NSF completed!

Ok, the NSF was turned in Thursday, so that's done and over with. Probably not getting it, but it was a good experience and I look forward to the feedback. And hey, good experience for next year when I'll actually be part of a lab!

Finally caught my breath on life. Between everything that's been going on---new rotation (again), new people (again), fellowships, and training for my first half marathon that'll be in January---I feel like I haven't had time to breathe. (Let alone catch up on emails or blog.) Due to some last minute cancellations by profs, I only have one major assignment due next week, so this weekend will be filled with cleaning and prepping for Thanksgiving break.

Thank goodness.

Resurfacing.

It's been a pretty tough time as of lately. Life is ok. New rotation is sort of sucking, not just due to my personal life drama-yo-mama status.

My new boss has bitched out at least two graduate students and one undergrad in front of me (and the rest of his group). And there's no desk for me in the lab. And his students literally apologize and grovel over things that I think are stupid and inconsequential because he's such an ass about them. And he has been super passive aggressive towards me because he probably realizes that his lab is unlikely to be my first choice based on my research interests. Whatever.

The cool part of this rotation is that I am doing organic synthesis! For the first time in a research setting ever! (Yes, it does have bearing on my metalloprotein loving scientific heart.) I've done bits and pieces along the way of my undergraduate career, but not a whole lot otherwise. I'm enjoying it so far mostly because: a) the postdoc that's teaching me is very nice and keeps on telling me that I'm not as much of a n00b as I am and b) it's a very different way of doing research that's sort of relaxing to me in that you can control everything (as compared to my favorite biological systems) and come up with a good explanation as to why something's not working and c) because I'm a n00b I can't do anything by myself and so there isn't a lot for me to do each day.

I've definitely hit a dilemma with the choosing between Group A and Group B. Currently leaning towards Group B. Here's why:
Science: Group B (BUT it's a lot riskier/high reward than the Group A stuff)
Boss: Group B has more attention from boss which I liked in the few weeks I was there
People: Group A as friends, Group B as coworkers
Work Hours: Worked less in Group A, but Group B people are there on the weekend mornings or afternoons which is nice because I like going in on the weekends for a few hours

The general vibe/energy in Group B is appealing as well. I *loved* Group A, but I feel like I would always have to be ultra self motivated since my peers/boss wouldn't provide any external motivation.

Any other major points I should consider?

Today sucks.

Broke up with Boy today.

Wasn't happy in ldr anymore (neither was he), and Boy wouldn't have been happy with the lifestyle that I will have to lead---he'd move here, then move with me to postdoc, then possible second postdoc, and then hopefully faculty job.

But I want to travel, and I want to have someone with me who wants to travel.

Rotation 2 is done. But to be quite honest, I won't be ready to post for awhile since this next week will be insane.