8 years ago
Monday, November 16, 2009
On Science and Fire
So in my worm lab I’m helping a fellow lab mate recover some old strains of worms to freeze. In addition to recovering the animals and decontaminating them some of them are infested with mites. Mites are the worst kind of contamination you can get because they can spread like wildfire, go through parafilm, and survive a lot of things. So I had the mite problem under control in most of strains save 2. So what I did was when I chunked them I did so in a ring of ethanol and when I was done and everything was sealed up I would ignite the ring of ethanol to burn any mites on the surface of my lab bench. I put the ethanol down first with the first strain and it didn’t really light well, so for the second strain I did the chunk, sealed everything, then but the ethanol ring down and light it. Bigger flame then I expected, may have melted the plates shut. I guess we’ll find out when I come back to that plate….
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
On Neuroscience Pt 2
Sorry this is so late team, the rest of neuroscience was cool, saw some cool posters and head a talk from both Eric Kandel, and Richard Morris (inventer of the Morris Water Maze) both of whom are really huge names in neuroscience and biopsych.
Went to H&M couldn't find any long pants and then had a girl moment and flipped out when I couldn't fit into a 32. Ended up getting a shirt, hat, and underoos. Ended up going to UO and getting a pair of pants, almost made the move back up to skinny but decided to stay with the super skinnies for now. Also got a shirt.
Later that night went out with Jason and some of his old undergrad buddies, but before we meet up with them we went to a bar and had a drink with Rob and Laura. Rob talked to me about my work and that got me really pumped, and I had a really good feeling about everything. Had 2 pints there then went to dinner at the Webber Grill. The food was amazing, nice rare 16oz prime rib with a huge slab of mashed potatoes. By the time we were done none of us could move, walked around looking for another place to grab a drink at but ended up going back to the bar Jason and I had started at. Now, one thing I haven't mentioned is that apparently at Eau Clair, they make 'em big. Jason's old advisor and the two of his old undergrad guys were huge. For once I felt like the smallest guy in the group, usually I can count on my height taking care of that but there guys were tall and thick. Still though none of us could manage to choke down more than one beer, by the time we left the bar a second time I was drunk off the food, not the booze.
On Sunday I went to the poster session early and there wasn't too many posters I wanted to check out so I ended up leaving the confrence early to go explore downtown Chicago, went to Millenium Park and saw the usual tourist attractions like the bean. It was fun but I wish I had a camera/other people there with me.
So Jason and I roomed together, we also presented on the last half of the second day. We also thought it would be a great idea to get wasted the night before we had to present. So while walking around the conference on Tuesday Sarah and I walk by a booth and one of the cronies invites us to a presentation they're giving on the first knockout rats which is pretty cool in itself, but as an added bonus, they decided to throw in open bar and food. So Sarah, Jason, a girl Jason knows (claire), and a guy that's the girls friend (gilbert) go and we listen to the talk eat free food have a few drinks. Good times had by all but they begin to shoo people out. Sarah presents to the group a Grad Student social which also has a free bar and so we formulate the plan of going to Sarah's Hotel to drop stuff off then going to this grad student social. On our way to the hotel we get a call from Joe who'se at the invite only presidential reception at the Chicago Field Meuseum. So we hike across soldier's field to the meuseum. Here's where "gilbert" makes his first mistake, we get to the meuseum and start to walk up the steps, and out of no where in a really serious tone he goes "don't embarass your advisors here!". No shit, what do I look like to you a high schooler? Anyway, swanky food, a bar where they know how to make drinks, live Jazz band, and open exibits. What more could you ask for! We wander, had some drinks, etc. Then around 10:30 they began to shoo people out too.
We all leave the Museum but it's raining lightly, there's murmers but the group decides to walk it the 2-3ish blocks back to the hotel, so I light a cig and begin to walk. I then hear Sarah calling out to me, they're all getting on a bus that's going to the hotel. A few drinks into me I tell them to go on and that I'll meet them there, it's not raining that badly anyway. On my walk back I meet up with a few guys who had just gotten jobs at the museum and I talked to them about the area, then after they left I caught up to a group of (I assume) students from the University of Mexico (?) who were a little drunk to say the least. They were a fun group to walk with.
Get back to the hotel, say goodnight to Sarah and the four of us decide to go out. They insist on getting a cab and so we're in the cab and claire is checking her voice mail and I'm giving her shit (playfully) and etc and this is where Gilbert makes his second mistake. Again in a really serious voice he says "she's on the phone with her advisor chill". A) shes not B) if she was don't you think I'd know that? We get to the bar and meet up with calire's advisor who is also a former student of Joes. Long story short gilbert and the advisor talk bussiness the entire night, Jason was able to chime in a few times and so was claire but after 30 min I stopped even listening and just stared at the TV and drinking. So since I couldn't talk I was throwing back rum and coke's fairly quickly, and compound with the two incidents from earlier in the night with shutting me out of the convo plus his horrible face and purple shirt I began sending texts along the lines of "fucking grimace is giving me an ulcer" you get the drift.
Finally we leave the bar around 2 well drunk and minus grimace, we decide to go get more beer and drink in Millenium Park. We....get to a 7-11 some how try to buy beer and after I've brough up my selection the guy says "oh sorry I forgot to lock it", apparently there's no beer-o'clock in Chicago, which more than likley means that I looked/smelled too drunk for the guy to sell me booze. We try to go to Millenium park but as we're walking up the steps a disembodied voice tells us the park's closed. Seeing as how it's 3am we decide to just go back to the hotel (claire in tow) and drink the rest of the beer we have there.
We get back and I get on FB, TV gets turned on etc. I get up and go to the bathroom and as I come back out claire and Jason are on his bed giggleing and etc. I decide this is really awkward so I change my shirt throw on a hoodie and hat and when they ask where I'm going I say "going to see a man about a dog" and walk out. Long story short I wonder around the streets of Chicago drunk and alone at 4 in the morning. Go to a 7-11 get some grubb, go back and sit in the lobby and txt Jason giving him a 10 min warning. Come back up go to bed around 5. Wake up at 10, pack and check out at 11, put posters up at 12:30 and stand for the next 4 hours. Almost missed the flight on the way back because they decided to board early, got back into Richmond around midnight Wednesday (or Thursday if you want to be technical).
Overall, fun trip.
Went to H&M couldn't find any long pants and then had a girl moment and flipped out when I couldn't fit into a 32. Ended up getting a shirt, hat, and underoos. Ended up going to UO and getting a pair of pants, almost made the move back up to skinny but decided to stay with the super skinnies for now. Also got a shirt.
Later that night went out with Jason and some of his old undergrad buddies, but before we meet up with them we went to a bar and had a drink with Rob and Laura. Rob talked to me about my work and that got me really pumped, and I had a really good feeling about everything. Had 2 pints there then went to dinner at the Webber Grill. The food was amazing, nice rare 16oz prime rib with a huge slab of mashed potatoes. By the time we were done none of us could move, walked around looking for another place to grab a drink at but ended up going back to the bar Jason and I had started at. Now, one thing I haven't mentioned is that apparently at Eau Clair, they make 'em big. Jason's old advisor and the two of his old undergrad guys were huge. For once I felt like the smallest guy in the group, usually I can count on my height taking care of that but there guys were tall and thick. Still though none of us could manage to choke down more than one beer, by the time we left the bar a second time I was drunk off the food, not the booze.
On Sunday I went to the poster session early and there wasn't too many posters I wanted to check out so I ended up leaving the confrence early to go explore downtown Chicago, went to Millenium Park and saw the usual tourist attractions like the bean. It was fun but I wish I had a camera/other people there with me.
So Jason and I roomed together, we also presented on the last half of the second day. We also thought it would be a great idea to get wasted the night before we had to present. So while walking around the conference on Tuesday Sarah and I walk by a booth and one of the cronies invites us to a presentation they're giving on the first knockout rats which is pretty cool in itself, but as an added bonus, they decided to throw in open bar and food. So Sarah, Jason, a girl Jason knows (claire), and a guy that's the girls friend (gilbert) go and we listen to the talk eat free food have a few drinks. Good times had by all but they begin to shoo people out. Sarah presents to the group a Grad Student social which also has a free bar and so we formulate the plan of going to Sarah's Hotel to drop stuff off then going to this grad student social. On our way to the hotel we get a call from Joe who'se at the invite only presidential reception at the Chicago Field Meuseum. So we hike across soldier's field to the meuseum. Here's where "gilbert" makes his first mistake, we get to the meuseum and start to walk up the steps, and out of no where in a really serious tone he goes "don't embarass your advisors here!". No shit, what do I look like to you a high schooler? Anyway, swanky food, a bar where they know how to make drinks, live Jazz band, and open exibits. What more could you ask for! We wander, had some drinks, etc. Then around 10:30 they began to shoo people out too.
We all leave the Museum but it's raining lightly, there's murmers but the group decides to walk it the 2-3ish blocks back to the hotel, so I light a cig and begin to walk. I then hear Sarah calling out to me, they're all getting on a bus that's going to the hotel. A few drinks into me I tell them to go on and that I'll meet them there, it's not raining that badly anyway. On my walk back I meet up with a few guys who had just gotten jobs at the museum and I talked to them about the area, then after they left I caught up to a group of (I assume) students from the University of Mexico (?) who were a little drunk to say the least. They were a fun group to walk with.
Get back to the hotel, say goodnight to Sarah and the four of us decide to go out. They insist on getting a cab and so we're in the cab and claire is checking her voice mail and I'm giving her shit (playfully) and etc and this is where Gilbert makes his second mistake. Again in a really serious voice he says "she's on the phone with her advisor chill". A) shes not B) if she was don't you think I'd know that? We get to the bar and meet up with calire's advisor who is also a former student of Joes. Long story short gilbert and the advisor talk bussiness the entire night, Jason was able to chime in a few times and so was claire but after 30 min I stopped even listening and just stared at the TV and drinking. So since I couldn't talk I was throwing back rum and coke's fairly quickly, and compound with the two incidents from earlier in the night with shutting me out of the convo plus his horrible face and purple shirt I began sending texts along the lines of "fucking grimace is giving me an ulcer" you get the drift.
Finally we leave the bar around 2 well drunk and minus grimace, we decide to go get more beer and drink in Millenium Park. We....get to a 7-11 some how try to buy beer and after I've brough up my selection the guy says "oh sorry I forgot to lock it", apparently there's no beer-o'clock in Chicago, which more than likley means that I looked/smelled too drunk for the guy to sell me booze. We try to go to Millenium park but as we're walking up the steps a disembodied voice tells us the park's closed. Seeing as how it's 3am we decide to just go back to the hotel (claire in tow) and drink the rest of the beer we have there.
We get back and I get on FB, TV gets turned on etc. I get up and go to the bathroom and as I come back out claire and Jason are on his bed giggleing and etc. I decide this is really awkward so I change my shirt throw on a hoodie and hat and when they ask where I'm going I say "going to see a man about a dog" and walk out. Long story short I wonder around the streets of Chicago drunk and alone at 4 in the morning. Go to a 7-11 get some grubb, go back and sit in the lobby and txt Jason giving him a 10 min warning. Come back up go to bed around 5. Wake up at 10, pack and check out at 11, put posters up at 12:30 and stand for the next 4 hours. Almost missed the flight on the way back because they decided to board early, got back into Richmond around midnight Wednesday (or Thursday if you want to be technical).
Overall, fun trip.
Monday, October 19, 2009
On Neuroscience: Bathroom edition
So a few things about our hotel bathroom.
1) Why is there a creepy view slot in the shower curtain? If somone needs to pee while I'm showering I don't want to be able to see them.
2) Why does our soap smell like butter? Is this a hotel, or an alien trap? aka, am I going to be eaten?
3)Why are the towels so course, I mean really. I dried myself off today and my legs and arms were itchy. I just got out of the shower why am I itching?!
4) That bear. Don't even get me started on that damn travlodge bear.
1) Why is there a creepy view slot in the shower curtain? If somone needs to pee while I'm showering I don't want to be able to see them.
2) Why does our soap smell like butter? Is this a hotel, or an alien trap? aka, am I going to be eaten?
3)Why are the towels so course, I mean really. I dried myself off today and my legs and arms were itchy. I just got out of the shower why am I itching?!
4) That bear. Don't even get me started on that damn travlodge bear.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
On Neuroscience (pt1)
Saturday: My day started out a little rough. I had a flight out of Richmond at 7:04 am so I set my alarm for 5:45. Alarm went off, I decided not to shower and go back to sleep for an extra 15 min, apparently I fell asleep while setting my alarm and the next thing I know my girlfriend invdes my sleep with the question "what time is your flight again?" I bolt up and see that it's 6:24. We rush getting dressed and she goes to drive me to the airport. I throw on a heavy sweater, heavy coat, hat and gloves. I get to the ticket check out on 3 hours of sleep, stressed about rushing and overdressed, some old guy in front of me looks back and chuckles "oh you goin to flordia a lulululululul" catching my breath from running I just say no. I get through security and sprint to my gate, B20. The terminal ends and all I see is B16 as the highest gate with no one to be seen any where. I ask somone if there is a B20 and they ask me where I was going, I tell them Chicago and they say yeah they were at B15, so I turn around and see the gate, but no one is there. It was 6:58 so I had "plenty" of time to get on. However apparently they finish boarding 10 min before the flight. I wanted for a united rep to come back and I got schedueled for a 9:30 flight.
Go home, get another hour of sleep, get a shower, get a better start to my morning. Get to the terminal with enough time and get on the plane. Watched venture bros and looked at the program on the flight, fairly uneventful. Dr. Porter told me to call him when I get into Chicago, so when I get off the plane I call him but his phone is off. I try to get online and find the confrence but there's no internet, that's fine. I get down to the metro stop, get a week pass, and decide to call Joe again; only to find out my phone's dead. Now those of you who know me and my phone you know that if it dies I'm basiclly out of a phone for about 24-48 hours. So I'm in O'hare with no phone, no internet, an extremely vauge idea of where the confrence is and no idea at all where my hotel is. I do however see alot of people with poster tubes, so I decide to take a chance and follow them, hopeing atleast one of them will lead me to the confrence. Of course there is work being done on part of the line that I'm on so we all have to get off and get on a bus. I miss the majority of the people I was following getting on the bus so I get on the of the busses that say blue line, no posters. I stay on and one bewildered looking kid gets on with a poster so I figrue I'm ok. When the bus let's off I see 3 people with posters they all go in 3 different directions, so I follow one set of girls and they stop to look at a map, I walk up to them and ask if they're going to the confrence and they say yeah but they're going to their hotel first. So great I'm in chicago, no one to follow, no idea of where I am or where to go. Find my way to a metro station and I'm able to find a map with the metro and major land marks. With some cross referencing with some docs on my laptop I'm able to find where the confrence is being held and get on the metro towards there.
I get there successfully and try to get my badge and stuff, there's express log in places all over and I try to register but my name's not in the database, I know that I am a member, and I know that I'm presenting a poster, so why can't I log in? Turns out in addition to paying to be a memeber and paying to present a poster you have to present to attend as well. Shelled out another $60 and get a badge. I find an outlet and try to charge my phone which involves finding the hyper specific way to let it chrage and letting it charge for 20 min so I can get a min of usage. Twice I get my phone to charge long enough to see the texts I got only to have it cut out in the middle of writing a text or making a call. Whatever. So I'm wondering around the confrence with both my bags, heavy sweater and coat, inside. I'm sure I looked horrible. Sleep deprived, haven't eatten all day, lost, sweaty and smelly. Finally I charge my phone enough and got some numbers. Called Jason and got the hotel and the metro stop and found my way to the hotel.
Long story short: I got into chicago at 10:30 local time, and didn't get to my hotel til 5:00. Great first day.
Today: Went saw some posters, got some Epic Burger really, really good, went to SSPD meeting and had my poster up but didn't talk to anyone. Plus while putting away posters, ripped my pants again. So it looks like I'll be going to HM tomorrow morning to get some new jeans. But overall the confrence has been fun, haven't gotten a chance to really explore the city but I'll try to get some of that in while I'm here. Give me suggestions on places to go!
Go home, get another hour of sleep, get a shower, get a better start to my morning. Get to the terminal with enough time and get on the plane. Watched venture bros and looked at the program on the flight, fairly uneventful. Dr. Porter told me to call him when I get into Chicago, so when I get off the plane I call him but his phone is off. I try to get online and find the confrence but there's no internet, that's fine. I get down to the metro stop, get a week pass, and decide to call Joe again; only to find out my phone's dead. Now those of you who know me and my phone you know that if it dies I'm basiclly out of a phone for about 24-48 hours. So I'm in O'hare with no phone, no internet, an extremely vauge idea of where the confrence is and no idea at all where my hotel is. I do however see alot of people with poster tubes, so I decide to take a chance and follow them, hopeing atleast one of them will lead me to the confrence. Of course there is work being done on part of the line that I'm on so we all have to get off and get on a bus. I miss the majority of the people I was following getting on the bus so I get on the of the busses that say blue line, no posters. I stay on and one bewildered looking kid gets on with a poster so I figrue I'm ok. When the bus let's off I see 3 people with posters they all go in 3 different directions, so I follow one set of girls and they stop to look at a map, I walk up to them and ask if they're going to the confrence and they say yeah but they're going to their hotel first. So great I'm in chicago, no one to follow, no idea of where I am or where to go. Find my way to a metro station and I'm able to find a map with the metro and major land marks. With some cross referencing with some docs on my laptop I'm able to find where the confrence is being held and get on the metro towards there.
I get there successfully and try to get my badge and stuff, there's express log in places all over and I try to register but my name's not in the database, I know that I am a member, and I know that I'm presenting a poster, so why can't I log in? Turns out in addition to paying to be a memeber and paying to present a poster you have to present to attend as well. Shelled out another $60 and get a badge. I find an outlet and try to charge my phone which involves finding the hyper specific way to let it chrage and letting it charge for 20 min so I can get a min of usage. Twice I get my phone to charge long enough to see the texts I got only to have it cut out in the middle of writing a text or making a call. Whatever. So I'm wondering around the confrence with both my bags, heavy sweater and coat, inside. I'm sure I looked horrible. Sleep deprived, haven't eatten all day, lost, sweaty and smelly. Finally I charge my phone enough and got some numbers. Called Jason and got the hotel and the metro stop and found my way to the hotel.
Long story short: I got into chicago at 10:30 local time, and didn't get to my hotel til 5:00. Great first day.
Today: Went saw some posters, got some Epic Burger really, really good, went to SSPD meeting and had my poster up but didn't talk to anyone. Plus while putting away posters, ripped my pants again. So it looks like I'll be going to HM tomorrow morning to get some new jeans. But overall the confrence has been fun, haven't gotten a chance to really explore the city but I'll try to get some of that in while I'm here. Give me suggestions on places to go!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
On Frames
So I've been thinking about it and I want a new bike frame. Something nicer. Maybe I'd be happy with just powder coating my old frame, it's actually pretty nice. Either way internet: thoughts? suggestions?
Started grad school applications last night. Started to fill out the Wake Forest University one. I'm also applying to UNC Chapel Hill, UIC, DePaul, Northwestern Weinberg School of Arts and Sciences, VCU, and possibly UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Ugh I don't know, I need to round up money for transcripts, GREs, and application fees. Thinking about asking for it as an early birthday present. There are some other things that I was thinking of asking for but this is more important.
Meeting with Dr. Bettinger today, didn't meet all of my deadlines for this week. Hope I don't get boned.
Started grad school applications last night. Started to fill out the Wake Forest University one. I'm also applying to UNC Chapel Hill, UIC, DePaul, Northwestern Weinberg School of Arts and Sciences, VCU, and possibly UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Ugh I don't know, I need to round up money for transcripts, GREs, and application fees. Thinking about asking for it as an early birthday present. There are some other things that I was thinking of asking for but this is more important.
Meeting with Dr. Bettinger today, didn't meet all of my deadlines for this week. Hope I don't get boned.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
On Disecting a Ghost
So I'm finally back.
Worm lab's going well. I just got my end date extended to the end of February which is good because now I have job security. At the same time however I was kind of hoping that Dr. Bettinger wouldn't have room for me but know someone else that would. While working in that lab is fun I just feel like I'm not able to get results as fast as I should be, and I'm officially decided that I don't like working with C. Elegans. I understand that they're an amazing model organism especially for studying EtOh, but they're just too fragile. It's really annoying waiting for a strain or recombinant to grow up to the stage you need them and then on the day they should be ready they're too young, or worse they're too old, or they starved, or the plate modled or go infected. I'm sick of it! With rodents they're either ready to test or not, I don't have to worry about adding another 3 days to my project every time I let them go a day over on food. I may look into what a behavioral genetics mouse lab, I feel like that would be a fun little adventure.
So as most of you know I plan on leaving Richmond some time around Febuary, or atleast I did. Dr. Porter has told me he could gaurentee me acceptance into the Biopsych program here and he has a good pull if I applied for integrated life sciences. He also told me I could use part of the research I've been doing for my thesis, essentially putting me a year ahead in my project. That's a huge jump, and I'd be passing up a huge opportunity if I left. Still, I feel the pull to leave the city and a part of me is worried that if I stay I'm going to not be able to focus like I should, which has been my reason for leaving all along. It's alot to think about. I'm going to apply to a bunch of placesc and make my decision once I hear back from everywhere.
I turn 22 in a little under a month. Gettin old, real quick. I was talking with Carol Ann about this last night, we both have friends who have already been married for a year. THAT'S NUTS! So many people that I went to high school with already have babies and are married, kids younger than me that I went to high school with have babies. What is this?
So I moved out of Ranger HQ as predicted and I'm not too crazy about it. It's smaller, more expensive, thin walls, shitty neighbors, boring neighborhood, internet shits out half the time. Ugh whatever, one redeeming quality is that it's close to Kroger and in a way it's nice to be back in a building (kind of). If people were more sociable I feel like it would be cool. It turns out that I know someone in the basmenet and I've made friends with one other apt and kind of me a few others but nothing major. While I've stolen Carol Ann's camera I can do a photo update.
So what's up with Grad Student's all over the nation dying/going crazy. There was that Yale PHTX student who got murdered, a VCU Grad student was found with thousands of dollars of non-civillian cop paraphanalia was arrested after pulling a woman over with cop decals on his car and a badge, and I feel like there was something else but I can't quite put my finger on it.
Anyway, I think that's all I've got right now. Before I go I'm going to plug a review a friend of mine wrote for BYT.
Worm lab's going well. I just got my end date extended to the end of February which is good because now I have job security. At the same time however I was kind of hoping that Dr. Bettinger wouldn't have room for me but know someone else that would. While working in that lab is fun I just feel like I'm not able to get results as fast as I should be, and I'm officially decided that I don't like working with C. Elegans. I understand that they're an amazing model organism especially for studying EtOh, but they're just too fragile. It's really annoying waiting for a strain or recombinant to grow up to the stage you need them and then on the day they should be ready they're too young, or worse they're too old, or they starved, or the plate modled or go infected. I'm sick of it! With rodents they're either ready to test or not, I don't have to worry about adding another 3 days to my project every time I let them go a day over on food. I may look into what a behavioral genetics mouse lab, I feel like that would be a fun little adventure.
So as most of you know I plan on leaving Richmond some time around Febuary, or atleast I did. Dr. Porter has told me he could gaurentee me acceptance into the Biopsych program here and he has a good pull if I applied for integrated life sciences. He also told me I could use part of the research I've been doing for my thesis, essentially putting me a year ahead in my project. That's a huge jump, and I'd be passing up a huge opportunity if I left. Still, I feel the pull to leave the city and a part of me is worried that if I stay I'm going to not be able to focus like I should, which has been my reason for leaving all along. It's alot to think about. I'm going to apply to a bunch of placesc and make my decision once I hear back from everywhere.
I turn 22 in a little under a month. Gettin old, real quick. I was talking with Carol Ann about this last night, we both have friends who have already been married for a year. THAT'S NUTS! So many people that I went to high school with already have babies and are married, kids younger than me that I went to high school with have babies. What is this?
So I moved out of Ranger HQ as predicted and I'm not too crazy about it. It's smaller, more expensive, thin walls, shitty neighbors, boring neighborhood, internet shits out half the time. Ugh whatever, one redeeming quality is that it's close to Kroger and in a way it's nice to be back in a building (kind of). If people were more sociable I feel like it would be cool. It turns out that I know someone in the basmenet and I've made friends with one other apt and kind of me a few others but nothing major. While I've stolen Carol Ann's camera I can do a photo update.
So what's up with Grad Student's all over the nation dying/going crazy. There was that Yale PHTX student who got murdered, a VCU Grad student was found with thousands of dollars of non-civillian cop paraphanalia was arrested after pulling a woman over with cop decals on his car and a badge, and I feel like there was something else but I can't quite put my finger on it.
Anyway, I think that's all I've got right now. Before I go I'm going to plug a review a friend of mine wrote for BYT.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
On Returning
I've been meaning to post recently. Don't have time right now but hopefully I'll do something later today/late this week.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
On Jynxes
So I haven't posted for awhile because of the curse that seems to be on this blog, every time I make a positive post everything turns to shit. But consequences be damned, a short update is in order.
Things are going really well in Dr. Bettinger's I did my first PCR and got decent results. I'm not complete shit yay! On the other hand now that I'm doing PCR things are really building up downtown. Right now I've got about 30+ recombinant strains that I need to get through 2 more rounds of assays, plus I have to do PCR for 18 more chromosomes with the 16 strains that I did this first one with, as well as keep up on worm maintaince, pouring plates, etc.
Porter's in going a bit more smoothly. Some of my boys are dropping out here and there but they are starting to get old so it's understandable. But recently everyone has been training really well so I'm breezeing through test points left right and center, I do wish they were a bit more staggered but results are results. Also two of the curves I'm on now look promising as far as subing goes.
Things are going well personally too. I won't say much because of the jynx but: Goats.
I've been watching alot of weeds recently, conclusion: season 3 sucks boner jams. It's just too rediculous, like before things were believeable but now they're shooting for the stars with these plot lines.
Also I've been listening to alot of born ruffians, they grew on me really quickly and I'm now watching last.fm like a hawk to see when the'll be in the area.
I'm leaving ranger HQ in 35 days, then Richmond in 6 months. Chicago has a pretty strong pull but I need to start looking at schools/jobs/programs really soon. Also on that note, I made a professional facebook, with my real name. OOOOOOOh! I won't be posting the link thought because I'm trying to keep it just lab/professional contacts. It's pretty lame too, I wouldn't want any one to really look at it.
Mike and I ordered our first warhammer boxes. Him Dwarves (obviously) myself Lizardmen. Stoked.
Things are going really well in Dr. Bettinger's I did my first PCR and got decent results. I'm not complete shit yay! On the other hand now that I'm doing PCR things are really building up downtown. Right now I've got about 30+ recombinant strains that I need to get through 2 more rounds of assays, plus I have to do PCR for 18 more chromosomes with the 16 strains that I did this first one with, as well as keep up on worm maintaince, pouring plates, etc.
Porter's in going a bit more smoothly. Some of my boys are dropping out here and there but they are starting to get old so it's understandable. But recently everyone has been training really well so I'm breezeing through test points left right and center, I do wish they were a bit more staggered but results are results. Also two of the curves I'm on now look promising as far as subing goes.
Things are going well personally too. I won't say much because of the jynx but: Goats.
I've been watching alot of weeds recently, conclusion: season 3 sucks boner jams. It's just too rediculous, like before things were believeable but now they're shooting for the stars with these plot lines.
Also I've been listening to alot of born ruffians, they grew on me really quickly and I'm now watching last.fm like a hawk to see when the'll be in the area.
I'm leaving ranger HQ in 35 days, then Richmond in 6 months. Chicago has a pretty strong pull but I need to start looking at schools/jobs/programs really soon. Also on that note, I made a professional facebook, with my real name. OOOOOOOh! I won't be posting the link thought because I'm trying to keep it just lab/professional contacts. It's pretty lame too, I wouldn't want any one to really look at it.
Mike and I ordered our first warhammer boxes. Him Dwarves (obviously) myself Lizardmen. Stoked.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
On Walking the Line
So shit's been a little crazy these past few weeks since Graduation. I'm still working in Dr. Bettinger's worm lab, and I'm now trying to catch up for all of the ground I feel like I lost when I first started. I think things are going well, and really I should be going in today but I popped my back tube on the way home from a party last night and I haven't had a day off in 2+ weeks so I figure I could take this one day off and catch up later.
I've been doing alot of partying and I'm not 100% how I feel about it. I mean it is summer and I did just graduate but I don't know it just seems like every night I'm going out and while I have a good time I wish I could stay home sometimes. It's gotten to that point again thought that I don't like being home really, especially with my xboxs broken whenever I am home I just feel uneasy and I kind of want to leave. I like being home, like today I'm glad that I'll just be able to sit around but, I'm not sure how to explain it.
I leave Ranger HQ in 2 months, and then 6 short months after that I'm leaving Richmond, which also menas that I need to start looking for jobs/programs really seriously and figure out where I'm going, I guess I should sit down and talk to Cory so we can hash out where we're going when we leave here. It's starting to hit me just how little time I have left in this city. There are so many things I want to do still, it's going to be so weird leaving here. I know I've talked about it alot here but I just can't get over it.
Things are still fairly quiet on the lady front, no real updates, no serious prospects. What else is new though, I'd like to meet someone but since I'm leaving so soon it seems fairly pointless. Plus a serious relationship is not what I want/need, and I feel like I've exausted 90% of the resources this city has given me as far as girls go.
I've just gotten the idea to make a Richmond couterpart to A Grand Don't Come for Free.
I really like the Streets. But I feel like that's a talk for another time.
I'll leave you with this:
I've been doing alot of partying and I'm not 100% how I feel about it. I mean it is summer and I did just graduate but I don't know it just seems like every night I'm going out and while I have a good time I wish I could stay home sometimes. It's gotten to that point again thought that I don't like being home really, especially with my xboxs broken whenever I am home I just feel uneasy and I kind of want to leave. I like being home, like today I'm glad that I'll just be able to sit around but, I'm not sure how to explain it.
I leave Ranger HQ in 2 months, and then 6 short months after that I'm leaving Richmond, which also menas that I need to start looking for jobs/programs really seriously and figure out where I'm going, I guess I should sit down and talk to Cory so we can hash out where we're going when we leave here. It's starting to hit me just how little time I have left in this city. There are so many things I want to do still, it's going to be so weird leaving here. I know I've talked about it alot here but I just can't get over it.
Things are still fairly quiet on the lady front, no real updates, no serious prospects. What else is new though, I'd like to meet someone but since I'm leaving so soon it seems fairly pointless. Plus a serious relationship is not what I want/need, and I feel like I've exausted 90% of the resources this city has given me as far as girls go.
I've just gotten the idea to make a Richmond couterpart to A Grand Don't Come for Free.
I really like the Streets. But I feel like that's a talk for another time.
I'll leave you with this:
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
On Shopperist (Introduction)
So a friend of mine has a really cool blog, where she finds cool clothes/stuff to buy and talks about them. Mind you most of these things none of us will ever be able to own but it's fun to look out, a girl can dream can't she?
I've found myself doing the same thing alot recently, only with bike apparel. So here are three things I've been lusting after for the past few weeks. Come on lotto tickets, do me well.
I've found myself doing the same thing alot recently, only with bike apparel. So here are three things I've been lusting after for the past few weeks. Come on lotto tickets, do me well.
On Shopperist (Part 1)
This is the Chrome Mini.Metro bag. Yes I already have a chrome bag but it's kinda bulky. I want something little that I can just pop all my stuff in and go to work. It's kind of a bitch getting things in and out of my rolltop. Plus I really like the color of this one. This one is on sale, so next paycheck maybe, but we'll see how things are going.
On Shopperist (Part 2)
This is the Chrome Pacer Zipped Jacket. Hidden compartments, lightweight, cut for riding. What's not to love? Oh the price, that's right. Actually this one and the black version are on sale right now so they may be a possibility next paycheck.
On Shopperist (Part 3)
These are a pair of biker's pants from Outlier. They're called the climbers, slim fit, water resistant, shaped for bikers. These pants are beautiful, functional, and I would look god damn good in them. Only problem is buying a pair of them would be half my rent, and they said they don't fit so well if you have sprinter's thighs. Which I fear I may have.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
On Awesome Shows
So I've been extremely broke (like overdraft broke) for the past few days. I don't get paid till this monday and my friends were getting tired of feeding me. So a friend of mine who'se in a drawing class needed nude models and I agreed. 2 night and 4 hours later I get 10 dollars and a meal. Meh, but any way I took said $10 and went to the Camel to see David Shultz and the Skyline Band, Paleface, and Itchy Hearts.
I missed most of Itchy Hearts and wasn't too impressed by what I did see. I think they're a highschool band? Either way there was 10k kids there watching them, all from high school.
Paleface came on next and I didn't expect much out of them but half way through the first song I was in love. It's a guy and a girl, the guy (Paleface) sings, plays guitar, and harmonica. His voice varies from Louis Armstrong gravel pit to a decent tenor falseto. He was full of energy and while Varia and I were dancing came down to dance with us. The lady is a drummer who also sings, beatiful voice, really cute. They've got a very folky sound about them which I loved. I went home and wiki/last.fmd them and it turns out that Paleface has been around for a really long time. He even tutored under Daniel Johnston. Check it.
David Shultz and the Skyline Band were really good too. They played some stuff from an upoming album which is exciting. After the show I went up and talked to Paleface and DS for a bit. Good stuff. $7 Better spent on a show than food!
I missed most of Itchy Hearts and wasn't too impressed by what I did see. I think they're a highschool band? Either way there was 10k kids there watching them, all from high school.
Paleface came on next and I didn't expect much out of them but half way through the first song I was in love. It's a guy and a girl, the guy (Paleface) sings, plays guitar, and harmonica. His voice varies from Louis Armstrong gravel pit to a decent tenor falseto. He was full of energy and while Varia and I were dancing came down to dance with us. The lady is a drummer who also sings, beatiful voice, really cute. They've got a very folky sound about them which I loved. I went home and wiki/last.fmd them and it turns out that Paleface has been around for a really long time. He even tutored under Daniel Johnston. Check it.
David Shultz and the Skyline Band were really good too. They played some stuff from an upoming album which is exciting. After the show I went up and talked to Paleface and DS for a bit. Good stuff. $7 Better spent on a show than food!
Monday, May 18, 2009
On Loving the Cannibal Queen
So I graduated Saturday. While the ceremonies themselves were awesome, and I had an amazing day, night and otherwise. However, this being the first day after the weekend of, I don't find myself in the blissful arms of a carefree summer. In fact I am far from the Golden Summer that I thought was well within my grasp.
I had to give my first progress report to Dr. Bettinger today. Dr. Bettinger is not one to beat around the bush, she is very direct, has a short temper, and my lack of background in the majority of the aspects of this lab is not helping me out. I sat down in her office and was immediately made to feel like an idiot. Not fun, so I went to go pick worms for a practice assay tomorrw. All of the worms had burrowed under the auger so I couldn't get to them and concidering I was looking for just L4s it made it even worse. I picked 20 and got one of the more senior techs to look over my picking. "Lets see what we've got: an adult, a dead worm, an L3, oh there's one!" yeah didn't do well. It was about 3:00 and I was begining to worry about making it down to Dr. Porter's for my Drug Discrimination. Long story short Bett's was a crap shoot today.
On a lighter note I finished downloading Miniature Tigers' Tell it To the Volcano. I'm really digging it, it's what I've been listening to all day on repeat. I kind of want to have a cup of coffee right now, I'm gunna stay up and read a bit. That's one good thing now that it's summer, I haven't fixed my xbox and stuff, so I've been hanging out with people alot more than I feel like I would if I had it fixed. Having to work every morning is kinda hampering that but it's ok because I don't have any money anyway.
So anyway, summer comes with it's ups and it's downs. Let's see how this last year rides out.
I had to give my first progress report to Dr. Bettinger today. Dr. Bettinger is not one to beat around the bush, she is very direct, has a short temper, and my lack of background in the majority of the aspects of this lab is not helping me out. I sat down in her office and was immediately made to feel like an idiot. Not fun, so I went to go pick worms for a practice assay tomorrw. All of the worms had burrowed under the auger so I couldn't get to them and concidering I was looking for just L4s it made it even worse. I picked 20 and got one of the more senior techs to look over my picking. "Lets see what we've got: an adult, a dead worm, an L3, oh there's one!" yeah didn't do well. It was about 3:00 and I was begining to worry about making it down to Dr. Porter's for my Drug Discrimination. Long story short Bett's was a crap shoot today.
On a lighter note I finished downloading Miniature Tigers' Tell it To the Volcano. I'm really digging it, it's what I've been listening to all day on repeat. I kind of want to have a cup of coffee right now, I'm gunna stay up and read a bit. That's one good thing now that it's summer, I haven't fixed my xbox and stuff, so I've been hanging out with people alot more than I feel like I would if I had it fixed. Having to work every morning is kinda hampering that but it's ok because I don't have any money anyway.
So anyway, summer comes with it's ups and it's downs. Let's see how this last year rides out.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
On Random DC Trips (Part 2)
So after posting last night Jennie, Aimee, and I sat around the house, or more I sat around while they went through some kind of photo book “remember him he was so gross lolololol!” we all went down to the stoop to smoke a cigarette and one of Aimee’s friends Dan was walking by. He sat down and talked to us for awhile, Jennie got really excited when Dan told her about the Derby.
J: What is it?
D: It’s a Bar
J: Is it cheap?
D: Yeah
J:FUCK YEAH! Does it have PBR?
D: yeah I think so
J: FUCK YES SNACK GO GET YOUR SHOES!
Jennie and I ran upstairs and got smokes and my shoes, but we went back down and disappointedly got talked out of going to the bar. As an alternative Dan invited us down the street to play 4 square and have some BBQ. Apparently 4 square is a big thing in Mt. Pleasant. To our dismay we went with Dan to the house he was talking about but 4 square and the BBQing had been put away. We still hung out on the porch with Dan, Beth?, and some other kid, plus Jennie and I drank leftover beer from a party that Aimee’s roommate had a few days ago. Not like floaters, they were still closed when we took them out of the fridge.
We had a good time, hung out for a bit, shared some stories, etc. Everyone decided it was bed time so the three of us walked back to Aimee’s and after chatting and a cig or two Jennie and I blew up the air mattress and passed out.
I woke up to Jennie talking to Aimee as she was going out the door for work. We lounged around in our PJs for about an hour then packed up and left Aimee’s. We put a little more money on our Metro cards and got on green. After we switched to red our car pulled off to let another train pass and then broke down, or something? Long story short we sat there for maybe 20 min at a 20o angle. Train started up and we were on our way again.
The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful, got back to the car got on 95 eventually, stopped at Wawa for some food, listened to some fun music. The usual. I got back into Richmond around 4:45ish.
All in all this trip was amazing, it was phenomenal to get out of the city, and I had a lot of fun. Thanks to Jennie for getting me to go and for paying for some stuff. Thanks to Aimee for housing the two of us for a few days. I’m psyched to go back, but this time I’m taking my bike, Jennie said that 2am on a Sunday is the most supreme time to ride because no one’s on the road. I look forward to my next trip back and to the many other roadtrips I’ll take this summer. This trip showed me that there is much bigger and better things in the world than Richmond, Va. It’ll always be my heart but it’s time to move on. Thanks for the great times.
J: What is it?
D: It’s a Bar
J: Is it cheap?
D: Yeah
J:FUCK YEAH! Does it have PBR?
D: yeah I think so
J: FUCK YES SNACK GO GET YOUR SHOES!
Jennie and I ran upstairs and got smokes and my shoes, but we went back down and disappointedly got talked out of going to the bar. As an alternative Dan invited us down the street to play 4 square and have some BBQ. Apparently 4 square is a big thing in Mt. Pleasant. To our dismay we went with Dan to the house he was talking about but 4 square and the BBQing had been put away. We still hung out on the porch with Dan, Beth?, and some other kid, plus Jennie and I drank leftover beer from a party that Aimee’s roommate had a few days ago. Not like floaters, they were still closed when we took them out of the fridge.
We had a good time, hung out for a bit, shared some stories, etc. Everyone decided it was bed time so the three of us walked back to Aimee’s and after chatting and a cig or two Jennie and I blew up the air mattress and passed out.
I woke up to Jennie talking to Aimee as she was going out the door for work. We lounged around in our PJs for about an hour then packed up and left Aimee’s. We put a little more money on our Metro cards and got on green. After we switched to red our car pulled off to let another train pass and then broke down, or something? Long story short we sat there for maybe 20 min at a 20o angle. Train started up and we were on our way again.
The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful, got back to the car got on 95 eventually, stopped at Wawa for some food, listened to some fun music. The usual. I got back into Richmond around 4:45ish.
All in all this trip was amazing, it was phenomenal to get out of the city, and I had a lot of fun. Thanks to Jennie for getting me to go and for paying for some stuff. Thanks to Aimee for housing the two of us for a few days. I’m psyched to go back, but this time I’m taking my bike, Jennie said that 2am on a Sunday is the most supreme time to ride because no one’s on the road. I look forward to my next trip back and to the many other roadtrips I’ll take this summer. This trip showed me that there is much bigger and better things in the world than Richmond, Va. It’ll always be my heart but it’s time to move on. Thanks for the great times.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
On Random DC Trips (Part 1)
So Thursday I got out of work a little late, 7ish, and I my friend Jennie asked me if I wanted to go to Taco Bell, she insisted to pay and so I went with her and caught up and had a really good time. We went back to her place and hung out, played with her new kitten and then went down to the look out, with the kitten in a backpack, it wasn’t so keen on that part. While down there Jennie was like do you wanna go to DC tonight? I reminded her that I was really broke and told her that I had stuff to do tomorrow. A little cajoling later I txt’d Jason and told him I wouldn’t be in to run on Saturday.
We packed up our stuff, got gas and ciggs and then set out at about 10. We stopped in Manassas at a party that a friend of Jennie’s (also a friend of mine’s brother) was at/having. There were really drunk highschool kids everywhere and the cops showed up because apparently there was some tanked 17 year old girl waiting on the corner near the main road. After getting directions 5 times from someone we went to the Vienna Metro station at about 2am, we parked and got tickets.
This was my first time riding an underground transit system in the U.S. I’d ridden the underground in London before and really liked it and the Metro was really awesome too. About 3 stops in a gaggle of drunk bros got on, right then I knew that it would be a good weekend. There was one in an orange shirt (polo) who kept making really awesome “I’m drunk but I’m trying to explain something difficult to you” faces. Highlights from over hearing these bros also included “no man, girls are a lot dikier than you think” “I don’t care if I’m a 3rd wheel can I get in on this?” Good times to be had by all. We switched from the orange to the red are Metro Station, and then onto the green after that.
We got off at Columbia Heights and walked a few blocks to one of Jennie’s friend’s houses. After a quick 7-11 trip we hung out for awhile then blew up the air mattress and passed out around 4am.
Jennie and I woke up at like 12:30 to a note from Aimee (the friend) telling us that she had gone to work and left a set of her apartment keys. After changing out of our PJs and getting ready Jennie and I went to Sticky Fingers, this Vegan Coffee Shop/Bakery. The food there was so tight, I got a phat mint (vegan thin mint but bigger) and Jennie got an amazing cinnamon roll.
We came back to Aimee’s and decided to go to the National Zoo, which was less than a 10 min walk from Aimee’s apartment. Jennie and I spent the day walking around looking at: Sea Lions, Bears, not wolves, Beavers, not Armadillos, Red Pandas, etc. The Beevers were really tight because they would walk up to you and stand on their hind legs and pose for you so you could take a picture of them. It was a really really awesome time, best of all, it was free!
We walked back to the place we were staying and hung out for about an hour until Aimee got off work, we then walked to Soul Veg, this phenomenal vegan/vegetarian restaurant, I had vegan pepper steak, this ballin ass mac and cheese and corn. The food was stupid good and the guys there were really friendly, they talked to us and told us 20 times to come back next time we were in DC.
I’m really glad I went on this trip, I think it was a good end cap to school and it was really nice to get out of Richmond for a bit. It’s made me realize just how not perfect fist city is and if anything is making me want to get out even more. DC has been awesome, thus far and I expect nothing less tonight. Should be leaving sometime tomorrow back in the afternoon/early evening. More updated then.
We packed up our stuff, got gas and ciggs and then set out at about 10. We stopped in Manassas at a party that a friend of Jennie’s (also a friend of mine’s brother) was at/having. There were really drunk highschool kids everywhere and the cops showed up because apparently there was some tanked 17 year old girl waiting on the corner near the main road. After getting directions 5 times from someone we went to the Vienna Metro station at about 2am, we parked and got tickets.
This was my first time riding an underground transit system in the U.S. I’d ridden the underground in London before and really liked it and the Metro was really awesome too. About 3 stops in a gaggle of drunk bros got on, right then I knew that it would be a good weekend. There was one in an orange shirt (polo) who kept making really awesome “I’m drunk but I’m trying to explain something difficult to you” faces. Highlights from over hearing these bros also included “no man, girls are a lot dikier than you think” “I don’t care if I’m a 3rd wheel can I get in on this?” Good times to be had by all. We switched from the orange to the red are Metro Station, and then onto the green after that.
We got off at Columbia Heights and walked a few blocks to one of Jennie’s friend’s houses. After a quick 7-11 trip we hung out for awhile then blew up the air mattress and passed out around 4am.
Jennie and I woke up at like 12:30 to a note from Aimee (the friend) telling us that she had gone to work and left a set of her apartment keys. After changing out of our PJs and getting ready Jennie and I went to Sticky Fingers, this Vegan Coffee Shop/Bakery. The food there was so tight, I got a phat mint (vegan thin mint but bigger) and Jennie got an amazing cinnamon roll.
We came back to Aimee’s and decided to go to the National Zoo, which was less than a 10 min walk from Aimee’s apartment. Jennie and I spent the day walking around looking at: Sea Lions, Bears, not wolves, Beavers, not Armadillos, Red Pandas, etc. The Beevers were really tight because they would walk up to you and stand on their hind legs and pose for you so you could take a picture of them. It was a really really awesome time, best of all, it was free!
We walked back to the place we were staying and hung out for about an hour until Aimee got off work, we then walked to Soul Veg, this phenomenal vegan/vegetarian restaurant, I had vegan pepper steak, this ballin ass mac and cheese and corn. The food was stupid good and the guys there were really friendly, they talked to us and told us 20 times to come back next time we were in DC.
I’m really glad I went on this trip, I think it was a good end cap to school and it was really nice to get out of Richmond for a bit. It’s made me realize just how not perfect fist city is and if anything is making me want to get out even more. DC has been awesome, thus far and I expect nothing less tonight. Should be leaving sometime tomorrow back in the afternoon/early evening. More updated then.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
On Shutting the Fuck up Boy
And thus the duality of my life rears it's horrid head once more. I'm ecstatic because I'm graduating in 17 days (done in 6). I'm heartbroken because I've lost one of the greatest things I've ever experienced.
So many questions I want to ask. So many throats I want to slit.
I've been listening to Why? almost nonstop recently. I'm really into it and if you don't know about it check out the link.
Still wondering what to do about the recoverable part of the situation, I could possibly slavage it and turn things out for the better but I don't know if I want to put the effort into it.
Took my first final today, we'll see how things go. Two more to go.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
On My Brother's Blood
In 2 days I'll be done with classes.
In 10 days I'll of taken my last final.
In 20 days I'll be walking.
In 3 months I'll be leave the house I've lived in for 3 years.
In 1 year I'll be leaving Richmond.
So many questions still unanswered, so many questions that have come up in the past few days. So many questions that I thought were answered that have resurfaced.
The three classes I have finals in I need to get 98, 108, 104 to get the grades I want. My plan is to study for each one intensively and independently because I have a few days between each. 71/64/73 will be good enough for 2 of them but one of them I have to get the upper grade. I'm not sure if I'll be able to pull it off and that really scares me. I'm making flashcards but that's going questionably well.
Listening to my favorite music is self destructive but I can't help it. I want to listen to it.
I'm thinking of making another mix tape.
I want to know how things are going but I've promised myself I won't come back, if you want to you need to come to me.
I just want it to be like that night when my mattress was on the floor and we listened to music.
We've all got to grow up though, I guess that's what the moral is. Things change, people change, the situation can never stay the same.
I wonder if you still plan on coming to my graduation.
I wonder if you're thinking the same things that I am. I know your not but it's nice to pretend.
I almost wrote again today. I haven't written in a long time, I always wish I wrote more. Short stories/screenplays/comics etc. However I don't practice and plan these things enough for them to be decent so when I do end up doing something like that they're horrible. I still wish I had written today but I had a good day otherwise.
I just want to be focused for 10 days. That's all I ask, I want to block out everyone and all the bullshit going on for 10 days. I just want to do well this semester.
So tired of it all.
In 10 days I'll of taken my last final.
In 20 days I'll be walking.
In 3 months I'll be leave the house I've lived in for 3 years.
In 1 year I'll be leaving Richmond.
So many questions still unanswered, so many questions that have come up in the past few days. So many questions that I thought were answered that have resurfaced.
The three classes I have finals in I need to get 98, 108, 104 to get the grades I want. My plan is to study for each one intensively and independently because I have a few days between each. 71/64/73 will be good enough for 2 of them but one of them I have to get the upper grade. I'm not sure if I'll be able to pull it off and that really scares me. I'm making flashcards but that's going questionably well.
Listening to my favorite music is self destructive but I can't help it. I want to listen to it.
I'm thinking of making another mix tape.
I want to know how things are going but I've promised myself I won't come back, if you want to you need to come to me.
I just want it to be like that night when my mattress was on the floor and we listened to music.
We've all got to grow up though, I guess that's what the moral is. Things change, people change, the situation can never stay the same.
I wonder if you still plan on coming to my graduation.
I wonder if you're thinking the same things that I am. I know your not but it's nice to pretend.
I almost wrote again today. I haven't written in a long time, I always wish I wrote more. Short stories/screenplays/comics etc. However I don't practice and plan these things enough for them to be decent so when I do end up doing something like that they're horrible. I still wish I had written today but I had a good day otherwise.
I just want to be focused for 10 days. That's all I ask, I want to block out everyone and all the bullshit going on for 10 days. I just want to do well this semester.
So tired of it all.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
On Bad Luck
Yesterday I was enjoying the weather with some friends on my porch. Then a bird shit on me. Three people (and the opening scene in Fable II) said it was good luck. One other person told me that witches had cursed me.
I'm beginning to believe the latter.
It's either that or this blog is bad luck. It seems like every time that I post that things are going well here they turn to shit within a few days. On Mornings was no exception. I'm worried that my decision to stay has interfered with someones plans and because of that it has caused them strife. Whatever I (should be) talking to you within the next few hours so hopefully things will work themselves out.
Wish me luck, I may be leaving after all.
I'm beginning to believe the latter.
It's either that or this blog is bad luck. It seems like every time that I post that things are going well here they turn to shit within a few days. On Mornings was no exception. I'm worried that my decision to stay has interfered with someones plans and because of that it has caused them strife. Whatever I (should be) talking to you within the next few hours so hopefully things will work themselves out.
Wish me luck, I may be leaving after all.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
On Mornings
12 Days. 2 and a half weeks. 22 More Classes. After that, I'm done with college. I graduate in less than a month, in less than a month I'll be walking across the stage at the Sigel center and receiving my diploma. Holy. Shit. It's crazy, it blows my mind. But I feel like I'm better set up than most of my peers. A B.S. in Psychology means nothing really, at best you can get lab tech jobs so graduate school is a must. I have a really good in with Dr. Porter, I've worked in his lab for about 2 years now, I'm doing a study under his supervision, he's even pulled some strings to get me into classes. Either way around the time that grad school applications were due Dr. Porter tells me that funding is tight within the depatment and they may not be taking on new students so I may want to look other places. Of course I procrastinate and end up with 2 weeks to look at other schools. I tried looking into schools, programs, and professors but it was too much and so I decided to take a year off. I think I'd previously mentioned that I wasn't sure if I was leaving Richmond or not.
Well recently I was talking with Cory , with who I had talked about moving to Chicago with, and he still has another semester left so Cory and I decided to get a place together hopefully with a 6 month lease then go from there. So what changed my mind? I may be able to extend the Tech Job I have now with Dr. Bettinger. Things with me and someone else are going well, not to say that I'm staying for them, but I'm not leaving because of them which was the original driving force behind leaving. Cory also said that once he'd graduated he'd go wherever with me so that will be nice if we do end up deciding to move I'd have someone with me.
Speaking of jobs, I essentially got fired the other day. I work at a corporate bakery/cafe, and I've worked there for awhile. When I first started working there it was still a franchise and things were amazing, I came back after about a year of being gone to a new store. The same GM that hired me but this store is top 5 selling stores in the country and fastest order time in the country. So I think the stress have driven her crazy, and her little staff of underlings is not much better. Anyway, we throw away whatever bread the homeless shelters don't come to pick up at the end of the night. The other evening I was working and it was supposed to thunderstorm right when I got out, so I got a friend to pick me up. When he got there, after we'd closed I ran out side and gave him bread. Long story short the next day when I come into work there's a 2 page write up about the incident and the last paragraph says that I'm suspended until the issue is "resolved" I said fine here's my 2 weeks. So I'm actually really pumped, I now have time to myself, I can focus on my school work, and I have another job lined up to start in the summer. I'm pumped.
So all in all things have been going pretty well for me as of late. Cross my fingers so they stay this way.
Well recently I was talking with Cory , with who I had talked about moving to Chicago with, and he still has another semester left so Cory and I decided to get a place together hopefully with a 6 month lease then go from there. So what changed my mind? I may be able to extend the Tech Job I have now with Dr. Bettinger. Things with me and someone else are going well, not to say that I'm staying for them, but I'm not leaving because of them which was the original driving force behind leaving. Cory also said that once he'd graduated he'd go wherever with me so that will be nice if we do end up deciding to move I'd have someone with me.
Speaking of jobs, I essentially got fired the other day. I work at a corporate bakery/cafe, and I've worked there for awhile. When I first started working there it was still a franchise and things were amazing, I came back after about a year of being gone to a new store. The same GM that hired me but this store is top 5 selling stores in the country and fastest order time in the country. So I think the stress have driven her crazy, and her little staff of underlings is not much better. Anyway, we throw away whatever bread the homeless shelters don't come to pick up at the end of the night. The other evening I was working and it was supposed to thunderstorm right when I got out, so I got a friend to pick me up. When he got there, after we'd closed I ran out side and gave him bread. Long story short the next day when I come into work there's a 2 page write up about the incident and the last paragraph says that I'm suspended until the issue is "resolved" I said fine here's my 2 weeks. So I'm actually really pumped, I now have time to myself, I can focus on my school work, and I have another job lined up to start in the summer. I'm pumped.
So all in all things have been going pretty well for me as of late. Cross my fingers so they stay this way.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
On How Much Difference 24 Hours Can Make
I've had a really good 24 hours. Like phenomenally, everything is wrapping up nicely. I'll expand more later, possibly tomorrow.
Topics Include:
Post Summer Plans, Professionalism, Panera, Tutoring, Summer, etc.
Tune in. Good night.
Topics Include:
Post Summer Plans, Professionalism, Panera, Tutoring, Summer, etc.
Tune in. Good night.
Monday, March 23, 2009
On Tattoos
So I've really really wanted a half-sleeve of the greek goddess Athena for about a year now. Now my current tattoo artist has said that he's been really into doing mythological tattoos. And his work is really good the only problem is that he is a goddamed ghost. I've told him multiple times that I am ready and have the money to do this and that I'd like to get it done while I still have the cash. I've told him this maybe three times now and each time I've gotten nothing back. Emails, phone calls, passing messages. Nothing, so I'm wondering if I should start looking for a new artist. I picked up a card from Thea Duskin and checked out her portfolio, she looks pretty good. I've always heard good things about Salvation and checked out some of their profiles.
I don't know, thoughts? Suggestions?
I don't know, thoughts? Suggestions?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
On Bonus Blog Tie Ins
Actually yes I do. I don't like it one bit.
Cig+Bed
Back to school tomorrow. Let's wrap this train wreck up and get the fuck out.
Cig+Bed
Back to school tomorrow. Let's wrap this train wreck up and get the fuck out.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
On Arch-Rivalry
Things have been weird recently. Spring break was this past week and I decided not to pick up any extra time at work so I could have some time to myself. This semester has been really draining, bring on campus for most of the day and then a good portion of the evening spent in the library then a weekend full of work and getting drunk.
So I worked all last weekend but I had made plans with someone when I got off work Sunday night. While I'm at work my brother calls me and tells me he was coming down to see some people and that he was going to spend the night in town. I haven't seen my brother in about 6 months and so of course I was really excited to hang out with him. However I really wanted to keep the plans I had already made so I worked out something in my head that would let both work, we would go to a neutral location and things would be fine. But then my brother and I started drinking on the porch, I mean it was the second beautiful night of the season. So I invited the person I'd made plans with over to drink with us. Things were going well other people came over and we all hung out like all of us used to do and it was really nice. Then people started to leave and my brother told me he was going to bed, I was going to try to see the person who I'd invited over home but unfortunately I'd gotten way too drunk and she went home on their own, I feel like I kind of let them down because plans between us are kind of tentative as is and something that had no chance of interruption, did just that.
The next few days were spent catching up with people I haven't seen in ages. Some of them girls, and while it was nice I've come to realize that it's much like having Arch-Rivals. It's not about the actual fight it's about the art. I wouldn't know what to do if a girl actually wanted to pursue something with me. Maybe it's some deep seeded insecurity about myself, this is the first time since I've come to college that I haven't had a steady girlfriend. It's not like I can't function without a girlfriend, I don't feel that I am in any way codependent on another person but I just... I don't know. I feel better when I have something to chase, but I'm like a dog and cars I'm not sure I'd know what to do if I caught one.
I do feel like my life has been kind of a mess these past few months though. Now mind you that could be because of a huge number of factors and while correlation does not equal causation it is kind of weird that things have been so weird now that I'm in this situation. But I'm getting ahead of myself, there's alot on my plate as I've talked about before and I just need to take a deep breath, keep my head about me and finish out this semester.
On a good note though, I feel like the chase is back on. A real chase this time, and while for most the chase is full of uncertainty and doubt, the chase is a welcome change for me. I'd rather have a serious super villian trying to kill me than a hand full of jack asses in costumes who don't know what they're doing.
So I worked all last weekend but I had made plans with someone when I got off work Sunday night. While I'm at work my brother calls me and tells me he was coming down to see some people and that he was going to spend the night in town. I haven't seen my brother in about 6 months and so of course I was really excited to hang out with him. However I really wanted to keep the plans I had already made so I worked out something in my head that would let both work, we would go to a neutral location and things would be fine. But then my brother and I started drinking on the porch, I mean it was the second beautiful night of the season. So I invited the person I'd made plans with over to drink with us. Things were going well other people came over and we all hung out like all of us used to do and it was really nice. Then people started to leave and my brother told me he was going to bed, I was going to try to see the person who I'd invited over home but unfortunately I'd gotten way too drunk and she went home on their own, I feel like I kind of let them down because plans between us are kind of tentative as is and something that had no chance of interruption, did just that.
The next few days were spent catching up with people I haven't seen in ages. Some of them girls, and while it was nice I've come to realize that it's much like having Arch-Rivals. It's not about the actual fight it's about the art. I wouldn't know what to do if a girl actually wanted to pursue something with me. Maybe it's some deep seeded insecurity about myself, this is the first time since I've come to college that I haven't had a steady girlfriend. It's not like I can't function without a girlfriend, I don't feel that I am in any way codependent on another person but I just... I don't know. I feel better when I have something to chase, but I'm like a dog and cars I'm not sure I'd know what to do if I caught one.
I do feel like my life has been kind of a mess these past few months though. Now mind you that could be because of a huge number of factors and while correlation does not equal causation it is kind of weird that things have been so weird now that I'm in this situation. But I'm getting ahead of myself, there's alot on my plate as I've talked about before and I just need to take a deep breath, keep my head about me and finish out this semester.
On a good note though, I feel like the chase is back on. A real chase this time, and while for most the chase is full of uncertainty and doubt, the chase is a welcome change for me. I'd rather have a serious super villian trying to kill me than a hand full of jack asses in costumes who don't know what they're doing.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
On Music (Update)
Albums I need to look out for:
Asobi Seksu - Hush
We Were Promised Jet Packs - (untitled)
Shows I need to buy tickets to:
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (5/4 Chapel Hill)
Artists I downloaded which are now in my listening que:
Portugal. The Man
mewithoutyou
Asobi Seksu (Live Album)
Ted Leo (Two Albums)
Discographies Still Downloading:
The Magnetic Fields
A Shower and catching up on Skins is on order I think.
Asobi Seksu - Hush
We Were Promised Jet Packs - (untitled)
Shows I need to buy tickets to:
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (5/4 Chapel Hill)
Artists I downloaded which are now in my listening que:
Portugal. The Man
mewithoutyou
Asobi Seksu (Live Album)
Ted Leo (Two Albums)
Discographies Still Downloading:
The Magnetic Fields
A Shower and catching up on Skins is on order I think.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
On Being Sick Again
So whats been going on recently.
This evening I took a "computer literacy" test that my university requires each student to take before they graduate. It's impossibly simple tasks (use word count, delete this column from an excel file, switch between two windows) so simple that I wondered why they required something like this of ready to graduate college seniors? Shortly after I began taking the test a girl sat down next to me and began to take the test as well. I then realize why they set this test as a requirement. I'm not sure if she was just scared by the testing environment or if she was just confused by the poorly worded questions, but she was on the phone with her friend and had to read aloud most every question and ask how to do that task to her friend. I almost wanted to lean over and help her through it all but I ended up not doing it. She was timing out on almost every section and those sections shouldn't have taken more than 10 minuets at the maximum. You would think that by the time you had about 120 under your belt you would have been exposed to enough computer handling that you would know what you were doing. But I guess that's why they have this test in place.
Regardless it took me about 2.5 hours. Grant it I was facebooking and chatting to people while I was doing it but still, entirely too long.
I'm sick again, I was hoping that I wouldn't catch whats been going around and that it was just what I had earlier in the season, but sure enough Friday and Saturday I had a runny nose but nothing more so I didn't change anything, I went out both nights smoke, drank, etc. Sunday I woke up feeling like complete shit, I was weak, cold, and aching. I thought about calling out but knew it would never fly so I got a friend to give me a ride to work. As soon as I got to work I was freezing, even some of my coworkers noticed that I was shaking and people said I looked horrible. A few hours into my double I warmed up a little but my back began to hurt and I was aching all over really badly. In the long run I'm really glad I got a ride in because the snow came and we closed early (gasp!) due to the weather, I got a ride home and convinced someone not to walk (from willow lawn to the fan) in the heavy snow. As soon as I got home I curled up in bed and passed out. Slept for 13 hours and woke up to a snow covered Richmond. University was closed and I decided to take the day off from the lab. Ended up going to Pearly's for breakfast with my roommate and a neighborhood friend and one of our other neighbors was working that morning decided that our money was no good that morning.
I'm beginning to worry about my semester a bit. I'm not doing as well in my classes as I'd like. I really enjoy them but maybe it's senioritis, maybe its everything else going on but I can't find the focus to study. I'm fairly certain that I bombed my Drugs and their Actions test today. Not a good way to spend your second test. Not doing so hot at all in Neurobiology, and I'm considering dropping Asian Medicines and Asian Religions. If I did that then I could work Wednesday nights and drop Saturday mornings which means I could at least come in to run test points or sleep if I have none. I've been missing alot of test points because I can't run Saturday mornings. One of the grad students has been nice enough to tack an extra group for the past few weeks but I feel bad because I'm making him spend more of his Saturday in the lab when I'm sure there's other things he could be doing.
On the upside things are looking good for me to get my Athena sleeve over spring break. I've been talking to Justin alot and I've told him I'm free all break and that I get paid on the Tuesday of. So we'll see how that goes.
This evening I took a "computer literacy" test that my university requires each student to take before they graduate. It's impossibly simple tasks (use word count, delete this column from an excel file, switch between two windows) so simple that I wondered why they required something like this of ready to graduate college seniors? Shortly after I began taking the test a girl sat down next to me and began to take the test as well. I then realize why they set this test as a requirement. I'm not sure if she was just scared by the testing environment or if she was just confused by the poorly worded questions, but she was on the phone with her friend and had to read aloud most every question and ask how to do that task to her friend. I almost wanted to lean over and help her through it all but I ended up not doing it. She was timing out on almost every section and those sections shouldn't have taken more than 10 minuets at the maximum. You would think that by the time you had about 120 under your belt you would have been exposed to enough computer handling that you would know what you were doing. But I guess that's why they have this test in place.
Regardless it took me about 2.5 hours. Grant it I was facebooking and chatting to people while I was doing it but still, entirely too long.
I'm sick again, I was hoping that I wouldn't catch whats been going around and that it was just what I had earlier in the season, but sure enough Friday and Saturday I had a runny nose but nothing more so I didn't change anything, I went out both nights smoke, drank, etc. Sunday I woke up feeling like complete shit, I was weak, cold, and aching. I thought about calling out but knew it would never fly so I got a friend to give me a ride to work. As soon as I got to work I was freezing, even some of my coworkers noticed that I was shaking and people said I looked horrible. A few hours into my double I warmed up a little but my back began to hurt and I was aching all over really badly. In the long run I'm really glad I got a ride in because the snow came and we closed early (gasp!) due to the weather, I got a ride home and convinced someone not to walk (from willow lawn to the fan) in the heavy snow. As soon as I got home I curled up in bed and passed out. Slept for 13 hours and woke up to a snow covered Richmond. University was closed and I decided to take the day off from the lab. Ended up going to Pearly's for breakfast with my roommate and a neighborhood friend and one of our other neighbors was working that morning decided that our money was no good that morning.
I'm beginning to worry about my semester a bit. I'm not doing as well in my classes as I'd like. I really enjoy them but maybe it's senioritis, maybe its everything else going on but I can't find the focus to study. I'm fairly certain that I bombed my Drugs and their Actions test today. Not a good way to spend your second test. Not doing so hot at all in Neurobiology, and I'm considering dropping Asian Medicines and Asian Religions. If I did that then I could work Wednesday nights and drop Saturday mornings which means I could at least come in to run test points or sleep if I have none. I've been missing alot of test points because I can't run Saturday mornings. One of the grad students has been nice enough to tack an extra group for the past few weeks but I feel bad because I'm making him spend more of his Saturday in the lab when I'm sure there's other things he could be doing.
On the upside things are looking good for me to get my Athena sleeve over spring break. I've been talking to Justin alot and I've told him I'm free all break and that I get paid on the Tuesday of. So we'll see how that goes.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
On the Street Value of 7 Tons of Cocaine.
Oh yeah I meant to show you this.
According to Cha Cha: at a value of $700 dollars/ounce. That was about 168,800,000 dollars worth of Cocaine.
Shaboing Mexican Navy, Shaboing.
According to Cha Cha: at a value of $700 dollars/ounce. That was about 168,800,000 dollars worth of Cocaine.
Shaboing Mexican Navy, Shaboing.
On Not Sleeping
So things have been going oddly decently. Odd in a way that they're good but at the same time not. School is really beginning to kick my ass and getting into work mode is harder than I thought it would be, I'm getting distracted a little too easily and I don't really like it. I feel like I have no time at all to take care of some things that need my attention outside of school, which I am also against. But all of that isn't so much the odd part.
Things between me an a specific person have reached an odd plateau, and while I feel in the long run the decisions we've made are for the better it is still weird. We talked the other day and while that put a fairly definitive cap on things it only seemed to make the problem worse. It's still manageable at this point but we haven't made it through a weekend, and I suppose that will be the real test of how this is going to work. I hate to say it but in a way I hope that said person will falter first, but I'm not sure what I would do if they do so. As much as I've hoped and wish for that day I still can't help but feel that it's all some kind of elaborate front.
I can be a pretty paranoid person, I'm not sure if I've talked about this here or not before but I sometimes wonder if I have some sort of mental handicap or there is another situation going on that dosen't allow me to realize I have a mental handicap. I see the world as I see it but really the only reason people pay any special attention to me, give me the breaks they do, or make friends with me it because they feel bad for me, there's some greater power that is setting all of this up for me. I almost feel like this is all a TV show about my life and this is all the major points of my life are pre-scripted. Didn't Jim Carey star in some kind of movie like that?
But I digress, School is kicking my ass, a certain person has to be written off, I need to find a new job, I need to take care of things, and summer is quickly approaching.
I'm leaving the home I've known and loved in August. I need to make ammends.
I used to have this dream/nightmare as a kid, it usually involved me crawling through a really really small space to get to this tree house type room. I never really understood it. About 6 months ago I had the same dream. Only this time after I got into the room, I found myself in a large grain field, a powerful figure appeared before me. I think he was wearing a robe, he may of had some kind of wings, either way he told me I had one year to atone for my sins. That was August 28th. I may be working myself up into a frenzy but that's going to be an extremely auspiscious day for me. I wish I could stop thinking about it so I don't set it up that something major happens that day. I want to forget about it and let things play out as they would, so that when it does happen I can know that I didn't force the invisable hand of fate.
There's so much on my mind right now I don't even know where to begin. I just need a day off to relax and sort myself. Maybe I can work that out sometime soon.
I may edit this in the morning.
Things between me an a specific person have reached an odd plateau, and while I feel in the long run the decisions we've made are for the better it is still weird. We talked the other day and while that put a fairly definitive cap on things it only seemed to make the problem worse. It's still manageable at this point but we haven't made it through a weekend, and I suppose that will be the real test of how this is going to work. I hate to say it but in a way I hope that said person will falter first, but I'm not sure what I would do if they do so. As much as I've hoped and wish for that day I still can't help but feel that it's all some kind of elaborate front.
I can be a pretty paranoid person, I'm not sure if I've talked about this here or not before but I sometimes wonder if I have some sort of mental handicap or there is another situation going on that dosen't allow me to realize I have a mental handicap. I see the world as I see it but really the only reason people pay any special attention to me, give me the breaks they do, or make friends with me it because they feel bad for me, there's some greater power that is setting all of this up for me. I almost feel like this is all a TV show about my life and this is all the major points of my life are pre-scripted. Didn't Jim Carey star in some kind of movie like that?
But I digress, School is kicking my ass, a certain person has to be written off, I need to find a new job, I need to take care of things, and summer is quickly approaching.
I'm leaving the home I've known and loved in August. I need to make ammends.
I used to have this dream/nightmare as a kid, it usually involved me crawling through a really really small space to get to this tree house type room. I never really understood it. About 6 months ago I had the same dream. Only this time after I got into the room, I found myself in a large grain field, a powerful figure appeared before me. I think he was wearing a robe, he may of had some kind of wings, either way he told me I had one year to atone for my sins. That was August 28th. I may be working myself up into a frenzy but that's going to be an extremely auspiscious day for me. I wish I could stop thinking about it so I don't set it up that something major happens that day. I want to forget about it and let things play out as they would, so that when it does happen I can know that I didn't force the invisable hand of fate.
There's so much on my mind right now I don't even know where to begin. I just need a day off to relax and sort myself. Maybe I can work that out sometime soon.
I may edit this in the morning.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
On Procrastination
Where have I been the last few weeks?
School is finally gearing up and just as predicted my science heavy scheduel is beginning to drain my time and kick my ass. All this week I'll leave the house around 10-10:30 and not come home till 11 or later. Classes, studying, working in the library, etc. I'm not that worried though, while I am busy and not able to be at home and relax much I have breaks so that I can sit down for maybe a half hour or so and just dick around online or what have you. This also means that my classes are just starting to get interesting.
I need to start sleeping more or get a better handle on my ability to stay awake. I have 3 classes around the 4-6:40 slot this semester, and I seem to have a hard time staying awake. One Asain Medicines and Asain Relgions, I could care less about falling asleep in because I've heard all the religious parts of this course 4 times now, and most of the medical stuff comes from the books were supposed to be reading (side note get on the next book now so it dosen't sneak up on you). The other one is Drugs and Their Actions, which I've sent some non-class e-mails back and forth with the teacher and seen her at a talk or two, but it's still really embarassing that I've fallen asleep. My third 4-640 class is the biggie, Research Methods in Biopsych, my grad level class. We went downtown to listen to Division of Animal Research give us a talk about animal care. I knew I was falling asleep but I tried to let it not happen or not be obivous about it. Well when your at a conforance table with 6 people it's kind of hard to be inconspicious. Reguarldess when we stood up to go on a tour one of the grad students let me know that I was really obviously falling asleep and that she thinks the speaker noticed. That was horrible, I don't get embarrased easily, but that made me kick myself really hard. The tour ended up being kind of dull though, as most of what she showed us was like our vivarium at Monroe. The monkey lab tour is coming up though so I'm still really excited about that.
I saw the Tim and Eric Awesome Tour last night. I had only found out about it the day before and I'm really really glad that I went. DJ Douggpound was really tight. Highlight include: "Fuck that" "put that in your sound pussy" and the Dane Cook sound bites. Alot of the TEASGJ was there for the performance, and I can't put into words how awesome it was.
Great Job
School is finally gearing up and just as predicted my science heavy scheduel is beginning to drain my time and kick my ass. All this week I'll leave the house around 10-10:30 and not come home till 11 or later. Classes, studying, working in the library, etc. I'm not that worried though, while I am busy and not able to be at home and relax much I have breaks so that I can sit down for maybe a half hour or so and just dick around online or what have you. This also means that my classes are just starting to get interesting.
I need to start sleeping more or get a better handle on my ability to stay awake. I have 3 classes around the 4-6:40 slot this semester, and I seem to have a hard time staying awake. One Asain Medicines and Asain Relgions, I could care less about falling asleep in because I've heard all the religious parts of this course 4 times now, and most of the medical stuff comes from the books were supposed to be reading (side note get on the next book now so it dosen't sneak up on you). The other one is Drugs and Their Actions, which I've sent some non-class e-mails back and forth with the teacher and seen her at a talk or two, but it's still really embarassing that I've fallen asleep. My third 4-640 class is the biggie, Research Methods in Biopsych, my grad level class. We went downtown to listen to Division of Animal Research give us a talk about animal care. I knew I was falling asleep but I tried to let it not happen or not be obivous about it. Well when your at a conforance table with 6 people it's kind of hard to be inconspicious. Reguarldess when we stood up to go on a tour one of the grad students let me know that I was really obviously falling asleep and that she thinks the speaker noticed. That was horrible, I don't get embarrased easily, but that made me kick myself really hard. The tour ended up being kind of dull though, as most of what she showed us was like our vivarium at Monroe. The monkey lab tour is coming up though so I'm still really excited about that.
I saw the Tim and Eric Awesome Tour last night. I had only found out about it the day before and I'm really really glad that I went. DJ Douggpound was really tight. Highlight include: "Fuck that" "put that in your sound pussy" and the Dane Cook sound bites. Alot of the TEASGJ was there for the performance, and I can't put into words how awesome it was.
Great Job
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Oh Campus Police
So I go to Virgina Commonwealth University, and it's the largest public university in Virginia. Our campus police are a little more than security guards in golf carts. We have a full police division with cruisers, bike cops, and possibly segway cops (not sure if that was Richmond or VCU). All of the VCU dorms has a full staff of 24hour security guards which are also a division of the VCUPD.
Either way I just found out this morning that the Police Chief for VCU, Chief Fuller, has been arrested for soliciting sex from a 14 year old girl over the internet.
I used to be a Dorm Security Guard and so I've actually meet Chief Fuller which makes this ever the sweeter.
I IMed one of my former Security buddies about this.
-Did you hear what happened to Chief Fuller
+Yeah (another guard) text me while I was in class, I almost peed my pants
- hahaha tight
+ Literally
(Laughing ad infinitum)
Either way I just found out this morning that the Police Chief for VCU, Chief Fuller, has been arrested for soliciting sex from a 14 year old girl over the internet.
I used to be a Dorm Security Guard and so I've actually meet Chief Fuller which makes this ever the sweeter.
I IMed one of my former Security buddies about this.
-Did you hear what happened to Chief Fuller
+Yeah (another guard) text me while I was in class, I almost peed my pants
- hahaha tight
+ Literally
(Laughing ad infinitum)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
On Being a Lonley Vampire
So I think the rest of my weekends for this semester are going to consist of doubles Saturday and Sunday, as well as working a closing shift on Friday. Which means that my weekends will basically boil down to Work-Drink-Sleep repeat for three days. Not especially pumped. This was the second of such a weekend, mind-numbing and bleak.
Friday night though I got off of work and on my way home I was stopped by my friends outside of Rumors. One of my friends, had invited me to go see this Chapel Hill band play at Rumors but I was going to skip it. I then found out that said Chapel Hill band was The Never, and even though I was still in my work clothes and wanting to go home I stayed for the show. I'm really glad I did, phenomenal show at a small venue. Lots of band-crowd interaction, super tight.
Awesome show, really glad I stopped by. Video Link.
Friday night though I got off of work and on my way home I was stopped by my friends outside of Rumors. One of my friends, had invited me to go see this Chapel Hill band play at Rumors but I was going to skip it. I then found out that said Chapel Hill band was The Never, and even though I was still in my work clothes and wanting to go home I stayed for the show. I'm really glad I did, phenomenal show at a small venue. Lots of band-crowd interaction, super tight.
Awesome show, really glad I stopped by. Video Link.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
On Predictability
So Barack Obama is now officially the president of the US of A. Very Nice! Found this little gem, of course our first black president would have a Caddy Presidential Limo, it only seems fitting.
Monday, January 19, 2009
On Days Off
Happy MLK day world. A Day off from school and work. This hasn't happened in awhile. I tried to be semi productive this morning and went into the lab. But pretty much as soon as I got there talk turned to breakfast and my self, Jason, Sarah, and Beth went to Galaxy. While Blackhole Pancakes, Bacon, and Corn Beef Hash are a wonderfully guilty breakfast it's put me in a very lethargic mood all day. Got back to the lab and thought about running just those elidgable to test tomrrow then decided to say fuck it and I'd do everything tomrrow.
So I came home and started doing laundry, picked up my room, caught up on podcasts, and downloaded some music. Finally got the Fleet Foxes album, which I'm about to put on, as well as Snowden's Anti-Anti. This is on top of the Modest Mouse discogrophy I finally finished and and Crystal Castles I still haven't gotten to. I really wish I had an iPod so I could listen to music on the way to work or during close or a little better when I'm by myself in the lab. I also caught up on a new webcomic Horribleville, I like it, was able to catch up in one afternoon and it's now in my feed. I think it only updates once a week which is kinda lame but I like what I've seen so far.
But anyway none of this is wanted to post about. This is what I wanted to bring to everyone's attention. I'm really excited and a little worried about this at the same time. As we speak I'm redownloading the series and the movie, to watch it again and nostalga my brain out. I really loved Cowboy Bebop as a kid and a part of me is really pumped to see more done with the universe. However Keanu Reeves as Spike Speigle? Not excited about that at all. Keera Nightly is rumored as Faye Valintine and Bruce Willis as Jet Black. If these have any streaks of truth to them then this could turn out to be a pretty big movie. One question though, who could play Ed? I think that's the biggest question we need to have ansewer today.
So I came home and started doing laundry, picked up my room, caught up on podcasts, and downloaded some music. Finally got the Fleet Foxes album, which I'm about to put on, as well as Snowden's Anti-Anti. This is on top of the Modest Mouse discogrophy I finally finished and and Crystal Castles I still haven't gotten to. I really wish I had an iPod so I could listen to music on the way to work or during close or a little better when I'm by myself in the lab. I also caught up on a new webcomic Horribleville, I like it, was able to catch up in one afternoon and it's now in my feed. I think it only updates once a week which is kinda lame but I like what I've seen so far.
But anyway none of this is wanted to post about. This is what I wanted to bring to everyone's attention. I'm really excited and a little worried about this at the same time. As we speak I'm redownloading the series and the movie, to watch it again and nostalga my brain out. I really loved Cowboy Bebop as a kid and a part of me is really pumped to see more done with the universe. However Keanu Reeves as Spike Speigle? Not excited about that at all. Keera Nightly is rumored as Faye Valintine and Bruce Willis as Jet Black. If these have any streaks of truth to them then this could turn out to be a pretty big movie. One question though, who could play Ed? I think that's the biggest question we need to have ansewer today.
Friday, January 16, 2009
On Self Loathing
So while watching the Zach Galifianakis DVD with a good friend of mine last night I've come back to a old social observation that has been made millions of times over and I just thought why not expand on it a little in here. The amount to which we accept self loathing as normal thing in a persons life is in a way alarming. I believe that something as possibly detremental as self loathing and acceptance of such gives us a form of humility, another there cannot be darkness without light kind of situation. Even in music self loathing is prominent. I'm not just talking about obvious things like emo music or whatever, I've been listening to alot of Kevin Devine lately and while alot of his songs are very personal (sounding) there are some self loathing lyrics.
Well, either way, I realize that my shit's
About as small as it could be
But that makes me feel worse for even feeling
This bad in the first place
Maybe this is just situational for me but it seems that way at least.
Next Time: Beards, Facial Hair, and Power or Where to Next?
Well, either way, I realize that my shit's
About as small as it could be
But that makes me feel worse for even feeling
This bad in the first place
Maybe this is just situational for me but it seems that way at least.
Next Time: Beards, Facial Hair, and Power or Where to Next?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Take 2
So I'm going to try having a blog again, I didn't like the way the first one came out so I deleted it and vowed never to blog again (not counting My DnD Blog). But I've been reading over some friend's blogs and I wanna hop back into it. So I figured I'd try this again, get bored with it, not like what I end up posting and deleting it in a few months.
Things have been moving in the right direction for me recently. The last few months have been a bit of a roller coaster in both my personal and professional lives. But the start of a new year and a new semester have come with a spirt of good luck.
Professionally I'm really excited about all of my classes this semester, and although they'll be pretty hard I'm extremely interested in all (well 3/4) of them. On top of that it is my last semester of undergraduate which is exciting in it's own right. My drug discrimination study is back off the ground after a major setback that occurred over the break. There's a slim possibility that I'll be going to Rome over the summer on the school's bill even though I won't be a student of any kind. My abstract for the Undergraduate Poster Symposium (I basically get to publicly present my work) is coming together decently enough. It just seems that in general the Gods have noticed the diligence I put forth and have rewarded my efforts.
Personally things are also going better. In a way I've come to terms with somethings that were going on with my ex, which I feel is good because now we'll both be able to grow as individuals and as a collective. New classes bring new faces which is always good, I have people I know in three of my classes which is always a plus. And I'm getting out more and seeing more of my friends.
Things are looking up now, which is a welcome change from the way things have been over the past few months. I hope I'm not jinxing myself and I hope that the Gods continue to favor me, and that they are pleased with the work I do in their name. So lets see where this blog goes from here.
Things have been moving in the right direction for me recently. The last few months have been a bit of a roller coaster in both my personal and professional lives. But the start of a new year and a new semester have come with a spirt of good luck.
Professionally I'm really excited about all of my classes this semester, and although they'll be pretty hard I'm extremely interested in all (well 3/4) of them. On top of that it is my last semester of undergraduate which is exciting in it's own right. My drug discrimination study is back off the ground after a major setback that occurred over the break. There's a slim possibility that I'll be going to Rome over the summer on the school's bill even though I won't be a student of any kind. My abstract for the Undergraduate Poster Symposium (I basically get to publicly present my work) is coming together decently enough. It just seems that in general the Gods have noticed the diligence I put forth and have rewarded my efforts.
Personally things are also going better. In a way I've come to terms with somethings that were going on with my ex, which I feel is good because now we'll both be able to grow as individuals and as a collective. New classes bring new faces which is always good, I have people I know in three of my classes which is always a plus. And I'm getting out more and seeing more of my friends.
Things are looking up now, which is a welcome change from the way things have been over the past few months. I hope I'm not jinxing myself and I hope that the Gods continue to favor me, and that they are pleased with the work I do in their name. So lets see where this blog goes from here.
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