Public transit.

Today was the first day of my program in Sustainability Management offered through UBC's faculty of Continuing Studies.  I am not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I generally do not take public transit, although I would love to start.  As I live on the North Shore and my program takes place at UBC's Robson Square Campus, I thought that this would be a wonderful opportunity to start using public transit.  And it doesn't hurt that getting from Lonsdale Quay to Downtown Vancouver is probably one of the most scenic trips you can take in the Lower Mainland, as you must take the Seabus.

The Seabus is a relatively small commuter ferry departing from Lonsdale Quay and arriving at Waterfront Station.  The trip takes 12 minutes and requires a two zone fare ($3.75 absent other fare saving discounts).  During the day the Seabus leaves every 15 minutes and in the evenings it leaves every half hour.  The trip is worth making even if you don't have something to cross the Burrard Inlet for, but if you do, it is a thousand times better (and quicker - well, maybe not a thousand) than driving across either of the bridges that are available.

Once I arrive at Waterfront Station in Vancouver, I can then walk to UBC Robson Square, which is about a seven block walk.  With my trusty seatbelt back in tow and the sun shining, it was a great walk today.  I don't know how much I'm going to enjoy the walk when it's raining out (or at night), but so far I'm definitely enjoying using public transit and the old standby - my feet!

Sustainability management program.

It is official: I have been accepted into UBC's Award of Achievement program in Sustainability Management! Sustainability management is a hugely important area that is fast-growing and the way of the future, and it is certainly consistent with my own interests.  As a lawyer, I'm not exactly sure how I will be able to use the program in my own career, but I can't imagine that I would not be able to find some way to do so.  At the very least I will be able to make some contacts in the area of sustainability, and then I'll go from there.  I would definitely prefer to stay at my current job and use the credentials (such as they are) that way, rather than transitioning out of law and into another field.

The program can take up to two years to complete, and starts in September.  There are four mandatory 15-hour courses to complete, and you must complete another 40 hours of coursework via nine to 35 credit hour courses.  I've already chosen the ones I wish to take, now all I have to do is wait for the course schedule to come out on July 27.  I'm also planning on taking a course that will qualify me to volunteer at our local hospice, which will also start in September, and hopefully the dates won't conflict.