new computer!

I'm writing this from my desk, using my new laptop! I loove it so far, even though Vista is still a little awkward.

I spent a good part of today trying to figure out what I have to do for this silly grant proposal. I still have no idea. I arranged a meeting with SK, and I came out even more confused than when I went in! I guess I have to somehow piece together a genomic/proteomic proposal, but not really go into ticks...in fact, not even mention ticks. I guess it can piggyback off of one of our existing projects, either the microRNA/cDNA library, or RNAi of neuropeptides. So I have to read these other proposals...

Furthermore, I don't have any idea how to go about starting to write a proposal, period. SK and TM keep saying no problem, it'll be easy. Maybe for somebody who's done it before!

Finally, rather than deal with all that, I filled out some nice specialized mouthpart diagrams. It's really amazing how diverse insects are... piercing sucking mouthparts of cicadas, or siphons of butterflies, or sponge-like for houseflies. The labium is heavily modified in the cicadas and flies, while it's the maxilla in butterflies. neat.

too cold!

When the thermostat is turned down in our lab, the air conditioner turns on. I'm not saying 65 degrees is unreasonable...but isn't having the a/c on in the middle of February, when it's 20 degrees out, a little...ridiculous?

This is why I'm going gray at 23.

Harmonia axyridis

Order Coleoptera
Family Coccinellidae

The Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle is a non-native species. It was purposely introduced as a biocontrol against aphids. Now it is well-established and can even become a nuisance as it overwinters in homes.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/397

Boisea trivittata

Order Hemiptera
Family Rhopalidae

The first addition to my collection is the Eastern Boxelder Bug. They feed on the sap of trees, including boxelders and maples. Since their primary food is not of economic importance to us, they aren't generally considered pests. However, sometimes they are considered a nuisance if a large group of them overwinters in houses.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/3598

It's been a while

So the last month or so has been quite the whirlwind. I suddenly was admitted, and just as suddenly my life became extremely hectic.

I'm taking Zoonotic Diseases (which I'm TAing for my major professor), Insect Physiology and Morphology, and Statistics. They are easier than I thought they'd be.

I re-joined the school's ultimate team, only now it's no longer co-ed. Plus, the women's team is virtually all new people. Having played for going on 5 years, I'm by far the most experienced player. I sort of like having the opportunity to share something I really love, but it gets a little frustrating at times. It makes me really look forward to league on Monday nights.

Ah, speaking of league. I got involved with DC. Then, last Monday after league, he said he wanted to just be friends. I'm actually pretty certain we will remain friends, but not entirely certain I'll ever really get over him. We'll see what happens there.

So that's what I've been up to. Grad school seems like a good fit for now. Just settling into a new routine.