New acquaintances August 28, 2008

It’s funny how complete strangers, people that you don’t know, enter your life suddenly. They might be new workmates or friends of friends, customers at your coffee shop that come day after day, those whom you talk to even though you really don’t know them that well. These new acquaintances might be in your life for a short time, or stay forever -you never know. Nevertheless, in the last few months I’ve had a pleasure to get to know many strangers that are strangers no more. When I thought the excitement of meeting new people on exchange would end when I came home, I was wrong. A good many people have entered my life in Finland, and I’m happy about that.

Then there are those people that are new to you and new to life. They are suddenly born into this world and when they really weren’t here a few months back, now they are. That’s the case with my 8-week-old nephew, Nooa, whom I didn’t know 8 weeks ago, and who is now always on my mind. It’s amazing how the presence of a tiny little baby can turn one’s world upside down. It’s a blessing, really, to get to follow the growing up of this little man, and to be his godmother and aunt. Although I’m happy about all the new acquaintances, this one is way ahead of anything or anyone else. It’s hard to put into words the feeling of holding this brand new life in your hands, looking at how perfect he is, and seeing him fall asleep so calmly every so often.

Nooa -if this blog still exists when you can read something like this (or if you are interested in your aunt’s colourful life…), please remember that your auntie loves you so very much. You are the best new acquaintance ever!

Back in the Game August 21, 2008

It’s almost the two month -mark since my return from Toronto, and things are finally starting to feel better. It’s as if I’m back in business, so to speak, or feeling much better at least. It is always a surprise how shocking it can be to return to your home country -and although I’ve experienced it before and recollect that it definitely was harder than adjusting to the new surroundings, it always hits you somewhat unguarded.

I’m not saying it’s all fun and games, but getting back to the routine of work and friends and all of that has made me so busy that I haven’t had too much time on my hands to miss Toronto or worry about things. I am trying to cope with the studies and finish my Master’s and then I’m free to do whatever I want. And for now, I cannot but be happy about my friends back here, the team we have at work, the last year of Uni, and all the moments I have in the small, but familiar Helsinki.

And what has definitely helped me along in the last few days was surfing in the internet and stumbling along cheap airfare to Toronto. I thought about it for a while, I thought of things that make me happy and my life easier -and so I went and got those tickets and I’m heading out for a 10-day visit in October! I couldn’t be happier! While I’m okay in Helsinki and starting to enjoy the gt’s here, I’m so looking forward to visiting my dear, dear Toronto! Seeing my city on TV today put a smile on my face. In eight more weeks I’ll be chillin’ in Little Italy, eating at Sushi Island, sipping Skinny Vanilla Bean Lattes, checking out the Sound of Music at the Princess of Wales Theatre, riding the subway to YorkU, shopping on Queen Street, and walking the streets of the Annex.

I wish it was October already.