BTEC - North Carolina

In November, I headed to North Carolina for the QC/Analytical course at the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) at NC State University. This course focused on analytical methods used to detect, quantitate, and characterize therapeutic biomacromolecules.

My pipetting skills were good enough for me to earn a gold metal (i.e., I had a low coefficient of variation (CV) on five replicates that were weighed against a defined volume). I only have one more course in February 2010; it will be nice to see old co-workers again.

First time eating oysters.

Aerial shots from the plane.

Sunset on the way home - taken from the truck on the I-15.

Patriotic Cupcakes

For Veterans Day, Mom and I made and red, white, and blue cupcakes, frosted with butter-cream icing and delivered them to veterans we knew. 'Thank you' to all those who have served and are serving our country.

Halloween Night

On Halloween night we had over a hundred kids come treat-or-treating to our door. Our Costco candy bars didn't last the night, so we ended up handing out our fruit leather, which wasn't a big hit. After handing out candy to the kiddies, we headed to Club Abyss for their Freakers Ball. This was our first time at this club; the club was small but packed full of costumed patrons. We joined friends for a few drinks and dancing. Our friends, Mike and Kandi, were in the running for the best couples costume. Halloween ended well; we can hardly wait a whole year for the celebrations to begin once again.

Ready to head out! Ken was answering the door in his Roman costume. He had some teenagers say, "THIS IS SPARTA! You should kick us!"

Wimpy Hulk Hogan and Ken.
[The Hulk was given the booby prize in the costume contest.]

Masquerade Ball

In October, we attended an art show/masquerade ball for local artist, Pashaa. Ken was crafty and made masks for our friend, Bristol, me, and himself. I would describe Pashaa's artwork as digital surrealism.

Us with Pashaa.

Steampunk Thad and Bristol.