Low Of Solipsism

Well, I think it has been a sufficiently long enough time for me to have another entry.

So, what have I been up to? To be honest, I've been busy as usual. Trying to actually have a life and do decent in school. I've come to terms with the fact that I try to do the least amount possible for the best score possible. It's amazing really, when I don't really care about a test and party before it I seem to do just as well as if I had spent weeks studying.

Took some pictures over Spring Break in Decatur and Downtown Huntsville. My camera isn't terribly impressive, but it'll get the job done. One of these days I will invest in a 50 mm or something that takes higher quality pictures. I also need to take out the powerlines in a couple of my better pictures... They are such a pain to deal with... I've been thinking about selling some or even altering them and then painting them on canvas and then selling the paintings. Cool huh? Well, it sounded like fun to me anyway.

I have a nice little job working in the vivarium on campus. The research is in cooperation with Nektar, so it'll be good to have some contacts there. Speaking of contacts, I have been to two undergraduate research conferences lately: one at the University of Memphis and one at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. I gave an oral presentation at the one in Memphis and a poster presentation at UAB. Through those I've made quite a number of good contacts. I also attended the Builing Your Career in Biotech Workshop that was useful. It basically reinforced my ideas on how things in applying for a biotech job are like, but it was still informative.

Saw An Horse at The End in Nashville with Kim and Cassie. AMAZING show. They were really good live. Didn't care for Hey Penny or the Appleseed Cast much. Shoot the Mountain, however, were pretty cool though. I got Kate and Damon to sign my Microbiology notebook and backpack since I had brought that with me to study for my Cal B exam I had the next morning. Lolz all-nighter. Still, I wouldn't have traded it for anything.

Bullet for My Valentine

So the new year started off quickly and the beginning of the semester was no different.

Classes have been time consuming more than anything else. I think I will do well if I can just learn to to properly time manage.

Chemistry Club is trying to get everything in order, so hopefully we'll be having some cool events lined up in the near future. I've been helping Deacon Jim try to recharter the Catholic Student Fellowship. I told myself that I wouldn't get too involved, but it looks like it's a bit late for that. Guess I'm glad Catholics might have something to go to on campus now...? Anyway that's going on...

Oh, and I might have another publication. I've been talking to Brenda since she's in Moriairty's lab and apparently some of the oils I shot are doing well against the cancer cells. Now how they are against normal cells, have no idea. But I still found that interesting. The Brunellia costaricensis bark had a high concentration of methyl salicylate.

Also had a relatively decent Valentine's Day. Went to Amy's wedding. Congrats to Mrs. Pettigrew! Definitely gave a bullet to my valentine. I found it amusing. Below I've got a pic of part my gift. And uh, I got my hair cut again. Yay being able to make it semi-spiky?

Hell Above Water

Thought I would update this before too much happened.

Well, the Toy Sorting was fun. I was glad to help the Salvation Army out again. Is it sad that I have the volunteer leader's phone number saved in my cell? I talked to her quite a bit and even thanked HER for allowing us to help.

I hope all of those kids from the Angel Tree had a good Christmas...

Christmas for me... didn't really feel like Christmas. I was happy that I got to go to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament with Danielle and my mother the Saturday before it though... THAT at least made the Advent season more apparent.

But my family... My father had to stay in Alaska this year since he had been home for the past two Christmas's. Chase was gone until 11. And lolz domestic disputes. Gotta love being home for the holidays. It honestly didn't feel like Christmas.

Had a happy 3/7 even though I kinda had to celebrate it on my own. I didn't mind though.

Went out with Leigh today and walked around Decatur. Ha, ten years ago we were wandering around the streets of Hartselle and now we're doing the same thing only in Decatur and this time I'm taking pictures! Geez, time really does go by...

The Words 'Best Friend' Become Redefined

Time for Winter Break. FINALLY. I could use a break from school, but not a break from my friends.

Left Tuesday after the Chemistry Club Christmas Party. Played Uno ATTACK!. Twas entertaining. Finally getting the club involved with more volunteer work. Worked the Angel Tree last Friday and this Saturday we're going to toy sort for the Salvation Army. Cool, huh?

Been more social now that school's out. Went clubbing/bar hopping a bit with some friends. Have to say that I enjoy it. I'll probably do that some more when I have more free time.

Went with my mother today and basically picked out my Christmas presents. I didn't mind though. I wish my parents didn't feel the need to get all of us so much. I feel guilty for having a decent Christmas when I know there are people much less fortunate...

Went with Derek and a TON of people to Mikawa for an after finals party. It was... too many people and very awkward. Things are weird. Didn't feel comfortable. Ended up sitting with some freshmen and a sophomore I only knew in passing. Most of my attention was focused on Lethal Weapon 4. Whatever.

Went with Danielle to Steph's to watch Kung Fu Panda with her and Samuel-san. Heh, it was amusing. It was a beer and pizza night. I didn't complain.

... ... ...

I miss Danielle. I get to see her Saturday though. Might also get to see her Sunday if some plans work out, but I don't know how that's going to go. I will also get to have a Jon that day too hopefully.

I need to schedule something with Leigh now that finals are over. I haven't seen her in a long time.

Devil Town

The semester is finally winding down. Classes have been going pretty well. I need to bring up my Calculus grade on this final... A in Phytochemistry. Pretty sure I solidified my A in Tech Writing. I'm coming out of Organic II with a minimum of a C. Right now my only concern is Cal B. I need it for Physics II and I need Physics II for Biophysical Chemistry.

Bake sale went well. I think we made $120 or so. Mom baked and donated a lot...

Been spending time with Dad since he leaves Saturday. I won't see him on Christmas... But he has to do what he has to do.

Got my hair cut shorter. Mom cried. Tried to make me promise to not cut it any shorter... ever. Couldn't make a promise like that. I'd be lying.

Em and Danielle are friends now. It's kinda cool actually. Weird at first, but it's interesting. I think they finally understand each other now.

Had our Rock Band Pre-Finals Destresser Night at Shelby last night. It was great. Tasty beverages and gaming. Oh and pizza and extra baked goods. But I was preoccupied with the first two.

[Two/Six Months]

Bolero

Vegas. Was. Amazing.

Okay, I really hate when people do that to sentences but I figured that was the best way to get my point across.

Phantom... Phantom was perfect. It kinda helps that the stage at the Venetian was built specifically for it. But, good God, everything was flawless. The music, the cast, the set... Also doesn't hurt that the seats were third row.

Food. Damn, the food in Las Vegas was great too. Went to AquaKnox and Postrio while we were there.

Went to a lot of places. Visited the Atomic Testing Museum to get my nerdiness satisfied. Visited several casinos: Treasue Island, Caesar's Palace, New York New York, Excalibur, The Bellagio. Went to Madam Tassaud's Wax Museum. Coyote Ugly. Nine Fine Irishmen Pub.

The room at the Venetian was huge. Couldn't have asked for a better one. Two queen beds, HD TV, enormous bathroom with a shower and a tub, spacious office area.

Gambled a little. Probably about $50 or so. You lose count very quickly since the money just kinda goes. I tried to keep it within that range so I would have more walking money when I came back here.

Only thing I wish was different was the company. I love my sister, but we get on each other's nerves very quickly when we're alone. She was wanting Joe and I was wanting Danielle. She said that we need to go back. She'll bring Joe and I "can bring whoever you're [I'm] dating at the time". Thanks, Jenn... Love this confidence here.

Anyway, I set up a guest album. Click the pic below.

Password: antihero

Enjoy.

Captain Midnight

Wake up, our past stops right now...

Finally twenty-one. Even posted a pic of Jackie Estacado to commemorate the event. If you don't know who that is then you should read The Darkness.

Had a birthday lunch at Cheeburger Cheeburger that went well on Sunday and birthday dinner at Mikawa actually on my birthday on Monday. This may sound fantastically emotional for me, but I enjoyed being with friends. Talking to all of them, just even being able to get everyone together and have a meal was nice.

Em finally met most of my college friends. I think she was kind of overwhelmed. Called me tonight and is apparently on a mission to set things right with people now. More power to her.