There's a lot of repetition in my days. This week was a lot of finding new software, running my data through it, deciding I didn't like the results - and trying something else. Of course I also had to write reports on all of it to note the pros and cons of each type of analysis. But in the end, the simple truth is that I get paid to go to school and study the things I'm really interested in. If you ask me, that's not a bad thing to be doing at 25. In short, things are good.
Today, amidst all of my meetings, I went Christmas shopping. I'm in the "nearly done" phase where I'm just looking for little things for one person! Headed home soon - looking forward to spending some time with old friends and eating out at places that apparently they don't have in Houston (Steak 'n Shake anyone?). Wednesday is Kamikaze Karaoke, looking forward to some good laughs.
I recently had my first real liquid helium incident. We get these large tanks of helium (liquid helium is 4 degrees kelvin), and I'm in charge of transferring the helium from the tank to the machine that needs it. This is accomplished through a long (metal) tube. Normally the thing to worry about is accidently grabbing the metal tube after it's been in the liquid helium... Well, somehow when I was doing the most recent transfer a little bit of liquid helium from the tank actually froze part of my super warm glove to my finger tip. I lost all sensation in my finger tip (just one finger) for the better part of an hour. I could rub my hand along something and it was like the finger print area was asleep. Fortunately all is well now. On to more relaxing and packing while my data processes one more time.
3 comments:
Oh, how I miss Pinky & the Brain...
Freaky wierd w/ the helium incident. Glad to know you didn't lose sensation permanently. How long were you touching that thing for that to happen?? Last, but not least, wouldn't 4 K give you frostbite??
To give you an idea, Freezing is measured at +273.15K. For a better example, blood is frozen (for storage purposes) at -79 Celsius, or +194.15K. The hypothetical state of 0 degrees K is called absolute zero, meaning that all molecules stop moving. It's colder than outer space. It could theoretically cause my hand to crystalize instantly and then explode. But I try not to think of it that way :-)
--It could theoretically cause my hand to crystalize instantly and then explode. But I try not to think of it that way :-)
HA HA HA HA HA HA that just made me laugh alot for some reason!! It is a gruesome thought but all I see if you with a spurty stump for a hand b/c your hand exploded!!
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