The red line. Photo taken with long exposure. I like how you can see the rails.

I am totally in love with Chicago lately

<3

The last rat standing

Now that Pico is an only rat, I'm trying to come up with more ways for him to occupy his time. Here's a treat-holding toy hanging from the top of the cage. (Photo looks down from above.)

From Almost Relevant

He is still as curious as ever.

Atto Died Today

He had a heart attack. I was holding him and he got restless, so I went to put him in his cage, and he started jerking around. It was apparent that he was not ok, so I picked him up. He cuddled into my hands between body spasms. No heartbeat.

He was a really great pet. Our vet said that he was the friendliest rat that had been into the clinic in the last few weeks.

A baby picture:


Another picture from a couple weeks ago, when he fell asleep cuddling next to me: http://imgur.com/B5SvY

Update (version 10.28.10)

-Pets: Mario died. Atto started coughing and wheezing, so we went to the (very, very nice) vet. Turns out he has a suspicious lump in his abdomen and a heart murmur. Ugh. Swelling near the heart presses on his trachea, likely causing the trouble breathing. A diuretic (reduce fluid volume overall so heart works less) seems to be helping this. Dose is 30 uL (0.03 mL) for his “massive 440 grams.” He is extra cuddly lately. Pico is rambunctious as usual and has overcome his fear of the rat ball in order to roll around the house freely. Typical. Photos soon.

-Purified a tricky protein out of eukaryotic cells. It is slightly functional. Not bad for a first shot! Must repeat next week.

-Qualifying exam scheduled. Much reading and writing to do!

-Erratic Chicago weather makes dressing difficult. This morning was 43F, feels like 36. Had on tshirt, fleece and scarf. Slightly chilly? Yes.

-Halloween costume whaaaaat? Need to come up with something by tomorrow.

-Spent last weekend in Milwaukee with my guy. LCD Soundsystem/Hot Chip concert was high-energy and cool (though I was a little mopey from Mario). Lakefront Brewery tour was awesome. Cheap tickets got each of us: 4 beers at the brewery, free pint glass, and a free pint at a local bar. Nice.

Sometimes this scares me

(from postsecret)

Mario Died Friday

From rats

He'd been sick for a while. Poor little guy.

Atto has been a little quieter than normal.