What a weekend! We decided to head up to Los Alamos to visit Nate's mom for a little while. It had been quite some time since we'd been up, so it would be good to visit again. Los Alamos is such a neat town - you'd be hard pressed to find another one as unique. It's jam-packed with quirky scientist-types...in fact, most everyone in town is affiliated with the labs in some manner. Add to this unusual demography the breathtaking mountain setting and it just feels like my ideal place. Now if only they had a roller coaster...
We headed up on Saturday, meeting Nate's mom in Santa Fe for lunch. Unfortunately on her way to meet us, she got rear-ended by a distracted twenty-something. His car was in much worse shape than hers, though, so she really lucked out. After a mediocre lunch at the Blue Corn Cafe, we headed over to the mall to do some shopping. As I'd discovered last weekend when we were in Chicago, Nate is the most incredible shopper! Personally, I really hate clothes shopping (as is evidenced by my glut of jeans and coaster shirts), but Nate goes around picking out just the right outfits with a discerning eye, and he always seems to know what looks just right (whereas I usually don't have an opinion...if it fits, I'm happy). Have I mentioned he also likes to cook and do laundry? I really have a gem in Nate! Well, we eventually found a suit for my real estate endeavors and a nice sweater. Then we went to Lens Crafters and got Nate a new pair of glasses - hopefully he'll like them!
That night, we headed over to Fuller Lodge (where we were married!) and saw the annual pumpkin glow. There were so many amazing designs, and many were so intricate I was convinced people from the lab had taken a laser to them. There were a few with a simple "pi" symbol etched into them, indicating pumpkin pie. Haha. I just love this geeky town! Inside the lodge, a band of scientists were rocking out to music of the 60's, and people in costumes gallavanted around. We stuck around for the costume contest, watching some pharaohs, a family of plants, and Miss Piggy (whom I am convinced was merely making a statement about the Red Hat Ladies - she was wearing one such hat and had a pig nose on) all won prizes. It was quite a scene! Next year, we're definitely going as Hans and Franz...maybe we'll even throw an SNL party and require people to dress up as their favorite characters! Good times!
Sunday we headed over to Bandelier National Monument. We were going to take one of the campground trails, but it was washed out, so instead we took the falls trail. Nate and I had attempted this one before I moved out here, and I was huffing and puffing by the half way mark. It was too dark at the time to make it to the end, and I was SO grateful. Either I was horribly out of shape or, as I suspect, I was suffering from the altitude, as per usual. This time, however, we hiked the whole way down to the Rio Grande, which was 2.5 miles one way and a 700 foot descent, and back again and I felt no impact whatsoever! It was awesome! I know I need to get out and hike more, but I was so glad my sedentary workstyle these days hasn't hindered my ability. There are so many great hikes out here, and I should really start doing them!
That brings us to today...back to work again! Luckily it's been a rather cush day of prepping nobutos for DNA extractions. (What language was that?) I guess I should get back to some data entry, though, before it gets too late!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Rescue Story
Well, today was mostly another blase day at work. Megan was in for a little while, so it was nice to chat with her a bit. My social awkwardness was at bay for most of the day, too, and I got to thinking that maybe a lot of my awkwardness isn't due to me, but due to the fact that people are strange...especially biologists. I guess a lot of people got into the field for the same reason I did - to avoid people! That would explain why lots of biologists seem so weird. And then they act weird, which gets me thinking that it was something *I* did...and then I DO act weird in response. I can't tell you how happy I am when I'm in the back of the lab, deep in concentration, and I can just ignore everything else around me.
So after another busy day without a lunch, I retreated back to the solace of my office to do some data entry. Upon my return, I ran into Gabor who was telling me about this mouse he borrowed from the lab in Castetter Hall to bleed for a bartonella control sample. I spied the mouse sitting on the spare desk - it was a gorgeous champagne satin female. It turned out that he was going to put it to sleep, as is the protocol. I would have none of that and asked if I could just keep her. Gabor was pretty agreeable about it, and I was able to save the life of one lowly lab mouse that day. Once I got her home and really inspected her, though, I've noticed she may be pregnant. I don't really know how that's going to go over - I really didn't expect a pregnant mouse! Still, it's been a long time since I've raised up a litter of mouse kits! What fun! We'll see what happens...
In other news, I just got back from a nice trip back home for my friend Monica's wedding. It was an unusual affair with a rabbi and a priest, taking customs from both denominations. The reception was great fun, especially seeing lots of old friends and getting my grandmother out on the dance floor again. The highlight, though I blush to admit it, was when my pals and I were all whisked onto the dance floor by Monica to dance and sing to the Spice Girls. Good times. Beyond that, we had a relaxing time of Hala Kahiki (the local tiki bar - we're regulars even though we live 1000 miles away!), Illinois Beach State Park, hiking the forest preserves, and seeing family and friends. There's never enough time for it all!
Well, I best wrap this up - it's getting late and I need to be at work EARLY tomorrow.
So after another busy day without a lunch, I retreated back to the solace of my office to do some data entry. Upon my return, I ran into Gabor who was telling me about this mouse he borrowed from the lab in Castetter Hall to bleed for a bartonella control sample. I spied the mouse sitting on the spare desk - it was a gorgeous champagne satin female. It turned out that he was going to put it to sleep, as is the protocol. I would have none of that and asked if I could just keep her. Gabor was pretty agreeable about it, and I was able to save the life of one lowly lab mouse that day. Once I got her home and really inspected her, though, I've noticed she may be pregnant. I don't really know how that's going to go over - I really didn't expect a pregnant mouse! Still, it's been a long time since I've raised up a litter of mouse kits! What fun! We'll see what happens...
In other news, I just got back from a nice trip back home for my friend Monica's wedding. It was an unusual affair with a rabbi and a priest, taking customs from both denominations. The reception was great fun, especially seeing lots of old friends and getting my grandmother out on the dance floor again. The highlight, though I blush to admit it, was when my pals and I were all whisked onto the dance floor by Monica to dance and sing to the Spice Girls. Good times. Beyond that, we had a relaxing time of Hala Kahiki (the local tiki bar - we're regulars even though we live 1000 miles away!), Illinois Beach State Park, hiking the forest preserves, and seeing family and friends. There's never enough time for it all!
Well, I best wrap this up - it's getting late and I need to be at work EARLY tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
What a Week!
It's been a busy few days, hence my absence. Jeanine came down to visit this past weekend, new kitty in tow. Her name is Jolene (so far...we may change it), and she is an adorable rescue from Wyoming. She's a tabby who's missing a few teeth so she appears snarly at times. She has six toes on each of her front paws. And she is very vocal, having long conversations with her old-ladyish meows. She is the sweetest thing, and I just adore her! I have been wondering, though, if it was too soon after the loss of my wonderful Dot...Jolene is just so affectionate, and it really reminds me of her, which usually sets me off sobbing. I could never replace Dot...but I'm not trying to. I loved Jolene when I met her back in Colorado, and I knew she needed a good home. She's another older kitty who needs a warm place to sleep. I was also thrilled to find out that the donation I made to get her went to rescuing six more cats from the shelter in Cheyenne, so that makes everything worthwhile. I am so thrilled to add her to our family.
Jeanine's main reason for visiting, however, was to attend this year's Balloon Fiesta. Damp weather made last year's a dud, so she wanted to give it another go. Jeanine, Nate, and I were at the park and ride depot by 5:30am, and met up with Scott briefly before heading down to the grounds. We enjoyed the balloon glow and dawn patrol before they really started in with the mass assention. This year's weather was fabulous, and they were able to get almost every balloon off the ground, even the special shapes. My favorite one, the Creamland cow, was back this year - it's the most elaborate balloon, and its legs stretch lower than the basket - I'd love to see how they land that thing!
Most of the rest of the weekend involved eating and shopping, but on Sunday we managed to enjoy some time in Madrid (where they filmed "Wild Hogs" - there were more movie souvenirs than you can imagine) before heading up to the Black Mesa Winery to try their signature chocolate wine. I'd never done a wine tasting before, but light weight that I am, those six tiny sips did me in. From there, we headed down to Tent Rocks National Monument where we did the main hike. It was much nicer than our last trip, as the temperatures were much cooler. Sadly, we didn't run into my old tae kwon do instructor from U of I this time! Hehe.
So it was a nice weekend, and it was sad that Jeanine had to go, but at least I had a new cat to occupy my time. Luckily Dash seems to be handling the new addition pretty well. Only a few minor scuffles have occurred. I can tell they will be pals before long.
In other news, work is work...I have a short week coming up, so that should be nice. Nate and I are off to a wedding this weekend, so that should be exciting. It will be good to get out of town for a bit. Speaking of which, I had dinner with Scott and Sarah last night, and we've been tossing around the idea of doing a camping trip downstate sometime soon...AND getting a bunch of us and going down to Juarez!! I've never been to Mexico, nor do I speak Spanish, so it'll be good to go in a group...AND I hear they have a ROLLER COASTER!! Whee!!
Hmmm, what else...well, I started my anger management class today! "Anger management," you say? Why ever are you taking that? Well, I get to take free classes since I work at UNM, and, as my friends say, I'm working my way through continuing ed. If you've ever been in the car with me, you know I have a few, um, issues with other drivers. :P Plus, I thought it'd be good to know in general, since, as everyone, I get a bit miffed about things every now and again. So my first class was really relaxing...it's taught by a Buddhist nun, and she has the most calming voice. We meditated twice, and I left there feeling nearly as good as I did during my first hypnosis session. I just hope I can hold on to that feeling this time (that time I felt like a new person for about a year!). Here's to overcoming negative emotions!
Well, that about sums up my life these days. More work tomorrow, and then a nice weekend! Woo hoo!!
Jeanine's main reason for visiting, however, was to attend this year's Balloon Fiesta. Damp weather made last year's a dud, so she wanted to give it another go. Jeanine, Nate, and I were at the park and ride depot by 5:30am, and met up with Scott briefly before heading down to the grounds. We enjoyed the balloon glow and dawn patrol before they really started in with the mass assention. This year's weather was fabulous, and they were able to get almost every balloon off the ground, even the special shapes. My favorite one, the Creamland cow, was back this year - it's the most elaborate balloon, and its legs stretch lower than the basket - I'd love to see how they land that thing!
Most of the rest of the weekend involved eating and shopping, but on Sunday we managed to enjoy some time in Madrid (where they filmed "Wild Hogs" - there were more movie souvenirs than you can imagine) before heading up to the Black Mesa Winery to try their signature chocolate wine. I'd never done a wine tasting before, but light weight that I am, those six tiny sips did me in. From there, we headed down to Tent Rocks National Monument where we did the main hike. It was much nicer than our last trip, as the temperatures were much cooler. Sadly, we didn't run into my old tae kwon do instructor from U of I this time! Hehe.
So it was a nice weekend, and it was sad that Jeanine had to go, but at least I had a new cat to occupy my time. Luckily Dash seems to be handling the new addition pretty well. Only a few minor scuffles have occurred. I can tell they will be pals before long.
In other news, work is work...I have a short week coming up, so that should be nice. Nate and I are off to a wedding this weekend, so that should be exciting. It will be good to get out of town for a bit. Speaking of which, I had dinner with Scott and Sarah last night, and we've been tossing around the idea of doing a camping trip downstate sometime soon...AND getting a bunch of us and going down to Juarez!! I've never been to Mexico, nor do I speak Spanish, so it'll be good to go in a group...AND I hear they have a ROLLER COASTER!! Whee!!
Hmmm, what else...well, I started my anger management class today! "Anger management," you say? Why ever are you taking that? Well, I get to take free classes since I work at UNM, and, as my friends say, I'm working my way through continuing ed. If you've ever been in the car with me, you know I have a few, um, issues with other drivers. :P Plus, I thought it'd be good to know in general, since, as everyone, I get a bit miffed about things every now and again. So my first class was really relaxing...it's taught by a Buddhist nun, and she has the most calming voice. We meditated twice, and I left there feeling nearly as good as I did during my first hypnosis session. I just hope I can hold on to that feeling this time (that time I felt like a new person for about a year!). Here's to overcoming negative emotions!
Well, that about sums up my life these days. More work tomorrow, and then a nice weekend! Woo hoo!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Dreams and Memories
Getting up this morning was even more difficult than usual thanks to a series of increasingly better dreams I was having. The first involved going on a trip with some friends I don't often get to see, followed by visiting Nate at his job on base where his coworkers expressed their respect for me as a world reknowned dragon expert. :) The last dream was one I didn't want to wake up from, however. In July of 2006, Aslan, my gray tortoise shell cat of 17 or 18 years, passed away, and it bothered me greatly not to have been there. And last month, my wonderful cat Dot, whom I only had for two years but who meant the world to me, also died. It's been a really tough time, and I miss them both very much. Well, my final dream involved coming home to my mom's and seeing Aslan getting sick much like Dot did, but when I went to comfort her and gave her catnip, she snapped right out of it, and she recovered, expressing the looks of Aslan and a mixture of both cats' personalities. I never wanted to wake up from that - I'd give anything to be able to hug them both again.
Getting up today also means going back to the drudgery of work again. I wish there were a bit more variety in what I'm doing these days, but at least sitting there gives me some time to think. For some reason, all my thoughts seem to bring me back to Utah. I keep visualizing all of the places I used to frequent, from Zion National Park to Snow Canyon State Park to mundane places like the Walgreens down the street. I'm almost longing to go back, which is weird because I really didn't have the best time out there. I wonder if it's my memories of Dot that keep bringing me back for some reason. I first met her when I was out there, after all. It also may a remnant of a weird longing I used to get as a child. I'd always think back two years and start to miss whatever happened then, even though I usually didn't have much of a good time. Still, there would be some aspect I felt I'd want to re-experience. Looking back, I had a great time out in Cedar City working with the prairie dogs, and my weekend adventures were not too shabby, either. I wouldn't mind hopping in the car and driving 35 miles to see some of the most spectacular scenery the world has to offer!
So today I'll be flying through another batch of extractions. At least I'll be treated to a barrage of hot air balloons on my way to work. Balloon Fiesta is going on, so there is always something cool to see. Jeanine is coming in to see it this weekend, so that should be fun. She's also bringing me another kitty, Jolene, a huge, elderly brown cat that I met when I visited her last time. She is such a sweetheart, and I can't wait to give her a warm, loving home.
Well, it's back to the lab for me!
Getting up today also means going back to the drudgery of work again. I wish there were a bit more variety in what I'm doing these days, but at least sitting there gives me some time to think. For some reason, all my thoughts seem to bring me back to Utah. I keep visualizing all of the places I used to frequent, from Zion National Park to Snow Canyon State Park to mundane places like the Walgreens down the street. I'm almost longing to go back, which is weird because I really didn't have the best time out there. I wonder if it's my memories of Dot that keep bringing me back for some reason. I first met her when I was out there, after all. It also may a remnant of a weird longing I used to get as a child. I'd always think back two years and start to miss whatever happened then, even though I usually didn't have much of a good time. Still, there would be some aspect I felt I'd want to re-experience. Looking back, I had a great time out in Cedar City working with the prairie dogs, and my weekend adventures were not too shabby, either. I wouldn't mind hopping in the car and driving 35 miles to see some of the most spectacular scenery the world has to offer!
So today I'll be flying through another batch of extractions. At least I'll be treated to a barrage of hot air balloons on my way to work. Balloon Fiesta is going on, so there is always something cool to see. Jeanine is coming in to see it this weekend, so that should be fun. She's also bringing me another kitty, Jolene, a huge, elderly brown cat that I met when I visited her last time. She is such a sweetheart, and I can't wait to give her a warm, loving home.
Well, it's back to the lab for me!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Missing Time??
Well, so much for my daily updates! I just couldn't find anything profound to discuss in the past few days. Work has been hectic, and when I get home, I just want to wind down and relax. Hours upon hours in a DNA lab will do that to a person. It doesn't help that I have been introduced to the evil world of Webkinz - my black cat Eclipse (named after my cat Dash's shelter name) has been taking up way too much of my time! Plus I'm trying to win an X-Box on club.live.com. So really, I have no good excuses. :)
This weekend was nice, but it flew by as usual. I didn't get nearly as much done as I'd have liked, but we finally did manage to make it out to see the newest Harry Potter movie. We also went to McCall's pumpkin farm and did the three open corn mazes, which were fun, but not quite as cool as the huge one from the last few years. We also scavenged for gems in the mill, roped us some calves, and played on the new giant air trampoline before getting our pumpkins. A good time was had by all.
That brings us to today...I had my monthly "salon" - an informal gathering of people with like-interests, set at the home of one of the participants. This is what our attempt at starting a MUFON chapter has turned into. By not affiliating ourselves with the club, we're a bit freer to discuss more things. I've been involved with MUFON since I was a teenager, if not earlier (I really do need to dig up my membership card to figure out when I first started with it). Since turning 18, I've been a field investigator in training, too lazy to complete the exam and graduate to full blown investigator...one day, perhaps. Anyway, these salons are fascinating, as we have some really interesting people with amazing stories attending, but they last forever!! I was fine until about 5 hours in, but then I just got so antsy it wasn't fun anymore. It lasted about 6 hours, but most of the time did fly by - we discussed all sorts of interesting paranormal phenomenon, but the most fascinating thing was footage of George Knapp's presentation at the MUFON symposium discussing the Skinwalker Ranch in the Uintah Basin in NE Utah. Talk about some eerie things going on! I won't discuss all the details here, but let's just say it's a hotbed for everything from cattle mutilations to supposed interdimensional portals.
As an aside, before everyone thinks I'm a complete kook, I don't necessarily buy everything I hear on the paranormal side of things, but I think this world is full of a lot of things we have yet to discover and don't really understand, and I like to keep an open mind. MUFON is an organization of scientists and engineers dedicated to researching the unexplained, particularly UFOs, and one day when I'm less lazy I'd like to take my biological credentials and really do some research of my own. Some day...
So I haven't fallen off the planet, and I haven't forgotten my blog...hopefully I'll be more apt to keep up with it, if I actually have something to say! For now, I best get some rest - DNA crunching starts again tomorrow!
This weekend was nice, but it flew by as usual. I didn't get nearly as much done as I'd have liked, but we finally did manage to make it out to see the newest Harry Potter movie. We also went to McCall's pumpkin farm and did the three open corn mazes, which were fun, but not quite as cool as the huge one from the last few years. We also scavenged for gems in the mill, roped us some calves, and played on the new giant air trampoline before getting our pumpkins. A good time was had by all.
That brings us to today...I had my monthly "salon" - an informal gathering of people with like-interests, set at the home of one of the participants. This is what our attempt at starting a MUFON chapter has turned into. By not affiliating ourselves with the club, we're a bit freer to discuss more things. I've been involved with MUFON since I was a teenager, if not earlier (I really do need to dig up my membership card to figure out when I first started with it). Since turning 18, I've been a field investigator in training, too lazy to complete the exam and graduate to full blown investigator...one day, perhaps. Anyway, these salons are fascinating, as we have some really interesting people with amazing stories attending, but they last forever!! I was fine until about 5 hours in, but then I just got so antsy it wasn't fun anymore. It lasted about 6 hours, but most of the time did fly by - we discussed all sorts of interesting paranormal phenomenon, but the most fascinating thing was footage of George Knapp's presentation at the MUFON symposium discussing the Skinwalker Ranch in the Uintah Basin in NE Utah. Talk about some eerie things going on! I won't discuss all the details here, but let's just say it's a hotbed for everything from cattle mutilations to supposed interdimensional portals.
As an aside, before everyone thinks I'm a complete kook, I don't necessarily buy everything I hear on the paranormal side of things, but I think this world is full of a lot of things we have yet to discover and don't really understand, and I like to keep an open mind. MUFON is an organization of scientists and engineers dedicated to researching the unexplained, particularly UFOs, and one day when I'm less lazy I'd like to take my biological credentials and really do some research of my own. Some day...
So I haven't fallen off the planet, and I haven't forgotten my blog...hopefully I'll be more apt to keep up with it, if I actually have something to say! For now, I best get some rest - DNA crunching starts again tomorrow!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
New Beginnings
Wow, this is so weird! I've been chomping at the bit all day to start my blog, and now that I'm sitting in front of the screen, I'm actually nervous! This whole blog thing is rather daunting...I mean, you're putting yourself out for the world to read! Who knows what might be said...who knows how you may react...who knows just what sorts of craziness will spew forth from these fingers??
People have been expressing their surprise that I hadn't yet started a blog for some time. I'd thought about it, and I figured people wouldn't really be big on reading one - rather, I should email everyone my long adventure stories so they become a captive audience. Who would remember to come back and read my blog on a regular basis? Likely no one. I know I'm not the type to frequent anyone's blog, so why should mine be any different? Still, as a quiet listener who doesn't really get her voice heard, I needed some sort of outlet. The thought that someone, somewhere, may be reading what I have to say is a huge help. I think I'm an interesting person with a wealth of thoughts and experiences, it's just that few people really listen. Plus, it would help if I could actually manage talk once in a while...hehe. But I'm a writer, and that is how I best express myself. Hopefully this blog will be an adequate medium for whatever I'm trying to say.
Speaking of writing, I would love to write professionally. I hope to update this blog regularly as my daily writing exercise. I have been pretty lazy about keeping up with it, so perhaps this will spur me on.
So yeah, it's about time this great listener was listened to...don't worry, though...I'll still send out my adventure emails, and perhaps post links to them on this site - they're likely too long to post as it is!
So welcome, and enjoy your stay!! Please come back often and post a comment, too!
People have been expressing their surprise that I hadn't yet started a blog for some time. I'd thought about it, and I figured people wouldn't really be big on reading one - rather, I should email everyone my long adventure stories so they become a captive audience. Who would remember to come back and read my blog on a regular basis? Likely no one. I know I'm not the type to frequent anyone's blog, so why should mine be any different? Still, as a quiet listener who doesn't really get her voice heard, I needed some sort of outlet. The thought that someone, somewhere, may be reading what I have to say is a huge help. I think I'm an interesting person with a wealth of thoughts and experiences, it's just that few people really listen. Plus, it would help if I could actually manage talk once in a while...hehe. But I'm a writer, and that is how I best express myself. Hopefully this blog will be an adequate medium for whatever I'm trying to say.
Speaking of writing, I would love to write professionally. I hope to update this blog regularly as my daily writing exercise. I have been pretty lazy about keeping up with it, so perhaps this will spur me on.
So yeah, it's about time this great listener was listened to...don't worry, though...I'll still send out my adventure emails, and perhaps post links to them on this site - they're likely too long to post as it is!
So welcome, and enjoy your stay!! Please come back often and post a comment, too!
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