Texas AM what an interesting place

So as I have stated before Texas AM is an interesting place. It is quiet. I mean we walk from our parking lot in the morning and there is quiet murmuring amongst the students that are walking from class to class but other than that no one yelling or anything like there was at JU or UGA. It is also strange to see the amount of uniformed students walking around. I can't imagine how hot they are in full fatigues or in the snazzy TAMU cadet corp uniforms but I do like a man in uniform :) (even though they are way out of my age range). Oh and by the way I saw Reville, the mascot for TAMU walk by my window today with her cadet escort. That is pretty cool that the mascot is on campus. I can't imagine Uga handling the heat walking around campus but it's cool that Reville goes to classes and is around the campus for the students.

So beyond the uniformed presence on campus, I have seen some things that I have not seen before. For instance the photo of the manhole cover below is just one that I have a picture of. Check out the side around the bottom. It states "Do not molest." Now I'm not one for checking out manhole covers on a regular basis but really do you have to tell someone not to molest it. Are there really people out there that "take to" manhole covers and feel the need to enjoy themselves with it? First the trees and now the manhole covers I have to feel bad for. Inanimate objects around here are put to the test. I hope they aren't too stressed out :)

Networking

We've got internet access on both computers, the TiVo, and the Wii, so we are networked all around.  Got nearly all the minimum electronics plugged in including the stereo, so we are ready to entertain our selves too.  Look out neighbors, you better be ready to rock when we plug in the guitar hero.  The next question we have to ask ourselves is what sort of entertainment we want to deal ourselves next, satellite or cable.  We have a series 2 tivo, so it is no longer compatible with dish tv stuff.  while it still works with basic cable, and in theory digital cable, it is only a matter of time before TiVo drops support for our machine, I don't know how long TiVo supported series 1 machines, but at some point, sony has got the be getting ready for the series 4 tivos.  Though, i don't know what they would add in, except satellite compatibility which is about the only function  they really seem to be missing.

With all this network stuff going on, I hope to be keeping up with all you all more often, especially through facebook.  If you are reading this and not a facebook user or friend then get on it all ready.  I've dumped maybe 200 pictures on my facebook site in the past two weeks, some of them are even of me.  Though not many, I tend to spend a lot of time behind the camera.  Don't know why that is, I mean, I think I'm good looking enough, and even though I had one friend obsessed with taking pictures of me, I'm a few hundred  miles away from her so, most pictures of me will be views from arms length, with best efforts to keep Dawn's head in frame.  All  that reminds me I've got files on the phone, road trip stuff, that I need to get on here, and over to facebook.  Including a shot of the Atlantic Ocean, on the beach, the real start of our road trip.

the unpacking stuff continues

So the unpacking continues.  My back is shot unfortunately.  I always say that I try to be careful so that I'm not stuck screaming every time I sneeze (which for some reason is all the time here, ahh new stuff to be allergic to), but I feel bad seeing John haul stuff around and me just moving stuff around and unpacking.  So I pushed it a little too hard and now doing pretty much anything makes my back wish it was separated from my body.  

Today was our first visit to Shipley Do-nuts. We heard of the place from watching Kathy Griffin My Life on the D-list.  She went on and on about how cool they were so we had to try them out.  Well they are pretty darn good pastries.  I think my chocolate covered and chocolate filled almost gave me a sugar attack but hey that's what I expected.  John had his first kolache which is apparently a pastry filled with a variety of things (in this case a sausage).  Well it was more like a pig in a blanket because it was a hot dog in the center.  We need to go to a place that sells only kolache and see if it is any different.  

So we are finishing up the bedroom today and hopefully going to get to cleaning up the kitchen today.  It is a slow process but the temporary quarters are starting to look more like a personalized hotel and not a storage unit.  The duplex still does not have a well functioning air conditioner so crankiness is the norm.  Rumor has it that the air conditioner will be looked at this week.  We'll keep you up to date on the status.  

Off to work on the mess that is our kitchen/dining room.  I never thought I would say it but I'm sick of organizing stuff soon it will be over though and I can concentrate on more important things like Wii and Playstation oh yeah and work, lots of work :)

And we met the landlord

We met the landlord today.  He shares the other half of the duplex, and he's very concerned about our air conditioning, but knows there's not much anyone can do about it on a Friday night. So we let him get settled after his week long vacation with his wife and kids, so we let him do that as we had taco night!  We made tacos and beans, with peppers and hot sauce.  The highlight of the evening was the chips and and the tortillas.  The chips were really good, like restaurant chips, not like tostidos, and the tortillas, the tortillas!  They are made in the store.  And let me say here, not in some speciality store, they are made in the HEB.  Neither one of us thought tortillas could taste that good.

Oh!  How the mundane observations roll on!

Work is kicking up a notch next week, I need to get off my butt from reading, and get back into doing.  I do have some idea of what I'm working on now, so it's time to get onto the work stick and do stuff.  Good time to learn how to do all the techniques I'l need to use when we get to California.  It looks like fewer and fewer people going to CA with us.  I'll need to be ready to supervise what's going down in lab.  Best to pick the brains of the people I'm working with now.  Of course, they are in the position I was in not too long ago myself, that the need to find a job, new places to live, figure out how they are going to get around.  So I try and temper my questions of them with my knowing that they have their own stuff to deal with.  Plus I'm too stubborn and independent, used to finding how to do it myself, or getting the information from books, that's what I've done before, and I reckon I'll do it again.

Is it a home or a storage unit?

So as John said the POD is unpacked and now the duplex (or temporary quarters, TQ as I like to call it) is filled to the brim with boxes.  You apparently can distinguish our duplex from a storage unit because it has bathrooms and a kitchen.  It is beyond crazy right now with boxes lined up to create pathways to the kitchen, to Vicky and then finally to the bedroom.  We don't want to unpack too much because it just means we have to pack it again in less than 3 months but I really want to have french fries soon so I guess the deep fryer will be found sooner than later :)  This weekend we are hoping to make some serious headway.  John (the I hate making lists man) actually wants to number all the boxes and make a list of what is in the box so that it makes it easier to figure out where things are.  It might take a little more time but it would make it easier in the long run when I'm looking for that much needed blender for margaritas :) (don't worry I already found the blender though margaritas have not been made yet)

We are finishing up our first week of work.  I've been doing a lot of reading and trying to figure out what is going on.  I met with both Haitao and Lan, the two other members of the group I am working with to see where there projects are heading.  Lan just found out this week that she has a position in San Jose and will be leaving on Monday (yes this coming Monday) so she is now trying to pack up all her things for her big move.  I will be working on her projects from now on and so I will be back at the bench on Monday/Tuesday.  I haven't been really doing science for awhile now so I am excited to get moving on something.  It is somewhat strange being that cultures take a week to grow up but I am sure that I will get used to it eventually.  

TAMU is a very interesting place by the way.  TAMU has a very active cadet corp that are prominent members of the TAMU student body (want to learn more check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_A%26M_University_Corps_of_Cadets  and  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditions_of_Texas_A%26M_University).  We were walking in the other day from our parking spot (which is in BFE but hey we both could use some exercise) and found these cadets who were wearing shirts with "11 hound" on them yelling.  Now I understand the military is full of unusual procedures that I may not fully understand because I am not in the military and I realize you might be thinking "Uh Dawn it is the military of course they are going to be yelling" BUT it was not so much the unusual deal that they were yelling, it was what they were yelling at.  Trees to be exact.  Poor defenseless trees were being yelled at by these cadets.  Now I'm sure there is meaning to this but I don't get it.  I felt bad for the trees.  I mean I'm sure this isn't the first group that has yelled at them and probably won't be the last.

By the way we are still minus a good air conditioner at the duplex which is definitely not making us the happiest people ever.  Unfortunately it is apparently leaking in the attic which is causing a spot on the ceiling.  The landlord returns today to hopefully help us out with this problem and the running toilet and the lack of mail.  Apparently we need a mail box not a mail slot and we have a mail slot right now so the post office is holding our mail for us to pick up until we get a mail box.  I'm sure it will all get settled soon or at least I hope.  Well back to work...

Moving is over, Unpacking is not

Today, with the help of friends we finally got the PODS container unloaded,  I'll call tomorrow to get them to come pick it up.  So, in a few days, we went from a container full of boxes, to a house full of boxes.  This challenge is almost as tough as packing the container.  Because, now we have to decide what to unpack and where to put it.  We don't want to unpack too much because soon enough we'll need to pack it again.  We don't want to unpack to little because we don't want to be frustrated when we ask "Where's the ...?"

"In a box."

"Which box?"

"Um...."

Moreover, not to sound unappreciative of the help we got, when opening boxes you had no help in packing, you wonder what's in it?  Or you'll find 2/3 of a piece of kitchen equipment, but wonder where the missing piece is.  So, there's so many jobs, one wonders what to tackle first.  Tonight, I got the entertainment center 2/3 together, and found the Tivo, and set that up.  I know I've got one of those input boxes so I could hook up the Wii and PS2 around, as well as a power strip designed for electronics.  I think I'll leave the VCR out of the loop for now, and maybe leave the stereo also in boxes until we go to CA.  Although we want to throw a party too, so some electronics well be necessary.

Texas, and TAMU itself has been quite the adjustment.  We are starting to learn our way around, or at least to our parking space and back without looking at too many maps.  One place we can find, because it's on our way to work is H.E.B.  That place is amazing.  Supermarket is really the term that applies.  It's got a much more expansive food section then we're used to, plus all kinds of housewares.  Larger then a standard food store, smaller than a wal-mart, it's quite the experience.

And Moving is coming to an End

Though not before the current leg of the trip, which has taken us to Chicago.  Chicago?  I thought they were moving to Texas you might be asking yourself.  Well, a great friend of mine is getting married in Chicago over this weekend.  They are having a Hindu and Christian ceremony tomorrow.  It looks to be a fun day.  Tonight Dawn had her first Chicago deep dish pizza.  While she didn't say she'll trade it for NY style pizza, she did like it.  The trip to the airport was actually uneventful, though similar in milage College Station to Houston is a much easier drive than Athens to Atlanta, if for no other reason, the state road between the two cities has no traffic lights.

The Pod also arrived today.  And once again, I couldn't have gotten better customer service from them.  The driver was in high spirits and we joked has he dropped it off.  (Pictures to follow sometime.)  Even helped to get the door open, as our stuff shifted to press against the rolling door, making it tough to open.  So once again, PODS rocks.

The road trip ended long.  We did manage to get to see the Muffler Man in the New Orleans suburbs.  I wanted to see the Oak Alley plantation in Lavacherie, but it was $15 to get inside.  Forget that.  We took some pictures outside of the grounds, climbed the levee to look at the river, then ate lunch at B&C seafood.  There's the place to go.  Skip the plantations, go to the B&C.

Back on I-10, and over the Mississippi, we did manages to see sugar cain, oil rigs, and cows.  Dawn thrashed me in Cows and Cemeteries.  (I won today, tough.)  Lots of miles, I drove further west then  I ever have in one continuous trip.  Huzzah for personal milestones.

First half of the road trip...

Well the first half of the trip is over. We made it across FL yesterday and ended up in New Orleans last night. We think that the travel gods are against us because it rained, and rained and rained yesterday. We couldn't really stop anywhere except for lunch and gas because it was pouring. For lunch we stopped in Tallahassee at a place called Jenny's Lunchbox which has a lunchbox theme. Lunch boxes hang from the ceiling and the such. Huge burgers that were made well and satisfied. From there it was to finish off FL which took FOREVER. Holy cow FL is wide at the top. Then brief ventures in MS and AL (with a wild venture through Mobile looking for a Starbucks...unsuccessfully) and then to LA. We were tired of rain and the car and found our hotel to be on the outskirts of the French Quarter where razor wire somewhat dominates. The hotel itself is great but the neighborhood not so much. John ran for food and we ate in. Today it was up and off to Cafe du Monde and a little sight seeing before we head out for the rest of the trip to TX. Pictures and more info later. Time for more car time!

Hola Amigos!

Sorry it's been a while since I rapped at ya, but I've been busy.

Today is the first day it becomes real.  Today, we start the westward journey to Texas.  Even though we resisted the urge, while packing, to put many things in the, "just put it in the car," pile, we still have a car full of stuff.  Filled up the trunk, and the entire backseat area.  This morning though, was the easiest car pack to date.  I've been getting smarter about how to put things in, and compressing things into smaller spaces, and using every available cubic inch.  So, loaded down, we're ready for the road.

Yesterday was spent in Nassau county, FL.  We had lunch with Dawn's mom, Dawn got to see Amber, one of her bridesmaids, and got to have a nice few minutes with her to talk about what's going on and old friends.  We also did some shopping, and managed to find time to get out to the beach.  Dawn was talking about things she's never seen along the Fernandina Beach, like sharks teeth, and lo and behold!  A sharks tooth.  Walking along a little further, Dawn thought she saw a shark, but instead it was a school of Dolphins swimming by.  Dawn says that's good luck for travelers.  We also saw a sea bird with a gimpy leg, and another gull missing it's leg below the knee(?) all together.  I say that's good luck too, and I invite anyone who wants to to make a rhyme to go along with that.  (I tried, but got nothing.)

If anyone reading this is ever in Callahanm Fernandina beach, I'd reccomend Callahan Bar-B-Que, though many people call it the chicken shack.  They moved to a new loaction, but the food is just as good.  I'd recommend the fried chicken sandwich.

Getting the high sign from Dawn, so I'll see you on the other side (of the Mississippi.)

Yellow rose of Texas is calling...

Well the mini-vacation is OVER!  We are heading out this morning for the beginning of our trip to TX.  It's been a pretty good vacation.  Visiting my grandparents in SC and getting some time on the lake skiing (as well as a little bit of a sunburn.  Apparently our tender indoor lab skin can't handle a little sun).  Then down for a brief visit to FL with a stop at Callahan BBQ (my favorite chicken sandwich ever), quick walk on the beach looking for shells, and dinner with Dad.  

We are now up and thinking about trying to leave by 9 so we can try and hit New Orleans tonight.  It will be a long drive but then we will only have 5 hours left tomorrow which would be nice.  Hopefully  Vicky the chinchilla will be ok on this drive.  It will be her longest yet.

It is starting to feel more real I guess.  Before it just felt like we were on vacation and I would start thinking about what project I needed to focus on when we got back to Athens but we aren't going back to Athens now.  It's just weird but I guess this is how everyone must feel when then have a big change in their life.  So we're off to see I-10 for the next 900 or so miles.  So the next time, I'll see you from the road :)

moving on up (or at least out)

Everything about this graduation has seemed surreal and yesterday was no exception. The signing the paperwork to hand over the house (yes, we are officially homeless). The emptying of the house. I mean it didn't feel like it was ours anymore when all you have left is a blow up mattress, a couple towels and the chinchilla. The capillary electrophoresis machine being broken meaning we don't have to stick around any longer. Last night we stayed with Noreen, Chris and Kaly's. We ate at 5 Star for the last time in a while. Came home and pretty much crashed. Today we are headed to run errands (DMV, condo management company), me to drop stuff off with EVS and meet with him and then it is off to the Grit for lunch. Re-pack the car, pick up the Vicky and head to SC! A vacation, imagine that!

Speaking of Vicky, the little chinchilla is a little unsure of what is going on right now. She let out the distress call last night. She's not one for change and here we are moving her from room to room and now from house to house. I'm sure she will be fine but this is just a rough time for all of us.

Well we need to get a-moving again so its up and at-um for me and John. And so begins the wild and crazy adventure!

Graduation is OVER

Yep we finished up this weekend.  It is still pretty surreal.  I keep thinking it is going to eventually hit me that graduate school is coming to end but then I have to come to work and do a growth curve so I can do capillary electrophoresis tomorrow and then I realize why it hasn't hit me that I've graduated :)  Here is a picture of us in our robes.  John might add some more pics with the family later.  Regalia does nothing for the figure let me tell you :)

Almost the whole house is packed up.  My family (Mom, Grands, Dad and Bob) plus most of John's family (Peg, Dave, Ed, Jenna and Billy) came down for graduation.  After feeding them on Friday and Saturday, we put them to work packing our house.  I feel so guilty for everyone taking their vacations and then us put them to work but we are so thankful that they did help.  John and I wouldn't even be half as close as we are now if it had just been the two of us.  I think I spent most of the time in some sort of half trance state because it just seemed unreal that it was happening.  There were a few testy times as there always is when packing, hunger and fatigue set in but I think overall we all weathered it pretty well.  There is no way we could possibly thank everyone as much as they deserve.  I'm not sure how we are going to pay everyone back because a simple thank you just won't cut it.  John and I are certainly blessed to have such loving families that care about us enough to brave high 90s-low 100s weather to help us pack our stuff and then carry it to the POD.

Graduation was ok.  I was in the early pack to get hooded so I was getting just a tad bored by the time we finished with all the hooding and then the master's students walked across.  The speaker, the CEO of Build-A-Bear was actually pretty good.  I was wondering if the talk would be a huge analogy of college being like putting together a bear (the heart of a dawg, the stuffing of the knowledge you've taken in and the outer skin of the person you were when you came here; no matter what clothing you cover yourself with or where you move you always have your degree blah blah blah) but instead it was actually pretty good as commencement talks go.  I was impressed overall.  

We went to dinner tonight with Wendy, Andy, Chandra, Emily and James H.  Emily and James leave out tomorrow morning and it is just hard to believe that they are heading out to Idaho.  Chandra leaves on Tuesday for Arkansas to then head to Montana.  The whole thing just seems weird.  I mean I want us all to get jobs and move on but I don't really want everyone to move away if that makes any sense at all.  I still want to be able to go downstairs and run into James and Emily and go shopping with Chandra so we can gossip or complain.  I guess now it will be on the phone or through the internets.  Hopefully we can meet up occasionally so we can keep up.  I'm happy yet sad for everyone.  

So my strains are definitely growing tonight.  I might have everything spun down and ready to go to work tomorrow by 11pm which is pretty awesome for minimal media.  I don't know if I should want the experiment to work tomorrow or not.  If it works it means I have to do it for all the other strains.  If it doesn't I might not have to do this again and I might be officially done but the data might be a nice addition to the paper.  I really need a vacation though :)  What happens will happen no matter what I want :)