Idle Thoughts

I have a new toy. Teehee

Planning is going well
So... I've sent or phoned the first round of invites. It's not going to be big. But then again, if it was, I'd be in some serious trouble.
Muah ha ha.
I think that this will be good for my mom. In some ways, she's never had much done just for herself. This time, it's all about her.
Tomorrow I start the fighting for film thing I'm doing. I just wonder, if I'll be able to do much. My head is killing from this infection or whatever it is. What a week to have a head stuffed up like this.
And I"ve been downloading something from an ftp site and it's taking forever. And has been stalling. I managed it at work and figured if I put it on here then I can work at home as well as at school.
And it's more comfy sitting at home and having a nice cup of tea. I know, I can have it at work, but not wrapped in a blanket and sitting on the floor.
I'm also looking forward to my evening with friends in KW. I mean it's short - one night but hey, I can't really ask for more considering that I'm only in town for four days.
It's now time to chill for a bit.

Current Mood: tired

All stuffed up and too many places to go.
I love air conditioning. Especially in winter. There's nothing like it in the world. It doesn't matter what the temperature is outside, the darn thing is on. What's worse is when it's blowing on the back of my neck and head.
So of course, I'm congested now. What a wonderful feeling having a headache because my head is actually full.

The bit that's really annoying is I'm doing a fight thing Tues - Sat... and I feel like hell. I'm not really certain how long this will go on, but I really doubt I'll be feeling totally better by Tuesday.

And I still have to go to work before and after (it's 11 - 5) because I have all my samples running. Ah the life of a student...

Oh yeah, I'm moving again. My flatmate wants to move home because of the credit crunch. I don't really want to end up living with someone I don't know - this has already proved to be annoying - so I'm moving in with someone else. actually two and they are boys. This could get interesting....

I'm also planning my mother's 60th birthday which is going to be a lot of fun. Muah ha ha. And this is the only place I can gloat because she
FRIENDED ME ON FACEBOOK!!!!
How on earth do you not say yes... Ugh...

And now it's off to bed.

Current Mood: accomplished
Current Music: CSI

November - the crazy month
Well, Portugal was amazing. I can't even begin to describe how much fun I had. I've posted my photos on Facebook.

Now I enter November. November is my super crazy month. I have loads to do in the lab and I'm going to be out every weekend for the next three weeks. I cannot believe how mad things got.

And since I'm not coming home this Christmas, I have to get my Christmas presents sent soon. I am still working on getting the presents sent sooner than later. My nephew's birthday is in the middle of November so I need to get the box sent off sooner rather than later. I know, who wants to think about these things in November?

The worst bit is all of my ideas... haven't panned out! I need to send the package by Friday.

LOL. Figures, I try to do things on time and it still doesn't work.

Current Mood: amused
Current Music: House

A good stretch and a lot of good books
Ah it's nice to be on holiday - even if it is back in Canada. I think I've used up all my holiday this year coming back. Not that I'm complaining but as I'm in Europe I really should be using it to see things over there. What can I say? This year has been a serious exception to the normal existence that I tend to have.

I have been pretty happy with the weather too. Okay fine, today and yesterday were cloudy and silly, much like the weather I observe in London most of the time. What I've heard was that the weather this weekend and next week will be back to its shiny, sunny self, which is one of the main reasons I'm here. Family, sun, books and friends.

And yes, I'm reading total trash and loving every minute of it. Total trash defines any book that is not actually related to my studies. Broad analysis but considering that I probably should be reading and getting ready to write up, the books are my way of procrastinating.

I can definitely say I'm not missing the crowds, the business or the craziness of living in such a big city. As much fun as it has been, I'm definitely glad this program is only 5 years long and not longer. That and my visa will be expiring about the same time as I should be finishing up.

In the meantime, I think I will stretch out, read some more and see if the weather will cooperate for a little small sword session with N.O. this afternoon in the park. Pity it isn't sunny but I'll be happy if it doesn't start raining.

Current Mood: content

As my brain slowly unfolds itself from slumber
It's amazing how sleepy and tired these types of events are on you. But I decided that my brain needed to start opening up, and being used in some way other than just biochemistry.
I'm sure it will be a slow and painful process but who knows? I might actually be better for it.
This weekend, there really isn' t much to say, I spent my Saturday with my fighting friend S, and we went wandering around central London. Managed to get caught in a bit of rain. Okay a lot of rain in 5 minutes but we didn't mind too much. And then we went wandering around looking at shops. Not really buying anything but just wandering around and looking at things. I was happy to be home Saturday night chilling and watching movies.
Sunday, I was getting ready to leave the flat and it started to downpour. So I thought I would wait. Then as I got ready again and almost out the door, it rained again. I decided that it was a sign and I stayed put. It was nice not to have to leave the house. With all the medieval shows and traveling to Canada, I was getting a little tired so one day at home was great.
And now, Monday was the usual. We had a power down on the weekend and now two of our instruments won't turn on. Not a good thing to have happen. Otherwise, I was helping Brasil with an HPLC and impressing him. I fail to see what's so impressive that I remember how to use a bit of kit that I haven't looked at in over 8 years. I think it's called reflex at that point.
But it was fun to try and help him wrap his head around the software. The software is a bit silly and does cause headaches until you start thinking like it. Problem is, you have to stop thinking like it the moment you leave it or else you really make a mess with the rest of your day.
Yes really it is that stupid.
Now I'm chilling and relaxing and enjoying the evening. I've got a book I want to get reading and I want to have some time to watch some really stupid films.
Stupid films rule. For now.

Current Mood: happy

Life goes on
And of course the first thing that happens.... I get a cold. That's right ladies and gentleman, pain, stress and sadness... and a runny nose.
And all I could do is start laughing when it happened.

So what's happened lately other than this.. Well I guess I've started my new projects with my new supervisor and they've been weird. I'm not a biologist. I'm not a marine biologist although that always struck me as a nifty area to study. And yet, here I am working with marine bacteria and NOT HAVING A CLUE. Best yet, I got a student to work with me... LOL. I'm not sure which one of us is more clueless.

But it's enjoyable. The bane of my existence in the lab has fortunately been away on holiday when everything came to a head with my father in the last few weeks. Unfortunately she gets back tomorrow. I wonder what that will be like. I will keep informed.

Anyway, tonight I have to run off and grab my sleeping bag and tent from the yard. I have a show this weekend and I think the guy is going to ask me to take Friday off - bit difficult as it's Wednesday today. I guess we'll see what happens with that....

Off for adventures....

:-)

Letter writing
I have very happily started letter writing again. At the moment, I'm still catching up on people's birthdays. Meaning I've been writing people for their birthdays as I know of them. (In other words if you didn't get a letter it's either because I didn't know it was your birthday since I still am missing a lot of information after my bag was stolen or I never knew).
It's been a nice way to spend Sunday evenings while I'm watching a movie or some stupid program on tv.
I think I might actually run out of writing material again - I got a lot for Christmas, but my supply seems to already be dwindling. I never thought I would manage to use it all. I guess that means I should start looking for some more.
My new flatmate is also encouraging me to start writing again. Maybe start and finish some of those stories I started in highschool. IF I can find them or IF I remember them.
Ooops. Getting really late so I better get back to writing or else I won't finish.

Current Mood: tired
Current Music: Movie - White Noise

Funny little story
So there I was getting ready to calibrate and run my favourite ol' mass spectrometer when I looked into the magnifier there was a bug stuck to the entrance of the instrument. Stuck there thanks to the vacuum. I managed to get a great picture which makes me think I should try to take some photos for my thesis.
I'm posting this on facebook if anyone wants to have a look.

Current Mood: amused
Current Music: Jericho

Another postal strike

It's imminent. And it's next week. In other words, those of you expecting letters, I do apoligize, but I can't really fight the entire Royal Mail by going DHL. I'd be broke if I did that.
In the meantime, K had to leave early today because of an emergency and E left at lunch because he was taking a half day off. M wasn't here all day and the students are all off writing.
Which leaves me alone... in the lab....
WHEEEE!
So I've got my new toy in my lab coat and I'm listening away to music while doing some work. At least I don't have to worry about K thinking I'm ignoring her because I can't hear her with the music in my ears.
Life, is good at this particular moment.

Current Mood: happy
Current Music: Area One

Back to greyness
It's cold, it's grey, it's rainy. Hey wait, that sounds like the weather I was told about BEFORE I ever came here. Oddly enough, we haven't really had that, or at least not in the amount everyone says we should have.
But the last few days have indeed been grey and rainy. What a lovely way to come back to school, don't you think? It's not too cold yet, but after the 30 degrees C that I experienced at home, well, this is some fairly lousy weather.
And things are in full swing again. Yesterday I saw a friend of mine that was only in town for two days. We went with a bunch of people for dinner and some drinks. I barely managed to stay awake for the do. Jetlag, how I hate thee. Still, I only got home around 11:30 so I think I managed to do fairly well. Daytime is alright. I just seem to want to sleep at about 8pm right now. I can see that this week is going to be a bit brutal that way.
I also have to think about sorting out my supervisor problem. Fortunately, the head of grad studies has stepped down so I think I might have a better chance pleading my case to the new one. I just need to get some emails from some people first before I subject myself to another silly meeting that goes nowhere.
And now to tackle the large amount of email I received while I was gone...

Current Mood: busy
Current Music: Say something - James (BBC6)

Two weeks in Canada already gone
That's right, I'm already back in the UK. To those that I didn't see, I'm really sorry but with my father being ill, I've been taking a lot of time to be with him.
So a nice little summary.
The week before the wedding, my first week home was pretty manic. I helped with getting things ready for the rehearsal dinner, had to buy shoes, pick up my dress, did some work on the cottage.... In other words it was hectic but good. After using my brain for three weeks straight it was nice to do things that didn't require as much brain power.
The rehearsal dinner which my mother hosted went fairly well. We had a bit of a hitch as a little boy, the bride and groom's little boy manage to get hurt and ended up spending till midnight at the hospital.
<sigh> Welcome to the family?
The wedding itself was in New Hamburg and it was lovely. Most of you were probably as happy as I was - the weather was great. Especially since the bridesmaid dresses had no sleeves.
The reception was held in St. George's banquet hall. It was beautiful. The food was amazing, Bonnie had a very simple and elegant way of dressing things up. The entire evening was perfect!
I would also like to point out that the bride and groom were gorgeous!

The next week involved spending a good chunk of time with my father - as he started to really feel unwell. I basically cancelled most plans just in case he needed me to take him to the hospital as my mother was working. The good thing was that it happened to be a bought of the flu. The bad bit is my mother caught it.

So I also went to chemo with my dad last week, voted and spent a lot of time with the b-friend and LH - well as much as possible. Otherwise, things were fairly chaotic and more so.

But I feel rejuvenated, although it is fairly close to X-mas. I am going to overdose on people and then go through withdrawals the rest of the time. Silly Bylle.

I will have pictures soon, I hope. I will post them on Facebook if possible.

:-)

Current Mood: sad

Banged up
Okay most people know I don't bruise easily. As a matter of fact, it's really hard to get me to bruise. Probably a good thing considering my hobbies and the sports I like to play.
But I've got a nasty bruise today. I was stepping onto the bus last night after going to see Shrek III and low and behold, I apparently didn't put my foot down well enough, so I ended up falling down and cracking my shin against the edge of the bus' floor.
Okay yeah ow.
Nicely though, this guy helped me pick myself up and asked me if I was alright.
My response?
"Yes thank you, just embarassed considering I'm sober."
:-)Today my shin IS in fact a lovely shade of blue and still hurts. Guess I'm not wearing boots anytime soon.

Current Music: Terminator II

And the Characters are...
So we sorted out who is who in the lab. Apparently I've been labelled Harry since I'm into trouble up to my neck right now. My German girlfriend is Luna, R is Ron (easy enough) and then we got the soon-to-be ex-boss and ex-supervisor starring as Mundungus Fletcher, his wife as Lucius Malfoy, the Estonian is a Dementor and the senior technician is... Wormtail.
Okay so this is what we've been reduced to to get a smile on our faces.

The whole situation is improving. Now if the head of grad studies will actually listen to me, things will work well. A while back I talked to my second supervisor about him taking on the role as my first supervisor. Not only was he ecstatic, he came up with a rather elaborate scheme to meld his project with mine so it fits under his grant funding among other things.

I told this to the head of the department and the head of grad studies. HoD took it well and liked it. HoG might not have been listening because the next thing I know is Mundungus is coming to me after speaking to her, telling me that AW is now my supervisor.

WTF?

I tried to go to talk to her, but her office is next to AW. Not only that, she sort of didn't listen and kinda dragged me into his office. I gave the poor guy the most pathetic look I could muster.

We ended up talking in the bar that night and I told him the truth. I already picked someone, my second supervisor (it's one of the reasons you have one) etc... and that him being my supervisor isn't exactly what I was expecting.

I had a chat with PL and told him what happened. He told me to go and talk to the HoD and not to worry, we'll sort it out and it is sort of funny so try to relax.

I did manage to talk to the HoD. At this rate, I'll be buddies with him with the amount of time I spend in his office. Anyway, the next step is for him to talk to HoG.

On another note... I LOVED TRANSFORMERS!!!! It just came out here last week. I think it's time to stock up on movies and the tv show and... the toys... I miss the toys.

Current Music: Virgin Radio

Trying to find a home for cats
Hello ljers!
I'm currently trying to help my sister-in-law (to-be) by helping her look for a home for her cats. She's got two lovely, beautiful, sweet and loving siamese cats - brother and sister - that she's trying to find a good home for. With two kids and two large dogs, they just aren't getting enough love and they are starved for attention. She really wants to keep them together, as they are siblings and have been together for a few years (not sure how old they are).
If you know anyone who would love two loveable furballs, let me know. I would take them if I could. Distance and quarantine and the size of my flat make it unrealistic.
Thanks!

Current Mood: sad
Current Music: TV - GREASE

How did it end up being the middle of July?
I could swear

johnofnotrades just left. Oh well. I guess I'm keeping fairly busy. I'm also keeping fairly stressed.

There is a rumour - told to me by a head of department that was at a particularily important meeting - that they want to cancel the part-time PhD program, including the ones that are in process. Apparently it was my head of department that suggested it. It was supposedly 'rejected' but it's certainly made me antsy.

This is not sounding good.

Plus my supervisor is going to Swansea in September and has basically hinted that he wants to drop me like a deadweight and make me someone else's responsibility.

This too is not sounding good.

On the other hand, I could just quit and go back home and study to be a vet.

That is beginning to sound like a better idea every day. All except the amount it would cost.

Hmm... Anyone need a research assistant or research tech?

Current Mood: stressed
Current Music: XFM - unknown song

Funny Morning
I was at the bus stop a little later than planned. I got up on time, even earlier, I just wasn't in a rush. I was thinking about Skegness - what I forgot to write was we saw lots of bunnies on the way up. Then when we went on a trip to pickup a very large water barrel, we practically ran into half a dozen pheasants (PHEASANTS!!!!) at various points. We also saw a barn owl flying (it was about half nine in the evening and still light) and another bird of unknown type.

While thinking about all of this, a bus came up. Normally I take 476 or 73 to get to work. Somehow I failed to notice it was the 76 and not the 476. So I got on. It took me for a lovely (it was sunny when I started although it's going to rain again) tour through liverpool street, moorgate, old street and on towards bank, St. Paul's and finally to Waterloo Bridge. What was amazing was the shops were all open and bustling! At eight in the morning! What fun.

I grabbed the 91 and headed to work. Got there just in time as my supervisor was there only briefly before heading to Holland this week.

I think I may try to take that route more often, although it does mean getting up earlier to take it. It was cutting it a bit close to 9am.

Current Mood: amused
Current Music: Basement Jaxx - Where's your head at?

Rainy dayz and cozy talks
Anyone that has ever spent time 'talking to me' knows I'm not very good at expressing emotions unless it's something dealing with me being slightly annoyed about something. I seem perfectly good at doing that and have even ended up with roles in plays thanks to my temperment.
But it's a very different issue when trying to sort out how to work on a long distance relationship. I have a horrible tendency not to say anything unless poked and prodded until I finally unleash whatever nonsense comes out of my mouth.
Funny enough, that nonsense tends to sound like an opinion to some people where I see it more as a non-comittal answer with more vagueness thrown in to make it interesting.
The worst part is I almost started laughing at myself. Communication is key. I know that. You know that. Okay, so apparently we need to define certain things which seem to be slightly skewed in my head. Like the definition of an opinion.
Darn, am I going to have to write myself a whole new dictionary? It's bad enough trying to sort out the ones that are already out there.

Current Mood: laughing
Current Music: Ready, Steady Cook!

Seriously, it's gone down to 13 degrees during the day. Yesterday we went off to a friend's for a bbq (okay we missed the bbqing bit) and it was rainy and really windy and cold. When we left it was windier and rainier and colder. It pretty much rained all night and we could hear it.
This morning wasn't much better, which was unfortunate as it was a bank holiday weekend. We did however step out of the house today to see Pirates of the Caribbean III. I enjoyed it and that's all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil it. Other than Keith Richards really wasn't in it much and I was surprised to see Chow-Yun Fat in it.
The weather however hasn't improved. It is still rather dismal and dreary. This isn't exactly helping my mood which is a mess between sad and manic thanks to all the things that are going on. My next month is seriously crazy and it hasn't even started yet. I wonder how it will end.

( My hectic June month )

Bridesmaid... Me?
So it turns out that my trip home put one more thing on my list of 'things to do'.
As I've always lived fairly far away from my friends, the option of being a 'bridesmaid' has been a little difficult. How on earth do you get fitted for a dress?
Funny enough, my going home last weekend managed to give both my brother and sister-in-law-to-be an epiphany. 'Look she's here, she can get fitted!'
Argh. Anyone who has ever been shopping with me knows I hate dress shopping. Fortunately, the dress was already chosen so all I had to do was try it on and get measured. The dress I tried on was the black version. The dress itself is some sort of earth-tone green colour. Anyway, they only had the dress in one size which I tried. Fit perfectly. Unfortunately she insisted on still taking the measurements.
So as long as I don't gain weight I will be fine.
However, the sizing on the dresses is enough to make some women freak out. I had to try on a size 12. 'Scuse me. But I'm not a size 12 in England even on a bad day and they have 'normal' sizes over here. Most girls I know would be a size 8-10, unlike the size 6 we seem to wear over in North America. But a 12? Okay someone has got a fairly warped sense of fitting.
The funniest thing is one bridesmaid coming from Alberta insists she wears a size 4 and she's got the same size waist as I do. Heh. I hope B manages to sort her out and gets her to order the right dress size. I don't think they can take a dress out that much.

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