Springtime in Texas

Dave took this great picture of me and Macy when we took Macy flower hunting (see below for that post):

Macy and the bluebonnets

I think this is Macy's favorite time of year. My roommate Dave and I took her out to see the bluebonnets, and as usual, she had a great time. (Click on the picture for a larger view)






Of course, when we told her it was time to go, she asked:


"Do we really have too?"

the best pair of jeans EVER!!!

I was in desparate need of a new pair a jeans, and after searching every store in the mall and several nearby, I came up empty handed. I got on the internet and searched "custom jeans" just to see how much they might cost. The second link I clicked on - MakeYourOwnJeans.com - looked very promising, and to my surprise, the jeans they make only cost $60 with shipping included!!! (see link on the left - MakeYourOwnJeans.com to check out the company) I ordered a pair about 10 days ago and have been anxiously awaiting their arrival. They arrived this morning, and OH MY GOSH they are AMAZING! They fit so well and are so comfortable - they are made of 100% cotton as well, not the silly 99% or 97% plus lycra, so they aren't stretchy and won't sag like my other jeans. Also, because they are custom made, they aren't too low on the waist, but they aren't highrise either...Alright, I know, I sound like an info-mercial, but for anybody out there who hates to shop for jeans, and/or has a hard time finding jeans that fit, this site is the BEST place to get jeans. They also do "Clone a Jeans" (which, for those genetists/microbiologists/molecular biologists out there is especially funny), where you send in your favorite pair of jeans and they replicate them for you (I'm going to try that next). Anyway, woohoo! Hooray for new jeans!

Two new spots!

I was very excited today to see that I have two new spots on my visitor's map (left hand side, under the links). It looks like someone in Southern California (Phil, perhaps?) and someone in Northern China have now veiwed my blog. Also, my College Station dot grew to the 100+ size. So exciting!

A bad day at the dentist...

This moring started off fine, Macy enjoyed her usual lie in (at least until 8:30 am), and then we went to the vet. Today was the day for Macy's annual dental exam and teeth cleaning.

The Vet - Dr. Bay - called at 1 pm to let me know that Macy had done well and all her lab results looked normal, but unfortunately, she had to pull 5 of Macy's teeth! Two at the very back on the bottom, 1 on the top right next to her canine, and her two bottom middle teeth. Poor Macy!They also had to shave one of her legs for the IV line, and she struggled a bit, so it's bruised as well. She didn't like having her picture taken either - although Joel did his best to keep her still. Dr. Bay said that loosing teeth is very common for Chihuahuas, and the fact that Macy is 7 and has never had any teeth pulled (until today) means that she is very well cared for and is in excellent dental health (whew! I was very upset when she told me and was relieved to hear that). Her gums look good and she should heal quickly.

Although Macy is now missing her two front teeth (see above), the day ended at home, with Macy happy and seemingly unaffected by her missing teeth. She was quite happy to get soft food for dinner.

I have been told that the last 10% of anything you do is the hardest 10%.

If that is true, I am really up a creek, as my PhD has been rife with hardships, from my health to my progress to interpersonal relationships and everything in between.

I think I can feel that that end is near, but don't know if I should be excited or really scared....

Busy, busy bee!

My burn has finally healed and it's been off to the races for things at work and school. Carrie defended her dissertation on Tuesday, Taehyun's last day in the lab was Monday, and Anh is trying to choose a job. Yi has moved to Taehyun's bench, in the first step of a musical chairs bench swap session. Chelsey (my undergrad) will be getting Anh's bench when she leaves, and Doug has taken Yi's bench. I'm supposed to be up next to defend, so I have to get busy, busy, busy to finish up.

SRW plans are taking a heavy toll, although Jamie Rae and Stacy are bearing the brunt of those and I am basically just answering email and a few other little things. Spring Break will be here soon. Sigh. Where does the time go?

My car is officially a lemon. I have begun the process of claiming so legally under Texas' "Lemon Law" and it seems that it is going to be a long, drawn-out, painful process. Sigh. I'm so tired of this ordeal, and yet it never seems to end.

No luck on the job front thus far...There's a new one posted that I want to apply for, but I need to rework my CV and cover letter. Also, Daisy booked my flight to San Diego today (hooray!) so I really have to get things prepared for that. I am beginning to get overwhelmed!