My 6th Grade Teacher, Ms. Hartgrove, Would Have Lost Her Mind

I've been griping a lot on here lately: overtalkers, shushers, and toppers have all made the blog. Well, here it goes again with another complaint about humanity. GUM CHEWERS: PLEASE CLOSE YOUR MOUTH!

I really can't believe these people. Did they not have parents? I have been trapped lately in some situations with some seriously loud smackers. They are not people I can say, "hey, would mind?" to either. So, I just have to sit there taking the irritation. I will usually do self talk though. Phrases such as, "SERIOUSLY?!" and "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" play inside my head while these MEN chomp away. I mean, really, it is generally men, right? C'mon now, I'm not being mean to men. I know that many men can chew appropriately, and there are some women who probably have the chomp-chomp issues, but I'm going to go ahead and say that, for the most part, men are the perpetrators of smacking.

By the way, there is this one guy I know that doesn't stop at gum. No, no, it permeates into his snack time. He walks around eating the hell out of a banana. I'm just like, omygoshy, I can't take it. I just wanted to throw this underground issue out there so that if any of you have felt the pain, you can take comfort in knowing that it happens to the best of us. If you have a chomping story to contribute, feel free.

Come See The Softer Side of Me

I've done it. I've started a new blog just for the baby. I mean, how could I address baby talk on a page called peeing in the shower?? So, if you want baby information you need to check my other blog at www.babyeverett.blogspot.com

You can also get there by clicking on my profile picture and scrolling down to the bottom of the page. There are all 2 of my blogs.

Happy Monday!

Social Tact And The Infamous Topper

So, many of you commented on my post regarding the "Overtalker." Several of you referenced the "Shusher." I totally agree that the shusher is a nasty villain. I've been attacked on numerous occasions by the shusher. I'll tell you: that will make some blood boil. And, for some reason, it is an experience that like stings and stays with you. Regardless, the usual difference between the shusher and the overtalker is that the shusher usually is someone that you are NOT friends with or she may even be a total stranger. However, the overtalker is probably an acquaintance or even a friend.

Now here is one of the most feared of social infractions: THE TOPPER also known as THE STORY TOPPER. Anybody? Anybody?

Yes, this person really bugs the shizzle out of me. ARG. I mean, sure, we've all contributed a story of interest that we feel goes along with the previous story. Sure, that's ok. No, I'm talking about the person, that is just waiting to pounce as soon as you utter the last syllable of your tale. Then, they go off on some story that is sort of like yours but is either a one-upper or just a long journey of a crappy story that is supposed to relate to what you just said. Either way, it is irritating when it happens like 15 times in a conversation. GEESH. I just want to say....LISTEN! NO MORE TALKIE FOR YOU! JUST LISTEN.

Usually, these people's lives are all jacked up anyway, so no one wants to hear their advice or story toppers anyway. I haven't figured out a way to tell these people they have the problem. Basically, my way is to just eliminate them from my social circle. But, if you encounter one, I wish you the best of luck.

My summer job: These are nerve cells that are bright because of the staining technique that uses flouresence. This is sort of what my slides are supposed to look like.

I'm Considering....

Should I put baby stuff on this page? I'm not sure. I'm entertaining the idea of maintaining another blog with only baby stuff. I can't decide.

I've told you I work in a lab with 6 scientists right? Well, I can't help but give you a picture of one of my favorites. She talks just like Edna Mode and if edna had gray hair, it would be a perfect match. I can't help but giggle in my head each time she talks to me about science. I want to ask her about a supersuit.

The Overtalker

Anyone know someone like this? It generally goes like this: you are trying to tell a story or make a statement, and the person just overtalks your intro to tell it for you. Irritating. Thank you. I'm out.

She Blinded Me With Science

On any average day in June, I can be found spending my afternoon by the pool or maybe reading a book in bed getting out of the heat. However, this summer is different. I am working M-F all day. It has been a little difficult to accept. But, I've now been working for 2 weeks, and I'm starting to get used to it.

I am working in a research lab here at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. The lab I've been assigned is trying to find a cure for ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease) which is a miserable disease of the nervous system where the body is basically paralyzed slowly over (and death occurs in) 4-5 years, all the while, the mind stays sharp. There are six scientists that work in this lab, most all are post-doctorates. They are REALLY SMART and quite friendly and helpful. I have learned SO MUCH. At first, I was sort of irritated to be completely clueless when the people spoke lab talk, but now I am embracing the feeling of learning again. After being out of school for several years, it feels good to excercise my brain again. The specific project I'm working on is the field of Immunohistochemistry which, basically, is a method of staining tissues for certain proteins.

This has been quite an experience so far. I'm taking a real lunch break: not just waiting for a bell to ring. I have a desk and work with only adults. This building has plenty of soap, papertowels, tea, coffee, and comfortable chairs which are all rare commodities where I normally work. Alas, I'm not getting to travel, cook, read, shop, sunbathe, or take long naps, but so far I've found that this internship is worth the sacrifice.

This is a chigger. This is the stage when it bites humans that walk in tall grass, etc. They live in southern states.

This is an engorged chigger after a few days of feeding on a human "host." I have several bites right now and they FREAKING ARE KILLING ME!

The Tip of Texas Hill Country

This past weekend I drove south about 2 hours to Salado, TX to meet Dee Ann for a weekend of house/land hunting, shopping, and eating. Salado is a beautiful town. It's center is the spring fed Salado Creek which runs right through town. Dee Ann and I had a fun weekend hanging out and the trip was successful because she was able to secure a place to live. I've included some pictures that she took. The first one is behind our cool bed and breakfast where I'm sitting atop a spring (this was after we checked out a 4 foot snake). The second one is of some property that Dee Ann really liked and may build on (where I believe I got me some little chiggers as a souvenir and we saw several deer). Anyway, thanks Dee Ann for the weekend. Here's to many more trips to Salado.

Salado, TX

Could this be Dee Ann's new property? She really liked it. We'll have to wait and see what she decides. I just know that you shouldn't go traipsing around wild Texas property in shorts and a tank top unless you want to end up with poison ivy or chiggers. Yes, I got the latter. Dammit!

Beauty is Pain

Yesterday I got the old brows waxed. I must give props to Shay because without her expertise and time, these brows would still be bush-like. Thank you Shay for ripping the "catepillar" off of my upper eyelid. You are a woman to be admired. Shay didn't stop there though. She did some microderm abrasion...what she likes to call "fluff and puff," and she did some other unsightly facial maintenance that I must say Christy enjoyed watching.

I actually saved the wax strips full of fun. I was going to try to scan them and post them because of all the hair. But, wouldn't you know it...I got up at 4am and heated up leftovers and was having a good old time here at the laptop, when I realized I had set the hot plate on my wax strips...yep...the hairs said, "I'm melting!" So, sorry Christy, the strips had to go away. No visual this time.