tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75833916506702306742012-02-16T00:08:41.590-08:00ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.comBlogger1721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-6324275316409910812012-02-14T08:02:00.000-08:002012-02-14T08:50:54.222-08:00

It may be Valentine's Day but I'm not quite as bitter as the title of this post would have you think.Today I am getting past the single girl blues and simply being happy to be here with my wonderful friends and family. Today is Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day, and I am one of more than 180,000 Canadians who live with a congenital heart defect.I was diagnosed with a severe coarctation of

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-18233685798580598262011-12-10T14:50:00.000-08:002011-12-10T15:01:03.488-08:00

Am having the most relaxed sojourn to Montreal ever. Came down yesterday and had that magical whole set of seats to myself so lots of room to spread out and work on that presentation I'm giving on Wednesday. Have to sit next to x-ine tomorrow, boo (I keed, I keed!). Then after some very productive meetings with various research collaborators who did not murder me for not bringing a new draft of

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-62027023296377486592011-11-20T19:12:00.000-08:002011-11-20T19:20:45.394-08:00

So that last post about being an AWESOME packer? I might have to take back some of it after I brought a very full duffel (including 3 pairs of shoes for 3 days) to NYC with friends, and didn't have much room for shopping, so I had to check that bag to carry on a very full shopping bag?Anyways, we had a blast, will work on a full run down for you, now am dealing with all the laundry I should do

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-56650357379924270102011-11-12T14:31:00.000-08:002011-11-12T15:12:22.373-08:00

...for an efficient business trip.Hi friends - I'm back from yet another business trip, this one several days on the not so sunny west coast. I had headed out hoping for warmer temperatures than the O-town but instead back here they had record highs. In any case, the trip went well, had some productive meetings and got to stay in a hotel for more than one night. I got to unpack - a luxury!

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-18305894984618905522011-10-05T20:06:00.000-07:002011-10-05T20:21:08.511-07:00

I got home tonight from bootcamp (with my usual workout buddy x-ine AND my dear friend S., who survived 3 minute winds sprints along side us tonight), and as I do, started scrolling through twitter as we made dinner to see if I had missed anything. I had, the news of Steve Jobs' very sad passing has come through. Now I am writing this post on my I.Pad. The products he created impacted my life and

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-6950524106275968022011-09-22T20:03:00.000-07:002011-09-22T20:11:41.621-07:00

That is the resolution one of my friends has recently made. We were out at the pub a stones throw from our office (I can see the patio from my cubicle window, it is very mean on bright sunny days), and after we had moaned and groaned about the bureaucracy we inhabit and have ended up helping perpetuate, we moaned and groaned about the lack of guys in the O-town. Now, numerically, there are many

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-48294261519955152952011-09-19T20:17:00.000-07:002011-09-19T20:30:11.715-07:00

That is indeed how old I am now. Eesh. I had no issues with 25, was even pretty excited for it and nary a quarter life crisis but now... C'mon, I'm closer to 30 than 20! that is NOT COOL. Though at times I talk (and text) like I'm 13. With all the extra work pressure and many outside of work commitments, ie. Weddings weddings weddings, I have been feeling as though I should be more mature. A bit

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-4011899276667875402011-08-17T19:48:00.000-07:002011-08-17T20:02:43.169-07:00

In the government, summer is supposed to be easy. Two thirds of staff are on vacation (or so it seems), there's no one in Parliament to ask annoying questions about your department and you're still in the dawn of the new fiscal year. Easy-peasy. Maybe for most. But not for me and my colleagues this year. Yes it is several months into a new fiscal year but we still don't have 2/3 of our budget

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-35165122690123273712011-07-10T19:47:00.000-07:002011-07-10T20:13:41.774-07:00

As promised, I'm back again, to tell you about my weekend in the wonderful Montreal. I got to return to my second favourite city ever (the home town has to take first) to hang with some of my very favourite people in the whole world.X_ine and I kicked things off with a little train drinking (first, see her looking very serious reading, I was playing with my i.Pad and took a sneaky picture of her.

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-48411066593975768622011-07-06T20:49:00.000-07:002011-07-06T21:13:36.651-07:00

So, um, hi.It's July.I went on a bit of an unexpected hiatus there, due to a combination of factors, including the fabulous x_ine moving in, meaning that I have someone to blather to in the evenings, and the usual summertime rush of so much to do! I have softball, I have evenings on patioa... it's easier to find time to blog when it's -40 outside and I have no intention of leaving my house.But

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-19109944281790348212011-05-08T18:23:00.000-07:002011-05-08T18:37:00.727-07:00

Hi again. As usual, it's on a Sunday that I find the time to catch up here.I looked out my window yesterday morning and realized the trees have started to bud. It is finally spring, and thank goodness, because weeks of rain and cold breezes have just about done me in. Along with the ridiculous work stress. I really only had the time to glance out my window yesterday in the midst of working. Yes,

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-40459221217403567742011-03-20T12:31:00.000-07:002011-03-20T13:28:29.179-07:00

(It's Sunday again and thus another post!)Some people ask me why I love twitter. There are many reasons that I have become a bit of a twitter addict, from up to the minute political updates via Kady O'Malley, keeping up with friends in other places, or laughing reading the ridiculous posts of Texts from Last Night. Through twitter, I have met some super cool people in this fair town, and thanks

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-48227913562314693652011-03-13T13:00:00.000-07:002011-03-13T13:11:12.258-07:00

I seem to only be blogging on Sundays lately. It is the day of the week, unsurprisingly, that I have the most time and am most likely to be home for a long enough period of time to go 'Hey - I should blog!'. By Sundays I am still feeling drained from the last week but have gotten enough sleep to feel capable of the week to come. This weekend has been relatively low key, attended a lovely birthday

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-43398165995182174762011-02-20T11:10:00.000-08:002011-02-20T12:05:25.425-08:00

My dear employer has a rather convoluted and drawn out hiring and promotion process. In a bid to reduce nepotism and increase fairness, there are tests, oral interviews with set questions, and even before you hit those, the dreaded statement of merit. With every job posting there is a set list of qualifications and skills that you have to state VERY clearly in your submission you fulfill before

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-40564144407616574932011-02-19T17:15:00.000-08:002011-02-19T18:11:34.910-08:00

So it is a Saturday night and I am sitting at home. Today I slept in, did a whole whack of laundry, got my dad come over to change the lightbulbs that were 10 feet up, then went to Canadian Tire looking for a lampshade and bought SmartFood instead. I am so, so single and have to admit, not really feeling it tonight.I have sent a couple of odd texts to my friends today, including the fact that I

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-74521565959713257822011-02-06T13:24:00.000-08:002011-02-06T13:49:22.522-08:00

I am home for approximately 36 hours in between the west and east coast swings of my trips. The west was absolutely fantastic, I loved Whitehorse and getting to spend some time in Vancouver again. I put up a few pictures on twitter (to the left, to the left) but more will come.Travelling for work is totally different from pleasure, my day is not my own and often so jam packed that by the time

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-90083311705117235372011-01-30T14:44:00.000-08:002011-01-30T16:58:49.511-08:00

To be honest, January 2011 has pretty much sucked ass. My personal life continued to contain awkward and sad moments (which I even had to initiate), I worked like a mad person at work and it was cold. Oh so cold. The Sens are losing too.So it is without any regret that I bid adieu to this month. February is already looking up, with some work travel to the actual north and both coasts. I also get

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-75990050421901381352011-01-23T15:08:00.000-08:002011-01-23T18:08:17.871-08:00

I had an excellent night last night, had an old school sleepover (including Shirley Temples with vodka) with some of my dear undergrad roomies. We watched 'My Best Friend's Wedding', Lonely Island clips (tip - setting a drinking game that requires you to drink every time they say 'boat' during 'I'm on a boat' is not for the foolhardy) and got some good gossiping in. These are the people in my

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-61992707067225519322011-01-16T17:34:00.000-08:002011-01-16T17:47:37.186-08:00

It's been a couple of busy weeks here. I am very, very occupied at work, getting ready to do some travelling to run regional meetings off the national one I recently organized here in our fair capital, which went pretty well, but needs to be improved upon and refined. I have also had some wonderful guests, a former (and maybe future?) roomie T, while she was doing an internship in town and a

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-24016193770045969452011-01-05T18:34:00.001-08:002011-01-05T18:56:54.979-08:00

The vast majority of times, I am not in the minority. I am a white woman of Irish heritage, of Christian (complicated Christian but Christian nonetheless), with brown hairs, blue eyes, an average build and height. But for two years of middle school in among the toughest schools in town, I have always been clearly among my peers. Through undergraduate, where I slowly picked up the traits and

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-61033011308684254892011-01-01T20:23:00.000-08:002011-01-01T21:28:35.902-08:00

Well another year has passed and I ushered in the new one in one of my favourite cities, dancing with some of my favourite people, a cocktail in hand. Let's hope that sets the tone for the rest of the year, I did the same last year and 2010 was pretty cool so I'm feeling fairly confident.I would say that hopefully I'll be back there for New Years Eve 2011 but I actually don't, I have hatched a

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-40869932233289708752010-12-28T09:47:00.000-08:002010-12-28T10:03:26.674-08:00

As usual, I was quite spoiled this Christmas.All of my cousins in my family are blessed with fairly healthy egos due to the incredible support system we all grew up with. Despite our mocking of each other at times, I know all my aunts and uncles (besides my parents) think that I am pretty awesome and would do almost anything for me. However, that feeling is always strongest when you are the baby

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-662202152659129282010-12-23T12:21:00.000-08:002010-12-23T12:27:48.339-08:00

Ugh, I have been suffering with a horrific cold for over a week now. I think it is the result of me overextending myself too much. Work is great and interesting, but also really busy and with a almost always overfilled social schedule... I think something had to give.I don't know if its an only child thing, the need to get out and see other people, but I find it REALLY hard to turn down plans

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-58458360555716397132010-12-18T16:59:00.000-08:002010-12-18T17:06:34.220-08:00

Did ya miss me? I know it's been a while but I think we all needed a break after NaBloPoMo, me from coming up with posting topics, you from reading whatever inanity I had decided was blog worthy that day. I would like to say that since the end of NaBloPoMo, i have used that extra twenty minutes a day I finally had for productive purposes, started knitting, reading smart books, exercising, etc.,

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-54275452063916577322010-11-29T21:18:00.000-08:002010-11-30T19:44:41.122-08:00

... or - what have you learned this month?I love to bake, just not so much cook. I had dinner out tonight, for the sake of expediency of course, but will be home tomorrow night.... it may be another chicken sandwich, sorry guys.I love my friends, and miss them when they are off having awesome adventures. I also love the ones that are still in town, to go see Harry Potter with me tonight.I have

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-29369845632206179852010-11-28T18:46:00.000-08:002010-11-29T19:50:40.261-08:00

After spending an evening with my parent's cat who is turning into quite the bitch in her old age, this made me laugh:So I have to admit where I came across that video. I saw it on Dooce, one of the pre-eminent mommy bloggers online. I can picture you all scratching your heads - going, 'Um, LadyLaptop? Don't you not have any kids? And have mentioned several times how happy you are to not at the

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-44927066469339811222010-11-28T12:20:00.000-08:002010-11-28T12:28:28.350-08:00

The only downside to a super awesome Saturday? The recovery on Sunday.Today, J took off not long after breakfast and since then I have been going, doing laundry, washing all the dishes we created, getting ready for a week at work, running errands, etc. I tweeted earlier 'Am trying to ignore how much I can get done when I'm up before 10 on a Sunday as it will NOT become a habit...' as when I put

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-33111138708455004902010-11-27T21:39:00.000-08:002010-11-27T21:45:24.613-08:00

Today my dear friend J and I....Went to the mall, a la Robin Sparkles...Later to a hockey game, and watched the Sens beat the Leafs 3-0...Then returned home and drank some wine...While eating baguette, brie, salami (not pictured) and dark chocolate...While introducing J to 30 ROCK, which she had somehow never seen.It was a pretty awesome day - how about yours?

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-1846867187387475892010-11-26T19:36:00.000-08:002010-11-26T19:37:38.579-08:00

... is making sangria and pretending its summer with one of my Mtl besties! We spent soooo much time drinking sangria on terrasses back in the and its great to catch up by the fire. Hope your weekend is also kicking off well!

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-76469279446835691732010-11-25T19:21:00.000-08:002010-11-25T19:29:09.978-08:00

Winter does feel like it is finally nipping at our heels. It was pretty darn freezing going home tonight and I was really happy to curl up on my couch with the fire on.Three days in and I am feeling really positive about my new job. Despite the longer commute, the location is not so bad (but for making it way too easy to go shopping on my way home/at lunch) and the smaller building feels kind of

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-75028999284226113402010-11-24T20:06:00.000-08:002010-11-24T20:39:26.495-08:00

Sorry for the cop out post tonight but I again in my common state of being confused, and as I think its mainly my nearest and dearest who read this - you know about what and will be hearing me be crazy for the next few days.... I wish I could make up my mind at times.Am super looking forward to drinking with my dear J this weekend, because alcohol is the best thing to make decisions with!

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-22219084741756656022010-11-23T20:19:00.000-08:002010-11-23T20:24:00.667-08:00

That was the sound of me hitting my bed. At 20 after 11. It's been a long day. Had to get up nearly 45 minutes earlier than usual this morning as part of the new routine but the commute itself was fine, was at work in approximately half an hour. Got settled in to my new desk, people seem nice - got hit with a close of business deadline for the end of the day that I had to coordinate! We made it,

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-41961059594573365692010-11-22T16:15:00.000-08:002010-11-22T16:26:01.176-08:00

I've been teasing about some of the decorating I've been doing here and thought I should finally show off my recent progress.In preparation for winter, my gas fireplace is now also ready to help with the heat, you can kind of see the flames, along with my recent photo wire project and some roses I got last week ;). I can't wait to get Christmas cards and hang them there. I don't think I'll get a

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-37174937297824629852010-11-21T19:01:00.000-08:002010-11-21T19:10:22.715-08:00

... with baked goods.As I have previously mentioned, I am about to start a new job, and the last day in my current job is tomorrow. I have really enjoyed the people I've worked with and the subject matter has been really interesting. At times a little TOO interesting, we could have lived without a couple of headlines that made the papers but, oh well.I've been purposely a bit vague about details

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-74892627138912279182010-11-20T15:39:00.000-08:002010-11-20T15:44:06.594-08:00

2/3 of the way there! I have to admit that topic ideas are starting to become a bit thin on the ground so any ideas are appreciated.Today was Saturday, a pretty good one at that. I slept it, then spent the afternoon tidying, doing laundry and generally hanging out. I made the mistake of doing my hair way too early in the day though, and the pretty curls I had at 3 are now pretty much gone. I am

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-19950245288217079752010-11-19T21:41:00.000-08:002010-11-19T21:46:58.289-08:00

Y'know, no one ever really warned me how tiring working all week is. When I think about it, I don't understand how a week of sitting at my computer and thinking, reading or writing, interspersed with meetings and phone calls can actually knock me out the way it does but generally by Friday, I am just ready to crawl into bed. And that is what I did tonight. It was kind of awesome. I ran a few

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-21857137838629859542010-11-18T20:40:00.000-08:002010-11-18T20:46:18.345-08:00

... I don't know if it is my new belief in positivity but I have just had one of the best dates of my life. I won't go into much detail but its honestly impeding my ability to come up with anything else to blog about today. My negative side is saying let's hope this doesn't all go to hell in a handbasket as usual.... kind of like this...

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-40369538806607298592010-11-17T21:03:00.000-08:002010-11-17T21:22:07.156-08:00

Whoops - I nearly went to bed without my daily post! What can I say, it's Wednesday. I, as usual, got up stupid early, went to spinning (which HURT thanks to a sore arm from getting a flu shot yesterday, and still sore legs from the 30 Day Shred earlier in the week), ran to work, spent the day cleaning up files, went by my parents and then dinner with a friend. Then it seems I stared at my

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-91571674625489833242010-11-16T18:52:00.001-08:002010-11-16T19:03:45.607-08:00

We are now on DAY 16 on NABLOPOMO. You sick of me yet? Better not be - we have 14 more glorious days to go!I am also over halfway through my spinning classes.As of next Tuesday, I will have completed one half of my development program at work.I am way less than 50% prepared for tomorrow morning (tasks including: alarm set, having spin clothes laid out, work clothes laid out, breakfast and lunch

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-61328921674069294532010-11-15T18:40:00.000-08:002010-11-15T18:51:57.935-08:00

I have recently been rewatching the early seasons of one of my favourite shows : How I Met Your Mother. While my affection for it wavered last year, I feel like its really back this season and going back to the old ones reminded me of why I love it so much.In the episode, 'The Slutty Pumpkin' the main protagonist was being tempted in two very different directions....I kinda know how he feels

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-14370743535634156142010-11-14T19:10:00.000-08:002010-11-15T18:52:49.386-08:00

I have always had a positive relationship with the library.I have a very clear memory of being 10 or so, and being in a parent-teacher-student conference (I went to a hippie dippie alternative school and we were always in on our conferences, to present our perspectives and views. It's amazing I ever learned how to spell.) At the time, we were allowed to keep books borrowed from the class shelf

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-70007143188294649752010-11-13T19:25:00.000-08:002010-11-13T19:34:45.029-08:00

I have been known in my life to, at times, be a bit spendthrift. I have a LOT of purses and a LOT of clothes, somewhat due to the fact that I am the only child of a woman who loves a deal. And who has especially enjoyed helping me build a professional wardrobe with a lot of great deals. However, with the responsibility of owning my own place, I've had to reign in my habits a bit.I actually

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-44970227980100316942010-11-12T15:36:00.000-08:002010-11-12T20:57:00.358-08:00

My dear x-ine and I have only known each other for about three years but in that time have discovered many similarities. At times we have even been mistaken for sisters (several times a day on occasion). This may be due to the fact that despite our different backgrounds (hers, Egyptian and British: mine, Irish to the hilt), our colouring and dress styles are rather similar. We also both wear

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-18803753035757655382010-11-11T16:39:00.000-08:002010-11-11T16:58:36.325-08:00

(That title kinda looks like 'Mammmmmmaries' huh? That made me laugh because I have the sense of humour of a five year old).Today I walked along the streets of Kingston, where I did my undergrad with two of my dear former roomies and (among many others, mainly Glee's version of 'We've Got the Funk') we sang some of 'Memories' by Barbara Streisand.It felt like every corner we revealed tugged at

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-73653348015293569932010-11-10T21:11:00.000-08:002010-11-10T21:22:13.682-08:00

My Wednesday was so busy I didn't get around to actually posting thing until Thursday, but here is a recap before I fall completely dead asleep.6 am: alarm goes off, waking me up from a restless few hours sleep for spin6:30-7:15: spin class7:15: scurry home (eating the nanaimo bar made by spin instructor - a little counterintuitive) to shower and get ready for work8:30: arrive at work, pick up

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-62317827833545989202010-11-09T16:59:00.000-08:002010-11-09T18:25:35.666-08:00

Despite my misgivings, as a whole, I've rather enjoyed living alone these past few month. Setting my own schedule, playing my own music, not having to be quiet because someone is sleeping... it's nice. However, the biggest downside has been cooking for one.My dearest, darlingest Liz and I had the best food system. We would almost always cook dinner together, shop together, challenged each other

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-61152576478454561042010-11-08T19:50:00.000-08:002010-11-08T20:08:57.220-08:00

... I haz it. (C'mon, how do you not love cats lacking grammar skills?)One of my literary faves, Jen Lancaster (linked on the left as Jennsylvania) wrote a whole book last year on developing an appreciation for the arts as a means to expand her conversational repertoire beyond reality TV. I say that my already well developed understanding of the arts lets me rot my brain in other areas as much as

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-57202895894778945392010-11-07T18:08:00.001-08:002010-11-07T18:15:57.847-08:00

Today we had a brunch to bid adieu to my best friend forever, Z and her boyfriend as they take off on an exciting adventure. I am super excited for them, and can't wait to hear their stories but it was still hard to say goodbye.Z and I have been best friends since we were around 3 years old. We know we met in preschool but the first evidence of our friendship is written upon a large piece of

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-16233104961828239212010-11-06T17:23:00.000-07:002010-11-06T17:41:27.642-07:00

I set this (in a slightly different colour scheme) aside at my cousin's boutique today that my dad will pick up as part of my Christmas presents.... I'm pretty excited.Other fall faves:.... sleeping in and just the tip of your nose being cold as you awake.... walking around downtown, checking out late fall produce with a latte in hand.... warm Pho in your belly.... seeing lots of poppies sported

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-2490062656713036252010-11-05T19:46:00.001-07:002010-11-05T19:59:21.384-07:00

TGIF. Seriously. THANK GOODNESS. Hauling myself out of bed this week has been quite a trial. Hopefully with daylight savings ending tomorrow it'll make it a little easier.So it's Friday. We made it. *HIGH FIVE* It's 10:45 and I just opened a pomtini. But it's not drinking alone because I could be out drinking at a bar with peoples, but I felt the need to save some moolah and chill. I did have a

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-23186778914048461472010-11-04T20:27:00.000-07:002010-11-04T20:43:26.492-07:00

Whew - a little down to the wire today! However, I did just have a lovely evening I can tell you all about. A third cousin of mine who is driving across the country then down through the States pulled up in my parent's driveway at 7 this evening in a bright orange VW van. Which has no heat. So she and her friends drive with sleeping bags wrapped around them. As she recounted this over dinner I

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-78911385681069669082010-11-03T16:01:00.000-07:002010-11-03T16:09:56.577-07:00

It's November 3rd and you can tell winter is on it's way. We had snow over the weekend and I thought back to Halloweens when I had to wear snowpants underneath my costume. It gets dark, really, really early.As I told you, I left work late both Monday and Tuesday, late enough that the sun had already begun to set. Today I got out relatively on time and appreciated the light by which to run my

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-28616945218324671702010-11-01T16:59:00.000-07:002010-11-02T16:05:00.118-07:00

Last night, I took a stack of papers home to read to incorporate into a briefing we've been working on for a while. I worked a little bit late on the same issue today, but not nearly as late and all I have to do tonight is study for a french quiz tomorrow, and hopefully put myself to bed nice and early so I am pumped for my weekly 6:30 am Wednesday spin class.But back to last night.Last night, I

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-40580668393197567082010-10-31T19:52:00.001-07:002010-11-01T15:36:54.185-07:00

(Note: this post was written before I had an incredibly slow day at work, to be ended with my boss snarking at me for reminding them of a deadline they were the one holding us up on, then staying late to discuss a last minute and unreasonable deadline from on high. The sun had set by the time I got home, bringing work with me, leaving me no time for a jog like I had hoped. My dinner so far is a

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-77329772671460314502010-10-31T10:18:00.000-07:002010-10-31T10:24:01.991-07:00

Happy Halloween all!On Friday evening, I was told by some of my nearest and dearest that I should really get off my ass and get back to posting on this blog. So here we go again.I have to admit, the identity of this blog over the past year has been a little challenging to me. When I started I was just starting grad school and spent all day chained to my laptop. Now, I've finished grad school and

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-44202178924804181822010-09-19T15:01:00.000-07:002010-10-31T10:35:37.987-07:00

Got my boots (above, but in grey/brown = GREIGE!)! Not quite what I had intended but awesome nonetheless, wearing them around my parent's house today to break them in to wear to work this week.Am house/cat sitting for my parents this weekend, it's very easy to slip back into my routine here but at the same time I kind of miss my place. It's just for a few days but eating their food is fun....

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-12396782512509720682010-09-12T18:57:00.000-07:002010-10-31T10:37:40.668-07:00

... the boyfriend watch? Is MINE. (Not the one I was looking at online but found at a discount store!)Had a marvelous evening tonight celebrating my birthday with the family in my new place. The watch was courtesy a gift card one of my aunt and uncles gave me, along with some new picture frames to start working on some wall art I have been mulling. I got some cash and other gift cards from the

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-42839496745749886842010-09-08T15:09:00.000-07:002010-09-08T15:14:10.960-07:00

Ah, fall. Not too many years ago this was the season of stocking up on a back to school wardrobe and getting back to classes. Not anymore, this year I actually had booked the first day of school off as I was returning from a long weekend wedding far away, and really appreciated the day to sleep in and hang with a friend I hadn’t seen all summer. We spent some time at a Starbucks patio across from

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-81669975816678446712010-08-08T15:17:00.001-07:002010-08-08T15:52:29.807-07:00

I am currently sitting at home on a rainy and grey Sunday evening. I had a super fun vacation which included time at the cottage, and partying in both Ottawa and Montreal. I jaunted to Montreal to surprise a dear friend for her birthday but as great as this week/weekend was, I think I need a vacation to recover from my vacation!I am happy though to be hanging out in my new condo, watching the

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-68331549292275724162010-06-20T09:09:00.000-07:002010-06-20T09:18:23.815-07:00

Sorry y'all about running off for so long.Life has changed a lot in the last couple of months for me. I have settled into my new job and really enjoy it. Most (yes most but hey I'm pretty junior) days I am intellectually stimulated, busy, and am always working with great people. Beyond my immediate co-workers, I've made great friends with people hired through the same process as me. At the moment

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-3618267986905907052009-12-21T18:27:00.001-08:002009-12-21T18:38:22.602-08:00

From time to time I miss living in a house that was cold, dirty, in a eenie-weenie room with no overhead light. I miss having an ambulance bay across the street, with weird hobos hanging around and smoking. I miss running out of money way before the end of the month, but feeling like I couldn't ask my parents (I know, I'm spoiled) for more before the next month, and so living on toast for days on

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-89074077565611561922009-12-13T19:27:00.000-08:002009-12-13T19:32:29.064-08:00

... CHRISTMAS!Despite us being walloped by a snow storm in the middle of this past week, it wasn't until I was tramping around in a light snowfall this afternoon to buy Christmas ornaments and presents that I truly started to feel the season. Christmas Day is less than 2 weeks away! I then went home and wrapped presents, and after that went to help my Grandparents set up their tree. Tomorrow on

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-12220700635339643982009-12-07T15:25:00.000-08:002009-12-07T15:37:39.168-08:00

It actually snowed today! We had gotten a few little flurries here and there but today was the first day that there was snow on the ground in the morning and it stuck around all day, with even a few additions here and there. I'm finally starting to feel like Christmas is indeed coming. Unfortunately my cat is really not so happy about this, we're sitting on the couch and she is definitely sulking

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-47126985043415323612009-11-27T19:13:00.001-08:002009-11-27T19:25:06.019-08:00

This working full time this is exhausting. I worked full time doing my Masters, and even during the summer but as a student, you feel quite free to take breaks, sleep in some mornings (when a grad student), gossip with your friends.... I need to make a good impression now! So I will get promoted and make more money!Why do I need money? Beyond buying purses and work clothes (less on the cle-vage

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-43781125975649677172009-11-23T19:18:00.000-08:002009-11-23T19:23:32.213-08:00

So I had my first day of work today! I wore nice pants, a collar shirt, a sweater vest (hells yeah) and nice shoes. My feet kind of hurt by the end of the day but I looked pretty cute and fit right in. After years of hanging around academics boasting socks and Birkenstocks (shudder), I am surrounded by people in suits. It'll be a bit of an adjustment but hey, its a reason to go shopping.I spent

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-82696384142631094642009-11-20T07:14:00.000-08:002009-11-20T07:38:52.329-08:00

Well, as I established in my last post, not THAT kind of working girl.I start my new job on Monday! As much as I've enjoyed these last few months of relaxation, sleeping in, leisurely breakfast and many coffee dates, daytime TV.... I am actually quite ready to get started. I think all my paperwork is all lined up, I have lunch makings for next week, all I have to do is figure what to wear out of

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-71129866351837568212009-11-16T11:42:00.000-08:002009-11-16T11:54:20.972-08:00

I've been quite intrigued by the news this weekend that the formerly anonymous 'Belle de Jour', who authored a blog and a number of books about her secret left as a call girl, has exposed herself to be a scientist in England. Why exactly she came out now seems to be under debate, but reading articles about her and her perspective on her experience has been really interesting. She started working

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-16705589261098086602009-11-10T20:23:00.000-08:002009-11-10T20:25:52.282-08:00

I clearly have the attention span of a gnat and so forgot about this blogging thing again. Oh well. I wish I could say I have something exciting to report but I'm back in the lab here in town, finishing up a few things, back editing the thesis and enjoying my last weeks of freedom. Mtl was awesome though, hanging with my peoples, meeting adorable babies and spending too much money. Until I have

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-46933849205537482312009-11-07T12:46:00.000-08:002009-11-07T12:52:17.586-08:00

I have so far had a lovely visit back in Mville, hitting my favourite spots, despite an inauspicious start to the weekend.I take the train a lot and have a very set routine, I show up half an hour early, get my ticket, buy a magazine, wait a few minutes and board. Yesterday, I showed up half an hour early for what I thought was my 3 o'clock train, only to find out that the train I had booked back

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-39662270271099756132009-11-06T09:36:00.000-08:002009-11-06T09:41:40.487-08:00

I'm currently tidying up and packing to spend the weekend back in Mtl. I'm very much looking forward to it, returning to my favourite bar for the best cider ever, celebrating dear x-ine's birthday and seeing some recently born babies. There may also be some shopping on the schedule, for more argyle as I mentioned earlier this week (although, update, I actually already have 4 sweaters). I'll do my

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-72264868662740025592009-11-05T19:54:00.001-08:002009-11-05T20:03:00.107-08:00

It snowed today. Not a lot. It didn't stick. But, there were big fat fluffy flakes drifting down from the sky, and almost compulsively, I turned on Hawksley Workman's 'First Snow of the Year'. It's a very Canadian song, talking about first enjoyment of the sight of snow, but knowing you will soon hate it. I also went and bought a pair of snow boots (and new heels to wear to work).Later on this

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-79424482074814437752009-11-04T13:32:00.000-08:002009-11-04T13:57:31.796-08:00

I went for a run today, definitely not one of my best but I powered through. I came home, peeled off the sweats, showered and was very happy to pull on one of my favourite sweaters, pink with purple and green argyle. This sweater is quite warm so I'm actually okay with the nip in the air as it offers excuse to pull out some of my closet faves. I'm very comfortable in argyle. Last count I had

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-36261980934429553772009-11-03T15:42:00.000-08:002009-11-03T16:31:24.179-08:00

Hey! This is my 100th post! Pretty cool. Appropriately so, this post is about carbhydrates and alcohol, something anyone following this blog will recognize as highly important to my life. I was walking home from the Glebe today with one of my nearest and dearest, laden with groceries, chatting away, when to our dismay did it start to hail! I've heard rumours of snow or frozen precipitation here

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-25805650369941849382009-11-02T18:15:00.000-08:002009-11-02T18:45:52.545-08:00

Currently, in my northern North American country, we are very concerned about swine flu. It's a reasonable concern as since it emerged back in April, it has actually killed people, children, in this country. It is very sadly affecting some of the most under-served people in this country, especially Aboriginals who live in areas with poor infrastructure, the worst. Our government has guaranteed

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-82645675414797875632009-11-01T19:41:00.000-08:002009-11-01T19:53:34.541-08:00

Since moving back home, at time I have felt some confusion as to what life stage I actually do exist. There are moments when I whine about when dinner will be ready, pout about turning down the TV and sigh when am told to clean up my room, despite having thought to myself just that morning that I really do need to tidy. Clearly, I am still a child. Then, I pour myself a glass of wine with dinner,

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-89081873947509988512009-10-20T10:02:00.000-07:002009-10-20T10:23:18.786-07:00

This is my dear daddy and I at the Spanish Steps in Rome. Throughout the trip I had been trying to teach him the art of the 'self-taken photograph', and this was the best of the bunch IMHO. So it had been a while since I had taken a real trip with my parents, going all the way back to second year of my undergrad, nearly 5 years ago (Ah'm getting OLD). I've certainly grown up since then, my

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-40319155709704594042009-10-18T18:55:00.000-07:002009-10-18T18:57:01.131-07:00

I have arrived home from an absolutely wonderful 10 days in Italy. Venice honestly didn't seem real for a while, Florence was a marvel and I think I am still processing Rome. I however managed to pick up a cold in the last few days, blew my nose through the Vatican and hopefully didn't infect the nice retired medical anthropologist I sat next to on the plane (9 hours may be a bit too long for me)

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-5073063932179018802009-10-02T14:27:00.000-07:002009-10-02T14:38:46.884-07:00

I think the sunsets over James Bay may be the most beautiful ones in the world. Here is just a sampling. I am posting mainly pictures right now as I am too busy editing papers, writing reports, putting out fires and hoping my inbox doesn't explode while I am Italy next week (NEXT WEEK!). Anyways, was pretty. I am very lucky to have been able to spend my time in the field in such lovely places.

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-10167022777252994872009-09-30T11:50:00.000-07:002009-09-30T12:42:59.644-07:00

I just spent a really wonderful week back north, in one of my favourite Cree communities, Waskaganish. Waskaganish is perched on James Bay, where the Rupert River comes to meet the bay and is really lovely. It's a smaller community, with around 1200 residents, and they are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. I was up there to run a program I had come up with last year, of bringing some

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-76361040675785394642009-09-20T18:03:00.000-07:002009-09-20T18:06:56.938-07:00

Sorry for the severe lackage of posts. I've only been back in the O-town for a few weeks and they have been busy. I've been trying to purge a bunch of stuff as I absolutely cannot fit it all into my room at my parent's house, editing papers, hanging with people.... it's really nice to be home though.I had a quick sojourn back to Mtl to give my quasi defense and it went really well I'm pleased to

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-40321898687419639932009-08-31T18:14:00.000-07:002009-08-31T18:38:52.482-07:00

I realized today that I hadn't posted here for a while (checks Blogger) - since August 8! Hm, what could have been occupying my time since then..... hm.... oh right. MY THESIS. WHICH HAS BEEN SUBMITTED. ZOMG. Ok, that's enough caps for now but be sure that I am VERY excited. There were a few days where it did not seem like a sure thing, but with enough persistence and a few late nights, until I

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-25601313697198509162009-08-08T09:40:00.000-07:002009-08-08T09:51:17.944-07:00

This week was both highly productive and rather frustrating, and I would have told you about either state with great enthusiasm if you had happened to speak with me. There were days that my roommate seemed to eye me with some concern and pointedly did not comments on the number of fudgsicles I was eating (which I had bought to prevent myself from buying a bottle of wine to serve a similar comfort

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-24289211056995736502009-08-02T16:39:00.000-07:002009-08-02T17:32:48.231-07:00

In the course of my career as a graduate student I have learned a reat number of things. Things including the molecular genetics of polyploidy, real time PCR, botany, the history and culture of Canada's Aboriginal peoples, how to give academic presentations, how to write academic papers and how to drink wine with your supervisors. All very important things. However, my learning has not been

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-61886724566205380982009-08-01T17:44:00.000-07:002009-08-01T17:54:18.388-07:00

Today was a pretty fabulous summer day. I got up at a reasonable hour (gooooo me!) and went for a jog in a bid to beat the heat. It didn't really work but I still plowed through a half hour jog/walk. I'm following the Couch to 5K program, which says I will be able to run 5K (hence the name, I'm smart huh) in 8 weeks. We'll see, but I'm liking it so far. I'm just not liking doing it in the

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-68159397348295648212009-07-28T05:54:00.000-07:002009-07-28T06:03:51.220-07:00

It's getting to crunch time here, I am trying to submit my thesis before August 31st so as to avoid registering for another semester, and also as that's 2 years exactly for my degree completion. If I can pull it off, it means I can spend September up north, conducting a few final interviews that would really help our publications and running the school program I developed, as well as trying to

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-70012022853770450802009-07-24T13:33:00.000-07:002009-07-24T13:48:45.956-07:00

Despite the great deal of rain we've had this summer, I've been greatly enjoying the time as the campus has shifted from the regular portion of the school year to this time of relaxation that comes May-September. As the last undergrads filter away, either hungover after partying to celebrate final exams, or partying to drink away failing exams, the campus takes on an entirely different feeling.

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-23816181796888283072009-07-12T16:02:00.000-07:002009-07-12T16:13:06.411-07:00

Sorry for the long lapse in posts. I think that most of my mental/writing energies have been so directed towards the thesis, of which there is now a DRAFT, that I just haven't had the ability to come up with witticisms for this as well.I read a comment somewhere that a lot of blogs are languishing while their authors have become Twitter fanatics and I had to completely agree. With Twitter, I only

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-813243772856500612009-06-14T17:15:00.000-07:002009-06-14T17:28:00.747-07:00

Oof. I've had a lot of sangria this weekend. What was supposed to be a weekend of working, tidying, some low key hanging out kind of exploded into a whole bunch of awesome times, so its hard to complain about not getting much accomplished. I did do laundry, and install my a/c. Even took out the garbage! That's something, right?In any case, the weather has finally taken a turn for the fabulous and

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-70472383328885335002009-06-06T20:50:00.000-07:002009-06-06T21:02:53.985-07:00

So I have returned from South Carolina!It was gorgeous. Seriously. Usually I am not a hot weather girl but when its hot and the palms are swaying and there's a candy coloured city to expore I seem to be OK with it. Especially if the exploring includes shopping, ESPECIALLY especially if it includes shopping for hilariously preppy sandals at stores that we do not have in the Great White North.

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-66560120876676983152009-05-25T06:22:00.001-07:002009-05-25T06:24:33.427-07:00

So I overslept thi morning, I think I must have forgot to set my alarm last night due to being really really tired. I slept like a rock though, but woke up a little after 8 (when I should have been on my way to the shuttle that goes out to the other campus) to my cellphone ringing. It was my dear friend and fellow plant lover J, who was calling to tell me that the power was completely off on that

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-21685119893492331012009-05-17T13:32:00.000-07:002009-05-17T13:41:32.784-07:00

Things have been going really well recently, I completed another assay and even managed to analyse motst of the data already (though I've heard through one of my labmates that I may need to change some of my equations). I got to go home and have an extra long, long weekend (for us Canucks, though its been rather wet and cold so not exactly a time to celebrate summer) and even got some work done

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-36605112835575376712009-05-05T17:14:00.000-07:002009-05-05T17:28:56.182-07:00

Since returning to Mtl things have continued to be crazypants! (My word of the month btw)I was welcomed back to town with a fabulous soiree organized by the equally fabulous x-ine (check out her blog on the side if you haven't, she's my labmate in arms!) which involved me drinking a hella lot of wine rather early in the evening. Topped off with almost wholly liquor cocktails at the next party I

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-69775627131257860812009-04-26T15:27:00.000-07:002009-04-26T15:37:08.518-07:00

So April has rather flown by hasn't it? Or was that just me? It may just be me....I've had a lot of fun working in Ottawa, learning stuff that I've never done before and making great progress! I seem to have impressed all the people there with my swiftness but they do not know what I can do when I am FOCUSED. I will be done lab work soon - I MUST.But in my zeal to be all efficient and stuff, I've

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-83592977691588313252009-04-10T09:03:00.000-07:002009-04-10T09:16:52.622-07:00

So after a slow start to the week, writing at home punctuated by doctor and other appointments (oh coming home is fun, dentist time!) my Wednesday and Thursday were crazy. I started the extractions that I'm doing here, and so spent two days grinding up bark and swallowing enough of it likely that I think I have drastically reduced my chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Or increasing my chances

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-35074492519145708232009-04-04T09:28:00.000-07:002009-04-04T09:43:54.408-07:00

Ugh, if you're a reader not from the fair north, you are probably not experiencing our current streak of DAYS and DAYS of rain. It's rather depressing but is actually likely better for getting work done in the long run.So I am now in Ottawa, we had a very productive team meeting Thursday, Friday. I got a little concerned at one point, because everyone was very excited that I had collected a lot

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-54334355392707658122009-04-02T09:34:00.000-07:002009-04-02T09:39:52.069-07:00

I'm taking off to the O-town today, we're having a team meeting with other scientists and community members for 2 days, and then I'm going to stick around to conduct some new lab stuff with one of our partner labs. It's actually the first part of my Master's work which is completely outside my realm of experience, so I'm quite excited. I will get to hang out with a bunch of people I know as

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-88369665628662067552009-03-28T13:37:00.000-07:002009-03-28T13:48:32.063-07:00

This weekend is already off to a fabulous start. I slept in, listened to a bit of CBC, had a healthy breakfast and after chatting with the parentals, took off with the roomie to enjoy the beautiful day. I don't think that many cities are quite as lovely as the M-ville on nice days, and you could tell everyone was so happy that it was so mild today, and got out to celebrate the end of the winter.

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-50162795604028349132009-03-27T06:42:00.000-07:002009-03-27T06:54:58.300-07:00

So it seems it's time for me to write. Start writing my thesis that is. I was advised so by my supervisor in the 25 minutes or so that I've managed to finangle with him in the last 2 weeks, despite still having about a month of lab work to go.I recently had an abstract accepted to an awesome conference at the end of May though, and I've told them that I'll be presenting the cumulative results of

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-88383056078885807932009-03-19T17:04:00.000-07:002009-03-19T17:09:40.078-07:00

Approximately 11 PCRs to go.... give or take a couple for later analyses. I am so excited. As I was setting up one this afternoon, my friend J wandered in, to look for a hairdryer to dry her pants as she had poured coke all over herself while we were having lunch with a job candidate for the department, making her my favourite person of the day, and asked what I was up to. I replied "PCR, what

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583391650670230674.post-80734772679225784982009-03-13T13:45:00.000-07:002009-03-13T14:08:25.384-07:00

You can tell that you've had a productive week when come after 4 on a Friday afternoon, your brain starts to grind...... to ...... a..... halt. I'd give up but am waiting for my carpool buddy to get out of class. Instead, am working on powerpoint slides for upcoming presentations (playing with the colour schemes is WAY too much fun) and ruminating.I've had a pretty productive week and actually

ABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626364825075531810noreply@blogger.com0