Decisions Decisions

So, my big day is fast approaching: Tomorrow, November 29th...AHHH!  I was going to wait till after my meeting to make a decision, but after speaking with my graduate advisor and the dean of graduate studies, and much thought and agony, I have decided to find a new lab to do research in.  I'm still going ahead with this presentation, as it is a chance to show what I have done so far and what I am capable of, in the hopes that someone on my committee will be interested in taking me in.  I haven't told my PI yet that I'm leaving, that's going to be another major hurdle, but I will deal with that when the time is right.

Things have been getting pretty bad as I've mentioned before, and if I really want to be successful, I need to get out of this situation I'm in.  So, after this meeting, I have to decide what labs I want to work in, and what labs have funding and room to take me.  I will in other words be starting all over again. It is a horribly depressing thought and the fact that I'm getting "older" (I know mom, I know), just makes me even more upset.  This was really not how I had planned things.  I was hoping to get out of here in about 5 years, but now who knows how long I will be here.  I know this new path that I will be taking (assuming there is one) will be really difficult, it will have lots of ups and downs, and will probably be even harder than my previous situation.  But, all I really want is good mentorship and I think, with that, I can succeed well (I hope).

If, I can't find another lab, I will be forced to leave with a masters (a second one which will do me no good), and then I will have to figure out my next step.  I won't be applying to another program, I don't have that motivation anymore, so I might have to be content with working in industry, or maybe a teaching position at a community college.  Doesn't sound too appealing, but these are some things I've been thinking about.  Please send lots of prayers and good thoughts my way as I deal with my new crappy situation, haha.  After tomorrow, I will figure out what my next step is.  For now, I'm racing with time to get this presentation done, if my boss would stop making suggestions to change it.

Sigh, sometimes the thought of opening up a flower shop sounds so much more appealing...

Curated Style

Jewelry Box Handle DIY Fix

I've had this pink jewelry box for about 7 years now.  I bought it on ebay and it took me about 10 separate bidding wars to finally win it.  About a year ago, the pink handle started to tear.  I stopped using the handle to prevent it from tearing more, but getting the box off the shelf without using the handle was hard.  The box was pretty heavy, so the handle was on its way to tearing.  It eventually ripped, and I was so sad about it.  I tried for months to figure out how to fix it.  I thought about using glue, tape, ribbon as a handle and even buying a new handle.  But, the problem with most of the "purse handles" that I saw at JoAnn Fabrics were that they came with chains/loops/hooks that I couldn't pry open.  These handles are made to be sewn onto a purse, with ribbon or thread, not to have the loops opened up.  I thought about getting a different types of hooks, but I couldn't pry those open either to fit them into the metal hinge on the box lid.  But, this time, I decided I would buy the handle I wanted and see what I could do to make it work.   Besides, the handle was 50% off :D  

Good thing, my father was in town.  So, with some thought and a bit of father magic, (man power) my new pink jewelry box now has a beautiful new handle :)

 I didn't take good pictures of the torn handle, but the pink pleather on the left side ripped.

 So first things first, cut off the remaining handle. 

 Prying open the loop of the handle was something that I couldn't do.  It really wasn't that complicated, but really required some strength.  I didn't have the right tools and I was also trying to go about it the wrong way.  Long story short, my dad figured out how to open them with some wire cutters and a rusted wrench.  I think I need to do some tool shopping.

 Voila, new handle :) YAY!

From as far back as I can remember, whether it be a necklace that was broken to a lamp switch that I managed to break, my father always found a way to fix them :) He's always been my hero, love you baba!

Blue and White Obsession Continued

My new blue and white porcelain carpet balls came in.  I came across them online at Save on Crafts, for a really great price, and just had to have them.  They came just in time for Thanksgiving weekend with my family.  My search is complete and I think they are perfect :) 

Flowers Galore

Looking out onto my balcony and seeing how my flowers are thriving brings a big smile to my face.  These flowers that I planted a few months back are just loving where they are.  They have taken over and are just beautiful.

 More tomatoes!

The flowers are growing out and over my balcony ledge :) 

 Yay for cloudy weather!!

 This poor house plant was a gift, but it had a  horrible worm infestation...I don't know why, but I had to move it outside.  I managed to get all the worms to "leave" and really didn't think it was going to survive...but look at this...little buds...just amazing.

Acts of Kindness

Yesterday I had planned to set up an experiment that I needed to do for this upcoming meeting on Nov 29th.  It took me weeks to prepare and when I went in yesterday to set it up, the computer connected to the Flow Cytometer wouldn't boot up.  It crashed...along with all the data on that computer...and I couldn't do my experiment.  I was again, devastated and too pissed for words.

So...what does one do, when one is devastated...shop!

I went to my favorite store, TJMaxx...splurged a little on things I didn't need and then met my husband up for coffee.  At the coffee shop, I was telling him that my brother got 2 free tickets for the new James Bond movie, Skyfall, and is taking my dad to see it.  Inside I was thinking...sigh...tonight I feel like watching a movie and I don't want to go home and work.  Just then, a couple walk up to us and say hey, we have two free tickets for the new James Bond movie...are you interested?  I just stood there, dumbfounded...looking at them like...seriously???  I looked at my husband and he's like wow...thanks...what's the deal.  The guy said: nothing, we went to get a refund for our tickets to watch the earlier showing, and they let us keep our old ones...so if you want, they're yours.  We insisted to pay someone for them, or buy them coffee, but they said no.

I was so shocked by the kindness of these two people and it really made my night.  So, I had a nice date night with the hubby, dinner and a free movie.  Great way to spend the evening!

 Comfort food...my fav, mac and cheese!

Acts of kindness, even towards strangers, can make a difference in their lives.  You never know what that person is going through in their day.  So, even if all you can do is share a smile, that too can make a difference.

Style Inspirations

I'm in love with these outfits and styles. I want every single one!!  They are so chic and elegant.

KAYRA, 2011 Collection