Three years later, maybe even more than half-way done (don't laugh Erin and Chadene... stranger things have happened), I wake up some days without a single notion of why I signed up for this. During a good week, about half of my experiments work. During a good week, my boss doesn't throw firey darts at me with her eyes. During a good week, I don't cry on the train ride home. During a really good week, I don't go to work on Saturday or Sunday. This week wasn't one of them. Tim and I had both had to run experiments yesterday, but we took a three hour break while gels were running and viruses were infecting innocent cells to enjoy the concord river.
We paddled to the Old North Bridge, and had such a very easy time of it that we paddled another mile or two past it. Well... geniuses that we are, we realized when we turned around to head back that the reason the first half of the trip was so easy was because a) we were paddling downstream, and b) there was a rather strong wind at our back. We frantically paddled back to meet not only our 2-hour rental agreement (they charge by the hour and we're students after all), but also to stop our experiments lest another week of work be wasted. We completely exhausted ourselves, paddled in circles at several turbulent points (we're beginners, and if I say the river was turbulent, you must kindly humor me), and pulled up in the nick of time.
Then we went back to work, happier people. Incidentally, I can't move today. Please send food.
12 comments:
Sounds like pure torture, but I'm glad you've found something that alleviates a little of the tension.
And ha, ha, my boss isn't here this week to throw fiery darts at me with his eyes! ;-)
That happened to us, too. I think it's an evil plot by the canoe rental place- they control the wind and the currents.
I'd send food, but I don't think it would make it. The delivery guy would be mugged of it by the time he got to the entrance of your building.
Erin: a) I'm crushed that you don't have happy memories kayaking Lake Kayuga with me, and b) My boss decided to hire an awesome postdoc instead of sending us all to ASV.
Cami: My neighborhood isn't so bad, as long as you DO NOT cross the street if there are any cars visible to the naked eye. The continent from which most of my neighbors hail does not have all those pesky "rules" about stoppping at red lights, cross walks, etc. that we do.
At least you got a very good workout. You'll probably have to rip all the sleeves off your shirts now because they won't fit over you huge muscles.
We'll take you out on the wave runners when you guys get here. They require no work from you what so ever. Thus my flabby arms.
You seem to have extremely bad luck in the boss department. Borderline psychopaths I would say. That looks like a fun side trip though.
That made me laugh :) Those poor innocent cells! I remember when I gave you some of my innocent cells :)
Your Kayaking trip reminded me of a road biking trip I took the other day in the wind. It was so nice when it was at my back, but it took about 5 times longer when it was blowing straight in my face (and blowing sand in my eyes). I've learned to just ride on the trainer indoors when it's windy out :)
Heck, I was talking about where you work and we all know that it's on the news every night and not for a good citizen spotlight. I suppose I could send food to your home. Good Ruck Derivery Guy!
Looks like a fun (and exhausting) ride. I wish I were stronger and more comfortable in watercraft and could go with you!
I've had that experience myself. It is rather rewarding to finish, but painful the next day. I'd send brownies but they wouldn't be good when they got to you.
Some day I will be addressing you as "Dr. Laura" - I promise all this hard work and suffering will be worth it some day. I wish your boss would just lay off; I mean really - it's not like you laze around - you're constantly working. Chin up - we'll see who's shooting daggers through the eyes at who when you come up with a cure for the common cold.
Beautiful river & great fun! I must try that some time.
BTW: Sorry for the delayed reply to your comment...life got busy as life generally always does. I'd love to see Ivy in the flesh some time. I should have you and the gang over for dinner. Let me get through the next weekend or so and then I'll concoct a great plan. ;)
Oh, where would this world be if there were no bosses, no consciences, no currents, no winds, no mothers! It looks fun anyway. Come out here. I'll fix you food!
Jon keeps complaining that you haven't updated your blog... I'm just saying.;)
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