Ah, Hundionu is going to the vacation! The REAL vacation. The first one in my life:) It is SO needed. And I'm SO excited.
It will be the North-American style - ie seven days all inclusive in a resort on a beach! Gentle wind and warm temperatures and palmtrees and cocktails from 10 am:)
I'm just 24 days and 2 hours by car 5 hours by plain and 2 hours by bus away:)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
the buses are back
Unbelievable! When I was destressing after the TAing over a bubbly glass of yeasty tasteness, then the city and the union reached to the agreement as they were scared of the governments "back to work" legislation, which would have been inevitable. And this means that the strike is over immediatly. Wow. It has been 51 days without buses. And now they will be back. It's going to be weird.
And it will be nice to have spacious shuttles back:)
Ahh... how little we need for happiness:)
Ironic thing is also that the union where I belong to (teaching union) sent an e-mail today at 5.07 pm, saying that the strike is ridiciolous and that the poor transit union is the under-dog in this and therefore we need to show our support. And at that time the strike was already over! (the union lost). What a bad timing for this writing. Better check the news before you click send, when it comes to strikes.
PS! But the students are still morons. I gave to kids 0 on their technical skills. Cos they were skill-less. 100%. Plus I also had 13 students instead of 10 that is also the maximal number in books. There's almost no physical space for 3 extra people. And how am I supposed to spread my love and care with these crowds? Eh... I am not impressed with this University. Anyway. I'll survive. I'm a strong Eastern European Woman!
And it will be nice to have spacious shuttles back:)
Ahh... how little we need for happiness:)
Ironic thing is also that the union where I belong to (teaching union) sent an e-mail today at 5.07 pm, saying that the strike is ridiciolous and that the poor transit union is the under-dog in this and therefore we need to show our support. And at that time the strike was already over! (the union lost). What a bad timing for this writing. Better check the news before you click send, when it comes to strikes.
PS! But the students are still morons. I gave to kids 0 on their technical skills. Cos they were skill-less. 100%. Plus I also had 13 students instead of 10 that is also the maximal number in books. There's almost no physical space for 3 extra people. And how am I supposed to spread my love and care with these crowds? Eh... I am not impressed with this University. Anyway. I'll survive. I'm a strong Eastern European Woman!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
good night, however drinkless
Another night is almost over. And no drink has fit in... Tomorrow perhaps.
But I have had a good night. Had a good chat with Sujeeve, started a career day article, finished two "arts" projects, made a plan for tomorrow. And - I made dinner:)
Now it's time for bed:)
Ah, and the most important thing - I think I will write a book! A real book, not thesis. Something to keep me busy:)
I have always wanted to write one. I have even started a few (way back about 22 years ago). And now, the idea sparked from a random comment from my Supervisors wife and got supported by a friend and honestly - why not?
But I have had a good night. Had a good chat with Sujeeve, started a career day article, finished two "arts" projects, made a plan for tomorrow. And - I made dinner:)
Now it's time for bed:)
Ah, and the most important thing - I think I will write a book! A real book, not thesis. Something to keep me busy:)
I have always wanted to write one. I have even started a few (way back about 22 years ago). And now, the idea sparked from a random comment from my Supervisors wife and got supported by a friend and honestly - why not?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
first days of freedom
Updates:
on Friday we (BMI Grad Student council) had a Career Day. SUCH a success! More than 100 people (so many people won't even show up to the compulsory events), and a great line of speakers. Again - very inspirational. I was actually hoping to get some answers, but it seems that I am simply too good. I could do EVERYTHING. Well, actually I do have some thoughts... but I'll come back to them later.
But all and all I feel very satisfied with the event. Now there's just the ski-trip to be attend, but overall we have accomplished all of the goals/dreams I set a year ago.
Friday night I went to Patty Bolands - an Irish Pub on the market. It used to be a decent place... for a pub. But wow, not anymore. First they demanded 2.50 for cover and forced us to leave our coats to the coat-check. And gave us attitude not to lose the tickets, 'cos then we have to stay until 2.30 am. Do I look 12 and fully drunk to you????
And then the place was full of too young too drunk people, who threw up at some point. The beverages were served in plastc (!!). I was lucky enough to get one beer served in a glass and so I kept re-pouring my other 2 beers from plastic into that. And the music - SO loud! And so off tuned. Horrible. I was deaf all Saturday.
Anyway - if it weren't for Juzer's birthday, I would have not stayed. But the Birthday -related stuff was all good - good people and good chats.
Saturday I pretended to clean and organized an entire floor-full of papers. And then headed to Dorotas. We made guljash (hungarian meat dish) togehter and had lots of tea and watched tv. Such a wonderful night.
And Sunday we had a superlong breakfast and chatted and played with Kornelius (the cat) and went for a walk around the neighbourhood. Once I made it home I was ready for bed:)
Monday I went skating for the first time this season. I woke up and the radio announced -35 degrees outside... Hmmm, I thought. But I had a deal with Supervisors wife that we meet at 10.30 am at the Canal Ritz. So I just bundled up and headed to the canal. It was NICE. Smooth ice, frail snow falling, no people. Indeed, my soles started to cramp after the first kilometer, but I toughed it out and made it to the meeting point and then to the Dows lake (the end) and back to Canal Ritz for the lunch. Really nice. And then I skated back home:) I was glad I made it out. It didn't feel THAT cold. And skating was amazing.
Later I watched "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist". A romantic movie. Voted as one of the best romantic movies from 2008, and it was really, really cute! I recommend. It's with the same guy who played Bleaker in "Juno" (Michael Cera) and Kat Dennings - a really pretty girl.
And today is Monday. I made it to work today. To get rid of all the extra theses at home (I almost broke my toes over them and then almost broke my back carrying them) and to have lunch with Dorota and to urge supervisor to send in my examiners. But I also got a bad news today.... I'm not going to Tanzania... I really wanted to. Lets Talk Science was sending 2 volunteers over there to teach for 3 weeks in September. And I wanted to go. But it seems it was not meant to be. I think it's their loss, honestly. Because I am their longest standing volunteer, and I have loads of experience and I am resourceful and calm, which is important when travelling so far. Anyway... no go. It may be better for my career anyway though. As how could I ask for 3 weeks off in September if I'm going to maybe get the job in august?
But I am disappointed. I should have a drink.
I also feel very tired and restless. I feel I need to have my future all straight and clear. But it's not. I need a vacation. And again - perhaps a drink will help.
on Friday we (BMI Grad Student council) had a Career Day. SUCH a success! More than 100 people (so many people won't even show up to the compulsory events), and a great line of speakers. Again - very inspirational. I was actually hoping to get some answers, but it seems that I am simply too good. I could do EVERYTHING. Well, actually I do have some thoughts... but I'll come back to them later.
But all and all I feel very satisfied with the event. Now there's just the ski-trip to be attend, but overall we have accomplished all of the goals/dreams I set a year ago.
Friday night I went to Patty Bolands - an Irish Pub on the market. It used to be a decent place... for a pub. But wow, not anymore. First they demanded 2.50 for cover and forced us to leave our coats to the coat-check. And gave us attitude not to lose the tickets, 'cos then we have to stay until 2.30 am. Do I look 12 and fully drunk to you????
And then the place was full of too young too drunk people, who threw up at some point. The beverages were served in plastc (!!). I was lucky enough to get one beer served in a glass and so I kept re-pouring my other 2 beers from plastic into that. And the music - SO loud! And so off tuned. Horrible. I was deaf all Saturday.
Anyway - if it weren't for Juzer's birthday, I would have not stayed. But the Birthday -related stuff was all good - good people and good chats.
Saturday I pretended to clean and organized an entire floor-full of papers. And then headed to Dorotas. We made guljash (hungarian meat dish) togehter and had lots of tea and watched tv. Such a wonderful night.
And Sunday we had a superlong breakfast and chatted and played with Kornelius (the cat) and went for a walk around the neighbourhood. Once I made it home I was ready for bed:)
Monday I went skating for the first time this season. I woke up and the radio announced -35 degrees outside... Hmmm, I thought. But I had a deal with Supervisors wife that we meet at 10.30 am at the Canal Ritz. So I just bundled up and headed to the canal. It was NICE. Smooth ice, frail snow falling, no people. Indeed, my soles started to cramp after the first kilometer, but I toughed it out and made it to the meeting point and then to the Dows lake (the end) and back to Canal Ritz for the lunch. Really nice. And then I skated back home:) I was glad I made it out. It didn't feel THAT cold. And skating was amazing.
Later I watched "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist". A romantic movie. Voted as one of the best romantic movies from 2008, and it was really, really cute! I recommend. It's with the same guy who played Bleaker in "Juno" (Michael Cera) and Kat Dennings - a really pretty girl.
And today is Monday. I made it to work today. To get rid of all the extra theses at home (I almost broke my toes over them and then almost broke my back carrying them) and to have lunch with Dorota and to urge supervisor to send in my examiners. But I also got a bad news today.... I'm not going to Tanzania... I really wanted to. Lets Talk Science was sending 2 volunteers over there to teach for 3 weeks in September. And I wanted to go. But it seems it was not meant to be. I think it's their loss, honestly. Because I am their longest standing volunteer, and I have loads of experience and I am resourceful and calm, which is important when travelling so far. Anyway... no go. It may be better for my career anyway though. As how could I ask for 3 weeks off in September if I'm going to maybe get the job in august?
But I am disappointed. I should have a drink.
I also feel very tired and restless. I feel I need to have my future all straight and clear. But it's not. I need a vacation. And again - perhaps a drink will help.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
inspiration
I had to TA all day today... overall it was ok, but I had one moron in the morning and one in the evening... they simply could not understand. insane.
And then at 3.45 my voice gave up. And literally my "voice cords" hurt... it's crazy.
but - survived. and only 9 weeks to go...
but on the different note - we had a dinner with Dr. Rod McInnes, who is the director of Genetics in CIHR (which is the biggest health research grant agency). We as grad sudents invited him to come and give a talk and tomorrow he will give a talk on our career day. Today we got to take him out for dinner. There was about 10 of grad students and him.
It was really fun.
The most important thing was that I got to talk to him about my career... and I got some points clear for myself. Of course it all comes down to what I want to do, but it is necessary to know what is where and etc.
And besides, he said that he could recommend me to one PI at the Columbia University, NY. So thats quite something. The prof at the Columbia University is also an Estonian though - Rando Allikmets:)
He also kept referreing to Estonia all the time. I hope he meant good. But at least I think that even though he will probably not remember my name, he will remember the Estonian girl. So - it;s the start.
But all and all - I think I would like some creative people around me once I get to the real world... and according to him there's just one place, and that's academia.
Ah, so much to think about.
And then at 3.45 my voice gave up. And literally my "voice cords" hurt... it's crazy.
but - survived. and only 9 weeks to go...
but on the different note - we had a dinner with Dr. Rod McInnes, who is the director of Genetics in CIHR (which is the biggest health research grant agency). We as grad sudents invited him to come and give a talk and tomorrow he will give a talk on our career day. Today we got to take him out for dinner. There was about 10 of grad students and him.
It was really fun.
The most important thing was that I got to talk to him about my career... and I got some points clear for myself. Of course it all comes down to what I want to do, but it is necessary to know what is where and etc.
And besides, he said that he could recommend me to one PI at the Columbia University, NY. So thats quite something. The prof at the Columbia University is also an Estonian though - Rando Allikmets:)
He also kept referreing to Estonia all the time. I hope he meant good. But at least I think that even though he will probably not remember my name, he will remember the Estonian girl. So - it;s the start.
But all and all - I think I would like some creative people around me once I get to the real world... and according to him there's just one place, and that's academia.
Ah, so much to think about.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Obama and I aka the new life started
I got it in! My thesis. Just on the dot. Literally, the office was open until 4.30, and I waltzed in at 4.30 and 30 seconds, so the door was still open (they locked it right after me). And after the 1 minute transfer period I was no longer a student. Done and Done! The third Done will be after the defence.
And the interesting thing is that I will always remember the day when Obama was inaugurated into his President of USA position. That was today. I even got to listen to his speech.
So a new start for him and me. And only time will tell, whether it is a good omen to start something with the US President.
The weather was gorgeous today. The perfect winter day. Comfortable temperature, sparkly white snow, warm sunshine. Beautiful!
And I had a long day. I had an amazing breakfast at my supervisors and then we went over a part of my thesis. The details are not important to be remembered. But eventually I got it all finished and printed and submitted. There was a little drama, but how else can big things like these, function? And I am eternally grateful to Dorota and Natalie for taking me through the drama/crisis time. And thank you, Dorota, SO much, for getting me to the FGPS on time:)
As my supervisor said, tomorrow I will no longer be his slave. Tomorrow I will be his colleague.
Vot!
And now I'm off to my well-deserved rest. No more skipped nights. I had pizza and beer (a pint) with Leslie, Dorota and Natalie, and a nice bubble-bath and tomorrow I will sleep in! :)
And the interesting thing is that I will always remember the day when Obama was inaugurated into his President of USA position. That was today. I even got to listen to his speech.
So a new start for him and me. And only time will tell, whether it is a good omen to start something with the US President.
The weather was gorgeous today. The perfect winter day. Comfortable temperature, sparkly white snow, warm sunshine. Beautiful!
And I had a long day. I had an amazing breakfast at my supervisors and then we went over a part of my thesis. The details are not important to be remembered. But eventually I got it all finished and printed and submitted. There was a little drama, but how else can big things like these, function? And I am eternally grateful to Dorota and Natalie for taking me through the drama/crisis time. And thank you, Dorota, SO much, for getting me to the FGPS on time:)
As my supervisor said, tomorrow I will no longer be his slave. Tomorrow I will be his colleague.
Vot!
And now I'm off to my well-deserved rest. No more skipped nights. I had pizza and beer (a pint) with Leslie, Dorota and Natalie, and a nice bubble-bath and tomorrow I will sleep in! :)
DONE!
So yes - I think I am done!!!
For now.
I just finished adding the page numbers to my figures/tables. So that means that the text cannot be moved anymore.
So - done!
Unbeliveable...
These last weeks have been quite intense. And I can't believe that I can sleep tomorrow night. Even though - it will take me a while to get out of the nocturnal schedule.
At 7 am I am expected at Supervisors place. To have breakfast and to show him my thesis. He has not seen it yet. Even not a tiny peak. So he better like it. 'Cos the doors are closed for changes.
And then to the lab, print it, and deliver it.
And then - have a drink! (I have been on probation for too long). And a nice meal.
:)
I guess it's too late to go to bed now... it's already 5.30. I guess I could just enjoy this time. It is a weird time. Tomorrow, after submitting this "oopus" the world will not be the same anymore. I will not be a student anymore. Well, of course, I do have to defend, and I will be sort of a student until then, but still - no tuition to pay. It's going to be sweet! And the world will be just there. I gotta "grow up". I hope He (Mr. World, or perhaps Dr. World) will be nice.
5 long years. I have seen, learnt, experienced, gone through A LOT! And what made it into my nice 142 page (it's a tiny thesis:) thesis is just a fraction. But about that at some other time.
For now.
I just finished adding the page numbers to my figures/tables. So that means that the text cannot be moved anymore.
So - done!
Unbeliveable...
These last weeks have been quite intense. And I can't believe that I can sleep tomorrow night. Even though - it will take me a while to get out of the nocturnal schedule.
At 7 am I am expected at Supervisors place. To have breakfast and to show him my thesis. He has not seen it yet. Even not a tiny peak. So he better like it. 'Cos the doors are closed for changes.
And then to the lab, print it, and deliver it.
And then - have a drink! (I have been on probation for too long). And a nice meal.
:)
I guess it's too late to go to bed now... it's already 5.30. I guess I could just enjoy this time. It is a weird time. Tomorrow, after submitting this "oopus" the world will not be the same anymore. I will not be a student anymore. Well, of course, I do have to defend, and I will be sort of a student until then, but still - no tuition to pay. It's going to be sweet! And the world will be just there. I gotta "grow up". I hope He (Mr. World, or perhaps Dr. World) will be nice.
5 long years. I have seen, learnt, experienced, gone through A LOT! And what made it into my nice 142 page (it's a tiny thesis:) thesis is just a fraction. But about that at some other time.
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