I'm still here!

Hi everyone

I can only apologise for the ridiculous length of time that it's been since I last wrote a proper update for you all.  Well, that's not entirely true, I could also attempt to make some excuses for it.  So with that in mind, here's a brief summary of my life in Texas over the last couple of months.

Work has been insanely busy.  I'm still having a few experimental issues, but I'm working hard to try to solve the problems.  A final year graduate student has also recently started working on my project as well, and that's something that's really helped me settle in my role as a postdoc.  All those things I thought I'd forgotten are coming back to me, and I've been really enjoying a chance to help people troubleshoot their experimental problems and use my experience to advise them on things.  I've also submitted a review paper and a pre-application for an independent fellowship, and I'm now working on a second fellowship application.  All in all it's so far a very validating experience for me, and I can only hope that things continue in the same way.  Actually I can also hope to not be working 7 days a week for a while!

As far as my social life goes, I'm actually starting to get one!  I'm so thankful for the church I've found.  It's such a welcoming place filled with wonderful people who have and still do make an incredible effort to make me feel included.  I've already started up a new program at church where we cook and deliver home cooked meals to the medical students while they're studying for exams, and that's been more rewarding than I thought possible.  The picnic we had a couple of weeks ago was amazing too - I never imagined I'd be too hot wearing jeans in the park in October!  It did cool down briefly, but the temperatures during the day are still high 20's to low 30's - it's like the peak of summer in the UK, and it's almost November!  I'm also going to dance classes two nights a week (although I haven't been for a few weeks since I caught a hideous strain of the flu).

Social activities also took a good turn last week when a few of us from work went to a bar to witness what still seems like the funniest spectator sport I've ever heard of - turtle racing!  Every Thursday the turtles are put into a big bucket from which they are released to race to the edge of a mat.  You get a free ticket for whichever turtle you like, and if it wins two rounds you get free stuff!  You can also get free stuff if they pick your ticket number, if you catch whatever they throw into the crowd or if you volunteer (or are volunteered) to be a bucket babe :)

Given that I'm sure none of you looked at my blog hoping to find a short novel, I'll leave it there for now and let you all go and do other, potentially more interesting, things.

Keep in touch guys, miss you all

How y'all doing?!

Well, it's been quite a couple of weeks!  My first 2 weeks in Texas have been something of an emotional rollercoaster, ranging from the excitement of new friends and the start of my dream job to the pain of missing old friends, family and especially my lovely fiance.  Thankfully all the people I've met have been wonderful - Texas truly is the friendliest and most welcoming place I've ever been, and many of the people I've met have been through a very similar situation so I feel very supported by everyone here.  Some lovely people at church have vowed to adopt me and turn me into an honourary Texan.  Apparently I'll have an accent and be saying words like y'all before I know it!

All the warnings in the world couldn't have prepared me for the heat here, although all the rain in the first week has made me feel right at home :)  However sad it was to get rid of all the furniture and things that I'd spent so many years building up, I've never been so thankful for a furnished flat.  It was wonderful to have a sofa and a bed to collapse onto when we arrived, and it does make my life considerably easier in that I've managed to start work without worrying about anything like days lost wandering round ikea and wondering how I'm going to get everything delivered!  The next couple of weekends will hopefully be spent looking for a car (although I've got my eye on a couple already!), as everything is spread out that it's going to be pretty essential for getting around.  My realtor Becky thankfully did an even better job of finding me a place to live, as I'm only a 15 minute walk from work - quite a coincidence given that the center I now work for has around 10 million square feet of space around Houston!  There have been so many things, important and trivial, that have made me feel that this is what was meant to happen that I can't help but think there was more to all this than coincidence.  However hard it is to be apart from the people I know and love, I honestly feel that this is where I'm supposed to be.

Work is a little slow at the moment, as these things always are at the beginning, but hopefully things will really start getting going in the next few days.  Then I'll really understand that having to look for a job for so long was absolutely worth it, as I'll be doing not only something I'm good at, but something I really love that will also (hopefully) benefit a lot of people.  I can't think of anything more rewarding for me to be doing with my time right now, and so that in itself will make all the torment of the last couple of years worth the pain and the waiting.

I'll leave it there for now before I send you all completely insane with boredom!

Keep in touch y'all!

T minus 2 and counting!

Apologies for the delay in getting this update done, but things have been more than a little manic around here over the last few weeks.  Anyway, this will be my last update from the UK (for some time at least), but given how much has been going on it'll probably take at least until I get to the States for people to actually finish reading it!

The last few weeks (and months for that matter) have been an emotional rollercoaster filled with friends, family and much frivolity.  There have been trips to Alton Towers, Glastonbury festival, Longleat, camping in a random farmer's field and many many trips in the car to Swindon, Cornwall and Lowestoft.  And now the time has come to wave goodbye to the English countryside and say hello to the exciting prospects of Houston.  Like many before me, I'm off to fulfill at least one of my dreams, and hope to come back with many happy stories to tell.  Or more likely type many happy stories on my blog while I'm there...

While I could go into the details of all the exciting trips we've taken over the last couple of weeks, I have decided not to for a couple of reasons.  Firstly I'd like to avoid starting my job with RSI from how long it would take me to type everything, and secondly because it all really boils down to one thing.  I've realised recently more than ever before in my life the importance of surrounding yourself with good people, and I've realised just how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends and family in my life.  Without the support of my friends and family I wouldn't even be contemplating such an adventure, so really what I want to say to you all is thank you.  You've supported me through some rough times and helped me celebrate good times, and each and every one of you is incredibly special to me.  I promise I won't forget a single one of you while I'm away, and will endeavour to bore you all to tears with constant emailing and facebook!

A girl couldn't wish for better people than you!

LOVE YOU ALL GUYS!

It's Party Time!

This weekend sees the first of my real goodbye things. We're having a cowboy and astronaut themed fancy dress party, with horse space hopper racing, a pinata and undoubtedly lots of drunken karaoke! It's been such a busy week making sure everything's organised and trying not to get molested by all the badgers we keep seeing that I've almost not had time to be too emotional, although I'm sure all that will change on Saturday night. I'd best root around for some waterproof make-up!

Next week's likely to be just as busy with preparations for glastonbury. My fiance's work tried to buy him out of going, but thankfully I don't think there's any amount of money that would do it, especially this year. As with all years, glastonbury is expected to be several days of booze, music, late nights and I'm sure lots of hitting myself with my poi. There'll even be an England game shown on the big screens at the pyramid stage. I can't yet imagine what the atmosphere will be like with my closest friends and tens of thousands of other people watching the match out in the sun together with a few beers, but I doubt there's a better way to do it without actually being there. Sounds like an ideal weekend to me!

In trying to get everything I want to done before I go, I seemed to have made plans for every single remaining weekend. Looks like I'm going to be a busy little bunny for the next few weeks...

The temperature increases, the time decreases

As the countdown to me leaving continues, it's been a busy but exceptionally fun week in the sun here in Munchkin Country. The busyness began with a day that will forever be associated with the song "Poker Face" and the phrases "tree rape" and "**** you Birmingham!" - a very long day trip to Alton Towers with Jono and some wonderful friends, Lee and Sara. Having paid a total of £1 each to get in (you've got to love nectar points!) and added a fast track ticket each, we made it onto all of the big rides including the front row of Air twice and the front and back row of my favourite ride, Nemesis, once each. Having not been to Alton Towers for 10 years a lot's changed, but I couldn't have imagined a more fun day or more fun people to have shared it with. I feel I must apologise to anyone who may have been in the queue for thi3teen with us, and may have been somewhat confused to hear frequent shouts of "tree rape!"... This was apparently Sara's theory for what might happen during the ride to make it so scary, which seems like a reasonable guess having seen the advert with the little girl - if you've seen it you'll know what I mean.

Alton Towers was followed a couple of days later by Jono's birthday, and a wonderful evening for the two of us at Bell's Diner in Montpelier. While the food is a little odd and not necessarily for those who might class themselves as fussy eaters, it was fantastic. The quail starter was incredibly flavourful, the duck main course was stunning as always, and the chocolate coulant was one of the best desserts I've ever had.

Of course a couple of days later the weekend arrived, and with it came some wonderful and much welcomed sunshine. As all good sunny weekends should be, it was spent with friends sitting outside, chatting, drinking and barbequeing. Sunday presented a slightly less common and incredibly fun experience - Jono, Lee and I drove down to Teignmouth and hired a self-drive boat for a few hours. There was sun, cider, food, fishing and general merryment out on the boat, followed by a family Sunday roast at Jono's parents'. All in all, I don't think it could have been a better weekend :D

As for the coming week there's always plenty to do. I've now given my landlord notice that I'm leaving and my academic evaluation is complete so the scary paperwork will all start going through pretty soon. I'm a mixture of excitement, sadness, panic and about a hundred other emotions all at once. Never in my life have I even contemplated doing something so huge as moving half way around the world, so now that it's all becoming very real it's pretty terrifying, but so thrilling to think I'm going to be doing what I love. I guess I'd best get myself outside and get a bit more used to the heat before I step off a plane into temperatures of well over 30 degrees every day!

The latest news

Hi all

Sorry to those who I don't see often and are trying to keep up to date by reading things on here. I promise I'll try to update more regularly, things have just been a bit crazy recently!

As fas as the planning goes, I'm now part way through my vaccinations (5 down, 2 to go) and have the bruises to prove it. I've unfortunately had a reaction to both MMR jabs, thankfully much less to the 2nd, but I guess it's got to be better than having measles so I shouldn't really complain... In between being stabbed in the arm I've been visiting Anna in Lowestoft and visiting my gorgeous little neice Summa in Swindon. It feels like I've been continually running around, although that's not quite true (yet at least). I've also been writing a review paper for my new boss which has now been submitted and is waiting for an editorial decision. Seeing as the journal approached him to write a paper and he then offered it to me, hopefully it'll be accepted.

It's another busy week here in Munchkin Country this week. I've been to Swindon and back today to visit Penni and Summa, will be off to Alton Towers tomorrow (woo!), and it's Jono's birthday on Thursday so of course I'm planning things for him. If and when I get time to breathe I should probably start packing my clothes up and continue planning my leaving party. Ah well, it's all fun and games really. 10 more minutes here and then I suppose I'd best make a start on dinner...

The countdown begins

As promised, here's this week's update. I now have a start date of 26th July, which means I now have a leaving date (ish) of around a week before that. As more and more things get arranged and I plan to see more and more people before I go, I've had to invest in a much more detailed diary. The handbag-sized one just wasn't going to cut it anymore! All of the paperwork's being dealt with, and the jabs are all booked. A couple of things down, a million more to go...

Relocation relocation

Although typically uncommon with countries, I can confirm that Munchkin Country is relocating. Get yourself ready for cowboy hats and astronauts, as in approximately 16 weeks Munchkin Country will be moving from Bristol to Houston in Texas! Sun, space shuttles and a dream job of doing breast cancer research here we come :D

I'll be making an effort to keep my blog updated each week before and after the move, for anyone who wants to keep up to date with any progress.

That's Dr to you!

It's (un)official! After 4 years of working, ranting, tears and stress (and quite a lot of beer...) I'm going to get a PhD! Now I just need to get a job, and at some point maybe I'll be a proper grown up!

Where to go next?

I'm starting to believe that I might one day finish my PhD and get to go on holiday! Only problem now is that there needs to be a decision regarding where to go. I'm currently thinking hot and not too touristy, preferably in a self-catering villa and not too far from the beach. Any suggestions?

If you say the word costume, I'll run away

The university dance society show has, once again, come and gone. Usually I'm sad when a show's finished, because all that work and that really fun/pretty dance is probably never going to be danced again (at least not by me anyway). But the end of this year's show does bring with it an element of relief.

For some stupid reason, when ballet costumes were mentioned I came out with "if you tell me what you want, I can probably make skirts". Now there's a line I may never utter again! Not that I didn't enjoy making them, but when you're (still) trying to finish a PhD, 14 ballet skirts are possibly a little more work than is advisable... And then came the mention of leotards. My ballet teacher seems to be one of those people who can be a little away with the fairies at times, and didn't seem to have really considered how we were getting leotards that would go with the incredibly awkward colour she'd chosen for the skirts. It seemed to be one of those things that would just magically happen. So, in a fit of more than slight panic, a whole load of white leotards got ordered, as did some cold water dye. But 14 leotards obviously can't all be dyed in a washing up bowl unless you do them 2 at a time, and given the need to leave them in the dye for half an hour, that didn't seem a feasible option. My (exceptionally helpful, I must add) boyfriend, came up with the suggestion of a giant builder's bucket which could be put in the bath to keep any splashes off the floor. He also then had to go out to Avonmouth to pick the leotards up, so that I didn't have to drive out in my lunch time.

All in all, it was remarkably successful. I ended up with something reminiscent of a giant yellow cauldron in my bath, and an attempt to get 14 leotards on one clothes horse at once (following which they ended up on various radiators all over my parents' house), but thankfully it did all seem to work in the end. But next time someone says the word costume, expect me to make a bee-line for the nearest cupboard!

Greenbelt Festival 2007 - Saturday 25th August 2007

Greenbelt Festival 2007 - Saturday 25th August 2007
Originally uploaded by Greenbelt Festival Official Pictures

Edward Monkton's monthly words of wisdom

Well, it's the first Monday of the month, and I've remembered to change at least one of the calendars in the office. This is what Edward Monkton had to share with me this morning:

It's not sounding too good to me. I'm sure handbags shouldn't make you cry...

Munchkin tours 2007 - part 3

Having been away at greenbelt for a week I've just finished trawling through all the emails (mainly from facebook!) and looking through the official photos from the festival. Can't see any pictures of me on the site yet this year, but that will hopefully be rectified by the time the rest of the photos have been uploaded.

The festival was, once again, amazing, although in a completely different way to last year. There was dressing up as a pirate, dancing around to bands with random names like rubber duck and the Kanda bongo man, and some hilarious stuff at a Richard and Judy style variety thing at the end of each day called last orders, including this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuayUmT8fWE

Saw some fantastic bands, who unfortunately very few of my friends have heard of but I'll try to rectify that. Favourites included:
Rubber Duck
Kanda Bongo Man
Rebecca Worthley (a friend of mine!)
Michael McDermott
Denison Witmer
The Gentlemen
Verra Cruz
This Beautiful Republic
Beth Rowley
and of course the highlight of the weekend, Duke Special!

I managed to get right to the front for Duke Special, and it was one of the best sets I've ever seen. I want to be a musician just because being in his band looks so much fun! I was a bit concerned after I'd told everyone I spoke to to go and see him because he's so good that they'd then not like him, but everyone seems to have loved him! The greenbelt facebook group is fast becoming the Duke Special appreciation group instead!

We had a great time site vibing too! This is what we do before the festival - we go round putting up flags and bunting and things like that to make the place pretty and less racecoursey. Although it does mean that I've been sleeping in a tent for a week, which is not so good, hence the 11 1/2 hour sleep last night!

One piece of advice - be very wary of the organic cider. 2 pints and I was as drunk as I normally get on 4 or 5 pints of beer! It did make carrying the flag we commandeered from someone quite funny, especially when we forgot it and left it outside the toilets on the way back to the tent and had to go back and find it at 4 am!

That may be enough camping for 1 year - I'm hoping any further parts of Munchkin tours 2007 involve real beds and proper showers!!

August advice

I'm definitely getting worse at this. It's now 9th August, and I've only just remembered to change the calendar. I'll go sit in the corner and think about what I've done, while you can read this:

If anyone happens to know this girl, could they please bring her to Bristol for the weekend so that we have nice weather?

Words of wisdom for July

Being the first Monday of the month (or the first Monday of the month that I remember to post on here), here is what Edward Monkton has to share with me and all those who visit my desk this month:
This specifically reminds me of a walk with a certain brother of my boyfriend's... He was at the time living in an RV on a campsite in the woods, and when we went round there one evening with a few of his other friends we thought we should all go for a walk. We were expecting this walk to happen before dinner, but somehow we ended up not going out until dusk with about 3 torches between 7 of us. Chris being Chris, strode off down the path, and so we figured that seeing as he lived there he must know where he was going. But no. We ended up walking for miles, got completely lost in the dark and ended up at some guy's house asking for directions and hoping that he wouldn't come out with a shot gun or something! So remember, if you go out walking in the woods, the person who lives there hasn't necessarily looked at the map either!

Munchkin tours 2007 - part 2

Munchkin tours this year seems to be primarily camping, and this part is no exception. Camping in this sense includes all manner of sleeping in fields, and in this particular instance I'd like to point out that a caravan is not cheating!

How to sum up glastonbury festival? Good company, good music, plenty of beer. Oh yeah, and mud. More consistencies and shades of mud than I'd ever thought possible! It rained every morning, so we stayed at the camp, ate fried breakfast type food and drank either coffee or beer. After the downpour of biblical proportions had stopped we ventured out, clad head to toe in waterproofs to find random music (and the odd bar - the alcohol keeps the mud funny!). And finding randomness was certainly not difficult. 10 feet tall Punch and Judy, people with inflatable giraffes tied to their heads and an Aardman penguin on a stick, and that's just for starters! I won't even go into the drunk Ninja Turtles...

Here's what I can remember of our line-up from the weekend:
CCQ
Pee Wee Ellis
The Coral
Sandi Thom
Hothouse Flowers
Damien Rice
Duke Special
The Klaxons (a really small amount)
Babyshambles
Some really random guy in a cafe
Show of Hands (Cornish pirate type people!)
The Killers
Another really random guy who'd been up for 3 days on cheap speed and couldn't tune his guitar
James Morrison
Shirley Bassey
The Manic Street Preachers
The Kaiser Chiefs
The Chemical Brothers

Favourite band/artist is a really tough one. Somewhere between Sandi Thom, Damien Rice, Show of Hands and James Morrison. Fondest memory would have to be dressed completely in waterproofs, sat on a folding stool drinking gin and tonic out of a paper cup while some hippies danced barefoot to 50's rock and roll while it was pouring with rain outside. Good times...

All in all, a fantastic weekend, mud or no mud. Well, I don't know what it's like with no mud, but I'm assuming that'd be good too! Same again next year anyone?

How-to of the year!

I, like many other people, have a google homepage, and one of the things on that homepage is wikipedia's how-to of the day. Normally they're fairly boring, but now and again one catches my eye and really entertains me. The last one that seemed really amusing was something along the lines of how to mosh to heavy metal music, but today's was even better:

http://www.wikihow.com/Talk-Like-a-Pirate

Yes, it is what the link suggests - how to talk like a pirate! I can't say I've ever wanted to be Keira Knightly, but it sounds so funny that I might have to do it anyway! There are also other links, such as how to celebrate national talk like a pirate day, and how to release the pirate within!

Anyone at greenbelt festival this year should probably prepare themselves for some pirating!

I don't feel like dancing

Well, actually I do feel like dancing, I'm just not allowed to do it. I had an appointment at the university sports centre open clinic this morning, and was told some not so fun news. I've always known that I've got weak ankles - it's something of a family curse. But it turns out the problem is much worse than I'd initially thought. My arches have partially collapsed, which is something that happened to my sister a long time ago except hers went completely, and the ligaments and things that support my left ankle have virtually no strength on the inside of the joint at all. The only reason my ankles are currently not in the state of my sisters is probably because I've been dancing for so long, so it's helped to hold them together as it were. But now my injury from January is back (again), so I went to get it assessed and it turns out I need physio or it's just going to keep getting worse. So no dancing, and no gym until I've at least had the full assessment and my physiotherapist can tell me exactly what I should and shouldn't do.

I miss dancing :(

Something to make you smile

This is what Edward Monkton has to share with me this month:
Now I finally understand why I can never get my hair to behave itself - I'm going to have to start drinking tea, so that the hedgehog has somewhere to sit!