From the Wow it's been a long time since I blogged dept.

It was recently brought to my attention that I had not blogged in quite some time(which I intuitively knew, but hadn't really thought about). Anyhow, with some spare time on my hands I figured I may as well.

What's new...I put in my notice at work today, if that counts. Relatively big step, as I'm taking quite the pay cut but there's been nothing like this past year to make me realize that money's really not everything. Sure, it's necessary and it sure is nice to not have to borrow money for things, but at some point it's not really doing much. I would hazard to say that the spare cash I have would have been better spent allowing me to do a job that I truly enjoy, which leads me to my next point...

My good friend Andrew Adrian referred me to a wonderful lab job in the (formerly) Podila lab. It has been about a year since I really did any work in a lab, but after only a day in lab I already felt at home, like this is where I will be able to truly do some good. Not to mention, we'll get to make our own hours and take the hour lunches I so often wondered about (the people who came into LC on their lunch breaks to buy glasses, where are these jobs that allow you to do such a thing?) Another plus, I'll get to spend some time with Andy, something I really enjoy but don't always get to do. We really click at a level that I haven't ever with anyone else (I feel we do, anyway, he may feel differently) and it will be interesting to see what a scientific collaboration will bring about.

The research will consist of creating a protocol for determining the differences between an invasive and a noninvasive strain of grass (Cogongrass, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperata_cylindrica). The research is funded by a USDA grant, and I'm really honored that I was taken into the lab without really talking to anyone about it(Dr. Cseke took Andy's word that I'd be a good candidate.) We spent the day in lab the other day just isolating DNA and electrophoresing it onto a gel. While we didn't get the DNA concentrations that we were hoping for, our samples were pure (low carbohydrate contamination levels) and I was happy with it as our first experiment.


Plus, the PCR that we'll be doing will make up for a lack of material as you only (theoretically, anyhow) need one DNA molecule to get exponential replication.

Another exciting thing was that we just happened to be in lab when Dateline NBC came by, complete with Chris Hansen(of To Catch a Predator fame). They set up their cameras and shot a 15 minute spot about Amy Bishop, then packed up and left. I got a chance to talk to Mr. Hansen and it was amazing how down to earth he was--really cool guy.


To top the day off, Nature sent a photographer out to the lab as well. They took some pictures of Andy and I doing the DNA extraction, and we can look forward to those pictures in the next issue. Funny, something many scientists dream about we both achieved for doing nothing(getting into Nature. I almost (read:almost) feel guilty.

I'm really excited about getting to make my own hours. I can sleep in if I want, plus I'll really be my own boss. Science works on my schedule, not the other way around. I'll even be somewhat less constrained than I was in the Magnuson lab, as we're not culturing any time-sensitive E. Coli.

I'm currently sitting on the waitlist for the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. It's been a long journey, and I'm sick of applying to medical school, but this year I've gotten closer than ever before. Finally I have validation that someone at least kind of thinks I'll make a decent physician (anyone can apply, anyone can interview but to be placed on the waitlist means that they think you can do it, just not as well as some of the more qualified candidates). Plus, I'm relieved that some of the candidates I felt looked better on paper (4.0, 30+MCAT) have already been rejected, while I with my scary 3.46 and embarrassing 27MCAT somehow got on the list. Whatever, this will be the longest month or two as I wait for everyone to leave the USA list for UAB. I'm cautiously optimistic that I'll get to start the next phase of my life this fall.

Last week, Charlie(my 1975 Honda CB550 motorcycle) got stolen. She was just gone when I got back.

Not going to say much about the situation as it still pisses me off when I think about it, but I have the feeling a new bike will be in my near future. I'm really digging the new Honda CBR 600RR, and I can already see the vinyl decal "Charlie Deuce" emblazoned on the side. Not to replace Charlie(impossible), but to fill the gap at least partially.

I've got more to say but we're getting ready for some Texas Hold Em tonight and Birthday Hookah for Emily.

Peace.