Acquaintance-speak

(written Friday)

Kate's right, I have been a bit personal here lately. It's this whole liberation thing I've been going through. I haven't had any time to really analyze what I'm doing or saying. It's been really exciting but in a manic, unsustainable way. Back to Earth! Time to write about meaningless stuff that doesn't hurt anybody:

I have now officially written dates the kiwi way (day/month/year) enough times that I can no longer remember which is the "right" way or what date I actually meant when I wrote, for example, 10/9/07.

The front picture on today's Dominion Post was gorgeous. Apparently scientists somewhere in the US have genetically engineered mice with 4 different fluorescent colored proteins. Those 4 colors combine in different ratios to create something like 90 different perceptible shades of neurons. The result is a microscopically gorgeous picture they are wittily calling a "brainbow." I would like a high-def version to hang up poster size in my room. It combines 2 of my favorite things, brains and rainbow colors. Ah, we are approaching ever more precisely exactly what each individual neuron does. It's easy to go in and in and in, but hard to go out. Too bad for you neurostudents with a more philosophical inclination.

It is gorgeous outside! Some study recently showed women with more sun exposure are less likely to get skin cancer, but only if they are fair skinned. Roll up your pants and get some calf freckles ladies!

Kiwi nickname of the day: "mobi" (for mobile)

Practice: "It's rude to talk on your mobi and eat a bikkie at the same time, especially if your accent's American." (If it's British you just sound like whatever you are eating is the most delicious thing in the world damnit)