November 27, 2014: The worlds most normal thanksgiving in the least normal way

1 Italian
4 Fins
6 Americans
1 Bahamas
2 Mexican
1 Aussie


So basically add together that mixture of people and the knowledge that all of them lack on how to throw a thanksgiving and the result will wield you the best thanksgiving one has seen

It stated on Wednesday the 26. The ingredients were fetched and the pie was attempted to be baked. I say attempted because we just started dancing and eating apples. But the dough was made so thats a start.

On the morning of Thanksgiving, I woke early and finished the pie before everyone else woke up. And then the day commenced. We first had an American breakfast of real pancakes. Daniel came over to enjoy them with us. He brought the sugar. How sweet.

Anyways, lets get down to business. The turkey. So basically none of us knew how to cook. All we had was the little book my mother created for us and that was it. Also the internet. 

I had to cook the turkey. We named her Kristian. 

Slowly but surely everyone was arriving and cooking in this little kitchen. We had our Flag hung up. There was sweet potatoes going and green bean casserole cooking. Luis made some mexican food to spice up the dinner. Mash potatoes were mashed. Corn bread was made. Everyone was working and cooking something. The house smelled soo good.

When it was time to eat we all gathered around and noticed we forgot drinks! hahah We all talked about how much props we give to the women who make thanksgiving possible. They deserve all the credit. Thank you to all the women in my life which has made thanksgiving what it is. It was so hard but it was worth it. Running a kitchen like my tootsi did.

After we said thanks, the plates were passed over the table and the laughter grew. I swear I have never laughed as hard in my life before Finland. 

This year I found the meaning of thanksgiving. It isn't the food. But the people around the table. Being thankful that everyone is there and you are not alone. That there is family.

Back in the states the table was surrounded by family. 

In Finland my table was surrounded by family. 

not as good as my mothers

can it get more american than this? nope

he mixed up lamb and beef. He's the best friend I could ask for.

shes a special one

desert and coffee

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

A Finnish Thanksgiving

My Finnish Friends at school surprised me with the idea to throw a thanksgiving. It was decided we would. On Sunday we all met up at Miksu's house and started cooking together. The thing which was so special was it all Finnish food- Reindeer, karjalanpiirakka, and rye bread. I added some mac and cheese and chocolate chip cookies to the mix.

karjalanpiirakka and note my customary  measuring cup

oh look at that yankieness

Riita brought me a cookie

rudoph

my plate

famly

So Misku does not like people but she is one of the best people I have met. And after we ate our selves twice over i found her in her bed. She deserves a hug. 

The thing is. Yeah this wasnt the most normal of Thanksgivings. But is was one of the best. We went around the table talking about what we are thankful for and I could talk for ages of being thankful. But in this moment I am so thankful for the people around that table. They went out of their way to give me some bits of home. Thanksgiving is about being with family and friends. being thankful. and being happy. It was truly the best thanksgiving so far. Even if I ate reindeer (its tasty.)

I ate my weight in Karjalanpiirakat: An Autobiography

Today consisted of

-8 different types of flour (they don't have corn syrup but they have so much flour- personal problems)

- Finnish cooking course

- how I met your mother

-the metric system 

- mutual sass between and old man and me

A few weeks ago (being the ever eager exchange student I am) wanted to learn how to cook Finnish food. And now I do!! Or at least I know what salt is in Finnish. (it's suolaa just in case you are in need of the Finnish word for salt. I was.) I will now be prepared to make Finnish food.

When we arrived the door was closed and I want to explain how sometimes its easier to trust and just not ask what is going on. We walked around this  building to find another door and my äiti just talked Finnish to this other lady. I can't express how often I am actually clueless. It is going to be very weird going to the states and being able to understand everything again. 

my äiti packed me a cute apron which she said matched my dress. oh yeah.

another note on the amount of coffee: There was a coffee break even in the course.
I am starting to drink half cups because I may have a problem with how much I drink

what you see above is the definition of a struggle. I had to make these pullataikina and you have to make them into perfect little balls which look like a god chiseled them. I learned the technique eventually. and then had to redo them all. 

 This lady is seriously the best lady ever. She is always so awesome and we have inside jokes and man she is wonderful. I can never fully express how amazing family is and even more how amazing this lady is. She hates to cook and she agreed to join me on this adventure. We were maybe not the best chefs in the class but it was the most amusing time.

selfie with the cutie

meet struggle two- the blueberry filling from hell. IT WENT EVERY WHERE.Praise the lord for my apron.

this is mr. ystävä (mr. friend), I can't pronounce his real name

 mhhh food. all of the food. all of the Finnish food.

he doesn't even realize how great of friends we are. 

so cold. so cold. there is snow.

I came home and I rolled into my bed and slept/watched how I met your mother.  I woke up and ate an apple with the family as they watched and understood this Finnish sitcom... I just was confused and made a plot line in my head hahahah

Life is good. Karjalanpiirakat is great. 

Hitting up the national parks tomorrow! Hiking!