- I already commented about how cute and adorable Jaana and Tommi's daughter is, but I feel like doing it again! I was worried I would freak her out, being a complete stranger (first and last time I saw her, she was 3 weeks old) and because Timo said she didn't like being around strange people (anyone beside her parents and brothers) and couldn't stand being held by anyone other than her parents. Well, she really liked me! I think it was the black hair and glasses
She kept smiling at me and trying to get my attention, and would start baby-dancing when I clap my hands. I even held her once and she didn't start crying, but maybe that was because I kept jumping up and down. I managed to see her three times, which was great. One of those times was when Tommi and Jaana had a BBQ at their house to celebrate the completion of their porch/terrace, which my father-in-law basically built all on his own. Not bad for a 70 year-old man. That day I made these traditional Algerian starters that are usually made with minced beef, but my SO mistakenly gave me minced pork. I don't think anyone ever considered making those with pork, so it was probably a first!- During the first week, when we stayed at Espoo, I suggested that my SO buys some new shoes. It was too cold for sandals, his regular shoes had gotten too old, the new pair he had bought earlier in the winter wasn't a good fit and was just collecting dust, ad he was down to wearing his running/training shoes for basically everything and I didn't like that. Shoe-shopping took us two days, and he ended up with three pairs!! I found out that he was VERY liberal with his money when it comes to shoes, as he picked rather expensive ones (which is wise, since you want good quality and something that would last) Usually he pays close attention to how much he spends to the point that when I see an unusual item in his fridge I can tell he bought it because it was on sale
So I was pleasantly surprised. But that might be a little unfair because he spends a lot of money on me. So anyway, one of the pairs was really fancy shoes that he would wear with his suit. Can't wait for his brother's wedding so I can stand beside him looking all dressed-up and classy 
- During my visit last October we went to a friend's birthday party and I got to meet one of Timo's few female friends, Minna. I had heard about her years before and was happy to see her as she is a very sweet woman. She was in a pretty bad place then, though. She had just broken up with her long-time boyfriend and was considering moving to Norway to start a new life. Well, that changed, but not for the better. I found out a few weeks before my visit to Finland that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer
She is barely 29 years old. She and her boyfriend (they got back together since then) decided to come over for Midsummer at our parents' place and I got to see her again. She hadn't started treatment yet. At least chemo, since she had had surgery a few weeks earlier. She was undergoing a hormonal therapy in order to have her eggs frozen since she really wants children and cancer treatment might interfere with that. It breaks my heart just writing this. This girl is so amazingly brave, I can't believe it. She is so positive, and so caring of others despite her own situation. I thought that she was just putting on a face, but her friends told me that that's just how she is. If it had been me, I would have sunk in a depression so deep I don't know if I would ever come out of it. Last I hear she started chemo a week ago and is slowly recovering from her first session. I really hope she'll be OK. Doctors seem to think her chances are pretty good.- After we got back from my in-laws' we went one last time to our friend Kalle's place to watch Algeria-Korea. I might have woken the neighbours with my screaming (some of you might remember that Algeria scored four times in the game) and it was a really nice evening. On the way back, though, I had a serious break down. It was past 1 am and we were driving in deserted Espoo and it was two days before I was going to leave and I just started crying so hard that Timo had to stop the car to comfort me. I kept telling him that the situation was unfair to him, that I should be able to just move in with him in spite of social conditioning, that I was an adult and seemingly just making excuses not to do it because I was afraid of my parents. He was very sweet then. He told me he understood and that things weren't as easy and simple as they seemed from the outside and that he was willing to wait as long as it takes because we are worth it. It only made me feel worse, to be honest, but at least I have that to hold on to.
- In the course of our game-watching sessions at Kalle's, I got to meet his sister. I'm mentioning her because she used to be a he. She was born Ville, and a few years ago she became Riika. That is the first time in my life that I was ever around a transgender person. Granted, I didn't talk to her much beside greetings, but I feel like at some point I might have been staring a little too long at her. I was fascinated by the fact that she looked so feminine, boobs and all. I asked her brother if she had breast implants but he said nope, it's all hormones. Amazing. It shouldn't really be note-worthy, but hey, it was a first to me
Ok, this turned out to be much more boring than I thought it would be, so here's a picture of Iina. (please do not share, her parents would kill me!)
So sorry about Minna, that's one of my worst fears. Hoping she recovers quickly.