My first kiss was when I was four-years old in pre-school. It wasn't overly exciting and I ended up getting caught by the teachers because one was keeping an eye on me and Stephen behind the "devil's (double-sided) mirror".
My husband blames me for our 2-year old A-Man and all of lady-friends at day-care...ah well.
Today I had one of my favourite kisses of all.
My V-Man is a non-verbal autistic (and recently diagnosed "mentally challenged/retarded" - another post for another time) and while all my friends and complete strangers in passing have children chatting the parents' heads off asking, "Why? Well, I need to pee. I want this...I want that..."
I've never experienced that with V-Man.
The fact that he doesn't verbally express himself is a double-edged sword. It's a wonderful thing because then I don't have to answer why we don't have a car, why is the sky blue, why does that lady over there stink quite a bit...you know - the easy, the hard and the embarrassing questions.
Then again, I don't get to hear things like, "Thank you, Mommy, I hurt here...I want to do this today...I love you."
I used to get really hung up on the "I love you" bit.
Only recently has he started expressing interest in going to McDonald's or Hesburger downtown. He shows this by dragging me there, and assuming his boulder position of not moving until he sees me order his chicken nuggets, fries and apple juice.
Growing up - we didn't say it to each other very often in my family and it's probably because my mom's Asian. And I'm not knocking Asians!! It's true!
It's just assumed and rarely said - check out this video showing reactions from Asian parents hearing "I love you" from their grown children.
I'm married to another Canadian who isn't Asian - and we try to make a point of saying we love the kids before they go to bed and before they head out the door to daycare.
Today, I was having some cuddly time with V-Man while M-Girl and A-Man were playing quietly together. The SH was taking the dogs out for a quick walk.
So we were lying in bed together - one of his favourite things to do is cuddle with blankets - and I told him that I loved him a couple times.
He stared at me.
Alright - progress.
So then I asked him, "Do you love me?"
And he smiled.
My heart melted.
Then I gave him a kiss and he tried to push me away at first...and then he let me kiss him the second time.
Then he turned to me and he leaned forward and pressed his lips on mine.
He'll be five in a couple months and the doctors say they aren't sure what "age development" he's currently at.
I also realize this could be a total fluke or a total one-off and I won't get another kiss from him for maybe another five years...or maybe ever again...but I'm trying to be slightly more on the optimistic side.
But it's just nice to have gotten that tiny bit of confirmation that yes, he does love me.
BIMU
PS While I am bawling my head off about this - he began to strip in the bathroom and tossed his diaper at my feet...and his turd rolled out onto my foot. He was oblivious to the turdlet on my toes...
Just another day with the V-Man.
Writing in comfort about crafts, food, family life and more while living in Finland.
Sunday, 28 September 2014
Saturday, 27 September 2014
Benefits for My Autistic Son in Finland
I thought I would write something a little more personal in terms of family life here and how it affects me living in Finland.
Our (now) 4-year old son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 - which you may have known already from reading my blog in the past.
Some benefits that we qualify for - are truly unique and I'm constantly amazed and grateful for all of it.
*This is based on my family's experience - so if you're interested in these services - contact your doctor or social workers to see what you qualify for. I also reside in Jyväskylä - so different cities or districts may have variations to benefits.
Please also note that residents of Finland pay a lot in taxes - so they're not technically "free". These are government or city-funded.*
Our (now) 4-year old son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2 - which you may have known already from reading my blog in the past.
Some benefits that we qualify for - are truly unique and I'm constantly amazed and grateful for all of it.
*This is based on my family's experience - so if you're interested in these services - contact your doctor or social workers to see what you qualify for. I also reside in Jyväskylä - so different cities or districts may have variations to benefits.
Please also note that residents of Finland pay a lot in taxes - so they're not technically "free". These are government or city-funded.*
- Domestic Aids - these are people who are there to help you with your basic living/quality of life. They can be hired to clean your home, care for your children (in your home so you can sleep properly or even outside - so you can get stuff done), they do grocery shopping or running errands for seniors etc. Contact your Neuvola for more information.
- Your child doesn't have to be disabled for this service!!!!
- Free (limited) therapy sessions- both speech (and recently) occupational. You have to have formal requests from the doctors and fill out all kinds of paperwork - but I promise you - it's worth it. We are thrilled with our speech therapist and our occupational therapist for our son is also lovely and patient too.
- Free Diapers - this only applied to us once our son turned 3 and proved he refused to potty repeatedly. So I believe it's 3 or 4x a year - we can call this hotline and have diapers delivered to our door for our son. The city will pay for up to 5 diapers (maximum) per day and that's how many you get. You have to set up a delivery time and date and if you're not home to pick up the order - they'll just drop it off at the nearest post office...which would really suck if you don't have a vehicle to carry it all in...About 4-6 packages of diapers fit in each box and you get 4-5 boxes (depends on the size of diapers and how many per package etc.).
- "Extra caregiver benefits" - once a month we are awarded from the city a sum of money that helps us with all the extra bits we may need for our child or for ourselves. Loosely speaking - it's more or less money to help us make it through the month and not stress about things so much because caring for a child with special needs can be very exhausting.
- With this benefit plan set by the city and our social worker - because we do not have family here (not that it's a requirement) - we also are able to have our child stay overnight at a special place where he gets 24 hours a day round-the-clock supervision and care. Pretty much an overnight day-care (some are held in another family's home - that is specialized in handling and caring for children with special needs) that allows us a break from him and he gets a break from us for 3 whole days and nights per month.
- I was really hesitant about this "Overnight Care" (respite) for my son and felt like an awful parent for using this service (we get billed afterwards - approximately 30€ a month for those 3 days and nights) - but it's really helped us as a family in terms of being able to do things with our younger son and even being able to go out on a date once a month...because it's a lot easier to find a sitter who can handle a "normal/average child" than handle both a busy average child and one who is Autistic too.
- We have less stress in our marriage and with our youngest - who often starts trouble to get more attention (and I can't blame him) - because we're constantly busy with our oldest's needs - knows that when big brother is gone...he gets a break too.
- "Disability Benefits for a child under 16" - this is tax-free income and paid once a month via Kela.
- Free Day-Care - the reason a family can qualify for free day-care is because day-care in Finland is based on the total household income. Another reason a child can receive free day-care is because it's part of their rehabilitative program pertaining to their disability.
- Taxi Service - this is provided to our son only (so myself or spouse cannot hop in for a ride too) - so he can be transported to and from his day-care. It's not an easy service to qualify or be approved for - as I have other friends who applied for years before they were accepted (or they were not accepted at all). Every week-day that he goes to day-care - a taxi picks him up at 7:30am and drops him off by 3pm.
- Why we applied for it:
- We don't have a car to get him to day-care and it's over 3 km away from our home (45 minutes and without snow to push a stroller through - snow could or ice can easily add another 30 minutes depending!).
- I tried to take him by bicycle (with him in a child's seat) and he freaked out so much and grabbed my back-pack and we nearly fell over, while speeding down a hill.
- My other child goes to a different day-care quite close to our home.
- I have to be at school for 8am (class starts at 8:15) - so if I did drop him off by taking the buses - I would be late everyday for class...especially if he's having a difficult time settling down.
- My husband does have to go to his office regularly and also takes the dogs out in the morning (I do the evening shifts) so I can get to school on time.
Since having this extra help - it's been a lot easier being able to live in Finland with a disabled child.
I
am truly grateful for everything we have and don't take any of it for
granted because I know in Canada - we wouldn't get half of these
services.
BIMU
BIMU
Originally posted on November 24, 2013 in my Learning About Finland blog.
Learning About Finland: Enterorrokko Style
Enterorrokko is not the name of a brand of clothing or a Finnish designer.
Nor is it the name of Jyväskylä's newest Japanese sushi bar...because Jyväskylä doesn't have one of those currently.
Why, it's the latest trend among the Finnish day-care kids!!
It's also known in English as "Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease" - a lovely virus involving someone interacting with poop at some point and not washing their hands properly...and the love from that blossoms into a virus and is super duper highly contagious! Then one kid drools on something (or kisses another as my kid is known for at his day-care...) and it spreads like wild fire.
"Let it go" played and he didn't sing or dance at all. Yep - he's probably ill.
He refused food...he had a fever through the weekend (38*C +)...he vomited at one point...lacked an appetite...slept a lot...
Then Sunday came and that was the worse. He developed these little red spots and they didn't seem to bother him until Monday.
I was so sure it was chicken pox but there were so few and they were mostly on his legs and wrists...I did change the laundry soap recently but he would've had a reaction prior to last weekend....
So I took him to the emergency and after waiting nearly an hour (which is awesome compared to waiting in a Canadian waiting room for something "minor" like this) - the doctor took a look down his throat and listened to his chest and said he has "Enterorrokko".
Because it's a virus - there's absolutely nothing we can do but give pain medicine because those red spots turn into blisters and they'll make his skin feel like it's on fire. Also, inside his throat was covered in these blisters and she recommended that he eats ice-cream or something cold to help soothe the pain.
Within 3 days he's fine, my oldest had a fever and 1 spot on his hand...and my little girl has some blisters between her finger and thumb (she's a finger/thumb sucker) and some blisters on her wee little tongue.
But so far - we're surviving and you can too.
I strongly recommend loads of coffee, sugar or caffeine and a nap when you can!
BIMU
Nor is it the name of Jyväskylä's newest Japanese sushi bar...because Jyväskylä doesn't have one of those currently.
Why, it's the latest trend among the Finnish day-care kids!!
It's also known in English as "Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease" - a lovely virus involving someone interacting with poop at some point and not washing their hands properly...and the love from that blossoms into a virus and is super duper highly contagious! Then one kid drools on something (or kisses another as my kid is known for at his day-care...) and it spreads like wild fire.
How do we know?
Because last Friday, the day-care staff said A-Man wasn't himself. Alright...we got home and popped "Disney's Frozen" in the dvd-player and waited..."Let it go" played and he didn't sing or dance at all. Yep - he's probably ill.
He refused food...he had a fever through the weekend (38*C +)...he vomited at one point...lacked an appetite...slept a lot...
Then Sunday came and that was the worse. He developed these little red spots and they didn't seem to bother him until Monday.
I was so sure it was chicken pox but there were so few and they were mostly on his legs and wrists...I did change the laundry soap recently but he would've had a reaction prior to last weekend....
So I took him to the emergency and after waiting nearly an hour (which is awesome compared to waiting in a Canadian waiting room for something "minor" like this) - the doctor took a look down his throat and listened to his chest and said he has "Enterorrokko".
Because it's a virus - there's absolutely nothing we can do but give pain medicine because those red spots turn into blisters and they'll make his skin feel like it's on fire. Also, inside his throat was covered in these blisters and she recommended that he eats ice-cream or something cold to help soothe the pain.
Within 3 days he's fine, my oldest had a fever and 1 spot on his hand...and my little girl has some blisters between her finger and thumb (she's a finger/thumb sucker) and some blisters on her wee little tongue.
But so far - we're surviving and you can too.
I strongly recommend loads of coffee, sugar or caffeine and a nap when you can!
BIMU
Sunday, 21 September 2014
My Jogging Journal: Day 8 - "One of THOSE days"
If you're hoping for a blog about sunshine and rainbows everyday, I'm sorry - this isn't it.
Occasionally, I'll have super awesome days like yesterday, when V-Man discovered he can put stuff in the basket at the grocery store and I'll more than likely approve of it and it gets to come home with us.
Then again, there may be "one of those days" like today - when my whole world is currently tossed upside down and inside out (can always be worse, I know!) and I un-leash the Momster in me.
It all started last night! A-Man ran a mega hot fever but after two doses of pain reliever, he was calm again but still sluggish and then poor kiddo barfed all over his clean pajamas.
Then this morning, SH woke up looking more like Sick Hubby instead of Super Hubby...we thought at first it was just gas but no...it's aches and pains all over and lacking the ability to help me around the household.
What is it with men - at least the ones I know - that can't lift a finger when they're ill?! That's a whole other b*tchfest for another time...
Anyway, I decided to do my family a favour and take V-Man out with the dogs for the big morning walk. He was great going to the hills but decided playing with stones in the parking lot was much more fun.
We left after 15 minutes...
Then I decided I would take V-Man out and visiting Toivolon Vanha Piha downtown because they had a huge medieval event going on this weekend. So I messaged a friend of mine and we met up and then we left after 15 minutes...
Seeing as we weren't downtown for very long and I was trying to cut hubby a break - I tried to stretch my afternoon with the V-Man as long as I possibly could.
So friend and I went to McDonald's with him and that was fine and dandy.
Then we went to the grocery store (and parted ways with my friend J) and he was eager to walk around and proudly put a box of crackers into my basket and tried for some Asian cooking sauce nearby but we put that back.
Still - we've been gone less than 2 hours and I'm hoping by that point that SH was able to put at least M-Girl down for a nap...A-Man seemed content to lounge and watch movies without much dancing about today...so we must continue!
Well, we hopped on a bus to the large second-hand store and I'd love to say the 5-minutes wait at the bus stop went by quickly but it didn't.
It was a constant fight to keep his shoes and socks on...they're velcro - easier for everyone that way - and he knows how to dig into his heels to kick them off. He thinks it's HILARIOUS.
I don't. Especially when there's blobs of spit underneath him, cigarette butts galore...and it's downtown - just gross to be walking around in soft-feet!
Oh and he jumped on my backpack and exploded a bag of salad mix...
Finally the bus came and when we got to the second-hand store, my goal was bigger sneakers for him and possibly some hoodies - since he enjoys wearing a puffy vest outside. We lost one shoe within 4 minutes (or 1 aisle) of walking around. This wouldn't be a big deal if we weren't in a second-hand store...because:
A) His shoe is used and getting a bit worn out - so it blends in with the store.
B) People tend to nudge things on the floor to the side or kinder ones place them on tables/racks.
C) It's a dark coloured sneaker.
I zipped back around and we found the missing one, along with a new to him pair but no hoodies and while he didn't have any melt-downs, I nearly did.
Why? Because he thinks it's fantastic to shove his hands down my shirt. It wasn't even low-cut. He just thinks it's a grand game of sorts.
So I zipped up my fleece coat and trekked on pushing him. Well, he tried to pull my zipper down and stuff his hands down...and that annoyed me SO much.
When he finally semi-gave up - he opted for yanking stuff off tables and racks...
At this point, I decided we're going back to the grocery store so I can load up on peanut M&Ms and possibly some Ben & Jerry's ice-cream. Yes, it's ridiculously expensive in Finland - but still cheaper than therapy.
When we left for the bus this time, we had a 20-minutes wait at the bus stop and I'm so glad we were the only ones in that little glass shack because it was a constant fight with him.
Here's what he tried to put into his mouth:
But those were past my limit and of course I didn't have baby wipes with me...or diapers...and he reeked...
And it was just non-stop fishing crap out of his mouth, putting his shoes back on and hoping nobody heard me yelling at him to stop doing the above things (putting stuff in his mouth and removing his shoes and trying to run away into the major road full of traffic non-stop)....and to stop running his hands up my thighs.
Weird.
When we got home, I didn't care that I was waking up M-Girl and I whisper-yelled how mad I was and marched him straight into the bathroom to scrub his hands.
SH wisely stayed out of the Momster's reach...
So I honestly hope I don't write many of these "Momster-style" blog posts often...but when I do -forgive me. It's a way for me to vent and hopefully be able to read back on these and laugh later on.
*Currently not laughing...still steaming and a bit sore from him dragging me downwards and me pinching my back ...*
I'll try and focus on a more positive post for next time.
BIMU - roar.
Occasionally, I'll have super awesome days like yesterday, when V-Man discovered he can put stuff in the basket at the grocery store and I'll more than likely approve of it and it gets to come home with us.
Then again, there may be "one of those days" like today - when my whole world is currently tossed upside down and inside out (can always be worse, I know!) and I un-leash the Momster in me.
It all started last night! A-Man ran a mega hot fever but after two doses of pain reliever, he was calm again but still sluggish and then poor kiddo barfed all over his clean pajamas.
Then this morning, SH woke up looking more like Sick Hubby instead of Super Hubby...we thought at first it was just gas but no...it's aches and pains all over and lacking the ability to help me around the household.
What is it with men - at least the ones I know - that can't lift a finger when they're ill?! That's a whole other b*tchfest for another time...
Anyway, I decided to do my family a favour and take V-Man out with the dogs for the big morning walk. He was great going to the hills but decided playing with stones in the parking lot was much more fun.
We left after 15 minutes...
Then I decided I would take V-Man out and visiting Toivolon Vanha Piha downtown because they had a huge medieval event going on this weekend. So I messaged a friend of mine and we met up and then we left after 15 minutes...
Seeing as we weren't downtown for very long and I was trying to cut hubby a break - I tried to stretch my afternoon with the V-Man as long as I possibly could.
So friend and I went to McDonald's with him and that was fine and dandy.
Then we went to the grocery store (and parted ways with my friend J) and he was eager to walk around and proudly put a box of crackers into my basket and tried for some Asian cooking sauce nearby but we put that back.
Still - we've been gone less than 2 hours and I'm hoping by that point that SH was able to put at least M-Girl down for a nap...A-Man seemed content to lounge and watch movies without much dancing about today...so we must continue!
Well, we hopped on a bus to the large second-hand store and I'd love to say the 5-minutes wait at the bus stop went by quickly but it didn't.
It was a constant fight to keep his shoes and socks on...they're velcro - easier for everyone that way - and he knows how to dig into his heels to kick them off. He thinks it's HILARIOUS.
I don't. Especially when there's blobs of spit underneath him, cigarette butts galore...and it's downtown - just gross to be walking around in soft-feet!
Oh and he jumped on my backpack and exploded a bag of salad mix...
Finally the bus came and when we got to the second-hand store, my goal was bigger sneakers for him and possibly some hoodies - since he enjoys wearing a puffy vest outside. We lost one shoe within 4 minutes (or 1 aisle) of walking around. This wouldn't be a big deal if we weren't in a second-hand store...because:
A) His shoe is used and getting a bit worn out - so it blends in with the store.
B) People tend to nudge things on the floor to the side or kinder ones place them on tables/racks.
C) It's a dark coloured sneaker.
I zipped back around and we found the missing one, along with a new to him pair but no hoodies and while he didn't have any melt-downs, I nearly did.
Why? Because he thinks it's fantastic to shove his hands down my shirt. It wasn't even low-cut. He just thinks it's a grand game of sorts.
So I zipped up my fleece coat and trekked on pushing him. Well, he tried to pull my zipper down and stuff his hands down...and that annoyed me SO much.
When he finally semi-gave up - he opted for yanking stuff off tables and racks...
At this point, I decided we're going back to the grocery store so I can load up on peanut M&Ms and possibly some Ben & Jerry's ice-cream. Yes, it's ridiculously expensive in Finland - but still cheaper than therapy.
When we left for the bus this time, we had a 20-minutes wait at the bus stop and I'm so glad we were the only ones in that little glass shack because it was a constant fight with him.
Here's what he tried to put into his mouth:
- Cigarette butts
- Rocks (big and small)
- bottle caps (plastic)
- dirty band-aid/plaster strip
But those were past my limit and of course I didn't have baby wipes with me...or diapers...and he reeked...
And it was just non-stop fishing crap out of his mouth, putting his shoes back on and hoping nobody heard me yelling at him to stop doing the above things (putting stuff in his mouth and removing his shoes and trying to run away into the major road full of traffic non-stop)....and to stop running his hands up my thighs.
Weird.
When we got home, I didn't care that I was waking up M-Girl and I whisper-yelled how mad I was and marched him straight into the bathroom to scrub his hands.
SH wisely stayed out of the Momster's reach...
So I honestly hope I don't write many of these "Momster-style" blog posts often...but when I do -forgive me. It's a way for me to vent and hopefully be able to read back on these and laugh later on.
*Currently not laughing...still steaming and a bit sore from him dragging me downwards and me pinching my back ...*
I'll try and focus on a more positive post for next time.
BIMU - roar.
Saturday, 20 September 2014
My Jogging Journal: Day 6 & 7 - what a slacker.
You're right - I actually had to look up my blog's previous posts to see when was the last time I jogged with V-Man.
According to my blog - it was Day 5 on September 1st.
That's not to say I have not been jogging with him since then but moreso that I have been crap at recording it.
I've been doing little things with the V-Man like taking him grocery shopping, having mini dates with him - where it's just him and I (i.e. McDonald's or Hesburger...we haven't gotten to the level of comfort of a café yet...).
Thursday I had picked him up from overnight care and he was thrilled to be walking home wearing his harness.
Today, because A-Man has suddenly come down with a horrible stomach flu of sorts - we decided to go out and have a mini-date at McDonald's and took a stroll in H&M...then we went to get groceries.
And this is the interesting part.
He loves walking around a grocery store. If he had it his way, he'd lead me all over the store from opening to close. He's too large to stuff into a shopping cart and while he does fit in one - it's a pain getting him in and out! So he walks now.
Today I didn't have his harness with me and was hoping that by some stroke of luck - he'd feel uncomfortable not holding his handle of his harness and stick closer.
For the most part - yeah he did!
So we're in the grocery store for diapers, snacks and sandwich meat. Because every night before bed - he has a toasted ham and pepperoni sandwich with butter. Sometimes if he didn't eat a lot of supper - he'll also have a couple sliced tomatoes.
Anyways, we went into the sandwich meat aisle and he got excited and immediately went to take a look. It was pretty cute, I must say!
I guided him to the ham section and he was looking at 3 packages (all different brands) and began to actually point at one. So I picked it up for him and he looked at it and wanted to look at the other two as well. That was fine by me - as he wasn't tossing them, biting the package or sniffing/licking them either.
He finally picked the third package - which was store branded ham and didn't quite know what to do with it. I asked him if he wanted that ham for his sandwiches and he looked at it, did his happy dance (fist closed, looking at the package and not screaming but appearing content) and I told him to put it in the basket.
He looked at me like I had 5 heads. So I guided his hand into the basket with the ham and he let it go.
I'm trying to practice the whole "Praise the kids 10x over publicly" and really cheered him on in the chilly meat aisle. He seemed happy, reached for my hand and we walked on.
I instantly thought, "What else might he like that he could easily lift into a basket?!"
So we did a lap around the store and he didn't drag me anywhere specific, so he probably figured we were done.
Then I remembered that we were out of apple juice (the boys don't seem to be fans of my fresh apple juice from the juicer...) and I brought him there. He looked around and when I pointed at the regular juice containers we normally get, he got excited (little bit of hopping, flapping hands and smiling) - and then he took my hand and placed it on a carton.
I told him no, he had to put it in the basket. He's not usually allowed to handle juice cartons at home - to prevent making messes - so he was a bit shy.
I encouraged him as best as I could and separated one carton from the rest and he picked it up and turned it around a few times.
I held the basket out to him and he put it in nicely.
I almost started crying.
It's the little things like this that show me, as a parent, he has real potential to learn some life skills. Sure he might not speak, have and care for a pet, or play on an official sports team or join the local hobby clubs...but if he can show me at the age of 4, that he can express interest in what he wants - and put it in a basket with me - then I have a better peace of mind for his future.
So I guess he'll be going grocery shopping with me a lot more in the future...and I'm kind of excited to work on this new life skill with him.
Honestly, 6-12 months ago - I would never think such a thing!! But I'm trying to stay positive! :)
BIMU
PS Funny story about grocery shopping after picking him up from overnight care:
We walked home (as mentioned above) and immediately hopped on a bus to go across town to get some little things. I figured it'd be wiser to take the longest route because then it would give him time to calm down after realizing we were not going to go straight home to watch a movie.
He handled things quite well - ate a chicken nugget meal at the burger joint there and was very calm.
So calm in fact, that while I was paying, he found a nice tattooed teenaged girl to be friends with.
He kept following her and trying to hold her hand...which sounds really sweet and innocent...but if you're new and holding his hand - there's usually some sniffing involved.
And of course, the overnight care staff had just advised us that he started to bite people again when he's mad.
Not that he was mad while trying to grab this poor girl's hand...
And where was I? Paying for my groceries...and stuffing them in my bag...and when I saw what he was doing - trying my hardest not to pee myself.
Sorry tattooed confused teenage girl.
If you enjoy reading my blog and these little funny "PS" at the end - check out my Facebook page for regular updates that are often, too short for their own blog posts!
According to my blog - it was Day 5 on September 1st.
That's not to say I have not been jogging with him since then but moreso that I have been crap at recording it.
I've been doing little things with the V-Man like taking him grocery shopping, having mini dates with him - where it's just him and I (i.e. McDonald's or Hesburger...we haven't gotten to the level of comfort of a café yet...).
Thursday I had picked him up from overnight care and he was thrilled to be walking home wearing his harness.
Today, because A-Man has suddenly come down with a horrible stomach flu of sorts - we decided to go out and have a mini-date at McDonald's and took a stroll in H&M...then we went to get groceries.
And this is the interesting part.
He loves walking around a grocery store. If he had it his way, he'd lead me all over the store from opening to close. He's too large to stuff into a shopping cart and while he does fit in one - it's a pain getting him in and out! So he walks now.
Today I didn't have his harness with me and was hoping that by some stroke of luck - he'd feel uncomfortable not holding his handle of his harness and stick closer.
For the most part - yeah he did!
So we're in the grocery store for diapers, snacks and sandwich meat. Because every night before bed - he has a toasted ham and pepperoni sandwich with butter. Sometimes if he didn't eat a lot of supper - he'll also have a couple sliced tomatoes.
Anyways, we went into the sandwich meat aisle and he got excited and immediately went to take a look. It was pretty cute, I must say!
I guided him to the ham section and he was looking at 3 packages (all different brands) and began to actually point at one. So I picked it up for him and he looked at it and wanted to look at the other two as well. That was fine by me - as he wasn't tossing them, biting the package or sniffing/licking them either.
He finally picked the third package - which was store branded ham and didn't quite know what to do with it. I asked him if he wanted that ham for his sandwiches and he looked at it, did his happy dance (fist closed, looking at the package and not screaming but appearing content) and I told him to put it in the basket.
He looked at me like I had 5 heads. So I guided his hand into the basket with the ham and he let it go.
I'm trying to practice the whole "Praise the kids 10x over publicly" and really cheered him on in the chilly meat aisle. He seemed happy, reached for my hand and we walked on.
I instantly thought, "What else might he like that he could easily lift into a basket?!"
So we did a lap around the store and he didn't drag me anywhere specific, so he probably figured we were done.
Then I remembered that we were out of apple juice (the boys don't seem to be fans of my fresh apple juice from the juicer...) and I brought him there. He looked around and when I pointed at the regular juice containers we normally get, he got excited (little bit of hopping, flapping hands and smiling) - and then he took my hand and placed it on a carton.
I told him no, he had to put it in the basket. He's not usually allowed to handle juice cartons at home - to prevent making messes - so he was a bit shy.
I encouraged him as best as I could and separated one carton from the rest and he picked it up and turned it around a few times.
I held the basket out to him and he put it in nicely.
I almost started crying.
It's the little things like this that show me, as a parent, he has real potential to learn some life skills. Sure he might not speak, have and care for a pet, or play on an official sports team or join the local hobby clubs...but if he can show me at the age of 4, that he can express interest in what he wants - and put it in a basket with me - then I have a better peace of mind for his future.
So I guess he'll be going grocery shopping with me a lot more in the future...and I'm kind of excited to work on this new life skill with him.
Honestly, 6-12 months ago - I would never think such a thing!! But I'm trying to stay positive! :)
BIMU
PS Funny story about grocery shopping after picking him up from overnight care:
We walked home (as mentioned above) and immediately hopped on a bus to go across town to get some little things. I figured it'd be wiser to take the longest route because then it would give him time to calm down after realizing we were not going to go straight home to watch a movie.
He handled things quite well - ate a chicken nugget meal at the burger joint there and was very calm.
So calm in fact, that while I was paying, he found a nice tattooed teenaged girl to be friends with.
He kept following her and trying to hold her hand...which sounds really sweet and innocent...but if you're new and holding his hand - there's usually some sniffing involved.
And of course, the overnight care staff had just advised us that he started to bite people again when he's mad.
Not that he was mad while trying to grab this poor girl's hand...
And where was I? Paying for my groceries...and stuffing them in my bag...and when I saw what he was doing - trying my hardest not to pee myself.
Sorry tattooed confused teenage girl.
If you enjoy reading my blog and these little funny "PS" at the end - check out my Facebook page for regular updates that are often, too short for their own blog posts!
Friday, 19 September 2014
3 and Done Counting...
Ever since dating SH/D (Super Hubby/Dad), I nearly stopped watching television. It wasn't something he did and it wasn't something I was obsessed with.
I suppose growing up a Trekkie's daughter may have something to do with that...not that I prefer Star Trek over other shows - but I just wasn't exposed to the stuff on television (nor did I have a say in what was played - but who does when living at home with parents?)...and I'm partly glad because a lot of stuff on television surprises me.
I truly wonder what producers think when they're having their meetings.
"We don't have a show about little girls going through pagent show try-outs and the stress it puts on families...yes let's do that....we don't have a show about weird eating habits/cravings...now we do...and let's find families with such strong values that half the world will think "YES! This is what and how raising a family should be about!" and the other half will keep channel surfing..."
Well, I freely admit that I would be a couch potato if exposed to cable television. I love a bag of chips and salsa or fresh guacamole...or flavoured cream cheese for dip...
I guess you get my point...mmm food....
While I may not have my digibox set up (the thing that provides cable in Finland) - I do keep myself fairly current with celebrity news. Yep - small guilty pleasure and I usually stick with Huffington Post or People's websites.
And I think all of North America know the family, the Duggars. Yes, the show about an American family who currently have 19 children (and counting!), some grandchildren and apparently another grandchild on the way!
Their strict commitment to religion isn't what interests me and to be honest, is what put me off from watching the show.
That and the whole, "We'll hold hands once we're engaged then we'll have our first kiss at the altar and then regular old-fashioned intimacy stems from there."
I just am shocked but moreso impressed that the younger Duggars are able to stick to it.
Hormones are a powerful thing! But if you are extremely religious, as they seem to be, then perhaps it's not as hard as us outsiders see it.
I told the SH I was curious if their show was available online and he looked at me asking why in the world I'd watch their show.
Because I'm neutral about pretty much everything when it comes to religion and politics - he was surprised I'd be interested in their life.
I think for me, I'm merely curious about how 1 person can manage to keep their sanity while raising so many children!
Okay, so the oldest boy is married off and has started his family...there's another girl who just got married and 2 months later announced her pregnancy...and a third daughter who is engaged to someone younger than herself.
Even still - that still leaves 17 children in the house - plus that fiancee moved in I guess...so 18.
And yeah, there's 2 sets of twins...BUT STILL!
HOW DO THEY DO IT?!?!?!?!
I had to know. So I looked up their website. As I mentioned earlier, it was not the religious part that interested me but moreso the daily routines...the organization...the hobbies and lifestyle...the cleaning and the vacation...the gas...the FOOD...the bills...the team work...
I just had to know how they did it.
I haven't started to watch it but I did look at the FAQs and that's when I had an "OMG really?!" moment.
I was flipping through Michelle's blog and the financial bits caught my eye and then there was this one: "Do Jim Bob and Michelle believe in spanking?"
In Finland, it is illegal to spank or hit your children.
So in short, no, they don't believe in spanking.
Her philosophy is simple: Praise the kids 10x over publicly but correct them privately.
It finally dawned on me after reading that blog post of hers that I have it pretty good.
I have 3 kids, relatively close in age. Sure - one is autistic and one is mixing his languages and the third is constantly starving (both for food and attention it seems) and ready to bash her head in from trying to stand alone completely already (not even 8 months...good grief!)...
And we have 3 and are done counting...
Anyways, I have decided to adopt the same policy and I have noticed a huge difference already - and it's only been two weeks.
I'm calmer because of that one single blog post...I tolerate a lot more (even when running on less than 5 hours of sleep and 0 caffeine of any kind) and A-Man is listening a lot better.
I used to spaz if he didn't walk as fast and I'd be urging him to go because we have to catch a bus and so on...but now, I say it in a positive happy-go-lucky but firm voice (instead of the Momster voice) and he moves faster.
But there are some things I won't do with A-Man for example, to ensure that we don't get to the "Momster" side of me.
I bypass the candy and sweets aisle like the plague...toy section too with him.
If I know I have to go to that aisle for whatever reason - I bring V-Man or M-Girl (or both). 0 fights and I'm calmer and everyone is much happier.
So Michelle - thank you for saving my sanity.
BIMU
I suppose growing up a Trekkie's daughter may have something to do with that...not that I prefer Star Trek over other shows - but I just wasn't exposed to the stuff on television (nor did I have a say in what was played - but who does when living at home with parents?)...and I'm partly glad because a lot of stuff on television surprises me.
I truly wonder what producers think when they're having their meetings.
"We don't have a show about little girls going through pagent show try-outs and the stress it puts on families...yes let's do that....we don't have a show about weird eating habits/cravings...now we do...and let's find families with such strong values that half the world will think "YES! This is what and how raising a family should be about!" and the other half will keep channel surfing..."
Well, I freely admit that I would be a couch potato if exposed to cable television. I love a bag of chips and salsa or fresh guacamole...or flavoured cream cheese for dip...
I guess you get my point...mmm food....
While I may not have my digibox set up (the thing that provides cable in Finland) - I do keep myself fairly current with celebrity news. Yep - small guilty pleasure and I usually stick with Huffington Post or People's websites.
And I think all of North America know the family, the Duggars. Yes, the show about an American family who currently have 19 children (and counting!), some grandchildren and apparently another grandchild on the way!
Their strict commitment to religion isn't what interests me and to be honest, is what put me off from watching the show.
That and the whole, "We'll hold hands once we're engaged then we'll have our first kiss at the altar and then regular old-fashioned intimacy stems from there."
I just am shocked but moreso impressed that the younger Duggars are able to stick to it.
Hormones are a powerful thing! But if you are extremely religious, as they seem to be, then perhaps it's not as hard as us outsiders see it.
I told the SH I was curious if their show was available online and he looked at me asking why in the world I'd watch their show.
Because I'm neutral about pretty much everything when it comes to religion and politics - he was surprised I'd be interested in their life.
I think for me, I'm merely curious about how 1 person can manage to keep their sanity while raising so many children!
Okay, so the oldest boy is married off and has started his family...there's another girl who just got married and 2 months later announced her pregnancy...and a third daughter who is engaged to someone younger than herself.
Even still - that still leaves 17 children in the house - plus that fiancee moved in I guess...so 18.
And yeah, there's 2 sets of twins...BUT STILL!
HOW DO THEY DO IT?!?!?!?!
I had to know. So I looked up their website. As I mentioned earlier, it was not the religious part that interested me but moreso the daily routines...the organization...the hobbies and lifestyle...the cleaning and the vacation...the gas...the FOOD...the bills...the team work...
I just had to know how they did it.
I haven't started to watch it but I did look at the FAQs and that's when I had an "OMG really?!" moment.
I was flipping through Michelle's blog and the financial bits caught my eye and then there was this one: "Do Jim Bob and Michelle believe in spanking?"
In Finland, it is illegal to spank or hit your children.
So in short, no, they don't believe in spanking.
Her philosophy is simple: Praise the kids 10x over publicly but correct them privately.
It finally dawned on me after reading that blog post of hers that I have it pretty good.
I have 3 kids, relatively close in age. Sure - one is autistic and one is mixing his languages and the third is constantly starving (both for food and attention it seems) and ready to bash her head in from trying to stand alone completely already (not even 8 months...good grief!)...
And we have 3 and are done counting...
Anyways, I have decided to adopt the same policy and I have noticed a huge difference already - and it's only been two weeks.
I'm calmer because of that one single blog post...I tolerate a lot more (even when running on less than 5 hours of sleep and 0 caffeine of any kind) and A-Man is listening a lot better.
I used to spaz if he didn't walk as fast and I'd be urging him to go because we have to catch a bus and so on...but now, I say it in a positive happy-go-lucky but firm voice (instead of the Momster voice) and he moves faster.
But there are some things I won't do with A-Man for example, to ensure that we don't get to the "Momster" side of me.
I bypass the candy and sweets aisle like the plague...toy section too with him.
If I know I have to go to that aisle for whatever reason - I bring V-Man or M-Girl (or both). 0 fights and I'm calmer and everyone is much happier.
So Michelle - thank you for saving my sanity.
BIMU
Friday, 12 September 2014
Learning About Finland: Banking Blues
My husband received a new bank card in the mail several months ago but got stressed out that it said, "MASTER CARD" on it and thought they issued him a credit card that we didn't ask or apply for.
So he didn't use it or activate it.
Our bank is with Danske (previously known as Sampo) and it's fine - the cards usually work (on occasion mine has just not worked for whatever technical reason) and the internet banking is available in English.
We went with them and have been with them since moving to Finland 5 years ago because his supervisor recommended and dealt with them as well.
I noticed my card had an expiry date of 08-2014 but didn't receive a card for whatever reason.
After being declined for multiple purchases (after already using the card for the same day) and knowing there were enough funds for my purchases - I went to the bank in a huff.
Turns out they mailed it in May but I never received it. They immediately requested a new card for me to receive within a week and that was that.
I got my new bank card, one with a Master Card logo on it and the tap to pay feature on it (for purchases maximum of 25€) and it worked right away.
My letter which explained the features of the card and that they were no longer using the Visa Electron name was written in English.
*You have to use the card to activate it - in person - and use your same pin code. Then you'll be able to use the tap to pay feature.
I personally don't like that feature because I think it would be so easy to have money spent from your account if you lost your card!
10€ here, 5€ there, 25€ here and there and it just adds up - you know?
However I don't think it's possible to get that removed...too bad.
Anyways, I convinced my husband and showed him my letter - because his was in Finnish (excellent customer service by the way...the bank knows we're Canadian and don't speak Finnish very well...especially him!) - that it was not a credit card but just their new logo they're going with...and that he should use it soon.
He nodded and didn't think twice about it.
Well, guess what happened to him?
He went to Helsinki for a work meeting and his card was fine until he took a cab home really late at night. Card was not only declined - but the taxi driver was instructed by the machine to keep the bank card and return it to the bank.
Thankfully my husband had enough cash for the cab fare but he was deeply embarrassed.
So just in case this happens to you - know that your bank should send you your bank card about three to six months in advance - depending on your bank!
Ooh and my bank card now has service in English. So when I'm at the bank machine now, the options are in English and when I make purchases too.
But my husband's still registers in Finnish. Thankfully he knows the basics. :)
BIMU
So he didn't use it or activate it.
Our bank is with Danske (previously known as Sampo) and it's fine - the cards usually work (on occasion mine has just not worked for whatever technical reason) and the internet banking is available in English.
We went with them and have been with them since moving to Finland 5 years ago because his supervisor recommended and dealt with them as well.
I noticed my card had an expiry date of 08-2014 but didn't receive a card for whatever reason.
After being declined for multiple purchases (after already using the card for the same day) and knowing there were enough funds for my purchases - I went to the bank in a huff.
Turns out they mailed it in May but I never received it. They immediately requested a new card for me to receive within a week and that was that.
I got my new bank card, one with a Master Card logo on it and the tap to pay feature on it (for purchases maximum of 25€) and it worked right away.
My letter which explained the features of the card and that they were no longer using the Visa Electron name was written in English.
*You have to use the card to activate it - in person - and use your same pin code. Then you'll be able to use the tap to pay feature.
I personally don't like that feature because I think it would be so easy to have money spent from your account if you lost your card!
10€ here, 5€ there, 25€ here and there and it just adds up - you know?
However I don't think it's possible to get that removed...too bad.
Anyways, I convinced my husband and showed him my letter - because his was in Finnish (excellent customer service by the way...the bank knows we're Canadian and don't speak Finnish very well...especially him!) - that it was not a credit card but just their new logo they're going with...and that he should use it soon.
He nodded and didn't think twice about it.
Well, guess what happened to him?
He went to Helsinki for a work meeting and his card was fine until he took a cab home really late at night. Card was not only declined - but the taxi driver was instructed by the machine to keep the bank card and return it to the bank.
Thankfully my husband had enough cash for the cab fare but he was deeply embarrassed.
So just in case this happens to you - know that your bank should send you your bank card about three to six months in advance - depending on your bank!
Ooh and my bank card now has service in English. So when I'm at the bank machine now, the options are in English and when I make purchases too.
But my husband's still registers in Finnish. Thankfully he knows the basics. :)
BIMU
Thursday, 11 September 2014
Going to TRY and save moolah...
What do you always buy because you simply "cannot live without it"?
Often for me, it's yarn or a pretty piece of fabric that I'll wash as soon as I get home and then it'll collect dust or hide in the shadows of my closets.
As previously mentioned, a favourite yarn shop has closed and it was the best store for my wallet and for the quality as well.
Sure, you can buy yarn from a department store but the ones here sell rough feeling wool or it's not 100% wool -which may or may not matter to you. It also depends on your project you're making!
So I was just on Facebook and saw a friend share this page, called Monique Makes Do. It's about a lady named Monique who is trying for 1 year to not spend extra un-necessary money. There are of course some exceptions but I think overall the idea is a brilliant one and one my family could benefit from.
Things that I could cut back on??
I just really need to guilt myself into not buying stuff is all.
Sorry this post took forever and a day for me to put online!!!
Next week the V-Man gets to go to overnight care, so I'm hoping to get a bunch of blogging (and knitting!) done.
I finished 1 skein of that purple yarn to make my cowl/scarf thing...nearly done!
BIMU
Often for me, it's yarn or a pretty piece of fabric that I'll wash as soon as I get home and then it'll collect dust or hide in the shadows of my closets.
As previously mentioned, a favourite yarn shop has closed and it was the best store for my wallet and for the quality as well.
Sure, you can buy yarn from a department store but the ones here sell rough feeling wool or it's not 100% wool -which may or may not matter to you. It also depends on your project you're making!
So I was just on Facebook and saw a friend share this page, called Monique Makes Do. It's about a lady named Monique who is trying for 1 year to not spend extra un-necessary money. There are of course some exceptions but I think overall the idea is a brilliant one and one my family could benefit from.
Things that I could cut back on??
- Yarn - haven't been tempted because I stocked up before my friend closed her shop. I also try to buy it on sale or even second-hand. But considering I have discovered more skeins of yarn today that I don't even remember where I got them from or where...then I realized that I'm a yarnaholic.
- Sweets - I'm on my last bag of M&M's and I don't usually buy sweets to begin with. That and some of my pants don't fit anymore. This should also include the delightful Pepsi which I'm partial to as well!!
- Eating Out - I've gotten better over the last month, mostly because the boys are back in day care, so if I'm hungry, I try to go to the grocery store and get a bag of nuts or a savory pastry to hold me off until I get home. It's not as easy to do with kids and quite often bringing snacks to a playground doesn't cut it when the other family nearby has food that's automatically better or more interesting than yours.
- Second Hand Everything - clothes for me and the kids have always been second hand because kids grow so quickly and I cannot justify paying full price on stuff I can find at a fraction of the cost in a second hand store. I'm not allowed to buy anymore kitchen gadgets or machines...so I'm sworn off that. I am trying hard to reduce my visits to once a week as well. Well, maybe I could try twice a month...
I do buy underwear brand new of course and I typically take good care of my clothing too. - I do have friends who have bigger children than I do and I gladly accept their outgrown clothes!! Thankfully because we have 2 boys, clothes get handed down and I have no problem making the unisex clothes stretch even more to the third, if at all possible!!
I just really need to guilt myself into not buying stuff is all.
Sorry this post took forever and a day for me to put online!!!
Next week the V-Man gets to go to overnight care, so I'm hoping to get a bunch of blogging (and knitting!) done.
I finished 1 skein of that purple yarn to make my cowl/scarf thing...nearly done!
BIMU
Sunday, 7 September 2014
Simply Knitting Pattern Review
I am not a representative of any organization or company - just do random reviews for sharing and based on my experiences.
I like knitting and crocheting a lot. Yarn shopping is both therapeutic and addicting.
I think if it really came down to it, I prefer crocheting over knitting. Mostly because I don't have to commit my tool to one project at a time (i.e. crochet hooks versus knitting needles) and if I drop a stitch, it's not nearly as traumatic as dropping a stitch while knitting - at least for me.
I have a massive post on basic knitting and crocheting information that I'll hopefully have ready soon...just need to charge my camera and take photos of my knitting needles and crochet hooks...some day...
Anyway, the English handicraft magazines come to Finland usually but much slower than when it's released in the UK for example so it may be hard to enter contests - if they're open to outside of the UK.
Also, they average 9€-10€ an issue and special copies with more patterns and tutorials can go upwards to 20€.
Example: my magazine states it should be 4.99£ and I paid 10,90€ (according to XE's site, it should be equal to about 6,24€...but then there's taxes and so on.)
I must admit, I've been quite disappointed in the Simply Crochet magazines because the patterns just haven't been tickling my fancy.
And Simply Knitting is hit or miss and with a hefty price tag on a single issue - I make it a rule to only buy one magazine a month as a treat and that's only if there are enough patterns worth it.
It's partially why I've never asked for a magazine subscription before because I worry it'd be a waste of money if I don't like all the patterns (or many) in an issue.
But! This month's magazine of Simply Knitting issue 124, had a few interesting patterns that I'd be willing to knit and wear so I purchased it.
Recently, my LYS (new term I learned - Local Yarn Shop) - Poppeli - has closed down because the lady running it is going back to school to further her education and follow her dreams.
They do plan to continue selling at exhibitions in Finland - yay!!
So I'm trying to use up my yarn stash and not buy more and more and more yarn....
(Thankfully the other yarn shop I started to frequent is pretty pricey...so I try to not go in and be tempted!!)
I'm embarrassed to say that after I hopped out of the shower, I was grabbing some undies from my dresser drawer and found a little plastic bag and it had not one but 2 skeins of yarn in it! I only remembered purchasing one skein, but the other one is really lovely and I can understand why my past self bought it!! Now what to do with those yarns....
Anyway, after flipping through the magazine (it came with a cute bunch of blue and yellow stitch lockable markers and a container to hold them in), I decided that I need a cowl.
Page 69 has a pattern called Daydreamer and considering the pattern took up less than 1/3 of the page - and seemed easy enough, and with a chunkier yarn - it seemed like a very possible idea!
And I could finish up The Shield with hubby while knitting this easy-peasy pattern. (One episode left and that's it!! We'll be done that series!)
I cast on last night using a long Knit Pro cable and my needle size was 6 mm. The yarn I'm using is Rowan Purelife Renew in a lovely deep purple colour with some flecks of other colours here and there.
93% Recycled Wool and 7% Polyamide - yay it'll be an eco-friendly cowl!
I will have a fabulous cowl before winter arrives! I got to about Row 12 of the "Slanting Pattern" section and then felt fear.
"Rep rows 1-20 until work meas 86cm."
Why would I be terrified?
And then I was short some stitches and over in my stitch count - it was a cluster f*ck...and perhaps the cowl should be an alternating mix up of lace and garter stitch throughout the length of the scarf. Not like anyone will really know because it'd be wrapped around your neck while out for a walk...
And it's so hard to tell in the photo in the magazine because it's just a shot of it around a model's neck as she looks down and smiles...at her...toes? dog? Whatever.
So I brought it with me, magazine and my WIP (work in progress) to a Tupperware party, where there's almost always knitting going on afterwards...and they counted and found Rows 13-20 for me and I thought I'd share with you.
I truly thought I found an errata - which would be my first...but after a quick Google search, it's listed there isn't any in this magazine regarding this cowl...so it's just the way it's written.
Rows 1-20 are counted from the "Slanting Pattern" part of the pattern. Once you've done the "COWL" part - you just keep moving forward and don't go back to that.
So you have a Row 1 and 2 then repeat both 4 more times = Rows 1-10
Then there's suddenly Row 11 and 12 and you're instructed to repeat the rows again 4 more times = Rows 11-20.
So if you add it all up - you get 20 rows.
I'm glad my friends (who are much more advanced knitters than I) were able to clarify things and count it out for me because I was getting upset that I'd' never finish it...and it's beautiful yarn...and thick and warm.
I'll probably block this scarf to help open the lace even more and also because it'll add some length by intentionally and carefully stretching it out.
I've never blocked anything but you know, first time for everything, right?
When it's finished, I'll post a photo!!
BIMU
PS My friend who helped me is quite the designer herself! Go check her out on Ravelry!
I like knitting and crocheting a lot. Yarn shopping is both therapeutic and addicting.
I think if it really came down to it, I prefer crocheting over knitting. Mostly because I don't have to commit my tool to one project at a time (i.e. crochet hooks versus knitting needles) and if I drop a stitch, it's not nearly as traumatic as dropping a stitch while knitting - at least for me.
I have a massive post on basic knitting and crocheting information that I'll hopefully have ready soon...just need to charge my camera and take photos of my knitting needles and crochet hooks...some day...
Anyway, the English handicraft magazines come to Finland usually but much slower than when it's released in the UK for example so it may be hard to enter contests - if they're open to outside of the UK.
Also, they average 9€-10€ an issue and special copies with more patterns and tutorials can go upwards to 20€.
Example: my magazine states it should be 4.99£ and I paid 10,90€ (according to XE's site, it should be equal to about 6,24€...but then there's taxes and so on.)
I must admit, I've been quite disappointed in the Simply Crochet magazines because the patterns just haven't been tickling my fancy.
And Simply Knitting is hit or miss and with a hefty price tag on a single issue - I make it a rule to only buy one magazine a month as a treat and that's only if there are enough patterns worth it.
It's partially why I've never asked for a magazine subscription before because I worry it'd be a waste of money if I don't like all the patterns (or many) in an issue.
But! This month's magazine of Simply Knitting issue 124, had a few interesting patterns that I'd be willing to knit and wear so I purchased it.
Recently, my LYS (new term I learned - Local Yarn Shop) - Poppeli - has closed down because the lady running it is going back to school to further her education and follow her dreams.
They do plan to continue selling at exhibitions in Finland - yay!!
So I'm trying to use up my yarn stash and not buy more and more and more yarn....
(Thankfully the other yarn shop I started to frequent is pretty pricey...so I try to not go in and be tempted!!)
I'm embarrassed to say that after I hopped out of the shower, I was grabbing some undies from my dresser drawer and found a little plastic bag and it had not one but 2 skeins of yarn in it! I only remembered purchasing one skein, but the other one is really lovely and I can understand why my past self bought it!! Now what to do with those yarns....
Anyway, after flipping through the magazine (it came with a cute bunch of blue and yellow stitch lockable markers and a container to hold them in), I decided that I need a cowl.
Page 69 has a pattern called Daydreamer and considering the pattern took up less than 1/3 of the page - and seemed easy enough, and with a chunkier yarn - it seemed like a very possible idea!
And I could finish up The Shield with hubby while knitting this easy-peasy pattern. (One episode left and that's it!! We'll be done that series!)
I cast on last night using a long Knit Pro cable and my needle size was 6 mm. The yarn I'm using is Rowan Purelife Renew in a lovely deep purple colour with some flecks of other colours here and there.
93% Recycled Wool and 7% Polyamide - yay it'll be an eco-friendly cowl!
I will have a fabulous cowl before winter arrives! I got to about Row 12 of the "Slanting Pattern" section and then felt fear.
"Rep rows 1-20 until work meas 86cm."
Why would I be terrified?
- I might not have enough yarn - I only have 2 skeins because I originally planned to make a hat. But perhaps 86cm is for someone needing a cowl that wraps around their throat like a sleek turtle neck and in multiple wraps. Not me!!
- 86 centimeters seemed a bit long and excessive...I'll just go as long as I can with what yarn I have (2 skeins...because "2 balls" always makes me snicker...oh I'm tired - sorry...)
- Where the F is "Rows 13-20" in the pattern??
And then I was short some stitches and over in my stitch count - it was a cluster f*ck...and perhaps the cowl should be an alternating mix up of lace and garter stitch throughout the length of the scarf. Not like anyone will really know because it'd be wrapped around your neck while out for a walk...
And it's so hard to tell in the photo in the magazine because it's just a shot of it around a model's neck as she looks down and smiles...at her...toes? dog? Whatever.
So I brought it with me, magazine and my WIP (work in progress) to a Tupperware party, where there's almost always knitting going on afterwards...and they counted and found Rows 13-20 for me and I thought I'd share with you.
I truly thought I found an errata - which would be my first...but after a quick Google search, it's listed there isn't any in this magazine regarding this cowl...so it's just the way it's written.
Rows 1-20 are counted from the "Slanting Pattern" part of the pattern. Once you've done the "COWL" part - you just keep moving forward and don't go back to that.
So you have a Row 1 and 2 then repeat both 4 more times = Rows 1-10
Then there's suddenly Row 11 and 12 and you're instructed to repeat the rows again 4 more times = Rows 11-20.
So if you add it all up - you get 20 rows.
I'm glad my friends (who are much more advanced knitters than I) were able to clarify things and count it out for me because I was getting upset that I'd' never finish it...and it's beautiful yarn...and thick and warm.
I'll probably block this scarf to help open the lace even more and also because it'll add some length by intentionally and carefully stretching it out.
I've never blocked anything but you know, first time for everything, right?
When it's finished, I'll post a photo!!
BIMU
PS My friend who helped me is quite the designer herself! Go check her out on Ravelry!
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
Learning About Finland: Huuto.net Purchase
If you didn't know, Huuto.net is the Finnish equivalent of EBay.
You create an account and user name and once approved, you can bid, sell or buy.
I shop there every so often for movies, video games and books...sometimes the odd craft supply or tool but I enjoy it. It's completely in Finnish and that's fine for me.
If I'm interested in something, I always check the reviews of the seller to ensure they have at least 95% positive reviews and if there are any neutral or negative reviews - that they're not too serious.
Well, for a few days last week - the hubby wanted an Xbox One console. They're coming out this week to City Market and other shops in Jyväskylä.
I thought I would try my luck on Huuto.net and I struck big with a guy who even lives in Central Finland and got his this past January in Germany!
Well, there was back and forth bidding and finally we decided to purchase it for the asking price - since the video games that were included (x3) were at least 60€ each in store (even second hand!).
So it was a great price.
I messaged the seller and we arranged a time and date for drop-off.
So I went up to our meeting location near my home (our drive way is too hard for people to find usually) and carried M-Girl with me.
I spotted the car and this tall young man with half his head shaved (bottom half), the remaining hair tied up in a small top knot, wearing big black leather coat with spikes and black jeans ...
I waved at him, introduced myself and him too and he asked where I'm from.
He showed me the Xbox One and everything was in mint condition as promised. So as I was counting out money for him, he asked the baby's name and I asked if he's Finnish.
"Oh yes, 100 percent."
I thought this was highly entertaining...and when he heard about our choice in children names and that no, I am not married to a Finn, he was pleased and impressed and his voice softened to a "aww coochy coo" baby voice when I said M-Girl's name.
Yep big softy.
So I went home and gave him a positive rating and a nice compliment for being punctual and good with communication etc.
I received one back saying, that it was one of his easiest transactions and thanks again.
And I'm happy to say that I haven't had ANY negative experiences with Huuto.net that weren't fixed quickly by the seller (one time I had to pay extra for the postage when I picked up a package and I was quickly reimbursed by her).
So, just be careful that you make sure the seller has positive customer/buyer reviews, make sure you understand what the product includes and postage fees and go from there :).
BIMU
PS The Xbox One is bigger than the Xbox 360, can play Bluray and be hooked up to your older model Xbox because you cannot play older model games on the new One system.
You create an account and user name and once approved, you can bid, sell or buy.
I shop there every so often for movies, video games and books...sometimes the odd craft supply or tool but I enjoy it. It's completely in Finnish and that's fine for me.
If I'm interested in something, I always check the reviews of the seller to ensure they have at least 95% positive reviews and if there are any neutral or negative reviews - that they're not too serious.
Well, for a few days last week - the hubby wanted an Xbox One console. They're coming out this week to City Market and other shops in Jyväskylä.
I thought I would try my luck on Huuto.net and I struck big with a guy who even lives in Central Finland and got his this past January in Germany!
Well, there was back and forth bidding and finally we decided to purchase it for the asking price - since the video games that were included (x3) were at least 60€ each in store (even second hand!).
So it was a great price.
I messaged the seller and we arranged a time and date for drop-off.
So I went up to our meeting location near my home (our drive way is too hard for people to find usually) and carried M-Girl with me.
I spotted the car and this tall young man with half his head shaved (bottom half), the remaining hair tied up in a small top knot, wearing big black leather coat with spikes and black jeans ...
I waved at him, introduced myself and him too and he asked where I'm from.
He showed me the Xbox One and everything was in mint condition as promised. So as I was counting out money for him, he asked the baby's name and I asked if he's Finnish.
"Oh yes, 100 percent."
I thought this was highly entertaining...and when he heard about our choice in children names and that no, I am not married to a Finn, he was pleased and impressed and his voice softened to a "aww coochy coo" baby voice when I said M-Girl's name.
Yep big softy.
So I went home and gave him a positive rating and a nice compliment for being punctual and good with communication etc.
I received one back saying, that it was one of his easiest transactions and thanks again.
And I'm happy to say that I haven't had ANY negative experiences with Huuto.net that weren't fixed quickly by the seller (one time I had to pay extra for the postage when I picked up a package and I was quickly reimbursed by her).
So, just be careful that you make sure the seller has positive customer/buyer reviews, make sure you understand what the product includes and postage fees and go from there :).
BIMU
PS The Xbox One is bigger than the Xbox 360, can play Bluray and be hooked up to your older model Xbox because you cannot play older model games on the new One system.
Monday, 1 September 2014
My Jogging Journal: Day 5 - Short But Sweet
This week, the V-Man has overnight care and we're happy for him because he loves it there.
Today I had a knitting group and SH and I agreed that whenever V-Man is away, if I have a knitting group- I go alone.
I rushed V-Man to the bus stop but we missed it.
Well, it's about a 20 minutes walk with him, so that's what we'll do!
I was wrong.
We ended up jogging pretty much the whole way and made it there in 12.
It was relaxing and he smiled a lot...and I offered to walk a little but he wanted to run.
Despite not being dressed to run (jeans and flip flops) I survived and didn't fall!!!
I was thinking of jogging this route before but if he doesn't have overnight care, he may get upset...we'll see.
I got to knitting early for once, got some Christmas shopping done for A-Man and actually got crocheting done too.
A great day.
BIMU
Today I had a knitting group and SH and I agreed that whenever V-Man is away, if I have a knitting group- I go alone.
I rushed V-Man to the bus stop but we missed it.
Well, it's about a 20 minutes walk with him, so that's what we'll do!
I was wrong.
We ended up jogging pretty much the whole way and made it there in 12.
It was relaxing and he smiled a lot...and I offered to walk a little but he wanted to run.
Despite not being dressed to run (jeans and flip flops) I survived and didn't fall!!!
I was thinking of jogging this route before but if he doesn't have overnight care, he may get upset...we'll see.
I got to knitting early for once, got some Christmas shopping done for A-Man and actually got crocheting done too.
A great day.
BIMU
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