The garden is ready!

I promised to post the progress but I failed to do so as I was feeling frustrated being bitten by millions of mosquitoes while trying to get it ready hence forgotten to take snap shots of the progress. However I manage to get the finishing work while the plants are still growing =).

My garden corner - Blueberries up front, veggie beds at back =)

I've been trying to battle the flea beetles eating my Pak Choy but it seems to be in vain. After shortly posting this to FB my uncle passed on advice from my aunt that I should spray garlic and soapy water so they'd go away. I should consider that...Another advice I found from some gardening sites is that I should use some nettle water to spray on these little guys so the flea beetles will not like them. As I opened the hood to take photos...A few ladybugs have flown in to eat the unwelcome tenants. I covered them in quickly so that they can eat all those nasty buggers and their offsprings.

I'm quite pleased that this year my Peony didn't have blight issues. I was quite depressed that it was so terribly ill two years in a row. Now look at my little Shirley Temple!

Shirley Temple Peony -I chose this because it had the name of the
actress that my mother was named after =).
Also the white with a hint of red is just fantastic!

I also grew Rosamund potatoes and the Blue congo out back behind the Syringa Lilacs (Syreeni in Finnish). I also have the Spaghetti squash there lingering =)

Rosamund potatoes with pink skin -They are the bushy guys closer up
The Blue Congo with the purple stem - They are actually blue inside!

And then the close up of my Pak Choy being eaten by those nasties :(

Beautiful Pak Choy with nasty bug eaten holes.
 I'll try to spray the garlic-soapy water to see if it helps!

Last year my summer squash plant was larger. This year he's looking rather small. My spaghetti squash is still trying to get bigger but the cold weather isn't helping very much. I'm planning to use a large bottle to cover the area it is growing in piercing some holes for air so that it keeps warm and maybe then it will grow better =). Anyways here's a pic of my not so lovely zucchini.

Zucchini!
This year this little guy is growing in the old Syringa's spot.

Hello and welcome back....

okay the title was meant to be a joke :P I've been gone way too long from my blog due to having too little time for myself these days. Today was the day when my hubby took my little girl with him to his sisters so she could play with her cousins while he went to play golf with his dad and brother in law.

I don't fancy the game at all so I'm glad that this worked out well on my behalf too... I got to sleep until almost 13 (yes I know rather late... =.=") I got to go to the garden store to pick up some stuff I was missing...plus I got to tidy up the house a little. I'll share some photos later this evening after I've tidied up the place a little more =).

Boy does time fly...

I have been meaning to write here but I've been rather busy with work. I've recently left my previous employment to a new job doing something rather similar with a chance to change into a different role in within the same field in the near future (hopefully...). Of course in the beginning I'll be doing the same old things I've been doing for the past 6-7 years but at least it'll be familiar. I'm kind of sad about leaving my old project when I haven't completed it as I really enjoyed working with the project team. So far I've done all I can to handover the project to my dearest successor (I wish her immense luck as this project is not what you'd call a walk in the park). Having a good team with great support always helps, so I'm not too worried about her. I'm more worried if I've left something out. I hate doing half arsed work (like I do with my blogs *cough* or back in school :P <_< sorry about that). I can't wait for all this snow to melt. I'm missing gardening... I wonder if I have anymore sweetpea seeds to plant?

Sweetpea, Champagne Blossoms

Those were from last year's batch but due to the short summers I never got any riped peas from my stock. This year I plan to be working alot in summer as I'm only taking my 'summer' holidays when the weather here gets yucky. This way I will have probably a very hot summer again...I complain alot about the heat and about the extreme cold. I do like it chilly but when you live in a country where it can get to -30 at the southest part, THAT'S extreme! Lately my biggest concern now is about starting a new project. I've been starting so many projects but never having a chance to end them...or then I get them towards the end and not really getting a chance to start them. I plan to now concentrate a little on my career goals and hopefully get to where I want to be in within a year. I'll play it by ear and see how I progress monthly.

My hubby on the other hand has been having challenges of his own. He seems to be struggling a little but I believe that he's just stressing for nothing. He can only do so much with the time given and usually (or almost always) when you change jobs you'll need time to adjust. Now that being said...I should jump on a running train and be able to drive it as I've been placed in the exact same job I've had just two years or so ago. However that's not the case, dealing with two different companies with similar processes you will make mistakes. I already notice I'm making mistakes when uttering person's role. It's late... I better get to sleep. I'll continue this jibber jabber tomorrow! Adios!

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.

A mixed up thought: Money vs. Career vs. Work

I started to prepare myself for the winter, I moved alot of spring-autumn items away from the terrace and started to wash the pillows that go with the garden furniture. I still have to clean the grill and cover it before leaving on Tuesday to U.K. Sadly the weather has gotten much colder than I expected, I might have to do the washing of the grill's interior indoors. I started to study up on investing as another way to provide for my family (nothing big just dabble a little here and there). Of course someone would say to me that I'm wasting my time. Well, here's the deal, I ain't no millionaire, heck I'm barely a hundredaire (No I don't care if that's not a real word :P) but the point is...investing a couple of hundreds is a BIG deal for me. It's money I'm not wanting to lose. Even a couple of tens is hard to part with when it comes to investing. However it's a risk I'm going to have to take if I want to try it out. I consider this a learning fee. If I profit, heck that's great...if I lose it then it's not the end of the world (although I'd be angry and cursing for the next month or so thinking of what I could have bought with that money :P).

The Sweet Peas hanging on my terrace are still in bloom (Champagne Bubbles is the color depicted here)

At this point my career is going alright, I've still got projects coming in to keep me employed. The only problem is if I'm going to get to do what I want to achieve my goal. It's probably all up to me. If I don't discuss this with my employer then they will never know, once they know and they don't/can't support it then it's time to rethink my position, do I want to stay and go no where or even regress or move on so that I can progress and achieve my goal.

So at this point, after having my precious little girl, I've achieved my life's goal. Career wise, it's not quite there yet but I do see an opportunity to get there. I just need to work hard and study hard and figure out the best way to get there without costing my employer an arm and a leg. Although it's pretty difficult to get where I want to at this stage without a little support but then again there are always people who are already where I want to be and I can get advice from them. I'm happy to share what I have and to learn what others have to offer. I can't know everything and neither can the next person. Which brings me to a *complain alert* situation about someone in my project who couldn't take an idea from another person who just got into the project. His comment about this was that "I'm more senior I've been doing this for 10's of years and it's been working fine, don't you dare come and tell me that this is not the right way!". That was utterly childish in my opinion, I welcome these ideas, if for a reason it may sound bad in your mind, you need to keep it to yourself and analyse what's being proposed without getting worked up about it. You never know it may end up to be a great idea not used.

My conclusion on this whole shenanigan was that this new guy had a valid point or idea, however it couldn't be adapted at this stage of the project without having to redo a lot of things that were done. This would mean lots of cost for the project plus time on an already delayed work. I don't see why this can't be implemented in a new project. (Not going to go into details and it could mean a breech in my NDA).

The trees out back about few weeks ago...Now the colors have changed...

So now I've covered work and money...plus a few things on my backyard. I guess that about sums up what's on my mind these few days. It's good to sometimes get your thoughts out there. It would be interesting to read up on some other people's thoughts as well.