That look that new parents get when they see/hold their baby for the first time in their arms… it’s unforgettable.

Also worth mentioning: the look of horror that the new dads get when they see the umbilical cord.
(Sorry for ruining such a sentimental moment.)

Can you be both super psyched and super terrified at the same time? Because that’s how I was feeling when I was brought to the delivery room for the first time.

Let me clarify some things:

• Our lab does research on neonatal immunity
• They named me one of the “cord blood collectors”
• No, I’m not the one giving birth… no matter who you ask! D:

          

Steveston Village in Richmond is one of the main shooting locations for the Storybrooke scenes from Once Upon a Time. Unfortunately, most of the Storybrooke signage has been taken down for the summar hiatus, but I managed to snap some quick photos of the remaining décor! :)

1. Mr. Gold’s Pawnshop!
2. Granny’s Diner
3. Storybrooke Country Bread
4. Storybrooke Pet Shelter

I really can’t wrap my head around the fact that in a few short weeks, I’ll be registering for courses for my 4th year of university.

For 2nd and 3rd year, us biotechies had the privilege (or restriction?) of having standard timetables for lab and lectures. I actually loved having standard timetables, so I’m not too pleased about having to come up with my own schedules again :P

Sigh.

(via fymodernfamily)

(via lumos-maxima)

The CMMT (Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics) hosts a seminar series every Friday afternoon called TGIF.

“Why is it called that?” asks a lab-mate.

“It stands for ‘Thank God it’s Friday…’ or it might be some weird medical acronym,” I reply.

“No, you’re correct,” says the Ph.D student.

“But… isn’t TGIF supposed to represent something GOOD?!?” the lab-mate remarks.

We all had a good laugh.

I’m actually really curious as to how good a turnout they get, since after all, the seminar goes from 4-5 on Friday afternoons. I think for most people, the last thing they’d want to do on a Friday afternoon is sit through a lecture on how the mediator subunit CDK-8 regulates cadmium toxicity and EGFR-Ras-MAPK signaling. Or learning if impaired human RIG-I-dependent antiviral cytokine responses at birth have implications for susceptibility to respiratory syncytial virus infection early in life.

Luckily, I’m not most people. I think I’ll try to go to them… if I can’t think of any better ways to spend my Fridays ;)

In my attempt to get more exercise at the hospital/lab, I decided to take the stairs instead of the elevator one day. Little did I know, you need an access code to EXIT the stairwell on the main floor, and every other floor, for that matter. I had my ID keys, but they didn’t do a thing. I was stuck: trapped between the 4th and main floor (for all eternity!!!). It was pretty late in the afternoon; the hallways were empty, and the stairwells were deserted. I finally escaped by going through the creepy basement and taking the elevator back up the main floor. LOL talk about being counter-productive.

Adélie Penguins!!! :D

Midway through their trip, after more than 1,000 hours amongst the [half a million] penguins, their [cameraman’s & director’s] grip on reality is beginning to loosen:

“Here we are on the penguin superhighway, where the penguins go down to the sea. It seems that they follow the American system: going down to the sea on the right, coming back from the sea on the left.

… I’m fairly sure that yesterday they were doing the British system.”

(via notimelikepresent)

I kind of stopped watching House after its third season because of the disbandment of his original diagnostic team. Let’s be honest here- these four, along with Dr. Cuddy, were perfection.

I did however tune into the series finale because I heard this lovely angel was returning to guest-star. It brought back a ton of memories, even though I had no clue what was going on half the time.

My tumblr is filled with JMo, and I regret nothing! :D

(via acidicram3n)

Last year, I worked for a neurosurgeon.
This year, I’m working for a neonatal surgeon.

… Dr. Derek Shepherd and Dr. Addison Montgomery!!!

*Grey’s Anatomy fangirl moment*

Clearly, I watch too much television.

I need someone to go to Bard on the Beach with me. The only person (not including my English teachers) who is as fanatical about Shakespeare as I am is in Taiwan right now. I miss you, ES. I miss how we randomly recite lines and make obscure references that nobody gets.

Last year, I couldn’t go because I was doing my co-op in London. Ironically, the town of Stratford, Ontario, which was only a car ride away, is home to one of the most famous summer Shakespeare festivals in Canada. I didn’t end up going to that one either -_-“

This year is going to be different! They’re showing MACBETH on the Main Stage. It’s one of my favourites because it’s so dark and clever! :D

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury
Signifying nothing.