howdy, new week?

Warm greetings to a new week. It is basically already the second week in October:)

wanna catch up?

When you send a text message to a guy saying: "Would you like to catch up tomorrow night?", you will most likely receive a message saying: "Your house or mine?"
Because for French guys: catch up = have sex.
So now you know :)

Hundionu Kullionul kylas aka weekend in Brussels

So the real inspiration for blowing the life bac into my blog comes from Brussels. From Kullionu, to be more exact. Because - the last weekend (Sept 11-12) was one of the best ones in 2009. Because I visited Brussels and Kullionu. Gotta love living in Europe for having these wonderful opportunitites to spend weekends in other countries.

My sole goal was to see Kullionu and Kullionu junior. Kullionu jr. is almost 2 and I have still not seen him. This is unletable. So off I went on Saturday morning at 6.30. 2 hours to Paris, 30 min to change stations and about 1 hour to Brussels.

There they were - all three of them! Sooooooo awesome!

We visited the bio market, which c

omes together not too often.

I was amazed to hear a random woman passing by speaking estonian. Such a homey feeling.

The afternoon started with Kullionu and I 'solving' a bottle of Vouvray wine between the two of us and catching up. Beautiful moments!

Then - Kullionu made moules (mussels). Apparently in Estonian dialect they are called 'mullid' that in english would equal to 'bubbles'. So for a while was wondering to myself what kind of lunch this will be - made of bubbles (and love and air???). The lunch was delicious! Supertasty!

Aitah Kullionu!

Around 5 we were heading

over to Ave's. She had organized an academic evening for academic crowd in Brussels and was expecting 32 people. We went to help out with the food preparations. And so the evening went. Quickly. It was VERY VERY great night. It was really good to see Ave and Mairis and Tobrekas again. And have some wine and talk with people who understand each other on the different (Estonian, academic) level. I also met Gert Antsu there. I have not seen him for 6 or more years... He is doing well and is an ambassador now.

Kullionu and I arrived back home around 2, where Rax had made a nice bed for me.

Sunday started unusually early (for me) - around 7.30 or 8, when Kullionu Jr. woke up. But it was a beautiful morning. Just to hang out.

The most beautiful moment was that Kullionu had made a little too muct porridge for Kullionu Jr., so I got the leftover. I have not had porridge for breakfast (or for any other meal) for ages. And this one was made by Kullionu! Honestly - life cannot get better than that!

We went back to the market around noon. This time it was the so-called regular market. I saw some tasty chickens and a huge cute dog. And other market things. We walked around the market and visited the Parliament and took the compulsory picture with the skinny girl holding the Euro sign. She did not introduce herself though... And I saw Kullionu's building and Kullionu Jr's kindergarden. It makes quite a difference in understanding peoples lives

, once you have seen some more important landmarks with your own eyes.

Afternoon got spent at Ave's with tea and leftovers and chatting with Ave, Mairis and Kullionu. It was indescribably amazing.

On our way home we stopped at The Cinquantenaire Park. So I could get a little bit of touristy stuff into my weekend too. They had some sort of electronic picnique going on and probably for an unrelated reason there were lots of fancy cars. We had a beer, a small photosession and a waffle, and then headed back home. September is not a summer anymore.

We had chicken and harigot vert for lunch/dinner and soon it was time to head to the trainstation.

It was an amazing weekend!

We will repeat it soon. Either in Brussels, Lux, Paris or London or some place elsewhere.

it's time

It has been a long summer. Fun summer. But it disappeared in a blink. As you can probably tell by the silence here. But now it's September, and I think it's time to get back to writing. What do you think, Kullionu? After April the September comes, right? :)

I did write a few things about the summer in France though. These memoires are here:

http://hundionu.wordpress.com/

And I still have an idea to talk about July and August as well. I even have the text ready. If I could just find a few minutes/hours to choose and edit some matching pictures. But soon, I hope.

So - welcome back :)

last week in Ottawa

The last week in Ottawa was super busy. I felt the wind was whistling in my ears. 

So on Saturday, may 23, I had a going away party called "Silken flag and silver sails ...golden boat went to the ocean". It was great. Lots of good people, laughter and alcohol:)

Silver sails are presented on the picture on the right:  

Sunday, I went to the woods with John. I was a little hang

over, but it was amazing. We went to the Gatineau park and did the Waterfalls trail. All uphill by the rock. Great work-out and amazing view from the Pontiac lookout. And later we went to see one waterfall that I forgot the name for. Amazing!

Sunday night had a dinner at my supervisors. Also amazing. 

Monday night I had a dinner with Fiona and Angela at the Murray street Kitchen - amazing place again. And great time!

Tuesday - my fish moved to a new home at Jenn's. I hope they are 

having a good time with their new cat+fish -buddies!

And I spent some quality time at Dorota's house. We made dinner and I baked the poppyseed c

oncoction. It was super nice evening. I stayed over too, as my place was feeling a little empty.  

Wednesday - we had a lab potluck, that was over the top as well. Lots of great food - burgers that Will had prepared just melted in my mouth. And we had beer:) And - they had a gift for me - an iPod! A yellow one. So super awesome! I was deepely touched. I am.was part of a great team! 

Thursday - still packing with Dorota's tremendeous help. Leslie prepared an amazing dinner at her house. It was great! And later we, L+V+E, went to the cafe Nostalgica, where I had my Mug of Knowledge. It's this ancient mug, that was foun

d during some diggings, and now every graduate student can have one free drink out of this mug after defending their degree. I was special and I had a little more than one:) It was awesome!!

 

 

accepted!

Today was the day when my second paper got accepted! Sweeeet! 

Finally!

It feels good. And at the same time - I am so busy with all the other thoughts, that it feels like something very ordinary... I hope I can take some time off soon and enjoy my accomplishments. 

Nevertheless, it was a good day!

Plus - I got an offer for a post-doc position! At the government lab. So now I just need to decide, what I would like to do with my life. 

Silken flag and silver sails...

... - golden boat sailed off to the sea. 

Siidilipp ja hõbepurjed - kuldne laev läks merele, valleraa!  

  - Kullionu - maletad? :)

The time is passing so quickly! So it's time to have the last party, at least here at the Daly Ave castle.  This Saturday,  May 23. Come by;) 

The last weekend passed so quickly. Dorota and Leslie and I had a beer at the Cafe Nostalgica on Friday afternoon. Then we had a long walk around the river with Leslie. Then I needed to be at the lab on Saturday and Sunday and Monday. Sunday I hanged out with Sophie at the Chez Lucien and it was awesome. Monday I did lots of cleaning up and enjoyed some tulips at the Tulip Festival.  And then had dinner with Liisa and Mihkel. Life seems pretty good:)

Today I got into selling stuff on kijiji. Wow - the stuff I posted "free" went like a hot bread. I was impressed. And a pair of shoes went in a minute or so. Now I just need to "deliver"...But selling stuff seems fun. I should do it more:)   

Puhu tuul, ja tõuka paati, aja Kuramaale mind... Kadi laul:) Seems to be theme for today:)

congrats, Norway

Norway won Eurovision 2009 with an awesome song Fairytale by Alexander Rybak (he's so cute!).

Estonia had a great song as well (Rändajad by Urban Symphony) and came 6th:) 

Russia did a good job organizing this event:) 

I miss the times when Eurovision night was a great get-together night. Now I just watch it on my own from internet... But who knows what the next year will bring. 

song of the day - Katie Melua

My new finding in music - Katie Melua. I like her voice and style! Such calm and dreamy. 

Such as: Nine million bicycles and If you were a sailboat. 

And - she is Georgian:)

I only discovered her a week ago and the funny thing is that today I found out that she's giving a concert in Ottawa next week. What are the odds, eh. 

rain

"It really smells like rain all of the sudden", I thought. And then I looked out the window - and sure enough - it is raining! 

Boo...

But what amazes me, is that even though the windows do not open, the smell of the fresh spring rain can easily sneak in. 

zzz...

Yesterday I had a busy day working. And then around 5, when the lab was too busy for my liking, I decided to go and have dinner at my supervisors. So I walked over, photographed some apple-blossoms (I think apple is one of my favourite flowers) and i was hoping to be back at the lab around 7 or 7.30. But, no. First we had some wine, and some appetizers and then some more wine and then the meal and then some delicious chocolate. My supervisors daughter's highschool friend was also visiting. So it was a very fun night. 

And I got back to lab around 9 pm instead. Worked until 00.30 and then bussed home. I made it in this morning at 8 am, but I am so sleeeepy...

I can't wait for lunch. We are going to the Sushi-Kan - all you can eat sushi. Mmm.... 

Also - I think I will be staying at the Auberge de Jeunesse (old-town area) while in Tours. It's a hostel. Sounds sort of fancy, so I just hope there will still be something left from my salary after the rent. 

moving on. next stop - France!

It's 8.30 in the morning and I'm at the lab. I have SO much to finish up, so I need the entire day every day. It's sunny and quiet here right now:) 

Big news first - last Thursday I got the confirmation that I have a mini post-doc position in France from June 1 to Sept 30th. It's amazing! I will be leaving Ottawa on May 29th at 5 pm. The return ticket is for Oct 22. 

In France I will be located in Tours - right in the middle of the wine fields (2 hours from Paris toward Spain). 

What has been going on in the meanwhile:

- Audi (kitty) was visiting me from Thursday to Sunday. Wonderful time. 

- Saturday - May 9 - party to warm up Vanjas house and celebrate Nastjas birthday. Theme Moscow and Mojitos. Lots of fun. 

- Friday - May 8 - Ottawa Microbiology Symposium - I was one of the invited speakers and got introduced as a Doctor. It felt good. And later, a professor aftewards reffered to Dr. Hundionu's talk. My heart sank a little:) The talk went pretty well. even though I had a hard time concentrating due to France-associated thoughts. 

- Thursday - May 7 - baking feast at Nicoles with Nist and Fiona. We made poppyseed bread, plum-pie and cookies. Delicious. And great time. 

- Wednesday - May 6 - I submitted the final copy of my thesis. Finally DONE! 

- Tuesday - May 5 - The Ottawa Evening 2009 (Partners in Research gala night). I was invited as a youth ambassador (regular tickets $180). Great time and tasty food. And I met Justin Trudeau (member of the parliament) and Marc Garneau (member of the parliament, former austronaut). 

- Monday - working on my thesis

- Sunday - May 3- 6 hike with Nist and Paul in Gatineau. I also bought a great pair of hiking boots at the MEC garage sale. 

done and done!

Today I submitted the final copy of my Ph.D.  thesis. Of course, the print-devil had to get his hairy hand into the game and mess up something, but I guess that's part of the game. Nothing too bad. And the most important thing is that I am done! 

So yeah - this chapter in my life manuscript is complete! 

It feels GOOD! 

What's next? 

Family-Saturday

Finally a day off. And I spent it with my 5 year old buddy Samuel and his dad. Such a wonderful day. We had lunch and a cake that spelled PhD and a glass of bubbly wine. And then we watched some Starwars, as Samuel is a big fan (would you believe that I have never seen Starwars?). And then played with balloons and watched Kentucky Derby. It was held for the 135th time.  What an event. Especially the pretty hats that the ladies wear. Amazing. Horse named "Mine that bird" came first, with an amazing spurt in the end. And - the horse that I chose, Pioneer of the Nile, came second! Perhaps I should get more involved with horse races. 

And then we had dinner at the Thai place and then it was time to call it a night. 

Super nice day!

And - Samuel was quick to notice that I cut my hair. He liked it. I was impressed. I think that the saying that "guys never notice new hair" does not hold true with young gentlemen. :) 

what a week

Recap of the week:

I completed the biggest accomplishment in my life to date. I am a PhD now. 

Here are some pictures of the day:

Starting on Monday/continuing on Tuesday we celebrated Leslies birthday, which was really amazing. Celebrations at the Shawarma Palace can be nothing less than awesome! 

Wednesday I had a long lunch at the Light of India with Dorota and then celebratory dinner with Nist and Paul. Such a nice day. And to top it off, Vanja, Andrea an

d Trevor went to see "The Earth". Vanja's treat:) It is a great movie for nature people!

Thursday I had to take a day off to deal with all the emotions. It was much needed. I watched a movie "The visitor". It's a great movie. About immigrants and music and people becoming good. 

Friday was the super-awesome-the bestest surprise party. It was simply 

AMAZING. I was and still am so emotionally touched! And still keep smiling:) 

Saturday - Nist and Paul and I headed to the 4 hour hike in Gatineau (trails 6, 34, 22 and then back by 8). The weather was hot (plus 27 or so) and half-half sunny and rainy. Latter ebing great for cooling down. We saw butterflies, flowers, snow, mud, turtles, beaver-productions and heard frogs singing. And later - we had some bubbly tasty Blanche (de Chambly) beverages. And the tastiest tomato soup I have ever had. I had an array of additional plans, but I was out of commission once I got home. 

And Sunday - I cleaned my house a bit (I have SO much stuff...). And I incoroprated 2 sets of comments into my thesis (like 2 hours of work).  Almost there... 

During the week I also received LOTS of congrats. I also talked to Kullionu, which was one of the highlights of the week. Freedom and the feeling of accomplishement feels undescribeably amazing!

 

End of an Era - the best surprise party ever!

I had the most amazing Friday with the most amazing party of all times! But lets start from the beginning. 

On Tuesday Dorota asked me to do something together on Friday. Just her and me. I thought it was a great idea and I was excited to have dinner with her. On Wednesday, Miss B called me, and said that her cousin (the one she has talked about since last year and who is hot and single etc) is coming to Ottawa this weekend and I should join them for drinks. I said "yes".  So now I needed to figure out, how to make my 2 plans to fit together. Miss B had said that it's even better if I'd bring Dorota along. Ok... So I had to convince her. And she was giving me a hard time. Like why should she come and am I using her and etc. I felt so bad... But she seemed to be agreeing.

So Friday we stopped by Rideau center and did some shopping and then we had tea at my place. And she had a beautiful PhD gift for me (a stunning pair of earrings that I absolutely love. Made by a Latvian, btw). 

Dorota was so anxious to get to the Atomic Rooster (the meeting place) by 8.30.  I kept telling her, that it's ok to be a bit late. Let the family (Miss B and her sister and her cousin) enjoy their time on their own. It's not that they would miss me... or so I thought. 

I also was slightly nervous. I even stopped by at Miss B's lab during the day and asked about what to wear and stuff...  And she called me at 8.10 or so to tell me that they are leaving her house and will at the bar 8.30 exactly. (In retrospect, she sounded different and asked me 3 times how am I, but I thought that she is just excited to see her family). 

So Dorota was really taking the charge. She had the address looked up and at my house she was all ready to go at the door while I wasn't even fully dressed. It was already 8.30.... Little did I know.

So we walked in and I saw Brigitte. And I was peeking around to see the cousin.  Instead I noticed more familiar faces from work ("hmmm... wow, Miss B did not mention anything about lab-people...). And more familiar faces. And wow - the entire table (a loong one) was full of people - my friends. And another table.... wow. I was speechless. And totally, totally surprised (and oh so red). 

:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

And I was SOOOO happy! 

So - no cousin, but LOTs of good friends, who had come out to celebrate my PhD. All thanks to Leslie, who made it all happen. SO amazing. I am so lucky to have so wonderful friends. 

So the night had drinks and good chats:) And I received a gorgeous sparkly set of earrings and a necklace from Leslie and Vanja. So I will always remember the great times with them! Plus a book (Wilderness in Ontario) that everyone signed (the origin of a book is another good story).

Among the other people, there was the keynote speaker from the Brain and Mind conference. Very interesting and wise professor Art (Lithuanian by background). 

Such an amazing and special and spectacular night! I got home and kept on smiling and giggling. And I still keep smiling today. Leslie, thank you so, so much, - for everything!! You are the best! 

PhD - personal marathon complete

Monday, April 20th was my BIG day!

I defended my PhD thesis. Five years of work. 

And I was awarded the highest degree - Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry! 

It took about 2 hours and a moderate (amount of stress. The funny thing was that I felt surprisingly calm. Usually before public presentations I can hardly stand up. 

There was about 30 people as my "fan club". It made me feel so special, that so many people care and came to give me moral support. I think Dorota was as nervous as I was. 

And I had four examiners - 1 external from McGill and 3 internal. 

And they were SO quiet. I was even afraid to breathe,  let alone walking, because it was so quiet. The entire time. Including the 7 minutes we were waiting for my internal examiner. This quietness was quite some experience on its own.

And all and all it was great. I had lots of good/fair/interesting questions. I got a few that I did not know the answer to (since I did not study diabetes in detail. I even had to spell it out eventually, that I am just a plant/genetics/micro person. I did not want to do it, but I ran out of my review-based diabetes/immunology knowledge.). I do wish I would have answered to some questions better or clearer, but that's life. 

And they all commented on my thesis as a well written and organized thesis and that they liked to read it. :) And one of my examiners congratulated me that my hypothesis did not come true, as everyone else always writes these "conclusion-hypotheses" in the end of the project, which is not a correct way of doing it. 

And when the examining committee had congratulated me, all of the crowd was standing at the door, anticipating. I smiled and they clapped.

:)

Later we had a dinner with the lab and Natalia and Dorota at Milestones. Good drinks and food and great speeches. My supervisor's "Estonian experiment" is finally done. He found me from Estonia in 2002... loooong time ago.  And now - I am done. Crazy!

I am PhD number 10 from our lab. And overall I am the 20th graduate student to finish. Sweet numbers:)

Afterwards I went to the Cafe Nostalgica ('cos it wouldn't be a good celebration without Nostalgica). They were giving out 2 free drinks. And Leslie and Vanja and Juzer were there. And Marc and John. And Leslies birthday started at midnight and we sang to her. The night was finished with a great and philosophically deep quote "We shut down birthdays on our bars", by Leslie. 

 And we walked home. 

And that is it. My personal marathon is complete. Finished. Just like that. Now what?

The next day I had no idea what to do with my life, so I went to work. Leslie said, that I'm like a "homing pigeon" who keeps coming back. 

I think it just takes some time to get used to this freedom. 

one more sleep as just a girl

Omg, omg, omg! It's 11 pm. Tomorrow, in about 16 hours I will hopefully have three extra letters to add to my name. 

Ahhh... So exciting. 

I feel like I am sitting in a boat and heading down the Nile river. It was a long trip. The river is almost done. I can see the Mediterranean sea. No paddling needed anymore. It's almost an end. I do want to finish. But the other part of me holds back. It has been a good trip. 

I am so lucky that I have so many great friends who think of me and send me "you will kick ass" messages! I am happy! 

I hope I can sleep tonight! 

PS! To relieve my stress I purchased to sets of plane tickets today (instead of buying a proper black suit jacket for tomorrow). From Tallinn to Stockholm and from Tallinn to Oslo. In August. They were on sale. So now I just need to get to Tallinn by that time:) 

Goddess of war and wisdom

Anotherr quiz - which Greek Goddess am I

: You are Athena! The Greek Goddess of war and wisdom. Like Athena you are adventurous and live your life to the fullest. You're not afraid of a challenge and you tend to be on the competitive side. Although you are a person can get physical, you never neglect the wise attitude you carry. You're smart and when it comes to making decisions, you always think before you act.

With the exception of thinking before acting and being competitive (?) it may be true:)

I like!

And tomorrow - into the war! 

In Estonia and away

Estonian newspaper "Eesti Ekspress" published a great article the other day. It's called Estonian and the world: http://paber.ekspress.ee/viewdoc/7716FCF77B673109C22575780051C5DB.

It  discusses the ever-actual topic in Estonia - why Estonians are leaving Estonia and why are they not coming back. And I am also one of the guilty ones. 

One major point that is brought up, is that Estonians are really proud and people who even would like to return back, are not welcome. New "foreign" ways of doing things are not accepted, because the local ones are better. I was sent on the road also with the statement "Kodus on hea kyll" (At home it's good enough". I still decided to come to Canada. And I am still convinced that it was the best decision. And now I am thinking that how I may be welcomed back.... 

The article also discusses how Estonians are on the trip. And apparently Estonians are the ones who complain about the little things a lot, because "they have paid". Funny. I don't complain that much (I think), but I definitely expect a lot, if I have paid (and paid "a lot", which is anything above 20 dollars for me). 

The author also brings out that Estonian in the world would be the one standing a little away from the group (since the personal space is so important, and what is the point of talking about nothing anyway). And when a task is presented, Estonian does it quickly and well. In other words, Estonians are quick to get to the point (perhaps even more than Germans). So this is who  we are. I think it's true.  

So the article states, that perhaps Estonians abroad are looking for warmer human relations and relaxed environments, instead of a way to become rich quick and be better than the others. 

Again, I feel that it's true. I like people here. I like it that strangers smile and start a small chat. I like to chat with the staff at stores. I like to help people - open doors, pick up stuff they have dropped... 

But I like people in general:)

The real question is - where do I see myself in a few month/years? What do I value more?  

 

100% Russian

On Facebook, there is a quiz "How russian are you". I took it and I was expecting/hoping to score somewhere around 10-20%. And the real result was - I am 100% Russian. It said: "You are 100% hot-blooded, passionate, opinionated, tough and ready to take on the world!"

Which is all true, of course. Except the hot blood part. But still - call me a Russian based on that? Hmmm... 

So no wonder they (random people around) think I am Russian. And I always get so offended. Perhaps they see something I don't. 

Anyway - entertaining anyway! 

Happy Chick-holidays

I had an amazing Easter Monday. Leslie and Vanja and I had an Easter brunch with crepes and turkey bacon and eggs and fruits. And we had some orange juice with "half-bubbly" (the other half had gone missing since the Family day) water and some amazing espresso. Simply super nice morning.

And this afternoon I visited my upstairs neighbour for some pecan pie and tea. It's great to have good neighbours:) 

This Easter has been quiet, but nice. And the best part is that I don't have to complain about afterschock of the excessive consumption of food and chocolate, like everyone on Facebook is doing. Life's good:)  

In Estonian Easter holiday is also called "Meat-taking holidays", "Spring holidays", Egg holidays", "Chick holidays"... So happy all of the above to you! 

cuddling with the puppy

I'm cuddling with the puppy Canella on a couch and watching movies. It is amazingly nice! We watched Ghost Town, and I liked it - cute, simple and happy end (aka believe in people) kind of movie. It made me feel good.

And now we are watching the Dutchess with Keira Knightley. So far it's great! I love this time era movies. Especially with her. The music is amazing - among the other things. 

Such an amazing Saturday night:)

Earlier today - I got woken up at 7 am by Canella. Then slept a bit more. Then talked to my mum for an hour and half (Canella decided to start humping me in front of the camera - it was rather interesting). And then marked a bunch of lab reports. And then went for a walk. It was sunny, but cold. 

Meeting little Zee - a handsome young heart-breaker

Today was amazing!

The sun was shining, it was beautiful! True spring.

And - 4 came over with little Zee:) I have been waiting to meet this little cute dude for a long time!!! But as they live in Calgary, it has not been doable until now. 

He is so adorable! Looks even better than on the picture:) And I am sure that one day he will have lots of girls surrounding him:)

I hope I get to see him again:)

Later Leslie and I met Vanja and went to La Bottega to have a sandwich (they have the best sandwiches in town) and had it in the courtyard nearby. It was sooo nice - sunny and warm and great food. We continued at the Planet Coffee with some delicious beverages and great chats. And I had an honor to hold the IPhone for the first time in my life. It's a pretty nice apparatus:) Especially the Urban Spoon aps, that will direct you to all sorts of neat eating facilities. 

Such a beautiful day! I am so happy! 

And now I am back in da urbs ak Blackburn Hamlet, where I am taking care of Canella (the dog) and Cat and Anastassias house. It's pretty sweet:) 

Doctor in the making - the last episode April 20th

So this it - time to wrap up this PhD. 

The final episode - the defence - is on April 20th at 1 pm (RGN, room 2113). 

I am excited!

I talked to Leslie about it today, and if to use analogies, it feels like a last piece of steak (or delicious cake, if you wish). It's one more last delicious piece and I do want to savour it. 

hello 29 - growing up

I am 29. It has been a beautiful day:)

I started by Estonian time - so at 5 pm ye

sterday Julia called me and officially opened my birthday:) 

I had a few people over to celebrate. Of course, my "few" means about 20:) It was a great party. I prepared some food with Anastassias help - potatoe salad, ham and cheese filled pancakes, deviled eggs, "toothpick sandwiches":) 

The theme of the night was "Who I wanted to be when I grow up" (from pre-s

chool times). I wanted to be a grocery store cashier or a kindergarten teacher. I also wanted to go to the university. And a fisherman would have been the last choice. For the party I dressed as the cashier:) 

So there were good chats, lots of wine and good people. And there was a cake:) Really delici

ous Kr2supea kook. And I made a wish...

Today I spent the majority of my day at my supervisors house, as his wife's birthday is also today. And for the last 6 years we have celebrated it together, which is SO nice. My supervisors parents had come down from Montreal as well. So it was a really really nice day with lots of grat food and wine and people. You know - like a true family birthday celebration:) 

I got home past 6 and decided to go for a walk. 

It was a beautiful

 day here

. Sunny and failry warm. I hope my entire year will be sunny and happy like today:) 

And I got lots of phone calls (from Estonia and France and Canada) and messages and e-cards with good wishes:) Ah, I am one lucky girl:) 

PS! Do you like my new hair? I have never had short hair. It is my contribution to growing up. And I love it!!  

Wondering - what will the 29th trip around the Sun bring? 

TAing is done

That's it. Yesterday I TAed for the last time. It has been five years of teaching. All of these years I taught Biochem I lab. Plus I gave General Chem, Organic Chem I  and Molecular Bio (III year) labs. I was teaching/marking in Biopharm and Biotechnology classes. And maybe somewhere else. 

That's LOTS of hours. And LOTS of students I have seen (this semester alone I saw 100 students). 

It has been good. Good times. Fun times. Satisfied times. Frustrated times. Times that I felt I do something important. 

The last day was not too particular. Normal students. Normal flow. One student told me that she liked me the best as a TA, which was a good end:)

And then we headed to the Cafe Nostalgica. We had beer. A pint. A pitcher. Another one. And another. I left at 1.30 am. And I am tired today. But it was good:) 

Good end to this era.  

D-day is coming up

This afternoon I got an awesome e-mail:

Good afternoon
I am still waiting for one last report; however I would like to schedule your defence.
Would you be available on
APRIL 20
APRIL 23
APRIL 30
Thank you in advance for your prompt response.

So this means that the D-Day (as Sujeeve calls it) is ON!
I am excited. And I am also slightly nervous. What could they ask? Will I know? How much do I need to prepare? What should I wear? 

And the song of today is Los Colorados (Ukrainian band), Hot and cold (cover from Katy Perry:

I LOVE it!!

broken heart

From time to time She went for drinks with this guy She knew. Her colleague, to be more exact. Sometimes they went for theatre or concerts.  They had a great time. Suddenly She noticed that they hang out very often. Perhaps too often, She wondered. 

They had another beer. He walked Her home and drove home. She was sort of "happy". And then He called and said that He had a great time and that perhaps they should go for a date. Like a date date. She was not ready for a question like that. So She couldn't give a definite answer or anything. She just said something stupid that felt akward. He was a great guy and She did like spending time with Him. Was She ready to kiss Him? No. But how else would you determine whether a date would be appropriate advancement. So She knew what She felt and did not feel, but how would one bring up the topic? 

So a week passed and a bit more. Finally She saw Him alone and said (awkardly, again), that it's probably better to continue non-dating. "I figure", He said, and walked out. 

The next day He arrived to work with a shirt that read "Rejected". 

Ouch. 

She felt SO bad! Not because of the shirt (it might have been coincidence), but just the entire situation. How sad! But then again, it is better to be honest (even if it's uncomfortable), than to lead people on to something that is not there. Right? 

mmm...dahl!

Recently I have taken up cooking. You know - moderately - once a week. But once I make something - I make "for a village". So I am reasonably well-fed these days.
Today's topic was DAHL aka Lentil and Spinach curry.
I have been wanting to do it for ages. The love for it comes from amazing veggie-restaurant "Perfection. Satisfaction. Promise", where Leslie and I occasionally go. I always get half-half of Dahl and Avocatofu on sweet potatoes. It's SO delicious!
Anyway, when I saw Dalh recipe in this super-awesome cook-book of Sujeeve's, the plan was "cooked" - I will make it.
The lentils I purchased already the day I bought the wild rice. And today was the day to make it.
Here's the recipe, if you wanna try it too.
You need:
1 cup of yellow split peas (soak overnight)
1 ounce of spinach (226 grams)
1 chopped onion
1/4 cup of tomato paste
1 teaspoon of turmeric
salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons oil
4-6 cups of water
1 tablespoon of ground garlic and ginger
garam masala - it's a magic indian spice mixture. I think it means "everything". I made "my own" version of it due my kitchen lacking it. It contains: cumin, coriander, cardamom, black peppercorns (who are they?), cloves, cinnamon, grated nutmeg. I added all of the above (except peppercorns and cloves) in a grounded form (cardamom I had in seed form and they were too tiny to crush them) and in random quantities.

How to make: Fry onions until soft. Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt and pepper. Mix well. Add tomato paste. Add lentils. Mix well. Add water and stir well. Bring to boil. Add spinach. Add all the spices that you have not yet added. Cook on medium heat for 30 min or until lentils are soft.
And voila - ready!
It is DELICIOUS!
So delicious that I forgot to take a picture.
***

Otherwise life is good as well. Saturday was just gorgeous and so warm (as I said). I went shopping and bought a beautiful skirt. So now all I need is a dinner invitation. And then later we went to Dorota's to have the first burger of the season. It was delicious. And we had equally delicious sangria and chatted. We celebrated the Earth Hour and played the game called "What". Lots of fun!
But I did/do miss Kullionu... I have not seen this girl for way too long.

Sunday was gray and rainy. But I did some cleaning and worked out. Over the last week I worked out 4 times. The crazy thing is that my virtual trainer actually guilt-trips me when I miss a work out. Crazy. Little cartoon character and so powerful.
Later I met up with Ali-Chuma and we played pool and had a beer. I was on some sort of lucky strike - I won 5 games out of 7. And once I even got two of the balls in at the same time. Good times playing and it was good to catch up with Ali.

Today I had a meeting (clinical review related) and after chatted with Juzer. I have not talked to him for a long time either. He has lots of great ideas:) Even my future brightened up:)

Kullionu sünnipäev

Today is Kullionu's birthday!!!
It's a GORGEOUS day in Ottawa in her honor. It is super sunny and it is SO warm - like plus 14 degrees. It's amazing!
Kullionu - soovin, et Su sünnipäev oleks päikseline ja rõõmus! Ja soovin Sulle hästi vahvat uut eluaastat! :)

And I'm heading to Dorota's place for some delicious sangria and snacks. And for good company!

my bed misses me

it's almost 7 am... I had a short nap last night - from 11 pm to 2 am or so. I guess, actually it's not THAT bad...
But the nap was required after I had spent another short night last night plus I worked all day with my manuscript. First on my own, then from 3-4 we had a meeting and from 4.30 to 9 pm I was working on it with my Supervisor.

I am tired...

and at 8.30 I have to be in the lab teaching... these students better behave.
and then - then I will re-submit my paper:):):)

another good weekend

This last weekend was good. I did lots of non-work stuff.
I went for another run.
I cleaned my apartment (even washed the floors).
I made a delicious red curry with pork, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, pineapple and pepper. So good!
I worked out with my virtual trainer Maya.
I went for a lunch with Amber, whom I haven't seen for ages (she's in medschool now). We had lots to chat about. And most importanly, chatting with her helped me to decide about my future. I am so much more clear now:) And my confidence is back! (after it was gone for a few weeks).
I also read a bit fiction.
And I analyzed close 2000 EST sequences - aka did some science too.

Ah, and on Monday I had fried platan (wild friend of banana) with honey. It was delicious!

And now I still have to do the final touch-ups on my manuscript... I have put A LOT of work into thisone. And I think it's quite a nice piece of work, too :)

clink my glass and drink, unless there's poison involved

So apparently when you are following the "continental etiquette", you are not supposed to touch any other glasses after the toast. One should just gesture their glasses upwards, look the other guests in the eyes (something people in North-America never do, and I try hard to educate them), and smile.
But the interesting part is the origin of the clinking glasses (I found it from Sarah's note).
Imagine I was Hundionu, some impressive general and I met Alexander the Great during my travels. If for whatever reason we happened to have supper together, I’d have my wine in a small wooden cup while he’d be given an enormous golden goblet. Before drinking, Alexander the Great would likely smash his goblet into mine, mixing the contents of our two glasses together. It turns out that this gesture is an ancient poison detection method. He could tell immediately by looking at my the fearful in my face, coupled with my refusal to drink that I had attempted to poison him….
Neat, eh?
So yeah, next time you drink with me, better taste your drink:)
And look into my eyes before you cheers:) I wonder what is the origin of that... I guess the same poison story - it's hard to look into someone eye, when you are about to kill them...

happy spring

The spring is here!!! And not just on calender, but outside too. So nice!
I celebrated the spring arrival with the complete exhaustion. I had to finish a draft of my revised manuscript by Friday. I had a meeting with the co-authors. It was Thursday at 6 pm, and I had almost nothing. Then it was 9 pm, and I couldn't still focus. And the time kept going and I was too stressed and couldn't calm down. So I had the fight with myself until it was 4 am, and I finally got into the groove. And I did have stuff to present at 1 pm. There still work to do though...

I also participated in an experiment as an subject. You know, the commercials sometime say, that this product kills 99.9% of known bacteria/viruses? Well, one lab on my floor actually does this kind of studies. And they test it on humans. So they put Hepatitis A virus on my fingers, then applied the product for 15 seconds, and then eluted it. And this is how they will determine, how many virus particles dye and how effcient the product is. That was my good deed of the day.

After work we went shopping with Dorota, Nat and Teodora. Nat found a 30% coupon from Esprit, so we went. I found a really cute and comfy shirt. Originally $50, but outlet price was $34, and I got extra 30% off. Excellent deal, me thinks. And then we celebrated in Starbucks.

I got home at 7.30 or so and headed straight to bed. I was really tired. I wanted to get up at 10 pm and do something Friday-appropriate, but thought then - what is the point. And continued sleeping. At 4.39 some people decided to make fireworks on Nelson st. It scared me quite a bit. Crazy people.
But my dreams were so nice! I was down-South at some place. With Dorota and a bunch of other people. And there was a big ocean and big waves and a beach. And our hotel was like 50 m from the ocean. And there were palm trees. And some people played volleyball. And there was a big ship with hardwood floors and it was like a restaurant. The sun was shining. It was all so amazing! I hope it will continue tonight!

kiss me, I'm Irish

Ok, ok, I'm Estonian, but that's almost like Irish. So kiss me :)
Happy belated St. Patricks day to everyone!!!
It was yesterday, March 17.
The day here was amazingly beautiful - sunny, +11 degrees... very nice. Last year, and actually past 6 years the temperature has still been in negatives and even snow has been falling.
Yesterday I was wearing my green-brown skirt and a green sweater that matched so well. I think I looked quite chic.
There was lots of house/yard parties and "happy" (beer induced happiness) people in my neighbourhood.
For my European friends - St. Patricks day is the celebration of Irish in everyone - so it's an excuse to wear green and wear shamrock (prefereably the ridiculous-one and on your head) and leave work at noon to get very drunk. Ah, and they serve green beer too.
So it's a happy day.
Usually after 6 there is not much point to go to Irish Pubs, as they are simply too full. That's why I haven't been much part of these celebrations after the 2003 incident where someone stole my stuff...

I celebrated it quitely, at the Cafe Nostalgica with a pint and half of non-green beer. It was nice.
Until I got myself into trouble. So there's another thing to be taken care of. Oh well...

weekend not too chabby

I think I can be quite happy with my weekend. To top up yesterdays updates, today I:
* went for a run with Vanja. We did close to a 5 km loop within an hour, and close to a half of that we were actually jogging. I have never done running like that. And it felt good. And the weather was amazing! I felt inspired after a read a book "Up and Out" by Ariella Papa. I guess I'll see how long I can keep it up:)
* updated my CV and actually submitted it to Careers in Europe, who is going to have a Career day in May. That is my VERY first step in applying for jobs. Yay!
* finally sorted the Panama pics and put them up.

So all and all - I have been good:) Perhaps I should have a drink:P

Hundionu does Panama

I am still peeling, so it's not too late to post my emotions from my long awaited vacation.

So, from Feb 25 until March 2nd I was in Panama. It's 4 more hours to South that I have ever been (Niagara falls was the most South so far). I went with Dorota and her family. So there was 9 of us - eight polish people and one estonian. One 5 year old and the rest adults (from 28 to 47 years).

The flight was leaving at 6.30 am from Montreal, so that meant that we needed to leave Ottawa at 2 am, which meant that no sleep that night. But I was too excited anyway. And then - 5 hour flight and 50 degrees into the positive side on thermometer later - we were in Panama! It was SO nice. Warm! And sun! And we got cold beer! Life was amazing! Once we made it to our hotel it was even better. We were served a tasty beverage, got wristbanded and got the keys to our rooms. I got to change into a dress and flip-flops and that was the most I was wearing during the following 7 days and nights. The first night I was so excited that I couldn't go to bed. So Remek and I were drinking and chatting until they closed the bar.

Tuesday
Breakfast I was puzzled over the fruits. Hmm... there are dark orange melon pieces and light orange ones. Well, lets take both. And then I learned that the dark one was papaya! Oh my goodness - I LOVE papaya! It was my nr 1 dietary item for the entire week.
Then we went to the beach. It was overcast, but I still put some sunscreen, as I knew that the clouds do not keep UV away. Well, obviously I was not very skilled in sunscreen applying, as I was half-ready-to-be-served-lobster by the night. But it was ok.
The Pacific ocean was amazing! The water was so salty, that it crystallized on the skin, when it tried.
We had an amazing lunch and dinner at the beach Grill-restaurant. It was right at the ocean. Really nice! And the food overall was really tasty. But what was even better was the unlimited drinks. I consumed a lot over the week!

Wednesday
We went to visit Penonome - a city nearby (circled on the map). It was cute little city. Sort of dirty, but that was because the carnival had just ended the night before. I didn't do much shopping, but just wondered around. I loved the market. There's something about the markets that I really love. There were these 2 dudes having a long chat with me (on the picture). I only nodded and smiled and I was hoping not to agree with something crazy. They probably just wanted to marry me:) And then there were 2 younger guys who peeled an orange for me and gave it to me. It was so tasty. They also kept smiling and chatting. And I understood nothing. When one of them opened the car-door and indicated that he wants to take me for a drive, I thought that it's my cue for "Gracias muchos" and "Ciao" and off I went.
On our way back we stopped at the Cigar factory. It was cool to see the instruments and techniques for cigar making. And I got to smell all different tobaccos from Cuba and Costa Rica and Panama... And got a crash-course how to make a cigar. The neatest part was the final wrapping into this leathery tobacco leaf - it's like true art. Night as usual was spent at the disco. Part of it I spent sitting on the beach with drinks alone and thinking about life.

Thursday
My anniversary - six years in Canada. I celebrated by deep-relaxing on the beach and drinking cold beer all day. The dinner was had at the Mexican restaurant.
By the end of the night I almost went to sing karaoke. If only I would have found a song a knew... the only one I recognized was "Gaudeamus igitur" (the anthem of students in Europe, in latin), but I thought that perhaps it's not appropriate. But the disco was dead that night. And by the time I got there even Carlos had left... So I went for a "walk on a beach" (nothing besides the actual walk happened).

Friday
Relaxing on the beach all day!
After lunch Dorota and I decided to go for a quick trip to the nearby National Park in Anton Valley (circled on the map). I had figured out that we can just take the normal bus and go on our own (the organized trips were 40 USD). All we had to do was to walk from the resort to the Pan-American highway. It was a nice day and at the beach it was breezy. However, about 5 minutes out of the gates of the resort it was VERY hot and the sun was just melting. We forgot to bring water. And so in the end we just walked until the star on the map, and then turned back. I think it was the smart decision:) But at least we had an initiative. But it's so hard to motivate yourself to hike through the crazy heat, if you could just lay at the beach and have a cold beer...
So we continued with swimming and drinking. The best part was swimming in the ocean at the sunset! I could have just stayed there forever. Or until I would have turned into a mermaid. It was just so beautiful and peaceful!
At dinner with my "te con lache" (tea with milk) came a note from one guy who was working at the buffet restaurant:) I think he has big hopes... but we have this language barrier on our way.
Later at the disco: I was dancing with a little older guy Fernando. He was married and had kids and knew English, since he had lived in the States. At some point he suggested a walk on the beach. We went. And then he decided it was the best moment to make this huge leap in our relationship and kiss me. I was not too impressed nor interested... so we returned to the disco shortly and I escaped. Later I met this doctor from NYC. He asked me to guess who he was, and I guess that he's a car salesman. It was a good guess in a sense, that this dude had way too much confidence in himself. Perhaps I am just evil.
Later that night I went skinny dipping in the Pacific ocean. It was so much fun!
And on my way back to my room I was offered a ride to my buidling by a security guy. I was not sure (due to language barrier), whether I am in trouble (for being out late and not wearing my bikini) or does he want to make friends. I never really found out.
The theme of the night was "Kapirovski" and "Bahalamama". The first one was this drink with rum and lots of lime and some sugar. Very tasty. And I think that also very healthy! Lime is good for you, right?!

Saturday
Dorota and I went to visit the Panama Canal and Panama City. The Canal was quite impressive. It's HUGE (80 km long) and it was built 100 years ago. Quite an elaborate project. It used to belong to the States, but since 1999 Panama has the rights its canal. And it's good for them! In average, for one boat to go through, it costs $200 000 US dollars. It has to be paid in cash before and if you are late, you lose your money and spot in line. About 40 boats can go through the canal per 24 hours. It takes about 10 hours to get from Atlantic to Pacific or vice versa. And currently they have crazy expanding plans, so that they could let more boats go through and that they could save some water. Currently they use the fresh water and with every boat about 197 million liters are being flushed into the ocean. Not very environmental, is it? So in the future the Panama canal should be more efficient.
Just to compare - it takes about 3 weeks to go around South America and it's about 2 million dollars in cost.

The Panama city is basically one big construction. It's mainly due to having all this money now. And the taxes are only 5%. Not bad, eh. Lots of canadians have bought a condo or something like that in Panama. It's not a bad place to live.
The mall was quite similar to Canadian one. Lots of similar stores. And they had all the fast food places that Ottawa has. But the Artisans market was amazing. Lots of "molas" (the pictures made of fabric). I bought a few molas's too:)
The night - we had an amazing dinner and then Dorota and I had lots to drink. The theme of the night was "Cosmo on the rocks". We enjoyed the show with all the flames and stuff - very neat! And later we met Martin from Chech Republic, who may come to work in Ottawa. Dorota and I danced and it was a great night:)

Sunday
Relaxing at the beach. Drinking beer and kapirovski's. Enjoying pool and ocean at sunset.
There was no disco, but I finished the night just at the bar. There was the Eastern-European crew and a few more people. Carlos left at 1 am, but poored me and Jonathan a few more drinks ready:) We enjoyed the beach and chatted. Too bad I didn't meet him earlier... Eventually I never made it to sleep that night:)

All and all it was an amazing vacation! I loved it! I thought that I am not someone who could be just on the beach for 7 days, but yes, I can. Even for 14 days, if possible:)

And here is the progress and the proof that I did tan over this week: Also, as I am a biologist by heart (next to being microbiologist of course), I do love all the birdies and animals and plants. The pelicans and tucans were the highlights for me:


And - there are much more pictures :) (<--click on the word "pictures:). I only took about 650 and I only managed to reduce the number to 187... But still:)

are you a white person?

Everyone has their set understandings of some ethnic groups. All latinos are always happy, always late and they dance very well. Asians tend to be slim, well diciplined, not tolerating alcohol, often geeky. But what does define a white person?
One guy started a list of things that you should do/like if you think you belong to this category. If you have time, it's a pretty funny read: stuffwhitepeoplelike.com
There are some things that I highly agree with.
Such as:
* Tea - I love tea! Especially all the "cool" sorts, not just the simple "red rose" or "lipton"
* Traveling - no extra comments needed
* Microbreweries - I like my beer and I like it well done
* Not having a TV - I don't have one. And I have recently met a number of people who do not have one. I guess it's becoming a trend of a sort.
* Theatre plays - I really like plays and used to see a lot. But Ottawa does not provide too much theatre wise.
* Apologies -this is something I need to cut down of. And apparently it's a common train of a WP.
* Study abroad and Grad school - well, I'm the living example
* Grammar - I do look for spelling mistakes everywhere (not that my own spelling skills are excellent), and I feel accomplishment when I find one
* Appearing to enjoy classical music - I like it. Now. But I still should do it more often.

And there are some things that defines me like non-white.
* Ugly Sweater Parties - Even though I like costume parties I haven't understood the point of this style. So, no, I don't like them
* 80's night - everyone seem to like them, but I am not a fan... perhaps I got overexposed during the real 80's.

restless

I had an awesome tropical dream last night... But now I feel so restless... I've done almost nothing, but I think it must be spring. In short my recent endevaours:
- I did 15 minutes of yoga (and some other exercises too)
- Vanja and I enjoyed the sunshine and had a splendid tea on the market
- I participated in a social experiment in the Rideau Center
- I receievd an awesome postcard greeting from Luxembourg:)
- I had drinks with Anastasia and Co at the Chez Lucien and then headed to her place to have a delicious meal of Baltic sea seabass (e.k. = ahven) that Paul prepared and some amazing spicy Cesars and wine. So very nice evening (Friday).
- I made a delicious wild rice and grape salad from Sujeeves cook-book (page 29). Really tasty! And of course, as usual, I made enough for a village. Almost made enough for an anrmy, when I misread that take 3 cups of rice instead of 3 cups of cooked rice. Cooking multiplies the rice significantly.
- I had to be a genetics expert for one project which is lead by MDs (me? an expert? well...). So I had to do some hard-core preparing to know some stuff about thiopurine methyltransferases and needed to bug my good friend about Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (Thursday)
- I had a fun night with Sophie at the Cafe Nostalgica with food and drinks (Wed)
- I had a drink with Adam at the Cafe Nostalgica (Tue)

I also haven't mentioned yet that last Saturday was the 7th Wild Game Dinner. The porcupine and bear balls were my favourites. But there was also llama and emu and rabbit and elk and bison etc. It was a wonderful night!
And the night before it was Miss B's birthday. Leslie and I attended and it was fun with lots of good acadian food (poutine - aka potatoe dumplings with pork and seafood chowder and a chocolate cake). We also met Miss B's mother:) I hope our road trip to Acadian Wolrd Congress will happen this summer. And the highlight of the night was Leslie and I making pillow-houses on the couch with a little 5 year old girl who only spoke French:)

here again

So - talking to smart people may be incredibly useful. I had two somewhat official talks with 2 profs (one from my thesis advisory committee and other one from my floor) and this made me feel significantly better.
I feel much more clear at what I may like in the future and a have slight idea how to start with my future. So this is good. And I am making dinner. That is a big achievement! It's lasagne.
And I love how there is so much more light after work now!

So now I just gotta keep it up:)

Song of the moment: The Cat Empire "Hello"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vW7eLX2EXc

no longer there

Ah, what a "lazy" day... I am so out of motivation. It's is BAD. I have a list of things to do. Important things. And I just cannot make myself to do them. I seem not to care. Even though I do care. I'm just too overwhelmed by everything so I just stand, eyes wide open and watch.... the life pass by.
I need help, but I even don't know where the help is or how to get it. I need this daze/haze to pass.

Happy Womens Day

To all my girlfriends - I wish a wonderful and sunny and beautiful Womens Day!

Estonia is an European champion

Again! We are GOOD!
This time Mike Pahapill got a gold medal in heptathlon (like decathlon, but with seven different things/seitsmevoistlus) and Ksenija Balta got a gold medal in long jump! I am so happy and so proud of my country:)

wanna go to Estonia? Try this and you may make it for free:)

If you are not an estonian, then you are free to try your skills in Estonia-related trivial pursuit. Here is the link to visit: http://quiz.mfa.ee/quiz
It is really simple and you may win a free trip to Estonia.
Two years ago Neil gave it a try and a few weeks later Mrs. Moose gave him a call with good news. He went to Estonia and had an amazing time! Even though it was winter at the time:)
So try it and spread the word!

From Panama sun to Canada sun

Wow - such transition from +30 Panama to -15 Canada is harrrrd. At least it was sunny and not too too cold in Ottawa on Tuesday. I guess I also brough quite a bit of heat with me from Panama - a part just stored as in a battery and a part in a form of a sunburn. It's 5 days later now, and my legs are just starting to look normal (and tanned):)
But I do look pretty good in my tan, I think. I have not been that dark for a long time. Or perhaps never. It feels good!
But, besides dealing with the temperature changes, I got a bunch of bad news... First, there was a sexual assualt on my street in my block. So now I have been worried at nights. Second, my manuscript got rejected (first I felt devastated and worried for my thesis being rejected too, but then re-read the comments and the manuscript got rejected mainly due the grammar and clarification issues. Still sad though.). Thirdly, I had asked my friend to book me the physiotherapy appointment for any time after 4th and She had booked it for the 2nd. I was still in Panama then. Thus I missed it. And the fourth e-mail was from a boy...
Im sorry i havent responded, im just really busy, and I think this is a problem in all my relationships. I need to tell you that i am not ready for a serious relationship, something I feel you are looking for. You are a wonderful person, which is why I think its best to stop things at this point before we went any further, before I disappoint you further. I know this email is a cowards way of doing things, but it would be worse if i saw you and left things unsaid, as i think i would. I hope you understand... i am really sorry. (Why, oh why? And why does it feel like I have seen this already and not only once? At the same time though - the earlier I know the feelings of the other side, the better. I'm disappointed, but would have been way more disappointed, if the same note would have arrived after many dates. Anyway. Moving on, I guess...)

Ahh, how amazing it is to be back! ...Not.

Anyways, as the week progressed, I started to feel better about stuff. And I received an e-mail regarding my other manuscript, saying it needs revisions, but is nevertheless somewhat interesting. So moving on with my life.
And I am oh so ready for some bigger steps.

Vacation!!!!

Ahhh... Life IS beautiful!!!
I feel I haven´t lived before I made it here to Panama.
It is simply amazing!!
Right now, its 10 am, I am sitting next to the pool and the bar with all the delicious and cold drinks is just 5 meters away. I will have a daquiri in a moment. Last night I was here, sipping a Cosmopolitan. And I can just wear a bikini!
The Pacific Ocean is amazing! The waves and saltiness. So nice. The palmtrees. And beach and beer is so nice!

Also, Leslie, I think of you every time I order beer, as in my version of spanish 'one beer, please', sounds like; Unes cerevisiae, pofabor. For those who don´t know, Cerevisiae is yeast in latin. Geek I am.

Ok, the beach is waiting!
Lots of love and hotness! If you will not see me, then I have decided to stay here! Under the fifth palmtree on the left (close to the bar).

Hugs!!!

Also - yesterday was my 6 year anniversary in Canada. And where was I? In Panama - celebrating in style!!! So happppy!!!!

vacation T-3h

The vehicle is ready (above) and Hundionu can finally get to her longawaited rest. She even has an "official" prescription to treat her shoulder: Beach, Rest, Alcohol. I love it. Best physio ever:)

Three more hours... I think I've done everything - all the marking, reports, e-mails to people to make sure the world stands while I'm away (I'm such a control freak in some sense) and all the packing. I brough 5 dresses, 5 skirts, 3 bikinis, a pair of high heeled hot sandals and 2 pairs of flip-flops. And the sunscreen. And a beach wrap, in case I have to masqerade myself into a nun upon sun overconsumption. I think I'm set.

The conditions are pretty sweet down in Panama. It's night, it's 27 degrees on a positive side and there is no wind. I hope the weather will continue to be warm and nice:)

So yes... 3 more hours at home and then - To the Beach!!!
4 - I really hope to see everything set exactly it was on the cartoons we had! Especially the big barrel and pink umbrella:)

I am your mothers lesbian lover aka family day in Ontario

Monday, Feb 16 was a Family Day in Ontario. Vanja had an idea to celebrate it with a dinner with the entire family. And not just the family but the dysfunctional family. It was SO much fun.
My role was to be the Matriarch of the family. So I was mother of Vanja, who was married to Darren (to whom I was the mother in law). They had twins boys, both of which had been made by a different guy and none of them was Darren. I brought candy to my grandkids. And then there was a Miss Misstressy, who was Darrens secretary and as the night continued, the Matriarch herslef and Miss Misstressy had a private session in the bedroom. That could have been influenced by the fact that Matriarch's lesbian lover was unable to come that night. And then there was also an alcoholic aunt who prepared an amazing turkey loaf. And an uncle of a sort. And a random neighbour whom noone knew, but she always showed up to the events. Ah, and also a Grandpa, who was very in love with young females and still claimed to be the father of my daughter, which I declined. Such a lovely family.
And - the family portrait (taken by Leslie):

Estonia is a World Champion in skiing

Feb 20 - Andrus Veerpalu of Estonia won the men's 15-kilometer classical race at the Nordic skiing world championships. Yay!!!
Good news!
And it feels SOOO good to tell people that news:) I even managed to get it in at the Meet the new Candidate (for the Faculty position) meeting.

mul haavada paranend, voi mitte/update on wounds

So... a week ago (last Saturday) I went to see a doctor to get an estimation about my snowboarding wounds. It had been a week and there was still a significant amount of pain. The doctor dude told me (after 3 hours of waiting) that there is no reason to worry. 1 - the rib pain will go away in a few (!) month, because it's likely fractured. 2 - the shoulder pain/weakness -he prescribed me physiotherapy and said if I don't do anything then I may lose/never gain back the normal function of my right arm. Whaaaat?
At least I'm alive and my face is ok, I thought.

I couldn't get an appointment for physio, as they are apparently very busy. I have to get one once I get back. I hope my shoulder does not "freeze" in the meanwhile.
And then Wednesday came around, and I had such horrible pains in my ribs, that I was ready to "throw my soul away" (hinge heitma). I couldn't breathe or move. Poor Dorota was so worried and was trying to force me to see a doctor for another time. I ended up not seeing anyone (after the pain reduced upon consumption of large amount of painkillers). But - it did feel a lot better the day after.

And now - it's 2 weeks after the day when the mountain hit me, and the ribs feel better, but still - no sleeping on my stomach or intense hugging or any abs exercises. And the arm... well... I learned a few exercises to try. Some strenght have returned (I can shake peoples hands), but I still can't do "propeller" aka circles with this arm.
Ahh... why??? How will I be able to surf in 2 days like that???

President in town

Yeah, so Mr. Obama was in O-dot today. What a day! The entire center-down was blocked for cars. People living by his route were not allowed to open windows or doors. There were american and canadian flags everywhere. And there were police-people EVERYwhere. Every street corner had at least 4 cops. I was walking to my friends place via canal, and the edges of the canal appeared yellow (because police was wearing the fluorecent yellow vests). And there were helicopters flying around.

I did not see him or his car... But still - I had a chance to be within a kilometer from the American president and breathe the same air and enjoy the same snowflakes as him. Woot!

Edit: Obama also had an unplanned stop at the Byward market in Ottawa. He bought a souvenir for his daughter, a BeaverTail and maple cookies from the Byward market house Le Moulin de Provence. So the next time YOU will be in Ottawa, I will take you there:) The pic is from the Ottawa Citizen.It's also rather symbolic that it was the very first place where I had coffee in Ottawa (six years ago). It was Ave who took me there. Good times:)

how to tame Her

She is very independent and walks Her own way. She is convinced that the little dot on Earth where She lives does not contain Her Prince. She even doesn't pay attention to guys anymore. She is nice and flirts occasionally, but Her thoughts and heart are not to be taken over by any random butterflies.
The Valentines Day came and She didn't even notice. Whatever, She thought. But yet She decided to go out with Her friends. She walked into Her friends apartment and met Him. And there was something about Him that made Her feel a little restless inside.

It used to be so easy. She liked someone, She smiled and after that everything proceeded naturally. Obviously, there were many broken hearts, on both sides of the battle field, but there was never any excessive planning nor worrying. But once one sees the same routine over-occuring for enough times, one learns to know the game and its rules and flowing. But how do you act when you know the game? And what are the rules anyway? Should you follow the "innocence" route and pretend you don't know what will happen later? Not that you would know anyway. Or should one be just straight foward and say how things are? But then there's no mystery...

So She was there, had no idea what to do and was thinking: Should I go and talk to Him? But what if He doesn't like me? Or what if I will talk too much and be too obvious? But if I will be too "hinty", He will never understand. Perhaps I should just be my usual "Ice Princess" ."

Then they chat. The talked about labware at home and about best potato salads. He thinks he can prepare the best one, and She thinks She can do better. She talks about wheat and He says He can drive a tractor. She is impressed. Interestingly, they are significantly taller than everyone else, so it leaves just them to chat (or maybe this is just how She feels, levitating on a small cloud). They dance. And dance a bit more. And then the music stops and everyone just disappears. He asks to have dinner with Her one day. She is so happy. They chat and She feels She is standing too close to Him (closer than you should be to a guy you don't know). He holds Her hand and She doesn't want to let go of it ever. He walks Her home. Before He leaves, He kisses Her. Happy Valentines Day:)
She is the happiest girl on Earth.

Ilusat sobrapaeva/Happy Friend's day

Hea sõbra jaoks on valla
mu uksed ja mu hing,
mu silmad ning mu kõrvad
ning mu perekonnaring.
Kui tahad, tule alati,
ma ootan aken avali
või lenda-lenda kas või
läbi telekanali

Oi poisid-plikad
tore on see elu
JAAA!
Kui kõikidel on
seltsimees ja semu
HURRAA!

Kui sinu hoov on ka su sõbra õu,
siis ükski soov ei käi teil üle jõu!
Kui põnevaks ja rikkaks
laupäev saab,
kui sulle sõbrad
külla tulevad!
JAAA!

For the good friend
Open are my doors and my soul,
And my eyes and my ears
And my entire family.
When you want, always come,
I will be waiting, windows open,
or perhaps just fly through the TV screen


Oi, guys and gals,
This life is awesome
When everyone has a companion and friend!

When your courtyard is also your friends’
Then none of the dreams is unachievable!
How exciting and rich
The Saturday will become,
When your friends will come by!

Leopold, Koige Suurem Sober/From Leopold, my childhood kids show

And here's to set the mood:

I'm goofy aka Hundionu's weekend Mont St Anne

On Friday (Feb 6) at 10 am we (BMI grad students) loaded ourselves and our plentiful stuff onto the bus and headed toward the Mont St Anne in Quebec. For our superfun skiing/snowboarding weekend.
Only 5 hours later we there, stocked up on food, changed and headed to the hill. I had brough skis and a snowboard with me. I had never snowboarded but I have the equipment (that I found from Julias basement before she moved out), so I wanted to try. The skis came from the same basement. So Friday was the skiing night. It turned out that the rental boots didn't fit my skis (go figure, why people can't lose their skis with the boots, so I wouldn't need find alternative ways??). Anyway, I got the boots and rental skis too and Leslie and Mark and I headed to the first chairlift and up we went. Man, was it ever cold. But thankfully the chairs had "lids" so we could encapsulate ourselves. Once up, we couldn't see any Green Circle runs (the easy ones), so we took the Blue Square. How difficult can it be, I said. Note: the next day there was a big orange banner in the beginning, saying `not for beginners`.
Eh... it was actually a pretty tough run. REALLY steep in two places. And I was scared. And I fell. And lost one ski. And a knee almost. But Vanja brough me the ski and I got back on track. Once we got down with Leslie we made sure we know where the Green runs are. The rest of the nightskiing was pure pleasure and fun:)
And the lights - they were so beautiful.
Later we had a great dinner, a few drinks, had visitors from neighbouring condos coming over to eat my `hapukoore kook` and I went to visit others to play Apples to Apples game. Good times:)

Saturday: Snowboarding time. I rented the boots and got ready for the lesson. I was happy to learn that my Aloha! snowboard does indeed functions on the snow (you never know - such name does not exactly indicate any snow). First we learned `shuffling" aka walking up the hill with the board attached to one leg. Great workout. And then we learned "heeling" and then "toeing". Ah, and I also learned that I am not "regular" but I am "goofy", which simply means that my leading leg is the right leg. Most people have the left one on the lead. We also attempted to learn the turning and tried to go up the t-bar lift, where most of us failed and just fell off the lift like ripe apples. But it's not easy holding onto the bar, then stand straight on the board, while only being attached to it by one foot and figure out something to do with the other foot. Anyway.
And then we were done.
Laura and I headed to the gondolas, because we refused to use the chair lift, because how the hell how are you supposed to get down from there. Gondolas are much nicer. So we went. Up and up and more up. Until we were really high. And we found a Green Circle run. And went down. It went pretty well:) Yes, a few falls, and some "shuffling". But also some really nice runs. It felt so good!
Later I upgraded to the Blue square ones (the difficult ones) and had a blast. Andrea was teaching me a bit more. And I learned to do the "toe to heel" turn. I also almost got the "heel to toe" one, but I never managed to stay upright after the turn:) Ahh, and the snow was SO soft and nice.
All and all - such a good time!Then we went home, I ran quickly to the sauna, then changed, and then we headed to the Quebec City. We had a tasty mussel dinner with beer (very nice, but just a bit too long), and then walked around the city in the rain. They had a big Winter Festival going on, but not too much was happening at night. The snowsculptures were amazing though. We never made it to a bar... It's weird, I have been Quebec City twice, and both times it has been raining and I never made it to a bar.

Sunday. All was ICE. I still rented the boots and went up to try to snowboard. Afterall, I did pay for the skilift for Sunday. So I need to use it. Oh, was it ever hard. The ice pebbles were about 2 cm in diameter and it was so difficult to manuver. I fell once and it hurt SO much due to the ice. But I did get a few straight runs in and it was nice. And then we were almost at the bottom of the hill. I saw the First Aid people skiing by with someone strapped to the bed. I thought that I wish it will never be me. A minute or two later, something happened - the ice did its job and I got stuck and fell. Well, first I flew like a superman and then fell flat on my ribs. I was totally "winded (read: I could't breathe). Once the breathing came back, the ribs were still in such pain that I couldn't get up. So the Prince, with a cross on his back, came on the red "horse". And he ended up driving me down. At least I was not strapped to a bed or anything, but I still felt embarrassed. I even tried out the First Aid facility and was seen by a Doc. He said all seems allright. Thank god.
What a day!
So I was resting for a bit, played cards, had lunch and then went to the bunny hill. But even this was all ice, so after two runs I decided not to risk with my life anymore. Besides, I couldn't really bend over to do the bindings anyway:)

We got back to Ottawa at 10 pm. I got home, had tea and went to bed:)
Such an amazing weekend! I had such a good time. And I am so proud of myself that I did succeed in snowboarding! Yes, I do have quite some practicing to do, but still - I thought I could never do it. But I did. And on a difficult hill. And Andrea and Teodora said that I was doing really well:)
When I was on a move on my board and had to think of the balance, then I was pictureing the penguin from the "Surf's up" movie. SO you can imagine me, on my Aloha board in a penguin surfing position:)