lab graffiti

This magnetic letter "graffiti" in my research lab makes me smile.  :)

My undergrad put up the words lithography and nano over the fume hood and the senior prof that also teaches the other 2 general chemistry lectures posted the others.
I'm so thankful for both of them!
Though having a research student has added at least 6 hours more work into my life each week, it has forced me to be engaged in research.  Today we collected data on samples he's been making.  1 out of 5 worked - not bad, not bad...  I also really appreciate his disposition - he's a whistler - which I think is an outward expression of inward joy.  He also is competent and patient.  Hopeful for more like him (he'll be graduating in may).
The senior prof has been such a gift.  He's been teaching longer than I've been alive and he has been such an encouragement to me.  Helping me figure out all the ins and outs of the system AND he's been a great reminder to me regularly to "have fun" when I'm teaching.  Also encouraging me to do a good job, but not hurt myself trying to do the best every time.

I also appreciate that these magnets followed me from Penn State.  They were a white elephant Christmas gift I got at our research group's holiday part.  I brought them into lab and they lived on the front of an oven and fridge for many many years.  Then when that lab was being packed up to move to UCLA, I rescued these magnets from the trash (along with many old samples and extraneous supplies).

Giving thanks for what was, what is, and what is to come.  Hopeful for how past, present, and future may intertwine...  Curious what pieces of the past may bring joy in the future (like these simple colorful alphabet magnets!)