In Jyväskylä, you can pay 3,30€ (as of August 2014) for a one trip fare. You'll be given change back and a slip that has the time stamped on it.
You can use that slip on another bus (0-9km) within 1 hour from the time stamped on it.
When I first moved here it cost 2,60€ or something awkward like that and steadily increased by about ten cents every 6-12 months.
I started getting tired of remembering to carry cash with me and it was adding up.
So I bought a bus card and the blue one gives you the option of 10 or 40 trips. You can share it with another person and there might be a student discount as well.
But when winter came, I started using the bus more to avoid slipping on ice or having to walk home in the freezing cold with a baby...
I then looked at the red card - which has a 30 days un-limited usage and works out to be so much cheaper, as I was re-loading the blue card once or twice a month! Eeek!
The only thing is that you cannot share this red bus card!!
That's because when you purchase a red one, they require identification (also proof if you're a student) so they can list your birth date on it.
How do I know? Because mine was confiscated once when my husband had to drop off some library books and the driver kept the card and took it to the headquarters.
The headquarters were in the middle of nowhere and it was -35*C that day...so I suppose it was karma biting me on the frozen nose.
When you press the red bus card on the scanner, it'll display MIES or NAINEN (man or woman) and the date you can use the card last.
When the card is close to needing to be reloaded (unless you pay the one year) - the lights go from green to orange/yellow. If it doesn't work - it'll light up red and make a horrible beeping sound.
You can reload your bus card at Sokos (1st floor at the lotto booth) or with the driver in cash, credit card but I don't think a bank card works (I could be wrong!).
When you press a blue card on the scanner, it shows you how many trips you have left and also the date.
If you're paying for someone else, it'll show the date as well and " 1/1" (same as if you use your card twice within the hour).
Green cards are for students only - as you may have noticed, there aren't official school buses here. I heard from a Finnish friend that they do exist in the country side sometimes.
The handy thing about the bus cards as well, is that they include a reflective holder and you can keep your bus card in your mitten in the winter or in your wallet and press it on the electronic pad (if your wallet isn't too thick!).
Or you can just press the card itself without the holder.
Also, you're not charged extra if you take the bus late at night, where if you pay by cash - you get charged nearly double for a single fare.
Here's the site to the JKL Linkki bus line.
You can find the time table PDF there too and of course the fares.
Children aged 0-6 years old go for free with a parent/guardian/adult (2 children per 1 paying adult).
Excludes line 13M.
Veterans with proof also go free on the bus now - which I think is lovely.
Writing in comfort about crafts, food, family life and more while living in Finland.
Sunday, 31 August 2014
My Jogging Journal: Day 4
Today we walked more than jogged and stupid me, I took V-Man out after 6pm...
We got about twenty minutes outside and during that time he decided to chomp on rocks.
Good grief.
I know - the teeth are still baby ones and they'll fall out but still!
He carried his wooden block and started chewing on that which is so much better than a rock!
He'll be off to the overnight care for a week - so I don't know if I'll be jogging myself honestly but I'll try!!
Sorry this is so short - working on a crocheted shawl I got from Kimane Designs Labor Day Sale! I saw it online that there was a sale via another crochet Facebook page and I'm really happy with the Paper Dolls shawl :)
Back to it and The Shield Season 7. :D
BIMU
We got about twenty minutes outside and during that time he decided to chomp on rocks.
Good grief.
I know - the teeth are still baby ones and they'll fall out but still!
He carried his wooden block and started chewing on that which is so much better than a rock!
He'll be off to the overnight care for a week - so I don't know if I'll be jogging myself honestly but I'll try!!
Sorry this is so short - working on a crocheted shawl I got from Kimane Designs Labor Day Sale! I saw it online that there was a sale via another crochet Facebook page and I'm really happy with the Paper Dolls shawl :)
Back to it and The Shield Season 7. :D
BIMU
Saturday, 30 August 2014
My Jogging Journal: Day 3 - Semi-Fail
Today we didn't jog.
BUT!
I woke up at 6:30am thanks to 2/3 kids and took A-Man out hiking with a friend and our dogs.
Then we went downtown (V-Man was content watching Shrek and eating his seaweed rice crackers) and we went to the fabric shop because I want to make him an infinity scarf (well, all three kids) with a cute monster print, saw a police display and then after some groceries, nearly got ran over by Little My and Moomin.
I had no idea these events were going on today and wished I had my camera with me!
That and I nearly got ran over by a bunch of 2-feet high children, their parents and Little My herself!
They had a song and dance, face paint and colouring area...and were giving out xylitol pastilles (looks like candy, tastes like candy but they're usually sugar-free and good for children's teeth! Also common in toothpaste as opposed to fluoride.)...
Oh and I bumped into my 2-year old's 2nd girlfriend, E. She's adorable - just started walking recently I think and apparently E's mom had no idea about their little relationship...
I only found out recently that girlfriend H (gf #1) and him have called it quits mostly...
She was shocked and then of course my 2-year old took that shock level up a notch by gently guiding her daughter out of the crowd, spun her around and gave her a sweet kiss.
I caught it on my cell phone but it was more of his pulling away and her looking happy and trying to pull off the innocent face...
When we finally got home, after a trip to the playground, I started the pizza dough in the bread machine and what do you know?
I was out of tomato paste. GO ME.
Back onto the bus I go with V-Man and poor guy fell flat on his face (I think the layers under his neon orange coat prevents any teeth damage) after we hopped off the bus...even the driver stopped to make sure he was okay!! (Which may not always happen in Finland - not that they're ignorant - just they're busy and often on the go...but my friend was driving this bus!)
He was fine though and off we went.
We walked around for at least an hour and the poor kid, we were trying to get off the bus and normally he's great about bus etiquette (getting on, staying seated and leaving) - but today he wouldn't leave.
I usually give a couple minutes warning to my boys when it's time to get off the bus - I figure it takes about 30 seconds for them to hear me and for their juicy brains to grab the concept that the bus is going to stop soon and we have to get off...
But he wouldn't move.
OH NO - not another boulder position! I do NOT have the time for this mister!! The bus driver is waiting and we aren't the last stop...oh dear...
And I said so.
And I pulled his hand and tugged for him to move forward and he started to laugh.
Good grief - he was SO getting on my nerves!! I'm tired, I was starving and the dough was probably ready for me to whip up some pizzas for dinner...but no. He wasn't budging.
I went back to the chair to actually see what was going on - and the handle of his harness was stuck between the seats.
Oops.
V-Man - 1 point Me - 0
Thankfully he seems like the forgiving type of child and we merrily went on our way...the driver didn't yell or shake his fist at us - so clearly he saw my kid was stuck before I did and probably has labelled me the village idiot mother.
Tomorrow we'll jog.
BIMU
PS: Don't let the English dubbed Moomins on Youtube fool you. It's not Little My (like "eye") - it's more like "Muu".
BUT!
I woke up at 6:30am thanks to 2/3 kids and took A-Man out hiking with a friend and our dogs.
Then we went downtown (V-Man was content watching Shrek and eating his seaweed rice crackers) and we went to the fabric shop because I want to make him an infinity scarf (well, all three kids) with a cute monster print, saw a police display and then after some groceries, nearly got ran over by Little My and Moomin.
I had no idea these events were going on today and wished I had my camera with me!
That and I nearly got ran over by a bunch of 2-feet high children, their parents and Little My herself!
They had a song and dance, face paint and colouring area...and were giving out xylitol pastilles (looks like candy, tastes like candy but they're usually sugar-free and good for children's teeth! Also common in toothpaste as opposed to fluoride.)...
Oh and I bumped into my 2-year old's 2nd girlfriend, E. She's adorable - just started walking recently I think and apparently E's mom had no idea about their little relationship...
I only found out recently that girlfriend H (gf #1) and him have called it quits mostly...
She was shocked and then of course my 2-year old took that shock level up a notch by gently guiding her daughter out of the crowd, spun her around and gave her a sweet kiss.
I caught it on my cell phone but it was more of his pulling away and her looking happy and trying to pull off the innocent face...
When we finally got home, after a trip to the playground, I started the pizza dough in the bread machine and what do you know?
I was out of tomato paste. GO ME.
Back onto the bus I go with V-Man and poor guy fell flat on his face (I think the layers under his neon orange coat prevents any teeth damage) after we hopped off the bus...even the driver stopped to make sure he was okay!! (Which may not always happen in Finland - not that they're ignorant - just they're busy and often on the go...but my friend was driving this bus!)
He was fine though and off we went.
We walked around for at least an hour and the poor kid, we were trying to get off the bus and normally he's great about bus etiquette (getting on, staying seated and leaving) - but today he wouldn't leave.
I usually give a couple minutes warning to my boys when it's time to get off the bus - I figure it takes about 30 seconds for them to hear me and for their juicy brains to grab the concept that the bus is going to stop soon and we have to get off...
But he wouldn't move.
OH NO - not another boulder position! I do NOT have the time for this mister!! The bus driver is waiting and we aren't the last stop...oh dear...
And I said so.
And I pulled his hand and tugged for him to move forward and he started to laugh.
Good grief - he was SO getting on my nerves!! I'm tired, I was starving and the dough was probably ready for me to whip up some pizzas for dinner...but no. He wasn't budging.
I went back to the chair to actually see what was going on - and the handle of his harness was stuck between the seats.
Oops.
V-Man - 1 point Me - 0
Thankfully he seems like the forgiving type of child and we merrily went on our way...the driver didn't yell or shake his fist at us - so clearly he saw my kid was stuck before I did and probably has labelled me the village idiot mother.
Tomorrow we'll jog.
BIMU
PS: Don't let the English dubbed Moomins on Youtube fool you. It's not Little My (like "eye") - it's more like "Muu".
Friday, 29 August 2014
My Jogging Journal: Day 2 - Complete (and then some)
Today was a doozy of a day!!! I did a lot of running around while carrying M-Girl on my back in a hiking-style carrier (Deuter Kids Comfort III) and am certainly feeling it.
After getting A-Man from daycare and contemplating a Fitbit (wrist style pedometer and sleep tracker thing), I swapped kids and clothes for my 2nd jogging session with V-Man.
Poor kid has new sweat pants and they're always slowing us down before we leave the driveway!!! (Complete drop to his ankles....)
I went the same route as last night and he wouldn't have it. I don't know if it was because there was a lady with three barking dogs nearby or what. But today, even with a block in his hand, he didn't want to run forward.
I was cheering him on and he'd stop suddenly and began his "boulder pose"....where he doesn't kick up a fuss about not wanting to go somewhere.
He just simply doesn't move and I end up almost falling flat on my face every time he stops and crouches down to play with rocks.
We were only 10 minutes into our session and I was motivated to keep going but I am able to see a lost battle before it begins with V-Man.
So we turned around and then he made a wild dash...
I managed to get him to not go home but onto a wide sidewalk and we continued our jog/walk.
Yes, we jogged past cars with his wrist in my hand and off we went.
I managed to add an extra ten minutes or so onto the jog and felt good and he was enjoying himself and we were back to the jog a bit and walk a bit pattern.
Pulling into our driveway, I realized that my phone had fallen out of my coat pocket. We turned back to see if it was at the end of the driveway and it wasn't.
V-Man started to get fussy, so we ran into the flat and I grabbed SH's phone, my keys, a poop bag and Loki.
We bolted back the way I came and I didn't see my phone.
I was panicking because there were dark clouds rolling in and I just got my phone screen repaired!!!!
So I called myself and someone answered. She thankfully spoke English and said she'd wait for me near the woods.
I shouted that we'd be there in seven minutes and Loki took my energetic call as a sign he should race hard (he IS a Husky mix)...as if there was an all access to a room full of bacon, lamb bones and squeaky toys.
We got there in less than four minutes.
The lady was there as promised and said it was a good thing my phone has a bright yellow cover, because it might not have been seen otherwise.
This is one of the things I truly love about Finland.
Someone loses something and it will be left where it was found, or hung in a nearby bush or tree (so it doesn't get trampled on or peed/pooped on by dogs.
Or it's dropped off to the police (hubby's passport made a trip there once after falling out of his pocket)...or to the nearest open building.
She was planning on dropping it off to the nearest building that has a café in it so I could pick it up there, had I not called her (or if she couldn't reach my husband's phone number).
Recently, Helsinki was listed as one of the most honest cities in a "wallet test".
And this seems to be true of Jyväskylä as well, based on my experiences and many of my friends who have lost their keys, gloves and so on.
Can't believe it?
Well, I just lost my phone and last winter I forgot my mittens on a bus (super nice warm ones) and someone brought them up to the driver - who took them in to the bus headquarters.
Shortly after losing my mittens, a friend forgot her whole backpack which contained her wallet, passport, visa and other things in it on the bus. It was returned to the driver. She got everything back.
It's a wonderful feeling knowing that I live in a country that values the truth and honesty.
Of course it's not 100% perfect and there is the occasional shoplifting and bike stealing - but all things considering - Finland's doing a pretty good job.
BIMU
PS: I think I will get the Fitbit (but second-hand)...I got a pedometer from a friend of mine and cannot seem to find the batteries for it - the proper thickness I mean. I'll keep trying but I do predict a Fitbit in my near future. I'll write a review of it later on!
After getting A-Man from daycare and contemplating a Fitbit (wrist style pedometer and sleep tracker thing), I swapped kids and clothes for my 2nd jogging session with V-Man.
Poor kid has new sweat pants and they're always slowing us down before we leave the driveway!!! (Complete drop to his ankles....)
I went the same route as last night and he wouldn't have it. I don't know if it was because there was a lady with three barking dogs nearby or what. But today, even with a block in his hand, he didn't want to run forward.
I was cheering him on and he'd stop suddenly and began his "boulder pose"....where he doesn't kick up a fuss about not wanting to go somewhere.
He just simply doesn't move and I end up almost falling flat on my face every time he stops and crouches down to play with rocks.
We were only 10 minutes into our session and I was motivated to keep going but I am able to see a lost battle before it begins with V-Man.
So we turned around and then he made a wild dash...
I managed to get him to not go home but onto a wide sidewalk and we continued our jog/walk.
Yes, we jogged past cars with his wrist in my hand and off we went.
I managed to add an extra ten minutes or so onto the jog and felt good and he was enjoying himself and we were back to the jog a bit and walk a bit pattern.
Pulling into our driveway, I realized that my phone had fallen out of my coat pocket. We turned back to see if it was at the end of the driveway and it wasn't.
V-Man started to get fussy, so we ran into the flat and I grabbed SH's phone, my keys, a poop bag and Loki.
We bolted back the way I came and I didn't see my phone.
I was panicking because there were dark clouds rolling in and I just got my phone screen repaired!!!!
So I called myself and someone answered. She thankfully spoke English and said she'd wait for me near the woods.
I shouted that we'd be there in seven minutes and Loki took my energetic call as a sign he should race hard (he IS a Husky mix)...as if there was an all access to a room full of bacon, lamb bones and squeaky toys.
We got there in less than four minutes.
The lady was there as promised and said it was a good thing my phone has a bright yellow cover, because it might not have been seen otherwise.
This is one of the things I truly love about Finland.
Someone loses something and it will be left where it was found, or hung in a nearby bush or tree (so it doesn't get trampled on or peed/pooped on by dogs.
Or it's dropped off to the police (hubby's passport made a trip there once after falling out of his pocket)...or to the nearest open building.
She was planning on dropping it off to the nearest building that has a café in it so I could pick it up there, had I not called her (or if she couldn't reach my husband's phone number).
Recently, Helsinki was listed as one of the most honest cities in a "wallet test".
And this seems to be true of Jyväskylä as well, based on my experiences and many of my friends who have lost their keys, gloves and so on.
Can't believe it?
Well, I just lost my phone and last winter I forgot my mittens on a bus (super nice warm ones) and someone brought them up to the driver - who took them in to the bus headquarters.
Shortly after losing my mittens, a friend forgot her whole backpack which contained her wallet, passport, visa and other things in it on the bus. It was returned to the driver. She got everything back.
It's a wonderful feeling knowing that I live in a country that values the truth and honesty.
Of course it's not 100% perfect and there is the occasional shoplifting and bike stealing - but all things considering - Finland's doing a pretty good job.
BIMU
PS: I think I will get the Fitbit (but second-hand)...I got a pedometer from a friend of mine and cannot seem to find the batteries for it - the proper thickness I mean. I'll keep trying but I do predict a Fitbit in my near future. I'll write a review of it later on!
Thursday, 28 August 2014
My Jogging Journal: Day 1 - Complete
I was running a bit behind today with picking up A-Man but as soon as I got home, I asked V-Man if he wanted to go jogging.
He probably didn't hear my sentence but the words, "Do you want to go..." and off he went. He grabbed his sneakers and shoved them into my hand and waited for me to put them on his feet.
I swapped my clothes out for dark pants and a loose grey t-shirt and off we went.
V-Man ensured he had his harness and a block in his hand and we started walking and having occasional running spurts. He didn't really try to run away from me and we managed to figure out a pace that was our own.
I have never jogged before. I don't think little spurts of running with the dogs to get home faster (baby's starving or I need the bathroom or it's about to pour) count...but anyway.
We left at 4:40pm and didn't come back inside until 5:05pm. It was more walking fast going into the woods and I think that's mostly because V-Man had no idea what we were doing. Probably he was super confused since we didn't get on a bus (one of his new favourite things).
He would test my limit by going from a quick-paced walk to a full on run and I caught up with him and because I didn't scold him or shout for him to stop - he really enjoyed himself.
I made sure I held his hand or wrist the whole time (as he now seeks comfort in holding his own harness handle and I respect that as long as he stays near me or I can hold his hand or wrist) - and we had a pretty good time.
I'll do the same thing tomorrow and go the same route for a few days and then I plan to extend our route little by little - return the same way of course (mostly so we don't get lost in the woods) - so he gets comfortable and try to get him to understand that we're running for fun and we try to make this a routine.
On the way home, when I told him we were going home, he dashed. He knows what going home meant and it's his favourite part.
We used to get so angry at him for running away - mostly because he wanted to go home as soon as we entered the woods...but today, I was happy with our jog/walk and I really didn't expect both of us to go for as long as we did!!
Of course, we both have to figure out our paces together and I'm pretty much letting him call the shots. If he doesn't want to run for awhile, that's fine. If he wants to stand and look at the clouds float by for a minute or two - that's alright too...as long as we get back home...
If he wants to run out of the woods like a zoo is chasing him home - then that's alright with me!!
My main concerns were that we get exercise, hang out together, he's safe (today he tried to run across a highway while we waited for a bus and of course it was rush hour!) and we have fun.
I don't know why I thought he was super tired after - maybe because I was panting and red...a bit drippy too...but he walked inside the flat, kicked off his sneakers and began to jump on the sofa.
It's like we didn't just go jalking/wogging for nearly half an hour!!!
I'm currently hunting around for some second-hand (gently-used) clothing so I don't have to spend an arm and a leg on work-out clothes to sweat in...but despite the burn I felt after - it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I did learn that I'm in slightly better shape than I thought...but I still need to get some work done!!
So here's to another day!!
BIMU
He probably didn't hear my sentence but the words, "Do you want to go..." and off he went. He grabbed his sneakers and shoved them into my hand and waited for me to put them on his feet.
I swapped my clothes out for dark pants and a loose grey t-shirt and off we went.
V-Man ensured he had his harness and a block in his hand and we started walking and having occasional running spurts. He didn't really try to run away from me and we managed to figure out a pace that was our own.
I have never jogged before. I don't think little spurts of running with the dogs to get home faster (baby's starving or I need the bathroom or it's about to pour) count...but anyway.
We left at 4:40pm and didn't come back inside until 5:05pm. It was more walking fast going into the woods and I think that's mostly because V-Man had no idea what we were doing. Probably he was super confused since we didn't get on a bus (one of his new favourite things).
He would test my limit by going from a quick-paced walk to a full on run and I caught up with him and because I didn't scold him or shout for him to stop - he really enjoyed himself.
I made sure I held his hand or wrist the whole time (as he now seeks comfort in holding his own harness handle and I respect that as long as he stays near me or I can hold his hand or wrist) - and we had a pretty good time.
I'll do the same thing tomorrow and go the same route for a few days and then I plan to extend our route little by little - return the same way of course (mostly so we don't get lost in the woods) - so he gets comfortable and try to get him to understand that we're running for fun and we try to make this a routine.
On the way home, when I told him we were going home, he dashed. He knows what going home meant and it's his favourite part.
We used to get so angry at him for running away - mostly because he wanted to go home as soon as we entered the woods...but today, I was happy with our jog/walk and I really didn't expect both of us to go for as long as we did!!
Of course, we both have to figure out our paces together and I'm pretty much letting him call the shots. If he doesn't want to run for awhile, that's fine. If he wants to stand and look at the clouds float by for a minute or two - that's alright too...as long as we get back home...
If he wants to run out of the woods like a zoo is chasing him home - then that's alright with me!!
My main concerns were that we get exercise, hang out together, he's safe (today he tried to run across a highway while we waited for a bus and of course it was rush hour!) and we have fun.
I don't know why I thought he was super tired after - maybe because I was panting and red...a bit drippy too...but he walked inside the flat, kicked off his sneakers and began to jump on the sofa.
It's like we didn't just go jalking/wogging for nearly half an hour!!!
I'm currently hunting around for some second-hand (gently-used) clothing so I don't have to spend an arm and a leg on work-out clothes to sweat in...but despite the burn I felt after - it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I did learn that I'm in slightly better shape than I thought...but I still need to get some work done!!
So here's to another day!!
BIMU
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
A long-ish post...and my new wogging/jalking partner is V-Man!!
Last night was an awful night. The spouse was off to Helsinki for his monthly meetings he must attend and I was kept busy with walking the dogs extra times, picking up A-Man from day-care (he had been fighting but thankfully cut me A LOT of slack!), cooking and cleaning for three kiddos and ensuring that nobody died on my watch.
The boys have been feisty lately...
Finally by 9pm, all three were asleep and the dogs were taken out and I tucked in with a plate of steamed shrimp dumplings and a good book.
Today SH stayed at home because he was tired from travelling quite late and I decided to carpe diem the most of it.
I treated myself to a second-hand shopping excursion alone. Mostly because M-Girl was still asleep and seeing as her night was quite rough too (hello #2 tooth) - it was just easier.
I found coats, clothes for the kids, an adorable lady-bug dress for her and some other bits and bobs...then I took it a step further and went to H&M because I couldn't find pants in A-Man's size at the second hand shop.
I then went even a crazier step further, after hubby's been going on and on and on (and on) about the new Xbox One console and decided to go to City Market to find it.
It was going to be a huge birthday gift for him and yes, it involved a dip into the savings account - but it's something he clearly wanted and it's rare that he asks for anything really.
I even took V-Man with me.
A year ago - I wouldn't take V-Man anywhere. It was embarrassing having to drag a child into a shop and drag him out and equally exhausting pushing him in a stroller as his feet smacked the ground repeatedly!
But so much has changed in a year and I'm proud of him. Truly.
I pop the harness on him and he picks a toy to carry with him, today - a wooden block! and off we go.
We really do GO! He decided today we should run everywhere we want to go.
To the bus stop? Run.
To the store from the bus stop? Run.
In the store - we can walk a bit...but as soon as we're outside - we run.
I figured I would be so out of breath and hurting everywhere (did I mention I bashed my knee into the vacuum - one of those ShopVac types - twice today and it's bruising) but I actually felt really good!
I've been trying to eat better - or at least contain my portions to "I'm feeling full - top it off with water, fresh juice or cow-free milk - that hits the spot - now stop eating!" and credit that to why I was able to keep up with a speedy 4-year old.
Then I had the craziest idea - because of course we had to run the whole course from one shop to the bus stop a few blocks away (only stopping if the block was dropped or there was a red light) - why don't we run everyday?
Benefits of running with V-Man:
The boys have been feisty lately...
Finally by 9pm, all three were asleep and the dogs were taken out and I tucked in with a plate of steamed shrimp dumplings and a good book.
Today SH stayed at home because he was tired from travelling quite late and I decided to carpe diem the most of it.
I treated myself to a second-hand shopping excursion alone. Mostly because M-Girl was still asleep and seeing as her night was quite rough too (hello #2 tooth) - it was just easier.
I found coats, clothes for the kids, an adorable lady-bug dress for her and some other bits and bobs...then I took it a step further and went to H&M because I couldn't find pants in A-Man's size at the second hand shop.
I then went even a crazier step further, after hubby's been going on and on and on (and on) about the new Xbox One console and decided to go to City Market to find it.
It was going to be a huge birthday gift for him and yes, it involved a dip into the savings account - but it's something he clearly wanted and it's rare that he asks for anything really.
I even took V-Man with me.
A year ago - I wouldn't take V-Man anywhere. It was embarrassing having to drag a child into a shop and drag him out and equally exhausting pushing him in a stroller as his feet smacked the ground repeatedly!
But so much has changed in a year and I'm proud of him. Truly.
I pop the harness on him and he picks a toy to carry with him, today - a wooden block! and off we go.
We really do GO! He decided today we should run everywhere we want to go.
To the bus stop? Run.
To the store from the bus stop? Run.
In the store - we can walk a bit...but as soon as we're outside - we run.
I figured I would be so out of breath and hurting everywhere (did I mention I bashed my knee into the vacuum - one of those ShopVac types - twice today and it's bruising) but I actually felt really good!
I've been trying to eat better - or at least contain my portions to "I'm feeling full - top it off with water, fresh juice or cow-free milk - that hits the spot - now stop eating!" and credit that to why I was able to keep up with a speedy 4-year old.
Then I had the craziest idea - because of course we had to run the whole course from one shop to the bus stop a few blocks away (only stopping if the block was dropped or there was a red light) - why don't we run everyday?
Benefits of running with V-Man:
- I shed a few pounds!
- He stays fit too! (Not that he needs to lose weight! Oh you know what I mean...)
- He's so tired he'll eat his whole plate of food before bed time.
- He gets tired for bed time and goes to sleep on time (and sleeps the whole night).
- We can bond and it's only us (might add a dog after a few jogging sessions).
- This separates him from A-Man and reduces the screaming/slapping/beating up sessions.
- This gives SH time to bond with A-Man and M-Girl.
- He's happy when he gets to run - even if we're holding hands (or his wrist) and he's holding his block and the handle to his harness...
- I'm happy that he's happy.
- He sticks with me when we run. YES I hold onto that handle either have it on my wrist or in my hand tightly so he won't escape. But every time I slowed down today, he stopped and tried to run away after a couple seconds. Which is a long time in autism-land! :)
- It could be a sport that he really enjoys and can be something that will help teach him safety and how to focus. Also some social skills could be introduced and sportsmanship if he competed when he's much older.
- I don't know if he'll run on a path in the woods - we'll find out tomorrow.
- He could run away from me and it can be a b*tch to try and catch him...
- Traffic - if he doesn't like the woods - we may have to try the side-walks...
- Winter time - when the ice hits the ground - I won't run and put us in danger.
- When he gets older - he could easily pull me down and I could crush us both... he's come close to pulling me down a couple times already
- I cannot guarantee I do it everyday as I do have a knitting group once a week. So I'll try and compensate on weekends with a morning and evening jog.
- SH won't run.
Wish me luck.
BIMU
PS: Wogging and Jalking is really a mash-up of "walking" and "jogging" because that's probably what's going to happen...
PPS: Hubby realized after me looking in two City Market shops that it turns out I can't find those consoles because they're not available in Finland yet. Next week.
Saturday, 23 August 2014
Brownie Bowls
You know how there are so many awesome food and craft-related things on the internet?
I'll create a separate page soon of my favourites!!
And you know how sometimes you get inspired to try one of those things that you see scrolling through your Facebook newsfeed?
You know what I mean..."Oh - Ashley posted this and it looks so easy....Oh I could do that for Megan's baby shower/potluck thing....Oh I HAVE to do this!! Yes - I'm even marking down what I need for it..."
Well, I had one of those moments a couple days ago.
I did scroll through my Facebook feed and one friend of mine Jamie - always posts awesome food things. I don't think she actually tries to do most of it - but it's nice to get inspired every now and again!
Then I saw this...a bowl for ice-cream sundaes made out of brownies. I thought of doing it for a pot luck I had to go to today and if it was successful (both in making it and how the other guests liked it) - I would do it for my boys' joint birthday party in few months!
I didn't know what brownie recipe to use off the top of my head but went to my most trusted cook book of all time.
Company's Coming: Kid's Cooking! (Link to Book Depository - which I love and am not sponsored or paid by!) This was my first cookbook of any kind and while I wasn't allowed to make a grilled cheese sandwich as a child (in my parents fear of me burning the house down) - I've kept it no matter what.
(It's almost 20 years old!! Good grief!)
So I used the brownie recipe in there (minus the walnuts), sprayed the pans well and used a silicone brush to spread the grease evenly everywhere. I baked them at 175*C for 15 minutes and they eased out of the pan without any problems!!
Then once they were cooled down, I tossed them into a container, packed some vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sprinkles and went off to house-warm!!
You can find the photo of it in my Instagram account!Do feel free to follow me :) Loads of food photos, faceless shots of the kids and funny stuff.
Another way I want to serve these brownie cups - for those with lactose intolerance or just don't like ice-cream - would be with fruit salad...and a dallop of whipped cream or honey...I think it'd be lovely.
BIMU
I'll create a separate page soon of my favourites!!
And you know how sometimes you get inspired to try one of those things that you see scrolling through your Facebook newsfeed?
You know what I mean..."Oh - Ashley posted this and it looks so easy....Oh I could do that for Megan's baby shower/potluck thing....Oh I HAVE to do this!! Yes - I'm even marking down what I need for it..."
Well, I had one of those moments a couple days ago.
I did scroll through my Facebook feed and one friend of mine Jamie - always posts awesome food things. I don't think she actually tries to do most of it - but it's nice to get inspired every now and again!
Then I saw this...a bowl for ice-cream sundaes made out of brownies. I thought of doing it for a pot luck I had to go to today and if it was successful (both in making it and how the other guests liked it) - I would do it for my boys' joint birthday party in few months!
I didn't know what brownie recipe to use off the top of my head but went to my most trusted cook book of all time.
Company's Coming: Kid's Cooking! (Link to Book Depository - which I love and am not sponsored or paid by!) This was my first cookbook of any kind and while I wasn't allowed to make a grilled cheese sandwich as a child (in my parents fear of me burning the house down) - I've kept it no matter what.
(It's almost 20 years old!! Good grief!)
So I used the brownie recipe in there (minus the walnuts), sprayed the pans well and used a silicone brush to spread the grease evenly everywhere. I baked them at 175*C for 15 minutes and they eased out of the pan without any problems!!
Then once they were cooled down, I tossed them into a container, packed some vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sprinkles and went off to house-warm!!
You can find the photo of it in my Instagram account!Do feel free to follow me :) Loads of food photos, faceless shots of the kids and funny stuff.
Another way I want to serve these brownie cups - for those with lactose intolerance or just don't like ice-cream - would be with fruit salad...and a dallop of whipped cream or honey...I think it'd be lovely.
BIMU
Learning About Finland: Sauna 101
A sauna in Finland greatly differs from the only sauna I've seen in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (Canada) because of one big thing.
You go naked. You go with friends (typically females stick together and the guys stick together) - or you go with your spouse.
Or you go with your whole family - both guys and gals! (It's what we do...)
The first time I was invited to someone's sauna after dinner (husband's phD supervisor's place) - the ladies went together and I was 30 weeks pregnant and said bashfully, "I don't have my bathing suit."
Never mind the stretch marks galore!!
The ladies chuckled and said there wasn't one required and I shyly backed out.
After having given birth and visiting the same family again - it was just me and Jessica - the supervisor's wife who happened to be Canadian AND was my doula for my first labour...so I figured if she saw me push a child out of my hoo-ha (she knew the hair colour before I did - let's put it that way) - clearly it's alright to chill (sweat?) naked together in a sauna - right?
So that's what we did.
Sauna basics 101
While pregnant with A-Man...I suppose this is 2010 or 2011- I went with our family to go visit some friends at their farm-house cottage...it was huge - hence the farm house part.
And we went to sauna - my pregnant self, my friend T (also pregnant - we were 3 weeks apart) and M (not pregnant but Finnish like T).
M noticed there was a bucket with pretty dark leaves and asked T if they were recently used and T said not yet but we were more than welcome to use them.
I honestly thought it was a decoration for the sauna...a bunch of greenery...
I had a clueless look on my face and the ladies smiled and asked if I had ever used these branches. I confirmed their suspicions and they giddily dragged me into sauna.
"What do you do with them?"
"Oh, they're best if you soak them in some water first then toast them above the stove...then you do this... *CRACCCCCCCCCCCCCCCK!"
And so began the beating of each other with a bunch of birch branches...
My jaw dropped and my bladder was ready to explode from laughing so hard. And all I heard was "crack, smack, crack, crack" and the ladies saying to each other how lovely it felt and I should really try it.
Because I'm so 50-shades and into beating myself and my friends with sticks...
I didn't hit myself hard enough apparently but they said that the birch oils are released and really help to moisturize and condition your skin and the slapping encourages blood circulation and good blood flow...
Last night, I went to sauna (wood stove) at a friend's cottage...it was awesome. Then they asked me to go swim and I figured, why not? M-Girl was asleep so I went.
I creeped into the water by squatting and shuffling forward...it was cold!!!
Well, my Finnish friends were entertained - they just jumped in...and I just couldn't....so I creeped in until my butt was hovering on the water and kept warm (I honestly looked like I was pooping I'm sure)...and then immersed myself slowly...like the crazy Canadian that I am!
And because I think it's funny - one of my husband's first times in the sauna - with the supervisor's family - their son is bilingual and was learning all about the body parts.
I asked how it was after and he told me at home that the kid was trying to tap my husband's man bits and loudly cheered, "PENIS!" while pointing out everyone's junk in the sauna.
Just imagine - a 2-year old-ish kid...playing a bunch of guys' like bongo drums....
Welcome to Finland.
BIMU
You go naked. You go with friends (typically females stick together and the guys stick together) - or you go with your spouse.
Or you go with your whole family - both guys and gals! (It's what we do...)
The first time I was invited to someone's sauna after dinner (husband's phD supervisor's place) - the ladies went together and I was 30 weeks pregnant and said bashfully, "I don't have my bathing suit."
Never mind the stretch marks galore!!
The ladies chuckled and said there wasn't one required and I shyly backed out.
After having given birth and visiting the same family again - it was just me and Jessica - the supervisor's wife who happened to be Canadian AND was my doula for my first labour...so I figured if she saw me push a child out of my hoo-ha (she knew the hair colour before I did - let's put it that way) - clearly it's alright to chill (sweat?) naked together in a sauna - right?
So that's what we did.
Sauna basics 101
- Don't wear pure metal jewellery - it'll melt and burn your skin.
- Regular gold and silver is fine.
- Don't wear contacts or eyeglasses - metal frames will get really hot and plastic ones will become very bendy (handy if you need to re-shape your frames - be careful though).
- Don't wear a bathing suit - everyone has the same bits and bobs. Get over the nudity thing!! You're not there to stare at the other people...you're there to converse, relax, try the sauna (and hopefully enjoy it) - it just so happens you're doing it naked.
- Bring your shower stuff and a towel.
- You can rinse in the shower (or bucket if a shower isn't available) before entering and typically you take a shower afterwards. You can also rinse in between when you need a break from the heat!
- It's recommended children as young as 1-year old can go in sauna, usually in a bath tub on the bottom floor where it's really cool there still. Some parents let their babies in earlier than that - it really helps them sleep well!
- Sit on a bench - the higher up you are (and closer to the stove) - the hotter it will be when someone splashes the water on.
- *If you have asthma (or faint easily or you're pregnant and it's your first time - be cautious with how long you stay in the sauna!) - bring your medicine with you and leave it in the changing area just in case. My first time I went into sauna and the water was splashed on - I had a mild asthma attack. True story.
- Ladies - if you're on your period - you can still do sauna. Use a tampon or lady cup - and just in case, you can buy these sheets to sit on (like plastic coated paper towel) - or sit on a towel.
- You can buy sauna towels - they look a lot like long dish towels and can be found in the sauna section of the department stores.
- You can also add scented essential oils to the water bucket and splash that on the stove.
- Saunavihta or Vasta are bundles of birch tree branches (found in the frozen section year round in grocery stores) and are commonly used around Midsummer and Christmas time.
- You thaw them out (if not using fresh ones), soak them in water in the sauna, toast them above the stove then SLAP YOURSELF SILLY. Seriously. Keep reading for my first time with those branches...
- Typically should be used freshly cut and the frozen ones used only in winter time when the leaves are gone otherwise for the season!
- When you're finished your turn in the sauna - ensure the bucket of water is full and scoop some onto the bench area that you sat/laid down on.
- Because it's so hot and you lose quite a bit of water via sweating - ensure you have a bottle of water in the changing room or another beverage of choice!
- For a population of approximately 5.3 million, there are about 2 million saunas. They can be found in the basement of a home or apartment building, in an apartment, in a separate building at a cottage or household.
- There are electric ones (typical of apartment buildings) and wood-stove style ones. The wood stove ones are favoured because when the water is splashed on - the heat isn't as intense.
- There are sauna championships in Finland. And yes, someone has died from it. But I won't post that video! A group of men and a group of women see who can last the longest in the sauna without leaving and while the temperature regularly gets hotter...
- It's perfectly acceptable, if at the cottage, to take a break from the heat of the sauna and go for a swim. Even in the winter. Someone will have cut a hole out in the lake and there's usually some handle bars and a ladder to enter and exit. It's good for the blood circulation and if you can handle it - go back and forth!
- Or you can roll in the snow...
- "Sex, Sauna, Siivous" - the 3 S's in Finnish (sex, sauna and cleaning) are recommended for encouraging the labour of a pregnant woman to start. :)
- Way back when - Finnish women would give birth in their sauna. Due to the high temperatures - it was one of the most hygienic places to give birth and the heat helped with the contractions etc.
- There are such things as co-ed saunas (bathing suits are usually involved unless the whole crew is trashed/drunk...)!!
While pregnant with A-Man...I suppose this is 2010 or 2011- I went with our family to go visit some friends at their farm-house cottage...it was huge - hence the farm house part.
And we went to sauna - my pregnant self, my friend T (also pregnant - we were 3 weeks apart) and M (not pregnant but Finnish like T).
M noticed there was a bucket with pretty dark leaves and asked T if they were recently used and T said not yet but we were more than welcome to use them.
I honestly thought it was a decoration for the sauna...a bunch of greenery...
I had a clueless look on my face and the ladies smiled and asked if I had ever used these branches. I confirmed their suspicions and they giddily dragged me into sauna.
"What do you do with them?"
"Oh, they're best if you soak them in some water first then toast them above the stove...then you do this... *CRACCCCCCCCCCCCCCCK!"
And so began the beating of each other with a bunch of birch branches...
My jaw dropped and my bladder was ready to explode from laughing so hard. And all I heard was "crack, smack, crack, crack" and the ladies saying to each other how lovely it felt and I should really try it.
Because I'm so 50-shades and into beating myself and my friends with sticks...
I didn't hit myself hard enough apparently but they said that the birch oils are released and really help to moisturize and condition your skin and the slapping encourages blood circulation and good blood flow...
Last night, I went to sauna (wood stove) at a friend's cottage...it was awesome. Then they asked me to go swim and I figured, why not? M-Girl was asleep so I went.
I creeped into the water by squatting and shuffling forward...it was cold!!!
Well, my Finnish friends were entertained - they just jumped in...and I just couldn't....so I creeped in until my butt was hovering on the water and kept warm (I honestly looked like I was pooping I'm sure)...and then immersed myself slowly...like the crazy Canadian that I am!
And because I think it's funny - one of my husband's first times in the sauna - with the supervisor's family - their son is bilingual and was learning all about the body parts.
I asked how it was after and he told me at home that the kid was trying to tap my husband's man bits and loudly cheered, "PENIS!" while pointing out everyone's junk in the sauna.
Just imagine - a 2-year old-ish kid...playing a bunch of guys' like bongo drums....
Welcome to Finland.
BIMU
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
Productivity
I am trying so hard to be productive at various things...and I'm sucking horribly at it.
I do manage to get supper ready on the table - sometimes two of them at different times (kids versus us) and the washing machine is working everyday...but still my home is a complete mess.
I rarely invite people over because most are terrified of my friendly beasts (or allergic), I live a bit further away and who wants to hang out with a family that consists of possibly 3 screeching kids?
(The boys are really into fighting these days...it's been interesting.)
And I know - I'm a mom, I have 3 kids - 1 with slightly different circumstances...two dogs...a husband who's an introverted constantly reading and drinking tea kind of guy...
But at the same time I think: "I'm a stay at home mother - I SHOULD be able to keep a home cleaner than what it has been as of lately."
So I guess that's this month's goal...just try and tidy up more - get dinner on the table before 9pm (for us older folks) and watch my portions...
I realize I haven't blogged in a week and I have a super good reason for that!!
It's called Restaurant Day.
I'll do a separate post about that right now...
BIMU
I do manage to get supper ready on the table - sometimes two of them at different times (kids versus us) and the washing machine is working everyday...but still my home is a complete mess.
I rarely invite people over because most are terrified of my friendly beasts (or allergic), I live a bit further away and who wants to hang out with a family that consists of possibly 3 screeching kids?
(The boys are really into fighting these days...it's been interesting.)
And I know - I'm a mom, I have 3 kids - 1 with slightly different circumstances...two dogs...a husband who's an introverted constantly reading and drinking tea kind of guy...
But at the same time I think: "I'm a stay at home mother - I SHOULD be able to keep a home cleaner than what it has been as of lately."
So I guess that's this month's goal...just try and tidy up more - get dinner on the table before 9pm (for us older folks) and watch my portions...
I realize I haven't blogged in a week and I have a super good reason for that!!
It's called Restaurant Day.
I'll do a separate post about that right now...
BIMU
Wednesday, 13 August 2014
Happy Finniversary To Me!
A Finniversary is a term I totally made up (maybe it
existed before but seeing as I didn't know anyone living in Finland -
I'll just roll with it) to reflect how many years I've lived in Finland.
I can hardly believe it!
2009 seems like last month and yet here it is - 2014!
Has 5 years really flown by that fast? It seems so based on my household anyway - 3 kids (each two years apart) who were all born in Finland and have some seriously old-school Finnish names... and we still have those 2 dogs...
Why move to Finland?
SH began and completed his phD here. So we packed up two dogs, as much stuff as we'd need for an initial 4-years contract (i.e. winter and summer clothes), missed some flights and so on - and while 26-weeks pregnant with V-Man - touched down in Finland on August 13, 2009.
What have you learned so far in the past 5-years?
That I love it here. Sure some of the paperwork stinks (i.e. proving my marriage so my firstborn (and later children) could have a father listed) but other than that - it's a safe place.
I can walk my dogs out in the middle of the night without fear of being mugged or randomly beaten (or kidnapped and found a few months later in the woods)...I can leave my children to sleep outside in their stroller - yep even in the winter...
I do have lots of Finnish friends and I cherish them all because I know it might not be overly easy to make a Finnish friend but once you do - this saying is true: "A Finnish friend is a friend for life."
Also the care and assistance we get here because of V-Man being autistic - awesome. I really don't know how we'd survive in another country - even our own! Not bashing any other country! - just saying that I don't know what kinds of health care is out there for young autistic children and when they get older - so I'm very grateful to be living here with my family.
In fact, I have learned so much about life in Finland that I had even started a blog, "Learning About Finland".
Oh, it's not linked and you can't find it? Yeah me either. And that's mostly because my e-mail was hacked into on July 2, 2014 and my blogger profile removed without my consent (as is the case with most hacking situations).
Turned out I had a keyboard hijacking program on my computer...and the ding dong that hacked my computer erased all of my e-mails and one of my BFFs managed to break back into my e-mail and change my password to something so absurd - it's not easy for the hacker to crack.
And I know you're still trying Mr(or Miss/Mrs) Hackity Poo. I can still get into my old e-mail account and I can see all the recent activity of failed attempts of trying to break into it.
I am confident I know who it is and I'm sure if you were a previous follower or reader of mine - you'd have a rough idea too...but I won't spoil that part yet for awhile.
I also had a blog called "That Funny Mama" which was more like what this blog is now - food, crafts, life with my kids (especially super V-Man) and so on.
But thanks to technology and to the person who decided to imitate me and created some fake blogs with my name in it - I had a friend of mine copy all the data from the fake blog - not your fake rude/racists posts - just the stuff before it...and I'll find a way to in-put it into this blog.
Sure it'll take time - but like the police - resources are limited so time is aplenty!
Sure I'll miss a lot of posts and funny experiences from my Learning About Finland blog - but that's alright. I'm done being angry and am just happy knowing you're a sad, jealous person and I'm quite content continuing to collect more and more evidence that points you as the culprit.
And yes, if you're hoping to delete ALL of the e-mails I had on my computer - the ones incriminating your work and hoping to save public face after the repeated times I debunked some things on your site - you're SOL (sh*t out of luck) pal.
I have those e-mails somewhere nice and safe...and printed copies which will be handed into the police.
Should you try again to figure out my new e-mail - I should probably give you a hand and let you know that I had sent all of the e-mails to other people - so I'll always have access to a digital copy of them.
I am a true believer in karma and what goes around comes around.
What do you miss about Canuckville (Canada)?
Friends and family, being able to watch my children grow up and play with my other friends' kids, My cats - who are staying with my in-laws thankfully!, various shops and Kraft Peanut butter!!
So what will you do now?
I plan to just keep trucking on. Thankfully the hubster has another contract with another university here - so we're in Finland for a few more years yet! :)
Quick edit before I hit the sack!To all of our friends in Finland who have helped us translate Kela papers, set up things for our family (i.e. bank accounts, appointments etc.), introduced us to other people and help drive us to and from places - WE THANK YOU.
Thanks to you - we've made a life here and are proud to call Finland our home.
Paljon kiitos.
Anyway, enough of that - it's time to move on and up with this blog!
WAHOO! have a good one!
BIMU
PS: I haven't directly mentioned who probably hacked that blog but if it magically disappears - then I'm sure it's the same person behind everything.
The hacking of my e-mail, my blogs, the comments on my blog harassing me, the creator of the fake blogs (including stolen photos of my boys) all boil down to one (maximum two) people.
Update Aug. 23, 2014 - take a look on the right-hand side of my blog and you'll see "Learning About Finland". Click there to find all my posts that involve my experiences in Finland! :) Think of it as me re-working and re-writing my history here but in a much pinker blog! :)
I can hardly believe it!
2009 seems like last month and yet here it is - 2014!
Has 5 years really flown by that fast? It seems so based on my household anyway - 3 kids (each two years apart) who were all born in Finland and have some seriously old-school Finnish names... and we still have those 2 dogs...
Why move to Finland?
SH began and completed his phD here. So we packed up two dogs, as much stuff as we'd need for an initial 4-years contract (i.e. winter and summer clothes), missed some flights and so on - and while 26-weeks pregnant with V-Man - touched down in Finland on August 13, 2009.
What have you learned so far in the past 5-years?
That I love it here. Sure some of the paperwork stinks (i.e. proving my marriage so my firstborn (and later children) could have a father listed) but other than that - it's a safe place.
I can walk my dogs out in the middle of the night without fear of being mugged or randomly beaten (or kidnapped and found a few months later in the woods)...I can leave my children to sleep outside in their stroller - yep even in the winter...
I do have lots of Finnish friends and I cherish them all because I know it might not be overly easy to make a Finnish friend but once you do - this saying is true: "A Finnish friend is a friend for life."
Also the care and assistance we get here because of V-Man being autistic - awesome. I really don't know how we'd survive in another country - even our own! Not bashing any other country! - just saying that I don't know what kinds of health care is out there for young autistic children and when they get older - so I'm very grateful to be living here with my family.
In fact, I have learned so much about life in Finland that I had even started a blog, "Learning About Finland".
Oh, it's not linked and you can't find it? Yeah me either. And that's mostly because my e-mail was hacked into on July 2, 2014 and my blogger profile removed without my consent (as is the case with most hacking situations).
Turned out I had a keyboard hijacking program on my computer...and the ding dong that hacked my computer erased all of my e-mails and one of my BFFs managed to break back into my e-mail and change my password to something so absurd - it's not easy for the hacker to crack.
And I know you're still trying Mr(or Miss/Mrs) Hackity Poo. I can still get into my old e-mail account and I can see all the recent activity of failed attempts of trying to break into it.
I am confident I know who it is and I'm sure if you were a previous follower or reader of mine - you'd have a rough idea too...but I won't spoil that part yet for awhile.
I also had a blog called "That Funny Mama" which was more like what this blog is now - food, crafts, life with my kids (especially super V-Man) and so on.
But thanks to technology and to the person who decided to imitate me and created some fake blogs with my name in it - I had a friend of mine copy all the data from the fake blog - not your fake rude/racists posts - just the stuff before it...and I'll find a way to in-put it into this blog.
Sure it'll take time - but like the police - resources are limited so time is aplenty!
Sure I'll miss a lot of posts and funny experiences from my Learning About Finland blog - but that's alright. I'm done being angry and am just happy knowing you're a sad, jealous person and I'm quite content continuing to collect more and more evidence that points you as the culprit.
 |
| Photo not mine - courtesy of a Google search for "Karma quotes" >Images. |
I have those e-mails somewhere nice and safe...and printed copies which will be handed into the police.
Should you try again to figure out my new e-mail - I should probably give you a hand and let you know that I had sent all of the e-mails to other people - so I'll always have access to a digital copy of them.
I am a true believer in karma and what goes around comes around.
What do you miss about Canuckville (Canada)?
Friends and family, being able to watch my children grow up and play with my other friends' kids, My cats - who are staying with my in-laws thankfully!, various shops and Kraft Peanut butter!!
So what will you do now?
I plan to just keep trucking on. Thankfully the hubster has another contract with another university here - so we're in Finland for a few more years yet! :)
Quick edit before I hit the sack!To all of our friends in Finland who have helped us translate Kela papers, set up things for our family (i.e. bank accounts, appointments etc.), introduced us to other people and help drive us to and from places - WE THANK YOU.
Thanks to you - we've made a life here and are proud to call Finland our home.
Paljon kiitos.
Anyway, enough of that - it's time to move on and up with this blog!
WAHOO! have a good one!
BIMU
PS: I haven't directly mentioned who probably hacked that blog but if it magically disappears - then I'm sure it's the same person behind everything.
The hacking of my e-mail, my blogs, the comments on my blog harassing me, the creator of the fake blogs (including stolen photos of my boys) all boil down to one (maximum two) people.
Update Aug. 23, 2014 - take a look on the right-hand side of my blog and you'll see "Learning About Finland". Click there to find all my posts that involve my experiences in Finland! :) Think of it as me re-working and re-writing my history here but in a much pinker blog! :)
Sunday, 10 August 2014
We Survived Summer!!!
Tomorrow is the 11th of August and most parents are rejoicing because their kids go back to school and daycare in Finland.
Even the bus schedule changes to allow for more routes and buses per route.
Typically, SH and I dread summer mostly because he still would like to get work done and having the kids at home usually prevents that.
Also, the last few summers here have been wet and with a tight budget, no car and a child that despised travelling anyway -what were we going to do??
The first summer after daycare ended, I was nearly crying everyday because of the meltdowns V-Man would have because his whole schedule had been turned upside down. Then to top it off, the weather sucked. Constantly raining or at least 95% of the time...we had a tough summer. Loads of tantrums, long nights, screaming and frustration -not fun for anyone.
But thanks to overnight care and the sunniest summer ever (for us anyway) - I'm happy to announce that it went pretty well!!
In fact, the tantrums mostly came from A-Man and more recently, M-Girl as she is cutting her first tooth!!
We were able to go swimming a lot, hiking, go for walks (thanks to the harness), visit friends nearby and spend loads of time at the playgrounds. We can't take V-Man to any playground that's not fenced in entirely but he didn't seem to mind. And whenever he had overnight care, we took A-Man to the bigger one near us (not fenced in) - so A-Man could really run around and meet other children.
I have been keeping busy with crocheting a dress for M-Girl and had finished a little cardigan for her too (need to get buttons) and tomorrow I plan to stock up on some yarn for my boys so I can try to make them sweaters too!!
And the littlest one has successfully pulled herself up into a standing position while holding onto furniture or our legs... She just turned 6 months and we are stunned. She's getting faster and more confident everyday... And it freaks us out!
I'm also working on setting up a Facebook page for this blog, so I can put little updates there like funny (or not) things going on... Things that are too long for twitter or too short to blog about.
Anyways, two kids won't sleep and I have a stack of magazines to flip through for potential sweater patterns for the kids!!
Until next time!!
BIMU
Even the bus schedule changes to allow for more routes and buses per route.
Typically, SH and I dread summer mostly because he still would like to get work done and having the kids at home usually prevents that.
Also, the last few summers here have been wet and with a tight budget, no car and a child that despised travelling anyway -what were we going to do??
The first summer after daycare ended, I was nearly crying everyday because of the meltdowns V-Man would have because his whole schedule had been turned upside down. Then to top it off, the weather sucked. Constantly raining or at least 95% of the time...we had a tough summer. Loads of tantrums, long nights, screaming and frustration -not fun for anyone.
But thanks to overnight care and the sunniest summer ever (for us anyway) - I'm happy to announce that it went pretty well!!
In fact, the tantrums mostly came from A-Man and more recently, M-Girl as she is cutting her first tooth!!
We were able to go swimming a lot, hiking, go for walks (thanks to the harness), visit friends nearby and spend loads of time at the playgrounds. We can't take V-Man to any playground that's not fenced in entirely but he didn't seem to mind. And whenever he had overnight care, we took A-Man to the bigger one near us (not fenced in) - so A-Man could really run around and meet other children.
I have been keeping busy with crocheting a dress for M-Girl and had finished a little cardigan for her too (need to get buttons) and tomorrow I plan to stock up on some yarn for my boys so I can try to make them sweaters too!!
And the littlest one has successfully pulled herself up into a standing position while holding onto furniture or our legs... She just turned 6 months and we are stunned. She's getting faster and more confident everyday... And it freaks us out!
I'm also working on setting up a Facebook page for this blog, so I can put little updates there like funny (or not) things going on... Things that are too long for twitter or too short to blog about.
Anyways, two kids won't sleep and I have a stack of magazines to flip through for potential sweater patterns for the kids!!
Until next time!!
BIMU
Wednesday, 6 August 2014
Night Terrors
I hate to admit this - but our 2-year old has been having night terrors for a long time and at the beginning we totally thought it was lactose-intolerance pains.
Now that I have the "wow she's a dummy" part out of the way...
It all started quite randomly and I couldn't tell you exactly when either. Especially since I thought it was LI at first!
I thought it was lactose-intolerance stomach pains because I've had them and they're awful...I was diagnosed with LI prior to our move to Europe and prior to pregnancy but reflecting back, after experiencing contractions and three births - it was like a mildly strong contraction. The cramps, the rush to the bathroom and the after pains because my stomach was so sore - ouch.
A-Man would wake up in the middle of the night screaming and we'd come rushing into the bedroom to discover that he was sitting up, eyes shut (or nearly) and kicking himself. Scratching his own feet and thrashing, clutching his stomach sometimes (hence why we thought lactose issues) and nothing made him happy.
So we stopped buying regular milk and only went with lactose-free stuff and things calmed down for about a week.
Then BOOM! He'd have another one and we were at a loss of what to do.
I decided to ask the mighty fine "Google-saurus" and I believe I typed in: "my kid scratches himself and screams at night" and instantly it tossed in front of me: "My kid has night terrors - please help!"
I didn't know a single thing about night terrors and that frightened me.
SH didn't believe me at first and figured the scraped and cuts all over his feet and legs was from dropping toys on his feet or heavier objects outside...with winter or rubber boots on.
From what I've read on multiple sites (and from what I remember as this was all found during my 3rd pregnancy):
Well, we're now on night 2-in-a-row of night terrors and A-Man has had more than one per night - maximum three I think (I tried to block that night....it was horrible)...
It's frustrating, it's exhausting, it occurs during your only chance of sleep or spouse time to catch up on an episode (currently The Shield - season 5) of your favourite show - or when you're about to catch a killer in that thriller novel you borrowed from the library ("Thankless in Death" by JD Robb)...
I just don't have the energy - hence why my blog has been quiet too!
The Shield is just getting better every episode - so I've been trying to crochet while watching it!
When I called up the city psychologist to see if she could come assess A-Man at day-care in the fall - she asked why and what concerns we had.
I apologize if this is repetitive!!
Tomorrow we're going to get our (SH, V-Man and I) blood work done - to see if there's anything funky in our blood and to research V-Man's a bit more.
That means I should probably think about buying some yarn to soothe myself from what will be a wild wrestling/screaming match...I hate blood work for him!
First time we had to take him there - it was by myself (so SH could watch A-Man at home) and I got elbowed in the face, nearly bitten, pinched all over and my hands covered in blood because V-Man flailed that much that the sample tubes weren't connected yet and it looked like some sort of horror story.
And it took 3 other nurses to hold him down and they got attacked too...he was about 3 years old.
Yay. Keep your fingers crossed!
BIMU
PS: Just finished season 5 of The Shield... ack!
Now that I have the "wow she's a dummy" part out of the way...
It all started quite randomly and I couldn't tell you exactly when either. Especially since I thought it was LI at first!
I thought it was lactose-intolerance stomach pains because I've had them and they're awful...I was diagnosed with LI prior to our move to Europe and prior to pregnancy but reflecting back, after experiencing contractions and three births - it was like a mildly strong contraction. The cramps, the rush to the bathroom and the after pains because my stomach was so sore - ouch.
A-Man would wake up in the middle of the night screaming and we'd come rushing into the bedroom to discover that he was sitting up, eyes shut (or nearly) and kicking himself. Scratching his own feet and thrashing, clutching his stomach sometimes (hence why we thought lactose issues) and nothing made him happy.
So we stopped buying regular milk and only went with lactose-free stuff and things calmed down for about a week.
Then BOOM! He'd have another one and we were at a loss of what to do.
I decided to ask the mighty fine "Google-saurus" and I believe I typed in: "my kid scratches himself and screams at night" and instantly it tossed in front of me: "My kid has night terrors - please help!"
I didn't know a single thing about night terrors and that frightened me.
SH didn't believe me at first and figured the scraped and cuts all over his feet and legs was from dropping toys on his feet or heavier objects outside...with winter or rubber boots on.
From what I've read on multiple sites (and from what I remember as this was all found during my 3rd pregnancy):
- Typically between the ages of 4-6 but sometimes as young as 9 months...great - my 2-year old is an eager learner.
- Don't touch the child when they're screaming and thrashing about.
- Don't cover them with extra blankets or try to give them their favourite toys as they may feel more scared and threatened because they're not quite awake.
- Don't talk to them either.
- Wait it out.
- It's okay - they're not going to remember it in the morning - but you the parent sure will! (I may need to start learning how to use the coffee machine!)
- Night terrors can be caused by:
- Lack of sleep in the day-time.
- Stress or change in environment/routine.
- Anxiety
- It can last between 2-minutes to 30-minutes. Well, we've had 45-minutes of nearly solid screeching...so I suppose it depends what site you get your info from.
- They tend to occur within 2-3 hours of your child falling asleep.
Well, we're now on night 2-in-a-row of night terrors and A-Man has had more than one per night - maximum three I think (I tried to block that night....it was horrible)...
It's frustrating, it's exhausting, it occurs during your only chance of sleep or spouse time to catch up on an episode (currently The Shield - season 5) of your favourite show - or when you're about to catch a killer in that thriller novel you borrowed from the library ("Thankless in Death" by JD Robb)...
I just don't have the energy - hence why my blog has been quiet too!
The Shield is just getting better every episode - so I've been trying to crochet while watching it!
When I called up the city psychologist to see if she could come assess A-Man at day-care in the fall - she asked why and what concerns we had.
I apologize if this is repetitive!!
- Not eating a lot - no meat or protein....sometimes cheese but not a lot or often.
- Doesn't listen and has been nearly knocked over by people (he is a 2-year old - not a tall gangly teenager yet!), bicycles and a truck...
- Doesn't listen in the sense that we tell him "no don't do that!" repeatedly and it's a saucy smirk and completely ignores us...(I've been advised this is a common thing called the "Terrible 2's").
- Doesn't speak a lot but that could be the mix up of two totally different languages.
- Routine is ridiculously important - to the point I've ruined his day last winter by putting tights on him and he couldn't take his socks off at day-care...then made it extra worse by putting overalls on top of that.
- Day-care is holding him back in the youngest group because he doesn't listen and wants to do things on his own clock...so the older kids' group means older children that can and do listen to the teachers - so it makes things like getting dressed to go out much easier. And if the day-care group is much larger - it's harder to get things running smoothly when one child goes at their own pace.
Tomorrow we're going to get our (SH, V-Man and I) blood work done - to see if there's anything funky in our blood and to research V-Man's a bit more.
That means I should probably think about buying some yarn to soothe myself from what will be a wild wrestling/screaming match...I hate blood work for him!
First time we had to take him there - it was by myself (so SH could watch A-Man at home) and I got elbowed in the face, nearly bitten, pinched all over and my hands covered in blood because V-Man flailed that much that the sample tubes weren't connected yet and it looked like some sort of horror story.
And it took 3 other nurses to hold him down and they got attacked too...he was about 3 years old.
Yay. Keep your fingers crossed!
BIMU
PS: Just finished season 5 of The Shield... ack!
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