I am expanding my horizons and going back to card-making. I am going back to making cards and thoroughly enjoying it. I used to scrapbook a lot in Canada and I miss it! However, there does not seem to be a Scrapbook Club or Group I can meet up with in Jyv�skyl�....so maybe I can make the first!
Yes, it's time consuming and yes it CAN be expensive but does not have to be.
I'm thinking of teaching classes for holiday cards at the local community center and see about making a company for myself and teach card-making at people's homes. Similar idea to having a pampering party with Mary Kay or a Candle Light Party. But you get to do things during that time slot.
I also have plans to make card-making kits and go from there. I am offering card kits in packages of 3, 5 or 10 cards with 99% of the materials supplied. A glue stick, confetti, ribbon, cards, envelopes, patterned paper, small ink pad and rubber stamps too!
I am curious to know what YOU think of this? Whether you live in Finland or Canada...or anywhere in the world really....what is your opinion and what would you want to be able to do in a course? I do have lists of ideas written down but am curious what other people's opinions are. Especially those that DO the craft or participate in courses to learn different crafts.
My aims and goals are to: educate, have fun, meet new people and help relieve some everyday stress. Scrapbooking and card-making is not a matter of "just glue and paper and some glitter".
It's a means of expressing yourself and keeping memories safe and alive. There's a lot to it, but to quote my friend who tried out clear stamps the other day, "This is so relaxing." She was trying out an acrylic block, a couple rubber stamps and coloring it in - and I am glad I was able to relieve some work and home stress (who couldn't use some stress-free time?) in less than 5 minutes!
I'm looking forward to hearing from you!!
Thanks everybody!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Tampere's Craft Exhibition
I got the chance to go to a super huge Craft Show in Tampere with my friend Anna and her mother. We drove down (about 2 hours) to Tampere and paid our fees and walked around. It was held in a sort of stadium and there were two separate halls for various kinds of vendors.
Unfortunately no photos were taken as there were signs at the entrance noting no photos to be taken. Which is a shame (yet understandable, to protect artist's work) as there were SO many cool vendors there.
I didn't buy a lot, shockingly, and it was in partial thanks to the Sampo bank for having a system crash (yet again). I did manage to remember to bring cash with me (however early during the morning of our trip, I stopped at the library to return DVDs in the drop-off slot and noticed the closest ATM was boarded up!) and was able to use my card at some vendors.
I picked up 3 hand-made glass figurines: a snake, an ox and a tiny tiger for my family, as these animals represent my husband, my son and my (respectively) Chinese zodiac symbols. I'm sure a Feng Shui rep would think it's the "wrong animal" to have in the home - but ah well. They were super cute, reasonably priced and lovely to look at.
I only picked up 1 ball of yarn, it's a sock yarn and psychedelic. When you knit it, it looks like dyed blotches in a sort of pattern going up the length of the sock - very cool. It's an item that I know has been ordered by Popelli (or will be) and hasn't been received and put on the shelf yet...sooooooo it was a must.
I went back to the glass vendor before we left and found a little green dragon for my son. I told my husband that I want to get V�in� one little animal/creature a year (as this is a hobby that's going extinct and these were made in Russia I think) that really defines his character. Unfortunately a monkey was not available.
Then there were so many scrap-booking stands....wow. I settled on a "Stack of Boy Stuff" papers with lovely boy-related prints (super hero, cowboy, etc.) and some black ink.
I'm sure you're thinking, "Black ink? Why not get it back home?" Ink in the art shops are ridiculously expensive...I recall last year, thinking of hand-printing V�in�'s hands onto cards with ink, and I was looking at a price of 14-16 Euros for a pad of ink. So 50% off at the craft fair was definitely worth it.
I attempted to purchase (at a different stand) some really adorable English written, Christmas-related stamps (AND SUPER CHEAP!) but that's when the card got declined. Stupid bank. Anyway, maybe it was a sign I shouldn't get it? I texted a friend who was selling there today and hopefully she was able to get away to pick them up for me...if not - I'll just be sad and go on the hunt for other affordable stamps.
I'm nervous about carving my own - but maybe I will have to give it a shot!
It's been getting colder in Finland....still have snow - so I do not worry about having a grey/brown/icky Christmas - so it seems!
Because of the darkness being so dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, there is a law that everybody must wear reflectors of some sort - to make themselves visible, so they do not get hit by vehicles.
I recall last year when the early darkness was settling in, I mistook a night reflector, for a price tag on the back of someone's coat...I was also pregnant and not thinking and it was day time - so I couldn't see the purpose of a "price tag" dangling from the back of his coat would do to anybody.
There are various shapes, characters, colors and levels of brightness that you can purchase. Some of the fancier ones are 3-D when you un-fold them....you can knit or crochet yourself one (which I have done)...and you can hang them from anywhere. We have one on the stroller and one on each of our jackets.
If I go walking with a dog at night, I have a Mountain Equipment Co-Op (Canadian hiking/outdoor equipment company, also known as MEC) bike light hanging from my coat and from the dog's harness- so people can see not only me, but my dog too!
Another common reflector is in the shape of a wrist bracelet and you attach it to the outside of your coat sleeve. Most children's outdoor clothing comes with reflectors stitched onto the clothing - which is lovely, as I have a children's sized coat! :P
Unfortunately no photos were taken as there were signs at the entrance noting no photos to be taken. Which is a shame (yet understandable, to protect artist's work) as there were SO many cool vendors there.
I didn't buy a lot, shockingly, and it was in partial thanks to the Sampo bank for having a system crash (yet again). I did manage to remember to bring cash with me (however early during the morning of our trip, I stopped at the library to return DVDs in the drop-off slot and noticed the closest ATM was boarded up!) and was able to use my card at some vendors.
I picked up 3 hand-made glass figurines: a snake, an ox and a tiny tiger for my family, as these animals represent my husband, my son and my (respectively) Chinese zodiac symbols. I'm sure a Feng Shui rep would think it's the "wrong animal" to have in the home - but ah well. They were super cute, reasonably priced and lovely to look at.
I only picked up 1 ball of yarn, it's a sock yarn and psychedelic. When you knit it, it looks like dyed blotches in a sort of pattern going up the length of the sock - very cool. It's an item that I know has been ordered by Popelli (or will be) and hasn't been received and put on the shelf yet...sooooooo it was a must.
I went back to the glass vendor before we left and found a little green dragon for my son. I told my husband that I want to get V�in� one little animal/creature a year (as this is a hobby that's going extinct and these were made in Russia I think) that really defines his character. Unfortunately a monkey was not available.
Then there were so many scrap-booking stands....wow. I settled on a "Stack of Boy Stuff" papers with lovely boy-related prints (super hero, cowboy, etc.) and some black ink.
I'm sure you're thinking, "Black ink? Why not get it back home?" Ink in the art shops are ridiculously expensive...I recall last year, thinking of hand-printing V�in�'s hands onto cards with ink, and I was looking at a price of 14-16 Euros for a pad of ink. So 50% off at the craft fair was definitely worth it.
I attempted to purchase (at a different stand) some really adorable English written, Christmas-related stamps (AND SUPER CHEAP!) but that's when the card got declined. Stupid bank. Anyway, maybe it was a sign I shouldn't get it? I texted a friend who was selling there today and hopefully she was able to get away to pick them up for me...if not - I'll just be sad and go on the hunt for other affordable stamps.
I'm nervous about carving my own - but maybe I will have to give it a shot!
It's been getting colder in Finland....still have snow - so I do not worry about having a grey/brown/icky Christmas - so it seems!
Because of the darkness being so dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, there is a law that everybody must wear reflectors of some sort - to make themselves visible, so they do not get hit by vehicles.
I recall last year when the early darkness was settling in, I mistook a night reflector, for a price tag on the back of someone's coat...I was also pregnant and not thinking and it was day time - so I couldn't see the purpose of a "price tag" dangling from the back of his coat would do to anybody.
There are various shapes, characters, colors and levels of brightness that you can purchase. Some of the fancier ones are 3-D when you un-fold them....you can knit or crochet yourself one (which I have done)...and you can hang them from anywhere. We have one on the stroller and one on each of our jackets.
If I go walking with a dog at night, I have a Mountain Equipment Co-Op (Canadian hiking/outdoor equipment company, also known as MEC) bike light hanging from my coat and from the dog's harness- so people can see not only me, but my dog too!
Another common reflector is in the shape of a wrist bracelet and you attach it to the outside of your coat sleeve. Most children's outdoor clothing comes with reflectors stitched onto the clothing - which is lovely, as I have a children's sized coat! :P
Saturday, November 13, 2010
An Evening at the Pool...
My friend P�ivi and I decided we'd celebrate our boys' birthdays together quietly by having a trip to the local swimming pool and then a bite to eat after. Which worked for me, as we were both too busy to attend each other's parties. Her son Petrus, is a little over a year older than V�in� and his birthday is a few days prior - so it really worked out well.
We went to the pool on Pitk�katu and I was really amazed at the inside of it. I've never been to Aalto Alavari (sp? It's the name of one of Finland's most famous architects and designers)'s swimming pool before and was impressed! There was a huge wave pool with a large and tall slide, a small children's pool with warm water, a cold pool for lane swimming and another one with a small slide...oh and there was also a pool for diving in.
I think it was about 7 Euros and we went for almost two hours (we could've gone earlier of course but made it there for shortly after 4pm) and we received a little card. You take the card and swipe it to get into the pool area and I had brought a lock with me thinking I would need one - but I didn't. Every lock has it's own key on a red rubber band (a thick one) and everybody just slipped it onto their ankle to keep hold of it. How handy!
And everybody was parading around naked (in the shower rooms and change rooms)! I had to remember that I was in Finland, because I recall in Halifax that not everybody is comfortable enough with their body to just strut their stuff between the changing room to the shower room (which was very large and spacious...) and then to the pool (WITH THEIR SUITS ON!)...Oh and you have to put your card into a slot inside the locker in order for the key to work....
One thing I really loved about the shower room is that there was a bathroom in there, a lot of cubby holes to put your things (even if they were wet as it was slotted so the water could drip straight down), lots of towel hooks and little/short showers for kids...including sturdy stools for the mom to sit with their child and help them shower before getting in the pool and after! Obviously I did not take any photos in fear of getting in trouble and so I did not capture anybody in the background naked - sorry!
Also there was a staff member constantly hosing the floors down which was nice and regularly changing the garbage bags too!
So I got V�in� ready in his swimming diaper (I had already packed away his swim suit for the season-silly me) and was already wearing my bathing suit under my clothes, threw on a tank top and was ready to go.
My friend and everybody else took a shower (without bathing suit) before getting in the pool - I felt a little silly as in Halifax, I only rinsed prior to hopping in the pool and with my swim suit on. So..............now I know.
After lots of swimming and bouncing around with our boys, we showered again and then there was a sauna in the shower room. There were two saunas which was nice, and there were 3 levels to sit on. I was a little nervous about bringing V�in� in there, not because he's a baby boy, but because of the warmth and heat. So we sat on the bottom level and he seemed very content to sit there and play with his little plastic rings we brought with us. Excellent!
So all in all - it was a lovely experience, despite the incredible amount of Speedos I saw on every aged man there.
(Oh yes and the key card you got at the beginning? You just put it in the machine to get out of the pool area and voil� - you've been swimming!)
We went to the pool on Pitk�katu and I was really amazed at the inside of it. I've never been to Aalto Alavari (sp? It's the name of one of Finland's most famous architects and designers)'s swimming pool before and was impressed! There was a huge wave pool with a large and tall slide, a small children's pool with warm water, a cold pool for lane swimming and another one with a small slide...oh and there was also a pool for diving in.
I think it was about 7 Euros and we went for almost two hours (we could've gone earlier of course but made it there for shortly after 4pm) and we received a little card. You take the card and swipe it to get into the pool area and I had brought a lock with me thinking I would need one - but I didn't. Every lock has it's own key on a red rubber band (a thick one) and everybody just slipped it onto their ankle to keep hold of it. How handy!
And everybody was parading around naked (in the shower rooms and change rooms)! I had to remember that I was in Finland, because I recall in Halifax that not everybody is comfortable enough with their body to just strut their stuff between the changing room to the shower room (which was very large and spacious...) and then to the pool (WITH THEIR SUITS ON!)...Oh and you have to put your card into a slot inside the locker in order for the key to work....
One thing I really loved about the shower room is that there was a bathroom in there, a lot of cubby holes to put your things (even if they were wet as it was slotted so the water could drip straight down), lots of towel hooks and little/short showers for kids...including sturdy stools for the mom to sit with their child and help them shower before getting in the pool and after! Obviously I did not take any photos in fear of getting in trouble and so I did not capture anybody in the background naked - sorry!
Also there was a staff member constantly hosing the floors down which was nice and regularly changing the garbage bags too!
So I got V�in� ready in his swimming diaper (I had already packed away his swim suit for the season-silly me) and was already wearing my bathing suit under my clothes, threw on a tank top and was ready to go.
My friend and everybody else took a shower (without bathing suit) before getting in the pool - I felt a little silly as in Halifax, I only rinsed prior to hopping in the pool and with my swim suit on. So..............now I know.
After lots of swimming and bouncing around with our boys, we showered again and then there was a sauna in the shower room. There were two saunas which was nice, and there were 3 levels to sit on. I was a little nervous about bringing V�in� in there, not because he's a baby boy, but because of the warmth and heat. So we sat on the bottom level and he seemed very content to sit there and play with his little plastic rings we brought with us. Excellent!
So all in all - it was a lovely experience, despite the incredible amount of Speedos I saw on every aged man there.
(Oh yes and the key card you got at the beginning? You just put it in the machine to get out of the pool area and voil� - you've been swimming!)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
17 versus 15
So in case you haven't heard of it - Canada has "The Young Offenders Act"...which pretty much states that if someone does something under the age of 17 and charges are not pressed against them (I am not 100% sure of the full definition - this is just the gist of it), then the crime they've committed will not reflect on their criminal record once they've turned 18.
For example, someone who is under 17 years of age beats up someone to the point that surgery was required to correct their body (i.e. cheek plate) - is protected in the sense that their name would not be released to the media and they do not go to jail. The previous is an example of what happened to an old friend's father.
So if you're -17 and murder someone, rape someone (or multiple somebodies), etc. then you're criminal record free until you turn 18 is how I understand it *but might not be 100% correct if formal charges are laid*.
This works out in favour of the criminal every time unfortunately. Sure, there's the guilt factor - but how many people who are guilty actually FEEL bad and remorse for what they've done? Probably not many if they end up in jail after 18 years of age for a similar offence.
Personally, if you're old enough to get dressed, have a job, go to school and do not have an un-stable condition or mind-frame - yes you should be tried as an adult. Age varies - not really sure what I believe in at this point because there are SO many factors...anyway - what scares me about this YOA is that their identity is protected...if a child was beaten and raped and left for dead pretty much - and I lived in the area - I would certainly want to know who was behind it. Not so I could go after them - but to protect my family and friends...you would think it would be fair information to share...however - someone COULD turn over a new leaf ...
So how does this tie with Finland? During our knitting group I hosted tonight, the topic of the 4-year-old girl who bumped into an elderly lady on her bicycle and she broke her hip and eventually died (but not sure if that was the cause of death) a month later - came up. We discussed our opinions and what had happened via English and Finnish translators. I then brought up the Youth Protection Act and the bits that I knew about it and I asked if they had anything similar...and they said the age is 15.
After the age of 15 - you are tried and charged as an adult committing the crime. (I do not know if their name/identity is fully protected like in Canada - if anybody knows feel free to comment.) Thanks!
For example, someone who is under 17 years of age beats up someone to the point that surgery was required to correct their body (i.e. cheek plate) - is protected in the sense that their name would not be released to the media and they do not go to jail. The previous is an example of what happened to an old friend's father.
So if you're -17 and murder someone, rape someone (or multiple somebodies), etc. then you're criminal record free until you turn 18 is how I understand it *but might not be 100% correct if formal charges are laid*.
This works out in favour of the criminal every time unfortunately. Sure, there's the guilt factor - but how many people who are guilty actually FEEL bad and remorse for what they've done? Probably not many if they end up in jail after 18 years of age for a similar offence.
Personally, if you're old enough to get dressed, have a job, go to school and do not have an un-stable condition or mind-frame - yes you should be tried as an adult. Age varies - not really sure what I believe in at this point because there are SO many factors...anyway - what scares me about this YOA is that their identity is protected...if a child was beaten and raped and left for dead pretty much - and I lived in the area - I would certainly want to know who was behind it. Not so I could go after them - but to protect my family and friends...you would think it would be fair information to share...however - someone COULD turn over a new leaf ...
So how does this tie with Finland? During our knitting group I hosted tonight, the topic of the 4-year-old girl who bumped into an elderly lady on her bicycle and she broke her hip and eventually died (but not sure if that was the cause of death) a month later - came up. We discussed our opinions and what had happened via English and Finnish translators. I then brought up the Youth Protection Act and the bits that I knew about it and I asked if they had anything similar...and they said the age is 15.
After the age of 15 - you are tried and charged as an adult committing the crime. (I do not know if their name/identity is fully protected like in Canada - if anybody knows feel free to comment.) Thanks!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Birthday Party Stuff
A lot of people are probably thinking, "Why bother having a birthday party for a baby's first birthday? They're not going to remember - what's the point?"
I somewhat agree to this! You're right, they're not going to remember, but you know who will? The parents and friends/family who visited. Since we do not have any family in Finland - we figured this would be an excellent way to see many of our friends, some whom we haven't seen in a few months and some whom are leaving the country for over 6 months...so it was definitely worth it. And whatever new friendships were formed during this time - all the better. As well, we were able to take lots of photos and videos and send it to our family back home - who I'm sure would've had a small party for V�in� if we lived in Canada.
Also, I think of a baby's/child's birthday party as a celebration for the parents too! That's right - I looked at my husband and clinked my paper cup of apple juice to his coffee mug and said, "Congratulations - we're still parents and still alive."
My theory with birthday parties is this: "Presents are nice but your presence is better..." and for all those that came and brought gifts - we thank you!
V�in�'s first birthday party was pretty much a huge play date/pig-out fest. The pigging out mostly done by the adults. Seeing as we have a million puzzle pieces and all kinds of toys for kids of various ages - it made sense to just have it at our place, as I chickened out of asking the MM Playground to rent their indoor play-cottage (with full sized kitchen!). At first we were not expecting many people because 6 November is a holiday (the day for the Swedes - everything's closed and the Finnish flag is raised) - so many people took advantage of visiting their families and so on.
We ended up having a total of 17 (big and small) people in our flat and we had to close off Tim's office room as it was the "clutter and hide everything we can't put away right now" room. The balcony was home for the dogs temporarily during the party and when the children were present. But nobody passed out from the heat - not that it was super hot and sweaty anyhow as I wasn't cooking food.
Mmmm food. What did I make for the party? Here's a photo:
I somewhat agree to this! You're right, they're not going to remember, but you know who will? The parents and friends/family who visited. Since we do not have any family in Finland - we figured this would be an excellent way to see many of our friends, some whom we haven't seen in a few months and some whom are leaving the country for over 6 months...so it was definitely worth it. And whatever new friendships were formed during this time - all the better. As well, we were able to take lots of photos and videos and send it to our family back home - who I'm sure would've had a small party for V�in� if we lived in Canada.
Also, I think of a baby's/child's birthday party as a celebration for the parents too! That's right - I looked at my husband and clinked my paper cup of apple juice to his coffee mug and said, "Congratulations - we're still parents and still alive."
My theory with birthday parties is this: "Presents are nice but your presence is better..." and for all those that came and brought gifts - we thank you!
V�in�'s first birthday party was pretty much a huge play date/pig-out fest. The pigging out mostly done by the adults. Seeing as we have a million puzzle pieces and all kinds of toys for kids of various ages - it made sense to just have it at our place, as I chickened out of asking the MM Playground to rent their indoor play-cottage (with full sized kitchen!). At first we were not expecting many people because 6 November is a holiday (the day for the Swedes - everything's closed and the Finnish flag is raised) - so many people took advantage of visiting their families and so on.
We ended up having a total of 17 (big and small) people in our flat and we had to close off Tim's office room as it was the "clutter and hide everything we can't put away right now" room. The balcony was home for the dogs temporarily during the party and when the children were present. But nobody passed out from the heat - not that it was super hot and sweaty anyhow as I wasn't cooking food.
Mmmm food. What did I make for the party? Here's a photo:
For food on the huge table (1st photo) I made/served:
- A meat platter
- 4-cheese platter (Gouda, Swiss, Blue and Mild Cheddar)
- 2 bowls of candy
- 2 bowls of nuts
- Home-made guacamole
- Nacho dip (cream cheese, black beans, salsa, shredded cheese)
- Veggie platter
- Dip
- Assortment of crackers
- Juice, milk, coffee and tea
- Birthday cake was a home-made carrot cake and chocolate or lemon cup cake with cream cheese icing (also home-made!) and SPRINKLES!!!
Now in the second photo are treat bags. Little bags of goodies for guests to take home.
THIS IS NOT COMMON IN FINLAND....although the shops sell the items for it - it's not a common thing. It's slowly becoming popular - but very slowly from what I was told.
So I got little cellophane bags and each bag had a mini Play-Doh, a happy-faced slinky and a little puzzle. The bigger kids or adults (friends who do not have kids but came anyway) also had a little lollipop in theirs. Then I just tied it up with a piece of yarn...red for candy bags and blue for bags without candy.
I'm pleased with how everything turned out - as I've never hosted a "birthday party" before - just pot lucks at work...but this was definitely fun.
See you next year!
If V�in� understands games - maybe I'll incorporate games then...too early to start planning...?
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Santa on the Roof...or through the door?
I'll admit it first - I was always under the impression that Santa Claus wore a nice red suit with white trim, a handsome beard, a big belly, twinkling eyes, drove reindeer in a magical sleigh (Rudolph leading the way of course), was from the North Pole, ate cookies, drank so much milk he probably went into a lactose attack every city he visited and nobody ever saw him. Oh and he lands on your roof quietly and leaves the presents behind for you to open on Christmas DAY morning.
Well here's the Finnish version (but in English): Santa's NOT from the North Pole, but from Lapland which is in Northern Finland....he doesn't give gifts for you to open on Christmas Day morning - but visits the children on Christmas Eve and makes an appearance - so the kids DO get to see him. He does drive reindeer but they are not "parked" on your roof.
Not safe for kids to read below............
Usually someone (i.e. an Uncle or neighbour) dresses up as the big Jolly guy and does the rounds for the communities. You can even HIRE a Santa Claus and request a "sober" Santa...people put ads out there all the time apparently... "Sober and non-smoking Santa available for hire..."
So there you have it my Canadian friends....Finns disagree with the "Coca-Cola version of Santa" (as a Finnish friend once described it to me) - and believe he's from Finland....
Let the debating begin....now.
Well here's the Finnish version (but in English): Santa's NOT from the North Pole, but from Lapland which is in Northern Finland....he doesn't give gifts for you to open on Christmas Day morning - but visits the children on Christmas Eve and makes an appearance - so the kids DO get to see him. He does drive reindeer but they are not "parked" on your roof.
Not safe for kids to read below............
Usually someone (i.e. an Uncle or neighbour) dresses up as the big Jolly guy and does the rounds for the communities. You can even HIRE a Santa Claus and request a "sober" Santa...people put ads out there all the time apparently... "Sober and non-smoking Santa available for hire..."
So there you have it my Canadian friends....Finns disagree with the "Coca-Cola version of Santa" (as a Finnish friend once described it to me) - and believe he's from Finland....
Let the debating begin....now.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Mmmmmm smells like TAR
While visiting our friends (and V�in�'s honorary Finnish Godfather), Taneli, Jessica and Sulevi, we were discussing the difference between Finland and Canada, as we just got back recently.
Taneli brought up "Tar Ice Cream"...yes tar as in the oil (? I had no idea) and as in the stuff used to fill pot holes with. After discussing the smell and taste of it (we did not try it but apparently it's in stores now) - Taneli told us that his shampoo is "Tar" scented.
WOW....I'm thinking "gross - who would want to smell like TAR?!" But once we smelled the bottle - it turns out that it's more of a smokey smell if anything. As if you were at a camp fire...it wasn't too bad to smell after the initial shock.
I guess tar-related things is very popular in Finland and majority are men that use it...
Taneli's shampoo is in the men's section - sorry ladies.
Taneli brought up "Tar Ice Cream"...yes tar as in the oil (? I had no idea) and as in the stuff used to fill pot holes with. After discussing the smell and taste of it (we did not try it but apparently it's in stores now) - Taneli told us that his shampoo is "Tar" scented.
WOW....I'm thinking "gross - who would want to smell like TAR?!" But once we smelled the bottle - it turns out that it's more of a smokey smell if anything. As if you were at a camp fire...it wasn't too bad to smell after the initial shock.
I guess tar-related things is very popular in Finland and majority are men that use it...
Taneli's shampoo is in the men's section - sorry ladies.
Monday, November 1, 2010
November = many things
So I don't know EVERYTHING in Finland about November...but one major thing is that Vitamin D supplement sales go up through the roof.
Why? Because there is pretty much no sunshine at all during November....I guess it's the way Finland is positioned for the month...away from the sun! It's cloudy and gets dark by 5pm!
It's a very hard and difficult month for many people who rely on sunshine to get through the day and many end up going to brightly-lit places like bars for example...and end up getting super drunk - just so they can be happy for a bit. I'm not saying everybody is depressed! It's just quite common from what I hear.
The sales for UV lights in the home - like a light panel so you can get some Vitamin D - are a popular item to buy during this dull month also.
Father's Day is in November - the first Sunday actually...weird eh?
Father's Day last year was the day we got to bring V�in� home from the hospital....it'll be something I always remember!
For those that are in the military or part of a military family (or Veteran family) - they do not sell poppies here. The red flower with a black center and a little bent pin...nope. I'm not a history buff - but I don't think Finland was involved in any major wars - they were certainly affected by wars...poverty and such - but I don't think Finland has a big military like Canada or the USA does.
And of course - the month before Christmas - so everybody is scurrying around picking out Christmas gifts and candies and getting ready to send off packages...
Why? Because there is pretty much no sunshine at all during November....I guess it's the way Finland is positioned for the month...away from the sun! It's cloudy and gets dark by 5pm!
It's a very hard and difficult month for many people who rely on sunshine to get through the day and many end up going to brightly-lit places like bars for example...and end up getting super drunk - just so they can be happy for a bit. I'm not saying everybody is depressed! It's just quite common from what I hear.
The sales for UV lights in the home - like a light panel so you can get some Vitamin D - are a popular item to buy during this dull month also.
Father's Day is in November - the first Sunday actually...weird eh?
Father's Day last year was the day we got to bring V�in� home from the hospital....it'll be something I always remember!
For those that are in the military or part of a military family (or Veteran family) - they do not sell poppies here. The red flower with a black center and a little bent pin...nope. I'm not a history buff - but I don't think Finland was involved in any major wars - they were certainly affected by wars...poverty and such - but I don't think Finland has a big military like Canada or the USA does.
And of course - the month before Christmas - so everybody is scurrying around picking out Christmas gifts and candies and getting ready to send off packages...
Sunday, October 31, 2010
BOO! and HO HO HO!
Another Halloween already?! At this point last year I was pregnant, mad that I was pregnant (was technically due Nov. 9) but in great shape....since coming back from Canada I'm sure I gained about 5-10lbs...the Wii Fit Plus told me yesterday I only gained about 5lbs shockingly....I have done some walking before braving the Wii Board however....
Sorry folks - V�in� does not have a costume...he will not be a Prince Charming, a bumble bee, a horse, a puppy or a frog...or any other exotic animal you can find in the depths of Walmart or Winners right now.
WHY? Because Halloween is not celebrated in Finland...there are the occasional costume parties among adults and some kids have a little party at their home as far as I know....but nothing like trick-or-treating...or haunted houses...so that means no huge candy/chocolate/chips sales tomorrow either.
Sigh.
I've discovered a new site called www.yarn.com and I'm in love. There are nice free patterns and I am working up the nerve to start one while V�in� is still asleep....it's 10:25am and he went to bed by 1am....and then there's the Daylight Savings Time (YAY my favourite day when I gain an hour!) and he's still out.
But this is good that we woke up relatively early today. Due to jet lag (I can fix it in myself easily but not the baby of course) - we've been going to bed around 2-4am...and getting up around 11am-12pm!
I feel a little more normal by waking up at 10am...maybe I should take advantage of this quietness and get some cleaning done!
Oh and on another note - I went downtown to have some "me" time...an hour of freedom as I call it...and went to the library and to the grocery store...and in the S Market downtown - there were Christmas decorations and Christmas candies/chocolates.....It obviously was set up awhile ago....but it's not even November 1st! I suppose now is the time to buy that candy and get it ready to be shipped...
Sorry folks - V�in� does not have a costume...he will not be a Prince Charming, a bumble bee, a horse, a puppy or a frog...or any other exotic animal you can find in the depths of Walmart or Winners right now.
WHY? Because Halloween is not celebrated in Finland...there are the occasional costume parties among adults and some kids have a little party at their home as far as I know....but nothing like trick-or-treating...or haunted houses...so that means no huge candy/chocolate/chips sales tomorrow either.
Sigh.
I've discovered a new site called www.yarn.com and I'm in love. There are nice free patterns and I am working up the nerve to start one while V�in� is still asleep....it's 10:25am and he went to bed by 1am....and then there's the Daylight Savings Time (YAY my favourite day when I gain an hour!) and he's still out.
But this is good that we woke up relatively early today. Due to jet lag (I can fix it in myself easily but not the baby of course) - we've been going to bed around 2-4am...and getting up around 11am-12pm!
I feel a little more normal by waking up at 10am...maybe I should take advantage of this quietness and get some cleaning done!
Oh and on another note - I went downtown to have some "me" time...an hour of freedom as I call it...and went to the library and to the grocery store...and in the S Market downtown - there were Christmas decorations and Christmas candies/chocolates.....It obviously was set up awhile ago....but it's not even November 1st! I suppose now is the time to buy that candy and get it ready to be shipped...
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Back in Finland - now what?
So I'm back - guess who's back....na na na...
Anyway - now that my poor imitation of Eminem is complete - what happens now?
Well Tim is planning a trip to Istanbul (almost typed "Instant Bull" - darn jet lag I guess) for December and I am planning V�in�'s birthday party...good ol' Facebook.
I'm ferociously back into my knitting (and yes still using that Nintendo Ds Lite thing while nursing) when given time....as I have 3 hat requests to do and a Darth Vader by Christmas time...eek.
On top of my own hat I'd like to do...the crochet/knitting magazines I purchased from Canada's book shop, Chapters, is so very tempting - but I must finish my projects first...
This is partially why I do not use Ravelry all that much!!
I'm hoping in January to take a course in Finnish...it would make things a heck of a lot easier for listening and reading!
I managed to bring back some Kraft crunchy peanut butter and a 1/4 of it is gone already thanks to me making some cookies for my knitting group. I didn't bake them long enough or let them cool enough - so they were quite crumbly...ah well. It's an awesome recipe (the Kraft one of 3 ingredients: 1Cup PB, 1/2Cup sugar and 1 egg) - and quite satisfying for most!
I have to say - the one thing I was super looking forward to while going back to Canada was using a tub and having a proper bath. And shockingly - I was so busy - I did not have a proper bath. (I did shower!)
I did consume greasy foods beyond anything imaginable and definitely gained about 10 lbs (4.5 kg?)...I didn't do a lot of walking uphills or stairs while in Canada - just inside malls really....but wow it went straight to the tummy!
And it was freakin' delicious. Every single carb/calorie.
The other thing I didn't realize I'd miss - (besides friends/family of course) was the regular use of a dryer.
Wow that clothes dryer is so handy when you want clothes dried in an hour or two! WOW!
We technically do have access to a drying room which I've mentioned before - but it's in the other building - and I don't want to leave V�in� home alone to hang laundry and collect it.
And the last big update - the stroller business. Well I finally found one at the second hand shop I rarely go to (the one by the library and closest to me) for 80 Euros. It was definitely brand new, very clean and the tag of information was still attached!
It comes with a front cover for the legs/lap, adjustable handles (so much better than just a cross bar - I can hang groceries and not fight with the knots later!), dark olive green and beige and overall - an easy to use stroller. Oh and it came with a rain cover too - but no drinking tray.
So I have decided to make one! I'm going to find a thick rope-like yarn (Drops Ice?) and maybe coat it in glue/water to stiffen it and strap it on there somehow....wish me luck!
Anyway - now that my poor imitation of Eminem is complete - what happens now?
Well Tim is planning a trip to Istanbul (almost typed "Instant Bull" - darn jet lag I guess) for December and I am planning V�in�'s birthday party...good ol' Facebook.
I'm ferociously back into my knitting (and yes still using that Nintendo Ds Lite thing while nursing) when given time....as I have 3 hat requests to do and a Darth Vader by Christmas time...eek.
On top of my own hat I'd like to do...the crochet/knitting magazines I purchased from Canada's book shop, Chapters, is so very tempting - but I must finish my projects first...
This is partially why I do not use Ravelry all that much!!
I'm hoping in January to take a course in Finnish...it would make things a heck of a lot easier for listening and reading!
I managed to bring back some Kraft crunchy peanut butter and a 1/4 of it is gone already thanks to me making some cookies for my knitting group. I didn't bake them long enough or let them cool enough - so they were quite crumbly...ah well. It's an awesome recipe (the Kraft one of 3 ingredients: 1Cup PB, 1/2Cup sugar and 1 egg) - and quite satisfying for most!
I have to say - the one thing I was super looking forward to while going back to Canada was using a tub and having a proper bath. And shockingly - I was so busy - I did not have a proper bath. (I did shower!)
I did consume greasy foods beyond anything imaginable and definitely gained about 10 lbs (4.5 kg?)...I didn't do a lot of walking uphills or stairs while in Canada - just inside malls really....but wow it went straight to the tummy!
And it was freakin' delicious. Every single carb/calorie.
The other thing I didn't realize I'd miss - (besides friends/family of course) was the regular use of a dryer.
Wow that clothes dryer is so handy when you want clothes dried in an hour or two! WOW!
We technically do have access to a drying room which I've mentioned before - but it's in the other building - and I don't want to leave V�in� home alone to hang laundry and collect it.
And the last big update - the stroller business. Well I finally found one at the second hand shop I rarely go to (the one by the library and closest to me) for 80 Euros. It was definitely brand new, very clean and the tag of information was still attached!
It comes with a front cover for the legs/lap, adjustable handles (so much better than just a cross bar - I can hang groceries and not fight with the knots later!), dark olive green and beige and overall - an easy to use stroller. Oh and it came with a rain cover too - but no drinking tray.
So I have decided to make one! I'm going to find a thick rope-like yarn (Drops Ice?) and maybe coat it in glue/water to stiffen it and strap it on there somehow....wish me luck!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Most Important Document: Your Passport
Did you know that your child's first (Canadian) Passport is the most difficult thing to get?
Not only did we have to prove our marriage (legalize it ....in order to get a "father" listed on the birth certificate) - but because we are in another country, but both Canadian, we had to get a different application that simply says on a front page (that doesn't have any writing space on it - just the cover page) "CANADIAN PASSPORT FOR CHILDREN ABROAD".
The word "ABROAD" is key. Although the application is identical to the regular Children under the age of 3 application, the Canadian Embassy cannot process it if you are applying for a Canadian Passport for a child outside of Canada. SO! FYI - in case you're in that position like we are.
Now that we have the common sense (but not many people know - we sure didn't) part out of the way....it's considered a temporary passport, as in, it expires in 2 years.
Apparently, in Finland, the children's passport is good for 5 years - regardless of age. (This tidbit brought to you by the local police). Why is that? Because your eyes, ears and nose do not change shape (assuming you're not into super heavy/rough sports or a completely klutz) - so they can do a scan based on that - to determine if you are/are not that person.
Also, because the child is under two years of age, and nobody has known him (we'll use my son as an example) for at least 2 years - there had to be a character reference check done on ME (Tim didn't do the paperwork - I did).
I listed the two people that have known me the longest and that were not related to me.
Good thing I did....I asked a neighbour from my childhood days of growing up in Dartmouth and my best friend's mother, whom I also consider V�in�'s "honorary Grammy".
In no particular order - here are some of the questions asked (in an email internet survey):
Not only did we have to prove our marriage (legalize it ....in order to get a "father" listed on the birth certificate) - but because we are in another country, but both Canadian, we had to get a different application that simply says on a front page (that doesn't have any writing space on it - just the cover page) "CANADIAN PASSPORT FOR CHILDREN ABROAD".
The word "ABROAD" is key. Although the application is identical to the regular Children under the age of 3 application, the Canadian Embassy cannot process it if you are applying for a Canadian Passport for a child outside of Canada. SO! FYI - in case you're in that position like we are.
Now that we have the common sense (but not many people know - we sure didn't) part out of the way....it's considered a temporary passport, as in, it expires in 2 years.
Apparently, in Finland, the children's passport is good for 5 years - regardless of age. (This tidbit brought to you by the local police). Why is that? Because your eyes, ears and nose do not change shape (assuming you're not into super heavy/rough sports or a completely klutz) - so they can do a scan based on that - to determine if you are/are not that person.
Also, because the child is under two years of age, and nobody has known him (we'll use my son as an example) for at least 2 years - there had to be a character reference check done on ME (Tim didn't do the paperwork - I did).
I listed the two people that have known me the longest and that were not related to me.
Good thing I did....I asked a neighbour from my childhood days of growing up in Dartmouth and my best friend's mother, whom I also consider V�in�'s "honorary Grammy".
In no particular order - here are some of the questions asked (in an email internet survey):
- How do you know the applicant?
- How long have you known the applicant?
- What is/are their favourite colors?
- Do they have any pets?
- What are their hobbies/activities they enjoy doing?
- What is their favourite tv shows?
- Fav. music?
- Fav. foods?
Do you get the idea? They wanted to know everything about me character wise to see if they REALLY know me....I'm surprised there wasn't anything listed about criminal records (I don't have one - I'm just surprised)
Oh Canada! - Part 3....
Good-bye Canada and Hei! Suomi!
Firstly I apologize if there are a million typos in this - it's not due to jet lag or me being awake after a quick nap (1:13am)...I thought I'd cheat the airline security systems by putting my laptop into my checked-luggage wrapped in clothing. This way I didn't have to haul it out at every freaking airport we stopped at...because we ended up leaving our stroller at my mother in-laws.
Why?! Thanks to American Airlines (major middle finger here) the snack/2-cup/cell phone holder tray piece is completely snapped off and missing. There's a major tear in the hood/roof of the stroller and it does not open or close fully/properly anymore.
I NEED that tray piece....as any busy parent knows -that piece of plastic is a life saver. It saves me from having to stop repeatedly every two minutes to give my son snacks from the basket of his stroller in the bottom..it holds my phone/clock....it holds drinks...loose change...bus fare...the works!
My husband does not understand the importance of that piece of plastic because I'm with the baby 95% of the time - especially while he's at work.
Anyway - the last few days of our Canadian adventure were spent in Pictou County where my in-laws live. We did not see my father in-law as was previously suggested due to some health concerns and whatnot - so hopefully they recognize and realize that we are not able to simply pack up a baby and travel back and forth between two cities. V�in� did great overall with the travelling to the small city/town of Westville and it was handy for him to be somewhere small and not bouncing left/right/center every hour to see people like we were in the HRM.
Nor did we go on the hay ride :(. It was raining and the baby and I were having a seriously needed nap. Maybe next time!
It's funny being back and hearing so much Finnish after not hearing it for over a week. It's truly interesting on how I finally got used to hearing English everywhere (and reading it too) - to barely hearing it on the train or at he airport.
Well I apparently took 366 photos/videos during our stay....time for bed.
Firstly I apologize if there are a million typos in this - it's not due to jet lag or me being awake after a quick nap (1:13am)...I thought I'd cheat the airline security systems by putting my laptop into my checked-luggage wrapped in clothing. This way I didn't have to haul it out at every freaking airport we stopped at...because we ended up leaving our stroller at my mother in-laws.
Why?! Thanks to American Airlines (major middle finger here) the snack/2-cup/cell phone holder tray piece is completely snapped off and missing. There's a major tear in the hood/roof of the stroller and it does not open or close fully/properly anymore.
I NEED that tray piece....as any busy parent knows -that piece of plastic is a life saver. It saves me from having to stop repeatedly every two minutes to give my son snacks from the basket of his stroller in the bottom..it holds my phone/clock....it holds drinks...loose change...bus fare...the works!
My husband does not understand the importance of that piece of plastic because I'm with the baby 95% of the time - especially while he's at work.
Anyway - the last few days of our Canadian adventure were spent in Pictou County where my in-laws live. We did not see my father in-law as was previously suggested due to some health concerns and whatnot - so hopefully they recognize and realize that we are not able to simply pack up a baby and travel back and forth between two cities. V�in� did great overall with the travelling to the small city/town of Westville and it was handy for him to be somewhere small and not bouncing left/right/center every hour to see people like we were in the HRM.
Nor did we go on the hay ride :(. It was raining and the baby and I were having a seriously needed nap. Maybe next time!
It's funny being back and hearing so much Finnish after not hearing it for over a week. It's truly interesting on how I finally got used to hearing English everywhere (and reading it too) - to barely hearing it on the train or at he airport.
Well I apparently took 366 photos/videos during our stay....time for bed.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Oh Canada Part 2
What have I been doing the last few days? Good food and good friends!
Now I am presently in Westville (Pictou County) visiting the in-laws and I was nervous about V being around so many cats but he's doing just fine. He doesn't get in their face and they respect him.
Tomorrow afternoon we're going on a hay ride which will be exciting! I haven't been on one in ages (Hatfield Farms in my cadet days) and discovered I have asthma that way. But now that I have two inhalers with me - I should be fine.
Taking many pictures with friends which is lovely as well.
I picked up three knitting/crochet magazines at Chapters and I nearly cried at the price ($34) - but it'll be worth it as there aren't any English knitting magazines back home in Finland. So I am taking advantage! Not sure if I'd get a subscription but it's definitely lovely to read in English and not guess at what I am trying to read.
Ate some Kentucky Yucky (Kentucky Fried Chicken) - just a pop corn chicken combo....and I'm aiming at a donair some time this weekend while in Westville. YUM YUM.
I've gained a few kilos....so a walk around Walmart will be necessary.
Now I am presently in Westville (Pictou County) visiting the in-laws and I was nervous about V being around so many cats but he's doing just fine. He doesn't get in their face and they respect him.
Tomorrow afternoon we're going on a hay ride which will be exciting! I haven't been on one in ages (Hatfield Farms in my cadet days) and discovered I have asthma that way. But now that I have two inhalers with me - I should be fine.
Taking many pictures with friends which is lovely as well.
I picked up three knitting/crochet magazines at Chapters and I nearly cried at the price ($34) - but it'll be worth it as there aren't any English knitting magazines back home in Finland. So I am taking advantage! Not sure if I'd get a subscription but it's definitely lovely to read in English and not guess at what I am trying to read.
Ate some Kentucky Yucky (Kentucky Fried Chicken) - just a pop corn chicken combo....and I'm aiming at a donair some time this weekend while in Westville. YUM YUM.
I've gained a few kilos....so a walk around Walmart will be necessary.
Monday, October 18, 2010
OH Canada! - Part 1
I do not know how many parts this will have - but this will be a bit of a break about Learning about Finland and be about our adventure to and around Canada (Nova Scotia to be precise).
Please note that this first part is mostly a monster of a rant due to delayed flights and us sleeping in the airport overnight.
We left Helsinki in high spirits and discovered that the Finn Air representative did NOT do her job properly. She checked our luggage (including stroller - can anybody say sore shoulders?!) all the way to New York and that was fine. However there was no indication as to which one was the stroller (needed to know for future reference) and we are pretty sure she screwed up which luggage was to go straight to Halifax. Then she put them all to NY if I remember correctly...
We were given a boarding pass each and was sent on our merry little ways to Paris. Thankfully Paris is only a 3 hour flight and we were issued an infant seat belt for V�in� - which I thought would be a pain in the ass (but necessary of course!) for V�in� to wear, in the sense that it would be uncomfortable for him - but he didn't mind it once he was buckled to me and nursing. He also received a plastic soft book and a bib. Great! I am ecstatic about the service!
The cheese and tomato sandwiches - that's another story.
We arrive in Paris and have about an hour and a half to get to the next gate to board for NY. We quickly use the bathroom and change V�in�'s diaper while he's awake (as he slept the whole flight) - and went off to the check-in area because the Finn Air representative did not give us our boarding pass from Paris to NY. Well we were told the gates are closed an hour prior to departure so we had no way to get in. After being bounced around between different representatives - we found Finn Air and firmly chewed off their heads (minus screaming as V�in� was in a good and happy).
They offered us the next flight at 5:25pm that night (it was about 9am in Paris at the time) and we would connect in NY and while Tim stayed in NY for a conference, the baby and I would arrive in Halifax at 1:15pm. I don't know why I didn't think of the time difference and stupidly assumed it would be a smooth connection - because it wasn't.
We were given 2 dinner vouchers worth 15 Euros each and the Service Manager advised me "he doesn't have to do this for us". Well we were thankful, hungry (crappy sandwiches on the plane remember?) and wanted to get things straightened out quickly.
The luggage was re-routed for us and that was great. So we re-checked it in and that was that.
Then we looked at our new e-ticket and discover that we arrive in NY around 6pm or so? Oh and the baby and I do not leave until 10:25am.
We were never once offered a hotel by Finn Air and I think that's awful that they were perfectly fine with letting us stay overnight in the JFK airport...and figured a couple dinner vouchers would shut us up.
Tim and my parents suggested the baby and I get a hotel but it was pouring out in NY and I just wasn't up for putting V�in� at risk at catching another cold (or me) and was beyond frustrated and exhausted.
V�in� slept through the whole Paris-NY flight too - so he had 7.5 hours and was the happiest kid in the airport. I was cranky but surviving.
And there was no guarantee I would be reimbursed for my hotel by Finn Air.
I could not check in until 3:30am....so Tim graciously stayed with us until check in time.
We went up to see American Airlines to see if they could do anything for us and they recommended we file a complaint with Finn Air - and what do you know? Those reps won't be in until 2pm the next day. We'll be in Canada by then we advised her and stormed off.
During check-in a Jamaican lady ahead of us decided to flirt with me and Tim and ask if we were "overweight" while lifting an eyebrow to our luggage. I advised her definitely yes...she wanted us to take her luggage! What an idiot! Doesn't she listen to the intercom which they repeat every 30 minutes saying not to take stuff from strangers?!
We finally arrive and all is well. We fully intend on filing the hugest complaint to both Finn Air and American Airlines (they just have crappy service and were not helpful at all)....oh and not to mention, AA does not provide infant seat belts. We were advised "to just hold the kid"...well a 20 lb child will have no problem flying out of my arms and down the length of a plane should we have gotten into an accident.
We've been to Walmart, Michael's (art store), Chapters and other places to see friends and family....it's good to hear English all around and read it too!!!
So if you're thinking of flying American Airlines, especially with an infant - think again! And if you go with Finn Air - double check that you have ALL boarding passes. Thanks for reading this blog post/rant - have a nice day and pleasant journey.
(Said in a cheery flight attendant voice).
Please note that this first part is mostly a monster of a rant due to delayed flights and us sleeping in the airport overnight.
We left Helsinki in high spirits and discovered that the Finn Air representative did NOT do her job properly. She checked our luggage (including stroller - can anybody say sore shoulders?!) all the way to New York and that was fine. However there was no indication as to which one was the stroller (needed to know for future reference) and we are pretty sure she screwed up which luggage was to go straight to Halifax. Then she put them all to NY if I remember correctly...
We were given a boarding pass each and was sent on our merry little ways to Paris. Thankfully Paris is only a 3 hour flight and we were issued an infant seat belt for V�in� - which I thought would be a pain in the ass (but necessary of course!) for V�in� to wear, in the sense that it would be uncomfortable for him - but he didn't mind it once he was buckled to me and nursing. He also received a plastic soft book and a bib. Great! I am ecstatic about the service!
The cheese and tomato sandwiches - that's another story.
We arrive in Paris and have about an hour and a half to get to the next gate to board for NY. We quickly use the bathroom and change V�in�'s diaper while he's awake (as he slept the whole flight) - and went off to the check-in area because the Finn Air representative did not give us our boarding pass from Paris to NY. Well we were told the gates are closed an hour prior to departure so we had no way to get in. After being bounced around between different representatives - we found Finn Air and firmly chewed off their heads (minus screaming as V�in� was in a good and happy).
They offered us the next flight at 5:25pm that night (it was about 9am in Paris at the time) and we would connect in NY and while Tim stayed in NY for a conference, the baby and I would arrive in Halifax at 1:15pm. I don't know why I didn't think of the time difference and stupidly assumed it would be a smooth connection - because it wasn't.
We were given 2 dinner vouchers worth 15 Euros each and the Service Manager advised me "he doesn't have to do this for us". Well we were thankful, hungry (crappy sandwiches on the plane remember?) and wanted to get things straightened out quickly.
The luggage was re-routed for us and that was great. So we re-checked it in and that was that.
Then we looked at our new e-ticket and discover that we arrive in NY around 6pm or so? Oh and the baby and I do not leave until 10:25am.
We were never once offered a hotel by Finn Air and I think that's awful that they were perfectly fine with letting us stay overnight in the JFK airport...and figured a couple dinner vouchers would shut us up.
Tim and my parents suggested the baby and I get a hotel but it was pouring out in NY and I just wasn't up for putting V�in� at risk at catching another cold (or me) and was beyond frustrated and exhausted.
V�in� slept through the whole Paris-NY flight too - so he had 7.5 hours and was the happiest kid in the airport. I was cranky but surviving.
And there was no guarantee I would be reimbursed for my hotel by Finn Air.
I could not check in until 3:30am....so Tim graciously stayed with us until check in time.
We went up to see American Airlines to see if they could do anything for us and they recommended we file a complaint with Finn Air - and what do you know? Those reps won't be in until 2pm the next day. We'll be in Canada by then we advised her and stormed off.
During check-in a Jamaican lady ahead of us decided to flirt with me and Tim and ask if we were "overweight" while lifting an eyebrow to our luggage. I advised her definitely yes...she wanted us to take her luggage! What an idiot! Doesn't she listen to the intercom which they repeat every 30 minutes saying not to take stuff from strangers?!
We finally arrive and all is well. We fully intend on filing the hugest complaint to both Finn Air and American Airlines (they just have crappy service and were not helpful at all)....oh and not to mention, AA does not provide infant seat belts. We were advised "to just hold the kid"...well a 20 lb child will have no problem flying out of my arms and down the length of a plane should we have gotten into an accident.
We've been to Walmart, Michael's (art store), Chapters and other places to see friends and family....it's good to hear English all around and read it too!!!
So if you're thinking of flying American Airlines, especially with an infant - think again! And if you go with Finn Air - double check that you have ALL boarding passes. Thanks for reading this blog post/rant - have a nice day and pleasant journey.
(Said in a cheery flight attendant voice).
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Travelling! and A to E...
I will be travelling to Canada tomorrow morning.
My flat is a disaster zone right now as I have my third load of laundry (blankets/towels etc. for our dog sitters) going....the dish washer going and my son screaming at me non-stop.
I'm un-believably tired (running on 5 hours of sleep but feels like less) and pissed off because I cannot remember what is packed in what. However, I did make a list last night and am slowly checking things off.
My son is teething and that is also putting a damper on travelling...where did the "Super Happy Morning Kid" go?!
Some things you should know while travelling in Finland...
It is the law to wear your seat belt while in a taxi. It is recommended and I believe the law also in Canada - but many people don't for some reason but do while driving their own vehicle or with family/friends.
If you go to the Emergency facilities of the hospital - you meet with a nurse who determines how serious your condition is. You are ranked on your form you give to your doctor between A (super unbelievably serious/life threatening) to E (you have a long wait if there are other patients ahead of you).
It's a good system actually - I haven't heard of anybody dying in the waiting room while waiting for help. Unlike some places in Canada (cough cough - Nova Scotia).
Sorry the kid's screaming - gotta jet.
My flat is a disaster zone right now as I have my third load of laundry (blankets/towels etc. for our dog sitters) going....the dish washer going and my son screaming at me non-stop.
I'm un-believably tired (running on 5 hours of sleep but feels like less) and pissed off because I cannot remember what is packed in what. However, I did make a list last night and am slowly checking things off.
My son is teething and that is also putting a damper on travelling...where did the "Super Happy Morning Kid" go?!
Some things you should know while travelling in Finland...
It is the law to wear your seat belt while in a taxi. It is recommended and I believe the law also in Canada - but many people don't for some reason but do while driving their own vehicle or with family/friends.
If you go to the Emergency facilities of the hospital - you meet with a nurse who determines how serious your condition is. You are ranked on your form you give to your doctor between A (super unbelievably serious/life threatening) to E (you have a long wait if there are other patients ahead of you).
It's a good system actually - I haven't heard of anybody dying in the waiting room while waiting for help. Unlike some places in Canada (cough cough - Nova Scotia).
Sorry the kid's screaming - gotta jet.
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