Life in Finland

I've been in Finland for awhile now so I guess it's about time I blogged. I've wrote this post a few times/have had this written for bit so I guess it's about time to hit "publish". According to Joycie, I have to blog because "the people want to know!!", not sure who the people are but hi, mom! 

Finland is different. I feel like living in Australia, especially the Sunshine Coast, makes every place after it look bad (miss it too much). BUT Finland is pretty and has its own positives too! It's cold and dark here, a lot. Like sun rises around 10am sets at 3:30pm kind of dark (since I've written this it's gotten a bit better). That's been throwing me off, I feel like I'm always so tired because anytime before sunrise feels like 3am and after feels like midnight. Super guilty of using it as an excuse to lounge in bed extra long. But I've definitely started appreciating the sunlight a lot more than usual, even though it's always so cold our room gets awesome natural light that I love. It's also insanely icy here, always. Our apartment is in an old school that was converted (very cool) but since it was an old school there's a ton of space out front, which is now the driveway. It's constantly a sheet of solid ice so you take your life in your hands going to the car/mailbox/anywhere. I haven't worn anything but snow boots in over a month. I feel like Finnish people must be born with extra balance or something, everyone walks everywhere! I love how people get out and walk, regardless of the weather, you'll see mostly older people which is great. Granted they have usually have ski poles, bikes and threewheeled scooters (love those) but I really think there's extra balance in their genes too. 

For the most part, most people speak English.. even if it's just a little bit, it makes life easier. Finnish is 100% impossible and all sorts of confusing. I've mastered "thank you" and that's about it. I just hope no one tries to talk to me in Finnish and when they do I apologetically/uncomfortably smile and say "English?" while hoping for the best (so far so good). 

Food shopping is a little challenging here, for the most part you know what you're getting but I usually translate what I want beforehand if I'm getting anything out of the ordinary to make it a little easier. 

Everyone has been really friendly and welcoming! At the first game I went to, I was presented with flowers which was such a nice gesture, even if I had no idea what they said and kind of wanted to crawl under my seat (I don't love being the center of attention like that), regardless so so nice! There are four other Americans on the team who are all great, so it's been fun to hang out with them and spend the holidays all together! 

Uusikaupunki is a small town, super quiet and to be honest there's not much going on, especially because it's so cold. I've heard it's amazing in the summer! But there a bunch of cute shops and places to take walks. There's a really pretty trail by our house we've hiked and on a lucky day you'll see people with their horses and ponies around there! I got to visit the stables the other day, the horses are beautiful! 

We've been to Helsinki and Turku, I'll probably post on those separately, I loved the cities! It's a nice change of pace and I have a love for pretty European streets and character. Even here in Uusikaupunki there is a ton of character and every place I've been has such a warm, cozy feel to it. I love it. 

Other than all that, life is good! A friend taught me how to knit, the Finnish way, and I'm loving it. I'm currently learning how to drive a stick, that's interesting lol. And I think I'm going "ice swimming" this weekend. Send warm vibes my way~ 

Ps- anyone with good book suggestions, send those my way too!  

xx 

See ya later Australia

*Three months later and I'm finally getting around to finishing up this post, so without further adieu~ 

Our last week, slowly but surely we have been crossing things off my Australian bucket list. The basketball season ended last weekend and we decided to spend this past week finishing everything up and really enjoying where we have been living on the Sunshine Coast. It's a really, really amazing area with a ton to do. We've been busy! 

The beginning of our "vacation" week was Eric's birthday! We did exactly what he wanted to do which was just hang out & relax. He's not really into celebrating his birthday.. but I am, and I forced a lot of donuts, balloons and cheesecake into the day. 

Tuesday we went up to Noosa and wanted to try to find a koala in Noosa National Park since we didn't find one the first time we tried. No luck with that, they're super elusive and apparently fast (?) because there was a sighting and we still couldn't find it where it was spotted. BUT we also went there to try to spot some whales and that was a huge success! I kinda pressured the guys into taking the hour hike and it was SO WORTH IT. We saw heaps of whales swimming by and it was awesome. We also spotted a bunch of dolphins and what looked to be thousands of jelly fish. Super successful hike! After that we went to a Burger place Eric has been wanting to try which turned out to be so good. A top 10 day for sure. 

A huge pod? School? (Will look that up) of dolphins swam by right after I forced Eric into taking this pic with me. 

                  Noosa is magical

                    Betty's Burgers!

Wednesday Eric learned to surf! I'm not about deep water/sharks so I watched from the beach and he did awesome! Our friend Joe took him and really helped him and made sure he got to stand up, it was really cool. That afternoon we drove up to a town called Maleny and got an amazing view of the Glass House Mountains. We didn't get to climb one but seeing them was way cool and less tiring. Driving up a mountain beats hiking up, at least on that day it did! 

Disclaimer: forced him to stand there and point, pretty sure he contemplated leaving me there lol

Such a pretty view with minimal effort (I originally wanted to climb those mountains)

Thursday, our last full day we finally went to the Australia Zoo! I had been waiting for that for so, so long and it was so worth the wait. I got to PET A KANGAROO AND A KOALA! That was huge for me, I made sure we went back to do it again before we had left. Baby tigers, giraffes, lemurs & wombats were also all really exciting for me. I felt like a five year old, so excited and loving every second. 

                     Best. Day. Ever. 

After the zoo we went and met up with guys from the team, the coaches and their families and had a BBQ by the beach and then wrapped up the night hanging out with our friends in their backyard chatting and looking back on our time there. We flew home Friday and that was that! 

*Change isn't so easy for me, and figuring life out at home hasn't been my favorite but I'm so incredibly grateful for the experiences and travel that Eric and I have had together so far! Eric works so insanely hard to get to where he's been/where he's going to and I really couldn't be more proud of him. Life is unpredictable but finding the small pieces of happiness make the hard/crazy days that much sweeter. I know the journey has only begun, so ready for more adventures and experiences! (And maybe some more blogging..hopefully?) 

Xo 

Mothers/Joycie Day 2016

One of the perks of being a full day ahead is the chance to celebrate everything twice, extended celebrations are the best kind~

Happy Mother's Day to my Joycie 💕

Living in another country / on the other side of the world is so amazing, I don't really get homesick but I do get "Joycie-sick"; I miss my mom so much. She's been the most constant and best person in my life, for my entire life. No matter what she has going on, she's completely selfless in everything she does. My biggest supporter, cheerleader & best friend. She deserves the world, and then some. 

So Joycie, thank you for everything you do and everything you have ever done. You're appreciated and loved more than you know. I wish you were here to lay on the beach with me today ☀️ I know Tito will be loving you extra & I'll be seeing you soon 💕 

FTS 

Australian Month-aversary

I've been seriously slacking on blogging, all other forms of social media too. With no wifi in the house and limited data on my phone the only time I really have on wifi is when I tag along to practice with Eric. The gym has wifi but usually I start chatting and get totally distracted from what I meant to do. I did have a post written about two weeks ago, but going back and reading it.. It wasn't interesting and it wasn't totally truthful, it did have pretty pictures though! But now it's time for a post I'll actually upload~ 

So, it's been a month + a few days! It feels like it's been longer, I'm not sure if it's the huge time difference, the area we are in (it kinda feels like home) or the amount of change that's happened. Maybe a combo of everything. But time really does fly! It's been an interesting month. 

The Sunshine Coast was really livin up to its name for awhile, completely exceeding my expectations. I can 100% say I wasn't prepared for the humidity and hotness we arrived to. In the last few weeks it's cooled down a bit, but it's still shorts, tank tops and bathing suit weather. Apparently it'll stay like that now, which completely works for me! The last two-ish weeks have been rainy, way more than it usually is. As much as I'd rather be at the beach, I can't say I mind the rain a whole lot; I know my skin is appreciating the break from the intense sun! 

      The beach at the end of our road

               Noosa, Main Beach 

   The river/boat ramp down the street

Our living situation has been the most interesting (& the biggest challenge for me). I wasn't going to mention much about it, but in the spirit of honesty + authenticity (and the fact I'm not friends with anyone we live/lived with on fb) I'll go for it... I don't think I was mentally prepared to go back to living with people (besides Eric). Especially moving in with total strangers, after my experience freshman year (it was a nightmare) I swore that off forever. Until it was out of my control and now here we are lol. So, we live with one of the guys on the team and two girls from the women's team were also living with us; all the imports under one roof. The girls didn't know they were living with other people until they got here (I found out we were a few days before we left). Living with us totally didn't work for them and we are honestly not sure why, but they moved out today. So the last two-ish weeks with them being so miserable in the house were a bit rough. I've been trying to make the most/best of it and they didn't try at all. But now, they're out and there is more space for us so whatever!

Our other roommates are geckos.. Lots of them. 

Besides the living situation I've been seriously missing having Tito with us. In France it was great to have him when Eric had practice or an away game, he's the best company & adventure-er. Everyone has dogs here so it makes me miss him extra, he would love it. But he's having a blast at home and is being spoiled a ton! 

I still haven't seen a kangaroo but we do know where to find some wild ones so we will probably venture over there sometime this week! We are going to be going to the zoo soon, I CANNOT wait to hold a koala, hang with the kangaroos and see their tiger cubs! 🐨

I totally blanked on our official month-aversary, it was on Saturday. Eric thinks I'm crazy but I'm always down to celebrate something~ and we kind of unknowingly did celebrate! They had the first regular season game and won by a ton against the rival team! It was a really good game, the stadium was PACKED and had great energy. After the game we went out and had probably too much fun 😉

Australia is so great, everyone is extra friendly and welcoming. I was trying to compare it to France and realized that it's impossible. France had its positives too, I loved it there but they're both just so completely different. I have been struggling to settle in more here but I think that's just because it's Eric and I +1 constantly, and the +1 isn't Tito lol. Not that his teammate isn't a nice guy, he really is; it's just different. Anyway, who am I to complain? I'm in Australia. 

On a more positive note: it's my birthday month and I have a new found love for Tim tams & Australian wine~ 

Xo 

Sunshine Livin

A few days ago, after 2 days of traveling we made it to the Sunshine Coast, Australia! Eric and I had different flights but met up in Sydney and took the last flight to Brisbane together. Luckily it was nothing like getting to France and the trip was uneventful in the best way. 

As soon as we got here I realized I 100% underestimated what the temperature was going to be. Holy crap, it's hot here. It's also super beautiful and cool and different and perfect. I had no idea what to expect, I didn't know the living situation up until two days before we left. I didn't set any expectations and was completely blown away.

We are living in a house with a guy from Eric's team and two girls on the women's team. None of them moved in yet and we aren't completely unpacked yet (the worst part in my opinion). The house is super cute and has a lot of room for everyone which is a huge plus! I never really wrote about our kitchen in France, or lack there of.. It was basically one counter, a 2 burner hot plate and an oversized toaster oven... Lol. A huge challenge but we made it work and I got creative. This kitchen now is huge and such a nice change, I'm excited about it. Once there is wifi in here, we are set (I'm phone-less without it).

We are about a 5 minute walk from both the beach and the store, depending on which way you walk. Super ideal since we haven't gotten the car yet. The beach completely blew us away, pictures will never do it justice. We have been there twice a day since we have gotten here, it's so perfect. 

Things I've learned & realized (so far):

- the sun is SO strong, don't underestimate it when you're at your palest (you'll regret it). 

- remembering to keep left is something you have to make a conscious effort to think about.

- I needed a technology detox but wifi is still a miracle. 

- I need an Australian accent. 

- when I die, I'd be totally fine with coming back as a dog living here. 

I think I can speak for both of us by saying, we wish everyone we know and love could be here experiencing this amazing place with us. So grateful, life is good. 

Cheers! 

Signs & Direction

I've taken a break from blog posts, it's not that I haven't written any (the notes section of my phone is enormous).. It's just that I took a huge step back from social media as a whole. A lot of the notes have been different from my regular posts and I'm not really comfortable sharing them, yet. No one besides me has even read them, but I felt like it was time; time to at least post this one, just to be more open. 

Ive been contemplating, (attempting to) meditate on and put all of my thought into a few things that have been weighing heavily on my heart and mind- it's consuming. I am a huge & firm believer in the universe and the power of positivity (even when I slip into some negativity & frustration). This morning, after over thinking and feeling like I'm driving myself crazy (Joycie can attest, I've reached that "crazy" a few times..) but anyway- this morning, I decided to ask the universe let me know if I'm doing good and I'm where I'm supposed to be. 

While getting ready for the day I asked for reassurance, if I'm doing the right thing to show me: blue- weird I know. I finished getting ready and headed out.. Today is apparently a recycling day, I had no idea. I also had no idea that the recycle cans are bright blue (ours is green) and almost every single house on my drive this morning had a bright blue can out front. Amazing. On top of that I saw countless other bright blue things, have you ever noticed how many tarps people have laying around? 

Apparently I wasn't completley understanding the signs (I have my moments of doubt, daily) and while mindlessly scrolling through Instagram the universe led me to an account. A completely random account of someone on another continent. This person's posts were honest & vulnerable (something I struggle with on social media; and if I'm being honest here- in life too) and super inspiring.. it showed me that I'm not alone. A lot of people don't understand and can't relate but this person can, and just knowing that made me feel so good.  I'm not sure what led me to click on the picture but it was something I needed to look through and see, another sign of "everything is okay". 

So I get it, I'm listening & noticing; I'm okay, doing good and heading in the right direction. At times it's hard and I do struggle within myself to sort out my feelings and thoughts, but it's all good. Everything is a season~ 

  

That view & this guy made for a pretty perfect Wednesday morning ;) 

** It's been almost a week since I first asked for a sign (of blue), which I've continued to ask for and in the past week I have seen more blue then I could have ever imagined.  I counted 36 bright blue cars on one 2 hour car ride, noticed so many things and picked up tons of blue beach glass; and my favorite piece today! What I thought was a round piece of beach glass turned out to be  an old glass bead! I made a bracelet as soon as I got home, a reminder I can keep with me. So grateful. 

Xoxo~

À bientôt France

As I procrastinate packing I have been reflecting a lot on the past few months. It's been such a fun adventure so far. Time has flown by, I can't believe it's December and I'm heading home for Christmas soon! Because airlines are a complete rip off and charge insane amounts around the holidays, I decided to book before the prices were too outrageous and head back to NY in the beginning of December. 

Life in France is great and I'll definitely miss it while I'm gone. I'm so grateful for the opportunities life has given me so far, for the adventure, happiness and amazing people around me. Moving to a foreign country and not speaking the language is hard; harder than I thought but not as scary as I anticipated. I'm so lucky that I get to be here and experience it all with Eric. We have been able to explore, sightsee and really enjoy where we have been. Life when basketball runs your world is so unknown. It's so competitive, schedules, players and coaches change; nothing is guaranteed. However, I'd like to think we make the most of the unknown and the demanding schedule. Eric works so so hard and still finds energy to do and see what I want, I'm really really lucky. 

A few things I learned: 

1. French is SO hard

I had such high hopes that I would be fluent in French at this point (LOL), or at least really good at it. It's 10x harder than I anticipated, I'm not good with languages to begin with. I took six years of Spanish in school and even at the end it was a struggle. So, it's a work in progress..

2. Baguettes and pastries 

Too good & it's dangerous living across the street from a bakery (with the nicest bakers)

3. France is beautiful. 

I feel like when most people think France, they think Paris. Paris is easily one of the best and most charming cities in the world. Being a few hours outside of Paris showed us the country side and a lot of other history that I hadn't known before. It's all beautiful and breath taking. Pictures never truly do any of it justice. If you get the opportunity to come here, don't hesitate. 

4. I can do it

At first being here I was nervous to go out by myself, to the store, wandering, driving. I can't use my phone unless I'm connected to wifi (which has actually been so great). Not knowing the language and where I was or even the thought of someone talking to me freaked me out. BUT after I got used to the area and learned a few basic French things I was able to function like a real adult! I even know back roads, quicker ways to get around and when to avoid certain areas. Super proud of myself! 

5. I'm actually an adult

Growing up I never realized how fast time went and now looking back, I'm shocked. I'm out of college and have been living in a foreign country? What? I feel like I shouldn't be old enough to be allowed to make real life decisions sometimes. But for the past three months I think I've been adult-ing pretty well! Although, I am super excited to go home and have my mom cook dinner for me! 

(Tito is excited about all the traveling & festive things!) 

Vitré must have known I was leaving and turned on the Christmas lights (just for me)! (I've been waiting for them since Halloween) pictures don't do it justice, per usual. As much as I love France, I'm looking forward to getting back to the familiarity of home. I cannot wait to go somewhere and be able to understand what people are saying around me! 

See ya soon France!