Work trip to St. Louis!

One of the things I quite like about my job as a lowly grad student is the free travel. I'm sure I'd feel differently if I had kids, or complicated business forecasts to present, or didn't like to fly. But fortunately for me, none of those are the case.

This weekend I was lucky enough to go to St. Louis for the Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Conference (I know, dork city). It was a great meeting and great sightseeing!

I'd never seen the arch. So of course we visited and rode up to the top.

Um, wasn't crazy about this rickety space-pod.

We were in a cloud. Literally.

Only regret: couldn't enjoy it with my family or friends.

I'm not a failure, or disappeared

Though it's been a month since I last wrote, I do not consider myself to be a total blog-failure. At work we are preparing a manuscript, and at home, I am finishing Christmas knitting. In lieu of discussing them here, I've chosen to spend my time finishing both and jinxing neither.

Christmas gift photos to follow. Hopefully a manuscript as well.

Shame!

Well obviously, shame on me for neglecting to chronicle my knitting and scientific exploits in graphic and often boring detail.

In knitting: I am trying to design a nice, sturdy grocery bag of weird 100% nylon. The hopes are that it will stretch less than the cotton versions while remaining lightweight. Two versions have already been rejected so far.

Other projects are finally coming together; as they are finished, proud pictures will follow.

Dyeing is super fun. Can't wait to do more.

Lastly, received another compliment on the lovingly named "idiot slippers" that I made in a wave of desperately wanting a one-night project. I'm annoyed that people like these so much, almost no skill went into making them. I'd much rather hear about how nice my lacework is.

In science: working long and hard. Knitting, reading, eating, sleeping and life take an unimpressive backseat to science lately. First thoughts of whether I can make a living doing anything but science have surfaced. Could definitely use a "good results day" pick-me-up.