Everything is going well. Work is exciting as usual and getting more and more challenging as each day goes by. Getting the apartment almost finished for our “official, unoffical” house warming party to be held I am thinking around end of March, hopefully, if Hanna and I can get the place ready by then. I am sure Hanna’s father will help out as well.
In just a few days it will be over 1 year since moving to Finland. I can not believe it has been that long. Since we now have a digital camera, I will be taking lots more pictures in the coming year and will be posting them on the site. Stay tuned for more to come. It will be an exciting year to come for sure. I just can’t wait for summer to arrive. ( I am starting to get sick of the snow!) =)
Stay tuned for more to come.

Life always throws you a twist of fate ever now and again and it makes sure it doesnt go to your head too much. Living here in Finland has brought me closer to my family, and my new family here, not taking life for granted, especially since Sept 11th. I have always lived my life doing as much as I can each and every single day, not worrying about what tomorrow will bring or throw my way. I miss my family and friends in the states very much, and I know they know this, but if I am going to be successful at what I am doing here in Finland, working for Nokia, and being with Hanna, then I must do what I have to do. I actually like living here, as I have grown accustomed to the everyday life of it being very dark in the winter, and very bright during the summer. Adjusting to the winter months, and coming from California, it was not easy, accepting the fact of having to dress in layers as to not freeze to death walking to work or taking the bus to downtown or to a friends home. I have never felt anything any colder than 18*f, but this past Christmas Holiday, it got down to –25*c or –13*f, and the locals have said that this is not the coldest month yet, as Feburary is usually the coldest, getting down to –35*c (-31*f) or below. It is something that may take me awhile to get used to, but I am willing to get used to it. I have a beautiful girlfriend, a lovely home, a great job, and fabulous new friends here in Finland, but I miss all my friends and family back home in California.
I hope all of you enjoyed your Christmas and New Years there, and who knows, maybe I will be there next year with Hanna celebrating it with you all!

more to come soon…

Last night was the best storm to come through yet, it was so cold, I had to shut the windows. Snowed pretty good, but during the day it is really snowing good. Doesn’t look like I am going anywhere tonight, but straight home to a hot meal. Hanna is coming home tomorrow from her stay in Atlanta doing work related projects. It will be nice to have her home finally. Then once she is home, we are off to Kouvola to visit her family for Christmas! Then back to Helsinki for the New Year!
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year! – From Rob and Hanna!
Look for more to come soon….

Went to Hanna’s parents home last weekend and really had a great time there playing with her little sis, Tiia. It was nice to see them again after being away for such a long time..I am thinking over a month.
The COLD weather is starting to hit us all now. It was -11c yesterday (17.Dec.2001) and very clear day. The sun actually was shinning, which was a blessing as I miss the sun so much. It was nice break from the cold, dark, snowy days here in Helsinki. The sun rises around 9:35am and sets around 3:20pm. Kinda wierd as I leave for work in darkness and come home in darkness. Thank goodness for light bulbs! =)

more to come soon..