First Week

So, here are a few reflections on the first week of work/being in WA:
- I manage to bring weird weather wherever I am...here, I have brought abnormally hot weather.
- Dust storms are no joke. But they are kinda cool when you can see them coming, and you're snug inside the house. :)
- Aunt Carol and I have combined powers to beat any crowd in a public place. We show up, and then everyone else does. It's wonderful.
- 40 hours of work + waking up early = very tired Karin at the end of the week. But it's a good kind of tired...I've accomplished things, and I don't have homework when I'm done at work!
- Sharing a fume hood...kind of a pain. But I've also been kind of spoiled by having one essentially to myself at school, so I'll get over it.
- I never thought I'd see a lab where glassware is not washed with acetone and squeeze bottles are big no-nos. Who knew?
- I really need to learn some patience. Sadly, not everything in chemistry (or biology for that matter) happens instantly, and the waiting will kill me. :)
- I never knew how much training I would need just to work in a lab. On the other hand, it's probably good I went through all of that, since they can't just set me loose in a lab without some idea about where the safety shower is and the great need to wear eye protection and gloves.
- Speaking of gloves, no gloves will ever fit my fingers and hands; they will always be either too big or too small. Thanks Mom! ;)
- Having to deal with a ScotsCard for 3 years now has prepared me for having to have a badge on my person at all times, and having to scan said badge to get in anywhere.
My brain has shut down for the night, I'm afraid. I feel like I had wittier things to say, but they'll just have to wait for another time...assuming I remember them. Kind of a big if. :)