New employment

This week I started a new job in a Microbiology lab, in a field in which my entire background is a 200-level undergraduate course. Surprisingly enough, I really like it. In fact, I like it so much that I would take it any day over my last lab, where I worked in surprisingly sterile and non-grossing-out conditions. What do I do in my current job?

I process poop.

Ok, so it's not nearly as bad as it might sound. Or maybe it is -- don't worry, I'll let you know. But its always nice to be in a workplace where people are willing to teach you things, and understand exactly what your questions are. It's even nicer when people are friendly, and don't take six weeks to decide they want to spend their time saying hello to you. You know, the little things. My boss is also surprisingly cool -- she's this short woman with grey hair and a good sense of humor. I went to her a week into the job to ask her for some time off for a vacation, with the promise I would do some reading to prepare for a project I could start on. Her response?

"Sure you can go, we're not slave-drivers. But I'm sure your reading will be bodice-rippers and not journal articles."

I'm going to like this job, I think. :)