Check me out on PhDTalk by Eva Lantsoght where I was a part of her How I Work Series. I did this interview back in December so a few things have temporarily changed (i.e. working in lab) but other than that I hope you enjoy it.
Friday, April 24, 2020
Check me out on PhDTalk!
Check me out on PhDTalk by Eva Lantsoght where I was a part of her How I Work Series. I did this interview back in December so a few things have temporarily changed (i.e. working in lab) but other than that I hope you enjoy it.
Monday, April 13, 2020
[Attempt to] WFH Day 27
Day 27 Monday, April 13th
I don't even think I fell asleep until 4AM, this is why I don't take naps, and I slept in until noon. So much for being productive today. Usually Mondays are a good day for me, a fresh start to get back on track. Not feeling it today. But that is okay I guess.
I was up until 3AM hoping that one of these times refreshing my InstaCart would give me a delivery time. It did not. I guess I will have to brave going to the store in person tomorrow. As much as I want to get out of the house, I'm not looking forward to it. Not so much because I'm scared but because I find the whole process so physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. It will be the only thing scheduled for Tuesday.
I found out a friend's dad is intubated and in critical care for COViD-19. I'm worried for her. She can't see him. She doesn't even get regular updates. She lost her mom already a few years ago due to cancer. If you can spare her a thought or prayer or whatever your forte is please do so.
I checked in with a bunch of people I probably should have checked in with sooner.
I don't even think I fell asleep until 4AM, this is why I don't take naps, and I slept in until noon. So much for being productive today. Usually Mondays are a good day for me, a fresh start to get back on track. Not feeling it today. But that is okay I guess.
I was up until 3AM hoping that one of these times refreshing my InstaCart would give me a delivery time. It did not. I guess I will have to brave going to the store in person tomorrow. As much as I want to get out of the house, I'm not looking forward to it. Not so much because I'm scared but because I find the whole process so physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. It will be the only thing scheduled for Tuesday.
I found out a friend's dad is intubated and in critical care for COViD-19. I'm worried for her. She can't see him. She doesn't even get regular updates. She lost her mom already a few years ago due to cancer. If you can spare her a thought or prayer or whatever your forte is please do so.
I checked in with a bunch of people I probably should have checked in with sooner.
I attended another COVIDCafe today. Smallest turnout I've seen yet but the company was good.
I had my class which I'm now behind in but today is not the day I'll be catching up. But everyone in class seemed different, tired maybe? Lots of silence. Not comforting. And not distracting (which I guess is usually the comforting part).
I did not workout.
I did not go outside - it was rainy.
I journaled. I read. I played Animal Crossing. But I felt there has been a cloud over me all day. Here is to hoping tomorrow is sunny.
I feel I should say something positive. My friends had their baby yesterday. She's healthy, they are all healthy. Dad was able to be there. And for that I am very happy.
I did not workout.
I did not go outside - it was rainy.
I journaled. I read. I played Animal Crossing. But I felt there has been a cloud over me all day. Here is to hoping tomorrow is sunny.
I feel I should say something positive. My friends had their baby yesterday. She's healthy, they are all healthy. Dad was able to be there. And for that I am very happy.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
[Attempt to] WFH Day 26
March 17th was my last day in lab before social distancing which means I have been social distancing and working from home (WFH) now for 26 days. Why it's taken me this long to really write a blog post, who knows...
Actually I do know and I started a draft of this blog post on March 18th. I've been sitting on it for 25 days just adding notes here and there. Not knowing what to say or how to say it. I was worried about being judged for what I have and have not been doing during this time.
The week of March 16th was rough because neither my university nor my department had made any official statements about what to do or to expect. This lack of communication was very frustrating. It was pretty obvious we were going to shut down, everyone around us (i.e. Yale, Columbia, Memorial Sloan Kettering) were shutting down labs. But when it came to us, radio silence. This gave me a lot of anxiety. Should I be starting my planned experiments only for them to be interrupted and essentially trashed? I was in the middle of optimizing a protein purification protocol and a round of CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in transfections which would take a few weeks for and clonal expansion. So I took it into my own hands and decided to wrap up before getting official word on what to do. This helped immensely with my anxiety because I was no longer in the limbo of whether to start or not start my experiments. I got my experiments to nice and tidy stopping points on Tuesday, March 17th and then transitioned to working from home (WFH).
I am and have been officially working from home (WFH) for an undetermined period of time.
Day 2 Thursday, March 13th
I received official word I could WFH.
Day 3 Friday, March 20th
I attended my first COVIDCafe which has been a saving grace. I've attended 6 so far. I wasn't able to go to any of them one week early on and I definitely missed it.
I also think this was the day Dom bought me Animal Crossing as a belated birthday present. It has been great! Easy to lose oneself and spend hours not feeling for the times where that is exactly what you need.
Day 5 Saturday, March 22nd
We went to the super market. It was an exhausting ordeal. They were limiting people in the store (which I complete support and respect) so we had to wait outside a bit. Inside it had a weird vibe since it was so few people and you weren't sure how much you should stay away from others. Should you get fresh produce? We decided we could risk it. There was barely any meat available. Dairy and eggs had buy 2 limits. The checkout lines had marked spacers to keep us 6 feet apart but it was so empty it was hardly needed. It was exhausting. And when we got home we washed and sanitized everything. We also washed ourselves. We haven't been back since but we're probably going to have to soon.
Day 6 Sunday, March 23rd
My workshop/committee update which was scheduled for today was canceled - I'm actually okay with this, well kind of. I needed more time because I was hoping to have the aforementioned protein purification protocol optimized for this update but I needed that time to be collecting data which I'm obviously not.
March 8 Tuesday, March 25th
Found out my labmate likely has COViD-19. He's okay now but his family also got sick, they are also okay now. But it gave me a lot of anxiety because I interact with him a lot. Did I have it? Was I just asymptomatic while it was incubating?
Day 11 Friday, March 27th
My little mini vacation I planned for the weekend to go to Maine to visit my friend Trina and go hiking in Acadia was supposed to be this weekend.
Day 12 Saturday, March 28th
It was a rainy day. I was feeling bummed so I went to Starbucks drive-thru for a mocha and to the beach. It was rainy and I only saw one other person who was over a mile away. Sinking my toes into the wet sand and letting the still too cold ocean water ice my feet was exactly what I needed.
Day 13 Monday, March 30th
The extended spring break was finally over and my class resumed via Zoom. I am so, so thankful I decided to take this course. I was initially unsure because it's an extra elective and should I really be taking time from my research like that but now it is another one of saving graces. It is really the only thing keeping me accountable time-wise - Mondays and Wednesdays I zoom into class 2:30pm-4pm. This course also involved a project using DOCK and AMBER which keeps me busy outside those hours and doing something I enjoy the most, learning.
Day 14 Tuesday, March 31st
Had our first Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWiSE) Coffee Chat. I was inspired by COVIDCafe so I thought I should bring it local to GWiSE. So far we've had two of them which has been nice to see familiar faces with a third scheduled for this week Thursday.
Also felt a lot of relief because it has been 14 days and I felt fine. Huge relief actually. So huge I cannot adequately word it. Don't get me wrong, I know the risk is still real but I am very cautious now which I obviously wasn't as much 14 days ago.
Day 16 Thursday, April 2nd
I went on a very long walk as my partner, whom I live with, had been in a bad mood for quite a few days and I needed to get away (he seems to be doing a lot better now (he discovered Zoom with friends) but it was a rough week). Unfortunately, I didn't wear the best shoes and I activated some tendonitis in my foot/ankle from an old running injury.
Day 18 Saturday, April 4th
I went for a nice 3 hour hike with my friend, M. We'd both been social distancing so we felt it was safe enough for us to meet up for a hike. We were planning on having this be a recurring Saturday activity to help keep track of the days but it turns out this is the only one as there are now fines for people who don't live in the same household being together. While I understand this new rule I don't like it. I get it's easiest for it to be black and white but I think it will take a huge toll on people's mental health. I think people should be able to interact if they are both safely social distancing outside of this.
Day 21 Tuesday, April 7th
I found out they closed my nearby park which was pretty devastating as I was going there daily for walks. Dom and I ran into our neighbors and we all went for a walk to the docks.
Day 22 Wednesday, April 8th
Tried walking through the neighborhoods but it just isn't the same. I have 0 motivation to take long walks on the sidewalks around my apartment and a 30 minute walk just doesn't have the same effect as a long trail walk. Also people stare at you like you're breaking the law which makes me feel uneasy.
Late that night, like real late so probably really day 23, I decided to start the Coursera offering "The Science of Well-Being" I think I did this because I knew the lost walks would have a negative outcome and this was also the week my partner was pretty cranky which had its toll on me as well.
Day 23 Thursday, April 9th
My sister's 27th birthday. No different for me since I live far and wouldn't celebrate in person with her either way but I'm sure still a bummer for her.
Day 25 Saturday, April 11th
Attended Dom's brother's wedding via Facebook Live. They will have a more "normal" ceremony July 5th. Glad they found a way to keep their day.
Day 26 Today
I slept a crazy amount today and then still took a nap. I think this was my first nap during this social distancing. Not a big napping person. I attended my writing group via Zoom (something I haven't been to regularly in years, since I left NYC) which was nice and 100% the reason this post finally was written.
My recaps aren't all encompassing, just the "big" things that have been going on. I've been doing some writing for work here and there - although it seems more in bursts than regularly scheduled -checking emails, reading journal articles, attending a Zoom seminar/thesis defense here and there. On the personal side, I've been journaling more, reading a real live physical book, still listening to audiobooks too although less now that I haven't been walking as much, a handful of Nike Training Club app workouts throughout the week - although not the last few days which I should get on top of. Oh, and I of course, watched Tiger King.
What have you been doing? How are you holding up?
Actually I do know and I started a draft of this blog post on March 18th. I've been sitting on it for 25 days just adding notes here and there. Not knowing what to say or how to say it. I was worried about being judged for what I have and have not been doing during this time.
The week of March 16th was rough because neither my university nor my department had made any official statements about what to do or to expect. This lack of communication was very frustrating. It was pretty obvious we were going to shut down, everyone around us (i.e. Yale, Columbia, Memorial Sloan Kettering) were shutting down labs. But when it came to us, radio silence. This gave me a lot of anxiety. Should I be starting my planned experiments only for them to be interrupted and essentially trashed? I was in the middle of optimizing a protein purification protocol and a round of CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in transfections which would take a few weeks for and clonal expansion. So I took it into my own hands and decided to wrap up before getting official word on what to do. This helped immensely with my anxiety because I was no longer in the limbo of whether to start or not start my experiments. I got my experiments to nice and tidy stopping points on Tuesday, March 17th and then transitioned to working from home (WFH).
I am and have been officially working from home (WFH) for an undetermined period of time.
While it feels weird it feels good to know what I'm doing even if it's not exactly what I want. I want to be in lab. But it did not feel good to be in lab unsure what to start vs wait on in the case the lab may just be closed tomorrow. So I made the decision myself.— Caitlyn Cardetti (@CaitlynCardetti) March 18, 2020
I received official word I could WFH.
Day 3 Friday, March 20th
I attended my first COVIDCafe which has been a saving grace. I've attended 6 so far. I wasn't able to go to any of them one week early on and I definitely missed it.
Yet AGAIN @GC4AMH is hosting not one, not two, but THREE #COVIDCafe events this week! Connect with academics all over the world and discuss the trials and tribulations of #QuarentineLife ranging from the serious to the frivolous. We creating a safe space to discuss #Mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/F5TiPJ1zjL— Wendy Marie Ingram (@pyromanticism) April 11, 2020
I also think this was the day Dom bought me Animal Crossing as a belated birthday present. It has been great! Easy to lose oneself and spend hours not feeling for the times where that is exactly what you need.
Dom was bummed because this was supposed to be a weekend in Montreal for his brother's bachelor party.
Day 5 Saturday, March 22nd
We went to the super market. It was an exhausting ordeal. They were limiting people in the store (which I complete support and respect) so we had to wait outside a bit. Inside it had a weird vibe since it was so few people and you weren't sure how much you should stay away from others. Should you get fresh produce? We decided we could risk it. There was barely any meat available. Dairy and eggs had buy 2 limits. The checkout lines had marked spacers to keep us 6 feet apart but it was so empty it was hardly needed. It was exhausting. And when we got home we washed and sanitized everything. We also washed ourselves. We haven't been back since but we're probably going to have to soon.
Day 6 Sunday, March 23rd
My workshop/committee update which was scheduled for today was canceled - I'm actually okay with this, well kind of. I needed more time because I was hoping to have the aforementioned protein purification protocol optimized for this update but I needed that time to be collecting data which I'm obviously not.
March 8 Tuesday, March 25th
Found out my labmate likely has COViD-19. He's okay now but his family also got sick, they are also okay now. But it gave me a lot of anxiety because I interact with him a lot. Did I have it? Was I just asymptomatic while it was incubating?
Day 11 Friday, March 27th
My little mini vacation I planned for the weekend to go to Maine to visit my friend Trina and go hiking in Acadia was supposed to be this weekend.
Day 12 Saturday, March 28th
It was a rainy day. I was feeling bummed so I went to Starbucks drive-thru for a mocha and to the beach. It was rainy and I only saw one other person who was over a mile away. Sinking my toes into the wet sand and letting the still too cold ocean water ice my feet was exactly what I needed.
Day 13 Monday, March 30th
The extended spring break was finally over and my class resumed via Zoom. I am so, so thankful I decided to take this course. I was initially unsure because it's an extra elective and should I really be taking time from my research like that but now it is another one of saving graces. It is really the only thing keeping me accountable time-wise - Mondays and Wednesdays I zoom into class 2:30pm-4pm. This course also involved a project using DOCK and AMBER which keeps me busy outside those hours and doing something I enjoy the most, learning.
Day 14 Tuesday, March 31st
Had our first Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWiSE) Coffee Chat. I was inspired by COVIDCafe so I thought I should bring it local to GWiSE. So far we've had two of them which has been nice to see familiar faces with a third scheduled for this week Thursday.
Also felt a lot of relief because it has been 14 days and I felt fine. Huge relief actually. So huge I cannot adequately word it. Don't get me wrong, I know the risk is still real but I am very cautious now which I obviously wasn't as much 14 days ago.
Day 16 Thursday, April 2nd
I went on a very long walk as my partner, whom I live with, had been in a bad mood for quite a few days and I needed to get away (he seems to be doing a lot better now (he discovered Zoom with friends) but it was a rough week). Unfortunately, I didn't wear the best shoes and I activated some tendonitis in my foot/ankle from an old running injury.
Day 18 Saturday, April 4th
I went for a nice 3 hour hike with my friend, M. We'd both been social distancing so we felt it was safe enough for us to meet up for a hike. We were planning on having this be a recurring Saturday activity to help keep track of the days but it turns out this is the only one as there are now fines for people who don't live in the same household being together. While I understand this new rule I don't like it. I get it's easiest for it to be black and white but I think it will take a huge toll on people's mental health. I think people should be able to interact if they are both safely social distancing outside of this.
Day 21 Tuesday, April 7th
I found out they closed my nearby park which was pretty devastating as I was going there daily for walks. Dom and I ran into our neighbors and we all went for a walk to the docks.
Well the one thing that was keeping me sane is now closed... #phdpandemic pic.twitter.com/sJogml2jmw— Caitlyn Cardetti (@CaitlynCardetti) April 7, 2020
Day 22 Wednesday, April 8th
Tried walking through the neighborhoods but it just isn't the same. I have 0 motivation to take long walks on the sidewalks around my apartment and a 30 minute walk just doesn't have the same effect as a long trail walk. Also people stare at you like you're breaking the law which makes me feel uneasy.
Late that night, like real late so probably really day 23, I decided to start the Coursera offering "The Science of Well-Being" I think I did this because I knew the lost walks would have a negative outcome and this was also the week my partner was pretty cranky which had its toll on me as well.
Day 23 Thursday, April 9th
My sister's 27th birthday. No different for me since I live far and wouldn't celebrate in person with her either way but I'm sure still a bummer for her.
Day 25 Saturday, April 11th
Attended Dom's brother's wedding via Facebook Live. They will have a more "normal" ceremony July 5th. Glad they found a way to keep their day.
Day 26 Today
I slept a crazy amount today and then still took a nap. I think this was my first nap during this social distancing. Not a big napping person. I attended my writing group via Zoom (something I haven't been to regularly in years, since I left NYC) which was nice and 100% the reason this post finally was written.
My recaps aren't all encompassing, just the "big" things that have been going on. I've been doing some writing for work here and there - although it seems more in bursts than regularly scheduled -checking emails, reading journal articles, attending a Zoom seminar/thesis defense here and there. On the personal side, I've been journaling more, reading a real live physical book, still listening to audiobooks too although less now that I haven't been walking as much, a handful of Nike Training Club app workouts throughout the week - although not the last few days which I should get on top of. Oh, and I of course, watched Tiger King.
What have you been doing? How are you holding up?
Monday, April 6, 2020
What I Read in March
A lot happened this past month as everyone in the entire world knows (i.e. COVID19 pandemic) so reading wasn't the highest priority and I'm sure my lack of commuting/hours at the gym also really reduced my reading hours. Anyway, here are the four books I read or rather listened to via Libby in March (no, I'm not affiliated to Libby which is free anyway).
My rating system:
5 - Loved it and recommend it!
4 - Liked it and recommend it!
3 - It's not my cup of tea but that's not saying I didn't not enjoy it or not to read it.
2 - Pass!
1 - I'm surprised I didn't put the book down. Actually I probably would put the book down so you probably won't see this rating on my blog.
The 4s or rather the 4 (singular)
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
Honestly, probably more of a 3.5 but bottom line is I liked it! I wouldn't say it's anything special but it was a nice thriller set in a smart house which is interesting since that's what so many people in society are moving to. It's a bit slow at times but there are twists that just aren't predictable which is nice - really what more can you ask for in a thriller.
The 3's
Fast Girl by Suzy Favor Hamilton
I thought I'd like this book more - about a former runner (I run) and her struggle with mental illness but it fell short. I really appreciated her openness but it mostly just felt like she was listing bad choices she made and not really digging in deep. I feel like it could have been so much more. I debated between a 2 and 3 but ultimately am leaving it as a 3 because it was interesting.
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
I kept seeing this book everywhere so I figured I'd jump on the bandwagon but honestly, I thought it was a bit overrated. It's written about all over the blogosphere and honestly I don't really have anything to say about it so I'm not going to.
The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter
Also a bit of a let down, heard a lot of great things about this author and probably will still check out her earlier work but didn't love this book. The premise was interesting, the story arc was interesting, the characters were alright, the medical/biology stuff is where I felt it was lacking. I try not to give spoilers so I won't say more but if you do read this don't take all the medical/science as completely accurate.
Have you read any of these books? What were your thoughts? Do you have any book recommendations for me? Comment below.
ICYMI: What I Read in February
My rating system:
5 - Loved it and recommend it!
4 - Liked it and recommend it!
3 - It's not my cup of tea but that's not saying I didn't not enjoy it or not to read it.
2 - Pass!
1 - I'm surprised I didn't put the book down. Actually I probably would put the book down so you probably won't see this rating on my blog.
The 4s or rather the 4 (singular)
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
Honestly, probably more of a 3.5 but bottom line is I liked it! I wouldn't say it's anything special but it was a nice thriller set in a smart house which is interesting since that's what so many people in society are moving to. It's a bit slow at times but there are twists that just aren't predictable which is nice - really what more can you ask for in a thriller.
The 3's
Fast Girl by Suzy Favor Hamilton
I thought I'd like this book more - about a former runner (I run) and her struggle with mental illness but it fell short. I really appreciated her openness but it mostly just felt like she was listing bad choices she made and not really digging in deep. I feel like it could have been so much more. I debated between a 2 and 3 but ultimately am leaving it as a 3 because it was interesting.
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
I kept seeing this book everywhere so I figured I'd jump on the bandwagon but honestly, I thought it was a bit overrated. It's written about all over the blogosphere and honestly I don't really have anything to say about it so I'm not going to.
The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter
Also a bit of a let down, heard a lot of great things about this author and probably will still check out her earlier work but didn't love this book. The premise was interesting, the story arc was interesting, the characters were alright, the medical/biology stuff is where I felt it was lacking. I try not to give spoilers so I won't say more but if you do read this don't take all the medical/science as completely accurate.
Have you read any of these books? What were your thoughts? Do you have any book recommendations for me? Comment below.
ICYMI: What I Read in February
Friday, March 27, 2020
I am apparently a camerawoman and producer now...
Kidding! But my partner did make me film this for him so check it out. I figured it jived with the whole PhDLifestyle aspect of my blog anyway because grad students definitely have a need for quick, easy and cheap meals.
So what do you think? Do I have a career in cinematography if science doesn't pan out? (Please don't answer that)
But please answer in the comments below: What weird things has your partners/roommates/parents/yourself? made you participate to stay sane in these crazy times (i.e. COVID19 Pandemic)?
So what do you think? Do I have a career in cinematography if science doesn't pan out? (Please don't answer that)
But please answer in the comments below: What weird things has your partners/roommates/parents/yourself? made you participate to stay sane in these crazy times (i.e. COVID19 Pandemic)?
Monday, March 23, 2020
Check me out on PhDetails!
I was featured on PhDetails last week!
Hey look it's me! Thank you @PhDetails for this awesome & fun opportunity! #scicomm #WomenInSTEM https://t.co/2h5FK2Q1SY— Caitlyn Cardetti (@CaitlynCardetti) March 20, 2020
What's PhDetails? "PhDetails is designed to be a blog to share the ups and downs, ins and outs and stories behind biology PhD students from all over the world. We hope to remove some of the mystique surrounding PhDs and give a real insight into what a variety different PhD students did to end up where they are, what they're currently doing with their time, and what drives them."
It was definitely fun to be a part of and easy. Please check me out (here's the link). But don't forget to check out the other profiles and maybe even consider doing it yourself!
Sunday, March 15, 2020
OH THAT ACADEMIC AUDACITY: COVID-19 EDITION
Virtual classes good but kicking students out of the dorms because of precautions for COVID-19...
What?
And by what, I mean what the f*ck?!
That's a mighty assumption you're making that all your students have the privilege to just simply "go home".
Thank gawd my university hasn't done that. And neither has my alma mater. At least not yet.
A list of universities that have shut down their dorms:
Harvard University
The University of Maine, Orono
Stanford University
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Trinity University, San Antonio
Bellarmine University, Louisville KY
MIT
University of South Alabama
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Fordham University, Bronx NY
Columbia University, New York NY
Stanford University
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Trinity University, San Antonio
Bellarmine University, Louisville KY
MIT
University of South Alabama
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Fordham University, Bronx NY
Columbia University, New York NY
What universities are missing from this list?
What are your thoughts on this?
Update on March 18th, 2020.
Well Stony Brook University has officially done it - they've closed their on campus housing too.
You can read the public announcement here: https://news.stonybrook.edu/university/campus-residences-announces-move-out-requirement-to-reduce-density/
But let me make it clear, this announcement was not disseminated to ALL students and staff via email. I found out through a forwarded email and the grapevine. Also the email I saw was specific to RAs, TAs and GAs who are still working and how they had less than 24 hours to appeal if they wanted to stay. LESS THAN 24 hours. So best make sure people are checking their email religiously during our SPRING BREAK!
I am so not happy about this. While I understand that there are tough decisions being made about reducing public interactions I do not agree with the closures of dorms. See my Twitter rant here:
If you read the comments on the official post and Facebook (link to FB post) you'll see I'm not alone. Just last week they assured us the dorms would remain open then sent everyone on spring break only to now be told a few days into spring break, just kidding? Regardless of opinions about the actions they (SBU admin) are taking, their communication is whack. WHACK!
P.S. The labs are still open though. Unlike our neighbors Memorial Sloan Kettering and Columbia University who have chosen to close theirs.
Update on March 18th, 2020.
Well Stony Brook University has officially done it - they've closed their on campus housing too.
You can read the public announcement here: https://news.stonybrook.edu/university/campus-residences-announces-move-out-requirement-to-reduce-density/
But let me make it clear, this announcement was not disseminated to ALL students and staff via email. I found out through a forwarded email and the grapevine. Also the email I saw was specific to RAs, TAs and GAs who are still working and how they had less than 24 hours to appeal if they wanted to stay. LESS THAN 24 hours. So best make sure people are checking their email religiously during our SPRING BREAK!
I am so not happy about this. While I understand that there are tough decisions being made about reducing public interactions I do not agree with the closures of dorms. See my Twitter rant here:
I am trying to generate a list of universities that have kicked people of the dorms. I know @Harvard has and so has @UMaine.— Caitlyn Cardetti (@CaitlynCardetti) March 15, 2020
Please comment below if you know of other universities. And please RT. @AcademicChatter #PhDChat
If you read the comments on the official post and Facebook (link to FB post) you'll see I'm not alone. Just last week they assured us the dorms would remain open then sent everyone on spring break only to now be told a few days into spring break, just kidding? Regardless of opinions about the actions they (SBU admin) are taking, their communication is whack. WHACK!
P.S. The labs are still open though. Unlike our neighbors Memorial Sloan Kettering and Columbia University who have chosen to close theirs.
Check me out on 46 Questions!
I was featured on 46 Questions last week!
What's 46 Questions? They are a blog that is "Making Science Inclusive By Highlighting Those That Do It Via A #46Qs Interview Everyone Gets To Read" [from Twitter bio].
It was definitely fun to be a part of and easy. Please check me out (here's the link). But don't forget to check out the other profiles and maybe even consider doing it yourself!
Meet #46Qs scientist: Caitlyn Cardetti (@CaitlynCardetti)!— 46 Questions (@46Questions) March 9, 2020
Caitlyn's a PhD Candidate in Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology at Stony Brook University. Her research focuses on RNA processing in human mitochondria. Her other interests… https://t.co/R4OmroK8XM pic.twitter.com/7Lw3GgZQlB
What's 46 Questions? They are a blog that is "Making Science Inclusive By Highlighting Those That Do It Via A #46Qs Interview Everyone Gets To Read" [from Twitter bio].
It was definitely fun to be a part of and easy. Please check me out (here's the link). But don't forget to check out the other profiles and maybe even consider doing it yourself!
30 Lessons I've learned in my 30 years
I had this post mostly written and meant to post it sooner but with all that's happening other things took priority. Anyway, I'm 30 now and here are "30" lessons I've learned over my 30 years.
- Growing pains never stop! You are not who you were a year ago and accepting yourself is a lifelong process although it gets a little easier every year - this isn't to say it isn't still hard though.
- Who your family is is your choice. Genetics be damned!
- Female friendships are the best.
- True friendships will survive distance and time.
- Hang out with friends one on one, it's lovely. Not saying group outings aren't great but one on one is the best for intimacy and not feeling lonely.
- Take the risk and be vulnerable, if it's not received well they're not worthy not you
- Don't overthink it (okay, I lied, I am still learning this lesson)
- The power of habits is no joke. Breaking bad habits are just as important (if not more important) than building good habits.
- Most of your habits are hidden, take some time to really look at them.
- There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Just make sure to ask the right person.
- Never stop learning.
- Leave your comfort zone more often.
- If there is something you want to try, stop making excuses and try it!
- Putting yourself first is not selfish. Full stop.
- The greatest reflection of your priorities is your time (okay so I didn't come up with this).
- Being late is fucking rude and inconsiderate - it's saying your time is more important than the others. Thank you Dad for teaching me that anything other than 5 minutes early is late. But for real be on time.
- Your shit stinks too. Keep this in mind when it comes to being empathetic and forgiving of others. We're all human and no one is perfect. Let the little things go.
- Expectations set you up for failure - be open, be present, be mindful.
- Spend time outside everyday!
- Stop comparing!
- Drink more water!
- You might not be able to control your emotions but you can control your reactions. Take a breath and a moment to decide what you want to do.
- The human body is extraordinary, it does amazing feats, respect yours and celebrate it instead of always focusing on what it isn't or can't do. E.g. I am always blown away by how quickly a body can make mucus, like is this something I enjoy? Absolutely f*cking not but to say it's not amazing is an an understatement.
- There aren't rules for roommates, significant others, or adults - people have different views on how to live life and that's okay but that doesn't mean either of you are wrong just maybe not compatible.
- Just get started (also a lie because I'm definitely still working on this!).
- Saying no to others is usually saying yes to yourself.
- Read more, if you don't like reading listen to a damn audiobook.
- It's okay to have a pet hamster in your late 20s, even into your 30s. Hi Zinc!
- Learn to be honest with yourself without judgement. Self reflection helps you grow the most.
- Know that you have the power to change if you want to. Key word want. If you don't want to then learn to accept it. If you do want to, be patient with yourself and give yourself reasonable time to make this change.
- Having life figured out is a lie, there will always be a next hurdle, if you get stuck on this you'll be stuck on this until you die so might as well ditch this terrible concept now. Having it all is BS!
- Be kind to yourself. If you don't know how imagine whatever it is you're struggling with is what a friend is struggling with and then give yourself the love and advice you'd give them.
- Rules are social constructs and social constructs are fake. So f*ck them. That's why this list is longer than 30 because ain't no "real" rules! **Getting arrested though is very real.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Be true to yourself!
- It's never too late!
- Sorry for listing cliches but it's not like the idea of a post listing life lessons for a birthday is original anyway... And you know what those cliches are cliches for a reason. May not be original but they are true. So I guess I need to make this a lesson in which case who cares if you like shit that's not original, we all do. Own what you like no matter what. Now bring me some pumpkin spice!
- Find an outlet (e.g. bad blogging, journaling, screaming, running).
- Don't let someone claim you're not being grateful or appreciative or whatever for wanting to seek out more or better. Because guess what? You can be both grateful and appreciative while still wanting more. Tell them to STFU because they are a hypocrite because they are full of sh*t if they claim they don't do the same.
- But do be grateful and appreciative.
- "The cure for anything is salt water — sweat, tears, or the sea." - Karen Blixen Okay, so this is a quote but it's also a lesson because it is so true!
- You don't have to be good at something to enjoy doing it.
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| Okay so this poor quality photo is from my 29th birthday but we're gonna work with it. I didn't do anything big for my 30th because I'm old and tired. Well not really but I am definitely tired because grad school (my very valid excuse for everything). Don't worry I did have a nice dinner out though. |
Friday, March 6, 2020
Happy Birthday to Me!
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| Credit: goneintorapture.com |
It's my 30th birthday today!
I can't believe I'm 30! I don't feel 30! And according to others, I don't look 30 but then again I don't question them too hard on that. ;) Honestly, I'm kind of weirdly excited to turn 30. Here's to hoping I feel the same way for the coming decades.
Cheers!
P.S. I've been dying to use this comic for years!
Sunday, March 1, 2020
What I Read in February
And what I read in January since I didn't make a post for then. I'm still finding my voice for this blog so for now I'm trying out the types of posts I see on blogs I like. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
My rating system:
5 - Loved it and recommend it!
4 - Liked it and recommend it!
3 - It's not my cup of tea but that's not saying I didn't not enjoy it or not to read it.
2 - Pass!
1 - I'm surprised I didn't put the book down. Actually I probably would put the book down so you probably won't see this rating on my blog.
The 5's
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
In my opinion, it did a great job embracing the complexity of women and their relationships and how society treats them.
Sadie by Courtney Summers
Nice crime drama. The ending was amazing, I don't want to say anything more. Would definitely recommend it.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
I was inspired to read this because it's being turned into a TV show. I loved it. I love the ending. I'm now reading her book Everything I Never Told You.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Haven't read The Handmaid's Tale but I watch the show which is why I wanted to read this book. It was great.
The 4's
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
It was written as if an older woman was accounting her past in letters. I
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This was a solid psychological thriller. I also really liked that how the actual psychology was portrayed in it. Definitely kept me on edge the entire time.
The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
I read this because it's coming out as a movie soon and that's the kind of person I am. The beginning started off sounding like a rambling crazy woman which I guess it is but it took me a bit to get into. But when I did get into it, I was into it. Had some great twists.
The 3's
Eh, I mean I finished it. I didn't hate it. But I wouldn't recommend it to others. Also I didn’t like how he wrote the female character.
The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
I read this because I want to see the movie that has a modern take on it with Kate Moss. Also I thought a book on a mad scientist would be my cup of tea, but it was not. I just could not get into it.
Have you read any of these books? What were your thoughts? Do you have any book recommendations for me? Comment below.
Also if you're curious how I got through 12 books in two months while in grad school it's because I listen to a vast majority of them as audiobooks on my 40 minute commute, while I wash dishes, at the gym, etc. I use Libby which is an amazing free app that checks audiobooks out using your local library card so it's free!
My rating system:
5 - Loved it and recommend it!
4 - Liked it and recommend it!
3 - It's not my cup of tea but that's not saying I didn't not enjoy it or not to read it.
2 - Pass!
1 - I'm surprised I didn't put the book down. Actually I probably would put the book down so you probably won't see this rating on my blog.
The 5's
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
In my opinion, it did a great job embracing the complexity of women and their relationships and how society treats them.
Sadie by Courtney Summers
Nice crime drama. The ending was amazing, I don't want to say anything more. Would definitely recommend it.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
I was inspired to read this because it's being turned into a TV show. I loved it. I love the ending. I'm now reading her book Everything I Never Told You.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Haven't read The Handmaid's Tale but I watch the show which is why I wanted to read this book. It was great.
The 4's
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
It was written as if an older woman was accounting her past in letters. I
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This was a solid psychological thriller. I also really liked that how the actual psychology was portrayed in it. Definitely kept me on edge the entire time.
The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
I read this because it's coming out as a movie soon and that's the kind of person I am. The beginning started off sounding like a rambling crazy woman which I guess it is but it took me a bit to get into. But when I did get into it, I was into it. Had some great twists.
The 3's
Eleanor reminds me of what's his face in Catcher in the Rye and by that I mean annoying. But overall, it was a good book but I think a little overrated.
I read this for our Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWiSE) Book Club. I went in with expectations of female empowerment and was let down there. But it was an interesting history of the internet/e-commerce as we know it and the women behind it so I can't say I didn't enjoy it. Just didn't meet my expectations which I guess maybe I shouldn't have had? *shrugs
Eh, neutral on this. I would recommend it if you like Big Little Lies but I’m not a fan. Lots of dramatic characters.
The 2's
Start Without Me by Joshua Max FeldmanEh, I mean I finished it. I didn't hate it. But I wouldn't recommend it to others. Also I didn’t like how he wrote the female character.
The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
I read this because I want to see the movie that has a modern take on it with Kate Moss. Also I thought a book on a mad scientist would be my cup of tea, but it was not. I just could not get into it.
Have you read any of these books? What were your thoughts? Do you have any book recommendations for me? Comment below.
Also if you're curious how I got through 12 books in two months while in grad school it's because I listen to a vast majority of them as audiobooks on my 40 minute commute, while I wash dishes, at the gym, etc. I use Libby which is an amazing free app that checks audiobooks out using your local library card so it's free!
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