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.