Is that how they do it?

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

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

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

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

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

You have GOT to be kidding me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not even an "Ei!" (No)

Just a flat-out "click".

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

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

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

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

But here's hoping??

Night Reflectors

So if you're not interested in the shapes available and want to make your own - it's totally possible and very easy!
You can find a link here on how to make them, and no, you don't have to live in Finland to be able to use them.
Benefits of wearing a night-reflector on your outer clothing ?

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

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

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

Snow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kestovaippakauppa - A Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Difference Between Canada (specifically Newfoundland) & Finland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Perky Mormons and a Canadian Go For a Bus Ride....

**Disclaimer:  Don't be offended by what you're about to read.  I rarely write about religion (or politics) because it can cause a lot of "issues"...take this with a grain of salt or don't continue reading.  It's just another funny conversation on the bus.**

You know when you see someone you don't want to see...you automatically turn your head...dig in your backpack or purse...count change for the bus...dig your nose deeper into your book (that you already finished or promised you would finish after cleaning your flat)...cross the road or turn in the other direction...or you whip out the phone and either engross yourself into a text message/e-mail or fake a phone call - RIGHT?!
It's okay - I am guilty of doing it a lot...especially when the slurring drunks come by when I'm waiting for the bus or try to walk by them....

Well, I got on the bus after getting my groceries and stupid me.  Instead of taking my normal bus route - I thought, "I'll just grab the one going closest to the day-care instead and wait a couple minutes extra...save myself that huff and puff of running across the parking lot with all my stuff - what a great idea Dominique!"
Note to me: Don't listen to myself.

Well, as the title suggests - 2 Mormons (they have black name tags with white lettering) and I get on the bus...*suspenseful music playing*....
I sit down first and they eye me cautiously - seeking their prey out on the bus - to see who is more likely to chat them up and listen to their speech and who will more likely not understand them because they don't speak a lot of Finnish....

**TARGET SPOTTED....SIT IN FRONT OF THAT LONELY LOOKING ASIAN WITH GROCERIES AND A BACK-PACK.....
BUS IS IN MOTION (we have paid) AND DOORS ARE SHUT!  

GO GO GO!!!!**

I continued to do exactly what I normally do on the bus - finish an e-mail via my phone and as I began going through photos on my camera....like robots - these young ladies turned their smiling sunshine-y faces towards me and said something in FINNISH.

AHA - I will stun them with my Finnish sentence about NOT speaking Finnish!  Muwahaha I thought - but wait a minute...I think I heard them speaking English before we all got on this bus...hmm...

Yep - it back-fired.  Their faces lit up EVEN MORE when they realized I'm NOT a Finn (as if it wasn't stereotypically obvious enough...) and began to jabber to me in happy-go-lucky voices.

For the BRIEFEST OF MOMENTS - I thought they are not going to recruit me on a bus...I mean WHO DOES THAT?!
I am trapped on a bus with a tonne of stuff and in a rush to get to day-care....

Oh wait - this Chinese girl did...well, part bus - part follow me home...

Anyways - back to that train of thought...They're not going to recruit me...why bother?  They haven't lived here very long - so I bet they're just lonely and excited to meet another English-speaker/expat like themselves....

Again I was wrong.  I mean - I've seen Mormons get on and off a bus before - it's available for everyone to use of course....and only once had two young Mormon fellows feel the need to try and talk to me as soon as their foot left the bus floor - but because I nearly ran them over with a stroller (un-intentionally - I was in a rush) - they stopped their spiel pretty quickly.

Anyways, we went from talking about why we're all in Finland, what we do here (I'm currently studying Finnish - welcome, if you're new to my blog!), and yep I have kids...then - Perky Chick #1 says,

"Oh I miss my family - I have four little brothers back in the US and I love them so much....now that's the great thing about LDS Mormons - we REALLY cherish family and love!"

I don't recall them introducing their first names at all - nor did they refer to themselves as hippies - but okay.

I smile and said, "That's great - that's nice."
Perky Chick #2 asks where I'm from - "Canada"...
"REALLY?! I'm actually a French Canadian!  Well, sorta...my mom is - so that makes me half..."
(Glad that math is a universal language...)
It kinda felt like she was lying to me - just to get on my good side and after a bit PC2 says:  

"So - what DO you believe in?"

Had I not been so stunned by her point-blank question and her mascara'd eyelashes up to her eyebrows - I would have come up with a better response.  Something like these:

• I believe that's not really any of your business - sorry! 
• Equality for all, cookies for breakfast (for me - not my kids to do this), NCIS will go on forever and unicorns.
• Well, since we're on the topic of such personal matters - what's your deepest and darkest secret, how much are you getting paid/how much is in your bank account and  what's your underwear size?  (Not that I actually care - but wow holy blunt was her question - in my opinion...)

 Anyways, my Maritimer senses kicked in and I said politely, "I'm neutral thanks.  I don't necessarily believe in anything or anyone - I just try to be neutral.   Yep - baptized Roman Catholic but that's only because there were some nasty complications so they figured 'Let's slap some Holy water on her head just in case she's a goner'..."

I guess they didn't even hear what I said because they kept barreling on...

Well, apparently PC#2 said "It's never too late to convert!  My mom did it when she was like 22 years old.."

If she thinks 22 is OLD - then I'm way over the hill and then some....and I haven't hit 30 yet!

Again I pull out the "That's nice but I'm not particularly religious but thank you."

PC#1 is FINALLY getting the hint - sorta...that I am a waste of their time...

Well, the offer of meeting up with one of their American (from Colorado) pals was DEFINITELY a must because she's so lonely - I advised them there's the Foreigners in JKL group - so there's plenty of people there they can meet....like 694 other people other than me.

And of course they pushed AGAIN about meeting up at Church/congregation....so I pushed back.
"I'd prefer to meet somewhere NEUTRAL if you want to talk about life in Finland - like at one of OUR meet-ups - you know...in a coffee shop?"
They dug out their cards and handed me one - the whole time behind their heads I'm rolling my eyes, shaking my head and imitating puking on them...the ditzy/can't take a hint attitudes is what kind of got me - not necessarily their religion itself...so don't be offended if you ARE Mormon reading this.

FINALLY THEY'RE GETTING OFF THE BUS BEFORE ME!!!  They asked if I live in the area - nope I don't sorry.

They said "Well, do you know many people living here?"
(I do - but they don't need to know that - because I believe it's not their business.)

"Well, where are your friends?" PC#1
"Facebook?  Like I said before - you can find almost 700 people to make friends with..."

And finally they were on their way to knock on doors and go on about their business...and I was on my way to get my kid from day-care.

Dear Self:

Start taking advantage of your Asian looks and apply a thick and heavy accent whenever a stranger speaks to you....you won't regret it.
And maybe - you'll learn a lesson.
AND use your bike more- I mean, who's ever heard of (any kind) a religious recruiter hunt someone down by BICYCLE?!

World Hunger Day!

I normally just write in the Foreigners in JKL Facebook group regarding events like this - but thought I could possibly reach more people (especially those not in the group or don't use Facebook at all) by posting it here at the same time.

The JKL Red Cross is accepting donations on September 11th - with the intent of re-selling these gently used items to raise funds for - WORLD HUNGER DAY.
If you're able to donate for a very good cause - and needed to do your spring cleaning (a bit late but that's fine!) - then please bring your clean and gently used items to:

Jyv�skyl�n AO koulutuskuntayhtym�

Viitaniementie 1 A

PL 472, 40101 Jyv�skyl�

ROOM:  A2.112

If you don't know where the room is - there is an info desk as soon as you walk in the door and to your right-hand side.

If you're interested in SHOPPING - the actual Kirpputori (second-hand shop) day is:

September 13th - 9 am-12:30 pm in ROOM A2.223.

Red Cross (SPR in Finnish) will be offering coffee as well and maybe other light refreshments.
Please share this - as there is always something hiding in the back of someone's closet that they've been meaning to get rid of or donate but never seem to have the time to.

Thanks a bunch!!

**I updated the time of the Kirpputori as I saw signs in school with the proper time listed!!**