I'm in the Library!

Hehehe...I am finally immortalized in the library! My thesis was finally published and I am now available by special request (because only the cool people can touch my work! More like, only the nerds want my work. Britta: that now reads you.)! To check it out: Go to lib.utah.edu and search by Kristen Ameel or the title (which I hate!), "Paraquat and Rotenone Induced Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster." I wanted to name my thesis "Feed flies pesticides, watch them die, and then look at their brains." I guess that title just didn't have the same ring to it as the formal one in my thesis advisor's opinion.

Side note: I am reading the best book I have read in a while, "The Omnivore's Dilemma." Makes me not want to eat anything that I haven't picked off of a tree or out of the ground myself. Anyways, Michael Pollan writes in the book that rotenone is an accepted organic pesticide. That shit is what gave my poor flies Parkinsonian-like tremors, neuronal loss, decreased motility and vitality. Think about that the next time you feel smug buying your organic cereal (which I still feel smug about buying even knowing that the organic agricultural rules are crap)!

Changes

There have been many changes in the past week. First, my dear, beloved Grandma Boughn passed away last Monday. I was fortunate enough to visit her and say goodbye. We had a lovely service for her and I know she would have loved it.
My grandma was the most beautiful woman that I have ever met. People constantly told her that she looked like Grace Kelley and I would have to agree with that sentiment. More importantly though she was an elegant, smart, funny, strong woman and she taught me a lot (always wear lipstick, have your clothes ironed, and always have a smile on your face).

Second, I had my first car accident. An old lady ran into me doing a left-hand turn. Sucky! I am hoping that everything will be all right with my car and that insurance will be kind to me (and the poor lady that hit me).

Third, I start med school in less than a week! Crazy!

Changes, changes, changes. I feel even more a-comin'!