I'm blogging?

Busy and Lazy

2016-03-03T02:01:00.000+02:00

Hate to admit that I've not only been extremely busy but also lazy in updating my blog. The only site that seems to be gathering any interest. Running a start-up, working on projects as well as trying to do my dissertation, taking care of my kid and other household chores meant that I ran out of things to write. Call it a writers block or whatever, nothing seems to be coming out of me...except, sarcasm. Not really something I'm looking to share with the world. Then again if you are following my blog or stumble upon it by some unfortunate chance, then you know I can ramble on quite some bit. My other blog (yep, that one where I share my recipes and so on) needs an overhaul as well. I'm thinking of renaming it and shifting my things to Wordpress. I've started a new hobby to take my mind off work and other stuff. I'll share more of it later. Just know that this is not something I started just a week ago but something I've been doing for about 14 months now. I still suck at it but who cares, I'm enjoying myself. The weather hasn't improved much but hey at least there's sunshine in Finland, right? Oh well, here's a pic of Nemu with her shoes (so she doesn't get frostbite). She really hates them but at -28 degrees C in January she had to use them. I'm hitting the sack and I promise not to neglect this blog too much. Soon I'll upload *gasp* videos! xD

Nemu miserable with her shoes
taken in January 2016

A long overdued entry - The Move

2012-11-23T01:19:00.000+02:00

Our Garden Gnome enjoying the autumn breeze!

I have been wanting to make a new blog entry for as long as I can remember. Since we've moved from our comfortable home in Finland where we have a child friendly neighbourhood and also leaving close friends to move to a small township in UK where we know nobody. Thanks to the internet I've found comfort in knowing I can still keep in touch with them. I'm very grateful for the people who has taken the time to come visit us at our new home as it's not easy to get to. It's not like we're a tube ride away; it's more like a tube, a train and a car ride away. Although in theory I'm closer to my sister but that doesn't mean it's easier to get to her.

For some reason everything feels so far away in the UK. Travelling times are exponentially increased with the traffic and narrow roads. Trains are an easy way to get around but the fares are not very appealing. I found my certain comforts taken away moving here but at the same time gain new experiences. After moving to Finland over 14 years ago, I was amazed at how everything works. I'm so used to the chaos that I found myself dumbfounded that I don't have to fight to get things done. Finland has spoilt me, they've spoilt me for the simplicity of getting things done over the phone, not getting ripped off is another thing I enjoy in Finland, I feel safe dealing with people in Finland and I don't have to be super-excessively suspicious with everyone. It's more like a what you see is what you get approach.

So coming to UK I miss the simplicity of those things and not wasting my time trying to get things working. It hasn't been all that bad. It's just getting use to things and then maybe I'll learn to avoid being disappointed.

I have a few personal projects I'm doing but I won't go into details on it. I've started to look for a new job about 1 month ago (October 2012) and so far have been only in interviews. I haven't got a good feeling in most of them but then again I'm usually very cautious with how I feel about the outcome of things to avoid disappointment. I'm also taught to question things so I don't jump into conclusions like I use to being an impatient teenager.

I'm going to try a different angle as I'm not in a big rush but would like to start doing something soon rather than just shuffling away at home. It's great to get 'some' time off but the day to day tasks are just driving me insane.

Moominworld - Muumimailmaa @ Naantali Finland

2011-08-21T23:30:00.002+03:00

I've been rather busy with work and other things and also have been lazy in writing since I've been fighting with doing documentations for the past few days. However I need to get it written soon before I forget our adventure.
I'm not a big fan of the hippos to be honest but my daughter seems to like them...ALOT! So I'm giving in to these fuzzy hippos.

Our trip to Naantali from Helsinki-Vantaa area was quite an interesting one as we had the location in our navigator. As our TomTom's map was last updated in 2007 (or there abouts) the new Turku (Åbo) highway was not showing, so it looked as though we are driving on someone's farm <.<"...ANYWAYS, after tunnels upon tunnels, it started to remind me of Norway, except that these tunnels were far shorter and the little one seemed to enjoy them. My main concern on this dreaded hot day was if the hotel (Kultaranta Resort)would have air conditioning. Low and behold (curses Scandinavia <.<) it doesn't!!! It has this THING that circulates air in the room that just makes awful noise and to be honest does nothing to suck away the darn heat. I get that winter is far longer than summer but if you want to keep being #1 at Tripadvisor (out of 2 hotels at the moment) you better up and up the standard! For lack of amenities (no air-cond in MOST apartments/suites whatever you call them, , limited things to do for non golfers and kids etc etc...I'll cover that later) plus allowing smoking makes it even more unbearable for people who don't smoke and have to keep the windows open all night just to breathe in the hot summer nights (did I mention the blood suckers yet?).

What's in the hotel? They have a golf course...so for someone who doesn't play golf steer clear unless you want to spend time in the 'salt room' that cost EUR 14 for absolutely nothing (I call sitting around doing nothing but breathing in minerals sprayed into the air a bit silly, that was the description I got from the reception plus they also have magazines for me to read...yay! <.<") or just walk around the golf course. They don't have a swimming pool, so you'll have to rent a bike from the hotel to get to the nearest swimming beach or drive there.

Kultaranta Resort - Relatively new rooms, quite a distance from reception.

In any case we weren't there for the hotel but even then we'd like to have a comfy night's sleep. The breakfast however did make up a little for the bad night's sleep no matter how good 'Unikulma' beds they had. It was funny to find hash browns being served with the cold cuts, cheese and salad section. I'm more used to them being warm. However the standard buffet style breakfast had everything and even more than what we normally have for breakfast, the first day we were there the strangest thing was the Bolognese sauce O_O. I couldn't figure what to eat that with. At some point I was thinking sarcastically maybe I'll just take a bowl of the sauce and put some muesli, yoghurt and some fruits with it for the lack of pasta. My husband liked his, he had Bolognese sauce with meatballs =.=".

IMPORTANT: If you're going with children that needs a highchair BE EARLY! Because even if the restaurant is equipped with a child play corner it is not very well equipped with baby chairs. They had one Ikea high chair and one Stokke high chair that is with the extra bit for babies...If you have a bit chunkier kid like we have...you'll get lots of screaming trying to put your child in or getting them out (especially out). So Dear Kultaranta, Invest in Ikea baby/high chairs...they aren't that expensive plus they can be hosed down easily if it gets dirty kapish?

Kultaranta Resort - Restaurant overlooking the golf course,
very neat, nice staff, lacking some child facilities.

Golfers, my most love to hate subject and sailors. From what I see they have quite a nicely maintained golf course and a marina coming soon (I don't know where it is as I didn't have time to make that visit). If you're lacking some items from your golf bag, they have a small golf boutique (pro shop) selling Kultaranta logo products plus a few brand names, Gant being one of the brands and cross is what I remember. There might be some other I don't know and I really couldn't care much. You'll also find some Moomin products for sale at the reception. I didn't notice much difference in prices there or at the Theme Park but of course there are more selections at Moominworld.

Now I got that covered...you get breakfast, hooray! So if you're not playing golf where is the closest lunch place...awww man?! the hotel again? I had a coffee, a croissant and my daughter had a cup of milk with sausage and french fries and it cost me about 16 EUR. I'd recommend that you take a drive to Naantali...there isn't much there either xD but at least you won't be paying hefty prices for simple stuff. Better yet you could bring your own stuff as there is a fridge for use at your room plus there is a child care corner on the top floor of the studio apartment rows that has a microwave (at least the row we were staying in) They even have washing machine and dryers for people who intend to stay longer and have laundry to do (detergent not provided so BYO). You are provided with coffee and tea making facilities but you don't get refills too easily...again BYO. Oh and the fridge is empty just in case you are wondering. It's not really a minibar so feel free to use it. The water out of the tap is safe to drink in Scandinavia, unless you're paranoid you can always preboil your water.

My miserable lunch

At last! Day 1 was over...I could not wait for day 2 when I finally get to spend the entire day away from the HOTel. It's just my damned luck that after breakfast we left during the sunshine to Moominworld and arrived when it was raining cars and trucks! We were drenched, at least we couldn't complain that it was hot. We decided to be 'smart' and went straight to town to park closer to the Moominworld (don't do this! It cost alot plus you might not find spots) There is a specific area to park if you're going to Moominworld, there is a bus driving you there from the parking spots for a fee but it beats paying the parking in town if you're planning to stay the entire day.

Tickets to Moominworld can be purchased beforehand for a discount rate and bonus (S-bonus in Finland). We didn't know about this until we got there but heck it was 4 EUR more for both me and my hubby but children under 3 is free. Since it's more child oriented park they have lots of amenities for caring for your children if there is a need. Unfortunately ours decided to do a squeezy attack with her smoothie pack and got herself, her babybuggy and anything within 30 cm radius covered in blueberry =.=". We were glad that she had her raincoat on so the mess wasn't too great but it was still a mess. My hubby could change his wet shirt into the new t-shirts he got from the theme park but I couldn't find a corner at that time to just remove the wet clothes and change into my very own theme park t-shirt. So I just continued my 'adventure' with my wet top, pants and shoes....did I mentioned covered in blueberry smoothie?

Mamma's kitchen facing the boutique

Nipsu/Sniff's Boutique

Another restaurant

Muumitalo - Moominhouse the trademark house

People lining up to visit the Moomin house

Pikku Myy/Little My, The cop, Hemuli/Hemulen in character

As you can see that now the sun is shining and I'm sticky and sweaty hence I wasn't going to crowd into the house. My hubby and my daughter went in and my daughter loved it so much she was stuck in there for quite some time. Tip: If you're looking for the characters going up to the Moomin House is the best way to see them as they gather around there. If you go around you'll not bump into them so easily or at all.

The sea creature at Moominworld

Sign to Pappa's ship

Pappa's ship

View from Pappa's ship

Snork's story

Snork's camp

The train to and from Moominland to Naantali center

Now you've seen some sights in Moominworld...there are still quite a lot of sights to see. It may be quite boring to kids who don't know the character much. So it's up to the parents to make the experience for them. This is not those traditional theme parks that have rollercoasters and what not. It involves ALOT of walking. Sort of like going into a character play cross museum. So before going make sure your child is aware of that and introduce them to the character or else they'll find themselves kicking trees and rocks, asking when they can go home etc (I know this because I witness a Spanish family with a 5-7 yr old trying very hard to get their kids excited and all they wanted to do was sit and have ice cream and then leave).

Naantali

More of Naantali

Valio Ice-Cream Kiosk in Naantali,.
There is a Moominshop close to it if you think you've missed
some items from Moominworld.

Kaivohuone @ Naantali

The end of Naantali

Overall the trip was good despite some minor inconvenience and unpleasant heat. I'd say we may go back again and do things a bit differently to make the trip splendid. :)

Holidaying with kids

2011-07-23T22:59:00.000+03:00

Last week we planned to go for a weekend trip with our two year old. Since this was rather a last minute option and all the flights and hotels during July in Europe is rather expensive. So we decided to go to Naantali; to be exact, to Moominworld.

Around summer last year...

I've never been there and since I'm not a big fan of those hippo like creatures I was not too excited about this. So I decided to give it a go anyways since my daughter was so excited when we mention we would go there. So we booked the hotel, or my husband booked a hotel that had a golf course =.=" (Go figure what happens next.) In anyways we agreed that he could pay some golf but I'm thinking about how my nerves would take it. We will return on Sunday which would be tomorrow 24th July 2011.

The garden is ready!

2011-06-18T14:35:00.000+03:00

I promised to post the progress but I failed to do so as I was feeling frustrated being bitten by millions of mosquitoes while trying to get it ready hence forgotten to take snap shots of the progress. However I manage to get the finishing work while the plants are still growing =).

My garden corner - Blueberries up front, veggie beds at back =)

I've been trying to battle the flea beetles eating my Pak Choy but it seems to be in vain. After shortly posting this to FB my uncle passed on advice from my aunt that I should spray garlic and soapy water so they'd go away. I should consider that...Another advice I found from some gardening sites is that I should use some nettle water to spray on these little guys so the flea beetles will not like them. As I opened the hood to take photos...A few ladybugs have flown in to eat the unwelcome tenants. I covered them in quickly so that they can eat all those nasty buggers and their offsprings.

I'm quite pleased that this year my Peony didn't have blight issues. I was quite depressed that it was so terribly ill two years in a row. Now look at my little Shirley Temple!

Shirley Temple Peony -I chose this because it had the name of the
actress that my mother was named after =).
Also the white with a hint of red is just fantastic!

I also grew Rosamund potatoes and the Blue congo out back behind the Syringa Lilacs (Syreeni in Finnish). I also have the Spaghetti squash there lingering =)

Rosamund potatoes with pink skin -They are the bushy guys closer up
The Blue Congo with the purple stem - They are actually blue inside!

And then the close up of my Pak Choy being eaten by those nasties :(

Beautiful Pak Choy with nasty bug eaten holes.
I'll try to spray the garlic-soapy water to see if it helps!

Last year my summer squash plant was larger. This year he's looking rather small. My spaghetti squash is still trying to get bigger but the cold weather isn't helping very much. I'm planning to use a large bottle to cover the area it is growing in piercing some holes for air so that it keeps warm and maybe then it will grow better =). Anyways here's a pic of my not so lovely zucchini.

Zucchini!
This year this little guy is growing in the old Syringa's spot.

Hello and welcome back....

2011-06-04T17:09:00.000+03:00

okay the title was meant to be a joke :P I've been gone way too long from my blog due to having too little time for myself these days. Today was the day when my hubby took my little girl with him to his sisters so she could play with her cousins while he went to play golf with his dad and brother in law.

I don't fancy the game at all so I'm glad that this worked out well on my behalf too... I got to sleep until almost 13 (yes I know rather late... =.=") I got to go to the garden store to pick up some stuff I was missing...plus I got to tidy up the house a little. I'll share some photos later this evening after I've tidied up the place a little more =).

Boy does time fly...

2011-03-09T00:24:00.000+02:00

I have been meaning to write here but I've been rather busy with work. I've recently left my previous employment to a new job doing something rather similar with a chance to change into a different role in within the same field in the near future (hopefully...). Of course in the beginning I'll be doing the same old things I've been doing for the past 6-7 years but at least it'll be familiar. I'm kind of sad about leaving my old project when I haven't completed it as I really enjoyed working with the project team. So far I've done all I can to handover the project to my dearest successor (I wish her immense luck as this project is not what you'd call a walk in the park). Having a good team with great support always helps, so I'm not too worried about her. I'm more worried if I've left something out. I hate doing half arsed work (like I do with my blogs *cough* or back in school :P <_< sorry about that). I can't wait for all this snow to melt. I'm missing gardening... I wonder if I have anymore sweetpea seeds to plant?

Sweetpea, Champagne Blossoms

Those were from last year's batch but due to the short summers I never got any riped peas from my stock. This year I plan to be working alot in summer as I'm only taking my 'summer' holidays when the weather here gets yucky. This way I will have probably a very hot summer again...I complain alot about the heat and about the extreme cold. I do like it chilly but when you live in a country where it can get to -30 at the southest part, THAT'S extreme! Lately my biggest concern now is about starting a new project. I've been starting so many projects but never having a chance to end them...or then I get them towards the end and not really getting a chance to start them. I plan to now concentrate a little on my career goals and hopefully get to where I want to be in within a year. I'll play it by ear and see how I progress monthly.

My hubby on the other hand has been having challenges of his own. He seems to be struggling a little but I believe that he's just stressing for nothing. He can only do so much with the time given and usually (or almost always) when you change jobs you'll need time to adjust. Now that being said...I should jump on a running train and be able to drive it as I've been placed in the exact same job I've had just two years or so ago. However that's not the case, dealing with two different companies with similar processes you will make mistakes. I already notice I'm making mistakes when uttering person's role. It's late... I better get to sleep. I'll continue this jibber jabber tomorrow! Adios!

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

2010-11-29T23:51:00.000+02:00

The weather may not be pleasant these past few days as the temperature dropped to a record low this year. We have -18 °C in the morning in our area. Of course nothing beats the north as a friend announced that it is -25 °C up in the middle of Finland. The last week we had tons of snow fall, it covered quite a significant part of my yard as well as the front road. That's quite irritating especially if you have neighbors sharing the same pathway not doing their share of the snow work. Today I discovered that my neighbor could be 'borrowing' water without our permission. I'm going to sock the pipes with a lock and bolt. If anyone has any suggestions how I can deal with these bunch of goons, I'm happy to accept all advices. So far I'm going to make it difficult for them to do more damage.

The forest facing my backyard

Blueberry bushes...looking rather..erm 'frosty'

Our front pathway facing the neighbor's backyard. (Not the lazy bunch)

Anyways...I'm quite content as my week started quite nicely. I've had some strange events happening but it's just the story of my life. I'm looking forward to the new year as I'm expecting some changes in my life. Hoping that I'm not making the wrong decision. We have plans to move away temporarily from Finland however I'm not so sure how it's going to work for us as per say. I have a good job here and I'm pretty settled in Finland that moving to a foreign land is just feels a lot to handle, especially when you have a toddler tagging along. I know it is possible for me to get work abroad from certain countries BUT, am I ready to leave my comfort zone?

A discussion with hubby dearest led me to exploring what options I have and where to go to. My question is, how long do I want to be doing the same thing? Don't get me wrong I love what I do but I want a bit more challenge and definitely more benefits to come alongside the challenge. I'd be an idiot to go for a challenge just to be worse off. So far, offers are a bit better the challenge?...well...the same or too challenging for the offer, making it not so interesting anymore. I guess I'm better off going to bed. However I need to still dig up some photos for Alyssa's aunt :). I promised to send a few in for her to make a calendar for grandpa and grandma.

Sleepless nights are a torture

2010-11-17T02:05:00.000+02:00

Don't ever let anyone con you into thinking that having children is easy! Although it's a welcomed blessing for us, the sleepless nights I could do without. I've stayed up quite many nights due to my hubby snoring or the baby fussing. I've turned into a generally light sleeper. The only way I can fall asleep is to get myself completely exhausted so that I'll fall into a pit and never wake up. I'm sensitive to a few things when trying to fall asleep especially when I'm overly exhausted. The first annoyance is light, second comes sound and third any smell of food! Yep! If someone is having something downstairs...a toast, tea, COFFEE, I go berserk! I kinda look like the statue going 'Up Yours!' if I get ticked off in the morning :P.

Statue @ the Gardens of Mustiolinna, Finland

You know the notion when someone says "Waking up to the smell of fresh coffee"? Bollocks! If I wanted to sleep another hour the smell of coffee sends me into an immediate rage. I don't understand why it does that but it just makes me go AWOL. It's completely fine when I'm awake and I'm preparing to start my day but when I'm still snoozing it's the worse smell on earth.

The other thing that would make me grumpy during my snooze period is toast...BURNT TOAST! Ugh...One might think that it's a great wake up method but it really puts me in a bad mood. This phenomenon happened to me quite recently as I've been struggling to get some sort of a sleep pattern in place. After having my little girl, my body doesn't quite clock the same way. Maybe it has something to do with winter as well. If it's any consolation it should help me sleep better being dark and all.

Ice Candle @ my back yard 2009. Hoping to create another this year :)

After seeing a physician, the only thing they can tell me is that it'll get back to normal in time. Time? <__< I have no time! <_< It's slowly affecting my judgement in traffic as well as other daily tasks. (Ever tried to pour milk into your coffee maker's water container? if that wasn't bad enough, miss the filter altogether creating a counter of coffee powdery mess!) Thankfully these little mishaps aren't so life threatening, sure they are irritating and over time it could become hazardous!

Now the pop quiz. After all the trouble of getting where you're at, do you want another child? At this very moment no...ask me again when my daughter behaves, or if I happen to see an adorable well behaved kid, or another sweet newborn...the answers vary from situation to situation, day to day and weather.

The world stand stills

2010-11-14T15:48:00.000+02:00

The time between autumn and winter is when I always feel that the world stand still. At least here in Finland. The gloomy grey and sluggish weather makes you feel like there is a downfall of depressive airborne virus out to get you. I found a good remedy for this but because of my busy schedule and wanting to do other fun things have left me not following this remedy.

My pumpkin for 2010 - A tribute to the faction I belong to in World of Warcraft.
I do miss the times when I can just go and play whenever I feel like.

If you're planning to beat this downer season, you should have at least a shot or two of vitamin C boost (a glass of juice) plus some vitamin D. Include some exercise, walking, jogging, gym you name it every 2-3 days (twice a week is a lot if you're mostly on your butt). Avoid high carbs and controlled caffeine intake. Sugar doesn't do you good but get you hyped temporarily and then you fall back down into a pit of depression. Veggies (salads and wok veggies) are a great source of fresh energy, without feeling stuffed. If you're feeling under the weather consult a physician, if it's emotional a good friend is a good cure =). In the past year I've learnt who are my true friends and who isn't. I've been advised to try to patch things up. It doesn't work if it's only a one way thing. Given time it may work but after some 10's of years and people are still acting like children then it's better to just let it be bygones. There is no cure for this situation, sometimes things just happen intentionally or not, either in the heat of the moment but regretting doesn't help rewrite history. It takes a big person to forgive and forget and a bigger one to not bring it up. I admit I'm not so I'll bring it up but not going into details who it is.

In any case, I wish them well in whatever they do as the world is big enough for everyone. I'm grateful and thankful for the current friends I have. Most are understanding and open minded. It's just sad that I chose the wrong ones to give trust to but I've learnt my lesson and I'm moving on... =)

As I've mentioned I've been rather busy and haven't had time to focus on my blog(s)...(yes I have at least 2 if not 3 blogs) I also admit I've been a bit lazy just goofing around on Facebook. I have learnt to despise that site. It's there where I've learnt the true nature of some people. At the same time I'm grateful I've found some of my dearest long lost friends. I guess that oblivion is bliss!

Sandown Pier-Isle Of Wight (Oct 2010)
During my work trip continued by holiday trip to U.K.

I've discovered that I'm still missing some of the childhood memories I had while I was in U.K. When I was back recently I've noticed that alot have changed. Not for the worse but towards a different direction. I guess I've grown up! It's just weird I tried to cling on to something that is not there anymore. I still would like to move away from Finland some day but my work and family is not allowing me the freedom. I just need to figure out how I can move there with the brady bunch abroad without jeopardizing our way/standard of living way too much. I guess I'd survive with less, it's just I've gotten quite comfortable. I'm still searching but I'm just browsing to see what opportunities are available. On this note I leave you with my recent memories of U.K.

Cheers!

More Photos from the UK trip October 2010:

Priory Bay Hotel - Isle of Wight, U.K.

Carisbrooke Castle - Isle Of Wight, U.K.

Geese @ Hall Place, Kent, U.K.

Sculpture Hedges @ Hall Place, Kent, U.K.

Delicious cakes @ Prinssi - London, U.K.

More delicious cakes @ Prinssi - London, U.K.

Carisbrooke Castle - Isle of Wight U.K.

Osbourne House - Isle of Wight U.K.

Hall Place Mansion @ Kent, U.K.

More of Hall Place Mansion @ Kent, U.K.

A mixed up thought: Money vs. Career vs. Work

2010-10-09T23:21:00.000+03:00

I started to prepare myself for the winter, I moved alot of spring-autumn items away from the terrace and started to wash the pillows that go with the garden furniture. I still have to clean the grill and cover it before leaving on Tuesday to U.K. Sadly the weather has gotten much colder than I expected, I might have to do the washing of the grill's interior indoors. I started to study up on investing as another way to provide for my family (nothing big just dabble a little here and there). Of course someone would say to me that I'm wasting my time. Well, here's the deal, I ain't no millionaire, heck I'm barely a hundredaire (No I don't care if that's not a real word :P) but the point is...investing a couple of hundreds is a BIG deal for me. It's money I'm not wanting to lose. Even a couple of tens is hard to part with when it comes to investing. However it's a risk I'm going to have to take if I want to try it out. I consider this a learning fee. If I profit, heck that's great...if I lose it then it's not the end of the world (although I'd be angry and cursing for the next month or so thinking of what I could have bought with that money :P).

The Sweet Peas hanging on my terrace are still in bloom (Champagne Bubbles is the color depicted here)

At this point my career is going alright, I've still got projects coming in to keep me employed. The only problem is if I'm going to get to do what I want to achieve my goal. It's probably all up to me. If I don't discuss this with my employer then they will never know, once they know and they don't/can't support it then it's time to rethink my position, do I want to stay and go no where or even regress or move on so that I can progress and achieve my goal.

So at this point, after having my precious little girl, I've achieved my life's goal. Career wise, it's not quite there yet but I do see an opportunity to get there. I just need to work hard and study hard and figure out the best way to get there without costing my employer an arm and a leg. Although it's pretty difficult to get where I want to at this stage without a little support but then again there are always people who are already where I want to be and I can get advice from them. I'm happy to share what I have and to learn what others have to offer. I can't know everything and neither can the next person. Which brings me to a *complain alert* situation about someone in my project who couldn't take an idea from another person who just got into the project. His comment about this was that "I'm more senior I've been doing this for 10's of years and it's been working fine, don't you dare come and tell me that this is not the right way!". That was utterly childish in my opinion, I welcome these ideas, if for a reason it may sound bad in your mind, you need to keep it to yourself and analyse what's being proposed without getting worked up about it. You never know it may end up to be a great idea not used.

My conclusion on this whole shenanigan was that this new guy had a valid point or idea, however it couldn't be adapted at this stage of the project without having to redo a lot of things that were done. This would mean lots of cost for the project plus time on an already delayed work. I don't see why this can't be implemented in a new project. (Not going to go into details and it could mean a breech in my NDA).

The trees out back about few weeks ago...Now the colors have changed...

So now I've covered work and money...plus a few things on my backyard. I guess that about sums up what's on my mind these few days. It's good to sometimes get your thoughts out there. It would be interesting to read up on some other people's thoughts as well.

Autumn is awesome...(depending on one's perspective)

2010-09-16T01:20:00.000+03:00

I admit I'm a bit biased as I am born in Autumn but you've got to admit that there is a certain appeal to it. The beautifully coloured leaves giving different shades of yellow, orange, brown...the autumn rain that's so refreshing...also it's not so cold that you'd wanna run inside just as you've stepped out. Only thing I don't like about this season is that it's a reminder that I have to prepare my garden for wnter. Before that, I manage to take a picture of my blooming Dahlia. She's not going to last for much longer :-/. You see there was a strong storm that came not too long ago and blew her every which way, let's just say she's not looking too healthy. Normally what I would do is dig them up (the bulbs), wash, disinfect and dry them for next year; however I wasn't too happy about the colour of the flower. When I bought the bulb the photo on the package showed that it was suppose to be white with hints of purple. What I got was *GAR* purple with a few stripes of white. It just upset me to think that I've waited for the flowers to bloom only to be disappointed. I know the pictures don't usually tell it all but with the colours totally inverted...who could've got it so wrong? Anyhow she's a beauty right? =)

Purple Dahlia...It should have been white
with hints of purple...Go figure <.<

I'm excited with my plans for my garden next year, however I need the time and energy (mostly energy) to get the project started. With work and a little toddler, it's almost impossible to do anything extra shy of skipping housework. I admit I do enjoy my facebooking, my blogging (I know I know...lazy blogger <.<), my surfing, developing new recipe ideas, testing new recipes and what not, it's just hard to give up the little pleasures that you have in life that you so well deserve after a long day at work. I'm looking forward to having a break from doing anything in the garden come winter. I wonder how my hubby would enjoy the snow ploughing work this year :P. Anyhoos...it's a given that I need a full day (non rainy day) to work in the garden without the little gnome hanging on my leg all the time. I'll have to figure that one out this week...

Now you've heard about my gardening woos and my love for autumn. What's new for me? Job's the same (at least title) but the work is somewhat different. I've met new people over the past few months and I'm happy to say that it has made quite an impact in my work life. The people I've known in the past continue to enrich me and the new ones just give me new perspective. I've lost a few 'friends' but I've gain a whole lot more. I've also learnt that not everything is as it seems when it comes to work. You'll still have to sometimes face what people would call 'childish' behaviours at work from time to time. Let's just say I hope to not be working with this bunch for a long time.

Now I have to go to sleep with a bitter taste in my mouth. Yes I got ill again...actually it was the same illness I got last month. It just never got better but now it's hitting back. So I have new antibiotic pills and eye drops for the eye infection. I'm hoping that these pills will help. I really hate using medicine and hope my immune system kicks in, but as I get older and have depended on all these modern medications, it seems like a cycle I cannot get rid off. I hear a conspiracy theory coming up for the paranoid <_<". You'd think that the pharmaceutical companies are on to something eh?

The late summer flu and me

2010-08-19T12:50:00.000+03:00

Alyssa learning to walk at Malmgård

I see piles and piles of tissue everywhere around me...They were either from my hubby or my little one or me...It's quite sad that we all happen to be ill around the same time leaving us out of energy and tad more crankier than usual. The little one is thankfully getting better and hubby is at the peak and I'm somewhere closing in on the peak. I have a doctor's appointment today so I can have her check me up and give me some sick papers. I know my colleague would say what's the point as I'm working anyways and should just rest. I am afraid that if I let go I'll lose control of a project that's spiraling like a tornado. It has some good days and some bad days (okay it has more bad than good), however it has thought me something important. I've learned that if I've never faced failure I'll never know success. So this was one of the lowest points project wise but I take it with a spoonful of sugar (lots of grunting and whining and oh complaining out loud) and write it off as an experience. I'm probably a sucker for pain if I said that even if this was terrible it was rather enjoyable experience, in a way I got to meet new people, weeded the ones I didn't want to work with in the future and the ones I'll gladly give good feedback and hope to be on the same team again.

So...I'm sitting infront of my computer watching chats pour in telling me to get well soon and then asking for help with work. The concept of sick leave to some people is non existence, same goes with weekends and personal time. I guess I have myself to blame for letting people reach me too easily. I know how irritating it is when you need help and there is no where to turn to, hence I've tried to make life easier for others thus making mine a bit more complicated. A wise person told me once that if I keep giving there will always be people who'll keep taking until there is nothing left of you to take from. She also told me that I should sometimes be selfish and hold on to some of the things that are mine. Time is one of the things she told me is precious and I should never give it away for granted as that's one thing you can't gain back. She's right. I've wasted quite alot of time as a youth (I don't know many that don't) and when you come to a certain age you wish you'd have the time you've lost.

No matter. I try to not worry about the time I've lost and try to enjoy the time I still have and make the most of it. I told myself if there was something I really want to do. Just Do it! (very Nike but who cares) Of course most of the things I want to do involves €€€ and some even lots of it (e.g. travelling). I'll just have to balance it out with the things that cost less € and save up so I can enjoy doing the things that cost more €€€. In regards to finances, a few years ago, the biggest fear I had was that I'd lose my job. Now my biggest fear would be to continue this rat race without accelerating in my career. Then I ask myself...what do I wanna do? The same old stuff, or just the same old stuff with a few fine tunes? I then realize without the support from my employers I won't be able to do anything more than the same old stuff, if I'm lucky I'll get some fine tunes in the turbo if you know what I mean.

I haven't been actively searching for options to advance in my career. I definitely want an option to gain more €€€, the problem always with earning more €€€, I tend to splurge as much as I make (minus the bills, cost of living...grmbl grmbl grmbl...ANYWAYS). If I could spend the way I did when I had € I could save € and life is great! Which will bring me to my next topic....stay tuned.

Is it the end of August yet?

2010-08-18T22:49:00.000+03:00

I have been waiting for the end of August since the beginning of July. Reason being that I haven't had much of holidays and I don't quite like the heat plus my project needed me to be working during the month of July. I kinda like strolling into an empty floor and having the entire office space to myself. Not to mention the parking spots available is amazing since I could park literally ANYWHERE ^__^. Now that all the rested grunts are back at work it will take a while until they settle in. I wonder why people get so easily irritable after they've had a long vacation, I should be the one grunting (I am...) due to not having any.

I always assume that it would be easy with children but juggling work and a baby it's quite a chore. It would make sense to be a stay at home mum but that would mean we would have to move out of our semi-dream home. If you ask a friend who recently visit she'd appreciate my home but for some reason I'm not so. This is again another halfway home just like all the other houses we've had. We are overweight IT geeks that know nothing about building. Even hammering a nail to the wall would give us a blue thumb. It's quite a risky business to start obtaining a land to start building while being 5-6 months pregnant. So I started a search for something more towards our price range and found this little brand new idyllic home. The size was enough, some wasted space and the layout was so and so. The kitchen was not what I dreamt about but it will have to do for now. I'll try to obtain pictures from my dear friend Angie as she went around to take photos of this messy abode.

At this moment nothing matters but my little one's happiness :). My kitchen can wait :o).

Daddy giving the birthday girl a kiss!

Time flies

2010-08-02T18:43:00.000+03:00

This was made before Alyssa's birthday party.

When I tend my garden I realize how fast time flies... Not too long ago I was sowing seeds indoors in hopes that winter would be finally gone and spring would arrive for me to move the plants outdoors. Now we've had some strawberries from the garden, zucchini's flowering and we've even gotten one from the patch as well as blueberries slowly ripening!

Zucchini Flower

Soon I'll have to prepare for winter. However I'm not going to worry about it yet as summer in Finland has been extraordinary this year :). I think I may have one too many zucchini's and I'll have to give them to our neighbor :). I will move the strawberries as well and we'll redo the garden. So that I have a plot for my veggies :). Next year I'll plant carrots and a little bit more Romaine Salad as well as a broccoli and zucchini. Of course I'll have blackcurrants, strawberry, blueberries and maybe I'll bring home a raspberry bush :).

Sunday comes signifying the end of a weekend

2010-07-25T13:08:00.000+03:00

Like many, I feel that weekends are just too short. I have too much to do or too much I want to do but never find the time, since I don't find the time to do the things I want to do I end up sitting in front of the computer doing absolutely nothing. In other words wasting more time.

Today I've decided to digitize some of my recipes so that it's easier to find and I don't lose them so easily. This also means I'm going to be sharing my recipes with many others. I use to hate the idea but then these days I couldn't be bothered. Some people all over the net have grrreat recipes that I've taken to use and because I've been cooking for some time I can tell I won't like something just by looking at the recipe, hence I tend to adjust it and make it my own.

I'm still bad with bread and thanks to being impatient it's not easy to make bread since you'll need to proof the dough for many hours and allow it to rise. I'm getting better at it (the patience part I meant, still suck with the bread). Now to transcribe the meatloaf and the cupcake recipe from my head, this is a bit difficult because measurements are by taste :/.

How many months?

2010-07-23T10:57:00.000+03:00

I know it's been forever since I posted here. I've been very busy adjusting with my new life and also trying to kill boredom over Facebook. Hence this blog has been sort of abandoned. I'm currently at work, listening in on a meeting and trying to figure out how to troubleshoot the issues we are having. It proves impossible at the moment with time constraints. Isn't it the most common thing with projects?

I need to get back to the meeting. I'll continue with the blog a little later.

I've made it!

2010-02-15T01:11:00.004+02:00

Okay after having some troubles with uploading and etc. I finally manage to do it. I can still improve but for now this will do :).

Go check out my favourite Crimfall track Aubade on my experimental video done for a school I probably will never go to.

Please support the artist by buying the CD. They will have a new one coming out in the near future :).

Travelling...with a baby

2010-02-14T22:57:00.003+02:00

I was for the first time travelling with Alyssa when she was about 4 months old. The trip was an adventure to say the least. On the 22nd of Feb 2010, my hubby, Alyssa and I will be flying to Hong Kong for the first time (few nights stopover) and then to Malaysia. As I don't know if I'll have any or much of net time, I'll try to keep up to date as soon as I get a connection.

Right now I'm just a mess with everything, I haven't packed and I'm just stressing over what the baby needs and what she doesn't need. Let's just say it's not easy travelling with kids at any age if you need to bring their entire wardrobe, pantry and toileteries with you. Alyssa was rather tolerant around 4 months on the plane but she's approaching 7 1/2 months she might change a little. I wonder if she will sleep on board or is she going to get irritated again with all the announcements. The good thing is that I'll have my hubby with me on this trip so I don't have to deal with her crying all alone while carrying tons of bags and trying to rock her at the same time.

First things first, I need to pack items I need as well not only for the baby but I figured that I need a few shirts for the baby incase she throws up, poops on herself and other adventures. I'll also bring some laundry detergent in a small bottle so I can wash her clothes if this happens and we can still reuse the clothes. My other worry is her bottles, if she was breastfeeding this wouldn't be a problem but now it is hence we need to pack at least 3 bottles with 4 different teats. I've already bought over 5 kgs of food for Alyssa as she takes bottled food as well as ready porridge. I'm still missing some of the milk she drinks but I'll buy that in a few days but not that many as she'll drink powdered milk if necessary.

Back to what I was planning to do, as now you will see me removing recipes away from here. You'll be able to find them at Samurai Apron

I've also started Baby Diaries, I've been writing some of Alyssa's progresses on her baby book but I should transcribe them to her blog. They can be found here: Babydaze-Babydiaries

Interesting discovery

2009-12-13T01:15:00.003+02:00

I haven't done much over the last few days on my blog but configure the adsense. I've asked friends and family to help with some of the settings and also click a few links to see how this thing works. So far it's pretty straight forward. I should add a bit more color to my blog and also more content. I was told to keep my blog simple as to not overwhelm people who visit it. I should categorize the topics and my rants in separate blogs. Then I thought to myself, I'm already lazy enough as it is and you want me to go galavanting the entire www to just organize my RANTS?

I do like having comments to improve. So I guess I just need to put in a bit more effort. Since my hubby got me a brand new lappy, I'm motivated to make things work a bit more on my blog. It seems fun to be writing some sort of an online diary about what I've been doing or am planning to do. My memory isn't so good these days and lack of sleep is taking its toll. I'm grateful for a wonderful daughter, she's a baby after all even if she does sleep a full night (I REALLY mean a full night 10-12 hours she's broken records by sleeping 14 hours once) I find it difficult to fall asleep. I feel unfulfilled as I spend most of my days serving and entertaining her. I feel like I've made myself into a court jester for the little princess. I love kids..don't get me wrong but being home day in day out is driving me insane. I don't only lose the sense of time and I also lose common sense on some things. I haven't been up to date as to what's been going on with the world as it seems to be too much to absorb. I'm lucky if I remember my name. Which leads me to this:

I was on the phone making an appointment for a surgery I am suppose to go to but it would have to be done only next March. I have no idea who to contact and what to say to these people once they answered the phone. I assumed that if I called and explain to them what my situation was it would be enough.

To my HORROR, when they asked my name...I hesitated for a whole minute. The lady was not convince that I was who I said I was hence she asked for my social security number twice. I got it right the first time and got it wrong the second time and so on. It sounded right in my head but I uttered it out wrongly.

I thought to myself...'What on earth is wrong with this woman?! Why couldn't she understand me?' Then she explained to me that there aren't 80 days in October to make my social security number such. When I ran the numbers through my head and said it out loud I then realized after saying it the 5th time what I said wrong. I am normally a bit of an airhead in the mornings or when I'm über tired but lately I'm an airhead 80% and also an absent-minded professor.

After this whole encounter with the name and the social ID. I forgot what I called them for <.<". So they pulled up whatever information they had on me to job my memory. After an awkward 3 mins on the phone going through my hideous medical history, it finally hit me that I called them to book a time for the surgery. Then came this line of questions as to which doctor would perform my surgery and how...I said "Listen ma'am...just a moment ago I forgot my first name and said my social ID wrong over 10 times...How would you think I'd remember the name of a doctor I haven't met and on top of it a strange name for a surgery which involves cutting my knee open and inserting a laser sort thingy to fix the broken ligaments?". She then said that she'll ask the doctor who diagnosed the problem to me to call me...I wasn't convinced as I knew I'd have to probably go through all this again. So she did I obliged and the doctor called.

I'll keep the story short by saying that I got this all cleared but I still have to make an appointment with the hospital for said doctor to perform the surgery. I'll be in a cast for 2-3 weeks hence I would be needing some help from relatives to care for my dear daughter.

So now I know what I will be facing around March, I've decided then I'll spend my time brushing up on my work skills as well as spend more time writing my blog. Don't worry I won't bore you only with news on my recovery but I'll try to add the recipes as I go along. Now I'll end my post with good night while I still figure out the adsense-nonsense. :)

A day indeed

2009-12-09T22:14:00.005+02:00

Alyssa at 4 months 3weeks or so :)

I haven't been writing much on my blog after Alyssa was born. I've been randomly passing by and thinking of updating it every now and what not. I've been doing lots of surfing on the web to find new recipes to try and reinvent, tips on photography (yes I'm a lousy photographer), tips on sewing (yes this too <.<) and all the other DIY things you can think about. I have been thinking of putting the little slugger into some sort of photoshoot hence I've been googling up child photography. I found an exciting hobbyist that has made this into a business of hers. It's these types of people that got me thinking of what are my talents and hobbies that I can put into use. Provided my lazy bones don't get in the way I can pretty much do anything.

Before Alyssa was born I planned to digitize all my recipes so they don't get lost but sadly that was a dream. I've again let the lazy bones take over me and I've been too occupied with feeling sorry for myself (thank you post pregnancy hormones) and trying to cope with the new person in my life. It has been going great I have to say, she's been relatively easy and like most babies love the attention from their parents. I've never felt so close to someone so little and have never thought I'd be so in love with this little person.

Some people say somethings happen for a reason, the things I've gone through in the past has let me up to this day and of course there were the good and the bad times but everything happens for a reason. Nevertheless, I'll try to upkeep my blog from now on and will add recipes here for those who are interested.

1 month 1 week and 4 days old

2009-08-12T18:46:00.004+03:00

It seems like only yesterday when my little slugger was in the belly. It still feels funny not to have her inside anymore. She has been a wonderful baby (as wonderful as all babies can be :)). Of course she has her cranky and moody days...sleepless nights...at the end it's rather worth it. It's so amazing to see her smile even if it's not too often but everytime she does it, it makes all the daily baby-fighting frustration and stress disappear. The picture below was taken a few days after the worse hormone break-outs have disappeared. They are not all gone, scabs have just appeared and it will also go away sooner or later. According to my research all over the net and advices from midwives and doctors, apparently these baby acne business can last up to when the baby's 5 months old...except that it'll get less and your baby's smooth skin will return. Your little prince or princess will look lovely once again.

My giant baby (thanks to gestational diabetes) is happily sleeping at this moment, she'll be awake soon and will start to demand for food and a diaper change :D. Hopefully she'll wake up only when her daddy's home so I get to rest. Napping is scarce for me as I have piles of housework to do... these chores never seem to end O_o !

I'm somewhat looking forward to next week's event when our little one will have her baby naming party in combination with a housewarming party. We've invited quite a number of people and hope they can come. Since we do live rather far from civilization (at least for now), to have a handful people show up would mean alot to us. Guess what?! We have people coming from all over Finland and even from UK and GERMANY!!! My friends and relatives are lovely =). I'm grateful to have them and to have met them ^__^ . I'm going back to my chores and tend to that whiney dog...soon I have to read up about how to tackle that <.< ...It could be breed specific...

Tomorrow is the big day...

2009-06-30T14:53:00.004+03:00

I'll get to see my little princess (or monster) tomorrow. Happy Birthday (1st July 2009) my dearest! Goodbye to peeing 15 times in the night, heartburn, kung-fu kicks and uncontrollable hiccups! However I'm going to miss being a mother kenguruu. You've been a part of me for so many months. It's now time to meet the rest of the family. Daddy is excited to see you and a bit scared as this is a new experience for him. Just so you know, he'll be there for you from the first moment you are out from mummy's belly.

Although you'll come out through a brutal way, hopefully mummy will be healthy enough to hold you. If not daddy will be there for you and when mummy has recovered then mummy can take over. Don't worry you'll get milk ;) (hopefully). So don't worry.

Grandma will come visit either on Friday or Saturday (3rd of July or 4th of July) Some of mummy and daddy's friends may come visit on the 2nd onwards...We have your summer bed prepared at home...since it's going to be hot we'll be sleeping downstairs for sometim'e until mummy's stitches are removed and mummy feels good enough to be climbing stairs. In the meantime mummy will be getting lots of help from daddy and grandma....

Love you and see you tomorrow...

Planned C-section

2009-06-23T16:53:00.003+03:00

Okay...this is not my idea clearly...but since I have a stubborn baby that's not only the wrong way around but she's also rather huge...over 4 kg estimated weight...So we have to take her out via c-section. At a point things will go flying if she comes out under 4 kg as then I've lost all my trust towards these doctors. Right now I will keep my fingers cross that baby makes it out okay and I still am somewhat alive at the end of the whole surgery. Now for more food...had a peach to quell the hunger but need more to avoid fainting...Adios for now but I'll try to be back soon...

Oh and I've just moved hence I haven't been writing much...with a tummy the size of an elephant's belly I just can't seem to do as much as I planned hence the house is still a mess no matter how much I try to organize...I look forward to healing up quickly so I can get back to my routine...or get use to a new one...whatever >.< ....sigh...okay now...I go...rant later...

Life's like that...

2009-05-08T17:38:00.002+03:00

I was at the office today saying farewell to another colleague. With all the economic turmoil it's getting harder and harder for people to stay at their jobs. I guess it's good to be thankful that you are employed at the moment instead of reaching for higher goals. I'm excited to be on maternity leave soon but I'm also sad that I'm going to be missing my colleagues at my external office. Since I work together with them more than the ones at my own office you tend to feel closer to them. Then I thought, hey I'm an external...there is nothing wrong with this...part of everyday process...but as a human it doesn't work this way.

I look forward to returning to my external office next year. Hopefully time and tide changes as the economy picks up. In the meantime, one just has to hold on to what one has without expecting too much. For now I'll keep this note/blog short. Just wanted to express my disappointment of good people being let go.