By Eilea Knotts
I can now check off that I have been in Canada for one full week! Wow, time is already flying, and I still have so much to do. This coming week has me starting an experiment, sampling during the experiment using methods I have never used before, and giving a lab presentation on my dissertation work so far. There are just not enough hours in the day for me to finish everything. I try and leave work close to the time that most of the other students and technicians leave for the day, but I am still getting in before everyone and leaving once they have all left.
And here comes the weekend. I need to do work! I need to make more artificial seawater, make more media, count cells, and prepare for the experimentโs start on Monday. This is the time to do it all before the week starts and I start having to share lab space againโฆright? Iโll go in on Saturday and Sunday and I will stay as long as I need toโฆright?
No! Everyone (i.e. LOREX housemates and Dalhousie graduate students) told me to take time off, relax, and have fun. Soโฆthis is how the weekend went.
Saturday
I took the day off. All the LOREX students here in Canada were invited to explored McNabs Island with a group of Dalhousie students. There was ferry riding, sightseeing, and hiking to keep us all busy. Oh, and did I mention that Wiley and two other students jumped into the 9โ water for a swim? Crazy!





Sunday
Even though it would have been nice to have another day off, I NEEDED to make more seawater and media this weekend. I only went into the lab for 5 hours before I was dragged out to see the public gardens and downtown with the LOREX students. The public gardens were beautiful, and it was fun going into a few shops downtown together. Afterward, we all had another delicious meal cooked by Wiley, Matt, and Emily. Donโt worry, Jeff and I did the cleanup.
I did have to go back to the lab for an hour afterward, but the break was worth it. I am thankful I have people here to help remind me to balance my life with my work.

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD!