This week I had the coolest opportunity! Last fall two doctors from Emory/Grady came to Tech and gave a Clinician's Seminar. At lunch with them afterward, they invited us to come to their campus so we could get a feel for what they do and their perspective on research. Since my research is all about arthritis treatment, I think it's important to get the practical view of how my research could go into patients.
A grad student friend of mine and I ventured down to Grady/Emory in downtown on Tuesday to join these doctors for their version of a "lab meeting". The hoard of orthopedic residents, interns, and a few extra senior doctors crowded into a conference room to discuss "the literature" on thumb fractures. We in academia get so caught up talking about a specific protein or cellular pathway, whereas doctors nerd out about different ways and places to break bones. It's so similar but so different!
We sat along the wall and mostly listened to them discuss, in exorbitantly jargoned up terms, the details of how these breaks occur and how they're currently treated. The neat part was when they discussed the frequency of OA after a break, which is where I got to enter my 2 cents' in the conversation. It's such a good feeling when you're able to contribute something useful! We had some short discussions, and the meeting moved on, but I felt so good being able to hold real meaningful dialogue with this otherwise alien world. :-)
Fostering this collaboration between the Doctors (who work with people) and the Doctors (who work in the lab) will bridge the existing disconnect between the cool technology that we strive to publish (or perish)in journals that doctors don't read, and the treatments that doctors have come up with. Maybe I should call this enterprise Doctors-to-Doctors.
11 February 2011
26 January 2011
This is Not a product endorsement. Ok, maybe it is.
We all suffer from it. But we don't like talking about it. Yes, I'm talking about clogged pores.
Disgusting. Gross. Annoying. Nothing's good about them, but now there is a solution. It's not really new, I guess. But I *love* Biore's anti-blackhead self-warming face wash!
I never liked washing my face when I was growing up. Bar soap, the yellow bar stuff specifically, left my face feeling slightly waxy and not very refreshed. When I moved out on my own, I explored different facial care systems. Proactiv worked pretty well, but it left annoying bleached spots on everything, so I kept looking. I used the Biore nose strips as a weekly blackhead treatment, which definitely helped, but I never settled on one face wash.
That is, until I had a coupon for Biore nose strips that required me to buy a facial care product along with it. It sounds cheesy, but that's how I stumbled across this fabulous product. Most of the promo-type coupons and products have been one-shot deals - I never buy them again (Neutrogena, that's you). This one stuck. I'm even expanding my Biore repertoire. I've succumbed to their dual SPF/moisturizer (recommended by Real Simple, I think), and their facial cleanser. I'm almost ready to buy their makeup towelettes too, but I don't wear makeup often enough (yet) to really commit.
I'm eagerly waiting the Drugstore.com box that's bringing more face wash! I ran out last week, and instead of searching high and low for the ONE store that actually carries it, I just ordered it. Lots of it. :-)
Tonight I get to wash my face again!
Disgusting. Gross. Annoying. Nothing's good about them, but now there is a solution. It's not really new, I guess. But I *love* Biore's anti-blackhead self-warming face wash!
I never liked washing my face when I was growing up. Bar soap, the yellow bar stuff specifically, left my face feeling slightly waxy and not very refreshed. When I moved out on my own, I explored different facial care systems. Proactiv worked pretty well, but it left annoying bleached spots on everything, so I kept looking. I used the Biore nose strips as a weekly blackhead treatment, which definitely helped, but I never settled on one face wash.
That is, until I had a coupon for Biore nose strips that required me to buy a facial care product along with it. It sounds cheesy, but that's how I stumbled across this fabulous product. Most of the promo-type coupons and products have been one-shot deals - I never buy them again (Neutrogena, that's you). This one stuck. I'm even expanding my Biore repertoire. I've succumbed to their dual SPF/moisturizer (recommended by Real Simple, I think), and their facial cleanser. I'm almost ready to buy their makeup towelettes too, but I don't wear makeup often enough (yet) to really commit.
I'm eagerly waiting the Drugstore.com box that's bringing more face wash! I ran out last week, and instead of searching high and low for the ONE store that actually carries it, I just ordered it. Lots of it. :-)
Tonight I get to wash my face again!
24 January 2011
All men dream
Some days the size of what I'm trying to accomplish in grad school seems overwhelming. A giant gorilla sitting on my chest, squeezing the last breath out. I think about what needs to happen and how that still seems so far off, and I get tiny panic attacks.
Other days, the world seems full of possibility, waiting for me to reach out and grasp the juicy success I've been craving.
The rest of the time, I sit at my desk, slogging through the grind of real research and wondering when I will finally get my ticket out.
One of the best realizations in the recent years has been the transfer of theoretical "knowledge" that you just have to "do it" like the Nike slogan says, to the core understanding that the worst thing that could happen when you try something is that it doesn't happen the first time. Maybe that's partly what research teaches you. But it's also what helps separate those who live out their dreams, and the proletariat that watches those people with envy.
"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds awake to find it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." T.E. "Lawrence of Arabia"
Other days, the world seems full of possibility, waiting for me to reach out and grasp the juicy success I've been craving.
The rest of the time, I sit at my desk, slogging through the grind of real research and wondering when I will finally get my ticket out.
One of the best realizations in the recent years has been the transfer of theoretical "knowledge" that you just have to "do it" like the Nike slogan says, to the core understanding that the worst thing that could happen when you try something is that it doesn't happen the first time. Maybe that's partly what research teaches you. But it's also what helps separate those who live out their dreams, and the proletariat that watches those people with envy.
"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds awake to find it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." T.E. "Lawrence of Arabia"
21 January 2011
I will never have Asian hair
...but maybe my kids will.
My hair can be problematic. It's thick and partially curly. It doesn't like behaving in ringlets or soft curls like my mom and sister, but it doesn't fall completely straight either. Only true magicians have been able to tame this beast. I had a hair dresser back in Houston that I knew could handle my hair. He was the only one to cut my hair for 7 years. He did my hair for my high school prom, and I didn't go to anyone else after that. During my first year of grad school, I even waited to get my hair cut until I went back to Houston. This is one of the last haircuts he gave me. I loved it.
But then he made a fatal mistake. I wanted a bob haircut, which he did. But I have a nice square jaw which does not need accentuating. And he cut the bob to EXACTLY the wrong length. I absolutely LOATHED my hair for almost 2 whole months! It was terrible.
I tried a few salons in Atlanta, but wasn't impressed. Why spend $60 on a haircut when I could pay $20 and be exactly the same amount of satisfied with the results? So I did the grad student thing for awhile. I went to the Paul Mitchell school. Pretty cheap hair cuts, with decently talented folks. But they took FOREVER! The last person who cut my hair took 2.5hrs! For an angled bob!!! I swear he cut each hair individually. I had had enough.
Finally, after months of letting my hair grow out, I got so fed up that I needed to cut it immediately. It was crisis moment! There is a salon near our condo called Salon Red, who had advertised and sent fliers around before but I had just never paid much attention. So I decided, on recommendation from friends, to give them a try. I called to make an appointment, and the only one open was this guy named Tim. He was expensive, the receptionist told me, but well worth it.
I walked in, ready to chop off all my hair, and he talked me off the cliff. I told him I had been trying to grow it out (which I had), but had never gotten much further due to frustration with my hair's shape. No one seemed to be able to get it right. But Tim did. He told me he would just shape it for now, and if I really wanted him to, we could cut it next time. The cut was perfect.
I went back the next month to get my bangs trimmed - which was probably half the battle anyway. Most of the time, once my bangs had grown out, I got frustrated with the look of my hair. Trimming up the bangs really solved that. He shaped it again in December, just in time for one of the Christmas parties, and I felt fabulous! He has my business now until I leave for Boston, but I might try to export him to the Northeast!
My hair can be problematic. It's thick and partially curly. It doesn't like behaving in ringlets or soft curls like my mom and sister, but it doesn't fall completely straight either. Only true magicians have been able to tame this beast. I had a hair dresser back in Houston that I knew could handle my hair. He was the only one to cut my hair for 7 years. He did my hair for my high school prom, and I didn't go to anyone else after that. During my first year of grad school, I even waited to get my hair cut until I went back to Houston. This is one of the last haircuts he gave me. I loved it.
But then he made a fatal mistake. I wanted a bob haircut, which he did. But I have a nice square jaw which does not need accentuating. And he cut the bob to EXACTLY the wrong length. I absolutely LOATHED my hair for almost 2 whole months! It was terrible.
I tried a few salons in Atlanta, but wasn't impressed. Why spend $60 on a haircut when I could pay $20 and be exactly the same amount of satisfied with the results? So I did the grad student thing for awhile. I went to the Paul Mitchell school. Pretty cheap hair cuts, with decently talented folks. But they took FOREVER! The last person who cut my hair took 2.5hrs! For an angled bob!!! I swear he cut each hair individually. I had had enough.
Finally, after months of letting my hair grow out, I got so fed up that I needed to cut it immediately. It was crisis moment! There is a salon near our condo called Salon Red, who had advertised and sent fliers around before but I had just never paid much attention. So I decided, on recommendation from friends, to give them a try. I called to make an appointment, and the only one open was this guy named Tim. He was expensive, the receptionist told me, but well worth it.
I walked in, ready to chop off all my hair, and he talked me off the cliff. I told him I had been trying to grow it out (which I had), but had never gotten much further due to frustration with my hair's shape. No one seemed to be able to get it right. But Tim did. He told me he would just shape it for now, and if I really wanted him to, we could cut it next time. The cut was perfect.
I went back the next month to get my bangs trimmed - which was probably half the battle anyway. Most of the time, once my bangs had grown out, I got frustrated with the look of my hair. Trimming up the bangs really solved that. He shaped it again in December, just in time for one of the Christmas parties, and I felt fabulous! He has my business now until I leave for Boston, but I might try to export him to the Northeast!
05 January 2011
The Year of Fabulous!
Some of my friends have already declared 2011 to be the year of being fabulous. I think that mantra really resonates, so I am embracing it too! Here is to being the best, feeling the best, and most of all, looking the best I can in the next 365 days!
One of the goals - like many people's - is to lose weight. I realized, looking back at pictures from my first year in graduate school, that I have packed on the "grad school 15". I was the skinniest and most happy with my body when I moved to Atlanta. Stress, and a comfortable, stable relationship will really help pack on the padding. Luckily, I have started an accountability email system with one of my best girlfriends. She and I both have weight loss goals, and there's nothing like thinking, "I have to tell S about this cookie tomorrow" to make it not seem as tasty! Plus, I have my 10-year high school reunion coming up in May, and a looming #29 birthday, so there is no time like the present to get back to a fabulous body!
Another thing I want to do this year is to commit and do some of the things that I have wanted to but have lacked the courage to complete. Like giving blood, which I conquered in October (and December!!!), I want to embrace the things that scare me.
In this case, it's mostly about putting myself out there for the job I want. It's nerve-wrecking to know you want something, but not know exactly how you will get it. But it's all in the mindset. I am reading Dale Carnegie's "How to win friends and influence people" for just that reason: to prepare myself in the best way possible to face those opportunities. This year, I will go forward with confidence and do all the necessary preparation I can to get what I desire!
Here's to you, fabulous 2011!
One of the goals - like many people's - is to lose weight. I realized, looking back at pictures from my first year in graduate school, that I have packed on the "grad school 15". I was the skinniest and most happy with my body when I moved to Atlanta. Stress, and a comfortable, stable relationship will really help pack on the padding. Luckily, I have started an accountability email system with one of my best girlfriends. She and I both have weight loss goals, and there's nothing like thinking, "I have to tell S about this cookie tomorrow" to make it not seem as tasty! Plus, I have my 10-year high school reunion coming up in May, and a looming #29 birthday, so there is no time like the present to get back to a fabulous body!
Another thing I want to do this year is to commit and do some of the things that I have wanted to but have lacked the courage to complete. Like giving blood, which I conquered in October (and December!!!), I want to embrace the things that scare me.
In this case, it's mostly about putting myself out there for the job I want. It's nerve-wrecking to know you want something, but not know exactly how you will get it. But it's all in the mindset. I am reading Dale Carnegie's "How to win friends and influence people" for just that reason: to prepare myself in the best way possible to face those opportunities. This year, I will go forward with confidence and do all the necessary preparation I can to get what I desire!
Here's to you, fabulous 2011!
13 December 2010
There is nothing more intimidating...
...than a blank blog post window. It's not that I don't want to write. But the moment that I lack inspiration and open a blog post anyway, it becomes a monster. I look at it, try to muster creative courage, and then up storms the dreaded writer's block which stands between me and a blog post.
Today I may have the mental fortitude that comes with a Monday to get over this hump. Off to ponder and create.
Today I may have the mental fortitude that comes with a Monday to get over this hump. Off to ponder and create.
09 December 2010
Obsessed
I have always had a secret urge to sing in an acapella group. It almost came to fruition during my sophomore year in college when a few friends and I explored the earliest renaissance acapella scores. But alas, it amounted only to good intentions.
Lucky for me, I can relieve that dream again. Yes, I'm talking about "The Sing-Off". Like a live, reality-show version of Glee (I think...) 10 teams of acapella groups from around the country are in a vocal battle for supremacy. Love it!
I just caught up on Monday and Wednesday's shows, and there are some clear favorites, and some groups that really might end up wowing us all. The front-runner is an all-male gospel group from Alabama called Committed. Besides having a BoyzIIMen-like sexy-smooth-buttah-like sound, they are also humble, sweet and good-looking. The more surprising group this time was a bunch of music teachers in a group named Groove for Thought. The last favorite, especially of mine, is Street Corner Symphony, from Nashville. I love their country-jazzy-groovy sound. Some of it reminds me of Alison Krauss feel, although they could pull in more dissonant harmonies to really work the magic. We will see what next episode brings. Hopefully the songs that are selected for them really stretch the talents!
Lucky for me, I can relieve that dream again. Yes, I'm talking about "The Sing-Off". Like a live, reality-show version of Glee (I think...) 10 teams of acapella groups from around the country are in a vocal battle for supremacy. Love it!
I just caught up on Monday and Wednesday's shows, and there are some clear favorites, and some groups that really might end up wowing us all. The front-runner is an all-male gospel group from Alabama called Committed. Besides having a BoyzIIMen-like sexy-smooth-buttah-like sound, they are also humble, sweet and good-looking. The more surprising group this time was a bunch of music teachers in a group named Groove for Thought. The last favorite, especially of mine, is Street Corner Symphony, from Nashville. I love their country-jazzy-groovy sound. Some of it reminds me of Alison Krauss feel, although they could pull in more dissonant harmonies to really work the magic. We will see what next episode brings. Hopefully the songs that are selected for them really stretch the talents!
07 December 2010
More lists
With my mid-20s now at a close, I have been reflecting on how I have matured in my tastes over the past 10 years. Through my parents' guidance and my own culinary explorations, I have started to like things I never imagined eating and thanks to a discerning wine drinker I once dated, I now love and appreciate the subtleties of French red wines. As I age I am also embracing my inherent personality, so true to form, I have made a list of some of these culinary thoughts.
Things I like:
1. Black Licorice
2. Brussel sprouts
3. Miso
4. Fish sauce (in my Pho)
5. Avocado (used to hate them!)
6. Cottage cheese
7. Almond butter
Things I can't stand:
1. Capers
2. Risotto
3. Grainy mustard
4. Tapioca pudding
5. Beer (for the most part)
Guilty pleasure foods:
1. Mayonnaise (I've officially lived in the Deep South too long!)
2. Rold Gold Honey Wheat ("crack") pretzels
3. Haribo gummy bears (refrigerated)
Here's to living and loving my late 20s!
Things I like:
1. Black Licorice
2. Brussel sprouts
3. Miso
4. Fish sauce (in my Pho)
5. Avocado (used to hate them!)
6. Cottage cheese
7. Almond butter
Things I can't stand:
1. Capers
2. Risotto
3. Grainy mustard
4. Tapioca pudding
5. Beer (for the most part)
Guilty pleasure foods:
1. Mayonnaise (I've officially lived in the Deep South too long!)
2. Rold Gold Honey Wheat ("crack") pretzels
3. Haribo gummy bears (refrigerated)
Here's to living and loving my late 20s!
30 November 2010
Toothsome
One of our good friends at the dog park is a dental hygenist. She is adorable, bubbly and everything you expect from a people-oriented professional. But we only interact at the park, with our canine buddies. However, as things go, the subject of teeth cleaning came up. We all had our gripes and moans about dentists (the scraping noise, the drooling...you know), but she acted as a perky reminder to shame me into flossing regularly. Even though I'm not quite to an every day floss routine yet, it's at least every other day which is a start. :-)
Supposedly, all your health starts in (and with) your mouth. You don't have to take my word for it either. The Mayo Clinic says so. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00001
Moral of the story: brush, floss, and take care of your health!
Supposedly, all your health starts in (and with) your mouth. You don't have to take my word for it either. The Mayo Clinic says so. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00001
Moral of the story: brush, floss, and take care of your health!
25 November 2010
Just the two of us
We spent Thanksgiving in Atlanta as is our habit. I'm lucky that J and I agree that traveling over the 4-day holiday is just stressful and not that much fun. We adopted our friends' dog from Tuesday through today, and had a houseful of black and red fur that alternately tumbled, tussled, and slept their way through the past week.
One of the advantages to staying at home for Thanksgiving is complete control over the menu. After last year's intimate Thanksgiving dinner, we ate turkey for almost a full week! We decided that, as much as it's tradition, neither of us like turkey enough to experience that again. So it was a roast chicken (lemon, white wine and rosemary) with green bean and portobello mushroom casserole, sweet potato with marshmallow, and an apple caramel crumble to top it all off! We just finished the apple crisp this afternoon, but the rest of the food was polished off yesterday for lunch. The resulting food coma was also present.
I have also discovered (in some post-thanksgiving cooking) that I love making soups! The latest few were cauliflower soup, and this evening was a sweet potato soup, after last night's dinner out inspired me with an acorn squash bisque. So creamy without much of the calories makes it a guilt-free cold winter meal!
One of the advantages to staying at home for Thanksgiving is complete control over the menu. After last year's intimate Thanksgiving dinner, we ate turkey for almost a full week! We decided that, as much as it's tradition, neither of us like turkey enough to experience that again. So it was a roast chicken (lemon, white wine and rosemary) with green bean and portobello mushroom casserole, sweet potato with marshmallow, and an apple caramel crumble to top it all off! We just finished the apple crisp this afternoon, but the rest of the food was polished off yesterday for lunch. The resulting food coma was also present.
I have also discovered (in some post-thanksgiving cooking) that I love making soups! The latest few were cauliflower soup, and this evening was a sweet potato soup, after last night's dinner out inspired me with an acorn squash bisque. So creamy without much of the calories makes it a guilt-free cold winter meal!
23 November 2010
Rips, tears, and sweet potatoes
...that's how I go through magazines!
I love to keep pages that inspire me (fashion, food, crafting, doesn't matter). As those closest to me can attest, I always have stacks of random glossy pages running around my living space. But I can honestly say that I do use them, maybe not in a very functional way, but again and again I will peruse my favorite pictures for good old inspiration purposes.
With recipes it's a lot the same way. Since we have been getting Cook's Illustrated magazine (must recommend it too!), I have increased the amount of food-related pages in my possession. But that has been where it ended. Until recently. Sometime last week - I don't remember when or why - I got the bee in my bonnet to actually start trying some of these hoarded recipes. I started off with a flourless chocolate cake for a labmate's birthday. It turned out pretty darn delicious - more dense chocolate brownie than cake, but it still disappeared. Then this weekend I found a cauliflower soup recipe that begged for the two heads of said vegetable that had been lingering in the refrigerator. It's nothing big or super complicated - onions, milk, chicken stock, cauliflower - but it was soul-satisfying and yummy. And it's kept my eyes open for the next opportunity to cook up something from a torn page.
This week, we're doing sweet potato souffle to complement the roast chicken, garlicky green beans, french onion soup and caramel apple crumble for our little Thanksgiving dinner. Not a torn out recipe, but copied from the Internets via The Kitchn. Between that and the candied sweet potato marshmallows, I might have tuber overload!
I love to keep pages that inspire me (fashion, food, crafting, doesn't matter). As those closest to me can attest, I always have stacks of random glossy pages running around my living space. But I can honestly say that I do use them, maybe not in a very functional way, but again and again I will peruse my favorite pictures for good old inspiration purposes.
With recipes it's a lot the same way. Since we have been getting Cook's Illustrated magazine (must recommend it too!), I have increased the amount of food-related pages in my possession. But that has been where it ended. Until recently. Sometime last week - I don't remember when or why - I got the bee in my bonnet to actually start trying some of these hoarded recipes. I started off with a flourless chocolate cake for a labmate's birthday. It turned out pretty darn delicious - more dense chocolate brownie than cake, but it still disappeared. Then this weekend I found a cauliflower soup recipe that begged for the two heads of said vegetable that had been lingering in the refrigerator. It's nothing big or super complicated - onions, milk, chicken stock, cauliflower - but it was soul-satisfying and yummy. And it's kept my eyes open for the next opportunity to cook up something from a torn page.
This week, we're doing sweet potato souffle to complement the roast chicken, garlicky green beans, french onion soup and caramel apple crumble for our little Thanksgiving dinner. Not a torn out recipe, but copied from the Internets via The Kitchn. Between that and the candied sweet potato marshmallows, I might have tuber overload!
21 November 2010
Some of my favorite things
As I approach the ripe old age of 28, I am taking ownership of my opinions. Not just the random thoughts on life - that's just who I am - but the littler things, like my favorite body wash, whether or not I like capers (I don't, at least the edible kind), and my diet choices. Here's the beginning of my list of those things:
1. TreSemme Curly Hair shampoo and conditioner. I love it (and the fact it's $3 for a HUGE bottle doesn't hurt either!)
2. J&J Lavender and Chamomile body wash - one of my new discoveries
3. Biore. Period. Nose strips, warming face wash, dual moisturizer. It is all fabulous.
4. Butter. Salted variety on sourdough toast is perfect.
5. Bloody mary tomato juice mix. It's the only way I like tomato juice, and a standard order on the airplane now.
6. Nail polish. As an outlet for my obsession with color.
7. Vodka. I love flavored vodka with soda water. Nice and simple.
8. Making caramel. Now that I mastered the art of the caramel, it gives me a lot of satisfaction to make it.
9. Pencil skirts and statement heels. Classics with a punch.
10. Organizing. This is no surprise to anyone who knows me. But I have come to accept it as a strength, something that is a real asset in the workplace as well as at home. I love being able to find things easily and have a place for everything.
1. TreSemme Curly Hair shampoo and conditioner. I love it (and the fact it's $3 for a HUGE bottle doesn't hurt either!)
2. J&J Lavender and Chamomile body wash - one of my new discoveries
3. Biore. Period. Nose strips, warming face wash, dual moisturizer. It is all fabulous.
4. Butter. Salted variety on sourdough toast is perfect.
5. Bloody mary tomato juice mix. It's the only way I like tomato juice, and a standard order on the airplane now.
6. Nail polish. As an outlet for my obsession with color.
7. Vodka. I love flavored vodka with soda water. Nice and simple.
8. Making caramel. Now that I mastered the art of the caramel, it gives me a lot of satisfaction to make it.
9. Pencil skirts and statement heels. Classics with a punch.
10. Organizing. This is no surprise to anyone who knows me. But I have come to accept it as a strength, something that is a real asset in the workplace as well as at home. I love being able to find things easily and have a place for everything.
20 November 2010
Flash mob!
A few weeks ago one of my friends from my (long abandoned) dance scene here in Atlanta posted about needing a dance partner for this "flash mob" thing that was going on. Somehow I decided to volunteer, and now we are "spontaneously" dancing in the middle of Atlantic Station this afternoon!
The idea and choreography were first started by Damon and Lisa D'Amico (of Houston, TX west coast swing fame!!!). I guess I can't escape my roots. :-)
Here is the link to the Houston flash mob event. Look for videos from this afternoon coming soon too!
The idea and choreography were first started by Damon and Lisa D'Amico (of Houston, TX west coast swing fame!!!). I guess I can't escape my roots. :-)
Here is the link to the Houston flash mob event. Look for videos from this afternoon coming soon too!
18 November 2010
Bioethics and other political hot buttons
Last night J and I attended what was supposed to be a dialogue on Bioethics from the chair and vice chair of Obama's Bioethics committee. These leaders happened to be the president of U. Pennsylvania, and the president of Emory, respectively, which was why we had gotten invited to attend. We were both excited to hear what these scholars were going to say on sticky bioethical issues that affect our research and our field.
The biggest disappointment was realizing that they had no intention of actually discussing facts and debating issues for the benefit of the audience. In sum, they barely touched on any bioethical issue and spent the better part of 80minutes lauding each other for the outstanding roles the schools play in leading this discussion and engaging their student bodies in ethical awareness. Bluntly put, we listened to an hour of political posturing and self-gratifying blather.
Community members who we schmoozed with at the reception beforehand were not in the field at all but were curious to hear informed opinions and arguments on these hot button issues which stay in the very near subsurface of all bio-related research and clinical trials. For non-scientists who don't get exposed to pertinent facts and opinions about these issues (or maybe don't know how to seek them out), presenting clear and direct arguments based on scientific evidence is crucial to their ability to make an informed decision about any bioethical issue. We, as scientists in this community also have an obligation to play better PR for our research. Half of opposition comes from a lack of understanding by the community we serve, and that is definitely at least half our fault.
This committee, however, missed a huge opportunity to play an advocate role for these factual, informed and civil discussions before they are interrupted by political, religious or other interests. What better way to change society than to set an example? If I could tell the chair and vice chair only one thing, I would tell them to spend time discussing issues rather than padding their egos.
The biggest disappointment was realizing that they had no intention of actually discussing facts and debating issues for the benefit of the audience. In sum, they barely touched on any bioethical issue and spent the better part of 80minutes lauding each other for the outstanding roles the schools play in leading this discussion and engaging their student bodies in ethical awareness. Bluntly put, we listened to an hour of political posturing and self-gratifying blather.
Community members who we schmoozed with at the reception beforehand were not in the field at all but were curious to hear informed opinions and arguments on these hot button issues which stay in the very near subsurface of all bio-related research and clinical trials. For non-scientists who don't get exposed to pertinent facts and opinions about these issues (or maybe don't know how to seek them out), presenting clear and direct arguments based on scientific evidence is crucial to their ability to make an informed decision about any bioethical issue. We, as scientists in this community also have an obligation to play better PR for our research. Half of opposition comes from a lack of understanding by the community we serve, and that is definitely at least half our fault.
This committee, however, missed a huge opportunity to play an advocate role for these factual, informed and civil discussions before they are interrupted by political, religious or other interests. What better way to change society than to set an example? If I could tell the chair and vice chair only one thing, I would tell them to spend time discussing issues rather than padding their egos.
16 November 2010
My dream kitchen
I ran across this fantastic blog a few weeks ago called Apartment Therapy. They have all sorts of wonderful tips, decorating ideas, and online resources that I can highly recommend. They also have a sister blog called The Kitch*n.
This month has been focused on all things entertaining, and I have definitely gotten dragged into the fantasy of a spectacular holiday dinner party. (Would that I had that kind of space!) Some of the tips which resonated with me - keep a stack of glass cocktail/dessert plates on hand, cocktail cloth napkins, and enough wine glasses for a really good time - got me thinking about how I would want to design and stock my eventual dream kitchen.
I can't complain about my current cooking environment much. Although it's pretty cozy, it is very functional and we have all the tools that we really like or need to use. But what we don't have is room for extra dishes/napkins/wine glasses. Maybe if I completely redesigned our space to maximize storage EVERYWHERE, we might fit these sort of things in, but we are moving in less than a year, and don't have seating for more than 8 people in our living/dining room anyway, so it's almost a moot point.
But...here are some ideas that are on that list for when we move to a real house. someday...
This month has been focused on all things entertaining, and I have definitely gotten dragged into the fantasy of a spectacular holiday dinner party. (Would that I had that kind of space!) Some of the tips which resonated with me - keep a stack of glass cocktail/dessert plates on hand, cocktail cloth napkins, and enough wine glasses for a really good time - got me thinking about how I would want to design and stock my eventual dream kitchen.
I can't complain about my current cooking environment much. Although it's pretty cozy, it is very functional and we have all the tools that we really like or need to use. But what we don't have is room for extra dishes/napkins/wine glasses. Maybe if I completely redesigned our space to maximize storage EVERYWHERE, we might fit these sort of things in, but we are moving in less than a year, and don't have seating for more than 8 people in our living/dining room anyway, so it's almost a moot point.
But...here are some ideas that are on that list for when we move to a real house. someday...
15 November 2010
Daylight Savings Time (and other excuses)
So last week was a little haphazard in the blog posting arena. I would like to just clarify that it wasn't for lack of thinking about it, or even having writing materials. I was just really discombobulated.
This comes from our almost-fanatic commitment to our dog and her dog park time. With DST last week also came pitch black darkness by 6:30pm, about the time we had been getting home in recent weeks. Obviously, before DST it wasn't dark, so Em got her playtime in before dinner just fine. However, now that was going to be an issue. So we decided to be radical. In to work by 7am (or earlier), home by 4pm, with plenty of time to get her to the park, fix dinner, and be in bed by 11pm to start the cycle all over again. But this meant changing our alarms too.
We had been enjoying the flex schedule of a grad student. Wake up by 8:30, leisurely prep time and be at our desks by 10am. Not bad, really, but then you arrive at the same time as everyone else, which also means we are all starting lab work at the same time and that can be hectic. So the earlier wake-up call really is a blessing in many ways. We can be productive in the first 3 hours of the day when no one else is in lab, we leave before traffic gets too bad, and still have some daylight to enjoy as well. But 5:30am is not easy. Even with DST making it feel like 6:30, it still came as a bodily shock to be up while it was dark out. But this morning I felt good waking up, bounding out of bed to make breakfast and walk the dog. I'm even feeling super productive instead of lagging like last week. Keep tuned for more regular posting!
This comes from our almost-fanatic commitment to our dog and her dog park time. With DST last week also came pitch black darkness by 6:30pm, about the time we had been getting home in recent weeks. Obviously, before DST it wasn't dark, so Em got her playtime in before dinner just fine. However, now that was going to be an issue. So we decided to be radical. In to work by 7am (or earlier), home by 4pm, with plenty of time to get her to the park, fix dinner, and be in bed by 11pm to start the cycle all over again. But this meant changing our alarms too.
We had been enjoying the flex schedule of a grad student. Wake up by 8:30, leisurely prep time and be at our desks by 10am. Not bad, really, but then you arrive at the same time as everyone else, which also means we are all starting lab work at the same time and that can be hectic. So the earlier wake-up call really is a blessing in many ways. We can be productive in the first 3 hours of the day when no one else is in lab, we leave before traffic gets too bad, and still have some daylight to enjoy as well. But 5:30am is not easy. Even with DST making it feel like 6:30, it still came as a bodily shock to be up while it was dark out. But this morning I felt good waking up, bounding out of bed to make breakfast and walk the dog. I'm even feeling super productive instead of lagging like last week. Keep tuned for more regular posting!
11 November 2010
Dreams, Fears, and other motivations
two nights ago
this is more stream of consciousness rather than inspiration, but here goes...
Yes, I will admit here in black and white that I - like almost every other single (as in "not engaged", don't get worried y'all!) gal out there - fantasizes about her future wedding. Ideas will come and go, plus add the inspirations from all the random wedding-oriented shows on tv now and you've got yourself some serious subconscious wedding dreaming.
So what was so weird about this dream was that it was definitely my wedding, but it was SO Not my wedding either. We were in this adorable Craftsman house, with warm honey-colored wood floors and a brick fireplace. Then it panned to a back bedroom with my mom - hair in curlers (really?!) - helping me into my "dress". But it wasn't a dress. It was a floor-length black taffeta ball gown skirt. Maybe there was some sort of creamy white shirt on top, but that detail got lost. And my hair was flat and terrible. Somehow it wasn't quite what I pictured it being like...
I was definitely disconcerted when I woke up. It was the weirdest snap shot of what I instinctively knew was The Big Day (in my dream). Plus, I hadn't been really thinking about weddings much recently either, so just weird. In general.
this is more stream of consciousness rather than inspiration, but here goes...
Yes, I will admit here in black and white that I - like almost every other single (as in "not engaged", don't get worried y'all!) gal out there - fantasizes about her future wedding. Ideas will come and go, plus add the inspirations from all the random wedding-oriented shows on tv now and you've got yourself some serious subconscious wedding dreaming.
So what was so weird about this dream was that it was definitely my wedding, but it was SO Not my wedding either. We were in this adorable Craftsman house, with warm honey-colored wood floors and a brick fireplace. Then it panned to a back bedroom with my mom - hair in curlers (really?!) - helping me into my "dress". But it wasn't a dress. It was a floor-length black taffeta ball gown skirt. Maybe there was some sort of creamy white shirt on top, but that detail got lost. And my hair was flat and terrible. Somehow it wasn't quite what I pictured it being like...
I was definitely disconcerted when I woke up. It was the weirdest snap shot of what I instinctively knew was The Big Day (in my dream). Plus, I hadn't been really thinking about weddings much recently either, so just weird. In general.
10 November 2010
I never knew ....
...that bedazzling your shoes had an official name: strassing.
Recently I have been feeling the need for more femininity, mainly in the form of fashion. One chick's blog I came across had this wonderful pair of sparkly pink Louboutins. Except they weren't originally sparkly - sorry, I meant "strassed".
Quite honestly, having never had a pair of Louboutins on my feet, I can't imagine why you would spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of plain-looking shoes (but I hope they feel way better than the more affordable ones that grace my phalanges). Maybe not the point.
Anyway, she bought these Barbie pink peep toe shoes, and then started to grace them with hundreds of tiny, hot pink Swarovski crystals. The result is pretty fantastic.
I kind of want to do it myself - just not to Louboutins. Maybe these though (on Zappos, if you are interested):
Stay tuned!
Recently I have been feeling the need for more femininity, mainly in the form of fashion. One chick's blog I came across had this wonderful pair of sparkly pink Louboutins. Except they weren't originally sparkly - sorry, I meant "strassed".
Quite honestly, having never had a pair of Louboutins on my feet, I can't imagine why you would spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of plain-looking shoes (but I hope they feel way better than the more affordable ones that grace my phalanges). Maybe not the point.
Anyway, she bought these Barbie pink peep toe shoes, and then started to grace them with hundreds of tiny, hot pink Swarovski crystals. The result is pretty fantastic.
I kind of want to do it myself - just not to Louboutins. Maybe these though (on Zappos, if you are interested):
Stay tuned!
08 November 2010
The Power of ...
I have found my commitment to calorie counting and diet restriction fleeting at best when I don't have my partner in crime on board. It's easy enough to not buy something when you live alone, but if there is someone else around, it gets complicated. Sometimes the temptation of chocolate is just too much!
Luckily, I have finally convinced him to join me in a return to our Lent diet of the past two years. We gave up refined sugar and refined flours for 40 days, which leads to about 5lbs easy weight loss in that time. Just not filling your body with as many wasted calories, and substituting useful stuff, like yogurt, berries, celery, and almonds, really makes a difference.
Gearing up for the start of the diet did lead to some last-minute sugar binges on both our parts. However, my inherent sweet tooth probably took the cake. I grabbed a big bag of sour gummy worms from Target, some leftover Halloween gummies (not so great - I ended up tossing half of them), and a box of cherry cordials (delicious, even considering the super sugar headache afterward!). During this weekend's sugar fiasco, however, I realized something: I physically can't handle such intense sugar anymore. Mentally, though, the battle still rages.
When we were kids, candy was associated with reward. Once every so often, my mom would let us go to Walgreen's to get a selection of our favorite goodies. (Quick Aside: Walgreen's still has the best selection of candy in my opinion, at least here in Atlanta) So, the expected good feelings from eating candy now - that reward center of the brain - really fall short with the reviling sugar crash that comes with it. It just doesn't do it for me anymore. But I still mentally crave that reward.
So the goal - until I reach my goal weight especially - is to focus on retraining my mental habits. Disassociating the "reward" from the pleasure center will take some serious effort, but in the long run I know it will all be worth it.
Luckily, I have finally convinced him to join me in a return to our Lent diet of the past two years. We gave up refined sugar and refined flours for 40 days, which leads to about 5lbs easy weight loss in that time. Just not filling your body with as many wasted calories, and substituting useful stuff, like yogurt, berries, celery, and almonds, really makes a difference.
Gearing up for the start of the diet did lead to some last-minute sugar binges on both our parts. However, my inherent sweet tooth probably took the cake. I grabbed a big bag of sour gummy worms from Target, some leftover Halloween gummies (not so great - I ended up tossing half of them), and a box of cherry cordials (delicious, even considering the super sugar headache afterward!). During this weekend's sugar fiasco, however, I realized something: I physically can't handle such intense sugar anymore. Mentally, though, the battle still rages.
When we were kids, candy was associated with reward. Once every so often, my mom would let us go to Walgreen's to get a selection of our favorite goodies. (Quick Aside: Walgreen's still has the best selection of candy in my opinion, at least here in Atlanta) So, the expected good feelings from eating candy now - that reward center of the brain - really fall short with the reviling sugar crash that comes with it. It just doesn't do it for me anymore. But I still mentally crave that reward.
So the goal - until I reach my goal weight especially - is to focus on retraining my mental habits. Disassociating the "reward" from the pleasure center will take some serious effort, but in the long run I know it will all be worth it.
06 November 2010
Finding my drama...
...tic color. I was given a copy of David Zyla's new book "The color of style" by a dear friend of mine, and once I picked it up, I couldn't set it down. David has been a fashion stylist and adviser for lots of famous shows, but I won't bore you with his resume. The point is, based on his experience he has come up with a way to analyze your own personal colors - finding the colors that will absolutely be the best shades for you to wear - and more importantly, describing how those colors function in your life.
For example, one of your colors is your "essence" color. This is your skin tone, your best foundation makeup color. This is a very open, vulnerable color to wear, which is why this is a bad choice to wear in a job interview or any place where you should exert energy and authority. But it's great if you want to meditate or share deeper emotions with a friend.
Right now I am on the search to find my perfect "dramatic" color. According to the book, this color is found in your veins, so look at your wrist and find the deepest color as your inspiration. For me, it's a midtone clear blue with turquoise undertones. Given that I love jewel tones, this fits right in with my instinctual color style, but somewhat uncharacteristically, I am really doubting that I have really found that perfect color. However, here are some fashion thoughts that have started to inspire me:
For example, one of your colors is your "essence" color. This is your skin tone, your best foundation makeup color. This is a very open, vulnerable color to wear, which is why this is a bad choice to wear in a job interview or any place where you should exert energy and authority. But it's great if you want to meditate or share deeper emotions with a friend.
Right now I am on the search to find my perfect "dramatic" color. According to the book, this color is found in your veins, so look at your wrist and find the deepest color as your inspiration. For me, it's a midtone clear blue with turquoise undertones. Given that I love jewel tones, this fits right in with my instinctual color style, but somewhat uncharacteristically, I am really doubting that I have really found that perfect color. However, here are some fashion thoughts that have started to inspire me:
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