i'll write more tomorrow (hopefully), but the biggest, bestest recent news is that i officially found out yesterday that i was awarded a pretty substantial scholarship by the social sciences and humanities research council of canada (SSHRC). i was ALSO told that i would get to keep the money that UVic has already offered me. together, it's more than enough to cover my tuition, accommodation, food, and travel (including a few trips back home to edmonton) for the next year. PLUS... i think i'ma treat myself to a brand new bike with some of the leftover cash. i haven't picked one out yet, but i'm dreaming of having a super light road bike frame, about 10 speeds (leila recently scoped out victoria for me, and said that's how many speeds she would like on a bike if she lived there), hybrid-style tires, hybrid-style handlebars, and a back rack with panniers. i think that would pretty much cover all of my biking needs for commutes to school and possible weekend trips on paved trails. i guess i'll have to figure out if all those things are doable/practical/desirable. is there anything that you have or do not have on your bike that you wish you did (or didn't) have?