Crazy. June is almost over. Where did it go? I have a few ideas.
First - one day we went to the Aerial park near Ottawa. It's this neat park, where you can climb trees. But not just climb, but go through obstacle courses and fly with zip lines. It was amazing! So much fun. I have some pictures up too (http://picasaweb.google.com/evelin.loit/AerialPark).
The next day I was pretty sore. But it felt good!
Then Fringe festival started. It's a avantgarde theater festival. I volunteer there. And for the second time I'm billeting somebody (billeting means taking someone to live at your place). I'm billeting Amy Salloway. In return I get a VIP pass to the festival, which is amazing. By now I have seen 15 shows (it's nothing compared to last years' 30 shows). Some of these shows are better than the theater shows at the National Art Center here. But theater in general is not very popular here. The only thing with Fringe is, that I haven't had a chance to rest properly.
One day Dorota and I had a hula hooping date at her place. Along with dinner, and make-up, and TV. Such a wonderful night:) It started funnily though. We took a bus, and shortly after the bus started driving, I kneeled down, wine in one hand, in front of one guy like proposing to him (he was married though). But what happened was that when I wanted to change seats, the bus was speeding so fast that I lost balance and fell on my knees, partly over this guys lap. The bus kept speeding and stopping and turning, so I stayed on the bus floor for a few minutes. I just couldn't get up. Thankfully I didn't break anything (besides some skin). And in retrospect it was pretty funny:)
And the rest is a blurr...
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
still alive / weird weekend
it has been a while... it's not that I haven't experienced or felt anything interesting and worth sharing. it's just that for some reason I haven't made it here to write about it... I'll try to make it up.
In short:
* my Mum, my aunt and my cousin were here in Ottawa in April. I will try to talk about it longer. But in short - it was a neat time. Also tiring. I think that one reason that took over my writing spirit.
* I had my Comprehensive exam No 2. It was stressful. It was crazy. It made me feel horrible. But I passed. Which means, that now I have the green light to get my PhD. yay:) all I need now are just a few tiny details: I need some results, I need to write it all into one big book that no-one besides my examiners will read, and I need to defend it. This is what I'm doing right now. But right after my exam I had an existential crisis. I was not sure who I am, and why I am, and what the hell I am and will be doing with my life. And I was also unsure about the people in the world and their actions. I think I passed this part. I hope. But probably it's still in the back of my mind.
* I spent a week in Moosonee and Moosefactory, teaching highschool kids science. I suggest, you check from google maps, where it is. It's in Northern Ontario, at James Bay. It doesnt look like it's THAT far, but there are no roads connecting this place with civilaztion. Just planes. and a train. we took a plane. actually three tiny planes. I will post my pictures soon, and I will talk about it more.
* and now I'm back in Ottawa, in my cave-lab, in my life. I wanted to go to Kopenhagen and visit home after that, but I had to cancel this trip due stress. I REALLY need to finish up here. I can travel once I have my degree. I think. I hope.
But now about recent stuff.
We had a Lets Talk Science volunteer appreciation night. It meant a free drink and some free food. It has been 15 years since the beginning of Lets Talk Science program. It was neat to see all the development. And it was crazy to think that I have been part of it for 4 years. Already.
But the BEST part was, that I won an award for significant contribution in science outreach. So I got the certificate in the frame and 100 dollars. I am SO happy! Somebody actually sees and appreciates my efforts!
After that Julia and I went for icecream. I had kiwi and chocolate/hazelnut one. super tasty!!
After that I was pretty tired, so I passed out at 10 pm or so. I woke up at 2.30, because I was hot and hungry. I changed into my pj's, and didn't find anything to eat. I just went back to bed. But my neighbours had a party and they were chatting on their porch, which is next to my bedroom window. I was trying to fall asleep, but couldn't. It was 3.30. I got up, and checked my fridge again for some food. Still negative. And then somebody was knocking on my door. I got scared, switched off the lights, and kept quiet. People left. I think they were visitors next door. I went back to bed, but my neighbours were too loud still. I tried to fall asleep. No results. It was 4.30. My phone rang. At 4.30, this was very odd. It was Mahi, my ex-student from the Biotech class the last year (the cute one). I picked up, and he asked what am I doing. Sleeping, of course. He goes: "Listen, I'm coming over. Or, you could come over here" (he lives a block away). I said, that he can come over, but I'm not moving. So he came. He seemed slightly tired (read: intoxicated). And man, he had so much he wanted to share and pour off from his heart. About school, exams, people, girls... lots of things, that are dumb and stupid. So we talked. I mean, he talked, and I listened.
He left, when it was light out (past 6 am).
One thing that we discussed was the thing that in canada people are very particular about money. They are always aware how many cents someone owes someone. Even between friends. And at one point it becomes very annoying. Julia and I have discussed it too. It's so much easier, sometimes just one pays for the stuff, and then the other time it's the other person.
Today (Saturday) Julia and I had some carrot cake and watched the Blood Diamond (great movie, but slightly too bloody for me). I left her house around 1.30 am. I was walking home. First I ran into Parry - a greek dude I know since I got to Canada. He's an interesting guy. We have some great philosophical discussions time to time. I haven't seen him for a while. So we chatted, and then I continued my walk. I decided to get some milk from Loeb (a grocery store near my home). I walk in, and whom do I see between onions and veggies? My ex-boyfriend from last winter. The one who just disappeared into the thin air. I called him Mr. Promises, and Mõttetu Mees. I don't have too good of an opinion of him. And there he was, with his new girlfriend. So I had to be nice. We chatted a bit. He still hasn't finished his kitchen and other unfinished businesses he had in the winter. He also promised to bring me my sweater I somehow forgot to his place in the winter. Yes, we will arrange for it (Yea, right). I think I was a bit too sarcastic.
My goodness - who goes shopping at 1 am on Saturday night??? And he lives about 15 km out of town. And he is in MY store?? Crazy dude. I walked out the store and I even couldn't remember his name, which is a good thing, I guess... I did remember his dogs' name though. Jake. I even asked about him, and he's doing great. But his name... who cares anyway. Jerks are not worth spending memory space on them, right?
Ok, I'm not nice now. Perhaps I need some sleep:)
Tomorrow I'm going to climb trees:) I need energy for this.
Goodnite:)
In short:
* my Mum, my aunt and my cousin were here in Ottawa in April. I will try to talk about it longer. But in short - it was a neat time. Also tiring. I think that one reason that took over my writing spirit.
* I had my Comprehensive exam No 2. It was stressful. It was crazy. It made me feel horrible. But I passed. Which means, that now I have the green light to get my PhD. yay:) all I need now are just a few tiny details: I need some results, I need to write it all into one big book that no-one besides my examiners will read, and I need to defend it. This is what I'm doing right now. But right after my exam I had an existential crisis. I was not sure who I am, and why I am, and what the hell I am and will be doing with my life. And I was also unsure about the people in the world and their actions. I think I passed this part. I hope. But probably it's still in the back of my mind.
* I spent a week in Moosonee and Moosefactory, teaching highschool kids science. I suggest, you check from google maps, where it is. It's in Northern Ontario, at James Bay. It doesnt look like it's THAT far, but there are no roads connecting this place with civilaztion. Just planes. and a train. we took a plane. actually three tiny planes. I will post my pictures soon, and I will talk about it more.
* and now I'm back in Ottawa, in my cave-lab, in my life. I wanted to go to Kopenhagen and visit home after that, but I had to cancel this trip due stress. I REALLY need to finish up here. I can travel once I have my degree. I think. I hope.
But now about recent stuff.
We had a Lets Talk Science volunteer appreciation night. It meant a free drink and some free food. It has been 15 years since the beginning of Lets Talk Science program. It was neat to see all the development. And it was crazy to think that I have been part of it for 4 years. Already.
But the BEST part was, that I won an award for significant contribution in science outreach. So I got the certificate in the frame and 100 dollars. I am SO happy! Somebody actually sees and appreciates my efforts!
After that Julia and I went for icecream. I had kiwi and chocolate/hazelnut one. super tasty!!
After that I was pretty tired, so I passed out at 10 pm or so. I woke up at 2.30, because I was hot and hungry. I changed into my pj's, and didn't find anything to eat. I just went back to bed. But my neighbours had a party and they were chatting on their porch, which is next to my bedroom window. I was trying to fall asleep, but couldn't. It was 3.30. I got up, and checked my fridge again for some food. Still negative. And then somebody was knocking on my door. I got scared, switched off the lights, and kept quiet. People left. I think they were visitors next door. I went back to bed, but my neighbours were too loud still. I tried to fall asleep. No results. It was 4.30. My phone rang. At 4.30, this was very odd. It was Mahi, my ex-student from the Biotech class the last year (the cute one). I picked up, and he asked what am I doing. Sleeping, of course. He goes: "Listen, I'm coming over. Or, you could come over here" (he lives a block away). I said, that he can come over, but I'm not moving. So he came. He seemed slightly tired (read: intoxicated). And man, he had so much he wanted to share and pour off from his heart. About school, exams, people, girls... lots of things, that are dumb and stupid. So we talked. I mean, he talked, and I listened.
He left, when it was light out (past 6 am).
One thing that we discussed was the thing that in canada people are very particular about money. They are always aware how many cents someone owes someone. Even between friends. And at one point it becomes very annoying. Julia and I have discussed it too. It's so much easier, sometimes just one pays for the stuff, and then the other time it's the other person.
Today (Saturday) Julia and I had some carrot cake and watched the Blood Diamond (great movie, but slightly too bloody for me). I left her house around 1.30 am. I was walking home. First I ran into Parry - a greek dude I know since I got to Canada. He's an interesting guy. We have some great philosophical discussions time to time. I haven't seen him for a while. So we chatted, and then I continued my walk. I decided to get some milk from Loeb (a grocery store near my home). I walk in, and whom do I see between onions and veggies? My ex-boyfriend from last winter. The one who just disappeared into the thin air. I called him Mr. Promises, and Mõttetu Mees. I don't have too good of an opinion of him. And there he was, with his new girlfriend. So I had to be nice. We chatted a bit. He still hasn't finished his kitchen and other unfinished businesses he had in the winter. He also promised to bring me my sweater I somehow forgot to his place in the winter. Yes, we will arrange for it (Yea, right). I think I was a bit too sarcastic.
My goodness - who goes shopping at 1 am on Saturday night??? And he lives about 15 km out of town. And he is in MY store?? Crazy dude. I walked out the store and I even couldn't remember his name, which is a good thing, I guess... I did remember his dogs' name though. Jake. I even asked about him, and he's doing great. But his name... who cares anyway. Jerks are not worth spending memory space on them, right?
Ok, I'm not nice now. Perhaps I need some sleep:)
Tomorrow I'm going to climb trees:) I need energy for this.
Goodnite:)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
date gone wrong
They know each other through a common friend. They have hanged out before in a group. She has noticed him. So She invites Him to the party. He comes. She is happy.
They chat.
He invites Her to their common friend's wedding as His date. She is SO happy.
He kisses Her, when He leaves.
They talk about going to movies soon.
She is very happy.
Two days later - no sign of Him. She calls. They agree to meet on Thursday and drink wine at Her place. She is excited.
On Thursday He offers that perhaps His place would be better. She doesn't care, so His place it is.
She brings the wine.
He prepares bread and pate.
He opens the wine and fills the glasses.
On the background there is hockey game on - Montreal versus someone. It's playoff time. She understands. She thinks, that they can chat when the game finishes.
The game finishes. And no - the TV won't go to sleep. Follows some channel hopping: a bit of Scrubs, a bit of ER, a bit of Office. She thinks feels awkward. But She still likes Him and is interested in following up on Saturday. Still not much of the chat going on, as the He is attached to TV with his attention. Then baseball starts. Oh, He is a great baseball fan. They watch for a bit. Ie. He watches, She sits and thinks.
Then She gets fed up and decides to leave, to let Him to his toys. He jumps up and offers to walk Her home. Wow, She thinks... Ok, She says.
They walk.
The cover the same conversation about their common friend wedding. Apparently He might not even go. And He is not allowed to bring a date anyway. She thinks: "Hmmm. I guess no wedding then...".
They get to Her house.
They repeat the movie conversation. She says : "sure." She is getting mad.
He says bye and walks away.
She is VERY mad. She closes the door with the loud slam and walks in.
She is super mad and confused.
What happened?
Was He drunk out of His mind on Saturday and He just can't remember?
Is He just crazy? How can you invite a girl over, with wine, and then just ignore her? You just can't! It's unacceptable!
Did He change His mind? - She didn't think guys change their mind like this.
Is there too much "woman initiative"? But otherwise nothing would ever happen.
Whatever it is, He missed His chance.
They chat.
He invites Her to their common friend's wedding as His date. She is SO happy.
He kisses Her, when He leaves.
They talk about going to movies soon.
She is very happy.
Two days later - no sign of Him. She calls. They agree to meet on Thursday and drink wine at Her place. She is excited.
On Thursday He offers that perhaps His place would be better. She doesn't care, so His place it is.
She brings the wine.
He prepares bread and pate.
He opens the wine and fills the glasses.
On the background there is hockey game on - Montreal versus someone. It's playoff time. She understands. She thinks, that they can chat when the game finishes.
The game finishes. And no - the TV won't go to sleep. Follows some channel hopping: a bit of Scrubs, a bit of ER, a bit of Office. She thinks feels awkward. But She still likes Him and is interested in following up on Saturday. Still not much of the chat going on, as the He is attached to TV with his attention. Then baseball starts. Oh, He is a great baseball fan. They watch for a bit. Ie. He watches, She sits and thinks.
Then She gets fed up and decides to leave, to let Him to his toys. He jumps up and offers to walk Her home. Wow, She thinks... Ok, She says.
They walk.
The cover the same conversation about their common friend wedding. Apparently He might not even go. And He is not allowed to bring a date anyway. She thinks: "Hmmm. I guess no wedding then...".
They get to Her house.
They repeat the movie conversation. She says : "sure." She is getting mad.
He says bye and walks away.
She is VERY mad. She closes the door with the loud slam and walks in.
She is super mad and confused.
What happened?
Was He drunk out of His mind on Saturday and He just can't remember?
Is He just crazy? How can you invite a girl over, with wine, and then just ignore her? You just can't! It's unacceptable!
Did He change His mind? - She didn't think guys change their mind like this.
Is there too much "woman initiative"? But otherwise nothing would ever happen.
Whatever it is, He missed His chance.
marking marathon
Uhh... what an effort! But - I'm done! Yay!
I have marked 95 lab reports total.
Each takes me 25 min in average to mark.
That makes 40 hours of marking.
I have spent 2 hours just looking for my students online and downloading their lab reports.
I have spent 4 hours uploading the files back to students and assigning marks.
I think I deserve a drink!
But students are SO stupid. They copy and don't even TRY to hide the evidence. And if their cover is blown, they go and cry to the coordinator, and they still get their A+ through cheating. I'm worried about the future scientists and medical doctors. Will they do the same thing with my prescription? Just copy-paste from the previous patient?
Prrr...
One scene from last night:
It was past 1 am, and I had been marking ALL day (more than 10 reports). My hand is typing in another 10/10 in red, while my eyes are skimming through the answer. And then what I see - there is already red 10/10. Hmmm... Did I really already mark this report? But why didn't I do the first part... When you are tired you think about random options.
But - no - I hadn't marked it. It was already marked by someone else as a part of somebody elses report. And my students just copied it all. It's actually nice of them - so I even don't need to read through all this crap.
HOW stupid do you have to be to do something like this?
And the worst thing is that they do so, because they know that NOTHING will happen to them. Maybe a just a slap on the wrist and sentence "Don't do this again".
It's just wrong.
And then there are 168 students who have shared info about the lab reports and quiz questions in the lab on facebook. Publicly. With their own name and picture.
Also - the coordinators for the course just laugh and ignore.
It makes me mad.
I have marked 95 lab reports total.
Each takes me 25 min in average to mark.
That makes 40 hours of marking.
I have spent 2 hours just looking for my students online and downloading their lab reports.
I have spent 4 hours uploading the files back to students and assigning marks.
I think I deserve a drink!
But students are SO stupid. They copy and don't even TRY to hide the evidence. And if their cover is blown, they go and cry to the coordinator, and they still get their A+ through cheating. I'm worried about the future scientists and medical doctors. Will they do the same thing with my prescription? Just copy-paste from the previous patient?
Prrr...
One scene from last night:
It was past 1 am, and I had been marking ALL day (more than 10 reports). My hand is typing in another 10/10 in red, while my eyes are skimming through the answer. And then what I see - there is already red 10/10. Hmmm... Did I really already mark this report? But why didn't I do the first part... When you are tired you think about random options.
But - no - I hadn't marked it. It was already marked by someone else as a part of somebody elses report. And my students just copied it all. It's actually nice of them - so I even don't need to read through all this crap.
HOW stupid do you have to be to do something like this?
And the worst thing is that they do so, because they know that NOTHING will happen to them. Maybe a just a slap on the wrist and sentence "Don't do this again".
It's just wrong.
And then there are 168 students who have shared info about the lab reports and quiz questions in the lab on facebook. Publicly. With their own name and picture.
Also - the coordinators for the course just laugh and ignore.
It makes me mad.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
going for the eight
That's it - I'm 28.
I am happy. Very, very happy:)
Yesterday was so nice. First, the weather was just amazing. It was sunny and so warm (close to 15 degrees), so I dug out my spring shoes and spring jacket, and left my hat and scarf home. It felt so good. Ok, actually my warmer jacket, or at least something more than a t-shirt under the jacket, would have been a bit smarter...
I got a make-up done. And then I spent time with Julia - just hanging out at the sun. She also made me a pretty necklace and earrings:) We wanted to go for a walk in the park, but the park was way too snowy for our spring/summer shoes.
Oh, and I went shopping at the RW&Co, as they sent me a birthday coupon of 25% off. I just had to go. And I got a few things:)
Afternoon I spent reading wonderful e-mails, e-cards, Facebook messages and text messages. There was so many of them. I love it! The most special one was from my uncle. I have never received a greeting from my uncle. It felt interesting. And incredibly sweet and special.
Also - Kristi called me:) We haven't spoken for years (it might be even 27 years, and back then I didn't do much talking). It was awesome!
At 6 I had dinner with Leslie and Darren at Leslies new place. The salmon was delicious!! And the wine was great (Red Guitar). I think this dinner saved me:)
By 8 I headed back to my place to let my guests in. Everybody arrived at 8.30. And it got packed at my place pretty quick. I even had to send some people out to the porch. But it was FUN! And - I got lots of flowers! They are SO pretty. It's quite significant to get flowers here, as it's not common practice in Canada (that's why it's important to invite estonian girls to the party:). I also got wine. Lots of it. I think it's the sign of age. The older you get the more intelligent the drinks will be.
The party was super. Everybody had a good time. We had wine. And some vodka. And Leslie made me a cake!! And everybody sang to me:)
The best part was that I was not too drunk by the time I went to bed:) It felt good. I also felt good this morning - no headache or injuries. Simply great! And there was no big mess in my aparatment. Just lots of wine vessels to be washed. And 6 (!) half bottles of wine. And 5(!) full bottles of wine. I was glad to see that the beer population in my fridge got under the control as well:)
All taken together: I had a wonderful birthday! Thank YOU, who contributed to it:) I have AMAZING friends! I feel so happy! I want to hug the world:)
I think this year will be great! I can feel the changes coming:)
I am happy. Very, very happy:)
Yesterday was so nice. First, the weather was just amazing. It was sunny and so warm (close to 15 degrees), so I dug out my spring shoes and spring jacket, and left my hat and scarf home. It felt so good. Ok, actually my warmer jacket, or at least something more than a t-shirt under the jacket, would have been a bit smarter...
I got a make-up done. And then I spent time with Julia - just hanging out at the sun. She also made me a pretty necklace and earrings:) We wanted to go for a walk in the park, but the park was way too snowy for our spring/summer shoes.
Oh, and I went shopping at the RW&Co, as they sent me a birthday coupon of 25% off. I just had to go. And I got a few things:)
Afternoon I spent reading wonderful e-mails, e-cards, Facebook messages and text messages. There was so many of them. I love it! The most special one was from my uncle. I have never received a greeting from my uncle. It felt interesting. And incredibly sweet and special.
Also - Kristi called me:) We haven't spoken for years (it might be even 27 years, and back then I didn't do much talking). It was awesome!
At 6 I had dinner with Leslie and Darren at Leslies new place. The salmon was delicious!! And the wine was great (Red Guitar). I think this dinner saved me:)
By 8 I headed back to my place to let my guests in. Everybody arrived at 8.30. And it got packed at my place pretty quick. I even had to send some people out to the porch. But it was FUN! And - I got lots of flowers! They are SO pretty. It's quite significant to get flowers here, as it's not common practice in Canada (that's why it's important to invite estonian girls to the party:). I also got wine. Lots of it. I think it's the sign of age. The older you get the more intelligent the drinks will be.
The party was super. Everybody had a good time. We had wine. And some vodka. And Leslie made me a cake!! And everybody sang to me:)
The best part was that I was not too drunk by the time I went to bed:) It felt good. I also felt good this morning - no headache or injuries. Simply great! And there was no big mess in my aparatment. Just lots of wine vessels to be washed. And 6 (!) half bottles of wine. And 5(!) full bottles of wine. I was glad to see that the beer population in my fridge got under the control as well:)
All taken together: I had a wonderful birthday! Thank YOU, who contributed to it:) I have AMAZING friends! I feel so happy! I want to hug the world:)
I think this year will be great! I can feel the changes coming:)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
it's ON!
My very very last exam has been scheduled. It's on May 6th, at 2 pm.
Today I got the papers/articles for it. It's a comprehensive exam number two (in short comp II). I needed to pick five professors to be in my examining committee. They (the higher instances) were supposed to choose three out of these five. But - they decided to choose two, and then throw in the surprise factor. Yay - I love surprises! (read the sarcasm in my tone. code symbol for sarcasm: $). These three specially handpicked profs gave me one journal article each. And I had an honor to receive them today. And now I have five weeks to learn EVERYTHING plus more about these papers. It will be fun!!! $$$$
My plan is to study hardcore for two weeks - so from today until April 14th (and then have a fake exam with my friends - just to probe those gray cells up there). And then my Mum arrives, with my aunt and cousin. So then I need to take easy for two weeks, while they are here. But I am planning to do some "light" studying. And then, a few days before 28th I plan to pack them onto a bus, and send them to discover Toronto and Niagara. On their own. So I can pick up the hardcore studying pace. And then there will be May 6th, and there will be a few long hours of questions and answers and discussions and stress and sweat (no tears are planned!). And in the evening will be booked for BEER. Easy!!! :)
So what did I get:
One Nature paper: Thimmaiah P. Chendrimada et al. MicroRNA silencing through RISC recruitment of eIF6. Nature 447, 823-828 (14 July 2007)
It looks pretty interesting. They are looking at this mysterious eIF6 in drosophila to study silencing. That's ALL I know right now.
Second from the field of Gastroenterology: Yan F et al. Soluble proteins produced by probiotic bacteria regulate intestinal epithelial cell survival and growth. Gastroenterology 2007 Feb;132(2):562-75.
This looks very interesting. It's this new field, than no-one has really bothered studying before. Essentially it's about learning how your normal micro flora can keep you safe from bad bugs. It does sound neat!
Third one is continuing the topic of gut bacteria, and it's a paper by my examiner herself:
M. Schirm et al. Structural, genetic and functional characterization of the flagellin glycosylation process in Helicobacter pylori. Molecular Microbiology 48, 1579–1592
Helicobacter pylori is the "evil dude" responsible for ulcers (maohaavad), and this paper discusses how post translational modification (could anyone remind me what are these again?:P) of flagellin (see on see vaike saba bakteri taga, mis aitab neil edasi liikuda) proteins could change things for this bug (ie make it more evil, or less evil). In the big picture this bug and all sounds cool. But the specifics of the paper are very technical and more biochemical than I would like. But - I will learn it, right?
And that's it. These will be my favorite topics for the next five weeks. And if there's anything you would like to know about any of the above mentioned topics - please - don't be shy, and ask. I will digg it out for ya!
Ohh.. and it's already almost 1. I better get to bed, if I want to get out before 10. And we are going to see cows with our lab, so I should be in shape.
But - one more thing. My friend just found out that she has lost her Estonian citizenship. They (the mysterious "they" from the passport office?) just took it. I even didn't know you could just lose it. Which made me think - how do I know that I am Estonian? Could I lose it one day? Sorta like by an accident - you just walk by the street, a great Estonian citizen, and poof - the next moment you are not (the citizen, that is.).
Uudu - ega Sa juhtumisi tea midagi sellel teemal? Mina motlesin, et kui oled kord Eestis syndinud, siis on korras. Et oled Eesti kodanik ja valmis. Aga tundub, et ei ole. Tundub, et on mingi mystika.
Today I got the papers/articles for it. It's a comprehensive exam number two (in short comp II). I needed to pick five professors to be in my examining committee. They (the higher instances) were supposed to choose three out of these five. But - they decided to choose two, and then throw in the surprise factor. Yay - I love surprises! (read the sarcasm in my tone. code symbol for sarcasm: $). These three specially handpicked profs gave me one journal article each. And I had an honor to receive them today. And now I have five weeks to learn EVERYTHING plus more about these papers. It will be fun!!! $$$$
My plan is to study hardcore for two weeks - so from today until April 14th (and then have a fake exam with my friends - just to probe those gray cells up there). And then my Mum arrives, with my aunt and cousin. So then I need to take easy for two weeks, while they are here. But I am planning to do some "light" studying. And then, a few days before 28th I plan to pack them onto a bus, and send them to discover Toronto and Niagara. On their own. So I can pick up the hardcore studying pace. And then there will be May 6th, and there will be a few long hours of questions and answers and discussions and stress and sweat (no tears are planned!). And in the evening will be booked for BEER. Easy!!! :)
So what did I get:
One Nature paper: Thimmaiah P. Chendrimada et al. MicroRNA silencing through RISC recruitment of eIF6. Nature 447, 823-828 (14 July 2007)
It looks pretty interesting. They are looking at this mysterious eIF6 in drosophila to study silencing. That's ALL I know right now.
Second from the field of Gastroenterology: Yan F et al. Soluble proteins produced by probiotic bacteria regulate intestinal epithelial cell survival and growth. Gastroenterology 2007 Feb;132(2):562-75.
This looks very interesting. It's this new field, than no-one has really bothered studying before. Essentially it's about learning how your normal micro flora can keep you safe from bad bugs. It does sound neat!
Third one is continuing the topic of gut bacteria, and it's a paper by my examiner herself:
M. Schirm et al. Structural, genetic and functional characterization of the flagellin glycosylation process in Helicobacter pylori. Molecular Microbiology 48, 1579–1592
Helicobacter pylori is the "evil dude" responsible for ulcers (maohaavad), and this paper discusses how post translational modification (could anyone remind me what are these again?:P) of flagellin (see on see vaike saba bakteri taga, mis aitab neil edasi liikuda) proteins could change things for this bug (ie make it more evil, or less evil). In the big picture this bug and all sounds cool. But the specifics of the paper are very technical and more biochemical than I would like. But - I will learn it, right?
And that's it. These will be my favorite topics for the next five weeks. And if there's anything you would like to know about any of the above mentioned topics - please - don't be shy, and ask. I will digg it out for ya!
Ohh.. and it's already almost 1. I better get to bed, if I want to get out before 10. And we are going to see cows with our lab, so I should be in shape.
But - one more thing. My friend just found out that she has lost her Estonian citizenship. They (the mysterious "they" from the passport office?) just took it. I even didn't know you could just lose it. Which made me think - how do I know that I am Estonian? Could I lose it one day? Sorta like by an accident - you just walk by the street, a great Estonian citizen, and poof - the next moment you are not (the citizen, that is.).
Uudu - ega Sa juhtumisi tea midagi sellel teemal? Mina motlesin, et kui oled kord Eestis syndinud, siis on korras. Et oled Eesti kodanik ja valmis. Aga tundub, et ei ole. Tundub, et on mingi mystika.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Monday... the bad blue one...
What a day... So rainy and gray...
It's past 3 am, and I can't relax enough to go to bed and fall asleep. Just too many emotions bubbling inside... I helped my friend move today. And moving days are stressful. Thats normal. I was trying my best to be the calm one and the positive one. And I was. I think at least:) And everything went pretty smoothly (except the stupid U-Haul truck people. honestly - if you EVER consider renting a truck from them, think three times, whether there is another way. these people are USELESS. But - we got everything eventually. Even before the sun went down. Oh, wait, it was raining all day... So we got all before the businesses were closing for the day.). But these details... details come and go, and in the end only the big picture remains - ie that the new apartment is very nice! And it will look amazing, once everything will be in place.
But by accident we hurt one car in the process. So, that his "eye" broke, and he got a scratch or two. and his owner, old asian dude with a dog and without photo taking skills, was not too impressed.
I'm sure it will all work out , and will be fine, but yet I can't get the "peace" right now. I keep thinking about "what if...". But no "what if" happened. And "what if" is a bad boy, as Kristi said (oleks on paha poiss). So I need to get over it. I wish it were easier. I just feel so bad... I feel bad for the cars little injury; I feel bad for this all incident; I feel bad that there will be some paperwork and fixing...
But then also good things happened.
Kristi came online, and listened (read), and I'm already feeling better. And she sent me some awesome music by Jääboiler:)
And then Kadi sent me an e-mail.
I feel better now.
Life is not that bad.
Tomorrow there will be sun.
It's past 3 am, and I can't relax enough to go to bed and fall asleep. Just too many emotions bubbling inside... I helped my friend move today. And moving days are stressful. Thats normal. I was trying my best to be the calm one and the positive one. And I was. I think at least:) And everything went pretty smoothly (except the stupid U-Haul truck people. honestly - if you EVER consider renting a truck from them, think three times, whether there is another way. these people are USELESS. But - we got everything eventually. Even before the sun went down. Oh, wait, it was raining all day... So we got all before the businesses were closing for the day.). But these details... details come and go, and in the end only the big picture remains - ie that the new apartment is very nice! And it will look amazing, once everything will be in place.
But by accident we hurt one car in the process. So, that his "eye" broke, and he got a scratch or two. and his owner, old asian dude with a dog and without photo taking skills, was not too impressed.
I'm sure it will all work out , and will be fine, but yet I can't get the "peace" right now. I keep thinking about "what if...". But no "what if" happened. And "what if" is a bad boy, as Kristi said (oleks on paha poiss). So I need to get over it. I wish it were easier. I just feel so bad... I feel bad for the cars little injury; I feel bad for this all incident; I feel bad that there will be some paperwork and fixing...
But then also good things happened.
Kristi came online, and listened (read), and I'm already feeling better. And she sent me some awesome music by Jääboiler:)
And then Kadi sent me an e-mail.
I feel better now.
Life is not that bad.
Tomorrow there will be sun.
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