Exchange dreams November 19, 2006

I have decided I want to go on exhange next year. Last year I swore I wouldn’t go because I didn’t feel like going. I thought it would be, by all means, unnecessary. But as my life has already been through a lot of changes in the past few months, my thoughts on this have also changed. I really feel like going and I think it is even necessary for me to go.

After some pondering, I came to the conclusion that the best, the safest and the wisest choice for the location would be Canada. Again, I know…but university- and studywise it is the best place for me; York University in Toronto offers everything I have dreamed of. And, of course, I do miss Canada, too. I wouldn’t mind spending a couple of months there again.

Filling in the applications etc. starts next week. And I know I’ll do it. I just have a good feeling about the whole thing, I want to go through with this. I know there’s no guarantees -I might get chosen or then I might not. I now I will be dissapointed if I don’t, but I also know that if it’s not my time to go to Canada next year, there must be something better in store for me, as cocky as it sounds.

I’d appreaciate it if you crossed your fingers or kept your thumbs up for me -If I do get chosen, I’ll promise to throw a HUGE party for everyone!

Cold outside, warm inside November 1, 2006

Winter’s here, I believe.  It seems weird that even though we’re used to snow, the cold weather and the freezing temps, every time winter comes to Finland, the entire country is in a chaos. It’s like we’re unprepared for winter, although we know it’s just behind the door. ..

Today the weather was especially biting and cold with a capital C. Walking down the street I saw many people fighting against the wind, covering up and trying to hold on to their umbrellas.  No one seemed happy. It’s like once the winter comes and the darkness surrounds us, everyone looks, well, pissed off. I tried to find a cheerful face, or even a slightly happy person amongst the crowd, but couldn’t find one. That’s when I decided I didn’t want to become one of these gloomy finns who despise winter.

 I must admit I don’t like winter either. But this year I’ll try and make it more bearable. At least I will try to look happy if happy is what I am. Although it’s cold and wet and horrible outside, I realized I can still have warmth inside. I will fight against winter depression by staying inside when it’s cold outside,  by lighting scented candles, by hiding underneath a warm blanket and by drinking hot chocolate.  And every once in a while by staring at the diamond’s  in the sky and by looking at snowflakes falling down on a calm winter night.

Doesn’t sound that bad, does it? Come winter -I’m armed.