My opportunity to tell the world about myself, eh?

Okay, here goes...at the end of summer 2007, I moved to Vancouver from Ontario (yes, another Ontario refugee). I was working on a Masters in Health Admin at UBC and working full-time in neonatal ICU at one of the hospitals in the city. Yes, I'm a bit of a health nerd... I left that program and worked exclusively for a research network while trying to enjoy all that Vancouver has to offer. Last year, I painstakingly put together applications to med schools throughout Canada, suffered through some interviews, and was accepted! I'm back at UBC for 4 crazy busy, but really exciting years of school.

All of that school/work business aside, my friends call me the Pushy Italian Mother. I’ve been known to spend hours whipping up sweet and savoury plates and then feeding friends in excess. I’m constantly on the move in the outdoors. Cycling, Grouse grinding, hiking, kayaking, running, skiing - I’m game.

If you're still with me, thanks and keep on going...

What I'm looking for:

I don't really have any outlandish expectations for Plentyoffish, but, hey, you never know what can happen! At the very least, some friendships may be made along the way. Ideally, I'm looking for someone ambitious (some sort of goal/aspiration in life), active (to share in some of the outdoorsy things), caring, down-to-earth, honest, intellectual, and trustworthy, with a touch of hopeless romanticism. Extra points if you've got a touch of granola in you. Physicality plays a minor role too - there has to be some physical spark - but an intriguing personality wins out in my books. I'm mainly looking for friends right now.

I'm an open book so if I've missed anything, feel free to ask. Adios!

There's always the traditional option: a delicious dinner (Vijs?), good conversation (a must), and perhaps a movie. Being in Vancouver, it would almost be a shame to skip out on the beach to end off the night. But I'm certainly open to creative options and breaking away from tradition too. Something like scaling the Grouse Grind, going a hike, or tossing a frisbee in Stanley Park would be a great workout and an opportunity to chat. Movies, theatre, music, art, food, shopping - I'm game and will go with the flow.

I think the most important aspects of the first date (or any date for that matter) are the experience and connection, rather than the actual activity.