c'est Noël !

So the last couple of weeks have been crazy busy! I've barely had time to open the computer, so I really haven't had time to write at all. Last weekend we went to Timmins to finish off the last of our Christmas shopping. The mall was pretty packed with people, which is always one of the joys of Christmas shopping... 


On Sunday we had our first "Christmas" with Riley's family, because his father had to leave for work so he is not going to be here tomorrow, which is a bummer. We had a ham dinner, which i loved. Of course it was not the same thing as back home, but it was still good. It'll be strange not having the house filled with the ham smell, not having the oh so wonderful lanttulaatikko and it will be strange to open the gifts on the 25th instead of Christmas eve. Now I know many people aren't big fans of the traditional Finnish Christmas food and most people get sick of it after three days of eating it, but not me. I love it. We always stuff ourselves until we are ready to burst, go into the living room to digest for a few hours and then sneak into the kitchen to grab a slice of that cold leftover ham and lanttulaatikko. And all the food tastes just as good the second and the third day too.


I've had a lot of school stuff to do during the last couple of weeks, so I a very relieved to have a break from it all. On our second "Christmas" was on Wednesday, and this time it was because Riley's grandparents left to Florida on Thursday so we celebrated Xmas with them too. This time we had Chinese food.


Thursday was an exciting day for me, and I am really bummed that I forgot to take my camera with me. I had my very first volleyball tournament, and  after only playing volleyball for like a month, believe me it was a little nerve racking. I couldn't really fall asleep the night before because of the butterflies in my stomach and Thursday morning when I got on that court my legs were literally trembling. During the first game I was honestly very lost, because the rotations and movements on the court are extremely confusing, especially cause I have never ever practiced it. But all the girls were so helpful and supportive. They were the ones who made sure that I kept my chin up and kept playing even though I made mistakes. And I was pretty proud of myself, because I am the type of person who gets easily frustrated if I feel like I am letting my team down, and this time I didn't get frustrated. My last game of the day I actually played the whole game and it went so much better than the first one. I had fun and that's what really counts. 


After the tournament I went home to take a shower and then it was time to get ready for the Christmas formal dance. I am not usually the type to really dress up and do my hair and make-up, but yesterday when a couple of the girls did my hair I loved it! I have never ever curled my hair, and last night was the second time in my life to have someone curl my hair. I borrowed a gorgeous black dress from one of the girls and with my make-up and hair all done I actually felt pretty. We got ready at one my classmate's house and at around 9.45 we left to the dance. It was a fun night, with a hint of drama, but all in all I had a really fun time.


Today was such a relaxed day at school. We had no regular classes. Instead we had all kinds of activities in which you could collect points and then win prizes at the end of the day. I didn't win anything, but I was so happy so see one of my classmates win a video camera, which he was drooling over. We got to wear our pj's at school today and it was awesome. I've never been so comfortable at school. 


I am super excited for Christmas. It'll be a cool experience!

Best game ever.

The photographer had some problems with the lighting...?

Mmmm, c'est bon.

Now I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noël ! Hyvää Joulua! God Jul! Häid Jõule! ♥ ♥ ♥ 

My hair is still curly from yesterday! I love it.