Lack of Blogging

I deeply apologize to all of you who follow my blog(s) that I have not been writing as of lately.

I have developed Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (aka severe pain in the wrists and hands) a couple of weeks ago and it's been getting worse everyday.

I haven't done any more than 5 rows (12 stitches per row) of knitting with a big, loopy yarn every 2-3 days...no crocheting...barely any coloring or card-making.
If I do color or make cards - I take lots of breaks between each color even or each step.

It's to the point I can't close my hands some nights when I'm asleep - so my hands look like old-lady C-shapes and are very numb.  It went from one wrist to another and is primarily more of an issue in my right hand (I am right-handed) and has spread within the last couple of days, to my finger tips.
It's hard to cut a peanut butter sandwich, use chopsticks or even hold a glass of milk or a pen.
And as you can tell - I've been cutting back (or trying very hard to) on typing...

I'm hoping this will all go away VERY soon - as in within the next month...I had an appointment today with the doctor who recommended some gels etc. for the pains...but if it doesn't go away by end of next month, I'm looking at surgery to correct my hands and relieve the pain they said...

Thanks for following and I hope to be blogging and crafting (and filming!!) more SOON!
Dominique :-)

A Puzzle

I was recently at Silinteri (2nd hand store nearby) and a table was selling these new wooden puzzles (brain teasers) for only 1 Euro a piece and I couldn't resist.

After showing "somebody" them - who is a huge puzzle fanatic - they decided it was messed up.

This puzzle shown below (with the solution blurred out) is called, "The Flea".  The object of the puzzle is to exchange places of the two colors (wood and yellow) by only moving one piece at a time towards it's goal end, not going backwards and you are able to skip a piece if there is an opening available (think like Solitaire - not the card version).
The way it was originally set up - the empty space was not in the middle but off to the side - which greatly confused "somebody".

Well, we both looked at the solution and the instructions (which were in English), and it didn't say or indicate where the empty space should be located. So I looked it over after "somebody's" several attempts at solving the puzzle - and within 10 seconds, I began to solve the puzzle using the solution.

The reason for blogging about this particular puzzle is to inform you, in case you buy the same one, is to let you know that the empty space starts in the center.

Oh and the solution is written in 3 columns of 8 moves per column.  The "somebody" who was confused - was reading the solution from left to right, like in English.

I read the solution from top to bottom - left column to the right, column by column.  That made sense to me - like they were written out in bullet-point form!

And it worked.

That "somebody" wasn't overly impressed I figured out something before they did...points for the WIFE!! (ahem - I mean me...wouldn't want to ruin "somebody's reputation".) :P

The puzzle is created by (or at least distributed by): Oy Sloyd Ab - located in Helsinki.

A New Family Member!

It's to the point that I can (not-so-proudly) say that we have a new family member.
Why would I not be proud of our second "kid"?

Well, this one has 6 legs, 2 wings, buzzes and just won't leave our home!

Yes, it is a fly.  I don't know what it is with Finnish insects - but they just don't die.  Perhaps it's something in the Finnish water?

I'm not exaggerating in the least bit either!  Typically August and September - we have issues with wasps or hornets - I can never tell them apart - but that's beside the point.  They are black, yellow, have stingers, buzz loudly and when you smack them with a rolled magazine or newspaper - they keep flying.  There have been times, my husband has smacked a wasp at least 6 times - quite hard too - and the sucker keeps flying.  A little stunned for a quick moment, then angry and flying as if nothing happened at all...
My dogs are beyond frustrated because they try to catch this fly and usually have success - but haven't been able to catch our little visitor at all!  We've tried opening up windows and no luck there either.

Well, the wasp season seems to have past now - thank Heavens for cooler weather and lots of rain....but this one fly got in and doesn't feel like leaving at all!  He's fast and a little too smart...
I don't want to buy a spray, since we have a child running loose in the home - oh and 2 dogs...I don't want to poison anybody...and I keep forgetting to buy a fly-swatter.
They're probably not even being sold anymore, now that it's dark by 8pm...
I'm tempted to borrow someone's cat - just to get this fly...

Maybe he can have a name?  Any name suggestions?  I think he's a he and hiding out in the kitchen.

Faking It.

It's been over 2 years now that I've moved to Finland and up until recently - I was horrible at faking Finnish.  One thing I was seriously lacking was confidence...the ability to look like I totally knew what you were saying in Finnish and being able to give the appropriate shrugged shoulder, facial expression or the right tone of "Uh-huh".
(Please note: I am very good at faking understanding a conversation in English.  I do it quite often with my husband - once he gets going with political talk or philosophy.)

But!  I am getting much better at it...
About a month ago - I started taking Finnish lessons in my home with my friend, M, teaching me and my husband.  Tim has already taken Part 1 of basic Finnish through the University of Jyv�skyl�.  However, after our son was born, he found he didn't have enough time to go to Part 2.
So right now - all these Verb Types and basic words to get around and "survive" are just a nice refresher for him - and slightly confusing for me.

We have lessons twice a week and an hour long per session - as I have a short memory and attention span when it comes to languages and remembering grammar rules etc....so 2 hours a week plus my homework (which I actually got done today prior to my lesson) is just the right length for me.

I'm realizing that despite my short memory for proper endings for verb types - I'm able to recognize and pick out more in conversations I overhear on a regular basis.
Things like numbers and food-related words aren't as foreign or as confusing anymore!  Although, when spoken quickly - it still makes my head spin.

To prove my new-found confidence in "faking it"- I shall share a story.
Yesterday V�in� and I went downtown to Sokos to have lunch in their "S-Market" on the bottom floor.  (It's not actually called "S-Market" but because they accept the S Card - I call it such).
V�in� sat beside me and happily ate his lunch while I happily ate my salad and pop.  He decided to get up and stand in his chair - so I quickly put him into his stroller and he was satisfied snacking on a carrot muffin with me.
There was a lady watching us and was very hopeful to take over our table with her spouse - but once she saw me settle back down to eating my almost-finished salad - she decided to take the table ahead of us.
However, this lady was very un-impressed by the previous diners at that table - because not only did they leave their trays and dirty dishes (one was in a wheel chair and the other was her friend pushing her along - so I guess they felt they didn't want to or feel the need to put away their dirty dishes as a courtesy to others) - but they left behind quite a bit of food un-eaten on their plates.
Well!  This lady who took over their table was VERY disgusted by all of this and voiced her opinion to me about it...she was waiting for a response so I just frowned a little and with a firm-looking face said "Hmm joo."  (Hmm yes)
She nodded at my response and gave me a big smile.
BOO YA! I got a Finn's seal of approval.... I didn't need to elaborate anymore because that's what Finns do - they keep it super simple when it comes to responding to something.

So when it doubt - just say "Joo". (Sounds like Yo, as in yo-yo, but a longer "o" sound at the end).

The Rules of Naming Your Child in Finland

That's right - naming your new baby is something a lot of parents are excited for - or are incredibly stressed about.
Our friends recently had a baby and upon leaving the hospital - you are given a birth certificate without the child's name on it.  Finns typically name their child once they learn the child's characteristics and personality...it's not often that it's planned ahead - like North Americans tend to do.
So our friends had picked out the first name already - but it wasn't registered through the Magistrate yet.
The Magistrate sends everybody information about what is okay and not okay to name your child.

You're probably thinking, "It's my child - it's none of their business what I name my children!"
Yeah you're probably right - go freedom of speech.  However, Finland has come up with these regulations of naming your child - so the child will not have "issues" or be embarrassed when they get older - and to eliminate confusion with other people who may have the same name.

Here's the rules (from what I can remember) - and I'll try and give the best examples that I can:

• A last name cannot be used as a first name.  (I.e. "Jameson, Ainsley")
• Your children's first names cannot match each other within 1 family.  (I.e. Siblings cannot be named "Paul" and "Paul")
• Siblings can have the same middle (or "second name" as it's known here) name.  (I know someone who has the same middle name as her two much younger sisters!)
• It is possible to name a child after yourself, like "Olli's daughter" - Olli being the father.  This is a very old Finnish way of doing things...it's not very common these days.
• The name given has to be a real name - not an object or name of something else.  (I.e. "Chocolate bars" or "Facebook".  Facebook was done in Egypt!)
• If the name is not approved by this council, when you register your child's name (and then can get a Kela benefits card for your child if you qualify) - you have to pick a new name.
• You cannot "make up" a name.  (I.e. "Nevaeh" is a popular name in North America...guess what it means?  "Heaven" spelled backwards.  And in case your'e wondering, yes Nevaeh is super popular!)
• Your child cannot have more than 3 first names.  (I.e. "Sarah-Jane -middle name- Smith" is acceptable - but not "Robert-Jason-Carl-Junior -middle name-Smith")
• No foul language or swear words for first or middle names... (Thanks to "Dominique D." for reminding me!)
• The name cannot embarrass your child when they get older or be overly foolish.  (I.e. "Taluah Does The Hula While Sipping On Kaluah" - there was an instance of something similar to this and the courts in Hawaii (?) had the parents change the name...and that was just the first name!)
• Boys cannot be given a girls name and vice verca (Thanks Pasi!).  There are very few and rare unisex names.

Remember- the purpose of these regulations is not to offend you or limit you in any way - but to protect the child from humiliation and embarrassment as they get older.

Just bear in mind all the forms people have to fill out as they get older - and the limited spaces available on the paper...and all the times they have to pronounce their names or announce it publicly - and if it's a tongue twister - it's not fun for anybody to learn or say!

Just in case you don't know what I'm talking about:

• Passport documents
• Drivers License document
• Bank accounts
• Credit Cards or student loans
• Travelling Visas
• Booking appointments (in person or on the phone) for doctors, specialists or reservations at a restaurant
• Registering for school or conferences
• Applying for jobs and submitting resumes
• Business cards
• Giving speeches or presentations in front of groups and having to introduce themselves
• Getting married and having to say their full name (and the spouse has to say it too!) during the ceremony

So - what will you name your kid?!

Chugga,Chugga, Choo-Choo! Problems

While visiting my friend last night, they informed me to not purchase train tickets online for awhile.
Why?  Well, their servers had been crashing left, right and center because VR has been offering discounts for trips closer to Christmas - if you are able to book well in advance.  So people have of course, been going wild for cheaper ticket prices (especially during the holiday season - who wouldn't want to save a buck or few?) and therefor, crashing their website.

So if you know where you want to go for Christmas - buy your tickets in advance at the green electronic machines (THEY DON'T PROVIDE ENGLISH SERVICE ON THEM!!) or with a sales representative at your local train station... or with cash (or possibly credit card - NOT Visa Electron - read above link for my previous experience on a train) with the train conductor.

Happy trip planning!

Oh Kela....

I got a letter (of course in Finnish) that was 2-3 pages long and had lots of figures (�) and our family members names (except the dogs of course) listed on it.

I had no idea what we did wrong - but they included a form for me to fill out, which looked pretty serious and formal, and a postage-paid envelope too.

I brought this letter over to a friend's home who translated what happened.

In Finland, you can apply through Kela for a wide variety of allowances (or benefits).  Things like:

• Rental Housing Allowance - if you have little combined-income and too high of rent - you can apply to have some money credited to your bank account to help you out with your rent.
• Stay at Home Allowance - if your child(ren) are not going to a day care or are too young for public school and are staying at home with you - you can get compensated handsomely for this.  (As opposed to only 100$/month in Canada and day care is well over 200$ a week! - for example).
• Maternity/Paternity Allowance - if one parent is staying home after the delivery of a child - you can apply that one parent gets some financial compensation for staying at home etc.

The other allowances - you can find on Kela's website.  

Everything regarding social services - goes through Kela.  The application forms are available in English - but the response will always be in either Finnish or Swedish.

Anyways, the letter was in reference to our application for Rental Housing Allowance.  My husband was the sole money-maker and we were approved a year ago for some money to be deposited to our bank account to assist with the rent.
Every year this is under review and if there are any changes - like change in rent or water fees - or change in family members for example, you must notify Kela.

We were under review because our year had come up and they wanted to see if anything changed.  Yes, our rent went up and the water fees per person also went up quite a bit.
But that's not what this letter in particular was about.

Kela was requesting we return the money from as far back as January 2011 because our income has increased and they feel that the combined income is more than enough to cover rent and necessities.  Fair enough - except - it wasn't our fault our income wasn't increased ages ago.
What increase in income?

Remember we had a dispute with Kela back in June?  Well, they approved V�in�'s stay-at-home allowance because we now qualified for it as we're listed as "A-Permanent Status".
That money we got from January to June (when I submitted the claim again) is considered income on my part and combined with Tim's regular income - is more than enough that we no longer require the Rental Housing Allowance.
Fair enough - however, it was not our fault that we didn't get the At home allowance ages ago - because Kela was not notified of our change in status - so really, we are still out 6 months of Stay at home allowance (effective August 13, 2010 we got the A-Permanent Status) but Kela will only retro-pay you for 6 months.  (Which is still better than nothing! I'm not complaining!)

So this decision is not concrete -but they have cancelled rental allowance to the bank account and would like me to explain myself via that form.

So Kela - I will explain it all and I'm sure I'll get a response in Finnish.

All About: Television

In Canada, you typically have to sign up for your cable channels through a variety of cable companies.  Or perhaps you'll get a satellite so you can watch a wider variety of channels from around the world - which is particularly handy if your first language is not English and you want to see some Chinese channels or French ones etc.
Then there's Youtube and other sites online - where everything online is free in snippets but then you have to watch things in segments and risk not seeing everything - because the producing company of the show will request those clips be removed.
And then of course, there's the option of waiting until your favourite show comes out on DVD at the end of the season and you purchase it....

Now that you know your options - let's talk about the option in Finland.

In order to get channels in Finland - you just need to buy a "digibox".  You just plug it in and  POOF! You have channels!
Now, if you go that route, you're "supposed" to pay your TV fees.

You perhaps have received a letter from "Viestint�virasto TV-maksut" - and it was probably in Finnish the first few times.  I know my husband has gotten one every 4-6 months since we've moved to Finland....and finally! It was my turn to get one.
Oh but this time - they wrote it in English.

Here's the short form of the letter:

"According to law (yes there's an Act on the State Television and Radio Fund (745/1998) - the television fees must always be paid when you are able to receive and watch tv transmissions...  You have to submit a notification regardless of the channels you watch or how much you watch them - or which distribution network (analog, digital, satellite etc.)....PS If you cannot receive television transmissions or a television notification has already been made for your address, please ignore this letter.  You need not notify us of this."

Then included in this little package is a form for me to fill out with all of my information etc.
Oh and because you're probably curious - here's the fees (you can pay it in 1 fee or in several monthly installments as follows:

" 1 month: 21,15�    3 months: 62,35�   6 months: 123,25�  12 months: 244,90�"

Considering the costs Canadians (and Americans too I'm sure) pay per month for internet - average speed being about 80$/month plus free local calls (we get the average speed for free in our building!) - I'm sure this is a very good deal, and I don't want to know what North Americans are paying for television cable!  (Even if you convert the currencies).

Anyway, so we do have a television - but no digibox.  We haven't watched TV in about 5 years (since my husband and I were first dating...he didn't need it and I didn't want to be dependent on it all the time like many people I know) - so why start now?  We're more into movies if anything.

So we don't have a digibox - but apparently if your computer has a "tv chip" - you're still expected to pay.  I have no idea how to use this "chip" and don't want to know.  Our computer is mostly Finnish anyway - so we have no idea how to do a lot with this computer - except for the basics and use of the internet.  I don't even know if we have that chip!

Well, what happens if you don't respond to the letters?  Occasionally, you may have a "TV Inspector" come to visit you.  They'll ring your door bell (so instruct your friends and regular visitors to knock instead :P ) and introduce themselves.  They'll ask permission to come inside and look for your digibox.
YOU HAVE EVERY LEGAL RIGHT TO SAY NO AND POLITELY SHUT THE DOOR.  The only people you MUST let into your home are the Police.
And they're sneaky about it too - they'll listen to your door (they're kind of thin I suppose) to see if they can hear any "tv-like sounds".
This is getting increasingly harder because of the internet, DVDs and VCRs (yes some people still have those here) - and heck! Even radios!
My friend had recently moved into a different flat and she received a letter within a week - stating that she needs to register her digibox/television if she has one.  And before that?  She just ignored the letters, and once had an inspector come in and they look around in the bedroom, kitchen and living room...typical places for a TV.  The inspector was suspicious because he could hear sounds from her flat - and it was only the radio...she doesn't even have a TV!!

I wonder if they have a little jingle tune like "Inspector Gadget"...?

Regardless of Size - a DOG is a DOG...

I don't care what size your dog is... he or she is still a dog.  They have natural instincts and it's hardly going to do them any good if you constantly scoop them up when you see a dog bigger than yours walking towards you.

Yep - I had "one of those" days and on top of it all - "one of those walks" where my dog was minding his own business, sniffing grass - praying I'd let him find that hedgehog or hare....and these two ladies saw me with their white dogs about the size of a baby's pillow - scooped up their dogs to shuffle past me.
I was sending a text message to a friend and looked up and when I saw they were up ahead and coming towards me, I tightened my grip on Loki's leash (just so he doesn't pull me) and put my phone away.  I tried to smile until I saw suddenly your dogs were in your arms and you were both giving me looks of disgust for - what?! For having a bigger dog?!  Shockingly - they do exist!!

I hate to be prejudice here - but what is with female dog owners?!?!?!  I am one - and maybe I understand dog behaviour a bit better than you two - but honestly, the most my dog would do is sniff your dogs' rear ends.  Because that's how they greet each other.  You don't need a degree or any special education to know this information...it's just common sense.
Just because a dog is bigger than yours doesn't mean it'll bite yours...or kill it....
If my dog was the type to bite - he'd have a muzzle on and not a harness.  And I probably wouldn't take him out around 10:30pm, when most people are getting their last walk of the night (and last pee-break for Fido) before going to bed....

I totally understand if your dog just had surgery (pretty sure they didn't) and had a cone on....or if your dog was vicious - well I certainly hope you have enough common sense to put a muzzle on your dog - regardless of the time you're out!

But seeing as you were about 100 meters away - if that, and nobody's dog growled, barked or got their fur lined up along the backs of their neck - I think it's safe to say - they would've been civilized and sociable.

I rarely have issues with male dog owners and their dogs - big or small....even with the language barrier.  I just smile and say "Loki's Hyv�� (good) ja poika (boy) and friendly!" - and my body language, and Loki's, is enough to encourage a man and his dog to come over.
But female dog owners - I have no idea what the heck is your problem.  (This mostly applies to female dog owners of smaller breeds or puppies...)

I hate to break it to you small-breed owners (nothing against the breed at all!) - but they are still dogs.  They have 4 legs to run away if they don't like Loki (or me), they have a voice to bark a warning and they have natural instincts to be curious and want to meet other dogs.

So if you see me and this dog (see photo below) - please don't treat him like he has a disease because he's wagging his tail and eager to meet you and your dog.  Loki's one of the friendliest and most patient dogs I know ( he has to be to deal with our almost 2-year old who climbs and jumps on him regularly):

Loki is my younger dog (he turns 4 in December 2011) and is a neutered male.  He's very friendly and only growls if your dog appears aggressive first.  He is a mix of husky, labrador, Springer Spaniel (not sure) and collie.

And in case you're wondering what would happen if the tables were turned - I'd love it for a bigger dog to meet my little dog (if I had one).  If there was an issue - then I'd step in between or keep walking by...if not - why should size matter?

It's a shame the Finnish attitude of "keeping to yourself" is smothered upon their dogs.

**Update: There is a possibility that these dog owners I bumped into tonight had good justification from running past Loki - as my husband informed me, after the fact, that Blue had growled and lunged at some "little white dog" - but we're not sure if it's the same owners or not.  Loki was with Blue and only acts "aggressive" if Blue does - I guess to impress the older brother?
I apologize if that is the case- but still hold my belief that if the dog is not lunging towards yours in anger - you shouldn't be carrying your dog.**

Movie Theater

I am so excited! My husband and I have plans on Friday evening to go to the MOVIES!!!

While this may not seem like a big deal, since having our son, V�in�, in 2009, we've only been on 2 dates while living in Finland.
The first one came when he was almost 10 months old - he screamed and cried 90% of the time, until our friend took him out in a stroller for a walk - then he passed out from screaming so much I guess.
The second came last March (2011) - we went out for our anniversary and he also screamed and cried 95% of the time and was super happy to see us afterwards, he wouldn't let us out of his sight for 2-3 days after.
We thankfully have found a baby-sitter (actually 2 of them!) that doesn't mind dogs at all and will stay here with V�in� in our home!  PERFECT.  He's a "spirited child" (look up the definition - if you think your kid is super hyper or super introverted - they're probably just spirited) and is incredibly shy when it comes to meeting new people or going to someone's home.  So finding a sitter that is available (without their own children to worry about) and able to come to our home has been difficult.

Now onto the main reason for this post...the movie theater.

I've mentioned a very long time ago that when you purchase your movie tickets here - you are purchasing your "seat reservations" as well.  So whatever seat number is on your ticket - is where you're sitting during the movie. In NS - it's "first come, first serve" for seating....
Tim and I prefer to sit in the middle of a row, in the middle or rear of the theater.  I once got into a movie late with some friends - and we were stuck in the front row.  Not only was my neck stiff as a board - I was nauseous as heck with all the action in the movie!

Okay - so I decided that since tonight is Monday - I'd like to take a look at what movies were out in theater and still in English in Jyv�skyl�.  Most adult (non-cartoons in my book) movies are in English with Finnish subtitles beneath.  The cartoon movies are like this too for awhile, then dubbed over in Finnish after a week or so.
So I headed on to Finnkino's website to see what was up and playing.  Thankfully the site was available in English (as you can tell by clicking the above link) - and I started to pick "Jyv�skyl�" as the city theater and began to scroll through the dates.
Well, the dates didn't make any sense because they were not in order.  And Friday was missing entirely.  My husband and I cruised around the site and tried using the Finnish version of it too - with no luck.
I posted on my Facebook status that I needed help trying to find the movie times for Friday and within a few minutes, a friend of ours actually called me to explain this weird situation.
Newly released movies tend to come out on Fridays - makes sense, because it's not a school night and those that want to go to the movies late on Friday, can sleep in on Saturday.  It's a good night to go to the movies - there's other people there, it's easier to get a group of friends to go...it's a good money-maker for the box office.
But! To ensure that they will have those new movies handy and set up in the theaters by Friday - Finnkino doesn't update their weekly schedules (to include Fridays) until TUESDAYS every week around 12pm or so.

And there you have it...I thought I was going crazy - and you probably did too...but now you know why you can't book a ticket or even see what's coming up on Friday night - until at least Tuesday.

** I strongly recommend the book the link is attached to in regards to spirited children - it saved my relationship with my son and with my husband once I figured out what kind of personality quirks he had!... 

Dye-ing In the Country-side!

Yesterday I got to go about 25km outside of Jyv�skyl� to a friend's cottage and we dyed yarn.

You can read about that here in my crafting blog.

I just wanted to share some photos here of the very modern cottage...I didn't take many photos inside - but it was amazingly beautiful!  And there was also a sauna house separate from the main house.
The neighbours were close enough if you needed help - it would take less than 5 minutes to get to them.  However, it was a secluded enough area that it felt private and cozy.

Reindeer (or moose?) antlers....

A "summer house" - this is a VERY modern cottage...absolutely beautiful!

Some yarn being dyed...

The sun set in 20 minutes at most...it was quick and it was beautiful.
The sunset photos have not been edited, other than a crop.

For lunch we had a creamy reindeer and mushroom soup! It was lovely.

For supper our hostess made reindeer meat balls, shredded potatoes, salad and some other veggies.  It was all very lovely and tasty!

A Great Deed!

A few days ago, I posted about a lady who is blind and wasn't getting help to get to the bus or off at the proper stop.
Well, I'm happy to let you know - that a couple of days ago, I noticed she was walking quickly towards her stop and a young man who was biking by, waved down the bus, then waited to make sure the bus driver would stop and wait for her!!!
I was so pleased at this genuine act of kindness - I admit - I teared up a bit.

Oh and in case you're wondering, regardless of your age or disability - you have to pay to get on the bus.  (This applies to Jyv�skyl� at least).
In Halifax, those that are legally blind - do not have to pay to use the bus.  And they may bring their guide dog as well, who also gets on for free.
No other pet (unless in a cage/kennel and is small, like a cat) is allowed on the bus.
I don't know if they've changed this rule yet - because I remember reading about people with other disabilities were disappointed they couldn't get on the bus for free and it wasn't considered very fair.  (This was prior to me moving to Finland - I have yet to read anything else on the matter online).

On a funny note, because you're allowed bringing your dogs (on leash) on the bus in JKL, a young man brought his Australian Shepherd puppy (blue-eyed, brown and white patches - aka adorable!) and all 8 high school girls sitting ahead of me squealed/screamed "IHANA KOIRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (Lovely dog! - Ihana is like a "cutesy" term too.)
I'm pretty sure I may have lost a fraction of my hearing and the bus driver would've crashed had we not been stopped and pulled over.

And dude, just an FYI - it was written all over your face that you only got the puppy to use it as a chick magnet.

"Me and I" Party

A couple weekends ago I went to a "Me and I" party.
No, I wasn't the only person partying - I assure you, I'm not that much of a loser.  :P

"Me and I" is a Swedish-based company that sells children (and some adult-sized) clothing.
They're colorful, have cool patterns and twice a year, fall and spring, they switch up their clothing line and have new items.
Going to one of these parties is the equivalent of going to a "Tupperware" party or a "Mary Kay" party...except there's 0 pressure to buy things and it's for clothing.
I was invited with my friend K. to go to one of these and seeing as I've never gone before and it was the weekend - I thought, "Sure why not?"
The presentation was in Finnish - so my friend translated it for me when necessary.  The lady just had a rack of clothing hanging, showed us each piece - described it a little, paired it with something else to show us the different color options and then when she was done - we got to touch, feel and try the clothing on if we wanted - as there were many adult shirts available too.  Or if you had your kids with you - then they could try on some of the clothes.  There was absolutely no pressure - so you just picked up an order form if you were interested - chose how to pay and your order came to you in the mail.  This was a big bonus factor for me- because the party was held quite far away from where I live!

The basic idea is that it's cool and comfortable clothing for children and some stay-at-home mothers in Sweden thought of this and boom! "Me and I" was born.
I looked on Facebook and they do have an international FB page - but here is their official website, in English for you.

I intentionally went there just to see what kind of clothing they have - because I really had no idea.  A friend of mine had purchased a cute hat for her son and one for herself and some yoga pants - but that's all I knew of this company.

I walked out with 2 t-shirts for my son and 3 hats (one for each of us) coming in the mail.

This is a "Peekaboo Chicken" shirt

This is the back of the Peekaboo Chicken shirt.  The rep had said many Finnish parents were probably offended by that dot under the chicken's tail....anatomically speaking - it's correct - so I don't see what the big deal is!
However, she advised us that some parents told their kids, "The Peekaboo Chicken was in the woods and sat on a blueberry."

The "Creepy Hat" - not really for winter..just for cooler days.  It came in 3 sizes and shockingly the 3rd fit my ginormous head! (Yes my head is huge and my hair is super thick too.)
The felt hats didn't quite fit unfortunately.

And they got in the mail within a week at the post office!
And yes, they were ridiculously expensive but I think, well worth it - because of the humour - and because of the quality is top notch.  (That and you have 12 months to pay with only 1.7% interest per month!!)

If you're wondering about the selling end of this - apparently it's a mark up price of only 24% (approximately) and you have the choice of buying your own clothing for the parties you go to or renting the clothing as a "Junior Seller".  Renting makes more sense to me because the styles change twice a year...
Anyways, there's more information on the above linked site if you're interested and they are an international company - as far as I can tell.

Would You Help Someone in Need?

This is a very sad post.  No - nobody died or anything...but it's a real pity what's going on in Jyv�skyl�.  Once again, from an outsider's point of view...

I hate to point fingers at a particular person that "sticks out" a bit more than anybody else and is fairly recognizable but I think it's something that should be brought to everybody's attention in the JKL and Kortepohja area.  (And if this person finds out - I hope you understand, I'm doing this for your safety and out of deep concern for you as another human being).

There's a lady who has long blonde hair who frequently takes the 18 or 18K bus from the student village to downtown and back.  I saw this lady this past Sunday get off at my bus stop - a bus stop before the student village - and knew immediately she was lost.  I admit I have never spoken to her before because I assumed she spoke Finnish - she does, however, my friend spoke with her to give her directions - and Finnish is NOT her first language.  Not sure what is - but in future, I'll try and help her as best as possible if she speaks English.  And I know the bus number in English and Finnish - so that'll help.

What's the big deal?  She's blind and has a cane - and I live about a 6 minutes walk away from the student village.
I've seen her get on the bus from the student village area - so that's how I knew she was lost when I saw her wandering towards my apartment while I was waiting for my friend to pick me up.
There have been times I've been on the bus and not noticed she was there until we pulled away from the downtown location - and when I finally did notice she was there - I also noticed that nobody offered her assistance, in terms of letting her know what bus number was sitting there for the past 3 minutes.
Not the bus driver and not the other people waiting for the bus.
But yet, nobody has a problem with staring at her and being scared of asking if she needed help "seeing" what bus was there...it's a shame that Finns keep to themselves to the extreme like this, when it comes to someone who has a disability.
I don't know where she's from, I am assuming she's here for the school year as I haven't seen her before (JKL is a small place) and I haven't seen her ask for help either - so perhaps it's an independent/pride thing.


I am incredibly concerned about her safety - because when you're driving from behind her - where there are no side walks in the area leading to my flat - you might not see her cane.  My friend didn't (I don't think) and was a little confused as to why the woman was weaving side to side.
We were able to give her proper directions to go back towards her home and she seemed quite grateful as she didn't recognize the area she was in at all.

So if you see this lady - please give her a hand and ask her if she needs help with the bus number or the bus stop.  

Underground Art

I don't have a car and probably won't have a car for ages.  I admit it would be LOVELY to have a car - but when it comes down to it - I'm more fit because we don't have a car, have a stroller to push and everything is so relatively nearby - that one can (and several do) survive without one in Jyv�skyl�.

One thing about not having a car is not getting to maneuver in the crazy, tight underground parking lots...and where most people in Finland drive a standard - I don't know how they do these turns that are tighter than a slinky toy!

So today I went downtown with a friend to do some shopping and have some kid-free time...and when we got into this parking lot - I nearly died when I saw the art.

And in case you were wondering what the Tupperware ladies cruise around in....(I am assuming you have to be making pretty big bucks to get your own vehicle!)

We almost parked in front of this and I was in such a state of shock and laughter - I asked my friend if she didn't mind backing up - so I could take a photo.

Once we parked - I turned around and this was opposite of the woman and her banana.

I don't know who does the art for the underground parking lots or if they require approval or not.  It's definitely interesting and if you're parked in front of a green naked ram/man - or a lady with her va-jayjay showing and a banana over her head - you're not going to forget where you parked!! (Very handy for the holiday season I imagine).

And my husband wonders why I think bringing my camera everywhere is not only appropriate (mostly) but necessary for this blog!!!

Review: Sinelli

Sinelli is a great craft store in Finland. They often have great sales, especially after holidays (where stores like Pia - in downtown JKL doesn't) and great displays and exhibits.
Unfortunately, their website is only in Finnish.

For awhile, there wasn't a Sinelli in Jyv�skyl�, where I live, but now there is one - as of May 2011.  It's accessible by bus (it's in the Palokka area) but I often visit a friend in that area - so we swing by there about 2-3x a month.
It's smaller than the Helsinki location but still holds quite a bit.
Lots of rubber stamps, papers, Fiskars products, Papermania (slightly cheaper than the top brands and just as great quality!), Hama and other useful items.
There are often classes available - there's one this Sunday on how to color with a wide variety of products.  But I don't know if I am going yet...still up in the air on that one.

The only major fault I have with this store (this specific location that is) - is that I've been there several times before, spending quite a bit (Christmas card supplies, baby card supplies for friends - etc.) and not once was I offered the oppourtunity to have a "membership card".
It's not a real membership - it's a card with numbers on it and every time you spend a minimum of 15� (total purchase) - you get a stamp.  Once you accumulate so many stamps - you get discounts.
I love discounts and feel more appreciated as a customer when I can use those point or stamp systems.
I am also more likely to shop at your store much more frequently if you have a points system or discount program with regular purchases!
But it took 2-3 trips per month since June 2011 - before I finally got the nerve to ask for one.  I thought it was a minimum of 20� - even still I have spent that much before and still was never offered a card.
And it's not a language barrier thing - I'm pretty sure.  The ladies that work there all speak English to some degree and the least you could have done was offered it to me.  If I didn't understand, didn't have a translator or didn't want one - I'd tell you politely "no thanks".

When my friend asked if I got the card stamped - I said no - she never offered it to me...and I spent more than 15�....so I brought her card with me to show the cashier and asked if I could get a card.
The expression on her face was a bit of shock that I would actually ask for a card.  And no, it wasn't her first time seeing me - I usually go around the same time of the day with my friend and often see this lady there (and other employees)...

I will continue shopping at Sinelli for their wide range of products (compared to that of a smaller store like Pia) and bulk products (i.e. cards and envelopes)- but I was severely disappointed and slightly offended that I was never once offered a chance at getting a stamped card.

Oh and on a slightly non-personal note - my friend made a rather large purchase of over 100� and only got 3 stamps...maybe there's a limit or someone can't do math - not sure yet.  But if 1 stamp is equal to minimum of 15� and she spent well over 100�....shouldn't she have gotten at least 6 stamps?

Just a thought.

(So be brave and ask for your points card wherever you go - because the customer service won't necessarily be willing to give it to you automatically).

An awesome sale at the Book Store!

Not sure if it's available at all the book stores in Finland (Suomalainen Kirjakauppa Oy) - but I was in the book shop downtown (Jyv�skyl�) and was honestly looking for some gift bags and a little book for a friend's new baby.

I found a book with paper-doll fairies and their environments for the baby's older sister (can't go visiting without a gift for the older kid!) and a little wooden butterfly clapper for the wee one.

Then I made the error of walking around...

Sometimes they sell stuff from Sinelli - although one just opened up in JKL last May....

2 punch-outs, 5 pieces of paper, lots of fancy paper, 3 sheets of stickers, 1 pair of Fiskars Kidzors, some jewelled embellishments, 2 wood-mounted rubber stamps, 1 ink pad and 2 paper flowers - all in a cool zippered bag that I am pretty sure is water-proof....for 10�.

I am in crafting Heaven!  And all the kits were different!  So if you're a crafter - or know someone who is - Christmas is coming fast - and for 10� - you really cannot go wrong!!!!!  And they're not very restricting (aka "Christmas card kit") - so I have big plans for my kit...and the temptation to buy more of them is strong as well......

Dissertation Etiquette

Tonight marks the 3rd dissertation party we have gone to, since moving to Finland and I figured it's probably a good idea to inform you folks what happens and how to dress and act.
Tonight also marks the first dissertation party I had to leave early - because our son's 2-year old molars decided to tackle him tonight and if that wasn't good enough - he also developed 3 large canker sores in his mouth (at least on one side).  Not a pleasant boy - let me tell you.
(Dissertations in Canada seem to be more low-key and I do not think the university hosts a fancy dinner with alcohol as well.  So this is purely based on the 3 we have attended while living in Finland).

So - a dissertation is when someone has finished their thesis and has to speak about it and is challenged by an opponent (usually a visitor from another university or even country!).  It's not a fight - just a healthy debate and a test - to see if you are truly well informed of what you were studying and to see what you know.
This can take a few hours - and yes, (as far as I know) there is a break somewhere in there.  That's usually held after lunch.  (There is typically a panel that review this and one particular opponent).
In the evening, there is the celebratory dinner and if you are invited - consider it an honor!  Your invitation or colleague whom the dissertation is for, will inform you of the dress code - but if that is not noted to you directly - take it from me: dress up.
Dress as if you are going to a wedding - without the hat or huge fascinator....and without the poofy dress that is more suitable for a prom.
Men - typically wear a suit, most wear a tie and nice shoes.  Be clean and well-groomed.
Women - this is your time to shine!  (Because we all know that we inspect and remember who wore what and how at these kinds of events...from near or far.)

My first dissertation we attended was a "black tie" affair and I didn't have the proper attire, was about 30 weeks pregnant (or more) and opted for an all-black ensemble and a bit of jewelry.
The second dissertation we went to - I was advised it was not black-tie, and opted for a dressy shirt (that allowed me to nurse our 6 month old) and dressy capri pants and heels.  No jewelry then because the then 6-month old had a fascination for tearing things off my neck.
This round, I opted for a dressy blouse (in which I wouldn't cry if my now almost 2-year old dropped food or spilled juice on it), slightly dressy capri pants and sandals.  Oh and a necklace - the first one I wore in over a year...and V�in� didn't rip it off my neck but gently touched it!
I've seen several high heels, several formal dresses or cock-tail dresses and shawls....unfortunately those are not safe for me if I'm chasing a 2-year old!

Now onto the other bits.  When you enter the hall for the dinner, greet and congratulate the defendant.  They'll be at the entrance way greeting everybody.
You should also bring a gift for the defendant.  He or she has worked incredibly hard to come this far and has kindly thought of inviting you - whether you understand their thesis or not.  (Two of them were done in Finnish if I remember correctly).
It doesn't have to be an elaborate gift - that's up to you.  If you work with the defendant - there's probably a group gift you can donate to from the whole department.
Typically a bottle of wine or some flowers is considered very appropriate.  (Yes, that's what we gave the defendant tonight, a bottle of wine - and I made a card).

Sometimes there is a seating plan - so this is prime oppourtunity to meet other people and socialize!  If not - you still can mix and mingle.

Once the defendant formally welcomes everybody all at once - dinner usually starts from there.
The head table goes first and it's then clock-wise from there...or in organized order based on the table lay-out.
After dinner and before dessert - there are speeches.  If you're in Finland attending a dissertation dinner - it's probably going to be in Finnish.
Be polite, don't talk, don't use your phone (unless it's an emergency and do that out in the hall way) and try to figure out what words you do know in Finnish! :)
Speeches are usually given by the defendant, their spouse, their parents, their special guests - the opponent,  their supervisor throughout the thesis and some other colleagues.
After speeches there's usually dessert with tea and coffee - once again, head tables goes first.
After all that, sometimes there is some form of entertainment - sometimes a band or a DJ - but if you have kids - you're probably gone pretty early!

The most important thing about attending one of these dissertation dinners - is don't get plastered.  It's rude, embarrassing and you'll probably get a killer hang over the next day.  The primary reason for the dissertation is celebrate the defendant's work, research and time over the last 3-5 years...not to bring the attention to yourself as the loud-obnoxious drunk.
(Should you take the party elsewhere outside of the dissertation hall - then use caution and use the defendant as a guide. :P )
And of course, never drink and drive.

Baby Showers versus Naming Parties versus Toe Parties

In North America, baby showers are very common.
If you don't know what a baby shower is - let me explain.
When a woman is expecting a baby, her close friends, family and co-workers often throw a party (or several) for her as her due date approaches and "shower" the expecting mother with gifts for the baby and/or for her!
Typically, the father is not present, although I do know of some baby showers who have had the father there.  But it's typically an all-woman thing and gives the ladies to find out the details of the nursery, the gender, the due date, the feelings, the appointment details and of course - discuss their own personal labour experiences.  As well, there's usually lots of food, drinks and some fun games hosted at someone's home or in a rented hall or center.
There are such things as having a baby shower after the baby's born - especially if the gender is not known (and to avoid several green and yellow-colored "gender neutral" outfits), the mother wasn't feeling particularly well, there was some specific concern over the un-born baby's health or due to schedule conflicts.

In Finland, baby showers are not very common I have found out - as we've had several friends have babies and not heard of a baby shower prior to the baby's birth.  After the baby's born in Finland, there is usually a "Naming Party" - which means the name of the baby is released to their close friends and family and there is often a Christening or Baptizing at the same time.  This can be a few weeks after the baby's born (and once mother is up and running again) or a few months - seriously.  So nobody will know about the baby's name, except the mother and father!!!
Don't be offended if you weren't invited to your friend's baby's Naming Party either.  It's typically for very close friends, like the Godparents of the child and family members only - from what I've heard.
I've mentioned this before but it's true - and very odd to a parent from North America I imagine.  Majority of people I know who have children from Canada, have had names picked out once they passed the first trimester - if not since they were children themselves and playing "house" with their doll sets.  I am willing to admit, had our son not been born in Finland - we were thinking of "Isiah Michael", if the baby was a boy and if it was a girl - well, we were stuck on that one.
So the point being, Finns don't generally name their children prior to the delivery - simply because they want to meet the baby, see what (or who) they look like and how they act (characteristic-wise).  There's a lot of thought that goes into a baby's name here (and I'm sure in other cultures that practice similar traditions).
I'm not knocking your choice of a child's name- it's your child, not mine.  But I have heard of some very odd names since I was a teenager and now names seem to lack a true meaning - other than "sounding cool".

Enough about Baby Showers and Naming Parties.  The true point of this post was to educate you on something I just learned about recently.
My friend's husband recently went to a party to celebrate a friend's new-addition to the family and that's when I learned about "Toe Parties".
"Toe Parties" is the best way to translate it - as it does not refer to painting your toes or tickling anybody else's - but refers to baby toes.  Now before you think "How odd"- here's what happens at a "Toe Party".
A Toe Party is a party for the newly-minted father.  That's right men, you are not forgotten in the baby-department!!
A few days after the baby is born (or whenever a time is convenient I suppose) - the father is taken out for his Toe Party with all of his good friends and family members (mostly men from what I understand) and they get him plastered.  Drunk beyond anything imaginable.
Because as we all know as parents, once you have a child (or a few of them) - you don't get to do that very often at all.

And one last thing - yes it is perfectly acceptable to show up with a gift for the newborn when you are first visiting them - even if they are already 3 months old by the time you finally find out their name. :)

A compliment

I was hanging out with my friend doing crafts and as per our usual weekend plans and she had something delicious to feed me (when hasn't she?!).
(In all fairness, I do bring food with me too - since she drives and picks me up, takes me to the big grocery stores and is just an awesome person to hang out with and loves food like I do.  This is what I brought over in case you're curious - Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart bread...but the Finns would call it "pulla" (pooh-lah) - a sweet bread).

She had made a Finnish snack - a Ham and cheese pie.  And no it doesn't have a pastry on top like your grandma's best apple pie (think North American).  I have yet to see a "pie" in Finland with a pastry topping actually...
It was not quite like a quiche - but very tasty nonetheless.

I've been wanting to make something like this for quite awhile but didn't know the recipe and she advised me it was very easy and very plain.  I didn't think so!
It reminded me of the salmon pies you can buy during some craft exhibitions I've been to...but with ham!  It was delightful.
I wanted the recipe - despite being terrified of the word "pie".  I've had several failures before in the "pie crust" department...but this was "very easy"...I can't possibly fail - right?!

I asked her if she wouldn't mind sharing the recipe and she was tickled pink!  She wrote it out in English for me (thank goodness) and then was very proud because it was the first recipe she wrote out in English!
Anyhow, apparently it's quite the compliment (well she put it as "a big honor") to be asked for a recipe.  I had no idea...I mean typically in North America, people swap recipes all the time.  Although, some recipes (nothing really specific usually) are "top family secrets" and the full ingredients list may not be given out...or a special step to make the perfect ______ won't be shared.
Depends who you're asking I guess!

I personally, have no problem sharing recipes and now that I think about it - since being in Finland...I've given several recipes out!! :)
I am just very happy that people like my food I make - and nobody's threatened to sue me over food poisoning! (HA I'm kidding!) 

My Newest Baby....

This is my newest addition: Food Starts With "F".

I have decided to not combine crafts with cooking in my Aquarius Tigris blog...not that I don't think cooking or baking is NOT a craft - it certainly is! And for many people, it is the ONLY craft!  However, I have several crafts and hobbies I part-take in - and didn't want to make food the primary base of that blog.
There will be product/food/recipes reviews and the occasional restaurant review....oh and photos!  And recipes and tips of course!

So check it out!
Let me know what you think and please - no spam comments or swearing. :)