Bits and pieces of random news
I have little bits and pieces from this week to share with you.
**updated below**
1. I received my internal grant for summer research supply money! I am now in good shape to do the kinds of experiments I have hoped to be able to do with my 2 summer students. I spoke briefly with the person on the committee who is in the Bio department and he said that my proposal was well received. So, hopefully, if/when I go back to them for money to attend conferences to present this work (that I hope to accomplish), that will also be well received.
2. My Wii fit age was 29 on Monday!! Since I’m 35, this is quite exciting. Also, I’ve lost a wee bit of weight (a few pounds), but nothing extraordinary. I’m more excited that I’m beating myself at some of the games, whether they be balance (my favorites), yoga, strength, or aerobics. I’m improving in all of them. AND I’m getting to the point where I can do super hula-hoop without making my heart rate get too high.
3. I used a new lecture system this week by using a document camera. It is basically a live image camera that points down at the table. I can have my lecture slides on paper instead of transparencies and write all over those now. Now, I just have to wait on the tablet PC that Information Technologies has ordered for me…
… when I can use THAT for my lectures, it will be really seamless (and a better quality). Right now, I fight a little bit with focus and white balance.
4. I only have 2 weeks left of lecturing! Then review sessions, finals, grading finals….
… getting closer.
I have one lab to go, but a LOT of grading to get done. (I just sighed while thinking about it, and HB heard me and asked what is wrong.) It is weighing on me, but right now I’m just barely able to get my lectures done in time. So, grading labs, which aren’t as pressing, is hard to get done.
5. The weather has improved here dramatically. I went for 2 outside walks last weekend. Also, the greenery for the tulips is probably up 5 inches or so. The rest of the perennials are starting to show green sprouts too. 
*** update ***
6. This morning there were two ducks in our back yard! Two mallards. One male and one female. I can only assume they were looking for a place to build a nest…
… alas, I was going to go discreetly out on the deck to take their picture and just opening the door scared them off. No ducklings for us (probably). Probably for the best, since the neighbor kids extend their play area into our yard all the time, and if the adults didn’t like me opening the door, then a game of football nearby would definitely not suit their need for peace and quiet.
Squirl says:
I love it that you lost a wii, I mean a wee bit of weight. Your work info sounds great! I hope this summer is less stressful than class time. I’m watching my tulips shoot up their leaves. Can’t wait for the flowers.
Hope you can get some duck pictures.
Danielle says:
wii bit of weight is great. I never think of those things.
Summer should be way better.
The ducks are probably not coming back. But I suppose you never know.
Jenski says:
You’re so close to being able to jump into your research! That is exciting. I certainly don’t envy the grading you have left to do though. Is it warm enough to do the grading outside?
Danielle says:
outside temps are fluctuating a lot right now.
some days it becomes beautiful. Others, it is pretty cold. Most days lately, I start the day with my winter coat – liner and mittens – and then end with no coat at all, or just my outer jacket.
good thing my liner zips out easily!