It's been a year since we said I do!
Yey!
Ok, off to celebrate with Ryan (he's making salmon and asparagus... and a yummy red velvet chocolate cake! I'll post pictures later)...
In the meanwhile, here's a bit about me.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Edit: for some more info on tonight, you can read the husband's blog.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Cook Out (and other ramblings)
... not a BBQ, nope, here on the East Coast it's a cookout... (like it's not a yard sale, it's a tag sale... they're weird here). 
<----- Here I am preparing the yummy salad...
All the while, Ryan had to do some work, but was able to take it outside:
Oh yeah, so we have our vacation all planned out. We're going to North Carolina to see Ryan's dad and then down to Florida to their beach house.... we're thinking that Disney World may be part of that... which would be sooo exciting. I've been to Disneyland, but never to the World!!
But, we're debating on whether to go to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, or just one of the two, and if so, which one? We're probably only going to go for one day... Suggestions are appreciated.
Ok, so back to work tomorrow morning... But a great weekend overall (last night we had a potluck at Mikki's house... I made fried spinach things: tortillas de espinaca, which came out soo yummy!! and we watched Catch and Release, which I did actually like...)
It's July already! I can't believe it...
which reminds me, I got Ryan's anniversary present on Friday, a watch (he picked it out with me), so that was cool. And we both got some new shoes, all at the outlet mall in Clinton...
In any case, we (ok, so I did most of the grilling, how cool is that) grilled some chicken kebabs, veggies and corn, had some rasberry lemonade and a yummy salad!
<----- Here I am preparing the yummy salad... ...and a close up of the said salad.
All the while, Ryan had to do some work, but was able to take it outside:
all in all, a perfect afternoon/evening.
We actually hung out all day... it started with Ryan making almond, coconut pancakes, then us running some errands and having lunch at TGIF (which has a very nice revamped look)... and then home to marinate the chicken, do some housework... talk to the 'rents...
Oh yeah, so we have our vacation all planned out. We're going to North Carolina to see Ryan's dad and then down to Florida to their beach house.... we're thinking that Disney World may be part of that... which would be sooo exciting. I've been to Disneyland, but never to the World!!
But, we're debating on whether to go to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, or just one of the two, and if so, which one? We're probably only going to go for one day... Suggestions are appreciated.
Ok, so back to work tomorrow morning... But a great weekend overall (last night we had a potluck at Mikki's house... I made fried spinach things: tortillas de espinaca, which came out soo yummy!! and we watched Catch and Release, which I did actually like...)
It's July already! I can't believe it...
which reminds me, I got Ryan's anniversary present on Friday, a watch (he picked it out with me), so that was cool. And we both got some new shoes, all at the outlet mall in Clinton...
Ok, I'm off to enjoy the last of my Sunday.
Monday, June 25, 2007
East Coast Extravaganza (a few months late...)
We had a blast back in March when Melissa and Claudia came over. We went to Providence, Rhode Island; Boston, MA; NYC, NY... it was sooo much fun!! And I got to see a lot of the East Coast... Here are some pictures...
The White House, Washington DC... that was sooo cool to be there!!!
NYC, with the host of the comedy show!
Museum of Natural History, NYC with the girls!
NYC Subway... me getting everyone lost!
<--Legal Sea Foods, Boston
Harvard Library with Melissa and Claudia
Boston scenary....
Boston scenary.... 
The White House, Washington DC... that was sooo cool to be there!!!
NYC, with the host of the comedy show!
Museum of Natural History, NYC with the girls!
NYC Subway... me getting everyone lost!
Not so 9 to 5 :)
Week 2, internship.
I started at 7:30am and ended at 5:30pm... it's been a long day... but I did take a lunch break (yay!!) and talked to Ryan during that time, as he was heading to LAX... on his way home! Double yay!
He was so cute, he left me tons of text messages after that, while I was working. :) I can't wait to have him back.. I'm a bit selfish, and it's ok!!
Oh, and I have been witholding some big news from my blog readers (barely plural, but hey)... I have a lab home!! I finally heard back from my first choice!! I've talked to him about projects somewhat, and I have some ideas brewing... so I need to solidify them by July 9th when I meet with him again. Yay!!!
More on the internship...
I really like the person I'm working with, she's so positive! I was trying to get these cells to come off a plate (lab lingo, sorry) and they just wouldn't do it! So I tried again, and not so much... So I tried counting the cells I got out, and they were really low... This took like 2hs or so, of me freaking out and trying different things. Finally I found my mentor and she was like, oh, seems like these are tough cells (they were new to her too, so she didn't know what the conditions would be), lets add a higher concentration of trypsin... plus she was saying how great I was doing, and that it was a problem with the cells, not with me...
Later on I did get the cells to come off, but I think I must have sucked them all out and lost them... She was a little disheartened, and told me we'll just try again tomorrow together... So, I was a bit sad that it ended up being all screwed up, but I still felt good about myself at the end of the day... so I stayed another hour to prepare for tomorrow and write what I did today in my notebook...
Now I'm home and oh so exhausted...
Ryan comes home in like 4hs though! Yay!!!
I started at 7:30am and ended at 5:30pm... it's been a long day... but I did take a lunch break (yay!!) and talked to Ryan during that time, as he was heading to LAX... on his way home! Double yay!
He was so cute, he left me tons of text messages after that, while I was working. :) I can't wait to have him back.. I'm a bit selfish, and it's ok!!
Oh, and I have been witholding some big news from my blog readers (barely plural, but hey)... I have a lab home!! I finally heard back from my first choice!! I've talked to him about projects somewhat, and I have some ideas brewing... so I need to solidify them by July 9th when I meet with him again. Yay!!!
More on the internship...
I really like the person I'm working with, she's so positive! I was trying to get these cells to come off a plate (lab lingo, sorry) and they just wouldn't do it! So I tried again, and not so much... So I tried counting the cells I got out, and they were really low... This took like 2hs or so, of me freaking out and trying different things. Finally I found my mentor and she was like, oh, seems like these are tough cells (they were new to her too, so she didn't know what the conditions would be), lets add a higher concentration of trypsin... plus she was saying how great I was doing, and that it was a problem with the cells, not with me...
Later on I did get the cells to come off, but I think I must have sucked them all out and lost them... She was a little disheartened, and told me we'll just try again tomorrow together... So, I was a bit sad that it ended up being all screwed up, but I still felt good about myself at the end of the day... so I stayed another hour to prepare for tomorrow and write what I did today in my notebook...
Now I'm home and oh so exhausted...
Ryan comes home in like 4hs though! Yay!!!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Intern Perks, Part 1
As you may know I am an intern for the summer... and well, it came with some perks (nothing too fancy, mind you).
1) I have my own computer, which is nice. It's set up with my name and everything.
2) I have my own phone and own extension (and have recorded a greeting on my voicemail, which is pretty much useless since I doubt anyone will call)
3) My name is on my cubicle (I don't have the nice perk of an office... like the other interns... I think they assigned things in alphabetical order... and my last name starts with Z... maybe I should switch the order of my last name from Z-C to C-Z... maybe!)
4) There is a nice coffee machine that makes a cup of coffee or tea from these nifty pouches (so it's not like day old coffee at 5pm)... :)
That's about it for now...
Ok, and these are not real pictures... I am slowly upping my blog from no pictures, to googled jpegs, and eventually real pics...
Working hard though... and I finally got decent sleep last night... crashed at 10pm, woke up at 6am.. I think I'm finally getting used to getting up crazy early...
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
intern, that's me
Hi!
So, I started yesterday as an intern for a biotech company-- a little break from grad school and a glimpse at career possibilities. It turns out that everyone dresses up (ie: no jeans), and I like it... So, I went to Target yesterday and got some cute shirts, like the one I wore today:
So far the internship is going great. I have a desk in a cubicle (others have actual offices, oh well), and my own computer and a phone with my own extension. Quite different than my Yale rotations...The commute does tire me out. I have flashbacks to the kind of tired I uesd to be back in California when I got home... and tomorrow is an early day for me, I start at 7am, because there are long incubation times.
My mentor/pi is really awesome. She's really laid back and I feel comfortable around her.
...still no word on the lab front, but that will clarify itself soon enough, I hope.
Oh, and the other interns are pretty cool too!
Oh, and I'm trying to learn how to knit...I bought this book, which in retrospect may not be the best one for beginners, but I got some help from the yarn co. (theyarnco.com) for really learning step by step how to knit. Wish me luck!!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Breakfast edition
Hi!
So this weekend was pretty nice.
It started Friday evening with a bbq and mojitos at GPSCY. It was really fun and the mojitos were yummy... my new favorite drink.
On Saturday we went to New York city with two of my friends.. We went to Max Brenner (chocolate by the bald man)...
and let me just say... it was heavenly... we had some real food, since we hadn't had lunch which were delicious!! And the desserts were oh so chocolatey!!! Heaven in food form. Yummy
This is kind of what one looked like... a chocolate cake with gooey madness in the middle.. and then we had a brownie type thing with ice cream, whipped cream and strawberries.... I must if you're in NY (or Israel or Australia or.... let's just say they have multiple locations).
Then we walked around NoHo and SoHo, and we did some shopping, since it was raining (what else is a girl to do?)
We finished the NYC trip by having dinner at La Nonna in little italy.. so yummy.. Sorry there's no real pictures, maybe next time!
Now, I'm off to work at my internship at a biotech company.
Till later!
So this weekend was pretty nice.
It started Friday evening with a bbq and mojitos at GPSCY. It was really fun and the mojitos were yummy... my new favorite drink.
On Saturday we went to New York city with two of my friends.. We went to Max Brenner (chocolate by the bald man)...
and let me just say... it was heavenly... we had some real food, since we hadn't had lunch which were delicious!! And the desserts were oh so chocolatey!!! Heaven in food form. Yummy
This is kind of what one looked like... a chocolate cake with gooey madness in the middle.. and then we had a brownie type thing with ice cream, whipped cream and strawberries.... I must if you're in NY (or Israel or Australia or.... let's just say they have multiple locations).
Then we walked around NoHo and SoHo, and we did some shopping, since it was raining (what else is a girl to do?)
We finished the NYC trip by having dinner at La Nonna in little italy.. so yummy.. Sorry there's no real pictures, maybe next time!
Now, I'm off to work at my internship at a biotech company.
Till later!
Friday, June 15, 2007
The Ultra Ultimate Personality Test
Your Score: The Giver
You scored 52 Extroversion, 69 Intuition, 55 Emotional, and 27 Spontaneity!
ENFJ
Outgoing and friendly.
ENFJs cheif concern in life is other people, and fostering harmony and cooperation, between themselves and others. Warm personal interactions-strokes of approval and appreciation- keep them going in life. Sympathetic, cooperative and tactful, with high ideals, they make a consistent effort to say and do the right thing. They are patient and conscientious and make an effort to stick to a job until it's finished.
Relationships
ENFJs put a lot of effort and enthusiasm into their relationships. To some extent, the ENFJ defines themself by the closeness and authenticity of their personal relationships, and are therefore highly invested in the business of relationships. They have very good people skills, and are affectionate and considerate. They are warmly affirming and nurturing. The excel at bringing out the best in others, and warmly supporting them. They want responding affirmation from their relationships, although they have a problem asking for it. When a situation calls for it, the ENFJ will become very sharp and critical. After having made their point, they will return to their natural, warm selves. They may have a tendency to "smother" their loved ones, but are generally highly valued for their genuine warmth and caring natures.
Strengths
Good verbal communication skills
Very perceptive about people's thoughts and motives
Motivational, inspirational; bring out the best in others
Warmly affectionate and affirming
Fun to be with - lively sense of humor, dramatic, energetic, optimistic
Good money skills
Able to "move on" after a love relationship has failed (although they blame themselves)
Loyal and committed - they want lifelong relationships
Strive for "win-win" situations
Driven to meet other's needs
You scored 52 Extroversion, 69 Intuition, 55 Emotional, and 27 Spontaneity!
ENFJ
Outgoing and friendly.
ENFJs cheif concern in life is other people, and fostering harmony and cooperation, between themselves and others. Warm personal interactions-strokes of approval and appreciation- keep them going in life. Sympathetic, cooperative and tactful, with high ideals, they make a consistent effort to say and do the right thing. They are patient and conscientious and make an effort to stick to a job until it's finished.
Relationships
ENFJs put a lot of effort and enthusiasm into their relationships. To some extent, the ENFJ defines themself by the closeness and authenticity of their personal relationships, and are therefore highly invested in the business of relationships. They have very good people skills, and are affectionate and considerate. They are warmly affirming and nurturing. The excel at bringing out the best in others, and warmly supporting them. They want responding affirmation from their relationships, although they have a problem asking for it. When a situation calls for it, the ENFJ will become very sharp and critical. After having made their point, they will return to their natural, warm selves. They may have a tendency to "smother" their loved ones, but are generally highly valued for their genuine warmth and caring natures.
Strengths
Good verbal communication skills
Very perceptive about people's thoughts and motives
Motivational, inspirational; bring out the best in others
Warmly affectionate and affirming
Fun to be with - lively sense of humor, dramatic, energetic, optimistic
Good money skills
Able to "move on" after a love relationship has failed (although they blame themselves)
Loyal and committed - they want lifelong relationships
Strive for "win-win" situations
Driven to meet other's needs
Thursday, June 14, 2007
End of rotation
So, this is the last week of my third lab rotation. I presented my data (or lack thereof) last week. So I've been just tying some loose ends, compiling protocols, etc. Not terribly exciting, but necessary of course.
I still don't know which lab I'll join, which was freaking me out at first, but now I'm just trying to take it easy and see where things lead. I'm sure whatever happens is for the best, and I'll make the most of it for sure.
The whole high school thing lifted my spirits in this if-I-could-survive-that-I-can-survive-anything kind of way. Not that high school was horrible, but things didn't always go as great as I would have liked, but I still graduated and made the most of it. So, I will take this as my new philosophy, and see how long that lasts.
Ryan left again for cali this morning (way too early if you ask me.. the plane left at 6:30am, so we got up at 3am.. yawn!). I miss him, of course. But in a week or so he will be back :)
Ok, laters!
I still don't know which lab I'll join, which was freaking me out at first, but now I'm just trying to take it easy and see where things lead. I'm sure whatever happens is for the best, and I'll make the most of it for sure.
The whole high school thing lifted my spirits in this if-I-could-survive-that-I-can-survive-anything kind of way. Not that high school was horrible, but things didn't always go as great as I would have liked, but I still graduated and made the most of it. So, I will take this as my new philosophy, and see how long that lasts.
Ryan left again for cali this morning (way too early if you ask me.. the plane left at 6:30am, so we got up at 3am.. yawn!). I miss him, of course. But in a week or so he will be back :)
Ok, laters!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Reunion
Hi!
So, I found out my high school classmates have been meeting up back in argentina. I so wish I could go and see everyone. It's been 6 and a half years since I've graduated... I do miss them. I did get some updates... some people getting married and stuff. But my friend says most of them haven't changed that much.
In any case.. I wish I could meet up with them again.
If only I could take 2 weeks off and go to argentina... that would rock!!
**EDIT
So, I've been thinking back at high school, and my goodness a lot has passed. I've changed quite a bit, and quite literally too, I've moved to a different country, finished college, gotten married (to an american, gasp! ok, not too shocking), started grad school.... and that world seems so far away. They posted a you tube video of a charades game they played and I was slightly jealous, wanting to be there, see what they've been up to; and at the same time I was thinking that all my changes are going to be apparent, or not, I don't know. It's been too long since I've been down there, since I've felt argentinean. It's weird.
It's cool to hear of them though, and how we've all moved on, and some haven't changed a bit. I'm sure I haven't changed all that much, although I've gained a few pounds...
ok, enough with the memories and stuff... back to the real world...
the husband leaves tomorrow morning for a week again... just as I was starting to get used to having him back... and I start an internship on Monday.
Good times.
So, I found out my high school classmates have been meeting up back in argentina. I so wish I could go and see everyone. It's been 6 and a half years since I've graduated... I do miss them. I did get some updates... some people getting married and stuff. But my friend says most of them haven't changed that much.
In any case.. I wish I could meet up with them again.
If only I could take 2 weeks off and go to argentina... that would rock!!
**EDIT
So, I've been thinking back at high school, and my goodness a lot has passed. I've changed quite a bit, and quite literally too, I've moved to a different country, finished college, gotten married (to an american, gasp! ok, not too shocking), started grad school.... and that world seems so far away. They posted a you tube video of a charades game they played and I was slightly jealous, wanting to be there, see what they've been up to; and at the same time I was thinking that all my changes are going to be apparent, or not, I don't know. It's been too long since I've been down there, since I've felt argentinean. It's weird.
It's cool to hear of them though, and how we've all moved on, and some haven't changed a bit. I'm sure I haven't changed all that much, although I've gained a few pounds...
ok, enough with the memories and stuff... back to the real world...
the husband leaves tomorrow morning for a week again... just as I was starting to get used to having him back... and I start an internship on Monday.
Good times.
Friday, June 08, 2007
New car
We got a "new" car. A 2006 chevy aveo, in white. It is sooo cute!!! Yey!!! I'm so excited!!! We have a pretty car that actually fits passengers comfortably!!!
OK, that's it for now... :)
OK, that's it for now... :)
Monday, May 28, 2007
decisions, decisions
I haven't blogged in ages. Which is fine with me. I've been keeping busy. Have gone to Boston a total of three times, NYC three times, DC one time, and all around Connecticut for multiple occasions. I should post pictures, and maybe I will later, I have loads of them, from when Mel and Claudia came, but also when my parents came. I've also recently had a bday (am 24 now, yey). And the husband has been away for 5 weeks, but will be back on Thursday.
Classes are over. WHich is wonderful!!! Spring is here!!! Flowers everywhere!!! We had a bbq on Sat which was great!
But, now it's time to decide on a thesis lab. I'm on my third and final lab rotation, and our DGS (director of grad studies) would like our decision by Friday, although officially July 1 is when I have to give it. So, the nightmares have started.
Yup, I keep having these dreams that people are asking me which lab I'm joining, including the actual PI's. So, yeah, talk about pressure from within me, you know?
I have made a decision, but I haven't talked to the PI yet, so I won't say much. It's just going to be tough telling the other PI that I'm not planning on joining that lab. Unless the first PI says no, and then I'll have to rethink my decision...
Anyway, so I'm a bit troubled at the moment. Big decisions, you know?
And, I can't wait until Ryan comes back!! I've missed him so much!
Oh, and I'm doing a summer internship at a pharmaceutical company nearby (BMS), just for 6 to 8 weeks. That'll be interesting too.
Ok, now off to do real work.
Classes are over. WHich is wonderful!!! Spring is here!!! Flowers everywhere!!! We had a bbq on Sat which was great!
But, now it's time to decide on a thesis lab. I'm on my third and final lab rotation, and our DGS (director of grad studies) would like our decision by Friday, although officially July 1 is when I have to give it. So, the nightmares have started.
Yup, I keep having these dreams that people are asking me which lab I'm joining, including the actual PI's. So, yeah, talk about pressure from within me, you know?
I have made a decision, but I haven't talked to the PI yet, so I won't say much. It's just going to be tough telling the other PI that I'm not planning on joining that lab. Unless the first PI says no, and then I'll have to rethink my decision...
Anyway, so I'm a bit troubled at the moment. Big decisions, you know?
And, I can't wait until Ryan comes back!! I've missed him so much!
Oh, and I'm doing a summer internship at a pharmaceutical company nearby (BMS), just for 6 to 8 weeks. That'll be interesting too.
Ok, now off to do real work.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Jag Sameaj
This week is Pesaj (Passover), so no leavened things at all, which includes many items (including coke and pasta). It actually hasn't been that bad, mostly bc Ryan has joined in on the matza fun!
He actually was pushing me to actually do a seder on Monday, so we did! It was wonderful! We had a nice plate (with some liberal substitutions) and a nice matza basket (instead of bread basket) sent by my parents (who are getting better at this care pacakage thing!). We printed a haggadah online (yes, we didn't get around to buying one this year), and overall it went lovely. I even made matzah ball soup and we had these "breaded" (matza-ed?) chicken things... Very yummy.
And Ryan even had me look for the Affikomen...
Is it there?
In here? (Isn't that apron cute? my mommy sent me that too!)
Over here?
In the end it was in the printer, where the paper comes out... very funny!
Anyway, good times had by us!
Have a happy passover!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Coed Recreational Volleyball
I joined a volleyball team, in a recreational league, so it's okay that I'm not the best player. We had practice today and it was pretty fun! I haven't done that in like 2 years since the SAACS spring picnic. It's the one sport that I am fairly okay at, mostly cuz that's all we played in high school.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Sunday still winter (they lied!)
Hi!
So they said it would be a max of 50 degrees outside today… but no, it isn't even 40. And it might flurry tomorrow. Where's the hint of spring? Nowhere to be found apparently.
Yesterday I ended up going as a catholic school girl, since Ryan went as a priest. It was fitting, a good couple costume. Albeit a little naughty and slightly, oh, what's the word… blasphemy. Except that I'm Jewish. And we were supposed to go as something we weren't or haven't ever been. And I've definitely never been a catholic school girl. I wore Ryan's cross. First time ever wearing one. We found it funny, though Ryan felt a little odd. It was cuter than my leprechaun idea, so oh well.
The party wasn't as bad as Ryan was dreading it would be like. We talked with this new postdoc who's really nice and young (ie: our age-ish). So to that extent it was good. We left as more people that I actually knew where arriving. I think it was a good compromise (since Ryan wasn't too happy about going), and we went to watch a movie at Ashley's. It was really funny, about two average Americans that get frozen in time and go to 2055 where they are the smartest people in the world/America. Good times.
Now I've been working on my hw. Wish me luck. (Oh, and I'm posting from word… we'll see how it translates)
Saturday, March 03, 2007
March Madness
No, I am not suddenly in love with basketball. I just cannot believe it's already March! Oh well, such is life.
I'm so glad this week is over, although I have so much work to do and won't do it until tomorrow, because I'm a great procrastinator like that.
My experiment did not go well this week-- not enough cells or good viabilities. So I will be repeating it on Tuesday, I guess. Yay for another long day.
Friday was nice though, I thought about implications of my project, kind of-- basically thought about the rest of the pathway that I'm studying. Then went to RIP (research in progress) and happy hour (Friday rituals). Talked to some people in the lab I'm rotating in bc we had this thing at Bar (this pizza place/bar/brewery) at 6:30pm and RIP ended at 4:30pm. So I mingled and the such, and then headed over to bar for a large gathering... Their mashed potato and canadian bacon pizza is so yummy-- kind of an odd combination, but somehow it works. I might take Claudia and Mel over there and get that-- minus the bacon. Or to Sallies (a famous pizza place here in New Haven... pizza is a main topic here, and there are mini disputes over favorite pizza places... the big one is Pepe's vs Sallies... I've only been to Sallies, and it was really yummy.. but we had to wait like 45min in the freezing cold to get a table!)
I followed up bar with a poker night at our place (Ryan cleaned up and set everything up very nicely since I was late to our own gathering!). We had mojitos and strawberry daiquiris (made from real strawberries!) prepared by my very own bartneder and husband. THey were awesome! Oh, there were cosmos too, and a keg. Needless to say we drank a lot! But it was so much fun!
Today was basically a lazy day... I'm off to a purim party soon! Yey! I'm dressing up as a Leprechan! If there are pictures, I'll post them later. I'm very excited to do something Jewish... at least remotely. I haven't done anything jewish in such a long time!!!
Off to get ready!
I'm so glad this week is over, although I have so much work to do and won't do it until tomorrow, because I'm a great procrastinator like that.
My experiment did not go well this week-- not enough cells or good viabilities. So I will be repeating it on Tuesday, I guess. Yay for another long day.
Friday was nice though, I thought about implications of my project, kind of-- basically thought about the rest of the pathway that I'm studying. Then went to RIP (research in progress) and happy hour (Friday rituals). Talked to some people in the lab I'm rotating in bc we had this thing at Bar (this pizza place/bar/brewery) at 6:30pm and RIP ended at 4:30pm. So I mingled and the such, and then headed over to bar for a large gathering... Their mashed potato and canadian bacon pizza is so yummy-- kind of an odd combination, but somehow it works. I might take Claudia and Mel over there and get that-- minus the bacon. Or to Sallies (a famous pizza place here in New Haven... pizza is a main topic here, and there are mini disputes over favorite pizza places... the big one is Pepe's vs Sallies... I've only been to Sallies, and it was really yummy.. but we had to wait like 45min in the freezing cold to get a table!)
I followed up bar with a poker night at our place (Ryan cleaned up and set everything up very nicely since I was late to our own gathering!). We had mojitos and strawberry daiquiris (made from real strawberries!) prepared by my very own bartneder and husband. THey were awesome! Oh, there were cosmos too, and a keg. Needless to say we drank a lot! But it was so much fun!
Today was basically a lazy day... I'm off to a purim party soon! Yey! I'm dressing up as a Leprechan! If there are pictures, I'll post them later. I'm very excited to do something Jewish... at least remotely. I haven't done anything jewish in such a long time!!!
Off to get ready!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Lunes por la madrugada...
Hoy decidi escribir en castellano por varias razones. Una, porque no mucha gente va a entender lo que escribo. Que, se que es medio mal porque la idea (ahora) de este blog es que la gente lea lo que escribo. Pero bueno, por lo menos se que tengo por lo menos dos lectoras que entienden rebien, y algunos q entienden maso o van a traducir lo que escribo. Mi esposo ya se queja porque no escribo en ingles. Tambien lo hago porque hace mil que no escribo en castellano, y poco a poco lo estoy perdiendo.
Bueno, hoy conoci a una chica que va a mi misma facultad pero hace unos anios que esta aca. Fue raro, como siempre es conocer a alguien nuevo. No creo que le haya caido bien, porque se fue medio abruptamente, pero que se yo. Lo raro es que creo que ultimamente no lo caigo tan bien a la gente, como que la primera impresion que doy (?) no es tan bueno como era antes. Bah,no se si la fue. Porque como que no se de que hablar, me gusta mas escuchar. O hablo mucho, no se, los dos extremos no son tan buenos.
Esto del mundo cientifico es raro, escucho que hay mucho discriminacion contra mujeres y pareciera que tener una familia y una vida normal y divertida es casi imposible, bah no imposible pero hay dos opciones. O se tiene una familia y se encuentra un laburo no tan increible, o se tiene familia pero la mayoria del tiempo se pasa trabajando. Hay gente que hace los dos bien, pero lleva esfuerzo y apoyo de la familia. Tengo el apoyo de mi esposo y mi familia, y creo que si encuentro un proyecto que me encante podria hacer los dos. El tema es que desde llegue a Y@le siento que mis prioridades han cambiado y lo que antes pensaba que era seguro lo que queria hacer, ahora cuestiono. Cosa que no es tan malo, pero es raro no saber que es lo que quiero.
But now I must go meet up with the classmates for some birthday dinner at a pho place. Yey!
Tomorrow is my big experiment day. I'll be there at 7:30am and hopefully be out by 6 or 7pm... Hope all will go smoothly.
Bueno, hoy conoci a una chica que va a mi misma facultad pero hace unos anios que esta aca. Fue raro, como siempre es conocer a alguien nuevo. No creo que le haya caido bien, porque se fue medio abruptamente, pero que se yo. Lo raro es que creo que ultimamente no lo caigo tan bien a la gente, como que la primera impresion que doy (?) no es tan bueno como era antes. Bah,no se si la fue. Porque como que no se de que hablar, me gusta mas escuchar. O hablo mucho, no se, los dos extremos no son tan buenos.
Esto del mundo cientifico es raro, escucho que hay mucho discriminacion contra mujeres y pareciera que tener una familia y una vida normal y divertida es casi imposible, bah no imposible pero hay dos opciones. O se tiene una familia y se encuentra un laburo no tan increible, o se tiene familia pero la mayoria del tiempo se pasa trabajando. Hay gente que hace los dos bien, pero lleva esfuerzo y apoyo de la familia. Tengo el apoyo de mi esposo y mi familia, y creo que si encuentro un proyecto que me encante podria hacer los dos. El tema es que desde llegue a Y@le siento que mis prioridades han cambiado y lo que antes pensaba que era seguro lo que queria hacer, ahora cuestiono. Cosa que no es tan malo, pero es raro no saber que es lo que quiero.
But now I must go meet up with the classmates for some birthday dinner at a pho place. Yey!
Tomorrow is my big experiment day. I'll be there at 7:30am and hopefully be out by 6 or 7pm... Hope all will go smoothly.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Making reservations
Since my friends are coming for spring break, we're doing this East Coast travel extravaganza.
We're going to Boston for a day, which I've been to in January so I understand may way around better than before. Then we're heading to New York to meet up with my other really good friend Jade who's there with her mom and bf for a few days, and tour the city. I have yet to go to NY (unbelievable, I know! so close yet so far) so this will be my chance to enjoy the city.
Then we're going to D.C. for a few days... and this is where the reservations come into play. We can get a car for $164 which is pretty good, I think. Taking the train costs $120 per person. Both take about 5.5hs. That's 306 miles according to google. If we get 25 miles to the gallon, then that's 12 gallons. At $3/gallon, that's $36 each way. So about $100 on gas. So it's either $264 ($88/person) taking the car or $360 ($120/person) for the train. So the train may be very well worth it, less stress, we can all sleep in the train, no parking problems etc. Plus, we'll be getting around with the metro anyway.
So that's all that I've figured out now... It's all very exciting though!
We're going to Boston for a day, which I've been to in January so I understand may way around better than before. Then we're heading to New York to meet up with my other really good friend Jade who's there with her mom and bf for a few days, and tour the city. I have yet to go to NY (unbelievable, I know! so close yet so far) so this will be my chance to enjoy the city.
Then we're going to D.C. for a few days... and this is where the reservations come into play. We can get a car for $164 which is pretty good, I think. Taking the train costs $120 per person. Both take about 5.5hs. That's 306 miles according to google. If we get 25 miles to the gallon, then that's 12 gallons. At $3/gallon, that's $36 each way. So about $100 on gas. So it's either $264 ($88/person) taking the car or $360 ($120/person) for the train. So the train may be very well worth it, less stress, we can all sleep in the train, no parking problems etc. Plus, we'll be getting around with the metro anyway.
So that's all that I've figured out now... It's all very exciting though!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Thursday
We have no lab meeting today, which was really nice (9am lab meetings are a drag), but I still woke up early. Too early actually... Ryan had me set the alarm for 6am (!) and then took 30 minutes (and 3 snoozes from me) to get out of bed after I finally threatened him (no, you will not wait for the 4th alarm to ring, you will get out of bed).
I'm glad he got up though, bc he's going to this microsoft event that's going to get him Vista for free. I got my version for free from Yale, so this would be a double score. Although I am not too happy with Vista and/or my computer lately. Ryan rebooted it... but it's not that much better, actually it seems a little worse, albeit a bit faster in starting up and stuff.
Anyway, so one more article to read for cancer and I'm done with the reading... and then I'll actually start studying and putting concepts together... fun...
Oh, and in other news, my parents are coming out in May, just in time for my birthday. Yey, I love that people are coming out to visit us... we get to show our pretty apartment to people that knew us before we got married, it's very exciting. Haha, I just love our apartment, and even though I've shown people pictures, I want to see their reaction... Wow, I sound silly! It'll be great to have some family over (aside from my awesome friends that are coming for spring break); it makes life a lot more happier and something to look forward to!
Hmm, I was about to say that the weather is nicer too, but it seems that its 24 degrees outside... But it'll probably get up to 40... 40 I can handle --without gloves! (Ugh, weather channel says it might rain... but it's so pretty outside!)
Anyway, I'm off to finish reading and get started on my day!
____________________
*Edit: It was actually a thing to get the office for free (!), which I actually love (I tried the beta version and it rocked), but Ryan signed up for the wrong event-- it was geared to gov't officials to which they cannot give free software... so he drove right back... poor thing woke up for nothing, whereas I got all my reading done! And he went to get the truck serviced yesterday, where they broke the heater, so he was driving in the 24 degrees with no heater... so now he's getting that fixed.
Oh, and excuse me as I update my blog settings, colors, etc. It might be done by this weekend, hopefully!
I'm glad he got up though, bc he's going to this microsoft event that's going to get him Vista for free. I got my version for free from Yale, so this would be a double score. Although I am not too happy with Vista and/or my computer lately. Ryan rebooted it... but it's not that much better, actually it seems a little worse, albeit a bit faster in starting up and stuff.
Anyway, so one more article to read for cancer and I'm done with the reading... and then I'll actually start studying and putting concepts together... fun...
Oh, and in other news, my parents are coming out in May, just in time for my birthday. Yey, I love that people are coming out to visit us... we get to show our pretty apartment to people that knew us before we got married, it's very exciting. Haha, I just love our apartment, and even though I've shown people pictures, I want to see their reaction... Wow, I sound silly! It'll be great to have some family over (aside from my awesome friends that are coming for spring break); it makes life a lot more happier and something to look forward to!
Hmm, I was about to say that the weather is nicer too, but it seems that its 24 degrees outside... But it'll probably get up to 40... 40 I can handle --without gloves! (Ugh, weather channel says it might rain... but it's so pretty outside!)
Anyway, I'm off to finish reading and get started on my day!
____________________
*Edit: It was actually a thing to get the office for free (!), which I actually love (I tried the beta version and it rocked), but Ryan signed up for the wrong event-- it was geared to gov't officials to which they cannot give free software... so he drove right back... poor thing woke up for nothing, whereas I got all my reading done! And he went to get the truck serviced yesterday, where they broke the heater, so he was driving in the 24 degrees with no heater... so now he's getting that fixed.
Oh, and excuse me as I update my blog settings, colors, etc. It might be done by this weekend, hopefully!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Back to blogging
I haven't blogged in a while, as always seems to be the case when I'm busy. But of course now I am procrastinating on studying for my friday cancer class...
But, I will try to update more frequently, since I feel a little guilty that I read a lot of blogs daily, yet don't update my own. I've been pleasantly surprised to find many female scientist blogs (some who are Jewish too), and it's comforting. Especially since I have a daily or weekly why-am-I-in-grad-school crisis, which my husband seems to be good at making better... but still. The gym did help last night though, got rid of some stresses.
Yeah, so the first year is stressful, although a little better this semester than the last one.
This weekend was recruitment weekend... which is weird that it's been a year since I went through that process. It was fun, but very odd to be telling them about the program and stuff. I had fun though, got free food and stuff... Plus we went to see La Boheme, which I actually liked. I'm liking Operas, especially when there are subtitles-ish... screens with translation into english, makes it way more understandable.
We also tailgated on Sunday to a hockey game... that was fun, our first tailgating event (hot cocoa with mint schnapps + marshmallows = yummy!). Yale lost, but that happens all the time. It was a close game, although I didn't get to see the last 30 minutes or so because I decided to go study (for my class on monday... I had a few papers to read and a question to respond to).
Ooooh, and I went snowboarding two weekends ago! Very fun! I hurt for like three days! But it was great to be part of a winter sport, and use muscles I never even knew I had. I like feeling active, it's so exhilarating. It's a little scary to be flying down a mountain (ok, a bunny slope...) and having control-- it's just the not freaking out about it part that would make it more controlable.
Hopefully if I do more of these sport/gym things I'll feel more confident in myself and I won't freak out about grad school... Wish me luck, I guess.
Hmm... oh, and two of my friends from college are coming out to visit me for Spring break! We're going to Boston, NY and D.C., maybe Providence too (and some of New Haven, of course). I'm very excited about that...
Ok, enough for now... back to cancer reading.
But, I will try to update more frequently, since I feel a little guilty that I read a lot of blogs daily, yet don't update my own. I've been pleasantly surprised to find many female scientist blogs (some who are Jewish too), and it's comforting. Especially since I have a daily or weekly why-am-I-in-grad-school crisis, which my husband seems to be good at making better... but still. The gym did help last night though, got rid of some stresses.
Yeah, so the first year is stressful, although a little better this semester than the last one.
This weekend was recruitment weekend... which is weird that it's been a year since I went through that process. It was fun, but very odd to be telling them about the program and stuff. I had fun though, got free food and stuff... Plus we went to see La Boheme, which I actually liked. I'm liking Operas, especially when there are subtitles-ish... screens with translation into english, makes it way more understandable.
We also tailgated on Sunday to a hockey game... that was fun, our first tailgating event (hot cocoa with mint schnapps + marshmallows = yummy!). Yale lost, but that happens all the time. It was a close game, although I didn't get to see the last 30 minutes or so because I decided to go study (for my class on monday... I had a few papers to read and a question to respond to).
Ooooh, and I went snowboarding two weekends ago! Very fun! I hurt for like three days! But it was great to be part of a winter sport, and use muscles I never even knew I had. I like feeling active, it's so exhilarating. It's a little scary to be flying down a mountain (ok, a bunny slope...) and having control-- it's just the not freaking out about it part that would make it more controlable.
Hopefully if I do more of these sport/gym things I'll feel more confident in myself and I won't freak out about grad school... Wish me luck, I guess.
Hmm... oh, and two of my friends from college are coming out to visit me for Spring break! We're going to Boston, NY and D.C., maybe Providence too (and some of New Haven, of course). I'm very excited about that...
Ok, enough for now... back to cancer reading.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Awareness (copied)
I'm copying mercurialscribe on this...
At Delphi: “Know thyself - and thou shall know all the mysteries of the gods and of the universe.” Fact or fiction?
Click hereand fill out the form… do i know the mysteries of the universe? Let us see…
At Delphi: “Know thyself - and thou shall know all the mysteries of the gods and of the universe.” Fact or fiction?
Click hereand fill out the form… do i know the mysteries of the universe? Let us see…
Sunday, January 28, 2007
*** January Is Cervical Health Awareness Month***
Hi!
Why am I bringing this up in my blog? Because of the new HPV/cervical cancer vaccine (hello! I'm studying immunology, of course this is right up my alley, haha!). I haven't had it yet, but I will in March when I have to go get my third hepatitis shot... So, spread the word!!! So, I've added some info and here are some helpful links too:
http://www.nccc-online.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vaccine/hpv/hpv-faqs.htm
Federal health programs such as Vaccines for Children (VFC) will cover the HPV vaccine. The VFC program provides free vaccines to children and teens under 19 years of age, who are either uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, American Indian, or Alaska Native.
Anyway... so go get your vaccine if you're a woman from ages 9-26... take your sister, cousin, niece, daughter, friend, etc. (unless you or they are pregnant, then wait until after the pregnancy is over). Because even though she may not be having sex yet or you are in a totally monogomous relationship and are never going to sleep with any other guy (ie: me), you never know, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
Side effects are just like any other vaccine (it might itch or hurt where they injected the stuff in your arm, or you may feel a little sick), but much better than cancer, which you could die of (yes, I'm also taking a cancer class this semester and am hyper aware of how horrible it is... aside from having one parent and almost all my grandparents die of it)...
Facts:
The human papilloma virus (HPV), is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, and it can lead to cervical cancer. Many lawmakers in states throughout the Unted States want to now require girls to get a vaccine against it before entering Middle or High School.
Number of people affected by HPV: About 20 million in the United States. 80% of women by age 50 will test postive for HPV.
New cases each year: 6.2 million
Health effects: Usually causes no symptoms, but certain strains can lead to cervical cancer and/or genital warts.
Cervical cancer data in the United States: 9,700 new U.S. cases a year. 3,700 deaths.
New vaccine: Gardasil (Approved by the FDA on June 8, 2006), which is effective against four HPV strains. Two of the HPV types, Type 16 and 18 cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers. Combined, all four types of HPV in the Merck Gardasil product acount for about 90% of Genital warts.
Recommended recipients: Girls 11 and 12 years old, or before onset of sexual activity. The vaccine can be given to girls as young as 9. The vaccine is also advised for 13-to-26-year-olds.
Cost: $360 for a set of three shots over asix month period. Now being covered by vast majority of insurers. (Although some universities, cities, states are offering it for free!!)
Side effects: No serious ones reported; some pain at injection site.
Source: National Cervical Cancer Coalition and the CDC.
* 11% of United States women report that they do not have regular cervical cancer screenings
* In the United States, About 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer disease each year and more than 3,900 women die in the USA each year from this disease.
* In the majority of developing countries, cervical cancer remains the number-one cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
* A woman who does not have cervical cancer screening on a regular basis significantly increases her chances of developing cervical cancer.
* High-Risk HPV Types are directly related to cervical cancer, yet many women are unaware of what HPV is or the relationship it has to cervical cancer disease.
STILL GET YOUR ANNUAL PAP SMEAR!!
Get your Pap smear, even if you have received the HPV/cervical cancer vaccine.
A Cervical Cancer/HPV vaccine has been approved by the FDA. However, phone calls we receive on the NCCC Hotline indicate that you might be confused about what to do with regard to your regular Pap smear if you have been vaccinated. Some women, maybe you, have thought that Pap smears are no longer necessary. It is important to restate the facts even with the vaccine.
Even if a women has had the HPV/cervical cancer vaccine, she will continue to require a cervical cancer screen by the Pap test. At this time, this vaccine only protects against 70% of the potential cervical cancer cases. The Pap smear has reduced cervical cancer rates in the United States by more then 70%. Pap smears, like the one you receive regularly, is the single most effective cancer screen in the history of medicine. Remember to have your Pap test. Early detection saves lives.
Why am I bringing this up in my blog? Because of the new HPV/cervical cancer vaccine (hello! I'm studying immunology, of course this is right up my alley, haha!). I haven't had it yet, but I will in March when I have to go get my third hepatitis shot... So, spread the word!!! So, I've added some info and here are some helpful links too:
http://www.nccc-online.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vaccine/hpv/hpv-faqs.htm
Federal health programs such as Vaccines for Children (VFC) will cover the HPV vaccine. The VFC program provides free vaccines to children and teens under 19 years of age, who are either uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, American Indian, or Alaska Native.
Anyway... so go get your vaccine if you're a woman from ages 9-26... take your sister, cousin, niece, daughter, friend, etc. (unless you or they are pregnant, then wait until after the pregnancy is over). Because even though she may not be having sex yet or you are in a totally monogomous relationship and are never going to sleep with any other guy (ie: me), you never know, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
Side effects are just like any other vaccine (it might itch or hurt where they injected the stuff in your arm, or you may feel a little sick), but much better than cancer, which you could die of (yes, I'm also taking a cancer class this semester and am hyper aware of how horrible it is... aside from having one parent and almost all my grandparents die of it)...
Facts:
The human papilloma virus (HPV), is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, and it can lead to cervical cancer. Many lawmakers in states throughout the Unted States want to now require girls to get a vaccine against it before entering Middle or High School.
Number of people affected by HPV: About 20 million in the United States. 80% of women by age 50 will test postive for HPV.
New cases each year: 6.2 million
Health effects: Usually causes no symptoms, but certain strains can lead to cervical cancer and/or genital warts.
Cervical cancer data in the United States: 9,700 new U.S. cases a year. 3,700 deaths.
New vaccine: Gardasil (Approved by the FDA on June 8, 2006), which is effective against four HPV strains. Two of the HPV types, Type 16 and 18 cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers. Combined, all four types of HPV in the Merck Gardasil product acount for about 90% of Genital warts.
Recommended recipients: Girls 11 and 12 years old, or before onset of sexual activity. The vaccine can be given to girls as young as 9. The vaccine is also advised for 13-to-26-year-olds.
Cost: $360 for a set of three shots over asix month period. Now being covered by vast majority of insurers. (Although some universities, cities, states are offering it for free!!)
Side effects: No serious ones reported; some pain at injection site.
Source: National Cervical Cancer Coalition and the CDC.
* 11% of United States women report that they do not have regular cervical cancer screenings
* In the United States, About 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer disease each year and more than 3,900 women die in the USA each year from this disease.
* In the majority of developing countries, cervical cancer remains the number-one cause of cancer-related deaths among women.
* A woman who does not have cervical cancer screening on a regular basis significantly increases her chances of developing cervical cancer.
* High-Risk HPV Types are directly related to cervical cancer, yet many women are unaware of what HPV is or the relationship it has to cervical cancer disease.
STILL GET YOUR ANNUAL PAP SMEAR!!
Get your Pap smear, even if you have received the HPV/cervical cancer vaccine.
A Cervical Cancer/HPV vaccine has been approved by the FDA. However, phone calls we receive on the NCCC Hotline indicate that you might be confused about what to do with regard to your regular Pap smear if you have been vaccinated. Some women, maybe you, have thought that Pap smears are no longer necessary. It is important to restate the facts even with the vaccine.
Even if a women has had the HPV/cervical cancer vaccine, she will continue to require a cervical cancer screen by the Pap test. At this time, this vaccine only protects against 70% of the potential cervical cancer cases. The Pap smear has reduced cervical cancer rates in the United States by more then 70%. Pap smears, like the one you receive regularly, is the single most effective cancer screen in the history of medicine. Remember to have your Pap test. Early detection saves lives.
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