Head Uut Aastat aka Hea Lumememm

Ah, so Estonia made it! Into the wonderful and happy 2009! I celebrated it in front of my computer with Audi the kitty, listening to the Estonian Presiden'ts speech and then sipping Estonian Fizz blueberry cider.

I wish you all an amazing (Estonian) 2009!!!! Hea lumememm!* I think it will be a great, great year!

My biggest wish for 2009 is to see YOU this year! There have been too many changes and I need to inspect it closer! Especially before I may be moving to New Zealand the next year. Just kidding:) Or who knows. I may or may not be further away from you as the time moves on.

* Hea Lumememm (Good Snowman) is commonly used in Estonia to wish Happy New Year.**

** - it's actually not common. It was just an answer option at the Estonian Quiz a few years ago. A great option though.

eh... sick...

May I complain? I really need to... Just a little. So my throat is sick. Officially. It doesn't let me sleep (because I can't swallow) :( And even though it's just my throat, along with the little fever (I could take a high fever, but the tiny bit is just a drag), I feel SO tired and out that I can't do my work :( And this makes me panick. How can I make it???? This Pibel of mine...
But - on the positive note - I have a very sexy voice ;) I can entertain Audi:D

Since I've been useless for anything else, and also in desperate need for fresh air, I had tea with Dorota and that was nice. And along the way we saw Dimitri and Mitra. Their medschool is going well.

And I saw "Rachel getting married". What an intense movie. Lots of talking, music, drama, yelling... A well-done and acted movie, but slightly long and crazy... And what was the point? ...not sure...

I should do something good now.

voiceless

So, I think my yesterdays hike through the wintery town was not the best idea. In a way it was a good workout (7.5 km, about 1.5 hours). Outside and everything. But it was SO icy, and I really can't break any bones right now. Also it was not the warmest (-14 degrees, plus the windchill). The food was amazing though - starting from pate de foie de gras (paksu hane maksa pasteet) with Conundrum white wine (I'm not usually a fan of white wine, but thisone was good. Sweet a bit) to duck meat fried on salt. And desserts:) And it was great to see my supervisors parents again (his dad is 90 years old now) and also Anna (she used to live in Ottawa when I came, and she helped me, when my stuff got stolen). After everything, around 5 pm, got a ride home.

But last night I couldn't sleep well, due to a very sore and itchy throat. And this morning I sounded like I'm a male and I have been smoking for years. And the feeling doesn't go better... I don't have time for this:(
Stupid virus (it must be a virus, 'cos bacteria I have trained to behave - lol).

Anyway... on the good note I learned to use Prism today. It's this ultracool program for doing stats and graphs. I even performed 1 way ANOVA unpaired t test on my blood data. Don't ask me what exactly it means. It just gave me the right to add a little star to my graph, which indicates that my data is significant, and that is needed badly for selling my work better:)
And the graph looks pretty. Way better than Excel graphs:)

Ah, and also I watched a movie "Definitely, Maybe". Very cute. I liked it:) Chickflick.

anyone here?

Sometimes I wonder whether anyone comes to this page... I do get comments for the posts sometimes, but not too many - about twice in a blue moon. So that is one indicator. But still - is there anyone else? :) Curiosity, curiosity... So on one Sunday in October I got myself a tool to measure visits.

And it's really cool! There are actually more people dropping by than I thought.
Today my blog has got 733 visits (usually spending 1 or 2 min) and 1160 views (viewing means that no reading happened unless the visitor managed to it in less than 1 minute - or so I understand it).
I can even see the world map with the dots. 4, I can see you:) And there is Pärnu and Missisauga and Brussels:) And today it's especially exotic. Next to cool places like Guelph and Tartu there are places such as Singapore, Malaysia, Huntigton Beach in California and Leasburg in North Carolina (I think all of them are random people blog-hopping). Very interesting though!

But perhaps I should make my blog password protected? Thinking of future and such... What d'ya think?

Hundionu jõulud

The 24th: Hundionu spent most of the day napping. With the kitty. She did go to Loblaws to get some sauerkraut and ice-cream though. And She opened a few presents. Now She can show off with the wonderful yellow pashmina scarf:) So watch out. And her Christmas tree is richer by an angel.
At 5 She started walking to meet Eve and Co at the park near Kent St. Eve's ex-neighbours organized this outdoors Christmas mass with singing and candles and hot cider/chocolate. It was really, really nice. Despite it was raining... And Jakov was ready to go home:) They stayed for a little. It was very neat (see the pics). Great idea, Shethinks.

And then they picked up Tädi Veera (aunt Veera) and went home. Well, to Eve's/Jakov's/Samuel's home. And the wonderful evening continued:) They had some hot gloggi and then they had a shot of vodka with beautiful "sakuskas". And then the wine. And the supertasty meal. And the cheese (see the pic). And the Santa had been by, so there were presents. She got a signed CD by Cat Jahnke and an amazing sparkly pair of earrings:) Oh, She SO loves jewellery! The next day She was sitting at the computer, and the sun was shining at the earrings, and the entire room was full of dancing sun-spots. So, so pretty! And there was more. Enough for everyone. Samuel got the most, starting with the Narnia castle and finishing with Indiana Jones game. He was one very happy dude.
By 11 She was at home. It had been one wonderful Christmas Eve.

25th: She slept in. And then She decided to make the Christmas cards, as the cards being undone and unsent kept weighing down Her mind. There used to be a day, where She made 40 cards and hand-delivered them all. And now... So She made the cards. And the Corel Paint (?) program is quite amazing. And She sent them to people.
And then She went for dinner. Not an ordinary dinner, because that's not Her style. She had met Martin a few weeks ago. They had agreed to go for a movie or sth, but hadn't had time yet. So He invited Her for Christmas dinner with His friends. And She didn't know how to say no. And why not - She needs to get out of the house. They went to the Friday's Steak House. The food (prime rib) was delicious! And the company was great (Martins golf friend with his wife, sister and Mum)! Lots of joking and laughing. Good times!
After the dinner they went for movies. Random choice - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Just first day of screening. And it was great!
*****
The movie has Brad Pitt in it. And it has a very interesting story. And has quite a few sad moments in it. Most importantly it's a story about love and life. And how at some moments in life you gotta take bad decisions. And it's also about trying and accomplishing. So I recommend it.
Also I saw Will and Am at the theatre. Will was on our floor until September and then got in to med school. We used to have amazing conversations regarding life, career etc. We were both doing the lets talk science too. And now, just after this 10 min chat, I feel inspired again. It's so easy to get weighed down by this crazy thesis business. But I gotta keep dreaming. And aiming high. It's time to blow the dust off these dreams and get them rolling.

And now it's nap time. Tomorrow there's lunch at Supervisors house. But since there's no buses, I may need to walk (1.5 hours), unless I can figure something else out. Nevertheless, I need a good sleep!

Merry Christmas - Häid Jõule

I wish YOU beautiful Christmas with good food and good friends and family. And I wish you a wonderful New Year :)
It will be a great and special year - I can feel it!


I hope you like the card:) Composition -Eve, Photography - Hundionu, Style - Hundionus new Corel package (and desire to practice for her paper).

the last days before Christmas aka drummer anyone?

Friday was a good day! I did my last experiment for this year, and I think also the last experiment for my degree. The results still need some thinking... It turns out that my peptide reacts differently with different bloods... But I think I'll just leave it like that.
Leslie finished her Comp II on Friday. And JP had done so on Wednesday. So the celebrations were in order. We had some drinks at the Blackthorn Cafe. It was really, really nice:)

Saturday there was Estonian community church and christmas party. The mass was like usually. I feel I don't belong there. The songs are SO slow that they are driving me crazy and making me yawning. And the talks and etc - they don't inspire me :( But it's the Estonian event so I feel I'm obliged to participate.
But before the mass I decorated the christmas tree with Lisas father. That was SO nice. The last time I decorated the christmas tree was at 1994 maybe... After that we have always had branches. And after the mass there was SO many people. Like 60 or more. Very impressive. And there was food. And just when the Santa was making his way in, I had to leave.

I was heading to Dorotas place. She picked me up, and then we needed to wait for the Princess and Mike (as usual), and then we went to Dorotas new home. It's SO nice! Big and open and smells so good! And we had some wine and cheese and we played Rock Band and foosball and then made dinner and then had Margaritas and chatted. Such a lovely night!
The Rock Band was good too. I have played it once (base) and I sucked. I got booted off the stage fairly quickly. I tried this time, and the same. I get maybe 30% of notes... Maybe! And then tried the drums. And I got 75% the first time! I was so impressed with myself. So all I need is a little bit of practice and I would have an alternative career:)

Sunday I was enjoying the snowflake dance on the roof next door and then spent some time with Kornelius (Dorotas/Radeks cat). He was so happy that he was drooling. It means that he really liked the time with me.
Once everyone was up, Princess made pancakes and we had an amazing breakfast:)

On our way home we picked up Audi (Princess's/Mikes kitty who was here in August) and I finally made it home. To discover that the kitty was in heat. It was very interesting. The loving looks that I got. And all that affection. And tried one treatment Mike suggested, and she loved me even more. Very interesting times.

Monday - the last day at work. Since there are no buses, and I'm not walking 1 h in this snow and cold. I had to do a few changes to our submission. And I had a meeting regarding a potential reviewer position. And then Dorota and I went for dinner. But before I had an interesting encounter. Somebody thought that I'm at her. And she decided to clarify it with Dorota (poor Dorota). And then I showed up. And the story went from that I may be mad at her, since she didn't help out enough with the christmas party to an accusition that she worked so hard and way more than the others and never got thanked or appreciated. All of this is crazy. First of all - the event is over and forgotten (by me at least). It was a success. And everything got done (even though she didn't do everything she promised, but it doesn't matter). And also - I thanked her the night of the event, I thanked her the day after, plus I sent out an e-mail thanking everyone.
On top of everything else - it takes much more to get me angry. And even then I forget it quickly. I don't have time for this. Anyway - now it's done. Off the chest. Moving on!

The dinner with Dorota was so nice! And I got a little present - a beautiful necklace:) I hope to show it off soon:)
And after we went to Esprit to shop and then to have a coffee at Starbucks and then we went to Lafreniere & Pai Gallery, which is my favourite gallery. It's all jewellery, and some other cool decorative items. And all the jewellery is made by Canadian artists. I have already chosen some pieces that I will buy once I get this Nobel prize :P
We went to find a present for Dorotas sister. It wasn't easy, since there's lots of good stuff. But by an hour later we had our pick:) I hope she will be happy:)

And then I had one more thing to do. I had promised to go to Martas (my old lady friend) to help her to write christmas cards. We had tea and cookies and wrote cards (she dictated, I wrote). It was nice! This is another thing I have not done for a long time. I should get to it more.

I got home at 10 pm. And then just had some tea and watched "Finding Neverland". Such a wonderful movie! I liked it a lot!

Tuesday - I got some milk and bread for the holidays. And now I remembered that I forgot the sauerkraut :( And I got a package from my Mum. Some estonian candy and two issues of Stiil. Niiiiice!

paper two - submitted!!!

so I finally submitted my wheat work aka paper two. We aimed high. But it has a good chance. Because my work does raise some controversies about the highly praised whole wheat. So we will see.
But the important thing is that now my chapter two of my thesis is completed!

I went to Dr. Scott's place to celebrate with some wine and cheese. It was really nice. I got to deliver the submitting news in person, plus I saw Lisa and Mihkel and Brigitte... So, so nice!
And the wine was good:)

Tomorrow - chapter three needs to get finished:)

the ergonomical chair

Here is the picture of my new thesis helper (note the wheels): There are many possible uses as mentioned in the previous post. And who knows, perhaps one day/night I will be bored enough to take some more pictures in different positions :)
But honestly - the chair is good! My back is much happier nowadays:)

end of the end and Shift Shift Alt

It's crazy how the world can act against one's will sometimes. Sujeeve printed out the final copies of his thesis on Monday. And it turned out that Staples can't really do their job, since they decided to print the landscape figures as portrait (and thus cutting the figures in half). Which meant that we needed to find a new place to print on Tuesday morning. And we did find one (after thoroughal searching, as some places are too slow, the other don't have managers to connect the computers and printers, third people have broken their machines etc). But by 10.30 all was done and submitted!

Two funny moments from Monday night:
Sujeeve wanted to check his e-mail and needed @ symbol. But my keyboard was on the Estonian setting. I usually go back and forward all the time and never even think about how I do it. And then, at that moment, I could not change it. It took me 15 min or so, to figure out, how to change it. I finally came up with the verstion "Shift+Alt+Shift" that worked. It is actually just "Shift+Alt", as I realized today. Automatic moves can be dangerous.

It reminded me how two years ago I absolutely had to log onto my university e-mail when I was in England, and I couldn't rememeber my password, because I was used to the normal keyboards, but I had the laptop. I even draw the numbers as they are on the usual keyboard, but I couldn't reproduce this automatic move. Thankfully I knew where I kept the piece of paper where the password was written and 4 had the key. So he went and found the piece of paper and told me the password. Otherwise I might not have been able to transfer to PhD...

The other funny moment was regardin my new ergonomical chair. Sujeeve couldn't figure it out at first (and didn't want to ask either). He thought that it's either a reclining chair or a stretching machine. But he wasn't sure why is it next to the table and how would I use to type up my thesis (no wonder it takes me all days and nights in a chair like that). Also the fact that I said that I got it from kijiji didn't help with proving it's a real Chair that is meant for sitting. The way how he described his inital thoughts was so funny that we couldn't stop laughing for 10 min. I haven't laughed that hard for a looooooong time.

super awesome christmas party

aka BMI Winter Holiday Party (Dec 14). For the first time we tried to have it at the Tabaret Hall (the oldest and the nicest hall at the university) with catering. Previously we have had it at the restorants and pubs.

It went so well! Lots of positive comments from a representative cross section of the crowd (we had a bit over 100 in total). I'm very pleased!

I had to be over there at 2 pm to make sure all the tables and etc are in order. And then the caterers came. And then alcohol people. And then our decorations team.
It was so cool to see how the big empty room transformed, little by little to this beautiful party room with tables ready for dinner. All this was topped of by people arriving at 6 pm.

I have to admit that somewhere before 2 pm I had a "give me valium" moment (Kullionu, maletad Liis Allikut meie esimeselt kommersilt? Kui ta nõudis: Andke mulle vaaliumit.). But it passed quick enough.

And then, at 7 pm onwards we had a nice dinner, and raffle prizes, awards, guess this song-game. Leslie and I had asked for the list of awardees before, and realized that we are not getting any. So I concocted a little plan (by scavenging through my liqueur cabinet) to give Leslie the best copilot award. And at the same time she was preparing a gift for me. It was super nice of her! Appreciation goes a long way. I still need to pot the flower:)
And also we had thought of the award for Sujeeve. I found an appropriate gift and all, and then Tara asked me what award is this. I couldn't come up with nothing else than "the freshest PhD". She seemed confused. To me it didn't sound too peculiar, but it turned out that English speakers don't speak like that. But it was funny.

The song game went well too. Except that the songs were too easy. I should have chosen Estonian songs. At the same time though the game went fast. And that's always good. To my total surprise no-one knew The Great Big Sea "Feel it Turn". And it's very well known canadian group.

And later there was dancing.
It was my last social event organized. And it was a great success:)

At midnight I was at home! And I couldn't fall asleep, due to overdose of adrenaline, I think.
And - if my PhD won't give me bread in the future, then I will go into party-organizing business. I will specialize to science-parties :)

And this is how the key to this historic site looked like (I was expecting big, ancient looking key, but I still felt special to have this key over the weekend):

one romantic tea under the stars, anyone?

Or perhaps a steaming mulled/spiced wine with a slice of orange would be more desirable?
Coming? ;)

busy running the world

This is me right now - working hard to ensure that the world wouldn't stop. The others may not notice, but I have SO much going on, that keeps me constantly running. I even had to skip an entire night and a half to keep up.
So I'm working on my paper 2 still. But honestly, now it's just a few finishing touches away.
I'm working on our departments Christmas party, which is on this Sunday. It's amazing how much physical time it takes to follow up on ticket sales and convince more people into coming and making spreadsheets. Plus discussing the games and making sure that we have the music and the equipment to play it. Etc. It is going to be amazing though! And then I can rest. On Monday:)
And then the Career day. Yesterday was a great day, because one of the CIHR (the biggest canadian health research granting agency) agreed to come and talk on OUR Career day. AMAZING! Plus he is going to be going for dinner with us (Leslie and I and a few specially chosen others). Very neat. But still - there are things to do and take care of. It was the best news when I found a person to be in charge of this.

Yesterday was amazing for two more reasons. First - Sujeeve became Doctor Sujeeve. Just like that! Well, after the defence. Congrats, Dr. Sujeeve!
And Dorota passed her Comprehensive exam II. Congrats, Dorota:)
I feel so happy for them! I was also quite stressed for them before. We went and celebrated yesterday with all-you-can-eat sushi. It was GOOD!

Also - we had a major snowstorm yesterday. Well, it already started on Tuesday. So the streets were packed with snow. AND - to add in another "fun" factor- our Public Transport (OC Transpo) decided to go on strike. So NO public transport. And a major snowstorm (which counter-activates peoples driving skills). So it was a mess. Poor Dorota was 3 hours in the traffic. There were hundreds of students waiting for the shcool shuttle that I usually take. Some people waited for an hour or more to catch the shuttle. There was no other way really.
CRAZY. And am I ever glad that I live in downtown and that I don't depend on the buses! The only bus I use is the shuttle bus, and it's still running. I'm also glad that I don't HAVE to go in for certain times (8 am sharp or sth) and I can work from home. But in general - poor people! Especially the students who have to write the exams.

This is how the Nature came to congratulate Dr. Sujeeve yesterday, in her best outfit:

Beaujolais Nouveau 2008 - new wines

I had an honor to attend the Beaujolais New Wines party. It was the fifth anniversary for this party. For me it was just the first one:) I hope it won't be the last one:)

It was such a good time!! Lot's of wine! Along with lots fun. And lots of games. For my total surprise the Luck Gods were on my side and with the gift-unwrapping game I had a chance to be the first one (the one who starts the opening) and the last one - aka the one who gets the prize! I was so happy:) And now I have a wonderful apron:)
There was another great game. The one that required some wine-courage. Girls got to pick a piece of paper with the name of a guy. And so the pairs formed. And then every pair was given a ping-pong ball. The essence of the game is to perform two tricks: the guy has to roll the ball under the girls shirt, from one sleeve to another. And then the girl has to to do similar thing and help the ball to travel up the one leg of the guy and down the other leg (underneath the pants). I, along with my assigned guy (who was there with his wife and a kid), was successful in this task too:) There might have been pictures... But I imagining will be quite enough here:)
There was also a song-humming game and song-guessing game. And the reindeer game (with pantyhose and balloons and you have to make antlers out of them). All so much fun:)
Plus Leslie and I discussed half of the worlds problems thoroughly:)

And this is what happens to one who drinks lots of new wines:


*The pictures are taken by Jenn and Brigitte and Craig.

example of a busy day

Today I had a BUSY day.
10.30 - get up
11.00 - phone call from the Supervisor that we are meeting another prof at 11.30 (oh, thanks for telling me BEFORE)
11.40-12.30 - very productive meeting regarding my wheat manuscript with two co-authors. GREAT edits and changes (basically half-rewritten). And most importantly, they think it's a good solid work! Sweeeet! Also - we are going to aim pretty high. I'll let you know when it's time to cross the fingers:)
12.30 - pick up red blood cells from HIV lab
12.40-13.10 - set up the red blood cell assay (yes, I work with blood now)
13.15 - get back to HIV lab and donate 200 mL (or maybe more) of blood
14 - pick up the "pain-money" for the blood
14.10 - 15.15 - finish up blood assay nr 1
15.15-15.40 set up blood assay nr 2 (thankfully Supervisor walked there and back to get the blood)
15.40 - go to the seminar room and sell actively Christmas party tickets
16.00 - get a snack
16.30 - finish blood assay nr 2
5.30 - do microscopy work (on my own blood cells - so interesting!)
6.00 - find Dorota and leave for gym
6.45-7.45 - gym (total body conditioning class)
8.00-8.30 - prepare chili con carne
8.30-8.45 - take a shower/become a human
8.45-9.15 - get baby news/updates and have dinner
10 - ... work on the manuscript???


The interesting thing is that me and blood - we never got along. I usually feel very weak around it. Even when people talk about blood, I get pale and fainty. I have donated blood before for research, and I've survived it, but I have to admit that I didn't have the best time. And today (after I ran my first blood experiment on Friday), I felt SO different. I had no problems looking toward the blood and I didn't get dizzy nor faint. I felt great. All that time. Plus afterward too.
Such an interesting phenomena.

And the other thing is, that I think I am a researcher. I'm trying out this new experiment (to see whether my antimicrobial peptides wipe out also the blood cells. And it's SO interesting. I am so excited! I wish I didn't have this writing task dangling around my neck though...

4 junior - welcome!

Today I got an e-mail:

Subject:	Laps
From:	"4" <4@ucalgary.ca>
Date:	Wed, 3 December, 2008 7:03 pm
To:	11@uottawa.ca

And there was a link to the pictures. And there he was - 4 junior! In his complete beauty!

Actually I was lucky enough to get the link and "direct" updates via MSN before I even made it to check the e-mail. And I also got to share a little bit of this oh-so-special and wonderful day with the daddy!
He is SOOO cute! I think he's just like 4. Just slightly more tanned:) And he has black hair. Lots of them. He looks really handsome:) Already! So in 18 years or so there will be lots of broken hearts, I think.
So amazing!!
Such a great day!
And now I really really need to get to Calgary! Soon:)
Congrats again, 4:)
(I still think you should start the blog;) Just an idea:)

* I have a feeling that Monday was a special day too. But more about it once I hear something about it:)

world as seen from below

So, I listened to the news from radio Elmar, and they talked about cats and how do they see the world. So I got to googled it.
You should check it out too. It's so cute and creative. Arts even, I would say.
You could get a camera for a kitty and then let them go and do their things. And the camera takes pics.
Here is one good example by Mr. Lee and his daily endeavors (plus some good arts):
www.mr-lee-catcam.de/pe_catcam1.htm
Coopers (nudity):
www.mr-lee-catcam.de/pe_cc_u16.htm
Goliath - spy story (funny):
www.mr-lee-catcam.de/pe_cc_u11.htm
Fritz - gorgeous takes:
www.mr-lee-catcam.de/pe_cc_u07.htm

And one could buy it here:
http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/product/131/4766/106.html

freeze!

Perhaps you've seen it, but it's cool!
I saw an add calling for people to "freeze" for 5 min in Ottawa. In January. So I thought - wow, how sarcastic. It could be -40 in January and somebody would get a bunch of people together to freeze together. Interesting...

And then I saw the clip. Aaahhh... Stooopid me. It's the OTHER "freeze".
But still cool!


And this is what could happen to me if I choose to attend:

no and no

I just wanted share.
Some PIs (principal investigators) are weird. Sort of known fact though, I guess.
But one example.
I think I might want to do one more experiment (I'm not entirely sure that I NEED this one experiment yet!). For that I need one stain, that is a little pricey.
So I went to one of the neighbors' lab to ask whether they have anything that stains live cells. Also - I need it for bacteria and they work with mammalian cells. Lets say brain cells.
So I asked from a friend "Do you guys have any vital stains"? The PI overheard from her office, jumped out and snapped:"Yes, we do, but it's super expensive, and we won't give you any! You can check my website for any info!" And she shut the door with the bang.
Oohh! Wow.
At that point - all I wanted to know, whether they have any, and how it works and whether it could work with what I need. But yes, eventually, I would have asked, whether I could borrow some.
Crazy people. They need a break!
Anyway - so I went back to my lab and checked, that HOW expensive it is, that it was worth to be such a bitch over it. Ok, so it's $225 for 250 uL of 5 mM stain. Mind you, the stain is good for only one year. And I need it for one experiment.
I also calculated how much would I need (if I use the highest recommended concentration).
In total - I would need 0.2 uL. That is less than ONE microliter. Let's say I would borrow 1 uL - it would cost ONE dollar. And I can pay for it. In cash. But - no - way too expencive. I have borrowed (for good) way more expencive stuff. Even from their lab.
Argh. What is wrong with people???

But perhaps it's the hint that I should not do this experiment.

Actually I am a rocket wizard

... and it's December already.
So much is on the go.
My thesis (a HUGE thing).
-I'm on Chapter three
The grande Christmas party at the Department and all the logistics with it.
The Department's career day.
Finishing up the year and putting together the new student council.

Leslie and I talked about volunteering today (after my supervisors wife and I talked about the same thing). I remember, that at 2001, when I attended the World Youth Volunteer Summit, I didn't even know what "volunteering" was. Volunteering = To perform or offer to perform a service of one's own free will AND To do charitable or helpful work without pay. Simple.
But now I do LOTS of volunteer work (the council, the lets talk science, international house, estonian community etc). I like it. But I also feel tired. I am ready to pass the torch at the student council. I am ready to leave from the Ottawa Estonian Society. I am ready to do teaching in other forms that Lets Talk Science. Even teaching (the paid job) has exhausted itself in this form.
The "shuttle-chat" evolved around "why" people volunteer. To be more exact - why don't they volunteer. One - they don't get paid. Two - they don't care. Why? We don't know.
Why did I start with volunteering?
There was nothing going on in our department. Like ZERO nothing. And no-body knew anyone. So I it was personal interest to get something going. I also wanted to belong somewhere and be useful/appreciated. Over the last 2.5 years I got lots going. I will cover that once I get to my report writing.
It's just weird that there's nobody else really active to follow my steps.
Which brings me to the morning conversation. We talked about the Ottawa Estonian Society and volunteering for them. I have belonged to the board of directors for 2 years, I think... maybe more. And now I want to leave. So do everyone else on the board. We don't really have the overflow of volunteers. And so this morning we talked about it, and perhaps there is no need for such organization at this moment. The previous 'leader' we had, she wanted to be famous. And then she disappeared. Not on the best terms. But now - perhaps we should relax and not push it too much. And once there is the need, it will come to life on its own? Like Montreal - they had no such society for a long time, until a group of young people got together and started it. Like 2 years ago. And it's doing well.

And perhaps with the students council it's the similar thing. That there is a need for a "breathing" year. And then someone will "rise" and become active, once there is the demand.

Caring though - that's the special skill, I have learned. And most people don't seem to have it. I think I should include it in my CV.

A few words about the weekend:
*I relaxed
*I went to a birthday party. It was a good party. Lots of interesting people. And I got to introduce Estonia:) It's amazing how good it feels if someone is genuinely interested in you and your background. Also, two of the best moments were the following: 1- someone offered to go and fill my wine glass; 2 - someone prepared the last piece of cheese and cracker and gave it to me. It takes really a LITTLE to please me.
And/but of course, I have grown to become a cynic and I think it's not genuine and that they must want something. It's actually rather sad.
On my way home (we walked, through the ice covered city) we finished a bottle of wine sitting on the bench at the canal. It was 3 am. Cool moment. Romantiiq, I would say (even though there was nothing romantic going on).
*I purchased a chair. The ergonomical kneeling chair. It's great for posture. And I was so happy, because I wanted it (because I saw it the night before), and found it from the kiji (internet selling place) right away and got a great deal plus it got delivered. It feels great to use! I will post a picture soon.
*I went to yoga.
*I settled some old loans.

So all and all - pretty good weekend!

Flaming lamborghini...

...was the last shot. The alcohol containin beverage kind of shot. And then She went home.

I gave the manuscript draft to the other prof yesterday. I have a feeling though that there will be many comments, but nevertheless it was a big step. Yesterday was also the last night of TAing. Lisa and I were the last ones to finish:) And then me, her and one of my student went to the Cafe Nostalgica for a drink/drinks. First we had one pitcher of beer (Blanche de Chambly - my favorite) for three. Then we decided to have one more. And then we had the third one. One pitcher contains 1.4 litres of beer. Then Lisa had to leave. She had to meet her supervisor this morning.
The rest of us continued. We had one more pitcher. And then we had shots. First one, and then Ela brought us another round. It was tasty!
And then she brought us the flaming lamborghini (she was testing it, so it was the treat). It consists of two shots in whiskey glasses. One of them is in flames. Using the straw I consumed the flaming on first, and just before the end Ela topped it with the other shot. Very interesting. Tasty too:)

So this is how I celebrated Kaidi's ja Monika's birthdays:) Palju onne:)

...and the snow has made it to Ottawa

I just wanted to quench my thirst and happened to peek out - and - it's all white!!!!!!!!! There's about 5-10 cm of snow. This nice, soft, REAL snow. And it seems so peaceful and quiet out there... I feel like going for a walk... But I HAVE to get some sleep in...

As the note- there has been lots of snow (and storm) in Estonia and Europe since Friday. And apparently Sudbury got the "permanent' snow two weeks ago.
And now - us. How smart I was, taking out my winterboots on Saturday:)

becoming nocturnal?

So, my schedule today (or should I say yesterday? Since I mean Monday) was as follows:
7.30 am - going to bed
9 am - phone call (wake up, talk, go back to sleep)
11.30 - wake up and get up
12-1.30 - work on the paper
2 pm - arrive at the lab
2-3 pm - wait for the Supervisor, chat, fire alarm
3-7 pm - work on the paper with the Supervisor
7.40 - home (dinner, e-mails, open the paper file)
9 - midnight - nap
midnight - 4 am - work on the paper...
4.05 - hopefully bed and sleep

...
9.30 am TA meeting for the next semester

... I want to get out!!

***
It's Kadripaev (St. Catherine day).
Ja on Reelika synnipaev. Palju, palju onne, Reelika:)
Ja on Katrini nimepaev. Ilusat ja head nimepaeva, Katrin:)

even the gmail dude sleeps already

Gmail has these backgrounds that I like. I chose the Opossumionu (perhaps it's the squirrel instead, I'm not sure). And - I just noticed - he actually sleeps....

It's 6.27.... am.
No, I'm not up yet. I'm up still.
Since 7 pm or before last night I have been working on my paper - just to make two figures (but beutiful figures) and fix references. I'm more less done now:)
Hopefully I can give it to my co-authors today and so soon I could get rid of it.

I also learned that "hein" means "eh" in French. In Estonian it means "hay" (for horses, you know).

Yesterday was Jan-Erik's birthday! HUGE 1 year. Soooooo COOL! And I still haven't seen him:( But I feel that 2009 will be the lucky year:) I so wanna see this little cool dude:) But until then - I can just think of him and his parents and send them imaginary hugs and play imaginary games with them...

I also went to yoga yesterday. It was good. I didn't feel even slightly tired afterwards. But I feel sore now... But it could from the sitting syndrome.

On Saturday Paul paid a surprise visit. He was visiting Ottawa, cos Davids moving away party. It was such a nice suprise. So we chatted and caught up a bit:) He's just such a happy and relaxed character... and so active... He's sitting on gazillion student committees, and keeps travelling with them. Exactly what I would do. Oh, oops, this IS what I'm doing. Just my committees don't make me travel that much.

Ohh, and the opossumionu has waken up... gotta get to bed.
Happy Monday, everyone!

moving on

It has been a good week.
Monday: we won our first set in volleyball! There are only two games left, so it was about time. We almost would have won the first set too, but I think we got nervous, when the numbers were 24:24. At least I did. And we could get the ball over. But we were so close!

After we went to the Honest Lawyer to celebrate Elias' birthday. He got 23. First there were all his accounting colleagues. And then they all left early (working people, you know), and then it started to pour in guys. Alex among them, which was really odd, because he was working at the chem lab counter last year, and we chatted all the time. He's a really nice guy. And then it turned out they all belong to the fraternity. I found it SO interesting! First I was trying to find out some stuff about sororities from one girl next to me. But she was slightly too drunk to make sense. And the boys too, weren't in their soberest state. But I found one dude, Kyle, who was not drinking. And we ended up chatting until 2.30 am. Their fraternity (Omega Theta Alpha) was just founded in 2002. Talking about young, eh. And they also have pledge period and rush period (nagu siis testimise periood ja rebaseaeg). The pledge period is just a few weeks though, and ends with the crazy party when they are accepted as full members. And this is one of the nights. Apparently the sorority and fraternity did it the same night, and then they had common after drinking. And so on. Very interesting.

Tuesday: one before last TAing. It was the galvanic cells and electroplating lab. I'm not a fan of this lab. First I don't understand these electrons going everywhere idea, and second part is flammable. They take a penny (1 cent), which is made of copper, and then they stick it to the boiling Zn-NaCl mixture. And the Zn covers the penny, so it is silver and looks like a nickel (10 cents). Cool, yes. But it gets messed up often. One year one dude melted their penny on the hot plate. And also Zn is flammable. So if the students are not careful and get Zn somewhere, then it can start a fire later on. The first time I TAed, we had a fire between my section and Jennys section after the lab. The flames started at 2 am, and there was lots of damage... Crazy.
Anyway - we have survived this week.

Wednesday: we made the BMI Christmas party tickets. That is - Mike designed, printed and cut them, and I wrote the numbers and distributed to sellers. Exciting times!
Then I got home and felt tired and bored... I had a nap.
At 9 I decided to get something done. So I started on the promoter study thingy and ... next thing it was 7.30 am. Where did they night go, I don't know. But - I finished the figure! And made a table.

Thursday: I had 2 hours of nap and then we had the Faculty grad studies council meeting. It was great, because after I presented BMI Chrismtas party idea, they were jealous. That wow, what does BMI have, and why isn't there one big faculty party. They wanted to extend the invite to everyone, but thankfully I got out of this. It would have been too much money spent and too much organizing. And then I presented our up-coming Career Day idea, and they were also impressed. It all felt GOOD!

At 9 I went to the movies with Adam. To see Taarka (Estonian movie within the European film festival). It was a great movie. I was especially impressed with the technical part of it. The angles, the details, the sets... Often it looks very "home-knitted" with Estonian movies. But this one was awesome. But the topic - it was very heavy. I didn't know it's that heavy. It's a story about one woman in Estonian Setu community/kin. The story happened 100 years ago. It's about woman-run society, where women do everything (take care of homes, food, kids, field work, plus singing) and where men mostly drink and use women (and rape them). And how it's always the woman who is guilty when a guy should be the one to judge. Once you are fallen, it's hard to stay yourself, but you have to. Taarkas life starts from the rough point, because her dad uses up her dowry (special silver jewellary) for drinking. So she is not marryable. Then she gets pregnant. And the village does not take her as one of them. But Taarka finds her ways. She is a strong woman. She sings, so she can bring up her kids. Her singing will get her the silver eventually. And all she wants, is one guy. The guy she has been wanting since young age. And he did want her. And then, he says no. Why, I'm not sure... I didn't understand this part of the story...
Eventually she gets a real house (as opposed to living in the smoke sauna), but also the lifes cruelness doesn't leave her, and gets her through her daughter.

So it's not a happy movie... But life is not happy always either...

Friday: I worked on my paper and got lots done... And we had a symposia at work, with some real nice sandwiches. And Corona:)
And I think I found the new "victim" to take over my presidency role.

I also had a very successful chat with my supervisor - we covered the new figure and table and the discussion. So I hope on Monday I can pass it on to my co-authors. And then I can move on to the Chapter nr 3.

do I know you?

Akeeb, He says.
And this is Adeeb, He introduces His brother.
I'm Evelin, She says.
Nice to meet you!
She thinks: Akeeb, Akeeb.... funny, I have a guy in MSN list with this name...
But She can't recall how She knows this MSN-Akeeb, so She doesn't say anything.
He does look familiar, but not too alarmingly. And She doesn't know the people at this party, so She doesn't want to embarass herself with dumb questions. Besides, all these people are from accounting and when has She ever had a chance to meet any accountant.

A bit later.
He asks, where are you from.
She says, "Guess":)
He says "Estonia?"
She is impressed! Yes! How did you know?
He says: I met one Estonian girl once, and She had the same accent. She also asked 'guess" the same way. That's how.
She thinks: wow... I wonder who that girl was... But I always ask, I'm like collecting Estonians, so I shouldn't ask now. Otherwise He thinks I'm crazy. I'm sure this girl is long gone from here anyway.
Soon Akeeb and Adeeb leave.
She stays for a bit more.

Next day:
She's working and suddenly MSN-Akeeb logs in. She decides to open the chat window and refresh her memory about this dude. She sees the picture and gasps: NO WAY!!! It's the same guy!
And then She remembers. Way back when Germany was still around, She had a party. And this is where She met Akeeb. And they talked on MSN a lot, and then He went back home to Bangladesh for a while, and the chats never picked up.

So She messaged Him, and said that they did already know each other. He hadn't recognized Her either. Even though, to think back, the same accent, the same way of speaking, and how many Estonians are there in Ottawa anyway.

World is small and has its interesting ways...

Buffalooooo....

... , He said, and looked at Her. She looked at him, and ignored him. That was after they cheered with beer. She took a sip and put down the glass. He was still saying Buffaloooo...oooo.... and kept staring at Her. Weird, She thought. But Buffalo was playing with Cleverland or someone, so She sort of ignored it. But... they all kept looking at Her... Awkward, She thought.
Well, it was His birthday party. He is from Her volleyball team. And He got 23 years old. So overall - lots of "young" people around. Then they (the people in the table) made Her to chug Her beer, using the left hand.

So - turns out - that there is this rule - Buffalo rule - that you can only use the left hand to handle alcohol and if you use the right one, and someone sees you doing it, then they call "buffalo" and you need to chug your beer (using the "correct" hand).
Different. So, better be ready for it :)
It could be a fraternity rule though, since all the boys in the crowd were from the fraternity. Who knows. But the night was interesting.

food and store strategies

I was getting groceries yesterday, and I thankfully I was in the thinking mode. And what did I see? A crazy rip off. So I was looking for my usual cereal (not that I have one really. I usually take the one that is on sale or anything NoName). I couldn't find it, but I found some other cereal products. They are all PC-brand (Presidents Choice - local grocery store brand). I grabbed the first box that seemed to have ok content and started to leave, when the "thinking-elf" woke up and I decided to compare three similar products: one simple, one with added almonds and raisins, and one with 30% extra fruit. Since all were the same price, $4.29, I thought, wait, I should take the extra fruit one, perhaps it's more healthy. And I grabbed the other box, thinking, why would anyone take the regular one, if they could get the third more healthy options for the same price? And - of COURSE, there's a trick. All cost the same, and the box has the same measurements. But - the weight of the content is different. So - regular - 750 g, extra almonds/raisins - 800 g, extra fruit - 600 g. Wow. I opted back to the almond/raisin box. But I bet most people (me included most days) doesn't notice it, and take the fruit one, thinking they are getting a deal.
Crazy, eh?
But it's actually true, that the cheapest contents of products are: air and sugar. So the producers add these as much as possible, and make you pay for it too.

And just for interest (Kullionu recently posted something similar):
4 L milk (2%) - $5.67
700 g black rye bread - $3.10 (white spongy Wonderbread that I don't eat is about $2)
Eesti mõistes saia siin nagu ei olegi.
312 g boneless chicken thighs - $4.65
2 oranges (630 g) - $1.10
6 eggs - $2.49
Astro Balkan Style yogurt (500 mL) $2.50 (on sale)

feeling better

Ok, seriously, I think I have a thesis writing blues. I just gotta get out. ASAP. Before anybody gets hurt.
But - today I feel better. I worked on my WIP (Work in Progress talk) and it's almost ready. Of course, my actual work in progress is "writing papers", but I decided to whip up a story about wheat and the gene I'm studying within. That's the paper I'm currently concocting, and the talk helps me to think about it under a new angle. It's called: Whole Wheat - Friend or Foe?
Nice, eh?
I wan't to raise some awarness that whole wheat might not be as "goddly" as people talk about it. No doubt it seems to sound good, but HOW good? And does it apply to everybody?
No need to freak out though. For most adults it should be (based on current minimal studies) beneficial due to it's fiber and phytochemical (that is antioxidant) content. The controversy might lay in use in kids menus. It MIGHT be that whole wheat is not THAT good for kids who are genetically predisposed to type 1 diabetes. And that due to the fact that whole wheat contains some extra proteins on top of the fiber and micronutrients that might not go well with everyones gut. Just my hypothesis though. It will take years to prove it. And it won't be me to do this work.

Also - I love working with the new Office (2007). My presenation has such a beautiful colorscheme and stuff. I like!

I also got a very positive e-mail from Germany (her and I had some GOOD times together when she was here a few years back), which helped a lot with the improvement of my mood. It came with the song:) I like it! The candle, good music, almost done WIP and me are just hanging out. Soooo relaxing.

Also - on the different note. Currently my door is obstructed by a big fridge (from outside. Thank god the door opens into the apartment, not the other way). Yesterday it was still lurking 2 meters away (in the wider part of the hallway), but by today it has crawled around the corner and too close to my door. What's up with it? I can get out (and in), if I don't carry anything big (nor any extra pounds around my waist), but still - food nor bike can fit in nor the recycling out. I could push it to block my neighbours door, but this sounds too temporary. I called my landlord. And if he doesn't remove it by tomorrow noon (or whenever I get home), I will call the city bylaw or firemarssal. The craziest thing is, that when I had a vase behind my door, in a corner, in no-ones way, then they threw it out and said it was the fire hazard. And now there's the huge fridge on the way, and no-one cares. If there were to be a fire, the chances are high that I won't get by the fridge in panick or maybe knock myself unconcious. So...

And to finish, a little funny 2 min-fragment from my life:
On Thursday we (BMIGSA) organized and had a Games and Poker night. It was at the Brig upstairs, and it was beautiful! If you ever need to organize something in Ottawa for less than 40 people, you should go there.
Anyway. We were playing cranium. I was a little tired, and I think it showed. So Elmira and I had a following dialouge:
El: you look bored.
Ev: no, no, it's ok.
El: do you want to play strip-poker?
Ev: (absentmindedly) sure, we could try.
El: (freaking out) I was just kidding. I was just kidding.
Ev: (looks confused) what did you say?
El: that do you want to play strip-poker, but I was just kidding. really. just kidding.
Ev: ohhh!!! no, thank you.

Poor Elmira - she was actually worried, that strip-poker is what I truly want to play and since she suggested it, she needs to participate. I guess you never know these Eastern European women.

small world

Annike was in town this weekend. Annike is my multitalented super active estonian friend. When she was here, we put up the folkdance show at the International week. So yesterday we went for a drink. Her, Andrea, Kristian, his girlfriend Liz, and I. All Estonians, except Liz. I hadn't met Andrea (even though we belong to the same sorority) or Kristian before. The funny thing was that on our way Annike told me, that Liz knows me. First I thought that perhaps I have TAed her, but when I met her, it turned out that she's also doing her grad studies in biochemistry, and she knows me as the BMIGSA person. So people do pay attention to our council. That was cool to know.

So we chatted and had a drink and went to the club called Standard. I felt again, that I'm too old for this kind of activities, because I don't like too loud music and too crowded places. But it was nice too - to have a drink in a good company:)

a midsommernighte dreame

Since my supervisor is away, I got an opportunity to go to the theater with his family (they had an extra ticket). We saw the Midsummer Night's Dream.
It was an interesting show. Different. In a good way.
It was performed by an Indian/Sri Lankan group, and it was part English and part in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Sanskrit, Sinhalese and Marathi. Needless to say, that I only comprehended English. Thankfully I was hinted beforehand to read the plot carefully. So I did a good wikipedia check and read the prelude given in the theater.
At first it was difficult to orient myself in this non-english environment. Soon I got the hang of it and realized that even though only part of it was in English, it did give all the necessary details and hints I needed to figure out what is going on and where has the plot reached. I admit the first part felt like it lasted forever. When it ended I was hoping it was entirely done, but it was just a break (my supervisors' wife left with the kids then, 'cos they couldn't take it. Understandably so - they are about 6 and 10 and 17 years old.). The second part went much more smoothly. It was more clear in a plot which helped. And it ended with a wonderful group song. I wish I knew which song it was. So all and all I think it was a good show.

I especially liked the non-conventional elements in it: they had an interesting musical instrument (a stone that made a sound when touched with water), the floor was sand (which flew everywhere), the ladders were covered with rippable fabric (it was so impressive when the gang of fairies "jumped" in through ripping the fabric), ropes and crazy climbing tricks and upside down dangling people, hanging ribbons acting like hammocks, live music on the stage. Also some very good looking indian-looking actors/actresses.
In the end of the first part there was another neat element (that Leslie liked too). Two couples (Hermia and Lysandria; Helena and Demetrius) were arguing (mostly because Puck made the mistake when putting special flower elixir into Lysandrias eyes, so he falls in love with Helena instead of Demetrius, and thus the crazy love misunderstanding). While the arguing and fighting is going on, Puck is knitting a spider web around all of them (out of some expandable ropes). So the fight has to go over and under the web parts, and it's really, really neat.
Actually, the fact that Puck is always around, mostly playing tricks on others, smiling evilly, or just hanging out, adds a lot to the play flowingness.
Also - as the play progressed, and I got used to the fact that I can't comprehend all the words, I started to play attention to other things: details here or there, and also implying my own story/understanding to the plot. And I think that was one of the ideas of this play, that theatre offers so many other means of conveying the story than just words. And it also helps people to wake up their imagination, as they need to apply it to the details they see and understand, to make the entire story to flow.
So I think the main reason why it was great, was the fact that it was untraditional. It wasn't served to people on the plate - all ready for consuming. People needed to do some work to make the experience the fullest. And I like it. Most of canadian shows I have seen are like soap-operas - simple relationship story, played out on the stage. I expect more from the theater. I expect it to provide something that movies and other canned culture products can't give you. And I expect them to wake up my mind and make me think.
A Midsummer Night's Dream did it.

walking on the edge

I had another off-week. It started ok, but then my energy levels got very low, and I got collided by high energies. And off to the cliff I was. It wasn't even anything big. Just someone bumping into me a little too hard and saying a few satirical jokes that offended me at that moment. But they were in the happy la-la-land and never noticed. Add a failed meeting (that was not even really needed) to it, and I needed to get away. From everything.
It's literally like a cup that keeps filling up until there is nowhere to fill but flowing over the brim, when going through the everyday life. People are mostly useless (doesn't matter whether they are undergrad or grad or higher up). Things won't get done. Every day I feel more and more like in a kinder garten. Usually I can handle this. I can be nice and care and fix things and overlook everything. But then I get tired. And then I feel so alone and insignificant.
I actually think that I live in a bubble. I imagine that I am needed and that what I do is necessary and needed by someone. Some days I also think that I can do a decent job. But I think the truth is that it's not. Not needed and not a good job. I don't think anything would actually change if I would be removed from this equation. I don't think anyone would even notice.
I don't think I belong here...

mine is better than yours

Kullionu mentioned in her post last week the university ranking topic. And today they still cover it in Postimees. It's crazy, but somewhat expected, that Tartu University, my alma mater, is not among the first 600 universities in the world. The newspiece in Postimees discusses, that it's due to being not well known (no-one knows who we are). And it's due to: being far on the East edge of Europe; our education is only in estonian (how can you be wellknow, if the others don't understand anything); there are not enough famous scientist yet (!) etc.
Vilnius university made it in though. Right below 600, but still in. And Postimees claimed, it's due to being closer to Europe and having more people going to the world.

I try to spread the word about Tartu University here. And just last week I met the new professor on our floor, whose wife studied in Tartu. And he's not Estonian. And there have been other cases, when people do know Tartu University. But it is small and far far away. So this could contribute to not well knowness.

University of Ottawa is on a beautful position nr 222. Not too shabby. Of course, McGill (20), U of British Columbia (34), Toronto (41), U of Alberta (74), U of Montreal (91) are among first 100. The last two of them are not that well known (that means I don't hear about them).

The entire list is here:
www.topuniversities.com/worlduniversityrankings/results/2008/overall_rankings/fullrankings/
Top 200 universities with all the employee and citation stats:
www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/hybrid.asp?typeCode=243&pubCode=1
They also have a stats page for each university, where you can see the numbers of students, and tuitions, and how many PhD degrees have been awarded within the last 12 month. Ottawa has 138...

little things

Happiness is often in little things. Which is not news.
I went to visit Burnstown today. It's this little village near Ottawa that was once named after Scottish poet Robbie Burns. Once a year, in the beginning of November, they have a Magic of Candlelight weekend. Then all the little boutiques (lots of beautiful jewellary) and art galleries are open and all the roads/streets are hemmed with candles. It looks so fairytaly.
I took some pictures, that didn't come out as great and they don't convey the magic. But still, it gives you a little idea. If you ever happen to be in the neighbourhood around November, then you should visit them. Earlier that day I had lunch with Marta (tädi Marta). She is the one who had the eye surgery. It was really nice. We had a glass of wine and good food and we chatted. It's quite interesting to chat with people who are significantly older. Often they have totally different look on things. And their daily pace is soooo different. Later I helped her to read a letter and write a card. I guess in a few weeks of time I will be going back - it will be time to write Christmas cards. It actually might be good for me to step off the crazy rush-train sometimes.

A few weeks ago I visited Veera (tädi Veera), who is close to 90 years old and very active considering her age. She comes out to the Estonian events and takes care of her house and grows plants and flowers and stuff. And she made this amazing meal for me. And we chatted. I find it really interesting to to find out how people's lives have gone, and what decisions they had to take, and where did they took them.
Both, Marta and Veera, really, really appreciated my little visits. And this makes me happy:)

But it made me think about the old age. I wonder how I will spend my old age. And would I be the whiny pensionar who demands the special treatment whereever possible or lonely pensionar at home or will I be calm and wise like Marta or active and happy like Veera?
But even Veera, she said, that it's not fun (starost ne radost). Her husband passed away a few years ago. Also there is fewer and fewer of friends (same age) with every year, because they pass away too. I suggested that she could get new and young friends, and she said (really well, I think), that she remebers her young age, and she didn't want to hang out with old people then. Also there is not that much to do, when you are in your nineties. Also, not doing too much and shorter sleep pattern that comes with old age make the days longer. I often wish that the days would be longer. And I think now all these wishes are counted and given to me once I pass 80.
As much as I complain that I have too much to do, I do like having rather many things going on and having to choose, than not having any. Also - I love procrastination, and as a proper procrastinator, I do other less-important things to avoid doing more-important things until the deadline is "biting my ass" (as they say here). Eventually all gets done, and the list will have new things in it. I can't imagine life without procrastination though.

Of course, first I should grow up and get out of school. And then, yearssssss later, I can start worrying about elderness. But still...

Monty Python's Spamalot

"Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and The Holy Grail.""
This Spamolot , Broadway musical, was simply amazing!! I honestly think it was one of the best shows I have ever seen. The props and tricks were amazing! And the actors and singing was amazing. It was VERY funny and joyful. 2.5 hours passed so quickly that I was truly sad when it was over.

And again, I was lucky to get to see it. Adam and his family had planned to go to see it and bought their tickets in September already. Currently all four shows in Ottawa are sold out. I even didn't know until Adam's phone call that something like this exists and that they are in Ottawa. And it so happened that one of Adams sisters couldn't go, so he called me. And I agreed. I'm glad I did. Alternatively I would have gone to the Opera concert given by two opera singers from Estonia, which would have been great too, but I think Spamolot was slightly better. It's Broadway after all!

If you ever have a chance to go, then I recommend highly.
You could check their website too - they have some short videoclips to get some taste.

And so, that you could have a good dose of good humour you can read (maybe. or maybe not, if the resolution is too low. then I can send you the original pics, if you so wish:)) the first 2 pages from the program:

day that goes to history - Obama as the president

And that is it - Obama is the first African-American USA president, as CNN and CBC just announced. He has 297 electoral votes against 139 that McCain has. Congrats to Obama!
There is a big big party in Chicago (where Obama is from) right now. Just a few minutes ago I heard from the updates that there's about 1 million people, who have come out to celebrate. That's a LOT. It's just a bit less than an entire Estonia. It would be very interesting to be there right now.
I do miss having a TV right now....
At least I have the radio - people are calling in to this radio show and are SO happy and emotional. One woman cried. People are excited. It's SO different compared to Canadian elections, when no-one really cared (well, only about 54 % of population went to vote).

I'm curios to see, whether the world will be any different tomorrow.

One interesting note:
The richest man in states: Tiger Woods
The richest woman in states: Oprah Winrey
The most powerful man in the world: Obama
What is common among them? They are all non-white.

(and what did I do today? had naps, listened to election updates and TAed)

and weekend I was exhausted

After all the craziness this week, I was totally "küps" (done/kaput) by Saturday. I slept until 1 pm. The weather was so beautiful that I wanted to go for a walk. No one seemed to be around, so I went on my own. On my way I passed by the frou frou store, and noticed the sign "30% off handbags". Hmmm....
30 min later I left the store with the ravin (jahisaak): I celebrated the new item with a proper nap. And At 8.30 I went to the talk given by Rabbi Y.Y. Rubinstein. Natalie told me about it. I didn't know what to expect. So I nicely showed up at 8.30, and I was one of the first people to arrive. Also - overall it was a quite a small event (maybe max. 30 people). And Natalie and Mike were late. But it was ok. I made some friends.
The talk itself was interesting. He is a great speaker. He talked about not forgetting who you are and how to make yourself a better person by a bit (and how you don't need to survive a plane crash to realize how lucky you are). He also explained the sabbath, which was interesting. So for jews, Saturday is the sabbath, and then you don't have to do anything. And so on. It was good! Plus there was food:)
Later we went to Manx for a pint of beer. I had St. Ambrois Apricot beer, which I had been craving for. On our way out I ran into Dan. And he convinced me to join them. We went and had another drink at the Fox and Feather. At 2 pm they had the last call, but since it was the time when the time is being turned back by an hour, we tried another places to have another drink. But Ottawa places are boring - even though technically it was 1 pm, they were closed. Booooring.
So we went to Dan's (me, him, and his buddy from California), and he made some nachos and we had another beer. Good times. But I got home a bit late.

On Sunday morning I was invited to my neighbours place for the brunch. I love having good neighbours. So I just rolled out of bed, put on my flip-flops, and headed upstairs. It was a beautiful morning and great company and delicious food!!!

The rest of Sunday passed under the "nap" headline.
And at 7 I had tea with Yaseen. I hadn't seen him for a loooooong time. So it was so wonderful to see him and catch up! We started together in our lab (way back when).

then there was Halloween

I had an interesting (or should I say "interesting") Halloween. My supervisor volunteered me to take care of one old lady (she's estonian and a friend of his mother). She had an eye surgery (cataract surgery) and she needed someone to take her to the hospital and then home, and make sure she is ok. There didn't seem to be anyone else, so I didn't really have a choice. I can't leave a human in trouble.
So at 7 am we were already at the hospital (and I usually wake up at 10 am). She woke up at 9.30, and we headed back to her house. I made some brunch (I had to boil eggs, and I screwed it up:( But she said it's ok). And then we sat there and watched/listened to TV. I had planned to leave around 2 or 3, if she's ok. I had to go to the lab to finish some stuff. And then my supervisor calls. And tells the lady that I will provide some dinner too. Whaaat??? I was not impressed. But the lady was very happy to hear that and totally agreed. So then I left for the lab (I had missed all the pumpkins and costumes and candy), finished my stuff, scavenged the floors to get materials for my costume (in case I can make it out to the party later), and then headed back to the lady's house. I picked up some Chinese food (my supervisor suggested one particular place. Sort of pricey though. But he said, oh, the lady will pay.) and we had dinner. The crazy part was that I didn't know how to ask for money... So it was my treat...
Finally I got at home at 8.30.

Then I wrapped the materials found around myself and got into my role (as a Paperbag princess, in case you don't recognize), and we headed to Miss B's place for the party. It was impressive. Great costumes and AWESOME decorations.
Me and my dragon (By Craig):
Me in Doroti (?)'s shoes (by Jenn):
A few more: We got home at 1.30. I had an invitation to my neighbor's party as well. I wasn't too tired, so I decided to head up and say hi. I was treated with a delicious lychee "eyeball" cosmopolitan. It was sooo good. And we listened to music and chatted. There wasn't too many people left, but it was quiet and nice. At 2 or 2.30 there was a knock on a door and 2 more (random) people came. It turned out that they were our neighbours too. And it also turned out that one of them is the crazy person, who plays bass at 1 am in the apartment above me. I knew the guy already before, but I thought he is just a random dude visiting. But no, he is the culprit of all the noise. I wanted to see his place, to understand why is there so much noise all the time. Very often it sounds like he is rearranging his place. The weird thing was, that it was fairly empty furniture wise, just full of crap. And he has his mattress on the ground, which explains, why I can hear so well, when he turns his side during the night. Anyway - I told him, that I don't appreaciate the noise, and he said, that he will try to be better, and that I can come anytime to tell him, if he's annoying me. So that's good. And then he wanted to get too close to me, so I ran away. He has a very cute kitty Willy though:)
After that I decided to take some more pictures of my new hair and outfit. I wanted to do it on the old stairs in the hallway. It was 3 am, but the traffic was too heavy in my building, so I got scared and ran back to my apartment. And so I took a few inside:

first there was snow

As it was predicted on Monday, we got snow on Tuesday (Oct 28). When I went to TA, then there were a few flakes flying around. 3 hours later there was a proper white layer down:

Tuesday was not a good day. I was supposed to meet with my supervisor at 11 am. He was bust at 11, then somebody else cut the line and kept him busy until 2, and then we had the worlds most useless lab meeting for 2 hours and then, only 5 hours late, we sat down. We discussed nothing relevant or useful. At 5 I wanted to leave, and then he decided to give me crap for everything. Essentially telling me that I'm too slow, and shouldn't be even doing my program. And yada yada yada... It got me off balance. I said nothing and just left. And then I needed to TA my students. Thankfully they behaved... But still - it took me an entire night to calm down. I'm so glad I have good friends who can show me the perspective, when I lose it.

Later I also had a visitor. I think he really wants my bike.. I took a few more pictures of the snow the next day. It was interesting to have all this snow on Oct. 29. Way too early. The grass is still green and the trees have leaves...The upper left picture is the view from my kitchen. The upper right is the shot of my porch along with the pumpkin.

15-20 cm

...of snow. This is what they predict for tomorrow!!!
Craziness. It's not even November yet.
I'm not ready for snow. And for 20 cm... I think this calls for boots. I even don't know where they are... And I will be TAing, so I can't just stay in and enjoy the warmth from the imaginary fireplace.

Otherwise I have a horrible back pain :( and my boss called me and wants to see me...
:(

minu pere ja muud loomad

eng: my family and other animals.
If you are interested in getting to know "the other animals" in my life, you can visit this website:
http://www.medicine.uottawa.ca/research/AltosaarBiotechLab/index.htm

hint: see the people.

Enjoy:)

Feist, crafts and Cat

Another weekend is over... where are they going???
The highlight of this weekend was Feist concert. You can listen to her here. She is a new cool Canadian singer. I just found out that she is from Amherst, Nova Scotia, where even I have been a few times (Ewelina lives there:)). And her first name is Leslie:) Who knew... She has amazing sweet and strong voice. And her music is so calm and pleasant to the ear. She has some spunk too:) And the most amazing this with her shows is that she has this shadow art going on at the background. Really neat.
The warm-up band was Hayden, whose music really hurt my ears. Way too loud. Just noise. I haven't hear them before (I think), so it could be that it was just the live part that made them unlikeable to me.
All this happened at the NAC. It was a little weird to be at this fancy place that is meant for symphonies and modern art to listen/see some folk/indie music concert. And I gotta be thankful to Darren to took me along for this great concert.
I also made it to the gym. But the rest of the day just disintegrated somewhere. Probably due to the crazy rain outside.

Sunday: I went to visit the Christmas craft show at the Lansdowne. Lots of pretty things and jewellary. Too much. So I bought nothing though. I just enjoyed. And I listened to Cat Jahnke, whose music I really liked. Also sweet calm voice. It was just perfect into sunny Sunday morning/noon.
I was also thinking about going to yoga, but due to unbearable backpain I decided to stay at home. I'm not entirely sure, whether yoga is good or bad with the back pain...

I also finished marking the lab reports... Oh, how I do NOT like marking. Students are not particularly smart. And sometimes I wonder, WHY do I care? Why do I check their reports after getting them, to send them the reminder that their rough data is missing, so they could bring it later and avoid zero? Or why do I think, that oh, they did try a bit, I'll give the marks? I think this work is not for me...

I also made dinner. Not the best one though. I have so much noodle-pasta at home. I don't particularly like noodle-pasta. They are so difficult to eat. I even don't know how do I have three packs of them at home. But I have decided to clean up my cupboards, so I need to eat them. If to exclude the accident through what I lost the entire potful into the sink, it went well. And tastes mediocre. I guess it's better than sandwiches. I also wanted to add some mushrooms. I think I didn't have the right kinds. I wanted to make something my mum used to make (Kullionu, mäletad, mul ema tegi, ja äkki me kahekesi tegime ka. Oli mingi seene kübar, siis läbi piima ja muna segu, ja vist jahu ka, ja siis pannile. Ja maitses hea. Ja Reelika, sina sõid neid liha pähe). I'm not sure what went wrong, it didn't taste particularly good. So - when I will promise to make dinner for you, do not opt for mushrooms :P

There are still 5 things left on my to do list... Gotta get to them...
Happy Halloween week:)

zucchini tart with feta and mint

As people demand, I post the other recipe. The one I made on Tuesday. It was really tasty. So tasty, that it disappeared before I had time to take a picture.

2 tbsp butter
2 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds (eesti keeles on vist suvikõrvits)
1 tsp chopped garlic
2 tbsp chopped mint
salt, pepper
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk (I just used 2 eggs)
3/4 cup of 18% cream
3 oz (90 g) feta cheese (I didn't measure, just estimated by feelings)
one 9 inch (23 cm) tart shell

1 - preheat oven to 180 C
2 - melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add zucchini, and saute for 3 min or until golden. Add garlic and stir to combine. Turn heat to medium-high, and cook for 1 more minute or until zucchini is ready and juices have evaporated. Remove pan from heat, add in mint, salt and pepper.
3 - beat eggs with cream, add salt.
4 - sprinkle feta cheese over tart shell. pour over half of the egg-cream mix. Add zucchini in an even layer, and pour over remaining egg mix.
5 - bake on the lower third for 30-35 min, until set and lightly golden. Let cool for 10 min before serving.

It's really tasty!! And looks pretty and colorful!

Kullionu - ma hakkan nüüd vaatama keetmise ja praadimise retsepte:)