La burbujita (the bubble)

I have had a break, as you might have noticed, or might have not. But none the less, I have had a break. I have pulled all my efforts to make a conference trip to Berlin possible. And I did it. I bloody did it! In retrospect I am pleased I went, pleased I stayed, pleased I interacted with so many I had never met before, and pleased my presentations went so well (one poster presentation and one oral presentation for all the participants (~40), both summarizing my latest scientific ehrhm...breakthroughs).

I learnt a lot of scientific stuff during a very jam packed week of lectures and social events, but also I learnt a little something about myself. I conversed with most of the other participants during the week, and at three separate occations I was told how great it must be to be so easy going, social and have the same level self-esteem as me. The first conversation was with this dutch guy, who explained to me how asocial and shy he felt, and how it must be brilliant to have it so "easy" as I do! I was provoked. I tried to make him understand how I did not feel a bit more social than he did, how I have worked my sweet little arse off to improve my skills to communicate and socialize with others, and how this was by no means something that was put into my genes or something that had come easily. And I also tried to let him realize the complete paradox; him sitting there talking to me, telling me how asocial and shy he is. I think parts of it got through. How it is all a matter of a combination of facade, practice, and techniques not coming without some hard work, stress, and nervousity.

It was a week. A whole week. In Berlin. No cute cat. I missed him like crazy.

About the picture. It is suppose to be me. On a river boat. After a number of Berliner (Berlin beer), wearing my new hat. My boyfriend is of the opinion that it reminds him of an old-lady-hat. I, not saying that it is a contradiction from previous statements, think it is cute. The spanish girl I hung out with on the boat trip called me burbujita the entire time, little bubble. I love both the shape of bubbles, and the word bubble as such, so I took it as a compliment. And did nothing to stop her. Rather, it seems I am trying to spread the nick name, does it not?