It was a good day, because:
*I got to sleep in (it's reading week, so no TAing)
*the sun was so, so, so bright!
*I submitted my 5 nominees for my Comprehensive exam II. So soon I will be chained down to my computer for FIVE weeks.
*I got an event (technology Venture challenge seminar) organized in 10 min.
*I made food (pig meat with wings:P)
It wasn't a good day, because:
*my manuscript got rejected (again!!!)
*I can't be in my winter jacket anymore. It seriously beleaguers (ahistab) me!!!
*the seminar was BORING. Correction: it only got "boring" in the end, when I got tired, and couldn't uptake any more information. The speaker was actually great, and I got a few good ideas for my project, and I also learn something. And - he looked pretty much like Luciano Pavarotti:)
*I found out that I can't go to Moosenee (a little place next to Hudson bay - way up in the North), because they decided to make the trip on March 24-28, and I will be probably still studying for my crazy Comp exam
*It's hard to be nice to everybody (but politics and the image demands). I can't wait to move on
*I'm still not getting paid...
*I didn't accomplish much (read: nothing) for my research project NOR my long list of personal errands (such as taxes and some applications)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
weird foods
So I decided to take myself together today, and cook. I think my body is seriously missing something, as recently I have been quite light-headed, and occasionally (casually) collapsing here and there. So I had bought this meat. Its name was "pork loins". And they were half price (due age I assume). So I found a recipe "Driving in the fast loin", and started. Nothing weird until this moment. But then I opened the package and I was confused. I was expecting two "disc" shaped meat pieces. And they were looking like this. But only from one side. The other side had some extra meat in the middle, so it sort of looked like a handle for something to cover a pot. I don't have the "raw" picture, but I have the "done" version. Is this is really like one "pork loin" is supposed to look like? (I even googled it, and I saw nothing like this):
But I've done weird things before. For the amusement I repost my liver-cooking experience form a few years ago (PS! I have not tried it again):
But I've done weird things before. For the amusement I repost my liver-cooking experience form a few years ago (PS! I have not tried it again):
so... yesterday i went grocery shopping. and since i dont have the best eating habits in the world, i decided, that this week i will be good. and then i was thinking - oh - liver is good for you. i've heard it from somewhere or read... it should be good for your body. iron and stuff...
anyway... so i found "my" liver - only ONE buck for a quite a big portion. and i also got some fish and chicken (kanapoeg :) ), and i came home.
and then i was thinking - i have NO idea, how to prepare the liver. ok... lemme think... finally i decided to call my professors wife and ask her. and i talked to my prof instead, who came this 20 min lecture - HOW exactly prepare the liver. ok. cool. i got it. should be pretty easy.
and by that time i was pretty hungry...
anyway - i go to the kitchen, mind ready for the liver cooking.
and then - i take the stuff out, and I'm thinking myself - this liver looks a little funny... hmmm...
and THEN i read - "pork kidneys".
OOOPS....
Of course this "liver" looks funny, cos it's NOT a liver.
oh...i guess next time i have to pay more attention.
anyway - the kidneys got cooked too (after my roommate called her mum, to find out WHAT to do with these). it wasn't bad. but wasn't my favorite either.
at least the lesson's learnt:)
Moon playing hide and seek
I forgot to mention that yesterday (Feb 20) we had lunar eclipse enjoyable here. I almost missed it due to one glass of wine too much last night. But thankfully one girl from my building reminded me.
And here is the proof (I'm sure you can find much nicer pictures on the internet, but what is the point of watching it, if you have internet anyway, right?):
And here is the proof (I'm sure you can find much nicer pictures on the internet, but what is the point of watching it, if you have internet anyway, right?):
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Party - Estonian Republic 90!
I just got home from the celebrating Estonian Birthday. I know, I know, it's a bit too early (the REAL day is just in a few days). But the Embassy decided to throw the party tonight. I took Adam from our lab (true canadian, no estonian blood there, but I know he appreciates good music. ... AND he has a car...), and headed to the Museum of Civilization.
First there was a WONDERFUL concert by Tõnu Naissoo Jazz Quartet (with Toomas Rull, Taavi Remmel and Meelis Vind), with Anna Põldvee as vocalist.
It was so awesome! I loved this one hour.
The concert was followed by reception. There was wine, there was cheese, there was fruit and there was chicken. Great stuff! I had a few. Of each:) And I got to chat with most of the "old crowd", and I also met Toomas Rull and Taavi Remmel and Anna Põldvee and we got to chat. They are fun:) I hope I can get them back to Ottawa to perform. In the summer - when it's warmer and nicer:)
It's amazing though - as just living abroad gives you an excuse to meet these "big names" in Estonia (such as tonights people, plus Eri Klas etc). Some days I feel like somebody important:) Or should I even say like a "prominent" myself :)
Another piece - my friend Marje keeps calling me Krista. It's cute:) And the good thing is that I do like this name:)
First there was a WONDERFUL concert by Tõnu Naissoo Jazz Quartet (with Toomas Rull, Taavi Remmel and Meelis Vind), with Anna Põldvee as vocalist.
It was so awesome! I loved this one hour.
The concert was followed by reception. There was wine, there was cheese, there was fruit and there was chicken. Great stuff! I had a few. Of each:) And I got to chat with most of the "old crowd", and I also met Toomas Rull and Taavi Remmel and Anna Põldvee and we got to chat. They are fun:) I hope I can get them back to Ottawa to perform. In the summer - when it's warmer and nicer:)
It's amazing though - as just living abroad gives you an excuse to meet these "big names" in Estonia (such as tonights people, plus Eri Klas etc). Some days I feel like somebody important:) Or should I even say like a "prominent" myself :)
Another piece - my friend Marje keeps calling me Krista. It's cute:) And the good thing is that I do like this name:)
Monday, February 18, 2008
Pleased to meet you Mr. President!
Since Friday, Feb 15th, I'm the president of our graduate student council! Yay! I'm excited:) I think it will be a wonderful year, as we have a great team. There shouldn't be any "thick blood" and disagreements, like we had last year. It will be good:)
Also - as the president - I had to give a short announcement on Friday (we had a open house for new graduate students) to invite everybody out for dinner. So I said:" ... you are welcome to come for a dinner and a drink or few. " Everybody laughed. I meant to say "drinkk or TWO". Oh well - laughter is good.
Friends Day: I TAed all day. And then I went to see a movie "Caramel" (from Lebanon). Great movie. I recommend it to everybody. I think it's even nominated for Oscar, as a best foreign movie.
And then I read e-mails. And I felt that I'm such a lucky girl, because I have friends. Wonderful friends!
The day ended on the couch, dreaming:)
Tuesday: I had my thesis advisory meeting. It was long, and heated (discussion wise). But in the end it was constructive, and I got some good advice. My plans to be done this year were evaluated as too positive, but I think it still might be doable. But they don't know that I don't have money... And I can't live only on air and love and research.
I have been also cooking. For my meeting I made carrot cake (http://www.cookbook.ee.everyday.com/index.phtml?recipe=3489&1203354326). Very easy and very tasty.
Then I also tried thai red curry - also amazing. Try it: http://www.mediterrasian.com/delicious_recipes_thai_curry.htm
I made it also as a vegetarian option, and it's great.
And today I'm trying to make sweet potato chips: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1950,148168-233193,00.html
Julia brought some back from China, and they are SO good. So now I'm trying whether I can redo it at home. ** I just took them out of the oven, and they taste GOOD:)
Also - as the president - I had to give a short announcement on Friday (we had a open house for new graduate students) to invite everybody out for dinner. So I said:" ... you are welcome to come for a dinner and a drink or few. " Everybody laughed. I meant to say "drinkk or TWO". Oh well - laughter is good.
Friends Day: I TAed all day. And then I went to see a movie "Caramel" (from Lebanon). Great movie. I recommend it to everybody. I think it's even nominated for Oscar, as a best foreign movie.
And then I read e-mails. And I felt that I'm such a lucky girl, because I have friends. Wonderful friends!
The day ended on the couch, dreaming:)
Tuesday: I had my thesis advisory meeting. It was long, and heated (discussion wise). But in the end it was constructive, and I got some good advice. My plans to be done this year were evaluated as too positive, but I think it still might be doable. But they don't know that I don't have money... And I can't live only on air and love and research.
I have been also cooking. For my meeting I made carrot cake (http://www.cookbook.ee.everyday.com/index.phtml?recipe=3489&1203354326). Very easy and very tasty.
Then I also tried thai red curry - also amazing. Try it: http://www.mediterrasian.com/delicious_recipes_thai_curry.htm
I made it also as a vegetarian option, and it's great.
And today I'm trying to make sweet potato chips: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1950,148168-233193,00.html
Julia brought some back from China, and they are SO good. So now I'm trying whether I can redo it at home. ** I just took them out of the oven, and they taste GOOD:)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
photo of the boredom result
One Sunday I was bored. And - I decided to cut my hair. I think I already mentioned that.So here is the photo of the results.
Pretty cute, isn't it?:)
Laura - mäletad, kui mul viimati tukk oli? Ma arvan, et see oli keskkooli alguses. Siis kui me passipilte käisime tegemas. Passipilt tuli päris hirmus. Ja pärast seda pole ma tukka kandnud. Nüüd siis äkitselt. Aga päris tore on!
uh-oh, it's February
Eh, time is going so fast... so what have I done in the meanwhile.
24 Jan
Julia and I went to the NAC to see the ballett "Carmen". It was good. Beautiful costumes. And some pretty cool choreographics (even though not everybody in the group moved at the same time - minor details).
25 Jan
-All you can eat sushi lunch with the lab. Fabulous!
-My friend Paul is in down. We chat (about guys; he agrees that the situation with Him is "fishy"). We go for wings and beer. It's great:)
-Evening at the gay bar Edge (I have some BRIGHT memories from this club). The music is good, the scene is handsome. Even though - when me and Marie-Jose step in to the club, there was one woman way too happy to see some "les femmes" coming. So we developed the tactics, that whenever she passes, we will get very close and pretend to be occupied. And she did pass by quite a few times. Plus there were some others (females), who checked us out.
But - the grand finale came a bit later. We were dancing - 2 guys and 2 girls, in a circle. And then, all of the sudden, a girl appears in front of me, and starts dancing with me (quite sensually, i would say). All i had in my mind, was :panic! help!!! But the others didn't know either how to approach. Then she moved a little, to the side, so I thought she knew my friend (which she didn't). And then she comes back to me, and says: I am SO sorry! I know, you came here to look for a girlfriend, but I'm not lesbian. I'm so sorry! ... and she kept repeating that line.
Wow - I didn't know how to respond.
So yeah, I got hit on by a straight girl!
(I was/am thinking abut turning the page, as U. suggested, but I'm not that disappointed in guys).
So that night was fun!
The weekend - I don't think I did much...
On Saturday we had Ottawa Estonian Societies annual meeting. It had lots of good food, but gosh, it was SO long. We also showed "mehed ei nuta". I think people liked it (even though the quality wasn't the best).
Monday
I am in the terrible mood. Mainly due to the conversation, that my supervisor and me had on the bus after TAing (on the way to work). The main point was, that he didnt like "mehed ei nuta" film. And he though it was horrible, and horribly done and etc. And I had to defend it. I got SO annoyed. It's classics. It has most of the classical quotes that everybody knows, it's funny, etc. He didn't get it. Probably because he did not grow up in Estonia.
But so yes - the mood was gone, and the day went on pretty badly.
Tuesday
I went to the gym. at 7 am. It felt good!
the mood is still pretty bad, but it's better.
work.
at 6 there's grad students associations meeting about changing the system. they had pizza, but it was such a waste of time. anyway - we (me, and 3 guys I convinced in coming with me) made the difference, as the new system (no president or vice presidents, but commissioners instead) was voted for by only 3 votes.
Also - guess who called me after that? Peter (alias Him). wow! Long time no talk indeed.
We chatted and I agreed to go for dinner with him on Thursday.
Thursday
Taing from 8.30 to 11. then gym until 1 (wow - I think it's my 7th time this year! I rock!). then Taing until 4.30.
Then met up with Julia and we went skating. Even though the ice wasn't the best, it felt good.
Then LuluLemon (a fancy sports clothe company) was having a warehouse sale. We went there. I mean, we wanted to go there. It turned out there was 2 hours lineup. And that was just to get in! Insane! It's winter. And is it really worth it? I mean, yes they make quality clothes, but still.
So we moved on. We had a wonderful dinner at Wild Oats. And then went to shop at Jacobs (it had 60% off sale).
And then I met up with Peter. We went for some food (I already had dinner, but I felt I should still go, besides I don't need to eat a lot, right). He was sorry that he had disappeared. He explained that this happens to him in relationships with girls. And he can't help it. That sometimes he just gets this egoistic rush, and drops everything.
I don't know what to think.
My brain says to run, but at the same time he is nice, and I have fun with him. I thought I would give him a chance... we'll see.
But - it's right now Sunday, and no word from this Monsieur.
Friday - I was supposed to go engagement party, but I was so tired, that after school I just fell asleep. That much of the Friday.
Saturday - hanged out at home. Started watching Death Note. It's a anime series from Japan. It's amazing. It's about a Death God, who is bored, and thus drops his book to human world. And then a guy picks it up, figures it out, and starts killing people. But the bad people - criminals and so on. And then the power will get to his head. And then there is investigation going on to identify him. and so on. It's VERY exciting!
In the evening I went to Julias place to make a carrot cake. It turned out really tasty! And we had some amazing Chinese tea. It was nice!
Even though the house around us was crazy (she lives in a house with 5 roommates). So one was throwing a party for his friend, and they occupied the living room. The French couple arrived from dog sledge ride, and were cooking pasta and being hectic. one girl was suspecting that she is pregnant (not expectedly), and was wondering about that (I was amazed how open she was about it). Oh, and the other roommate came in and left soon. And in the beginning a neighbour was visiting, since he was locked out of his house, and he made a meal for himself (as he had his groceries), and he helped us to grate carrots. It was FUN.
I left around 1.30 am. And the main street was flooded. So much water everywhere. and police. and drunk chicks on their high heel shoes panicking. very interesting. apparently a pipe broke or something. the water levels were impressive though - until half calf I would say. I got my feet wet...
Sunday - just bummed around. and did NOTHING. well - i did watch the Death Note. and we went to the Winterlude with Julia, to see the ice sculptures. Some were pretty. Some were already broken. Sad... and the ice was too bad for skating - so this was even sadder.
So I came back. ANd I prepared Red Thai Curry, which turned out to be delicious!
Plus I also prepared a tart with pistachios and cranberries and white chocolate. It will be ready tomorrow. It's a true calorie-bomb, but I think it will be good:)
and soon it's time to go to bed...
and my list for the weekend will be carried over to the new week with no words crossed through... oh...
24 Jan
Julia and I went to the NAC to see the ballett "Carmen". It was good. Beautiful costumes. And some pretty cool choreographics (even though not everybody in the group moved at the same time - minor details).
25 Jan
-All you can eat sushi lunch with the lab. Fabulous!
-My friend Paul is in down. We chat (about guys; he agrees that the situation with Him is "fishy"). We go for wings and beer. It's great:)
-Evening at the gay bar Edge (I have some BRIGHT memories from this club). The music is good, the scene is handsome. Even though - when me and Marie-Jose step in to the club, there was one woman way too happy to see some "les femmes" coming. So we developed the tactics, that whenever she passes, we will get very close and pretend to be occupied. And she did pass by quite a few times. Plus there were some others (females), who checked us out.
But - the grand finale came a bit later. We were dancing - 2 guys and 2 girls, in a circle. And then, all of the sudden, a girl appears in front of me, and starts dancing with me (quite sensually, i would say). All i had in my mind, was :panic! help!!! But the others didn't know either how to approach. Then she moved a little, to the side, so I thought she knew my friend (which she didn't). And then she comes back to me, and says: I am SO sorry! I know, you came here to look for a girlfriend, but I'm not lesbian. I'm so sorry! ... and she kept repeating that line.
Wow - I didn't know how to respond.
So yeah, I got hit on by a straight girl!
(I was/am thinking abut turning the page, as U. suggested, but I'm not that disappointed in guys).
So that night was fun!
The weekend - I don't think I did much...
On Saturday we had Ottawa Estonian Societies annual meeting. It had lots of good food, but gosh, it was SO long. We also showed "mehed ei nuta". I think people liked it (even though the quality wasn't the best).
Monday
I am in the terrible mood. Mainly due to the conversation, that my supervisor and me had on the bus after TAing (on the way to work). The main point was, that he didnt like "mehed ei nuta" film. And he though it was horrible, and horribly done and etc. And I had to defend it. I got SO annoyed. It's classics. It has most of the classical quotes that everybody knows, it's funny, etc. He didn't get it. Probably because he did not grow up in Estonia.
But so yes - the mood was gone, and the day went on pretty badly.
Tuesday
I went to the gym. at 7 am. It felt good!
the mood is still pretty bad, but it's better.
work.
at 6 there's grad students associations meeting about changing the system. they had pizza, but it was such a waste of time. anyway - we (me, and 3 guys I convinced in coming with me) made the difference, as the new system (no president or vice presidents, but commissioners instead) was voted for by only 3 votes.
Also - guess who called me after that? Peter (alias Him). wow! Long time no talk indeed.
We chatted and I agreed to go for dinner with him on Thursday.
Thursday
Taing from 8.30 to 11. then gym until 1 (wow - I think it's my 7th time this year! I rock!). then Taing until 4.30.
Then met up with Julia and we went skating. Even though the ice wasn't the best, it felt good.
Then LuluLemon (a fancy sports clothe company) was having a warehouse sale. We went there. I mean, we wanted to go there. It turned out there was 2 hours lineup. And that was just to get in! Insane! It's winter. And is it really worth it? I mean, yes they make quality clothes, but still.
So we moved on. We had a wonderful dinner at Wild Oats. And then went to shop at Jacobs (it had 60% off sale).
And then I met up with Peter. We went for some food (I already had dinner, but I felt I should still go, besides I don't need to eat a lot, right). He was sorry that he had disappeared. He explained that this happens to him in relationships with girls. And he can't help it. That sometimes he just gets this egoistic rush, and drops everything.
I don't know what to think.
My brain says to run, but at the same time he is nice, and I have fun with him. I thought I would give him a chance... we'll see.
But - it's right now Sunday, and no word from this Monsieur.
Friday - I was supposed to go engagement party, but I was so tired, that after school I just fell asleep. That much of the Friday.
Saturday - hanged out at home. Started watching Death Note. It's a anime series from Japan. It's amazing. It's about a Death God, who is bored, and thus drops his book to human world. And then a guy picks it up, figures it out, and starts killing people. But the bad people - criminals and so on. And then the power will get to his head. And then there is investigation going on to identify him. and so on. It's VERY exciting!
In the evening I went to Julias place to make a carrot cake. It turned out really tasty! And we had some amazing Chinese tea. It was nice!
Even though the house around us was crazy (she lives in a house with 5 roommates). So one was throwing a party for his friend, and they occupied the living room. The French couple arrived from dog sledge ride, and were cooking pasta and being hectic. one girl was suspecting that she is pregnant (not expectedly), and was wondering about that (I was amazed how open she was about it). Oh, and the other roommate came in and left soon. And in the beginning a neighbour was visiting, since he was locked out of his house, and he made a meal for himself (as he had his groceries), and he helped us to grate carrots. It was FUN.
I left around 1.30 am. And the main street was flooded. So much water everywhere. and police. and drunk chicks on their high heel shoes panicking. very interesting. apparently a pipe broke or something. the water levels were impressive though - until half calf I would say. I got my feet wet...
Sunday - just bummed around. and did NOTHING. well - i did watch the Death Note. and we went to the Winterlude with Julia, to see the ice sculptures. Some were pretty. Some were already broken. Sad... and the ice was too bad for skating - so this was even sadder.
So I came back. ANd I prepared Red Thai Curry, which turned out to be delicious!
Plus I also prepared a tart with pistachios and cranberries and white chocolate. It will be ready tomorrow. It's a true calorie-bomb, but I think it will be good:)
and soon it's time to go to bed...
and my list for the weekend will be carried over to the new week with no words crossed through... oh...
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