Knee deep in cicadas and transgenic plants (GMOs)

Filed under: Bio — Seattlejo at 2:54 pm on Friday, February 20, 2009

I’m nose down in homework at this point. Studying the impact of cicadas on their ecosystem, the benefits of GMOs and the threat to their ecosystem, and the beauty that is the restoration of Llandover woods .

It’s a great quarter. The diversity of my work keeps it interesting, and the connectivity keeps it relevant for me.

I have to share this.. it may mean I’m a geek girl.. but… I’m really stoked. I emailed the author of a paper on cicada herbivory on  plants and asked for a copy of his raw data. He was nice enough to share and asked why I chose his paper.  The ability to contact those working int he field and have positive interactions makes me giddy.

Anyway I’m still here.. There will be an update soon sharing details of a fancy dinner and a spa day.

Dateline February 1st.

Filed under: Bio — Seattlejo at 10:43 pm on Thursday, February 5, 2009

(Yes I’m a little late)

School: I’ve made a good connection with the professor of two of my classes. She’ll be out spring quarter, but i look forward to reconnecting with her next year. I’m hovering on a decision between to different concentrations in my program, either the Science Technology and Environment program that I am in, or Environmental Studies. Thus far I’m able to straddle the requirements for both. The student council class I’m in is less exciting then I had hoped it would be. I’ll be surprised if we are able to pull off a project by the end of the quarter. I have become involved with the mentoring program for our department, and will be able to help sustain that next year.
Otherwise my classes are challenging but enjoyable.  I’ll do well in Restoration Ecology, I’m challenged in The Visual Art of Biology and Science Methods and Practices.
 
Home:
My schedule  has made things at home a little crazy. I’m out 3 nights a week, and always seem to be on the run. The downstairs living space could use a good cleaning and I’m hoping to get a shelving unit or two to help with storage.  Otherwise things are chugging along. I’m ordering seeds in the next week to do some gardening in containers and am turning my thoughts to what the summer might be like. As far as I can tell I will not be taking any classes but will just be doing Miss Bitt care and working. Not a bad life. 

Work: I’m enjoying my job. We’ve recently lost one lead and gained a new one. This leaves me as one of the oldest folks in our support crew, but I think at this point I’ve established my credibility. (and in fact at least one coworker comes to me first with questions.) Otherwise, it’s still interesting to be a student worker vs a full time worker. I don’t have the concerns, but I also don’t get the benefits. Potlucks and Parties aren’t meant for us but there are always treats left in our fishbowl area for us.
The best part? At the end of my shift I leave and don’t think about it again until I get back there for my next shift.  

Church: Not a lot to say here, Beyond committing to a financial contribution  and serving as worship leader not a lot has happened.  I did go to a Mustard Seed Associates lecture about Cooperatives , and bought the book, but it wasn’t anything too exciting.  The Mustard Seed Associates house was nice to go to, I think I’ll keep an eye on their calendar and try to go as topics interest me,

Crafts:
Craft swap is planned! March 12th! Mosaic Coffeehouse. Bring your unloved craft stuff, share it, barter it , trade it, give it away! I plan on destashing my yarn, some of my soapmaking books and some of my stamping supplies. Wanna come? Let me know and I’ll get you the details. (And Mosaic is totally kid friendly so feel free to bring your kids along too.)