Gavin's introduction to his new colleagues, written by his boss

R&D

In this addition of the TrueBlue, R&D is pleased to announce the arrival of Gavin Cornwell as a Research Associate I. In a continuing effort to tip the balance of power in R&D to the Dark Side, we had to go all the way to Dallas, Texas to unearth a suitably qualified chemist. Gavin is no prairie cowpuncher with lone star tattoos though; he hails originally from New Mexico. Interestingly, he's the son of a radio astronomer, which has led some to suggest that Gavin's early life is actually based on the 1982 movie, E.T.

Despite his outwardly quiet and unassuming manner, Gavin is accomplished in Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art characterized by fluid acrobatic play, feints, subterfuge and extensive use of groundwork, as well as sweeps, kicks and headbutts. Not long after starting at KPL, he decided he wasn't getting beat up enough, and also took up Jiu-jitsu. Please don't be confused about the red welts on his neck, they're more likely from his work-out the night before rather than a chance encounter with a Rockville floozy. In two short months, Gavin has already made a significant contribution to R&D, slicing through the fluorophore conjugate project with ninja-like skill and bringing it to gate review a month ahead of schedule. Not only is his scientific sword sharp, but his razor like wit slices even Michael Federman to shreds on a daily basis. To this Gavin, KPL can simply say "Cheers!"-Seth

Finally, We're Permanent Residents!

Tim got the email from our immigration caseworker just last night. After several last minute requests for various missing forms or information, we were approved.

Even when your employer is requesting the permanent residency on your behalf, and the employer is CSIRO, application is still a long and arduous process - especially when you are both over 50 and one of you has a mental health problem and can't work. Tim had to get his heart checked out (I could have TOLD them he has a good heart), but would they listen to me? I had to meet with an independent psychiatrist who could verify that I was an unlikely axe-murderer, and besides, I couldn't possibly be any crazier than the "Chaser" guys are, right?

An applicant also has to prove they aren't currently married to more than one person (assuming they aren't Muslim or Fundamentalist Mormans, I guess). We had to write to the US for our divorce decrees (Tim's one decree and my two - yeah, I have a somewhat crazy past, so deal with it.) You also have to get criminal checks from your State and the US FBI.

So all in all, applying for permanent residency is an expensive and complicated and stressful process and we are really glad it's over with a positive outcome.

We're excited because we love living in Australia, and now it even feels more like "home." I'm glad they didn't deny me because I'm a somewhat crazy old person... although, from what I've heard about certain Australian politicians....

Cheers and G'Day Mate and No Worries!
Judi

Mica (Nee circa 1989-October 11, 2007)

One of my best girlfriends died today. She was 18. I found her at the Humane Society in 1990, and I think she was about one year old. She had been rescued while roaming the mountains east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I think she must have been hungry when they found her, because I have never known a dog who would eat anything... well, almost anything. She used to leave the sprig of parsley on her plate.

Right after I got Mica, she developed a cough. I was worried that she was going to die and I remember asking the vet to be straight with me. I didn't want to get attached to her if she was just going to up and die right away. It turned out to be kennel cough and she recovered quickly. It was love at first sight anyway, so I had already become attached.

A couple of months later, she and I drove to Arizona and then back to Albuquerque via Bisbee and then Silver City, New Mexico. I had my new Jeep Wrangler at the time, and she used to sleep in the front seat with her head on my lap while I drove. While we drove through Silver City, I thought I was going to lose her. She was suffering from some sort of convulsive/shaking problem. As I debated on whether to find a vet to check her out, it dawned on me that she was terror stricken by the sleeting, thundering, miserable weather we were driving through. That was the first of many times she would have the same reaction. Doggie valium would have been beneficial.

Mica saw me through three hospital admissions. She actually got to visit me when I was in Charter Hospital for the depression, etc. She also kept me company after my hysterectomy, and I was lucky to have Rich Abitz, a friend from work, come by and take Mica and Buggy for a run in the foothills. I was soon on my feet from the operation, and I'm sure the twice daily dog walks hastened my recovery.

I used to go camping with Mica and Buggy (blue heeler), and I was always convinced that if I ran into trouble, that Mica would fight off anyone or thing who had evil intentions. Fortunately, I never had to find out.

In November, 2004, Tim and I decided to move to Australia. Moving to Australia with dogs is no easy task, and it became clear that Mica would not be able to travel due to her age. My friends, Robyn and Tom, offered to take her, while we would bring Sammy and Karma with us to our new home. The grief of leaving Mica behind was overwhelming. I felt such pain for months, that when we finally had to say goodbye to her, it wasn't terrible. She knew what was happening and settled herself on Robyn and Tom's porch. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect home for her.

Since the last time I saw her, the only real trauma came when she was lost for 1-2 days. She had walked 25 miles north along the highway and was rescued by a good-hearted trucker and some wonderful people from Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Robyn didn't tell me about the event until she was safely at home (bless her heart). A part of me was sure she was trying to find her way home (to our old house along her route), and the guilt I felt was miserable. She was an Iditarod Dog champion at heart and body (or would have been if she had been born in Alaska and not New Mexico), so for an old girl, 25 miles was a walk in the park. (Not really. Robyn said she was thirsty and exhausted when they found her.) Many of the dogs in the Iditarod look like Mica, just look here.

I lost a best friend, and I know it will be worse for Robyn and Tom, because they will keep feeling her around their house for awhile. I'm blessed to have had Mica as my friend and companion, and blessed to have Robyn and Tom be the wonderful and generous friends (and adoptive doggie parents) they are.

We were so poor....

On the road again

I'm traveling again after a long hiatus. In the last month, I've been to London, Manchester, and Perth. I was born near London and did my first degree at the University of Manchester so I know them well, although I hadn't visited either for many years. Manchester is much the same mucky, wreckage-of-the-industrial-revolution town, though with a new veneer. Both London and Manchester are very dirty compared to Australia cities - lots of rubbish on the street. One thing that has clearly improved is the food - I went to a number of really good restaurants.

I've not seen much of Perth. I'm staying at Scarborough in the Rendezvous which is a nice hotel. I've been walking on the beach when possible. Here's the view of the Indian Ocean from my window:



Tim