Dear Lady Near The Bench...

Dear Finnish Lady:

Today you saw me brushing my dog outside.  I don't think it's considered a crime to brush my dog outside, seeing as the dog hair won't stick to the bench he was standing on.  And I figured someone would've told me by now to not brush my dog outside if it truly was a hateful crime.  (I've seen other dog owners brush their dogs outside and figured I wouldn't get sent to jail.)  And I wasn't near anybody's lawn - I was in a little area where the grass grows wildly and is never mowed or trimmed...

With that said, the bench he was standing on, was free of dog hair as soon as I turned my back to you - why? Because there was a breeze and his fur is so light - it was gone in an instant.  Nothing to get your knickers in a twist over - I'm sure.  (I've gone back to confirm that there is NO trace of dog hair anywhere near - just in case you are doubting me crazy lady).
You and your husband walked by me and gave me dirty looks - and I was just about to leave anyhow, should you have wanted to sit on the bench - but it didn't appear that way.
I had recently pulled my back and am not allowed to put too much strain on it - hence why my dog was on the bench that nobody was sitting on and as a matter of fact, nobody was around until you walked by.  Nobody else gave my dog and me a dirty look like you and your husband did.
(Prior to this, my dog and I were in Silinteri for a quick moment and he got a glowing compliment - in Finnish - about how well he was behaved and how cute he is).

My dog merely sat (or laid down) quietly so I could brush him - and because he's on the bench, he couldn't go far without jumping down - so he had limited space and I took this opportunity to groom him.  I can assure you Miss, that I have seen many people sit on that bench that were dirtier than my dog in the past 2 years of living here.
On top of that, my dog was not barking, peeing or pooping on the bench you stood up for.  He wasn't vandalizing it with spray paint, Sharpie markers or barf - like I've seen on other benches in the city.

If you wondered why I didn't respond to your petty bitching, it's because I don't speak Finnish.  If I did, the first thing I would like to point out is that bright sky blue eyeliner is very 1980's (if not before that)...

Sincerely,
A sore dog walker.

Table 29 has been UPDATED!!!!!!!!!

Table 29 at Silinteri (Kortepohja area of Jyv�skyl�, Finland) has been updated with LOTS OF GOODIES!
I'm currently sharing the table for another week (we have yet to discuss how long we'll keep the table) with a great friend of mine...and guess what she put for sale?

• DVDs (I'm sure most have Finnish subtitles too!)


• Books (Many are in Finnish!)


• Clothing


• Some dishes


• Cross-stitching AND KNITTING magazines (English) - all great condition! (Original costs are at least 9-10� a piece!)


• RUBBER STAMPS (at only 4� a piece - they are a STEAL of a deal!)

And there is much more to come as she's really cleaning out her stash of things...not sure what's left because she un-packed things with the store closing shop in 30 minutes and I'm sure a good chunk was sold already!!!

I'll be adding some more things as I find them and reducing prices too!  I'll keep you all updated!!

Do you flush and go?

I don't think these exist in Canada yet, but one of the toilet paper brands, Lotus, now offers biodegradable toilet paper rolls.
They are flushable!

Do they have these wherever you are from?

Prenatal Care in Finland (and more about the pregnancy!)

By the time this posts - it'll be some time in October 2011.  (Sounds so futuristic huh?)

For the most part, I have kept my 2nd (and final!) pregnancy a secret from many people - even good friends, Facebook, Blogger and people I know IN Finland!
Shocker I know.
Why did I "attempt to hide it"?  Because I was travelling a lot - I ended up having some slight complications (and an early miscarriage June of 2010) - but just to be safe - I figured I'd keep my mouth shut until after the baby's born....and I think personally, it would be hilarious for my Facebook profile photo to be a little baby and a status update of (something along the lines of): "Went to the hospital and they gave me one of these!!"
That's my sense of humour though...

Now, let's talk about prenatal care in Finland!  Remember, last time I was pregnant with V�in�, I moved to Finland at 26 weeks pregnant.  I wasn't overly big, it was a tiring move (with 2 big dogs too) - but we survived.

So, what's different between Canada (specifically Nova Scotia - which may not have the exact same procedures as the rest of Canada) and Finland for pre-natal care?

Let's start at the beginning!

I found out I was pregnant on February 6, 2011 (3 days before my birthday - go figure....), called the Neuvola nurse that my son goes to- and was advised I have to go to a "maternity Neuvola" (which is not the same location as the one we were going to for V�in�).
This happened to be the Neuvola across from the Central Hospital of Jyv�skyl� (where I used to live when we first moved here!)....which also happens to not have a direct bus route and is about a 45 minutes walk! (~3km?)
So after some quick calls, I made my first appointment for some time in March.  When I went there with my son and husband, the nurse attempted to do an ultrasound instead of using a doppler to look for the heart beat.  I wasn't prepared for an ultrasound (as fuzzy as it was) - and didn't drink any water.
(In NS, there is NO ultrasound until 20-22 weeks unless a heart beat is not detected or there are multiple heart beats - and you have to go to the hospital.)
Needless to say, she couldn't find anything (she never warned me about drinking water or not using the bathroom either) - but she should've been able to.  She re-scheduled the prenatal survey and the ultrasound for 2 weeks later and requested that my family not come with me.  Because V�in� was quite upset waking up in a new environment he didn't recognize, and woke up too early - he was obviously crying - and this nurse couldn't handle it.  (Doctors don't do these appointments - just once or twice throughout the pregnancy).
(Worst first impression ever - thanks a lot "Beth" - obviously not her real name).  The other thing about Beth, is that she's also a mid-wife - so she's USED to be around babies and mothers and I just thought it was very un-professional of her to ask such a thing...

2 weeks later, I go by myself and drink lots of water in preparation for the ultrasound.  Beth was all smiles and advised me that she was glad I didn't bring my son, because "he stressed her out" and made it "very difficult to find the baby via ultrasound."
I guess she didn't see the smoke coming out of my ears.... I sharply advised her that she did not notify me of having to drink water - and that she should've been able to find something at the previous appointment, because I was showing multiple symptoms of pregnancy.  (She must've thought it was hormones, smiled and nodded and brushed me off).
So within 10 seconds of using the ultrasound scanner - guess what?!  She found the baby!  Wow - who would've guessed?!
Anyhow, she determined that I was going to have a big baby, or perhaps, I was further ahead than she thought (because she doesn't understand English well enough - the date of my last menstrual cycle was completely lost on her)....
Oh and then there's the "Prenatal Survey".  In NS, they ask about your family history, as far back as your siblings and grandparents/aunts or uncles on either side of the family (mother to be or father to be).
In Finland, they ask you as far back as your cousins and spouse/partner's cousins!
Here's what they want to know (similar to that of Canada):

• History of cancer, asthma, blindness, diabetes, autism, ADHD (pretty much anything that could be genetic)
• History of alcohol, smoking or drug usage
• General health, diet and exercise regime
• Vaccine history
• If you or spouse/partner were a complicated or difficult birth - what was involved
• Plans on travelling during the pregnancy (they do not recommend you fly after 25 weeks-I think in Canada it's 30-35 weeks - depending on your doctor and where you're flying to)

The first ultrasound was held at the Gravida, a separate section of the hospital and quite a pain to get to as it's hidden away.  I had one at 16 weeks - to see if the baby had anything similar to what I was born with (some stomach issue in which I was born with my stomach open) and to check it's heart (as I also had a heart murmur when I was a wee one).
No children are allowed at all, at the ultrasound - even if they are well behaved and/or asleep!  Tim and V�in� had came with me (V�in� was sound asleep and not going to wake up at all) and the doctor told them coldly to go down the hall and wait in a chair.
This ultrasound cost me 27,40� and was not covered by Kela, because a doctor did the ultrasound.
If it was done by a nurse - there wouldn't have been a fee.  However - you don't seem to get a choice in who does your ultrasound.

The second ultrasound was with the same doctor in the Gravida and I have also received a bill for it for the same amount.
I asked for the gender and we are pretty sure it's a ____________.
She tried to get a 3-D photo, however the baby was covering it's face....funny, Tim's like that now and so was V�in� during our Canadian ultrasound.

During my last appointment (approximately 5.5 months - some time in June) - I was asked if there was any history of diabetes in my family.  I really have no idea - because I'm adopted - but I said simply "Not that I know of why?"
According to Finland's regulations, if you are under the age of 25, have no history of diabetes yourself or with direct family members (siblings or parents) and any previous child was under 4.5kg - you don't have to do the diabetes test!
(The diabetes test is when you drink a beverage, not use the bathroom and they test your blood sugar levels over a span of a few hours to see if you are diagnosed with "pregnancy-related diabetes".  If you are- then you meet with a dietitian and set up a very strict meal-plan.  If not - then you're fine).
Score!  Now, because I am technically "over 25"....as my birthday was in February - she let it slide.
However, if I start feeling extremely tired or not well, then I'll have to go and get that test done.
I was also asked what I'm doing for exercise ...I walk a lot, I carry heavy groceries, I carried my son in a back-pack carrier during our trip to Estonia and Paris (with my husband sharing the duties of course) - you know, usual stuff.  I walk the dogs some times...
She asked me the funniest thing then.  "If your dogs are dirty, do you wipe their legs?"
I had a look on my face that clearly said "What the _______(insert bad word of choice)?!!"
I guess her point was that I shouldn't be bending down to wipe their legs and feet - as I am already experiencing back pains (which are probably early contractions she said)...

Oh and we can't forget - the all important kegel exercises...
If you're wondering what "Kegel exercises" are - it's the flexing of your internal muscles and down south muscles....so to do this, you hold it in/suck it in like you need to pee really badly but you just - hold it in for 10 seconds...and then relax...and repeat this regularly.  (This is also supposed to help with recovery after giving birth).
Well, apparently Beth didn't know what the English term was - because during one of my appointments, she asked if I have been exercising my pelvis.  I wasn't sure "how" I was supposed to exercise my pelvis, so she gave me a demonstration.
Beth stood up and began punching herself down below.  My jaw dropped (I'm so glad my husband wasn't there or else I'd look at him and laugh even louder) and I thought quickly if my Canadian doctor has ever told me to punch myself in the "hoo-hah".
My eyes were leaking and my nose started running because I wanted to laugh so badly and I was holding it in.  I just smiled and said "Okay, I'll do these exercises when I'm in the shower....oh no don't mind me - it's just allergies."

Another great thing about Finland, is that I have received ultrasound photos throughout this pregnancy.  Where as, in NS, you don't get any.  You only find out the gender in advance through the hospital if you're having multiples or are a high-risk pregnancy.  (Then you would be going up to the 7th floor).
There's a couple companies (or perhaps it's the same one) in NS that provide the gender, a DVD and 3-D photos (or some sort of combination) at a ridiculous price.  You have to book well in advance too.

So my due date is October 16th, 2011 - but the doctor said during the 2nd ultrasound that yes - it does look like a big baby - so I'll probably go early.
I am predicting between 7-9th - as my husband's birthday is on the 8th.  (I was early with V�in� by 6 days).

July 26, 2011
Well, I'm between 28 and 29 weeks along and having hints of "nesting" (where women get ridiculously obsessive about the cleaning) and wildly cranky in doing so.  Which is also due to the need of more sleep.  But because I nap late in the evening when the hubby gets home - it causes me to be wide awake at odd hours - like 1:12am.
I've since had a doctor's appointment and the doctor looked quite young and told me congratulations and asked when we were planning on having another.  She had my history in front of her and knew that V�in� was born in Finland and a few days early and I smiled and said, "Oh this is the last one for sure."
"Never say never!" she chirps happily.
The urge to smack her upside her dark curly head was intoxicating and very tempting...
"Oh I assure you - I won't be having another one.  Too costly to fly to Canada to visit that way!" was my snarky response.  (Yet it's so true!)
She just smiled and said, "Well, you can discuss protection after you've had the baby with your nurse."
(It's called never having sex again - duh.....)
Anyways, she had noted at my last appointment that the baby was about 1.44kg (3.17 lbs) and that was considered "quite big".
Well, no kidding - considering V�in� was born at 3.57kg (7.87lbs) and according to the internet - the baby should've only been a little under 2 lbs at the time (I think I was 24 or 25 weeks? - I can't find my booklet right now).
My jaw dropped and I instantly visualized myself with a brain aneurysm trying to push out the next member of the Riggs family...have you seen the movie Gigi? The one with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez...yep - that one.
There's still a small chance I need a c-section - the doctor noticed the placenta is near the front and "kind of low" - but that they'll keep an eye on things.

Oh and I found a double stroller at the second hand store! WAHOO!  It was originally selling for 180� and over a span of a month, dropped down to 90�....the person was supposed to pick it up last week but hadn't yet...so I reserved it and will spend V�in�'s monthly "allowance" (that is tax-free and for living in the city of JKL) to buy it tomorrow morning.  It has 3 wheels, side-by-side (I also picture a few pinches and punches being tossed between the 2 kids), a large hood, a rain cover and a "lunch bag" to put the new born in.  It's an older model by a company called "ABC DESIGN" - but it seems functional.  And it's gender neutral - navy blue and beige with black.

August 11, 2011

I had my 30 weeks +2 days appointment recently and all is well.
I asked the nurse if the hospital provides a baby-sitting service for older children while the mother is in labour.    She curtly told me: "No.  Your husband is the father - so you can take a taxi to the hospital when you're ready and he can stay at home with your son."
I lifted an eyebrow and simply told her, "I am merely curious because we do not have any family here and may not have any friends that are able to watch our son when it's time."
I thought she was incredibly rude and I only asked because some hospitals might have such services (where I don't know) and I'd rather ask and look sort of "dumb" than to not ask at all!
However, she provided me with a site that allows people to hire sitters at a rate (currently) of 8,20�/hour.  You have to pay the minimum of 2 hours worth of work and on holidays or Sundays - it is double time.  Fair enough.  And if they do not have a car - you have to drive them home or pay for their taxi (which is fine - but who knows where they are coming from!).
Then the nurse advised me that if I go during the day time - it's possible my husband and son go into the cafeteria and wait until I'm done - then they can meet me in the room.  However they do not have a "family room" anymore to accommodate both parents, newborn and older child.
Trust me lady - if I could plan when my kid was coming - I would.  I cannot wait to be done with this nurse - she pisses me off nearly every time...
I am up to 67.9kg (almost 150 lbs) but according to everybody (nurse and friends) that's great that I am gaining...about 34lbs since prior to this pregnancy!  I guess as long as I eat reasonably healthy (I do...but I also cheat a lot) and exercise (I walk Loki 30-45 minutes every night, get heavy groceries regularly, walk a lot and with a stroller) - then I'm fine.  Oh and I guess you're "supposed" to gain more weight with the second child and any other pregnancy after the first.
I was a little upset about it at first...it's extra weight I have to shed later (yes I'll breast feed) - and no, I have 0 idea how much I gained in total with V�in� because they forgot to weigh me!
But on the flip side - my maternity pants keep falling down - so that's a good sign I suppose...

Oh and she gave me a sheet of paper that acts as my birthing plan.  She translated it for me and near the bottom - it asks for potential names for a boy or a girl and what religion.
Whoa.  Why?
Because in case "something happens" to the baby - they want to know if the baby has a religion and if we don't have names picked out - they get a "temporary name".  The temporary name can be changed later apparently.
So what she was trying to tell me was, "If the baby is a still birth - what were you going to name him or her and what religion should we list on their birth/death certificate?"
(At least that's how I took it).
I was advised to bring this sheet with me to the labour....

FYI - In Canada (and probably US) - you see a doctor every time.  You rarely see a nurse, except for the small things like blood pressure, urine samples, weight and height measurements.  Once you hit a certain point in your pregnancy, I believe closer to 20-22 weeks - then you see a different doctor.  Or at least I did, because my family doctor no longer delivered babies and stopped servicing you by the time you neared/entered 2nd trimester.

Aug. 20, 2011
WOW! 32 weeks and still going strong.
Honestly, until it comes to cleaning or bending down - or picking up V�in� (who is about 25 lbs) - I often forget I am pregnant.  Sure I'm wearing bigger clothing, maternity clothes and have back pains galore...but I try and keep busy because it keeps me fit and keeps my mind off the "you're going to have a big baby" thought.
A friend confronted me via FB email asking if I was pregnant because she heard it through the grapevine back in Halifax.   I confirmed this and advised to not tell anybody because it's something we want to share after the baby's born.
She thought it was odd and a "lonely" way of telling people.  I disagree.
For me - I'm happy we're expecting another (and final) child - but I just hated all the repeated questions from our friends and family.  It's not that I don't appreciate your concerns folks - I just hated repeating myself.
So if I only have to do this one more time - I may as well do it at the end.
When I was pregnant with V�in� I felt like I was a broken record with repeating the due date, my doctor's comments, what it was like travelling while pregnant etc.  So please do not be offended - this is not directed to any one person or group!!!
This is just 50% hormones and 50% me not wanting to share the pregnancy...and I think it's also a major test for me to see if I can keep this from as many people as possible!  (So far so good!)
I spoke to other friends having their 2nd or 3rd - and they advised me they totally agreed and felt the same way - so thankfully, I don't feel too bad!
And yes, I have been taking "belly photos" occasionally when I remember.
I'm working with a friend to take some non-naked/non-bare belly exposing photos in September...so those will go online too - after the baby's born.

I honestly and deeply hope I did not offend anybody by not telling them that we are expecting - even very close friends, some of whom we saw in Canada in May (and some family as well).  Only direct family was to know - however, some beans were spilled but still this has been kept under wraps thus far.

September 17, 2011
Today I went to a cottage to dye some yarn with the ladies of our knitting group from downtown and had a blast.  I also did a lot of knitting that I wasn't used to and have developed Carpel Tunnel Syndrome...great.

September 18, 2011
Today our friend came over and took some casual, "au natural" photos for us...no nudity involved - I just mean us being ourselves at home and outside.  Nothing formal or posed.

October 1, 2011
I am currently 37 weeks and 6 days along.
On Thursday, October 29th - I was 37 + 4 and had a Neuvola appointment, which also included a visit with the doctor.
The nurse, Beth, and I are getting along better - or so I think, as I am just sick and tired of being pregnant.  Typical at this stage - if not earlier! HA!
After weighing myself and getting my blood pressure done and some basic questions out of the way - I went to the doctor - who didn't speak a lot of English.  Which is fine.  I'm used to playing the "Guess what I'm saying" game... I understood the doctor perfectly fine.
I had an ultrasound done to see about the weight and measurement of the baby - and what do you know? The head is "so low" she could not measure the baby's head size or weight.  So I am going into this pretty blind-sided...
I know - lots of women have 0 idea how big their child is going to be.  But I wanted to know - I have a pretty low tolerance for pain and I'm fairly short (5'2") and small pre-pregnancy.
But here's the worst part.  After the ultrasound - in which it was quite dark and crowded in there...and the kid looks HUGE to me!! - she signed my booklet, gave me a prescription for my inhaler (which I lost recently - the prescription refills not the inhaler itself) and sent me on the way.  She didn't take any photos - she just made sure all seemed fine in there and it was so dark and cramped - I don't think there would've been any good "shots" anyway.
What's wrong with this?!  She should have checked to see how far along I am, if at all - but I'm positive I am dilated.  I suppose she could have done an internal ultrasound to see the baby's head size - but nope.  She was so anxious to get me out the door and to avoid speaking a little English to me - that she skipped this fairly important and crucial step to the appointment.
This was done at my last doctor appointment when I was pregnant with V�in� (a different doctor of course) - and I'm curious as to why the medical care is not consistent across the board.
The nurses here do NOT check to see if you're dilated - unless it's a mid-wife and you're in the hospital delivering.
My next appointment is 2 days after my expected due date (in about 2.5 weeks)...but I'm hoping I'll be giving birth within a week.

We thankfully have found a couple of wonderful sitters that live down the road from us and that V�in� really likes!  It's hard finding someone to watch him that doesn't mind large dogs, a super-active child and our constant mess of a home!  Oh and finding someone that V�in� likes is even harder.
But V�in� adores his sitters (a married couple from Brazil studying here) and we try to have them over at least once a week to hang out with us - so he gets used to their presence.  My husband and I even managed to go see a movie without any guilt - because when we got home - V�in� was asleep in the guy's arms and didn't even notice we had left!
We had them over for coffee last week, and V�in� actually crawled into their laps and just watched a movie with them...and pretty much ignored us!

The Carpel Tunnel Syndrome has been jumping back and forth between my hands (I am right-handed) but thanks to a gel the nurse suggested - there's no pain.  Just tingling in my finger tips...much better than before.  Hopefully this goes away after the baby arrives.


October 22, 2011

Baby is home and so am I!
Baby boy was born on October 20, 2011 at 1233pm.

Table 29 at Silinteri and what I'm selling!

Hey folks!

So here's an embarrassing story for you...yet a true one...the list of stuff I have for sale is near the bottom.

Wednesday night (last night) I packed up some things I wanted to sell at Silinteri (located in Kortepohja across from S Market) and walked over to set up my table.
But when I got there, to table 29 - the table was covered with the previous seller's stuff!  I was a little confused to say the least!
So I went to one of the guys that work there and told him I have the table from Thursday on for a week...(you can set up your table the night before once the shop has closed for purchases)...so he looked at the table, looked at me and said, "Okay! The person definitely forgot it!  I'll be right back."
A minute later, he comes back and says, "Um..you don't have the table until Friday...so you're a day early..."

I could've sworn the person I was speaking to a couple days before said "Thursday" I had the table...I looked at my paper when I got home (where I jotted down the date) and I had written, "Thursday the 19th".
Got the day wrong but the proper date.  Oops.

Anyways, just to let you know what I'm selling (sorry I can't remember all the prices):

• 4 Imse Vimse Training Pants - not stained at all!!  Made with organic cotton - packaged in 2s (10� each)


• NEW rain suit "Motion's" brand...110cm blue and polka dots (we found a better fitting one for my son and want to get rid of this one!)  Never been worn before at all.


• NEW Jonathan's fleece body 104cm Never been worn before at all. Blue with circles and dots


• Some English novels


• 2 pairs of maternity jeans - one has an adjustable belly band! (XS) the other is size 36


• 2 maternity shirts


• Baby clothes size 62cm + (will be adding more this week - just washing them all and waiting for some to dry) - gender neutral and boy


• A Patapum Carrier for babies - can be worn on the front or back!! Beige color - only asking 7�!!


• Plastic practice golf balls package of 10 - brand new!  I bought them for my dog but he held it in his mouth and they weren't very strong plastic!

That's what I can remember so far - but I'll be making regular trips every day to not only straighten out the table but to add more things!!

And a couple of my friends are at table 145 with a wide variety of things from the 1990's up until today! So lots of stuff for you to find I am sure!

Thanks!

F. Lit.

Catchy title eh?  Yes it's safe for young eyes to read this post!
The "F" would be for "Finnish"... :)

Alright, this post will be a short one in terms of information - but I thought I'd share what Finnish Literature I've been reading so far.
I would like to clear the air now by notifying you that I am reading Finnish literature translated to English.  (No, sorry folks, I did not shockingly develop amazing Finnish skills overnight and didn't tell you the secret!)

So the first book I have read was "Purge" by Sofi Oskanen.  It's been awhile since I read it (why I did not blog about it before - not sure!) but what I remember of it, is that a young girl is found at an old woman's home and the old woman takes her in.  The old woman and the young girl have ties together and the story is why and what happened in their past.  That's the briefest way I can think of telling you about the story without giving it away!
It was a mind-blowing story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now the book I am currently on is called "The Summer Book" by Tove Jannson.
Tove Jannson is one of the most famous writers of all time for Finland (and Sweden as she spoke Swedish too) because she wrote the Moomin series - originally written in Swedish then translated into 33 languages.  (Moomins are the family of hippo-looking creatures - but! They are NOT hippos, they are Moomin Trolls!)
So far it's about a girl who's mother is dead and goes to visit her grandmother on an island in Finland for the summer.  They have all kinds of adventures and it's simply written but written beautifully.  Granted, I'm only on page 40 and loving it thus far.
I think the simple writing really demonstrates the speech style of Finns in general and of their life-style.  Basic but effective, resourceful and beautiful.

I'll write a better review when I'm done this book.

Oh and my husband has read all 3 parts of "The Northern Star" by V�in� Linna.  He enjoyed them a lot too.

How to Rent a Spot at Sep�naukio

So if you live in Jyv�skyl� during the summer months - there's an outdoor market on the weekends at a popular skate-board/hang out spot with a couple water fountains, called "Sep�naukio" or "Smith's Square".
It's about 5 minutes from downtown, near an �O school and lots of space to spread a blanket or bed sheet - and sell your stuff.

It's 3� from about 8am-12pm and it's a great location because there's lots of traffic there.
People only deal with cash - so if you're going to sell - make sure you have lots of change!!
You'll see a few people wearing bright neon yellow vests walking around to all the vendors...they are the people in which you pay your rental fee to.  They'll provide a receipt as well!  The last two times I've been there, they were Scouts and that's where the rental fees went to - so it's a great cause and you can sell your stuff!

Bargaining/bartering is not very common with Finns - but slowly is becoming popular.

Today I set up "shop" with my Bubba's Bites, but because there were so many vendors today (compared to a week ago) - not as many people brought their dogs and there wasn't as great of an interest.
After a couple of hours - I walked around on the hunt for little things we could use at home, and I ended up getting a little toy for my son and a nice Finland-made fleece sweater for him.

Some things I found are:

• Lots of clothes for all ages


• Cloth diapers (my first time I found some but not this time around!)


• Foot wear


• Dishes


• Decorations


• Linens, towels, blankets etc.

And that's only a fraction of what I've found!

Oh and no, it doesn't cost anything to go "in" to the flea market, as it often does in North America!

**WARNING FOR DOGS IN KORTEPOHJA AREA!!!**

HEI KAIKKI KETK� ULKOILUTTAVAT KOIRIAAN KORTEPOHJAN ALUEELLA! Joku Uuno on levitellyt lihapullia maastoon, jotka on myrkytetty!!!!! mm. Em�nn�ntien leikkipuiston viereen!!! Yksi koiranpentu ja kissa on jo kuollut, ja kaksi koiraa on vatsahuuhtelussa... :( Levitt�k�� sanaa...


In English:


There's somebody going around the Kortepohja area (specifically near the Em�nn�ntie Children's Playground) leaving meat balls for dogs to eat.  The problem with this is that they are poisoned.
There has already been an a couple deaths (1 puppy and 1 cat) and 2 dogs are currently seeking medical treatment.


PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR DOG-LOVING/WALKING FRIENDS IN JYV�SKYL�, FINLAND.


It's awful that this is near a playground and I apologize this is coming a couple days after having received the message myself through a friend.

Yet another butchering of Pikkulinna

Last week, I had the pleasure of hanging out with a great friend who loves crafts as much as I do.  She's also my Cross stitching magazine supplier...:-)

I had previously mentioned my experiences at Pikkulinna and decided to show her in person what I meant.  That, and I needed some book mark sized fabric to make my husband some nifty book marks for Christmas.  We walked in together (and yes she's Finnish) and a couple ladies in the back were doing paperwork, both smiled at me and said "Hei" (hello).
That's fine - then there's the girl at the front again...the one that loves to jump me as soon as I walk in.  She greets us and asks if we need anything.  I immediately state I need book mark material and she quickly and efficiently helps me measure what I need.  Fabulous!
While she's measuring and cutting the fabric length I wanted - I go over to the DMC embroidery floss stand and remember that I need gold metallic thread.  (Why? For some stars on a cross stitch project that will be for one of V�in�'s little friend's birthday gift...there's about 4 kids including him, that have birthdays within 2 weeks of each other!)
Remember the lady in the back doing paperwork?  (Or at least I think that's what she was doing).
Well, she ran out to see me and I just smiled and said I was looking.  I asked for the metallic thread and she kindly pulled it down for me (very handy as I am "vertically challenged"....and get a little nervous when I feel like I'm being accused of stealing...which seems to happen frequently - due to the whole foreigner thing).
I reach into my bag to pull out my box of colored threads I already have, as I stupidly forgot my chart at home.  She instantly whips out a DMC color chart book and asks what I need.
Well, I don't know and don't really need anything - hence why I'm "just looking".  I of course do not say that but the thought repeatedly is played in my head.

My friend in the mean time - is happily looking around and probably in a state of shock over 2 store reps assisting me.  I'm not the demanding type like you see on American rich-people television shows...I'm just your average person trying to spend some time with a friend and looking at colors.
I don't know what I want - I'm just looking.  If I see a color I KNOW I don't have (and can confirm this by looking at my organized threads holder or chart) or that catches my eye - I'll get it.
I won't steal...there's 0 need to stare me down or stare daggers into my back...or to tag team me with your full staff of the day.

When we leave - I look at my friend and asked her, "So - what did you think of that?"
She merely shook her head and said she found it very uncomfortable to try and shop in there to begin with - let alone to have 2 people help me with such small tasks.

But perhaps she's also right in suggesting that the staff really (if I could underline this 5x I would) just want to help you pick colors.

2nd Finniversary

Can you believe it?!

It's been 2 years that we've been living in Jyv�skyl�, Finland and I wouldn't change it for the world.
Well, I would change how we got here...

1.  We flew through the USA (before the full body scans took place) and got re-routed to Connecticut because JFK was shut down...(or maybe it was Newark - either way stop overs in the US seem to screw us over a lot)...
2.  We missed our flight to Helsinki and had to wait 45 minutes to get our dogs, take them out for a pee then re-check them in...and then wait a few more hours for our next flight...
3.  When we finally do get to Helsinki - we ended up getting on the wrong train (I was 26 weeks pregnant) and finally ditched our dogs' kennels, beds and water bottles at one of the stops...whoever has them - I hope you're using them well!
4.  We woke up at 4am the next morning because of the sunshine...which was so weird.  But this part I would not change - it's just a funny thing I remember.

Of course, I  miss family and friends back in Canada - but to be able to live a stay-at-home mother lifestyle and see my son grow (and get in so much trouble) and experience another world altogether - it's priceless really.

To celebrate (actual date was August 13, 2009 and we happened to have our Finniversary party that day as well - who knows what date stamp will post on this post...) we invited our friends over for a potluck and if the weather was alright - a bbq in the back.
Thankfully - the weather was awesome!  Not too hot and no complaints!

I of course, made way too much food....but I was always told it's better to have too much than to not have enough for a guest!
The spiral cake on the left and the pasta salad I did not make.  Both were delicious however!

I shockingly, didn't take as many photos as I thought I would...I think because we were running around a lot with moving things outside and then keeping up with our son once he woke up from his nap!

It was great being able to be with our Finnish friends, who we all think of as family now...especially with the school/work year starting fresh now - it'll be harder to meet with folks and some folks we rarely see as it is!  Plus several of our friends are having their first (or second) babies in the next few months...so as a fellow mom, I can remember appearing "anti-social" for the first couple of months - trying to get used to being on someone else's schedule, changing multiple diapers, attending appointments and so on!

Here's to many more in Finland!
Suomi - you guys rock.

**Disclaimer: "Finniversary" is not a real word.  I created it to combine our anniversaries of living in Finland.  But you have to admit - it's catchy!**

What's In a Kela Maternity Box?

Finland is the only country in the world (as far as I know) that has something called a "Maternity Box".
A Maternity Box is free to a parent who is having a baby (or adopting) in Finland and is a permanent resident or citizen of Finland.  To qualify for this, you have to provide a document from your Neuvola nurse confirming that yes, you are expecting (not sure how it works with adoption) and fill out the proper paperwork.  When you fill out this form, you have the choice of the Maternity Box or 140� (which I believe is tax-free).
I did not qualify for this when I came to Finland at 26 weeks pregnant with my first born, because you have to have spent a certain amount of days of your pregnancy in Finland and have visited your Neuvola for so many appointments (I believe as early as your 4 month prenatal appointment).

If you're having a multiples pregnancy (i.e. twins, triplets etc.)  you can have more than 1 box.  Or choose how many boxes or how many monetary compensation you'd like.
The box is worth more than 140� and because it's free  - if you can sell any of these items when you are done- you're guaranteed profit.  I see lots of these items at the second hand store all the time!

It was all super great quality - bear in mind, Finns pay a lot in taxes to get their benefits and/or this box!
Most parents I've spoken to get the Maternity Box for their first born and then the money for the 2nd child, and re-use their Mat. Box items for the second child.  You don't have to buy as much and they do try and keep it gender neutral.
This year their aim was more organic cotton...:)  I believe you can buy a box through Kela's site- especially handy if you do not qualify for one!

(Sizes are in cm - about 51cm is newborn/premie and 74cm is about 6 months)
Clothes
8 onesies 50-70cm
5 romper suits 50-60cm
4 leggings (pants) 50-70cm
3 stretch suits 50-70cm
1 wool-mix suit 70cm
1 light quilted suit (like for fall) 70 cm
1 play suit 70cm
4 hats (one winter, one balaclava thing and 2 hat-hats)
1 pair of socks
1 pair of mittens/scratch mittens
5 cloth diapers (the gauze sheets you can fold like freaking origami) - but are also commonly used as burping cloths or receiving blankets - as they DON'T SELL THOSE HERE!
2 sets of reusable nappies (one pocket diaper with liner and the other is "all in one")
1 hooded towel
1 undersheet
1 duvet cover
1 blanket
1 sleeping bag/quilt
1 snow suit (it's so thick and soft!) 68-74cm
1 pair of insulated bootees and mittens to match snow suit

"Other products"
bib
mattress (aka a piece of thick foam lines the bottom of the inside of the box - which can act as a make-shift crib until you choose to purchase one)
mattress cover
toy (I didn't see one - however I did see a chewing teething ring - perhaps that is what they mean?)
tooth brush
Hair brush (wooden handle!)
nail scissors
bath thermometer
body lotion
condoms (6 pack...ha)
nursing pads
flannel wash cloth (they're big on hosing the kid down in the shower/sink instead of using wipes)
hard covered book of Finnish songs/rhymes

Here's some photos - unfortunately I can't put them all on here...but you can find every item on the Kela website every year!  Every year it's updated with the exact things that will be in your Maternity Box!

It is very large and has a blue carry string on the outside...not overly heavy - but just awkward to carry.

It's packed!

Fall suit

Teething toy

Thick foam lines the bottom so you can use this as a make-shift crib!

Cloth diapers, changing sheet, bib, and all-in-one diaper..oh and socks.

Flannel cloth, hooded towel, bed sheet and gauze-like material for inside the diaper.  Some parents use those tied up cloths (far left) for burping cloths as opposed to using them as diapers (then you would put wool or fleece pants on the outside or a plastic cover).

Winter suit with insulated boots and mittens!

The non-clothing items

Re-usable nursing pads, bath thermometer, tooth brush, 6-pack condoms, cream, children's book, nail scissors and some information...and the hair brush!

The list (which I had typed up above)

I finally got my GREEN CARD!

Oh no, I'm not thinking of going to the United States or anything like that...no, not that kind of "green card".

I'm talking about the S-Card!

Okay, let me rewind.

There are two very distinctive types of grocery stores here, "K-Market" and "S-Market" stores.  The K-Market card accepts a "points card" called a "Plussa Card".  This card is free, allows you to get discounts in store and the more often you use it at a certain location - you receive coupons for that store!  Very handy.  As well, you can accumulate money onto your account and it is directly deposited to your bank account!  (If I remember correctly).  But it can take quite awhile - unless you always shop there and spend quite a bit of money.
This Plussa Card is also accepted at Antilla, which is one of the major chain department stores in Finland.

Then there is the "S Bonus Card" which is, yes you guessed it, green in color.  The S Card can also be a bank card - however, I have a bank card already and have opted just for the bonus card myself.
There is a 20� start-up fee and you have 2 years to pay back 100�.  This is a one-time fee and considering the benefits of the S Bonus Card - a very cheap fee!
I paid my 20� start-up fee immediately and you can opt to pay more towards the 100� or accumulate the funds via your grocery shopping.  So I'll be doing the latter - I'll just use my S Card where accepted and as I spend, the money I earn will automatically be deducted from the initial 100� I owe.
To obtain a S Card (of any style) - you must be a permanent resident or a citizen of Finland.  Bring your ID and your Kela card, that shows your Finnish Social Security Number.
Some popular places to use your S Card would be at Sale (smaller grocery store), S Markets, Rosso Pizza, Hesburger and SOKOS (Antilla's rival department store and a bit more upscale than Antilla).

So your "S-Points Account" (seeing as I don't have the bank card version) will be credited on the 10th of every month.
Here's a little bit more information in regards to how much you need to spend and what kind of percentage you get in return: (Copied from the booklet from SOKOS)

Amount Spent Per Month              Bonus %                    What You Earn (per month) 
900�                                                      5                                        540�
800�                                                     4.5                                      432�
700�                                                      4                                        336�
600�                                                     3.5                                      252�
500�                                                      3                                        180�
400�                                                     2.5                                      120�
300�                                                      2                                          72�
200�                                                     1.5                                        36�  
50�                                                         1                                           6�

So after you pay your 100� membership fee (this is per card - so if your spouse or kids want one - this fee is for each person who carries an S Card) - the money is just added to your S account and -you go from there!

I know of people who have saved up their funds on their S Account and bought themselves brand new washing machines!!!

As well, several restaurants and other locations, provide a discount on your meal or services!

So needless to say, I am thrilled that I have one now.  I was long over-due and I mostly didn't have one for the last year or so - out of pure shyness.  I didn't want to go to someone and apply because their applications are all in Finnish!

But I did it today and the lady I dealt with spoke English and filled out the form for me!

I am one step closer to being "Finnish"!

Furnished or Not?

Last night we had our friends over for dinner - whom we happen to be renting from.
We discussed a wide variety of things, ate an awesome dinner (if I do say so myself!) and a delightful dessert! (Am I being too honest??)
(In case you're wondering, I made a roasted chicken and vegetable dinner with mashed potatoes, cheesy garlic bread and a blueberry/raspberry/cinnamon cheese cake with a butter cookie crust and topped with dark chocolate).

We learned a few things during that chat and I thought I'd share with you!

The biggest thing we learned (this is entirely based on where you live and whom you rent from) - is that if an apartment you're renting is not furnished - it's usually more expensive!  As opposed to having a partially or fully furnished flat - it's cheaper!  How odd.
In Canada - or at least in NS for sure, typically something that is fully furnished is a bit more expensive - because it acts as an extra fee for any potential damage to the furnishings (i.e. dishes, furniture, bed sheets etc.) - on top of the security deposit - which is typically for the flat itself.
I love learning about stuff like this - because it helps to prepare us for the next time (if there is a next time - we'd love to live here long term) we have to move.
Our last flat was partially furnished with furniture, but we needed to get our own dishes and silverware etc. (near the Central Hospital in Jyv�skyl�) and because it was significantly smaller - the rent was much lower.  It was a 1-bedroom flat, 51 meters squared.
Now we have a 2-bedroom flat, 71 meters squared, if I remember correctly.

Another thing you should note when apartment hunting!!! 
When it lists the total amount of rooms - usually the bedrooms are listed with the living room.  So what looks like a 2-room flat - may really be a 1-bedroom with a living room!  Just a very important FYI!

Okay, and onto what else we learned.
There's some apartments that you can own, as long as you have the 15% deposit.  (15% of the total cost of the flat).  So with you owning the flat - you can have pets, parties, decorate it whatever way you'd like - and when tax-time comes around, you can claim some of the interest on your loan or mortgage.
Oh and if you decide to sell that flat - the 15% you had deposited kind of ensures you are able to get another place.  Instead of getting a guarantor to sign for you, this 15% deposit acts like a guarantor!

There's straight-forward renting agreements too (like what we have had since moving here) - and then there's another tricky one - I'll try and explain it the best way I can.

You can invest into an apartment, live there - do as you please...and when you leave, you get a portion of your investment back!
So lots of people pay into their flat (either rent or ownership - I think it can go either way), and when they sell or move, they get a portion of the money back - because the flat is considered an investment, or like a stock!

A security deposit is typically 1.5-2 months worth of rent...very important to know.  If you trust the person, you can put it straight in their account.
However, we have had issues with our first landlord when we first came here - the landlord tried to keep our security deposit and find any way possible to not give it back to us in full.  It involved a month's wait, which was awful as it was quite a bit of money, and we needed it to make a deposit onto our current flat.  We ended up threatening legal action (in which if we won the case, which we surely would have - she would have to pay our legal fees as well!).  And a friend had suggested in future, to set up a separate bank account with your landlord - so that the money can not be touched unless both parties are present at the bank.

Happy flat-hunting!!!  (September is the worst time to flat-hunt, just like any other place with a university or college nearby....so start a bit early if you can!)