home at last!

Okay, so we've really been home for 12 days, but if you just came back home after being out of the country for 7 months, writing a new blog post wouldn't exactly be the first thing on your list of to-do's, would it?  Didn't think so.

I can't even express how good it feels to be back in the USA.  Where we can understand people around us.  And communicate without difficulty.  And eat the food that we're familiar with.  And..... well you get the point.  I've already told my husband countless times that he will probably have to drag me kicking and screaming to the airport come time to go back next season, and I've threatened to tell the customs officers that my husband is making me leave the country against my will.  (Okay... maybe not that dramatic, but as much as I like Finland.... it really just doesn't compare to home)  I'm just trying not to think about it for now and enjoying going to Target once, sometimes twice, a day.  That is what the offseason is for, isn't it? :)  (speaking of that... I thought it was time for a break from hockey?  Why does my hubby feel the need to torture me with watching NHL playoffs when it's supposed to be the 'offseason'?  If it's going to start consuming every aspect of my life again in AUGUST, I don't know if I can stand having to watch until mid JUNE!  Sorry, a month just isn't a long enough break for this girl!)

The weather here has been fantastic for the most part... for Springtime in Wisconsin that is!  We hit 80's last Sunday, and the past 2 days have been 60's and 70's.  J and I even enjoyed a nice bike ride around the lake yesterday.  Much better than that 20's and 30's crap we were having in Helsinki.  Hopefully it's starting to warm up a little bit over there for our friends... no one deserves that kind of weather in April! 

Of course, now it has cooled down here a bit and is rainy, just in time for our move this weekend.  Since I was stuck doing our last 2 moves by myself (compliments of dear ol' hockey) this time it's hubby's job to take care of all that crap.  I told him I'll still unpack and organize stuff, but that's mostly because I'm very anal particular about where things go.  In the meantime, we've been staying with my in-laws, which is really nice to be able to spend some extra time with family.  But I've gotta say, I cannot wait to get settled into our place and we finally get to unpack and use all of our wonderful wedding gifts!  It's going to be like getting new stuff all over again.  Who wouldn't enjoy that?  :)

We've got lots of other exciting stuff going on and coming up also.  Since we're home with many of our family and friends (and I have a little more stuff to do than winter in Helsinki), I probably won't be updating the blog as much as I have in the past (okay, I haven't been consistantly great about it anways... but I'll be happy with once or twice a week) with updates on what's going on, along with some informational posts as always.  I see lots of you have been looking for information on traveling to Europe with dogs... and I hope that you're finding your answers!  It's a piece of cake once you get the hang of it, really  (I've added info on traveling back to the U.S. from Europe also.. :) ) 

Happy Thursday! :)

what's going on

Thought I'd write a quick post to update on what's going on in the C & J household/world this week.

* J's last 2 games of the regular season are this week... Today & Thursday.  The team is currently in 6th place, and need to stay there to be guaranteed a playoff spot.  They play the top 2 teams in the league this week (including Mrs K's hubby tonight :) )  so it will be no easy task. 
Here's how it works: Should they end up anywhere from 7th-10th place, they will play a 3 game mini-series with one other team to determine which will move on to the playoffs with the Top 8 teams.  If they can (*fingers crossed*) stay in 6th (or higher!)  they will get a little break during this "qualifying round".

* Today is my last day "alone" for the regular season while J is away for the game.  Mixed feelings about that one! ;) 

* We're still brainstorming ideas and plans for our end-of-the-season trip.  It's just so hard to narrow anything down!  But I'm sure no matter what we decide, it will be wonderful. 

* I plan to start packing some of our stuff up and sorting out what needs to come home with us for the summer and what can stay here until next season.  It's crazy to think how soon the end of the season has come... but hopefully we still have several more weeks left! :)

* The weather in Helsinki is finally warming up a bit.  We're hanging right in the 30's F.  Not bad considering less than 2 weeks ago it was -20 F! 

* I'm working on plans for my future S.I.L's Bridal Shower in June.  Can't wait to make all of the creative ideas in my head a reality... I just looooove being a hostess! :)

* Also in the works are a couple new blog posts (of various topics) and hopefully a new blog design!  Be sure to come back and check them out :)

* Continuing expanding my photography skills!  It is quickly becoming a cherished hobby of mine.

* And last, but not least... keeping up with our shows!  The Bachelor, American Idol, NCIS: Los Angeles, Glee, Kourney & Kim, Teen Mom... etc.  Wow, am I a reality tv w*ore or what?  I guess I just throw them in along with all of the National Geographic, Viasat Explorer, Hockey & other sports programs J makes me watch, for good measure :)

Hope everyone is having a great start to their week!  Soon it will be SPRING!!