Gl�gi

I know I've written about gl�gi before...way back in 2011 apparently!
But I thought it needed a bit of an update!

Gl�gi (or as Wikipedia calls it: "mulled wine" but doesn't contain alcohol unless you add to it) is available in the fall for the Christmas season and is typically a burgundy colour (unless you get the light-coloured version in the gold/mustard yellow coloured container) and is served warm.
I'm one of those weird people that likes to drink it cold.
Thankfully, I have met 1 Finnish person who also enjoys it cold - and I'm not sure if it's out of lack of patience (or straight up laziness) to drink it cold - or because it's like a juice and really, when it comes down to it, you just want a drink!  (She's my Finnish teacher actually!)
It turns out her family and friends think she's strange too...

Right, so gl�gi is traditionally served warm and with almonds and raisins that you can stir in (spices are available too)...and I remember the first time I had gl�gi at a friend's home...I started to nibble on the raisins and almonds, as they were in a little dish in the center of the table - and my friend thought I was odd.  I couldn't figure out why she was looking at me strangely, until she dropped a spoon of raisins and almonds into her mug of steaming gl�gi...

For our Christmas dinner, I offered to heat up gl�gi and one of my guests said thanks but no thanks.  Which is totally fine with me - but he explained quickly that he was at a party a few years ago (a work Christmas party I think) and someone had the brilliant idea to heat the gl�gi in an electric water kettle (you know - to boil water for tea)...
Well, sign one that was a bad idea?  Everyone was pacing themselves and rushing to the bathroom to vomit.
Once it became very obvious that everyone was feeling under the weather, someone called the poison control center and they said that yep, everyone's poisoned but nobody's going to die.
"As long as everyone has vomited from drinking the heated gl�gi - that's a good sign.  Then you'll have diarrhea for a few days afterward," were the wise words of the poison control officer.
Great way to party!
Well, my husband and I were stunned and promised our guests we only planned to heat it on the stove in a pot - as per the only way we've seen it done...but the thought of gl�gi still made our friend's tummy do somersaults apparently.

After posting this on Facebook, a few people were surprised by the silliness of the idea - I mean, have you ever tried boiling anything other than water in a water kettle?
Someone suggested it was copper poisoning and someone else suggested a microwave if you're only heating a mug at a time.

So may this be a lesson to you - drink gl�gi cold or drink it warmed from the stove or microwave!
Have a great New Year!

A Visit With The Police

Ah, it's December...and that means for my family, residence permit application time.
It just sucks the life out of the holiday spirit for me personally - but ah well - it has to be done, it's only once a year and it's worth the paperwork and costs because we really enjoy living in Finland.

Actually, I was quite optimistic this year because we were told LAST year that we could (my husband and I) apply for our PERMANENT residence permits this time!
Meaning, we've lived here for four years and a bit - and then we'd never have to do it again...or at least not every year - something like that.

I woke up bright and early (okay - I'm lying - it's still dark at 7am) - threw my kid in his taxi and raced downtown by bus to make it to the police station for 8am last Tuesday.
I got there at 8:03am and was excited to be one of the first foreigners there because the line ups after 10am are ridiculous.  Sure they have lots of chairs to sit in and a water cooler...and I packed my knitting AND a book with me just in case...
But the door wouldn't freaking open!
I tried - I yanked and pulled and looked up with groggy eyes to see "8.00" and only that part...and couldn't figure out what the heck was going on.
The lady behind me had an electronic key to get in and pointed out that it was Tuesday.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8.00 is the opening time.
Tuesday and Thursday they open at 9.00.
What a cruel joke...honestly.

I lounge about at the post office getting some empty packages so I can send stuff overseas later on and still had twenty-five minutes to kill.  After a cup of tea and a piece of cake, I rush back to the police station.
I punched a button for services for foreigners and grabbed a chair and waited.
I waited for less than 2 minutes before my number "F00" popped up.  Honestly, I've never had a "00" number before!!!  Normally it's something more depressing like "F182" or "F59" and either way there's at least 10 people ahead of me.
The day was looking good.

I had done some research beforehand and wasn't sure what fees we were supposed to pay.
According to their site with prices listed for 2013:

Residence permit
Residence permit	156 �
Students, minors	116 �
Renewal of the residence permit card	76 �

Right - so looking at this - I got excited!
"HONEY! We're going to save money this year for us! We already have the residence permit cards...so they probably just take them back and change the expiry dates on it then send it back - because there's a "Renewal" fee...surely that's what it means?"

Husband was skeptical and of course as it turns out, rightfully so.

All of my Finnish friends - even one who is half Finnish and works in the other department of the police licensing office thought we'd be paying the Renewal fees and not the Residence Permit fees.

Well, guess what?

That wording is freaking awful.  

I went in and provided my ID and residence permit card and told the lady (whom I have never dealt with before) that I needed an appointment made (the internet appointment system was saying it was full or not available) for my family as we needed to renew our residence permits.

2 adults and 2 kids - yep.

She kindly printed off all of the paperwork we needed (my forms and the kids are the same, since my husband is the one with the contract) and informed me that we needed to bring with us:

• Recent photos of all of us (passport style)
• The paperwork filled out
• Husband's work contract
• Husband's pay slips (the last 3...why I don't know because the salary has a change with the new contract - which was clearly listed - but anyways)
• My paper work confirming the various benefits we get for our son. (Even though she said she can see most of it on the computer via Kela's system.)
• Our passports
• The kids
• Current residence permit cards
• The fee - as you have to pay when you drop off the applications.
• Also, my husband and I have to get fingerprinted (it's digital) but the kids don't have to because they're under the age of 6.

So I asked her what fee are we paying because it says online "Renewal of the Residence Permit Card".  She referred to her chart and said, "Oh that!!! No - that's if you lose your card or it gets so badly damaged you need a new one."

WHY DOESN'T IT SAY "REPLACEMENT" instead?!  I may have to make a suggestion and drop it off in their suggestion box if they have one...because that's so misleading in the English language - really.

Fine - so we're stuck paying 544� and then I remembered the possibility of a permanent residence permit for my husband and I.

"Oh one more question - because we've lived here for four years now, are we able to qualify for the permanent residence permits? This way we don't have to do this every year for my husband and I?"

"Yes you have lived here for that time - right...let me look...no.  Because you have to have 'A-Status' residence permit for four years...so NEXT year you can definitely apply for that and then you won't have to do this again.  Because when you first got here - you were 'B-Status' only.  So you've been B for one year then A for three." 

That's not what the officer told us last year...oh well.

When I got home and updated my Facebook status to reflect this disappointment in non-consistent information, an American friend said that was even technically wrong - because there's some point system involved.

B-status = � a point

A-Status = 1 point

You need 4 points (minimum 1 year of A-status) to qualify for the permanent residence permit status apparently.

Well, first we've ever heard of this points system but yes, it still works out that we have 3.5 points and need to wait until next year (anytime after August) to apply.

Thankfully our police station accepts bank card/credit card payments now (they did last year too) - because carrying around over 500� in cash is NOT my cup of tea.  Not that I am worried in the slightest about robbery or pick-pocketing - also something that doesn't happen here (it's more of a bicycle-stealing city - and even then, it's usually drunks trying to get home) and I hate carrying cash of any amount.

And Finland doesn't use bank cheques at all and haven't in over twenty years.

Needless to say, it'll be a fairly quiet and simple Christmas for us!
Happy Holidays from our family to yours and thanks for checking out my blog!!!
Learning About Finland

Another Bus Trip - Another Embarrassing Story.

Today I had a knitting meet-up with the ladies from the university.  We try and meet about once a month and usually at someone's home - we bring snacks and have tea or coffee and it's great.
We kind of didn't really have anything planned for December - so a day or two ago - someone suggested a caf� and some of us were able to make it.
While waiting for my bus, as I missed the first one - and this one was late of course, I helped an elderly lady hop out of a tow truck that pulled over to drop her off.
She couldn't reach the 2nd step from the bottom - they're really narrow and more ladder-style than protruding outwards like stairs - so I reached out to hold her arm and she gave me her purse and shopping bag to hold on to.
Thankfully the ice has melted over the last few days and she was grateful for the hand.
There was another person at the bus stop and he must not have noticed the lady was having difficulty jumping out of the cabin of the tow truck.

Anyways, the bus finally arrives, the little old lady is gone and me and this guy get on the bus.
I sit near the middle - as the bus is almost empty - with the exception of a couple sitting near the back and am excited to go knitting (Old Lady points are tallying up!).
Suddenly, I notice that the other guy is faced towards me and smiles at me and begins to sign something to me.
I looked at him a bit funny and he did it again.
So I started signing back.
"My name's Dominique."
He signs something else and I'm thinking, "CRAP! Finnish sign language might be different than English!"
So I start to sign, "Sorry", and decided I'd go sit closer to try and practice my signing skills (which I haven't used in YEARS) and perhaps make a new friend...and find out how different Finnish and English sign language signals are!
I sat across from him but on the opposite side of the bus and notice that he hasn't looked at me but he's still signing.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

Yep.  He was signing to the couple in the back.  

Then he got up and went to go sit with them...thankfully, some people were getting on at the next stop and I just looked like someone who wanted to sit closer to the front door.

At least I still know how to say, "My name is D-O-M-I-N-I-Q-U-E."

Finland VS Canada - School Related

As I mentioned before, I'm doing a work-placement in a school that has grades 1-6 (children are aged 7-13 years old) and while I'll try to write about my daily experiences - I thought I'd try and make a list of things that are strikingly different than Canada (and probably a good chunk of the world).
This is totally based on my opinion and experiences with this particular school in Jyv�skyl�, Finland.  While many apply to all schools throughout Finland - smaller details like breaks for example - may differ than other schools in Finland.

• The school year is from August-beginning of June.
• They have an Autumn holiday in October and a Ski Holiday (equivalent to March break) in February.  These holidays vary in occurrence throughout Finland - so a school up North might not have the same holiday week as the schools in the South of Finland.
• Kids call all the staff/teachers by their first name.
• They start school at the age of 7 (grade 1) and in pre-school (ages 5-6) - they do learn things!
• Every morning, the class stands and greets the teacher with a respectful, "Hyv�� Huomenta!" (Good morning!)
• One teacher I worked with also shook each of her pupils' hands and thanked them for coming and wished them a good afternoon when their class was over.  I was amazed! What an excellent way to teach respect!! By giving it as well and equally to each individual student!
• Kids don't wear shoes inside - some have slippers or "indoor shoes" if they really want to - but for the most part, it's all soft (socks) feet.
• Unless they're doing wood/metal work...then they have to wear shoes!  Even in gym class there were bare-feet!
• They have a 25-minutes long recess break in the morning and between 5-15 minutes between classes.  It does help with preventing stress and fighting among the kids.
• There are ping-pong tables  in the hallways to encourage children to burn energy, play together and how to share in between classes.
• There aren't any labels for "Boys" or "Girls" bathrooms.  There are individual bathrooms lining up the hallways with just "WC" written at the top of the door and you just lock the door behind you - do your thing and leave (yes there's a sink and soap).  No urinals.  Staff use the same ones - as far as I know.
• Teachers have some say in their kids' schedules.  Sometimes school ends at 1pm, sometimes at 2pm or sometimes it's a long day and ends at 3pm.  Then again, it might start at 8 or it might start at 9.  This was very interesting for me because I could never figure out why the buses were so packed full of kids on certain days and at various times.
• There's no water fountains in the hallways.  Every classroom has a sink and kids either have their own cups or just drink straight from the tap.
• No vending machines - no chocolate bars, no chips, no pop...
• Lunch is provided and it's a hot meal (meat or fish with veggies, bread and butter, milk or water) for all the kids.
• With that said, I don't see children snacking at all.  They're generally in better shape physically and mentally than their North American counter-parts.
• By "Hot meal" - it's all filling and nutritious! No pizza, French fries, cookies or ice-cream... nope.
• Kids can refer to their text books during tests.  Sometimes it's noted they get points taken away, sometimes it's only for certain questions or information...depends on the teacher or class I guess!
• They do get homework - but not a lot.
• School supplies are provided - with the exception of backpacks and pencils...all the text books and note books are provided to kids (so a friend told me).
• I can't seem to find a single special needs child at all in the school.  I have been told from a friend (but not confirmed with one of my teachers I'm working with yet) - that this is a bit of an issue.  Mostly because of this segregation - "regular kids" don't know how to act or politely inquire what's going on with a "different child".  I'm confident there are some children in the classes I've been in so far that have ADHD...but I haven't seen anyone with an assistant, in a wheel chair or requiring an interpreter (hearing impaired) for examples.  
• In Canada, I grew up with kids who couldn't speak, were deaf or hard of hearing, were in wheel chairs and had assistants and even with Downs Syndrome.  This was great, in the sense that I was prepared to help those that need it in the future and I learned some sign language and forged friendships with children in a different position than myself.
  And since having a child who has been diagnosed 2 years ago with Autism - I find this really interesting too.  I know and am aware of a school in JKL that is just for kids like him - but at the same time, I feel bad he won't be going to a "regular school" like his little brother probably will.
• Religious studies is a subject taught in Finland.  Finland is primarily a Lutheran-based country with some Orthodox and other religions are here but in lower numbers (i.e. Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses etc.).
• No hats are allowed to be worn during the class or at lunch.  Only when leaving.
• Nobody chews gum during class either.
• Not allowed to throw snowballs.
• I haven't seen a teacher with an exposed tattoo...so I made sure to cover mine up the time I was there.  I don't know how much it would matter or bother the other staff or kids - but just in case - I made sure none of mine were showing.
• There's no dress code for teachers.  I was expecting to have to go re-vamp up my wardrobe with dress pants and skirts (despite the snow coming) and I asked the teacher in advance if there was a dress code...NOPE.  So I got to wear comfy jeans (I didn't wear ripped up ones or ones I'd wear to go help a friend move and get messy in), t-shirts or sweaters...whatever!
• In Canada (at least where I'm from), teachers had a casual Friday (got to wear jeans) if they chipped in a dollar or two towards the charity of the school's choice (usually a children's hospital for example).
• Same for ball caps on Fridays for kids too.  When I was in higher up elementary and junior high - there was a program that if we donated a dollar - we could wear ball caps on Fridays during class.  Then again - that was the 90's...times have changed!
• Use common sense - it's not a club or a bar.  The only teachers I saw wearing sweats were usually the gym teachers.
• Kids learn a 2nd language beginning in grade 3.  Each school has a variety of languages - it depends on who is trained and able to teach it to the children - but Swedish is mandatory at some point in their lives because it's Finland's 2nd national language and English seems to be pretty common too.
• Handicrafts are taught and you can do half a year of knitting/crocheting/sewing and then the next half - you'd switch over to wood/metal work.
• There aren't any private schools here.  That means no uniforms for every child, no crazy expensive school tuition fees that are the equivalent to a down-payment on a house/mortgage...none - nada.

*Unfortunately my work placement has to end early due to some other things that popped up - but I'm very grateful for the opportunity to be there and learn about their school system!  

Huge thanks to the staff, kids and school for hosting me!!*

Postage Increase

Finland is bumpin' up the prices to send mail (20 grams or less)...
And this sucks for those that still do write letters and post cards!! (Especially us Postcrossers!)

Here's the info from the Posti's site in English.

So I'll be stocking up on stamps right before the New Year...will you?

Mun Ty�harjoitus (tai Ty�harjoitelu..aka My Work Practice)

Today (Dec. 2) was my first day working in an elementary school.
So during my studies I will have to have 6 weeks of "ty�harjoitus" - which means getting myself a position in my field (which I don't actually have - since I have a variety of experiences but I don't carry a diploma or certificate)...I had originally opted for a baking position...then I thought of early hours...and in the darkness of December?  Too hard.
It's being split into two three-week periods...we'll do the next round in the spring and probably at a different location.
So I decided to go with teaching English and being an assistant to the teachers.
I'll post this once a week or every so often - but I'll try and write a bit everyday!!
I'm scheduled to work with the same teacher and group of kids for two days in a row.

Day 1:  Grade 5 - 20 kids - 2 teachers and me

Within five minutes of the kids' sitting down, there's some announcements - that can't be taken too seriously as the volume is so low and nobody is listening to them.
Then I hear some music - I know it's in a Shrek movie - it's instrumental and the kids are asked to be quiet. I KNOW it's not the national anthem....but the kids are instantly silent.
The teacher greets the children with a "Hyv� Huomenta!" (Good morning)
And the kids respond with respect.
One girl is late and she knocks before entering, goes to the teacher to apologize for her tardiness then sits down.
One boy is late - and doesn't apologize and right off the bat - I realize he's the "trouble maker".  There's one in every class isn't there?  (Not that I like giving labels - but since I can't write their names - no matter how common they may be! - I'll have to stick with various nick names.)
Well, after 45 minutes of chit chat - which included a blurb about where I'm from - the kids have recess for 25 minutes!
I'm pretty sure I had 15 minutes as a kid...then again - this is Finland.
I asked the teacher while we were outside on supervision duty if having so many breaks and shorter classes reduces fighting and she said yes - because it burns more energy when they're not studying or focusing on being taught something.
"But of course we have the occasional fist fight...but it doesn't happen often!"

Well, once the happy chiming of the bells go off - the kids file back inside and one kid has snow all over his face.
At first I think, "snow ball - wow, we're not allowed throwing them in school in Canada!" (At least when I was a kid...circa 1990-something...HELLO DINOSAURS!)
Turns out you're not allowed throwing snowballs here either.
The kids are in class and the teacher questions what happened among the boys.
Well, turns out that Trouble-Maker kid - might also have a case of the "Anger Management Issues" too.  We'll call him "Angry Birds" (so appropriate as Finland is the country that brings you those green pigs and red/yellow/blue/green birds).
Angry Birds tries to justify his reasoning for kicking another kid in the eye - which is swelling a bit, red but not purple or black....and the teacher asked me if I understood what's going on.
Unfortunately, Kids Kicking Another Kid in The Face 101, was not part of my lessons... - but I faked it and I think I understood some anyways.
The smallest kid in the class - who has interesting English vocabulary (keep reading!)- confirms that Angry Birds was at fault and while he's protesting the truth of witnesses - the teacher looks at me again and says, "This is the special kid who you ask him a simple question and all he does is BLAH BLAH BLAH!"
It was soooo hard to keep a straight face - because she said this in English and the kids have studied some!
Then the kids had some more energy burning sessions and got to play dodge ball...and Angry Birds was mega mad that he got tagged out easily (even though they had some weird system where you could get back in the game if your opponent got someone tagged out)....
I went to the city library attached to the school - which was gorgeous - and I caught the boys being a bit rowdy and asked them to be quiet.
So - Little One points at his best bud and whispers loudly to me, "Hi!  He's STUPID....so stupid...He's a MO-RWON!" (moron)
I told him that wasn't very nice and to keep quiet in the library - and he looks at me then runs off...quietly.

The whole class had a biology test this afternoon and while they were asked to sort their desks apart from their groups and into nice, neat rows....they were allowed to use their text books.
A friend who is a teacher said she docked points if a text book was used...but I don't know if that was the case today.

The afternoon was laid back and I had handicrafts with some older girls (the school is grades 1-6...so 7 years old to 13 years old) and unfortunately I finished all the yarn I had on me with the hat I was working on.
So I helped about when asked and started to make a gingerbread lady felt toy.
Then the power went out.
In all the four years I've lived here - never had a power outage.  This lasted 15-20 minutes...I thought this happened in the countryside!!!!
Oh and the handicraft teacher kind of looked like Ellen DeGeneres...I felt like dancing whenever I looked at her...but maybe that'd scare the crap out of her.

Day 2
We had art class and were given a huge sheet of thick paper and some paints and told to paint  around the edges towards the center but leave a blank spot in the center.
Then kids started drawing random things - so I joined in.
Turned out the point was to draw something involved with the time of day.
I tried drawing my dog, a cupcake and random words...then I  penciled in "LOVE" in the center, on a diagonal - and wrote in black pen words that went with "love" and all around the center word.  After, I erased Love and the inked words formed the shape of the word.
Well, Angry Birds thought I was AMAZING...and earned more cool points.

It was another teacher's birthday and he brought in donuts...and someone brought in a traditional Finnish mocha cake in the staff lounge/lunch room...usually chocolate looking, a tad dry and with chocolate frosting and sprinkles...
An older male teacher walks in - and this is what kills me...Finns know the MOST RANDOM things in English.
I get up to fill my water bottle and he bends at the pelvis, sticks his hands out in a "come-hither" way and starts to thrust himself towards the mocha cake and says,
"Come to Daddy...oh yeah baby...come to Daddy..."

This was to a cake...and I had to bite my tongue HARD (as I was just going past his back when he started doing his little dance and chant) so I didn't burst out laughing at him...seeing as I was the only native English speaker in the room...

Day 3
I had one period of English first thing in the morning with a substitute of the teacher who is my supervisor (technically) and turns out to be her son as well - and he had no idea about where I was from or why I was even in the school.
During that class, they were prepping for an up-coming test and one kid that sits alone in the front (probably because he's the trouble-maker) wanted to ask me a question and the teacher sub said, "Ask her."
Well, the kid had a fit and thought he said, "A**hole".
So of course, he's screeching in Finnish and suddenly screams, "A**hole!"  The teacher sub firmly tells him to sit down, settle down and to ask me a question if he had one.  (He didn't.)
Few minutes later, we're about to play Snakes and Ladders in English in their text books - and kid in the front (we'll call him "Mr. Extensive Vocabulary") stands up, flexes his muscles and screams:
"F**k the b**ch!"
I was so stunned at this random burst that my eyes nearly fell out of my head and the teacher looked at me and was equally stunned too.  He got a firm lecture and had to apologize to the teacher (it wasn't directed to me).
But yes, by the time I got home, I had a good chuckle - not that I approve of kids swearing - because I don't!  But it was SO random...and of all things to know in a 2nd language?!
After telling hubby about this - he wondered out loud, "I wonder where he learned that from?"
Seeing as their tests were about fruit, animals and where they are from - I doubt Mr. Extensive Vocabulary learned it in class!
Then again - the radios do not censor swear words in English music they play...so it's another possibility he learned it from there...or a movie.
One girl was super sweet and gave me a paper fan...and sang me a song in Finnish.  She even sat with me at lunch time...and didn't hold a grudge - despite me kicking her butt in Snakes and Ladders twice.  And she understood my Finnglish.

Then I'm with a different teacher - a fairly popular one from the looks of the kids' faces whenever he walked by and the cheerful "MOI! Hei!" from all the star-struck/swooning girls of various ages...
Anyhow, it's also a different grade - grade 3.  It's the first year that they start to learn English as a second language too!
I introduced myself with the typical: "My name is Dominique and I'm a Canadian.  I've lived in Finland for 4 years.  I have two boys and two dogs" - in Finnish AND English...so they could hear what words are similar in both languages and which weren't.
Then the questions came.  I mean - the grade 5's didn't ask me anything.

• "How old are you?" (this was asked at least twice)
• "Do you like cats/grapes/apples?"  - the grapes and apples is on their test soon...
• "Do you know Sidney Crosby?"

How is it, that a bunch of 9-10 year olds know who Sidney Crosby is, but any other die-hard ice-hockey fan (Finnish men usually) - have no idea who I'm talking about?!

Well, this blogger got even more awesome points and respect when I told them I'm actually from the same city(ish) as Sid the Kid.  And that no, I don't know him personally, but a friend saw him and has a photo with him from the airport in Texas.

This class had a TONNE of energy - which was great...but the teacher confided it was hard to find ways to get them to concentrate some times because they are everywhere.
Which was later confirmed by the other handicraft teacher (not the one who looks like Ellen) and I was mega impressed because she had 3 or 4 different craft stations on the go for this 1 class.
Even in music class, the music teacher gave up on yelling to get their attention - and just used a microphone in the music room.  I don't blame her at all.

They also teach religious studies in Finland.  Yep - even in elementary school.
The day's lesson was fairly basic.  They don't do it from the Bible, as far as I know (I haven't seen one yet) but from a school text book called "T�hti 3" (Star grade 3).  It had some colourful pictures, some text and seemed to be fairly basic in terms of lessons.
It was all about Joseph and Mary giving birth to baby Jesus and that the Angel Gabriel told them to name their baby Jesus.
They have notebooks with half lined paper, half blank - and they had to write a few sentences and then draw pictures imitating the book.
The religious studies teacher was an older man and when I told him we don't study religion in Canada during our basic school years (unless you go to a Church of some sort, study independently or choose to study in university) - he said he's sure Finland will go the same way in the future.
He didn't necessarily agree with the idea of teaching religion in school and I can only assume (as this was  quick conversation) that it's because there are so many different religions in the world.  But it's part of the curriculum and his job - so he does it.
He told me as well, that they do have Jehovah Witness students, and they have their own teacher - interesting!  I'm not sure if it's another teacher that happens to be a JW too or they have a member of that religion visit the school to educate the kids.
They don't do morning prayers either - like some schools in the USA used to (maybe some still do - but I wouldn't know).
Finland is primarily Lutheran based.

Day 4

I was with a grade two class - a group of less than 12 kids (I think some were sick) and they had math class. They're about 8 years old and learning fractions and already know their division (up to 12), multiplication tables (up to 12), addition and subtraction.

Because today (Dec. 5) is the day before the Finnish Independence Day (Dec. 6, 1917) - the whole school went outside and had a few scouts carry torches in, raise the Finnish flag, sing songs, wave flags and then we went back inside.

So today was quite relaxed since tomorrow is a holiday in Finland - and I helped mostly with the arts and crafts for our group.  They coloured flags, folded them and glued them to strands of yarn and I got to pin them up on the board...

Here's the dumb moment I had (there's always at least 1...):

Mr. Cute teacher says, "Hey Dominique - looking good!"

Well, I was surprised - I didn't even have a shower this morning! HA!
I say thanks then realize he's giving me a thumbs up and looking behind me...

At the garlands of Finnish flags I just finished pinning up.

Go me.

I also had two periods of gym/sports with kids and the most popular game is Tag.  But it's not just "TAG - you're OUT!"

Noo....it's once you get tagged, you have to freeze into a random position and someone has to "free you" by imitating your pose!

Then it was basketball with the grade 1 kids - and since the amount of kids were odd - I got to help with dribbling exercises and such.  One of those exercises had me teamed up with a girl who wasn't overly sporty...she missed the ball a couple of times when I passed it to her - and it kind of smacked her in the face.

She laughed.  Hey! I'm not complaining!!

The grade 3's had the same activities but a bit more running around, a proper game and harder basketball drills...it was fun!

I was complimented on my stop and pass...I didn't have the heart to tell him that in order to grow up in the North End properly - one must know how to handle a basketball...even if it's only basic stuff!

Next week I'm with new teachers every two days..one who just got back from a long time sick-leave...and hopefully had some sort of warning that a Canadian was coming over for a bit.

Time to enjoy the weekend!  I'll try and compile a massive list of major differences between Finnish schools and North American ones...soon...

Kahvila Muisto (Jyv�skyl�) - 2.5 Reviews

Why would a place get 2.5 Reviews?  I'll tell you.

In the heart of Jyv�skyl�, there is a little area called Toivolon Vanha Piha.  It opened up again to customers last year (2012) and has been quite successful.  There are little shops, a black smith on site, a small house that you can tour (be sure to cover your feet with the blue plastic covers!), a yarn shop called TitiTyy (the name is after the sound of a bird call), and a caf� called Kahvila Muisto.

I was there once this past summer (2013) with a friend and it was lovely being able to sit outside, knit, chat and have a cup of tea and a pastry!
The unique thing about Kahvila Muisto is that the wait-staff take your order from the table - you don't order, get your food then go sit down like at many coffee shops in Finland.
And they also serve alcohol.
Anyways - my friend and I heard many great things about this place and thought we would go.  She had been there once and thought she could go again - and since TitiTyy is nearby - we could pop into the yarn shop beforehand.  So we did just that, bought a skein of yarn each, grabbed a table in the sunshine and waited.
And waited...and waited for a waiter(ess).  I think we waited about 10-15 minutes just to place an order - granted it was summer and busy.  It took awhile for our food to arrive and we had to ask for our water again a couple times...again - a bit of a wait to get our bills - but overall - a nice place.

In JKL, we've started a handicraft group that meets weekly and you don't even have to have any experience at all!  We're of all different levels and backgrounds (it's mostly foreigners-based) and eager for new members to join us!
We decided that we would meet up at Kahvila Muisto (without reservations as it was a Thursday evening) and I arrived first to grab our table.
I managed to score the biggest one there - that holds about 10 people comfortably and told the waiter that there were more of us coming.  He said no problem and shortly after that - one person came.
More were on their way and I was getting confirmations on Facebook that the snow was slowing people down a bit - but they were definitely on their way.
My friend and I were looking at the menu and un-packing our bags of knitting and then the waiter comes back and asks us to move tables because in an hour there was going to be a big event of about 50 people (maybe he said "15"?  Because I don't think that 50 would have fit in there anyways considering most small tables were taken).
There was no reservation sign on our table we had  - but we figured okay - we'll move over and across the room - to a table that comfortably holds 6...when we reminded the waiter that more were coming - he apologized and said it was not a problem for a waitress to bring another chair.
So that's what we ended up doing - and the waitresses looked like they were THRILLED to be asked every 10-15 minutes to bring another chair.
Because in the end there were 9 or 10 of us, we were crowded too close together and it was a little difficult to do any crafts because we were constantly elbowing each other for the most part.  And it was kind of dark on that side of the room too!
We heard one short speech from this "party of about 50" people...and they were in a side room anyways...and I don't think there was ANYONE at that big table at all.   Nor did we hear a gaggle of 50 people...and nor would we be that loud that we would trump a group of 50 either.
It's not like we were having debates or improv group meeting..or board games...no - we were knitting.

Then when I spoke to a friend of mine - who belongs to a different knitting group in JKL (don't ask me the name of it- I don't remember) - she told me they had horrible experiences at KM because the owner requested that they take their knitting group elsewhere, especially on a Saturday, because other people pay to have their coffees there.  Perhaps they should've made a reservation - but at the same time - people cancel last minute (with or without notice) or people join last minute...so it's always a hit or miss with reservations.
It sounded to me (this is where the "0.5" part of the 2.5 comes in - as I wasn't present) - as if the owner didn't appreciate these regular customers who do nothing but buy food and drinks (refills included!) - because they also happened to bring their knitting too.
Then I happened to meet another member of this group - one of the head hunchos I guess - and she confirmed this story.
The owner of Titityy was very apologetic about the whole thing - but the owner of KM?  Not so much.  And this group even met in the summer up to 4x a week AT Kahvila Muisto!!!
Considering that Kahvila Muisto even charges 0,50� (50 cents) a glass of water - yep, even for customers who already ordered something - I'm shocked you would turn away customers that are not just drinking water because it's the cheapest item on your menu.  And at 4x a week?!
AND new customers whenever friends or family visit and want to try somewhere new?!

Oh and here's the thing about running a small business in a small city - word spreads like wild fire.

I don't expect Kahvila Muisto to shut down overnight because I wrote this review or to even see this - maybe they will - stranger things have happened!
But from a customer service-experienced and a could've been a regular customer's point of view - you're going to lose a lot of customers from kicking out a knitting group or two.

One last point these ladies noted to me about their observations from being in KM on any day of the week:

"Quite often there are other customers there with a single cup of coffee and maybe a pastry (no refills or other purchases) and talk with their friends for a much longer time than we are there for...they aren't knitting or crocheting...nor do they get asked to leave."

After thinking out loud on Facebook about whether or not to blog about this - a couple friends wrote on my status things like:

"Nice place but un-professional service!"
(I.e: long waiting times, forgetting orders, wrong bills, different staff and they were acting confused or nervous..."We thought we were on Candid Camera ..." - Guess it was bad.)
"Sounds so familiar..."

I hate to sound corny - but Kahvila Muisto is not really my cup of tea anymore at all.

My Speech Test Made My Teacher Cry...

This is the last week of school and I had three tests this week. The written one was on Monday and today I had a spoken and listening test.
I didn't know there was going to be an actual spoken test, but I guess it is to be expected in the end of a language course!
I was asked the basics like where I live, how long I have lived there...what do I like about the area, what do I do on the weekends and so on.
Then the fun part. I was given a black and white photo of a couple eating dinner in some posh restaurant and some suggestions on what to say were written on the side.
Describe what they are doing, their personalities, what they look like and their conversation.

After doing all that but their conversation part - my teacher asked what are they talking about?
Initially I started with :

His name is George and he is 35-years old and works in the hospital as a doctor. His wife Lisa is 30 and she's a teacher... they have been married for four years.
They are at a restaurant in Italy which is beautiful and very hot unlike Finland.
Lisa is eating chicken pasta and George is eating potatoes and beef.
They are drinking white wine.

Here's the conversation -picture deep manly voice for George and a soft high pitched voice for Lisa:

"Moi, Italia on kaunis!!"- Lisa
"Joo, sin� on kaunis my�s!  Haluatko menee katsoo elokuvaa?" - George
"Joo!  M� haluan katson 'N�lk� Pelit'" - Lisa
"Um - m� en.  M� menee baariin ja m� odotan." - George
"Oh....George -m� haluan lasta!" -Lisa
"Um...m� en. Mutta ehk� ostamme koira??" -George
"Ehk�...mutta m� haluan on vauva!!!" -Lisa
"Sin� nimi koira 'Vauva'"- George
"Ei sama. M� haluan eronut!!"- Lisa
"MIKSI?!?!"- George
"Koska m� haluan vauva ja m� nukkun sun velje� kanssa!"- Lisa
"Mit�?!?!"- George
"Joo!! Eilen kaksi vuotta...."- Lisa
"No niin!!...m� en tied�!!!!"- George
"Joo....heippa hei."- Lisa
"Heippa."- George

After changing my voice - my teacher jokingly suggested we record the conversation I make up and play it for the class later...
By the point I got to "M� haluan lasta!" - she had tears down her face and couldn't stop laughing...

Here is a translation of what I said...I apologize for the spelling errors and in-correct grammar above!

"Hey, Italy is beautiful!" - Lisa
"Yes, you are beautiful also/too!  Do you want to go see a movie??" - George
"Yes...I want to see Hunger Games!" - Lisa
"Um - I don't.  I'll go to a bar and I'll wait." - George
"Oh...George - I want kids!" - Lisa
"Um - I don't.  But maybe we can buy a dog?" - George
"Maybe...but I want a baby!!!" - Lisa
"You can name the dog 'Baby'" - George
"Not the same.  I want a divorce!" - Lisa
"WHY?!?!" - George
"Because I want a baby and I'm sleeping with your brother!" - Lisa
"What?!" - George
"Yes for the last 2 years..." - Lisa
"Oh well...I didn't know!" - George
"Yep....bye bye." - Lisa
"Bye." - George

After all this - I said I was done and she thought it was hilarious but very dramatic.
I told her it was the "Amerikalainen versio" - (American version)....I made a reference to Jerry Springer but she didn't get that part.

I think I passed.

My 1st 100% Finnish Phone Call!

I'm totally over the moon right now!!
My oldest is home with a nasty fever that started yesterday afternoon - but the medicine is kicking in now - so that's nice.
Anyways, my dentist sends me a nice little post card with an appointment time on it whenever it's "that time of the year".  I knew and was expecting a card in the mail soon because at my last appointment he told me he was moving cities - so this was the last one before he moved.

For those that don't know me too well - I am the Queen of Losing Things.  I put things down for just a moment and POOF!  Gone.  I'm starting to wonder if there's a little fairy that lives in my house that hides everything...the same one who steals socks (and we don't even have a dryer to blame THAT on) in most households - so you're forced to wear mismatched pairs...or wear the same colour everyday....(which I find personally a bit sad).

Anyways, all I remembered from this post card is that:
A) I have an appointment
B) It's in November
C) It's on the 20-something...

And of course I forgot to write it down or to in-put it into my phone's calendar...

So I had a hunch that today might be the day - so I gave them a call.

"Moi! Puhutko englantia??" - me hoping partly that yes, the receptionist does and partly hoping that no, the receptionist doesn't - so I can practice my Finnish...
She advises me that she knows a bit...alright - Finnish it is...time to *gulp* TRY.

"Ok - mun nimi on Dominique ja mulla on ajanvaraus Juha kanssa.  Mutta m� en muista milloin aika on?"  I'm practically speed talking because I want to say it as accurately as possible and at the same time - get off the phone as quickly as possible.
(Okay - my name is Dominique and I have an appointment with Juha.  But I don't remember when the time is?)

She was quite pleased and seemed to understand me because she confirmed my name and told me my appointment is today and gave me the time.

I feel awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(When school is done - I'll post a huge vocabulary list of what I learned in school...probably during Christmas break.)

Disability Benefits

I thought I would write something a little more personal in terms of family life here and how it affects me living in Finland.

Our (now) 4-year old son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 - which you may have known already from reading my blog in the past.
Some benefits that we qualify for - are truly unique and I'm constantly amazed and grateful for all of it.

*This is based on my family's experience - so if you're interested in these services - contact your doctor or social workers to see what you qualify for.  I also reside in Jyv�skyl� - so different cities or districts may have variations to benefits.*

• Domestic Aids - these are people who are there to help you with your basic living/quality of life.  They can be hired to clean your home, care for your children (in your home so you can sleep properly or even outside - so you can get stuff done), they do grocery shopping or running errands for seniors etc. Contact your Neuvola for more information.  Your child doesn't have to be disabled for this service!!!!  
• Free (limited) therapy sessions- both speech (and recently) occupational.  You have to have formal requests from the doctors and fill out all kinds of paperwork - but I promise you - it's worth it.  We are thrilled with our speech therapist and our occupational therapist for our son is also lovely and patient too.
• Free Diapers - this only applied to us once our son turned 3 and proved he refused to potty repeatedly.  So I believe it's 3 or 4x a year - we can call this hotline and have diapers delivered to our door for our son.  The city will pay for up to 5 diapers (maximum) per day and that's how many you get.  You have to set up a delivery time and date and if you're not home to pick up the order - they'll just drop it off at the nearest post office...which would really suck if you don't have a vehicle to carry it all in...About 4-6 packages of diapers fit in each box and you get 4-5 boxes (depends on the size of diapers and how many per package etc.).
• "Extra caregiver benefits" - once a month we are awarded from the city a sum of money that helps us with all the extra bits we may need for our child or for ourselves.  Loosely speaking - it's more or less money to help us make it through the month and not stress about things so much because caring for a child with special needs can be very exhausting.
• With this benefit plan set by the city and our social worker - because we do not have family here (not that it's a requirement) - we also are able to have our child stay overnight at a special place where he gets 24 hours a day round-the-clock supervision and care.  Pretty much an overnight day-care (some are held in another family's home - that is specialized in handling and caring for children with special needs) that allows us a break from him and he gets a break from us for 3 whole days and nights per month.
• I was really hesitant about this "Overnight Care" for my son and felt like an awful parent for using this service (we get billed afterwards - approximately 30� a month for those 3 days and nights) - but it's really helped us as a family in terms of being able to do things with our younger son and even being able to go out on a date once a month...because it's a lot easier to find a sitter who can handle a "normal/average child" than handle both a busy average child and one who is Autistic too.
• We have less stress in our marriage and with our youngest - who often starts trouble to get more attention (and I can't blame him) -  because we're constantly busy with our oldest's needs - knows that when big brother is gone...he gets a break too.
• "Disability Benefits for a child under 16" - this is tax-free income and paid once a month via Kela.
• Free Day-Care - the reason a family can qualify for free day-care is because day-care in Finland is based on the total household income.  Another reason a child can receive free day-care is because it's part of their rehabilitative program pertaining to their disability.
• Taxi Service - this is provided to our son only (so myself or spouse cannot hop in for a ride too) - so he can be transported to and from his day-care.  It's not an easy service to qualify or be approved for - as I have other friends who applied for years before they were accepted (or they were not accepted at all).  Every week-day that he goes to day-care - a taxi picks him up at 7:30am and drops him off by 3pm.
• Why we applied for it:
• We don't have a car to get him to day-care and it's over 3 km away from our home (45 minutes and without snow to push a stroller through - snow could or ice can easily add another 30 minutes depending!).
• I tried to take him by bicycle (with him in a child's seat) and he freaked out so much and grabbed my back-pack and we nearly fell over, while speeding down a hill.
• My other child goes to a different day-care quite close to our home.  
• I have to be at school for 8am (class starts at 8:15) - so if I did drop him off by taking the buses - I would be late everyday for class...especially if he's having a difficult time settling down.
• My husband does have to go to his office regularly and also takes the dogs out in the morning (I do the evening shifts) so I can get to school on time.

Since having this extra help - it's been a lot easier being able to live in Finland with a disabled child.  

I am truly grateful for everything we have and don't take any of it for granted because I know in Canada - we wouldn't get half of these services.

"Back to Earth" (Another Finnbay-Related Post)

Sorry it's been awhile since I blogged but now I finally have something really worthy to blog about!

I recently have received a "Formal Notice" from Finnbay threatening legal action against me - Dominique Riggs on November 20, 2013.
What could I possibly do to offend the oh-so-mighty Finnbay while raising two kids, two dogs, keeping house, baking for Restaurant Day (and an up-coming Christmas market), studying Finnish intensively and trying to squeeze in weekly craft meetings and Foreigners in JKL meet-ups once a month??  (On top of all the regular household errands required...)

I wrote a blog post.

I know!!!!!!!!! So terribly scary and so on.  Well the company and it's creator, Mr. Onur Y., are super mad at me because of a privacy breach and defamation.
And possibly because when you go on Google and search for "Finnbay" - my blog post is the 4th link listed on the first page.  
Thanks my readers - I feel pretty famous!

Before you get your knickers in a twist about what I'm going to write - here's the law on defamation in Finland and Finnbay's own privacy terms and conditions (See section 3.1.9 and as well 3.1.7).
As of November 23, 2013 - there haven't been any changes but just in case you're on a mobile phone and hate opening new tabs like I do - I'll copy and past it all for you here:

"3.1.7. Neither Party will, without prior approval of the other Party, make any public announcement of or otherwise disclose the existence or the terms of this Agreement." (Accessed on November 23, 2013 from http://www.finnbay.com/about-us/legal-notices/)

"3.1.9. This Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of three (3) years from the Effective Date unless otherwise terminated by either Party giving notice to the other of its desire to terminate this Agreement. The requirement to protect Confidential Information disclosed under this Agreement shall survive until the volunteer has provided a written notice of their leave of FINNBAY."  (Accessed on November 23, 2013 from http://www.finnbay.com/about-us/legal-notices/)

Okay - so I get an e-mail first thing on a Thursday morning advising me that:

A) It's a formal notice directed to yours truly.
B)  Finnbay is taking the first step of legal action against me for the above linked post because of a breach of privacy and defamation of the named company.
C)  They hope they can find middle ground and we can work something out.
D)  While they support freedom of speech, they do not tolerate untruthful information being spread that damages other people's credentials in public...(I'll tackle this point in another blog post in the future but do note - I do have all e-mails confirming everything listed in this blog post.)

So! I went back to that blog post - dated August 13, 2013 - and out of the kindness of my heart - removed the name "Onur" and changed it to "Bob".
I also removed someone else's name as they have nothing to do with Finnbay - other than to want their remaining pay owed from this organization.

After doing some research - I discovered that Finland has a 100% Freedom of Speech law - so I can write (and so can you) anything about any business or public persons that may be of interest to the general public.
Considering Finnbay is a fairly new site and I had a difficult experience since leaving there - I felt it was only justified and fair that others interested in "volunteering" are aware of what is included and what might experience after your official resignation with this company.
Others that I know of - have also had difficult experiences and negative opinions of Onur's operations with Finnbay as well...which I'll be more than happy to share with y'all once I have collected enough resources and evidence to support a blog post about it.

I advised Finnbay that I had made some edits and removed his name (he's the creator and owner - although for some reason, a Bruce Stone is listed as the heir/holder of the site - which I can't find any information on either - so possibly it's just an alias??).
"Finnbay Team" (as Onur doesn't want to take ownership??) as the e-mails were all signed - thanked me and removed my articles listed on their site - which is great - because they were more or less just duplicates (with perhaps the odd slight edit) of articles listed on my blog here - which existed well before Finnbay was launched (February 2013).

It was then requested that I remove my post within a week or they would continue with taking legal action against me and have already (suggested) submitted paperwork to the Helsinki Court.
Okay - I don't see anything wrong the blog post - other than me using his name - it turned out it was legal so I re-edited the post (November 23, 2013) to reflect as such.

He/they (whichever way you want to read it) suggested breach of privacy - right?
Well, then he posted the link to Finnbay's legal notice page...and after searching through my private communication/e-mails with Finnbay - noticed that there was never any terms and conditions listed or privacy agreements for me to read, sign or agree/disagree to.  I was never sent any and never advised of any either. It should be noted that I sent Onur/Finnbay a couple of pieces/articles for him to use prior to the website's official launch.
So if any such agreements were listed on the site - I wouldn't have known and it was done so without my knowledge or consent (Section 3.1.7).
So what this really means - is that if you volunteer (or if you're lucky enough to get paid something) for Finnbay - you are not legally bound to any sort of privacy agreement because this agreement and terms were already made public prior to you typing your first word in their site.
Way to go Finnbay!

Also, it was requested in the 2nd e-mail from Finnbay - that I remove or re-write my blog post to reflect as "my despising" of Finnbay as a user and not as an ex-volunteer (his words).

So after a lot of research, editing and such - I sent him/them a lengthy e-mail advising and kindly pointing out the two most major flaws in their terms and conditions.
I'm sure there are others - but these two really stuck out.

A) I submitted an e-mail/letter of resignation due to lack of recognition for my Learning About Finland blog (it was never linked - although there was a promise of more networking and exposure to my blog etc. - which I do have an e-mail of - specifically from Onur) and due to lack of time.
I wrote that e-mail and had received a kind "thanks for getting us started - good luck with your stuff" response and that is dated on July 8th, 2013.
I published the "Finnbay= Waste of Time" post over a month later - on August 13, 2013.
So - that Section 3.1.9 fully supports what I did.
Apparently this blog post was only discovered 3.5 months after publishing date and I was accused of defaming Finnbay for the past 3-months....but I only wrote the one post, and only intended to write the one post - until now.

B) According to Section 3.1.7 - the agreement never existed to begin with.
Don't blame me - I'm just telling you how it is.

C) Finland 

Criminal Code

In Finland, the libel of State authorities and symbols as such has not been established as a criminal offence. In the case of State authorities, libel constitutes criminal defamation provided that the insult can be considered against certain persons (public servants). Under section 8 of the Act concerning the Finnish flag (Statutes of Finland 380/1978), a person who ruins or disrespectfully uses the Finnish flag will be sentenced to a fine.

Criticism against politicians and public servants is only punishable subject to certain conditions. Under chapter 24, section 9, subsection 1, paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code (Statutes of Finland 531/2000), a person who spreads false information or a false insinuation about another person so that the act is conducive to causing damage or suffering to that person, or subjecting that person to contempt, shall be sentenced for defamation. Under paragraph 2, a person who makes a derogatory comment on another person otherwise than in a manner referred to in subparagraph 1 shall also be sentenced for defamation. Under section 9, subsection 2, criticism that is directed at a person�s activities in politics, business, public office, public position, science, art or in a comparable public position and that does not obviously overstep the limits of correctness shall not constitute defamation under paragraph 2 of section 1.

A person who spreads information, an insinuation or an image of the private life of another person, so that the act is conducive to causing that person damage or suffering, or subjecting that person to contempt, shall also be sentenced for invasion of the personal reputation under section 8 of chapter 24 of the Criminal Code (Statutes of Finland 531/2000). Under subsection 2 of the section, the spreading of information, an insinuation or an image of the private life of a person in politics, business, public office or public position, or in a comparable position, shall not constitute an invasion of personal reputation, if it may affect the evaluation of that person�s activities in the position in question and if it is necessary for the purposes of dealing with a matter of importance to society.

This is copied from the Council of Europe and is the first organization listed on Finnbay's "About Us" page underneath "TRUSTED BY".
So this clears me too.

I have sent Finnbay that e-mail (November 22, 2013) and haven't heard anything since.
_________________________________________________________________________________

But funny enough, I did receive an e-mail from one of those sites that hides your identity and sends it on your behalf and is listed as "Anonymous" with the following message:

"Dominique,  We have reported you to the tax office for selling cakes and food without permission and sanitary conditions! http://hookedonsweets.blogspot.com/ That will teach you to get back to the earth!"

I am curious who this person or party might be but have already explained how Restaurant Day works (hint: no taxes or hygiene passport required - or else it wouldn't be such a world-wide phenomenon would it?) in this specific blog post.

I'm also wondering if this above written e-mail was sent from a representative of a particular not going to name them company since I managed to prove there is no legal case at all??

However, this is merely a hypothetical theory and just me blabbering on my blog...since there's no official proof yet - since the author of the e-mail chose to sign it Anonymously instead of writing their name or what organization they represent.

If you are the author of that e-mail:  since I can't write back to you directly (since I don't know "know who you are") - please use proper spell check prior to sending me an e-mail.

Earth is a name of a place and therefor should be listed with a capital "e" - like this: Earth.

And yes, I am currently still here and haven't left.

PS:

Before threatening legal action for defamation - please re-read the above copy and pasted information from the EU Council site.

**Please note:  In case of any possible changes or updates to the Finnbay site - I have dated screen shots and print-outs of their Legal Notices page - confirming everything I have written here.

Dear Finnbay: 

You're welcome for the free promotional adverts on this blog.

Kindly yours,

An Ex-Volunteer 

Update:  I had misread the dates on my e-mail in which I had listed my resignation and Finnbay's recognition as August 2013 - it was actually more than a month prior to my blog post.  The date has since been updated accordingly in this blog post.

Is that how they do it?

I qualify, as far as I know, for un-employment benefits here in Finland.
I have never held a paid-position job that took me away from home for example.  And by "away from home" - I don't mean abroad.  I just mean away from kids because they'd be in day care and I'd go to work from 8-4 or 9-5.
NOT saying that being a stay-at-home parent IS NOT a job....it is!!  So let's get back on track.

So I submitted my paperwork really late to Kela, because I knew I "qualified" as of the 2nd week of May.  But I was still in school, kids still in day-care - rushing around to pick them up and so on, hubby was still writing his thesis - so I had to be with them once I was done school...and we travelled to Wales and London for a bit too.
So I finally got around to submitting it to the office in September.  They questioned why I didn't submit it back in May...not really a lot of time to be honest!
Then in June we were travelling, and after that - hubby had a major deadline...the oh-so-mighty thesis!!!
So I was taking the kids everywhere and leaving him at home to finish up the biggest project ever.
Then my school started - and with the hours I have in school - and having to be home by 3pm so V-man can get in the house (a taxi drops him off after day-care) - there's NO WAY I would get into Kela to ask questions, fill out the form together and so on.

Anyways, I justified this and they said fine - we will make a decision.

Fast forward 3 weeks later - and I'm not seeing anything in my bank account from them.  So thankfully, I had an off period and rushed to Kela, waited over 30 minutes (that's what I mean about not being able to do it after class - I wouldn't get home in time!) and after the expected identity check - the Kela rep lady says,

"We are waiting on a paper from TE-Toimisto." (The un-employment office)
"What papers?  I thought it was automatic...nobody said anything when I was here 3 weeks ago..." -me frantic.
"Yes it should be automatic...but they have not sent it.  Maybe you could call or make an appointment with them and see what is the problem?"
I agree and thank her and am about to leave when she says, "Oh - and can we have your number?? We don't have it in this system."

You have GOT to be kidding me.

Every piece of paper/application for anything involving Kela requires a few things:

1. Your name
2. Your social security number
3. Your PHONE NUMBER
4. Your E-mail Address (most applications)
5. Your signature

I must have given her a look like she had rabies because she said, "Well?"
And I pointed out the fact, that they should have my number in the system because for the past 4 years and especially within the last 2 - I have done nothing but fill out forms every 4-6 months on behalf of my son - which has my phone number and e-mail.

She smiled and gave me the typical Finnish response:  a shrug.

I gave my number to her and she said thanks and that was that.

Now I'm wondering if this is one way that Kela gets out of paying people their benefits.

I'm semi-pro-Kela...love 'em and hate'em at the same time.

With the Un-Employment/studying benefits - they will only back-date it 3 months. No ifs or buts about it.

A month will have gone by since I submitted my paperwork and by the time they come to a freaking decision and by the time they actually receive the TE-Toimisto paperwork.

So now I'm losing yet another (potential) month of income...it's not my fault that TE-Toimisto didn't do their job (as far as I know)...so who will end up getting penalized?

Me.  Or maybe You.  (Perhaps you're in a similar position?)

It's not the first time I have been screwed over - because Kela has these set rules of not paying back what is owed - even when it's their fault and they admit it openly in person....

So I called up TE-Tomisto yesterday and the first guy must have thought I was drunk - because I had been waiting for 10 minutes during their horrible electric rock waiting music...I started eating my breakfast...a slice of feta pie...And of course I'm on the last big bite - and he answers the phone.
I asked if he spoke English - with a mouth semi-full of food and he hangs up on me.

Not even an "Ei!" (No)

Just a flat-out "click".

I call back to the switchboard and ask for the direct line to the JKL TE-Toimisto office and call them back again...another 5 minutes wait - and mouth empty of food....and someone picks up.
After some Finnglish - she gets me someone who speaks English...
And may I point out that rep sounds like she LOVES her job...*Major sarcasm font - if one existed...*

"Hi there, I need a paper for Kela saying that I qualify for benefits - they haven't received it yet...what do I do?" -me trying to be friendly and patient.

"What's your name?  How do I spell it?  I'll do it. Bye."

So I have no idea if she means it, or what kind of time-frame I'm looking at...

But here's hoping??

Night Reflectors

So if you're not interested in the shapes available and want to make your own - it's totally possible and very easy!
Benefits of wearing a night-reflector on your outer clothing ?

1. Cars can see you better when their lights shine on you while driving.
2. People on bicycles with lights can see you too...
3. You have a better chance of NOT getting hit by one of the two vehicles mentioned in 1 and 2.

It's also strongly recommended to carry a safety reflective vest in your car/vehicle - so people can see you if you pull over and need to fix something on your car...or pee on the side of the highway...

It's also a super smart idea to put one (a vest or reflector or little non-blinking light) on your dog or other pet, when going for walks!!
Animals can be un-predictable - even the better trained ones - and move into the opposite side of the sidewalk and ended up getting hurt (or hurting a cyclist) for example.

Snow.

As usual - here's your weather warning that there is now snow on the ground - and it doesn't look like it's going anywhere....as it keeps sneakily falling from the sky non-stop.
So what does that mean for you, the person living in Finland?

It is mandatory to get snow tires on your car/truck/vehicle.
And strongly recommended for your bicycle.  
I don't know if they actually make a REAL difference, as I won't bike in the winter!! 

Wear reflectors on both sides of your body if possible - so people can see you where it may be poorly lit...yes the snow helps a bit but not always if there's no street lights!!
Get a bike bell and bike light - DON'T BE AFRAID TO USE THEM.  You can help to prevent many accidents by warning people you're coming too quickly towards them - or trying to get around them.  It's the polite way to get past someone faster...*RING RING*

Your balcony (if you are lucky to have one) makes an EXCELLENT extra fridge/freezer (once it's REALLY cold out) - and it's prime time to empty out and clean your fridge...and if you have icicles in your freezer...probably a good time to de-frost as well.
Also an excellent time to stock up on ice-cream by the way (no, you're not crazy for eating ice-cream in the winter..or shopping 6 months in advance so it won't melt on your way home from the shops!)....and I've used mine as an extra freezer for meats and so on too once December hit!!

Just be sure to have proper trays or mats or plenty of towels to soak up the liquid from the de-frosting!!!
And make sure you change your towels/mats/empty the trays out frequently so you don't damage your floors if they happen to be sensitive to moisture/humidity.
It's also a great spot to let baby/young children sleep in their strollers - well bundled up (and usually not colder than -15*C or so)...as cold air soothes them, minimalizes flu bacteria growth, lets them sleep longer...and fresh air never hurts!

Layer up!
Most important thing about living in a cold climate country (especially if you're not used to it) is to wear light layers.

• Long johns/underwear - usually made of cotton or wool - touch your skin and keep your skin happy because this fabric is breathable.
• Long sleeved shirt and pants - not too thick (of course depends how cold it is outside and how long you'll BE outside and how much you're moving).
• Wool socks
• GOOD winter boots - warm on the inside, waterproof, quick-to-dry if possible, excellent grip underneath.  It gets slippery - and the rest won't matter if you're falling all over the place and getting soaked and twisting your ankles and whatnot.  It's worth the investment and can last you several years!!
• Snow pants or even basic wind/water proof pants (I went one winter just wearing "track pants" that were breathable, water-proof and wind-proof.  I wore thick pants underneath like fleece pajama bottoms and long johns beneath those and felt perfectly fine!).
• Winter coat - should have a hood, reflectors, wind/water/snow resistant/proof.  Brightly coloured helps too - especially if you're hiking or travelling and have a tendency to get lost....
• Scarf or cowl - nobody enjoys a sore throat.
• Hat/toque (Canadian term)/Pipo (Finnish word)
• Ski mask helps on very blustery and cold days!!!  I have a great thin one from Mountain Equipment Co-Op, a Canadian sporting/outdoor shop.  Best thing I ever bought.
• Mittens/Gloves 
• Moisturizer - not just your hands and body - but your face and lips!!!
• Sun-screen...yes you can get burnt on exposed skin when skiing or being out for long periods of time (or even short ones with sensitive skin) in the winter. 

Signs of FROST BITE AND HYPOTHERMIA....
In case you've never had it, been close to experiencing it - or have never been to a country with a snowy/freezing winter - you may want to check the link above.

It's also handy (even if you don't have children) to get a pull-sled to get your groceries!  Because walking in the snow that's not been plowed can be hard enough - may as well make use of it and drag your groceries (especially heavy things!) quickly along the snow!!

I think that's everything....but just keep an eye on the weather and ask a Finnish friend (or friend that's lived here through a winter or two) to help you out!!!

Kestovaippakauppa - A Review

I was on the hunt for a KAM-branded plastic snap fastener.  My Prym brand one doesn't fasten plastic snaps - only metal ones and eyelets.  Darn.
I immediately looked online at Etsy and other sites that sold craft supplies and equipment- but the shipping was almost double the cost of the pliers themselves!
I asked a Finnish friend to help me look in Finland for reasonably priced (including shipping) KAM pliers and she actually found me a shop IN Jyv�skyl� called "Kestovaippakauppa".
There was the option to order online and shipping would be 3,50� - not bad!  But then my friend and I were able to hang out and catch up.
They weren't quite easy to find in terms of being able to hop on a bus and go on my own - but she thankfully took me there by car and we had quite the experience.
For me -it was a mostly positive one.  For my friend - well, she wasn't overly thrilled by the service, speed or anything but the products she purchased.

It turned out that I have been to this shop before - last year and at night, so I didn't recall how to get there - but recognized the building (it's in the basement floor of a house) once we arrived.
Anyways, what I was looking for was this:

It came with the screw driver, awl, metal rod and other press-dies - just not shown in my photo!

That was easy and my friend translated - then I had to choose button colours....I just asked for a mix.  For 50 pairs of mixed colours - "I'm not picky" I told the store rep helping me.  She was great to work with and very helpful and quick - considering each "set" of snaps consist of 4 pieces.

While my buttons were being chosen and packaged - my friend and I cruised through the single-room shop and looked through all the different fabric types.

I decided I wanted to venture into "cloth-pad land" - hence why I wanted the KAM snaps fastener and snaps to begin with....but of course there were so many fabrics available that weren't sold downtown.
I found a couple pieces of fabric on sale and then my friend pointed out a PUL-type of printed fabric.

PUL is the water proof stuff on one side and usually printed (or a solid colour) on the other side.  Traditionally used for lots of things like cloth diapers, diaper covers, wet bags (for pads or diapers or soiled clothing) or even lunch bags!

I thought it would be wise to buy a piece and asked my friend how much it was - she was told 5� a piece by a different store rep.  These pieces were colourful, modern, fun, great quality and pretty big!

GREAT!  I picked up one and the buttons were ready and the store rep I had began to tally up my sale.

I asked/confirmed with her that the PUL fabric was 5� and she looked at me like I was insane.

After searching on the internet - it turned out it was over 11� a piece.

By this point - my friend finally got her fabrics cut and her sale being processed.  She was already charged with the 5�/PUL sheet and the rep had no idea what to do.

It took forever to get a couple pieces of fabric cut and to sort out the billing.

She was first charged X� with the PUL sheets being 5� each.  Then they calculated the difference - and she was charged the difference - but the lady punched in 0,13� (13 CENTS) instead of 13,00�.

Then the 3rd time....she got charged the difference of 12,87�.

Crappy customer service: We each got a 10 cents discount for the "confusion" of the older store's rep mistake.

Excellent customer service would be:  Take the hit and sell it to us for the price we were told.  Or even 50% off would have been nice.

We could have been in and out within 20-30 minutes tops.  We didn't leave until an hour later.

I'm sorry to say that I won't be shopping there again - not even online (they offer shipping on their site).  Not only is it difficult for me to get to by bus, but the service was really disappointing for my friend and I.

The Difference Between Canada (specifically Newfoundland) & Finland

Sorry it's been awhile - my oldest son had surgery recently so now I am home for the week (yes it's almost over - I realize that) and finally made time to sit on my arse and blog.

So I bet you're wondering what are the differences between Canada and Finland?
There's tonnes!

• Language:  Finnish/Swedish are Finland's national 2 languages where as English/French are Canada's.
• Currency:  Euros versus Canadian Dollars (which are not the same as American ones).
• Flags:  Finland's is white and blue, whereas Canada's is white and red.
• The post-surgery advice after a child gets their tonsils removed.

Ha -  I bet you didn't expect that last one, eh?  (A Canadian term - the Finnish equivalent of "no, niin" or "voi ei!" - just randomly placed wherever...and sounds like the Finnish "ei" - which means "No.")

Well, V got his tonsils and adenoids removed on Monday morning and tubes inserted into his ears... and I was advised he should take lots of medicine 3x a day (mixture of Tylenol/Ibuprofen...or Finnish versions:  Panadol/Burana) and eat only smooth and cold foods.

I was prepared!  I had vanilla pudding in the fridge, ice-cream in the freezer and yoghurt available too.  Oh and some mini smoothies ready-made...
Did he eat any of it?!  No.
Did he eat anything in the hospital?  No - just drank juice boxes and some water.  And we had to stay there overnight just in case of bleeding.

There weren't any stitches - they left it raw and to be honest - the stench of his breath post surgery made me want to hurl....

You know how in Twilight, Bella complains that she doesn't like blood because she can smell that iron/"metal" smell in it?  Yeah me too.  And no, my Edward equivalent doesn't glitter in the sun.

Apparently it'll get worse when the scab falls off - good gracious I'm not ready for that.  

ANYWAYS, my friends on Facebook have been super supportive and tossing me advice about how to deal with post-surgery pains and screams and so on...and some wanted to know the procedures in Finland.

As I'm not a surgeon and I don't think the one we had was too bright (he had 0 idea about the tubes in the ears bit), I just know that the child is given tablet pain killers, then a liquid one to knock them out about 50%...then some laughing gas I guess - as there was a mask of some sort in the bed with my son after....and they do the surgery and ta-da - they wake up.

A friend of mine - who is from Newfoundland, was shocked when I said that I was making smoothies and he was drinking from juice boxes.

Her boyfriend's son had his tonsils removed a few weeks ago and he was told:

• Don't drink from a straw.
• Don't cough.
• Don't eat bananas because they can cause your throat to swell.

Well, I guess drinking from a straw was okay - because the hospital gave us juice boxes as it was easier to drink from than a cup....

And the not coughing - ick...that's hard to control -but another reason why (in Finland) they recommend that the child is not sick prior to surgery....

And the not eating bananas - well, I had to refer to a nurse friend here about that.  She never heard of anything like that (and her own tonsils removed here about 15 years ago) and even a search on Google.fi - proved this was wrong.

There was only 1 case of someone saying their throat hurt more after getting their tonsils removed and then eating bananas...most people in Finland were eating lots of bananas because they're soft.

I asked if he was allowed to sneeze and she said that was pretty much all he could do.
But he didn't bleed or have any infections.
So that's a good thing I suppose.

Oh and my boy is eating chips and other crunchy snacks (he's super picky) as of today...here's hoping it doesn't bite us in the arse later.