First salary and defense

The feeling of a full paycheck. I never knew the feeling as a student (mine was always empty), but last week I received my first salary! The glorious numbers! Hallelujah! And what did I do with my first salary you might ask? Well, of course I took my parents out to dinner. Gotta share the love. Second, I went a little crazy. I bought some additional pieces to my dinner service, encouraged by my dad. Seriously, he was more exited and enthusiastic than I was. So cute, he really loves porcelain and tableware. And last but not least: a watch. Yes, I know, another watch. Or at least that's what my mum said. But it is sooo pretty and the price was more than 70% reduced. I know, a bargain, right?! But don't worry, I will still be able to make rent and I event put something away to save. See, I can be responsible too!
Monday was pretty exciting too, as it was the first time I was present at a student defending it's thesis. Both guys did a really great job, but it made me realise how much easier it is to be Dutch, as theirs had to be in English as they were from India and China. Even though they knew their research really well, sometimes the communication between the opponent (with a thick Dutch accent) and the defendant (thick Asian accent) was a bit difficult. But they both got through it really well. Afterwards there was a small reception, followed by an amazing party at a very chic Chinese restaurant. With lots and lots of food! As a farewell, colleagues and co-workers made a power point presentation on their life during the four years they worked at the lab. It was absolutely hilarious! And of course there was the ceremonial exchanging of exotic gifts from their home countries. It was very touching. Even though four years seems like a long time, in research it's over in the blink of an eye.

Congress

Last Wednesday was my first Hematology Congress! And, oh my God, I'm so glad I only had to attend one day out of three! In order to be there on time, we (some of my colleagues and I) left by car at 7 o'clock. Now I don't think I need to tell you that I really did not appreciate having to wake up at 5:30 in the morning. Thank God one of my colleagues has a car, so we didn't have to go by train. Although for her it wasn't much fun, because we were all asleep while she was driving to the Congress venue in Papendal, Arnhem. The day was filled with presentations on the latest research in hematology, mostly given by PhD students like myself. My PI already told me that I was going to speak there too in the future, so it was nice to see how things were arranged. In between there were coffee breaks and a nice lunch, which was nice to recharge after a long, difficult session. And than of course we had to go back (after a disappointing dinner) for another two hour drive. In the cold. I was sooo tired when I got home. Slept like a baby.

But that's not all that happened this week! For one, I finally had some positive results! Woohoo, little victory dance! Second, the new lab technician started as part of the project. Ironically he's from Utrecht too, which almost makes it seem like my PI is trying to move a whole team of Utrechters to Groningen. I haven't really had a chance to talk to him, but so far he seems really nice. But hey, he's from Utrecht, so of course he is!

With love,

Willemijn

Week two: survived!

Ahh, it felt so good to be back in Utrecht again for the weekend! Even though the trip was a bit annoying... I found myself sitting across a guy who had apparently decided I was going to be his conversation partner for the journey. Very nice, if only I wasn't listening to music. Ah well, it was a nice way to get my mind of the past week. Even though the people are a lot nicer than I'm used to, I still feel that fear that I have to proof myself or they might decide I'm not suitable for the job. Very stressful, but I just can seem to shake that pressure hanging over me. Even if it's all just in my head. I guess Oxford left a bigger mark than expected. But this week promises to be good, as I'm going to my first Dutch Hematology conference on Wednesday. Thank god I don't have to present, so it should be a bit more relaxing... But now it's time to get up and get my ass to work! Hope you have a nice day!

With love

Willemijn

First week on the job

I survived my first week!
Last Monday was the start of my 4 year employment at University Medical Center Groningen, and I was scared shitless. I was so afraid it was going to be the same rough start I had in Oxford... But it turned out great, so much more relaxed! People were so much more open and friendly, like they actually wanted me there. Of course I realise it has only been one week, but I have a feeling I made the right decision when I choose this group. Them seem very willing to teach and explain things to you, which I think is a good sign. Even though I know how to do certain things, like for example cell culture, I've noticed they do things slightly different than I'm used to. So taking the time to explain in whatever specific way they do things is very helpful. 

But don't think because things went good I didn't go back home to Utrecht! Unfortunately the washing machines in my building haven't been installed yet, so Friday I went back home to my parents for the weekend (with a whole bag of laundry!). And of course also to tell them all about my week (even though we already discussed most of it over Skype). Being home really felt like a mini holiday! And even better: instead of going home alone, my mum decided to join me. We did get a bit lost walking to my house (we ended up in the red light district, oops), but we had a great time exploring the city! 

With love,

Willemijn

P.s. I'll upload some pictures of my new pad soon, but because I've been leaving early and coming home late it's been to dark to take some proper photos ;)

Bad start

Well, I can honestly say I've had a bad start at 2015. Over the last two weeks my folks and I have been working on my new apartment in Groningen. Almost everything was done, except for two big pieces: moving in the couch and the chair. They were going to be delivered today and guess what? They didn't fit up the stairs! Oh my fucking God! So the movers had to take them back to Ikea. And so did I, to get money refunded and pick out new (smaller!) chairs. Let me remind you that today is a holiday in the Netherlands and therefore the whole country decided to visit Ikea. But after a long journey I found two blue chairs. Of course when we went to the storage to pick them up all the blue ones were sold out, so we went with beige instead. And to top things off, some white trash parked their car at the loading area to get a hot dog! A HOT DOG! IN THE LOADING AREA! Isn't Ikea fun?

Happy 2015!

Happy New Year!
How did you spend the end of 2014? Mine was kinda mellow, no party, just champagne with my parents while watching the New Year's conference by Youp van 't Hek. I'm not sure if they do this in other countries as well, but in the Netherlands it's a very old tradition where a well known comedian does a show on the previous year, discussing all the highs and lows of the last 12 months. Of course we had quite an eventful year, with the absolute low of the MH17 plane being shot down above Ukraine. But there were happy notes as well, with an absolute epic joke on our Minister of Defense who asked the press if "they could please not tell other people that our planes were stationed in Jordan" on national TV. Priceless! If you know a little Dutch you can (try an) watch the show here.

Of course a more global phenomenon are the New Year's resolutions, but I believe that's just total bull shit. If you have them, good luck to ya, and let me know how you are doing. I think that if you try to live your life as happy and fulfilling as possible you don't really need New Year's resolutions. However sometimes making a small list with just little out-side-the-box plans might help you make the step to try new things. Nothing big, just small every day (and most importantly: doable!) things. Anyway, I wish you all the best for 2015! I hope your dreams come true and for those around you!