I FUCKING HATE COMPUTERS!

Oh I'm just so pissed of right now!

First, I had a terrible night, I was just about to fall a sleep when this boy band started to play guitar, drums and sing! And I was just so tired but I couldn't fall a sleep so I got up. And then I got so pissed off (they stopped playing a band after midnight) that I couldn't go to bed until like 1.30 am. And I had to get up 6:30 am because I had a early class and I wasn't sure where it was. But I found it easily. After the class I headed to IMU to buy a book for that course and after that I went to library to read. Then I had two other classes and after that I went to Burge Hall to eat with Kaisa. After that I headed back to the library to read some more because we still had this discussion session at 7 pm. So I finally got there but luckily it lasted only 5 minutes because they still didn't have anything to say (we had just had our first class the very same day). So I came home and came to the computer lab to print some papers. When I finally got back home I discovered that they bastards had shut down my network! They claimed that I had downloaded too much things or something. So I called to them really pissed off (and I really had to fight not to cry) but they couldn't tell what it could've been.

AND IT IS NOT MY FAULT!!!

I've just talked via Skype, putty and used Firefox and THAT'S ALL! And the most weirdest thing is that they claim that I had done something this day too BUT IT WAS THE FIRST TIME I TURNED MY FUCKING COMPUTER ON!!! And yes, I shut it down EVERY TIME I don't use it. And I have a password (I first wrote passport :D) so no-one can't use it while I'm gone. The guy at the help desk was really friendly but he couldn't do anything. So now I just need to wait for three days until it starts to work again! AND THAT PISSES ME OFF!

It's not that I couldn't use computer downstairs, it's just that I had just said to Tarmo that we could talk tomorrow morning but now we obviously can't! And that just makes me cry! Because it's not the same thing to chat in IRC or Skype than talk. :( So I'm just so sad.

The guy said that I should format my computer because there might be some program running without me knowing about it (and I still can't understand how because task manager doesn't show anything and it said I had done something this day but I still used only Firefox and putty last night!). But I'm so pissed off that I just turned it off, went to shower (and yes, I had to cry a bit because I was so tired and really angry, it made me feel better though) and headed back downstairs to calm down (again by writing this). Which reminds me that he gym should open tomorrow... Have to go and check which time...

But, since I'm so stupid and don't know how to format my computer (and I don't trust myself enough), I can't do anything. I hope that Kaisa would be clever enough to know what to do and if not, I just have to ask Dali if he could help me...

By the way, I'm making myself useful in here, there's this computer right next to me that doesn't log you in and I've been telling that to like 10 people now. :) Makes me feel better to be useful.

But I'm just so tired right now that I think I might head back upstairs and get some sleep. I fucking hate computers :( I think I might make my dream come true when I head back Finland and buy a new computer and throw mine out of window. And it's the latter one that's my dream :>

Missing My Babe

I had such a fun night last night :) But unfortunately I can't (still!) post any pics because they just won't upload. :(

But anyway, yesterday morning we went to the Farmers Market to get some fresh food. And we also found this organic food place and I bought some fruits there. Then we got back home and Meike reminded me that the church had a give way day and so I headed back to downtown, almost missed the transportation there but thanks to Paola and Meike we (Kaisa and I) got a ride there. I found night table and small shelf plus some kitchen items. Then I got back home again, waited for the items to arrive and headed to City Park for FIS (Friends of International Students) picnic. We ate a lot and had a good time. When it ended I once again headed back home to change my clothes because we went to see this free movie at Old Capitol. After that we headed to Brothers, were there until 1:30 am and after that we went to Nathaniels place and had some vodka. I was back home at 5 am and talked with Tarmo for a while and finally got some sleep. Though I slept only like three hours because it was getting so light that I just couldn't sleep anymore.
And I've just been listening to Tori Amos and chatted with friends. In a couple of hours we're going to IMU to get some free lunch and maybe after that see another free movie.

But I had such a good time last night. We had some deep discussions with Nathaniel and he also offered me to stay the night at their couch but I wanted to come home because I knew my love would be already wake and I really missed him. So Nathaniel walked me home because it was night and little girls aren't supposed to walk alone at night time :D But yesterday was the first day I missed Tarmo really badly. I do miss him all the time but last night was just overwhelming. I know that alcohol had something to do with that :P And I've just been listening Tori Amos with my Kisu (Kittie) and my head aches a bit because of the vodka (Russian one!) and because I didn't sleep enough, I think I'm still a bit drunken :>

Americans are so funny. Yesterday we were wondering how to get to the super WalMart and this church lady said that she could take us there some time and she actually gave us a call today and asked if we would like to go shopping :D And yesterday I would've had a car taking me home but I preferred walking because it sobers me up. And then Nathaniel walked me home. I can't understand why they are so friendly. :D Not that I don't appreciate that! I do! But for a Finn friendly people are just fantasy. And yet again I always fear that people get the wrong impression of me because being a European woman in America seems to make me interesting and I love chatting with people. And all the other exchange students are so nice too! I just need to always first make clear to them (well, to all the guys) that I'm engaged and I'm not planning to have any kind of messing around in here because I love him so much and I'm only one mans girl. (There is actually one guy that is engaged !! but says that she doesn't need to know, want to mess around with me? I don't care if you have a boyfriend. And that's just awful! So that makes me a bit cautious.) But it's kind of complicated. Because I try to be friendly to all and you really can't just say "Hi I'm Taina and I'm engaged, how are you?". You have to chat first for a while and I always try to bring up this thing in a subtle way because I don't want to be rude. Oh this is so difficult to explain what I mean. I can't explain it even in Finnish either but I hope you get the idea what I'm talking about. But I'll drop this thing now before it gets too long. I just needed to get this off my chest :)

Oh yeah, and I met at the picnic this guy who loves HIM and he had a HIM shirt! That was cool! And he said that people from Finland always speak perfectly English :D I also met my other "roomies" on the other side of kitchen and bathroom. They were really nice.

And I have this huge pimple on the side of my nose and it hurts so much and I hate it!

ps. edited: I added pics finally in here too ^^

Everyday Life

Oh now my things in here are in order. I got a bank account today and deposited my checks there so that I can use that money! I also have all my courses registered now and this is how it looks like:

• Endocrinology 2:30-3:20 Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
  
• Introduction to Developmental Biology 2:30-3:45 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays plus discussions 4:30-5:20 pm Mondays
• Fundamental Neurobiology 1:05-2:20 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays plus discussions 7:10-9:10 Tuesdays
• Graduate Immunology 8:30-10:00 am Tuesdays and Thursdays

I also did some laundry today and cooked! Last evening we were invited to play cards to the other side of Mayflower where all the other international students are. And there was a thunderstorm again and it was awesome! The lightning was so intensive and it was purple and they went across the sky. Beautiful!

And about fat people. I haven't seen so many fat people around Iowa City (expect on women who couldn't walk without support, that was just awful) but at the Fair I saw many fat people. Recycling is just nothing compared to Finland, though they recycle their plastic bags. They use enormous amount of water at the toilets and everything is "germ free". Music is just the same as in Finland and I still haven't found a groceries near me that sell fresh food. What else? I had a nap today and my back is hurting. Luckily the gym in Mayflower will open on Wednesday. I just need to rest this weekend so that my back settles down again.

I would post some pics but there seems to be kind of problem with our network, it doesn't upload any pics and it's just so slow. Next time.

ps. edited: I finally added pic ^^

:)

I got my cable today! But it's not a red one :( They were too long and cost too many dollars because I need only short one. And now I have time to write about some things that I've been wondering. Flowers. I don't know if I already told this but there is no flowers. In Finland if we have even a tiny piece of grass, we plant flowers there. Here it's only the lawns. I've seen only few flowers here. And the other thing is that there are parents everywhere. They help their children to move in (I don't wonder that) but they also are involved in the registration, check in and even academic advising! I heard that they often hang around for couple of days to see where their kids go. So funny. But I understand that, education in here IS expensive. I'm so glad that I chose to come here via ISEP. It's so cheap! Well not cheap but compared to others it's cheap. Others pay admissions, insurance, classes, housing and food or some of that. We had to pay 2500 € and that covers almost all of them. Of course there was the TOEFL test and insurance but even still.

And then they have P.A.U.L.A. which means Possession of Alcohol Under Legal Age (21). If you have a glass of beer in your arm reach you get fined and the fine is over $300! And they really do that! And if you drive and have taken alcohol, it's over $1000. But that's good. And the police in here is really effective, you might get fined while crossing the street wrong time. But that makes this city safe. The police doesn't have anything to do so they fine you for every wrong move! :D Not really.

I also got two books today, both cost about $100! And it's been raining all day. We had two thunderstorms yesterday and one today too. And our neighbors haven't moved in yet so I think they're Americans. I don't have new pics because I need to format my computer so I'm still keeping all my pics in the camera. So I posted my home. :)

Busy Busy

Okay, it's been quite a long time. I've been busy with all this orientation stuff and then I moved in to Mayflower, my new home and I thought that my network didn't work but it was my cable. And now I finally have some time to write again.

So, friend of mine, Kaisa, had to go to the hospital last Thursday night. But she got home yesterday and is feeling better already. And now I know where the hospital is and how it looks like. Nice one, and we heard that it is one of the best hospitals in US. In the lobby at the main entrance there was this scary piano that played it self. Like in the horror movies! But we had some nice time there, on Sunday I got Hello Kitty bandage to Kaisa to put on her stomach (and she said it helped a lot!), and the doctor had a good laugh about it (as did we). And I think that every time we left there, Kaisa asked for more pain medication because we made her laugh and it hurt in her stomach, sorry :D

And on Saturday we went to the Iowa State Fair and it was fun! In the morning it was raining but when we got to the Fair it was sunny and hot. We saw a butter cow and butter Harry Potter! And there were all these classic competitions about all the veggies, biggest pumpkin etc. Then there was a lot greasy food, EVERYTHING was deep fried, even ice cream (I didn't taste it). But I ate veggie corn dog, but I didn't like it. There were animals too and before we left, we saw a llama limbo contest! And Meike and I went to a sky glider at the amusement park and it was fun! We got back at 9 pm and went to bar with some friends. But we got tired pretty soon and went to sleep like 1 am or something. And the bus company that drove us at the Fair, sent the first bus to Texas because there is this hurricane and they need to evacuate people. So we got another bus when we got back.

On Sunday we packed our things and visited Kaisa again. On Monday we moved in, and that day was just a hell. First we had some sessions and I had my clinic (TB test was negative!), then we moved in, I just threw my stuff in and checked in because I was supposed to go to get Kaisas stuff too and our ISEP coordinator, Lori, was already waiting for me. So when we went to the Daum, we realized that the doors were locked and we couldn't get in. We went to Burge Hall to ask if we could have keys, but they couldn't give them because Kaisa still had her keys with her. So I said that I'm going to visit her anyway that day so I could get the key (additional night costs $5 and we agreed that she'd get her stuff into my room). So I walked downtown and waited for a bus half an hour, got to the hospital, waited for Kaisa half an hour (they were doing some tests to her) and then Lori came so I didn't have that much time to talk with Kaisa. When Lori left Meike called me, she and Paola went to Target to get a blanket, pillow and linens for me because I didn't have the time to get there (thanks girls!!) and said that they'd be at downtown in a half an hour. So I rushed to the bus, missed it, waited for half an hour and finally got to downtown. There we went (again) to Buffalo Wild Wings and even ate some dessert! Then we left home.
We were supposed to go to some bar to celebrate our moving in so while I was waiting my bus Dali called me (I had already waited half an hour... the buses really hate me and they don't go so often yet). He lives in downtown so he came to keep some company for me. After another half an hour I decided that the bus is never going to come and that I'll just walk home (we had just had a session with a police man that warned about walking alone et night, and it was already 9.30 pm). So Dali walked with me through half way and finally at 10 pm I was back home. And I was so tired! I still had to go to ask if my big luggage had arrived (the one that I sent via mail) and it was there! So I got it up, did my bed, talked with Ashleigh and finally got to bed. But it took some time to fall asleep because it was so cold. And on Tuesday I had to get up early because I had to take a shower (I was too tired to do that the night before) and I had some early tour. And I wanted to talk with Tarmo (we have a computer class downstairs). And I missed the tour because the bus never came (again!! but luckily I didn't miss anything, I was told that the tour was boring). So then I went to have some breakfast with Meike after our session about weather (nothing new), went to buy some stuff, headed back home to unpack my stuff and get ready for the night. Before meeting the others downtown Ashleigh, Kaisa and I went to the Slater hall to see Meikes and Paolas new home. Then we headed to the Brothers and there we had a good time. It was $2 U call it (though not all was $2) and I had this blueberry vodka which was good! But then at 10 pm I got tired and Kaisa was already heading back home so I came with her (and we got a bus!).
Today I had my academic adviser appointment and I registered to most of my classes though I need to call to one of the instructors to ask her to register me to the course (graduate course). Then Ashleigh (my roommate), Kaisa and I went to Wal-Mart to buy some food, kitchen and cleaning stuff. But on our way we found out that it wasn't the Wal-Mart that had fresh food (which was the reason we wanted to go there) but I still spent $100. And I bought two shoes! The boots were $20 and the others were $7! We got a taxi back (only $10 for three) and we were supposed to to get some fresh food from downtown (there was some market today) but then the thunder storm came. So now here I am. In my new home, listening Tori Amos.

Balloons!

Yesterday was SO FUN! We had this traditional square dance and we just kept messing around with all the steps and it was real fun. I just laughed so much! Unfortunately I don't have any pics of it because my batteries were running too low. And we got some balloons from the US bank! They're so pretty in our hotel room! :D Yesterday was quite busy day too with all the sessions and eating. Today we'll have some more sessions about health though I already got my health issues right, they took some blood from me this morning and made tuberculosis test. I'll get the results on Monday.

But some bad new too, a friend of mine is in hospital now in here! She got some stomach ace few days ago but thought that it was because of her period, but then she got hospitalized last night! She sent me a message this morning and we're going to see her at the hospital when all the sessions in here are over. I just hope that she gets well soon! It was some kind of infection in her intestine. Hope it's not bad! Because we're going to the Iowa State Fair tomorrow and she was supposed to come there too! But of course her well being is much more important :D

We also met again bunch of new people. And it rained yesterday! Fortunately Paola had two umbrellas so she lent me one. Though I went to buy a red one for me too later that day :) But nothing much else for now. I bet I have much more to tell about on Sunday about the fair!

Which Way Should I Orientate?

Okay, so my laptop isn't working very well, it doesn't go on unless I put the windows cd in... Quite annoying and definitely not a good thing. I asked today if there would be any place I could take this and I got some place where they help with computers but I think it opens only next week or week after that... So I need to hang on until that. Though there was this guy in my group who said he could take a look of my laptop next week.

But first I'll tell you a nice thing that happened to me last Monday at the Mall. I was waiting for Paola and Kaisa outside some shop and suddenly there was this little cute boy (he had some kind of syndrome) hanging on my hand really gently and I said to him (his mom was holding his other hand) that oh, I can't come with you, then he kissed my hand, let go and went on. So cute! He made my day.

Yesterday we did our check-in, it was easy and over soon. We went to the place right on time, we got in in 15 minutes while those who arrived 15 minutes after us had to line really long time. They took a copy of my passport and immigration documents and I received an orientation packet which included much papers about what to do and what's going on in here and schedule for orientation weeks. Then we took a tour around the campus, got back to our hotel, just hanged around for few hours and then we went to downtown. We were supposed to go to this some kind of electronic music club (or that's what there was that night) because Meikes friends friend was playing at there, but that cost like $5 or something and we really don't like that kind of music so we went to the Deadwood (one guy said at the orientation place that there would be some people that night). And again I remembered how nice it is in Finland now when you aren't allowed to smoke inside. But the place was nice, we took one smirnoff ice and headed back home because we had to get up early next morning. And they didn't even ask my papers!! I'm so proud! (The legal drinking age in here is 21.) And I wore my new tube top! And I was surprised how comfy it was, first I was worried that it would fall down but then I couldn't feel it anymore and I felt good wearing it. So we came back to our hotel, went to shower and Paola made braids and they still look good! She really did some good job, right Paola? ;)

And today we had quite overwhelming day. We had some more papers and money! We got these checks and I got more that I expected to have! Not that I complain :D Then we had really good brunch (nice salads, juice and coffee), some speeches and then we were divided in small groups (yeah, and I met my future roommate Ashleigh) with about ten students and two group leaders. There were only me and Ashleigh in our group who were girls besides the other of the leaders, all the others were guys. We introduced ourselves, talked about general and not so general things, it was fun. Then we went to some sessions (which were quite boring) and after that we had this panel thing where we could ask all kind of questions, mostly we discussed about studying, living in residence halls and drinking. After that we stopped by at our hotel and went to pizza party. I ate way too much pizza, it was much more better than I expected. In Finland I don't really like the thick pizzas but these were good. And there was such a good service, we got our glasses refilled all the time and there was lemonade! I chatted with some Asian girls (their accent is so strong that I didn't get half of the things they were saying, I just kept laughing) and bunch of other people and finally I got so tired that I could only stare in front of me. I decided that I'm too tired to be social anymore and got back to our room. Paola still stayed there, I thought to do my internet things before she gets back so that she can use her computer.

Tomorrow our day will start with lunch so that's only at noon! Though Paola has something at the morning again but that's fine, I can call to my parents and best of all, I can call Tarmo! I really missed him last night at the bar. Though I'm still not all depressed, I feel quite fine, I just think about him all the time :) But that doesn't feel bad at all.

We have this message in our hotel phone but I don't dare to look (or listen) it before Paola comes. If it's in Italian, I can't understand it and I'm too afraid that I might delete it so I'll just wait for her.

Oh yeah, I got my student ID. And one of the guys from my group invited me to go to some coffee shop with some other people but I was just on my way back to the hotel and I really am too tired to be all social anymore, I'd like to go but I know that I'd only end up sitting all silent and just listening all the others and not be that social. I just need a good sleep and then I'm ready to socialize again! ;) And I signed up to the trip to Des Moines, where there is this Iowa State Fair next Saturday! I'm so looking for that! I heard that there'd be this real size cow made of butter and Harry Potter made of butter! Awkward!

ps. Tarmo knows what the title means ;)

Spilled Shampoo

So I got my computer in order thanks to Tarmo :)

There are so many things I’ve wanted to write, so here it comes.

Here they refill your glass for free! It’s so nice because it’s hot and one glass of lemonade (which I love) isn’t enough. So, when they ask want it refilled, say yes! And all the workers, no matter where, are really friendly (expect the bus driver, he/she never says anything). Sorry my love, it’s nothing darling… So sweet! When I was sitting at the airport and the cleaning lady hit my bag accidentally, she said “Oh I’m so sorry my dear”. Who could ever be mad at them when they are so sweet :) Not that I had been mad anyway. And in Chicago in toilets they have this sanitary pad on the toilet eat which changes every time when someone comes in the toilet, so handy! And you didn’t need to flush the toilet, you just waived your hand and it flushed. So hygienic!

And the mall we went with Kaisa was Coral Ridge Mall. There we were at Target and our hands were already full of stuff, so we went to get a basket. Kaisa loaded her things on my things in my hands (because I had more stuff) and her shampoo (or conditioner) fell of, its cap fell too and the floor was full of shampoo! Well there wasn’t that much of it but anyway. There was this man who came immediately to help us, he got the bottle, gave it to me and went to get paper to wipe the shampoo off the floor. He was so friendly! I could never imagine something like that to happen in Finland. We also took pics at Target of the shampoo bottles, they’re like 1l!!! Huge! And their packing system is quite handy too. When you go to pay your stuff, they pack them right away in bags that hang on the wall, so you just need to take the already packed bag.

And on Sunday we went to see where Mayflower and Slater Halls are and walked by the river. It was really hot and I got some tan too! And didn’t even burn (thanks to the 30spf sunblock).

We went to the Mall again yesterday and we went to Victorias Secret! I just love that shop! I bought panties and bra from there and they weren’t really expensive. The panties were 5 for $25, same as in any other shop and the bra was -40%. I’m definitely going to buy some nightshirts there before Tarmo comes ;) I also got new mobile phone number, I bought this prepaid thing. It’s much cheaper than circle all my messages and calls from Finland. And it was easy to get it too. And on our way back I saw this green colored ground and I was wondering why on earth do they color it? Do they think it looks like a lawn? Then I saw this worker who was spraying this colored thing on the earth and pointed that to Kaisa and Paola and we laughed about it, and then this lady behind me told that it’s not really just color, it will grow grass soon. So not that hilarious after all.

And last night we had this salon night with Paola, we did our nails, ate ice cream and chips. And watched TV of course.

Today our orientation will begin. We’ll check in at 1pm and after that we’ll go and eat at Buffalo Wings (again). I should buy some Iowa shirts too (there’s this discount, buy one get two or buy one, get three), they’re really popular in here. And I thought that I’d buy some sweater from there too because they’re comfortable and warm (not that I’d need one now). By the way, we still haven't managed to find any food store around here...

Still Kicking...

So, not all sunshine. My laptop just won't work! I got it on yeasterday and this morning, but not anymore. Tarmo said that I should get some geek to watch it. I'll just need to ask tomorrow from the Welcome Center if they know what I should do... And it brike just when I was supposed to talk with Tarmo, then when I used Paolas laptop, it crashed too and I almost got desperate. This day was the day of technical revolution, Meike couldn't make a call to someone to pick her up and our hotels phone didn't work either... But she figured it out and finally got a ride back.

We went to see where the Mayflower Hall is (Kaisa and I will stay there) and then we walked to the Slater Hall (where Paola and Meike will stay) and before that Paola and I walked around the city (and almost got lost when our map ended...) so it was a lot of walking today and my feet are really sore now. We went to eat at the same place we went yesterday evening (got bed at 11 pm) and the food was good though the portions were too big to eat. Luckily we could get them with us. The weather in here is still hot and sunny though forecast said it could be thunderstorms next week. I've seen a lot of bunnies, hear an owl and maybe a coyote!

Tomorrow we'll go to the mall again and try to find some swimmingpool here. I found some nice bikinis on Saturday, so I'm ready for pool! I'll post some pics later when I get my laptop working again. I really hope that I get it soon all right because I'm too dependent on it and I want to have my own computer here, I want to speak with Tarmo and my parents and I want to have all my files and photos in my own computer!!! I got really upset when I got to know that it won't work... But I'm quite tired now and need a shower, just wanted to let you know that I won't post any pics until I get my laptop working again and I'm not sure how often I have time to blog from now on because the orientation starts on Tuesday and it will be quite intensive for two weeks...

By the way, I don't know if I can drink the water in here... And I don't have any botteled water with me now.. Luckily we have coffee maker in here so I just boiled the water, now I just need to wait it to cool down so that I can drink it... And I love lemonade! It's so good!

Alive and Kicking!

So, I'm in America. And so far it's been nice. But let me start with the trip.

So, I didn't sleep at all the night before I left. I was just hugging Tarmo and cried. At 3 am we left from Tampere to Helsinki-Vantaa airport, sun was getting up when we arrived. We went to coffee and a leaving. I went to my gate and still cried though I got my self calmed I filled by the time I boarded. The flight was nice and though it departed late we arrived in time. I Dublin I went to check in where they asked where I'm going to stay and then I left to my gate. I found it easily and I had to fill some visa papers and lined to show them almost an hour. Then they said that I had the wrong paper, and gave me other one thatfter that I checked in. I went back to my parents and Tarmo to wait until it was the last time to go in. So we just sat there, we really couldn't speak much, everyone were so teary. When it finally was time to go to the security check, we all cried and it felt so badand went to other line closer the gate where they checked your visa, took your fingerprints and photo. The line there was huge an all people were nervous because no-one seemed to be prepared such a long waiting time. Someones flight should already been departed though I was fine. I didn't realize that they checked your visa before you leave to US, though it makes more sense that way. They only asked me how long I'm going to be in America, nothing more. I even had time to go to bathroom before we boarded. I still had to wait over an hour at the plane before it departed, there were 17 other flights we had to wait before we could go. The plain was so nice. It had the most comfortable seats I've ever seen in plane, pillows and blankets. There was TV and radio and wonderful food. Though I think that's how it is always in long flights. They had pasta and chicken, some bread, coffee, tea and drinks. Though I couldn't drink because I took travel sickness pills (which really worked I believe, I think I would've been much more anxious than I was now, especially the first few hours and in Dublin). Her name was Colleen and she was from Chicago. She was so nice, we chatted all the time, though not the time we slept (I really slept well like two hours). It was so comforting to hear that she could understand me well and that she thought that I spoke good english. :) We arrived Chicago an hour and a half late which was fine by me because I had originally seven hours time there. But it was too much because all the questioning and visa stuff was already been done in Dublin. And the airport wasn't even as difficult as I was told. I found instantly the right place to go, I even did the self check-in! I tried to go to the desk but there was some line and the airport guy said "You're young, you should use the self check-in, you can do it!" when I said I was worried that I couldn't do it. But it was easy and fast. After that I tried to find my flight from the boards but it was leaving so late that it didn't show anywhere. So I just walked a while, realized that there was nothing to see and proceeded to the security check. After that I walker around in the terminal and after I had walked it from the other to the other end, I realized that there were only food shops and restaurants, no cosmetics or other stuff I had expected. So I went near to the gate where my flight was supposed to leave (I kept receiving these messages which told me the flights gate and the changed like ten times). I walked at the terminal few times to stretch my legs and read a book. But most of the time I just looked people passing by and it was nice. Though after I had waited like three hours, I got bored. There would've been earlier flight but I realized that too late. Everything was really expensive so I didn't buy much, only something to eat and to drink. Finally my flight departed, 15 minutes late. The plane was really really small and there were only about 20 passengers. The plane was in Cedar Rapids in 35 minutes so I was there early. I found right away the shuttle service and they were ready to transport me when the other two passengers had arrived. They were a fresh couple, they were nice and asked me few questions and offered some chips but I was too tired to talk much. I just kept falling a sleep during the flight and ride. Finally I got to the hotel, checked in and got into my room. And here I am now. Just got my laptop in the internet (though I gave me a good jump, it wouldn't start at first at all, I took the battery off and now it's working fine) and my italian roommate Paola is sleeping. So, back to the last night. I send some messages back Finland and went right away to sleep. I cried a bit because I missed Tarmo but fell a sleep soon. I woke up at 8 am when my parents called me, though I already was half awake. We talked quickly and then I tried to call Tarmo but the lines to Finland were too busy. He had written me at night that he's happy I'm at the hotel and that I'm going to be safe here. It was so sweet that I almost cried (and do the same thing while writing this). I can't explain it but just felt so comforting.

So, the journey here went well and it was almost boring! Everything went so smooth and well. I had expected much worse. And I really enjoyed flying. The leaving is the best! Though my ears just keep popping. The hotel is nice and close to the places I need to go first. In the morning I went to shower (didn't know how to use it at first, same thing with the toilet). Then I went to eat some breakfast, got back to get my things and left to the Exchange Student Welcome Center where we were supposed to meet with Kaisa. She came a bit later than me, I took some papers, went to check my e-mail and soon we left to Coralville Mall. It's about 20 minutes from here by bus (which cost $0,75). I found two shirts and bikinis, a bag (not the dream one) and some essentials like shampoos etc. Then I came back to the hotel and Paola had just arrived. She was trying to get her laptop in the internet, but we couldn't figure it out what was wrong, I got my laptop in there right away (when it first went on). We chatted with Paola, and made plans (with Kaisa too earlier) to go to see some bar at the evening. So, that's were I'm about to leave, actually in 30 minutes, so I'll be off.

My New Laboratory Coat

Oh I just got the BEST gift EVER! It's a lab coat, but not just any lab coat, it's tuned JUST FOR ME!!! I'm so flattered :))

(and for those who didn't know, my irc nick is pokemon, and the story for that nick can only be heard directly from me...)

By the way, I look quite ugly in this pic :( Though my hair is just dyed! It looks good again.

But I just love this coat, I'll definitely wear it when I get to labs again! I LOVE IT! Thanks so much! (And yes, even though I didn't show it, I almost got a tear in my eye when I got this.)

But now I got to go to check my bags, me finally got our laundry dry...

This coat is so perfect...

Few Days Left

I'm really getting more and more butterflies all over my body.

Now my transportation from the airport to the hotel is in order. I actually e-mailed them. We were originally told to call there (americans love calling obviously even though it's cheaper and possible to do everything online, I called TOEFL things even though it'd been easier to make the reservation for the test time online, I would've reserved the hotel via the internet but their pages didn't work, now I'm wiser and try to do things first online no matter what they tell us. But back to my issue...) but as I explained I tried to find some kind of reservation thing from the interned and found one, but was too stupid to use it (the reservation needs to be done 24h before arriving). So I e-mailed them instead and asked lot of questions. They didn't answer my questions but said that I could come to their counter when I arrive and they'll take me where I need to go. So nice!

So now everything should be in order. Well I still need to check that my flights still exist but I can do that only on Thursday. I made some plans for Saturday too! I think that I'm too excited to sleep late on Saturday, so I'll get up for the breakfast and when the New Student Welcome Center opens (at 10am) I'll be there, check my e-mail etc and head to the town to shop new (hopefully dream) bag! And other essentials. I even got company, I'll meet Kaisa (one of the ISEP exchange student, from Finland too!) at the Center.

Tomorrow we'll clean the house, do some laundry and Vepa will dye my hair. And I'll pack my bags. I still don't get it that I'm going in a few days!!! On Thursday afternoon we'll go to Tampere where we'll leave at 3 am to Helsinki. Luckily Dad promised to drive me there. Mom and Tarmo will also come, when I leave Tarmo will head to Helsinki for Ropecon.

And then it's it.

ps. I just packed my laptop bag, I got all wires and other stuff (e.g. webcam, chargers) there so neatly that I have one department of the bag empty! So I can fit there that stuff that was meant to go my handbag. Nice!

First Post

Okay, here will be my exchange blog. I actually already created it somewhere else but the site went down and I got tired of that and I already know well how to use this so my exchange blog will be in here.

So, in a week I'll be in Iowa University. Here's my flights:

• Helsinki - Dublin 7:40 - 8:50
• Dublin - Chicago 11:50 - 14:00
• Chicago - Cedar Rapids (Iowa) 21:10 - 22:05

All the times are local times, Finnish times you get by adding 2 hours at Dublin and 8 hours at Chicago and Iowa.

Most of the thing to do -lists things are done and I'm having my leaving party today. I'll start this blog officially next week, until that, read my other blog :)