Conference update

I have been back from Florida for more than a month now though it certainly didn’t feel like it. Believe it or not, time definitely flies faster in front of the computer than in the labs for me. This is a pathetically long overdue blog and I suppose I’d better start off by describing the trip since I’ve not been keeping in touch with many people since then.

The conference in Florida was certainly very well organized and personally rewarding. I was amazed by the strength of the structural adhesives sessions this year, as there were no less than eight, where as I recall, there were only 2-3 a couple of years ago. There wasn’t much time to wander around as I arrived in Tampa the night before the first day of the conference and flew back on the very afternoon it ended. Really regret not having done any shopping there except for a quick trip to Walgreens to get some cold/cough drops for SR. Did have plenty of time to shop around in Charlotte airport though but they only have the usual offerings of chocolates and a range of not so pretty fridge magnets and key rings. The trip there was fine as I was travelling with a post-doc but the trip back was a little lonely as I had allocated too much time for transit.

Highlight 1: Security at Airport
It was the first time I’ve been back to the States again after they’ve implemented additional security features like the finger scan and photo taking. My favourite piece of security equipment was the powder analyser (got to find out its technical name), which was a stand alone cubicle big enough for one person to stand in. I was told to hold on to my shirt by a very polite customs officer before he closed the door and moments later, strong jets of air gushed at me from all four corners of the cubicle. Vacuum ducts lining the perimeter then drew in the air and performed a chemical analysis on the air-borne deposits loosened by the blowing. It was a hair-messing experience accompanied by a long wait for the analysis results but I always get an adrenaline rush when I try out new gadgets. As usual, my luggage and shoes were being wiped because I was ‘specially selected’ for the thorough screening process. I’ve learnt on this trip that the passengers were not always picked at random by the security officers for full security screening, but in actuality by the airlines who would print a special code on the boarding passes of the passengers they wish to check.

Highlight 2: Arrival Gift
There was a long queue for checking-in at the hotel and hence when a receptionist became available, both the post-doc and I decided to approach her together. As a gentleman, he let me get my room first. The receptionist then asked if I’ll like to have one or two keys and when I said one, she looked a little surprised. I surmised from her expression that she thought the post-doc and I were checking into the same room and I explained at once that “we are checking into different rooms”. Annoyingly, the cheeky post-doc raised his eyebrow and said “Oh, really?” which earned a well deserved punch from me. The receptionist smiled apologetically and then told me that there is an arrival gift for me. “Oh great! Conference proceedings!” I thought, and then I saw her carry over a large green box. Guess what? They were flowers for me!!!

I knew they were from MX without doubt. I was truly stunned and very touched at that moment. It was the most romantic thing MX had done for me and I was really surprised at his loving gesture. The flowers did wonders to drive away my misery of not celebrating CNY with my family and friends. They brought me comfort in my hotel room and now fully dried and still very beautiful, they continue to bring me great joy at my residence. By the way, the flowers came with a vase and plant food. How considerate!! No wonder I love him so much!! *grins* :)

Highlight 3: Cheeseburger
I’ve been missing the taste of a real proper American cheese burger and needless to say, I got my wish.

Highlight 4: Recruitment
I was approached by two quite renowned academics who incidentally attended my presentation and they enquired about my plans after graduation. Although my bond provides job security, it also limits my career option for the next six years. It became apparent to me how easily I could have ended up in Japan or Carolina for a post-doc position. Naturally, I could pick neither, and could only offer them my interest of spending my sabbatical with them when the opportunity arise.

After the conference:
I’ve spent a lot of time writing since I’ve been back. The spring weather in London is definitely something I’m going to miss and sometimes I feel the urge to work outdoors in the sun. I’ve written about 250 pages of main text now and 30 pages of appendix. I reckon I have about 100 pages more to go before the thesis is complete. Foreseeing some challenging times ahead indeed when I try to take things out to keep the thesis under 300 pages. Ha! But I’ll be worrying about that later.