The Mad Scientist's Lair is official!!

My laboratory is taking shape--soon I will be able to start my research back up on a very low budget.  I also have a number of students clamoring to do research for credit or on a volunteer basis.  As long as they are ok with being addressed as 'Minion'.  Seriously.  I don't have time to memorize names, and Minion #1 is a logical way to address the problem.  I will probably make some shirts.  Note to self, I should look into using glow-in-the-dark paint, so in case of power failure I know who to scream at.  And black is always classy.  I don't think that minion is a bad term, it just has connotations with...ok, mad scientists and villains, but I don't view myself as mad, or evil.  At least no moreso than anyone else in pathogenic microbiology.  Also, to demonstrate my good faith I pledge right now not to use any of my minions for experimental purposes as a guinea pig.  There, I'm officially a good guy, right?

On other news, what does it say about a professor/scientist if you have a T-Rex head behind you in your office?  Cool, edgy, right?

Turns out one of my coworkers has an inflatable animal...interest (not like that), and there will be a different inflatable thingy up for all the seasons.  I am looking forward to the inflatable penguin.

Sleep is good.  I got 6 hours last night and feel like a new person.  Slightly more positive about the students--I actually had a discussion with (gasp) QUESTIONS spontaneously asked by multiple students today!  Good questions!  Maybe I'm finally getting through to my young zombie friends...

....Why is there a giant, inflatable turkey outside my office, and how long has it been there?

As I sit here, not correcting papers and preparing my laboratory for doing science, I am struck by the realization that I don't believe I am a fully mature adult mentally.  Then again, I know very few highly-educated adults which I would perceive as 'adult'.  The very definition is vague and depending on the individual opinion.  Maybe we never replace that kid in us, just layer and overload that child's responses in Responsibility. 

Second thought:  I am too nice to the students.  There is nothing improper, just a shift in the student to think that their wishes and thoughts are equal to mine in the classroom.  Then they start arguing when they think something is wrong.  Give them and inch...argh.  It's depressing--most students recognize the line between teacher and student, and can be friendly but respectful, and then it is always ruined by one who perceives that they are above the laws and start mouthing off.  Ruins it for the rest of them.  Yet I will remain optimistic.  Yay.