For Your Consideration

Greetings! If you have typed in some sort of combination of Erin O'Connor + Blogspot + Kuusamo + Volleyball in hopes of finding my blog, then congratulations. You found it. If you have come here in hopes of viewing my now infamous blog entries featured in the Kuusamo newspaper, then I'm sorry, you will not find them here because they have been removed. If you have come here looking for some sort of apology then you will not find that either. However, before I do what I should have done a long time ago (which is, make my blog viewable to ONLY my friends and family--since they are and have always been my intended audience) there are a few things that you, my new-found audience, should know.

While I do try to accurately tell my side of the story, one should also be warned that I have a strong sense-of-humor. And if you do not know me, or understand the way that I speak/write, then it is hard to tell that most things that I say are in jest and highly sarcastic. I am aware that cynicism is not a desirable trait for any human-being to possess, but honestly, I can't help it. It's who I am and more often, it's what I laugh at. If I were to say something like, "Kuusamo, a town with two stoplights and more reindeer than people." then I would not be trying to be offensive or insult the town and its inhabitants, I would simply be trying to get across to my friends and family that the town of Kuusamo is small. Laughably so, considering that I thought my hometown (Iowa City, Iowa: Population 70,000) was small. Don't be mad at me because I don't always like the weather, I'm sure that you don't always enjoy it either! Kuusamo can be a really pretty place when the sky is blue and the trees are covered in snow and though it's hard to believe, I actually enjoy ice-fishing. This past summer I went fishing in the midnight sun at Karhunkierros and spent the entire time behind my camera trying to capture its beauty on film for my friends and family. Unfortunately, I did not write any blog entries about these things and even if I had, it wouldn't have interested any journalists.

Also noteworthy is that I didn't have any choice in the publishing of my blog entries in the local newspaper. So for those of you that have approached me in the swimming pool, on the streets, or during my personal time to let me know that I am a "terrible person" or a "stupid, selfish, American bitch" and that I should be "ashamed of myself" for writing these awful things for the paper, please know...IT WAS NEVER MY INTENTION. In fact, I have been quite happy and proud of my team after a few good weeks of practice and a close game with Somero/victory at Eura. The spirit has finally been great for us! I told the journalist whom called for my comment on the blogs that it was all old news and that the team spirit was 100% better. I even begged him NOT to print a story about the blogs saying that I didn't want to ruin all the progress that the club had made. But, obviously he did not listen.

My blog is not only a good way to keep people I care about involved in my life overseas, but it also allows me a space to vent when I am upset. These blogs in question were NOT about me proclaiming that I am better than anyone else because I am an American, nor did I say once that I think I'm the best volleyball player in the entire world, the blog entries were me becoming increasingly frustrated at the way I (and the other American) were being treated and of course, my team's 9 match losing streak. No athlete wants to lose and when the team is losing many games in a row there is always a bad feeling. So for those of you that insist on approaching me around town to tell me your rather brash opinions of me, I remind you that you don't know me as a person and you don't know the whole story. But, if it makes you feel better about yourself then I can take it.

And on a side note, I was extremely impressed with the grace my club's president demonstrated in response to my blogs in the paper. I am happy to know that his confidence in myself and the team has not been shattered by my rash blog entries. The man deserves a medal! Now, back to volleyball and figuring out a way to end the season on a more positive note. Thanks for your consideration.

The Nook

SCREW THE AMAZON KINDLE (okay...i still want it but i want this more)!

The Nook is Barnes & Noble's version and it is really super cool...plus 1 million downloadable titles rather than the 350,000 at Amazon. That AND The Nook has a color touch screen. I want it. Please?

www.barnesandnoble.com/nook

A Christmas Wish List

Tis the season here in Finland fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la: temperatures well below freezing, 8 inches of snow on the ground, and Christmas lights on every corner. Many times a day I find myself humming Christmas tunes and instead of shoo-ing them away (like I must do mid-July) I let them take over...so as to only make my spirit bright! So with my new found Christmas spirit, I would like to take this opportunity to compile my personal Christmas wish list. (ahem, ahem, family).

1. (the ever popular and probably never happening) WORLD PEACE!
2. THE NOOK!!!!!! www.barnesandnoble.com/nook See above blog post!!!! The Amazon Kindle: www.amazon.com/kindle This thing is seriously amazing. I don't know why no one ever thought of it before! The Kindle is basically an electronic book. Kindle owners can download 350,000 book titles at highly discounted prices from anywhere in the world using the Kindle's own "whispernet". My teammate Erica just got one and I am loving how sleek it looks. And, since I have been in Europe for almost two years, I can honestly say that it is TOUGH to find English books when you want them. I have only one more book in my small, English library to read until I am totally S.O.L.. The only thing that I don't like about purchasing the Kindle now is that (like the Ipod) there will always be a newer, cooler version that I will want more. However, at this point in my life, it would be truly great to have the convenience of a Kindle. Oh and maybe a cover for it (something classy and hinged) and maybe a book light...just sayin...
3. Ipod Nano: www.apple.com/ipodnano (pink 16gb) The newest Nano is really cool. It rocks a larger screen and even has a video camera embedded. Since my volleyball career may soon be over, I'm going to need some kind of music device to run with. The Ipod Nano is a classy little device and the perfect size for fitness. While I would love an Ipod Touch as well, I think that I would rather have an Iphone someday...so I'll save my touch experience for that.
4. Brown Riding Boots: Ahhh. I wish there was a website to direct Christmas shoppers to, but alas there is not. I've been searching for these flat-heeled, minimal-detailed, hit-just-below-the-knee, camel-to-dark-brown riding boots for so long I've begun to think they don't exist. I have found some nice ones recently on the Victoria's Secret website and on various shopping trips (size 11 does not exist in Europe!) but I haven't found the perfect ones. I'll keep looking...until then...
5. Underwear: I refuse to wear any underwear that is not Victoria's Secret. H&M while you maybe the only decent intimates store in northern Finland, your underwear is skanky and cheap (like some of your clothes) and I prefer quality fabric riding up my bum. Mom's got this covered. Thanks, Mom! I love you, Mom!
6. A Tiffany Key: www.tiffany.com/keys These are so pretty and expensive that I know not only will I never get one, but I should never be TRUSTED with one. But, it's nice to dream. Sigh...
7. DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom Perfume (small bottle): I'm not much of a perfume wearer, but I can't get enough of this one. I like subtle, fruity scents and this one is the epitome of that. Feminine and fruity, I once doused myself in this smell at the Seattle airport only to be hit on 3 times in a row by classy old men each asking me, "Darling, what is that marvelous smell?" only to be informed later in the conversation that they weren't hitting on me at all but hoping to buy the same scent for their wives. Tomato, tomatoe...still wish I had it.
8. Professional Teeth Whitening: Lord knows no one in Europe gives a shit about their teeth (quality or color!) but I still do! Crest Whitestrips can only do so much! ZOOM! Whitening is where it's at! Although a little bit expensive it's SO worth it. And you don't have to waste time putting and peeling nasty strips from your teeth...bonus!
9. Lasik Eye Surgery: Probably a little more important than the color of my teeth (and by probably I mean DEFINITELY) but about 1000x more expensive and cool. I reallllllllly want it...but something tells me I'm going to have to wait til I have health insurance. Which is not any time in the near future.
10. My family and friends! I miss you guys so much! Life in Finland sucks without you and I'm looking forward to coming home more and more every day. I would tell you to come visit me, but Kuusamo blows. Save your money and lets go on a tropical vacation (fuck it, lets go to Vegas) as soon as I get home. Until then, I'm thinking of you all. And if anyone sees my little baby CC, give her a big hug and kiss from me.

So everyone, I know it's not even Thanksgiving for you, but find that Christmas spirit. And remember, "peace on earth and goodwill to all men". Lots of Love!

A short volleyball lesson...

I was looking through some pictures last night and found this oldie but goodie. This is a photo of Ville and his partner Antti playing beach volleyball for the World Police and Fire Games in Vancouver this past August (2009).

Anyway, take a good look at the picture below. Team Finland, pictured in white, is Ville and Antti's team. Team Germany, in orange, has possession of the ball. Notice where the hitters arm is facing for Team Germany. Clearly, this player is about to attempt a cross court shot. Now notice Ville, attempting to dig this hit on the other side of the net. Clearly, he is running to attempt to dig this player's line...not a very good read. Now, notice Antti's block...his hands are barely clearing the top of the net. Ohhhhh, wait. That's because his body is physically jumping INTO the net. Point Germany.


Love you, Ville****!!!! :) :) :) :)

*Just to clarify, Ville and Antti really are good volleyball players...they just had a bad moment. Obviously.

Lilli

I am happy to announce that Ville and I have a new addition to our family! Her name is Lilli and she is a 3-year-old French Bulldog. It has been a pleasure to have a dog around the house again, but it makes me miss my precious dog at home in the States, CC. If you have ever met CC, you would know why she's easy to miss. CC embodies everything that a dog should be. Loyal, obedient, loving, and RELAXED. Plus, she has such incredible eye-contact that you can almost understand what she's thinking just by looking at her. Lilli gives a certain eye-contact too...but it's mostly to let you know that she is about to go absolutely bat-shit crazy and there is nothing you can do about it.

On a typical day, Lilli spends most of her time lying on her back with her legs in the air on Ville and I's couch. Whereas most dogs would excitedly greet their owners upon their arrival at the door, Lilli continues to sleep on the couch, seemingly somewhat annoyed about our reappearance. But on the most special of days, she makes it apparent that she has been thinking about us in our absence by scattering various personal items around the living room. Lilli particularly likes Ville's socks, my bras, and both of our shoes. She never ruins our things, but we believe that she just likes to carry them around for a little while...perhaps, shake her head with the item in her mouth to feel some sort of vindication for being left alone.

The apartment that Ville and I share is on the second floor (therefore, no backyard) so new to our routine are the several daily walks we take Lilli on. CC walks evenly, never pulling too hard on the leash but Lilli....not so much. From the first step out the door, Lilli pauses to let me pass her until the leash is practically taut on her neck dragging her forward. She then takes that opportunity to sprint forward until the leash forces her to halt. Then she pauses again to let me pass her and then sprints forward again. Lilli possess an unnatural fear of bikes and cars. As much as I want to, I could not even begin to describe the noise that escapes from her throat whenever something with wheels nears her on the sidewalk. One evening, Ville and I spent a ridiculous amount of time riding a bike towards/away from her just to hear it again and again. But seriously not funny is her reaction to a nearby car. Lilli slows her walking speed, lowers herself into a pounce-like position, and literally throws herself into oncoming traffic like a small, brindle, kamikaze. I mean, does she not even CONSIDER the detriment of a faulty collar? Or a slip of the leather leash on my unsuspecting, mittened, hand? Anyway. I think we need to call Cesar Milan for an intervention on that one.

In a way, Lilli kind of reminds me of my ex-roommate's chihuahua...who had no concept of personal space. Now, I understand the Chihuahua's need to be clingy...because simply, it was easier to stay warmer when attached to a warm body (whether it be person, another dog, in the bathroom with the shower running, actually IN the shower, burrowed under the covers during nap time, etc.) and honestly, I loved that damn Chihuahua's helplessness. But when Lilli sashays into my lap I know she has one of two motives 1) to wipe her shit covered ass on my shirt (a severe downfall to owning a dog with no tail--ya gotta wipe it) or 2) because she is about to suffer from a night terror (barking without taking a breath for approximately 20 minutes while you chase her around the apartment begging her to stop) neither of which is particularly endearing. But the good news is that though Lilli is a small dog she has only suffered one "accident" over the past 3 weeks of living with us. The accident, which I am rather proud of, occurred in our shower. Of all the nice rugs and pleasantly dark corners in our apartment to relieve herself on, Lilli chose to enter our bathroom and climb into the shower to piss. I mean, we've all done it and if you are reading this blog right now and thinking "Ew, gross! I do NOT pee in the shower!" then you're lying to yourself. Because it has happened. I'm sure of it.

But overall, there's something sweet and delicate about Lilli in a big and clumsy way. Even though she doesn't speak English (or Finnish apparently) and doesn't respond to any demands that will not immediately be followed with some kind of people-food, she still tries decently hard to be like able. And the fact that she has learned to immediately enter the bathroom post pooping-walk so that we don't have to chase her around the house with the toilet paper anymore is pretty damn cool. Not to mention, we have had some pretty bad ass dance parties within only a short time.

Damn. I really need to make more friends.

Dude on a Bike...this one's for you!

Ahhh. Blogging. I can't say that I have ever had the desire...until today. I feel inspired! Let me tell you why:

For those of you that don't know, I have been living and working in Finland for the past 2 years as a professional (haha) volleyball player. At this moment in Northen Finland, we have begun to experience the first weeks of winter (that being about 5 inches of snow and ice as well as cold weather to accompany it). My club does not provide me with a car--and the town I live in is so small that I would hardly ever need it--so instead, I rely on my bicycle to get me around town.

So this morning, about 7:40am, I'm riding my bike to practice extremely cautiously trying to concentrate on the divets in the ice and finding the sand tread and to be honest, the ride is SLOW. So naturally as I'm riding, I get to thinking and honestly, it's mostly negative things--I don't want to go to practice, I would rather be sleeping, I don't like my Coach, my body hurts--and that's when I see him. A lone male biker heading towards me at an alarming rate of speed. Immediately I begin to get nervous that he won't "share the road" but as he clears left so that I can stay right, I notice the HUGE smile on his face. At first, I begin to think that he is smiling a "Hello!" to me, but to my surprise, he makes no eye contact and speeds past me while continuing his goofy grin.

Why the hell was he so happy? Where was this man coming from so early in the morning? And where was he going? Clearly he was in a hurry, and clearly (not joking) the man was mentally ill. But nonetheless, he tickled me so deep that I couldn't help but bring it up to my teammate, Erica, (who travels the same way I do in the morning) at practice.

Me: Uhh, did you see that smiling guy riding his bike away from the sports hall this morning?
Erica: OMG YES! Did you!?
Me: hahaha YES! What the hell was he smiling about?
Erica: I don't know, but as I was getting close to him my Ipod shuffle broke into the Jackson 5 song "A-B-C"...how perfect is that?

And for the rest of the morning, whenever I had a negative thought, all I had to do was remember that dude on his bike and I suddently felt better. So, today, all of my positive thoughts in the universe go out to you, Mr. Biker-Man. Thanks for keeping it real.