When I get a round Tuit

I remember my Granny used to have this round tuit magnet on her fridge that looked something like this (only it was crocheted, as all good Granny nicknacks are). It wasn't until I was a bit older that I finally understood what it was. This is one of those times in which I need a round tuit.I still have some papers that I want to get published that are from my PhD research. Due to my unusual circumstances when finishing my PhD I figured it was in my best interest, and my supervisor agreed, that I just get finished the degree and do the papers later since circumstances didn't allow for both. I've had numerous people tell me, "Oh ya I was going to do that and never got around to it" but I was thinking, "Oh not me. I'm all over getting those published".

Well... it seems I'm not so much all over that. I think I've effectively got rid of the "life revolves around school" mentality and would rather be doing other things in the evening. And the thing is there is barely any writing to do. When I was writing my thesis I put the effort in to make my chapters mostly publishing ready. I just can't get into the mode to do the nitpicky stuff. Plus it's been so long since I've looked at my thesis that I'm going to have to read it all over again to get orientated. Although on the plus side, re-reading my thesis gives me a little ego boost now and then as I read sections and think, "Damn, I wrote that? It sounds so eloquent."

And yes, I do see the irony in spending my time writing about how I'm procrastinating from writing my papers. If only I had a round tuit.

A reflection

I decided to wander over to my neglected blog today to see if it's still hanging around. Sure enough, there it was just as I left it. I know I've said this time and time again but I'm going to try to keep up on my blog. I've just got so many thoughts floating around in my head so why not share them with the masses.

As I was wandering around my blog I came to some realizations. For one, I think most people stumble on my blog looking for help with semicolon usage since my Ode to a semicolon post seems to attract the most attention. Whatever, I'll take it. This is followed by the How to write your thesis in a week post, which cracks me up for some reason. Perhaps because the conversation I had which led me to write that post still makes me laugh.

It does seem though that some other lost soles wander over here looking for advice on what to do after their PhD since the Alternative Careers in Science post and the A PhD outside academia post do seem to get a lot of views. I'm not sure if my advice is helpful or not but it is interesting to see that other people want more out of life than what the ivory tower offers.

Hopefully my future random ramblings have some use.

Name change

I've decided to get back to blogging more but as I mentioned in a previous post, since I've finished my PhD I've been at a bit of a loss as to what to blog about. Since my blog won't solely revolve around science I've decided to change the name of my blog to the URL name. That was initially what I was going to call it way back when I started blogging (actually it might have been called that for a brief period) but I decided to go with more of a science theme. Now it appears I've come full circle. Don't worry I'm still a science geek and for the most part my posts will be science related but I figured it was time for a change.

What I don't miss about grad school

Long time no blog. I noticed that I never posted what I don't miss about grad school. Can't have everyone thinking grad school was all sugar and spice and everything nice.

1) The money, or lack of. I must say it's nice to actually be making a salary with benefits and all.

2) Being treated like a child. Sure grad students are still students but we are also adults. There were so many profs in my department that didn't seem to realize this. I mean, taking attendance at seminars to make sure all the grad students attend. Puhleese!!! I'm old enough that whether you take attendance or not is not going to make me attend the seminar if I have something more important. Yes, I can make decisions for myself.

3) Not being respected. Now this may have more to do with my supervisor's personality than grad school in general but just because I'm your student doesn't mean I don't deserve respect. I made it clear that I wasn't putting up with being treated as somehow lesser. I must say it was nice having my committee treat me as an equal at my thesis defense.

4) Not getting emails from my supervisor at odd hours or on long weekends. I do enjoy leaving my work at work and not having papers around the house or having to answer emails to my supervisor late at night or on a long weekend. It's nice to not have my life revolve around grad school.

Sometimes life is just not fair

An online friend of mine was diagnosed with malignant melanoma a few years ago. Unfortunately it seems like her battle is coming to an end. She is a funny, optimistic, wonderful woman and her blog attests to her strength throughout her journey with cancer.

Please take the time to read it. It really puts things into perspective about how precious life really is. And please, wear sunscreen and be alert to the signs of melanoma. No one should have to experience the pain Sarah has been put through.

My heart just breaks for Sarah, Derek and their families.

What I miss about grad school

Don't get me wrong, I am overjoyed to be done school and have a real job but there are those few things that I miss.

1) The conference in Florida. Every year at this time I would go to this conference in Florida. Beach, sun, tasty margaritas, seafood, and Mexican food better than any you can get here! Oh and the conference wasn't too bad either. I'm especially feeling sad about this since my former supervisor and lab mates left yesterday for the conference. Although there is talk at work of going to a conference in California. I'm not sure the Mexican food will be as good though.

2) The hours. My job has flex time, which means I don't need to be in at a certain time (within reason though). With grad studies, there was no within reason. My supervisor really didn't care what hours we worked, which was the downfall of some. This was great at Christmas when I would go shopping on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

3) The people. I love the people I work with now but lets face it, grad school is more laid back. We would joke around, play practical jokes on one another, etc. I guess we all have to grow up some day :)

Hmm... that's all I can think of for now.

What is wrong with people these days?

Don't worry I'll get back to posting about science related things but I'm procrastinating from finishing the last few revisions on a paper so blogging about science would be a bad use of my procrastination time.

Today on my way to work the bus was packed, as it usually is. I ended up having to stand. A few stops down the road this elderly lady gets on. She must have been at least 70, if not older. Does anyone get their ass off their seat for her? Oh no. As I'm standing there dumbfounded at the inconsiderate people on my bus I realize the elderly woman has a cane. A CANE!!! And still no one will give up their seat! At one point, she is standing right in front of this girl and her cane is pretty much resting against this girl's leg and still the girl doesn't move! Whatever happened to respect your elders? That's how I was raised. There are even signs on the bus where these people were sitting indicating that the seating is for those with reduced mobility. So for the whole 20 minute bus ride this elderly lady stood. She got off at the same stop as me and yes, she clearly needed a cane to walk. If I were that woman someone on the bus would have surely got "accidentally" hit with my cane. Show some respect people!