Rascal Flatts Pics!

Can you tell we had a GREAT time!!! Rascal Flatts was awesome and so was the company...especially since we all knew the words to every song. Ahhh...my girls...I am a lucky girl...I have so many wonderful people in my life that make it all so worthwhile. As you can tell the turn-around on pictures with me is slow...so I'll get some Halloween pics up in a month or two! :) This weekend was a blast...3 Halloween parties, a dinner party, and put all of the belongings of 2 of my friends into U-Hauls. I'm tired...but we had a good time!!!

Javid...the new house is beautiful...and Debbie...good luck in St. Louis. Ok...on to the pics:

A little note to Deb -

Deb...I was so excited to pack you up yesterday and yet sad all at the same time. You have been with me since the beginning of this wild ride they call grad school and we've done a lot of laughing, crying, and growing up together! Even though you'll be in St. Louis and I'll be well...somewhere other than here...you'll always know that there are welcoming arms waiting for you wherever I am. Best of luck!!! It's hard to watch you go...but I'm so happy that this trial is finally over for you. You give me hope that mine will be over soon too...so here's a toast to better things to come!!!! Love you babe!!!! (Good luck with the B.O. cabin...hehe.)

Rule of Thumb for this Week:

Don't anger the tot!!!!

Ok...I realize this makes no sense to most of you. (So generally the way most of you feel after talking to me...hehe.) Let me explain...Ginger went as a tater tot for halloween...Lucia was Deb from Napolean Dynamite...so they were the two "loves" of Napolean. Very cute!!! Well, considering how much stress Ginger has been under she has been a "little on edge"...so she reacts strongly to most things these days. (That makes two of us!) So before the end of Friday night the rule became: "Don't anger the tot!!!" The other rule should have been "keep the tot away from the fire"! She has one melted shoe to show for it...and considering how flammable she was we should be thankful that is as little damage as the fire caused her. The blonde wig was sexy too by the way Ginger!!! I was starting to get used to it!

My New Favorite Football Team!

Hey guys! Nicolle has been talking about how fierce I looked in the team football pics...so I had promised that I would post these so that you guys could see that I look anything but fierce. These are the post championship winning pictures...sweet huh!!

Seriously though, these guys are some of the coolest out there. I immediately felt like part of the team as soon as I showed up and that was simply because this is one group of talented and laid back folks. I've been invited to take part in their weekly "flackle" team...yes, that includes tackling, but so far I'm a little skiddish. Think I might stick to flag for awhile. And in case you're wondering the 6 jersey with the football head is in honor of Jen who had her nose removed for her early in the game and spent the rest of the evening in the student health center bleeding.

It's the small things in life:

Ok...sorry guys...I've been a slacker about blogging. I've been spending my time doing stupid stuff like revising my manuscript for Cell Death and Differentiation and writing my thesis. I'll try to get my priorities back in line...much like my advisor who retired and spends his days in a rocking chair in his new home in the mountains that is 3 hours away...apparently in a place that even the internet has yet to reach!

Ok...attitude check...

The small things in life are what keep me going...stuff like VA Tech continuing to kick A$$, Wake actually winning football games, a volleyball team that despite our occasional efforts is still holding onto 2nd place in the league, and shows that bring me joy like the Adam Carolla Project!

Adam Carolla trying to teach his gay assistant how to box, while watching a bunch of idiots build a house is freakin' hilarious...well, that is if you share my sense of humor...or else you may just think WTF, this is retarded! (Tuesday 10pm on TLC...just 5 mins...that's all you'll need to get sucked in).

Flag Football Update: Kel Plays Among Champions!

That's right...I was brought in during the tournament...no pressure. My second night out at football, a rough catch quickly reminded me in warm ups that my old broken thumb is a bit of a hindrance for me, but after a good tape job from my new teammates Jelisa and David I was good to go. This was the game for the championship. Apparently this team had been in the final championship game for 5 consecutive years...but had yet to win it. As opposed to Monday night, they had their 3 girls...so I planned to watch most of the game from the sidelines and call out my cheerleadering talents from about 13 years ago. Two plays into the game they call me onto the field and I'm thinking this could be a mistake on their part. Only minutes later, Jen makes a great catch but then quickly meets the bony arm of some little Wake Forest undergrad and manages to start spurting blood from her nose. I try to remain calm (there is a reason I didn't go to med school...that's your job Deb and Chris!), but poor Jen loses an incredible amount of blood through her nose and is carted away to student health. This meant I was in for the rest of the game. Due to the great effort of the team in a last minute touchdown...the game was won and the championship was finally captured (in spite of my presence). Great job guys!!!! Jen is apparently doing well and although the inside of her nose is a bit jumbled...it appears there were no broken bones...thank goodness.

I'm now being encouraged to play Flackle...yes, this involves some honest to goodness tackling...is this a good idea...not so sure on this one. Maybe I should get through volleyball season first. Our team on Mondays is hanging strong in 2nd place and I'd like to give the 1st place team a run for their money...which probably won't work so well if I'm in a cast. Also thesis writing may be slowed by broken fingers...so guys I may be holding off on that offer.

And yes, Jelisa..."there is no Dana...only Zuul!"....1,2,3...BEAST!!! :)

Did I mention these people were fantastic?!

And apparently, Jelisa is also doing amateur comedy...when I find out when and where her next show is I will let you guys know...cuz I will probably be there...she's freakin hilarious!

Kel's Recommendations on TV Viewing:

My new work situation has left me watching more bits of TV than I have in years. (Amy...remember how many movies I watched while I wrote my proposal. :) ) So I have discovered a new favorite - The Adam Corolla Project. This show is fantastic!!!! Nothing like watching a bunch of white trash idiots try to build a house...under the "wise" direction of Adam Corolla. To make it even better it is a show on one of my favorite channels: TLC. TLC is the home of wonderful TV like What Not To Wear, Clean Sweep, While You Were Out...which usually include some hot carpenters and hosts. TLC apparently has decided to lower their standards a bit and bring Adam on board to spice things up...and I like it!!!!!

As if it wasn't already good enough...next week welcomes the beginning of VH1's I love the 80's: 3D...FAN-FREAKIN'-TASTIC!!!!! Apparently, 3D glasses will be available at Best Buy starting this Saturday. Therefore, my job for Ginger while she's in TX and NJ this weekend is for me to pick her up a pair...anything for you babe!!! :)

Ginger On Tour...She Returns from Chapel Hill and Heads to Galveston, TX

Our Ginger has returned once again from her latest adventure...the University of North Carolina. At least this one only required a drive, not another plane ride. Apparently this one went well...which excites me since it is likely that I will be heading that direction as well. It does pain me that we could become Tarheels but after Cory helped me experience Midnight Madness in the Dean Dome last weekend this idea could be growing on me. I even broke down and got myself a pair of cute Carolina running shorts. (Although, admittedly I bought them more for the fact that they make my growing butt look great (that's what all this exercise is doing for me...I'm finally working on growing butt muscles) rather than their support of the "pansy blue team" as I call it.)

I will be driving Miss Ginger to the airport at 4:30 this morning to catch her painfully early flight to Galveston. Don't feel bad for me...this is my normal bedtime these days...but feel bad for Ginger. This early flight is followed by a full day of interviews and giving a seminar. But the good news...This IS IT!!! After this Snap...the interviewing is possibly done...the next announcement on Ginger on Tour will be her final destination. Go knock em dead, Snap!!!!

Quote of the Week: This is why Kel Enjoys 50 Cent!

"I love you like a fat kid loves cake!"- 50 Cent

My friends...this IS love!!! :)

Kelly's Flag Football Debut!!!

Yep...last night was the night. Played 4 games of volleyball and then drove across town and tore it up on the football field...doesn't get much better than that. Especially considering this was the first time EVER that I've played football and somehow miraculously I completed a pass, knocked down a pass from its intended receiver while on defense, and managed to get in a good gritty slap you in the face fest for the ball in the end zone. Everyone was so nice and patient that is was easy to jump in and not feel like a complete idiot. More fun than football, I got to meet a bunch of really cool people tonight...although these are the moments when it's hard to think about leaving soon. Nicolle, thanks for introducing me to something new...I had a blast!!!

Oh...did I mention despite the addition of my novice skills...they won the game...good job guys...which apparently means I'm doing this again tonight. Wish me luck! :)

Motto of the Week:

You can either agree with me or be wrong!!!

p.s. I'm tired!!!! I'm on the home stretch...I've made a ton of progress on the paper tonight...and it will be hitting the hands of my critics middle of this week before I send it on its electronic way to be debated over. Begin with the praying, crossing of fingers, and the alignment of the moons!

and tomorrow is my debut at flag football...i'm nervous, are you guys? I'll let you know how it goes.

The Journey Continues: Ginger's in San Diego!

For those of you that are keeping up with the adventures of Ginger...she returned safely from Boston Tuesday night and flew out this morning to San Diego...don't you get tired just thinking about it!

Can't wait till my turn!! Mainly because Nashville here I come...get the guest room and the babies ready to see me Amy!!!! :) Let's see what else I have to look forward to... if I work it right Allyson you can put me up in Chicago...Deb I'd like to come to Utah but I am a little afraid of the LDS people (or was that LSD people Peachman?!)...then to Denver to see Trisha and Alan...and then to D.C. to see Peachman, Charlotte, and Jordan...and of course my road trip to Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh so that I can visit our very own "male stripper" Mike and lover boy himself, Dr. Learn.

While Ginger was stuck waiting for her flight to leave during her trip to Boston she apparently shared some eye f****** with some hottie in the airport. She now kicks herself for not working it...but I am happy to report that she is now in hot pursuit in the terminals in case fate would have them meet again. Keep your eyes open Ginger...it could be "meant to be"! :)

Then I get a phone call from Snap today and she was happily on her way to the beach. Apparently, San Diego is 12 months of summer...ahhh...why does that pesky cost of living thing have to be such a big deterrent. Good luck with your seminar in the morning. This is the part that terrifies me...as much as I love to run my mouth...stand me in front of a silent crowd and suddenly the sound of my own voice turns into the most horrible sound in the world...public speaker I am not!!

Next week on "Ginger on Tour"...Galveston, TX..."wait for it"

A little inside humor for Ginger: ("empty spaces fill me up with holes", "it's you and me and everyone else", "come on, I gave you extra cheese"....WHAT???? ;-) Love ya babe...it'll be over soon!!!

First Pics From Our Weekend in Asheville!

Congratulations Thad & Sarah!!!

This past weekend we celebrated the wedding of one of our own fellow Micro students in beautiful Asheville. It was good times had by all...there will be several posts and many more pics to come remembering this event.

First of all I wanted to show the two orginal founders of the "Mutual Admiration Society" - Ginger and myself. This group has come to be known more commonly as MAS by my recent inductees. Without a doubt I know that I would already be insane by now if it wasn't for the listening ear of this crazy and wonderful woman!!!

Secondly, we will share the beginnings of "the end"...nothing like being violated by one of your friends in the presence of his wife...before the drinking begins!!! Did I mention...I LOVE MY FRIENDS!!! Like I said before: Jerry you are a motorboating son of a *****!!!!!!! w/ love of course! :)

Ok...I Can't Leave Out the "Prom Picture"!!

Isn't this just adorable?!!!!!!! A little love between the members of the Parks lab...Jerry and his wife Jessica on the left and Ginger and Patrick (better known as Diddy) on the right. This one was priceless...although watch those hands Diddy...you're each other's "backup"...so no groping till you guys hit 40!!!

Oh...Silly Kanye

Kanye commented in reguard to his high opinion of himself: "As my mother says, don't hate...appreciate. I make albums that change people's lives."

Ok, Kanye...I do enjoy a little Gold Digger, but seriously...you're "changing lives"...and apparently "George Bush doesn't care about black people"...right...you may be slighty over inflated.

To my fellow researchers...if you really want to "better society" start writing those rap songs!! :)

Would This Be Too Much?

So...I am doing a little late night internet window shopping and I found a VT shower curtain that I'm acutally debating about buying (yeah...i know...can't get enough of the the maroon and orange!)...but then I found this...SWEET! If any of you are debating about what to buy me for Christmas...then I can direct you to several great websites (including a few to overpriced football tickets)! Alright...back to work...

GO HOKIES!!!!!

I'm Typing Away Right Now!!!! Can You Smell The Grad Student Brain Burning?!

Update: Ginger On Tour - Next Stop Harvard

Hey all! Yep I've been an absentee blogger lately...sorry bout that...it's been a big week for me...I'll share more details as time allows and as my state of emotional energy improves. All I can say is I a HUGE THANKS to my large group of personal cheerleaders!!! You guys are the BESTEST!!!

One of the above mentioned members of the "Mutual Admiration Society" Ginger is off to her next interview tomorrow morning. This time it's Boston! We've heard that Harvard can be a snooty place...but if anybody can loosen up a crowd that would be my Snap! :) Good luck Snap...keep up the good work...not too much more of this!!

For those of you keeping up with these stories...Ginger had to shack up with the professor at the last interview which apparently would have been an uneventful story except for the fact that Ginger is very allergic to kitties and well, she was unaware that she would be sharing her housing which one such feline. Her prayers "not to die" were indeed answered and she returned safely to us...but lacking in sleep due to her night of not being able to breath.

I'll keep you guys updated...and when I get a chance I'll update you guys on the fun times of the weekend. And another great job by my Hokies!! Thanks for the good time in Asheville guys!!! Can't wait to get some of those pics onto this page!!! :) Jerry...you are a motorboating son of a *****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One More Thing Tamara...

I forgot your cake....

Kel's Big Milestone: I'M DONE WITH EXPERIMENTS

Well kidz...who would have thought this day would come...but here it is...I was given the word today at lab meeting that I have completed my last experiment! My next task is to re-write my manuscript of which I am planning on submitting to Cell Death and Differentiation, so that hopefully it will get accepted and I'll be done with it too!

My "Getting Permission to Write" committee meeting happens at the end of October and then let the thesis writing frenzy BEGIN!

The only kicker is that my "advisor" (if you know my saga you know what the parentheses mean) is "retiring" as of next Monday...so looks like I'm gonna finish this the way I have done it all along...Going SOLO! Wish me luck and let the stress begin!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAMARA!

Happy Birthday Tamara! ...My favorite banana and my "four-way" e-mail buddy...get into some trouble tonight and I'm sorry we all have to miss it.

Miss ya girl! I'll be there for my "personal tour" soon...get Raleigh ready for me! :)

IS THIS THE DUTCH PAINT BOY?

Ok...I HAD to do this...SORRY ALLYSON! The other day I came across this ceramic figure of the Dutch Boy from Dutch Boy brand paint...immediately I started to giggle!

After college, Allyson has repeatedly blamed each of her friends (mostly me) for not pointing out that her hair cut at the beginning of college made her look like the Dutch Boy. I insisted that it didn't...but with each argument she got more and more impassioned that she was right. When I saw this figure I decided to dig out an old photo and see for myself. Well...hmmm...maybe I can see some resemblance! :) What do you guys think?

Allyson...this is also my way of saying: "I NEED SOME NEW PICS OF YOU!!"

Quote of the Week: Kel's Favorite Collection of "Wisdom Nuggets"...Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey

"I wish I would have a real tragic love affair and get so bummed out that I'd just quit my job and become a bum for a few years, because I was thinking about doing that anyway."

Kel's Fantasy Football Team Name of the Week:

Rico Jave

Yes, this is Javid's Fantasy Football Team...can we say APPROPRIATE!!

Ok...that's all that needs to be said on that one! :)

Ginger On Tour...Next Stop Yale!

Last week Ginger was freezing her butt off in Wisconsin...

This week she's headed to Yale. But wait for it...

Instead of putting her up in a hotel...this guy is having Ginger stay with him and his wife during her interview...hmmm...can we say uncomfortable! I said he must want to know if she's easy to live with...there is a long history of scientists hooking up with and having affairs with their students and post-docs. Watch out Ginger...this could be interesting!

Good luck Snap! ...and if someone has a "giant cuddly competent cell" you had better steal it for me this time!!! :)

I'm taking notes...before long I get to embark on this adventure.

HELLO EVAN FARMER!!!

Good job Erin!!! Erin apparently found herself a photo opp with the hot stud Evan Farmer of the TLC show While You Were Out at a home show in Atlanta. Not sure how I'm feeling about the beard...but he's still a cutie. (Erin is a fellow Hokie...she's the one who came to visit me last week...she's a cutie too! :) )

The only way you could make me happier Erin would be to find me a photo opp with my favorite TLC carpenter Eric Stromer from the show Clean Sweep...HOT!!! (Note the hotness below!) And funny too!!! Ginger, I claim him as one of my "fake husbands"...he'll be competing with John Mayer!


My Stud Eric: