- 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

- 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


- 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

- 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.