Hello Darkness, my old friend....

So the interview went... I can't say it was one of the best. I think the wear of the thesis writing was showing. The questions were expected, no surprises. So it's out of my hands. They said I should get a call in a few days. I know that I'm overqualified in many areas, but some aspects of the job I've never trained for. That can be a major dark blotch on the chances of getting the job. But I think I hit home the message that I'll learn anything. That's one thing I'm hoping to get the job. I can expand my technical skills. If things don't pan out, I'm going to take it that it wasn't meant to be.

Back in the lab. Sequencing and digests. Hoo-hah. Next week I start the final stages of my experiments. And oh yeah, finish the thesis.

In my ear... more Simon & Garfunkel, "The Sound of Silence". I've renewed my interest listening to the folk duo because "The Sound of Silence" was a prominent track in the latest graphic novel flick "The Watchmen".

It's a hobby of mine, graphic novels. Yes, they ARE comic books. But my personal collection is comprised of graphic novels. What's the difference? Comic books are weekly releases. Graphic novels are complete story arcs. I know, "ooooh ahhh, same difference there Nanc". Remember though, I'm a bona fide geek. Of course I read mainstreams like Superman, Batman, and X-men. But I also have a love for indie graphic novels. Especially ones as grounding breaking as Alan Moore's "The Watchmen". Other lesser known series I follow are "Y: The Last Man" (which recently wrapped up its series) and the ongoing "Fables". I'll talk about these at a later date.

Anyways, "The Sound of Silence"... it has been always been a heartfelt song for me on so many levels. Paul once mentioned that it's about society's failure to communicate. And being deaf I can identify personally with the problems of communication failure. Of course you might think, "how the fuck does she listen to music then?" Being deaf doesn't mean totally deaf. Just an extent of it. When I awake in the morning, it's silent and remains that way until I decide to rejoin the hearing world with putting aids in. Some weekends I go the entire time deaf. It might sound frightning, but honestly there's a peace within silence, expecially the sound of silence. Also being deaf, lets me appreciate music more. I enjoy all genres, but tend to gravitate towards rock with a good drum beat. People forget that music is all about vibrations. Feeling those vibes when unaided is an awesome experience.

Alrighty... off to meetings then a lil thesis writing tonight. Tally ho.

Can't win them all...

Well that rec ball hockey season sucked. Totally got pwned in the semi-finals (5-9). And I'll take personal responsibility for 4 of those goals. So no crappy Tee this year (sniffs).

Today is Tuesday. And for the past few months I've been treated to a good meal with friends. They call it "thesis-bail-out-Tuesdays". Writing thesis means becoming antisocial plus your diet thrives on things that take only 5 minutes to prepare. Of late I've been actually good, many fresh veggies and "ironed" meats to upkeep my energy levels. Dawn and Mike though always treat me on Tuesdays with new dishes. Tonight though a request from Dawn: Nanc's nachos. I didn't think much of them before but apparently my nachos are to die for. Who knew I had a keen idea about cheese and chips? So prepped the meat and cheese last night after hockey and will throw in the hot spices later tonight over at their flat.

Thesis writing accomplished a bit today. Snaps for me. But fuck! These things take FOREVER to write. I just fiddled with graphs and tables today because I felt like it.

Reading more about the Pox virus for the interview tomorrow. Holy crap is that a sweet virus! I get a lot of weird looks talking about nasty bacteria and viruses like they are the best thing since slice bread. Seriously though, microbes are awesome. It has always amazed me that something so tiny, so unicellular can take down a complex multi-cellular organism like me. The coolest thing regarding Pox viruses now days is that we're using them to treat cancer. It's still in its infancy stages, but gene therapy with viruses will be a reality. I'm excited at the opportunity to work with them, learn the ropes. Who knows, maybe I'll become a virologist instead. Wish me luck for that interview tomorrow!

In my ear... I'll admit that I'm a HUGE retro fan. I'm always listening to some great 80s tune. Today on the playlist, a canuck! Bryan Adams. Most probably know him from that sappy love ballad "Everything I do (I do it for you)" from the flick Kev Costner's Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. However that's not my fave tracks from Bryan. One with the best memories that I caught in my ear today is "Summer of '69". You play this at a pub anywhere, the ones who are hollering the lyrics are true canucks.

Putting the "P" in Procrastination

It's Sunday night... 11PM, and I've done squat all. So what I do? Write in the blog! Natch.

I've been busily about with hockey. 8 games in 10 days. I still have one to go tomorrow with the possibility that I play again two days later (if we win). My body's doing not too bad considering the assult. Being target practise has its ulginess. Saturday I got a puck welt on the right thigh and the bruise is about the size of my hand now. I bruise easily thanks to inheriting a blood disorder from my dad's side. It's not too problematic, just bleed/bruise more readily than the normal joe.

I spoiled myself on Friday and bought a Wii Fit. I've been eyeing it for a long time. So far it's pretty good. I suck at many of the yoga poses, but I'm sure with upkeep I'll be able to master them eventually. The thing I enjoy most is the boxing segments. What can I say? It's a good stress relief. I miss though working on a bag. Beating the bag gives a lil more satisfaction somehow. I think that that's on my list of things when I move to a bigger place: have a workout room with a punching bag.

Something new this week: interview! I'm looking for temp/contract work for a year in the area before launching into a post-doc. I was granted an interview in a virology lab as a lab assistant. Basically the position is to help upkeep the lab running smoothly. It's not really a research job, though I'll ask if it's possible to have a mini project to work on or at least help collaborate with another lab member. I'm a lil' worried that I'm not qualified enough as I'm a bacteriologist primarily. I did take ONE virology course but that was almost 10 years ago. I'm reading some papers from this specific lab and so far it sounds pretty neat. Hopefully I can convince the powers that might be that I'm well suited for this job and try my hand at virology. Wish me luck!

Before I go, as promised, here's a tidbit of what's in my ear. I've been a fan of Jason Mraz for now over a year. I like his jazz style. My fave song still is "I'm Yours". Enjoy!

Trendy Omnivore

There's a blog making some waves in the news. Apparently Jill and Andrew from Very Good Taste decided to make an intriguing list of foods of the homo sapien palate. The contents of the list is of course debatable. But from reading what's on it, I must agree that it comprises a good blend of world foods. It's funny though that Big Mac Meal, Poutine, and Krispy Kreme donuts make up of the North American choices... goes to show how fat the North American diet really is.

Now I'm not a picky eater, especially compared to some close friends of mine. When ppl send me those dreaded "My fave...." lists to complete, the part where it asks about your fave food I always put "ethnic". Which may seem like a cop-out. But it's the simple truth.

So without further suspense... I've bolded the items in the list that have graced my lips. Apparently I've tasted 52/100. I'm not sure if that's bad or average.

1. Venison my Greek dad hunts deer... it's very good meat. But I like moose better.
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros thanks to befriending some Mexicans of late, I've been enjoying many of their dishes!
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile I remember eating this with friends over Christmas. It's tough meat!
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart best memory... a vender on Young Street in Toronto. I was 11.
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23.Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters but sorry no... shellfish aren't my fave
29. Baklava mmmm, my Greek mom's the best!
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl not in specific bowl...
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar sadly not together
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O can we say Jell-O shots?
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat and chicken, lamb, beef, shrimp...
42. Whole insects according to my mom I used to eat ants by the dozen
43. Phaal (sorry I like my tastebuds untorched)
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more I'm a student, you think I'd spend $60 on Whiskey? Sorry Tullamore Dew is my "uppercrest" Whiskey
46. Fugu after that Simpson's episode, I doubt many will try it
47. Chicken tikka masala oh gawd... this with naan is heaven!
48. Eel on sushi... ick ick ick
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut this is the god-given purpose of glaze
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear in Mexico they call it Tuna... which causes some misunderstanding when someone orders a tuna sandwich
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer mmmm cheeeese
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal sadly any McD meal since I was raised behind a McDonald's (true story!)
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini shaken, not stirred
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine I'm Canadian.. duh!
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. SweetbreadsIt wasn't what I thought it would be... but not bad tasting
63. Kaolin I've no idea what this is
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain though I'm not sure if simple fried bananas count...
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette for the the love of God, no no no! I've been offered it, but passed
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini sadly just caviar
73. Louche absinthe they still allow this to be consumed?
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill seriously... what is THIS doing on a list with Krispy Kreme?
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong thanks to Steeps, I get to try exotic teas
80. Bellini three words: Cactus Club Cafe
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant wtf?!!
85. Kobe beef hmmm, unsure if kobe beef on sushi counts?
86. Hare
87. Goulash my granny often makes this...
88. Flowers I've had dandilion soup, but edible flowers as garnishes
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano ole!
96. Bagel and lox part of the joy of dating a Jew
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee funny... this is now the 4th time I've seen this coffee mention in the past 30 days. Weird.
100. Snake

Sex and The Crease

Funny thing happened to me... again.

I was telling a few friends of mine that I was happy to be back in the crease, and suddenly the conversation went sexual. For some apparent reason some men find a female goalie sexy. I'm not sure why, especially considering that you're not dressed in lingerie and smelling like roses. If you've never suited up as an ice hockey goalie, it's like padding yourself with an extra 40-60 lbs of foam and still be "agile". Maybe that's part of the point... you can show off your flexibility in spite of the equipment. Or maybe it's like a steamy package waiting to be unwrapped.

But whatever the reason, sex and goaltending seems to go puck in glove. I have had the interesting experience of being courted right after a practise. Apparently watching and the thought of pucks slamming against my goal jill got him all giddy. It was a definitely the best "cool-down" session I've ever had after a practise. I thought it was an isolated incident, but here again talking about protecting the crease got other men aroused.

It's not just me... it's apparently in the culture. For example, in recent jabs at the American 2008 VP-hopeful Sarah Palin, Conan O'Brien couldn't resist a joke about her being a hockey mom and her pregnant teenage daughter. "It's not known what positions her children play," Conan said, "but one of them's not good at protecting the crease."

So ladies, if lingerie isn't working for you in the bedroom, go to your local sport store and opt for goal equipment. At the very least, invest in a sexy goalie jill strap. Believe me, it's far more comfortable than a teddy thong.