sam

FACT: You embody the German principle of Konstantzusammenschaft, which is best described in English (without using the obscure English word "sammenschaft") as "eternal togethermanship". The Loverboy Random Gentle Love Master (RGLMm) Well-liked. Well-established. You are The Loverboy. Loverboys thrive in committed, steady relationships--as opposed to, say, Playboys, who want sex without too much attachment. You've had many relationships and nearly all of them have been successful. You're a nice guy, you know the ropes, and even if you can be a little hasty with decisions, most girls think of you as a total catch. Your hastiness comes off as spontaneity most of the time anyhow, making you especially popular in your circle of friends, too. Your exact opposite: The Billy Goat Deliberate Brutal Sex Dreamer You know not to make the typical Loverboy mistake of choosing someone who appreciates your good humor and popularity, but who offers nothing in return. You belong with someone outgoing, independent, and creative. Otherwise, you'll get bored. And then instead of surprising him with flowers or a practical joke, you'll surprise him by leaving. ALWAYS AVOID: The Billy Goat CONSIDER: The Boy Next Door, The Loverboy Link: The 32-Type Dating Test by OkCupid - Free Online Dating. My profile name: sammypanpizza

I've really been missing Wisconsin since I left over 2 months ago...

As of this morning, I'm glad I got out while I did..., since I've just been deemed INVALID (for all you GATTACA fans) by her people.  And yes... I have the right to bitch..., as I voted by absentee ballot.   Thanks to all those associated with FAIR WISCONSIN for putting up a brilliant fight... but, apparently when the yokels are mobilized, its like the Empire Strik[ing] Back.  I'll be interested in the backlash of all of this... especially at the University of Wisconsin, which has been at the mercy of the state in past years over its budget.  If a future budget cut ends up being anywhere close to the realm of benefits for same-sex partnerships... I'll request my degree be granted from another institution.

In other news... YAY ARIZONA! 

... and just to make people vomit... I just have to say I have the SWEETEST boyfriend... I had one of my 15 hour days yesterday (exam + grading = here till midnight)... and I came home to a grocery bag parked in front of my apartment door.  Inside was a box of green tea, a bottle of cabernet, and a note from Craig saying that I could use either to help me relax and fall asleep. I melted...

Seriously... though I'm not even close to thinking about marriage... its nice to know I could hop right across the border if the mood so strikes...

I just had to share yet another video with ya'll.  I do work... really I do....

So, I've only been *slightly* insane recently.  My boss has been in China for the past two weeks and I've been extra busy taking over for him in class.  That added to finishing up a publication for grad school, working on an NIH grant, planning for teaching next semester, and rehearsals for Sweet Charity... its been pretty hectic.  Still, there have been highlights...

I really been digging lecturing this course (Chem 260 - Chemical Principles) in the absence of my advisor.  I can't wait to do it all by myself next semester.  The only downside to it all is that the two lecture sections of this course are taught by two different instructors who attempt to simultaneously cover the same material, give the same exams, etc.  I DO NOT like the other instructor... she's very difficult to get along with and is rather condescending to me.  I always smile through gritted teet... but I'm seriously approaching my limit with her.  I guess time will tell...

As odd as it sounds, I've sorta stumbled upon a relationship, *laughs*.  I've been seeing a local boy, Craig, for about a month (ref. this LJ entry) and we started using the "boyfriend" term last week... so I guess that makes that as official as it can be.  The phrase "stumbled upon" is by no means derogatory - but, nonetheless fitting.  For those who know me, you'd would find him a bit of a surprise - he doesn't at all resemble those whom I've dated or have been attracted to in the past... not that that matters at all... I just find at somewhat amusing... What does matter is that he's one of the sweetest and more genuine people I've met in a long time... and he makes me smile.... and, oh yeah.... he's super cute :).

This weekend was especially eventful.  Craig's a theatre boy as well... and he was in a two-week run of "Little Shop of Horrors" which closed last night.  On Thursday night, he called me when he had got to the theatre before the show.  Long story short - one of their ensemble members had detached his retina (!) and I was to replace him!  Thank goodness I had done the show before, lol... so I stepped in for various walk-on roles, to sit inside and control the plant, and to sing the role of Skip Snip on 24 hours notice!  It rocked!..probably the most exciting thing I've done since coming to Ann Arbor.  It was awesome to step in and help Craig and the company out... and to attend the closing weekend cast parties, where much giggliness ensued... heh.

Ugh, now I have to prepare tomorrow's lecture before rehearsal for Sweet Charity tonight.  By the by... I didn't get the lead... so I'm in the ensemble.  I have a dance break with Craig, though! ...lol...

Its amazing how much happier I am when I concentrate on things OTHER than chemistry... seriously.


On a completely unrelated note.... if you've not seen THIS... you're missing out.  I'm completely obsessed.

I never even suspected George was gay...

As if I weren't a BIG ENOUGH fan of Grey's Anatomy...

... does anyone else think this movie is more of a horror flic than Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Beginning or Saw IX? I mean, seriously, what could be more scary than young children being taught to speak in tongues and worship a photo of GW Bush?

*shudder*

two very nice things happened tonight...

1) I DID get called back for Oscar, one of the leads in Sweet Charity...a claustrophobic accountant

2) I'm officially seeing someone...

not a bad way to start the week....

To be honest, nothing especially exciting has been occuring here in eastern Michigan.  I've just been trying to keep my head above water with the new job.  The heat was turned up a notch this week, as my first fellowship application was due.  Some highlights:

On Monday, I had to lecture for my advisor Jim, just because he's swamped with HIS new job, Associate Dean of Natural Sciences.  I'll be doing this for him a lot, and Monday was my first time.  I gave an overview of spectroscopy (I made it fun, really!)... and I think it went well - though I have a tendency to talk fast.  A highlight was a dude who came to ask me a "question" after class - "Were you a cheerleader in college? 'cause you're really peppy." .... I didn't know whether to take this as a compliment or as as pick-up line... rather, I just laughed and overheard Jim, who attended because of some university logistics, say "No one ever said I was peppy...."

Whatever the case, that lecture led to a verage of students visiting me for office hours.  Oh well, I like teaching so I didn't mind.   One student was even REALLY cute... I need to remember such thoughts are ILLEGAL.... Christ.  Though I didn't need the extra distractions because of...

... my fellowship application.  I had scraped the research proposal I started last week (it sucked) in favor of a new one which used the term "cancer" - which is SURE to get you money! *laughs*.  So I was really under pressure to crank out a proposal in like 3 days... which I did!  The entire application looked pretty good; i'm sure with more time I could have done better, but... why work myself up about it?  Its done... and in the mail as of yesterday.  The only problem is... the week has made me sick....

... which made today really fun, because I auditioned for a show.  Ann Arbor Civic Theatre is doing Sweet Charity.  I miss theatre A LOT at the moment... so I figured what the hell?  My friend Craig has done shows with them before and took me to the auditions this morning.  Yeah... it wasn't my best... the dancing had me panting... I squeeked during the singing... and was coughing constantly.  BOOOO.  However, I *think* I'm getting calling back for Oscar (a lead) ... so it must not have been that bad... I hope my body cooperates and allows me to get through callbacks without squeeking and coughing...

Time for some Sudafed, or some generic equivalent...

I cooked dinner from scratch for the FIRST time in my new apartment tonight!  I know, I know... I've been here nearly a month.  However, I've been out of town half that time and the other half I've been living off of sandwiches and take-out.  What was on the menu?  Chana Masala (chick peas and spices)!  I even put an extra jalapeno pepper in for some kick. Mmmmm....I'll be eating on this for a week....

... but when you're in the midst of them... they suck real bad.

I'm currently in the San Francisco International Airport... preparing to fly back to Detroit.  I've been out here since Friday for an American Chemical Society national meeting.  I'm completely exhausted and hope to god I can get some rest on this flight.  I've barely had time to breath during this meeting with all the meetings and chairing a symposium... oh, ... and perhaps because it coninsided with another event -

MY BIRTHDAY!  It was Sunday.... I turned 27.  wooot.  I celebrated by getting up at 6:30 PST and having meetings all day after drinking *just enough* whiskey the night before to be happy as the clock rolled over to midnight.  Sunday night included a stroll down to the Castro and hitting up a few bars (as they were closing!).  But I had a good time nonetheless.  However, this was the TAMEST birthday I can recall since I turned 21!

Almost time to board.... see ya'll on the flip side.