Monday, July 7, 2008

My First Catch

While very rainy, the 4th of July weekend was still fun. Matt and I did not embark on an adventurous bike ride this holiday (as we have the past 2 years). We opted to float down (up) the New River. Unfortunately, as Matt purchased a bathing suit, the rain started falling. Instead, we hung with friends as they brewed homemade strawberry wheat beer. Later that afternoon, the skies cleared and we headed to a nearby pond to fish. I used a rubber worm, which apparently never works, and caught my first fish. I had been fishing several times before unsuccessfully. This was a great little bass catch! I was excited and ready to fish for a while longer. The skies had a different plan though, and it began raining (again). After fishing and getting drenched, we enjoyed the American tradition of BBQ and fireworks. The Blacksburg fireworks were fun. Everyone there enjoyed the Landsharks Jimmy Buffet tribute band, which made for a great people watching opportunity.

Saturday we went to 1 year old birthday party in Charlotte for Matt's oldest friend. We also took some time to check out the Central and Noda neighborhoods with good shops and restaurants. I got a great black clutch and fell in love with a pricey Ann Sui dress.

Sunday was the moment I had been waiting for all summer: Wine Down the Music Trail Festival. It was fun, but would have been an all out blast. Alas, the rain struck again. Thankfully, the tasting tents sheltered us and the sun peeked for a few minutes. But once the skies opened the second time, it was a torrential downpour. The bands couldn't play, the grass started flooding, and all the drunk people sandwiched in the tent just stopped being fun. So we bought a few bottles of wine and headed out. The vibe was excellent and I hope to go next year, with better weather.

The highlight of the weekend was certainly my first catch, but a fun 4th nonetheless. I have 2 more full weeks of work and I am a little discouraged at my statistical state. I hope this week things can sort themselves out for my poster's sake. I'll just keep working hard and hope for the best. I know many other students may be in worse shape with no trend or data. It is difficult to accomplish such great feats in 6 weeks, so I am cutting myself some slack.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

very cool blog. I had a great time when I was in vet school. The summer research program with the NIH sounds like a great experience. For you and others looking into the possibility of alternative veterinary careers, you should check out, www.ecovetinternational.com/, for careers in conservation medicine and ecosystem health.
Keep up the good work!
-kate

Kate said...

very cool blog. I had a great time when I was in vet school. The summer research program with the NIH sounds like a great experience. For you and others looking into the possibility of alternative veterinary careers, you should check out, www.ecovetinternational.com/, for careers in conservation medicine and ecosystem health.
Keep up the good work!
-kate