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?