Coo Coo (or something like that!)

Tim went away to a conference somewhere in Southwestern Finland.  Thankfully it's only for 2 days.  He left this morning around 8 by bus and comes back tomorrow - some time.

V�in� woke up pretty happy once he was given breakfast and I made plans to take him downtown in his sled (in case some of the sidewalks were not plowed fully) as it's easier than a stroller....and I had to pick up some MK product and meet a friend after that, once she was done some school work.

After getting my Lip Mask product, I decided that since we would not be taking the bus that day or the next - we deserved a pizza.  I took V�in� into a restaurant that has the most space (review to come tomorrow) - as I had to bring the sled inside with me.
V�in� was pretty well behaved and even went as far as to walking around and exploring (but not TOO far from me) when he was done his food.
But once the hood/ski mask went on and the hat and mittens - Hell broke loose.

It was definitely nap time.  He's fallen asleep before in his sled - so not a huge issue.  I dragged him here and there and he would be so close to sleeping  - then wake up.  (I am skipping lots of the stuff in between as it's a bore to you).

He was THIS close to sleeping and we were in front of Popelli.....and I was going to knit if he fell asleep...and this elderly lady came over - all happy-like and screamed at V�in� "COO COO COO COO!"
Coo Coo (or however you want to spell it) is like "peek-a-boo" and used often with young children.

Considering Finns keep to themselves in general (i.e. don't offer to help a mother with a sled and cranky child on the non-snowy part of the city center to the snowy part so she can put him down) - I find it highly interesting (I could say amusing because I am done being angry with this elderly lady I guess) - that they LOVE BABIES.
At least the older people do - the smoking teenagers could care less.  Anyways.

I have honestly, never wanted to hurt a little old lady so much - for being nice.  I'm sure she was trying to calm V�in� down - but he is a shy child and despises when strangers get all in his face and talk (or yell) to him.  THEN OF ALL THINGS - the little old lady gave me a look that said, "I was only trying to be nice - what the f*ck is your kid's problem?!"

How about you got in his face so close you could count his eye lashes and you were the one scaring him and he was just about to fall asleep?!

ARGH. Okay - done that frustrated bit.


Prior to that - we were crossing the street - both cars had stopped for other pedestrians and I inched my way out, holding the rope of the sled close to my body so there's not as much distance between V�in� and I as I pull him across the road.
The lady ahead of me - jogged a bit ahead -and VROOM - the car shot off between us - I had to jump back.
I was not a happy camper and flipped him the middle finger (although it was concealed in my mitten).  The temptation to kick his car as he sped by was also great.
My bank card was itching to buy Ben and Jerry's - but we stood strong and didn't give in.

So we headed home and my friend sent me a message (I hadn't gotten far) and we hightailed it to her place where V�in� slept quietly in his sled for 1 hour.

Thank goodness for friends - or else I'd be much fatter and Wii Fit would tell me so.

Short-Changed the Bus Driver - again.

I couldn't remember what to write about and today I finally remembered.

Remember I went to Helsinki last week? I was super lucky to be able to catch a bus to my flat after the long train ride and so late at night (midnight-ish) - as the buses run less frequently and my luck is that I always miss the bus.
I'd walk home but I also had a tonne of stuff with me to carry from my shopping adventure with my friend.

So!  I got on the bus, plunked my 3 Euros down and was waiting for him to give me my ticket.  Apparently after 2300 (aka 11pm) the bus fare doubles.  (Yes I had extra change).

STILL it was cheaper than a cab home...and banging my knees on wooden boxes several times via walking.

A Mary Kay Party in Finland

I recently went to a Mary Kay party with a couple friends and having sold the stuff before, I more or less knew what to expect.
We went to this flat (or an office I suppose) of the MK consultant and she didn't speak a lot of English.  She was a red-coat consultant (pretty high up but not that high up) and very friendly.
We had the Time Wise facial treatment, and for any of you who have attended or hosted a MK party - it's all the same.
I honestly can admit, I ignored everything she said and just looked at the pamphlet in front of me - while doing my face and hand treatments.  She spoke in all Finnish and had asked my friend to translate for me.  Well, my poor friend couldn't translate even if she tried - because the MKC just jabbered on - barely taking a breath.  So all in all -it's the same kind of experience you would have in Canada.

For those of you that have never been to a MK party or something similar here's the outline of how they work:

• Warm and happy smiles and introductions
• Explanation of who MK is and why they are MKCs
• Explanation of what products will be tested during that party
• Testing the products
• Lots of "How does your skin feel?  Feel your friend's face...can you see the difference??"
• No prices listed in the book - so if you don't like what you hear...try not to make it too noticeable on your face.
• The benefits of being a MKC (you get products at cost price, 50%, and you sell them for double in price. So that's what your income is based on - strictly, how much you sell and the profit...oh oops.  They don't mention that part).  They discuss being a stay-at-home-mother is a difficult job in itself (true) but being a MKC is flexible to your schedule and your lifestyle.
• Go back to testing the product - this case, the moisturizer for the Satin Hands treatment (fragrance-free is now available!).  This is strictly a business strategy.  You went from starting with your hands then working on your face and now we're back to your hands.  Just a "Gentle reminder" of what your hands felt like before and how much oooh and ahh you did earlier.
• Then the imagination phase....how much you spent on all those nice shoes and party dresses and you probably never wear them...oh but you could spend the same amount, maybe less, and use this EVERYDAY.
• Then the 1 on 1.  You go into the MKC's office or a separate room and she grills you and tries to sell you as much as possible in less than 6 minutes.  For us, it was more like 3 because one members of our MK party had to get home asap for her newborn.  
• Here's a tip...she'll probably ask "How does your hands or face feel? Doesn't it feel great to be pampered??"  I personally smiled, said it felt lovely, then I cut her off before she could take a breath and rattle on.  I told her that I was only there to get the Satin Lips treatment and she badgered me into a "private" consultation in my home or back at her office.  That was that - we agreed on a time I think I will be cancelling - and away we went.

Other consultant companies that are in Finland that I know of:

• Avon
• Mary Kay
• Forever Aloe (a new favourite for me personally)
• Tupperware
• Party Lite
• There's a Finnish one - it's similar to MK - another make up line that's for Scandinavian countries if I remember correctly!

Another Trip to Helsinki!

One way train ride from Jyv�skyl� is about 3-3.5 hours long and costs 48.50 E.

So for a total of almost 100 Euros - I intended on spending the most time possible! I took the 822am train yesterday and arrived a bit before 12pm.  It was a great train ride, quiet and cozy.  I had a window seat, got a bit of knitting done and continued reading my lovely Bill Bryson novel about European travels (absolutely THE funniest book you'll ever read).   I had a much-needed nap, as whenever I prepare to travel anywhere - I get so excited the night before I am convinced I do not need at least 5 hours of sleep.

I was meeting my friend Sari, who has previously lived in Jyv�skyl� and we were going to go shopping.  The word "shopping" is very dangerous in woman language to a man.  My husband had expressed concern about me going  - not safety wise or anything...well, more so the safety of my Visa Electron card (debit).

I planned a budget in advance and stuck to it! I am so proud of myself.

Some of my findings in Helsinki were craft supplies (so much cheaper in Helsinki than in Jyv�skyl�) like paper, ink, card stock and some stamps.  I also picked up a wooden craft box that opens up with 2 lids on top, then the 3 sections pull out like a "V" and there are 3 drawers.  I've been looking around for one of these for ages that was reasonably priced and this one is just what I needed.  It's not big enough to hold my yarn and bigger knitting projects - but I have a feeling I can use it for my card-making supplies just as well.  Especially because they are smaller.

My favourite thing about Helsinki is the multiculturalism.  I love hearing English a lot, and do not feel as nosy as I do when hearing English from passerby's in Jyv�skyl�.

Sari took me to a bar that also sold salads and sandwiches.  I figured I would cheat a bit, and have a smoked salmon toasted sandwich.  It was HUGE, very tasty and did not come with anything else (only downfall).  Although, it was quite filling on it's own and with a glass of blueberry home-brewed cider.

After she left to meet another friend - I decided to walk around downtown and go to the Stockmann book store.  It's so big!  There are 4 floors in total...the bottom floor is only stationary...drool.
The second or main floor, has novels and children books, the 3rd floor has psychology and hobby books (including cooking)....wait - I think there are 4.  Anyway - it's a lovely book store with cash registers everywhere.  So this downsizes the ridiculously huge line ups that often happen in big book shops with one central location for paying.

I didn't take as many photos as my first trip to Helsinki because it was snowing.  There really wasn't much to take photos of with it being so dark and snowy.  There was a marimba (wooden xylophone) player one one street playing along with his recordings....I got a small video of that and he was fabulous!

I skipped the museums as I think it would be nicer to go to them when I have more time.  Like in April when we have some guests coming over.

I also had some (vegetarian) sushi from this little sushi stand run by two Finns in the Forum.  I had wanted to go to The Sushi Bar - however I couldn't find it or remember where it was.  I was too shy to ask - and figured since The Forum shopping center is so close to the train station - it would be best to stick close by.

I walked down to the train station early and was able to do some reading before boarding my train and the ride home was interesting.

There was this group of people that were travelling together and didn't want to sit together.  I guess they worked together or were married.  Anyway, they constantly played musical chairs until we got to the second or third stop.  Then the person who had the ticket number associated with the seat they were in - kicked them out.  They did have tickets (there's a hefty fee if you're caught on the train without one) but for some reason, figured that since the train wasn't quite as full yet - that they'd sit in other people's seats.  I thought it was slightly annoying and am glad I wasn't the one to have to wave my ticket in their face....but anyway nobody got hurt or angry.

Oh and something I didn't know before, but you can get your e-train ticket sent to your phone as a text message.  In it there will be a blurred scan code and the conductor will scan it and you have to provide ID as well (along with a regular printed-out e-ticket), especially if you are a student.  Then the conductor just scans it with this machine and off you go!

Vegetarian

To save me from having to start yet another blog that probably nobody will read - I decided to quickly jot in here why I have decided to slowly become a vegetarian (5-6 days a week or so to start).

When I was a teenager it's something I wanted to try.  I wanted to see what it was like to not eat meat.  Possibly not eat fish as well.  I just wanted to try it and see what it's like (be in a vegetarian's shoes) and to see if I could do it.
When the question was raised to my parents - my mother instantly shot it down because she didn't want to do the extra cooking and preparing of a meat-free meal for me.  Fair enough.
When I was in university and living on my own - I easily skipped meat in my lunches (peanut butter sandwiches or Kraft dinner was good enough!) but usually had meat for supper thanks to the food court that I worked in at the mall.  I ate for free where I worked and it was on a paper plate - so there was minimal dishes to be done...why not?  And meat's somewhat expensive (at least chicken is in Nova Scotia) when you're living on your own and on a student budget.

Then I married someone that enjoys Chinese food as much as I do - and I never thought of becoming a vegetarian until I met one of my best friends, Sarah.
She's presently a vegan (something I could not personally do but kudos for her and all the other vegans out there!) but when we met - she was a vegetarian, occasionally eating fish on special occasion.  I thought about converting then - but wasn't sure if I could do it or wanted to.


After a few years of being married - we moved to Finland and had a baby - definitely didn't want to try a vegetarian diet then!  I exclusively breast fed and ate like a pack of lions!  It takes a lot of energy to breast feed - surprisingly.
Anyway, besides the point.
Now that my son is DONE (it's been a week and a half - wahoo!) - I feel comfortable enough to stop eating meat and fish.  I'm almost 25 and I think this is a huge deal for me, as eating meat is a huge part of the Chinese culture.  Yes they eat lots of vegetables and rice too - but meat is where it's at with the Asians.


Some foods I have eaten since trying this new diet (I only started yesterday, January 18th):

• Flash-fried spinach with garlic and avocado...yum.  It's heaven.  Who knew avocados could be pan-fried and with a bit of soya sauce - be SO FREAKING DELICIOUS?!
• Cheesy garlic bread topped with some avocado slices sprinkled with pepper and drizzled with sesame oil...how weird yet absolutely yummy!

Those are the big and new things to me.  I always thought avocados were strictly for salads, sandwiches and the mighty guacamole!  

I am borrowing some vegetarian cook books from friends and am so excited to see what else there is besides "salad".

It's not for everybody and I am not one to preach life styles to anybody else.  But I am enjoying it so far and find that Finland has lots of great vegetables and alternatives for people of all kinds of food-life styles.

Especially those with lactose-intolerances and Celiac.

And yes, I will cheat occasionally and eat meat or fish when on holiday or visiting, so as to not inconvenience someone else into preparing me a special meal.  

I just feel more energetic already - and it's been less than 72 hours!

A Compliment from a Finn...

Today I took Loki to the grocery store to get some groceries for my supper and my brownies ingredients (a la mud pie style) for my knitting group.

On the way home, an older man stopped me and started to jabber to me in Finnish.  I understood the word "koira" - meaning "dog" and he was pointing towards the snow bank.  I got nervous that he saw me after midnight letting the dogs run loose somewhere - and I just smiled meekly and said "I don't speak Finnish".  He smiled and pointed at my light (got it at Mountain Equipment Co-Op in Halifax) that I have dangling from the side of my coat, and Loki has one attached to his harness - and said, "BEAUTIFUL! BEAUTIFUL!"

Why would I blog about a man complimenting my (and Loki's) use of a little LED light?  Because it's odd.
It's not very often that a stranger that is Finnish, would stop and compliment someone else for something like a light or anything at all really.  Whether it be another Finn or a potential foreigner - it's just not the Finnish way.

So I smiled at this stranger and said "kiitos! It's from Canada" (kiitos being Thanks!).  And he smiled and waved and went on his merry little way.

After thinking of his gestures - I realize that he probably appreciated knowing there was a large dog coming around the corner and he was able to see us from a distance because of our little LED lights.  Not that Loki jumped him or anything - and he didn't seem to really dislike dogs - he was just thankful that he didn't get scared out of his pants.
He was also probably stating somewhere in that Finnish speech of his - that more dogs should do the same thing so people can see them when they're driving by or walking their dogs.

I guess?

20 (Euro) Cents

How much is 20 cents to you? Ignore the currency conversion - just simply, what is the value of 20 cents to you?

I have previously mentioned that in Europe - many places charge you to use their bathroom.  Which makes sense, because the employees are the ones that are responsible for cleaning up your mess - and knowing the states of bathrooms in places like McDonalds or gas stations for example - I'm grateful they clean them!
So you pop in your 20-50 cents coin into the slot, turn the handle and go do your thing.

I had taken V�in� out all day yesterday and because he was so fussy in Popelli - I opted for a quick diaper change in the library's bathroom.  I could get the key on the upper levels - but because he was having an overall - VERY CRANKY DAY - I figured I'd fork over the 20 cents for a bathroom on the bottom floor and not disturb anybody if V�in� threw another tantrum.

After using the bathroom myself, I proceeded with the diaper change.  I was about to pull V�in�'s pants off and the door handle started to jiggle, I heard a coin fall into the slot and someone walked in.
I looked up and smiled (as there isn't a change table in the female bathroom - weird) at a man.
This elderly man - well late 50's I guess - with a grey beard, bundled in layers and carrying his Nordic walking poles...stared at me and goes "HUH?!"

Clearly "HUH?!" is universal for "What the F&ck?!"

He left, and I tried not to laugh too loudly (you know how bathrooms are for echoing!), and V�in� was also stunned.  Not that we use public bathrooms often if we can help it - but it was a surprise to see someone coming in.

Well that door didn't close all the way and that man came back in.  I KNOW I was in the women's washroom - I triple check before going into a bathroom.  That and there weren't any urinals!

So the man grumbled something to me in Finnish - I just smiled and nodded - and he went into a "water closet" (can't see anything which is nice as you're surrounded by these slightly claustrophobic 4 walls....) - did his thing came out, apologized and left.

AND HE DIDN'T WASH HIS HANDS....he didn't even do a manly "rinse" his hands....EWWWWWWWWW.  And THIS is why I do not use public bathrooms frequently.  It's not about saving twenty cents...it's about the germs for me.  Eww.  Needless to say - I took a wipe to open the door...it was worth banging my hip into the door frame while trying to maneuver the stroller out....

So!  How much is 20 cents worth to YOU?

My "Positive" Gym experience

No I'm not being a smart ass by putting quotations around the word Positive in my title.
That's the name of the gym!

I had gone there previously for a basic tour with a friend and she convinced me that we should both go to the "Combat" course.  Oh okay - how hard can it be?
I thought it would be a lot of partnering up - but it wasn't.

First thing's first - signing up for a course.  You don't do it in advance.  It's first come - first served.
If you have a membership card, you swipe it through and then you press which course you would like on the touch-screen monitor.  The screen will list all the courses that are coming up within the next hour or so...and also lists how many spots are available.  Once you press what you want, a small receipt is printed out and you bring that with you to the class. (I paid in cash as I am not a member).
The instructor will come in and take your receipt to confirm your payment and then class starts....

We did some warm-ups and then did various punching, knees up etc.  And in between each round of technique - we did running around in a room.  The instructor was fun but tough and it was great.  Her name's Patty and she has fuchsia pink hair, some tattoos and very fun!
Her favourite line of the night was "You'll all remember my name tomorrow ladies and boy!" (There was 1 guy in the class.  He probably thought it was a super macho "COMBAT" course...oops).

We also did some stretches and lunges (my personal favourite), as I am AWFUL at ab-work and was called on it.  I can't do a sit up to save my life.  Seriously.
BUT I can do a parallel stretch for a full 30 seconds without pain - or my arse up in the air.

C-D-E-F-G-A-H-C

If you are a musician and have picked out what is wrong with the title, congratulations!

Most musicians use a scale of 8 notes, technically 7 as the 8th is repeated...so we use A-B-C-D-E-F-G.

Totally random - I know.  I picked up a xylophone for V�in�'s final Christmas gift and saw the one on display, tested it out and noticed the "typo".  I got home and figured, okay not a big deal...it's a letter - probably made in China and just a typo.

I had some friends over for dinner last night and when I pointed it out to them, they said it was "normal" for them to have "H" in their musical notes.  It's the European way.

There you have it my musician friends....I don't know if they have a note "B" - but they have "H".

Cleaning up the past

Tonight was unusually dark outside...I typically take the dogs out around midnight, to avoid other dogs.  I stay outside for as long as they want to run.  Once they're down to trotting and my toes get cold - then we head back indoors.
I forgot to mention, that I take them out onto a frozen lake, surrounded by woods.  There's a nearby path that is well lit - so I have to constantly keep an eye out to make sure the odd ball that's out with their dog, is not spotted by mine.
However, it was very difficult tonight because it was darker and because we have so much snow, the branches are heavy with it!  But I am not complaining - it's a beautiful sight!  I wish I could take photos with my eyes...instead of having a flash alter the photo!  The snow sparkles....the pine trees look like they're covered in laced doilies....just so pretty!!
The weird thing about it being so dark tonight, compared to other nights (I suppose the moon has phased out or something like that) - is that I thought of looking up.
The dark sky was clear and you could very easily see all the stars and constellations.  It was breath taking.  I was very tempted to simply lie on my back, on a frozen lake (Tim refers to it as a pond - but it's huge and going forth will continue to be referred to as a "lake") and just stare.
You just don't get that in Halifax.  You don't get to simply look out your window and see stars.  We were so happy when we lived in East River - because there wasn't as much pollution and the skies were clear enough for us to see stars on any given night!

January 6th is a holiday in Finland (as mentioned on my Facebook), as a day to take down the Christmas tree - or take down last year's things.  Clean up - look forward to what the New Year has to offer you.
And I intend to do so! I am going to finally scrub the windows of Angels and Christmas trees...the snowman in the kitchen is staying on the window...he's winter-y.
But by "holiday" - I mean - seriously - nothing's open!  Europeans seem to have several holidays (noted in red on the Finnish calendars) and this is probably one excellent reason as to why they live a happier life style than North Americans.
I am not saying Europeans (or Finns specifically) are lazy!!!!  I'm simply saying the longer school session but more frequent breaks and holidays are a huge factor towards their World-Class education and home lifestyle.  I had posted an article before, of the Finnish PUBLIC school system being #1 and one of the most sought-after, especially by the UK....some examples from that article include:

• Children are fed a warm and nutritious lunch every school day - free.  
• This saves parents' time and money (although I'm sure higher tax rates go towards the lunch) and children stress of being bullied for their lunch money! (As we always see and hear about in the news or in movies in North America).
• Children do not wear their outdoor shoes inside - they are encouraged a relaxed (but firm studying) environment.  
• Children address their teachers by their FIRST NAME.
• The school system is designed to encourage everybody -REGARDLESS OF LEARNING LEVEL - to keep up with each other.  
• Tim and I both agree that our Canadian public school system often favoured those that were slow on learning something (I am slow in various topics I assure you!) and those that were more advanced, were often held back in the class because of those that needed much more time to grasp topics.
• They excel in math and sciences (I think?)
• Children start school at the age of 7 and graduate by the age of 19 (average).  This adds an extra level of maturity.
• The school year goes from Mid-August to June but with several breaks like a March Break and an Autumn break.
• They learn a variety of languages (besides Swedish, Finland's other National Language) such as:  German, English, French, Chinese, Estonian, Russian, Spanish and more!
• Students are also taught life skills all though out their schooling.
• Knitting, sewing, crochet
• Cooking
• BUDGETING
• Cleaning and taking care of themselves in a home setting

Just something to think about!

1st Come 1st Serve (or reserved) Doesn't Really Apply

This is absurd....and not the first time to happen to me.

I shop online through the used items website on the University of Jyv�skyl� and often find great deals.  I also often set up appointments to look at something, 99% of the time buy it and am quite the happy customer.  HOWEVER I am upset this morning big time.

I found a potential children's bed a day ago and contacted the seller, who lives nearby and arranged to meet her at her home to look at this children's bed (as it's no longer on the store website - older model and she didn't have any photos).  We agreed to meet at her place at 11am, which was fine by me, until Tim told me he had to get to the university around that time.

So I emailed her again and notified her that I can be there for 6pm - ASSUMING that since I appeared to be the first person to contact her about the bed - she would RESERVE IT FOR ME.
Well, I got an email this morning before 9am stating she sold it already.

Thanks a lot Maarit.

What is it with the whole "set a time but sell it to someone else first"?!?!  There's no point in sending her a nasty email because the item is sold already.  So I shall complain here.
Had you said something along the lines like "If you cannot meet at 11 for whatever reason, then I have to sell it to the next person who offers to buy it" - then that'd be fine.

Is there some Finnish un-said law I don't know about when it comes to buying and selling things second-hand?!?!?!

And Maarit...have the decency to not do this to the next person you're selling to and remove your ad.  I wouldn't want other people to be disappointed like I am!

Happy New Year!

Well last NY, I was sick as a dog.  I had eaten far too much junk food and tempting my lactose tolerance by also consuming too much cheese.

SO! A proper post for New Year's I think is appropriate!

Because Tim is feeling a touch of a cold and so is V�in�, I opted to go to a party down the road by myself.  I had brought a nacho dip and that was warmly welcomed and got to meet so many lovely and new people.  I usually dislike "house parties" because I don't always find someone interesting to talk to!
However, that was not the case!  I went to this party knowing a small handful of people that were attending, and we all had a lovely time chatting.

The big topic was traditions for New Year's.
Well, here's the Finnish side (I made notes):

• As of 6pm on New Year's Eve, you can set off fire works....they last until about 3-4am...depends.  Needless to say, my dogs are fine indoors but were a wreck walking around outside.
• They do not do the whole "kiss someone" at midnight for luck (or whatever it's main purpose is)
• They buy tin horse shoes, melt them and throw them individually into a bucket of cold water. Whatever the shape (or shadow) forms into, determines your future - if you're superstitious!  We didn't have any horse shoes - but next year I'd like to try one!
• Traditional foods are potatoes and sausages!

You have to be 18 years old to purchase and set off fireworks.  

BUT you can be 15 to own a gun...mind you, you have to be part of a hunting association and/or have a license.

Some other memories that were shared (because Helsinki has so much snow), a lot of people cross-country ski here.  Some people just walk and use the Nordic walking poles to encourage themselves to keep going and keep the whole body swinging....but my friends recalled skiing to school and you would get points everyday that you skied to and from your school.  The schools in various communities would compete and whichever school won, got a huge trophy!