Scientific Discovery

So, I have come to the last night of The 30th Lorne Conference on Protein Structure and Function , I must say I have had a fantastic time so far. Well, pardon the cliché if you may, but the sun, sand, sea, the company (which is basically about hanging out with a bunch of hoons who went around terrorizing everyone, really) and the booze (there is always enough in my guts to make me all chilled and mellow and to forget I'm actually on a work assigment) have been awesome. In addition to the leisure acitivities, I did learn a lot from the seminars and presentations and this will definitely mark another milestone for my career as a scientist (although I hate to sound like a dork like that). I can't say I like the venue much though, and it's a tad awkward that the conference is held here on Phillip Island instead of Lorne (which has been the venue for the past 30 years). On top of all, I have reaffirmed the fact (sadly) that scientists aren't exactly the most normal people around, and I hate to get associated with them (without sounding too smug). Still, it's been fun in a sick way checking out the fashion faux pas of the delegates and amusing myself with how weird they can be after just a coupla drinks!

In any case, I am glad I came to this conference. On the personal front, I have managed to identify the Southern Cross amisdt the gazillion of stars (with the help of a friend) and have seen and touched a shark's egg for the first time. Yeah, it may not sound like much, but to a city boy like me, it can be a tad exciting (although I must admit I loathe nature most of the time) in a nerdy sort of way. All in all, this has been like a mini getaway for me before I get down to the nitty gritty bits of moving house (which is happening this weekend).

Yes, I can't wait to move to my new place and get all settled down before my birthday. Well, it's not that birthdays mean much to me anymore, but still, I would want it to be all pleseant and nice like that. Birthday wish? Oh well, what the heck.

Right, gotta head back to the dining hall for my dessert and for the silly end-of-conference dance later. I can't wait to see all the freaks working the booze and the dance floor!