Yawn… another long day today, filled (in the morning) with boring lectures and relatively interesting ones in the afternoon. Then tonight there was the big combined Division Dinner in Parliament House.
I spent most of the day alternating between the lab and the lectures. I got the mono-reaction to work in very good yield. I was extremely worried yesterday when my supervisor said he wanted to "review my progress" on Monday (of the coming week) and that sent me into a screaming panic. This is because my reactions have not been going forward and my essential starting materials have not yet arrived. So I spent a few hours late in the laboratory scaling up the reactions trying to get the claimed "80% yield" as opposed to my worthless 0-20% yield. So getting ~95% yield for the mono-system today was encouraging. Tonight the bis (two-armed system) system is stirring away and I'll cross my fingers for tomorrow. If that works, then I'll finally attempt the bulk tris (three-armed system).
I got a letter from Mrs Doak today, it was really nice of her. :) I'm not sure where she finds the time to write, but she sent me a letter and two photos of Chris which was cool. I'll have to thank her when a) I'm less buggered and b) when my internet connection is working.
Last night, seven of us were at Susan and Jules's place to eat and watch videos. Me, Red (who I gave a lift to), Bridget, Heather, Jules W, Jules D and Susan. We had Spaghetti Bolongase for dinner and then watched "Hercules Returns" which as Bridget would say was "piss-funny". I came home and crashed out.
Tonight was the dinner at Parliament House and I didn't know what to wear. In the end I looked like a waiter. My wardrobe is in a state of flux, and all I had was black pants and white shirt which was about the only acceptable thing to rock up in. It was Ok I guess, the ticket ($60) was paid for by my supervisor out of one of the grants. The service was slow but not surprising considering there was ~500 people and the food was Ok I guess. Personally I would have preferred to order pizza and pocket the $45 in change. But it was Ok, I guess.
Ok, tomorrow is Friday. Last day of the conference. More lab work. Peta B may be coming up on the weekend so it would be nice to see her. Mum, Dad and Gabby (my brothers girl-friend) should hopefully be coming over on Monday. My brother Charles is hopefully going to complete his Reserve Army officers training and be ready for his "Passing-Out" parade on Tuesday, so we will hopefully do dinner on Monday night.
Ok, I am totally tired and want to rest… kill these ICQ conversations and collapse into bed…