I finally have my baby Maximilian back. He had to get a new thermostat. Yes, in the grand scheme of things, I probably could've replaced that part myself. However, it was nice to have someone else do it correctly the first time. I always worry about working on systems that are full of fluids. I got him back yesterday morning and just about did a little dance when he got me to work safely without overheating. I figure after 148K miles, he deserved a new thermostat. =)
As to the ouch, I had a session with the personal trainer today. We started with 30 minutes of racquetball for cardio then followed with 45 minutes of arms and shoulders with weights. I wanna die now. I can hardly lift my arms to take off my sweatshirt! I just gotta keep telling myself it's good for me, it's good for me.
I got to see the Canuck last night. He was back for business again for a night or two. He's supposed to leave tonight, but he's gonna try and change it and fly out tomorrow so I can see him again tonight. Sweetie! Funny that neither of us has really done a whole lot in the month since we saw each other last. He did get to see Coldplay in Denver (good for him, I'm not a huge fan). When they dropped some crazy confetti shaped like butterflies, he caught and kept one for me. What a dork (rolls eyes). At least he was thinking of me!
Ya, that's about all I can come up with right about now. I think I might need a nap now so I can relax my poor arms.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
things that make me happy
1. Having people at the garage where I take my car (a) know me by name when I call, and (b) let me take a car {albeit a minivan} for the day when they can't repair my car fast enough to make them happy.
2. My first full stat run at the lab reading differentials (counting white cells, red cells, platelets and such under the microscope). Finally a new skill!
3. The boys on the back of the sofa looking out the window waiting for me to come home.
4. A perfectly brewed pot of Teavana Silver Needle tea.
5. Pillar Gypsy salami from Central Market to nosh on while trying to get tired.
6. Knowing that I have friends and family that are there for me if and when I need them.
My car is still in the shop, I'm getting PMSy crampy, didn't have time to go to the gym, and (because of the car) I can't finish my Christmas shopping for my family due to lack of fundage. Things should have really sucked all day today, but for some reason I just can't get out of a good frame of mind. In the grand scheme of things, I still have it pretty good. Hope I can keep it going in the morning!
(and yes, this is the 3rd post today--3rd time's the charm!)
2. My first full stat run at the lab reading differentials (counting white cells, red cells, platelets and such under the microscope). Finally a new skill!
3. The boys on the back of the sofa looking out the window waiting for me to come home.
4. A perfectly brewed pot of Teavana Silver Needle tea.
5. Pillar Gypsy salami from Central Market to nosh on while trying to get tired.
6. Knowing that I have friends and family that are there for me if and when I need them.
My car is still in the shop, I'm getting PMSy crampy, didn't have time to go to the gym, and (because of the car) I can't finish my Christmas shopping for my family due to lack of fundage. Things should have really sucked all day today, but for some reason I just can't get out of a good frame of mind. In the grand scheme of things, I still have it pretty good. Hope I can keep it going in the morning!
(and yes, this is the 3rd post today--3rd time's the charm!)
zee update
My poor Maximilian is still in the garage. He needs a new thermostat. In the meantime, the behemoth is carting me to and fro. I do like the tallness of the minivan, but the rest of the mom-mobile concept evades me. I'd much rather drive a station wagon. They're kinda hot. Not the wood panelled ones from the 70s mind you. The cool Subarus and Volvos with 4 wheel drive and car like driving abilities. Ya. I could dig that. Or another S2000. Hmmmm, station wagon or sports car??? My tastes do run the gamut.
Anyway, I'll have the behemoth until sometime tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll get my Max back without having to spend too much more money. If only I'd been able to make that tree actually leaf out in green bills....
Anyway, I'll have the behemoth until sometime tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll get my Max back without having to spend too much more money. If only I'd been able to make that tree actually leaf out in green bills....
ray-DEE-ay-tor
My poor car. I finally get the title in my possession, and all hell breaks loose. Or brakes loose. Whoa, bad pun. Especially since the brakes are fine. I shouldn't tempt fate I suppose.
Anyway, as I was trying to drive to a handbell rehearsal yesterday after Sunday morning choir duties, I noticed my temperature gauge start to creep up. By the time I got home, Max belched out all his coolant all over the driveway. First thing I did (after calling my handbell director and telling her I wouldn't be there) was rinse all the antifreeze into the grass or down the drain. Yes, I know. Pollution and all, but I'd rather pollute a little than kill a neighborhood kitteh or puppeh. Then Mother came and saved me. She took me to lunch (wouldn't even let me pay), took me to Pep Boys for more coolant, then came back to take me back to church later for an evensong. Props to Kathy for driving me home after the service. In the hour break I was at home, I refilled the radiator with coolant, let it sit a bit, then drove about a 2 mile round trip. By the time I got half way through my circle, the temperature started to skyrocket again. NOOOO!!!!! Yes folks, Max belched the rest of the coolant out starting at the end of my driveway up until I stopped the car. That's when I called AAA and set up my towing to the garage this morning. Poor baby Max is still there. They thought it was just a kaput radiator cap, and they bled and refilled the system. Then before I could get to work, the dang thing almost overheated again. Now I am driving a minivan. Yes kids, a minivan. Don't think this makes me just a little bit unhappy. I'm driving a "mom-mobile." Ugh.
I'll let you all know how it turns out. Hopefully I won't have to give people Christmas gifts of cards saying "Thanks for understanding, but I fixed my car instead of buying you a gift."
Anyway, as I was trying to drive to a handbell rehearsal yesterday after Sunday morning choir duties, I noticed my temperature gauge start to creep up. By the time I got home, Max belched out all his coolant all over the driveway. First thing I did (after calling my handbell director and telling her I wouldn't be there) was rinse all the antifreeze into the grass or down the drain. Yes, I know. Pollution and all, but I'd rather pollute a little than kill a neighborhood kitteh or puppeh. Then Mother came and saved me. She took me to lunch (wouldn't even let me pay), took me to Pep Boys for more coolant, then came back to take me back to church later for an evensong. Props to Kathy for driving me home after the service. In the hour break I was at home, I refilled the radiator with coolant, let it sit a bit, then drove about a 2 mile round trip. By the time I got half way through my circle, the temperature started to skyrocket again. NOOOO!!!!! Yes folks, Max belched the rest of the coolant out starting at the end of my driveway up until I stopped the car. That's when I called AAA and set up my towing to the garage this morning. Poor baby Max is still there. They thought it was just a kaput radiator cap, and they bled and refilled the system. Then before I could get to work, the dang thing almost overheated again. Now I am driving a minivan. Yes kids, a minivan. Don't think this makes me just a little bit unhappy. I'm driving a "mom-mobile." Ugh.
I'll let you all know how it turns out. Hopefully I won't have to give people Christmas gifts of cards saying "Thanks for understanding, but I fixed my car instead of buying you a gift."
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
tooting my own horn
If you don't want to read about my recent successes, stop reading now. I'm gonna brag about myself a little bit.
So I had jury duty today. For the first time ever, I was out relatively early--11am today! I ended up going down to Neiman Marcus to wander and look at the Christmas decorations (hey, I'm not downtown often), and my father met me there for lunch. Would you believe their cafe has good turkey meatloaf? Well, they do. Then it was errand time. I came home, grabbed a bunch of clothes and went back out to consign those suckers. Would you believe no one wanted my stuff? The consignment stores either (1) would only take things less than one year old, (2) would only take "designer" brands (I thought Liz Claiborne was a designer...), or (3) already had too much stuff. Fine. A woman did hit me up in a parking lot asking about my red leather jacket. She said she gets paid tomorrow and may call me then to inquire about it. We'll see. Then I went to Vickie's to exchange a bra for a size that actually fit. Dammit.
Anyway, to the bragging. I went across the mall to The Gap. I had no real idea what size I would wear. My current Levis are 12s so I figured 12 or 14 would be the right size for me. Oh, ya. I have no dress clothes or skirts that fit right now. I figured I needed something to get me through the holidays. Now I do! I bought a black pencil skirt in a size 10. Yes people, a ten. This is the size I wore in high school. Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!! (does a little dance around the store) I would've bought a lot more than I did if I'd had the money. As it was, I got one skirt and one skirt/jacket combo (on sale). So I now have at least 2 different things to wear until next year. Woo-hoo!!! Yay me!
Okay, that's it for today. I'm sure there will be something more exciting later in the week.
So I had jury duty today. For the first time ever, I was out relatively early--11am today! I ended up going down to Neiman Marcus to wander and look at the Christmas decorations (hey, I'm not downtown often), and my father met me there for lunch. Would you believe their cafe has good turkey meatloaf? Well, they do. Then it was errand time. I came home, grabbed a bunch of clothes and went back out to consign those suckers. Would you believe no one wanted my stuff? The consignment stores either (1) would only take things less than one year old, (2) would only take "designer" brands (I thought Liz Claiborne was a designer...), or (3) already had too much stuff. Fine. A woman did hit me up in a parking lot asking about my red leather jacket. She said she gets paid tomorrow and may call me then to inquire about it. We'll see. Then I went to Vickie's to exchange a bra for a size that actually fit. Dammit.
Anyway, to the bragging. I went across the mall to The Gap. I had no real idea what size I would wear. My current Levis are 12s so I figured 12 or 14 would be the right size for me. Oh, ya. I have no dress clothes or skirts that fit right now. I figured I needed something to get me through the holidays. Now I do! I bought a black pencil skirt in a size 10. Yes people, a ten. This is the size I wore in high school. Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!! (does a little dance around the store) I would've bought a lot more than I did if I'd had the money. As it was, I got one skirt and one skirt/jacket combo (on sale). So I now have at least 2 different things to wear until next year. Woo-hoo!!! Yay me!
Okay, that's it for today. I'm sure there will be something more exciting later in the week.
Monday, November 17, 2008
2 weeks, time to post
Again, I find myself apologizing for my crap ass ability to blog on a regular basis. Right now I'm sitting at work waiting for the last driver to bring in samples to be analyzed by my amazing abilities of urine-problem deducing power. Actually, I'd really love to be home in bed with a cup of tea. I feel like ass crack. Well, I don't really know what that would feel like, but since it sounds bad, that's what I'm going with for now. Here: let me explain my weekend and you'll understand....
Saturday was glorious. It was super sunny and beautiful. The perfect day for a church chili cook off. Oh ya, except it was only about 55 degrees and the wind was blowing ninety to nothing. The wind even blew over the chili samples onto the judges (of which I was one). I thought these people were smart and would move the fiesta inside since it was so windy and cold. Nope. Ergo, your favorite naughty mouse was sitting outside in the shade with a thin long sleeved shirt, a vest, and jeans on. That was not warm enough!!! Would have been better if the chili had been spicy. =) By the time I left I felt like a popsicle. Then it was time for me to go to work. I got there at 5pm and left at 2:30am. Yes kids, 2:30am. I got home about 3:30 after having the wits scared out of me by all the drunk drivers out on the road. I sped like a bat out of hell getting home daring a cop to pull me over. If he had, then I could've pointed out all the drunk drivers!!! As it was, I was WIDE awake by the time I got home.
I got about 4 hours of sleep before I had to get up and go to church to sing yesterday. It started off badly when I got told to sing soprano instead of alto (a numbers issue). After so little sleep and all the coldness of the day before, my voice was not in its best shape. After church there was a choir party, and since I'm never one to snub a party, I went. I spent most of it outside in a beautiful backyard with tons of beautifully colored trees. About mid afternoon, I thought I should go home and take a nap before going and being counselor to a bunch of EYC kiddos. That nap didn't happen. By this time, I was getting very allergy-ridden. As soon as I laid down on the futon, I couldn't breathe. If I sat up I felt better, but I couldn't sleep sitting up. Screw that. I went to the store and go some exciting purchases of cat litter, milk, yogurt, and frozen dinners. Then it was time to go to church again. Poor kids. I sat there the whole night with my box of tissues at the ready. When I got back home, I put the flannel sheets and fleece blanket on the bed, got in, and holed up for the evening.
Then comes to this morning. I soooooooooooooo didn't want to get out of bed. I still woke myself up most of the night with congestion and drippy nose issues. Also, since Thomas looooooooooves the new sheets, I was extra warm all night because he wanted to be warm with me. I called and told work people I'd be in later when I felt like getting up. Yes, I brought in my special box of tissues to work with me. And my Mentholatum. And my Zyrtec and Sudaphed.
Yup, I live the glorious life of snotty allerginess. I hope you all are faring better!
Saturday was glorious. It was super sunny and beautiful. The perfect day for a church chili cook off. Oh ya, except it was only about 55 degrees and the wind was blowing ninety to nothing. The wind even blew over the chili samples onto the judges (of which I was one). I thought these people were smart and would move the fiesta inside since it was so windy and cold. Nope. Ergo, your favorite naughty mouse was sitting outside in the shade with a thin long sleeved shirt, a vest, and jeans on. That was not warm enough!!! Would have been better if the chili had been spicy. =) By the time I left I felt like a popsicle. Then it was time for me to go to work. I got there at 5pm and left at 2:30am. Yes kids, 2:30am. I got home about 3:30 after having the wits scared out of me by all the drunk drivers out on the road. I sped like a bat out of hell getting home daring a cop to pull me over. If he had, then I could've pointed out all the drunk drivers!!! As it was, I was WIDE awake by the time I got home.
I got about 4 hours of sleep before I had to get up and go to church to sing yesterday. It started off badly when I got told to sing soprano instead of alto (a numbers issue). After so little sleep and all the coldness of the day before, my voice was not in its best shape. After church there was a choir party, and since I'm never one to snub a party, I went. I spent most of it outside in a beautiful backyard with tons of beautifully colored trees. About mid afternoon, I thought I should go home and take a nap before going and being counselor to a bunch of EYC kiddos. That nap didn't happen. By this time, I was getting very allergy-ridden. As soon as I laid down on the futon, I couldn't breathe. If I sat up I felt better, but I couldn't sleep sitting up. Screw that. I went to the store and go some exciting purchases of cat litter, milk, yogurt, and frozen dinners. Then it was time to go to church again. Poor kids. I sat there the whole night with my box of tissues at the ready. When I got back home, I put the flannel sheets and fleece blanket on the bed, got in, and holed up for the evening.
Then comes to this morning. I soooooooooooooo didn't want to get out of bed. I still woke myself up most of the night with congestion and drippy nose issues. Also, since Thomas looooooooooves the new sheets, I was extra warm all night because he wanted to be warm with me. I called and told work people I'd be in later when I felt like getting up. Yes, I brought in my special box of tissues to work with me. And my Mentholatum. And my Zyrtec and Sudaphed.
Yup, I live the glorious life of snotty allerginess. I hope you all are faring better!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
bad naughty mouse
Sorry. My blogging ability seems to be full o' snark lately. It's not that I haven't had things to blog about either. I just haven't made the time. Sorry. Let's see if I can catch y'all up to date. And don't worry, it'll be so train of thought that it'll prolly be very out of order. =)
Lessee...where to start. This weekend was Halloween, and I didn't do a damn thing to celebrate. I've been fighting a sore throat and cough, so I stayed home per Doc's orders. I was so worried about actually being home for kiddos coming by that I stopped on the way home from work and got 2 bags of candy. Ya, I'm taking all that chocolate crap to work. I didn't have a single trick or treater. And the Stars lost. Boo on Friday night.
I went with a coupld of kids from work to see Weezer Tuesday night a week ago. I hate to say, but I was actually disappointed. Number one, I was basically a chaperone, a third wheel, an outsider. That made for a fun night. Secondly, they really didn't put on that good of a show. I was surprised. The best part of the whole night was when they got this group of local amateur muscians on the stage to play Island in the Sun with them. The trumpet and accordian were the highlight of my evening. Oh, and I didn't received the tickets in the mail until 2 days ago. Thank goodness for Will Call and picture IDs.
Then the following Friday, I got a text message from the ex as soon as I walked in the door to my house. He wasnted to know what I was up to. Random. Then he calls me and asks if I want to go see REM with him. Hmmmm, cute man wanting to take me to a good concert I don't have to pay for??? Hells ya! Now that was an amazing show! Those men may be getting old, but they can rock hard! And we had kick ass seats. The only somewhat funny part of the night was when he asked if I wanted a drink before we went in to our seats. We're waiting in a bloody long line and he realizes that he's left his wallet at home. Really? Are you kidding me? After the way you just drove us here trying to get us here in time for the show? It's a miracle we didn't get pulled over. Anyway, he held our place in line while I went to the ATM to take out money for adult beverages. (shakes head and chuckles at the boy acting soooo blond) That's okay, the seats were incredible. It was worth buying a couple of drinks. At least he offered! =)
Lessee, what else.... Oh! The pre-Halloween party at Winny's was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! I only wish I hadn't had to work the next morning so I could've stayed longer. Granted my costume was uber lame (mad scientist--just wore scrubs and a lab coat--sooooo original), but everyone else looked great. JCC was the best as a carrot. A caniballistic carrot. (I have a pic of her eating a carrot--trust me, it was hilarious). Then the H-bomb was a naughty Magic Eight Ball. And WC was Chef from South Park. Too funny!!! They went all out on decorations and food. All the typical Halloween foods you can imagine: green slime dip, smashed bug pizza, jello brain in the blood punch, etc. Oh how I love my friends!
Anyway, that's enough of a catch up for you kiddos. I'll leave you with a pic from the party. Tell me Winny can't do it up right!
Lessee...where to start. This weekend was Halloween, and I didn't do a damn thing to celebrate. I've been fighting a sore throat and cough, so I stayed home per Doc's orders. I was so worried about actually being home for kiddos coming by that I stopped on the way home from work and got 2 bags of candy. Ya, I'm taking all that chocolate crap to work. I didn't have a single trick or treater. And the Stars lost. Boo on Friday night.
I went with a coupld of kids from work to see Weezer Tuesday night a week ago. I hate to say, but I was actually disappointed. Number one, I was basically a chaperone, a third wheel, an outsider. That made for a fun night. Secondly, they really didn't put on that good of a show. I was surprised. The best part of the whole night was when they got this group of local amateur muscians on the stage to play Island in the Sun with them. The trumpet and accordian were the highlight of my evening. Oh, and I didn't received the tickets in the mail until 2 days ago. Thank goodness for Will Call and picture IDs.
Then the following Friday, I got a text message from the ex as soon as I walked in the door to my house. He wasnted to know what I was up to. Random. Then he calls me and asks if I want to go see REM with him. Hmmmm, cute man wanting to take me to a good concert I don't have to pay for??? Hells ya! Now that was an amazing show! Those men may be getting old, but they can rock hard! And we had kick ass seats. The only somewhat funny part of the night was when he asked if I wanted a drink before we went in to our seats. We're waiting in a bloody long line and he realizes that he's left his wallet at home. Really? Are you kidding me? After the way you just drove us here trying to get us here in time for the show? It's a miracle we didn't get pulled over. Anyway, he held our place in line while I went to the ATM to take out money for adult beverages. (shakes head and chuckles at the boy acting soooo blond) That's okay, the seats were incredible. It was worth buying a couple of drinks. At least he offered! =)
Lessee, what else.... Oh! The pre-Halloween party at Winny's was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC! I only wish I hadn't had to work the next morning so I could've stayed longer. Granted my costume was uber lame (mad scientist--just wore scrubs and a lab coat--sooooo original), but everyone else looked great. JCC was the best as a carrot. A caniballistic carrot. (I have a pic of her eating a carrot--trust me, it was hilarious). Then the H-bomb was a naughty Magic Eight Ball. And WC was Chef from South Park. Too funny!!! They went all out on decorations and food. All the typical Halloween foods you can imagine: green slime dip, smashed bug pizza, jello brain in the blood punch, etc. Oh how I love my friends!
Anyway, that's enough of a catch up for you kiddos. I'll leave you with a pic from the party. Tell me Winny can't do it up right!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Tramontana
Whoa. I had the best dinner last night. It was with my mother at a place called Tramontana (http://www.mybistro.net/). This place is sooooooooooo underrated; I can't believe it wasn't packed. My starter (skip over this one, H-bomb) was the local goat cheese with roasted garlic and grilled portabello mushrooms. It was served with a chunky marinara and bruschetta bread crouton things. I didn't even so much as lick the bread--just ate the good stuff! (breaks into song: "Heaven, I'm in heaven....") Mother had a salad of roasted beets, local chevre, granny smith apples, and buttered walnuts. OMG! That was fantastic, too, and I can't stand beets. Her main course was Texas quail that was prepared with honey and lavender. Wow. I had the Chateaubriand with a Cabernet demi glace. Mmmmmm, beef. Then I had some for lunch today and the rest for dinner tonight! =) Anyway, this place is in Preston Center (Preston Road and NWHWY) for anyone who wants to have an amazing dinner. Yes, it is not cheap, but considering what you are getting, it is well worth the price. Just plan ahead for a couple weeks (like skip your morning Starbucks or whatever). It is soooooooooo worth it. And wouldn't you rather support your local eateries than national chains in this tough economy?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
OMG!!!
Just a short note to update everyone on my WLS. I just tried on the dress that my mother made for me to wear for my college graduation in 1994. It is now a smidge big on me. Whoot! Yay me! I think that deserves a Reece's cup.
Monday, October 13, 2008
{shuddering}
My mother can tell you that I've always watched commercials. I'd wait until they were over before I'd leave the room to go to the bathroom as a kid. Why I never went into advertising, I'll never know. Anyway, there is a new commercial on the television that creeps me out. It is for Jack in the Box; it's the one with the 2 men in the stroller. OMG!!! What is the idea behind two grown men whining about being hungry? It honestly creeps me out and makes me shudder. Physically shudder! It is soooooooooo wrong. Wrong, I tell you!
On the other hand, I made a pass at my local barista this morning. Gotta get back in the game somehow. I think I need more practice. =)
On the other hand, I made a pass at my local barista this morning. Gotta get back in the game somehow. I think I need more practice. =)
it's 1am--do you know where your naughty mouse is?
Whoa. I despise working the night shift. No, I'm not at work now. I worked last night which means I slept very little last night before having to get up and sing this morning. Which also means I ended up falling asleep on the couch for a longish nap today. Which in turn means I'm still awake now. Arrgh! What better time to blog and catch you guys up on the lack of happenings in my life.
So, it's official. The guy and I are kaput. I actually broke up with him via email. He's been out of town for the past 2 months (save 3 days). How the heck are you supposed to have a relationship with someone like that? He wished me the best and said I deserved better. A woman in choir this morning said that if he admitted it, there must be some truth in it. Whatever. Still no fun.
Work is still work. I think the renovations are over for the time being. The bigwigs come to town tomorrow morning to see all the changes. Whoop dee freaking doo. I'm just glad it's over. Do you know how hard it is to work in a scientific setting with the smell of tile adhesive and the sound of drills? Well, my friends (sorry, too much McCain), it's not so fun. Hopefully the CEO will like it and we can work in peace for a while at least.
School is schooly. I had a big presentation/lecture leading thing last Friday. I was soooooooooooo nervous, but it seemed to go very well. When the professor quoted me toward the end of the class (something to the effect of "the point that she made about blah blah blah..."), he made me sound like I knew what I was talking about. I smiled about that one. Now I just have to get back together with the thesis prof and work out the timeline for my project. Hmmm, and if anyone has any suggestions on how to build a microsatellite library quickly, lemme know! =)
One last thing: I'm so glad for my friends and family I can't begin to tell you. It seems like a lot of bad things are happening to those around me. One of our coworkers passed away this past week from complications of lung cancer. A woman in my choir lost all her hair after her first bout of radiation for lung cancer. A dear friend's mother had to be admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and found out she needed triple bypass surgery (she is doing well, thank God). Another coworker is going through dialysis three times a week while waiting for a kidney transplant. Oh, and he has a brand new baby he can hardly enjoy in his weakened state. My ills are so banal in comparison. If I start to gripe about things, just remind me how good I really do have it. Because I do. I love you all and keep you all in my prayers!
So, it's official. The guy and I are kaput. I actually broke up with him via email. He's been out of town for the past 2 months (save 3 days). How the heck are you supposed to have a relationship with someone like that? He wished me the best and said I deserved better. A woman in choir this morning said that if he admitted it, there must be some truth in it. Whatever. Still no fun.
Work is still work. I think the renovations are over for the time being. The bigwigs come to town tomorrow morning to see all the changes. Whoop dee freaking doo. I'm just glad it's over. Do you know how hard it is to work in a scientific setting with the smell of tile adhesive and the sound of drills? Well, my friends (sorry, too much McCain), it's not so fun. Hopefully the CEO will like it and we can work in peace for a while at least.
School is schooly. I had a big presentation/lecture leading thing last Friday. I was soooooooooooo nervous, but it seemed to go very well. When the professor quoted me toward the end of the class (something to the effect of "the point that she made about blah blah blah..."), he made me sound like I knew what I was talking about. I smiled about that one. Now I just have to get back together with the thesis prof and work out the timeline for my project. Hmmm, and if anyone has any suggestions on how to build a microsatellite library quickly, lemme know! =)
One last thing: I'm so glad for my friends and family I can't begin to tell you. It seems like a lot of bad things are happening to those around me. One of our coworkers passed away this past week from complications of lung cancer. A woman in my choir lost all her hair after her first bout of radiation for lung cancer. A dear friend's mother had to be admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and found out she needed triple bypass surgery (she is doing well, thank God). Another coworker is going through dialysis three times a week while waiting for a kidney transplant. Oh, and he has a brand new baby he can hardly enjoy in his weakened state. My ills are so banal in comparison. If I start to gripe about things, just remind me how good I really do have it. Because I do. I love you all and keep you all in my prayers!
Monday, October 06, 2008
toooo funny!
While on my way home from work (ridiculously late I might add), I heard the funniest song on KNON's blues hour. It's called Oreo Cookie Blues by Lonnie Mack (and SRV). Hahahaha! Here are the lyrics for you for a giggle. Enjoy!
Chocolate on my fingers, icing on my lips
Sugar diabetes and blubber on my hips
I keep the night light burning in the kitchen baby
So I can go downstairs and cruise
I got them oreo creme sandwich
Chocolate covered creme filled cookie blues
I hide'em in a cabinet, I keep'em in a jar
For emergency's you know I keep'em in the
Glove compartment of my car
And I can't live without'em
They git' me higher than I can get on booze
I got them oreo creme sandwich
Chocolate covered creme filled cookie blues
Doctor says I'm crazy
You better give'em up and quick
Or you'll be pushing up daisies because
Boy you definitely sick
I couldn't quit if I wanted to
Yeah I don't wanna lose
It's them oreo creme sandwich
Chocolate cover creme filled cookie
Built by nabisco, ain't no rookie
Next best thang to nookie blues
Chocolate on my fingers, icing on my lips
Sugar diabetes and blubber on my hips
I keep the night light burning in the kitchen baby
So I can go downstairs and cruise
I got them oreo creme sandwich
Chocolate covered creme filled cookie blues
I hide'em in a cabinet, I keep'em in a jar
For emergency's you know I keep'em in the
Glove compartment of my car
And I can't live without'em
They git' me higher than I can get on booze
I got them oreo creme sandwich
Chocolate covered creme filled cookie blues
Doctor says I'm crazy
You better give'em up and quick
Or you'll be pushing up daisies because
Boy you definitely sick
I couldn't quit if I wanted to
Yeah I don't wanna lose
It's them oreo creme sandwich
Chocolate cover creme filled cookie
Built by nabisco, ain't no rookie
Next best thang to nookie blues
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
the squirrel
The other day I walked out of my house to go to work. Out of the corner of my eye, I spied a curious sight. The bird feeder I have out under my American Elm by the street was on the ground, broken apart, with birdseed spread all over. In the midst of the seed was a squirrel busily chomping away on the Smörgåsbord. I calmly walked over saying "excuse me?" while doing so--he just continued to chomp away faster and faster with his little squirrelly eyes looking for the quickest way out. He finally dashed up the aforementioned elm, and I started to scrape as much of the seed into a pile to put it back into the feeder. When I picked up the feeder, I noticed something quite amusing: he hadn't just knocked the feeder off the hanger. That little shit actually chewed through the hanger and it was irreparable. Are you kidding me? I couldn't help but laugh. If he's that ingenious, let him eat as much of the birdseed as he wants. Silly squirrel.
Oh, I did go out and get a new and improved bird feeder. The hanger is not made of plastic, and it is un-chewable!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
random weekend
Game night came off without a hitch once people arrived. It's funny, but just about everyone showed up at the same time. I'm just glad that the kitteh-allergic people didn't have problems. I vacuumed like a fiend! What was really funny was that at like 9:30pm, a couple of us started yawning and complaining about being tired. How lame are we??? I was kinda excited so I could get some sleep before the drive to McGregor Saturday morning. Not to happen! At 10pm, people started talking about leaving--ya, then we started talking, and that kept going on until almost midnight. Then I had to clean as much as I could with the injury. Oh ya!!! FYI--if you drop your favorite 8 inch chef's knife, don't try to catch it. =) I got lucky with that one. Only a small slice on my right middle finger. After being bandaged for 2 days, it's looking good. I hope a good time was had by all. Personally, I really enjoyed the Adult Mammoth Mad-Libs. I can always count on the H-bomb to keep it scandalous.
Saturday morning came very early. The alarm got me up at 8am so I could make it to my swim class by 9am. Dang, I might as well have stayed home because the brain/muscle connections were totally non-functional. I was so tired I kept forgetting to breathe. How does that happen?!? I'd turn my head, exhale, and put my face back in the water without getting a new breath. D'oh! After about 45 minutes of braindeadness, the coach finally decided we should do something different--back to dolphin kick. Thank goodness! That requires no thought.
After the class, I came home and finished cleaning up from the night before, threw some stuff in an overnight bag, and left for the burgeoning metropolis of McGregor, Texas. Surprisingly, I made it through crummy traffic in only 2.5 hours. The god daughter was soooooooo excited to see me; her mother hadn't told her I was coming. She's so freaking cute. Love that kid. After her birthday party, everyone involved took a short nap while she went to dinner with her father (the first time he's made an effort to be a dad since the split). Then KF and I went to the Founder's Day street dance thing downtown (if you can call that a downtown!). It was interesting to say the least, but we both pooped out by 10pm. As we headed back to the house, we noticed that the clouds had abated and the stars were out in full force since the moon was still below the horizon. When we got back home, we changed into comfy clothes and went outside to stargaze. It was amazing! It has been so long since I could actually see the Milky Way, but there it was. There were so many stars, I couldn't even decipher any constellations. Now for the funny part: while we were out gazing, someone came behind us and locked the deadbolt to the house. No matter how much knocking we did, no one heard us. Luckily, KF's brother lives across the street. We walked over and waited for him and his buddy to come back from coyote hunting (we could see the headlights coming through the field). Ya, did I mention this was all out in the middle of freaking nowhere? Across the street is still quite a hike. Well, KF was wearing all black, so I think he was quite surprised when she apparated out of nowhere in his headlights! He told us to get in the back of the pickup truck (which was outfitted with this homemade coyote hunting stand with chairs and all up over the truck) so he could drive us back to the house. It was so countrified, I couldn't quit laughing.
So that is my weekend in a nutshell. I got up at 6:15 this morning so I could be back in town to sing at 10am. The rest of the day has been a complete wash. I'm wiped out!
Saturday morning came very early. The alarm got me up at 8am so I could make it to my swim class by 9am. Dang, I might as well have stayed home because the brain/muscle connections were totally non-functional. I was so tired I kept forgetting to breathe. How does that happen?!? I'd turn my head, exhale, and put my face back in the water without getting a new breath. D'oh! After about 45 minutes of braindeadness, the coach finally decided we should do something different--back to dolphin kick. Thank goodness! That requires no thought.
After the class, I came home and finished cleaning up from the night before, threw some stuff in an overnight bag, and left for the burgeoning metropolis of McGregor, Texas. Surprisingly, I made it through crummy traffic in only 2.5 hours. The god daughter was soooooooo excited to see me; her mother hadn't told her I was coming. She's so freaking cute. Love that kid. After her birthday party, everyone involved took a short nap while she went to dinner with her father (the first time he's made an effort to be a dad since the split). Then KF and I went to the Founder's Day street dance thing downtown (if you can call that a downtown!). It was interesting to say the least, but we both pooped out by 10pm. As we headed back to the house, we noticed that the clouds had abated and the stars were out in full force since the moon was still below the horizon. When we got back home, we changed into comfy clothes and went outside to stargaze. It was amazing! It has been so long since I could actually see the Milky Way, but there it was. There were so many stars, I couldn't even decipher any constellations. Now for the funny part: while we were out gazing, someone came behind us and locked the deadbolt to the house. No matter how much knocking we did, no one heard us. Luckily, KF's brother lives across the street. We walked over and waited for him and his buddy to come back from coyote hunting (we could see the headlights coming through the field). Ya, did I mention this was all out in the middle of freaking nowhere? Across the street is still quite a hike. Well, KF was wearing all black, so I think he was quite surprised when she apparated out of nowhere in his headlights! He told us to get in the back of the pickup truck (which was outfitted with this homemade coyote hunting stand with chairs and all up over the truck) so he could drive us back to the house. It was so countrified, I couldn't quit laughing.
So that is my weekend in a nutshell. I got up at 6:15 this morning so I could be back in town to sing at 10am. The rest of the day has been a complete wash. I'm wiped out!
Friday, September 19, 2008
typical
I'm hosting Game Night tonight. I planned it since my house is (relatively) clean. Why not have my best friends over for a night of fun, right? Well, as of last Wednesday I've been feeling kinda crummy. I blamed it on allergies and the constant construction up at work. Well, I left work yesterday and haven't been back since. I still feel crummy. Yep, my head is ouchy, my body is achy, and I just generally feel like poo. I must prevail! I'm not gonna worry too much about tonight. I've got plenty of snack foods and soft drinks. The main room is clean enough for everyone, and all my friends understand that doing something on a Friday night is iffy anyway. Anywho, wish me luck kiddos. Oh, and btw, two of my friends who were planning on coming tonight also feel like ass crack. One backed out, and one hasn't decided yet. I sooooooooo understand guys!!!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
you now it's bad when...
I'm IMing with a friend tonight, and I get this from him: "you are tipping off the crazy scale recently with your paranoia." Really? Is it that bad? I know I have my moments/weeks/whatever. If y'all notice me getting a little more, um, "crazy" than normal, please let me know. I think it's just too much free time and not enough time reading my genomics papers. Maybe he's just a little sensitive because I asked him about something personal (to him, not me). Meh, whatever. Time to go color the roots now! Give me a reason to act like a crazy redhead....
;-)
;-)
Monday, September 15, 2008
100 omnivorous foods
I got this from http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/uncategorised/the-omnivores-hundred/. Feel free to take part in the goodness! If you don't know what a particular entry is, the original post has embedded links to some of the food items on Wikipedia.
Here’s a chance for a little interactivity for all the bloggers out there. Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it. Don’t worry if you don’t recognise everything in the hundred, either; Wikipedia has the answers.
Here’s what I want you to do:
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.
5) extra from the naughty mouse--italicize the items you haven't tried yet but would like to try!
The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile (in the States, we have alligator)
6. xxxBlack puddingxxx (I know what makes it black!)
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes (yes, I DID try them)
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. xxxBrawn, or head cheesexxx
26. xxxRaw Scotch Bonnet pepperxxx
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a xxxfat cigarxxx
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects (as long as chocolate covered ants count!)
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut (nom nom nom)
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear (I tried picking my own once...wasn't successful)
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. xxxDirty gin martinixxx
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine (never again!)
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. xxxKaolinxxx
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. xxxHaggisxxx
69. Fried plantain
70. xxxChitterlings, or andouillettexxx
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. xxxRoadkillxxx
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse (I didn't know what it was until after I ate it)
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
Lessee, I've tried 79 of the 100. Good for me! How'd you do? =)
Here’s a chance for a little interactivity for all the bloggers out there. Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it. Don’t worry if you don’t recognise everything in the hundred, either; Wikipedia has the answers.
Here’s what I want you to do:
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.
5) extra from the naughty mouse--italicize the items you haven't tried yet but would like to try!
The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:
1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile (in the States, we have alligator)
6. xxxBlack puddingxxx (I know what makes it black!)
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes (yes, I DID try them)
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. xxxBrawn, or head cheesexxx
26. xxxRaw Scotch Bonnet pepperxxx
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a xxxfat cigarxxx
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects (as long as chocolate covered ants count!)
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut (nom nom nom)
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear (I tried picking my own once...wasn't successful)
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. xxxDirty gin martinixxx
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine (never again!)
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. xxxKaolinxxx
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. xxxHaggisxxx
69. Fried plantain
70. xxxChitterlings, or andouillettexxx
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. xxxRoadkillxxx
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse (I didn't know what it was until after I ate it)
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake
Lessee, I've tried 79 of the 100. Good for me! How'd you do? =)
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