SfN 2012

I love the Society for Neuroscience meeting.  I am beyond excited to explore new research and people and see New Orleans -- well, the French Quarter at least.

People act like traveling to this event is no big deal.  And to most, it isn't.  But organizing how I get to and from work each day and accomplish tasks and errands is as involved for me as traveling to this conference is for most people.  I am now what can be considered a seasoned veteran of the SfN extravaganza.  The meeting itself is dangling in front of me like an unimaginable treasure chest.  So on the eve of flight, I am Zening like a mofo [read: zoning on too many episodes of The Walking Dead with H.K. beside me].  Checking off the packing of forms, drugs, ER addresses and food supplements like a master, and doing everything in my power to avoid those panic attacks that have been cascading me into Crohn's episodes for the last 4 months.

This year I have 2 poster sessions, the first a requirement in light of my travel award.  And real, purposeful shmoozing.  I cannot wait.

This is the least healthy that I have ever been prior to travel like this.  And I'm so looking forward.  And so anxious.

in which i meet my Crohn mate

Y'all: today, the most exciting news surfaced.

Turns out, one of my most favoritest colleagues is a Crohn.

!!!!

I have never had an IRL friend who also has Crohn's!  With the exception of the most outstanding Kara, who I had the privilege to meet but once [thus far]!  But, y'all.  A new Crohn in my life?  In my lab??  Who I see on a daily basis?!

This is so epic, in fact, that when said colleague approached me today to have that serious and confident conversation, my first reaction was "no shit!" after which I proceeded to smile with glowing eyes as she explained her current condition.

Incidentally, I had just had that same serious and confident conversation with my BossMan after the episode from September 27th which knocked me out for 5 days.  He could not have been more concerned and considerate about the whole thing, by the way.  That's 2 BossMans in a row that have regarded me with respect and kindness even after learning my [additional] shortcoming.  Can I pick 'em, or can I pick 'em?!

grad school priorities #12

What I should have accomplished today:

Recovering from last week's trifecta of PCR, cloning and transfection failure.

What I did accomplish today:

Two free exquisite gourmet meals provided by my amazing building in honor of symposium day, and the purchase of ubernerd embroidered patches for my lab coat.  Met a fellow Crohn right in my own backyard!

OMGSUCCESS!