The World is my Playground

I've been so blessed to have seen the world from a very early age. My parents took me with them on their travels, and when I was fifteen, I traveled by myself for the first time. If I would have to name two absolute passions of mine, they would be traveling and writing. I have babbled on about writing already, so now I want to share some thoughts about traveling. 

Norway 2012

Countries and the number of times I've visited them:

Sweden (1)

Norway (1)

Russia (3)

Estonia (10)

Latvia (1)

Lithuania (1)

Germany (2 + a few layovers)

Canary Islands (a few layovers)

Denmark (a few layovers)

France (1)

England (3)

Ireland (1)

Holland (1 + a few layovers)

Greece (3)

Turkey (3)

Cyprus (1)

Egypt (1)

The Gambia (1)

USA (6)

Traveling widens your horizon in the way you can't even imagine until you experience it. It gives you confidence and independence, not to mention incredible experiences.

Amsterdam, 2011.

NYC, 2011.

I'm not wealthy. Sometimes I really have to stretch the penny to make ends meet. I live in a small studio apartment and drive a 1988 Nissan. I don't have a state of the art TV or fancy, expensive clothes. I'd rather spend my money on flight fares. When there's a will, there's a way. It's all about prioritizing :)

Mount Rainier, St. Helens and Mount Adams. Landing to Portland, OR, 2012.

The downside is, that once you start, you won't get enough. 

I spent three months in Portland, Oregon last fall, and after coming back it's been awful at times. I miss it so much, and can't wait to go back. It's not easy to travel regularly. Too bad money doesn't grow on trees (or, well, it's paper, so technically it does). 

Portland, 2012.

My favorite places in the world? Airports. 

Have a happy weekend :)

-iira

Glipho

Ok, let's take a moment to talk about an awesome website, that's become very important to me in a very short period of time. I am sorry, Blogger, but I'm kinda cheating on you... with Glipho. 

For those of you, who don't know, Glipho, "the social publishing engine", is a blogging website that makes blogging very simple, and helps you reach more readers. Here's what they say:

Thanks to the internet, everyone has the potential to be a writer publishing their thoughts. Glipho pushes that potential even further.

We are a publishing engine where the content is ranked and highlighted by our users. Come and read what you care about, from other writers just like yourself. Choose the topics and writers that appeal to you and then follow them.

We want to be the network where you publish your words and express your views. The place which helps you take advantage of all the other networks to create better content, and where you can reach and interact with an even bigger audience.

Glipho’s concept is really easy, sign up and start writing straight away. Import your old content so it can be read for the first time again. Discover and be discovered by other users and the best thing of all, interact. Interact with the content, with your readers, with other writers, on Glipho, on Twitter …. everywhere.

Pretty great, huh? :) 

I got a comment from the Glipho team on Instagram, asking me to join, after promoting this blog. I checked out the site, liked and joined. Glipho really makes things easy; with a few clicks I could import my blog texts from Blogger to Glipho, and it's what I still keep doing. And in Glipho you don't have to worry about what theme to choose for your page. There's only one. It's what I love about Glipho; it's just about the writing. No distractions. And let me tell you, it's a lot easier to gain followers than on Blogger. A freaking bestselling author is following ME on Glipho! How cool is that?! 

Now, this isn't me badmouthing Blogger. I'm still here, aren't I? Blogger is where I started in the first place, and that alone gives it sentimental value. For now, I am writing on Blogger and importing my writing to Glipho. In the future, it's very possible that I will switch completely to Glipho, especially if things won't pick up here. 

You can check out my Glipho -profile at

http://glipho.com/iira-maria

Hope you like it :)

-i

here comes the sun

We don't have leaves on the trees, but other than that, spring is here! About time!! Today was the first warm warm day, and for us, it means the temp was around 68°F in the sun. And I was working, of course! But I will have the next two days off, and I'm hoping to have a little me-time. I noticed I've been feeling a little down lately, due to stress and some uncleared business, but I know that when I just get to reset, I'll be fine :)

My plans for tomorrow and Wednesday include cleaning, writing, reading, cooking, redecorating my apartment a little for the summer, maybe drawing if I find my pencils, and watching a couple of movies. Oh, and doing a ton of laundry. Doesn't really sound like relaxing, right? Well, it can be. Basically, anything but going to work can be relaxing ;) I'm actually really looking forward to getting started! What's gone into me? I used to loath the idea of cleaning on my day off, but now I can't wait. I must be turning into my mother..

Well, I've had a long day, and it's almost time to turn in. But first I want to share a photo with you, that I took today on my way home from work.

The day light increases every day and this is how our 11pm looks like now :) I can't wait to have those 19 hours of daylight again. Summer is such a short season in Finland, and even though I'm aching to move away from here, I always picture myself coming back for the summers. They're pure magic.

Take care :)

-i

bringing stories to life

Within the last week or so, I've been aching to write. I've been blogging, sharing posts to Glipho, working on my novel and even started a journal, which is something I've never really been into. I used to write a diary when I was a kid, but now I'm considering of actually starting a journal and trying to make it a regular habit to write it. I was surprised by how good I felt afterwards. 

The more I write, the more I feel like it's what I should be doing. I may not be a great writer, but I can feel and see myself getting better at it every day. I used to underestimate the advice every author gives to pursuing writers.

Write. Write every single day. Write even though you don't know what to write. Just write. 

Oh, how true that is. Such a simple piece of advice will get you there, though. It will help you. 

I would write, write and write. I can't get enough of it :)

Some day my novel will be finished, and I can't wait for that day. I don't really have expectations as to what I will feel like when that day finally arrives. Some authors say they feel empty, some triumphant, some feel numb. Numb as in having the work done, and that's it. It's their job. 

Right now I think there won't be much time for me to feel much of anything besides excitement. 

After finishing my first novel, I'll have to start writing the sequel. 

Busy, busy!

Have a nice weekend :)

-iira

Thoughts from 2012

I was browsing my old blog, Pandemonium, and came across this post that I wrote last summer. 

It made me feel pretty good, so here it is, as a follow-up for my previous WHAT?! -post. Enjoy!

Yeah, so I admit I've had my share of small panic attacks relating to whether or not I've accomplished enough in my life. I'm 23 years old, and sometimes I feel like nothing's not enough. Most of the time, fortunately, I feel like I've done pretty well.

I've traveled in a lot of places, ever since I was a baby. I learned some English before it was a mandatory subject at school, and then went on learning, so ever since I was 10-11 years old, I've managed to communicate in English on my own, without much help. It has encouraged me to test my limits abroad. I can travel alone in the biggest cities in the world, and know I have what it takes to survive, and survive well. I've made some very useful contacts overseas, if I may say so myself. I have been blessed with common sense. I tend to be bossy sometimes, but hey, someone's gotta keep it rolling. I take after my mother on that one. 

I have friends, who enrich my world with their own backgrounds, stories and experiences. 

I'm a daughter of two people, who support my desire to explore the world. 

I have a brother, whom I love so very much, and whose occasional special needs make him the most special guy in this world. 

I'm not much of a talker, unless you get me reallyreally drunk (don't), but I've come to realize that blogging is the easiest and the best way for me to say things I may not be comfortable saying to someone's face, even if the things I want to say, are positive. 

I've gone crazy with my friends, laughed so hard it actually hurts, cried my eyes out, attended concerts of world-famous singers', screamed in awe, screamed in anger, loved, hated, embraced, gotten up from the bottom. I have lived. 

For a 23-year-old... could be a lot worse :) 

Love, 

me

Blog Challenge!

A fellow blogger, Elamilia, whose blog you'll find HERE! presented a challenge a while back, and since I complained about not having topics, here I am, responding to that challenge. And I'm kind of a sucker for challenges ;)

So here we go!

(Note: some of my old readers may find that they know a lot of these things already.. sorry :))

11 THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. I'm very sensitive, no matter how tough I may seem. I swear, I cry at everything, and because of that I can't even have a good fight with anyone. I'm crying my eyes out of frustration after the first argument. 

2. I love superhero movies. 

3. As if loving superheroes doesn't make me a geek already, I'm a total nerd otherwise, too. I do the normal nerdy stuff: reading and writing etc., but I'm also very interested in things that a lot of others aren't... the English grammar, for example. And now, a little reminder to my readers: English is not my first language, so despite of my interest in the grammar, I will make a lot of mistakes, as learning is a never ending process :) Oh, what a nerdy thing to say. Anyway, my other nerdy qualities include a knowledge of completely useless trivia about various things, and the willingness to learn geographical facts about different countries. In High School, even though I didn't have to, I taught myself all the states and capitals of the United States. Currently I'm learning the State nicknames. Should I learn the population of each state next? See what I mean? I'm a weirdo!

4. I already mentioned that I write, so yeah, I'm working on my first novel right now. It's been over three years now, and it will probably take at least another three until it's even somewhat done. 

5. And about my novel characters, and about the whole creating process.. it's going on nonstop in my head! Sometimes it's wonderful, and sometimes creepy. I'm working on it unconsciously and sometimes I really need a break. The characters can also turn into a nightmare. A couple of months ago I got so tired of two of them, that I literally told them to work it out by themselves!!! And I am not kidding.. I took like a week off after that. And I felt better after that week. But seriously, how do you know you've done a thorough job with your characters? When they start to live on their own. Is it me, or am I sounding more and more like a psycho?

6. I learn best by listening, so with a little practice I'm quite good with accents. I can do American (which is my natural accent), and I think my American accent is a mixture of the East and West, as those are the places I've spent my time at. I can do a southern accent, too, but not perfectly. But I can't do Boston, just can't :D I can also do British and have been practicing Australian accent as well. However, Finnish accent is something I've never had, even though I'm born and raised in Finland and didn't set a foot in the US soil until I was 19 years old. I can't even do Finnish, it's so awful. Funny thing about accents, though; I've noticed that a lot of people with English as their second language are very insecure to use their English, because they think they're bad at it. But when I listen to them, they make very little grammar mistakes. It's the accent that's fooling them. 

7. I used to be very punctual and always on time, but after spending last fall in the States, I kind of adapted to their ways. It was always acceptable, sometimes even preferable to be at least 15 minutes late. No offense to Americans, I totally love your way of life :) But here people show up at seven if that's when you asked them to be there. Basically you can wait for them any time after 6.30. But nowadays I'm always at least five minutes late to everything. I'm like "I've got 20 minutes, that's plenty of time," even though I know I'll need 25-30 minutes. 

8. I'm all for Apple. I've got MacBook Pro, an iPad and an iPhone. Oh, and an iPod, but haven't used that in years. Can't wear headphones :(

9. The reason for not being able to wear headphones, is that I have lost part of my hearing in my left ear. I've been dealing with tinnitus for over a year now, and also had several episodes of severe vertigo leading to nausea and vomiting. I most likely have Meniere's disease, which is an inner ear thing that causes everything listed above, but I don't have an official diagnosis yet. Within the next six months I should have an MRI, so the doctors can rule out a tumor. Yikes! Sounds freaky, but in this case the tumor would be benign, and the chances for that are very slim. But still. No worries, though :) It's not a life-or-death-kind of situation. 

10. My taste in music used to be very limited, but within the last couple of years I've widened my horizons. My current favorites are: Celine Dion, Taylor Swift, Avril Lavigne, The Strange Familiar, Michelle Branch, Lifehouse, Chris Daughtry, Eminem, Maroon 5, Demi Lovato, Madi Diaz, Fransisca Hall, The Script, Christina Perri, Jason Walker, Hurts, Vanessa Carlton... 

11. I love the Oscars and watch them every year! :) I'm always guessing the winners with my friend and we have a competition. This year he won by one. He guessed 14 and I guessed 13. 

11 QUESTIONS FOR ME:

1. Your favorite amusement park ride?

Well, it used be a ride called Tornado in Särkänniemi. It still is, actually, but my days on the rides are over :( My balance just isn't what it used to be, due to my stupid ear, so no can do. And the easy rides that I could still take, like the ferris wheel, are so scary that I can't even do them. Especially the ferris wheel. I'm sooo scared of heights :(

2. Five of your favorite movies?

This is haaaaard! I'm such a movie fan. Am I supposed to name like some very meaningful movies or will anything do? I think I'll name more than five, just to be on the safe side. Here goes: Pitch Perfect, The Bridges of Madison County, Office Space, Little Miss Sunshine, The Blind Side, Inception, Forrest Gump, Notting Hill, Soul Surfer, Thelma&Louise... There are so many more, but I think I'd better stop.

3. Do you like stand up comic? Who's your favorite comedian?

Yes, me likes! I've only been to a comedy club once in my life, though, in New York City. Fun times :) And my favorite is by far Ellen DeGeneres, even though she's not really doing stand up now. It's so freaking unfair that her show doesn't air in Finland anymore, and I have to make due with YouTube clips :( ELLEN DEGENERES, IF BY SOME MIRACLE YOU'RE READING THIS, PLEASEPLEASE (PRETTY PLEASE?? with a cherry on top?) COME TO FINLAND, BECAUSE YOU HAVE A LOT OF FANS HERE! I'm the biggest fan, of course. And if you can't come to Finland, then I hope I'll be able to catch your show in CA some day :) Would be uh-mazing!

5. Do you take things calmly/steady or do you have the tendency to exaggerate?

Both. I can be a drama queen if I choose.

6. Do you watch any talent shows? Why/Why not?

I used to watch American Idol, but after five seasons it became boring. Sometimes I watch the auditions, cause that's what you call entertainment. After that it's booooo-ring. 

7. What recent fashion phenomenon do you like? Which do you hate?

I love all the different patterned jeans! I don't own any, though :( They can be jeans or even leggings if you can pull them off. The ones with the universe, like stars and galaxies are pretty cool :) And floral ones always work. Also, I love the bold use of colors, always. What I hate... pretty much anything I see Justin Bieber wearing. Ugh. 

8. Do you follow your favorite singer/band around or only go to their shows when they're playing near you?

Don't follow. Man, I had to wait for six or seven years for Celine Dion to come to Finland. 

9. Do you have a peculiar fear or phobia? (The kind that's only understood by the people with the same phobia, and maybe not by your friends and family?)

Well... I don't know if this is a phobia, but sunken ships freak me out. 

10. What are you good at?

Drawing (portraits) and English (I'm perfectly fluent and my writing's not bad, right? ;))

11. Do you like Ocean's 11?

Yeah! It's been a million years since I saw it, but yeah!

11 QUESTIONS FROM ME:

1. What's your favorite time of the day?

2. If you could be anything in the world, what would you be and why?

3. The best book in the universe?

4. Do you have any weird habits / obsessions?

5. Best way to travel?

6. Rainy or sunny?

7. Would you rather die by drowning or be burned alive?

8. Chihuahuas: adorably cute or look like rats?

9. If you got to choose to spend the day with either Stephen King or J.K Rowling, which one would you choose and why?

10. Why do you blog?

11. Are you on Instagram? 

I challenge everyone! :)

the spring is late

Hey y'all :)

I am dealing with a serious writer's block right now... that's my only reason for the lack of posts now. Also, I feel like I'm running out of ideas. "Already?!", you may think.. Well, I've been blogging for 2,5 years, so yeah :) Feel free to give me any ideas! Otherwise, I will post here asap... when I have a topic. I could start alphabet -posts? I did it in my old blog, Pandemonium, and it was fun. 

Well, anyhoo.. Oh, if you wanna find me on Instagram, my username is grasshopper89.

Any other Instagram-holics over there? I have to admit that it's got me totally hooked. At first I started out kinda slowly, but once I got the hang of it and started gaining followers, it turned out to be great fun. And it's so simple!! Just post pictures! It's amazing how one picture can capture so much. So in love with IG! Join, if you haven't already ;)

I have had a loooong day, and am about to start enjoying a little alone-time for the first time today. A free night, and I don't even have to get up early tomorrow. Evening shift at work! On Friday I'm off again, and hoping to get a hair cut. If that happens, then I'll definitely have something to write about on Friday ;) Yay! 

Can you believe it's May already?!

xxo,

iira