mushrooms, mine was topped with half an avocado and chedder cheese. We also each polished off the heap of oh so yummy curly friends accompanied by lots of ranch dressing. So, in total, about a bazillion and five calories each. And I guess we aren't as young as we used to be. In days past, we used to be able to head over to good old MurderBurger in Davis, and knock back a sandwich like that.. no problem. Last night? I felt like the burger was pressing against my spinal cord. While I dealt with the inital pains of eating too much (I am not as big as the bubs), my hyperactive digestive system soon got things under control. It was T who suffered, even past watching "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" (aka: Eastern European porn) and some Olympics (how crazy is Johnny Weir, and how over-hyped is Bode Miller??). So it is back to the pool tonight, with a new resolve to look absolutely stunning in Hawaii and the memory of last nights dinner to get us through lots of salads for lunch. Thanks for a wonderful Valentine's Day bubs, hope your tummy is feeling better!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you all have a fabulously romantic day with the one's you love. I guess.. "one" you love, sounds better, eh? Eat lots of candy, bust out some bling and have a lavish meal on the town. Bubs and I?? Could you think of any place more romantic than .. Burgermeisters!!! We even have a coupon! I love it!

New thing I love : Trivia Night!

Last night we mustered up enough momentum to get off the couch and out into the hipster paradise that is mere meters away. Thanks to Trent's recollection of Thursday night festivities, we ended up at Mad Dog in The Fog, a local icon/pretty darn cool bar. It was trivia night! Which is.. my new favorite thing. Apparently, my quasi-freakishly large head is a stockpile of random trivia knowledge, from who took over Chanel after Coco to naming random sixties girl bands to turn of the century revolutionaries. It is justification for dragging this melon around all the time! I love it! We were only a team of two, but held our own quite nicely against big group teams. We already have our neighbor signed up for next week.. any other interested folks? We do need help in the sports/athlete department. 9pm 530 Haight, at Filmore. Be there or be square.

Oh and bonus.. there is a brand new Mexican dive across the street. About 3 rounds into the game, we lost our battle against the craving for some nachos and were pleasantly surprised. It's no Pancho Villa's.. but after a pitcher of Fat Tire Ale, they tasted mighty fine.

my breakthrough discovery

Apparently crushed ice loosely packed is 41.7% air. Interesting. Also apparently, random science friday started a bit early this week. heheh.

aww

I just got to do a photo shoot with my favorite boss. Apparently someone needs a headshot of him so we busted out his fancy camera and took pictures all over the building, trying to find good light, etc. Is it weird to ask for a wallet size one for my desk? Probably...
Yayy for best boss ever! He makes me so happy.

oh i do have something interesting to blog about. yay.
SO... throughout this week's massive spring cleaning, I have been stashing stuff in the hallway that we didn't want any more and have been keeping a meticulous list of everything out there for the "surplus" guys to pick up. I guess you just call them and they come.. and take it away somewhere? Anyways.. people have started asking me, as well as just pilfering, equipment and chairs and such from the halls. Which I realize is FANTASTIC.. cuz it less stuff for me to move/keep on the list. So I have become this powerful person on the 2nd floor, deciding who gets what and making random people (like the garbage guy and the guy who delivers mouse food to the 3rd floor) really happy.
Today was the height of my power though. There is this homeless guy living outside our building, right by the covered driveway to the morgue. He occasionally wanders in when the weather is bad, but is generally pretty chill. Today I went out to go fax something and there he was. Staring at all the stuff. Now who deserves this stuff more than him? So he is the proud new owner of a fancy little hybridization oven from... maybe 1973. I have no idea what he is gonna do with it, since you have to plug it in.. but he had his heart set on it apparently. It is kinda like a little toaster oven, I guess. Hmm.. oh well. Made his day and made mine even easier.. can't complain about that.

blahh

Feel like blogging even though I don't have anything specific to say. Just kinda a blah day. Molecular fabulousness has taken a back seat to the need to wear the scrubbiest clothes ever to clean up some nast-tay old lab rooms and heft heavy dusty equipment around. And I have some sort of head cold that makes me feel like I am on Pluto or something. Oh well. Tomorrow is Friday which is Jean's Day to play in the lab and do all sorts of probably not recommended science experiments.

Minor rant: My co-worker keeps leaving unexpectedly. Normally I would be kinda stoked cuz I feel bad leaving early when she is still here, but she is the only one who knows where half of the crap stored in the old lab needs to go. Sooo, I can't really continue any further without her. Not that big of a deal, the two rooms they are going to start construction on first, on Monday, are empty, but I dunno.. I'd appreciate her telling me she was leaving so I could force her to answer all my questions first. Oh well, lameness. She might be pissed that in our meeting this morning, my boss pretty much demanded that she give me a lot of protocols she wasn't sharing so I can get working on some new experiments. Quit bogarting the science, man! Anyways, I am sure this is really thrilling to all of ya.. but it is about as exciting as it gets today.

Maybe I will think of something interesting later. For now.. ciao :)

so fresh and so clean...

As my journey down molecular fabulousness continues.. today I discovered (or was caffinee and boredom induced) to do some major re-vamping of the lab bench area. Spring is brought into the lab by the new, bright pink tape holding down my new lab bench top cloth. There is a hint of 409 and bleach in the air. A pile of crushed cardboard boxes (ya, that was way fun) lies in waiting outside the lab. Hooray for lab spring cleaning day! And tomorrow is gonna be even better.. when we get to dig through 20 years of equipment trying to find anything useful and throw the rest out. Better get wayy amped up for that one.
And now in my post cleaning/post caffine high daze.. I thoroughly enjoyed the latest homestarrunner StrongBad email . Make sure to click on "digesting" on his Death Metal instruction list. "I came for the wuggas.. but stay for the jiggy juggas." Awesome.

to all the shoes I've loved before...

Pretty slow day at the lab. Making some RNA and dealing with some funny looking cells that apparently went on strike over the weekend. This weekend was great, a perfect combination of being out and busy with friends, and being a lazy bum at home with bubby. It was also a great shopping weekend, not like I need more of those financially, but this was banner good deals and good finds. It made me realize that I really like shoes. All sorts of shoes. Hereby.. a girly list:

1. Best running shoes . A long time devotee of New Balance, I am absolutely digging my new green and silver Asic speed machies. It is amazing what some new kicks will do for speed and reduced knee soreness. Thanks to the homies at Sports Basement, and Emily, who put up with me trying on every single pair and sprinting crazily through the baseball department.

2. Best work shoes . I am on my feet nearly eighty percent of the time I am at work. So cute high heels.. not an option. And although these Clarks aren't adorabe.. they are ridiculously comfortable and not toooo shabby looking, I think. Plus, it means my papa and I wear the same type of shoes.. which is kinda fun to think about.

3. Shoes I currently covet. These beauties caught my eye at Bandolino's this weekend. Totally impractical, absolutely gorgeous. I imagine myself serving mint julips on my screened in porch in North Carolina wearing these bad boys.

4. Best compromise . My excellent find this weekend. These flats from Aldo, are at once practical (ballet flats are so comfortable and work appropriate) as well as stylishly awesome (paten leather and a velvet bow.. i love it!). Top it off with a $19.99 pricetag and I was sold!

5. Best option ever . Can you ever go wrong with these. No. I know it is a California thing, but these are the most appropriate shoe in about 99% of situations. Scrambling on rocks, dressed up for town.. these are the winners :)

6. New Necessity . A lot of schools I am looking at have this crazy phenomenon called.. snow. Tricky stuff, apparently really cold and not so condusive to peep toe pumps. More practical than uggs, yet snuggle-tastically warm.

So ya.. I like shoes.