Irish Birthdays are Grand

Since the sterile cabinet was being worked on in the lab today, we left for work around 9:15 and got there at 9:30. There really wasn't much to do, so we figured we'd reduce the amount of time we had sitting around starting off into space. We started off showing Dani how to start DNA extractions, and let the isolates sit in the water bath for two hours. In the meantime, we were told we could head over to the IT Building on campus to listen to talks about the Environmental Change Institute. Our supervisor, Dr. Cormican, was giving a talk on water quality and human health that basically was the ultimate overview/goal of all of our projects, so the girls in the lab told us we should definitely hear it.

After a quick stop at the hospital canteen, we walked back to the NUIG campus and arrived just in time for Dr. Cormican's talk. It was really informative, and helped us see the importance of the research. The whole project is composed of seven different smaller projects all looking at the elements of water quality and human health. Our specifically deals with effects of antibiotic-resistant microbes living in the water. Plus, Dr. Cormican is a really good speaker, so that was nice. We listened to anther, less-exciting lecture, before a coffee and biscuit break where we looked around at all the posters. Reminded me of last summer, and all the fun I had making one of my own (lol).

We headed back to work afterwards, and Sarah and Dani got to work on the rest of the DNA extractions. I streaked out some isolates for Fiona to use with antibiotic sensitivity testing tomorrow. We took our lunch break soon afterwards, and went to a different food place on the hospital grounds. I think it's an assisted living center, or something, but it was super cheap and had really good food. I'm sure we'll be back there. After lunch, we did some other work around the lab, and I set up and ran a PCR, since the cabinet was done being serviced. Hopefully this one will work...we're trying a new buffer, so it should.


Once we left work, Dani and I headed into town to get some shoes. I'd found a pair of really cool ones before, but they were too small. They were really nifty, without laces, and just looked cool. Plus, I didn't get any new ones before I left - I ran out of time. It was quite the quest. I've determined that my feet are even more grotesquely large here than back home. People in the stores looked at me with really confused faces when I asked if they had my size, and I even got a few chuckles. A group of ladies at one place said, "uhh...we don't carry anything close to that size," but they were nice enough to direct me to a few other stores. We ended up finding a pair that almost fit me in the shopping center, so I got them to order the next size up. Hopefully it'll come in soon enough. Dani got some shoes as well, and then the two of us headed over to Argos to pick her up an adaptor.


On our way home from there, it was pelting rain. We got soaked, even though we were on our bikes. I really hope I don't get sick. When we made it back to Corrib Village, I got into my PJs and made dinner - grilled ham and cheese sandwiches! I spent most of the rest of the evening lounging around with the roommates, and even took a nap.

Today is Niamh's 21st birthday, though, so we've all planned a night out on the town to celebrate. It should be a really good time, especially considering the people going. Well, everyone's calling me, so I better get going. Not quite sure which pubs we'll end up at, but it'll be brilliant no matter where we end up. I love these kids!