November 8, 2005
Wowie
The last time I updated, I was over in sunny North Carolina, enjoying my summer research experience. Now its November in good ol' deecee, and I'm enjoying my volleyball season.
Posted by pia at 5:18 AM | Comments (3)
July 22, 2005
Deodorant at Home
Random thought.
I was just reading 'Dry.' by Augusten Burroughs and came across this wonderfully candid quote.
She looks at me for what seems like a very long time. For some reason, it occurs to me that I forgot to pack deodorant.
Continue reading "Deodorant at Home"
Posted by pia at 2:52 AM
July 7, 2005
The Bane of My Existence
For practically every summer since I was born, I've come down with some form of ear infection -- Swimmer's Ear, otitis media, and a ruptured eardrum. All have been, dare I say, instrumental in my personal growth.....
I remember when I was a little kid, and I came down with Swimmer's Ear (or an infection of the ear canal) at the same time that my darling sister did. We were crying and begging Mom to just hurry up and take us to the doctor. I remember lying down in the van, curled up, and just hoping sleep would help the pain go away. Mom went inside to fill the prescription, and that 15 minutes while she was gone was one of the longest of my life.
The dull throbbing and the subsequent pain that shot through the right side of my head. The ache that went down my jawbone.
I have probably never been as glad as I was at the moment Mom got back with a handful of white pharmacy bags laden down with various forms of eardrops, antibiotics, and, naturally, the prescription pamphlets.
I sat up, and looked at my mother lovingly, "Sweet mother, thee who delivered me on this earth, thou art my savior."
Then I thought, 'Enough mollycoddling.'
"MOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!! Eardrops!!!"
Each summer since then, I keep hoping that maybe, just once, my ear won't hurt. And each summer since then, I keep thinking, "Guess it isn't going to be this year. Maybe next year."
Yup, you got it. I've got my annual Swimmer's Ear.
Posted by pia at 11:25 PM
June 22, 2005
Bliss magnified 2812 times
I'm in heaven.
For those who aren't all that scientifically inclined, ...
... , this is an image made by a scanning electron microscope, otherwise known as a SEM. You've seen pictures made by a SEM in biology books (think bug antennae and red blood cells) and Pantene shampoo ads (damaged hair versus healthy hair).
I'm doing this Duke fellowship all summer, and as part of my program, my advisor wants me to have the opportunity not only to conduct research, but also to get as much lab experience as I can. AFM's, SEM's, micro- and nano-technology (a scientist's dream).
This is probably one of the richest experiences I'll receive during my college years other than traveling to new countries. In other words, for all of you out there, in college or otherwise, be sure to go out and look for opportunities. It won't come back to bite you, but rather, come back to elevate you to new heights.
Ones never before imagined.
Posted by pia at 9:54 PM
