Fluoride treatment anybody?

I will be the first to admit - going to the dentist is so-so.  It depends on what you're getting done.
Today I went to see my orthodontist who is also a dentist - and it was the "after getting braces removed and putting in the retainer" check up.  That was all fine and dandy and we discussed better cleaning habits as I am not the best at remembering to floss....ugh.  Anyway - that said and done, he offered to do a fluoride treatment.

I'm like "SURE!" Best to take some preventative measures towards cavities as I thought I had one - but turned out my gingivital measures (?) were my issue - not an actual cavity...so I must be doing something right.
Anyway - he gets his assistant to set up the fluoride treatment and it's more like a "leave-in conditioner."  He tells me I can eat after he spreads the fluoride on....BUT to not brush my teeth tonight.  I can brush my teeth tomorrow....it was a little sticky and kind of tasted like a sugary gum but not quite....
I am so disgusted.

In Canada - a fluoride treatment when I was a kid, consisted of picking your favourite flavour (mine was strawberry or banana....eventually mint) fluoride mousse and they stuffed your mouth with a top tray and bottom tray filled with this fluffy stuff and you had the suck-straw to help prevent gagging on the mousse.
I can't remember what they did when I got older - something not as long, messy or annoying...or as flavourful.
But I definitely recall brushing my teeth that night before bed time!!!!

Of course, didn't I completely forget (no I didn't brush yet it's only 9pm) - and EAT TWO CHOCOLATES?!?!?!

Night Bright!

(Copied from my Artsy Fartsy Blog)

Okay so the title was a bit of a play on "Lite Brite"...but with proper spelling.

Here in Finland, people are quite smart.  When it's officially autumn (aka it gets dark super early - so around late August/September) - you'll notice a few things.  

1. People dress in layers and from head to toe (hats, mitts etc.) - I stupidly and occasionally wear sandals still.  Drives Finns mad I think.

2.  Reflectors on their coats, prams, rain covers of the prams ("strollers" for you North American folks), pants etc.

Why reflectors?  So people are visible at night time!

I recently lost my rubber ducky one but have decided to finally make use of some reflecting thread I purchased at Poppeli and make my own.

Here is the 2nd attempt (with a pattern):

The blue is a beautiful Safran yarn and  the white/silver you're seeing is like a reflective fishing line.  I used a pattern from a book and size 4mm hook as 1.5 was too small for my poor eye sight.  First attempt is proudly dangling from my coat and is just a large circle about the size of my palm...and dangling so people can see that I am moving.

Did you know?....In Finland if you have to pull over on a highway, you have to put a red triangle reflecting sign about 100 meters behind you?  This way people know in advance: "Oh someone's fixing their car or taking a leak on the side of the road - best not to pull over."  Well you get what I mean.

In Canada - we just use our 4-way blinkers....but in Finland it's strongly recommended (not officially a law)to use the red triangle sign (same as on the 4-way blinkers button) and I'm sure it saves lives.  Just like these reflectors do too.

The first time I saw someone with one (rectangle shaped and pinned on their back) - I thought it was a price tag they forgot to remove or that the jacket was stolen.  Then I could not figure out for the life of me why it was SO SHINY!  I blame the pregnancy for that blonde moment...

"Automated Gas Machines"

In case you're reading this and you've never been to Canada before...when you're paying for your gas, you have a couple of options.
You can pay in person at the cash inside (assuming that you are fueling up at a gas station with an indoors area like a convenience store) or you can sometimes pay at the pump.  Now in Canada (at least in NS), you pay at the pump by pre-authorizing your credit card a certain amount (FYI it won't show up on your credit bill right away - but will be deducted from your available balance...oh the banking memories!) OR by choosing how much to debit your bank account.  If you choose $50 and only end up spending $36.45 - that is all that gets deducted from your account.

Anyway, here in Finland - you can pay at the pump at the "Automated Gas Machines" and you pay at the end of the dispensers (but not actually AT the gas pumps where you choose which kind you want...you know what I mean!) ...you can use credit cards or your Visa Electron ("debit") OR cash!

I had gone to Prisma with a friend to get some important things, as I realized our trip to Canada is coming up in 3 weeks!  And she had to fill up her car and I noticed she took cash but there wasn't a gas attendant/indoors area for her to pay....then she explained it to me and I was incredibly surprised.

I think I out-shocked her by telling her about milk in a bag.

Knitting Night = Success!

Tonight I went bravely to a knitting group night with a lady named Susanne.  I had no idea what to expect in terms of levels of handicraft or in terms of conversation.

Finns are generally quiet people and can not talk for long stretches at a time.  This is a little "strange" for me as I talk A LOT.  I'm a Canadian, a "Maritimer" and overall a sociable person.  My nerves were getting to me - to the point of a nauseous tummy but I figured that cheesy garlic bread and joining in a conversation when asked would help ease the flow of me speaking to Finns.
It worked.

My understanding is that there are many people in this knitting group but only a small handful actually attend.  The knitting group rotates homes each week for about 3 hours of chit chat and handicrafts.  Let me tell you, as a new mom - it was WONDERFUL to knit and not have a dog or baby tug on my yarn, step on me, puke on me, scream/hit at me...and in general - a few moments of silence was a nice touch too.

I was asked what were some major differences about Canada compared to living in Finland - since I've been here a year...and I learned a lot too.
Everybody spoke English or at least understood a good deal of it - so I wasn't too shy to speak or didn't feel the need to slow down.

The big thing (previously mentioned) that everybody noticed was that I knit quite slowly (I'm not very fast at knitting anyway - especially on double pointed needles!) - and HOW I knit.  Because I carry my working yarn in my right hand - it made all the world of a difference to them. 

Next week I plan on bringing home-made guacamole with nacho chips....or pita bread - whichever...and bringing some amigurumi books.  I unfortunately did not have any books with me or photos on my camera.  So!  Next week will be something for me to look forward to.

What did I do at the knitting group in terms of handicrafts?  I worked on my friend's sock- I'm in the "boring phase" of knitting in the round the length of the foot.  It's a self-striping purple color - I LOVE IT! SO pretty!
And I made myself a large, beautiful blue reflector.  I crocheted with Safran and the reflector stuff (like fishing line)....turned out great.  Looks like a coaster I guess...but this should help cars see me!

The difference between 18 and 21

What IS the difference between 18 and 21 years of age?
Well, in Finland - you can gamble on the machines in the super market and Hesburger as long as you're at least 15.  You have to be at least 18 to get in the small casino downtown...and to play Bingo (I think).

In terms of 18 and 21?
At aged 18 you're still in high school (they graduate at 19 typically) - and are not able to purchase alcohol above 20% until you are 21 years old.

Here in Finland, you can buy ciders (coolers in North American language) and beer in the grocery stores.  No problem. Yes they'll probably ID you if you look like a kid - but surprisingly enough - I have not been ID'd when purchasing alcohol here.  Anything stronger than beer or coolers are sold at the Alko, an alcohol store which is not open on Sundays...but grocery stores are.

I was only ID'd to buy a burger at Grilli 21 that one time...

Paviljonski & FLASH!

Today I went to the Paviljonski with some friends to check out the once-a-year farmer's market/handicraft market that's held outdoors.
Yes Pailjonski is like Pavillion (or at least I am assuming so)....last year I had gone inside for the handicraft fair and it was sooooooo crowded and I was quite cranky pushing the pram around. ANYWAY - this was held outdoors which made things MUCH easier.

There were many stands with knitted hats and gloves and some jewellery stands...but the one food item I saw a lot of was fried fish.  Finns do love seafood - as it's usually found in their own waters...very resourceful.
My friend Jessica suggested eating some fresh, fire smoked salmon with potatoes and onions....it was great! Unfortunately there won't be any photos as the husband is in London and has my camera.

So the second part of the subject heading is "FLASH!"  Well, after cruising around the market and picking up a slice of smoked ham (delicious beyond words) and some danishes (more like poulla - very thick/heavy baked goods)...I went downtown with a friend named Matti.
We walked around and chatted about Canada vs. Finland and as we were walking to Ekolo (organic/health food shop...and also has bulk snack foods beside it) - I saw an older man ...let's say 40's or more...quite tall....stand in front of a young girl and an elderly man resting on a bench and yell something quite loud in Finnish.
I instantly thought "Oh he's deaf...or drunk...or angry about something..."
I asked Matti what was being yelled as there was some discussion going on....turns out the man standing was flashing the people sitting on the bench.  And I don't mean the upper part of his chest either.
I instantly had a flashback to my high school graduation in which a fellow by the name of Daniel, dropped his certificate while accepting it from our principal and then mooning the Graduating class of 2004.
I did not see anything because I was sneaking out - as I was hungry.  Shame - I know.

The "Really don't want to ask but I'm curious" questions about Finland

Completely random and I'm sure some of you who read this are wondering...My answers will be based on my personal opinion and experiences - mostly from Jyv�skyl� - unless I read something otherwise.

1. Are drugs common in Finland?
1. Apparently in bigger cities - yes, drugs are common and a bit of an issue as there are some drugs that are stronger than heroine coming out.  I forget what they are called - but police are getting concerned in Helsinki (Finland's capital) because of un-known substances being shifted around. *Helsinki Times
2. Are there prostitutes in Finland?
1. I have no idea.  I haven't seen any in Jyv�skyl�.  There are a couple strip bars in town - the windows are covered very well and they don't open late at night.  HA- I guess that's where the business teams go for lunch meetings.  Bad joke for some - sorry.
1. Unlike Dartmouth, NS - where you saw a hooker/sex worker/prostitute fairly regularly in the North End area, no I haven't seen them.  I also don't go out late at night - not out of fear of the dark or safety - but because V�in� wakes up occasionally before I get to bed.
3. What is rent like and what is typically included?
1. Rent typically includes heat.  Electricity and water are separate fees.  Electricity for us was under 65 euros for 6 months - and I cooked about 3x a day everyday!  You can also pick out what kind of electricity you'd prefer to use (i.e. water or wind etc.)
2. Depends on who you rent from.  Personally our rent is on a fully-furnished flat, not directly downtown (about 30-40 minute walk away), sauna fees included and water too.  Our internet is free as the building is registered with the Elisa cable company - our modem fee was all we had to pay.
3. Water is charged PER person (including the baby) - as in a flat fee per person that is.
4. Is there a gay population in Finland?
1. There is some - but we don't see a lot of homosexual/lesbians here.  Maybe we walk by them and have no idea - because they're not as open as Haligonians.  We do NOT have a gay bar in Jyv�skyl� as far as I know.
5. Is gay marriage legal?
1. I believe "same gender partnership" is legal but not an official marriage.  I heard through a friend that she is leaving her church (you actually have to "check out" or be fined) because they are banning same-sex marriages.  Not entirely sure.
6. Are there many stay-at-home parents?
1. Yes it's really common because Kela benefits pays quite well for Finnish citizens and it's cheaper than going to day care.  Day care is not as ridiculously expensive as Canada - but still quite pricey.  And they have private day care too for an extra fee of course.  If you are a student or working - the commune is responsible to help you find a spot.
7. Is there a lot of stealing in Finland?
1. I haven't witnessed anything (while I have in Canada several times) - however if you do not lock your bike - say bye bye.  Bike theft is one of the top things that occur in Finland.
2. Yes there are cameras in the grocery stores and in the malls but I think its pretty common to steal small things any country really.
3. I do not steal - it's just a general statement!
8. What do you hate about Finland?
1. Not a lot really.  I dislike how some Finns (NOT ALL) can be so distant towards not just a foreigner but fellow locals.  In example - I was getting off the bus with the stroller and my son was facing out and the front wheels caught underneath the bus.  His face was a couple of inches shy of smashing into the pavement - had it not been for the stranger I was already talking to on the bus.  The other people behind me trying to get off were very upset because I was slowing down their day - none of them checked or asked if V�in� was alright.  They really can keep to themselves when it suits them.
9. Was it easy to enter the country?
1. Yes.  We did not have our resident permits yet - and had to take our passports to the local Police to get the permits applied.  
2. It was easier to enter Finland (no questions asked) with 2 large dogs - than it was to leave our own country (and the US section of the Halifax airport).
10. Are there a lot of smokers in Finland?
1. Smoking is quite common but thankfully there is NO smoking indoors.  Bus stops are common locations along with anywhere on the street.
2. (In NS - they are putting a ban on smoking within so many meters of the opening of a shop or hospital etc.  As well they're trying to ban people from smoking with a child, deemed under 16, in a vehicle.)  These laws are not in effect in Finland needless to say.
11. What laws are different?
1. I'm not a lawyer or a professional - but just observing the basics here's what I noticed:
1. If you're deemed guilty by the court - you can be stuck with your lawyer/court fees and the innocent party as well.
2. You can talk on a cell phone while driving (not supposed to - but there's no law against it).
3. You do not need to wear a bicycle helmet (on side walk or road) - it is recommended but no ticket will be issued.  (In NS a friend was charged $250 I think....at least $75 I remember).
4. Every Man's Land is a part of the law in which you can go onto anybody's property.  With the exception of work places/factories for example that have signs clearly stating not to enter or trespass.  In example you could go through someone's yard to get to a trail, pick berries or even camp out if you had to!  With respect to the other party - you must not harass them, damage or violate their property or steal (like from their vegetable garden).
5. No right turns on red!

Helsinki

Aside from a 10 month old with two teeth coming in quite fast - Helsinki is an amazing city and I'm glad I went.  Despite the cold weather and rain - it's very lovely and easy to walk around in.
I went into an indoor farmer's market and they sold many meats, vegetables and seafood.  One stand had "BEAR SALAMI - 15 EUROS/PIECE".....

There was so much to see and to do in Helsinki...and considering I've been in Jyv�skyl� since day one of moving here (385 days prior to the trip to Helsinki) - I was in awe of everything and truly felt like I was in New York.
There was a Louis Vuitton shop, a Guess store, Ben & Jerry's ice-cream store and various boutiques.

Then there was Stockmann.  Stockmann is a department store...when really it should be labelled a "mall".
It is 8 floors - and not small floors.  The kind of floors that require a  MAP to get around.
On the 8th floor is the food court....it's more like a walk-around restaurant.  There's tv screens listing what each station can cook and the cost.  The menu is listed in Finnish/Swedish and in English.
The 5th floor had children's toys and pet supplies.  I didn't see any pet supplies - but I didn't get a real chance to walk around as I was watching the clock constantly so I did not miss my train.  However, I did manage to change my son's diaper before we left and he was able to stretch out a bit as there was a medium-sized play-room - complete with a white shaggy rug!  It was so much fun and he made a little friend, named Elsa.  She kept trying to hug him and V�in� (like a real little man) crawled to his mama.
I didn't go to all the floors as the elevators were hard to catch!  There were about 4-6 of them but people that are able to take the escalator - took the elevator instead.  Can't really blame them as it is a bit faster, however, those that need the elevator (cough cough - people with babies and seniors) - are often left in the dust.

I found English books!  WAHOO! My goodness they were ridiculously expensive, but I found 3 that I had really wanted for V�in�'s collection of books.  So it was worth it.  The Stockmann book store was separate from the department store (just across the street from it) and also was several floors.  FYI the 3rd floor has hobby books and the bottom has novels and kids books.

Helsinki also has trams on top of buses too.  The trams are free for people with a pram/stroller, which is nice because they're very quick and on time.  They have a great system that you use your travel card to pay - you just select where you are going to and it deducts from your travel card.  OR you can send a text message to a certain number and your travel fee is listed on your cell phone bill.  I think this is great because I hate withdrawing 20 Euros for a bit of change to board the bus.  I'm not sure how much it costs per trip - it depends where you are going.

The train ride back was just as tiring as on the way to Helsinki because of these darn teeth.  However, there was much more space.  On the way we lucked out and got a business class seat.  If I didn't have the pram folded up beside me - it would've been great.  Apparently business class seats get free wireless internet on the train.
On the way back however - I had purchased my ticket in person, and the lady got me a spacious seat...no seats in front of me - just a big area for a wheel chair and a stroller.  GREAT!  So I didn't even have to fold it up!
There was a police officer on the train the whole time walking back and forth like he was on the hunt.  Well I was nervous, V�in� was in amazement and I had texted my husband informing him of the cop.  His response was simple: "Don't be worried unless he's looking for you."
Well - if there IS a killer on the train - what good will that do?!  I wonder if it's because it was a late night train (arriving in Jyv�skyl� around 11:30pm) - that's why he was there?  No idea.  I'm glad he was though because a drunk/beefy/big/bald guy was talking to V�in� when we first boarded - and that was fine - he wasn't too drunk at that point....and my brave little 10-month old stared him down and terrified him (I'm serious)....but later on he came on our wagon and asked around for smokes.
Just to be safe - I'd rather have the cop sitting in my wagon.  That and I was praying for patience during the last 1 hour-1hour/half of the ride....that's when the screaming didn't stop.

I'm hoping to go back again in the spring for a day trip with a girlfriend here...aka no children and no husbands.