As many of you are aware, I have been working part time in Italy this summer. I am working for the same woman who I worked for last year organizing fashion shows and the after-parties in Florence. I have been very lucky both years I have done this job since last summer I had the immense pleasure of working with Sandy (pictured in the middle) who has continued to keep me sane throughout this last year and who has helped to give me the confidence to not be afraid of not knowing exactly where my life might be heading. And this year I have been graced with Erin's presence (pictured to your right) who has been - first and foremost - my friend, as well as my work colleague, my flatmate, my drinking partner, my gelato buddy, my art companion, my soundboard, and who has kept me grounded this summer!! Matt (on the left) is Erin's brother who came to study for a month in Florence, extended his stay to travel around Europe and became Erin's 3rd semi-permanent flatmate. I call them my Italian Family because this is exactly what they are to me because without them - and lets be honest here - life would just not be nearly as fun! Just to give you a few highlights from the summer so far, here are a few "Do you remember..." comments: - When we decided to follow the GPS instructions in Tuscany down the little dirt road which turned out to be 'not so cute'...I think that was the 3rd time ever I have heard my mother swear... - When Hannah thought the Academia museum was in Fiesole (a hilltop town overlooking Florence, 25 mins on the bus) when really it's a 5 min walk from the Duomo? Yes, I am getting my masters degree... - When Erin and I had no idea what the waiter was saying in Venice, so we just smiled and laughed and ended up with Octopus brains for lunch?! The catch of the day apparently... - When we had to endure the Dursley family brought to life on the train from Venice back to Florence? In this version the Dursley's have a daughter as well as a son, and it's not pretty... - When we were playing drinking games and on Erin's turn, she suddenly called out "Brands or Labels?!"...the Canadians and I are still trying to work out what game she was playing... - When Matt phoned Erin..."Are there two airports in Rome?" - Sandy and I drinking on the Eurostar and the American doing the splits? - Hannah as one big mosquito bite? Tiger mosquitoes, they're out there... - Sleeping 3 to a bed? - bored.com ? Yes, it does exist... - Erin, as we recounted summer highlights: "He's all mine! Well, you can have some too." - When Erin made the perfect cookies and Sandy and I ate too many? - When Hannah's friend Danielle imparted the secrets of KYWG? We all say thanks!! There is oh so much more, but for another time... I am back in Florence tomorrow evening and will be working there till the 12th of August and I'll have access to free long distance and would love to talk to my USA friends!! Leave me a message and let me know when you're free to chat :) xxx

So the day before I went into surgery in November, I walked across the stage a second time at UBC. This time, I was picking up my master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. It took me four years of part time work, and it was a real struggle, so walking across the stage finally was a big relief -- I was so happy it was finally over. I had a pre-surgery eye exam about an hour before the ceremony, and they were forced to dilate my eyes for some of the tests. So after four years, I couldn't even really see the ceremony I had worked so hard attend. I had to get someone to help me find my place in line since I couldn't read any of the paper work, and I basically had to follow the blob ahead of me and hope they were leading me in the right direction. When I got home that night, I dropped my degree in the corner of my room and went to sleep so I could wake up and head to St. Paul's for 8am. I basically forgot that it was on the floor in my room for the last few months until my dad mentioned to me today that I really should hang it up. Since I was at UBC already, my dad offered to pay for a frame from the bookstore so I could finally put it up on my wall and get it off the floor. So, after more than two months, here it is, finally framed.