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

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

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

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.