There is a push in the scientific community that data should be freely accessible and not hidden behind a paywall. I believe in this strongly. Many scientists I know got into the field because they feel a strong affinity for learning and being able to share what they've learned with everyone.
As I'm juggling several things in life regarding science and lab work one thing has increasingly become quite apparent:
There is an invisible cost bar to citizen science and citizen self study.
As I'm trying to start my own lab (whooo, big post I've been avoiding making for reasons), dealing with current lab's recent audit (can't say much due to privacy and NDA), I've really been digging into the nitty gritty details of what it takes to run a certified, private laboratory.
The initial costs that you expect (equipment, consumables, space) is understandable to some extent and can be mitigated by hunting for deals on used equipment and government auction sites of equipment they no longer need.
But then there's the protocols that are industry standards and accepted as the way to have consistent results from lab to lab and person to person. In my current field there are two standards agencies that we pull methods from: ASTM and ISO.
A single pdf copy of an ASTM method can be purchased for a little less than $50 USD. (So far that I've seen, there might be price variants that I haven't discovered). That copy is authorized for ONE user. To technically be in compliance with the copyright, my lab should be purchasing the rights for every person who uses the SOP. But instead we just copy off the one and pass it around.
To acquire every single ASTM standard, for the current year, would be just over $10,000 USD for a digital copy, single user copyright.
When it comes to an ISO standard they get trickier. We are currently working on an audit for an agency that requires us to follow ISO 12345*
*not the actual #
Several of the deficiencies cite laboratory failure to follow protocols, including details on holding time between sampling and testing, and quality control of an in house component made for the test. If you look up in ISO 12345 the details regarding what is required, the SOP just states to refer to ISO 12333 and ISO 1223.
I went to an online store that sells access to these digital copies and added them to my cart to see what the total would be if I purchased all six (12345 + the 5 referenced) and the total came out to $943 USD. So now, as a citizen trying to start a lab, I need to add in a budget to purchase my SOP sources because they are not available in any reasonable manner.
No wonder science, as a business, is out of reach for the average person, even one with a relevant degree.
Not to mention the costs associated with achieving certification. Before you can even apply to have a lab certified with some agencies, you have to pay them for access to their audit standards to be prepared. Then you pay their employees to come to your lab for the audit. So if I want to achieve certification for my lab, I can't even tell if it's worth doing and preparing from the start without being out money. Because I can't take clients on until I can offer them the guarantee that the certification provides.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Friday, January 25, 2019
What happens in Vegas...
Gets posted to the blog! Months after the fact (This trip occurred at the beginning of August 2018)
Honestly not much happened that I'm not willing to share. I think it was a fairly tame trip so far as the stereotype goes. I was going with a group of women that I've internet known for about seven years now. We were all pregnant and on Reddit together and bonded and formed a facebook group. I've met a few of them over the years. I left on a Thursday afternoon with one of the UK members who had flown in to see her Michigan family.
The direct flight was wonderful. I was seated in the Comfortt+ part of the cabin in Delta and had lots of leg room, free headphones and free media. I pretty much watched tv shows I've been meaning to check out.
The seven of us who were attending this meetup were splitting the cost of an AirBnB just off the strip. It was a house purposefully renovated to be a rental and had lots of single beds. It meant we were able to save some money by making our own food at the house. It also had a pool!
Honestly not much happened that I'm not willing to share. I think it was a fairly tame trip so far as the stereotype goes. I was going with a group of women that I've internet known for about seven years now. We were all pregnant and on Reddit together and bonded and formed a facebook group. I've met a few of them over the years. I left on a Thursday afternoon with one of the UK members who had flown in to see her Michigan family.
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| We got to the airport early and sadly parked before my husband could send me the cheap parking coupon. ALAS |
The seven of us who were attending this meetup were splitting the cost of an AirBnB just off the strip. It was a house purposefully renovated to be a rental and had lots of single beds. It meant we were able to save some money by making our own food at the house. It also had a pool!
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| I missed the PNW. I was so excited to see mountains. This was before the wildfire smoke rolled in. |
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| Friday stuff involved pedicures for some of us |
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| Despite the impossibility, I think toilet papering this building would be grand. |
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| There was some gambling. I gambled a dollar and lost it. Then I was done. |
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| The margaritas flowed with bounty! |
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| Everything is over the top |
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| The Venetian |
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| Canal Shoppes at the Venetian |
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| It took me too long to figure this out... but all the stores are shipping containers! Hence... Container Park. The Praying Mantis is basically a giant blow torch that lights up to music. |
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| Of course I find the horse. This is from Fremont Street. We ziplined down it! |
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| Pay to get your picture taken! |
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| We ate here while high out of our minds and it was so good. |
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| We went to see the sexy Cirque du Soleil. Very very erotic and enjoyable. I went home wishing Eric was with me. |
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| We had drinks at an ice bar. |
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| And posed on a throne of ice. |
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| And got my first tattoo! |
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| Chihuly Glass at the Bellagio |
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| Bellagio Fountains |
It was a great trip! I'd want to go back and go hiking and visit some of the park areas. That's my one wish that we didn't get to do. Sure we did a lot on the strip, but if it were just me and Eric, that's not my thing. And now that I've had the experience I don't need more it.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Pub Draw and Creative Goals
For a while now I've been listening/watching the livestream or podcast of Critical Role. It scratches a Dungeons and Dragons itch that I get now that our gaming group is gone, left either in Florida or Washington. IMO, it's better than some of the TV shows available nowadays.
They recently started a spinoff where an artist, Babs Tarr, teaches Marisha (one of the players and also a voice actress), how to draw. This was inspired by the plethora of fan art that gets shared with the Critical Role community but I think it's really a wonderful thing. Babs is super talented and she really breaks things down in a way that makes drawing characters extremely accessible.
As part of 2019 I made a committment to myself to engage in some form of creative endeavor once a month at a minimum, with once a week being my goal. Pub Draw will be live streamed once a week on Twitch @critrole so it's an easy way to meet my goal while following along to her instruction! I'm already super pleased with the one thing I've done. Take a look!
I sketched this on watercolor paper and did some of the simple lines in a waterproof ink. I'm going to try and paint it later.
One of the things she suggested to do was warming up with circles, just to get your hand feeling confident in moving the pencil around on the paper. I did a few of those too, especially during the downtime.
On this one you can see some other practice stuff I did after watching a video on SkillShare. That's also a good resource for classes in artistic and business endeavors. I accidentally paid for a year membership so now I'm determined to get my money's worth.
I'm also currently working on a gift for a Mom Friend (and using a skill share video to help me along). It will be a painting of Orchids. I started it and then Eric went and Marie Kondo'd the kitchen which immediately covered the dining room table in stuff. It's finally mostly cleared off so I'm going to get working more on this too.
They recently started a spinoff where an artist, Babs Tarr, teaches Marisha (one of the players and also a voice actress), how to draw. This was inspired by the plethora of fan art that gets shared with the Critical Role community but I think it's really a wonderful thing. Babs is super talented and she really breaks things down in a way that makes drawing characters extremely accessible.
As part of 2019 I made a committment to myself to engage in some form of creative endeavor once a month at a minimum, with once a week being my goal. Pub Draw will be live streamed once a week on Twitch @critrole so it's an easy way to meet my goal while following along to her instruction! I'm already super pleased with the one thing I've done. Take a look!
I'm also currently working on a gift for a Mom Friend (and using a skill share video to help me along). It will be a painting of Orchids. I started it and then Eric went and Marie Kondo'd the kitchen which immediately covered the dining room table in stuff. It's finally mostly cleared off so I'm going to get working more on this too.
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| Super super work in progress level, lol |
Thursday, July 5, 2018
World Watercolor Month and Poison Ivy
I've been doing a lot of posting over at the horse blog, but honestly not much has been going on other than normal life. I am battling a nasty spread of poison ivy which I acquired while trying to get yard work done on the farm. I'm on my second prescription of Prednisone and I'm pretty much slathering myself in numbing lotion 24/7.
Have some fun proression pics of this, from my trip to the ER last wednesday where I was having breathing difficulties to two days ago at my followup with my primary doctor. It's also all over my forearms and now on hte right side of my face as well as my left. Benadryl gets me through the night.
Have some fun proression pics of this, from my trip to the ER last wednesday where I was having breathing difficulties to two days ago at my followup with my primary doctor. It's also all over my forearms and now on hte right side of my face as well as my left. Benadryl gets me through the night.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Contentment
Our long winter seems to be finally ending with quite a bang as we've had a few days near 90F. The plants around us are taking advantage and blooming with a swiftness that makes it hard to remember that we were bundled up with winter jackets just a week prior and still seeing only gray and brown.
And as if to remind us that summer will be fast approaching, leaving a very short spring here in Michigan, we're already experiencing a thunderstorm with warm humidity and the chorus of peepers nearly drowning out the distant rumbles.
I'm writing this from my spot by my book nook window. I've got a view west, where all our storms come from and I've been watching the giant clouds of lightning slowly pass to the south of us. Our direct storms aren't forecast for another hour but I've enjoyed the show so far. I have other things I want to be doing, like continuing catching up on a new podcast (Critical Role Vox Machina) or some sewing.
But I've got a sick 2 year old who went to bed not long ago and I'm worried that I'll miss her cries. Even not feeling well she is spunky and kind and very attached to her routine. We crawl into bed together and she gets a kiss from Daddy and then I get a kiss from Daddy. This must happen every time. And then the lights are turned out, the cats shoo'd from the room and she and I snuggle in together.
"Mamilk?" She pats my breast and always asks, even if she forgets the please more often than not. She always asks. And I consent and she makes happy little sounds as she latches. When she's sick, I am always grateful that she still nurses, both for the comfort and the immune boosts it can provide. It's my little trick of comfort I always have tucked away and when she stops nursing a part of me will miss the guaranteed calming it gives my kids.
She's got a grasp on math already because we cannot skip the other breast, by the way. She'll stop on my right and tell me she's "all done" and then take a drink of water. Then she'll pat the other side of my chest.
"Moy?" This time I make sure she uses please. Tonight I'm worried that despite the fluid intake she's getting is good, that it isn't going to stay down and I'll end up cleaning it up later. We've already prepped her bed for that eventuality.
But we keep nursing. I play sudoku on my phone while she squeezes me rhythmically. She's finished in not too long a time and rolls over with a quiet "ni night momma". There's no protest about bed. She's tired and ill and will welcome rest in those times. I want to stay with her all night but she'll get better sleep if I leave. I just really loathe leaving her to potentially get sick and not get to the bucket in time.
But maybe if she falls asleep quickly enough the nausea will remain at bay, so I leave her room, shutting the door as quietly as possible.
And now I'm sitting by the window of a dark house, breathing in the air that smells like rain is on the way, and watching the clouds be illuminated in infrequent flashes of light. It's a peaceful night and there's honestly nowhere else I'd rather be.
And as if to remind us that summer will be fast approaching, leaving a very short spring here in Michigan, we're already experiencing a thunderstorm with warm humidity and the chorus of peepers nearly drowning out the distant rumbles.
I'm writing this from my spot by my book nook window. I've got a view west, where all our storms come from and I've been watching the giant clouds of lightning slowly pass to the south of us. Our direct storms aren't forecast for another hour but I've enjoyed the show so far. I have other things I want to be doing, like continuing catching up on a new podcast (Critical Role Vox Machina) or some sewing.
But I've got a sick 2 year old who went to bed not long ago and I'm worried that I'll miss her cries. Even not feeling well she is spunky and kind and very attached to her routine. We crawl into bed together and she gets a kiss from Daddy and then I get a kiss from Daddy. This must happen every time. And then the lights are turned out, the cats shoo'd from the room and she and I snuggle in together.
"Mamilk?" She pats my breast and always asks, even if she forgets the please more often than not. She always asks. And I consent and she makes happy little sounds as she latches. When she's sick, I am always grateful that she still nurses, both for the comfort and the immune boosts it can provide. It's my little trick of comfort I always have tucked away and when she stops nursing a part of me will miss the guaranteed calming it gives my kids.
She's got a grasp on math already because we cannot skip the other breast, by the way. She'll stop on my right and tell me she's "all done" and then take a drink of water. Then she'll pat the other side of my chest.
"Moy?" This time I make sure she uses please. Tonight I'm worried that despite the fluid intake she's getting is good, that it isn't going to stay down and I'll end up cleaning it up later. We've already prepped her bed for that eventuality.
But we keep nursing. I play sudoku on my phone while she squeezes me rhythmically. She's finished in not too long a time and rolls over with a quiet "ni night momma". There's no protest about bed. She's tired and ill and will welcome rest in those times. I want to stay with her all night but she'll get better sleep if I leave. I just really loathe leaving her to potentially get sick and not get to the bucket in time.
But maybe if she falls asleep quickly enough the nausea will remain at bay, so I leave her room, shutting the door as quietly as possible.
And now I'm sitting by the window of a dark house, breathing in the air that smells like rain is on the way, and watching the clouds be illuminated in infrequent flashes of light. It's a peaceful night and there's honestly nowhere else I'd rather be.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
DIY Dino Dig
Saving this for later. I'll be making these for Hazel's birthday party on Saturday.
http://millionmoments.net/0201/03/diy-dino-dig-for-kids.html
http://millionmoments.net/0201/03/diy-dino-dig-for-kids.html
Monday, March 5, 2018
Out of Sorts Healthwise
I had my Novasure ablation a couple weeks ago and while recovery seemed to be swift, it jumpstarted my period two weeks early and it hasn't stopped. Things are weird, is the best way I can describe it. If this is my period it's nothing like I've ever had before, which is nice, but it also hasn't stopped, which is less nice. I've also had bad cramps to go along with it.
On Friday, while at work, what felt like a combination of constipation and uterine cramping pretty much brought me to my knees. I was sweating from the pain. I'd rate it equal to my gall bladder attacks and more severe than pitocin contractions in labor, only because I at least got a couple seconds to breath pain free between contractions. On friday it was just an unending torrent. After vomiting and promptly googling my symptoms, I shot a text to my husband to come take me to the ER. Michigan has horrid potholes right now. The drive to the hospital was basically torture. Every jolt made things worse.
We spent the afternoon there and I got an ultrasound and CT scan to be told "UTI". I also got morphine, which was nice, if surprising.
Well damn. That was awful. I've never had a UTI before that I know of and this was not what I would have expected.
I recovered through the weekend, barely eating Saturday because my belly was still tender. My poop habits were also weird, so I do wonder if it wasn't a touch of constipation as well, yet today, after having a day of normal goings (Sunday) I get to work and I was hit by the pain again, just not as bad. I took a ton of ibuprofen and it faded off again.
I still feel bloated and my metformin hasn't caused me to have my normal bathroom habits. I didn't dare get coffee because I was in too much pain when I would normally get coffee.
Things that concern me:
This period thing started the day after I did a long ride on Gwyn. I was told no sex but figured I'd be fine for riding. I wonder if I over did it? I have a followup this wednesday with my doctor to pursue this.
The period is on day 8. It started last monday and while it hasn't changed it also hasn't stopped.
It's WAY stinkier than I am normally. It makes me think complications yet the ultrasound showed normal stuff for after this surgery.
Either way, I'm glad that I'll be having my followup in a few days. I'd like to figure out what my normal is, or my new normal.
On Friday, while at work, what felt like a combination of constipation and uterine cramping pretty much brought me to my knees. I was sweating from the pain. I'd rate it equal to my gall bladder attacks and more severe than pitocin contractions in labor, only because I at least got a couple seconds to breath pain free between contractions. On friday it was just an unending torrent. After vomiting and promptly googling my symptoms, I shot a text to my husband to come take me to the ER. Michigan has horrid potholes right now. The drive to the hospital was basically torture. Every jolt made things worse.
We spent the afternoon there and I got an ultrasound and CT scan to be told "UTI". I also got morphine, which was nice, if surprising.
Well damn. That was awful. I've never had a UTI before that I know of and this was not what I would have expected.
I recovered through the weekend, barely eating Saturday because my belly was still tender. My poop habits were also weird, so I do wonder if it wasn't a touch of constipation as well, yet today, after having a day of normal goings (Sunday) I get to work and I was hit by the pain again, just not as bad. I took a ton of ibuprofen and it faded off again.
I still feel bloated and my metformin hasn't caused me to have my normal bathroom habits. I didn't dare get coffee because I was in too much pain when I would normally get coffee.
Things that concern me:
This period thing started the day after I did a long ride on Gwyn. I was told no sex but figured I'd be fine for riding. I wonder if I over did it? I have a followup this wednesday with my doctor to pursue this.
The period is on day 8. It started last monday and while it hasn't changed it also hasn't stopped.
It's WAY stinkier than I am normally. It makes me think complications yet the ultrasound showed normal stuff for after this surgery.
Either way, I'm glad that I'll be having my followup in a few days. I'd like to figure out what my normal is, or my new normal.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Neck Strap DIY
So, neckstrap DIY time. I roached Gwyn's mane and needed something to hang onto in moments of super fast acceleration. This was my solution. Material: Nylon webbing and a buckle.
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| I chose bright lime green because I'm in the Green Bean Endurance group and I wanted some way to identify myself. Once Gwyn's mane is longer I'll just braid in green ribbon. |
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| First, secure the strap on the non adjustable side. Some buckles are adjustable on both sides. I opted for one side fixed. |
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| Square and cross with a straight stitch. |
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| Add pyrotechnics to seal the edge of the nylon so it won't fray. |
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| Thread the adjustable side and seal the edge again with fire/heat. |
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| Test it. |
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| Approval! With extra length just in case. |
Bonus: I made two more belts! These are for sale and will fit a larger waist size rider. There is a black with gold geometric ribbon and a navy with teal ribbon.
It was sunny and warm today so I removed Gwyn's blanket.
We had kisses and cuddle time
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| *SMOOSH* |
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| "I nom your phone, Mom" |
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| Then I got itches in return for scratching her. |
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