End of the semester and summer plans
This past week was the last full week of the semester for me in regard to teaching. My students still have one final lab abstract to turn in during the coming week, and I have stated I will not accept them via email, so it will be interesting to see who actually shows up. I also have two students coming by this coming week because they want me to write letters of recommendation for them. It's quite an honor.
If the swine flu doesn't escalate, graduation should happen as planned, which means Obama will be showing up. Will he actually get an honorary degree after all the outcry? I just know I plan to be nowhere near campus that day - my parking garage is near the arena where they hold graduation - it's usually crazy for graduation, but it will be a nightmare with security!!
I'll be busy in the lab this summer - should finally be able to start getting some research done. I ran my first DNA extraction yesterday with a decent yield, hopefully the PCR will work once we order primers. I need to get on the phone with the USDA and try to speed up the permitting process so I can get the rest of my fungal strains. My goal is to have publishable results by the end of the summer.
So far my big escape for the summer is a long weekend with my sister in San Fran. I'l also be house-sitting for my parents once or twice (and making use of their cable and the flat screen).
I am also considering undergoing minor eye surgery if it can be scheduled before I need to teach after the 4th of July. The puffiness of my right eye has always bothered me (the eye usually looks half-open in photos) and I think I found someone who may be able to correct it for me (I found a doc who's plastic and reconstructive practice is limited to eyes). Insurance may pay for part of it if I can get the referral from student health (I have an appt. this week). My mom may help if it's not covered. I feel a little silly and vain doing this, but I think it's also worth checking into.
Everything with my house re-fi finally went through, although I'm holding my breath for the refund check and waiting to see if my former lender pulls something stupid.
I'm trying to save money for the LA con, ut am so tempted to go the Chicago con, given the line-up. Sigh. I just wish I knew the proposed lineup for LA>
If the swine flu doesn't escalate, graduation should happen as planned, which means Obama will be showing up. Will he actually get an honorary degree after all the outcry? I just know I plan to be nowhere near campus that day - my parking garage is near the arena where they hold graduation - it's usually crazy for graduation, but it will be a nightmare with security!!
I'll be busy in the lab this summer - should finally be able to start getting some research done. I ran my first DNA extraction yesterday with a decent yield, hopefully the PCR will work once we order primers. I need to get on the phone with the USDA and try to speed up the permitting process so I can get the rest of my fungal strains. My goal is to have publishable results by the end of the summer.
So far my big escape for the summer is a long weekend with my sister in San Fran. I'l also be house-sitting for my parents once or twice (and making use of their cable and the flat screen).
I am also considering undergoing minor eye surgery if it can be scheduled before I need to teach after the 4th of July. The puffiness of my right eye has always bothered me (the eye usually looks half-open in photos) and I think I found someone who may be able to correct it for me (I found a doc who's plastic and reconstructive practice is limited to eyes). Insurance may pay for part of it if I can get the referral from student health (I have an appt. this week). My mom may help if it's not covered. I feel a little silly and vain doing this, but I think it's also worth checking into.
Everything with my house re-fi finally went through, although I'm holding my breath for the refund check and waiting to see if my former lender pulls something stupid.
I'm trying to save money for the LA con, ut am so tempted to go the Chicago con, given the line-up. Sigh. I just wish I knew the proposed lineup for LA>