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!

“I’m like a bird…” May 23, 2008

“…I could fly away. I don’t know where my home is…”

Final countdown: 5 weeks left. And I want to stay. When a dear friend from Finland came over a week ago for the rest of the time, I was excited and pumped about her coming, and still am! At the same time, though, I realized my time here was coming to an end. Her coming remarked the end of Toronto-life as I used to know it: walking on the streets by myself, spending nights in Little Italy, taking the 196 to York U, staying in bed the whole day, or spending the entire day on skype with her, and other people… Not that I miss these things so much, but I understand now that this is the beginning of the end, kind of.

These last five weeks will be phenomenal, I’m sure, but different than the first 5 months. I catch myself thinking of “this might be the last time I do this” and “I wonder how many times I’ll see this person”. I’m not really thinking about Finland, even. I’m just not ready to leave yet. I kind of wish I could turn back time, or get an extension to my time here. I find myself trying to think of ways in which I could possibly stay for longer, or indefinitely. I know I can’t stay, but I know I can come back. I’m thinking of possible internships here, or I don’t even know. It’s just that I love this city, I love this life, and I wish this life could be REAL. Sometimes everything feels so unreal. Like I know I’m here and life is brilliant, but I want it to be MINE for keeps, you know?

Maybe I’m just a bit messed up? Or have mixed-up emotions or something. Who knows. I don’t really know where my home is, but I wish it was here, in TO, in the Annex, in the arms of that someone, in the warm, humid, summer nights of the beautiful multicultural metropolis.

Life’s good February 25, 2008

Yesterday morning, while I was taking the streetcar to Queens Park, it hit me. I was looking at the charming area of Little Italy through the window, marveling at the variety of restaurants on College Street, smiling at the hustle and bustle of people getting on with their daily routines on the busy streets -and I felt so happy. It was not anything particular, nothing specific that made me feel like that, but the overall feeling of happiness just filled me suddenly. It’s not like I haven’t been happy here before. Because I have. The last two months have been the best months in my life.

That’s exactly what it is, though. I love my life here, every day brings something new and exciting, I’m meeting new people all the time, experiencing awesome things every moment. The freedom I have here is amazing, I don’t have to stress about anything, I just enjoy every second of my life, and try not to worry about a thing like in Finland. I have tried to be more spontaneous here, and that has definitely accounted for the feeling of freedom, also. It is just like my friend, who’s also on exchange, told me: your life in Finland is good, or great, even. But when you’re on exchange, you’re actually living your life. And I fully agree. Things couldn’t be better.

I already regret about leaving. At the moment, I don’t want to go back home. It’s a good thing I still have 4 months left, otherwise I would flip.

Back on track January 12, 2008

I wondered how long it would take for me to get back to that “going out” or “party” -mood. Not too long, it seems. Although I didn’t feel like doing anything last night, I dragged myself to another student’s apartment to start off the evening and then ended up going downtown and coming home around 2 a.m. It was a blast! It is so strange how comfortable I felt, and how if feels like I’ve known these people I just met for years. The itsy-bitsy apartment was filled with some German, Dutch, Swedish, British and American people, and I wasn’t the only Finn either! When we had downed a few and played a couple of interesting games…we took the bus and the subway downtown.

The law school organized a pub night at a very posh neighbourhood, in Yorkville. Although the drinks were quite expensive, it was so awesome checking out that part of the city, and walking past Vera Wang and Valentino stores.When some of the people wanted to take the cab home, my Finnish comrade and myself trusted the TTC (or the public transport -like Finns usually do), and were back home in no time. Got to know new people and had fun, and waking up at 7 a.m. didn’t feel that bad either.

Today we decided to take it easy and rented a movie and had a girls’ night out. The thing that really made my day was talking to both my parents and my dear friend! It’s incredible how you can just talk to someone who’s way over there, far away somewhere. And it feels like they’re closer than they are. It was surreal seeing my room and my parents, it was like I was there, but yet I’m not. Nevertheless, both calls made me happy.

Well, tomorrow is yet another party night, so I better get some sleep….it’s pretty rough being on exchange, and this is only my second week here…

A good girl gone bad? September 30, 2007

My goodness. Waking up with the worst hangover ever, didn’t feel as rewarding as I had anticipated last night. Hangover or not, it was all worth it. Last night was one of the funnest and most memorable ones in my life. We had a pre x-mas party (yes, in September!) with my work buddies and bosses. The event being veiled with secrecy and speculation, one could just feel tingles all around one’s tummy when walking on the streets of Helsinki, trying to figure out where we were heading. A paper cup full of glögi in one hand and a cup of champagne in the other sure made it more exciting!

We ended up taking a cruise outside Helsinki, eating and drinking in fancy conditions, sharing Christmas presents and listening to jolly x-mas tunes. When the cruise was over, we headed to a karaoke bar, and drank our nights away. I look at the pictures taken at the bar, and I seriously do not have recollection of some of the pictures I’m in…perhaps it wasn’t such a great idea mixing shots, cider, drinks, champagne and wine all together in one go. I somehow did manage to sing a couple of songs, and for the first time ever (simply due to the amount of alcohol in my blood), I didn’t feel stage fright at all.

Our night took us to another club where we danced and partied hard. What a night! I had an incredible time! Coming home at five in the morning was refreshing for a change. The night was perfect thanks to my amazing bosses and co-workers. I may never want to leave the job, because they’re such a great bunch! And just how often do you go to your bosses’ apartment to enjoy a glass of apple juice at 4 in the morning?

A night to remember, for sure.

Oh, right, and I’ve become a bad girl. And I thought I was over kissing total strangers and all that stuff…

When you’re gone… September 2, 2007

…the pieces of my heart are missing you…

Never before have I said goodbye to 4 of my friends in just one week. It is surreal to hop from one farewell party to another, to try to say something unique to the person leaving, and to see that person for the last time before she or he is gone. A strange exchange boom has overtaken my circle of friends, myself included. Some have gone abroad for good, some for a little while. But it’s all the same when they’re gone.

It hasn’t really dawned on me yet, that a huge part of my friends have relocated in the last couple of days. One now lives in Sweden, one in London, one just moved to Barcelona, and one is on her way to Paris. Added to this, I still have a couple of farewell parties to attend. Saying goodbye to people and seeing them make preparations and plans for their year abroad has made me think about my own up-coming exchange. In less than 4 months I’ll be the one saying goodbye and throwing a farewell party. How surreal is that?

Yes, it can be quite sophisticated August 21, 2007

A different night out in Helsinki for a change. My friend wanted to take me to places I hadn’t been before, and it proved out to be a spectacular night. I think I was able to see Helsinkin from a different angle -we were able to avoid all the usual drunkards and places filled with beer, and spent the night sophisticatedly in hip and cool places, in great company.

A usual night out in Helsinki doesn’t consist of sipping down wine in an elegant club while listening to some first-class finnish jazz musicians play, choosing cool drinks from a extremely innovative and versatile list and seeing the bartenders really make a show in front of your eyes, or dancing in an Aussie bar with many, many Aussies and other foreigners, too.

Yes, it was a night to remember. Helsinki can be quite sophisticated and cosmopolitan, too…

Reunion August 5, 2007

A couple of weeks back I received an invitation to our senior high’s class reunion party. I hadn’t really put my mind into it before going there, and had no expectations about anything. Well, looking back at high school made me feel a bit hesitant about the whole ordeal, but I went there with an open mind to start with. It’s not like high school wasn’t fun, because it sure was. Or that I didn’t have the time of my life, because I sure did. It’s just that somehow four years ago I was a totally different person and I guess I was afraid that everything would be the same, that I would be the same old Matleena.

And how wrong I was! I ended up having so much fun, practically everyone was there, and it was so incredibly awesome catching up with people I hadn’t seen for years. It was nice noticing that people were so nice to each other and sincerely interested in everyone’s business. Even people that I hadn’t really even talked to that much in high school, were in a talkative mood.

Good memories from way back then came to my mind when everyone burst out singing those songs we used to perform back at school. It was like four years ago, but not at all like that. It was really weird and really cool simultaneously. Maybe people had changed or maybe it was just us being older and smarter, but I felt like all of those little itty-bitty irritating high school things were gone and forgotten and that people were just simply enjoying each other’s company for a change.

It was really nice to be reunited with these amazing people. I had forgotten what a great bunch we were! And although I ended up wasted, tired, and feverish, I truly enjoyed myself. And what could be a better way to end the night than to receive a sweet and friendly kiss from an old high school crush.

Sleepless Days and Nights July 9, 2007

Being back at the cafe for a change was wonderful. Felt blood flowing through my veins again! I was feeling super energetic, happy, and alive again. Despite all the fun and inspiration back at the cafe, I admit I feel incredibly tired. Working 13 days in a row isn’t the wisest thing to do…

On another front, I spent a day by myself for a change also. And I don’t quite know how I feel about that. I used to dispise people that said they didn’t enjoy being alone, that they always wanted to be surrounded by people. Now that’s starting to change for me and I really felt weird being completely by myself. I couldn’t really figure out what to do and I aimlessly strode around the city, nothing special in mind. I know it’s important to spend some quality time with yourself as well, but I’ve grown to love socializing and my friends to the extent that I’d rather just hang with someone and do nothing than try to figure out what to do by myself.

 That’s the deal. Yup. Sorry, not making sense right now. With only two hours of sleep last night and after a weekend of working and partying, I’m falling asleep any second now.

Enjoying life June 20, 2007

A couple of months (or even a couple of weeks) ago I couldn’t have dreamed of going out with my bosses. The boss I had in my previous job was someone I can’t imagine I would even had a drink with. My new bosses, however, are way different. One night after work my co-worker and I went to a wine bar to meet up with the bosses and some other people from work. It was cool hanging out with them, and there was no trace of an attitude that “oh, she just works for us” or “they’re my bosses, I can’t talk to them”. It was relaxed and fun just chatting with the cute couple and taking a peek into their world. They’re so down-to-earth and I love having them as my bosses.

When my friends joined us later my bosses invited us to go out to sing some karaoke and after that we went to shake our booties together in a nearby night-club. It’s the first time I’ve danced in a club that was sooo crowded, but nevertheless it was so much fun. And I don’t mind dancing and partying with two hot and hip gay guys either…it’s not that often that I get to shake my bon-bon with guys as cute and adorable and good-looking as them!

Another great night it was. And life is enjoyable. Can’t wait to see what next week has in store for me… (and I apologize if these posts are getting annoying -it’s just that I’m having a blast and I can’t seem to be able to write about anything more significant at the moment…)