busy busy summer

This has been one of my busiest summers. (Hence the no updates for a month) Generally, people tend to think, oh, she's in school, so she's free in the summer. While I am less stressed and have fewer obligations in the summer, what happens is that all of that free time turns into "who do I need to go visit next?" Don't get me wrong, I love to see every last family member and friend I can when I have the ability to travel more... but a girl does need a break once in awhile. That is what I'm taking for the next two weeks. A break from travel. Sorry to the family I have not driven to see yet, but I'm done for awhile.

Research is a slow going beast. I started up experiments again (hooray!) this past month, but have yet to collect any data (boo!). This is where doing animal experiments starts to drain me. I feel like when I am able to get data, and answer some questions, sacrificing an animal is justifiable. In the name of science and understanding. However, when a string of experiments goes badly, it gets more difficult. Am I doing the right thing? Is this ethical? Questions start to form in my mind that are hard at times to fight. Maybe tomorrow's experiment will fare better, and I will start to feel better again.

Quals are coming up. September is going to be here before I know it. Better do some more reading; I'm feeling so behind. Unfortunately there really isn't much motivation in my house after 6 pm... I want to rest, grill out, hang out with my husband. I just need to make more of an effort during the day. Ok, new goal for the week... three papers a day. Maybe I'll feel better when I can check some more papers of the reading list. And maybe posting about my progress will keep me motivated. Speaking of motivated... time to work!

Until tomorrow...