Pigeons

Some things are exactly the same in Finland and in the US - pigeons among them. A couple of them (I presume they are a couple) like to spend their days on the ledge right behind the window by my desk at the office. Having studied these mundane creatures for quite a while now I have to say that I find them quite beautiful.

PJ

I thought I'd start posting every once in a while about my very favorite things in America. I have to say that I've fallen in love with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. (This jelly is what my English teacher would have called jam.) Amazingly enough these godly creations are practically unknown in Finland.

President & Deodorant

This is what they sell at Union Square in Manhattan. Makes sense to me: it's going to get real' sweaty before Obama gets the Cap and Trade system passed.

Numbering

While the measurement system in America (inches, miles, pounds, ounces...) gives me a headache, they have definitely figured a better way to number apartments here. (I think even you non-Finns, non-Americans can figure out which one it is.)

Green Card

It's my second anniversary of living in Ameriikka today (as documented here - the same, oddly familiar madness is on right now). I was thinking about the most memorable moments during this period and I feel like there is one above the rest: the day when I got my long awaited Green Card. The incident would have been memorable as such but it became an all time classic when my wife tripped over and broke her finger as we were rushing out the house to make it on time to the court house. It took hours before we were done with the process and she got to see a doctor. Is there really no gain with no pain?

Ball Games

I've been wondering how are there so few American men among the people I play volley ball with – while there are plenty of American women. I think I get it now: volley ball is a game for sissies that no self respecting grown up man should play.

Now, you are of course wondering how can it have taken me so long to figure that out. I guess that just goes to show how much of a sissy I am.

Broadway Show

Yesterday I got to see a Broadway Show for the first time (Guys and Dolls - I kind of feel like seeing the movie version next). The show was good and the theater very glamorous - I especially liked the way the fire hoses were hidden. I'm sure the firemen will appreciate it too as they rush in to save the building.

Upright vs Canister

Some days ago I made a mess at the office and I had to get the vacuum (I used to call it hoover but the only thing hoover around here is the damn dam). This was my first encounter with an upright vacuum - and I hope it was the last one. A co-worker said diplomatically that he thinks people get used to what ever they grow up with. But that's not true! Anyone who has tried a canister vacuum has gotta love it!

Snow

The good people of New Haven (and the rest of the Northeast) faced snow fall of a full foot today. Some liked it better than others.