Day 236...

Hello! 

Happy Easter Sunday, everyone! 

Last night, My PI and his lovely wife threw what they insisted on calling my belated 21st Birthday party for all of the guys from the lab. It was a lovely, lovely evening. My boss made the most delicious BBQ brisket and ribs, and provided plenty of tequila and beer (what a combination!) He also presented me with a 21 tiara and beer cosy to put to use that evening. I, as has become tradition, made dessert. In keeping with the time of the year, I made chocolate pretzel bird’s nests and scones with fresh cream and strawberries, yum! Definitely a memorable night- I’m guessing there isn’t too many jobs on this planet where you’re not only encouraged, but expected, to do shots with your boss of the tequila bought for you by your supervising post-doc, haha! 

 Last weekend wasn’t quite such a relaxing affair- though still so much fun! On the saturday, I met up with friends to do a 5K colour run around campus. It was such a laugh- even if I’m still slightly yellow! We followed it with, of course, a patio lunch in the sun and cocktails. 

In an effort to continue getting fit without putting too much strain on my delicate foot bones, this week I tried Hot Yoga for the first time and LOVED it. Seriously. I haven’t done any exercise which was so relaxing in my entire life- definitely found and new hobby! On Friday, I also bought a swim pass for the public downtown swimming pool and headed over there after work- hopefully this will also turn into a new habit! 

Earlier this week, my boss made plans for our lab ‘retreat’. Much to my excitement, in June we’re heading to an open air theatre in Wisconsin to see my favourite play, Much Ado About Nothing and then staying overnight in Madison. He also wants us each to do a small 30 minute talk about what we’re working on- I guess there needs to be some aspect of work, considering this is supposed to be a ‘lab’ trip! It will be a really good opportunity for me to practise my presentation skills before I have to present my project to the whole physiology department before I leave!

Talking about the lab, my supervising post-doc and I believe we may (heavy on the ‘may’) have finally seen some success in the amino acid charging of our tRNA by the RNA enzymes that are the basis of my work here! I’m still very hesitant to say that we’ve gotten a positive result but after eight very long months of working on this goal, I’m definitely pleased to see things possibly moving in the right direction.

Now I plan to wallow in my tequila-based hangover whilst watching the highlights of the Chinese GP! 

Love love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx