Last two exons amplified . . . *sigh*

It seems like it's been a long road to this point, even though it's only been two weeks.  I transferred a couple of exosap'd exons to 96 well plates, and then amplified the last two exons.  I'm going to run the gel on those tomorrow, and hopefully they will turn out well.  If not I definitely have time to reamplify before I go to the center again.

When I do go to the center, I will have A LOT to accomplish.  So far I've submitted six plates for sequencing, two of which I've analyzed the results already.  This being said I will have to analyze four plates next visit.  Also, I will be bringing exons seven through 12 exosap'd.  Thus I will have to run six BigDyeFast PCRs, and get six plates ready for sequencing.  I will also have to ExoSap, BigDyeFast, and get plates ready for exons 13 and 14.  Then exons 7-14 have been submitted for sequencing, I will have to analyze those eight plates of samples.  I'm going to assume this will take at least three trips to the center.  I'm going to be a busy girl next week! (Not that this is irregular.)

There are a few things that I've learned while working in the lab.  I'll list a few of them for you.

 1)  Tubes are hard to deal with in masses.
 2)  Especially those with domed caps.
 3)  Don't even attempt to paint your nails while working with tubes.  Your nails will be bent back, broken, and immediately chipped.
 4)  You CAN get calluses on your thumbs.
 5)  Sharpies don't work as well as the permanent markers from the GGC.
 6)  I'm not sure Pandora has that time limit per month anymore; I've listened to it nonstop for at least 8 hours everyday.  Otherwise, I've somehow managed to trick them.
 7)  I find working in a lab to be a bit relaxing, even though I have to race the clock in preparing the reactions.
 8)  Multi-channel pipettes save lives.  (Ok, maybe not literally, but still.)
 9)  Tour groups think anyone working alone in a lab is an alien.
10)  Doing science-y things pays off.  Mark Olencki will come take your picture!