Merry Christmas to everyone:)
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing!"
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Joy of Giving
All wrapped up and nowhere to go! How many nights until Christmas?
Merry Christmas to everyone:)
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing!"
Merry Christmas to everyone:)
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing!"
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Pathetic!
I'm a bit dissappointed... I would have thought I'd do better than this;)
34%
Ps. The picture is a bit weird, but it says 34%.
34%
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Ps. The picture is a bit weird, but it says 34%.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Allmost in Sight
Where do my tears come from?
Is it hormones (those little bastards) or the boy nextdoor, who called me fat?
I don't believe it's either.
This is where they come from:
To be alone on a busstop in the middle of unknown countryside and not know how to get home.
I miss my mom, I want a hug.
I miss so much that my arms ache with the need to touch.
And the sun, that old enemy, shines in the cloudless sky so brightly that I can find no shelter. No comfort.
What do you want from me?
I don't feel love, not even a glimpse of warmth.
My lips speak, but everything feels empty.
My insides are full of emptyness.
An empty echo that doesn't know how to miss.
That doesn't want anything more.
My pains just bounce undecidedly back and forth and bump into each other.
My fears take over and start to rule the desert as if it was a kingdom.
Where did you go? You, who were supposed to rule?
When did my king escape?
I did not notice a revolution.
Have you left, even if I have been on my knees begging for you to stay?
Have you left me alone to listen to these echos that have nothing to do with the truth anymore?
Has silence come so I would finally listen?
I am afraid.
You must embrace your pain. Does that go for fear as well?
I want to own it, as my pain is my pain.
But I insist that you come back.
Without you there will be no order in this chaos.
Only your words hold life in them.
I want to dare to need.
Dare to ask for help and support.
Give me beautiful words!
Even if they were empty, as long as they trickle down my back like milk.
I need it. Send your people to talk to me.
Talk to me about love.
______________________
PS. This is something I wrote over 2 years ago. I recently re-read it and felt like sharing: it's amazing how much can happen in two years!
Is it hormones (those little bastards) or the boy nextdoor, who called me fat?
I don't believe it's either.
This is where they come from:
To be alone on a busstop in the middle of unknown countryside and not know how to get home.
I miss my mom, I want a hug.
I miss so much that my arms ache with the need to touch.
And the sun, that old enemy, shines in the cloudless sky so brightly that I can find no shelter. No comfort.
What do you want from me?
I don't feel love, not even a glimpse of warmth.
My lips speak, but everything feels empty.
My insides are full of emptyness.
An empty echo that doesn't know how to miss.
That doesn't want anything more.
My pains just bounce undecidedly back and forth and bump into each other.
My fears take over and start to rule the desert as if it was a kingdom.
Where did you go? You, who were supposed to rule?
When did my king escape?
I did not notice a revolution.
Have you left, even if I have been on my knees begging for you to stay?
Have you left me alone to listen to these echos that have nothing to do with the truth anymore?
Has silence come so I would finally listen?
I am afraid.
You must embrace your pain. Does that go for fear as well?
I want to own it, as my pain is my pain.
But I insist that you come back.
Without you there will be no order in this chaos.
Only your words hold life in them.
I want to dare to need.
Dare to ask for help and support.
Give me beautiful words!
Even if they were empty, as long as they trickle down my back like milk.
I need it. Send your people to talk to me.
Talk to me about love.
______________________
PS. This is something I wrote over 2 years ago. I recently re-read it and felt like sharing: it's amazing how much can happen in two years!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Knitting Pattern Gorgeous
Knitting is one of the things I like to do on my free time. I just finished the mittens I wanted to make to match the scarf I made last spring. Just wanted to share the result (the picture is a bit dark, but I think you can still get the idea). Both mittens and scarf are white.
I can't wait for autumn! Mittens and scarves and hats! I love autumn clothes.
Oh, and if you don't get the reference in the title... it's from the BBC comedy Coupling. I'm not going to explain, just watch the show;)
I can't wait for autumn! Mittens and scarves and hats! I love autumn clothes.
Oh, and if you don't get the reference in the title... it's from the BBC comedy Coupling. I'm not going to explain, just watch the show;)
Monday, August 13, 2007
Boat Tripping (road tripping...get it?)
Last week I did something traditionally finnish with my mum: we took a ferry to Tallinn (Estonia) and looked around the Old Town a bit. I've never been before and I really liked it! I love old buildings and the feel of old times.
The Old Town of Tallinn is really beautiful! Unfortunately a lot of it is in a rather bad condition and in need of repair. We were happy to see that they are repairing some of the old churches so I guess there's hope that it won't all just crumble into pieces.
I really liked the building on the right, even if it's probably not historical in any way. But it's lime green!:)
This is a part of the old defence wall surrounding the town. It said in a sign that the king ordered the building of these walls in the 14th century to protect the town from the attacks of pagans. We actually went inside and visited this bit of the wall including the towers. The one on the left is called the nun tower. The stairs looked pretty much like this:
And yes, they were as steep and dark and scary as they look! My thighs were aching after climbing up and down the steps. Those medieval people must have been pretty fit.
The Old Town of Tallinn is really beautiful! Unfortunately a lot of it is in a rather bad condition and in need of repair. We were happy to see that they are repairing some of the old churches so I guess there's hope that it won't all just crumble into pieces.
I really liked the building on the right, even if it's probably not historical in any way. But it's lime green!:)
This is a part of the old defence wall surrounding the town. It said in a sign that the king ordered the building of these walls in the 14th century to protect the town from the attacks of pagans. We actually went inside and visited this bit of the wall including the towers. The one on the left is called the nun tower. The stairs looked pretty much like this:And yes, they were as steep and dark and scary as they look! My thighs were aching after climbing up and down the steps. Those medieval people must have been pretty fit.
On the left is myself in the balcony of the defence wall. I loved that place!
And on the right a lovely cup of elixir of life in a cafe (it's earl gray in case you didn't know).
I actually fancy a cup right now, mmm:)
I really enjoyed myself. I always thought that Tallinn would just be a bunch of Finns behaving like idiots, but actually we didn't see any of that. Instead we saw a gorgeous sunset at the sea:
Monday, July 16, 2007
Things I love
I love the wind on my face.
I love books. I love how they feel and smell. I love the sound they make when you open them for the first time. I love the way it feels to hold a book.
I love trees. I love the bark under my fingers and the shadows of trees on a forest path. I love the sound of wind blowing in the trees.
I love the sky. I love the shades of blue and purple and red mixed and mingled. I love the horizon that goes on forever.
I love a bright starry sky on a cold winter night.
I love the rain. I love the curtain of rain that makes everything look misty. I love the sound of rain on my window. I love the rain on my face. I love jumping over rain puddles.
I love the fall. I love the scenery where the colours have blended like in a watercolour. I love the darkness that lets you sleep peacefully. I love the cool air that you can breathe deeply. I love the rustle of yellow leaves on the pavement. I love piles of brown decading leaves at the side of the road.
I love the way the lamplight makes snow glisten. I love the sound of snow under my shoes.
I love the smell of mud. I love the smell of tar. I love the first warm day of spring when you can wear summer shoes.
I love the first day of school at fall. It smells like new clothes, fresh school books and chalk.
I love a cup of tea when I'm cold.
I love a blanket that you can wrap around you.
I love poems.
I love the opera.
I love the wrinkly faces of old people.
I love watching children play.
I love seeing an old coupple give each other a kiss.
I love hearing my friends laugh.
I love watching people do good things to each other.
I love being taken care of when I'm sick.
I love bringing people good news.
I love the sound of a train passing in the night.
I love being seen.
I love not having to take myself too seriously.
I love to dream.
I love dreams coming true.
I love books. I love how they feel and smell. I love the sound they make when you open them for the first time. I love the way it feels to hold a book.
I love trees. I love the bark under my fingers and the shadows of trees on a forest path. I love the sound of wind blowing in the trees.
I love the sky. I love the shades of blue and purple and red mixed and mingled. I love the horizon that goes on forever.
I love a bright starry sky on a cold winter night.
I love the rain. I love the curtain of rain that makes everything look misty. I love the sound of rain on my window. I love the rain on my face. I love jumping over rain puddles.
I love the fall. I love the scenery where the colours have blended like in a watercolour. I love the darkness that lets you sleep peacefully. I love the cool air that you can breathe deeply. I love the rustle of yellow leaves on the pavement. I love piles of brown decading leaves at the side of the road.
I love the way the lamplight makes snow glisten. I love the sound of snow under my shoes.
I love the smell of mud. I love the smell of tar. I love the first warm day of spring when you can wear summer shoes.
I love the first day of school at fall. It smells like new clothes, fresh school books and chalk.
I love a cup of tea when I'm cold.
I love a blanket that you can wrap around you.
I love poems.
I love the opera.
I love the wrinkly faces of old people.
I love watching children play.
I love seeing an old coupple give each other a kiss.
I love hearing my friends laugh.
I love watching people do good things to each other.
I love being taken care of when I'm sick.
I love bringing people good news.
I love the sound of a train passing in the night.
I love being seen.
I love not having to take myself too seriously.
I love to dream.
I love dreams coming true.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Summer according to Saija
It's July and I have one week left of my very first summer holiday. I'm not a summer person, but this year I found myself actually enjoying the sun shine. Might be because this is the first summer in 5 years when I'm not stuck in an office all the time. Here's a picture tour of my summer so far:
Working hard as you can see...making sure those 15-year-olds don't drown themselves.
Walking in woods. My favourite type of free time.
Mrs. Duckie and little Duckies. So cute!
Working hard as you can see...making sure those 15-year-olds don't drown themselves.
Walking in woods. My favourite type of free time.
Mrs. Duckie and little Duckies. So cute!
My greatgrandmother's name in stone.
And my fascination with cemetaries continues...
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Strawberries
I have strawberries. They are a happy thing:)
Seriously though, I'm having the worst day. It's work stuff, ugly bug stuff, stress stuff...just a bad day. But I managed to cheer myself up by:
1. Buying 3 summer tops (retail therapy combined with necessary shopping)
2. Buying "the undomestic goddess" by Sophie Kinsella (light summer reading)
3. Eating chicken soup for lunch
4. Having strawberries for dessert
It's important to take care of yourself, especially when you are the only one doing it (besides God). Just a tip.
PS. Picture is not taken by me
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Two Weddings and a Love Affair
In May I have attended the weddings of two friends. Both were beautiful as the pictures below will prove to you. I wish God will bless both coupples in their new life together.
On the left is Tytti with her new husband. The wedding took place in Vaasa and it was mighty windy that day.
On the right is Jenni in a shower of rose petals. The wedding took place here in our home city, but at the countryside. There were cows on the way to the church!
I also want to share with you a personal love affair. I recently ordered an album from Amazon and have been listening to it non-stop ever since it arrived. The artist is called Brandi Carlile and you should check her out: www.brandicarlile.com.
My previous great crush was Jen Chapin (whose latest album I also just ordered). I recommend her as well: www.jenchapin.com
The sun is shining and Gilmore Girls starts in half an hour. I'm happy today.
On the left is Tytti with her new husband. The wedding took place in Vaasa and it was mighty windy that day.On the right is Jenni in a shower of rose petals. The wedding took place here in our home city, but at the countryside. There were cows on the way to the church!
I also want to share with you a personal love affair. I recently ordered an album from Amazon and have been listening to it non-stop ever since it arrived. The artist is called Brandi Carlile and you should check her out: www.brandicarlile.com.
My previous great crush was Jen Chapin (whose latest album I also just ordered). I recommend her as well: www.jenchapin.com
The sun is shining and Gilmore Girls starts in half an hour. I'm happy today.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Required Reading
The other day I realized that even though I'm a complete book-addict I haven't written anything about books in this blog. So today I'm giving you a list of some books. Some of them are my favourites, some just books that have made me laugh, cry or think over the years (I've written these down in a little note book, that's how I remember). I'm also including some academic reading i.e. books that I had to read at Uni, but actually ended up enjoying.
Warning: I am not one of those "smart readers" who only read books that are of the highest quality. I'll read anything, if it means something to me or makes me laugh or entertains me or moves me in any way. Including comics (Don Rosa being my favourite).
Anyways...here are the books, in alphabetical order:
An Alien at St.Wilfred's by Adrian Plass - The best Christian book I have ever read
Anne of Green Gables (series) by L.M. Montgomery - I still remember how I cried when Walter died
Bridget Jones -books by Helen Fielding - Needs no explanation
Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella - Fun, Fun, Fun! And romantic too;)
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel - A scientific approach to Jesus
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller - Such a bizarre story...
Dancing Skeletons. Life and Death in West Africa by Katherine A. Dettwyler - A good read for anyone interested in children and Africa
Daughter of Fortune (+sequal) by Isabel Allende - Made me want to travel to Chile
Earthsea trilogy by Ursula K. Le Guin - Adventures and magic and tragedy
Emily of New Moon (series) by L.M. Montgomery - Who doesn't love these books?
Harry Potter -books by J.K. Rowling - July is just around the corner!
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (series) by Douglas Adams - Hilarious all the way!
I was Amelia Earhart by Jane Mendelsohn - Completely fictional, but fascinating
Ivory Carver trilogy by Sue Harrison - Ancient Alaska..., do I need to say more?
Little Women (+ Sequals) by Louisa M. Alcott - Another girly classic
Lord of the Flies by William Golding - Pretty scary!
The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien - I lived in Middle Earth for weeks
Mister God, This Is Anna by Fynn - My goodness I loved this book! Everyone should read it! Seriously: go do it right now!
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende - Will make you re-think reality
Nisa: the Life and Works of a !Kung Woman by Marjorie Shostak - A fascinating biography!
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Makes me think of Colin Firth, sadly...
Purity and Danger by Mary Douglas - A classic study
Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren - Encouragement and wisdom
Reflections on Fieldwork in Morocco by Paul Rabinow - Just simply interesting
Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz - A must-read for anybody
Seven Brothers by Aleksis Kivi - I don't care what anybody says, I thought it was funny!
The Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella - Makes me laugh out loud
Snapshot (+sequals) by Andrew Taylor - Crimes and photography, very exciting when I was 15!
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson - Book like a painting
The Sociology of Childhood by William A. Corsaro - Children are pretty amazing creatures
Stupid Cupid by Arabella Weir - Recommended if you are in need of a good laugh!
The Tripods trilogy by John Christopher - School reading...such adventures!
Wait till Helen comes by Mary Downing Hahn - Seriously scary! I still get chills just thinking about it!
The War Against the Poor. The Underclass and Antipoverty Policy by Herbert J. Gans - You'll never look at poverty in the same way again
Watership Down by Richard Adams - Love this book, just love it.
What Katy Did (+ Sequals) by Susan Coolidge - Clover was my favourite
Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts - A beautiful story. And I don't say that often.
Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson - I read this at least 3 or 4 times when I was about 13
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne - When we were Very Happy:)
Visual Anthropology. Photography as a Research Method by John Collier Jr. and Malcolm Collier - A new way of looking at things!
I could add a lot of books that haven't been translated into English...but I think I'll spare you. Let me know if you decide to read something, I would love to here your thoughts:)
Warning: I am not one of those "smart readers" who only read books that are of the highest quality. I'll read anything, if it means something to me or makes me laugh or entertains me or moves me in any way. Including comics (Don Rosa being my favourite).
Anyways...here are the books, in alphabetical order:
An Alien at St.Wilfred's by Adrian Plass - The best Christian book I have ever read
Anne of Green Gables (series) by L.M. Montgomery - I still remember how I cried when Walter died
Bridget Jones -books by Helen Fielding - Needs no explanation
Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella - Fun, Fun, Fun! And romantic too;)
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel - A scientific approach to Jesus
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller - Such a bizarre story...
Dancing Skeletons. Life and Death in West Africa by Katherine A. Dettwyler - A good read for anyone interested in children and Africa
Daughter of Fortune (+sequal) by Isabel Allende - Made me want to travel to Chile
Earthsea trilogy by Ursula K. Le Guin - Adventures and magic and tragedy
Emily of New Moon (series) by L.M. Montgomery - Who doesn't love these books?
Harry Potter -books by J.K. Rowling - July is just around the corner!
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (series) by Douglas Adams - Hilarious all the way!
I was Amelia Earhart by Jane Mendelsohn - Completely fictional, but fascinating
Ivory Carver trilogy by Sue Harrison - Ancient Alaska..., do I need to say more?
Little Women (+ Sequals) by Louisa M. Alcott - Another girly classic
Lord of the Flies by William Golding - Pretty scary!
The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien - I lived in Middle Earth for weeks
Mister God, This Is Anna by Fynn - My goodness I loved this book! Everyone should read it! Seriously: go do it right now!
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende - Will make you re-think reality
Nisa: the Life and Works of a !Kung Woman by Marjorie Shostak - A fascinating biography!
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Makes me think of Colin Firth, sadly...
Purity and Danger by Mary Douglas - A classic study
Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren - Encouragement and wisdom
Reflections on Fieldwork in Morocco by Paul Rabinow - Just simply interesting
Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz - A must-read for anybody
Seven Brothers by Aleksis Kivi - I don't care what anybody says, I thought it was funny!
The Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella - Makes me laugh out loud
Snapshot (+sequals) by Andrew Taylor - Crimes and photography, very exciting when I was 15!
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson - Book like a painting
The Sociology of Childhood by William A. Corsaro - Children are pretty amazing creatures
Stupid Cupid by Arabella Weir - Recommended if you are in need of a good laugh!
The Tripods trilogy by John Christopher - School reading...such adventures!
Wait till Helen comes by Mary Downing Hahn - Seriously scary! I still get chills just thinking about it!
The War Against the Poor. The Underclass and Antipoverty Policy by Herbert J. Gans - You'll never look at poverty in the same way again
Watership Down by Richard Adams - Love this book, just love it.
What Katy Did (+ Sequals) by Susan Coolidge - Clover was my favourite
Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts - A beautiful story. And I don't say that often.
Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson - I read this at least 3 or 4 times when I was about 13
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne - When we were Very Happy:)
Visual Anthropology. Photography as a Research Method by John Collier Jr. and Malcolm Collier - A new way of looking at things!
I could add a lot of books that haven't been translated into English...but I think I'll spare you. Let me know if you decide to read something, I would love to here your thoughts:)
Monday, April 16, 2007
Spring is here!
Yesterday and today I photographed spring. Here's what it looked like:
Ps. The frog coupple scared me to death! I almost stepped on them...
Sunday, April 15, 2007
No hat, but still...
April 11th.
That's the day I became Master of Social Sciences. That's right, my friends, I have graduated! It feels a bit unreal, but I think it will sink in eventually. I am now a free woman! Free to do whatever I want on my free time, that is.
"I guess there's no special hat for a master's degree?", my mother asked. Sadly, no, but I still think it's pretty awesome:)
That's the day I became Master of Social Sciences. That's right, my friends, I have graduated! It feels a bit unreal, but I think it will sink in eventually. I am now a free woman! Free to do whatever I want on my free time, that is.
"I guess there's no special hat for a master's degree?", my mother asked. Sadly, no, but I still think it's pretty awesome:)
Sunday, April 01, 2007
April Fools
March is finally over! All around the world people are rejoicing! There shall be cake and strawberry juice for everyone!
If this doesn't sound familiar, you should move to my world: there's a big celebration today;) I've been a bit tired today and have a small headache (probably the result of spending yesterday watching Star Wars movies with friends), but despite that I'm very happy. The awful time we call March is gone. And Easter is just around the corner!
I went for a walk today, it was good. I listened to Creedence Clearwater Revival while walking and the lyrics just seemed to match my April mood (hence the title):
"Now, if I was a bricklayer, I wouldn't build just anything;
And if I was a ball player, I wouldn't play no second string.
And if I were some jew'lry, baby; Lord, I'd have to be a diamond ring.
If I were a secret, Lord, I never would be told.
If I were a jug of wine, Lord, my flavor would be old.
I could be most anything,
But it got to be twenty-four karat solid gold, oh."
(Lyrics to Penthouse Pauper)
Yeah, 'twas a good day:) May you all have a blessed Easter. The Christ has risen!
If this doesn't sound familiar, you should move to my world: there's a big celebration today;) I've been a bit tired today and have a small headache (probably the result of spending yesterday watching Star Wars movies with friends), but despite that I'm very happy. The awful time we call March is gone. And Easter is just around the corner!
I went for a walk today, it was good. I listened to Creedence Clearwater Revival while walking and the lyrics just seemed to match my April mood (hence the title):
"Now, if I was a bricklayer, I wouldn't build just anything;
And if I was a ball player, I wouldn't play no second string.
And if I were some jew'lry, baby; Lord, I'd have to be a diamond ring.
If I were a secret, Lord, I never would be told.
If I were a jug of wine, Lord, my flavor would be old.
I could be most anything,
But it got to be twenty-four karat solid gold, oh."
(Lyrics to Penthouse Pauper)
Yeah, 'twas a good day:) May you all have a blessed Easter. The Christ has risen!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Loving God - Cool!
For coupple of weeks I've been preparing a speech about God as creator and us as creation. It's about the relationship between us and the majesty and love of the Lord. I'm really excited about it! I also recieved an e-mail from a young girl. She asked me how I know that God really exists. She also told me that to her, God is a person who just wants to punish people.
All this makes me incredibly happy! I get to tell this girl about our loving God! And I get to tell a bunch of people about how much God really has done for us! This is the bestest job in the world!
Through everything I do, I want the cross of Jesus to be clear and visible. I want to see a time, when people come to God in great numbers. I want to see a revolution!
All this makes me incredibly happy! I get to tell this girl about our loving God! And I get to tell a bunch of people about how much God really has done for us! This is the bestest job in the world!
Through everything I do, I want the cross of Jesus to be clear and visible. I want to see a time, when people come to God in great numbers. I want to see a revolution!
"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." Hab.2:3
Monday, March 05, 2007
Facts of Life (10 of them to be exact)
So, recently I was tagged by Karoliina to share 10 random facts/secrets about myself. I love these kinds of things! I just hope I can come up with 10 things...without revealing too much of my inner weirdness;)
1. Beginning with childhood stuff: I was seriously obsessed with barbies up until I was about 14. And when I say obsessed, I mean it. I have group pictures of my barbies and I can still remember most of their names, ages and jobs. I know their histories and personalities. For example: Carmen is a 12-year old who used to love mountain climbing. Unfortunately she had a terrible accident at the mountains and can't do that anymore (her head isn't attached to her body anymore, you see). She was never the same. For some reason, most of my barbies are missing a limb or two...but I got really good at using scotch tape!
2. I'm affraid of poisons and other stuff that isn't good for human beings. This was sadly proven at 8th grade chemistry class when I thought there was a gas leak. I panicked and ran out of the classroom. I regained my self-control quite fast, but was still the subject of ridicule for the rest of the day. I still prefer cleaning products that are poison-free.
3. As a child I had 3 imaginary friends: Little Saija, Edvard and Kiniki (I have no idea where the last name came from). They existed mostly to assist my alter ego, Super-Saija, at rescuing the world and protecting the innocent. Little Saija was the smartest of them and my right hand. Edvard and Kiniki usually just messed up everything and were more trouble than helpfull. Incidentally, Edvard is my younger brother's middle name. I also still suffer from superhero fantasies and hope to do my part at saving the world.
4. Related to number 3, I love books and movies about great adventures. When I first saw Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves (the one with Kevin Costner) I was living in Sherwood Forrest for months! I love that movie! I also had the movie poster on my wall for ages. It took me a long time to realize that contrary to what everyone kept telling me when I was growing up, adventures are a part of real life. My life is full of them! Because, really, would the God that invented Robin Hood give us a boring life? It's more than just existing, my friends!
5. Jean-Luc Picard is my favourite Star Trek captain. Yeah, I'm a Star Trek fan, have been ever since I saw my first episode. But I would't call myself a Trekkie. I don't own the outfit that is required;)
6. Eh...in an attempt to say something a little deeper I shall reveal that...I don't consider myself an especially deep person. I enjoy everyday things like watching birds fly over the roof tops and eating a good meal. I don't feel the need for philosophy, I prefer poetry.
7. At some point in my life I have wanted to become a singer, an actress, a hair-dresser, a speech therapist, a social worker, a pastor and a car mechanic. I'm pretty gratefull that most of those prayers recieved a No as an answer.
8. When I was younger I desperately wanted to be able to play an instrument. At present I can play the piano a bit (jut for my own pleasure) and the guitar even less. I don't much desire to be able to play anymore though. I've realized that I wouldn't be me if I could play something. And I rather enjoy being me:)
9. There are two people in my life who are more important than anyone else: My brothers. My elder brother is 8 years older than I am and was always a sort of surrogate father to me. He has been my source of wisdom, advice and handyman services over the years. My younger brother is 4 years my junior. We've had amazing fun together as we've played different games (that we usually invented ourselves). He's also my brother in Christ which unites us in a more special level. With him I've seen Hot Shots more times than probably is healthy, amongst other things;D
10. Ooh, the last one! OK... Hmm. I've never gotten a ticket for speeding, but I was once stopped by the police because they thought I was driving too slowly. Really, what's the hurry? Besides, it was icy that day, I swear.
Yay, this was fun:) I have no one to tag though...all my blog friends have done this already. But I'll remember this if some unsuspecting friend decides to start a blog!
1. Beginning with childhood stuff: I was seriously obsessed with barbies up until I was about 14. And when I say obsessed, I mean it. I have group pictures of my barbies and I can still remember most of their names, ages and jobs. I know their histories and personalities. For example: Carmen is a 12-year old who used to love mountain climbing. Unfortunately she had a terrible accident at the mountains and can't do that anymore (her head isn't attached to her body anymore, you see). She was never the same. For some reason, most of my barbies are missing a limb or two...but I got really good at using scotch tape!
2. I'm affraid of poisons and other stuff that isn't good for human beings. This was sadly proven at 8th grade chemistry class when I thought there was a gas leak. I panicked and ran out of the classroom. I regained my self-control quite fast, but was still the subject of ridicule for the rest of the day. I still prefer cleaning products that are poison-free.
3. As a child I had 3 imaginary friends: Little Saija, Edvard and Kiniki (I have no idea where the last name came from). They existed mostly to assist my alter ego, Super-Saija, at rescuing the world and protecting the innocent. Little Saija was the smartest of them and my right hand. Edvard and Kiniki usually just messed up everything and were more trouble than helpfull. Incidentally, Edvard is my younger brother's middle name. I also still suffer from superhero fantasies and hope to do my part at saving the world.
4. Related to number 3, I love books and movies about great adventures. When I first saw Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves (the one with Kevin Costner) I was living in Sherwood Forrest for months! I love that movie! I also had the movie poster on my wall for ages. It took me a long time to realize that contrary to what everyone kept telling me when I was growing up, adventures are a part of real life. My life is full of them! Because, really, would the God that invented Robin Hood give us a boring life? It's more than just existing, my friends!
5. Jean-Luc Picard is my favourite Star Trek captain. Yeah, I'm a Star Trek fan, have been ever since I saw my first episode. But I would't call myself a Trekkie. I don't own the outfit that is required;)
6. Eh...in an attempt to say something a little deeper I shall reveal that...I don't consider myself an especially deep person. I enjoy everyday things like watching birds fly over the roof tops and eating a good meal. I don't feel the need for philosophy, I prefer poetry.
7. At some point in my life I have wanted to become a singer, an actress, a hair-dresser, a speech therapist, a social worker, a pastor and a car mechanic. I'm pretty gratefull that most of those prayers recieved a No as an answer.
8. When I was younger I desperately wanted to be able to play an instrument. At present I can play the piano a bit (jut for my own pleasure) and the guitar even less. I don't much desire to be able to play anymore though. I've realized that I wouldn't be me if I could play something. And I rather enjoy being me:)
9. There are two people in my life who are more important than anyone else: My brothers. My elder brother is 8 years older than I am and was always a sort of surrogate father to me. He has been my source of wisdom, advice and handyman services over the years. My younger brother is 4 years my junior. We've had amazing fun together as we've played different games (that we usually invented ourselves). He's also my brother in Christ which unites us in a more special level. With him I've seen Hot Shots more times than probably is healthy, amongst other things;D
10. Ooh, the last one! OK... Hmm. I've never gotten a ticket for speeding, but I was once stopped by the police because they thought I was driving too slowly. Really, what's the hurry? Besides, it was icy that day, I swear.
Yay, this was fun:) I have no one to tag though...all my blog friends have done this already. But I'll remember this if some unsuspecting friend decides to start a blog!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Hah! I'm done!
Just few minutes ago I sent my dissertation to the University. They are going to print it and publish it and evaluate it. I'm finally done with it! The only thing that remains to be done is a small exam where I answer a question about the dissertation (to make sure I know what I'm doing I suppose).
I'm going to graduate.
There it is. I find this all very hard to believe. After 6 and a half YEARS of hard (*cough*) work I'm actually going to graduate.
Hurray for me:)
I'm going to graduate.
There it is. I find this all very hard to believe. After 6 and a half YEARS of hard (*cough*) work I'm actually going to graduate.
Hurray for me:)
Ps. This is in fact not my University, but the University of Tartu, Estonia. But it's a big, scary looking institution of education so it really makes no difference.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Labratory Talk
Some time ago I had a dream where I was living in a large old house. The house was located in a small village by the main road and the villagers frequently came by to look at the house. The house was open for public because of its architecture etc. I had my own modern appartment upstairs, but nobody ever went there.
The dream started as a lot of people from the village had come to look at the house. Downstairs had a large library room and behind that an old labratory. The labratory had been out of use for years and no one had taken care of it. It was a mess and quite dirty as well. The labratory was a main interest amongst the visiting people. They hardly looked at the library, everyone was gathered at the labratory walking around, investigating. I think they were looking for something. Possibly there was a rumour that something had been hidden in there.
I was standing in the library looking at the people. I didn't want to go into the labratory, I never went there. I didn't believe in the rumours and couldn't understand what was so interesting about it anyway. It was just an old ugly room to me. I wanted to leave it alone. The behaviour of the people annoyed me. There was an entire beautiful library and whole house to look at and they gave all their attention to the labratory!
Now then...I've read that a house is the most common symbol of the self in dreams. That comes as no surprise to me. I often feel like this dream in real life. People think that they don't really know me until I've shared my deepest and darkest secrets with them. At the same time I'm worried that after they see the labratory, that is all they ever see. The way I see it, my painful parts are just a small part of me. The majority is like the library: beautiful and much more interesting. The good parts are what makes me me, I don't wish to be defined through my bad life experiences.
Isn't it funny how a deep and meaningful conversation usually means sharing your dissappointments and problems and sad stories? Why should it be any less deep and meaningful to share the good and the beautiful? This is not to say that our labratories aren't important and that we shouldn't talk about them. Let's just not forget that they are not everything. Don't let them be more than they are.
The dream started as a lot of people from the village had come to look at the house. Downstairs had a large library room and behind that an old labratory. The labratory had been out of use for years and no one had taken care of it. It was a mess and quite dirty as well. The labratory was a main interest amongst the visiting people. They hardly looked at the library, everyone was gathered at the labratory walking around, investigating. I think they were looking for something. Possibly there was a rumour that something had been hidden in there.
I was standing in the library looking at the people. I didn't want to go into the labratory, I never went there. I didn't believe in the rumours and couldn't understand what was so interesting about it anyway. It was just an old ugly room to me. I wanted to leave it alone. The behaviour of the people annoyed me. There was an entire beautiful library and whole house to look at and they gave all their attention to the labratory!
Now then...I've read that a house is the most common symbol of the self in dreams. That comes as no surprise to me. I often feel like this dream in real life. People think that they don't really know me until I've shared my deepest and darkest secrets with them. At the same time I'm worried that after they see the labratory, that is all they ever see. The way I see it, my painful parts are just a small part of me. The majority is like the library: beautiful and much more interesting. The good parts are what makes me me, I don't wish to be defined through my bad life experiences.
Isn't it funny how a deep and meaningful conversation usually means sharing your dissappointments and problems and sad stories? Why should it be any less deep and meaningful to share the good and the beautiful? This is not to say that our labratories aren't important and that we shouldn't talk about them. Let's just not forget that they are not everything. Don't let them be more than they are.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
"I like it"
I have been in my new job for 5 months now. I just returned from a New Year's trip to Lapland with about 60 students and young adults. We had fun!
During these past 5 months a lot of people have come to me asking how I like my job. Do I enjoy it? I never really know quite what to tell them. I usually end up just saying that yes, I do like my job.
To me, this seems like the wrong question. Whether I like my job or not is unimportant. This is not a matter of my personal enjoyment. Yes, I like my job. But I also liked my previous job as a social worker. The job was interesting and challenging and I liked my co-workers. I even got a bigger pay check than I do now!
What matters to me is the peace I have. The peace I didn't have before. As a social worker I was always restless. I always felt like I was in the wrong place wasting my life. Now I feel like I'm in the right place and I can just concentrate on my work. This is what I'm supposed to be doing, whether I like it or not. And because my God is good, I also happen to enjoy it:)
I hope this is clear to everyone now.
During these past 5 months a lot of people have come to me asking how I like my job. Do I enjoy it? I never really know quite what to tell them. I usually end up just saying that yes, I do like my job.
To me, this seems like the wrong question. Whether I like my job or not is unimportant. This is not a matter of my personal enjoyment. Yes, I like my job. But I also liked my previous job as a social worker. The job was interesting and challenging and I liked my co-workers. I even got a bigger pay check than I do now!
What matters to me is the peace I have. The peace I didn't have before. As a social worker I was always restless. I always felt like I was in the wrong place wasting my life. Now I feel like I'm in the right place and I can just concentrate on my work. This is what I'm supposed to be doing, whether I like it or not. And because my God is good, I also happen to enjoy it:)
I hope this is clear to everyone now.
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