The sensitive nature of research...

Working in the department of Microbiology and Immunology, we have faculty that study the spectrum of the field. Because of the "sensitive" nature of some of the work that goes on in this building, we are techinally a "secure" building. During the day, this is relaxed somewhat so that people working in the research building next door and the hospital can come in to our building. This is convienent for delivery purposes, but we also have a room with tables and chairs for eating (which is lot nicer and quieter than the cafeteria).

I don't know if random nurse who sits in this room for lunch knows what goes on down the hall, but I'm sure s/he will not be too terribly offended if s/he catches a glance while visiting.

All this babbling has a point - we have to do our prep work in a room three doors down from the "main" lab. This involves transferring relevant dishes and plates down the main hall. When I was transferring to the prep room, there were two kids in the common room. The girl smiled and waved, and I quickly tried to cover what was on my tray. She resumed her activity.

I understand that with school out now, that someone probably couldn't find a sitter for whatever reason. But I don't know how aware they are as to what goes on. I don't even know who these kids belong to because I haven't seen an adult in that room all morning. It makes me a little nervous, but for now, the kids seem content with whatever it is they're doing. I just hope they don't get curious and see what's going on down the hall...

DOH!!!!!

Okay, I hate it when this happens. About six weeks ago (or so), I was walking down the hall when I ran into the person in Facilities responsible for fixing/maintaining our clean hoods. He said "I need to certify your hoods, and I'm free May 27th at 9:30AM". I said "fine", and kept going on my way.

I had forgotten about that appointment until 9:30 this AM when I was trying to get my work done in a clean hood, and he came in the room. So I had to get to a stoping point, and leave so he could certify that they are still functional. It's just fustrating - I can't leave until this gets done, and now I have to wait until he's done.

I used to keep a handfull of stickies in my labcoat pocket so that I could write down such important bits of information, but I guess I lost those a while back...

The funny thing about camping - all my clothes and towel for the weekend are in a backpack. It's all the camping gear that takes up space. Things like lantern, mattress, food, etc.

Still looking forward to going, but am getting nervous. I heard about the wildfires around of Casa Grande (by the I-10/I-8 junction). If it gets worse, they may have to close one or both interstates. I know that with the holiday weekend, they'll only do that if they have to, so keep up the good work firefighters.