YUMM!!
torstai 27. lokakuuta 2011
Friends are like ...
It feels weird to say at least how I had any doubts about moving back to the States and to start a new chapter in my life. It seems so surreal now how scared I was especially when I knew where I was going. This little town has been my home the past couple of years already. Later on I found myself being scared an nervous not because of the whole moving back thing but rather about meeting new people. And most of all - what are the "new Finns" are going to be like. I was scared for no reason.
From all of the great people I have met here I am most thankful that I met Henna. Pretty sure that most people have experienced the instant "click" with someone. Like when you get to know each other and become friends it feels like you've known the other person forever - like you've always been friends. It's awesome how she reminds me of myself when I first got here. Her enthusiasm towards doing things and especially towards this tiny town is exactly what I had and still do. I am so glad that I decided to come back and that I happened to meet her (I am still sorry about the first impression Henna! It could have done a way better than that haha)
Riina
From all of the great people I have met here I am most thankful that I met Henna. Pretty sure that most people have experienced the instant "click" with someone. Like when you get to know each other and become friends it feels like you've known the other person forever - like you've always been friends. It's awesome how she reminds me of myself when I first got here. Her enthusiasm towards doing things and especially towards this tiny town is exactly what I had and still do. I am so glad that I decided to come back and that I happened to meet her (I am still sorry about the first impression Henna! It could have done a way better than that haha)
Riina
maanantai 24. lokakuuta 2011
Free Fallin'
Hello everyone!
It's been "awhile". Again. It's been hectic. I'm sorry. I've been sitting here for over 15minutes now trying to decide where to begin since it's been so long from the last update..I cannot believe that we are already half way thru the Fall semester. Everything exciting ahead tho so I am not going to be upset about it !
First of all, Halloween is just around the corner and I finally choose my costume. I wanted to go with something completely different than what I have done for the past couple of years. I wanted to do something a little bit creepier. I pondered quite awhile what I'd want to go with since I didn't want to add any fake blood/spiders/chainsaw/creepy mask etc. to my costume. Then finally the other day I was browsing Halloween costume sites I found a perfect "First Lady" zombie costume. It comes with pretty sweet Jackie O -style skirt and jacket. Now I just have to figure out how to do a zombie make up..
Second of all the Finn crew is going for a road trip next month. We are going to take couple days off school before the Thanksgiving Break to kick start out trip. First takig a bus down to Chicago. Then flying to Seattle from there and this is going to be our plan then:
We are probably going to skip the Grand Canyon since there is not enough time to spend in the other places. We'll see what's going to happen when 6 FInns are taking the drive to Cali. No doubt it's going to be epic.
After the Thanksgiving recess we are having only few weeks of school left before the finals week. And then for Christmas break me and three other Finns are heading to COSTA RICA for 10 days! This is going to be the first Christmas ever that I am not going to spend in Finland and it already feels weird. No christmas tree, decorations, gingerbread.. No Santa's Hotline or the Snowman on TV. No Christmas Eve dinner with my family. I know I know, I choose not to go to Finland for Christmas but still.. Instead of tons of snow and cold weather I am going to be stuck with this
I've been enjoying my free fall a lot !
Riina
xx
ps. My fellow Finns here are awesome ! Couldn't ask for a better "crew" (:
It's been "awhile". Again. It's been hectic. I'm sorry. I've been sitting here for over 15minutes now trying to decide where to begin since it's been so long from the last update..I cannot believe that we are already half way thru the Fall semester. Everything exciting ahead tho so I am not going to be upset about it !
First of all, Halloween is just around the corner and I finally choose my costume. I wanted to go with something completely different than what I have done for the past couple of years. I wanted to do something a little bit creepier. I pondered quite awhile what I'd want to go with since I didn't want to add any fake blood/spiders/chainsaw/creepy mask etc. to my costume. Then finally the other day I was browsing Halloween costume sites I found a perfect "First Lady" zombie costume. It comes with pretty sweet Jackie O -style skirt and jacket. Now I just have to figure out how to do a zombie make up..
Second of all the Finn crew is going for a road trip next month. We are going to take couple days off school before the Thanksgiving Break to kick start out trip. First takig a bus down to Chicago. Then flying to Seattle from there and this is going to be our plan then:
We are probably going to skip the Grand Canyon since there is not enough time to spend in the other places. We'll see what's going to happen when 6 FInns are taking the drive to Cali. No doubt it's going to be epic.
After the Thanksgiving recess we are having only few weeks of school left before the finals week. And then for Christmas break me and three other Finns are heading to COSTA RICA for 10 days! This is going to be the first Christmas ever that I am not going to spend in Finland and it already feels weird. No christmas tree, decorations, gingerbread.. No Santa's Hotline or the Snowman on TV. No Christmas Eve dinner with my family. I know I know, I choose not to go to Finland for Christmas but still.. Instead of tons of snow and cold weather I am going to be stuck with this
I've been enjoying my free fall a lot !
Riina
xx
ps. My fellow Finns here are awesome ! Couldn't ask for a better "crew" (:
maanantai 10. lokakuuta 2011
The power song of the week
Well, I chose to ignore all the good advice
I am what I am and I'm not always nice
I pay all my taxes, give money to Green Peace
Recycle the bottles that I've emptied
I have the right to do
I have the right to be
Wrong
"Wrong" by K. Wheeler
I am what I am and I'm not always nice
I pay all my taxes, give money to Green Peace
Recycle the bottles that I've emptied
I have the right to do
I have the right to be
Wrong
"Wrong" by K. Wheeler
maanantai 29. elokuuta 2011
Think I'm gonna learn Spanish after all
So, today was the first day of classes. First of all I wan't to mention that it's not good idea to stay up all night and then hit the classes. Especially when you instructor is having VERY thick Spanish accent in his English and sometimes "forgets" it and speaks Spanish instead. Was kinda funny tho. He was being all silly and was jumping from one subject to another. If anyone of you ever watched a Spanish show called Los Serranos... yea, this guy would fit to that show perfectly !
I just noticed that I haven't yet introduced my roommates. There's four of us girls sharing this apartment. Katie (Astrophysics major) from Detroit, Kathleen (Civil Engineering major) from Hawaii and Youla (Bio Chem. Engineering major) from South Korea. I couldn't get any more lucky with roommates. People keep telling us that they thought we've been knowing each other for years. And yeah, we met a week ago. I like the fact that we are so diversed and everyone of us is having a different major. We are going to have so much fun during our time at Tech (:
Love,
Riina
I just noticed that I haven't yet introduced my roommates. There's four of us girls sharing this apartment. Katie (Astrophysics major) from Detroit, Kathleen (Civil Engineering major) from Hawaii and Youla (Bio Chem. Engineering major) from South Korea. I couldn't get any more lucky with roommates. People keep telling us that they thought we've been knowing each other for years. And yeah, we met a week ago. I like the fact that we are so diversed and everyone of us is having a different major. We are going to have so much fun during our time at Tech (:
Love,
Riina
lauantai 27. elokuuta 2011
I made it thru the week one !
Just a quick update.
The first week has gone by faast. Feels like I just got here and on the other hand feels like it's been forever. It's been nice to have the whole week off. I was told earlier that I need to be here by 20th to attend to the orientation week and when I got here I was told that the only orientation stuff I'm having as a transfer student is this few hour thingy on Friday 26th (Note to myself: do not ever go out the night before some important stuff such as orientation. There's a chance that you still might be drunk in the morning..). No matter of the condition this morning the orientation was pretty helpful plus we got awesome t-shirts !
I also got all set up with my classes for the semester and for the first time in years I could not be more excited about them to start. The one thing I wasn't so pleased about was I need to take one extra language because of my major. I need to pick either Spanish, French or German. Obviously I'm going with German 'cos I've studied that before and obviously I'm not telling that to anybody so I can start with the most basic level. It's going to be awesome to lear how they teach foreign languages in the US. The only thing is, the class is currently full so I need to wait and see if there's going to be any room. But anyways, these classes I'm having at least:
Well it's 3.17am here so I'm off to bed. Just wanted to share the latest details.
Love,
Riina
Ps. It is weird right when a guy wants you to give him your skinny pants that he could wear, waits you till your class is done, follows you back to where you live, tries the pants on like right in the front of you and then gets disappointed when you don't give him your pants (that you are wearing at the time) ? I'm just wondering...
The first week has gone by faast. Feels like I just got here and on the other hand feels like it's been forever. It's been nice to have the whole week off. I was told earlier that I need to be here by 20th to attend to the orientation week and when I got here I was told that the only orientation stuff I'm having as a transfer student is this few hour thingy on Friday 26th (Note to myself: do not ever go out the night before some important stuff such as orientation. There's a chance that you still might be drunk in the morning..). No matter of the condition this morning the orientation was pretty helpful plus we got awesome t-shirts !
I also got all set up with my classes for the semester and for the first time in years I could not be more excited about them to start. The one thing I wasn't so pleased about was I need to take one extra language because of my major. I need to pick either Spanish, French or German. Obviously I'm going with German 'cos I've studied that before and obviously I'm not telling that to anybody so I can start with the most basic level. It's going to be awesome to lear how they teach foreign languages in the US. The only thing is, the class is currently full so I need to wait and see if there's going to be any room. But anyways, these classes I'm having at least:
- Introduction to Rhetorics
- Literature Across Borders
- Communicating Across Cultures
- Perspectives Coaching
Well it's 3.17am here so I'm off to bed. Just wanted to share the latest details.
Love,
Riina
Ps. It is weird right when a guy wants you to give him your skinny pants that he could wear, waits you till your class is done, follows you back to where you live, tries the pants on like right in the front of you and then gets disappointed when you don't give him your pants (that you are wearing at the time) ? I'm just wondering...
maanantai 22. elokuuta 2011
FINALLY!
Heyy everybody!
I'm now finally settled in to my new home. I decided to blog about my trip here since everybody's asking how did it go.
So I left from Helsinki on Friday the 19th and got here the same day at midnight on the US time. Everything went great until I got to O'Hare, Chicago. The 8 hour wait wasn't pleasant. At all. And the wait wasn't even the worst part of my trip. When I finally arrived to Hancock's airport most of the luggage of the people on the plane was not there. The plane was packed with luggage of the earlier flight and the day before. The feeling when you realize that there is no chance you're taking a shower or going to bed after an extremely stressful and tiring day because everything is in your bad... I was so mad but cause of the tiredness I didn't even bother. I humbly filled out a form for lost luggage just like everybody else did trying not to be too pissed about it. Obviously it wouldn't have helped at all.
Luckily the students that were taking us to the campus told that there is going to be extra blankets and pillows for us that didn't get our luggage. Before that we stopped at Public Safety office to get out room keys. I was the last on the line and when I got to the desk, handed out my passport and the lady started searching for my key package, I knew something's wrong. After she went thru all of the envelopes about six times she looked at me saying "I'm sorry dear but I just can't find your key. I've seen your package and I know it's here but I cannot find it." All I was able to think was "THIS IS NOT HAPPENING..." So I spent my very first night in a quest room. The room was included with everything which was more than nice! I finally hit the bed somewhere around 3am and I was supposed to go to the Housing Office at 9am to find out where my key package is.
I did surprise myself the next morning waking up at 8.20am. Got dressed and called home to let them know that everything is alright and headed upstairs to the office. As my disappointment I got the same answer there that I did last night at the Public Safety office, they didn't know where my key package is. She promised to find out what had happened to it and told me to come back later.
Last night we were told that there is going to be a trip to Walmart for international students at 10am on Saturday morning and obviously I needed to go there since I still didn't have my luggage. I waited outside the residence hall like forever and no one showed up. Luckily I met a couple of guys from last night at the lobby waiting for the same ride. The ride never came. During the waiting I chatted with this older guy who got very excited about my Finnish background and he was also wondering about the key thing. He went back inside and soon came back out telling me that I need to go to this Rozsa Center to register myself and they will have my package there. So I walked there (NOTE: the day was burning hot and the only clothes I had were the ones I had on when I arrived. It was pretty awesome to walk around with a thick cardigan and jeans..).
At the Rozsa Center I got to hear the same thing I'd have heard three times before: "We do not have your key package or your orientation file. You should go to the Memorial Union Building first to get your Tech Express (aka Student ID)." At that point I was sooo mad and cursing the school, the way they have been treating me so far and pretty much everything. I hated the fact that I felt so alone since I didn't know anybody and haven't met my roommates yet. I however went back to the Housing Office at first where I met Paul (the older guy I was talking earlier) and he had found out that the Walmart drive leaves at 11am from Memorial Union B. So I planned to head to the Walmart first and then go to get my ID card.
In the front of the MUB waiting for the drive I met a couple of other Finns. I was standing there alone when I suddenly heard someone talking Finnish. Suddenly my bad mood was gone and I felt so relieved. Henna is from Tampere (and she is all crazy about this place already. I see alot of myself in her and the excitement she has) and Henri is from Oulu. I'm really happy that they have the perfect attitude to be here and I'm sure they'll enjoy their time in the UP !
After the Walmart drive I went to MUB to get my Tech Express, ran back to the Housing Office to register my card and then they told me that the Tech Express is the key to my apartment. REALLY ?! Someone could have told me that earlier.... But yea. Now I'm all settled into my new home at the Hillside Place and I got my back yesterday morning (: I am also having the best roommates ever. It's going to be an awesome year!
Love,
Riina
keskiviikko 17. elokuuta 2011
Exclamation points and hugs
EEEEK! One day left before the departure ! YAY ! Couldn't be more excited ! It has been exclamation point after exclamation point for the whole week so far.
One thing I haven't even started considering is ... packing. I - hate - packing. There is only one thing I hate more than packing is unpacking. Maybe 'cause I'm so bad at it. I'm always waiting to the last minute to do it because it's just something I HAVE to do. Not something I'd love to. I'm just lacking the excitement(?) of organizing things. Anyways... Not only the whole packing operation is causing me stress, but now that I saw the list that I should bring to the States with me. NOTE: this is a list of the stuff my school thinks would be handy:
One thing I haven't even started considering is ... packing. I - hate - packing. There is only one thing I hate more than packing is unpacking. Maybe 'cause I'm so bad at it. I'm always waiting to the last minute to do it because it's just something I HAVE to do. Not something I'd love to. I'm just lacking the excitement(?) of organizing things. Anyways... Not only the whole packing operation is causing me stress, but now that I saw the list that I should bring to the States with me. NOTE: this is a list of the stuff my school thinks would be handy:
keskiviikko 10. elokuuta 2011
Loving the Internet .... NOT
I just wrote the longest blog ever which was highly thoughtful and awesome. But then my Internet de-connected itself and everything I wrote disappeared. Way too tired now to write a new one so this is going to be it.
Love,
Riina
ps. I had the visa interview today and my application was accepted. YEY. Now just waiting for the embassy to mail it to me ...
pps. Had an awesome time today with Eve. She's the best. Dunno what I'm going to do without her being in Hancock.. October is YEARS away.
Love,
Riina
ps. I had the visa interview today and my application was accepted. YEY. Now just waiting for the embassy to mail it to me ...
pps. Had an awesome time today with Eve. She's the best. Dunno what I'm going to do without her being in Hancock.. October is YEARS away.
Finally!
I finally found a perfect leather jacket and timing couldn't been any better, just before leaving. I think I'm now ready for the fall ;D
6 shifts at work left. I know I asked for as many hours/week I can possibly get before I quit, but it starts to feel like this way more that I bargained for. Now I'm not just stressed, I'm also tired as hell. When you are doing over 9h shifts a day after another one day off just does not seem to be enough to relax. I would give pretty much ANYTHING if I could just be doing nothing for a one day. Or at least sleep as long as I would like ..
Today started with the visa interview.
6 shifts at work left. I know I asked for as many hours/week I can possibly get before I quit, but it starts to feel like this way more that I bargained for. Now I'm not just stressed, I'm also tired as hell. When you are doing over 9h shifts a day after another one day off just does not seem to be enough to relax. I would give pretty much ANYTHING if I could just be doing nothing for a one day. Or at least sleep as long as I would like ..
Today started with the visa interview.
maanantai 8. elokuuta 2011
Next week !
Next week my life is going to change again ! Excitement grows with every minute spent. Everything is now all set and visa interview is the day after tomorrow. Only 8 shifts at work left. Can't wait to start packing !!
Love,
Riina
Love,
Riina
lauantai 6. elokuuta 2011
Whoopsie...
Just noticed that it's been FIVE months since the last time I updated my blog. Those months went by so fast and so many things have happened after the Oscar's.
In two weeks I'll be in the States again. In two weeks I have settled my life in a new frame. Or maybe I should rather say that the frame is the same but the picture is going to be a whole lot of a different this time. It's funny that I am now more nervous and impatient that I was couple of years ago before my student exchange experience. I did not have any idea what it's going to be like and yet I felt so calm about it. It turned to be the best thing I've ever experienced.
One of my best friends asked me the other day what I am missing about the States when I'm in Finland and all I was able to come up with was some products and a huge variety of awesome clothing stores. But actually the very thing that I'm missing is the feeling of being home. It's indescribable.
Love,
Riina
In two weeks I'll be in the States again. In two weeks I have settled my life in a new frame. Or maybe I should rather say that the frame is the same but the picture is going to be a whole lot of a different this time. It's funny that I am now more nervous and impatient that I was couple of years ago before my student exchange experience. I did not have any idea what it's going to be like and yet I felt so calm about it. It turned to be the best thing I've ever experienced.
One of my best friends asked me the other day what I am missing about the States when I'm in Finland and all I was able to come up with was some products and a huge variety of awesome clothing stores. But actually the very thing that I'm missing is the feeling of being home. It's indescribable.
Love,
Riina
lauantai 26. helmikuuta 2011
Eventually all the pieces fall into place
It's been a way too long since the last time I updated the blog but be patient darlings, be patient (:
February went by fast - just as I wished. And now I would rather take back those words and get couple extra weeks of Feb. Time is running out. So many things to do and so little of time left.
The biggest issue now is my thesis. It's giving me headache, sore eyes, sleepless nights, restless mind and lost of other things I'm not so pleased about. At this point I feel like I've went thru every book and article that is somehow related to my subject and I still have empty pages to fill out. I am pretty much ready to give up. At first I thought that 3 is the only grade that's acceptable, but now.. I'm so feeling to go with #2. I probably should have picked marketing research as my title, but I didn't want to take the easiest way to graduate. And now I'm paying for it HAH !
(But there's good news also! I called to the school yesterday and got answers to all my questions about the application and now I will be ready to send it!!! YEY, finally !)
Love,
Riina
"Eventually all the pieces fall into place. Until then laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know that everything happens for a reason."
- Maya Angelou
February went by fast - just as I wished. And now I would rather take back those words and get couple extra weeks of Feb. Time is running out. So many things to do and so little of time left.
The biggest issue now is my thesis. It's giving me headache, sore eyes, sleepless nights, restless mind and lost of other things I'm not so pleased about. At this point I feel like I've went thru every book and article that is somehow related to my subject and I still have empty pages to fill out. I am pretty much ready to give up. At first I thought that 3 is the only grade that's acceptable, but now.. I'm so feeling to go with #2. I probably should have picked marketing research as my title, but I didn't want to take the easiest way to graduate. And now I'm paying for it HAH !
(But there's good news also! I called to the school yesterday and got answers to all my questions about the application and now I will be ready to send it!!! YEY, finally !)
Love,
Riina
"Eventually all the pieces fall into place. Until then laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know that everything happens for a reason."
- Maya Angelou
keskiviikko 9. helmikuuta 2011
Fabulous Feb !
Had an awesome afternoon today with Eve. Can't go wrong with a great friend, girl talk, dinner and coffee later at my place.
Even tho February has been great so far I can't wait for March to come! There's so many exciting things happening next month ... (:
Another short one again, but have to keep studying. Having a Swedish quiz tomorrow and I guess I need to be well prepared (my teach thinks I'm the best in the class. Yeah right...) !
Love,
Riina
Even tho February has been great so far I can't wait for March to come! There's so many exciting things happening next month ... (:
Another short one again, but have to keep studying. Having a Swedish quiz tomorrow and I guess I need to be well prepared (my teach thinks I'm the best in the class. Yeah right...) !
Love,
Riina
 |
| My dearest Eve |
maanantai 7. helmikuuta 2011
Exciting times..
I have probably never been this excited in my life. There is such a huge things waiting for me just around the corner that it almost takes my breath away..
Many people have told me that dreaming leads you nowhere but now I am going to prove them wrong. I am trying not to get too excited yet cos that only makes me impatient. This time tho I know it's going to be worth of waiting.
Love,
Riina
Many people have told me that dreaming leads you nowhere but now I am going to prove them wrong. I am trying not to get too excited yet cos that only makes me impatient. This time tho I know it's going to be worth of waiting.
Love,
Riina
tiistai 1. helmikuuta 2011
Hello World!
Hi everyone!
I was totally surprised when some of my friends told me that they miss reading my blog (that I used to write) and asked if it would be possible to continue writing one.
So I decided to start a new year with a new blog - this is for you guys. With the same content but a new tittle (:
Hope you'll enjoy and we'll see what this year brings...
-Riina
I was totally surprised when some of my friends told me that they miss reading my blog (that I used to write) and asked if it would be possible to continue writing one.
So I decided to start a new year with a new blog - this is for you guys. With the same content but a new tittle (:
Hope you'll enjoy and we'll see what this year brings...
-Riina
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