In honour of the lovely Meg Fowler, I've decided to make a quick list of "5 Current Obsessions", which will have to do duty as my next blog post until I can think of something clever to write about.

Obsession has a somewhat negative overtone, so I will add the caveat that they are all (mostly) healthy obsessions... but perhaps that's an oxymoron?

Either way, here we go:

1. Manicures. It's like piercings or tattoos or colouring your hair... once you start, it's hard to stop.
   
   



2. Dirkje Postma, one of the only two female speakers at the COPD Event, which I'm writing a report about. Dr. Postma's presentation to the conference, "COPD in Men and Women: Are They Really the Same Disease?" was really interesting, and spoke to gender biases that remain in research, even in the clinical and laboratory environments.


3. LOLCats. Silly? Yes. But also clever and socially relevant.
   
   And come on... they're right up there with the FailBlog!


4. My new PVR. This little baby is the best investment I've made in a long time. No longer am I at the mercy of the television schedule! And, I actually watch far less television now. I know, it's odd, but it's true.


5. Facebook Tetris. Three words: Can't. Stop. Playing.
   
   

Last weekend I was lucky enough to be  invited to the Canucks game -- to a suite no less!

The whole experience was so much fun, I think it has spoiled me for future games. Unfortunately, we lost in overtime... but it was still a great night. And (thanks to the cleansing ceremony?!), we won last night!

Thank you to my fantastic hostess, the wonderful Janet:

Her kindness and generosity know no bounds, and she's truly an inspiration to me.

We had a gorgeous sunny day today here in Vancouver, followed by a spectacular sunset -- I snapped this photo from my friend Derek's balcony.

The view is amazing, and it's also a great place to watch the fireworks -- up away from the hordes of people who flood into our neighbourhood four times a summer.

But interesting news... there may be no fireworks this summer! The recession must be hitting hard. (I'm going to say there's a good chance a new sponsor will swoop in at the last minute and "save the day" but you never know!)

Thanks to all the people who've emailed to tell me they like my site -- it's great to get feedback, and I'm hoping to keep improving it as time goes on.

I have just accepted a contract to cover the 2009 COPD Conference, being held February 6-7, 2009 in Vancouver, and then write a paper about the event.

It's a great opportunity for me to make use of my scientific background, and also to stretch my brain by putting together a summary report -- I look forward to posting it up on my site once it's finished.

I find events like this very interesting -- it's inspiring to be in a room full of people who talk about excellence and mean it, and whose careers are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others.

There is an overarching sense of perseverance among the health care professionals and researchers I've been fortunate to work with over the past two years that really motivates me.

And speaking of motivation -- I'm going to need it! This website is already generating work offers and opportunities, which I am thrilled about.

If you have a project you would like me to consider, don't hesitate to drop me a line!

Keep an eye out for more updates.

Tonight I attended a networking event for women in communications, arranged by the fabulous Linda Bartz and Pat Evans.

Now, don't roll your eyes -- this was a good night. It was fun to be in a glam restaurant in foggy Coal Harbour, drinking wine, nibbling canapes, and talking to other career gals.

In your professional life, finding a mentor is a great thing. Nights like this make it more possible.

I came across an interesting article today that kind of encapsulated my thoughts on ce soir, inaugurations, and change.

Feminism seems like a dirty word these days... but all it actually means is that women have the same rights as men. Ha, what a shocking concept. Equal rights for all!

It's certainly been an interesting few days.