Sam's hot-spot

I am back from a wonderful weekend in Chicago seeing the sites, and of course, wonderful friends. The trip out was clam and boring. We did have a book-on-CD (thank you public library system). Although, Kite Runner, is not the most up-lifting story for a Friday night/Sunday afternoon drive, it is a great story that keeps you guessing. We did not finish the 12-disc unabridged version, so thanks to the advent of modern technology, it now sits on my hard-drive ready for my iPod. Also, there was a really good piece on Chicago Public Radio, an interview with Dr. David Kessler about his new book and how the American diet is addicting.

We visited the Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier, and of course the Magnificent Mile. It was so great to see Amy, Faisal, Beth, Jake, Sam, Keng-I, and Brooke. I also met a few of Sam's new friends at 'her' new hot-spot, Suite Lounge. I would recommend it for anyone in the neighborhood. It was a little under-ground secret with great martini's, and out luck at a prime table topped off the night. It was great to see Sam out with the masses, mingling with the best of 'um. She has her own bar now, where they greet her by name, and know her drink.

Wine, birthday, and a make-over

There was a great, albeit a tad crowded, wine tasting at a restaurant just around the corner from my place on Friday night. The night started a bit earlier, though, with a impromptu lab happy-hour. I wasn't originally planning on beer and wine in the same night, but considering this is the first lab-related social event that has happened since my arrival, I felt the need to participate. The theme of the wine tasting was "World Cup of Wine: France vs Spain." There were about 30 wines, split pretty much half and half. As these things usually go, after about the fourth taste all the reds were tasting similar as were the whites. However, there was a bright, and spicy, star in the bunch, a French Domaine de la Cotes-du-Rhone. I would not say it was spectacular, but just its sheer distinctiveness among the bunch made me put down a few bottles for me and a few for Christian on the order. On top of that tasty treat, it is well priced and available at Arbor Farms Market, how sponsored the tasting.

After breakfast out and a few errands on Saturday, I took a trip "home" for a dinner party for my brother's 30th birthday. It just never ceases to amaze me some of the personality traits of mine that Marissa has. She was bouncing off the walls with excitement for my daddy's party; very reminiscent of "Tina-time" that used to occur in my bouncing-off-the-wall days. I also had a chance to meet up with Dan and Kelly later in the evening and catch-up a bit. It is wonderful to be able to make it home for things of this nature, but sometimes I find that even though I am home more, I don't really see people that much, as I'm usually in-and-out for whatever event has brought me to Grand Blanc.

One of my new-favorite stores in Ann Arbor, Ulta, had free-mini make-overs today, so I took the opportunity for a little, did I mention free, pampering and tips.

Now it is time to plan our trip to Chicago this coming weekend. I am ecstatic to see my friends, get out of town, and actually do some touristy stuff in Chicago.

Back to the blogosphere

After about a four month hiatus, I have decided to return to blogging, mainly because life is seemingly settled enough to have some (mis)adventure worth sharing.

To start off, a brief summary of the last few months in the life of Dr. X-Tina.

1. My final PhD study is now published in Brain Behavior and Immunity with some well-received press
   
2. The post-doc grant is funded and will start this summer, along with the clock. I'm planning on moving to the next phase of my career when it is finished. Figuring out what that will be, hum...
3. Come this August, the extended Sherry family will have another little one, as my brother and sister-in-law are expecting their third child
4. There is a new(ish) boyfriend in my life, most of which I'll probably keep private, but I must say he's pretty wonderful.
   
5. I'm off for a 30th birthday booze cruise in about a month; stay tuned for (mis)adventures to follow
6. I have been volunteering with Operation Frontline through Gleaners Food Bank in Detroit, as a nutrition instructor for their "Eating Right" program.
   
7. Starting this summer, I will be an adjunct nutrition instructor at The Art Institute of Michigan, teaching nutrition to culinary arts students; a paid gig that will start some retirement savings, since post-docs don't qualify.
8. My circle of friends is expanding...slower than I'd like
9. My cousin was in a fairly serious car accident last weekend. He, and the other passengers, are out of the woods, but his recovery will be a long journey.
10. And just my luck, to top it all off, my car suffered two small injuries weeks apart during all the snow in February.

Slashfood Tweets

Slashfood Tweets

People fall for this?

I received an email at my UMich account this morning with the subject, "Re" from a Sgt Marvin Oliver that is as follows:

Attention,

I am Sgt Marvin Oliver,i am delighted to inform you that the contract panel here in London that just concluded its seating here in our department have just released your name among their immunity agent that will benefit from the diplomatic immunity payment. This panel was primarily delegated by the united nation to investigate manipulated over-invoiced payment as the effect has eaten deep into the economy of our country united kingdom.

I hereby inform you that the united nation and British government has choosing you as their immunity agent there in your country to stand and receive this total amount of $10.1 million dollars by cash immunity delivery to your country which you are to meet with the diplomats on their arrival there in your country international airport to enable them take the clearance on face to face clearing with the customs at the airport to enable them move it to your doorstep without any inspection by the government agent as it has been directed by the united nation and British government.

In this regards, We are going to send your immunity cash payment to you via our accredited shipping company on diplomatic means which all the immunity needed documents to cover this immunity cash funds has been secured, the cash funds is coming on two security proof boxes which the boxes has already been sealed with synthetic nylon and padded with machine.

Please you must know that the united nation want you to pay 50% of this total amount ($10.1 million dollars) to any motherless babies home there in your country.

You don't need to worry for anything because this transaction is 100 risk free, the boxes are coming with a diplomatic agent who will accompany the boxes to your house or office there in your country.

Forward to us your contact information as it is stated below:

1. Full Name and address
2. Direct cell/home telephone number
3. Identification, either your id-card, driver's license or international passport.

As soon as i receive the requested information and confirm your readiness to handle this matter, i will process your immunity cash funds proof of ownership certificate and your cash funds delivery approvals form "D" and forward them to you for your own view and record, then i will advise you with the date and time the diplomats will arrive your country.

Forward you next response to this email address: administrator_of@sify.com or department@mail2Consultant.com and make sure you call me on this telephone number +44-762-413-2116 immediately you forward your information so that even if am not on seat,i can go and check my email for immediate action.

I wait to hear from you soon.

Thank you,

Sgt Marvin Oliver

This is an obvious attempt at fraud, similar to stories on news. After reading this notice from St. Oliver in England, which mind you I have never been to, I truly can not believe people fall for these types of scams.

For Mike

A fashionista?

I have always enjoyed shopping and trying to keep up on the latest fashion trends, but I have never considered myself a fashionista. Although I have purchased a few new items since moving to Ann Arbor, I would not say my wardrobe or general style has changed. I like to wear skirts and dresses, have my shoes match my jewelry, wear purple eye-liner with a a purple sweater, and of course heals. Dress pants and scarves, sparkles and sequins, little jackets, and tights; however, given that I am the only women on my floor who wears make-up, even just mascara and lip-gloss, I guess it is not too surprising that I have received numerous comments about how nice I look, all the matching jewelry I have, and yes, I was even called a fashionista the other day.

I do wear my fair share of jeans and T's and am not always dressed up, but it is a bit of a strange feeling to be the most fashionable one at work. I now feel this new title comes with a standard. I find myself putting a lot more thought in to my outfits on a regular basis. I think in general, everyone's shock has worn off, and I do not get as many double takes when my heals click or my skirt swishes