the house where we live

(24 uptown)

Step into my office, baby

On a way to..

Wall.

Welcome to the jungle

I am leaving Latvia today. Here I will add some pics of the rooms where I used to sing, play, talk, sleep, enjoy, eat, cry, cook, wash, clean up and do so many other things. If I miss something, it's these walls. That orangish in the kitchen, yellow in my bedroom and childhood text in bathroom.

Last days in Latvia have been hectic. School stuff, parties, taking care of running things and most of all, stressing about moving. Me and my bags, we're coming home.

hospitalityclub

I resigned from there. I am not longer an HC-member. I am happy with that decicion, I am happy that It's not bothering my life anymore.

I had last party, farewells yesterday. All the people who meant something to me on this half a year came: Gunta, Agnija, Sebastian, Guillaume, Jörgen and Ksenija, Andrej, Sergej, Mikhail from TotC. Lots of other people as well, I counted up to 60 this time. It was not so sentimental as last time, though I didn't went to bar this time. I will save bar to next friday and Studentu Klubs, to see Tribes of the City.

Today we went to Goija with Jeena and Emma, then to bus station to get some pastries and Emma left. After that we were hunting for pizza. Vairak Saule (More sun) was closed and Cili Pica at Forum's had problems to serve all the people (we would have waited more than 1h for pizza). So we ended up to Stockmann's Cili Pica. From there to movies to see Ghost Rider. It's not well appreciated movie in IMDB, but I and Jeena liked it. We had somehow so much better feeling after the movie, so told Jeena as well.

I went to internet cafe to check out mails, but when I came how, I find out that there is some new connection which is free. I am ok with it, so better now than never.

Next weeks plans are quite slow. I will go to some lessons - wednesday and friday. I will probably pop up also to Ensemble lesson to tell the greetings for classmates. On Thursday we're probably going either to Saulkrasti (Sunbeach) or Kolka with Taru. I hope that will be a good trip.

So one more week and then to Helsinki with Kaisa. I hope she's doing well.

the bagpipe

The thing which I've waited from this week: I started bagpipe lessons, and it was (it is) best thing. I like the noise of it, and I heard that I could affort to buy one even right now. I got the right sound out of it, I know the basics to play it, I could even play a tune with it.

I think, I got hooked. Let's see what happens.

Damn Seagulls

they made my day!

DE + Kullervo Kivi

I went to gig, it was great. Alexia and Charlotte, James and Inese were there. It was great to see DE again. I think it was my 25th gig. :) A fan on this age, well, its just one for my each coming year.

Now I am burning Kullervo Kivi to my dad. Its a CD were finnish singer Ismo Alanko sings good old songs.

Saturday started nicely, I have good mood, a bit sad, but still good. I am hosting CS-Patrick today, tomorrow some more NL-people.

disco ensemble

I am listening it. And in couple of hours, I will see the guys playing. I hope I am not the only one over 20 ;) I know, James is coming there, so might be that not.

vilna

I was couple days in Vilnius, this is what i found out
best things there:
architechture
people
view from Uzupis
24 h open maxima
old town streets

People i met there
Lina, Rasa, Akmis, Raimis, Regina, Monika, Donatas, Povas+friends, Regina's neighbours and old lady today at bus

I was wondering why Vilnius in the wintertime again? People? No, I tell you. It's about snow. I love snow views, people try to understand, but they don't. And you know, sitting on a bus on a sunny day just seeing the view full of snow in the countryside, it is the thing i want to see.

I saw cat-soup movie, couple of churches, two stray dogs and on a way back to Riga, 4 deers running on a field.

I heard peter,john and whatisthename of the swedish hippy band with song called young folks-song. I heard one church bells. I heard No Doubt song (haven't heard in Long time). I heard Rasa and Lina laughing. I heard Kaisa on the phone.

I got free hairdressing - thanks to Monika, who studies to be hairdresser. I got lots of good memories. I got only 2 pictures.

I tasted lithuanian fish soup and soja pancakes + different variety of lithuanian beer. I also tasted something between jägermaister + salmari. And it was GOOD.

But secretly, best thing is that I can still be friendly and nice to people, I can meet new people without getting panicked. I am happy that I went there. I feel good now.

Away from home - you have joy, but it is alien; here you have sorrow, yet it is your own.
-Rainis

Here comes the sun

I am still sick. I've been sleeping, cannot even think about going out. Listening lots of music. Reading couple of books. I bought from airport 2 books, other was about Varkaus in 1970's. Eppu Nuotio wrote it, name is Neitsytmatka.

So, I cannot tell anything new. I've been chatting (nice people still) and reading. And today I was talking with Viivi about old finnish movies. I remembered Kaunis Veera eli Balladi Saimaalta -movie. Its my favourite. :)

Btw, I went out on friday and saturday, to gigs, which were nice, but i wasnt aware that I'm sick still (havent checked out temperature) -- so I can honestly say, that I dont remember any special stuff from the evenings, I saw Goon and Tesa again. Tesa is quite similar to Callisto or Plain Fade, and it sounds interesting. They have this shortmovie behind their concert going, and it makes music even more powerful.

This all today. I keep chatting.

i'm gonna play with the braids that you came here with tonight (more about this, check out the link, totbl and obstacle2)

Riga is still unchecked. I did met Ivan yesterday morning appr. at 10:00, we got a coffee at Ecological-Cafe near by here and then he had to run to the airport. Everything seemed to be ok. I called yesterday to Skaidrite, my landlady about washing machine. She made some calls, and then she came on afternoon with fixer. It took ½h to fix washing machine, and now I've done some washings already. I've become more and more sick after monday-tuesday night, I slept 17 h last nite. Today have been better, though I still suffer from cold.

I've been emailing today quite much, talked with little sister on chat and with mom a bit. I also contacted last fall-exchange friends, Charlotte already drop me a sms about Friday. Some tequilas or local beer, which IS better than Finnish one. I'm still looking after that one I got in Jurmala with Aura. I've heard rumours, that they have it in this old sovietic-style place on Terbatas iela, maybe I check it out on friday. Tomorrow I'm not sure to go out yet, for some shop and school, yes. I have feeling that school has started but no-one haven't told it to me.

I just wrote a long mail to Kaisa and really short to Riikka. Both about same stuff. Complaining about life: its unfair, Riikka is too far, and with Kaisa I haven't find time to be more, she started new work, so it's messy start now.

I also find out that my favourite band (INTERPOL) is doing a new album, new pages on net are coming and I can go for the concert! This year has started too good. Only thing to get rid of is this sick body, allways suffering flu's, colds, pneumonias, sport accidents (! ;) and so on. Asthma is getting better with medicines, so at least one thing out of all is getting better.

But last years haven't been so wonderful, so I need compensation now!

Stanna hos mig (on muuten kentin biisi, joka on aika !!!)

So, back in Riga. When did I last time posted anything? (checking).. It was Tuesday 9th of January. Some photos from last weeks. Anyway, In Helsinki, for those 6-7 days more, I had lots to do. Visit friends, meet people, go to the movies, gigs... Specially being totally hilarious with feelings and things done. Thanks for the people to turning up and making my days.

Flight back to Riga was full of incidents. First of all, I've had this strange feeling, that I should not leave Finland, I didn't want to come back, but because I have to study a bit more, I have to. Last hours in Helsinki went fast, were extremely nice, until I almost missed a bus and get to the airport. What happened there? My flight was delayed 3 hours when I get to check in. I felt somehow a bit stupid with that information, but I didn't fret much. I was lucky to talk more with Kaisa on the phone (gossiping). Because flight was SO late, they gave all the passengers some tickets which we could change for meal in the Airport restaurants. I went to some upstair-place to enjoy first a bit of delicious chantarelle soup and then I ordered a bit boring pizza. Why it was boring? Too much of cheese on top, and lots of salty stuff inside, so I could eat only half of it.

Afterwise I moved myself to the other waiting area, specially for long distance flights (Riga+Tallinn??) or is it then flights going east-south direction. There was A LOT of people going to Bangok, Hong Kong and Thailand other places. Drunken finns and old mama's and papa's drank some more and more, because flights were late. I found out a nice a bit quieter place for chatting with HC-people in there and while chatting the time for waiting rised up to 3,5 hours, almost to 4 hours. So my flight also delayed more and more. In the end it left Helsinki-Vantaa right after midnight, and we arrived to Riga appr. on 1:10. I bought one Cesu Alus to be a bit more comfortable and tested cool new stuff for ears (ear plugs) to wear during the flight. They really helped, so I have to buy some packets of them, If I am flying with flu.

And whatever is this flu? Kliment said its exported special mixture of flu from Spain and Bulgaria, I think there has to be some traces from Germany also, from the time when he was for one day in Berlin visiting Annette. I have to be lucky not to get worse flu than a bit of coughing and cold.

Anyway, tomorrow I am back in normal life: which means -- meeting up some people (Lovaspillando - Ivan and Gunta), SMS'ing to my landlady about washing machine (anyone who can fix one?), thinking about end of the week (good movies, free museums, meeting more people). And then 5 to 6 more weeks to go. I was thinking about leaving Riga already before, on 24th or 25th of Feb to Helsinki, to see the Oscar's at celebration on Kaisa's new flat which I didn't saw (what I done while staying in Helsinki?!?!). I've promised to continue with works on March, so most probably I will be working Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and/or Sundays. You see, I am talking about only my Finland-life. This is not 1) Fair, 2) Right, 3) Clear and specially this is not 4) Reasonable. I am living NOW in Riga, not in HKI.

Btw, for the end I need to tell that I made a gender-test in Sparkynotes last nite (Sunday). It told me that they are 0% sure that I am a female, but 51% of me is definately female. So I am on the better side! :)

more flashies from dec/jan

We had this amazing NYE-party in Helsinki: guests from everywhere: here are Stela (Bulgaria/Helsinki/Tampere) and Sami-BB (Riihimäki!). :)


















Some more guests from the party: in the middle night we drank some glasses of sparkling wine, here Mirka (Helsinki), Teemu (Savo/St.Petersb) and Annette (Berlin) are toasting for better year.













Suprising picture from my old pics, We went to have a cake + teas to Apsara tea-house, here Virve (Ypäjä) is talking to Patrick (Canada).




















Girl with beautiful name: Annabel from Belgium visited us around New Year!













This is still from the party in beginning of Dec, I found it from my camera and here it goes. Blond girl on picture right in left is Elina(FIN), then there is Sebastian (FRA) with black&red, Charlotte (FRA) is amazed and Mateus (POL) is giving treatment to Seba!












Food supply for NY-night :) We didn't eat all of these, I had to put left-overs to Bio-waste some days ago.















Bonus-material from Riga. Its Kaisa and CS-guest Adam from Czech!













Quite the last things before taking first sleeps on 2007, we're tasting Lordi-cola with Taneli. It was tasty, though a bit too sweat. I am also pointing the Lordi-guy, Amen, who is long-distance-relative to me. Can you see the similar face of ours?

things I want to remember

Holiday is getting to the end. My plane leaves on next Monday (which means, one more week to go!). Here is the stuff which we're the things for me until now.

I met my relatives, and animals which belongs to the family. This is not a legendary Albert nor Riski. This is Aro, only female-dog who I know now a days. We're quite good friends in fact - at least if I give her some food. This pic is taken at my dad's, where Aro was on daycare. And the day was 22nd of Dec, shortest day on year.















Can you Imagine. I saw snow, I saw a bright short day on 22nd of Dec. The beach is from my dad's and yes, it is one of the greatest place to spend summer days and nights. Two meters from left to the position where I took this photo is a terrace, and 4meters more, and you will be in Sauna. Guess a couple of times what I miss now!

rocking

I got a tickets to The Broilers, No Shame, Walk the Line gig in Tavastia on 12th of Jan! The Broilers is a code name for some Damn Seagulls who are performing every now and then in Finland. I also bought a flying ticket to Riga for 15th of Jan. I will work a bit in Finland, meet more friends (yippee!) ...

We're at Kliment's reading horoscopes from net with Annette, laughing for them (I'm having readjustment from last sept to next june and i can be lazy from january to october, but I have to remember not to drink too much).

Tomorrow, hopefully Sauna. Then nothing special :)

I've been working a bit, so back to normal life.

New Years, for everyone!

All is quiet on New Year's Day, A world in white gets underway, I want to be with you, Be with you night and day, Nothing changes on New Year's Day.

I am with Annette and Annabel on New Years Day. I will probably see Sofia also for evening cola and cake. I have had nice middle days first at home, then in Helsinki. Met so many good old friends, I went to the works, grab a beer with Aura and Tatti. Yesterday we had a nye-party in Kliment's flat, it went well, we had even Mr. Frosty from Russia visiting.

It's nice to be in hometown, I am waiting for next weeks in here.

So I wish all the best to all the best people for the new year. Lots of travels, adventures, friends, love (if it exists!).

jul

Santa visited us. We got some presents: I got five, just like the machine in the internet told me! So thanks Santa for Sofi Oksanen's book, couple of bags, Synkkien laulujen maa (Land of Sad Songs) -cd, skull-necklace and MOST of all: I got a Eppu Normaali Nahka-kalenteri(!!!) this is something only finns can know. And IT is so camp, that It has to be good.

I've been visiting graveyards lately couple times. It's beautiful place on xmas-eve's. Full of candles and cold winter night with stars in the sky. I've been remembering last years, people and being alone with my thoughts. I visited again mom's brother's, father's, grandparent's graves, and today I went also to Father's brothers, grandparents and uncles graves. And light a candle in all of those.

We had something 18 persons visiting today. It's always hard to be with these people, because I don't share anything except blood-relations with them.

I am waiting for next week: meeting friends, greeting them and going to work (last day i was there on 18th of August!). And NYE party, which wont be big, but hopefully warm and nice happening.

Winter Solstice

And now I've been doing different things. Thursday went all while I helped Granny and Auntie with Shopping, driving a car and carrying stuff. Was nice, we also visited graves of my uncle, granpa, and great granparents. I heard on that trip also, that my great-great-grandmom is buried in same graveyard, but the grave is forgotten already. (and yes, I heard her name first time ever!). In the evening I had coffee and perunapiirakka (pastries) with granny and auntie, we talked a bit, some relatives and friends called and I saw my friend in TV!

In the late evening: some glögi (without alcohol) and a bit of chatting (or a bit more) and Disco Ensemble live from Kaapelitehdas in the end of November. I went to sleep half past 2, though I was quite tired. No worries though.

Today I started my day with 1000 EURO. Not really, though I was carrying such a money. I was shopping food for daddy and got the food to his place, greeted Aro (my sisters dog) and took some fantastic pictures of a shortest day of the year. I will post those before end of the year. Then I came back to home, had lunch (karjalanpiirakka(karelian pie) and vichy) and packed myself to the car and drove to other granny to greet her and Grandpa. They both have birthdays near xmas, this year was my grandpa's 86 yrs and for Grandma it was 81. It's a age which is should be rated as high as possible. My other granny is 84, so god how old the old people lives these days.

Right now I am at home, trying to be as quiet as possible. If Ella (my cousing, godchild) wokes up, she cries so hard and it annoys my Alpo-dog so much that he barks, Ella gets afraid, and Albert keep on with louder voice (and so on). So I hope they both just gets a good rest. I will take a sauna (and try to was it before, if I have energy) or then I do it tomorrow. I bought one bottle of Syrah yesterday, so I could relax with it in the evening.

24 h in Finland

...And I don't feel at home at "home". My family is somehow similar, but still so different. I become to get annoyed by other people noises and musics. And party and stressed sister: whats this all?

Suggestions?

Jag är livrädd för att leva, och jag är dödsrädd för att dö ... men älskning vi ska alla en gång dö

Here it is. The same house, which is on my first entries on this blog. Its a bit more grey, there is lots of snow coming from the sky. Today is my last day in Latvia on this year.

I will go to Finland, Varkaus, Savo-kingdom, where I grew up. The title of the day is from the song, its the one which has been on power-play during my year. It's a song of this year. Listen, and you know why (it's good to know some Swedish before doing so).

--

I will take a Ryanair in the evening back to Tampere. I wont stay there with friends, my dad is going to pick me up from there. Straight to home with little sister. My other little sister is going to graduate tomorrow, she will be a nurse. Congratulations to her.

--

What else, my flatmate will change when I am back in Latvia. Thanks to Kalle for these 3½ months, welcome Jeena. During my one month holiday, my room will be hosted by one spanish boy, Ivan and latvian girl, Gunta. I hope they'll have fun. I will be in Helsinki, most of the time, I can share time with you all, just contact me and I make appointments. Geographically I will be living outside of center (Not in my Helsinki flat, but some other flat), so don't go knocking my door there; though possibly Ansku, Emma and Emppu will let you in anyway.

--

After this year, there is new one: i need to practise be more nicer, more free and more wise on some cases. I will try to learn to manage with my feelings and also try to find solution for my illnesses. They have come back.

--

Anyway, I will post something from holidays as well, if connections works. Lets see what happens in Finland.

last pics of Riga-times

We had a party for 70. Was fun, though Messy. Where? In our flat...














I have been also hanging in the Hostel with people. In here are Boghdan, Zane, Elita and Marcus. Funny people all.














I went to Riga Arena to see this guy. He invited some people to join him on the stage. All of the Stoogees were there. Iggy inclueding.


















Last pic is about Kaisa, one of my best friends, who visited me, we went to Opera to see Lady of Aces by Tschaikovsky.