The world is burning.

 

2022 is the worst year I've ever had to live through. I'm 30, almost 31, and this is the craziest year of my lifetime. How come our world is so fucked up, that in three months - could even say in the first two - the whole world decided to burn to the ground? Yeah, we've had the pandemic for two years now without an end in sight. Yes, the economy has been struggling ever since the pandemic started. But how in the fuck did it get even worse in just two months? I don't even know how to explain the war raging in Ukraine. It's just so insane that all of this has to happen at the same time. That it even happens at all, during a century when medicine, science and all-around knowledge is so high, we as humans should know better.

I live in Estonia. One of the small Baltics, that have taken Russia as a big threat always. We have never forgotten what was done to our people. As most Ukrainians probably. I work with Ukrainians every day. They are for sure the most optimistic people I know. I love them. Their realistic, but positive outlook on this whole situation makes it possible for me to sleep at night. They are sure victory will be theirs. And I have no other expectations to this situation. How could it ever end any other way? This is not a civil war. It's not a terrorist group in the country. It's not even a part of the country wanting to be a separate country. It's one of the largest countries on the planet trying to occupy a neighboring independent country. The shit that has replaced Putin's brain is incredible. There must be something wrong with him, on a molecular level, if he thinks this will end well for him. He has turned his country back in time 30 years and if he keeps it up, it will be back to the stone age for them. I mean, they are already crying about losing McDonald's and Coca Cola. No Adidas tracksuits, no new iPhones. Life must be sad for the average Russian. 

I must add here, that I do not blame the Russian people for this. It is not their war, it is their leaders' war. And there's a simple fix to this problem. Just eliminate the problematic factor and all will return to the good old times, when Russians could use Visa/MasterCard to buy a Mercedes from the dealership. 

I just don't know what to do. All my regular hobbies somehow seem pointless. Like they don't matter that much in comparison. I just started to read books again, and not for my bookclub, but for entertainment. I even went to the library for the first time in 10-12 years to borrow books. AND I'm reading in Estonian. Something I have avoided mostly for the same amount of years. 

Knitting shawls is also like pointless. I have nowhere to go with them, no one to give them to. I think I have made a shawl to everyone who could use one. 

I do have a cat now, but she is as much for comfort as she causes stress. Her health is a bit tricky at the moment and I just hope it ends well for us. 

And my work. It keeps me too busy. I turned into a sushi chef. And I also have to manage the kitchen as the sous chef. A promotion I got three months after starting working in the place. I can't even put into words how nice it feels to be appreciated like that. I don't mean to bash my previous boss or workplace, but I was kind of taken for granted there a bit too much sometimes. This has been a good experience for the most part. Good for my low self-esteem for sure. 

How did I usually finish these pointless rants? It's been two years since I last even thought about typing down my thoughts. Maybe I will pick it back up. Who knows, I for sure don't. 

So. This is bye. Maybe forever. Maybe not. I guess only our fucked up Universe knows for sure. 

STOP WITH THE SLOW MOTION

I know I disappeared for a while, yet again. I don't even have a good excuse for it, I'm just lazy and keeping my weekly routine emptied out the story land in my head. But lucky you! I have found something to complain about, and let me begin by admitting that I might have mentioned this before, in passing.

During the last month, I have gone to the cinema twice. Once to see a Marvel movie and once to see a DC movie. Yes, I am about to talk about Marvel versus DC, yet again. Sorry, but this is a topic I like and feel some sort of a connection towards as I really enjoy being a geek, most of the time. 

I will try and keep this as spoiler free as possible, but I might slip up.

The Marvel movie I saw was of course Thor 3: Ragnarok. If I'm honest, Thor is one of my least favourite Avenger. He's been quite boring in my humble opinion. Maybe the movies made the character too serious for me or not serious enough. Well, they have turned me around with this film. I think it was awesome. I'd give it 8/10, which is high for me. The humour and action were well written and choreographed. The storyline did have some issues, but what film doesn't? I liked the new characters, I liked the old ones even more. There was something really special about the fact that Chris Hemsworth's older brother Luke played Thor in a play performed in the beginning of the film. I don't think everyone noticed that little piece, but I almost shot up from my seat when I recognised him. All we need is the youngest Hemsworth to join in and we've got a nice family movie. 

The DC film I saw was Justice League. After Suicide Squad and Batman v Superman, I wasn't really looking forward to any more DC movies, but Wonder Woman gave me so much hope that things were about to change. I know it's not a secret that Batman is, or maybe now was, my favourite superhero. I honestly have never been a Superman fan, but he was the best part of this one. Finally smiling and being somewhat normal. I really don't like this Batman. But I gave it my money and sat through it. I honestly wanted to sleep through some parts, the story kept jumping around, trying to force too many origin stories into it. What Marvel did right was give all his Avengers solo films before putting them all together. And now their talking about a Flashpoint movie, which could change everything. And Ben Affleck might not do the Batman solo film. DC is a mess. 5/10, which isn't that good...

But that's not the point of this post. I have ranted about how DC let's me down before. This time my topic is more general. 

As the title reads, I am sick of slow motion. I get it, superheroes are too fast. But come on! Justice League was full of it. Suicide Squad's final act was almost all done in it. I don't like it. It's like Trash Sky Beam 2.0. People need to stop! I tried, I really did, to remember if I was disturbed about it during Marvel movies and I honestly cannot name one instance. Maybe I need to re-watch some things. The only film I can name at this point is Deadpool, but even in that, it didn't bother me. DC seems to rely on it too much. Yeah, the heroes look awesome , or at least they would if the CGI weren't so cheap looking. Slow motion seems to make it extremely obvious. I am done with it. Please move on to TSB 3.0.

Well, I guess I'll sign off here. A bit sudden, but maybe it will leave you with something to think about. 

Until next time,

Reggie. 

EXPECTATION VS REALITY - SUPERHERO FILMS

As most of my friends and maybe even some of my more regular readers will know, I am a big movie lover, especially this over-created superhero movie genre. I think I have seen every superhero movie, that has come out since 2007. And a bunch that came out before that, obviously. 

I never seem to miss my money if I spend it on a superhero movie. Even if the movie sucks really bad. 

But this post is going to be about the expectations and reality I have experienced in the cinema, when it comes to these types of films. 

I will only write about the films that were massive let downs or amazing surprises. All those mediocre films they make, those can fade into oblivion. 

The most anticipated film, so hyped up that you just need to believe it’s going to be amazing, in the recent years, would be Batman v Superman. I mean they started showing us trailers way too soon, building up their film as their answer to Marvel’s dominion. Fans, myself included, were excited to see Batman go head-to-head with Superman. It divided the fans. It created discussions and arguments alike. And then it came out. And it was such a let down. It wasn’t a horrible film, but it wasn’t the film they promised and what I as a Batman fan expected. I was actually quite angry afterwards, but I remained hopeful, that at least Suicide Squad could make me believe in DC again. 

And then that monstrosity came out. I don’t really have anything nice to say about it anymore. You might just want to read my post about that film, I think I did point out some forgiving qualities in that. It’s just that, there more time passes and the more great films Marvel makes, the worse it seems. The more heart broken I am that they promised something amazing and failed to deliver. It was like a online purchase from eBay. You see this amazing prom dress and you order it, what you receive is nothing like the image promised. Maybe the colour is accurate, but the rest of it is just insulting to the eyes and ears. Putting out an extended version with most of the scenes people were excited to see, that doesn’t help either. DC just comes out as a money crabbing asshole, who promises the world, delivers a piece of it and then holds the rest of it hostage. “Pay me more money and then you will get the movie you wanted!” That kind of behaviour will not be tolerated forever. 

As I’m beating on DC, I should just point out the one film, where they actually exceeded my personal expectations. Wonder Woman. I was so let down and hurt by all those recent films they produced, I really didn’t have high hopes for this film. I am glad to report, that I was wrong to expect shit and found myself really enjoying a DC film for the first time since Nolan’s Batman. Well done, I must say. It wasn’t boring or overly sappy. Well acted, directed and edited. No space beams with trash, thank heavens. Sacrifice is also something I really like, I don’t particularly gravitate towards sorties that have a sappy happy ending. My friend M.K was a bit ticked off about the lack of it, but I think it made sense. 

As for some other reality exceeding the expectations, Marvel did it originally with Iron Man. Then there’s Guardians of the Galaxy. And I am really hoping that Spider-Man: Homecoming doesn’t end up in the let down pile. So far the feedback is positive and I will see it tomorrow evening. I’m sure I’ll tweet out my first impression afterwards. 

Another series that firstly exceeded expectations and sadly then totally let me down, was the latest X-Men trilogy. They really got my hopes up and then they ruined it. I will not dwell on the sadness I experienced watching that. 

Movies that delivered as promised, they are such a rarity in my opinion, that I just need to point them out: Deadpool, Avengers (the first one), Captain America: Civil War and Fantastic Four (2015). 

Before you lynch me, I did say delivered as promised. Who in their right mind expected that film to be anything but the shit storm it was? I knew it was going to suck from the first trailer. And yet, I payed money to see it. I must admit, I deeply regret doing that. But I suppose what doesn’t kill you…

All in all, Hollywood needs to stop with the catfishing and just give us what they promise. An awesome trailer makes shitty movies seem even worse than they actually might be. Raising our expectations sky high simply to get some seats in the cinema sold, just to let us down… eventually people are going to grow sick of it and your films will not bring in the big bucks. 

I am going to end this rant for now. I think this might become a topic I will revisit with different types of situations. Let’s say once a month I rant about something that raises our expectations and how the reality of it is simply lacking in all aspects. We’ll see. 

As of now, I bid you farewell and I might see you again next week!

Regina. 

WHAT WENT DOWN AT METALSHOW.LV?

So. Last weekend I was at a metal music fest in Kekava Latvia. Our usual place for some mild headbanging and beer consumption. Usually we attend a festival called Klang, but it's not happening this year, so Metalshow.lv it was. And... it was interesting.

Firstly, I went there with my bestest of friends from Latvia. So at least I was sure to have fun hanging out with them. Never mind anything else, that might come to pass, fun is what we always have. And this time wasn't any different from previous times. 

I should point out that the music quality and organisational side of this event were a bit sad. I don't want to be mean, but they had some big problems. The main issue being that there was quite a small crowd. I mean, the toilets didn't run out of toilet paper are were clean. That's how small the crowd was. 

The beer prices and also the made up Monopoly money they exchanged for real currency was stupid and quickly went to shit. They had to buy back the talons as someone created false currency. Thank you, whoever you were. The food was also something that made some of us mad. The portion size and the price mostly, although as I work in the food industry, I understand why it was the way it was. I don't complain about food prices if it's edible. And, it would cost exactly the same here in Estonia. Ms Bunny, I'm sorry that I am this "rich" Estonian who has enough to not complain about a 6€ meal at a festival ground. 

Back to the music. I knew I had no idea who any if these groups were, but I was still excited to check them out. I really liked a couple of them. Some didn't need to always scream. I'm apparently too old for this shit. And yet, there were groups who should not perform live, yet. I'm about to be mean to my fellow Estonians. Guys, you sounded so out of sync on that stage. It was a slow and long (why was it so long?) torture to support you. I wish I had something nice to say, but unfortunately, you let me down. I cannot defend that noise you produced. And, WHY WAS THE LAST SONG SOOOO LONG? 

Besides the music, the biggest highlight for me was almost getting to fight this Russian "lady", who seemed to really dislike us for some reason. It all began back at the car park. We do understand Russian, when we want to, by the way. And all those stuck up, I'm-better-than-you stares were really unnecessary. We never said or did anything to you and yet, you needed to provoke this racial hatred we all sometimes feel towards your countrymen. Actually, I don't even care that you were Russian. You are a human being, act like it. Just so you know, we had a foolproof attack plan ready, in case you hit any of us first. You would have eaten dirt in a matter of seconds. Not even joking here. 

All in all, I had fun. It was a great bonding exercise for us all. L.K. talked to me quite a lot this time, finally getting somewhere there. I guess I would be down to go back next year, only I hope the line up is better that time. 

Here's some images and video montage of some of the artists I saw. 

Have an awesome holiday, you melon farmers!

WHY I LOVE HISTORY? part 1

I love learning about things that happened in the past. History has always been one of my favourite subjects, even if I was failing or doing average in school. Discussing the past is one of my hobbies. I know I have many hobbies, like reading, writing silly stories, collecting bizarre objects and doing arts and crafts. Learning about history is just another one.

History in its self is very much a subject every child should take interest in. I mean, how can we better our future, if we turn a blind eye to everything that has happened before us? The saying does go, that those who don't learn history are doomed to repeat it. George Santaya apparently said it. And I agree, wholeheartedly. 

There are so many examples to draw from history that confirm this theses. You don't even have to look too far into the past to see them. The 20th century was a constant rinse and repeat cycle. World War I and World War II have so many similarities, it's insane that people were so stupid to repeat their mistakes. And it's not like they have a long peaceful time period between them. Yes, of course there were many differences between them too. WWII was so much worse with holocaust and mass-cleansing. It's hard for an Estonian to swallow the fact that Russia (Soviet Union) was considered an ally and a winner. I mean, the West basically teamed up with the worst country in the world, back then. I mentioned in my previous post the Singing Revolution, but that's the happy conclusion to decades of oppression and horrors. For us, the "republics" of Soviet Union, Stalin and all the following leaders of CCCP, were a nightmare to deal with. There were mass killings to rid the land of people who either had more land than they should or who didn't think as a communist should. I obviously was not alive back then, but luckily I had a great history teacher in school and I have watched documentaries about that time period. What they did to people, it's really awful that they were considered allies and the good guys. What happened behind the Red Curtain, people tend to forget about it. 

What most people talk about are the Nazis and Hitler. I get it. It was horrible what he did to his own people. What he did to humans in general. But his actions seem to over-shadow Stalin's madness. His terror began before Hitler's. There were many more casualties in his run for dominance. I mean, during the winter of 1932-1933, SEVEN MILLION Ukrainians died, most of them from starvation. That's way before Hitler started killing people in concentration camps. I might go off on a rant now. Just a quick warning.

There's a good documentary, made by Latvians, which explains the ideology behind communism and describes the horrors that were happening way before WWII. They are trying to make the world realise, that the Soviet Union was at least just as bad as the Nazis, if not worse. And I agree with them. Sending people off to Siberia, because there's a quota to fill, because they have their own opinions or because they own land, for which they have worked so hard for... it makes me angry, even if I was not around to experience it for myself. The name of the documentary is The Soviet Story. If you want to learn more about it, find it and watch it. I must warn you that there are horrifying images. Here's a video, discussing the documentary:

I am amazed how little you hear about it in the media or in general discussions. Everybody wants to talk about the Germans and I commend them for being honest and open about their past. It's really great that they are not trying to hide what their ancestors did. I went to Berlin last March (2016) and I was glad I took a day tour to the near-by concentration camp, Sachenhausen, because it opened my world up to more history. As a human who lives in a country that has more history shared with the Soviet union, we kind of hear more about that terror. Sachenhausen was a work camp, people were mostly killed by the weather and working until they couldn't any more. But there were some excruciating situations that really describe how bad people can be. Maybe you've heard about how Stalin treated his son Yakov horribly. Maybe you've even heard that he was captured by the Germans and tortured in a German concentration camp. But did you know that Sachenhausen was that camp? I have seen the post they used to string him up, I have been in the cell they held him. And to think that Stalin refused to trade for his son's release gives you an idea of how cruel that man was.

My grandmother, the one I've lived with most of my life and who is one of the most important people in my life, was born in 1941, August 7th to be more exact. I will never forget why that date is so important in our history. That, my friends, is the date when the Germans started rounding up people and killing them. In Estonia. You see, during WWII, Estonia (just as Latvia and Lithuania) changed regimes three times. First the Soviet Union made a deal with the presidents in 1939 for building bases on our soil. With the bases came the Red Army. They mostly built these bases in the Western part of Estonia, which if you now Geography, is a terrible idea. Russia is our Eastern neighbour. Once the war was on, the Soviets just took over. Done! 20 years of a republic, gone. Then, in 1941, the Germans started their war against the Soviets and took over. In 1944, the Soviet Union, who was part of the allied powers by then, came back. They waged a war on our soil and as everyone knows, the Germans lost. Back to being a communist. 

What really sucks, is that once the regime changed, people had to be killed off as they were clearly supporting the previous ideology. Which is total bull crap by the way. If your life depended on it, wouldn't you act as if you agree with what the government wants you to believe. It's called self-preservation. Ugh, it makes me angry that it happened and that I know about it. I mean I am glad we have the freedom to learn about stuff and also that I can write about it in my honest opinion. It's just maddening that things like that happened and that people seem to be blind to it. We are not learning from our ancestors' past mistakes. Look at the world we live in! It's so fucked up, I just literally don't want to live on this planet anymore. Sometimes I wish I could force everyone to sit down and just consume documentaries and history books. 

I think I might have steered off-course in my rant. I will address my other reasons for loving history in next week's post. I will try and keep it more light-hearted. Maybe talk about my fascination with monarchs and their spouses. That is literally a thing I spend time on, learning about their spouses. You can skip it, if this subject is boring, I won't hold it against anyone, as I am mostly typing this up for myself. And I'm currently running out of ideas. Give me some, please!

All the best in the world, that's what I want for you.

Regina. 

WHY HAPPY THINGS MAKE ME CRY?

I have a small addiction. I really enjoy watching videos of Golden Buzzard winners of Got Talent shows on YouTube. They are mostly incredibly talented people, who get an automatic pass to the live shows. Every judge has one buzzard to press on during the audition process. And I have no idea why, but it makes me cry when I see how much joy it gives the contestant.

I know it's due to empathy, probably. You hopefully know what empathy is? If not, then I'll explain in two sentences:

Empathy is the ability to sense other people's emotions and state of being, for example when a co-worker is upset, you know to back off and give them space. Empathy is something most people have, unless you are a sociopath and of course there are those of us, who have a bigger empathic ability than others.

That was two sentences, as promised.

Anyway, I cry when I see people happy. I can't help it, I just tear up and then they fall and roll off my face. I feel like an idiot, sitting in my room, watching videos online and crying about it. And it's not like I feel jealousy when I watch these. I don't ever imagine myself in their spot, I know I have no show quality talents. I mean I can crochet really fast and maybe speak four to five languages, if I must. I can't sing, I play the piano very poorly and last I checked, reading books in two years was not a talent either.

I guess what I'm trying to point out here is, that happiness makes me sad.

Sad things just don't have that effect on me as often. I could be watching a devastatingly beautiful film, with the saddest ending and I know I should feel something and be sad, too, but I just can't get there. For example, I went and saw Logan, back when it came out, with my bestie K.K (thank gods she doesn't have a middle name that starts with a K as well). I really-really loved the film. I'm a big fan of R-rated products, especially superhero related. I still watch Deadpool on a semi-regular basis and don't fret! I bought a digital version of it, I own it, so I'm not stealing from anyone whilst enjoying my humour and murder. But when it comes to Logan, I mean even I felt it got a bit too violent at some points. I think I actually cringed at some point. I know my friend is not that big into violence, and I get it. It's only us weirdos who can enjoy something so brutal wholeheartedly. Anyhow, if you've seen this film, you know how it ends. If not, LOOK AWAY CHILD! because here comes the spoiler: Logan dies. And it's the saddest movie moment ever. I have been a fan of Wolverine ever since the first X-Men and to have him be sent off like this, I mean it was a perfect goodbye to one of the most animal heroes in the known comic-verse. He couldn't go out petting puppies, is all I'm saying.

Back to the point! This sad ending, sadder than anything I've seen in a year or so, didn't make me cry. Not one tear fell. I knew crying would have been a normal reaction to this masterpiece, but nothing came out. I looked over to my friend and I even felt guilty for not being an emotional wreck. It's not to say that she was wailing like a baby, I don't think she is as involved in the superhero movie business as I am. I mean, I get obsessed rather easily when it comes to these types of things. But the point is, that I felt nothing. Maybe some light heart ache, for saying goodbye to a character I've been following for years. I mean when Infinity War 2 comes out and the contracts run out, I'm going to riot in my head, quietly resenting time and aging. Didn't see that one coming, did you? Haha! I'm insane.

I get emotional rather quickly, I find my empathy sometimes too disturbingly powerful. I just can't stand to see others upset. And it carries on to these happy videos with people in them I've never seen or heard of until then. Why happiness makes me cry, I have no idea. Mu brain chemistry is somewhat wack. 

And to close this one off:

I cannot watch these happy videos around other people. I am half ashamed to be this much of a freak when it comes to this topic. But then again, maybe that is the reason. I went to see Logan with a friend, if I had been alone, maybe I would have cried. Who knows?

Anyhow, I will leave you be and just retreat into my self-made isolation cocoon.

See you soon,

Regina.

WHAT NOT TO LIE ABOUT ON YOUR CV, IF I HAPPEN TO READ IT?!

Long time no complaints. Well, here are some (or should I say one) I've been bottling up for years now.

I work in a small hotel in a small town in Estonia. I do basically every job there. I am officially the chef, but when needed I still do a bit of serving or a shift as a receptionist. When the manager is away, I look after her post as well and manage the rest of the gang. I even peel potatoes for the other chef, if need be. I mowed the lawn last summer for heavens sake! Basically, I am willing to do whatever needs doing.

And now, the summer season is fast approaching, it is time to read all the CVs again. And here's my problem with them:

Young people in Estonia have no idea what the language codes mean or they just try to make themselves look smarter and lie. 

If You are stranger to these categories, let me explain a little.

A1 and A2 are reserved for people who speak or understand a language on the minimal capacity. Basically You know how to say a few phrases and understand some sentences when spoken slowly. A1 is the weaker of the punch. I would categorise my Latin and Spanish at that level. A2, a bit stronger, is where I put my Russian, if we're speaking about writing and reading, as I'm rusty as hell with them.

B1 and B2 are middle level language users. Officially, people in Estonia get B1 once they finish 9th grade and B2 when they finish 12th. You do not get a higher category officially, even if you think You are better than that. My French is at a B1 level grammatically. Maybe if I get to spend some time there, verbally I could put myself at B2, but that's a stretch and I finished 12th grade using a B2 textbook. 

C1 and C2 are advanced and expert (I repeat myself: C2 means EXPERT) language users. I was fortunate enough to use a C1 level textbook in 11th and 12th grade. But that still didn't mean I got that level. I took my National English Exam and got a B2, OFFICIALLY! I did go off to university where I studied English as a subject, so I could say that I am at C1 now. There's a test You can take, I'll link to it here: TEST YOUR LEVEL! 

C2 level is reserved for people who are experts. I could say with confidence that I am a level C2 Estonian speaker, it's my mother tongue and I am fluent. You need to understand idioms, colloquial language, grammar etc. Your vocabulary has to be basically ideal. You have to be born into the language to be a master at it. 

And this finally brings me to the reason for this educational ride I've typed up for you. I cannot stand youngsters who send us their CVs and put English as a C2 level language for themselves. Even I'm not that cocky when it comes to my language skills, and I often say, I'm more comfortable writing and reading in English than in Estonian. Whenever I read that blatant C2 lie, I want to interview them in English. We have hired people who claim to be at C2 or even C1 levels and more often than not, they fall short. They maybe B2 level, if they have graduated from secondary school. Other than that, don't lie to me. Especially if You went to a vocational school after 9th grade. Not to bash these people, but I know how they gloss over regular school subjects. I do have ears and eyes.

Lastly, I need to kind of defend these people as well. In school, no one explains what that B2 or C1 level bullshit means. It may even not be marked on the textbook You use. At least that's the case in Estonia. No one explains to the student, that this exam or that is at this or that level. That when You pass with how many points, You officially have this level. No one. Unless You're interested in language studies and textbooks. I researched the explanations of the levels in 11th grade, once I wrote my big ass research paper about different 9th grade English textbooks and how they prepared students for the National Exam and the official level they needed to achieve by the end of that year. I dove even deeper into it the next year, when I researched 12th grade textbooks, trying to find out if they were the official level for a B2 National English Exam all the students had to take and pass. 

I got some little information in university about it, but basically, no one talks about it. Why is that? We want youngsters (I do include myself in this category, although I feel older than most people around me, most of the time) to create these professional CVs and get good jobs, but we don't teach them how to make themselves seem presentable on paper.

There is a website in Estonia, that most job seekers use, myself included, where they give some guidelines as to what which level means, but no real explanation given. No in depth introduction on how to check Your level or how to describe Your skills. And I freaking hate it! When I see a CV with English marked at the C2 or even C1 level, without any indication they have gotten more than secondary school classes on the subject, without living in an English speaking country for years, I just want to tell that person, that lying does not help them in this situation. It only makes them seem stupid in my eyes. 

Alright. I think I got that out of my system now. Phew! 

All I want to add, is that if You want to seem professional, please make sure You understand what You put on Your CV. I hate to be the one who makes fun of You, because it seems impossible to have a C2 level English, if You have barely finished secondary school. Please, check Your level on that link I added in this post and stop making this stupid mistake, that You can avoid so easily. It's easy as pie. 

All my love,

Regina.

PS! Here's another test for Your levels: Cambridge English test It's a bit harder maybe.