A diversion, as is defined by the Oxford dictionary, is an activity that diverts the mind from tedious or serious concerns; a recreation or pastime. Grad School can become too serious and tedious at times and there are a few "diversions" that I tend to occupy myself with at such times.
Photography
My most recent hobby. I am in the process of teaching myself how to shoot professional quality photos. In addition to being relevant and important for my work, it is a great way to enjoy life as it happens around me . I love Nature Photography. But I shoot all types of images ranging from Nature, Portraits, Travel and Landscape Photography. Below are a few of my most favorite shots. They are no where near perfect. But hey! I am just getting started!
Traveling and the great outdoors
I have always loved to travel and to be outdoors and that desire to a certain extent, has had an affect on the kind of research that I choose. Getting to know the world a bit better and to be able to understand different ways of life is what motivates me to travel . I think that one can learn a lifetime of lessons by just visiting one or two places that is entirely different from what they have been accustomed to. I find it interesting how people around the world are very different in terms of culture, rituals, languages etc. yet very similar in their ambitions and requirements. My "Places to visit" list is long and has almost every country on it. As I've only been to 6 countries so far, there is a lot of catching up to do. Right now the lack of time (and money :)...) is the limiting factor. But I'll get to the end of my list....someday!
My Family
Hasitha and Dinuka (2011)
To nourish children and raise them against odds is in any time, any place, more valuable than to fix bolts in cars or design nuclear weapons. - Marilyn French Ph.D. (American author & academic)
This should probably be the first thing on this page as nothing brings me more joy and a sense of contentment than spending time with my husband Hasitha, and our son Dinuka, and that really is my main "diversion". I have always wanted to have a career (hopefully a one that would be deemed "successful" ). And I have always wanted to have a family. For me, both are equally important and I did not want to give up one, for the other. Our eldest son (Dinuka) was born in 2010, just a year after I started on my Ph.D.. Juggling grad school and family can be challenging at times. But it has it's rewards. Sometimes after a day in the lab when none of my sequencing reactions worked, it sure feels good to go home to a babbling toddler and a loving husband!
UPDATE : In April 2014, we welcomed our second son, Tharuka. His arrival was welcomed by his brother who takes great pride in introducing his brother to everyone as "my baby". Life has become more hectic and certainly more interesting with the latest addition to our family.