During the tourney last week, Jess had me at all the games with the camcorder. I told her that if they won, I'd put together a big highlight movie of all the footage. And they did! So I spent a lot of yesterday cutting this together and I thought I'd share it with all of you. I'm pretty proud of it.
Movie 1: The games
Here's part 2, the award ceremony and blooper reel.
Movie 2: Awards and Bloopers
I'd put them on the page, but they look better on their own page. And you can watch in full screen if you want. Enjoy.
-N
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
H1N1 is my nutritionist
So maybe one of you 'bioengineering' or 'doctor' types can chime in, but I have a theory.
When your significant other, the person you live with and spend all your time around, gets sick, their immune system goes to work killing off the virus, and what you get is all of these weakened, nearly dead virii flying off of their body and smacking into yours. And, much like an immunization, this weakened version of the sickness helps your body build up an immunity to the disease so that you don't get it. This explains why when either Jess or I gets sick, the other usually doesn't. This goes further to explain parents often get sick from their kids. Children don't have as developed an immune system, and so therefore the virii flying off of them are fully formed, and instead of getting immunized, you just get sick. I await my nobel prize with baited breath.
So I'm feeling a lot better. I was only out of work for about a day and a half, and am rapidly coming up to 100% strength. Jess, on the other hand, being the work-focused, highly driven (to save time off for vacation), girl that she is, has made quite a game effort to get into work and get something done, but has only been in for a few hours this week. She's actually taking the whole day off again to try and rest, and when I told her to sleep as much as she wanted and only call me when she woke up I didn't hear from her until 1:30. She's still got it pretty rough. Thank goodness for my husbandly immunity. Hopefully she'll be able to finish recovery over the weekend and start the week off fresh. She's mostly just been tired and worn down, no doubt from fighting off the dreaded H1N1.
Yeah, we're pretty sure that's what we got. The general symptom list is 'general flu-like symptoms', such as aches, tiredness, and nausea (we both got to use a bucket on monday night), and then also a fever, which Jess definitely had, (thermometer verified!) and I probably had (I felt really cold!). And it lasts for a long time. Unless your wife gets it first. Like I said, Jessie is still recovering, and is mostly just tired. My only lingering systems is a loss of appetite which, in some ways, isn't *all* bad.
So let me take a moment to brag about weight loss. I'd like to point out that most of my progress has been made gradually, step by step, and is accompanied by a wide variety of healthy foods, veggies included, mom. (V8 is good stuff!) I'm just eating less of it. Only a little bit of weight loss has come from the fact that I didn't eat anything heavier than a piece of bread for about three days there. For reference, my 'high weight' happened right after I got back from xmas. I was 230 pounds. Last time I weighed myself, (in the morning, which is always less, but it makes me feel better), I was at 210 lbs. I haven't been that skinny in a long time, and I even got my first 'hey, you look like you're loosing weight' comment, which always feels nice. The real discovery here is that I don't need to eat as much as I thought I did, even if it's good for me. Less still fills me up. Guess that's part of getting older. My exercise regimen has dropped off somewhat, as I've decided to stop doing Ving Tsun in favor of...something else yet undecided. And there was also the fact that I was sick for a few days there, but I'm actually excited to go running again soon. Imagine how much easier it will be! 20 lbs. Yay!
Progress still marches on in contractorland. Perhaps unsurprisingly the contractors discovered that they couldn't get access to the 3/4" pipes they wanted in order to run two showers at once. Just the 1/2" ones that were already there. So the cost of the project got bumped up a bit. Also, the shower pan they wanted to install turned out to not be available until just today, so they're a bit behind schedule, too. But nothing catastrophic, certainly, and everything has been accomplished with skill, good communication, and excellent craftsmanship. We're pleased. If you guys are very nice, I may post a few pictures later today when I get home. I think they'll get to start working on the tiles on Monday. Exciting!
Also, someone should remind me to write the story of the RSVP project I did back in college. It's been lost to history, a bit, but it was a fun class that I'll bet parents and grandparents alike would like to hear about. Cheerio!
-N
When your significant other, the person you live with and spend all your time around, gets sick, their immune system goes to work killing off the virus, and what you get is all of these weakened, nearly dead virii flying off of their body and smacking into yours. And, much like an immunization, this weakened version of the sickness helps your body build up an immunity to the disease so that you don't get it. This explains why when either Jess or I gets sick, the other usually doesn't. This goes further to explain parents often get sick from their kids. Children don't have as developed an immune system, and so therefore the virii flying off of them are fully formed, and instead of getting immunized, you just get sick. I await my nobel prize with baited breath.
So I'm feeling a lot better. I was only out of work for about a day and a half, and am rapidly coming up to 100% strength. Jess, on the other hand, being the work-focused, highly driven (to save time off for vacation), girl that she is, has made quite a game effort to get into work and get something done, but has only been in for a few hours this week. She's actually taking the whole day off again to try and rest, and when I told her to sleep as much as she wanted and only call me when she woke up I didn't hear from her until 1:30. She's still got it pretty rough. Thank goodness for my husbandly immunity. Hopefully she'll be able to finish recovery over the weekend and start the week off fresh. She's mostly just been tired and worn down, no doubt from fighting off the dreaded H1N1.
Yeah, we're pretty sure that's what we got. The general symptom list is 'general flu-like symptoms', such as aches, tiredness, and nausea (we both got to use a bucket on monday night), and then also a fever, which Jess definitely had, (thermometer verified!) and I probably had (I felt really cold!). And it lasts for a long time. Unless your wife gets it first. Like I said, Jessie is still recovering, and is mostly just tired. My only lingering systems is a loss of appetite which, in some ways, isn't *all* bad.
So let me take a moment to brag about weight loss. I'd like to point out that most of my progress has been made gradually, step by step, and is accompanied by a wide variety of healthy foods, veggies included, mom. (V8 is good stuff!) I'm just eating less of it. Only a little bit of weight loss has come from the fact that I didn't eat anything heavier than a piece of bread for about three days there. For reference, my 'high weight' happened right after I got back from xmas. I was 230 pounds. Last time I weighed myself, (in the morning, which is always less, but it makes me feel better), I was at 210 lbs. I haven't been that skinny in a long time, and I even got my first 'hey, you look like you're loosing weight' comment, which always feels nice. The real discovery here is that I don't need to eat as much as I thought I did, even if it's good for me. Less still fills me up. Guess that's part of getting older. My exercise regimen has dropped off somewhat, as I've decided to stop doing Ving Tsun in favor of...something else yet undecided. And there was also the fact that I was sick for a few days there, but I'm actually excited to go running again soon. Imagine how much easier it will be! 20 lbs. Yay!
Progress still marches on in contractorland. Perhaps unsurprisingly the contractors discovered that they couldn't get access to the 3/4" pipes they wanted in order to run two showers at once. Just the 1/2" ones that were already there. So the cost of the project got bumped up a bit. Also, the shower pan they wanted to install turned out to not be available until just today, so they're a bit behind schedule, too. But nothing catastrophic, certainly, and everything has been accomplished with skill, good communication, and excellent craftsmanship. We're pleased. If you guys are very nice, I may post a few pictures later today when I get home. I think they'll get to start working on the tiles on Monday. Exciting!
Also, someone should remind me to write the story of the RSVP project I did back in college. It's been lost to history, a bit, but it was a fun class that I'll bet parents and grandparents alike would like to hear about. Cheerio!
-N
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
News from the sick ward
So remember how I mentioned that Jess caught some sort of bug over the weekend? Well guess who has it now, yes, that's right. Me. Both of us, technically, which is rough, because we'll be feeling better or worse as the day goes on and it's hard to tell which one of us needs to be taking care of the other. Neither of us has eaten much. I haven't eaten anything more substantial than toast in the past day and a half. Jess thought she might be able to make it into work today, but she woke up feeling crummy, so no dice.
The contractors are here, though, which I guess is both a good and a bad thing. We gave a house key to the 'main guy' who was supposed to be working on our house, but so far it's been a bunch of different people showing up, and so we're at home to let them in. It's just that we don't want to wake up at 8:00 AM when they show up, and they tend to be a little noisy while they work. Not too bad, though.
Anyway, the work is going well. I'll post some progressive images of all the different stages when the whole thing wraps up, but it's given me a pretty good look at what is going on behind my walls and under my floors. The shower pan isn't going to show up until Friday, unfortunately, so that means there will be a bit of a delay in everything getting done, but at least there is progress being made.
So back to being sick: we've sequestered ourselves in the guest bedroom while work is being done, and we have both the cats in here with us. I can tell I'm getting better already because I was hitting the Tylenol pretty hard yesterday and haven't even bothered to take any today, yet. Jess is still in a pretty bad way: she's been coughing a lot and said she felt dizzy this morning. She's asleep now, and all cuddled up with the kitties, but I may take her in to see a doctor if she doesn't get better soon.
Cheers,
-N
The contractors are here, though, which I guess is both a good and a bad thing. We gave a house key to the 'main guy' who was supposed to be working on our house, but so far it's been a bunch of different people showing up, and so we're at home to let them in. It's just that we don't want to wake up at 8:00 AM when they show up, and they tend to be a little noisy while they work. Not too bad, though.
Anyway, the work is going well. I'll post some progressive images of all the different stages when the whole thing wraps up, but it's given me a pretty good look at what is going on behind my walls and under my floors. The shower pan isn't going to show up until Friday, unfortunately, so that means there will be a bit of a delay in everything getting done, but at least there is progress being made.
So back to being sick: we've sequestered ourselves in the guest bedroom while work is being done, and we have both the cats in here with us. I can tell I'm getting better already because I was hitting the Tylenol pretty hard yesterday and haven't even bothered to take any today, yet. Jess is still in a pretty bad way: she's been coughing a lot and said she felt dizzy this morning. She's asleep now, and all cuddled up with the kitties, but I may take her in to see a doctor if she doesn't get better soon.
Cheers,
-N
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Happy birthday?!?
Today is my undergrad's 21st birthday. I normally count on him to demonstrate the passing of the seasons- he studies for midterms, takes holiday breaks, finishes finals and gets geared up for new semesters. We've been working together since he was a freshman, I've seen him make all kinds of growth in science, in his courses, in his attitude- but this one is throwing me for a loop. He was like a baby when we started working together- now he is 21?? How long have I been here? This is compounded by the premonition that he will graduate before I do (he'll definitely graduate in another year- I am far from setting a date yet). I'll still be at the grind stone in the time he has transformed from a dweeby kid to a scientist.
And then there is the whole matter of how to deal with being 21 particularly- I am pretty friendly with most of the undergrads here, but I find it much easier to treat him like a scientist without the details of his fratboy lifestyle. Pitt is no Penn State, as far as party schools go- but I still prefer to imagine that his interest in the brotherhood stems from their regular philanthropic gestures and the occasional PlayStation tourney rather then any other fringe benefit associated with fraternities. This well developed selective denial is just one of the thing my undergrad has taught me these last few years- and now I am feeling desperate to get the most out of our remaining ~16 mo together (if he gets this fellowship- otherwise I'll have another conniption fit when I realize he is going to graduate and abandon me here).
And then there is the whole matter of how to deal with being 21 particularly- I am pretty friendly with most of the undergrads here, but I find it much easier to treat him like a scientist without the details of his fratboy lifestyle. Pitt is no Penn State, as far as party schools go- but I still prefer to imagine that his interest in the brotherhood stems from their regular philanthropic gestures and the occasional PlayStation tourney rather then any other fringe benefit associated with fraternities. This well developed selective denial is just one of the thing my undergrad has taught me these last few years- and now I am feeling desperate to get the most out of our remaining ~16 mo together (if he gets this fellowship- otherwise I'll have another conniption fit when I realize he is going to graduate and abandon me here).
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sick Champion
The tournament for our Vegas Weekend is over, and Jess did great. There were four teams in her division, and they went 3 Wins-0 Losses during the preliminary round, and Jess played some excellent defense, especially considering that she had the flu.
I'm not sure where, but Jess had been feeling a little down all weekend, and Saturday night her throat was all scratchy from 'cheering too much' and she was tired. Well the next morning she still felt bad, but Motrin and Red bull got her through her early morning game. After that, though, it became obvious she wasn't just tired, she was sick. Her body kicked on the fever and she felt super, super cold. I piled the blankets on and gave her as much hug-based body heat as I could, but she was just miserable. I took her temperature as high as 101 degrees. (Fahrenheit, for you scientific types).
So the championship game came around and Jess couldn't skate, but she at least made it to watch the game and cheer on her team. Bundled up in coats and blankets, we watched as the team pulled out a victory, 1-0. The Hot Flashes won their division! Jess was all happy because she got to be in the victory pictures and hold the trophy, and they even gave her her own plaque! It's super-cool. (Is the 'award' type of plaque spelled differently? Plack?) Also I had told Jess that if they won the championship I would cut together all the footage I recorded into a neat video and post it up on the internet. And I will.
So Jess hung out in the locker room with her pals and did some victory cheers, and then we came home and Jess conked out, thankfully. Her fever has gone down and she's sleeping as I type this, but soon I'll get her up and start packing for the flight home. We fly at noon and tomorrow we have the contractors come by, so I'm going to clean up a little and get a room ready to keep the cats away from the workers.
Also of note to the family: I got the DVD of pictures from Xmas, and they're fantastic. I copied them all to my computer and left the DVD down here with the Vegas Family for them to enjoy.
I'm not sure where, but Jess had been feeling a little down all weekend, and Saturday night her throat was all scratchy from 'cheering too much' and she was tired. Well the next morning she still felt bad, but Motrin and Red bull got her through her early morning game. After that, though, it became obvious she wasn't just tired, she was sick. Her body kicked on the fever and she felt super, super cold. I piled the blankets on and gave her as much hug-based body heat as I could, but she was just miserable. I took her temperature as high as 101 degrees. (Fahrenheit, for you scientific types).
So the championship game came around and Jess couldn't skate, but she at least made it to watch the game and cheer on her team. Bundled up in coats and blankets, we watched as the team pulled out a victory, 1-0. The Hot Flashes won their division! Jess was all happy because she got to be in the victory pictures and hold the trophy, and they even gave her her own plaque! It's super-cool. (Is the 'award' type of plaque spelled differently? Plack?) Also I had told Jess that if they won the championship I would cut together all the footage I recorded into a neat video and post it up on the internet. And I will.
So Jess hung out in the locker room with her pals and did some victory cheers, and then we came home and Jess conked out, thankfully. Her fever has gone down and she's sleeping as I type this, but soon I'll get her up and start packing for the flight home. We fly at noon and tomorrow we have the contractors come by, so I'm going to clean up a little and get a room ready to keep the cats away from the workers.
Also of note to the family: I got the DVD of pictures from Xmas, and they're fantastic. I copied them all to my computer and left the DVD down here with the Vegas Family for them to enjoy.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
'Like listening to Picasso'
Jane and I took a break from winter weather and stresses of ordinary life to attend a music performance at the Tractor Tavern near our home. The Tractor normally features rock - folk - country types, but this time the performer was Matt Haimovitz, an Israeli-born cellist now a music professor at McGill, I think.
In a tiny, cramped space next to the bar (Mac & Jack on tap), he came out to the tiny stage and opened by telling us that his instrument was 300 years old, built in 1710. He started by telling us that he would play one of Domenico Gabrielli's pioneering "Seven Ricercare" which were composed about the time his cello was made, and then something by a contemporary composer, Elliott Carter.
He repeated this pattern half a dozen times, and both the old and new music contained notes and chords I'd never heard before and finger and bow work I'd never imagined . . plucking, skipping, thumping. The comment in the title is Jane's idea and it captures the feel of the evening perfectly.
I thought of all you string players and wished you could have been with us.
In a tiny, cramped space next to the bar (Mac & Jack on tap), he came out to the tiny stage and opened by telling us that his instrument was 300 years old, built in 1710. He started by telling us that he would play one of Domenico Gabrielli's pioneering "Seven Ricercare" which were composed about the time his cello was made, and then something by a contemporary composer, Elliott Carter.
He repeated this pattern half a dozen times, and both the old and new music contained notes and chords I'd never heard before and finger and bow work I'd never imagined . . plucking, skipping, thumping. The comment in the title is Jane's idea and it captures the feel of the evening perfectly.
I thought of all you string players and wished you could have been with us.
Friday, January 22, 2010
I'm famous now
So, remember that time I went to that conference in Toronto on Canadian Science Policy? And I was all thrilled because I met this woman who wanted me to write something for her newsletter? Remember how that storied ended? With the January Issue of the SCWIST Newsletter- bottom of page 9!! Oh, and an obligatory rockstar dance in lab, of course. I think the appropriate thing would be to write back to that lady and thank her for her advice and her leg up, since that's what they tell you do for networking. Yes?
Further follow-up to that whole affair is the realization that I would benefit from having a writing portfolio (which means I need to do more writing). I don't want to be a freelance writer, but how else to you demonstrate communication skills? That's hard though. In fact, just thinking about it for months has gotten me no where. A couple of my coworkers (including Karen who I went to Toronto with) decided to start a weekly Writing Study Hall - at a coffee shop, after work. We tried it this week, and although we had a slow start it was a lot more then I have done in these interceding months. I've got a few ideas (a pitch, or a lead- what am I doing??) for things to write and ideas for places to send them. Now I need to convince someone else that this is a good use of their printed space, and get around to writing it. Having the support and structure of a weekly meeting will help a lot.
Otherwise, the cold is clearing up, and I can taste again- but not smell yet. Matt's big project for the weekend is to build a cat scratching post out of lumber and remnant carpet. We took Raoul to the vet this week, and he is as healthy as hateful of vets offices. We've got friends coming over to make egg rolls tomorrow, and going to watch the Vikings game with the local MN fan Sunday. And I got good results in lab, to boot!
NOTICE: I've made some unilateral cosmetic changes to the blog- the template and cover picture. The picture I love, so I had to update the template to keep up with the cuteness of the pic. I think it looks better, but if someone with a better eye wanted to further update to 'best,' be my guest.
Further follow-up to that whole affair is the realization that I would benefit from having a writing portfolio (which means I need to do more writing). I don't want to be a freelance writer, but how else to you demonstrate communication skills? That's hard though. In fact, just thinking about it for months has gotten me no where. A couple of my coworkers (including Karen who I went to Toronto with) decided to start a weekly Writing Study Hall - at a coffee shop, after work. We tried it this week, and although we had a slow start it was a lot more then I have done in these interceding months. I've got a few ideas (a pitch, or a lead- what am I doing??) for things to write and ideas for places to send them. Now I need to convince someone else that this is a good use of their printed space, and get around to writing it. Having the support and structure of a weekly meeting will help a lot.
Otherwise, the cold is clearing up, and I can taste again- but not smell yet. Matt's big project for the weekend is to build a cat scratching post out of lumber and remnant carpet. We took Raoul to the vet this week, and he is as healthy as hateful of vets offices. We've got friends coming over to make egg rolls tomorrow, and going to watch the Vikings game with the local MN fan Sunday. And I got good results in lab, to boot!
NOTICE: I've made some unilateral cosmetic changes to the blog- the template and cover picture. The picture I love, so I had to update the template to keep up with the cuteness of the pic. I think it looks better, but if someone with a better eye wanted to further update to 'best,' be my guest.
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