If you've never watched an episode of Glee in your life, now you absolutely MUST. Season 2 episode 18, born this way is hands down the single most awesomest episode of TV history ever created ever ever! Outside of the singing and dancing that usually fills up an episode of Glee, this episode also had a powerful message, PSA if you will. And I guess you either have to be gay or struggling with some form of self doubt or self hate to truly appreciate this episode but the theme was self acceptance. And the message was that no matter who or what kind you are, you are worth loving. By you and by others. And the thing you most hate about yourself might just be the thing that someone else loves you for or admires you for. In a totally awesome way the show was able to make a character admit that she's a lesbian, another to say she's bi-curious and all the others to admit that one thing they were embarrassed about themselves. And they did it with style, wit and humor.
The gay and lesbian visibility on this show is amazing and this episode just made me love it even more. At the end of the episode they perform Lady Gaga's "Born this way" and everyone is wearing a T-shirt that has the one thing they're most embarrassed about written on them. Before they go on stage, Brittany goes to Santana who confessed her love to Brittany few episodes ago and shows her her T. It says "I'm with Stoopid" with an arrow pointing up (as Britt's just not the sharpest tool in the shed). And Santana shows her her's "Bitch" which she is but Brittany is not impressed. She made her a special T which says "Lebanese". It's supposed to say lesbian but Britt can't spell...It was so cute and so awesome and so sweet and just amazing. Santana's like "But I'm hispanic...wait, is that supposed to say "lesbian"?" Brittany goes on to tell Santana how proud she is of her and that she should be too and not to date a guy. Santana tells her she has no business meddling since she didn't tell her she loved her back. Brittany gets angry and tells her that she loves her, more than Santana loves herself and if she did she'd wear the T and dance with her and then storms out.
I was just like AWWWWWWW...That's still all I can say. EVERYBODY should have a Brittany in their lives, especially if you're coming out. A friend like that could help the process so much. And to have someone in your life who just loves you unconditionally just the way you are...We all need and DESERVE that.
In light of my recent "realization" that I am in fact "Lebanese" I bought 2 t-shirts declaring that. The country, as it is muslim, probably does not appreciate all the recent lebanese converters but oh well. My Tees should be coming after I come back from USA.
I am gonna board the Brittana ship now... I gotta gay. GO! I gotta go!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Good-bad ratio in (my) world
Why is it that every good news is followed by bad news and every good happening is followed by a bad one? Lately it seems like every good thing that has happened will be followed by something bad. Or sometimes the bad is followed by good too. And for the life of me I can't spell "followed" right today so if there's an O missing, you know why.
Last week we would have had our 5 year anniversary, which obviously was not a great day for me. The next day though, was a pay day which all in all does not cancel out the bad of the day before but in my situation made a pretty big difference. bad-> good. Then this week there was Carly's birthday, which is a good day followed by news that a friend of mine has ovarian cancer. It's like a major roller coaster ride that never ends.
Next week I'll be flying over to NJ and getting my stuff. Finally. Have you ever spent 650 euros on a trip and not been excited or happy about it? Well, I have now. I used to be so excited to fly over because it meant some awesome things were happening. This time is for a good bye. Nothing exciting about that. Nothing to start a countdown over for. Every other time I've flown over EVERYBODY has known about it. But as I'm writing this I'm sitting in my verandah in a 20+C degree weather wearing shorts and a t-shirt so it's not all bad. I'm working on my non existing tan as I'm whiter than a ghost but maybe I'll get there some day. I would start blonding my hair in the sun too except I need a hat on to see the screen.
Since I don't have my own "community" or a person anymore I have gone back to the online community. You can find people that share the same interests as you, find news about things that interest you and share idea with like-minded people. TV has also been a great distraction from my life. I read an article on AfterEllen titled "Are we too tough on gay teens on TV" which talked about how people go crazy on their favorite characters if they don't like the way the storyline is going or the choices the character is making. Being gay and finding a TV character who represents "you" is not easy so when there is a character on TV that kinda looks like you or "is" you, seeing that character do something that you can't relate to or would never do yourself in real life makes you more mad than your straight counterpart just because you can't just change a channel and move on to the next show and next character since there are not that many on TV. I can't emphasize the importance of having people like you around you and when you don't have that, you relate to the fictional people on TV. Straight people can look at their parents, family and friends all around them and simulate the best qualities of those relationships. They have the role models around them but what if you're gay and have no gay people around you?
I am not saying that I need role models in my life. At 30 I think I know who I am and the kind of person I want to be but it's tough when I have no gay friends. My rants about gay rights resonate to a certain degree with my friends but even if they are all for me getting married, this issue doesn't touch them as much as it does me. They CAN get married...they ARE married... and some take that right for granted.
So to go back to what I was saying here...online community. I've been on Grey's anatomy message board because I'm obsessed with the show. When I got dumped my favorite lesbian couple broke up and I really just needed the assurance that there are happy endings, so I had to google spoilers for the show. And when you get spoiled there's no turning back. So I went to the one place where people understood my frustration. Now I find it very interesting and curious when straight people post more about a lesbian characters than I do. My involvement on the MB is nowhere near as intense at it was when I got hooked on The L Word but I post pretty much daily. I remember when I got on the boards 6 years ago I presented myself as straight even though I realized I wasn't. And there was a guy in the picture back then. But it took me awhile to openly admit it to myself and to the people I was talking to. And that was a safe place if any. So now when I see these married straight women posting about their love for Callie and Arizona and how they want to see more intimate scenes, more loving, more...it makes me wonder are they really being honest with themselves. It could be that they are just who they say they are since this by no means is a gay show like TLW was but sometimes when they wanna see more hot scenes I can't but to remember the times 6 years ago and the awakening I felt... And they post mainly on the Callie and Arizona thread. Are self-confessed Calzona lovers. Watch the show because of them. But maybe that's just me...maybe I just wanna see rainbows all around me! Everybody should be as gay as me...or should they?
Since I've heard so much about "Pretty little liars" from the people on the MB and how the "love scenes", intimacy and the story lines for Emily, the shows gay character are so much better than on Grey's, I had to download the season and watch what all the fuzz was about. And I got to say, having a lesbian writer on the show really does make a huge difference. The journey for Emily is very believable and you can basically relate to every step she's taking. And the chemistry between her and her love interests so far has been amazing. But what's really interesting for me is how they have had guys in the middle when characters have come out. Like I said before, there was a guy in the picture when I came out or admitted to myself who I was and it's like the last push to try to force yourself to be straight. There might not be anyone for ages and then when you're supposed to come to grips with who you are, universe throws a curve ball. Emily had feelings for Maya but instead of dealing with them she went to a dance with a boy. She finally came around and came out but I thought it was interesting. And totally something I could relate to. Then later in the season, Emily's new love interest Paige knows she's gay but is afraid to come out. A boy asks her out and she goes even though she likes Emily. The date ends with a kiss and Paige comes to Emily and confesses that she felt phony. That kiss finally made her face that fact that yes, she's gay. Even though she didn't come out. We'll see how that goes.
Why am I talking about Pretty little liars you ask? Because it's on ABC family, which is youth oriented channel and the show is about high school kids. But I can relate to that journey Emily is on. And being one of the few openly gays in town. It also doesn't hurt at all that the girl playing Emily, Shay Mitchell is probably one of the most gorgeous women you'll ever see!
Another show that's demanding more of my attention is Glee. I love the show as it is without the coming up lesbian storyline(s) but it does not hurt at all to have lesbian/bi characters on the show. And this show has the guy factor thrown in there for road bumps as well. Santana, who is coming out soon and who just few episodes ago confessed her love to her best friend Brittany has been dating boys left and right and Brittany is dating a boy. That hasn't stopped them from hooking up though. As they say "it's not cheating when the plumbing is different."
I think I've blogged enough for today. Back to work tomorrow for another 6 days before my long awaited trip. Now I gotta take my white legs outside for a walk and maybe go check out if the ice cream stand is open for business.
Later peeps.
Last week we would have had our 5 year anniversary, which obviously was not a great day for me. The next day though, was a pay day which all in all does not cancel out the bad of the day before but in my situation made a pretty big difference. bad-> good. Then this week there was Carly's birthday, which is a good day followed by news that a friend of mine has ovarian cancer. It's like a major roller coaster ride that never ends.
Next week I'll be flying over to NJ and getting my stuff. Finally. Have you ever spent 650 euros on a trip and not been excited or happy about it? Well, I have now. I used to be so excited to fly over because it meant some awesome things were happening. This time is for a good bye. Nothing exciting about that. Nothing to start a countdown over for. Every other time I've flown over EVERYBODY has known about it. But as I'm writing this I'm sitting in my verandah in a 20+C degree weather wearing shorts and a t-shirt so it's not all bad. I'm working on my non existing tan as I'm whiter than a ghost but maybe I'll get there some day. I would start blonding my hair in the sun too except I need a hat on to see the screen.
Since I don't have my own "community" or a person anymore I have gone back to the online community. You can find people that share the same interests as you, find news about things that interest you and share idea with like-minded people. TV has also been a great distraction from my life. I read an article on AfterEllen titled "Are we too tough on gay teens on TV" which talked about how people go crazy on their favorite characters if they don't like the way the storyline is going or the choices the character is making. Being gay and finding a TV character who represents "you" is not easy so when there is a character on TV that kinda looks like you or "is" you, seeing that character do something that you can't relate to or would never do yourself in real life makes you more mad than your straight counterpart just because you can't just change a channel and move on to the next show and next character since there are not that many on TV. I can't emphasize the importance of having people like you around you and when you don't have that, you relate to the fictional people on TV. Straight people can look at their parents, family and friends all around them and simulate the best qualities of those relationships. They have the role models around them but what if you're gay and have no gay people around you?
I am not saying that I need role models in my life. At 30 I think I know who I am and the kind of person I want to be but it's tough when I have no gay friends. My rants about gay rights resonate to a certain degree with my friends but even if they are all for me getting married, this issue doesn't touch them as much as it does me. They CAN get married...they ARE married... and some take that right for granted.
So to go back to what I was saying here...online community. I've been on Grey's anatomy message board because I'm obsessed with the show. When I got dumped my favorite lesbian couple broke up and I really just needed the assurance that there are happy endings, so I had to google spoilers for the show. And when you get spoiled there's no turning back. So I went to the one place where people understood my frustration. Now I find it very interesting and curious when straight people post more about a lesbian characters than I do. My involvement on the MB is nowhere near as intense at it was when I got hooked on The L Word but I post pretty much daily. I remember when I got on the boards 6 years ago I presented myself as straight even though I realized I wasn't. And there was a guy in the picture back then. But it took me awhile to openly admit it to myself and to the people I was talking to. And that was a safe place if any. So now when I see these married straight women posting about their love for Callie and Arizona and how they want to see more intimate scenes, more loving, more...it makes me wonder are they really being honest with themselves. It could be that they are just who they say they are since this by no means is a gay show like TLW was but sometimes when they wanna see more hot scenes I can't but to remember the times 6 years ago and the awakening I felt... And they post mainly on the Callie and Arizona thread. Are self-confessed Calzona lovers. Watch the show because of them. But maybe that's just me...maybe I just wanna see rainbows all around me! Everybody should be as gay as me...or should they?
Since I've heard so much about "Pretty little liars" from the people on the MB and how the "love scenes", intimacy and the story lines for Emily, the shows gay character are so much better than on Grey's, I had to download the season and watch what all the fuzz was about. And I got to say, having a lesbian writer on the show really does make a huge difference. The journey for Emily is very believable and you can basically relate to every step she's taking. And the chemistry between her and her love interests so far has been amazing. But what's really interesting for me is how they have had guys in the middle when characters have come out. Like I said before, there was a guy in the picture when I came out or admitted to myself who I was and it's like the last push to try to force yourself to be straight. There might not be anyone for ages and then when you're supposed to come to grips with who you are, universe throws a curve ball. Emily had feelings for Maya but instead of dealing with them she went to a dance with a boy. She finally came around and came out but I thought it was interesting. And totally something I could relate to. Then later in the season, Emily's new love interest Paige knows she's gay but is afraid to come out. A boy asks her out and she goes even though she likes Emily. The date ends with a kiss and Paige comes to Emily and confesses that she felt phony. That kiss finally made her face that fact that yes, she's gay. Even though she didn't come out. We'll see how that goes.
Why am I talking about Pretty little liars you ask? Because it's on ABC family, which is youth oriented channel and the show is about high school kids. But I can relate to that journey Emily is on. And being one of the few openly gays in town. It also doesn't hurt at all that the girl playing Emily, Shay Mitchell is probably one of the most gorgeous women you'll ever see!
Another show that's demanding more of my attention is Glee. I love the show as it is without the coming up lesbian storyline(s) but it does not hurt at all to have lesbian/bi characters on the show. And this show has the guy factor thrown in there for road bumps as well. Santana, who is coming out soon and who just few episodes ago confessed her love to her best friend Brittany has been dating boys left and right and Brittany is dating a boy. That hasn't stopped them from hooking up though. As they say "it's not cheating when the plumbing is different."
I think I've blogged enough for today. Back to work tomorrow for another 6 days before my long awaited trip. Now I gotta take my white legs outside for a walk and maybe go check out if the ice cream stand is open for business.
Later peeps.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Happy Birthday Carly
Yesterday was Carly's 3rd birthday and since I can't be there to wish her happy birthday myself, I will do it here online instead. Love you and miss you Carly!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
What the fuck just happened?
Seriously, can someone tell me how the hell did this happen? The shit hit the fan!
Oh wow
A 30 year old Finnish woman is now seeking asylum from a lesbian friendly country. Marriage rights and overall equality should be established. Job and place to stay would be appreciated.
What am I talking about? The parliamental elections were today and Persu, the "true Finns" are the biggest winners in these elections. Right now when the results are not final, it looks like they are getting 41 of 200 seats in the parliament. Their main points are to restrict immigration to Finland, marriage between a man and a woman, get Finnish Mark back and let go of Euro, resign from EU... basically crawl into a ball and leave the rest of the world behind. Welcome to the new discriminating Finland.
I've been reading the status updates of my friends on FB and NOBODY is happy. Where all these Persu voters came from is beyond me but they're there and now we will need to live with it. If Persu and KD are in the government, I will be leaving Finland! this is CRAZY!!!
What am I talking about? The parliamental elections were today and Persu, the "true Finns" are the biggest winners in these elections. Right now when the results are not final, it looks like they are getting 41 of 200 seats in the parliament. Their main points are to restrict immigration to Finland, marriage between a man and a woman, get Finnish Mark back and let go of Euro, resign from EU... basically crawl into a ball and leave the rest of the world behind. Welcome to the new discriminating Finland.
I've been reading the status updates of my friends on FB and NOBODY is happy. Where all these Persu voters came from is beyond me but they're there and now we will need to live with it. If Persu and KD are in the government, I will be leaving Finland! this is CRAZY!!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Best. Day. of. 2011.
Who's ready for some happy and positive posts? Life's looking like it might be picking up and today, right this second as I'm drinking this dark red pear cider my brother got me for free from work and listen to my UPSTAIRS neighbors fighting as usual on Friday nights I can say that I'm actually pretty content. "Happy" might not be the word just yet but life doesn't suck 24&7. At least not today. And why not today you ask? Well...today for the first time in 2 years...was PAYDAY! That magical day of the month when currency appears on your bank account and for a brief second you can dream about all those things you wanna buy with that money... until the reality sets in and reminds you that most of that is someone else's for services/products etc tendered. And then you pay your bills and realize that it's almost all gone. But... some of the bills paid today included:
Health insurance
Electricity
little towards my major credit card
Little more towards my smaller credit card that I used to pay my flights to NYC next month
May rent
And I went to buy some household stuff that I needed and I bought this amazing hair wax and now my hair looks totally awesome! Can't lie! It looks so awesome in fact that I'm contemplating not cutting it like I'd planned. I bought a laundry basket cuz the plastic bags were just not cutting it anymore. I bought sheets cuz borrowing from my mom wasn't fun anymore and I made an appointment to get my eye sight checked. Let's face it, I'm blind as a bat! I can't afford to buy new glasses right now but I might be able to squeeze in contact lenses. And the icing on the cake is... I bought bags for my vacuum cleaner from an online store! Hooray! I have been searching for them with cats and dogs and it seems that they don't really have them anywhere that I looked anyway so I was happy. Now I can vacuum as my heart desires!
(Side note, the cider looks just like Muumi soda.)
Yesterday I found out that Tammela did not hire me. Surprise surprise. They didn't tell me though, that I came second, which is a good thing. 2 is not my number. But as I found out, my contract at HAMK once I actually see it and sign it, is until May 15 so it looks like I'll be working for few days at least in May. I will lose those 4 days because of lil trip to get my belongings but I was happy with that news. The next 2 weeks are only 4 day work weeks because of Easter which is not good for me as I am paid by the hours I work and 2 days equals $$$. Well, loss of $$$.
I have some rants in me too but I don't feel like ranting today so I'll save those for another day. Maybe I'll forget. But right now, I might have to go check myself out from the mirror and then watch some quality TV. And finish my muumi soda, or cider.
One last funny thing. I was reading the "Nyt" portion of Helsingin Sanomat today and there was an article about elections. It had gathered all kinds of funny and interesting tidbits about elections and their history and it said that in 1968 the voting privileges of a person might have been revoked by unfortunate/badly timed headache and dizziness that resulted in the person being sent to Hattelmala sane asylum! As a person currently working in the above mentioned institution, all I can say is that I'm glad I voted last Saturday! LOL! And while we're on the subject, I cannot wait for the elections to be over so that I don't have to be mobbed by the team of volunteers of one local candidate while visiting a supermarket!
Anyways... was a good day!
Have a GREAT weekend and go vote Finns! Not Persut or KD though...don't be stupid!
Later!
Health insurance
Electricity
little towards my major credit card
Little more towards my smaller credit card that I used to pay my flights to NYC next month
May rent
And I went to buy some household stuff that I needed and I bought this amazing hair wax and now my hair looks totally awesome! Can't lie! It looks so awesome in fact that I'm contemplating not cutting it like I'd planned. I bought a laundry basket cuz the plastic bags were just not cutting it anymore. I bought sheets cuz borrowing from my mom wasn't fun anymore and I made an appointment to get my eye sight checked. Let's face it, I'm blind as a bat! I can't afford to buy new glasses right now but I might be able to squeeze in contact lenses. And the icing on the cake is... I bought bags for my vacuum cleaner from an online store! Hooray! I have been searching for them with cats and dogs and it seems that they don't really have them anywhere that I looked anyway so I was happy. Now I can vacuum as my heart desires!
(Side note, the cider looks just like Muumi soda.)
Yesterday I found out that Tammela did not hire me. Surprise surprise. They didn't tell me though, that I came second, which is a good thing. 2 is not my number. But as I found out, my contract at HAMK once I actually see it and sign it, is until May 15 so it looks like I'll be working for few days at least in May. I will lose those 4 days because of lil trip to get my belongings but I was happy with that news. The next 2 weeks are only 4 day work weeks because of Easter which is not good for me as I am paid by the hours I work and 2 days equals $$$. Well, loss of $$$.
I have some rants in me too but I don't feel like ranting today so I'll save those for another day. Maybe I'll forget. But right now, I might have to go check myself out from the mirror and then watch some quality TV. And finish my muumi soda, or cider.
One last funny thing. I was reading the "Nyt" portion of Helsingin Sanomat today and there was an article about elections. It had gathered all kinds of funny and interesting tidbits about elections and their history and it said that in 1968 the voting privileges of a person might have been revoked by unfortunate/badly timed headache and dizziness that resulted in the person being sent to Hattelmala sane asylum! As a person currently working in the above mentioned institution, all I can say is that I'm glad I voted last Saturday! LOL! And while we're on the subject, I cannot wait for the elections to be over so that I don't have to be mobbed by the team of volunteers of one local candidate while visiting a supermarket!
Anyways... was a good day!
Have a GREAT weekend and go vote Finns! Not Persut or KD though...don't be stupid!
Later!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Don't you remember
Exactly 5 years ago I boarded a plane destination: JFK, NYC. I was about to embark on journey of a lifetime. Even if that fairytale ended in heartbreak, I wouldn’t change it. I got to experience things I never would have had I not met T. I got to be part of something special and I will always have the memories even though I don’t have “it” anymore.
I was able to attend football games in Philadelphia, soccer games in NJ (even if the team is supposedly from New York), hockey games both in NJ and NY and baseball games in NY and NJ. For a sport nut like myself, that is huge! And I was able to talk smack with T’s family re: sports.
I was there when 2 special little girls were born and saw them within hours of their birth. For a short time I got be an aunt for those 2 girls. I got to be a member of a family that sticks together through thick and thin and experience the holidays AMERICAN STYLE!
I got to meet T’s cousins Celeste and Colette who were and are so welcoming and open-minded. With those 2 I never felt like I couldn’t be exactly who I was and show it too. And Celeste has been there for me when everyone else bailed.
I got my Masters diploma and learned a lot, even though you might not call it an education…I got to know some amazing people through school; my classmates, professors and from work.
I got to feel the unconditional love that pets can give you from Sox and Bailey. I really miss my step cats.
I got to know T’s extended family through babysitting and those people are nice enough to let me stay with them next month when I go get my belongings and put my past behind me. They are welcoming me with open arms when no one else would.
I was able to live in a foreign country and have a support system through T’s family and friends. I also got some great friends through Tiffany and through our mutual MB friends. There are some amazing people who I will miss immensely but will probably never see again. Thank goodness for Facebook!
I got to be there for T’s DC marathon and for her surgery. I got to be there when she came home from work. I HAD a home even when I wasn’t able to pay for any of it. And I was fed even when I couldn’t afford it.
I met Candice during my second semester and she has been the greatest friend a girl can ask for. She’s taken me places and done me favors without batting an eyelash or asking any questions and she’ll keep doing it without asking anything in return.
It was an experience that has made me stronger, wiser and richer. I wouldn’t change it for the world…except maybe for the ending. But most importantly, I got to know T. And for a while I got to be part of her life.
Today would have been our 5-year anniversary.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
If you wanna torture a woman...
Take away her clothes! That is a sure way to make her go crazy! And I'm not talking about being naked but having so little that you literally cannot stand the clothes you wear because it feels like you just wore them last week! Welcome to my life... I am so sick of these same old ~10 long sleeves that I could scream! I gotta applaud my intelligence for choosing so many short sleeved t-shirts to bring with me when I could have thought about it and actually bring clothes more suitable for the Finnish winter AND for work environment. My "Im better than you" happy bunny t-shirt, as cute as it may be, is not really suitable to wear at work. My rainbow heart love Tee, as much as I love it, maybe not work material. Temperatures still being just above freezing is maybe NOT the best weather for short sleeves. And you just can't be professional and wear football or american football jerseys to work. So can you guess what I'm looking forward to? GETTING MY CLOTHES BACK!!! Getting ALL those great winter clothes back just in time for it to become summer! But at least I'll be ready for next year.
And all those shorts....good job Jenni! Great! Just awesome!, yes, the word I use is awesome! That's what separation does to you. But in 3 weeks I will be reunited with my clothes and will hopefully be able to do little shopping as well. My closet is so pitiful right now.
So that mythical tale I told you last week...turns out it's not as mythical as I thought. And I'm talking about the phone call, not the other one which is still pure fiction. I'm not THAT crazy! Anyway... turns out it's not that they really missed me but more like that someone she wanted to do the work refused to do it. And I was told this by the woman who was asked to do it first! She works there, has a fulltime job with fulltime duties and on top of that my boss wanted her to do this as well. She said no and my boss wanted this to be done fast so she called me. And I've found that my boss has a really controlling side to her as well. She doesn't take rejection well and she doesn't take questioning her decisions/ opinions well either. And she thinks really highly of herself.
I missed my chance to become the next teacher at TAMK. I thought the last date to apply was later this week but when I tried to check the posting last weekend, it was gone already. Next time I guess. No news from Tammela yet.
Later peeps!
And all those shorts....good job Jenni! Great! Just awesome!, yes, the word I use is awesome! That's what separation does to you. But in 3 weeks I will be reunited with my clothes and will hopefully be able to do little shopping as well. My closet is so pitiful right now.
So that mythical tale I told you last week...turns out it's not as mythical as I thought. And I'm talking about the phone call, not the other one which is still pure fiction. I'm not THAT crazy! Anyway... turns out it's not that they really missed me but more like that someone she wanted to do the work refused to do it. And I was told this by the woman who was asked to do it first! She works there, has a fulltime job with fulltime duties and on top of that my boss wanted her to do this as well. She said no and my boss wanted this to be done fast so she called me. And I've found that my boss has a really controlling side to her as well. She doesn't take rejection well and she doesn't take questioning her decisions/ opinions well either. And she thinks really highly of herself.
I missed my chance to become the next teacher at TAMK. I thought the last date to apply was later this week but when I tried to check the posting last weekend, it was gone already. Next time I guess. No news from Tammela yet.
Later peeps!
Monday, April 11, 2011
OUTRAGEOUS BILL!
You gotta wonder sometimes if the billing department at the electricity company is drawing your bill from the hat or playing darts or something else crazy like that...When I moved in I had been here for a month when I got my first electricity bill. I'm keeping the place quite dark, simply because I don't have a lot of lamps and now too because the light bulbs in the sealing lamp are done and I don't have chair or step tool high enough to reach it and change it... and the rooms I'm not in don't need to have light on anyway. I can't remember the last time I watched TV (the one that I don't have if a TV permit checker is reading this) from TV and lately the radio hasn't been on either since I'm not here during the day. I think the major electricity user in my household is my computer but it doesn't take much either. And it's not charged during the night or when I'm not using it. So to the point... the bill for December was 30 euros which I thought was high since I'd just been here for a month. Today when I came home though...a electricity bill was waiting for me. Guess how much it was? Anybody? 55 euros for 3 months! LOL! I guess I'm green after all...or just really really poor!
Later!
Later!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
All packed and ready to go!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Restaurant service
Even though I don't necessarily understand the american way of tipping (you tip at restaurants but not and McDonald's which is arguably much more stressful and demanding job and you are given the option to tip at coffee shops if you want) I think they might be on to something. Major portion of the salary of a wait staff in USa comes from tips. It's supposed to be between 10 and 20% of the bill and should vary according to the level of service. You get bad service, you show it in the tip. You get good service, you show your appreciation with the tip. And people expect good and fast service. You don't like your food/drink you send it back. Americans appreciate good service and they know how to demand it. And they're not shy to show if they are not satisfied. Us Finns...we're a different breed. Just like americans are loud and opinionated, we are quiet and sit in the corner without complaining. We don't like to make a scene. And we wait patiently.
We went to the chinese restaurant in town today. They relocated and opened at the new location 2 days ago. It's bigger and closer to the center so it gets more traffic. Or that's the theory anyway. If that's the level of service they are providing, I think it's not gonna last too long. If it was in USA, it would be bankrupt within a month! We got there little after 2pm, our order was taken at 2:30 and we got our food at 3:15. I was hungry, starving really and had waited for chinese for almost a week when Arttu called me and said let's go to the chinese on Saturday. I only had a yogurt the whole day beforehand so you can imagine my stomach was eating itself inside out. You would have thought they had run some kind of dry run before opening to see if there were any glitches but I guess not. Or maybe they had a problem with the kitchen and they were definitely understaffed but BOY it took a long time for anyone even acknowledge our presence. I am a huge fan of american service, I tell you that! Should we tip in Finland they're tip would have been VERY small... But it's been over 4h since I ate and I'm still not hungry! Weird because I always get hungry pretty fast after eating chinese. I have high hopes for this place since it's right around the (american) corner from me! So hopefully next time will be better.
I also voted so now I'm done. I hope the election were done too! I am sick and tired of the campaigns and politicians lip service and would love it to be next Sunday and over and done with. But to continue my tradition I voted a local and I voted a woman. If we want the area to grow and develop we need locals in the parliament and no man will look after MY rights so woman it is. So as you can see, my vote didn't go to Päivi Räsänen. I'm sure she's sad about that.
Have a great weekend! Later!
We went to the chinese restaurant in town today. They relocated and opened at the new location 2 days ago. It's bigger and closer to the center so it gets more traffic. Or that's the theory anyway. If that's the level of service they are providing, I think it's not gonna last too long. If it was in USA, it would be bankrupt within a month! We got there little after 2pm, our order was taken at 2:30 and we got our food at 3:15. I was hungry, starving really and had waited for chinese for almost a week when Arttu called me and said let's go to the chinese on Saturday. I only had a yogurt the whole day beforehand so you can imagine my stomach was eating itself inside out. You would have thought they had run some kind of dry run before opening to see if there were any glitches but I guess not. Or maybe they had a problem with the kitchen and they were definitely understaffed but BOY it took a long time for anyone even acknowledge our presence. I am a huge fan of american service, I tell you that! Should we tip in Finland they're tip would have been VERY small... But it's been over 4h since I ate and I'm still not hungry! Weird because I always get hungry pretty fast after eating chinese. I have high hopes for this place since it's right around the (american) corner from me! So hopefully next time will be better.
I also voted so now I'm done. I hope the election were done too! I am sick and tired of the campaigns and politicians lip service and would love it to be next Sunday and over and done with. But to continue my tradition I voted a local and I voted a woman. If we want the area to grow and develop we need locals in the parliament and no man will look after MY rights so woman it is. So as you can see, my vote didn't go to Päivi Räsänen. I'm sure she's sad about that.
Have a great weekend! Later!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Congratulations to the new parents!
Heidi and Tero welcomed a baby girl on Sunday morning, April 3rd. Congratulations to the parents! The princess looks really cute!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Mythical tales
"...And on the 7th day they realized they couldn't survive without her and called her and begged her to come back. And so she did"
I was gonna go all bible on your asses but just couldn't do it. But from the two mythical stories, creationism and the one just told you, which one do you think is true? Mine? You are wise my friends!
Gotta phone call today from HAMK asking me to come back for the duration of the month. I said ok but that if I get the job in Tammela, when they want me to go learn at the end of the month I will need to go. They said ok so I will be going back to Hämeenlinna next Monday. So if all goes well I'll be there for few weeks and if all goes little less well, I'll be there until the end of the month. Now this means that I can do a little shopping in USA as well. YAY for shopping! It's been awhile! I also might buy a washing machine...
Yesterday I did a little Skype "aunting", or maybe we should call it babysitting...or just talking with Noah and Avery. Since I'm no longer part of the family aunting might be too much. It was good to see them and I can't wait to see them and their little brother Wyatt. Candice also sent me a message on FB and said that most likely she can take me to the airport on Sunday. Great news! Now I just need to get this job and I can start looking for cats!
Later!
I was gonna go all bible on your asses but just couldn't do it. But from the two mythical stories, creationism and the one just told you, which one do you think is true? Mine? You are wise my friends!
Gotta phone call today from HAMK asking me to come back for the duration of the month. I said ok but that if I get the job in Tammela, when they want me to go learn at the end of the month I will need to go. They said ok so I will be going back to Hämeenlinna next Monday. So if all goes well I'll be there for few weeks and if all goes little less well, I'll be there until the end of the month. Now this means that I can do a little shopping in USA as well. YAY for shopping! It's been awhile! I also might buy a washing machine...
Yesterday I did a little Skype "aunting", or maybe we should call it babysitting...or just talking with Noah and Avery. Since I'm no longer part of the family aunting might be too much. It was good to see them and I can't wait to see them and their little brother Wyatt. Candice also sent me a message on FB and said that most likely she can take me to the airport on Sunday. Great news! Now I just need to get this job and I can start looking for cats!
Later!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Guess the celebrities age as well
It must be true even though it doesn't feel like it. I was reading about "Dancing with the stars" and how Maksim and Kirstie Alley fell last night. That's not the shocking part as I'm sure it happens to the best of them. I remember Kirstie from Look who's talking movies and I realize that I was a bit younger and so was she but what made me take a double look and then triple is her age. She's 60? SIXTY???? When the hell did that happen??? She doesn't look like she's 60. I had to google her to make sure...and sure enough, she is. WEIRD!
60???
SIXTY?!?
SERIOUSLY?!?!?!
Oh your god!
60???
SIXTY?!?
SERIOUSLY?!?!?!
Oh your god!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
I'm having my 30's crisis
And I'm pretty sure it's brought on by the divorce. And my life not going the way I planned it. I'm sure you've all heard me talk about my former class mates being married, having 700 kids, 3 cars, mortgage, 7 dogs and 5 cats by now...having jobs and lives. It's hard connecting when you seem to have nothing but the past in common. I thought I was heading that direction but universe decided otherwise. And even with all the uncertainty regarding my legal status in the USA, I still thought somehow we'd end up settling down, having kids and family and all the things that come with that. And now I feel kind of lost. Where do I begin? Where am I going? What am I doing?
Marriage has been in the news a lot lately, both in USa and here in Finland. We have parliamental election coming up in 16 days and the topic of gay or gender neutral marriage has been discussed a lot. Both the KD's and persu's are against it. There's been a youth oriented campaign to convert gay and bi teens. And they base their values and opinions on a book from 2000 years ago.
In USA the discussion has been on the possible repeal of DOMA and how that might affect both the american gay couples and the binational couples. For a day the immigration services put the green card applications on hold instead of turning them down, but that changed quickly. Marriage, that sacred union between a man and a woman is under attack by the sinful gay community. That sacred institution that ends up in a divorce 50% of the time. It's so sacred that there is a whole industry built around in in Vegas. But it's a heterosexual privilege and cannot be shared.
Why is it that a church wedding is considered the only real form of wedding by so many? People in Finland still baptize their kids and send them to confirmation so that they can have a church wedding even if they never go to church or pray or do anything else religious. And I will bet my salary that most of them do it JUST for the church wedding. If the wedding ceremony privilege was taken away from the church, I bet the number of kids baptized would drop considerably. In a recent episode of Grey's anatomy the main couple was asked when they are getting married. Few seasons ago they were about to do the whole massive church wedding route but the plans changed and instead they wrote their wows on a post-it and that was it. It's not legal but it fit them perfectly. Now why do people feel the need to unload their believes and expectations on other people? WHY is a church wedding the only real one? Why are you supposed to walk down the church isle and get blessed by the priest and church? Marriage with all the responsibilities also comes with privileges afforded to the couple by the law. It's about the legality, being recognized by the authorities and the society as a couple. And ultimately, marriage is about the love between those 2 people willing to make a commitment to each other for the rest of their lives. Those who do not approve gay marriage can stay in their own homophobic heterosexual marriages and stay out of other people's. It's as simple as that. Mine will not affect yours. Yours will not affect mine. Every marriage is different and is defined by the 2 people in it.
Marriage is obviously not in the cards for me anytime soon but it relates to my age crisis. Since coming back to Finland I've connected with some old friends which has been amazing. I put so much of my focus on my relationship that I neglected my own friendships. It was obviously not easy to maintain friendships while across the pond but I am trying to make up for the time now. But what I can't wrap my head around is when did we become old enough to be step parents? And when did we become old enough to go through a divorce?
As a child of a divorced parents I can safely say that me and my mom are both happier for the fact that my parents got divorced. I wouldn't have the best little brother in the world had they stayed together so for that reason alone... My views on being a step parent are complicated. My mom remarried and my step dad has a daughter who was my best friend at the time. She turned out to be a major nightmare so a lot of times it was us against them. My mom and step dad had both had previous relationship before entering this one so my "logical view" is that both parties will have children. But what if that's not the case. What if you fall in love with someone who has kids but you don't? What if your situations and views on what the life in front of you will be or should be? But as a 30 year old recently divorces lesbian I am wondering when did we become old enough to have partners with kids?
Yesterday I heard that a friend of mine is getting a divorce. After 2 years of marriage and plenty more together they are ending it. When did we get old enough to get a divorce? Have failed long term relationship(s)? She may get an official paper as her marriage was legal and all and I might have a little bit of the white paper left on my passport that held my immigration status but it's still equally devastating. When did I turn 30 and become old enough to have these things happening to me and around me? I feel like I was just 25 5 minutes ago, so in love and heading to NYC. When will it end?
I'm a planner, I need to have plans and goals and things to look forward to. This flux isn't my cup of tea.
Marriage has been in the news a lot lately, both in USa and here in Finland. We have parliamental election coming up in 16 days and the topic of gay or gender neutral marriage has been discussed a lot. Both the KD's and persu's are against it. There's been a youth oriented campaign to convert gay and bi teens. And they base their values and opinions on a book from 2000 years ago.
In USA the discussion has been on the possible repeal of DOMA and how that might affect both the american gay couples and the binational couples. For a day the immigration services put the green card applications on hold instead of turning them down, but that changed quickly. Marriage, that sacred union between a man and a woman is under attack by the sinful gay community. That sacred institution that ends up in a divorce 50% of the time. It's so sacred that there is a whole industry built around in in Vegas. But it's a heterosexual privilege and cannot be shared.
Why is it that a church wedding is considered the only real form of wedding by so many? People in Finland still baptize their kids and send them to confirmation so that they can have a church wedding even if they never go to church or pray or do anything else religious. And I will bet my salary that most of them do it JUST for the church wedding. If the wedding ceremony privilege was taken away from the church, I bet the number of kids baptized would drop considerably. In a recent episode of Grey's anatomy the main couple was asked when they are getting married. Few seasons ago they were about to do the whole massive church wedding route but the plans changed and instead they wrote their wows on a post-it and that was it. It's not legal but it fit them perfectly. Now why do people feel the need to unload their believes and expectations on other people? WHY is a church wedding the only real one? Why are you supposed to walk down the church isle and get blessed by the priest and church? Marriage with all the responsibilities also comes with privileges afforded to the couple by the law. It's about the legality, being recognized by the authorities and the society as a couple. And ultimately, marriage is about the love between those 2 people willing to make a commitment to each other for the rest of their lives. Those who do not approve gay marriage can stay in their own homophobic heterosexual marriages and stay out of other people's. It's as simple as that. Mine will not affect yours. Yours will not affect mine. Every marriage is different and is defined by the 2 people in it.
Marriage is obviously not in the cards for me anytime soon but it relates to my age crisis. Since coming back to Finland I've connected with some old friends which has been amazing. I put so much of my focus on my relationship that I neglected my own friendships. It was obviously not easy to maintain friendships while across the pond but I am trying to make up for the time now. But what I can't wrap my head around is when did we become old enough to be step parents? And when did we become old enough to go through a divorce?
As a child of a divorced parents I can safely say that me and my mom are both happier for the fact that my parents got divorced. I wouldn't have the best little brother in the world had they stayed together so for that reason alone... My views on being a step parent are complicated. My mom remarried and my step dad has a daughter who was my best friend at the time. She turned out to be a major nightmare so a lot of times it was us against them. My mom and step dad had both had previous relationship before entering this one so my "logical view" is that both parties will have children. But what if that's not the case. What if you fall in love with someone who has kids but you don't? What if your situations and views on what the life in front of you will be or should be? But as a 30 year old recently divorces lesbian I am wondering when did we become old enough to have partners with kids?
Yesterday I heard that a friend of mine is getting a divorce. After 2 years of marriage and plenty more together they are ending it. When did we get old enough to get a divorce? Have failed long term relationship(s)? She may get an official paper as her marriage was legal and all and I might have a little bit of the white paper left on my passport that held my immigration status but it's still equally devastating. When did I turn 30 and become old enough to have these things happening to me and around me? I feel like I was just 25 5 minutes ago, so in love and heading to NYC. When will it end?
I'm a planner, I need to have plans and goals and things to look forward to. This flux isn't my cup of tea.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)