One year ago, we were stepping foot into our condo in Boston. Wow, how time flies!!!!
It was a trip for a lot of things - a lot of time with just me and the kids, being blessed with a ton of family and friends visiting us, a great trip to Canada for Easter, a fun family trip around the north east area of the US, a great working experience for Andrew at Harvard, a near death experience, and a fun adventure learning about a new city and all there was to offer.
Boston was an incredible city and we were lucky to experience it.
Just hoping we don't have to suffer through a Snowpocalypse ever again :)
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Happy Chinese New Year!!!
Welcome to the Year of the Horse!!!
Of the four years that we've been in Helsinki, tonight we attended our third celebration of the Chinese New Year. We missed it last year due to moving to Boston.
It just seems to get better and better. Although it was pretty chilly, the kids wore five layers and managed to stay outside for about 1.5 hours before we headed back to the car. The performances on the stage were fantastic - there were dragon dances, lion dancing, kung fu performances, a Chinese singer, and a great display of fireworks when the clock struck 18:00 Helsinki time.
It's too bad the lineups for the food vendors were so long, as the smell was heavenly and I do miss a really good bowl of Chinese food.
Maddy's school has been studying China all week and will have a party tomorrow in her class. The kids are encouraged to wear red for good luck, and will partake in noodles and rice for lunch tomorrow, complete with chopsticks. It's been fun to talk with Madison about their studies in school and she's really embraced this event. Even singing the New Year's song.
Gung Hay Fat Choy, Gung Hay Fat Choy
Sing Happy New Year, Gung Hay Fat Choy
Of the four years that we've been in Helsinki, tonight we attended our third celebration of the Chinese New Year. We missed it last year due to moving to Boston.
It just seems to get better and better. Although it was pretty chilly, the kids wore five layers and managed to stay outside for about 1.5 hours before we headed back to the car. The performances on the stage were fantastic - there were dragon dances, lion dancing, kung fu performances, a Chinese singer, and a great display of fireworks when the clock struck 18:00 Helsinki time.
It's too bad the lineups for the food vendors were so long, as the smell was heavenly and I do miss a really good bowl of Chinese food.
Maddy's school has been studying China all week and will have a party tomorrow in her class. The kids are encouraged to wear red for good luck, and will partake in noodles and rice for lunch tomorrow, complete with chopsticks. It's been fun to talk with Madison about their studies in school and she's really embraced this event. Even singing the New Year's song.
Gung Hay Fat Choy, Gung Hay Fat Choy
Sing Happy New Year, Gung Hay Fat Choy
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Old Enough For Chores
Now that Maddy has turned 6, we have tried to push back on her a little bit to become more independent. She finally has a chore at home (yes, only one, but baby steps...) - her job is to make sure Tucker has food and water.
Although she doesn't monitor the food dishes at all, she doesn't complain when we tell her that his dish is empty. She just stops what she's doing, fills them up and then continues on her way.
Not sure that she's ready for an allowance yet, but it's a step in the right direction.
Progress
This week, Charlie's speech has exploded even more than the following week. It's almost as if a switch has been turned on in his vocabulary. This past weekend, Andrew has him saying all of the letters of the alphabet (repeating Andrew) and I have finally managed to teach him how to say "Please" and "Thank You".
We began seeing the speech therapist this week and hoping that she will be able to guide us into the support that Charlie needs to continue improving his vocabulary.
Next item on the list is to teach him how to say "I love you" <3
We began seeing the speech therapist this week and hoping that she will be able to guide us into the support that Charlie needs to continue improving his vocabulary.
Next item on the list is to teach him how to say "I love you" <3
Weather
Although all of my family back in Canada is getting dumped on by MASSIVE amounts of snow, I have to say that it is the last week of January and we are still waiting for snow. We have accumulated about 5cm of snow over the course of this winter but it's not really enough for Maddy to take out her new GT SnowRacer sled.
It is nice to see the snow, it is very pretty and really lightens up the dark Finnish sky. I just don't know how much more patience my daughter has at the ability to make a snowman :)
As for me, I'm happy I've gone this long without touching a snow shovel...
It is nice to see the snow, it is very pretty and really lightens up the dark Finnish sky. I just don't know how much more patience my daughter has at the ability to make a snowman :)
As for me, I'm happy I've gone this long without touching a snow shovel...
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Finnish Misconception
At first glance, tourists and visitors to Finland usually have a perception that Finnish people are rude. And part of that notion is true. Not that Finns are moreso than many other countries, but there are certain aspects of Finland that may leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Customer service in Finland is less than desirable. North Americans, who are accustomed to great customer service and outgoing personalities, might be struck with oddity when they walk into a store and nobody is there to greet them or help them. In actuality, Finns are generally introverted and will only serve a person who wants to be served and is asking for help. In addition, regarding the food and beverage industry, it is not expected to leave a tip after your meal because generally waiters are paid a good salary and do not rely on tips. Which means that sometimes the amount of "service" you get from your waiter might be less than desirable. In some instances, leaving a tip may be considered rude.
Living here for four years, I have gotten accustomed to the Finnish way of service. I don't expect a huge smile from the cashier or my waitress. However, when I do receive very good customer service, it is always a nice unexpected surprise and will brighten up my day.
Andrew and I were having a discussion yesterday about the Finnish rules of the road. In Canada, people are pretty selfish drivers, and if you happen to let a car merge in front of you, it is expected to receive a wave or gesture that the other driver appreciated your kindness. In Finland, I basically never get a wave. And it used to bother me a little bit, because I would expect some sort of gratitude.
Andrew pointed out that people don't wave because Finnish people are courteous drivers. And although at first glance you might think we are thinking in opposite ways, it means that Finns don't drive in a selfish manner. They drive in a way that benefits everybody on the road, not just themselves. So it is obvious that you'd let that car merge in front of you, and a wave is not expected because everybody drives in a courteous manner.
It is sometimes interesting to hear other people's perceptions, and something that used to bother me now seems like a daily occurrence that's not a big deal. And when the odd moment occurs that I do receive a wave or nice gesture of appreciation, it will leave me with a smile.
Customer service in Finland is less than desirable. North Americans, who are accustomed to great customer service and outgoing personalities, might be struck with oddity when they walk into a store and nobody is there to greet them or help them. In actuality, Finns are generally introverted and will only serve a person who wants to be served and is asking for help. In addition, regarding the food and beverage industry, it is not expected to leave a tip after your meal because generally waiters are paid a good salary and do not rely on tips. Which means that sometimes the amount of "service" you get from your waiter might be less than desirable. In some instances, leaving a tip may be considered rude.
Living here for four years, I have gotten accustomed to the Finnish way of service. I don't expect a huge smile from the cashier or my waitress. However, when I do receive very good customer service, it is always a nice unexpected surprise and will brighten up my day.
Andrew and I were having a discussion yesterday about the Finnish rules of the road. In Canada, people are pretty selfish drivers, and if you happen to let a car merge in front of you, it is expected to receive a wave or gesture that the other driver appreciated your kindness. In Finland, I basically never get a wave. And it used to bother me a little bit, because I would expect some sort of gratitude.
Andrew pointed out that people don't wave because Finnish people are courteous drivers. And although at first glance you might think we are thinking in opposite ways, it means that Finns don't drive in a selfish manner. They drive in a way that benefits everybody on the road, not just themselves. So it is obvious that you'd let that car merge in front of you, and a wave is not expected because everybody drives in a courteous manner.
It is sometimes interesting to hear other people's perceptions, and something that used to bother me now seems like a daily occurrence that's not a big deal. And when the odd moment occurs that I do receive a wave or nice gesture of appreciation, it will leave me with a smile.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Chatterbox (Finally!!)
Charlie has finally started to verbalize and it has been wonderful!!! This past week he has really started to copy our words and attempt to speak. It's just awesome.
It comes at great timing because on Friday I got a letter from the government that they have approved Charlie for speech therapy!!! He starts on Wednesday. I spoke with the speech therapist on the phone and she sounds fantastically friendly and excited to work with Charlie. (very unusual to be so nice, for a Finn). Her English was really great and it was wonderful that she could fit him in so quickly. She'd had his file for the past two months but was waiting for the approval from the government as well, so she knew we were coming eventually as a patient.
Charlie's new words this week:
poop (very important)
poop (very important)
wet
blue
please (sort of important)
cut
juice
He is really trying to communicate with us by using his words and I am THRILLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hoping there's many more to come.
Lucky Day
Yesterday was a pretty cool day for me and it got me thinking. Andrew woke up with the kids on Saturday morning at 7:15, leaving me to sleep in. Charlie busted down the doors at 8:40 to retrieve his momma and get his snuggles.
After breakfast, the whole family played for an hour in our pool, which is measuring around 29 degrees, and spent some time in the sauna.
To help make my day even better, I drove into the city center and met up with 4 of my classmates/friends for a wonderful brunch at a cute café in Helsinki. A fantastic brunch with even better company. We haven't seen each other since the last Negotiations class in mid December and was really great to just relax and catch up.
On my way home, I stopped at a girlfriend's house to pick up something she had ordered for me, and we had a nice chat at her place.
Driving home really made me thankful for the life we have made in Finland. I have really grown a network of friends here and sometimes it's a nice reminder of the life we are creating for our children. Being in Finland isn't just a blip on our radar - we have made a life here and it's been a lot of fun.
Friday we hosted our morning playgroup at our house and had a big pool party. 6 of my girlfriends came over with their little ones for some pool time and a buffet lunch, and it was a lot of fun. Today Maddy had three girlfriends over for a pool party as well.
I'm not really sure what point I am trying to make here. I guess it's that we have really begun to establish a life in Finland and we are experiencing things that we may not have gotten to have in Canada. Our own indoor pool and sauna, as well as a really great community of friends, may not have happened if we stayed in London. Everything happens for a reason.
It's a beautiful day.
Kim
After breakfast, the whole family played for an hour in our pool, which is measuring around 29 degrees, and spent some time in the sauna.
To help make my day even better, I drove into the city center and met up with 4 of my classmates/friends for a wonderful brunch at a cute café in Helsinki. A fantastic brunch with even better company. We haven't seen each other since the last Negotiations class in mid December and was really great to just relax and catch up.
On my way home, I stopped at a girlfriend's house to pick up something she had ordered for me, and we had a nice chat at her place.
Driving home really made me thankful for the life we have made in Finland. I have really grown a network of friends here and sometimes it's a nice reminder of the life we are creating for our children. Being in Finland isn't just a blip on our radar - we have made a life here and it's been a lot of fun.
Friday we hosted our morning playgroup at our house and had a big pool party. 6 of my girlfriends came over with their little ones for some pool time and a buffet lunch, and it was a lot of fun. Today Maddy had three girlfriends over for a pool party as well.
I'm not really sure what point I am trying to make here. I guess it's that we have really begun to establish a life in Finland and we are experiencing things that we may not have gotten to have in Canada. Our own indoor pool and sauna, as well as a really great community of friends, may not have happened if we stayed in London. Everything happens for a reason.
It's a beautiful day.
Kim
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Be Careful What You Wish For
While Canada has been buried in monstrous amounts of snow and ice, with terrible -30 degree weather, Finland has been enjoying +5 degree weather since November. It's been cloudy every day but warm (by Finnish winter standards).
That being said, it's been terribly dark, cloudy, and blah. The kids have been dying for some snow, and even found myself wishing for the white stuff.
Finally this week we received our first sprinkling of snow! I cannot call it an actual snowfall, for we may only have a couple of centimeters of snow. In any case, the ground is mostly covered with a thin layer of snow and it was enough to get the kids THRILLED!
Of course with the snow comes the -15 degree weather, which is not ideal. Charlie is usually a pretty laid-back kid. I can drag him along to 6 hours of errands and don't hear a peep out of him. But trying to get him to keep his mittens on is basically impossible :)
For the most part, I am very happy the snow is here. The sun has been shining for four days straight and things are really brightening up. Now we just need to get some "packy" snow so that I can build some snowmen with my favourite little people.
That being said, it's been terribly dark, cloudy, and blah. The kids have been dying for some snow, and even found myself wishing for the white stuff.
Finally this week we received our first sprinkling of snow! I cannot call it an actual snowfall, for we may only have a couple of centimeters of snow. In any case, the ground is mostly covered with a thin layer of snow and it was enough to get the kids THRILLED!
Of course with the snow comes the -15 degree weather, which is not ideal. Charlie is usually a pretty laid-back kid. I can drag him along to 6 hours of errands and don't hear a peep out of him. But trying to get him to keep his mittens on is basically impossible :)
For the most part, I am very happy the snow is here. The sun has been shining for four days straight and things are really brightening up. Now we just need to get some "packy" snow so that I can build some snowmen with my favourite little people.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
English Education in Finland
Finland is consistently ranked one of the top countries in the world for their education system. Children in Finland don't start school until the year they turn 7. Prior to that, they attend daycares up until the age of 6, and then enjoy one year of preschool either at their daycare or at their next school.
The results behind this system have been very successful. Research has shown that children starting school so much later than children in other countries provides higher test results because Finnish children are more mature when starting school and thus more prepared to learn.
Children also are not tested in schools until a much later age, thus are not "segmented" so early into their education.
We live in the city of Espoo, just 12km west of the city of Helsinki, and I have been researching schools in Espoo for Madison, as she turns 7 in 2014 and thus will need to begin attending school in August.
There are basically three kinds of schools in Finland for her age: Finnish, bilingual, and English. The Finnish system is for Finnish children and they begin learning English around grade 6, I believe. The bilingual children are taught English beginning in grade 1 and have both English and Finnish studies, but the entrance exam for these schools must be done in Finnish. The third option is an English school, and the entrance exam is in English. These studies will be done in English, but will have around 5 hours of Finnish lessons per week, thus making them "fluent" somewhat by the time they enter middle school at grade 7. I am unsure whether the Finnish kids going to Finnish school need to do tests or not, but I don't think so. I believe they go to the nearest school in their neighbourhood based on resident address.
Since Madison's Finnish skills are very weak, there doesn't seem to be any question that she will have to apply for the English schools. There are two English schools in Espoo, one that is about 8 minutes from our house and the other around 15-20 depending on traffic. The process is quite complex to get into these English and bilingual skills. There are two days of interviews/tests the first week of February, after submitting an application due the end of January. The first day of testing is for concepts, lingual awareness and perception (reading and writing readiness). This is a written test done by the kids in a room at the school of their choice, about 10-15 kids per room and monitored by a teacher. The following day they come in to test their English skills with a two part event - a group test and a personal interview. The interview involves the kids alone in a room with two complete strangers (teachers) who ask them a bunch of questions.
I'm not crazy about this testing process and I'll tell you why. The amount of pressure on these 6 year old kids is overwhelming. And since Maddy's birthday is in December, she is one of the youngest kids going through this process. You basically pass or fail the test, and kids who pass get considered for the spots. You get extra points if your kid has been in an English daycare in Finland for three years (which Maddy has) and bonus points if your parents don't speak Finnish (which we don't). So ideally, Maddy should be fine. That being said, last year there were 80 applicants to Maddy's first choice school and only 25 spots. And if she's having "a bad day" of not listening well for her tests or being very shy during her interview, she is not guaranteed a spot in school for next year.
So for now, I will do "pretend" interviews with Maddy, getting her ready for the questions (I have no idea what they will ask, but I'm trying to be creative) and just hope that the schools are smart enough to realize that Maddy has no other options but to get into this school. I also have a friend who has two kids in that school, and I'm taking her advice very seriously :)
Results posted the end of April. I'll keep you posted.
The results behind this system have been very successful. Research has shown that children starting school so much later than children in other countries provides higher test results because Finnish children are more mature when starting school and thus more prepared to learn.
Children also are not tested in schools until a much later age, thus are not "segmented" so early into their education.
We live in the city of Espoo, just 12km west of the city of Helsinki, and I have been researching schools in Espoo for Madison, as she turns 7 in 2014 and thus will need to begin attending school in August.
There are basically three kinds of schools in Finland for her age: Finnish, bilingual, and English. The Finnish system is for Finnish children and they begin learning English around grade 6, I believe. The bilingual children are taught English beginning in grade 1 and have both English and Finnish studies, but the entrance exam for these schools must be done in Finnish. The third option is an English school, and the entrance exam is in English. These studies will be done in English, but will have around 5 hours of Finnish lessons per week, thus making them "fluent" somewhat by the time they enter middle school at grade 7. I am unsure whether the Finnish kids going to Finnish school need to do tests or not, but I don't think so. I believe they go to the nearest school in their neighbourhood based on resident address.
Since Madison's Finnish skills are very weak, there doesn't seem to be any question that she will have to apply for the English schools. There are two English schools in Espoo, one that is about 8 minutes from our house and the other around 15-20 depending on traffic. The process is quite complex to get into these English and bilingual skills. There are two days of interviews/tests the first week of February, after submitting an application due the end of January. The first day of testing is for concepts, lingual awareness and perception (reading and writing readiness). This is a written test done by the kids in a room at the school of their choice, about 10-15 kids per room and monitored by a teacher. The following day they come in to test their English skills with a two part event - a group test and a personal interview. The interview involves the kids alone in a room with two complete strangers (teachers) who ask them a bunch of questions.
I'm not crazy about this testing process and I'll tell you why. The amount of pressure on these 6 year old kids is overwhelming. And since Maddy's birthday is in December, she is one of the youngest kids going through this process. You basically pass or fail the test, and kids who pass get considered for the spots. You get extra points if your kid has been in an English daycare in Finland for three years (which Maddy has) and bonus points if your parents don't speak Finnish (which we don't). So ideally, Maddy should be fine. That being said, last year there were 80 applicants to Maddy's first choice school and only 25 spots. And if she's having "a bad day" of not listening well for her tests or being very shy during her interview, she is not guaranteed a spot in school for next year.
So for now, I will do "pretend" interviews with Maddy, getting her ready for the questions (I have no idea what they will ask, but I'm trying to be creative) and just hope that the schools are smart enough to realize that Maddy has no other options but to get into this school. I also have a friend who has two kids in that school, and I'm taking her advice very seriously :)
Results posted the end of April. I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Back To Reality
This week, Maddy went back to school and Andrew headed back to work. Charlie and I were back to physio, his daycare mornings, Friday playgroup, and our usual routine. I have to admit I think he enjoyed having the house to himself again!
Maddy is also starting up her sports again. This season she is starting indoor soccer twice a week, and I think she enjoyed her first week. I have to admit it made me a little sensitive to see my big girl in her soccer outfit playing with the older girls. She really is growing up!
This coming week, she will begin her swimming lessons. We have fired up the heater on our own pool and Maddy has been in there at least once per day. I'm amazed how much her swimming and confidence has improved in the past week. Looking forward to watching her during her lessons.
And the job hunt continues.
As a person with a "planner" personality, I have to admit it feels very weird to start this year not having any idea what will happen. Will I find a job? Will I do consulting projects and stay at home with Charlie? Will we stay in Finland? Will we move home?
I don't handle uncertainty very well :)
Maddy is also starting up her sports again. This season she is starting indoor soccer twice a week, and I think she enjoyed her first week. I have to admit it made me a little sensitive to see my big girl in her soccer outfit playing with the older girls. She really is growing up!
This coming week, she will begin her swimming lessons. We have fired up the heater on our own pool and Maddy has been in there at least once per day. I'm amazed how much her swimming and confidence has improved in the past week. Looking forward to watching her during her lessons.
And the job hunt continues.
As a person with a "planner" personality, I have to admit it feels very weird to start this year not having any idea what will happen. Will I find a job? Will I do consulting projects and stay at home with Charlie? Will we stay in Finland? Will we move home?
I don't handle uncertainty very well :)
Monday, January 6, 2014
Little Man's Christmas Concert
Since August, Charlie has been going to an English daycare two mornings per week. It's been really good for him to socialize outside of the house and meet new friends and learn how to interact in settings like these. Although it was difficult at first, he has really come to enjoy it and doesn't give me any fuss while dropping him off.
Apparently we've been sending him somewhere posh, because the school held their Christmas concert at Finlandia Hall, a very large beautiful theater hall in the city center of Helsinki. Some of the mothers were wearing very fancy dresses and dads in their suits.
The concert was very long and unfortunately Charlie had to sit on stage throughout the whole performance waiting for his turn. Why they'd put the youngest group at the END of the concert is beyond me, but he lasted about 1.5 hours before his patience ran out.
It was a great show filled with amazing costumes and music, the kids did a great job. Perhaps I will suggest to the teachers that they rearrange the schedule for next year, ha ha.
See if you can find Charlie amongst the crowd. My little Angry Bird.
Merry Christmas!
Apparently we've been sending him somewhere posh, because the school held their Christmas concert at Finlandia Hall, a very large beautiful theater hall in the city center of Helsinki. Some of the mothers were wearing very fancy dresses and dads in their suits.
The concert was very long and unfortunately Charlie had to sit on stage throughout the whole performance waiting for his turn. Why they'd put the youngest group at the END of the concert is beyond me, but he lasted about 1.5 hours before his patience ran out.
It was a great show filled with amazing costumes and music, the kids did a great job. Perhaps I will suggest to the teachers that they rearrange the schedule for next year, ha ha.
See if you can find Charlie amongst the crowd. My little Angry Bird.
Merry Christmas!
Christmas Preparations
The holidays brings a lot of emotions - completing a year, starting a new year, watching your baby girl turn another year older, being away from my family in Canada, and excitement for the holidays.
The kids are really a fun age right now and Christmas preparations were a lot of fun. It was a bit hectic around here, with me finishing my crazy time at school and Maddy's birthday and Christmas, but we still managed to find some time for celebrating and getting excited. Christmas crafts and projects and wishlists.
The end of the year also brings the final classes for sports activities, including Maddy's ballet and gymnastics classes. Her gym class put on a little show for the parents during their last class and it was fun to watch Maddy perform for us. Next year she is starting indoor soccer (ahem...football, sorry) and swimming, which she is really looking forward to.
Here are a few pictures of the Conley household in between the big birthday and Christmas. And might I add, without a dash of snow in sight....
The kids are really a fun age right now and Christmas preparations were a lot of fun. It was a bit hectic around here, with me finishing my crazy time at school and Maddy's birthday and Christmas, but we still managed to find some time for celebrating and getting excited. Christmas crafts and projects and wishlists.
The end of the year also brings the final classes for sports activities, including Maddy's ballet and gymnastics classes. Her gym class put on a little show for the parents during their last class and it was fun to watch Maddy perform for us. Next year she is starting indoor soccer (ahem...football, sorry) and swimming, which she is really looking forward to.
Here are a few pictures of the Conley household in between the big birthday and Christmas. And might I add, without a dash of snow in sight....
My Girl Turns 6!!
Madison has been looking forward to her birthday since last December! This kid loves birthdays!!!
I have always been a huge fan of birthdays, even now at age 32. It might partially be because I was raised in a busy farmhouse with four other brothers and sisters. July 2nd was the one day per year where I got a whole bunch of attention - and I loved it!
This year we decided to host Maddy's birthday party at our house. I'm still trying to decide whether this was a mistake or not. For the past three years, we have paid to host parties outside of our house, usually at indoor playparks. They are fun, but they go by really fast and they cost a lot of money. In addition, it's difficult to round up the kids as they are running in all different directions.
Hosting a party at home was fun for Maddy, as she loves to show people her house and her toys and her room. We also gave her the freedom to invite more kids, so there were 9 girls that joined us. We also decided to host the party for 3.5 hours, much longer than the usual 2 hour party. I had a few mothers confirm the timing because they thought we were crazy :)
Which....we.....kinda.....were......
The party wasn't really a lot of work in terms of preparation, it just fell at a really really bad time for me in my school schedule so I think it felt worse than it actually was. Both Andrew and I were exhausted at the end of it all and I cannot believe the mess they made and how much food they ate! But Madison had a fantastic day and in the end, a happy girl is all we wanted :)
I have always been a huge fan of birthdays, even now at age 32. It might partially be because I was raised in a busy farmhouse with four other brothers and sisters. July 2nd was the one day per year where I got a whole bunch of attention - and I loved it!
This year we decided to host Maddy's birthday party at our house. I'm still trying to decide whether this was a mistake or not. For the past three years, we have paid to host parties outside of our house, usually at indoor playparks. They are fun, but they go by really fast and they cost a lot of money. In addition, it's difficult to round up the kids as they are running in all different directions.
Hosting a party at home was fun for Maddy, as she loves to show people her house and her toys and her room. We also gave her the freedom to invite more kids, so there were 9 girls that joined us. We also decided to host the party for 3.5 hours, much longer than the usual 2 hour party. I had a few mothers confirm the timing because they thought we were crazy :)
Which....we.....kinda.....were......
The party wasn't really a lot of work in terms of preparation, it just fell at a really really bad time for me in my school schedule so I think it felt worse than it actually was. Both Andrew and I were exhausted at the end of it all and I cannot believe the mess they made and how much food they ate! But Madison had a fantastic day and in the end, a happy girl is all we wanted :)
MBA Celebrations
Just wanted to share with you some photos from our Pikkujoulu (Christmas party) the end of November. I also have some photos of our last class in December, for most of the people in my class this was their very last class ever!!!!!!
Somebody asked me what I learned during my MBA studies. I'd say that one of the top five most valuable lessons for me have been how to drink champagne :)
Somebody asked me what I learned during my MBA studies. I'd say that one of the top five most valuable lessons for me have been how to drink champagne :)
Annikki and I
Katja and Satu
Satu
Below is my business project group!
Celebrating the end of the MBA! (or 95% for me)
The majority of my class! WE DID IT!!!!!!
On the Hunt...
In the middle of June, I started being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it was beautiful! My study plan was confirmed and I was only six months away from completing my MBA!
With the light in sight, I decided it was time to start looking for a job. With Charlie's improvements every passing week and his success at daycare, it was finally time for me to pursue my career in Finland.
I dusted off the CV, added a few things, found some postings, and thought nothing could go wrong....
AND.....
That was almost seven months ago...
Never did it occur to me that it would take this long to find a job. It's not that I'm being overly picky. In actuality, I think it's the opposite. A good portion of the jobs posted for non-Finnish speakers is more entry-level than I would have liked, and been told that I'm "overqualified" for that position. I have been happy to get several interviews, often through multiple levels, but unfortunately nothing has been a perfect match.
With the Christmas holidays nearing its end and life in Finland returning to normal tomorrow, I am hopeful that my search will not last much longer. I have further revised my CV, I have gained valuable insight from classmates and friends, and am using all of my known contacts to help me along the way.
Hoping to post some good news eventually :)
Wish me luck.
With the light in sight, I decided it was time to start looking for a job. With Charlie's improvements every passing week and his success at daycare, it was finally time for me to pursue my career in Finland.
I dusted off the CV, added a few things, found some postings, and thought nothing could go wrong....
AND.....
That was almost seven months ago...
Never did it occur to me that it would take this long to find a job. It's not that I'm being overly picky. In actuality, I think it's the opposite. A good portion of the jobs posted for non-Finnish speakers is more entry-level than I would have liked, and been told that I'm "overqualified" for that position. I have been happy to get several interviews, often through multiple levels, but unfortunately nothing has been a perfect match.
With the Christmas holidays nearing its end and life in Finland returning to normal tomorrow, I am hopeful that my search will not last much longer. I have further revised my CV, I have gained valuable insight from classmates and friends, and am using all of my known contacts to help me along the way.
Hoping to post some good news eventually :)
Wish me luck.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
MBA Completion (Almost)
It appears that I haven't posted since the middle of November, and there is a reason for that.
I cannot believe the time has come and gone! I actually survived 6 weeks straight of school!!!! Managing For the Future, Managing Growing Enterprises, and then Negotiations! With the submission of my final phase of my self development project completed, I am 95% done my MBA.
I have 6 lecture days in February until I am officially completed.
We had a Pikkujoulu (Christmas party) with my MBA cohort in the end of November and it was a fantastic evening full of food, drinks, dancing, and good times! There were a lot of speeches at the end of the dinner and they were full of appreciation, friendship, support, and accomplishment. I am so grateful that I got to complete my MBA with this group of people. They have become almost like a second family. I know that I have formed some friendships that will last a lifetime.
For now, I will enjoy the break and then prepare for my next and final course, Leading Change.
Looking forward to moving on to the next portion of my life. And getting some of my life back :)
I cannot believe the time has come and gone! I actually survived 6 weeks straight of school!!!! Managing For the Future, Managing Growing Enterprises, and then Negotiations! With the submission of my final phase of my self development project completed, I am 95% done my MBA.
I have 6 lecture days in February until I am officially completed.
We had a Pikkujoulu (Christmas party) with my MBA cohort in the end of November and it was a fantastic evening full of food, drinks, dancing, and good times! There were a lot of speeches at the end of the dinner and they were full of appreciation, friendship, support, and accomplishment. I am so grateful that I got to complete my MBA with this group of people. They have become almost like a second family. I know that I have formed some friendships that will last a lifetime.
For now, I will enjoy the break and then prepare for my next and final course, Leading Change.
Looking forward to moving on to the next portion of my life. And getting some of my life back :)
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