Why, hello there.
What is there to say? I'm sorry I've gone quiet, and, I assure you, it's not that I'm dead or that I've moved back to the states or both. I suppose I've been experiencing something of a blogging crisis.
My teaching career is growing and developing, a thing regarding which I had completely lost hope a year ago. I'm nearly a functioning adult person, although I'm still painfully anxious and hopelessly fumbling sometimes. I still walk everywhere, and it gives me a sense of autonomy but also one of rootlessness, like a roving traveler.
It's just that I can't imagine why you'd care much about what I'm up to these days. I'm not a tourist or a visitor or a person fresh off the boat, only just coming to discover Finland, the existence of a partitive case, mustamakkara and the like. Although I continue to experience new things on a frequent basis, those experiences have morphed from ones novel and bemusing into something more like habitual and familiar (with, of course a dash of mitä vittua). And wasn't it my bewilderment and confusion that drew you to me in the first place?
What bewilders me now is how I ended up here. How utterly weird it is that I came to live in Finland of all places, and on little more than a whim, too. I mean, if I'd been even a little older, a little wiser, would I have ever come here at all? And yet, somehow, it's all working out and I've become someone different. Or, maybe not completely different, but I've gained a dimension. I guess that's due mainly to the language; I'd suppose I use Finnish and English in roughly equal amounts these days, though absolutely not with equal facility. Knowing Finnish has granted me a new understanding of the world - added a new dimension to things.
So, I dunno, maybe I'll leave it up to you. Assuming you're interested at all, what would you like to know about?
What is there to say? I'm sorry I've gone quiet, and, I assure you, it's not that I'm dead or that I've moved back to the states or both. I suppose I've been experiencing something of a blogging crisis.
My teaching career is growing and developing, a thing regarding which I had completely lost hope a year ago. I'm nearly a functioning adult person, although I'm still painfully anxious and hopelessly fumbling sometimes. I still walk everywhere, and it gives me a sense of autonomy but also one of rootlessness, like a roving traveler.
It's just that I can't imagine why you'd care much about what I'm up to these days. I'm not a tourist or a visitor or a person fresh off the boat, only just coming to discover Finland, the existence of a partitive case, mustamakkara and the like. Although I continue to experience new things on a frequent basis, those experiences have morphed from ones novel and bemusing into something more like habitual and familiar (with, of course a dash of mitä vittua). And wasn't it my bewilderment and confusion that drew you to me in the first place?
What bewilders me now is how I ended up here. How utterly weird it is that I came to live in Finland of all places, and on little more than a whim, too. I mean, if I'd been even a little older, a little wiser, would I have ever come here at all? And yet, somehow, it's all working out and I've become someone different. Or, maybe not completely different, but I've gained a dimension. I guess that's due mainly to the language; I'd suppose I use Finnish and English in roughly equal amounts these days, though absolutely not with equal facility. Knowing Finnish has granted me a new understanding of the world - added a new dimension to things.
So, I dunno, maybe I'll leave it up to you. Assuming you're interested at all, what would you like to know about?
Oh definitely still interested! But I don't feel comfortable requesting topics or blog posts or the like. I'm here because I adore your thoughts and experiences. Whatever you feel is interesting or fun to share is what I like to read about. If you notice them rarely, that's ok. So forget us, don't force it, and just shoot your brain contents out to the universe and it will be a better place.
ReplyDeleteThis is an incredibly kind comment. I'm sure I'd say the same about your thoughts if I knew them. :)
DeleteWelcome back! I sympathise with your writer's block - I have been experiencing one too! I guess it is the fate of many blogs. But if you find it in you, keep posting. Love your stories and love your writing!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you've been experiencing something similar, but I appreciated your latest post very much! Your blog manages to be most informative, funny, and affectionate yet truthful! Can't wait to read whatever you have coming.
DeleteI'm SO pleased that you can do the kind of job that you enjoy doing in Finland. I can relate to the bewilderment of how you ended up here. :-) I never thought I'd end up here, either he he he he...and never thought I'd be doing the kind of job that I've been doing, either. Life is strange, magical, sometimes frustrating. I'd like to know how it feels like to teach in Finland compared to back home, how the kids are like, the curriculum, etc.?
ReplyDeleteWait, is this going to be a DIY blog from now on?
ReplyDeleteOh, come on!
I'm definitely still interested, as I'm sure many others are too. I really enjoy reading your blog and admire your writing style.
ReplyDeleteWas this up your alley?
ReplyDeleteDude, that is up my alley and around the corner.
DeleteHow's the Finnish? Have you reached the highest levels of proficiency yet, where you comfortably exchange quick witticisms and generally babble on with native speakers for hours on end like a typical Kaurismäki character?
ReplyDeleteActually, it would be interesting to know about you daily life.
I think we've established we are interested. Are you?
ReplyDeleteVery much. I have a post half-way written. I actually have a (somewhat) free weekend coming up (the first in many weeks), so we'll see what happens.
DeleteTurns out: Nothing.
DeletePlease please please post more updates, Elena! You're probably really busy, but I really miss reading your blog. ~ E
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