Ten things Mari taught me - a tribute to Mari Hyndman

Mari had many friends and will be sorely missed by all of them.

It's perhaps her enthusiasm I'll miss the most.

Her enthusiasm for so many things was infectious. I can hear her voice in my
head, her distinctive Romanian accent enthusing about so many things.

Mari had a vulnerability that sometimes made you feel protective of her, but
at the same time, she had such strength, energy and wisdom. She inspired me
and taught me a lot, both professionally and about life in general.

I owe Mari a great deal.

I'd like to reflect briefly on ten things that Mari taught me:

1. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today - along with anything
   else that may just occur to you along the way.
2. There's no such thing as clothes that don't go together, as long as you
   wear them along with a big Romanian grin.
3. English is an extremely rich and descriptive language, especially when you
   aren't familiar with all the tired traditional sayings and just invent your
   own.
4. Computer programming is a philosophical pursuit, chiefly concerned with
   figuring out why your computer hates you.
5. Apathy and cynicism are diseases - an evening with Mari was invariably the
   cure.
6. Drinking one glass of wine is good for you - Drinking three glasses of
   wine is very amusing for your friends.
7. Honesty may sometimes offend, but it never disappoints.
8. Stand up for what you believe. Mari and I had a few heated political and
   philosophical debates in our time. I didn't always agree with her, but you
   have to admire her passion and commitment.
9. Be your self. Mari was very natural. I can't says she wasn't self-conscious
   - sometimes she was, but it never stopped her from just being herself.
10. Look after your friends, they are everything, and you'll miss them when
    they're gone.

I miss you Mari.