Achievements

The year 2010 has been extremely lucky a year for me. It's still mid year, and I have a feeling of satisfaction inside me of already achieving quite some things this year. A few of the achievements this year until now are:

• Being actively involved with CU-WISE 
• Passing my G2 driving test
• Finishing my thesis and defending my Master's Thesis successfully in April 2010. I had my convocation ceremony on June 8th, 2010, and it was an amazing feeling. 
• Having an opportunity for an interview at CRC Canada and securing a two-month (June/Juny) research project at CRC on Intelligent Transportation Systems
• Being accepted for a talk at MITACS Workshop of Networks and Security being held in June
• Being engaged to the special someone (Yes! Believe me when I say it is an achievement :))
• This one, I still have my fingers crossed, as I don't yet know the final result .. Will update it once it becomes an achievement.

I am super excited about things falling into place so beautifully. I hope Lady Luck doesn't leave my side. 

Rather Simplistic

I still have to post the completed version of my previous painting of the horseys. But anyway, this is the new one that I did. It's relatively simplistic, done on a piece of paper, but with acrylic colors. I think it could be done on some fabric as well.

This one is for someone, who asked me to make something for them :) on a piece of paper. 

Do let me know what you think about it!

My Incomplete Painting

 Here's an incomplete version of my painting.. I've been doing it for the holidays.. Do tell me how it is..

 

And this is my favourite horse. I've named him Majesty... 

Networking 101 with Donna Messer

The Queen of Networking Donna Messer was in O-town on Thursday 29th April, 2010, at Carleton University. I got a chance to attend her Effective Networking workshop offered by MITACS. It surprisingly wasn't just another networking workshop where they tell you 80% of the jobs are hidden. It was about helping us to actually "network" with people. It was about being able to identify the kind of person we are about to interact with and changing our personality to match theirs to build a level of compatibility between us. She made me realize the different communication styles that people have. People can be red or orange or green, depending on how elaborate or moderate or otherwise they are while communicating. The revelation can be of immense help when trying to connect with someone, or even during an interview.

Networking really isn't just about passing your business card to someone. It is about making connections, that can be based on similarities. Donna based the art of networking on a very simple fact - we all like people that are like us. As a simple demonstration, using a 2-minute exercise, everyone in the room was paired with someone they had never known before, and each person was going to answer a set of some twelve or so questions. At the end of the exercise, we were required to note down some things that were common between us. It turns out me and my partner were able to find at least five things that were common to us. And from complete strangers, we became two people who knew each other, and could "connect" to each other!

Networking has a give and take side to it as well. If you are seeking help from someone, you will always have resources to share with them, something that will be of use to them.

I am glad I went to the workshop. I am thankful to Donna for opening my mind to this aspect of networking, which does not seem like an extra step at all, given that I am a rather shy person. Talking about Donna, she is a very motivational and enthusiastic speaker. I think that the impact a speaker leaves on you is much more than the speech. I recommend this workshop to everyone. It was a one of a kind experience.

OC Transpo Good/Bad...

Almost a year and half in Ottawa, and I think I have constantly nagged about the OC Transpo buses either coming earlier than scheduled, or later. Hardly ever, do I get a bus that is on time. Add to it the fact that OC Transpo buses are not as frequent as, say Toronto, missing one connection screws up the entire route. For me, I have to take 2 buses and the O-train to get me to school. When times are better, I reach in half an hour, but I've seen worse with traveling for almost an hour one way. One of the buses no longer has the schedule posted on the stop. They used to have it there before.

Today, it took me 1 hour and 10 minutes to get to school. I waited for the bus for almost 35 minutes!! Like many others who share my fate in having to deal with the untimeliness of OC Transpo, I've also tried complaining at OC Transpo website. And I haven't got a response yet. I was reading online, and I can see complaints dated back to August 2007, about the same problem. In November 2007, according to statistics, four out of five calls to OC Transpo were complaints. Wow, nothing has been done so far except going for a strike and fare hikes? (At least, the current fare hike was a shock for me.) When will they learn?

Apart from the timing, I think OC Transpo is decent. I like most of the drivers - they are friendly and happy, although I have had my share of rude drivers as well. I like the idea of the transit way. Oh, and I love the view from the upper deck of a double decker bus :).

Ada Lovelace Day: The Technical Woman I admire

After I read Gail's email about Ada Lovelace Day, inspiring everyone to write a blog post about the technical woman/women they admire, I sat down to think. It was so true; somewhere deep down, I too was inspired by a woman. I don't think my post will make it to Ada Lovelace Day's website, since I am a bit late in writing this one. But it's never too late I guess.

Ever since I joined Grad school, I have been in constant touch with Christine Laurendeau. We shared the same lab, and that is how I got introduced to her. I still remember her first words to me, "I am glad there's another girl in the field of security"! Hmm, I thought, I gotta make the girls proud! She once came to present her research as a guest lecture in one of the courses I was taking. I was stunned by the amount of confidence she had. And I gained genuine interest in what she was doing.

Christine was finishing her Ph.D. around the time I started my research. She had also been appointed an instructor at Carleton University for the coming session. Since I was continuing to work on what she was doing, my supervisor Prof. Barbeau, suggested she could co-supervise my work. She would always explain things very well. I was impressed by the amount of knowledge she had. Both she and Prof. Barbeau would always encourage me by giving me positive feedback and believing in me. She has been a big motivation and help for me during my research. I will always appreciate her accepting to be a co-supervisor for me. Her researching and questioning skills have inspired me and taught me a lot. She doesn't know that, but seeing her has given me enough reasons to come back for a Ph.D somewhere down the lane. I am sure she does an awesome job at teaching and interacting with students as well; I see her office hours always packed with students.

She balances her family life and professional life just perfectly. So friendly, yet so professional, I don't think I have ever met a person who has awed me so much. I am so glad that we crossed paths! I wish her good luck with everything.

Reflections

The sun's out till so late now!

It's 6:54 p.m.

The Earth Hour

The Metro, Ottawa today mentioned that ever since the launch of Earth Hour in Ottawa in the year of 2008, Ottawa has saved some electricity. The City people are hoping to have the darkest hour of Ottawa ever this year. From a 4% decrease in usage in 2008 to 6% in 2009 is definitely improvement. Can it get better? I say it can. The Earth Hour is an international initiative, and 88 countries and over 4000 cities participated last year.

Last year, to honour the earth hour, I turned off every single light in my house, unplugged the TV and printer and all other appliances except the refrigerator. And then, I went out for a nice long walk. I hope to do the same this year as well. I am writing about the Earth Hour here, hoping to get more people to participate for the Earth Hour 2010. Personally, I wouldn't endorse lighting even candles during the Earth Hour. See Why not?

I believe the purpose of earth hour is just not an hour of saving energy. It is trying to incorporate that into your day-to-day routine. Every little bit everyday would make a huge difference overtime. There's a saying in my language, which, when translated to English means "An ocean is only comprised of small little droplets of water". Besides conserving energy, be sure to recycle items that can be recycled. More information on recycling is available here.

Add this to your calendars and set reminders for this a day or two in advance, so it remains in your mind. To summarize:

What: The Earth Hour
When: March 27th, 2010 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Where: Wherever you are

Feel free to link this post to spread the word. Have a happy Earth Hour!!

What not and what is?

For the umpteenth time in my life I am starting a blog. That is not to say that I am turning old. Just, a blog for every colour of life is nothing else but fair.

It's beautiful outside; the winter this year wasn't harsh at all. I feel like going for a nice long walk while the sun is still there to accompany me.

I have a lot to say. Will you be there to read it all?