making lists

I found this list to fill in online, and seeing how making lists is on my top 10 favorite things to do, I thought I would give it a try. Lists are so satisfying.

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fall has fallen

Or as we say in Finland, autumn. It does feel a little fancier when you call it – autumn. I have always loved this season. The leaves falling and changing colors. Pumpkins everywhere – on porches, in pies, and in your latte. The weather is getting just cool enough to where you want to spend every waking moment outside.

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home is where the furniture is

Here it is…finally. We have completely assembled furniture!!! I can’t tell you how happy it makes me. I have a new found appreciation for furniture. I have always taken for granted the availability of seating in a home, but not anymore. Every time I sit down on our new couch or work at our new desk, I think about how much I love having furniture. And don’t even get me started on the bed. A real bed WITH a mattress, ludicrous.

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secret hideaway

One of my new favorite places. This little tepee hut is just perfect. It has a fire pit and fire wood all ready to go. All it’s missing is some sticky marshmallows and melted chocolate. I can see s’mores in my very near future.

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the great outdoors

I was super pumped the morning of, but had a slight clothing crisis. I don’t have real hiking clothes. The closest thing I have is running pants and tennis shoes. So that’s exactly what I wore. When we got to the bus that was going to take us to Koli, I tried asking one of the leaders about the trip (since we didn’t sign up in advance). We were having some communication issues, due to his lack of English and my lack of Finnish, so another lady going on the trip tried to help. This was how it went. Lady: “We are going on a hiking trip.” Me: “Yes, I know, I was wondering if it would be okay if we joined.” Lady: “Do you have clothes to wear?” Me: “Um…what I’m wearing…” She didn’t have to say any words after that, her face said it all. It said, “You’ve got to be kidding me, what are those pants you’re wearing??” Then the panic set in. After Scott convinced me that I would be ok and wouldn’t be shunned from the group, we found a guy who spoke English and made our way onto the bus. (Side note: I will be buying real hiking pants soon. Gotta fit in with the locals.)

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