Boundaries

Today I learned a valuable lesson. I learned that sometimes being completely placid, and making due with whatever situation you are forced into is not always the way to go. Ironically, this is typically a very "Canadian" way of approaching problems, or so I have been told. Apparently we put up with pretty much anything and very rarely make a fuss. As much as I appreciate this attitude, because it means you don't end up doing something rash, and it challenges you to be flexible, there are moments where you have to stand up and say, "That's far enough." The supervisor of the lab I work in (not my boss) has taken to bullying me because he disagrees with me being there. He feels my project should have been given to him, since he has been there for 15+ years, not to a 23 year old woman (yup, it's 2012 and the fact that I don't have a penis IS STILL a problem for some people).  After months of yelling, undercutting, and insults (one sided I am proud to say! I doggedly stuck to being friendly and polite. OH CANADA BABY!), I finally asked for a meeting with my bosses (and also his) to ask them for their opinion on how to handle the situation. I think it went relatively well! They seemed to have thought this might be a problem since the supervisor is bitter about not having furthered his education, and they also seem to have had previous knowledge of him being "difficult". I was also told that it was unimaginable that someone in our workplace could have a problem with me, because I'm so friendly and polite. I have to admit, after a day like today and yesterday, that was kind of nice to hear ;). The last time the supervisor got caught playing power games with our bosses (I starred in the film as "Pawn"), he became even more unprofessional towards me. I am hoping this doesn't manifest again. I can't shake the feeling though, no matter how nerve racking making my complaint was, that the principle I am defending is worth the effort. No one, not even interns, deserves to be treated like garbage. As I said to my bosses today, "Praktikum student or not, I'm still a human being, and after a while, months of insults start getting to you." We'll see what tomorrow brings!!!

Love,
Danielle

Publication

Dear Readers,

 Today I received news that my first scientific paper has been published. The paper is entitled "Opposing action of conantokin-G on synaptically and extrasynaptically-activated NMDA receptors" and was published in Neuropharmacology. I guess sometimes you just have to take your craziest ideas and passion, and give it your all, because who knows? Maybe you'll end up getting published >.<. I had so much fun with this project but had been told that I wouldn't likely be allowed to have my name on it, because I was an undergraduate co-op student. Sometimes dreams do come true, and it's moments like this that make me think that where ever it is I'm going, I'm heading in the right direction.

Love,
Danielle

KARNEVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear Readers,

  This post is a summary of the magical, exhilarating, utterly-confusing experience that is German KARNEVAL! Karneval is a pre-Easter celebration that culminates on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) and is celebrated all along the western border of Germany. In short: people dress up in costumes, host political roasts called “Karnevalsitzungen”, and get absolutely, delightfully drunk. The capital city of Karneval is, of course, Cologne ;), so on Saturday night I put on a bee costume, and hit the town with friends! I discovered that Germans approach finding parking spaces much like they do space in dance clubs- if there isn’t any, make some. Before long, costumed Karneval-ists were hoisting themselves onto windowsills (beer in hand!) to dance the night away! I confess my Canadian personal space was feeling a bit invaded, but after 3 or 4 Koelsch (local Colognian beer) I was feeling completely at home! Personal space?? What’s THAT?? Yes folks, in the spirit of the fun, freedom, and fabulousness that is Karneval I broke from my usual alcohol abstinence and partied like a ROCKSTAR (in bee antennae and wings)! I think my favourite quote of the evening has to be from the train conductor on the way there who asked (quite politely I might add) over the megaphone if the man in the chicken suit could kindly stop blocking the train doors.

The next morning I met my cousin and her friends to watch the Kinderzug (Childrens’ parade) in Cologne. Schools, and various childrens’ organizations put together a FOUR HOUR parade full of dazzling costumes, floats, and FANTASTIC musicians. Now, this isn’t the Granny-and-little-Jimmy sit quietly on the sidelines type of parade that North Americans are used to; once again the spectators dress up, gather together with friends, and once you’re feeling drunk enough you start boisterously calling, “KOELLE, KOELLE, KOELLE, ALAAF, ALAAF, ALAAF!” so that parade-ers will through sweets, flowers, and all sorts of delightful things at you. Soon there was candy, confetti and irresistible laughter raining through the air, while spectators and participants alike broke into traditional Karnevalslieder (Karneval folksongs).  It was magical, it was beautiful, and Santa Clause Parade, you ain’t got nothin’ on this Baby! Now that I’ve experienced Karneval in all its glory, I think it’s safe to say that this Canadian has become a fan.  

Love,

Danielle