Work

I'm working like a madwoman, but results seem promising. I like the lab that I'm in and I like my boss. But I still want to do one more rotation before deciding where to join. This should be really fun.

Blessings

Things were kind of low tonight. Thankfully, it came with a hidden blessing. Thanks everyone who called/im/email me out of the blue/replying to an old email/etc. It made me feel very special.

Wozzeck Connection

One of my favorite operas is Wozzeck. It's NOT a pretty opera like La Boheme or La Traviata, but content-wise, it holds a mirror to modern day society. In short, it's about this soldier in the army that's not too smart. He has a wife, but has trouble making ends meet. The opera is about his downward spiral, as he is a victim of societal constraints. His wife cheats on him with another officer. Unable to handle this, he kills her and falls into madness.

There is a scientist character in this opera. Wozzeck is his volunteer test subject. Basically this guy collects urine. In the end of the opera, he holds up a jar of Wozzeck's urine and scream to the world that it's his big breakthrough.

So what's up with this long story about Wozzeck? Basically I've turned into this Scientist. I'm happy when I'm able to collect mouse urine.

Sad isn't it?

Feeling a bit low about work

Lately, I've been feeling a bit unmotivated with work. It's great that I'm busy with trying to get a few projects off the ground. However, it's been very hectic and has certainly taken a toll on my attitude. I feel rushed to get these projects going. This is bad because I'm quite absent-minded and sloppy. I'm not one of those naturally meticulous people. I'm more of a bumbling fool. It took me a while to learn to not be sloppy in my old lab. However, this is a new lab with all new techniques, which makes it difficult for me to anticipate problems that may creep up. I'm reluctant to go too fast. Especially with these experiments, mistakes are time consuming and costly. To repeat them would be frowned upon.

Last year, I remember thinking how great it would be to just leave work and not have to think about it when I'm at home. I would love to spend my weekends visiting art museums or taking a walk in the park. Now, I realized that I may have relinquished these opportunities for the next six years.

Apologies to those who sent comments

I thought I'm such a loser because no one reads my blog and tags my posts. Of course that's because I didn't know I actually had comments submitted. So I approved all 12 of them that were waiting for me....

I looked again. The last comment submitted was back in october. Man, I'm such a loser.

Happy Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year, Everyone!

I decided to make myself a Chinese new year feast. Since I can't eat it alone, I invited Rebecca and her bf's roommates for it.

Here's the menu

Snacks
1. Coconut meat shreds
2. Fried dumplings with peanut and sesame filling
3. New years cake!

Dinner
1. BBQ pork (bought)
2. Chicken (bought)
3. Enoki mushrooms wrapped in beef
4. Greens and oyster sauce
5. Steamed cod with awesome soy sauce
6. Almond Jello!

It was crazy going into Chinatown to get these items. There were so many people there. The BBQ restaurant was jammed pack. I had to wait outside for 20 minutes before I could go in and order. For whatever reason, I wanted to get myself a roast pork suckling even though I never eat much of it. All along the streets were flower vendors trying to pander off a variety of festive florals. Since I fed 6 people, I didn't have any leftovers, except for Jello pudding.

Today, I was very lazy. I did absolutely nothing. I'm so bored that I actually did homework. Normally I'd go out for a walk or something, but I felt a bit sick, so I stayed in.

Anyhow, happy Chinese new year everyone, Health and prosperity to all y'all.

An Evening with Kevin Smith 2

I'm watching "An Evening with Kevin Smith 2" It's so hilarious that I'm hyper-ventilating from the laughter.

Small Updates

Hi,

I haven't updated in a while. So I'd thought I'd give a little update for the 3 of you out there

1) Weather

It is cold, but not unbearable. Unless it's windy, then it's pretty much hell. At this point, you hate the exposed skin on your face.

I'm disappointed that haven't been snow yet. The cold would be worth it if I got snow. It'll be fun if I had snow. But it's just cold.

2) Celtics

Went to a Celtics game last night. Second professional, nationally-televised sport I've seen. The first one was baseball. Sad that the Celtics lost.

3) Lab

I'm doing my second rotation. I'm doing some research on cancer. It is definitely something that I've never thought I'd say. Oh, I'm doing cancer research. It makes me sound way too important.

Ikea Run

Went to Ikea a week ago. I have some new furniture. Better yet, I have a few new plants. It makes my apartment so much more homely. Check it out.



This is my room. Notice the drawers and the orchid plant. I can't believe IKEA sells plants now. I also bought some purple curtains, but I haven't installed the curtain rods yet. Imagine the windows with these dark purple translucent curtains. (it's supposed to match my sheets!)


This is my living room. Notice how I have a legitimate coffee table and rug. The rug was $14.99. Such a great deal. The candles are Rebecca's and I think it adds a really nice touch. Ignore the trash. We're still trying to get things put together.


This is the plant. It was $10 dollars, which was well worth it. Now, my apartment looks less undergrad, and more adult. Definitely the cohesion I needed.