New Phase

Weekend in woods was lovely. There were berries and some mushrooms to pick and there was a sauna, also a table full of food and silence. Japanese ladies liked it at least as much as I did.

Our guests left and cooler weather arrived. They did say that they tend to bring the good weather with them, but they never said anything about bringing it back home with them.

Now I have started my practice at an art museum and it feels good. The only shadow side is that I don't get payed for the fun, but I will work hard to learn new things about working with art on paper and to create a good reputation as a conservator.

My e-mail correspondence is very slow now a days. Please bare with me even if it seems I never write. I will write eventually.

Trying Desperately Get Better by Tomorrow

Here's a picture taken by my Japanese friend. It's seldom one documents everyday moments at a food store.

I managed to catch a cold. First the kid was sick and I stayed home with him and then I got the cold myself and stayed home while my guests had to entertain themselves the best they could. I intend to feel better by tomorrow. A cottage in woods is waiting for us and I would love to be there. If I am not able to drive tomorrow M will be the chauffeur for the ladies.

Touristing in Helsinki Area

I have been busy experiencing Finland with our Japanese quests. It has been fun and I have been to places I never been to before, like Vartiosaari, where we had a bath in sauna. Today we went to Nuuksio National Park and "hiked" on a 2 km's trail - which was exactly the right length for us who dragged along a 4 years old and a 1,5 years old. Nuuksio is fantastic.

Old Cars Have a Soul

This is my father's car. I use it every now and then, like today. I was suppose to help a friend to take her art work to a framing store. The picture was too big, so she had to call a taxi, which was a good thing to do: all of a sudden the car refused to start. I tried all the tricks I knew plus some extra ones but nothing helped - not even the opening of the distributor's cover, which I am proud to announce I did. So, I called my father and he told me he'll come as soon as he can.

When he arrived, the engine started - of course - and my father's theory is that old cars have a soul and the car wasn't just used to me yet. So he told the car to be nice to me. What can I say to that.

Yesterday we finally took the kid to Moominworld (we had been talking about going there since beginning of June). It was worth the 2 hours drive (both ways), 18 euro's entrance fee (even the kid) and four hours hanging out with other parents-, granparents-, and kid-units. The kid loved the place. Fortunaltely one doesn't have to go there every week.

Today arrived our Japanese guests (the 1st unit - tomorrow comes the 2nd one). The lovely H had grown a lot and wasn't a baby anymore; she had become a little girl. It's nice to hear Japanese again and it's very nice indeed to spend time with friends.

While Having a Cup of Coffee

It's fun to become 40! People come to visit and bring wonderful presents to you. And; I think one becomes more relaxed about the panic of getting older once 30+ years are gone. The other day I told M that obviously things that can be achieved by youthfull looks aren't that important any more and that's why one expresses a mental 'hi there' to her mirror image instead of a psycho-scream.

I am having my morning coffee here in all peace and quiet. M went to work and took the kid to the day care. I have three weeks open scedule before my practice period begins at the local art museum. I will have visitors from Japan - which I am eagerly looking forward to - and there are some things to do, but most of this time I can sit and stare at the wall, if I want to. And sometimes I do.

So, I'm 40

I got waken up before seven this morning and my little family gave me a present: a new laptop! I didn't expect that and I am extreamly happy to have my own personal computer again (it's a PC; me and Mac don't function well together). So, today I am 40. Where am I now?

- I am still a student (which I secretly think is luxury).

- I have a kid who is only 4 years old, which means his worst puberty and my state of menopause will be here at the same time. Oh, those bright future days!

- I am seriously concidering taking a part time job as a cleaner after swearing I will never take a shit job again - but hey, who would make a better cleaner than a conservator (student)?

- I don't have any property. Well, I do have a computer. I guess I lied then.

- I have been married to my computer provider for almost 20 years now - not a bad deal at all.

Am I middle aged? I am not young anymore, but I don't feel old either. Definitions are therefore officially unnecessary.