"...how hard it is even to learn Estonian, and I mean really learn it, learn it so that you can read any newspaper article or book off the shelf. It takes time, patience, and a good dictionary."

Thanks for emphasizing the truth, and congrats for applying yourself to the challenge. Language changes fast - try speaking to a teenager either in Eesti or the US - and it is a lifelong task to remain current. Especially with slang becoming mainstream, like jokk and masu...