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!