Dear Finnish Ice cream box designers,
What the hell?
Sincerely, take a course on ergonomics
Monday, May 2, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
'Today was the day
that I put Everything in perspective.'
This song from that lame commercial on TV gets stuck in my head...from watching a different commercial on TV with a similar sounding tune. I'm pretty sure every time I turn off the TV this song is in my head.
This is less than ideal.
Though the song is quite nice, now that I'm listening to the whole thing for the first time.
----------------
So here's whats going to happen: I'm going to sit here and complete this blog for once. I have started a bunch of drafts but once I leave them and come back, its all old news. Plus I have nothing better to do today until this evening. :)
OK.
My previous entry mentioned the start/preparation for the Finnish Seniors' celebrations. Those were pretty cool. Here's what happens in Finland on the last week of the 4th Jakso (6 week semester).
Monday, not much to the public eye. Just more banners appearing around school. The art class fills up with people making costumes.
Tuesday, the Abi's wore pajamas. The 2nd years were stressing out about the kick out party they organized.
Wednesday, after school - 6pm, our school turned into the Moulin Rouge. Cool, no? This was the GTFO party, Potkiaset, hosted by the 2nd year students. There was music (mostly from the Moulin Rouge soundtrack (with the exception of 'Gay Bar.' lol) and costumes (the sort that would be [dress]code-red back at LNHS. I mean c'mon, it was Moulin Rouge themed. And these people go all out.) and contests (which also would NEVER be tolerated, back home) for the Abi's. Each homeroom had their own contest along the lines of Spinny Bat, a Lap Dance championship, or Guys-do-pushups-on-top-of-a-girl-to-eat-the-banana-in-her-mouth, and a few others. It was all very entertaining. Throughout the whole thing there was a decent amount of clothing loss and PLUS, a pole dancer who came and danced for the school... She had some guts to do that in front of a bunch of teens, but being in Finland...it's different, I suppose. The whole atmosphere was quite admirable in the way that all though there was an incredible amount of indecency (as American high school administrators would say) left and right, the teachers and peers who were watching all understood that 'twas all in good fun. And it was good fun. Well done 2nd years.
Thursday morning the school sat in the gym for the beginning of the Abi's Penkkarit -- their own peace-out party. They were all dressed as various characters. My favorites were the pair of Bananas in Pajamas. Classic. And then Big Bird was great. That guy never ceases to look creepy, especially in the cafeteria, looking for a place to sit. Just picture it. Shudder.
Moving on.
The Penkkarit included music and teacher impersonations (hilarious) and teacher awards and teacher contests (Top Model, SYTYCD, Don't Forget the Lyrics) and a slide show of the Abis' party pictures. Drunken, trashed out, and drawn on pics included. You know, for the whole school to see. NBD.
After the show in the gym we all went to eat (omfreefoodnom). Then after lunch the Abi's hopped into the backs of 4 or 5 large cargo trucks while the 2nd years taped the banners they'd been working on to the sides. Each Abi had a few bags of candy to be thrown down into the rest of the school's outstretched arms.
Once the banners were secured and everyone was thoroughly frozen (it was around -28c that day) the Abi's parade of trucks drove towards the center. The rest of the school walked in pursuit or waited for the next bus. My friends and I took the next bus. Probably not the best choice either...since it was late and we ended up missing the parade around the city with all the other schools' Abis. Bummer. But whatever, I got a lot of candy anyways :)
Once Thursday's celebrations came to a close I think the Abi's all left for their 24hr booze cruise trip...organized through the school. Nothing out of the ordinary, you know.
Friday was a day for the 2nd years, who are now the schools ...elders. Or Wanhat. The day is somewhat comparable to the American Prom, in the sense that everyone dresses up fancy and goes to a dance. The dance, however: completely different. It's totally traditional. All the 2nd years (myself included) take a gym class throughout the 6 weeks prior to learn 6 traditional dances and a more modern one choreographed by the school (the best one, in my opinion.) So in the morning, we go to our school's gym in our schmancy attire and go through all the dances for the student body and parents. It's cool. Then there's cake and coffee afterwards. Between 1 and 4 everyone goes off on their own, usually out to eat. At 4 everyone meets up at Hipposhalli (this gigantic sports center. it's huge). Everyone, meaning all the dancers from all six or seven schools in JKL. We did a run through of the evening's program (half of the people do three dances, then the other half do the other three, then each school does their own.) before the audience came around 6. The run through went fine, except Petja's and my Tango. Good grief. Luckily it went better during the real thing.
After all the dances were finished and my feet were thoroughly sore for the day I went home, changed and headed right back out for the after parties in the center. Which were fun :)
-----------
There you have it, now. That's how Finland rolls when the Seniors get out of school. Oh, and they get out so early because the next few months are part of their Studying holiday. At the end they have a bunch of huge tests for college and whatnot. So ..that sounds stressful.
-----------
Lately a lot of other stuff has been going on. Namely: auditions. and music. :)
Auditions: I finally finished all 3 of my college Musical Theatre auditions (WOOO! KAJDSHFLKAJHSLDKFJYEA!!). So that's nice.
On Tuesday, the 22nd, I auditioned for 'STAGE.' It's a new tv show coming to Finland. The basic outline of it is 6 schools around Finland have a group of 16 or so kids that perform (in parts?) a musical written by the school. Each week in Helsinki they'd film a part live and then there'd be voting and eventually a Finale and such. Sounded cool, and our school was chosen, and on Tuesday Marco Bjurström, Arja Koriseva, and a film crew came to our school to choose the group of kids to perform. It was a cool experience, though the waiting around was madness since I was nervous. Even though I hadn't heard of Arja and Marco before in my life, I knew they were big names...and that I'd be singing in front of them in a moment.
Eventually my turn came with three other girls, and we headed into the music room to audition. I was first. I went in, stood on my X, acknowledged the camera before me and behind me, gave my music to the accompanist, talked to Marco and Arja, said I was from the States, and then I sang.
and it was awful!!
Ohh gosh I was bad. I got nervous and I never got a full breath to sing with...and then my voice got that shakey nervous vibrato thing for the whole time I sang. Jeez.
After it all I hoped that...you know, perhaps they'd understood that it was just nerves. Aha, doubt that!
Maybe I should have stopped and started over...or mentioned that I was freaking out. Or whatever. But, naw. And it's definitely too late now.
So yea, once everyone had auditioned (the 35 or so from our school) they posted a list of who had made it to the next round to sing 'You're the One That I Want' in Finnish and dance. Was my name on there? No sirree. Was I bummed? Sure, but I'm not like..offended or put down by it. I mean, it would be like freaking awesome to have made it, but I know there are plenty of other singers in our school that trumped my audition. So no big deal. Here's me, brushing it off my shoulder. Besides, it was fun doing the whole camera act thing.
But if they put that audition on TV as one of those embarrassing ones (think American Idol, William Hung) I may have to infinitely facepalm. Or at least until I leave Finland.
In the end I think the right people made it. Though some of those right people do not need much more of an ego boost before it goes to their head.
Also in auditions, (this one has a happier ending) my host sister, Linnea, had one for a popular choir here in JKL, Vox Aurea. It was in the JYU Musica building where I rehearse with the JYU Symphony (more on that later...) so I was to show her where to go. I decided that I'd audition as well, if the director would let me (Linnea's was scheduled and stuff so I had no idea.) We went, she auditioned, made it in (woo!) another kid auditioned, also made it, and then I asked if I could ('sure, why not?), though once I said I was an exchange student the director was like 'oh...well...hmm' since I won't be here long and all (and they begin rehearsing for a show in S. Africa in the fall. uhh. COOL.). Ultimately she was like, heck, we'll see how good you are and maybe you could join us for the time being.
So woo, I auditioned and made it. Heck yea. She put me as second Alto (even though Rita says I'm a Soprano, lol) to help out the section. It's mostly youngsters so they could use a stronger voice down there. So, sweet. I start rehearsal after the ski break.
Wo0t.
---------
JYU Symphony: yea, I started playing there a few weeks ago --> LOVE IT. ahhhhh. We have fun music from movies and such. Like Phantom of the Opera, Pirates, Psycho, Edward Scissorhands!! It's super fun. I love playing with strings. It makes the music so much more legit. Esp. in Psycho.
The horn section is three foreigners strong. We got a German, and Netherland..ian and me. It's fun.
Even though I'm 5-7 playing years behind both of them, I feel like I'm holding my own well enough.
With most of the same musicians I also joined the JYU Wind Ensemble. But I've only had one rehearsal so far and it wasn't quite as enjoyable as the Symphony, but no worries.
I also started playing with the professional school's Conservatory. It's another Wind Ensemble. So that's all very fun. Kudos to Oula for getting me into those ... :)
So life right now is all very musical and relaxed. It's quite nice. It's currently the end of exam week (and did I have any exams? Nope.) which is to be followed by a Ski Holiday; I'm going to a ski resort by the name of Tahko with my host family. Sounds good.
Now, if if would only start to warm up. Frankly, I'm tired of temperatures below -20 or even -10 as well as tights/leggings under jeans.
---------
That's a pretty good update for you all, in my opinion. I may get around to adding some explanatory pics or videos sometime. If I care enough once I remember.
I'm off to either go skiing or watch a movie and plot around until I go see a Finnish production of 'My Fair Lady' tonight (yaay!).
Keep it real, folks. I know I am. :)
This song from that lame commercial on TV gets stuck in my head...from watching a different commercial on TV with a similar sounding tune. I'm pretty sure every time I turn off the TV this song is in my head.
This is less than ideal.
Though the song is quite nice, now that I'm listening to the whole thing for the first time.
----------------
So here's whats going to happen: I'm going to sit here and complete this blog for once. I have started a bunch of drafts but once I leave them and come back, its all old news. Plus I have nothing better to do today until this evening. :)
OK.
My previous entry mentioned the start/preparation for the Finnish Seniors' celebrations. Those were pretty cool. Here's what happens in Finland on the last week of the 4th Jakso (6 week semester).
Monday, not much to the public eye. Just more banners appearing around school. The art class fills up with people making costumes.
Tuesday, the Abi's wore pajamas. The 2nd years were stressing out about the kick out party they organized.
Wednesday, after school - 6pm, our school turned into the Moulin Rouge. Cool, no? This was the GTFO party, Potkiaset, hosted by the 2nd year students. There was music (mostly from the Moulin Rouge soundtrack (with the exception of 'Gay Bar.' lol) and costumes (the sort that would be [dress]code-red back at LNHS. I mean c'mon, it was Moulin Rouge themed. And these people go all out.) and contests (which also would NEVER be tolerated, back home) for the Abi's. Each homeroom had their own contest along the lines of Spinny Bat, a Lap Dance championship, or Guys-do-pushups-on-top-of-a-girl-to-eat-the-banana-in-her-mouth, and a few others. It was all very entertaining. Throughout the whole thing there was a decent amount of clothing loss and PLUS, a pole dancer who came and danced for the school... She had some guts to do that in front of a bunch of teens, but being in Finland...it's different, I suppose. The whole atmosphere was quite admirable in the way that all though there was an incredible amount of indecency (as American high school administrators would say) left and right, the teachers and peers who were watching all understood that 'twas all in good fun. And it was good fun. Well done 2nd years.
Thursday morning the school sat in the gym for the beginning of the Abi's Penkkarit -- their own peace-out party. They were all dressed as various characters. My favorites were the pair of Bananas in Pajamas. Classic. And then Big Bird was great. That guy never ceases to look creepy, especially in the cafeteria, looking for a place to sit. Just picture it. Shudder.
Moving on.
The Penkkarit included music and teacher impersonations (hilarious) and teacher awards and teacher contests (Top Model, SYTYCD, Don't Forget the Lyrics) and a slide show of the Abis' party pictures. Drunken, trashed out, and drawn on pics included. You know, for the whole school to see. NBD.
After the show in the gym we all went to eat (omfreefoodnom). Then after lunch the Abi's hopped into the backs of 4 or 5 large cargo trucks while the 2nd years taped the banners they'd been working on to the sides. Each Abi had a few bags of candy to be thrown down into the rest of the school's outstretched arms.
Once the banners were secured and everyone was thoroughly frozen (it was around -28c that day) the Abi's parade of trucks drove towards the center. The rest of the school walked in pursuit or waited for the next bus. My friends and I took the next bus. Probably not the best choice either...since it was late and we ended up missing the parade around the city with all the other schools' Abis. Bummer. But whatever, I got a lot of candy anyways :)
Once Thursday's celebrations came to a close I think the Abi's all left for their 24hr booze cruise trip...organized through the school. Nothing out of the ordinary, you know.
Friday was a day for the 2nd years, who are now the schools ...elders. Or Wanhat. The day is somewhat comparable to the American Prom, in the sense that everyone dresses up fancy and goes to a dance. The dance, however: completely different. It's totally traditional. All the 2nd years (myself included) take a gym class throughout the 6 weeks prior to learn 6 traditional dances and a more modern one choreographed by the school (the best one, in my opinion.) So in the morning, we go to our school's gym in our schmancy attire and go through all the dances for the student body and parents. It's cool. Then there's cake and coffee afterwards. Between 1 and 4 everyone goes off on their own, usually out to eat. At 4 everyone meets up at Hipposhalli (this gigantic sports center. it's huge). Everyone, meaning all the dancers from all six or seven schools in JKL. We did a run through of the evening's program (half of the people do three dances, then the other half do the other three, then each school does their own.) before the audience came around 6. The run through went fine, except Petja's and my Tango. Good grief. Luckily it went better during the real thing.
After all the dances were finished and my feet were thoroughly sore for the day I went home, changed and headed right back out for the after parties in the center. Which were fun :)
-----------
There you have it, now. That's how Finland rolls when the Seniors get out of school. Oh, and they get out so early because the next few months are part of their Studying holiday. At the end they have a bunch of huge tests for college and whatnot. So ..that sounds stressful.
-----------
Lately a lot of other stuff has been going on. Namely: auditions. and music. :)
Auditions: I finally finished all 3 of my college Musical Theatre auditions (WOOO! KAJDSHFLKAJHSLDKFJYEA!!). So that's nice.
On Tuesday, the 22nd, I auditioned for 'STAGE.' It's a new tv show coming to Finland. The basic outline of it is 6 schools around Finland have a group of 16 or so kids that perform (in parts?) a musical written by the school. Each week in Helsinki they'd film a part live and then there'd be voting and eventually a Finale and such. Sounded cool, and our school was chosen, and on Tuesday Marco Bjurström, Arja Koriseva, and a film crew came to our school to choose the group of kids to perform. It was a cool experience, though the waiting around was madness since I was nervous. Even though I hadn't heard of Arja and Marco before in my life, I knew they were big names...and that I'd be singing in front of them in a moment.
Eventually my turn came with three other girls, and we headed into the music room to audition. I was first. I went in, stood on my X, acknowledged the camera before me and behind me, gave my music to the accompanist, talked to Marco and Arja, said I was from the States, and then I sang.
and it was awful!!
Ohh gosh I was bad. I got nervous and I never got a full breath to sing with...and then my voice got that shakey nervous vibrato thing for the whole time I sang. Jeez.
After it all I hoped that...you know, perhaps they'd understood that it was just nerves. Aha, doubt that!
Maybe I should have stopped and started over...or mentioned that I was freaking out. Or whatever. But, naw. And it's definitely too late now.
So yea, once everyone had auditioned (the 35 or so from our school) they posted a list of who had made it to the next round to sing 'You're the One That I Want' in Finnish and dance. Was my name on there? No sirree. Was I bummed? Sure, but I'm not like..offended or put down by it. I mean, it would be like freaking awesome to have made it, but I know there are plenty of other singers in our school that trumped my audition. So no big deal. Here's me, brushing it off my shoulder. Besides, it was fun doing the whole camera act thing.
But if they put that audition on TV as one of those embarrassing ones (think American Idol, William Hung) I may have to infinitely facepalm. Or at least until I leave Finland.
In the end I think the right people made it. Though some of those right people do not need much more of an ego boost before it goes to their head.
Also in auditions, (this one has a happier ending) my host sister, Linnea, had one for a popular choir here in JKL, Vox Aurea. It was in the JYU Musica building where I rehearse with the JYU Symphony (more on that later...) so I was to show her where to go. I decided that I'd audition as well, if the director would let me (Linnea's was scheduled and stuff so I had no idea.) We went, she auditioned, made it in (woo!) another kid auditioned, also made it, and then I asked if I could ('sure, why not?), though once I said I was an exchange student the director was like 'oh...well...hmm' since I won't be here long and all (and they begin rehearsing for a show in S. Africa in the fall. uhh. COOL.). Ultimately she was like, heck, we'll see how good you are and maybe you could join us for the time being.
So woo, I auditioned and made it. Heck yea. She put me as second Alto (even though Rita says I'm a Soprano, lol) to help out the section. It's mostly youngsters so they could use a stronger voice down there. So, sweet. I start rehearsal after the ski break.
Wo0t.
---------
JYU Symphony: yea, I started playing there a few weeks ago --> LOVE IT. ahhhhh. We have fun music from movies and such. Like Phantom of the Opera, Pirates, Psycho, Edward Scissorhands!! It's super fun. I love playing with strings. It makes the music so much more legit. Esp. in Psycho.
The horn section is three foreigners strong. We got a German, and Netherland..ian and me. It's fun.
Even though I'm 5-7 playing years behind both of them, I feel like I'm holding my own well enough.
With most of the same musicians I also joined the JYU Wind Ensemble. But I've only had one rehearsal so far and it wasn't quite as enjoyable as the Symphony, but no worries.
I also started playing with the professional school's Conservatory. It's another Wind Ensemble. So that's all very fun. Kudos to Oula for getting me into those ... :)
So life right now is all very musical and relaxed. It's quite nice. It's currently the end of exam week (and did I have any exams? Nope.) which is to be followed by a Ski Holiday; I'm going to a ski resort by the name of Tahko with my host family. Sounds good.
Now, if if would only start to warm up. Frankly, I'm tired of temperatures below -20 or even -10 as well as tights/leggings under jeans.
---------
That's a pretty good update for you all, in my opinion. I may get around to adding some explanatory pics or videos sometime. If I care enough once I remember.
I'm off to either go skiing or watch a movie and plot around until I go see a Finnish production of 'My Fair Lady' tonight (yaay!).
Keep it real, folks. I know I am. :)
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Cabin Crew: Ready to take KOFF.
Now, I'm not really going to go take some Koff (Finnish brand of beer). It's just what is written on one of the Abi posters in the art room. I don't really get the whole Abi (Finnish seniors) poster thing. I think they'll parade around town one of these days and throw candy. At least that's the image I've gathered from numerous explanations.
But I digress.
Actually, no I don't. Not really. I didn't really have a topic to start with.
Oh! But heres a topic: Host Families!
Most of the people who read my blog probably started wondering what inspired my last post if they hadn't known beforehand.
Basically my first host family. The last one, I mean, was _______ (I'm going to let you read the last post and fill in your own adjective. That way I'm not personally responsible for hurt feelings and I can make sure you've read my previous.) and it was decided (oh look at that use of passive voice. and totally on purpose. gosh I love nerdy rhetoric.) that I should move out. So I did. Moved into the new family's place on Saturday the 30th. And as soon as I got there I put my bags down, tried on ski pants and boots and we left for Riihivuori for some skiing. Intense. Feels good to ski again. It's weird though, because on family trips I'd started to dislike going...but I think that was just when we went to Killington. The rest of the time skiing was quite fun. It's not something you need to relearn, either, so it's nice to hop back on a pair of ski's and get going.
Otherwise the new family is great. The 5 yr old daughter drew a picture of me and stuck it on the fridge which was just endlessly cute. I still get a kick out of it.
Before moving I was a bit hesitant to give up the amount of freedom I had in the previous family's 'care,' but it all works out since I'm living in the basement. If I want to exclude myself I can do it just fine by going downstairs and chilling in solitude. When that gets old I can pop back upstairs to be social -- something my previous arrangements didn't allow. :) So that's all good.
Being farther from the center is a bit of a pain....but I'll get over it. It's no big deal.
-------
What else is going around, here...
Snow: IT KEEPS COMING! omg. But we have had a few sunny days and they are absolutely gorgeous. On Tuesday it was one of those perfectly sunny and mild days and I didn't have to leave for school till 10:15. In the morning I had the house to myself...and the sun was shining brilliantly onto the piano...so I couldn't do anything but help myself to a quick song before heading out to the busstop. Gotta say: totally worth it. I just need more fun music to play. Ballad Pour Adaline gets old...and the intro to Newborn only goes so far.
Mittens: Everywhere. I don't know if they're lost, seeking refuge, misplaced, or forgotten but they end up being everywhere. At the moment I can see one camping out behind a bank of snow outside. The other day they were part of an impromptu modern art exhibit in the Kiosk. Mittens. Everywhere.
Cravings: Mac'n'Cheese. The warmth of the sun's rays. American ice cream. Brownies. Mom's bread. NOM.
Today: What I thought was an innocent olive in my salad turned out to be a grape. That was a nasty surprise.
Classes: Finally a successful solaragraphic!!
The scanner left some spots and I'd like to give it a blue tint. But that's the Finnish sun at high noon and the absurd amount of snow.
Classes otherwise: Two of my 3 are art and our teacher has been out for 2 weeks...so those are pretty pointless. My third is the Vanhat dance class. Vanhat is comparable to the American Prom except the students take a class to learn traditional dances. Waltz, Tango, Virginia Reel. To name a few. It's great fun :)
College: I'm still pretty deep in the application process due to the audition videos. I'm hoping to send them within the next week. (AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!) ...So that's chill and all.
I also got rejected from a school for the first time. And gosh, what a horrible feeling. I could rant, but I already did so to my journal.
Music: With great change comes great music.
...I guess.
And what is music if not to share?
SO my current playlist consists of:
Ultra Bra - a Finnish band. Fun songs.
Take That - Old School british boyband!! Robbie Williams joined back up with them (YES!)
Pendulum - It's just good. For dancing, silent rebellion, brooding, moshing (haven't personally tried this one yet..)
Enrique Iglesias - I'm going to his concert in April with Erin! yessss
Michael Jackson - I downloaded his Essentials and watched 'This is It.' Oh. Mygod. Why wasn't I as big of a fan before?
Laura Pausini - Yay for being cultured and listening to Spanish music :)
and of course:
Jason Mraz (who's getting MARRIED!) Lea Michele and the Avett Brothers and ... lots of others.
I know how lazy you internet people are, so you're welcome, I included a youtube link to my current favorite song of each artist. :) Now it's just your job to not let my work go to waste :)
Oh, and want a tidbit of INTERESTING added to your day? Watch this and enjoy the feeling of 'woah' from the thoughts you have afterwards.
But I digress.
Actually, no I don't. Not really. I didn't really have a topic to start with.
Oh! But heres a topic: Host Families!
Most of the people who read my blog probably started wondering what inspired my last post if they hadn't known beforehand.
Basically my first host family. The last one, I mean, was _______ (I'm going to let you read the last post and fill in your own adjective. That way I'm not personally responsible for hurt feelings and I can make sure you've read my previous.) and it was decided (oh look at that use of passive voice. and totally on purpose. gosh I love nerdy rhetoric.) that I should move out. So I did. Moved into the new family's place on Saturday the 30th. And as soon as I got there I put my bags down, tried on ski pants and boots and we left for Riihivuori for some skiing. Intense. Feels good to ski again. It's weird though, because on family trips I'd started to dislike going...but I think that was just when we went to Killington. The rest of the time skiing was quite fun. It's not something you need to relearn, either, so it's nice to hop back on a pair of ski's and get going.
Otherwise the new family is great. The 5 yr old daughter drew a picture of me and stuck it on the fridge which was just endlessly cute. I still get a kick out of it.
Before moving I was a bit hesitant to give up the amount of freedom I had in the previous family's 'care,' but it all works out since I'm living in the basement. If I want to exclude myself I can do it just fine by going downstairs and chilling in solitude. When that gets old I can pop back upstairs to be social -- something my previous arrangements didn't allow. :) So that's all good.
Being farther from the center is a bit of a pain....but I'll get over it. It's no big deal.
-------
What else is going around, here...
Snow: IT KEEPS COMING! omg. But we have had a few sunny days and they are absolutely gorgeous. On Tuesday it was one of those perfectly sunny and mild days and I didn't have to leave for school till 10:15. In the morning I had the house to myself...and the sun was shining brilliantly onto the piano...so I couldn't do anything but help myself to a quick song before heading out to the busstop. Gotta say: totally worth it. I just need more fun music to play. Ballad Pour Adaline gets old...and the intro to Newborn only goes so far.
Mittens: Everywhere. I don't know if they're lost, seeking refuge, misplaced, or forgotten but they end up being everywhere. At the moment I can see one camping out behind a bank of snow outside. The other day they were part of an impromptu modern art exhibit in the Kiosk. Mittens. Everywhere.
Cravings: Mac'n'Cheese. The warmth of the sun's rays. American ice cream. Brownies. Mom's bread. NOM.
Today: What I thought was an innocent olive in my salad turned out to be a grape. That was a nasty surprise.
Classes: Finally a successful solaragraphic!!
Classes otherwise: Two of my 3 are art and our teacher has been out for 2 weeks...so those are pretty pointless. My third is the Vanhat dance class. Vanhat is comparable to the American Prom except the students take a class to learn traditional dances. Waltz, Tango, Virginia Reel. To name a few. It's great fun :)
College: I'm still pretty deep in the application process due to the audition videos. I'm hoping to send them within the next week. (AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!) ...So that's chill and all.
I also got rejected from a school for the first time. And gosh, what a horrible feeling. I could rant, but I already did so to my journal.
Music: With great change comes great music.
...I guess.
And what is music if not to share?
SO my current playlist consists of:
Ultra Bra - a Finnish band. Fun songs.
Take That - Old School british boyband!! Robbie Williams joined back up with them (YES!)
Pendulum - It's just good. For dancing, silent rebellion, brooding, moshing (haven't personally tried this one yet..)
Enrique Iglesias - I'm going to his concert in April with Erin! yessss
Michael Jackson - I downloaded his Essentials and watched 'This is It.' Oh. Mygod. Why wasn't I as big of a fan before?
Laura Pausini - Yay for being cultured and listening to Spanish music :)
and of course:
Jason Mraz (who's getting MARRIED!) Lea Michele and the Avett Brothers and ... lots of others.
I know how lazy you internet people are, so you're welcome, I included a youtube link to my current favorite song of each artist. :) Now it's just your job to not let my work go to waste :)
Oh, and want a tidbit of INTERESTING added to your day? Watch this and enjoy the feeling of 'woah' from the thoughts you have afterwards.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Host
I could go on and on and on with a nice rant about certain events of today. But one, my spacebar is annoying me and two, even though this blog is in english, and those who could get offended don't speak it so well...I don't feel like taking my chances. Seems like some people don't like 'me' enough as it is. Cool.
I just want to say a few words to anyone out there that might consider hosting an exchange student.
1. Don't take it lightly.
2.But don't have too high expectations.
3.Have an open mind.
4.Realize that an exchange student's priorities are based around meeting new people and experiencing new things.
5.When an exchange student's schooling is only a channel for integration...realize that grades are probably not going to be a priority. Especially if they don't count, anywhere. And especially if that student has done their time at highschool (and worked hard during that time) and sees this new school as a way to learn in a relaxed environment.
6.If you're going to have a lot of rules lay them down right away, so the student knows whats up. Don't let them piss you off before they even know they've done something wrong by you. ...Yet if you're going to have many rules, maybe you shouldn't host anyone.
This next thing is a big one:
7. If your kids are the same age as the exchange student...make sure they're the type of people that are...befriendable. Or at least conversational.
That's all I'll say on that matter before I unintentionally insult people online. That's just a low blow that I don't want to regret later on.
Oh, and if you already have an exchange student...and there are problems (if you don't like them much or you're concerned for their well being....) then just talk to them about it. It's not the easiest thing in the world, but it'd certainly help clear up any gaps.
My hopes are that this post will save some family and exchange student the trouble of an unfortunate time together.
And on a side note:
Here's a fact that I learned the hard way. Language barriers are intense. I've had my fair share of judgement towards others for thinking they were dim because their English was poor. Truth is...their English may suck, like my Finnish can suck, and maybe they're dim when it comes to language learning... But I never realized how hard it is to express the fact that I am a bright person when my speech holds me back.
Maybe I seem slower because I don't always catch a punchline and I never have anything witty to say and sometimes I have to stop and listen and think before a total translation is made in my mind. If I even complete the translation.
Seeing someone struggle with verbal communication is probably one of the easiest ways to judge their intelligence. Trust me though, it's probably a thousand times more frustrating on that other persons behalf.
I have had times where I'll be talking to someone in Finnish and I can see their expectations (and in some cases, all their respect) slowly fade behind their eyes until they just nod their head at what I say and give up on understanding me. Not much else feels worse than trying and failing to express yourself in what has always been the easiest way.
But really...I'm not dumb. And now I see that those people that I have judged probably aren't either. It's hard to see past language bluffs but it's really something to look past right away.
Bleh. I'm feeling tired...FINALLY. I just hope that my eyes don't spring to life as soon as I hit the sack, as has happened all break. My circadian rhythym is on the fritz which, when mixed with insomnia, gets me to sleep a few hours after I go to bed. It's a real treat.
Hrm, I feel like I left a thought hanging somewhere. Eh, I'll come back to it later I guess.
Ah, no, now I remember.
I just wanted to comment on my lovely habit of switching between 'I' and 'they' throughout all of this passage. I'd fix it if I felt like it made a difference. If I reread this later and realize it's confusing then I'll clear it up. For now, though, grammar nazi's can shove it. I'd like to think I've gotten past a grammatical barrier with my writing. Like...I've graduated from it or something. Plus, it's just a blog. Who cares.
Good night.
I just want to say a few words to anyone out there that might consider hosting an exchange student.
1. Don't take it lightly.
2.But don't have too high expectations.
3.Have an open mind.
4.Realize that an exchange student's priorities are based around meeting new people and experiencing new things.
5.When an exchange student's schooling is only a channel for integration...realize that grades are probably not going to be a priority. Especially if they don't count, anywhere. And especially if that student has done their time at highschool (and worked hard during that time) and sees this new school as a way to learn in a relaxed environment.
6.If you're going to have a lot of rules lay them down right away, so the student knows whats up. Don't let them piss you off before they even know they've done something wrong by you. ...Yet if you're going to have many rules, maybe you shouldn't host anyone.
This next thing is a big one:
7. If your kids are the same age as the exchange student...make sure they're the type of people that are...befriendable. Or at least conversational.
That's all I'll say on that matter before I unintentionally insult people online. That's just a low blow that I don't want to regret later on.
Oh, and if you already have an exchange student...and there are problems (if you don't like them much or you're concerned for their well being....) then just talk to them about it. It's not the easiest thing in the world, but it'd certainly help clear up any gaps.
My hopes are that this post will save some family and exchange student the trouble of an unfortunate time together.
And on a side note:
Here's a fact that I learned the hard way. Language barriers are intense. I've had my fair share of judgement towards others for thinking they were dim because their English was poor. Truth is...their English may suck, like my Finnish can suck, and maybe they're dim when it comes to language learning... But I never realized how hard it is to express the fact that I am a bright person when my speech holds me back.
Maybe I seem slower because I don't always catch a punchline and I never have anything witty to say and sometimes I have to stop and listen and think before a total translation is made in my mind. If I even complete the translation.
Seeing someone struggle with verbal communication is probably one of the easiest ways to judge their intelligence. Trust me though, it's probably a thousand times more frustrating on that other persons behalf.
I have had times where I'll be talking to someone in Finnish and I can see their expectations (and in some cases, all their respect) slowly fade behind their eyes until they just nod their head at what I say and give up on understanding me. Not much else feels worse than trying and failing to express yourself in what has always been the easiest way.
But really...I'm not dumb. And now I see that those people that I have judged probably aren't either. It's hard to see past language bluffs but it's really something to look past right away.
Bleh. I'm feeling tired...FINALLY. I just hope that my eyes don't spring to life as soon as I hit the sack, as has happened all break. My circadian rhythym is on the fritz which, when mixed with insomnia, gets me to sleep a few hours after I go to bed. It's a real treat.
Hrm, I feel like I left a thought hanging somewhere. Eh, I'll come back to it later I guess.
Ah, no, now I remember.
I just wanted to comment on my lovely habit of switching between 'I' and 'they' throughout all of this passage. I'd fix it if I felt like it made a difference. If I reread this later and realize it's confusing then I'll clear it up. For now, though, grammar nazi's can shove it. I'd like to think I've gotten past a grammatical barrier with my writing. Like...I've graduated from it or something. Plus, it's just a blog. Who cares.
Good night.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Pyrstötähti
ö
So yea. My first time singing in front of people :) Can you tell I'm nervous as hell? Well...I was.
I'd also like to apologize to Lotta and Pauliina for my red jacket and how it sort of stole the spotlight. My bad.
This is what I love about being in Finland, in a new school, with a bunch of strangers. I don't think I could've done this back at LNHS. No... It's weird how being in front of strangers or new friends is a lot less stressful than performing for the people you've schooled with for many years. Or maybe it's American highschoolers in general (I feel like they're a lot more critical and judgemental).
I don't have much else to say about this. I might get around to uploading our cover of the Foo Fighters' 'Learn to Fly.' If I ever have the patience to tend to a youtube upload on a slow computer like this one again. We'll see.
Another weird thing: as much as I hate watching myself perform....I can't stop. Bleh. And I'm so critical. (SO CRITICAL) Like there are a million things I would fix about this performance...but I won't point them out because there's a chance you won't even notice them. I'm sort of hoping for that. :)
And to all you non-Finns out there, in case you're totally confused; Muumi is like the shit here. Our band decided to incorporate it into the performance. One kid, Joel, always brought up this video of the Mörkö theme song (Mörkö is a Muumin character :: The video at the beginning is the theme) during practices. It was a good laugh so we stuck with it. Then we decided to include the dinky little tune in the middle of the song (also from Muumin) for the heck of it. And at last we named our band 'Joona ja 7 Pyrstytöhti.' Joona was the pianist and a Pyrstötähti is a meteor thing that pops up in the Muumin cartoons a lot. So there you go, a healthy dose of Finnish culture and some odd things explained.
Hey, it was either Muumin-themed or Gay Bar-themed. And unless you want to be caught chanting 'I wanna take you to a gay bar' at random times of day (guilty 0.o) ...then be thankful we stuck with Muumin.
_______________________________________________________
In other news: Christmas. Or rather, Christmas Eve. Or no, Christmas on Christmas Eve.
That's more like it.
The Finnish tradition of Christmas is sort of off for me. Here's some differences:
-The tree is set up and decorated Xmas eve morning. Early.
-The kids dress up as elves. Yes, I gave in to wearing a red elf hat.
-We went to a church service (I guess that's normal around the world...but not really for me...hah)
-The pianist was bad
-We ate rice porridge for dinner
-Then sang Carols (...meh, the Finnish ones.) while waiting for Santa to show up.
-Santa was a woman (I don't think this is traditional...but whatever.)
-ALL the presents are 'from Santa' which is just odd. But a nice cloak of anonymity is thrown over crappy gifts.
(Too bad I left all my gifts at the apartment...now they're all going to know what was from me. When they get them. Eventually. Dangit.)
-Everyone opens their own gifts at the same time
-...neatly
-Then, once everyone has finished they present what they've gotten.
-Then it's pretty much bed time. Though some of us did play one of the new games - Ubongo.
-Christmas morning I slept in till midday.
-Had a lunch of leftovers...
-Then got on Fb :)
So yes. It's quite different. As in, today doesn't feel like the 25th. At all. Like Oula said, it might as well be the 26th. True that.
So yea. My first time singing in front of people :) Can you tell I'm nervous as hell? Well...I was.
I'd also like to apologize to Lotta and Pauliina for my red jacket and how it sort of stole the spotlight. My bad.
This is what I love about being in Finland, in a new school, with a bunch of strangers. I don't think I could've done this back at LNHS. No... It's weird how being in front of strangers or new friends is a lot less stressful than performing for the people you've schooled with for many years. Or maybe it's American highschoolers in general (I feel like they're a lot more critical and judgemental).
I don't have much else to say about this. I might get around to uploading our cover of the Foo Fighters' 'Learn to Fly.' If I ever have the patience to tend to a youtube upload on a slow computer like this one again. We'll see.
Another weird thing: as much as I hate watching myself perform....I can't stop. Bleh. And I'm so critical. (SO CRITICAL) Like there are a million things I would fix about this performance...but I won't point them out because there's a chance you won't even notice them. I'm sort of hoping for that. :)
And to all you non-Finns out there, in case you're totally confused; Muumi is like the shit here. Our band decided to incorporate it into the performance. One kid, Joel, always brought up this video of the Mörkö theme song (Mörkö is a Muumin character :: The video at the beginning is the theme) during practices. It was a good laugh so we stuck with it. Then we decided to include the dinky little tune in the middle of the song (also from Muumin) for the heck of it. And at last we named our band 'Joona ja 7 Pyrstytöhti.' Joona was the pianist and a Pyrstötähti is a meteor thing that pops up in the Muumin cartoons a lot. So there you go, a healthy dose of Finnish culture and some odd things explained.
Hey, it was either Muumin-themed or Gay Bar-themed. And unless you want to be caught chanting 'I wanna take you to a gay bar' at random times of day (guilty 0.o) ...then be thankful we stuck with Muumin.
_______________________________________________________
In other news: Christmas. Or rather, Christmas Eve. Or no, Christmas on Christmas Eve.
That's more like it.
The Finnish tradition of Christmas is sort of off for me. Here's some differences:
-The tree is set up and decorated Xmas eve morning. Early.
-The kids dress up as elves. Yes, I gave in to wearing a red elf hat.
-We went to a church service (I guess that's normal around the world...but not really for me...hah)
-The pianist was bad
-We ate rice porridge for dinner
-Then sang Carols (...meh, the Finnish ones.) while waiting for Santa to show up.
-Santa was a woman (I don't think this is traditional...but whatever.)
-ALL the presents are 'from Santa' which is just odd. But a nice cloak of anonymity is thrown over crappy gifts.
(Too bad I left all my gifts at the apartment...now they're all going to know what was from me. When they get them. Eventually. Dangit.)
-Everyone opens their own gifts at the same time
-...neatly
-Then, once everyone has finished they present what they've gotten.
-Then it's pretty much bed time. Though some of us did play one of the new games - Ubongo.
-Christmas morning I slept in till midday.
-Had a lunch of leftovers...
-Then got on Fb :)
So yes. It's quite different. As in, today doesn't feel like the 25th. At all. Like Oula said, it might as well be the 26th. True that.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Well, fuuuuuuuuuuuuuccccccccck...
Ok. Why the hell can't college applications be a little more unified and organized? Having 5 or 6 different applications, at different websites, with different due dates, and with different requirements is bound to screw someone over at some point.
So, cool. I guess I'm not even applying for Hunter college's honors program (even when I'm positive I'd get in) because first, I confused it with Emerson's honors program with the requirements; I thought I didn't have the materials for the application, so I applied to the normal. Then once I noticed the stupid mistake I fired emails at Hunter to fix it. I fixed it, and I was to just fill out the honors app and waive the fee and it was going to be so easy. Then I got the date mixed with that of a different due date. So cool. I missed that opportunity.
fuck.
this is just a cherry on top of a bunch of other stuff.
on the bright side...I dont have to write an essay today...
and its sunny out. maybe I'll go take some pictures.
rahh. i haven't gotten enough sleep this weekend. its making me angsty.
So, cool. I guess I'm not even applying for Hunter college's honors program (even when I'm positive I'd get in) because first, I confused it with Emerson's honors program with the requirements; I thought I didn't have the materials for the application, so I applied to the normal. Then once I noticed the stupid mistake I fired emails at Hunter to fix it. I fixed it, and I was to just fill out the honors app and waive the fee and it was going to be so easy. Then I got the date mixed with that of a different due date. So cool. I missed that opportunity.
fuck.
this is just a cherry on top of a bunch of other stuff.
on the bright side...I dont have to write an essay today...
and its sunny out. maybe I'll go take some pictures.
rahh. i haven't gotten enough sleep this weekend. its making me angsty.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Shelby and Eden
Since you've been underestimating the love that I have for you, you leave me no choice but to express it in a way you've never seen before.
Oh crap, here comes a rap.
and look at that timing, i'm already rhyming.
yo.
yo.
yo.
here goes:
you say that i dont love you
but girls, you know that that ain't true
why else would i be skippin' school
to tell you that you'd better cool
it down, to a lower level:
think second grade, with ms. plevel.
this problem's just too escalated
i hope its just exaggerated
lets just say this love of mine
has only strengthened over time
now its raging at full throttle
-cooler than the moose-stag thing i found this morning on my shampoo bottle......
so yeah, don't feel all second place
stop thinking that it's like some race
its just, i love you, like hell i do
didnt think i'd need to show it to you
everytime i tell someone else that my heart is true.
now, where else can i go with this?
how do i take back my fist,
from your face
i feel a disgrace
never thought the love i gave
would turn to regret
i could keep till the grave
so just sit back and hear me out,
all this craps not what we're about
we're better than that
we can call each other fat
and not get hurt,
but the minute i tell another
that i love her,
ya'll be all a fluster
so chill, bub,
and cherish the love
that we have, unspoken
because its the kind
that won't be broken
so can you please forgive me now?
since my rhymes are sort of running out.
thats the best i got for now. but shit, guys, you KNOW i love you! do i really need to worry about your feelings getting hurt if i tell megan that i love her on her facebook wall and not you guys? i just didnt think you were so insecure about it all. so, dont be insecure girl. you work this lovin. own that bfflness.
gahh. i feel like crapola. i shouldn't. you shouldn't either. this is me slapping you on the hand saying 'don't freaking doubt me, betch!' and then hugging you because i love you. and i miss you. SHOULD GO WITHOUT SAYING!
but....to add some back burn, i don't see you two posting gushy love letters on my wall either. yet i don't feel left out or upset by it because i have a little faith in ya'll. k?
so, are we cool now? no more of this 'potential fight' business? (don't freak me out like that again, eden.)
and i'll say it again, even though you should have gotten the hint by now.
I.Love.You.Both.Equally.Just.As.Much.As.I.Love.Megan.And.Just.As.Much.As.I.May.Love.Other.Things.Like.GSW.Or.Finland.Or.Something...
Oh crap, here comes a rap.
and look at that timing, i'm already rhyming.
yo.
yo.
yo.
here goes:
you say that i dont love you
but girls, you know that that ain't true
why else would i be skippin' school
to tell you that you'd better cool
it down, to a lower level:
think second grade, with ms. plevel.
this problem's just too escalated
i hope its just exaggerated
lets just say this love of mine
has only strengthened over time
now its raging at full throttle
-cooler than the moose-stag thing i found this morning on my shampoo bottle......
so yeah, don't feel all second place
stop thinking that it's like some race
its just, i love you, like hell i do
didnt think i'd need to show it to you
everytime i tell someone else that my heart is true.
now, where else can i go with this?
how do i take back my fist,
from your face
i feel a disgrace
never thought the love i gave
would turn to regret
i could keep till the grave
so just sit back and hear me out,
all this craps not what we're about
we're better than that
we can call each other fat
and not get hurt,
but the minute i tell another
that i love her,
ya'll be all a fluster
so chill, bub,
and cherish the love
that we have, unspoken
because its the kind
that won't be broken
so can you please forgive me now?
since my rhymes are sort of running out.
thats the best i got for now. but shit, guys, you KNOW i love you! do i really need to worry about your feelings getting hurt if i tell megan that i love her on her facebook wall and not you guys? i just didnt think you were so insecure about it all. so, dont be insecure girl. you work this lovin. own that bfflness.
gahh. i feel like crapola. i shouldn't. you shouldn't either. this is me slapping you on the hand saying 'don't freaking doubt me, betch!' and then hugging you because i love you. and i miss you. SHOULD GO WITHOUT SAYING!
but....to add some back burn, i don't see you two posting gushy love letters on my wall either. yet i don't feel left out or upset by it because i have a little faith in ya'll. k?
so, are we cool now? no more of this 'potential fight' business? (don't freak me out like that again, eden.)
and i'll say it again, even though you should have gotten the hint by now.
I.Love.You.Both.Equally.Just.As.Much.As.I.Love.Megan.And.Just.As.Much.As.I.May.Love.Other.Things.Like.GSW.Or.Finland.Or.Something...
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)