Longing for that which is not there

The efflux of the soul is happiness, here is happiness,
I think it pervades the open air, waiting at all times,
Now it flows unto us, we are all rightly charged.

Here rises the fluid and attaching character,
The fluid and attaching character is the freshness and sweetness of a man and a woman,
(The herbs of the morning sprout no fresher and sweeter every day out of the roots of themselves, than it sprouts fresh and sweet out of itself.)
Toward the fluid and attaching character exudes the sweat of the love of young and old,
From it falls distill'd the charm that mocks beauty and attainments,
Toward it heaves the shuddering longing ache of contact.

taken from Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

Another day...

Like most days, today involved throwing myself into various brick walls, i.e. getting frustrated in that I could not get anywhere with work and feeling as though I was not accomplishing enough... though I spend most of my time in front of this computer.

However, unlike most days, I was visited by my P.I., just checking in top see if I was doing ok. Initially, I was nervous thinking I had to have something to produce and felt like I had nothing.... however, he came just after I had managed to at least display the data in a way that worked, though it was not how I had wanted.

Needless to say, it went well and I felt like I had done a good job... at least he seemed to be impressed. So, I get a nice pat on the back... a 'way to go!'.... things I need every now and then.

Sometimes I wonder what it is all for.......

the little accomplishments.

Post weekend tired business

This past weekend was not very busy, but I am exhausted! It was wonderful to have a double wammi of company with Matthew coming up Thursday evening and then Danielle and Dan coming up Friday evening.

We went exploring Saturday, but did not venture into anything very eventful except for the happening restaurant in Swan Courter, called the Grille. If you didn't quite pick up on it that was extremely sarcasm. Actually, I enjoyed my fish sandwich; it was much better than the fast food kind. That night we went out for a few drinks to Christie's Euro Pub. It was enjoyed all around. However, it made me realize how old I am being that we went out before it was dark and got back to the house around 11p.m.

Sunday, Matthew and I made it over to the beach late in the afternoon. It was really nice weather and the wind was even a bit chilly. I'm looking forward to going over whenever I have the free time.

As for now... lots to do.

Workin' hard

After going bowling last night, and having my best game ever, I met up with Kolt at 8 a.m. this morning to give him a hand out in the field. He had to go to some of his sites and collect data, and since I loves field workin', I said I'd help out. Kolt is also from Florida and attended UF as well, but we didn't meet until we were both here. Today was nice... being outside is always a pleasure in addition to going to new places, what more could one ask?

So, a short day in the filed is followed by a leisurely swim at the pool and a bit of sun bathing. Now back to work.... to the daily grind. But looking forward to more of the same.

Ok, so I maxed out my photobucket online photo album and am looking for an alternative. I can upgrade for $25/year to 1GB but I was also looking at smugmug, has anyone used this or have any other suggestions?

I was also thinking of making my own webpage, since I want to learn html anyway, but I don't really have time for that right now.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Some pictures taken one of the days we were working in field.... This storm got us moving quickly.

It is a nice field site. I wouldn't mind having to go out once a month and collect data. We were collecting data and taking various measurements of the wells, the circular things in the ground we had put in earlier in the week, for Ari's project. We had to dig out the holes, usually put casing in, which is a large expensive hollow pvc pipe, and then insert the well. The well consists of a smaller pvc pipe with a plastic filter on the bottom, to let water in but keep sand out. She then lowered lagers, which collect data at set intervals.

These sites are located near SR 12 on the OBX. It's like A1A in Florida. It's the main road that runs down the barrier islands.

Here's a pix of JP, one of my advisors, and I working at sites farther North from the others, hence there is no storm.

This pix was taken on the sound side of the road. Ari, the one with the laptop, Twaumly, and I workin' hard.

Return from OBX

Survival in the Outer Banks was tough....naw, just joking. It was more like a vacation. Hot and sweaty working all day in the sun, a dip in the ocean afterwards to cool off and clean up and then dinner and getting to know knew people. Mixed in with a few late nights and some exploring and then high tailing it back west. Further exploration is definitely a must.

Were we were at, near Jockey's Ridge State Park and Kitty Hawk, the ocean water was calm with waves rolling in close to shore, not good for body boarding. Being over there made me realize how much I miss it.... just being on or near the ocean.

Hopefully, one day I'll be able to call a place near the beach my home and watch the changing shoreline being wisped away and return. But for now, I am here in Greenville, enjoying my time and keeping busy with an endless list of 'To Do' activities. Anxiously awaiting a visit from old friends and those soon to come.

Off to the field....

The weekend in Fl went well. Did not have much time but I think it was nice to get to visit with a few people. I arrived Friday afternoon and was soon there after dragged into the 'family photos' at Matthew's mom's wedding. The pix are going to be viewable online; when I get the link, I'll post it here and you can take a peak. The wedding was held at Hanna park in North Jax. Beach. I enjoy the park so much... it's beautiful. Shortly after the ceremony we headed down to the beach for a quick dip. It was great! Unfortunately though, due to the weather, there were a lot of strong rip currents.

Sunday afternoon, I headed back north to Greenville and today, I am going out to Nags Head, on the Outer Banks, to join the others for some field work the rest of the week. We are going to be staying in Nags Head and working north of the thick part of Cape Hatterus, where is turns in, towards the mainland, and also south of Cape Hatterus, in the Buxton area. The house is located on a wildlife preserve and there is no television so, it will be nice. I hope to get some good pictures, take a stroll around the preserve, and get to enjoy the beach some.

I hope all goes well and I do not get sick with the flu. I was able to get away without catching it Saturday, may have been infected Sunday. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

You have to read this I don't know about you guys but, I can account to having been apart of 5 or more of the listed items, which apparently means that I am a devil worshiper and desperately need help and have "gone astray from the Lord." It severely saddens me that there are people out there that truly believe this sh*t!

Busy bees buzz merrily

Things have been a bit crazy lately. Not crazy interesting, just crazy busy. I'm going to be heading south tomorrow morning to attend Matthew's mother's wedding. It will be nice to see you guys again. I was hoping we could have a beach day Saturday, but it looks like the rains from the tropical storm may intervene. It may still be possible though.

After driving back up Sunday morning, I am supposed to meet a group of people over on the outerbanks to help with field work for the rest of the week. I'm excited! Days spent sweating toxins away and working my nonexistent butt off, yipee! And that is said without a hint of sarcasm. Unfortunately, I will not be able to bring Karza with me, but a few graduate students have offered to take care of her for me. I am very grateful, but feel a bit weird about the whole thing.

All in all, things seem to be working out well. I've been making lots of maps recently, which is good, b/c I need the practice. It is so nice to be able to make something... guess that's why I like GIS.... I get to play with and make maps.

Hopefully, I'll be able to take some shots at the wedding and out in the field. I posted some more pix on the online album. There are some from the summer I spent in Panama and some more photos added to already existing albums. Unfortunately, I have met the maximum capacity of free space offered. I am not sure what I am going to do yet. If anyone has any suggestions, that would great!

Sweet patchouli

Here are some pix of my precious patchouli plant.  I transplanted it when I moved, and it has increased a lot in size.  Just think, it was a small propogated plant in a 4 inch pot, when I bought it.  I must admit, it is my most spoiled plant, if any are spoiled.  It definately gets the most attention.  You can smell the patchouli fragrance a little now, but I can't wait until it flowers.

Sunday music in the park...