2011 was a full year for me. It felt like there were more ups and downs than other years, and this is my recap of the highlights. I think everyone should recap their year this way. It feels so good!
UNIVERSITY
I survived my first year of grad school! Phew. It was nothing short of insane and my vacations were full of work. But I am happy to be a part of a group of smart international people. I am the dumbest one in my class, so I’m learning a lot!
A PUBLICATION UNDER MY BELT
I co-authored a review article on the health effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) and got published in a journal. This will look good if I apply to a PhD.
RESEARCH & WORK
Lots of research was done throughout my year, but I actually got paid to work on a project that was funded by the UN. It was a short stint because the project got cancelled. I also taught English once and it was fun.
HOME LIFE
We moved to a much nicer and bigger flat in March. Since then we’ve been feathering the nest and enjoying our centrally located area.
EATING WELL
I learned to make Indian food! I also turned vegan on my 30th birthday. It’s an on going process so I’m not 100% vegan yet, but I tell people I’m vegan so I can keep myself accountable.
GETTING OLD(ER)
Oh yeah, I turned 30!! NUTS!
SEEING THE WORLD
2011 was a big year for travel. I probably spent a cumulative 3 months travelling. Countries visited: Germany, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Denmark, and Canada.
MY VISITORS
6 people (not at the same time) visited me from Toronto. It was a pleasure to host them all in our phat pad. 
LEARNING GERMAN
It was my first time taking intensive German classes. 9-12:!5 everyday (except Tuesdays) for 3 months. Martin reports that my German improved a lot and that I am now functional with the language. (I thought I was functional well before! ^_^)
DRIVING STICK
I got my German’s driver’s license and was added to Martin’s insurance policy. Can we say vroom vroom? I also learned to drive stick shift and have been driving regularly since. The fastest I’ve driven EVER was 190 km/hr (306 miles/hr) on the Autobahn.
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Now onto 2012, which I’m very excited about. HAPPY NEW YEAR AGAIN!
