Get off me!!

I met this lady today in the HHMI lounge. She has been there for several days, everytime I go in, she is on the computer. I think she is learning to do something, or studying. She was one of the first scholars, and apparently she now has a job with HHMI. Anyhow, I was talking about something (not quite sure what) when she suddenly introduces herself to me. I introduced myself, told her who my mentor was, then continued on and started to mention that my mentor was on the news the other night. It was about how to properly dispose of a flourescent lightbulb in case it breaks. My graduate student was demonstrating while my mentor spoke. It amused me to see them on television, demonstrating this, thinking of what my grad student was thinking. I had talked to my grad student about it and he was amused also. Well, as I was saying that I thought it was funny, she pins me: "Why do you think that's funny?" like I offended her. Like I was making fun of them, which I was not. "I just did..." I didn't feel like explaining my sense of humor, or my releationship and experience with these people. I just met her! Then I comment on how thourough they were: double bagging with ziploc, then putting that in a trash bag, then taping it all up for extra safety. I wondered if it was necessary, or if my mentor was being overzealous like he does sometimes. She says, in the most condesending voice ever, "Do you understand the seriousness of mercury?" Yes, lady. I do. What's your problem?! She seemed very defensive of my mentor, and I just wonder if I pissed her off. All I know is that she pissed me off. It is not just what she said, but in the manner that she said it. Like I was stupid.

Venting complete.