Absence makes the heart grow fonder Wednesday, Mar 4 2009

Okay, so I disappeared from my blog again. You’d think that what with the new computer and all, I’d be spending all my time on it, and that this blog would get its share of my computer-focused attention. Sorry. You were wrong. I was busy attending the shows, having lunches, catching up with people I know, shopping…

They say we’re in a recession, that we’re in a dire economics situation. Well, according to everything they’ve taught me at school about how the economy works, the private consumption is one of the biggest influential factors to the general well-being of the economy. And that the national economy lives and dies very much along the rises and falls in private spending. In fact, I heard that there’s an add campaign in Finland telling people not to get overly cautious in their spending, or they’ll just “feed the recession”. So that’s what I did. I did my own share in saving the economy.

And I got some really pretty shoes for that.

I think I also deserved the shoes, given that I managed not to break my leg on the slopes in Val d’Isere. And for being a good GF and going to see BF for Valentine’s Day. In case you didn’t notice, I’m not too fond of the Day. I love presents, but I’m not too keen on the glittery glued-on forced romance that goes with it. I like balloons, just not the heart-shaped ones, if you get my meaning. But it was, as it always is, really nice to see BF again.

Of course, the shows. What can I say? There’s something deliciously twisted in shopping for spring and checking out the fall at the same time, while wearing your winter coat. But it looked like a fall I’m going to like. I’m not going to details, check style.com or elle.com if you want to see pictures, but I might post a little something later, in a separate post. It did look good. In case the economy is still in bad shape come September, I’ll be happy to do my share again.

Spending time, if only shortly, with DD is always nice. What with his busy schedule and my own life, it’s not easy to stay in touch and have that father-daughter bonding I’d like. But we did get to spend time together, outside the official atmosphere of a fancy restaurant. Just hanging out, you know? All those who know my dad would be shocked to hear that he knows how to just hang out. *laughs* I do love it when he discusses his work plans with me, even though I have no desire to take his place, ever. I want to do my own thing. But it’s still nice to be let in on the plans.

As for my own plans, I’ll get to them in another post. They’ll take a while… And I have to do it without pictures, as Ski Guy apparently stole Henry.

While I was away, I realised I’ve really missed spilling my thoughts out here on the blog. So, there’ll probably be more posts like this one in the future. How’s that for stories?

*kisses*

ii

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Mistakes on Valentine’s Day Sunday, Feb 15 2009

… at least when I’m concerned. Unfortunately for BF, by now it’s too late for him to get tips…

- Roses. I hate roses.

- Proposals. I threw a book at the last person who asked. Take a hint.

- Jewellery in the dessert. Don’t. Mess. With. My. Food. EVER.

- Chocolate. I love chocolate, just not for Valentine’s. That’s like sending a bunch of roses for an apology. Straight out of the handbook. Be original, for heavens sake! It’s not that hard.

- Stuffed animals. Actually, I have nothing against stuffed animals. It’s just that not everyone knows how to pick the ones with a genuine personality. You know, the type that makes you want to sew them clothes. So don’t even go there.

- Lingerie. That’s really a present for you. I’ll take care of finding something smoldering sexy to wear. I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself, and judging by BF collection of fugly ties, have way better taste.

- Anything heart-shaped. Is there anything more cheesy? Noup, didn’t think so.

 

Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I’m off to my Valentine’s Day date. Well, a hockey game and then to my Valentine’s Day date. A girl needs to have some priorities, right? *grin*

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

*kisses*

ii

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Story time? Friday, Feb 13 2009

I noticed lately (read: while reading Tabbies blog) that I’m not really telling any stories anymore. And I should! For one, it’s fun. And secondly, Nici gets such a kick out of them. But you see, it’s not that simple. I kind of promised BF I won’t be chatting away about him so much, or at least I’d cut back on the stories where he ends up looking silly. And if I’m going to be all good and nice and kind to him, I should extend the courtesy to my dearest friends as well. And if I’m not being mean to those closest to me, who for sure can take it, I really shouldn’t give innocent semi-strangers so much crap! So are you getting the problem here? I’m running out of stories!!

Secondly, as of late, I’ve been in a position where most of the good stories haven’t really been mine to tell. That’s the problem when you’re friends with someone whose name makes the newspaper. You can’t tell stories about their private adventures anymore. So all ski stories are out. Sorry, Chimmy!

Most of all, my life has been truly boring lately. Well, there was Val d’Isere, but like I said, those stories are out. My Friend With Huge Boobs is out of town a lot, as is Hot Roast, and the rest of my friends are just… well, I like them. But they’re not exactly “story material”, if you know what I mean.

So what is there for me to tell you? I did get a new computer! It was right here waiting for me when I arrived at DD’s. I love it. It’s not too big (it needs to fit into my pretty pink bag, after all!), it’s really sleek and stylish, way better than my earlier age-old one, and the keyboard make a nice sounds. Don’t laugh! When you’re spending a lot of time by your computer, the sound that comes from typing IS important. Seriously though, I really love the keyboard, it’s really comfortable to use. And I have small hands so that’s a real issue sometimes.

Now I just need to transfer everything from my old computer to the new one. Anyone looking for a part-time job?

Like I needed any reason to spend even more time at the computer. Together BF and I are absolutely hopeless!

As a final note, maybe something serious for a change? I thought about getting more actively involved with a charity. Instead of just giving money, I’d like to give my time. And maybe some effort. I’m not looking for “good going” messages, but just thought I’d let you know. I mean, I’m running low on stories, you know.

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The Guy at the Bank Wednesday, Jun 11 2008

I went to the bank the other day. The clerk flirted with me. Which was fine, as he was cute and young and tall and fit. Only… he looked exactly like BF did back when he was young and pretty. Odd.

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Been away, but back now… Saturday, May 17 2008

I know, I know. I’ve promised a million times not to abandon you all like this without a word and yet here I did it again. A very old friend whom I’ve known practically my whole life came over for a visit almost two weeks ago on Tuesday. That was a blast! H and I are rather impossible when we get together, we’re first to admit that. No, strike that, we revel in it. So Wednesday kicked off with us dancing in our nightwear all over the flat, singing national anthems (we couldn’t remember how the US anthem goes after the first line, I know, terrible of me, I should know it! but I pulled blank. I did remember it later, though. But we had to look it up and found a whole bunch of anthems on YouTube.), watching the best bits of several Disney movies… All in all just having a laugh. It was so great to have her here.

Then on Friday she had to return to France and I flied over with her for the weekend. It was so great to see some old friends and hanging out in the old places. And get some spring/summer shopping done, of course!

Returning to Finland on Sunday, it was back to school work again with a couple of exams. And of course, the big games in hockey. And really, right now I’m not in a mood to talk about either topic.

Why? Because I’m having some big trouble at school regarding my graduation. I might have to postpone it. But I’ll think about it on Monday, I can’t really do anything about it over the weekend anyways.

Hockey? Finland lost to Russia 4-0 last night, and finds itself in the bronze game against Sweden. BF was so sad! And when he called I was asleep, and all “go away, I need to sleep” which was very Bad Girlfriend of me. I feel terrible about that.

Oh, speaking of BF! He’s doing the whole caveman “I hit you in head with my club and drag you to me cave by hair” -look again. Oddly enough, though, I’m actually warming up to the beard. What’s wrong with me?? Well, those moves are pretty much what’s needed if he wishes to get me to their summer place over the summer again. I hate nature and I only agree to go for the view. BF likes to chop wood. Topless. Can you blame me?

My Friend With Huge Boobs was supervising the exam I took yesterday (which included questions such as “explain the terms ‘game’ and ‘Nash equilibrium’, which was ridiculously easy, although I don’t think the latter had anything to do with Canada’s Rick Nash, favourite player of H. Although she only likes him because the first time she heard his name she accidentally heard “ass” as his last name and found that absolutely hilarious! Yeah, she’s weird. I love her. And I digress.) Anyways, My Friend With Huge Boobs was there, and when I arrived, almost late, she waved me over to the front, with a seat at the very front row almost in front of everyone else. “I saved you a special seat.” Gee, thanks dahlin’!

Anyways, it’s been an eventful break for me, yet there’s not much to tell. I know, weird, huh? I guess my mind is still in a funk over the loss yesterday. BF was so so disappointed. Poor thing.

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Protected: Forget my earlier fears… Tuesday, Apr 29 2008

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An e-mail that made me scream and jump Thursday, Apr 24 2008

I arrived home tired and bored and disappointed and checked my mail. Still nothing from either one of the NHL people, BF’s boss or The Hot Dream Guy. I decided to check some blogs, and the BCF, and left the tab with my email open. After a while I checked the email tab.

1 new mail.

I got all excited and tingly when I hit the ‘refresh’. It was the recruiting mailing list newsletter. How utterly disappointed.

After some more bloghopping and general Internet ennui I checked the email one last time, planning to go and get ice cream and watch Babylon 5.

1 new mail.

Thinking “party adverts? library’s please return -notices? what’s going to disappoint me this time?” I hit ‘refresh’.

“Subject: thesis.” You know how sometimes your brain can go through a million things in the time it takes you to move your eyes from ’subject’ to the sender, or the message? I though it was a reply from a school friend of mine. Or maybe my prof found that “economics of networks for dummies” I was asking for as the networks make zero sense to me and reading about them makes me feel stupid and small. Then I saw the sender and the message:

“Hi [ii],

I got your mail through [Miss D], I’d be happy to help… [general info on how and when to reach him]

[The Hot Dream Guy]“

*insert ii jumping up and down and screaming*

After some (very unladylike) jumping and screaming I reach for my phone and call My Friend With Huge Boobs. “He replied! [The Hot Dream Guy] replied! *screaming*” She’s happy for me, but dismisses me in order to continue vacuuming (seriously, that womans priorities!) She tells me to call BF. Which was already next on my list.

“[TheHotDreamGuy]repliedjustnowandnowyoudon’thavetokickyourboss’ass!!” I exclaim as soon as he picks up.

BF *as if nothing was unusual*: Hi honey! How are you?

Me: [TheHotDreamGuy]repliedjustnowandnowyoudon’thavetokickyourboss’ass!

BF: ooookay… did you OD on coffee again?

Me *taking a deep breath*: I said, [The Hot Dream Guy] replied just now and now you don’t have to kick your boss’ ass! That’s brilliant, isn’t it?!

BF: Sorry, what’s brilliant? I think I lost hearing from my other ear.

Me: [BF]!!

BF *laughs*: It’s great, honey, really, truly great! I’m happy for you.

Me *still on hyperdrive*: I’m happy for me too!

BF: Okay, listen, I have to go. We have [a thing] in a minute and the other guys think I’m talking to some looney.

Me: Is [our mutual friend Perfect Morning-After Voice] there?

BF: yes.

Me: Oooh, tell him I said hi.

BF *to the side*: ii says hi.

*something on the background*

Me: What was that?

BF: [Perfect Morning-After Voice] said ‘that explains the weird call’.

Me *exclaiming*: [The Hot Dream Guy] replied and is happy to help me!

BF: right. okay. bye midget.

 

Luckily for me not only is BF used to these calls, but he has made a fair share of them himself. Last year I had half the team singing “Born in the USA” to me over the phone before the the USA game. Only they didn’t know the song, apart from the “born… in the U S A!” part, so it was basically two minutes of that. I was visiting Old Dragon at the time.

I still cannot believe The Hot Dream Guy was so enthusiastic to help me! *grin*

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The NHL Guy from the Hot Deam Wednesday, Apr 23 2008

Okay, it would seem that I’m back to my old habits of reporting minuscule events in my blog. And that based on this blog I have absolutely no social life.

Do you remember when I told you about the phone calls I made to random NHL clubs? And that the Finnish guy’s clubs receptionist sounded like she had a hockey (goalie’s) stick sideways up her butt? And that finally I had to call BF’s club? And that they were helpful? And that the next night I had a naughty dream about the Finnish guy?

You do? What’s that? You took notes? Awww, you shouldn’t have!

Aaaaanyways. I dipped deep into my pool of HIFK spirit and kick-butt-attitude (also known as the List of Things To Do To Avoid Doing What One Has To Do) and decided to give The Hot Dream Guy (not that he is hot, the dream was) one more chance. This time I did not reach him, but an assistant to his boss, a very nice Miss D, and she promised to pass along a message. So I emailed her, and she promised to give it forward to The Hot Dream Guy straight away. And I’m totally playing the “I’m a Finn too” -card here (ha ha) so… here’s hoping!

On the other news, I tried to reach that one guy from BF’s club. He wasn’t at his phone. And we all know how much I love leaving messages to peoples voice mail! So I’m going to harass him again tomorrow. *insert Dr. Evil laugh here*

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The phone calls Friday, Apr 18 2008

In front of me, pinned to the wall is a list of all the teams in the NHL. That’s thirty (30) teams, in groups of five. For the past two hours I’ve stared at that list and gone “who should I call next”

After several phone calls I’ve found something out. If you call an NHL club you have two possibilities. Either you get A Very Rude Receptionist who connects you to who-knows-who or you get A Very Nice Receptionist who connects you to someone who could help you but you end up getting a voicemail.

I. Hate. Voicemail.

The only people who I got off the ground with were BF’s club (though I used a different name, ’cause I want to do this on my own, not because of what my name is or who I sleep with) and even with them I had to send an email as the person I needed to talk to isn’t there until Tuesday.

Oh, and that one Finnish guy I was counting on? They didn’t even recognise his name when I said it. Apparently I cannot pronounce it “the American way”. If there’s anyone there willing to help (no drunken dials, especially with my name, GB!!) I’d be more than happy. I have to warn you though. The receptionist sounded like someone put a hockey stick up her butt sideways. She kept giving me the PR department.

I have to say, though. This evening has completely gotten me over my fear of calling People Across The Atlantic Ocean Who Hold My Future And My Dream Job In Their Hands. In fact, I found it rather addictive. It must be the whole attitude of not giving up until you’re bleeding and even then only because the ref throws you off the game I picked up while cheerleading for hockey.

More on the calls after I’ve had some sleep. But before hitting the pillow, an episode of Babylon 5 (DD got me the DVD box) and my favourite doubble-date. Ben and Jerry.

p.s. I called the NHL Guy again. With some more silly questions (he already answered one by email but told me to call him about the rest). And he was so nice! I’m seriously falling in love with him, he’s that nice!

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Lions Tuesday, Apr 15 2008

The Finnish Elite League season is over. Most foreign leagues are over. The NHL is in the first round of play-offs, the regular season (and the season as far as BF is concerned, once again) is over. The fun is only beginning.

There is something to pick you up once the hockey season is over every spring, and that is the World Championships. For me, picking my favourites in international games has always been a process that confuses many. Given my background, it’s difficult to guess who I support. The French? The Americans? Or maybe the Finns? I solved that many years ago by picking my favourites separately for each sport. It’s France for football, Americans for T&F (except javelin), Americans also for tennis, Finns for most winter sports (except alpine skiing). Hockey? The sport I love most in the entire world? Finland. Always, all the way.

The World Championship tournament of ice hockey takes place later this spring and I cannot wait for it to start. Right now there are also the under-18 World Champs underway. By this logic of holding world championship tournaments at the end of the season it would make sense to also have the under-20 champs right now. But that’s troublesome. There are often players playing in either both U-18 and U-20 tournaments, or U-20 and the grow-ups. So the U-20 tournament is over New Year’s.

The Finnish national hockey team is called The Lions. Because there’s a lion in the Finnish arms. So The Lions are gearing up for the upcoming World Championships in Canada as we speak. I love that nickname. But what I love more is the derivatives of that. The U-20 team has long been referred to as The Little Lions. And now, reading about the first game of the WC tournament of the U-18 team (they won), I came across the derivative used for them: The Lion Cubs. Now, how cute is that??

Go Lions!

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