Another week...

What a week... very productive though. I feel good:) The most exciting thing is, that on Friday I gave my very first draft of a paper to my co-supervisor. Basically just dropped it off, and ran away - very quickly. I will see tomorrow morning, what he thinks, and whether I will survive or not...

Actually - this week went by so fast, that I even can't remember what I did and what I accomplished... Oh, one thing I did, was updating my CV... Hard work. And I came to realize that it's thick with all the social and volunteering things, but rather slim on the publication side... Gotta start working on it.

And I got a new favorite song: Jem - Just a Ride

It just randomly came up on my computer. I even didn't know I had it. But it's such a positive song. Perfect for paper writing:)

Actually, I do remember what I did this week. I went to movies. Twice. On wednesday I went to see "Born into Brothels". An AWESOME movie. It's a documentary about kids who live in the red light district in Calcutta. In a way it's sad. Very sad. But at the same time the movie also gives hope, that everything is not over yet. there are possibilities, if you really want. I loved it.
And yesterday I wanted to go and see photo exhibitions with Ali-Chuma, but we met up too late, so we went to movies instead. To see "Mon meilleur ami". Wonderful movie. Heartwarming:) It's about a guy who doesn't have friends, because all he cares about is business and money. So he has a bet with his partner, that in 10 days he has to show her his best friend. And then the movie shows the journey of his to find a best friend. And how he changes with this process. It's funny and nice. I recommend!

Oh, and I also went to two random parties with Francis later. It was interesting. I didn't know anybody. And we showed up pretty late. The second one was a birthday party of one 23 year old girl. She was wonderful. But the crowd and the atmosphere in general was... kind of very young... I think I am getting old, and it's a good thing:)

And today - just a lazy day... partly because it's cold, and I can't function in cold. So just naps, and a little bit of application work.
But - I did go to a dance practice. I decided to join a rapper dance group. And - rapper is NOT rap dance. Rapper dance (you can google it), is an ancient dance that miners from Northern England created. So it's crazy and happy dance with rappers (swords). It's also linked to pagans, so this is the part I'm especially happy about. It was great:) No heads were cut, and I still have 10 fingers. Yay!
The metal things on the picture, that look like a star (it's called a knot), are rappers.
And - by christmas we want to be good enough to go to the bars, and give shows. I'm excited:)

viva tequila and the "quiet" week

I was determined to work hard this week. But, as I should already know, things usually go the other way.
I did start off well. I worked hard on Monday (I TAed at 10, then we had a lab meeting at 1.30, and then from 2.30 to 5 we worked on my paper with Illimar) and at 6 I went to the water aerobics (I signed up for 10 weeks - I'm so proud of myself). After that I was supposed to work on my paper, but I was SO tired...
On Tuesday - Illimar and I were supposed to work on my paper at 10. We postponed to 11 (and I accomplished a lot during this one hour). And then I was waiting and waiting (cos the other things kept coming up), and at 4.30 I decided to leave. In the evening I ended up going for one beer with Francis. It was nice:) I haven't seen him for 2 years I think... We met 4 years ago at the Bluesfest.

On wednesday I disappread from the lab early, to go and work and "work" on my paper at home. That was a bad decision, as the rest of the lab went for drinks after work (as Mike passed Comp I), and I was not to be disturbed. Guys...
But - my friend Martin from Mexico was in Ottawa. He called me, and I ended up meeting up with him and his course mates. They are all IT guys, so I expected to see rather geeky guys (besides my friend). But I was wrong. They were all fun!
So we had a drink at one bar, and then went on to the other (me and 4 guys - the guy nr 5 got too tipsy after one beer, and had to proceed to his hotel). So we had 2 more beers, and then we paid, and were sort leaving, when we moved to another table, and had 2 more beers and nachos. I got home at 3 I think...
The next day I was SO tired...
But I got to work before my boss. I was not in condition to do my paper, so I planned this experiment I had to do. My plan was to just prep it, and leave early. But when the boss showed up, and didn't seem to be leaving, I had to stay, and I actually finished the experiment. I got home, and not even in 5 min later - Martin messaged me, and said that he will go for a jog, and then we'll go out. Ok, I thought. 10 min later I get a phone call from an odd number. I picked up, and it was one of his course mates. They were already out. I decided to join them, and wait for Martin there. So we had a beer. And then we had another. One of the guys had some scotch. Then we tried some scotch that was 25 years old. First I thought it's just a big number, but if to think about it, this scotch is almost as old as I am... That's insane. But I got an idea from that. Maybe I should start making scotch. Only at special occasions of course. For example when my children are born. So they can have a scotch one day that is as old as they are... But maybe it's too crazy...
And we went to another bar, and had more beer... It was fun. Apparently one good drink in the winter would be: some scotch, coffee, plus Baileys on top... sounds good. But the funniest part was, that Martin never showed...
I got home around 2... after having a shawarma:)

But I still needed to see Martin. Because he had a gift for me. And I had a gift for him. So went for breakfast, which was really nice. And I got my tequila:) So exciting! I can't wait to try it.
I also can't wait to go and visit Latin America...

And in the evening I had to TA - I met my other set of 18 students. Can you imagine - out of 18 there are 4 girls and 14 guys. All of them are fun and joke around. I'm not complaining:)

God protects idiots and drunks

I forgot to tell you the story from last Friday (from the PubCrawl). When we got to the second bar (Honest Lawyer), first I had a drink (to give some company to 2 beers already waiting before), and then I wanted to introduce another game. But - nobody wanted to listen to me. So - resourceful as I am (and somebody also suggested it), I decided to climb on top of a chair. And not a simple chair, but a high stool (see the pic).
Attention I wanted and attention I got. But not the one I wanted. I got all the guys close by starting whistling, and making dance and clothing removal imitation. I even got a guy who came with the 5 bucks in between his teeth. And - I also got a bouncer coming toward me. I freaked out and wanted to get off the stool and act normal by the time he would have got to me. But I made a small miscalculation. I was expecting a little foot-support on the chair (halfway in between the seat and ground), but - it wasn't there. So - I ended up coming down the stool with the help of gravitation and completely unorganized. I fell into the arms of the waiting bouncer. I was so scared he will kick me out (but I was the only one to know the games!!!). Thankfully he did believe me, that I'm not that (!) drunk, and I promised I won't climb the stools anymore. And he also got a guy in our group to "keep an eye on me".
Eventually I did get the game done too (it was a pipette tip racking competition).
So I conclude that I am not an idiot. And this was also the proof that I was not drunk at that moment, as I said. Because otherwise I would not have ended up with 3 HUGE bruises. One of them on my ribs.
The last game involved clothe pins. Needless to say this game got a little out of control. The final outcome of my hairdo I do like though. I think it looks funky!
But - it was FUN! The entire night was fun!

from some obsecure corner of your spleen

Animation Film Fest is here. It's here and it's also almost over. Today I managed to get out to see some stuff.
First I went to see "From Words to Film" - some sort of synthesis of animation and poetry. As I love both, I figured it would be cool. I even managed to convince Marc to come with me.
And it was COOL! Different, as well, yes. But COOL! Very inspirational. Some days I think that maybe biochem is not the one for me. Who knows.
But my favorites from today were:
Forgetfulness [2005] Julian Grey | Hear Gear Animation | Canada. On YouTube there are more poems from Billy Collins (Sweet words, The Dead etc), that are awesome!

Primiti Too Ta [1986] Ed Akerman & Collin Morton | Canada

Tread Softly [2005] Heebok Lee | USA

Sandburg’s Arithmetic [1994] Lynn Smith | Canada (I couldn't find it). Plus a few more I liked:)

And as the teeth was "bloody" (hammas oli verel), I had to go and see something else. So I went to see Free Jimmy (Norway/UK). It's about an elephant Jimmy who is a drug addict. And there are 4 junkies, who are taking care of Jimmy, 5 vegans who want to save Jimmy (but end up hearting him), and 3 maffia dudes from Lapland. There's lots of action, and some love story. I enjoyed it a lot (even though some scenes were quite bloody). Also the end was a little "skinny". I recommend it!

I missed "Persepolis", that apparently was sold out. So I have to keep my eyes open for that. Tomorrow I will try to go and see some short animations. One of these is Estonian - Marathon by Kaspar Janice.

dreams... what are they composed of?

Last night I had weird dreams. First, and the most impressive part, was that I was able to fly! First I was just walking, but I felt tired, and then I moved my arms, and made my body "feel lighter", and I actually took off the ground. I was able to go higher, and higher, and higher... until I got scared, as I didn't know when my strengths can diminish. It was above a city, that I have yet to visit. In a way it could have been Pärnu, but the buildings were way too high for that. And then Laura and I were walking on the rooftops (or close to there). There were nice paths, a a wonderful view down. And the a security guy game after us, and Laura took the stairs down (from the roof???), and I decided to fly. But I had never tried to jump into an air, and start moving. It made my stomach feel funny. But I tried, and it worked! And it felt great! And then I went to visit Pille, who had a birthday. I even decided to fly into the apartment. And then we had a "vorstivõileb".
and then there was another dream, where I was captured by some weird group, and we had to play our roles, and it was winter. And I wanted to run away, but I was seen, and then I was worried, but somebody said it was ok. And then I was at somebodies apartment, on a bed. And there was one other girl. She was like my servant. ANd I had my duties too, and I had to be nice. And it felt like a few days. And then one day, there was another girl in my bed. And I was her servant. Very, very weird!
The weirdest of this was, that I was very tired this morning, and my arms are totally sore, just like I had been flying all night. How odd is this?
But - I think I have an explanation. Yesterday I was watching Master and Margarita (2005). It is on 4 DVDs, but yesterday I watched nr 3, the one where Margarita is being called to Woland, to be the prom queen. And she does it on the broom, totally naked. Very impressive scene! And I think it left an unforgettable memory on my brain. Definitely a GREAT movie!


Otherwise my week was pretty busy. First - I slept in every single morning. So usually I made it to 11.20 bus. Friday was good - I was already at work at 11:)

On Tuesday I went for a tea with Anastasia and Jenny. It was so nice. We used to TA together, and we clicked right away. Among the other things we talked about environment, and how antibaby pills harm fish, by mutating them. This is something I have never thought of. But it's so true. We, people, take so many pills. The antibaby pills is just an example. But think of the number of women taking them in one city? and then think about all the left over hormones that would be in the urine, and so making their way to the rivers and oceans. And fish is probably just one example that this could affect. It's crazy! and it's scary too! I think it would be a perfect field to use to come up with some inventive ideas. Anybody?
We also talked about lawn spraying with chemicals. Jenny's house decided to do that, and they fought against it. It just makes no sense to spray lawns with bad stuff, if it's not needed. But what I liked, was one argument that she used. She said: I'm trying to get pregnant, and I really don't want chemicals around right now. I think it's worth keeping it in mind - might become handy one day :)

The same day I went to the Cafe Nostalgica with Edward. People Project was playing - good times! Got some dancing done, and a little too much drinking, and some charming.
Wednesday didn't appreciate my Tuesday-actions. I felt really really tired. But I was in charge of organizing a scavenger hunt game for new students, so I had to go in. And besides that, all I was able to do, was just to clean my fridge. At least something. And by 6 pm I was back in bed:)

Friday was a crazy day as well. I was helping out with the big free BBQ, organized by a main grad student association. And then I was developing a game for the evening PubCrawl. I was determined to have the same game, we had at the Amicitia summerdays. Takes quite some thinking.
And at 2.30 I had my first TAing this semester. I have good students. They all seem very smart. I think I overdid my talking (I always assume they know nothing and are very slow). So this is great. And one of them is 29 years old (and taking first year chemistry??). He's pretty handsome too:) Oh, and it was really really hot in the lab, so one girl almost collapsed in my group. Scary! But she came back to life.

And then we had the PubCrawl. The fairytale role play went very well! People actually understood, and accomplished some stuff. Only a few were already too drunk to understand something. And all the bar was pretty much ours - and the musician John was very kind. He even dedicated a song to us. I will try to put it up soon. And we had two more games in another bar - tip racking (lab technique) and clothespin-attaching. Good times!

Saturday morning we went to the wine-yard near Ottawa, in Navan. A beautiful place! They have about 6000 grape plants. They taste good - a little like blackberries (mustsostrad). We also tasted the wine, and had some cheese and stuff. They also had a super cute dog! I would have LOVED to take her with me...

So the rest of Saturday I was napping and watching Master and Margarita.
But today - I went to a dance practice. Rapper dance. It's some sort of ancient (from 1914th or so) dance from Newcastle and Durham area (Northen England). It's in a group of five, and you have swords. Real swords! Not too sharp thankfully. And then you almost never let go them, and then you walk, and twirl and twist and etc. It was lots of fun! And no fingers were sacrificed. I will keep you updated.

Now it's almost bedtime...

never leave your bras laying around when leaving home

Today I met my neighbour George on my way home. Him and his buddy were sitting on a balcony and having some tea/beer/wine/smokes. And I always say hi to them and chit-chat. They are nice. Even thou - a bit older (they could be my grandfathers, I think). And George is also the one, who helps me out when I'm in trouble (for example the time when my ex-boyfriend decided to kill the electricity in my house by throwing a penny into the place where the bulb usually goes, which shortcircuted everything. and since my landlord is quite useless, then George helped me the NEXT day. Of course, the boyfriend disappeared right after the incident, 'cause he had to help his mum. yeah, right. oh, and also - I had JUST bought my fish, and they were tropical fish, and it was December and quite chilly). So George is a good guy!
Today I remembered that my oven had died. But I bought salmon yesterday, inspired by Ewelina, and I really wanted to make it. So I told George that I need help, and he decided to come over right away. So we walked in to my place, and went to the kitchen. And on my way I noticed that my bed was undone (not that big deal), but also two of my bras were just sitting there, on the chair, just chillin. It was an interesting moment. But I don't think any harm would happen from this. If anything, he would be probably more willing to help me. He actually already told me on the door, that we two should have some wine together soon. So :)

Otherwise it was a happy day:) you know, when you feel happy, and light and self confident? it was like this. Even though I slept in, and missed my first tutorial for my TAing (TA = teaching assistant), but this should be OK. But then I signed up for Science Travels program (this is how I went to up north last semester, to Temiskaming, and spent a week teaching kids, and it was wonderful). and then I went and figured out my TAing situation for the winter. I was worried that my application never made it, but - thank god, it was a false alarm. It did make it, and I did get two positions. Which is great, as it means money! yay! and then we had a free pizza lunch for new grad students. my speech (as I'm the VP-social) was well received, and everyone laughed a lot in the end, as my closing sentence was: after spending a night at the pub, you will be friends with everybody (I tried convince them to come out on Friday to the pubcrawl). and then we had a lab meeting, that also passed by peacefully. Adam, our new PhD student, talked about photosynthesis and stuff like that. it was actually pretty interesting.
And then it was time to go home:)
I also managed to go for a "date" with Teodora - we went to see a movie "Interview" with Steve Buscemi and Sienna Miller. It was awesome! This kind of movie where everything keeps switching, and you are not sure, who is the player and who is being played, and what is the truth and which is the trick. It's sort of like life is too. It's this kind of movie that makes you think...

and now I'm at home... I had salmon for dinner. It was delicious. and healthy:)
And I really should work a bit... kaua võib venitada niimoodi:)

busy weekend

Before every weekend I plan a long list of work related things to do. But so far, by every Sunday the list stands as it was on Friday night. This weekend wasn't an exception.
Well, on Friday I was good. I was at home, and I actually got some work done.
Saturday I went to see the Renoir landscapes at the Art Gallery (it's the last weekend it's here). I went with Darren. Wow - there was SO MANY people... First I thought it was a wedding or something, but no - everybody wanted tickets and to see the paintings. I was glad that my eyes are not too bad yet, so I was able to peak the painting from a little distance, thus avoiding close fighting 20 other people. It was worth though! So beautiful paintings! I highly recommend!
Right after that I went to Eve and Jakov's place for some wine and snacks. I didn't know that it was Jakovs' birthday, but some instinct told me to bring flowers, so I was safe:) Illimar was there too - all dressed up. The evening was really nice. Some wine, and then some more. and then some cake. what else would you want from life?
I got home at 10. I had planned to go to see a movie "Interview" (with Steve Buscemi and Sienna Miller) at 9.30 with my friend Ali-Chuma. Thankfully he was running late too. So we ended up going for a beer (and I mean ONE beer) around midnight.
It was a good day!
And Sunday just disappeared... I had to go to Ottawa Estonian Society meeting, which took until 1. And then did groceries (milk and bread and broccoli and fish - this is where my creativity ended), and then I had a nap. And thats pretty much it:D

I think the work can wait until tomorrow...

Oh, and the Estonian movie "Sügisball" won the first place at the Venice filmfestival in the Horizon category. This is great! I hope this movie will come to Ottawa for the European Film Festival. We already suggested that to our ambassador.

this blog is dedicated to Kullionu

So - this is it! My blog! My very own place to share my stories and moments and thoughts and stress and dreams... It's dedicated to Kullionu:) As she convinced me (twisting my rubber arm), that it would be a wonderful way to stay in touch and save my tongue at these rare moments when I actually get to go to Estonia. Nii et - Sinu terviseks, Kullionu;)
I still haven't decided, which language to use... Should it be Estonian or English... In a way English would be more practical, as maybe there is somebody else who would like to read it... Also - I think I am more used to writing in English... Difficult decision... Probably it will be Englonian. Or Estlish? Evelonian perhaps? :)