Yesterday Tim and I both received identical letters from the Court of Central Finland.
I freaked. I used "Google Translator" to see what happened as I noticed there was a date for April 1/10 written on there and that was it.
I was under the incorrect impression it was a request for a paternity test (which is required for those couples who's child(ren) are born out of wedlock (aka they're not married)). I had no idea why April 1 was a significant date, as V�in� will be 5 months on the 3rd. So I was quite confused.
According to Google Translate (which is absolutely awful by the way) many words were not translated but the ones that were stuck out.
"Bailiff, Man must sign, Man, Court of Central Finland, Summoned, By April 1/2010..." etc.
So the first thought was "paternity test"? Because we're still trying to prove our marriage. Sigh. Enough of that - you've all heard about our troubles.
Anyways I'm freaking out - not because of any doubt - but because I have no idea what to do and we (Tim and I) disagree with having a court-mandated paternity test. A friend, Kikka, explains it's just a signing of a document saying that yes - Tim is the father. (According to her friends). I'm like oh - that's a "paternity test"?!
So today I was to meet with Kikka around 2:30 but got there early and had V�in� wrapped to my chest with the green "curtain" I got at the baby exhibition. I chose not to wear a winter coat as it was 4*C or so - and with a thick sweater and V�in� attached - I was quite warm! When I got there - I bumped into Susanna and explained the document I received. She looked at it and called the court house and found out that they have come to a decision about a piece of mail we received ages ago.
We got someone else's mail listed for "Saunakatu 1c, 27". But our street has went under a name change awhile ago (prior to us coming to Finland) and the building number has changed from a 1 to a 7 as well. Which we didn't know about until the post lady told us when we returned the mail.
Why we have to go to court for this decision - blows my mind. So what do we do for future mail that isn't ours? Who knows. I mean one of these days it could be something really important and we'll get called to court about it? Stupid really - but interesting nonetheless.
My other thought was that someone from back home was trying to sue us for who knows what.
Onto other news. I had bought bananas recently and normally I just get about 3-4 Chiquita Jr. bananas as the store I sometimes go to doesn't have Chiquita bananas. Anyways - Tim bought the bananas last time (not that I have a preference - but anyways) and he got regular bananas.
This morning and yesterday too, I mashed up some regular Chiquitas and fed some to V�in� and he spat it out. No idea why.
Then I had a bite of the regular banana and realized that it's not as sweet (it doesn't taste bad by any means) as the Jr. bananas.
So - Chiquita Jr. are sweeter bananas and smaller but more expensive than the regular Chiquita bananas.
I introduced V�in� to prunes in a jar. I normally dislike the thought of having to feed V�in� food from a jar because of how long it's been on the shelf (who knows what is in it!), the salt and sugar levels and I like cooking - so why not take the extra step and make it myself? He really enjoys them.
V�in� dislikes eggs (hardboiled then mashed or over easy), carrots, mango pieces...so far so good.
Oh and a few more things.
Today I was on the hunt for stationary. I love this stuff and was sick of writing on blank white paper or lined paper from a notebook I'll need in the future...so! I went downtown and looked around after hanging out with Kikka. No luck at the book store or the 2 art stores downtown. So I will try the post office tomorrow - I know they sell it - I just didn't think of it.
Anyways - downtown in the city center, there are no vehicles allowed (except bikes/emergency vehicles, taxis and people who live in the center (above the shops) that are leaving or entering their parking lot). So onto the exciting part. I saw a bunch of people standing about and then saw a Police vehicle (they mostly drive paddy-wagons here) parked outside of the book store and Sokos and two officers patting down two people and going through each and every pocket of their pants (like cargo pants)...no idea what they did but I must've missed something while in a different shop!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
A is for Appetizer....
So I forgot to mention about some other Finnish things we learned while having dinner at Juhana's the other night. It's really funny actually.
So we're all sitting in the living room relaxing and chatting and we're asked if we'd like an appetizer. Tim and I both said nah - we're fine thanks. "We'll wait until supper time."
They looked at us like we were a little strange but didn't say anything.
Then a couple minutes later - they asked again if we'd like an appetizer - and we're like nah - it's okay. We're not hungry - we can wait until supper's ready.
Well - joke was on us! In Finland (and possibly all of Europe?), an appetizer is an alcoholic beverage. NOT a snack prior to supper.
"Antipasto" or "Starters" is the normal terms they use for a snack before supper...you know stuff like- garlic fingers, onion rings, fried pepperoni etc.
Another hilarious thing we learned...while Tim was with Juhana checking out the cool storage space (I'm sure it was "cool" in a literal sense but I mean physically it's cold) in the basement floor - his wife asks me a serious question.
"What does it mean, 'You lucky puppy'"? I said "Oh it's just saying that you're a lucky person...like you lucky dog...or whatever."
She smiled and told me that in Finnish they have a similar term: "You lucky Peter."
So there ya have it.
So we're all sitting in the living room relaxing and chatting and we're asked if we'd like an appetizer. Tim and I both said nah - we're fine thanks. "We'll wait until supper time."
They looked at us like we were a little strange but didn't say anything.
Then a couple minutes later - they asked again if we'd like an appetizer - and we're like nah - it's okay. We're not hungry - we can wait until supper's ready.
Well - joke was on us! In Finland (and possibly all of Europe?), an appetizer is an alcoholic beverage. NOT a snack prior to supper.
"Antipasto" or "Starters" is the normal terms they use for a snack before supper...you know stuff like- garlic fingers, onion rings, fried pepperoni etc.
Another hilarious thing we learned...while Tim was with Juhana checking out the cool storage space (I'm sure it was "cool" in a literal sense but I mean physically it's cold) in the basement floor - his wife asks me a serious question.
"What does it mean, 'You lucky puppy'"? I said "Oh it's just saying that you're a lucky person...like you lucky dog...or whatever."
She smiled and told me that in Finnish they have a similar term: "You lucky Peter."
So there ya have it.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Mammi! and a Finnish version of Halloween
Last night we went to our future home and visited Juhana and his family for a dinner of lasagna (so good!) and mammi.
What is Mammi? Mammi is a rye based dessert only sold around Easter time.
It looks terrible - like that of a newborn's poopy diaper and when you shake the box - it doesn't move...almost tar-like.
But I was advised by several Finnish friends (and a Canadian friend living in Finland) that it tastes MUCH better than it looks. And to drown it in some cream.
So! The lasagna was delightful as I previously mentioned - I probably could've eaten the whole casserole dish and the mammi was delicious as well! It tasted like a cake!
I will definitely pick some up soon!
Normally I am 6 hours ahead of Nova Scotia (the home land...) but because the Canadians got to spring forward an hour ages ago - I was only 5 hours ahead. Now I'm back on track to being 6 hours ahead as of this morning. I think the time difference and us getting home quite late from our visit (Carcassonne match...that wasn't completed due to a fussy baby) - it's screwing up EVERYBODY'S schedule.
Halloween is not a big thing here. There's the occasional costume party for grown-ups but other than that - kids don't go trick-or-treating. What do Finnish kids do instead?
A week before Easter they dress up and decorate thin twigs with pipe cleaners, feathers, construction paper - really anything colorful....and they go knocking on doors. They ask if they can sing a little song that is like a blessing to you and if you say no - that's fine. They leave on their merry little way. But if you say yes - then they sing their little chant and you reward them with candy. They can also leave you a piece of twig too.
Needless to say - no kids came to our building - and I don't think we have kids in our building old enough to go rapping on the doors.
Also - they'd probably be terrified by our home-made sign that says: "Warning: 2 large and friendly dogs live here" in both Finnish and English.
I was contemplating scratching out the "friendly" part as a joke. Ha.
What is Mammi? Mammi is a rye based dessert only sold around Easter time.
It looks terrible - like that of a newborn's poopy diaper and when you shake the box - it doesn't move...almost tar-like.
But I was advised by several Finnish friends (and a Canadian friend living in Finland) that it tastes MUCH better than it looks. And to drown it in some cream.
So! The lasagna was delightful as I previously mentioned - I probably could've eaten the whole casserole dish and the mammi was delicious as well! It tasted like a cake!
I will definitely pick some up soon!
Normally I am 6 hours ahead of Nova Scotia (the home land...) but because the Canadians got to spring forward an hour ages ago - I was only 5 hours ahead. Now I'm back on track to being 6 hours ahead as of this morning. I think the time difference and us getting home quite late from our visit (Carcassonne match...that wasn't completed due to a fussy baby) - it's screwing up EVERYBODY'S schedule.
Halloween is not a big thing here. There's the occasional costume party for grown-ups but other than that - kids don't go trick-or-treating. What do Finnish kids do instead?
A week before Easter they dress up and decorate thin twigs with pipe cleaners, feathers, construction paper - really anything colorful....and they go knocking on doors. They ask if they can sing a little song that is like a blessing to you and if you say no - that's fine. They leave on their merry little way. But if you say yes - then they sing their little chant and you reward them with candy. They can also leave you a piece of twig too.
Needless to say - no kids came to our building - and I don't think we have kids in our building old enough to go rapping on the doors.
Also - they'd probably be terrified by our home-made sign that says: "Warning: 2 large and friendly dogs live here" in both Finnish and English.
I was contemplating scratching out the "friendly" part as a joke. Ha.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
I'm contemplating dyeing my hair blonde...
Today was going to be a boring day. I knew it.
I didn't want to wait for the electrician to look at our fuse box - so I wrote a sign up in Finnish and English warning people that we have 2 large/friendly dogs that live here. I ended up being home when they got here - they were less than 10 seconds then we (V�in� and I) went to the huge playground. It was quite warm out..about -2*C so I just wore a couple t-shirts and a thick sweater with jeans. It's still slippery outside but so far I haven't fallen! *Knock on wood!
When we got to the playground, V�in� had woken up by then (it's about a 15-20 minute walk or so from our flat) so I popped him into the lower baby swings and he just looked around...and then I pushed him gently so he could barely swing back and forth and he kept opening his mouth like a gold fish trying to eat his coat. Thankfully he couldn't reach the metal links of the swing! That'd be complicated!
When we got inside there was a little girl about a year older than V�in� and a boy about 4 or 5...and I smiled at him and said "Hei" (hello) and he said quite seriously, "Moi" (sounds like moy and also another greeting). He was playing with dinky cars on the big play mat so I sat V�in� down on the floor and made some car/truck sounds while driving them around and then the kid asked me questions. I said "Sorry I don't speak Finnish. I speak...englanti?..."
Then I pointed at V and said "Poika!" The boy nodded very seriously and said, "Poika." Then he asked me something else but said "poika" in his sentence - so I guessed he asked the name...so I said "V�in�...and I am Dominique". He just nodded and continued to make super cool car sounds.
After a cup of tea and some banana we went for a walk down to the library and V was totally asleep by then so I sat in a comfortable chair and read a bit. On our way out an older gentleman held the door open for me. So I smiled and said "Kiitos!"(thank you) and then he held the 2nd door and I bumped into the door frame then tried again and successfully got outside...and he said something to me in Finnish. And I just smiled and laughed and said "Kiitos!" again.
He then smiled and says IN ENGLISH: "You need a drivers' license."
I nearly died.
I didn't want to wait for the electrician to look at our fuse box - so I wrote a sign up in Finnish and English warning people that we have 2 large/friendly dogs that live here. I ended up being home when they got here - they were less than 10 seconds then we (V�in� and I) went to the huge playground. It was quite warm out..about -2*C so I just wore a couple t-shirts and a thick sweater with jeans. It's still slippery outside but so far I haven't fallen! *Knock on wood!
When we got to the playground, V�in� had woken up by then (it's about a 15-20 minute walk or so from our flat) so I popped him into the lower baby swings and he just looked around...and then I pushed him gently so he could barely swing back and forth and he kept opening his mouth like a gold fish trying to eat his coat. Thankfully he couldn't reach the metal links of the swing! That'd be complicated!
When we got inside there was a little girl about a year older than V�in� and a boy about 4 or 5...and I smiled at him and said "Hei" (hello) and he said quite seriously, "Moi" (sounds like moy and also another greeting). He was playing with dinky cars on the big play mat so I sat V�in� down on the floor and made some car/truck sounds while driving them around and then the kid asked me questions. I said "Sorry I don't speak Finnish. I speak...englanti?..."
Then I pointed at V and said "Poika!" The boy nodded very seriously and said, "Poika." Then he asked me something else but said "poika" in his sentence - so I guessed he asked the name...so I said "V�in�...and I am Dominique". He just nodded and continued to make super cool car sounds.
After a cup of tea and some banana we went for a walk down to the library and V was totally asleep by then so I sat in a comfortable chair and read a bit. On our way out an older gentleman held the door open for me. So I smiled and said "Kiitos!"(thank you) and then he held the 2nd door and I bumped into the door frame then tried again and successfully got outside...and he said something to me in Finnish. And I just smiled and laughed and said "Kiitos!" again.
He then smiled and says IN ENGLISH: "You need a drivers' license."
I nearly died.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Some Traditional Finnish Things...
Today I went over to Kikka's flat - next building over, who has a sewing machine I could borrow and I decided to make some curtains.
I went to the fabric store with the pram and surprisingly didn't bump into a single thing all day! I found a lovely sheer orange (very pumpkin orange I suppose) material that was 3 Euros per meter and that will be for the kitchen. Then I found a kind of retro pattern with olive green for a background with a black print that kind of looks like eyes....and decided that would be great for the living room. Not too fancy or too bright...and thick enough to block the sunlight that's been streaming in around 6:30am.
So I never bought fabric before in Canada - so maybe this is the "norm" - but they have tags at the end of the tubes of material and they scan it, punch in how much material they cut for you and then print out a thick recipe with a bar code on it. You take that and your material to the cash and they scan the receipt and voila - you pay.
I went to the grocery store and loaded up on dog food and some lighter groceries and trekked home. I went over to Kikka's around 7pm to sew curtains and she did most of the sewing as for 1 - I suck at it and 2 I screwed up. I was sewing 2 sides instead of the top and bottom edges....ah well. I also learned a lot about Finns.
1. Norwegians eat more fish than Finns do.
2. It's (unfortunately) common for husbands to hit their wives and nobody says or does much about it. Usually instigated by alcohol.
3. Finns LOVE LOVE LOVE ice hockey...and Jyv�skyl� has one of the best teams in Finland thus far!
4. Hesburger is more popular here than McDonalds as it's origin is in Turku, a much bigger city than where I live now....
5. Kikka made "mocha pie" - which was a thin chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles and the lightest taste of coffee! I do not like coffee but this was so light you could barely taste it! This is a very common dessert and a very old one as well. It's popular during fundraisers/bake sales and is usually the first to go!
6. You cannot spank your children in Finland - or you go to jail. It's illegal.
I was really shocked about #2 being very common - however it sort of makes sense. The wife drinks and starts bitching and complaining....and then the husband drinks and back and forth bantering leads to physical contact I suppose. (I do not support it - I am merely pointing out the reality).
And there ya have it.
I went to the fabric store with the pram and surprisingly didn't bump into a single thing all day! I found a lovely sheer orange (very pumpkin orange I suppose) material that was 3 Euros per meter and that will be for the kitchen. Then I found a kind of retro pattern with olive green for a background with a black print that kind of looks like eyes....and decided that would be great for the living room. Not too fancy or too bright...and thick enough to block the sunlight that's been streaming in around 6:30am.
So I never bought fabric before in Canada - so maybe this is the "norm" - but they have tags at the end of the tubes of material and they scan it, punch in how much material they cut for you and then print out a thick recipe with a bar code on it. You take that and your material to the cash and they scan the receipt and voila - you pay.
I went to the grocery store and loaded up on dog food and some lighter groceries and trekked home. I went over to Kikka's around 7pm to sew curtains and she did most of the sewing as for 1 - I suck at it and 2 I screwed up. I was sewing 2 sides instead of the top and bottom edges....ah well. I also learned a lot about Finns.
1. Norwegians eat more fish than Finns do.
2. It's (unfortunately) common for husbands to hit their wives and nobody says or does much about it. Usually instigated by alcohol.
3. Finns LOVE LOVE LOVE ice hockey...and Jyv�skyl� has one of the best teams in Finland thus far!
4. Hesburger is more popular here than McDonalds as it's origin is in Turku, a much bigger city than where I live now....
5. Kikka made "mocha pie" - which was a thin chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles and the lightest taste of coffee! I do not like coffee but this was so light you could barely taste it! This is a very common dessert and a very old one as well. It's popular during fundraisers/bake sales and is usually the first to go!
6. You cannot spank your children in Finland - or you go to jail. It's illegal.
I was really shocked about #2 being very common - however it sort of makes sense. The wife drinks and starts bitching and complaining....and then the husband drinks and back and forth bantering leads to physical contact I suppose. (I do not support it - I am merely pointing out the reality).
And there ya have it.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Un-expected English speakers...
It's interesting - or maybe it's Murphy's Law.
Whenever I hope someone speaks English - they speak enough for us to get by or none at all.
Whenever I assume that someone doesn't speak English - it turns out they do.
In example: Yesterday I walked home after having tea and some grocery shopping time with Kikka and that was fine. V�in� and I walked across the frozen duck pond and saw a tall man with his beautiful chocolate spaniel. The dog was lunging towards me but in a friendly way and the guy didn't know if I was okay with dogs or not. I smiled at him and said, "hei" (which sounds like Hey and means same thing) to the dog. I crouched down and the man let the dog come near me and he just sniffed my hands and licked them. With V�in� on my chest he also smelled the baby but was more interested in my hands - I suppose because I picked a lot of groceries and had sushi for lunch.
I began to talk to the dog in English, "I have 2 doggies too but they're bigger than you are."
And boom - holy embarrassment. The guy says: "Oh really? What breeds? How old? This is Pikko - he is 1 year and 2 months old."
So we chatted a bit and then went our separate ways. Way to go Dominique - sometimes I feel so rude for not speaking to the owners - but I usually assume they don't speak a lot (if any) of English.
Today the mailman came by a little late but that's okay as I'm cleaning like crazy. I got a wedding invitation for a wedding I can't make it to (will be in Greece) and a phone book!! I'll have to take pictures of it later.
Anyways - that's fine. I'm cleaning and I thought I heard the door bell but wasn't sure. Loki confirmed it by leaping off the bed where he was snuggled up with V�in� napping, and stood by the door with his ears perked. I don't have a peephole here - which is unfortunate at times. So I lifted the mail slot flap and indeed did see a person there.
I opened the door, not expecting anybody, and the lady started jabbering to me in Finnish. Meanwhile, Loki tried to lunge for her (not her throat - just her in general) - and I quickly hauled him back and pulled the "I'm sorry - I don't speak Finnish"and backed away. She then says (with fire-y red hair and Sarah Palin glasses) : "Oh I can speak in English! I am Jehovah Witness - would you like to meet us?"
I advised her politely, No I'm not interested thank you. She says (insert Blue lunging at her now...) "Oh well do you know who we are?"
"Oh yes I am very aware of who you are - we're just not interested. Thanks."
She smiled and didn't press - bonus points for her and kindly left.
I have to give her props though - her English was great and she didn't budge while I was straining to hold the dogs back by their collars. It must've been her black skirt - they love to shed on black clothing.
Whenever I hope someone speaks English - they speak enough for us to get by or none at all.
Whenever I assume that someone doesn't speak English - it turns out they do.
In example: Yesterday I walked home after having tea and some grocery shopping time with Kikka and that was fine. V�in� and I walked across the frozen duck pond and saw a tall man with his beautiful chocolate spaniel. The dog was lunging towards me but in a friendly way and the guy didn't know if I was okay with dogs or not. I smiled at him and said, "hei" (which sounds like Hey and means same thing) to the dog. I crouched down and the man let the dog come near me and he just sniffed my hands and licked them. With V�in� on my chest he also smelled the baby but was more interested in my hands - I suppose because I picked a lot of groceries and had sushi for lunch.
I began to talk to the dog in English, "I have 2 doggies too but they're bigger than you are."
And boom - holy embarrassment. The guy says: "Oh really? What breeds? How old? This is Pikko - he is 1 year and 2 months old."
So we chatted a bit and then went our separate ways. Way to go Dominique - sometimes I feel so rude for not speaking to the owners - but I usually assume they don't speak a lot (if any) of English.
Today the mailman came by a little late but that's okay as I'm cleaning like crazy. I got a wedding invitation for a wedding I can't make it to (will be in Greece) and a phone book!! I'll have to take pictures of it later.
Anyways - that's fine. I'm cleaning and I thought I heard the door bell but wasn't sure. Loki confirmed it by leaping off the bed where he was snuggled up with V�in� napping, and stood by the door with his ears perked. I don't have a peephole here - which is unfortunate at times. So I lifted the mail slot flap and indeed did see a person there.
I opened the door, not expecting anybody, and the lady started jabbering to me in Finnish. Meanwhile, Loki tried to lunge for her (not her throat - just her in general) - and I quickly hauled him back and pulled the "I'm sorry - I don't speak Finnish"and backed away. She then says (with fire-y red hair and Sarah Palin glasses) : "Oh I can speak in English! I am Jehovah Witness - would you like to meet us?"
I advised her politely, No I'm not interested thank you. She says (insert Blue lunging at her now...) "Oh well do you know who we are?"
"Oh yes I am very aware of who you are - we're just not interested. Thanks."
She smiled and didn't press - bonus points for her and kindly left.
I have to give her props though - her English was great and she didn't budge while I was straining to hold the dogs back by their collars. It must've been her black skirt - they love to shed on black clothing.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Yarn, curtains, wine opener - OH MY!
Today was a very productive day. Could've been more productive - however I got to do quite a bit.
I was woken up at 6:30 by my darling little boy who had gone to bed quite early last night and that was fine. I had a load of laundry in the machine by 7:15am and dishes done by 8.
V�in� didn't have his regular nap at 11 and opted to fall asleep 10 minutes before a friend came over to visit. We then went on a walk downtown, did some grocery shopping and I went to go pick up my picture order I placed via e-mail and because my last name is a foreign last name - the system rejected my e-mail as spam. But they made a note and I'll just submit it again and pick it up in a couple days.
Found a wine opener for tomorrow night as we're having Miira, one of Tim's colleagues but based in Helsinki, over for dinner. We realized last night that we did not bring Tim's handy utility knife that has a handy cork-screw in it with us. There was a wine opener for (almost) 20 Euros. It was silver and grey and looked "like a robot" as my friend put it. Ha.
Found matching blue yarn in Sokos (thank goodness as Antilla is in the process of moving down the street) to finish V�in�'s sweater and the cashier gave me a little package for buying yarn...I didn't even remember I had it until I showed Tim the wine bottle opener. It's a durable/thick plastic bag with 2 rope straps in navy and PERFECT for holding a bunch of yarn and hooks/needles. I'm so excited. I'm hoping to finish the sweater by tomorrow so V�in� can wear it.
NOW curtains! We definitely need curtains here after experiencing the whole "me not wearing pants and I saw men go up on the roof" bit....Tim's preference is black.
I'm not running a funeral home in here. Ha. I'm going for color!
Here in Finland- at least based on our summer experience when we first arrived - the sun is up very early. Like 4:30am....so yes I agree - we need curtains - but I'm not having black curtains! The dog hair will just cling to it like crazy. I want something dark but with a pop of color as all of our walls are white, the floor is a nice light beige....and we just could use more color. We'll see what I can find.
For those of you that have never came to our flat in Canada before - I had the best shower curtains...big floral pattern ones that probably would you give a seizure they were so bright...and frogs with googly eyes and ducks with googly eyes...yes Walmart. I love it! Anyway - I will have to first of all, take measurements - and go from there.
Which involves hunting for my measuring tape. We just need curtains for the kitchen and living room...and balcony door I suppose. That's it.
Tomorrow will involve a lot of cooking and cleaning...and some re-arranging as we have 3 chairs and need to figure out where to eat supper....lol.
Should be a good time!
I was woken up at 6:30 by my darling little boy who had gone to bed quite early last night and that was fine. I had a load of laundry in the machine by 7:15am and dishes done by 8.
V�in� didn't have his regular nap at 11 and opted to fall asleep 10 minutes before a friend came over to visit. We then went on a walk downtown, did some grocery shopping and I went to go pick up my picture order I placed via e-mail and because my last name is a foreign last name - the system rejected my e-mail as spam. But they made a note and I'll just submit it again and pick it up in a couple days.
Found a wine opener for tomorrow night as we're having Miira, one of Tim's colleagues but based in Helsinki, over for dinner. We realized last night that we did not bring Tim's handy utility knife that has a handy cork-screw in it with us. There was a wine opener for (almost) 20 Euros. It was silver and grey and looked "like a robot" as my friend put it. Ha.
Found matching blue yarn in Sokos (thank goodness as Antilla is in the process of moving down the street) to finish V�in�'s sweater and the cashier gave me a little package for buying yarn...I didn't even remember I had it until I showed Tim the wine bottle opener. It's a durable/thick plastic bag with 2 rope straps in navy and PERFECT for holding a bunch of yarn and hooks/needles. I'm so excited. I'm hoping to finish the sweater by tomorrow so V�in� can wear it.
NOW curtains! We definitely need curtains here after experiencing the whole "me not wearing pants and I saw men go up on the roof" bit....Tim's preference is black.
I'm not running a funeral home in here. Ha. I'm going for color!
Here in Finland- at least based on our summer experience when we first arrived - the sun is up very early. Like 4:30am....so yes I agree - we need curtains - but I'm not having black curtains! The dog hair will just cling to it like crazy. I want something dark but with a pop of color as all of our walls are white, the floor is a nice light beige....and we just could use more color. We'll see what I can find.
For those of you that have never came to our flat in Canada before - I had the best shower curtains...big floral pattern ones that probably would you give a seizure they were so bright...and frogs with googly eyes and ducks with googly eyes...yes Walmart. I love it! Anyway - I will have to first of all, take measurements - and go from there.
Which involves hunting for my measuring tape. We just need curtains for the kitchen and living room...and balcony door I suppose. That's it.
Tomorrow will involve a lot of cooking and cleaning...and some re-arranging as we have 3 chairs and need to figure out where to eat supper....lol.
Should be a good time!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
"Small Day"
Today I had the wonderful opportunity, courtesy of my friend Salla, of going to "Small Day".
In the library there is a really large room and many vendors set up shop inside. There were a tonne of various cloth diapers, some yarn sellers, and health products available for sale.
As well there were various carriers for babies too!
I was in the market for a new carrier, as the Baby Bj�rn I have is wearing on my shoulders. V�in�'s a big boy and without our winter coats - it's fine. I can tolerate it. But with his snow suit and my coat on - I feel like an elephant, I feel so huge. The end result is that my shoulders are quite sore and V�in� just feels heavier with every step I take.
One kind of carrier is called Manducca - you can see what it looks like here.
I was very tempted and even tried one on! The straps are nice and thick, there's a buckle that goes around the waist, and the baby can be carried in the front facing you or on the back facing over your shoulder like you. It was almost 100 Euros.
Instant thought was "WWTS"? What would Tim say? He'd say no. I figured I could sell the Bj�rn carrier for at least half the price we paid for it and it would justify buying it. But then I discovered a beautiful green wrap.
You know Rebecca Bloomwood (Confessions of a Shopaholic) when she saw the green scarf? Yes that was me. And yes the wrap is green.
I didn't think I had it in me! I looked at it and the lady did a demonstration with a child that was maybe 3 or 4 years old (quite tall) on her back and wrapped her up no problem. However a friend provided a wonderful site and I'm learning all these easy and funky techniques.
The good thing about the wrap (Tim refers to it as the "curtain") is that there's less strain on my shoulders because it's like a shawl on the shoulders. It's wide and covers your biceps too (depending on the technique you use). I haven't tried it with him yet - maybe tomorrow morning - I did use a couple Pringle chip cans for effect and Tim thinks I'm crazy.
It's green, stylish and light. There's no hooks or buttons that I have to fight with to attach...the straps don't dig in...and I can still nurse him in private if necessary. And it can be worn on the back or in the front....and hold up to 20 KG (45 lbs give or take). I was sold. And it's 100% bamboo and washable. Super bonus to me! And I saved lots of money too.
Yes I know you're thinking "Why doesn't she just use a freaking stroller?"
Because I suck at it. I can't maneuver the darn thing and I'm terrible at turning...I'm constantly bumping into things...the aisles aren't always the widest either...so instead of pressing down and turning - I cheat and lift it to turn it. hahahaha.
Alright so that was my eventful day!
Now onto other news. I have discovered that Amazon won't deliver some things to Finland. Like digital cameras, and a certain photography book I've had my eye on for a long time now. It's called "Collin's Complete Course in Photography". A friend of Tim's recommended The Book Depository, NO SHIPPING FEES - wahoo!
It didn't have the book I was looking for but I did find one by the same authors and of a different title that appears to be similar. As well, it has reached the same reviews on Amazon and through a search on Google.
I've ordered it and cannot wait. I tried ordering through Amazon UK and after waiting over a month was advised I will have to wait longer as none of their suppliers carry the book. However they list that they have "x available". Same with Amazon France. Not impressed.
In the library there is a really large room and many vendors set up shop inside. There were a tonne of various cloth diapers, some yarn sellers, and health products available for sale.
As well there were various carriers for babies too!
I was in the market for a new carrier, as the Baby Bj�rn I have is wearing on my shoulders. V�in�'s a big boy and without our winter coats - it's fine. I can tolerate it. But with his snow suit and my coat on - I feel like an elephant, I feel so huge. The end result is that my shoulders are quite sore and V�in� just feels heavier with every step I take.
One kind of carrier is called Manducca - you can see what it looks like here.
I was very tempted and even tried one on! The straps are nice and thick, there's a buckle that goes around the waist, and the baby can be carried in the front facing you or on the back facing over your shoulder like you. It was almost 100 Euros.
Instant thought was "WWTS"? What would Tim say? He'd say no. I figured I could sell the Bj�rn carrier for at least half the price we paid for it and it would justify buying it. But then I discovered a beautiful green wrap.
You know Rebecca Bloomwood (Confessions of a Shopaholic) when she saw the green scarf? Yes that was me. And yes the wrap is green.
I didn't think I had it in me! I looked at it and the lady did a demonstration with a child that was maybe 3 or 4 years old (quite tall) on her back and wrapped her up no problem. However a friend provided a wonderful site and I'm learning all these easy and funky techniques.
The good thing about the wrap (Tim refers to it as the "curtain") is that there's less strain on my shoulders because it's like a shawl on the shoulders. It's wide and covers your biceps too (depending on the technique you use). I haven't tried it with him yet - maybe tomorrow morning - I did use a couple Pringle chip cans for effect and Tim thinks I'm crazy.
It's green, stylish and light. There's no hooks or buttons that I have to fight with to attach...the straps don't dig in...and I can still nurse him in private if necessary. And it can be worn on the back or in the front....and hold up to 20 KG (45 lbs give or take). I was sold. And it's 100% bamboo and washable. Super bonus to me! And I saved lots of money too.
Yes I know you're thinking "Why doesn't she just use a freaking stroller?"
Because I suck at it. I can't maneuver the darn thing and I'm terrible at turning...I'm constantly bumping into things...the aisles aren't always the widest either...so instead of pressing down and turning - I cheat and lift it to turn it. hahahaha.
Alright so that was my eventful day!
Now onto other news. I have discovered that Amazon won't deliver some things to Finland. Like digital cameras, and a certain photography book I've had my eye on for a long time now. It's called "Collin's Complete Course in Photography". A friend of Tim's recommended The Book Depository, NO SHIPPING FEES - wahoo!
It didn't have the book I was looking for but I did find one by the same authors and of a different title that appears to be similar. As well, it has reached the same reviews on Amazon and through a search on Google.
I've ordered it and cannot wait. I tried ordering through Amazon UK and after waiting over a month was advised I will have to wait longer as none of their suppliers carry the book. However they list that they have "x available". Same with Amazon France. Not impressed.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Bus Strike and another Neuvola Appointment
Yesterday I had plans on taking V�in� downtown with me to do the usual - walk around and go to some regular places like the library, pet shop and grocery store. That would be followed with a bus trip back home. Turned out the buses went on strike as of 6pm last night.
I think we didn't bother going downtown because I was feeling a bit under the weather and I had an orthodontist appointment at 6:30pm to get to as well.
Well you'd figure no big deal about the buses - but there's a serious problem. The bus drivers are part of a union with delivery drivers too! So the drivers that bring in the meat, fruits etc. - well they won't be driving either! Egad! I have no idea how long it will go on for.
Maybe something in tomorrow's paper will give us a hint.
I have no problem walking home with V�in� strapped to my chest - it's only a problem if I get too many groceries to last us for a few days.
Well the Neuvola appointment is usually a joyful experience for V. Usually. Today our appointment was at 8:20am and he had to be woken up. Normally he's been getting up around 9 or 9:30 - by then I usually have a load of laundry in and the dishes 1/2 done (if not all of it).
So he was fed, dressed and we went to the Neuvola. We didn't wait long today and got him all measured and weighed and he didn't shed a single tear. I was so proud of him. Usually the head measuring is a major no-no.
Last time we had an appointment with the doctor it was a male and V�in� did some male bonding with him while getting inspected.
Today's doctor was a young female who was very tall and had Kate Gosselin hair. (You know what I mean - before the extensions came into play). Thankfully it wasn't exactly like Kate's hair - you know what I mean - half of her bangs dancing on her chin they're so long?
Anyways we walk in the room and she smiles and is very friendly and says hello. She then apologizes that she's not wearing her lab coat (which was hung on her chair) because:
"Children are scared of me so I do not wear it."
Tim and I laughed her off thinking V will just adore her as he does with anybody else.
She was sooooo right. He was fine until she took him to a table to test his hips and listen to his heart beat - he screamed bloody murder non-stop. She couldn't even get him to look or hold the rattle because he was so stressed out. When she tried talking to him in a nice, high pitched voice - he kicked her a few times...and I know they hurt....they hurt me anyway!
Well she definitely gets some sort of satisfaction (not really I'm sure) of getting the kid wound up then being able to pass them back to the parent.
SO V�in� got her back. Once in my arms he instantly stopped crying after some "1-2-3 WHEEEE"in the air....and looked at her and shot her the evil stare.
Seriously - Darth Vader would be proud.
Then when we were done - he gave her the most precious smile as if to say:
"Boo ya - I'm out!"
He was perfectly fine with the nurse after - even when she was giving him the rota virus vaccine in his mouth.
What a cheeky little boy.
I think we didn't bother going downtown because I was feeling a bit under the weather and I had an orthodontist appointment at 6:30pm to get to as well.
Well you'd figure no big deal about the buses - but there's a serious problem. The bus drivers are part of a union with delivery drivers too! So the drivers that bring in the meat, fruits etc. - well they won't be driving either! Egad! I have no idea how long it will go on for.
Maybe something in tomorrow's paper will give us a hint.
I have no problem walking home with V�in� strapped to my chest - it's only a problem if I get too many groceries to last us for a few days.
Well the Neuvola appointment is usually a joyful experience for V. Usually. Today our appointment was at 8:20am and he had to be woken up. Normally he's been getting up around 9 or 9:30 - by then I usually have a load of laundry in and the dishes 1/2 done (if not all of it).
So he was fed, dressed and we went to the Neuvola. We didn't wait long today and got him all measured and weighed and he didn't shed a single tear. I was so proud of him. Usually the head measuring is a major no-no.
Last time we had an appointment with the doctor it was a male and V�in� did some male bonding with him while getting inspected.
Today's doctor was a young female who was very tall and had Kate Gosselin hair. (You know what I mean - before the extensions came into play). Thankfully it wasn't exactly like Kate's hair - you know what I mean - half of her bangs dancing on her chin they're so long?
Anyways we walk in the room and she smiles and is very friendly and says hello. She then apologizes that she's not wearing her lab coat (which was hung on her chair) because:
"Children are scared of me so I do not wear it."
Tim and I laughed her off thinking V will just adore her as he does with anybody else.
She was sooooo right. He was fine until she took him to a table to test his hips and listen to his heart beat - he screamed bloody murder non-stop. She couldn't even get him to look or hold the rattle because he was so stressed out. When she tried talking to him in a nice, high pitched voice - he kicked her a few times...and I know they hurt....they hurt me anyway!
Well she definitely gets some sort of satisfaction (not really I'm sure) of getting the kid wound up then being able to pass them back to the parent.
SO V�in� got her back. Once in my arms he instantly stopped crying after some "1-2-3 WHEEEE"in the air....and looked at her and shot her the evil stare.
Seriously - Darth Vader would be proud.
Then when we were done - he gave her the most precious smile as if to say:
"Boo ya - I'm out!"
He was perfectly fine with the nurse after - even when she was giving him the rota virus vaccine in his mouth.
What a cheeky little boy.
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