tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-201243952012-01-12T08:09:04.604-08:00Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country. - Anais NinShannynoreply@blogger.comBlogger3561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-75468204136748554462011-12-20T22:23:00.009-08:002011-12-20T22:43:39.520-08:00

In three days, Boris and I will hop on a plane back to Vancouver to celebrate the holidays. I am so excited to see my family and friends and to hit the slopes in Whistler! It will be a short visit - we return on Dec 29 - but I know it'll be packed with social engagements, good food and lots of fun! Summer time in NYC It is also going to be special for another reason - Boris is coming home with

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-81498421841504741752011-07-21T04:18:00.001-07:002011-07-21T14:55:51.453-07:00

It's 4:16 AM and I'm still awake - part working, part procrastinating. The dilemma: keep working and go to boot camp in an hour, or go to bed and get back to working earlier tomorrow (and skip boot camp)? I'm feeling a bit guilty for missing so many boot camp sessions. I should have known that 5:30am boot camp sessions were going to be too difficult to make!

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-17567142839221744312011-07-19T22:48:00.010-07:002011-07-21T01:16:08.088-07:00

It's only Tuesday and already it feels like it's been a long week. After struggling to work with one of my developers for a few months, I finally decided to let her go. It's the first time I've ever had to fire someone, and to make matters worse, we had become quite good friends during the time she worked with me. Unfortunately, her work just wasn't up to par, and I had to let her go or go crazy

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0Montreal, QC, Canada45.5088889 -73.554166745.374671400000004 -73.69907769999999 45.6431064 -73.4092557tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-16427067459808839022011-06-23T22:03:00.012-07:002011-06-23T22:21:47.703-07:00

It's hard to believe that six months have passed since the last time I blogged. Does anyone even read this stuff anymore? :). Roxanna I have a whole new life. When I left Vancouver, I knew I was in for a lot of change - a new job, a new city, new friends, a new research area. What I failed to mention to many people was that there would also be a new man :). He is the main reason I left, and

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-69894778131836527612011-01-23T16:58:00.003-08:002011-01-23T21:21:45.817-08:00

Apparently it's -13 degrees Celsius outside. It sounds awfully cold, doesn't it? It is, and it isn't. I've been surprised at how well I'm tolerating the weather. I even went out for a long walk today with a friend and his dog and quite enjoyed the crisp, cold air. That the air is dry and the sun is shining makes all the different. I don't have that damp cold feeling I've felt so often in

Shannynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-81175406470399871932010-12-02T23:56:00.003-08:002010-12-03T00:27:45.554-08:00

First off, for those who haven't heard, in January I start my new job at the Harvard School of Public Health. I am both super excited and nervous that I am in over my head =). However, there's no time to worry about that right now. There's a cross-country international move to plan, and that's a little stressful!After a lot of research and talking to various moving companies, I've decided to go

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-89077959650003973212010-10-26T09:15:00.005-07:002010-10-26T10:00:21.019-07:00

So I am moving again - this time to Boston. It seemed inevitable really that I would eventually leave Vancouver, but now the dates are looming in front of me and it's difficult to ignore. If all goes as planned, I have about two-and-a-half months left here, and during that time I will have to wrap up my projects, prepare to move, spend time with my friends and family, and get used to the idea

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-9189528903385320012010-09-28T16:00:00.008-07:002010-09-28T16:44:21.540-07:00

I've been working like crazy lately to meet a deadline, but also because I knew that this past weekend I would have visitors I definitely wanted to make time for. I was thrilled that David from Ireland and Greg from Australia would be able to make it for my birthday celebrations. Greg's appearance was especially surreal given that I haven't seen him in 16 years. To sum up the weekend: there was

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-69903768983058375172010-09-19T19:54:00.012-07:002010-09-19T20:39:40.997-07:00

I should be writing my grant application but instead, I find myself feeling excited about an upcoming visit from a friend! Let me explain.Three weeks ago, my friend Michelle visited Vancouver from New Zealand. Michelle was my best friend during my formidable years. From 13 to 16 years of age, we were inseparable, confiding in each other all of our greatest dreams and worst insecurities. I loved

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-88397926405030919742010-09-15T17:10:00.014-07:002010-09-16T14:07:40.087-07:00

In recent years, September has been a bittersweet month for me. In some ways, it's my favourite time of year. The weather is milder, the new school year begins, and the distractions of summer pave way for a more productive and organized time of year. Plus, not only do I get to celebrate my birthday but also the birthdays of several close friends and family members. It seems December/January is a

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-34938541788510847582010-08-04T13:12:00.003-07:002010-08-04T13:22:17.844-07:00

I moved... again... and am now comfortably settling in to my new digs in Burnaby. It's great to be closer to downtown again, and it's easier to get to work and to take transit. I like that I'm getting a lot more organized and am no longer living out of a suitcase! I missed my parents' company a little that first night alone (blush) but I'm quickly getting used to living on my own again. I also

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-15357754704781755362010-07-27T16:14:00.016-07:002010-07-27T17:10:01.033-07:00

"In the jungle, the mighty jungle..." The melody played in my head over and over again during my trip to Ecuador. The trip was, quite simply, spectacular! As one who has traveled extensively, I have to say that Ecuador - a destination I would not previously have considered - far exceeded expectations and turned out to be among the best travel experiences I've had! And that's saying something :).

Shannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-23360638849309472382010-06-23T15:40:00.005-07:002010-06-23T16:11:06.674-07:00

These are my new clubs - the TaylorMade Burner Plus Women's combo irons! For the past couple of months, I've been heading out to the golf course with my dad on Tuesday nights to play the front nine. My dad is a pretty serious golfer and a great teacher, so it's no surprise that I've seen some improvement in my ability to hit the ball. Last month, I decided it was time to buy my own clubs. I've

Shannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-8455488119881501912010-06-22T16:49:00.007-07:002010-06-22T17:19:38.312-07:00

The Salt Tasting Room is one of my favourite spots in town. I frequent it often and have yet to have a bad time. Great wines, an extensive selection of cheeses and charcuterie and good company make for an excellent evening, and Friday night was no exception. I had the pleasure of an eclectic, international mix of companions on Friday. Among us, we had South Africa, England, Serbia, Switzerland,

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-69963559191593039302010-06-09T15:31:00.008-07:002010-06-23T16:08:53.660-07:00

Life has been pretty good lately :). There have been activities galore and every time I think about cutting back to get more rest, another exciting activity pops up! I spent last night at the opera. Madama Butterfly is being performed at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and we managed to get great seats. It's been quite some time since I saw an opera, the last being The Marriage of Figaro, and I

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-12114004208627924942010-05-12T16:57:00.003-07:002010-05-12T17:17:30.682-07:00

I ran the Sun Run on Sunday. It was a gorgeous sunny day, and for the first time, I ran it alongside a good friend for the entire 10K. I do not usually enjoy company on my runs. I am a solitary runner, preferring to go at my own pace, to be alone with my thoughts and my music, and to not have to talk =). But I must say, it was really fun having the company! It is probably because our speeds are

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-72503158171796805502010-05-03T11:26:00.010-07:002010-05-03T12:04:26.590-07:00

I ordinarily would not have picked The Keg as a Dine Out Vancouver option given the myriad of other choices available, but seeing as it was my dining companion's birthday and he loves his steak, I thought I'd give it a try. It turned out to be a very satisfying meal and filling as well!I decided to go all out and forgo the $28 menu, opting instead for the $38 surf-and-turf. I started with the

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-80897496639922553462010-04-27T16:21:00.004-07:002010-04-27T16:33:40.561-07:00

It's 4:30 on a Tuesday afternoon and I can barely keep my eyes open, even after drinking a huge mug of black tea and eating a triple chocolate chunk brownie to get my sugar rush on! The past weekend was super busy, what with all the packing I had to do and moving everything out of the apartment. It's a little unsettling that my furniture now rests in a 10x10 storage locker, and the rest of my

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-22156290174301767302010-04-22T16:15:00.004-07:002010-04-23T08:13:48.445-07:00

Today is Earth Day and I'm doing an awful job of participating =(. My coffee mug disappeared from the office lunch room (grr) and so I am drinking my afternoon coffee out of a Styrofoam cup. Bah! I also took a look at my travel plans and my carbon footprint this year is going to be ridiculous with so many flights booked for the summer. I am moving, which means it is no longer convenient to take

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-47466818090758794242010-04-22T14:17:00.002-07:002010-04-22T14:20:39.103-07:00

... are making this movie, which I think is incredibly cool!Must make time to go over and introduce myself soon - especially since the office seems to house at least one cute boy ;-).

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-12270338806559150722010-04-18T14:01:00.000-07:002010-04-18T14:02:06.936-07:00

"Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance."- Bruce Barton

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-63445754614158635642010-04-07T23:12:00.008-07:002010-04-18T14:04:14.091-07:00

I am moving again. This time, it's to my parents' house for the summer. Though it's the logical choice - my roommates both have to move and I am traveling so much this summer that it makes no sense to pay rent - I'm feeling a little nostalgic and sad to leave. It is a great apartment. High up on the 29th floor with plenty of space and a really fantastic kitchen and living area to entertain, we

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-2364303751749801532010-03-23T11:03:00.014-07:002010-04-07T15:53:44.937-07:00

If you ever get a chance to make your way down the California coast, I highly recommend a stop in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The little town is quaint and romantic with a plethora of beautiful art galleries, great restaurants and a white sandy beach. B. and I spent a pretty perfect Sunday there. We started out with a very pleasant breakfast at Katy's Place, sitting on the patio in the sunshine sharing a

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-36391241243370552992010-03-04T23:29:00.007-08:002010-03-05T00:12:28.055-08:00

I left my heart in San FranciscoHigh on a hill, it calls to me.To be where little cable carsClimb halfway to the stars!The morning fog may chill the airI don't care!My love waits there in San FranciscoAbove the blue and windy seaWhen I come home to you, San Francisco,Your golden sun will shine for me!-- From "I left my heart in San Francisco" by Tony BennettI spent the first week of February in

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-68680392698124223312010-01-25T19:30:00.002-08:002010-01-25T20:06:34.631-08:00

This past week was exceptionally busy. There was data to analyze, meetings to attend, budgets to work on, personnel appointments to make, seminars to attend, new projects to brainstorm ideas for, and a day dedicated to personal development. On Thursday night, I sat up until 3 am working on a project, and then awoke at 6:30 am to rush downtown. I smiled at the irony when I showed up three minutes

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-13937516112489646482010-01-19T15:57:00.003-08:002010-01-19T16:11:54.035-08:00

I am so excited! It's premature, I know, considering that I am planning for July, but I can't help it. I'm going to South America =). I am treating myself to 10 days in the jungle, starting in Quito, Ecuador and making my way to the Amazon rain forest. Best of all is that I'm traveling with my very good friend, David, who is more well-traveled than I and with whom I know I will be safe and have a

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-89229663209986610692010-01-04T17:13:00.003-08:002010-01-04T17:21:32.143-08:00

A quick post to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!While my usual inclination at the beginning of a new year is to plan, this year has started off a bit differently. For once, I can honestly say that I have no idea what's in store for me. I feel as if there are several different directions my life could veer off to, and they all seem equally probable... Yikes =). It's a little

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-44248474651673914052009-12-28T22:07:00.010-08:002009-12-28T22:27:34.662-08:00

Today's luncheon with the girls was a great opportunity to see Joshua and little Tristan! I can't help it - they're just so cute - so I'm posting a few pictures of the little guys. I also want to wish Tanya and Hemel a huge congratulations on their engagement! That's some bling you're sporting, Tan!And if you're wondering what's up with all the photo postings, I'm having fun playing with my new

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-86212480639812052582009-12-27T17:18:00.010-08:002009-12-27T18:59:48.621-08:00

It's amazing how quickly children grow up! I've barely seen Kimmi this year. Once, during the summer, I saw her on the golf course with her plastic pink putter, but I didn't get an opportunity to chat to her. At four-and-a-half, she is incredibly sociable and smart... a little bit cheeky as well :). She entertained our Christmas guests with her stories and games, and I'm so happy I had a chance

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-77101125850957688912009-12-13T15:27:00.003-08:002009-12-13T16:03:14.564-08:00

It's hard to believe there was a time I updated this blog on a regular basis! But I suppose it's time :). This year has just flown by. Literally. I have to stifle pangs of guilt for the huge carbon footprint I've made, having taken exactly 21 flights this year! The travel has been so good for me - I've met so many interesting people this year, made new friends, formed closer ties with old friends

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-58334712537882353922009-10-14T15:57:00.004-07:002009-10-14T19:58:12.217-07:00

First day back to work after six days in Cali and I'm wishing I were still on vacation. This gloomy weather certainly isn't helping anything! So instead of working, I'm sitting here reminiscing about the fun-filled hour we spent jet skiing in San Diego Bay, our afternoon strolling through the fabulous San Diego Zoo (yes, I like zoos!), and exploring the beautiful beaches and the very lively

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-73534998235610012012009-09-24T10:28:00.004-07:002009-09-24T16:31:10.969-07:00

After a rather long hiatus, I've decided to come back. I'm not sure if anyone reads this anymore but that's beside the point. Part of my reason for blogging was to maintain a record for myself of what's happening in my life, and I'm a little sad to have this gap in time. I was surprised by the number of people who mentioned that they no longer had access to my blog, and I meant it when I said

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-75743357719238481512009-03-30T23:51:00.005-07:002009-10-14T16:30:45.718-07:00

I'm back from my very first trip to Las Vegas, and it was everything I thought it would be and more =). No details, I'm afraid... you know what they say ;-). However, I will say that it was fun and exciting, and that I wish I was still there going to sleep in our suite in the grand Trump Hotel. Not only did I get to see and hike the gorgeous Red Rock Canyon, but I also won $80 playing BlackJack

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-84556263380300128242009-03-11T22:13:00.005-07:002009-03-17T00:35:49.128-07:00

Last week, despite feeling sick, I made the trek to UBC to attend the morning session of the Gairdner Symposium. After all, I wasn't going to let a cold prevent me from listening to a couple of Nobel Prize winners talk about "Science and the Future of Medicine"! I was not disappointed =). Sydney Brenner, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine in 2002, was forthright and opinionated (he's

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-11293519745826086402009-03-09T08:27:00.010-07:002009-03-09T08:44:42.032-07:00

A few weeks ago, I met up with an acquaintance from high school. I'd seen her photographs on FB and knew that she'd taken up photography as a hobby and was particularly interested in portraits. So we got together for a fun filled afternoon and here are some of the results. Yes, I admit it's all rather self-indulgent =). The hair extensions were especially fun!

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-77010921090819522982009-03-06T00:12:00.005-08:002009-03-06T01:06:06.467-08:00

Today I received a letter from a key funding agency in my research area bestowing upon me a two-year postdoctoral fellowship! I applied for this award in September last year amidst my travels in India (which was very stressful!), and have been waiting with bated breath for the results ever since. While the extra money is nice, it's the vote of confidence that is more meaningful because it implies

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-64876152824815708272009-02-28T18:13:00.004-08:002009-02-28T18:37:38.214-08:00

Last night, after a great Indian dinner at Sitar (yum for the prawns masala!), S. and I took in a performace of East of Berlin, one of the plays showing as part of the Chutzpah! Festival. The play centres around a young German man who discovers that his father was a surgeon in the SS during the war, and how he deals with the inner conflict of knowing that his father is a war criminal in hiding.

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-16404032092680421932009-02-24T20:21:00.007-08:002009-12-22T15:45:05.806-08:00

I saw this on Wynne's blog and was curious to see how many of these classics/contemporary works I'd read, so here it is folks, my first meme :).Instructions: Copy the list and put an 'X' after those you have read, count 'em up, compare tallies. This should be easy. Strutting and preening is optional. Put + beside the ones you like.1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (X+)2 The Lord of the Rings -

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-17764788235477760482009-02-20T00:10:00.003-08:002009-02-20T00:54:38.043-08:00

It's difficult to blog these days. It's not that things aren't happening - life is full and interesting and exciting in lots of different ways - but rather that I'm feeling much less inclined to share. I have developed a heightened need for privacy and I wonder how long it will last. At first, it was because Robin and I had broken up, but now it's more that life is taking me on lots of twists and

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-52520401616128725252009-01-25T10:17:00.011-08:002009-01-25T14:13:24.930-08:00

Today is the eve of Chinese New Year. I have just one resolution - to live my life on my terms. Enough said :). Happy new year, everyone! May the Year of the Ox bring you good health, happiness and prosperity.So... I am sitting here on the east coast of the U.S. It is very cold here (-4 celsius right now but it gets much colder at night!). It was a bit of a shock to the system after spending 5

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-88017903661149242202008-12-29T23:12:00.007-08:002008-12-30T00:49:07.324-08:00

As has become the habit, the following is a synopsis of the year gone by! This year marked the culmination of years of hard work for me - the granting of my Ph.D! I defended on March 7, 2008 with my colleagues and friends present, and I felt exactly how I'd hoped (though never believed I would) - calm, confident and poised! What a relief and a pivotal, proud day in my life =). As sad as it was

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-84583691063096895272008-12-22T15:33:00.005-08:002008-12-22T16:24:19.062-08:00

Yesterday, Sarah and I ventured out onto the snow-covered roads and had a fantastic ski day at Cypress! There was a fair bit of powder on the mountain and more of it kept coming down every minute. Sigh... so pretty and so much fun! Sometimes, when I haven't made it out onto the slopes for a while, I forget how much I enjoy the fresh air, the happy vibe, and how relaxed and excited (yes, at the

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-13501579242849355852008-12-08T09:49:00.006-08:002008-12-08T11:07:47.217-08:00

It's been almost three months of singledom, and I have to say, being on your own has its perks. For the past month, I've had this welcome sense of freedom. It began with the realization that I could jump on a plane and take off to San Francisco at the last minute, and then continued as I indulged in flirtation and late nights of socializing =D. Sitting on the back of a motorcycle behind someone

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-89793162842332695402008-11-26T10:25:00.004-08:002008-11-26T10:38:54.897-08:00

Last night, thanks to Sarah and her excellent choice of venue for her birthday, I uncovered a little gem in Gastown - the Salt Tasting Room. I arrived just in time to hear our waiter, Alex, describing a customized tasting flight paired with a tasting plate of fine cheeses and meats for Sarah. It sounded superb! You can imagine then how excited I was to customize a tasting flight and plate for

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-78557544084887442542008-11-24T23:30:00.008-08:002008-11-25T00:08:19.171-08:00

I'm back from San Francisco and with a new lease on life. It seems California sunshine was just what I needed - that and some time with an old friend. I am very tired after our fun-filled week and in desperate need of sleep and healthy food, but aside from that, I feel ready to tackle the challenges in my life and enjoy it!This past weekend, we rented a motorcycle and made our way down the

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-5097587955180894212008-11-21T14:35:00.008-08:002008-11-21T14:58:12.672-08:00

It's another gorgeous sunny day in San Francisco, and I can't help pondering if I might want to consider living here. I spent the morning at Berkeley. It's a great campus; lively and interesting, multicultural and expressive. Sometimes I do regret not venturing out further and staying in Vancouver. I've certainly done my fair share of travel but it's simply not the same as living in a new city

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-23505777569475010032008-11-18T17:27:00.006-08:002008-11-18T20:18:49.261-08:00

I'm sitting in "It's a Grind" on Polk Street.. really in the heart of San Francisco. The background music is jazzy and a little melancholy. My Internet connection at the apartment is a bit flaky, so here I am, trying to get some more work done after a rather unproductive day. I tried to work.. really I did! But the apartment has this great big kitchen that was just begging to be used, and so I

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-43145786693654978162008-11-16T19:08:00.004-08:002008-11-16T19:19:47.737-08:00

I arrived in San Fran yesterday afternoon to a balmy 24°C and sunshine! It feels so nice to be here, away from the chilly, wet weather in Vancouver and meeting some very interesting new people. An old friend (really a colleague) has been showing me around and I have to say, I love this city! Everything is lively, the people are easygoing, friendly and smart, the weather is gorgeous, and the

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-30110911299200895622008-11-11T11:56:00.007-08:002008-11-11T12:20:18.116-08:00

It's been almost two months since Robin and I broke up, which is why I've been away. When it happened, I wasn't sure if it was real or not... and to be honest, there are still some days I think it is not completely over. But, the reality is that we have gone our separate ways and we are living separate lives, and barely talking at all. I think we've spoken all of three times since that fateful

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-35121140319603895322008-09-18T10:20:00.002-07:002008-09-18T10:27:46.157-07:00

My office is completely deserted today what with everyone attending a mini-conference at UBC. I decided not to go because I have much to do and plus, I leave for India next Thursday! But instead of having the productive morning I was expecting to have, I'm sitting here feeling pensive and a little lonely. It's so quiet...I have a lot on my mind these days. The last few, in particular, have been

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-59666456169670740362008-09-01T22:38:00.011-07:002008-09-01T23:00:33.915-07:00

A huge thank you to Margaret and Dennis, who hosted us at their beautiful home in Schuswap this long weekend! And thanks Kev for inviting us! We had a great time relaxing on the back porch, playing cards, sitting around the fire, eating lots of delicious healthy food, watching movies in the best entertainment room I've ever seen in anyone's home, playing mini-golf, hanging out on the beach,

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-20177538770410061832008-08-25T16:48:00.009-07:002008-08-26T21:00:31.677-07:00

I should probably be spending these last few minutes of my work day doing something productive, but it's been so long since I've blogged and moments when I feel inspired to blog are few and far between these days. So here it is - my August 2008 update!The summer has rushed by and I can't help feeling a bit sad that there is officially only one week left before the fall semester starts, and SFU

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-49819758742705693042008-07-24T09:21:00.003-07:002008-07-24T09:42:25.661-07:00

There were a few things to celebrate last night - Robin's business plans are coming along nicely, the Hirshies (who've sold their house in Vancouver) moved their belongings to their place at Whistler yesterday, and all the boys take off for M's Vegas stag today.I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at Robin's apartment to hear that, as a last hurrah, we'd be joining the Hirshies and friends

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-49021091239773819282008-07-23T09:33:00.004-07:002008-07-24T19:14:12.003-07:00

I know I've been away for a long time, but in my defense, it's the summer and there is so much to do! Life has been busy and full and satisfying. You know you have it good when you go away to a beautiful place like Hood River and feel like there's nothing to write about -- because you wrote about the windsurfing, the white water kayaking, the hiking, the shopping, the BBQs, etc. the previous year

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-33569787634619647232008-06-13T10:26:00.003-07:002008-06-13T10:39:06.936-07:00

It's just as well that Robin and I leave for vacation tomorrow because I am barely functional today! I am so tired that I can't even find the energy (or words) to write a proper blog entry right now. We're going to Hood River for the week, and the first order of business is to catch up on sleep! Yawn...

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-44105903149457888972008-06-06T01:39:00.006-07:002008-06-06T02:35:27.880-07:00

Our India trip is months away, but Debra and I are in full planning mode! We are both planners (with personalities veering slightly towards Type A - just slightly, mind you =P) and so it's been lots of fun getting together over cups of hot tea and hashing out details for our trip. The one lesson we've learned is that in India, everything in negotiable. Prices start out inflated, but unless you

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-71012697385231118792008-06-05T11:39:00.015-07:002008-06-06T02:15:49.364-07:00

I've been terrible lately about bringing my camera to events and recording those special moments! In my defense, at Tracey's wedding, I was otherwise occupied :). Here are a few photos taken by a relative.Here are a couple from Cathy's camera:And here's one of Alice and I at our convocation ceremony, she in her dignified black regalia and me in my silly hat. I'm convinced they make you wear that

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-84621900466039570612008-06-03T14:54:00.002-07:002008-06-03T14:56:56.798-07:00

I had to pass this along, because, well, you'll see why :).The 6 Most Badass Stunts Ever Pulled in the Name of Science

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-80652269004963481732008-05-28T14:39:00.008-07:002008-05-28T16:07:57.739-07:00

The past three weeks or so have whizzed by - a frenzy of excitement, planning, moments of stress, moments of joy, and lots of love! My sister's bridal shower/stagette marked the beginning of it all; a fun-filled day that began with a tea party, progressed to a pole dancing lesson and some male entertainment (ahem =P), and ended at our hotel after dinner with girl bonding and a slumber party.

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-89980495495529029522008-05-13T16:01:00.007-07:002008-05-13T16:35:24.380-07:00

This is, unfortunately, much too familiar.I knew it was going to be rough day when I knocked my cute little white teapot over just as I was leaving for work this morning =S. It crashed to the floor, shattering into lots of tiny white shards of glass and leaving a puddle of tea on the kitchen tiles. Of course, I was already on the verge of missing my bus so I ran out of the house and left it like

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-48282699031781364692008-05-08T17:59:00.006-07:002008-06-06T02:16:16.278-07:00

Last night, while savouring a delicious dinner at Bombay Behl (Palak Paneer, Baingan Bhurtha, garlic naan and rice), Debra and I began planning our adventure to India! We'll both be attending the Human Genome Meeting this year, which takes place in Hyderabad. Though I'm disappointed that I'll be away for a dear friend's wedding, I am also starting to get incredibly excited!Things I fully intend

Shannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-84948835128357132212008-05-02T14:38:00.003-07:002008-05-02T14:53:27.732-07:00

Two days ago, as I was exiting and someone else was entering, I walked right into the side of the opening door. Bam! Right on the nose! I think I let out some sort of yelp and then doubled over in pain, clutching my nose as tears starting streaming down my face and I recognized the taste of blood in my throat. I had to compose myself to walk back into my office as if nothing had happened =P.

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-37107025529408555542008-04-24T09:38:00.004-07:002008-04-24T09:49:53.358-07:00

Those who know me can attest that I love learning new things, so you can imagine how chuffed I'm feeling now that I'm venturing into the world of protein docking. In very basic terms, the idea is that by using the 3D structure of a molecule, we can identify and optimize small chemical compounds that bind to cavities in the protein, and that could potentially change the function of that protein.

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-35616758756448056502008-04-11T15:11:00.003-07:002008-04-11T15:34:39.420-07:00

Congratulations to my dear friend and colleague, JB, who successfully defended his PhD thesis in Statistics on Tuesday! In celebration, we feasted on a ten course Chinese dinner last night, and then chatted the night away at good ol' Tim Horton's. I'm very proud of him, and so pleased that we've made this journey together and will convocate together in May :). We couldn't help reminiscing about

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-51772005980698771892008-04-06T23:52:00.004-07:002008-04-07T00:42:35.029-07:00

Two years ago, in the early days of "Robin and I" -- when I was just beginning to appreciate the person Robin is -- he whisked me away to a little spa resort in Parksville called Tigh-Na-Mara. That weekend has always been very special to me. Robin showed me how thoughtful he is, how sweet, how romantic, how generous, how loving, how much fun... in a beautiful secluded setting away from

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-2839533808675598782008-04-02T00:50:00.004-07:002008-04-02T00:56:04.082-07:00

A huge congratulations to Sharon and Travis who welcomed their beautiful little girl, Nora Kate, into the world on March 24th!

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-77255127076906015982008-03-09T15:26:00.006-07:002008-03-09T16:02:16.246-07:00

Five years of work culminated in my two hour defense on Friday, and I'm thrilled to say that it went fabulously! It's a wonderful feeling to have accomplished this goal! But it's not those three letters - Ph.D. - that has me so excited. It's the completion of a long, sometimes trying, often satisfying journey. When I look back to when I began, I see myself - wide-eyed, curious, and excited but so

Shannynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-5840403905151745942008-03-05T23:57:00.008-08:002008-03-06T00:41:52.104-08:00

... the way my hair smells like Robin's cologne after spending time together... the way Robin gets excited about my research even though he doesn't understand all of it... how supportive Robin is when I feel stressed out and overwhelmedMy PhD defense is in two days, and I've been stressing out a bit. LOL, okay, that's an understatement =P. But it's during times like this that I really appreciate

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-41863463052274606382008-02-27T11:23:00.004-08:002008-02-27T13:32:08.566-08:00

I'm taking the plunge into the Mac world! Yesterday, I ordered myself the new 13-inch 2.4GHz MacBook. I'm so excited and can't wait to get it. The Apple Store is also offering a $130 rebate for selected printers when you buy a new Mac, and so I ordered the Canon PIXMA iP4500 Photo Printer - essentially free after the rebate! Looks like I'll be all set with me new toys in a week or so.

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-6692454929937403002008-02-21T08:35:00.002-08:002008-02-21T10:13:01.909-08:00

So... there's been A LOT going on lately, which is why I haven't found time to blog and why I feel pretty exhausted at the end of each day! You would think that working 9-5 would leave ample time for other things, but between work, continuing education, dealing with computer issues, doctors appointments, keeping active, spending time with friends and family, and of course, making time for Robin,

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-86194983813330071452008-02-14T10:57:00.004-08:002008-02-14T11:39:53.677-08:00

I realize it's Valentine's Day and that many people will be out and about tonight, but I wanted to put in a plug for a friend and colleague who's new science show debuts on CBC at 7:30pm tonight!Called Project X, the show takes viewers right to the source of the story to explore and carry out challenges and experiments on location in swamps, garbage dumps, university labs, test facilities,

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-45005594130520970442008-02-08T08:48:00.000-08:002008-02-08T16:09:06.218-08:00

This was a bit of a crazy week up at SFU. On Wednesday afternoon, around 2pm, I glanced out of the window to see snow steadily streaming from the sky. I thought perhaps I should leave and go home as the university had already closed twice the previous week from heavy snowfall and lack of transit. However, no one was sounding any alarms or suggesting that staff start making their way down the

Shannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-15677353077614687092008-02-06T12:11:00.000-08:002008-02-06T11:25:07.458-08:00

Yesterday was Pancake Tuesday, the last day before the onset of Lent, and thus, the last day to eat butter, sugar and eggs before Easter. Of course, I didn't know this until a Brit postdoc invited me over for pancakes yesterday evening. He sure makes great pancakes! They were thin, a little chewy and more like crepes, which is just the way I like them =D. (I actually can't stand the thick spongy

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-28129127007440419692008-02-06T09:12:00.000-08:002008-02-06T09:30:53.847-08:00

Robin and I have now officially been together for two years!!! It's amazing how fast this past year has gone by, what with me making concerted efforts to finish up my graduate work, and Robin adjusting to his position as the manager of his pharmacy. While the first year was a rollercoaster - very passionate with extreme highs and lows - our second year together has been more about developing

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-20155048221283520232008-02-05T23:48:00.001-08:002008-02-06T00:28:44.051-08:00

This year, Robin and I tried out an eclectic mix of restaurants for the Vancouver Dine Out, making an effort to try one restaurant from each of the three price points.Our first stop was Nyala, an African restaurant in the Main Street district. Robin dined on prawns, the chicken curry, and the pecan brandy tart, and I had the boerewors kebobs, the lamb tagine and the baklava. Despite really

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-4487587501800662452008-01-24T23:29:00.000-08:002008-01-25T00:12:16.475-08:00

Ever since I can remember, I've suffered from eczema and allergies. [My eczema isn't quite as bad as the cases on Wikipedia, but it's still as irritating and frustrating to deal with]. My most recent, acute episode of allergic hives occurred while aboard our cruise to the Caribbean. For two straight weeks, little itchy bumps kept popping up on my arms and legs, which only went away after

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-22603833811495744442008-01-19T10:06:00.001-08:002008-01-22T01:12:22.704-08:00

Last night, a group of us went to see Cloverfield. I must have missed all the marketing because while a lot of friends and colleagues seemed eager to see it, I hadn't a clue what it was all about. I'm pleased to say that despite feeling queasy from the erratic, shaky camera, I quite enjoyed it! It was frightening and exciting, and even funny at times. Worth seeing! That makes two movies in the

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-83089554979783322412008-01-15T17:56:00.000-08:002008-01-19T10:05:08.210-08:00

I've just returned from a super-interesting talk about genomics and information technology, and their impact on society and identity. As a geneticist / bioinformatician, I sometimes forget about the social implications of scientific discovery. Today's seminar was focused, in particular, on the HapMap Project, which has been cataloging human variation to try to find out which parts of the human

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-23580860484027845982008-01-11T09:05:00.000-08:002008-01-13T10:21:53.655-08:00

With my U-pass still active until the end of April, I've been taking the bus to work every morning. Taking the bus makes me feel good about myself because I'm doing my part for the environment and sustainability.I'm saving gas money, maintenance on my car and parking costs.I don't have to worry about finding a parking spot.The bus drops me off a few metres from the entrance to my building, and

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-87983094114130649692008-01-10T23:16:00.000-08:002008-01-10T23:39:33.614-08:00

If I thought my load would lighten after the holidays, I was seriously mistaken =D. I have still not finished setting up my new home. Unpacked boxes still clutter my kitchen, and pictures and mirrors are patiently waiting to be mounted on the walls. My focus has been on wrapping up the old and getting up and running with the new. There are final reports to fill out now that I've finished my grad

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-46247550306725718702007-12-28T01:17:00.000-08:002007-12-28T02:07:04.343-08:00

Happy holidays everyone!! Wishing you a safe, happy and prosperous 2008!!Christmas is always a busy time of year, but this year was even more hectic than usual! There was "the move" which, thanks to Angel's Moving, went very smoothly indeed. Now I'm surrounded by unpacked boxes, and if all goes well, I'll be able to make headway with it in the next few days =D. I spent the better part of this

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-57099673433939681842007-12-11T23:16:00.000-08:002007-12-12T00:04:23.359-08:00

The end of this year marks the end of an era! By January next year, I will no longer be a student! Instead, I'll be spending my days as a postdoctoral fellow / project manager for an exciting new project at Simon Fraser aimed at discovering novel microbial drug targets. To aid the drug discovery process, SFU has put together a large interdisciplinary team. I'll have my own bioinformatics /

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-47941789714586842182007-12-10T17:58:00.000-08:002007-12-10T18:00:20.260-08:00

Can I just rant and say that I hate Future Shop?!?! They have by far the worst customer service representatives I have ever encountered, and every policy seems designed to screw the customer over.

Shannynoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-17840532696047495922007-12-09T23:34:00.000-08:002007-12-12T11:44:12.234-08:00

I've been back for a week, but I'm still dreaming of thirty degree weather, gorgeous white beaches, warm ocean waters, our friends and all of that delicious food! The week spent on board the Grand Princess for our Western Caribbean cruise to celebrate W&J's wedding was surely one of the most fun-filled, jam-packed and exciting vacations I've had! Highlights included: Hanging out with W&J and all

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-65671313049163546102007-11-20T02:05:00.000-08:002007-11-20T10:16:19.733-08:00

Just four hours ago, I handed in a completed thesis to my graduate supervisory committee!!! I can't tell you how good I felt today, knowing that I had only one more read-through to do, and then I'd be thesis-free for two weeks. For those of you unfamiliar with the process, this is just one milestone in a list of many, and although there will still be revisions, submission to the Faculty of

Shannynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-62464071099500691162007-11-16T00:24:00.000-08:002007-11-16T00:35:25.762-08:00

To my dear friends and family who I've been neglecting the past few weeks, this is a quick note to say:Hello. Yes, I'm alive. I'm fine. I'm doing well. I'm sorry I haven't called or written or seen most of you lately. I've been writing... writing... writing... and the thesis is due right about now. So yes, I promise, I will be in touch soon, and I love and miss you all =D. Hope you're doing well!

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-13478019176224236622007-10-23T21:36:00.002-07:002007-10-23T21:52:00.673-07:00

After my Friday afternoon seminar, I was ready to take a much-needed breather. Robin picked me up from the office and whisked me off to Whistler to spend the evening with friends who have just taken occupancy of their new condo. It is a gorgeous three-level vacation home in Creekside.It was there that D. introduced me to Van Gogh flavoured vodkas, and may I just say... yum! I'm not much of a

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-73440970974447104862007-10-16T14:23:00.000-07:002007-10-16T14:48:39.678-07:00

If my life were not so hectic, and I lived in a house with a yard and didn't suffer from allergies, this friendly critter would be my doggie of choice. It's hard not to love the gorgeous Golden Retrievers, especially since they're both pretty and smart! One of my friends has trained his Golden to keep at least one paw behind a stick laid across the ground to prevent him from intruding on dinner

Shannynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-31038739890484555762007-10-12T14:25:00.000-07:002007-10-12T15:05:19.397-07:00

On Monday, a notice went out to the life sciences and bioinformatics community announcing my doctoral exit seminar next week! Since then, I have been bombarded with emails from friends, colleagues, mentors, etc. expressing how much they are looking forward to seeing my presentation, and asking when the date of the defense is. I suddenly feel very anxious! Who knew so many people would be

Shannynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-14741832507562645102007-10-05T00:52:00.000-07:002007-10-12T14:58:11.730-07:00

I had a rather startling revelation tonight while doing my laundry... I am becoming one of "them". By that I mean one of those academic types who wears the same outfit or series of outfits over and over again in sequence. Yikes! I used to make fun of my math prof who wore the same high-waisted jeans and burgundy sweatshirt every day, but it seems that for each day so far this week, I have worn

Shannynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-91977645756689914422007-10-02T15:57:00.000-07:002007-10-02T22:14:33.701-07:00

I should be working, but I had a dream last night that triggered all sorts of memories, and I've been distracted today. Some things - events, conversations, feelings - they seem as though they happened a lifetime ago. Perhaps a better description is that they don't even feel like they happened to me anymore, as if the memories I have are of someone else's life, and I'm merely observing. Every now

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-73476574884279326052007-09-30T18:17:00.001-07:002007-09-30T18:34:24.487-07:00

I've just spent the last two hours (maybe more?) cataloging and organizing all the journal articles on my desk. There were piles and piles of them (many as-yet unread), and a little voice inside my head has been telling me that I should categorize them for inclusion in my thesis. My desk is now neater than it has ever been! The only problem is... I don't feel any more inclined to work on that

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-25788296389875517352007-09-28T12:13:00.000-07:002007-09-28T13:29:20.700-07:00

I've been feeling slightly out of sorts the last couple of days. I think this is mostly because my writing is going oh-so-slowly, and I am not anywhere close to where I'd hoped to be at this point. Plus, I'm feeling a bit stumped by a comment from a reviewer of one of my manuscripts. Note to anyone out there who has to referee a paper: if you're going to make a suggestion, be clear about what

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-29200447590048382812007-09-26T10:09:00.001-07:002007-09-26T10:51:21.238-07:00

Last night, Robin and I enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Cannery Seafood House. It was the perfect venue to celebrate my birthday, seated as we were at a small candlelit table overlooking the water. My main course, the smoked BC black cod over roasted yellow flesh potato, local wild mushrooms, asparagus, & lemon chive butter sauce, was so good that I actually closed my eyes and stopped

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-87260142424671111792007-09-23T16:51:00.000-07:002007-09-23T20:21:13.439-07:00

With my 30th birthday rapidly approaching, I can't help but evaluate where I am right now and I have to say, where I am is pretty darn good! There are ups and downs, of course, and the daily stresses that everyone has to deal with, but I am excited about my life and the prospects that the future holds.After five years of hard work, I am finally nearing the end of my doctoral degree. The thesis is

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-38100393762253487072007-09-18T10:18:00.001-07:002007-09-18T10:33:46.529-07:00

On Sunday, the gals from Tracey's bridal party went on a dress expedition. Gone are the days when bridesmaids were forced to wear bright pink, taffeta, poofy-sleeved monstrosities. Hello sleek, sophisticated, fun dresses one could envision wearing at a cocktail party or for a romantic evening out! The dresses were so well-made and I felt gorgeous in all of them. We've narrowed down our choices,

Shannynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-30560279416234166142007-09-16T19:46:00.000-07:002007-09-17T07:59:47.145-07:00

Last weekend, I celebrated a very early 30th birthday (oh my!) with Shawn by way of a Mexican Fiesta! It was great to see everyone, and I sure let out my frustrations on that poor donkey pinata =D. Thanks, Kim, for putting the pics up and for being our resident photographer!With my actual birthday being just a week away, I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to the big 3-0. As someone put

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-45310889575108786852007-09-15T01:17:00.000-07:002007-09-15T01:27:19.894-07:00

while( !$blogging && !$procrastinating ) { $productivity++;$thesis++;$stress--;}if( $thesis->is_written ) { $stress = 0;$happiness = 10e10;$socializing++;$blogging++;}

Shannynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-36059414695335612202007-09-09T23:17:00.000-07:002007-09-10T12:06:27.212-07:00

I woke up early on Saturday morning to the sound of Robin readying himself for work. He was playing Latino dance music as he tried to find some CDs to be played at the party we were hosting later in the day. That, and the beautiful sunshine, was enough to energize me and I suddenly felt motivated to tackle the Grouse Grind after a seven-week hiatus.As I made my way up the mountain, I couldn't

Shannynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20124395.post-74766907631567120562007-08-29T23:51:00.000-07:002007-08-30T01:33:07.657-07:00

Rusty, my cousin's doggie, passed away today after being sick for three days. We still don't know why he was sick but we're all very sad that he's gone. He was always happy to see everyone, had a very sweet, sensitive personality, and was part of our family. We will really miss him. One of my favourite things about Rusty was that he'd come in from playing outside, and then wait at the door

Shannynoreply@blogger.com4