I started a new job about a week and half ago at University of Texas Health Science Center. I actually work two floors below Byron (well...when he's in that office...which is never). Its great because on a rare special occassion...I get to grab lunch or a cup of coffee with him.
I'm working the neurophysiology group with a new faculty member there. I'm actually the first hire - which has its ups and downs. For one, I get to set up cool equipment and sort of help design everything. But then again- its frustrating sometimes to have to put EVERYTHING together and trouble shoot all day.
I work with these big fancy microscopes as seen below:
I have no idea what I'm doing and have broken about 1/3 of the important parts so far. But- my boss says that's normal. Its VERY frustrating trying to learn all the controls- but- I'm getting better at it already. We are studying the synaptic communication between cells in the brain. Ask me one day in person as to how we get these special cells. Its a whole new aspect of my job that I can assure you...is not very plesant.
But... so far...I'm enjoying my job. I have a great boss who doesn't get too upset when I break expensive equipment, and the work is interesting and challenging. I'm learning a whole new set of valuable skills. I do however miss Wake and the familiarity around there. Its hard coming to a new place and feeling lost the majority of the time. Not to mention the complicated administration there. There are so many forms to get a lock changed its ridiculous. Job creation I guess. But..I made cookies for the man who seems to know who and where everything is and he likes me now. He's been there 30 years and knows his way around the system. Maybe I'll make some for the parking people. I've gotten tickets for the most ridiculous offenses!
And now for weekend projects:
I made a new friend here; her name is Ally and she is awesome. She has this natural knack for interior design and came over to help me rearrange my house. She suggested putting a larger piece of furniture in the corner to help offset the other stuff in our living room. So...I started hunting and found this nice, heavy duty rod iron frame at a local flea market/furniture store. I got a great deal on it but mainly because it was missing the shelves. Bear with the pictures...I must have drank too much caffeine when taking these pics.
Before:
You see...I've figured out a way to get Byron to buy into the idea of buying more furniture is to find a way that he can 'fix it'. In other words...if he can use his new tools on whatever it is...I will have a MUCH better chance of getting the furniture I want.
So- we went to Lowes, used the last of our gift cards and bought some wood, stains, and sealers. Byron cut the boards to the perfect length using his new saws etc. We stained them over the weekend and....
After:
PLUS... I've freed up some extra cabinet space in the kitchen so everything isn't so crammed in there! I now have this totally original, beautiful shelf! Thanks Byron!
This weekend is a family retreat with the church we've been attending. A bunch of young marriends are going so we are looking forward to making new friends! Byron has to study - but I hope he can sneak away for a few hours on Saturday to participate in the fun. The outline reminds of a small taste of church camp- which is always a good thing.
