Living life requires alot of deep breathing

Admittedly, that's something I'm usually really crappy at. Sometimes--especially when I'm sitting around doing not much--I worry that I never breathe all that deeply. But then that usually makes me do it at least once, so maybe it's not so bad.

This weekend has required a margin of deep breathing, for sure. For one thing, that darn ASM conference nearly wiped me out for the whole weekend. Along that vein, hearing about everyone's great and interesting results made me slightly panic, because I have very little if any data of my own, and how many months has it been? I am trying to overcome my lack of strong experience with anything but cloning. I have so much to learn, it's making it hard to get any worthwile science done. But really, the worst thing that happens is that I don't have an abstract to submit for ASM, and Ned is dissapointed in me. Ok, that would be pretty devastating, but I'm trying to channel this fear and hyperventilation into getting an experiment working this week, and getting up the nerve to ask for help in making some mutants.

In other news, I had to take several VERY deep breaths to finally be able to tell Dave that I wish him the best in finding a nice girl to settle down with. I will not lie to you, saying that to him made my stomach all squelchy and panicky, but I did mean it. It just requires alot of deep, deep breaths--it has taken me nearly a year to get to this point, and I'm really proud of myself. I may feel mild dread, but I can rise above that.

On the bright side of things, I got a full swedish body massage today--all in the name of homework! One of my friend's friends--whom I also consider a friend--is learning to become a masseuse (spelling!?) and needs to log in a certain number of hours for her program. Although I don't think I could ever justify the expense of getting regular massages, I must say it was so wonderful and needed. I left with a legitimate glow about me, I think. It is a good way to start off a new week.

Have a lovely week everyone!