Blowing myself up.

I had a meeting this morning with one of my supervisors to set up a relatively straight forward experiment. I had read a paper the night before, and felt pretty confident that as long as all the equipment was there, I could assemble it without too much difficulty.

Upon arrival, it didn't take me long to realize that I was naive in my believing it would be simple, and really, just an idiot for thinking I could do it on my own.

I had assumed that someone, anyone, would show me how to do some of the more basic stuff.
At first, I was thrown (not literally...) into a room and given a pat on the ass (not literally...) and told 'go to it', leaving me with a random collection of gadgets, tubing, and a 50L tank of PRESSURIZED NITROGEN GAS. Seriously. I realize that nitrogen is not typically dangerous... but it being pressurized is a little disconcerting to me....considering that I don't know how to use the valve controlling it's release and the fact that the valve was FUCKING BROKEN. While unlikely, it was entirely possible that I could have rocketed myself through a wall... or, much worse, blown up the whole building. (I didn't.... in case you were wondering)

30 minutes later, there are 3 scientists huddled around a large cubic tank of water discussing the best plan of attack, and explaining the procedure to me.
The thing is, it is hard to have a conversation with 3 incredibly smart men, while I have absolutely nothing to contribute except
'Ohhhhh.... okay'
'Yeh'
'I understand'
'Uh huh... and thats why you use.... oh okay'
'Perfect... sounds good'

Anyway, I didn't blow myself (or anyone else) up.


#4 My favourite guilty pleasure song is 'When Doves Cry' by Prince. Really, I like anything by Prince, or the artist formerly known as prince, or the fucked up looking symbol.
There is no funny story behind this. I just like it.

It's called motivation

Today I got to the office (30 minutes later than usual) and had a conversation with my office-mate for 20 minutes about the ridiculousness of the icy sidewalks (I almost fell TEN times on my short 7 minute walk to the building). I then checked my e-mail, read up on some blogs for 20 minutes, and then checked my e-mail again.

I then deemed it necessary to get a coffee and take a walk around the building to see if there was anyone around to talk to.

I am also being whisked away for lunch today (which will no doubt take around 2 hours).

I am quite the worker. Seriously.

It is funny though, because not working doesn't mean that I don't have an insane amount of work to do...

#3 I love Hugh Grant, and always hate the actress playing opposite him.

Okay, so first off, I love Hugh Grant in a 'I would want him as a best friend' kind of way. I am not in love with him and I do not think that I will meet him one day and live happily ever after.

Notting Hill- hated Julia Roberts
4 Weddings and a Funeral- hated Andie MacDowell

There are others, but these two come to mind first.

I don't know why I hate them.... but I do.

Time and Ducks

Today I realized that I am almost one year into my program. ONE YEAR! That is 1/2 of the total amount of time for my program.... as in 50%. Holy shit.
I don't even want to THINK about how much work I need to do in the next 14 months. Considering that I have not accomplished much in the last 10 months (besides course requirements) I am a little nervous thinking about doing my ENTIRE thesis in 14 months.
I need to breathe.... and maybe get a stiff drink (or 5).

#2. I was once compared to a duck.

I was told once, that I am similar to a duck in one major way. While, they seemingly float calmly on the surface of the water, giving the illusion that they are totally in control and relaxed. In reality, they are frantically kicking their feet in every attempt to keep afloat and slowly move from one point to another.
I was told that I am like this. Calm on the surface and FREAKING OUT inside. I suppose it is appropriate.