Don’t forget to vote today since none of you voted in the primary.

To find your polling place: Where Do I Vote?

Work has gotten substantially more busy in 2010, but I already knew that was coming. From what I hear, most of our employees vacation in the summer, spend all fall traveling to conferences and stuff, and hold off on projects until after the holidays. So, once January rolls around, it’s pedal-to-the-metal.

I’ve also taken on the gargantuan task of assisting our academic affairs department (it’s actually just one woman) with her massive faculty search. This isn’t like hiring some schmuck for some run-of-the-mill job. This is a HUGE opportunity for a scientist – a faculty position at a very prestigious university as well as a full lab and a leadership role at our place. Candidates aren’t just talking to an HR rep and a hiring manager. These folks have TWO FULL 9-to-6 DAYS (!!!) of interviews with some of the top scientific leaders in the country. My role is to help schedule all the madness. And let me tell you, I’ve never before felt so fulfilled by merely booking hotel rooms.

And if that wasn’t enough, this week I was also permanently assigned to a group of scientists that I had been assisting for a couple months now. (They like me, they really like me!) I couldn’t even begin to tell you what they do or study. I’m about two PhD’s short of understanding any of it. But if they have a receipt that needs to be paid or an airplane ticket to purchase, gosh darn it, I’m there!

It’s all a far cry from last year at this time when I had to forcefully keep myself from driving off a cliff every morning. It’s a good feeling when you don’t find yourself hysterically crying for your entire commute, fully knowing the misery that awaits. In other words, seven months in and I still love my job.

I can’t help but feel personally responsible for the Patriots 33-14 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens yesterday. I let down the team, the fans, and myself. You see, our game day ritual includes properly setting up our living room. Everything must be in the proper position and this, my friends, is where I failed miserably.

Incapable of understanding how the Patriots could play so poorly through the first quarter, I looked up and noticed I had missed a huge part of our set-up. My “Biggest Fan” figurine was not on the coffee table where it is supposed to be. The Patriots began to play much better once the living room was set to proper Patriots game day feng shui, but the damage had been done. They just couldn’t overcome the insurmountable 24 point lead the Ravens had built up prior to me properly arranging my living room. IT’S ALL MY FAULT!!!!!!!

Overall, I can’t complain about this season. It was, as evident by the Richard Seymour trade, a rebuilding year and I expect to see some big changes in the coming off season, namely the departure of Adalius “Humble Pie – NOT” Thomas. I was pleased to see the development of safety Brandon Meriweather and I was also satisfied with the play of our other safety named Brandon (McGowan). I was most pleased with our very own German, Sebastian Vollmer. He stepped in and hardly skipped a beat. I hope corner Leigh Bodden returns for next season as well as RB Fred Taylor.

My biggest hope for the off season is for the Patriots to pick up a solid pass rusher as I feel that was one of their biggest defensive weaknesses throughout the ‘09 season.

Now, I’m left with only one option for the remaining playoffs – Baltimore. I can’t cheer for the Colts, certainly not the Chargers and most definitely not the Jets. On the NFC side, I’m all about the Arizona Cardinals (again). Brett Favre makes me ill so I can’t root for the Vikes, the Cowboys are the Cowboys, and after hearing how downright RUDE Saints fans were to my cousin during the Patriots-Saints game (I’ll save that story for another day but let’s just say they put Eagles fans to shame), I am rooting for the Saints to do nothing but lose… bad.

Here’s to a “fowl” Super Bowl – Cardinals vs. Ravens!

You know you were pretty hammered on New Year’s Eve when you discover photos on your camera that you have no recollection of taking. I present to you… a brief glimpse into my New Years Eve ‘10:

Now that my hangover has subsided to the point that I can sit up, I guess it’s time to see how I did with my 2009 New Year’s Resolutions. Let’s have at it, shall we?

“1.) Knit a sweater.” – Nope. Didn’t happen. I started one but I screwed up, freaked out, and ripped apart the whole thing.

“2.) Take a vacation.” – That didn’t happen either.

“3.) Lose 20 lbs.” – Major fail. I did lose 5 pounds, though.

“4.) Partake in Project 365.” – Fail. I made it to May.

“5.) FIND A NEW JOB!” – SUCCESS!

“6.) Use my savings account for actual savings.” – No, but I did open up a new savings account at my work’s credit union.

“7.) Buy some new clothes.” – I did! Lots of clothes. I need to dress to impress at work.

“8.) Get organized.” – I have no idea what the hell I was talking about with this one.

“9.) Reconnect with old friends.” – Sort of success. Thanks, Facebook.

10.) Get to at least one sports event this year.” – Success!

Four out of ten ain’t bad! Especially since I did the biggest one of all – found a new job.

So, for 2010, I resolve to:
1.) Lose the dreaded 20 pounds
2.) Spend more time with my boyfriend
3.) Buy a new car
4.) Actually finish Project 365
5.) Take a fucking vacation
6.) Knit a sweater
7.) Get more sleep
8.) Eat better
9.) Save more money
10.) Get a tan

I wonder if I’ll complete any of these.