As part of my job I attend scientific conferences, and I have been busy preparing for the hum-dinger of them all – the Fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union. Thousands (I think more than 10,000 ) of geophysicists descend on the Moscone Center. You can easily spot them as they swarm around the convention center because
1) About 30% of them forget to take of their name badges
2) they are likely the only type of conference attendees to be seen carrying Nalgene water bottles and small hiking backpacks to a professional event. If it is raining look down to see a stampede of gore-tex hiking boots, and I guarantee there are more waterproof jackets than umbrellas
3) They are 70% old white men.

This year, my presentation will be a poster. As I start to prepare it (a whole week early) it hits me that this is the adult science fair. Really. In grade school I thought that even though I would surely be a scientist, I would never make a poster and label a section of it “abstract.” But I just did. I also noticed the most awesome thing…. My outfit wil match my poster.

snap.

I love it! It looks so much better (see what it looked like before). I have been working on the sock today while at work (which is school). I am running samples on a fancy mass spectrometer that has the annoying need to have someone hit the ‘a’ key once every few minutes. I would hire a monkey to do it, but i think it would shed all over the room and get me in trouble. Anyway, it takes me exactly the right amount of time to complete a row before I need to hit the ‘a’ key again (sometimes i mix it up and hit ‘p’. fun, huh?). Like principal skinner says

Ah, there’s nothing more exciting than science. You get all the fun of sitting still, being quiet, writing down numbers, paying attention. Science has it all.

He forgot to mention using 15 year old computers… Luckily, when I need to leave the room, I have the sock to operate the computer for me.

I won’t say this in front of the computer, but the sock is totally smarter. The computer thinks the year is 19106. The sock is smart enough to not say anything regarding the year. And the sock is able to display far more colors than the computer – that should count for something.

Finally, since it is thrift thursday I can brag about the steals i got at my secret little thrift store.

The loot includes a bowl knitting notions (25 cents each) – my favorite being the bakelite handled pattern transfer wheel. Also two king size pillowcases with a cute yellow print (background) for $1 and a bunch of hand embroidered vintage napkins (25 cents each). More napkins pictured here. And what about the bowl?

It is just what i have been looking for! A pyrex casserole dish with lid for only $3.

Now i am off to prepare for my exciting evening. one of the movie theaters down the street from my apartment is showing The Jerk tonight. one of my favorites…..