Housekeeping: After a few people mentioned that they were having some trouble commenting, I have now changed my blog's template and disabled the word-verification-spam-filter thing. So, you know, if you happen to be a spam bot, you now have license to post as much shit as you like. If you're a real person and you experience any difficulty in commenting, shoot me an email. I can't promise that I'll be savvy enough to fix it, but I can always try.
Finnish: I'm back to studying after a long and painfully dull hiihtoloma. I tried to work on various other projects that I've been planning (involving music or writing, usually), but I didn't get very far on anything. This demonstrated to me just how central this course is to my entire existence. While that's probably good in terms of learning Finnish, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I probably need a few other things to do. I'm also thinking that I need to go back to university before my brain melts or disintegrates. A move to Helsinki (or some other city) might be in my future.
The weather report is: icy.
It's a bit of a chore to walk around when the sidewalks are buried in a layer of footprinted, potholed ice- pavement. This is undoubtedly a sign of spring, though. I've been absorbing every ray of extra sunlight when I'm out.
And, finally, there was one more blog I meant to plug in my last post but couldn't due to some technical difficulties. Full Belly Alchemist is not only another blog whose title shames mine, but it's also an absolutely fascinating read for foodies and laypeople alike. The author hails from Queens, New York, so you know she's got access to a variety of interesting and quality eats. She's also kind enough to post photos, so she's a great source for food porn when you're feeling the urge.
More to come when things get a little more interesting around here. I think they will.
The weather report is: icy.It's a bit of a chore to walk around when the sidewalks are buried in a layer of footprinted, potholed ice- pavement. This is undoubtedly a sign of spring, though. I've been absorbing every ray of extra sunlight when I'm out.
And, finally, there was one more blog I meant to plug in my last post but couldn't due to some technical difficulties. Full Belly Alchemist is not only another blog whose title shames mine, but it's also an absolutely fascinating read for foodies and laypeople alike. The author hails from Queens, New York, so you know she's got access to a variety of interesting and quality eats. She's also kind enough to post photos, so she's a great source for food porn when you're feeling the urge.
More to come when things get a little more interesting around here. I think they will.
It's funny that hiihtoloma here happened a few weeks earlier than down south he he...dunno why, though.
ReplyDeleteIt's not icy here yet, but in two weeks it's gonna be like that, too. I'm prepared with my spikes 'coz I still like riding my bike when it's icy - though I have to wear the spikes for balance.
Be careful out there, though...a friend of mine once slipped down on icy snow and she broke her arm. R2 also once fell down and twisted his arm.
GOOD LUCK about moving and continuing your studies!!! :-D
It really is a little scary walking around out there. Ice was always a problem back home, too, but I can't remember it being so thick! Fortunately, the Finns are smart enough to use gravel to create some traction, whereas they only use sand back home. Gravel is far superior, in my opinion!
DeleteI still find that the gravel isn't enough 'coz in some parts there is less of it. Both hubby and my UK friend fell down even though there was gravel, so these days I always bring my spikes everywhere just in case (and always put them on when walking or biking if I see icy snow everywhere). I feel much safer that way. :-D
DeleteCrap, I didn't mean you should get rid of the word verification!
ReplyDeleteI guess you're not looking to study technology or business administration, because you can do that in LUT. They probably even offer some Open University courses.
No, I was happy to get rid of it. You weren't the only one to have problems. Besides, I prefer not to have it anyway; I'm perfectly capable of recognizing and subsequently deleting spam myself, and the word verification usually only functions as a minor annoyance. The only trouble was figuring out how to get rid of it, as Google seems to think it's a really important feature. In short, I'm glad it's gone.
DeleteSadly, I don't want to study technology or business administration. I often wish I did! I didn't realize they offered Open University courses, though, which would at least kill some time and teach me a few things. Thanks for the link.
I really know what you mean about needing something more to "fill the void". Years ago, before I married my Finn and long before we had children, I lived together with him in Turku for 4 months (starting in late December), while he finished writing his thesis. We managed to find a Finnish language course that filled a couple of days per week, but other than that I was a bit stumped for things to do (even after I joined the library and read a lot of the stuff available in English, joined a students' aerobics class, hung out with some friends I met through my course, found a swimming partner, and explored every shop in the Turku city centre). I had very little money and couldn't work because I didn't have the right kind of visa. I remember sleeping a lot and dragging myself out for walks as often as I could stand the cold. While I wanted and needed to be with my Finn, it was a challenging time in some ways. I really understand what you're going through. Good luck in your Next Steps search!
ReplyDeleteHow funny -- I call my husband "my Finn" too.
DeleteYes, what you describe sounds an awful lot like what I've been doing. I have managed to do a lot of writing, which is far from a waste, but doing it all the time without much other activity is kind of maddening. My task now is to work up the courage to talk to people. I speak enough Finnish to get by in most, very, very BRIEF, everyday interactions, but I'm always pretty timid. My current plan is to swim at the uimahalli and go to the library a lot. Quite similar to what you did, actually. Maybe I'll even meet some people that way. Thanks for the understanding and the wishes for luck.
You don't need courage to talk where you're living. They're Karelians: the problem isn't getting them to talk, the problem is getting them to shut up.
DeleteJust noticed this exists. Kinda obvious come to think of it. There's also this if you need something to do.
That's some freaky timezone you've specified.
DeleteI once heard someone call the Karelians "Finland's Italians." I'm not sure if that's a common saying, but I thought it was pretty funny.
DeleteHmm, talking about talkative Karelians, I'm just like that!
DeleteAlso, I think you should definately visit Ilosaari Rock (www.ilosaarirock.fi) in Joensuu, North-Karelia, next summer and you'll definately see the difference between Karelians and other Finns! ;) I'll be even happy to invite you guys to eat dinner at our house!
About the festival itself: Besides the unbelievably friendly atmosphere in there, they will probably have your kind of music regardless of what you're in to. How do I know? Well, they just simply have every kind of music for every one! :)
Tervetuloa Helsinkiin!
ReplyDelete