January 19, 2005 - 6:21 p.m. I broke a thermometer in lab today. Remember when I was little, and how embarassed I used to get whenever I messed up? Well, a spasm of that humiliated feeling returned when I had to tell my lab instructor that I needed help. I haven't felt that way in a long time; I had been so proud of my progress in coming to accept my humanity. And it wasn't my fault, either; it was purely an accident that could not have been prevented by any more caution on my part. I had been excited about going to lab--we were synthesizing aspirin from salicylic acid--but my mistake broke my pride, and I am humble and uncertain again. I suppose I should be happy that I have a neat little pile of powdered aspirin in my drawer. And perhaps next time I'll be better. ...before & after...