tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62292772011-04-22T04:05:55.175+04:00This blog is an exploration of my new identity as immigrant to Finland. It can also, be seen as a representation of my Chicana identity through my documentary & art photography and short films. It may be an introduction to Chicana culture. Or it may be an examination of my immigrant identity via photography, films, and rambling. Well, either way, I am a Chicana and an immigrant living in Helsinki. Aye dios, I talk, I gossip,I bitch, I take pictures,I make short films, and I post them here.gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.comBlogger2751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-42336419046768134012011-02-18T00:37:00.002+03:002011-02-18T01:06:48.936+03:00

Hi 2011!. When was my last post 2007, are you serious? I was using LiveJournal in the mean time. Then, I got tired with it. Of course, I've been on Facebook since Tribe went bust. Anyway, here I is. Writing because I am working a graveyard shift and all 3 of my patients are in their beds. Snoozerama.I still love playing Zelda. I bought that GameCube and a Wii. I haven't played a Zelda game on Wii

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-69153648477544183402007-08-27T04:32:00.000+04:002007-08-27T04:33:13.301+04:00

I finally finished Zelda: The Wind Waker. My friend let me borrow it and the game cube, I played it on. I will have to give it back soon, so, I had to get on with it and finish. He was so right about me liking this game. After I started playing this, I started looking for Zelda games that I could play on my DS Lite. I had left the country for the summer, so I wasn't able to play Wind Waker until

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-2650355379601309852007-08-27T04:23:00.000+04:002007-08-27T04:23:23.588+04:00

This brings me to selling my current vehicle. It is a 1993 Mitsubishi MacroCab Pick-up truck. I am the original owner. I brought it with me from California back in 2003. It is really very impractical for most city driving. The Finns coworker said it was the type of car that the men who collect bull sperm use. Hmmmm. Well, it has served me well. We just want a car now, a vehicle that will easily

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-55981488693689482882007-08-27T04:13:00.000+04:002007-08-27T04:13:23.428+04:00

We want to buy a car. So, we were in Vantaa looking at the Citroën cars, when as we walked to the back lot (which was a joke) and saw this building across the street. I thought it highly amusing. I mean, I guess all the cars were inside the showroom. I am used to auto lots that contain hundreds of cars which one might potentially go home in that day they visit the dealer. This is a totally new

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1386607968456814002007-08-13T01:50:00.000+04:002007-08-13T01:59:13.888+04:00

So, I am on this island fortress and the Chicana in me is deepdown freaking out because I am afraid I might see dead people. Or if not that; then feel a chill which would then lead me to believe a spirit of some dead soldier had passed through me. Anyways, we were finally in this one area of Suomenlinna where there are these storage area fortification looking things and I snapped a picture of

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-61781225681465739112007-08-09T23:47:00.001+04:002007-08-09T23:47:18.277+04:00

fortress07 001 Originally uploaded by gema fovaSo, after a long vacation in sunny Southern California I decided I could no longer last without some quality sunglasses. That and knowing I was coming back to Helsinki, where the sun seems so much fucking brighter. You know what? No, it isn't ihana weather when there is no rain and the sun is boiling my retinas inside my eyeball fluid. I love the

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-57439328688181247182007-08-05T20:08:00.001+04:002007-08-05T20:08:55.625+04:00

Porvoo07 201 Originally uploaded by gema fovaEntonces, we took this boat to Porvoo. It was, as the theme song goes, a three hour tour. So, the ship docked at the town and we went walking about. We had lunch and walked up to the burn church. It was all covered in scaffolding but one could smell the burnt timbers. It was bloody hot there, at the time and we were meandering around looking for a cafe

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-20532462759869823082007-08-05T17:09:00.001+04:002007-08-05T17:09:53.092+04:00

Stones 081-1 Originally uploaded by gema fovaSo, I have been back in Helsinki for a day, or something, when I found out that the Rolling Stones were playing at Olympic Stadium. Reading from Hesari the Finn told me that Mick Jagger waved out of his window at the Hotel Kämp to fans below. Well, we went out on errands the next day. I went to pay my jäsenmaksu and get my sticker on my student card.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-63412199290090387112007-08-05T16:51:00.001+04:002007-08-05T16:51:36.741+04:00

atLAX 010 Originally uploaded by gema fovaAnd so it came to the moment of my departure... My mom and sister took me to the airport. My brother met us there. My sister and I had just seen Transformers, which I thought was pretty funny. It was fun when they mentioned Nokia phones and Finland. Then, there were some scenes from Hoover Dam which I had just driven through during my time there. Of

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-41013222948808933522007-08-05T16:24:00.001+04:002007-08-05T16:24:37.249+04:00

Family 048 Originally uploaded by gema fovaSo, it was my cousins bday and we went over my grams with his cake, lunch and gifts to find him gone. Nobody knew where he was. When he finally came home he was all pedo. So, for awhile everything was really weird and awkward. Finally, after my mom made him eat his lunch he started snapping out of it.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-29752443276893743862007-08-05T16:22:00.001+04:002007-08-05T16:22:08.814+04:00

Family 074 Originally uploaded by gema fovaMy aunties wanted to take me out to eat one last time before I left L.A. They took me to Shogun. It was very tasty food. So, as you can see it is like a Benihana style Japanese food restaurant, where the chef cooks with much humour and theatrics.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-65858456467843181222007-07-30T20:16:00.000+04:002007-07-30T20:20:48.375+04:00

First of all, yes I dressed up for the Harry Potter release at Borders in Hollywood. Oh, and my flight leaves at 9:20pm, today Monday July 30th. Dang. How many times do I have to answer that. Probably, two more times. Santa Maria. So, anyway, here is a video from TJay's very own La Coacha. I have a brief scene, one line. I was mostly repeating what she had said and the rest of what I said didn't

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-72412138357442061902007-07-29T11:34:00.001+04:002007-07-29T11:34:38.258+04:00

Tijuana 014 Originally uploaded by gema fovaI love this place. My sister and I took a day trip to TJ. Honey, we parked in San Diego and walked across the border. We didn't stop walk there either. We didn't take a taxi, rather we walked all over the place; to Revoluccion to Los Heros to the CECUT, the Zona Rio Mall and back again. I was so sore the next day, but it felt good to walk so much.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-32543070522226042472007-07-29T11:18:00.001+04:002007-07-29T11:18:15.251+04:00

Angels 172 Originally uploaded by gema fovaMy aunt, who has Angels season tickets, let my sister and I have a pair. It was really fun. It was one of the things I wanted to do. I think the Dodgers are still my team, but I have big affection for the Angels.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-6640908365354999812007-07-29T10:58:00.001+04:002007-07-29T10:58:33.395+04:00

DTAzusa (8) Originally uploaded by gema fovaMMMmmmm, this was some good food. They are totally remodeling downtown Azusa. It is looking cute. It used to be such crap when I was in high school.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-41274841445833340212007-07-29T10:56:00.001+04:002007-07-29T10:56:31.787+04:00

Hairspray (2) Originally uploaded by gema fovaMan, this movie was really good. I thought it was so funny. I haven't had the opportunity to ever see the musical so I had no idea. I loved the original version, and didn't realize an alternative edition would be so great. I went with my sister and brother and we saw it at the arclight.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-83839469713733981442007-07-29T10:54:00.001+04:002007-07-29T10:54:14.906+04:00

Tattoos 042 Originally uploaded by gema fovaThis is the most awesome photo from that trip. I went with my sister and cousins to the Tattoo Expo at the Pomona Fairplex. They all have tattoos, I don't. It isn't that I wouldn't want one, but I have just never gotten around to it. I love the look on this guys face and the cute sarong.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-3260841700388767702007-07-29T10:50:00.001+04:002007-07-29T10:50:26.958+04:00

DH 064 Originally uploaded by gema fovaIt was another day where I could dress up in my Hogwarts uniform. More importantly, the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series was released. I met tribe folks again at the Arclight for dinner and then we walked to Border's to get the book. I was busy during the weekend, so I didn't finish it until Sunday.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-36068452630142060052007-07-29T10:47:00.001+04:002007-07-29T10:47:14.148+04:00

julypics 038 Originally uploaded by gema fovaSo, my sister told me about this date she had where they were walking around Pasadena and suddenly turned around to find these giant heads. They are of Jackie Robinson and his brother. They are right by the city hall. Speaking of city hall, as we were walking through, I had my camera out and was taking photos when a security guard told me that it was

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-86471466966551897962007-07-29T10:44:00.001+04:002007-07-29T10:44:10.184+04:00

julypics 010 Originally uploaded by gema fovaDinner and a movie with more folks I met on tribe. IMAX 3d is awesome, even though loads of things were left out of the film or change.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-51998358021115842322007-07-29T10:41:00.001+04:002007-07-29T10:41:35.888+04:00

Funeral1 187-1 Originally uploaded by gema fovaMy step great grandmother passed away. We attended her funeral in Riverside, California. Cecilia Reyes Ahumada, November 18, 1903 - July 4, 2007.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-25395234522773872712007-07-29T10:37:00.001+04:002007-08-06T00:05:11.646+04:00

Premier 053Originally uploaded by gema fova I had a chance to meet some totally funny chick who I have become friends with in tribe. My cousin said she was funny and knew everything.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-21015718761913071332007-07-29T10:35:00.001+04:002007-07-29T10:35:21.575+04:00

Premier 050 Originally uploaded by gema fovaAfter the film, we came out in time to see some of the fireworks going off at Disneyland.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-35286637292393549362007-07-29T10:30:00.001+04:002007-07-29T10:30:35.962+04:00

Premier 003 Originally uploaded by gema fovaMy sister's friend hooked me up with tickets to a special screening of Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix. It was at Downtown Disney on July 10th, a day before it showed to the general public.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-49031544419741745572007-07-27T12:16:00.001+04:002007-07-27T12:16:10.289+04:00

TripHome 070 Originally uploaded by gema fovaDriving by Magic Mountain on the way home from the wedding. It has been too long since I've been there.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-11378201627844191932007-07-27T12:15:00.001+04:002007-07-27T12:15:19.667+04:00

C&Me 024 Originally uploaded by gema fovaI had to go see my best friend, in Berkeley. Man, my uncles was driving to th eOakland airport. I thought it would be faster to catch a ride with him and have him drop me off at the stadium. However, it didn't work out that way. I guess he wasn't really sure of how to get back without me. Darn it. I had to go to the airport with him and take fricken

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-42575051730642497172007-07-27T12:13:00.001+04:002007-07-27T12:13:05.526+04:00

Wedding2 010-1 Originally uploaded by gema fovaThis wedding was an experience. It was all in Spanish, even though the bride speaks English. There were mariachis playing the church songs. They followed to the reception. Then a norteño band played and finally a banda group. My sister caught the bouquet, again. It took a scary turn when parents progressively forgot about watching their children and

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-12329069810277940102007-07-27T12:10:00.001+04:002007-07-27T12:10:24.346+04:00

To Concord 012 Originally uploaded by gema fovaMom, Sis & I drove up to Concord for a cousin's wedding. That isn't us on those bikes, of course. We were in a car. I fell asleep soon after this and woke up sporadically along the way.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-90702739755053159562007-07-27T12:06:00.001+04:002007-07-27T12:06:34.681+04:00

Santa Barbara 175 Originally uploaded by gema fovaWhen I first went to university, I only applied to UC Santa Barbara because I just felt I was going to live there. So, I did for a year. My aunts had lived here for awhile and I always had such fond memories of it. It was delightful to make a trip up there with them.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-20641525844172461622007-07-27T12:03:00.001+04:002007-07-27T12:03:23.122+04:00

FourthOfJuly2007 111 Originally uploaded by gema fovaFireworks. Bang.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-3282777920747530992007-07-27T11:59:00.001+04:002007-07-27T11:59:20.948+04:00

FourthOfJuly2007 059 Originally uploaded by gema fovaMy cousins and I at my mom's house for the fourth.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-89579494314554542672007-07-27T11:50:00.001+04:002007-07-27T11:50:03.483+04:00

LaVerne 010 Originally uploaded by gema fovaIt was fun to spend the evening with my family.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-81109610385717248102007-07-27T11:48:00.001+04:002007-07-27T11:48:19.961+04:00

TheBeach 226 Originally uploaded by gema fovaI used to drive this Highway going to work nearly everyday. It is quite nice.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1525729363594090402007-07-27T11:46:00.001+04:002007-07-27T11:46:11.092+04:00

TheBeach 185 Originally uploaded by gema fovaSunset Beach is the most awesome beach for hanging out. It is really mellow.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-15931462577928608922007-07-27T11:42:00.001+04:002007-07-27T11:42:27.988+04:00

QueenMary-1 Originally uploaded by gema fovaAfter driving across the desert, it was really nice to visit the beaches. We started with Long Beach, the city we last lived in. We wanted get some grub from Golden Burger on 4th. It was still tasty, got to love those fried zucchini. We ate them at the beach below that grass across from Bixby Park.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-62433721810408050152007-07-27T11:22:00.001+04:002007-07-27T11:22:32.908+04:00

Desert Hwy Originally uploaded by gema fovaSo, on the way back from Laughlin, I was telling the Finn about how there was lava laying around from a long since blown volcano, when I started to wonder if I was telling the truth. Were those rocks really black lava? I mean, my dad used to tell me this when I was little and we would be driving back home from the High Sierras or Utah or somewhere.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-78134682816667724992007-07-27T11:17:00.001+04:002007-07-27T11:17:55.938+04:00

Desert Hwy Originally uploaded by gema fovaI love rental cars.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-8632458249618432252007-07-27T11:14:00.001+04:002007-07-27T11:14:16.970+04:00

Laughlin 025 Originally uploaded by gema fovaAs if driving in the dark from the Grand Canyon through this area with a bunch of whirlwinds wasn't scary enough, not to mention driving without a map, or finding a live hopping cricket in your room; then, waking up in the morning walking out of the hotel to find it is not only hotter than hell but that there are big ass scary looking fishes in the

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-43418063185122650552007-07-20T12:24:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:24:04.777+04:00

GrandCanyon3b-1 Originally uploaded by gema fovaAs I said, we went to the Grand Canyon. We didn't really have a plan. I think we were sort of thinking about finding this glass platform and walking out on it. However, as soon as we got there we went to the first ledge we could find and forgot about the whole idea. Then we went to the little village area and hopped on the bus to the last point. We

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-87542342490890025392007-07-20T12:19:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:19:11.056+04:00

Hoover Dam Originally uploaded by gema fovaWe drove from Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Ok, next time leave Vegas much much earlier. It took forever to get there and I didn't bother to fill up the tank before entering the park. I was like a git driving out of it in the pitch black, shook up from near misses with wild life running near the road and the ominous gas indicator near E.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-36093030110754463802007-07-20T12:17:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:17:00.288+04:00

LVD1 046 Originally uploaded by gema fovaWe thought we were going to miss the white tiger. We ran from the Imperial Palace to find that we still had a half an hour till the let the old beast in. He was magnificent.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1571922408473018692007-07-20T12:15:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:15:33.622+04:00

Las Vegas Originally uploaded by gema fovaThe obligatory trip to Vegas. Ok, it was the Finns first time. It was quite nice.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1976261618194031832007-07-20T12:11:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:11:01.202+04:00

Calico 080 Originally uploaded by gema fovaOk. Many a year, I have driven passed that Calico ghost town sign. Finally, I had to stop. I was traveling with a willing passenger so we mosied on into town.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-27483935336508360502007-07-20T12:09:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:09:49.181+04:00

LAChinatown 095 Originally uploaded by gema fovaIt is a pretty awesome looking building.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-47206466574935813062007-07-20T12:08:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:08:01.151+04:00

Olvera Street Originally uploaded by gema fovaWhat a wonderful concept. I miss my little dog. I had horchata here. Yeah, I skipped the churro.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-56073933539114023832007-07-20T12:06:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:06:16.132+04:00

LAChinatown 006 Originally uploaded by gema fovaHell yeah. Well, this was number 5 or so on my list. Sushi was before this but I haven't even had that yet.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-13658895697896737482007-07-20T12:04:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:04:29.240+04:00

AD1 Originally uploaded by gema fovaMy grandmother lives in Duarte. I really need to spend more time there next week.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-34040138494325405372007-07-20T12:03:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:03:40.923+04:00

LAChinatown 136 Originally uploaded by gema fovaI spend most of my time at mom's in Azusa. They are really trying to fix it up.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-4265528694586205082007-07-20T12:02:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:02:03.692+04:00

MomsBday 065 Originally uploaded by gema fovaHappily, I was finally in town on my mom's birthday. My brother and them went to see Wicked. I knew he would have bought me tickets too, but I felt bad. So, we just went to dinner with them in Hollywood.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-52662179420032690242007-07-20T12:00:00.001+04:002007-07-20T12:00:38.210+04:00

@ Bobo's Originally uploaded by gema fovaAfter the zoo, we retired to our brother's house where we were treated to a lovely barbecue dinner.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-60334959568400140962007-07-20T11:57:00.001+04:002007-07-20T11:58:30.803+04:00

LAZoo 102Originally uploaded by gema fova We went to the LA Zoo. When I lived here we had annual passes to the San Diego zoo. I think the last time I was at the LA zoo was in grade school and I remember putting my quarters into a machine in exchange for a wax gorilla. This time we walked through, "Spider City".

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-40502681422594454312007-07-20T11:53:00.001+04:002007-07-20T11:53:59.564+04:00

beachpond-1 Originally uploaded by gema fovaI love that area. I spent time with my best friend and we hung out at the botanical garden. We love taking photos.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-70105040636854735192007-07-20T11:50:00.001+04:002007-07-20T11:50:04.282+04:00

Planes Engine-1 Originally uploaded by gema fovaSo, I journeyed to Los Angeles and the very next day had to take a trip up to Berkeley. I didn't bother to unpack.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-9335481109602365062007-07-20T11:47:00.001+04:002007-07-20T11:47:47.027+04:00

May&June 038 Originally uploaded by gema fovaThey are going head to head on Singstar. It is just plain fun.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-30622918668863688962007-07-20T11:40:00.001+04:002007-07-20T11:40:01.233+04:00

May&June 009 Originally uploaded by gema fovaIt was kind of lame. We had class with the other years and they all sat in the front. I couldn't see anything nor could I hear from their talking and late arriving. I don't like them. Anyway, we put out fires. I was really badass about it and people said I must have done it before or had been a fireman. I was like, no, but I have sprayed my brother

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-13937733707292652812007-07-20T11:35:00.001+04:002007-07-20T11:35:32.997+04:00

Pasilan Asema 2 Originally uploaded by gema fovaI think if I time it right, I can get to school faster by getting off the train here and catching the 58, 58B or 506 to campus. Sometimes, however, I can really be screwed if the timing is all off. Then, I am better off going into the city and taking the 4 tram.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-68267354580367967252007-07-20T11:32:00.001+04:002007-07-20T11:32:07.713+04:00

Lady Bugs Originally uploaded by gema fovaSchool was ending and I took one last nature walk before end of term and before leaving the country.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-74196051607832994422007-05-28T15:16:00.001+04:002007-05-28T15:16:48.411+04:00

twobolts-1 Originally uploaded by gema fovaLast night there was a thunder storm. Scary shit. Especially, since I was standing on my balcony trying to get a decent photo of some lightning. I got about 5 shots of actual lightning bolts. There are a few of lightning lighting up the sky but the bolts are elsewhere. This is one lucky shot which has been touched up using Photomatix and Picasa.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-46715833721090521392007-05-28T15:14:00.001+04:002007-05-28T15:14:27.972+04:00

FlatsNFlora Originally uploaded by gema fovaThis is an example of an HDR photo using Photomatix.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-39489753108595302662007-05-28T15:04:00.001+04:002007-05-28T15:04:36.148+04:00

Skviiki_fattal Originally uploaded by gema fovaI should be studying for my Internal Medicine final. However, I can't help letting my mind wander. I had been getting interested in HDR photography. So, I set out to find out about it and try to create some images of my own. This is one of my first attemps with Qtpfsgui.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-11972493401355911142007-05-28T14:21:00.001+04:002007-05-28T14:21:18.250+04:00

Getting K.K. Slider's Picture Originally uploaded by gema fovaWendell finally, showed up in my town again. Last time, I got the golden axe, eventually. This time when I fed him a red turnip, he gave me the country guitar. The next night, K.K. came into town and after he played K.K. Casbah, we traded. He gave me his bushy browed picture. I am all sorted out with this months bugs, now. Finally,

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-65909567904728138102007-05-28T14:11:00.001+04:002007-05-28T14:11:25.726+04:00

Finland - Hanna Pakarinen-23 Originally uploaded by gema fovaThe Finn had won a ticket from the city of Helsinki for the Final dress rehearsal. That was really cool, but I was wishing I could see the spectacle too. Then an amazing thing happened. A few days earlier, I had been handed this 'you could win tickets to ESC' ad for a website, www.jaiku.com . Well, later that day, when I got home I

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-30821846250711568012007-05-28T13:47:00.001+04:002007-05-28T13:47:07.348+04:00

Eurovision. Scooch, UK Originally uploaded by gema fovaWell at Finland's Lordi won the Eurovision Song Contest last year in Athens, it hosted the ESC this year. It was in Helsinki at Hartwall Arena. It was a few weeks ago, too. I was sick and yet still caught up in the excitement. I spent several days hanging out at the Eurovision Village in front of Kamppi. There, were many artists who came to

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-61134621813050807322007-02-26T15:34:00.000+03:002007-02-26T15:50:37.083+03:00

When I was growing up, I remember my uncles and mother spoke in this slang, I could here only when I was around them and their friends. I could see when the spoke this way they looked powerful and full of possibility. They would pop their chins up, tilt their heads and cock an eyebrow, “Simón”, somebody would say with a nod; which meant more than yes. My uncles would wear a rolled bandana on

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-20395185836472459812007-02-18T19:47:00.000+03:002007-02-18T19:54:17.691+03:00

So, I am watching Suomen Idols and so far two guys really stand out. I mean, most of the other people that have been in these semi-finals have been quite forgettable. I am watching American Idol, too on subtv, but that is another story. At first, I was so sure Ari Koivunen would win but last time Kristian Meurman knocked out one helluva song. They both picked Billy Joel songs, too. I know who

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-68380389156062138892007-01-02T17:31:00.001+03:002007-01-02T17:31:36.421+03:00

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-40917777163271579312007-01-02T16:20:00.001+03:002007-01-02T16:20:42.495+03:00

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-43455406846762317872007-01-01T03:32:00.000+03:002007-01-01T03:32:02.465+03:00

I think a bug landed on my screen. Well, here am in front of the city hall and as you can see, it is New Years. That is the mayor in the back. I am wearing clothes I designed myself. I have to find people that I can visit with either in my town, "Azusa" or in their towns.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-48854826496294971692007-01-01T03:26:00.000+03:002007-01-01T03:26:26.534+03:00

2007 came to us in Finland a good ten hours before you all in California. I was shooting video clips of the fireworks from my balcony. I forgot to buy sparkling wine. So, we were testing a few different ciders. I called my grandmother and also talked to my aunt who were suprised to hear the sounds of all the fireworks which was quite relentless. So, Happy New Year.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-91195582213751397642007-01-01T03:19:00.000+03:002007-01-01T03:19:50.391+03:00

I may be ugly but I am here. Sort of a line from one of my favorite movies (books). Can you guess which one? Ok, I'll give you another hint. Mister, M-I-S-T-E-R, Mister. Well, I am being called ugly because I just got stung buy bees. It was entirely my fault, I have been so bored in my town because the store has been closed all day due to remodeling. So, in my boredom, I had been out shaking

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-30893668452635253242006-12-28T15:23:00.000+03:002006-12-28T16:24:59.715+03:00

This was the first Christmas, I have spent in Finland without any of my family members. The first year, my brother came to visit me. The second year, my sister & brother came to visit me. The third year, the Finn & I went to California to be with my family. Finally, this year, the Finn's mom invited us to go there, to Anjalankoski and spend it with her and her sons.So, we packed up the gifts,

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-24690243840558230472006-12-28T13:58:00.000+03:002006-12-28T13:58:59.782+03:00

I had been in this hospital ward doing a four week clinical practice. It was really enjoyable and satisfying work. I saw a wide range of nursing styles, some which have been burned into my memory and will forever be the way not to do things and some which were graceful and stylish. This is my classmate who was on the ward with me. I was feeling a bit jealous that she seemed to get the nicer of

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166386115433240112006-12-17T23:08:00.000+03:002006-12-17T23:08:35.436+03:00

 

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166386042501439162006-12-17T23:06:00.000+03:002006-12-17T23:07:22.503+03:00

 

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166385759765443862006-12-17T23:02:00.000+03:002006-12-17T23:02:39.766+03:00

 

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166385620690570222006-12-17T22:59:00.000+03:002006-12-17T23:00:20.693+03:00

 

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166385424366434792006-12-17T22:55:00.000+03:002006-12-17T22:57:04.376+03:00

 

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166376127830943102006-12-17T20:16:00.000+03:002006-12-17T20:22:07.836+03:00

The Finn was invited to play Futsal. She was all excited and bought her shin guards and knee socks.In this photo in this first game, you can see two players in black double teaming her. Does that term mean what I think it means. Anyway they gang up on her. In this next frame she gets taken down. Here, play resumes without a whistle and she is holding her mouth where one of those chick's elbow

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166374942970057842006-12-17T19:49:00.000+03:002006-12-17T20:02:22.986+03:00

Yankee Thanksgiving was rolling around and I, inexplicably started having cravings for turkey and stuffing. Then, one day the Finn came home with can of pumpkin mix from Mr. Nibble. I began realize that the meal would need another thing. This glorious gellatinous mound of jellied cranberries. Of course, I asked mom for some Best Foods Mayonaise and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing. So, thanksgiving

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166217062156164042006-12-16T00:10:00.000+03:002006-12-16T00:11:02.156+03:00

Helsinki Harajuku (3) Originally uploaded by gema fova.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166216867673416972006-12-16T00:07:00.000+03:002006-12-16T00:07:47.756+03:00

Photo-0006 Originally uploaded by gema fova. This was me four weeks ago as I was finished my first day of my clinical placement. It has been swell. I have enjoyed working with these types of clients. It is a long term ward and many of the patients have Alzheimer's and such. Dang, I had such trouble trying to control my friggin' hair. I finally had to go to the store and buy some mousse

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166213484707105052006-12-15T23:11:00.000+03:002006-12-15T23:11:25.253+03:00

Toys R Us Vantaa Originally uploaded by gema fova. I was so excited to hear that it was coming to a town near me. I don't know why. I am usually feel negatively to corporations. I blame it on nostalgia. There used to be one down the road, way down the road from my house in Azusa. Since I was always a good girl, I usually got taken there an allowed to pick one Christmas present. I think

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166211492769508182006-12-15T22:37:00.000+03:002006-12-15T22:38:12.913+03:00

KittyOs (71) Originally uploaded by gema fova. A few of us from my class got together for dinner and drinks. We went for a mini pub crawl. This town is made for such a thing. Pubs or bars on ever corner. I caught the night bus home. It was full of mostly drunk folks, two of which fell out of the their seats on curve.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166208808639570052006-12-15T21:53:00.000+03:002006-12-15T21:53:28.646+03:00

15Nov (4) Originally uploaded by gema fova. This was the last day my class was together before we left to do our 4 week clinical placements in hospitals around the city.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166206993567713592006-12-15T21:22:00.000+03:002006-12-15T21:23:13.573+03:00

PacPixFinished (1) Originally uploaded by gema fova. Sometime in the beginning of November or so, I finished Pac PIx completely. It was hellish to get past the second to the final stage. However, I managed it finally. Now, on to that Animaniacs game.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1166206828591055492006-12-15T21:20:00.000+03:002006-12-15T21:20:28.820+03:00

AirfieldSnow (1) Originally uploaded by gema fova. At least I think this was back in October. It did snow a lot that day. Since that day, nearly zip. I mean we are on the verge of Christmas and there is no bloody snow in site. How is this possible?

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1162485900087530382006-11-02T19:37:00.000+03:002006-11-02T19:45:00.206+03:00

Injections 078 Originally uploaded by gema fova. We are learning drug management these days in school. It is very interesting and I get to stab people with a needle. Huh huh, fun.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1162243962195900102006-10-31T00:25:00.000+03:002006-10-31T00:32:42.330+03:00

Pumpkin 2006 (9) Originally uploaded by gema fova. For some reason I just barely put up my Halloween decorations. I am usually so psyched for it I decorate on the 1st. I guess, I have been busy at school and so never had energy to tackle it. Well, finally, the Finn wary of this anomaly, took me through market downtown and bought me this little pumpkin. After carving it, I became renewed

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1161892916958260212006-10-26T23:55:00.000+04:002006-10-27T00:01:56.966+04:00

Fall Originally uploaded by gema fova. It is Fall and the colours of the leaves are brilliant. I am quite glad that it is getting colder. I can't wait for the snow. However, in the meantime I am enjoying the beauty of this season.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1161891994016084202006-10-26T23:39:00.000+04:002006-10-26T23:46:34.156+04:00

1956 Hungarian Revolution Originally uploaded by gema fova. On October 23, 1956 the Hungarian people began to revolt against the Soviet backed communist government. The Hungarian Cultural Center in Helsinki has brought this Soviet tank and put it on display across the street from the center. Inside, the center they have an exhibit of photographs and a video playing which documents the

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1161888450497995112006-10-26T22:40:00.000+04:002006-10-26T22:47:30.580+04:00

Linnanmäki Lights Originally uploaded by gema fova. Helsinki's amusement park, Linnanmäki, was recently opened during Fall. It is usually closed during this time. So, they promoted it by calling it the Valokarnivaali. Well, I am from California and am used to amusement parks like Disneyland or Magic Mountain. Mutta, hei, I am not here to dis. It was actually quite nice. It was more like a

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1161189428697794212006-10-18T20:30:00.000+04:002006-10-18T20:37:08.860+04:00

Blackhole Sun Originally uploaded by gema fova. I was just walking home from the train and turned around to see this. It annoys me that I can't stare at the sun, the old burning out the retinas thing, but I love it that I can take photos of it. It all the more cuter when at its brightest point it leaves a black hole on the photo.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1161096063358328382006-10-17T18:34:00.000+04:002006-10-21T11:22:32.450+04:00

It was a very unique and interesting occurance when as we were making our way down Mannerheimintie, not only did the tram stop, but it spat out all its passengers. I kick myselffor not having my camera ready as I stepped out of the tram. Well, the thing about it was that it wasn't just one tram but a string of 4 or 5 of them and we were let out right there on the road.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1161028096003433322006-10-16T23:41:00.000+04:002006-10-16T23:48:16.206+04:00

Rainbow Originally uploaded by gema fova. I love this city. I love this month. I wish I lived nearer to the center but I really enjoy the times when I have to make my way through our little urban jungle. Ja kiitos eduskuntajat for the ei votes. Everybody should have access to insemination, damn it.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1161027372966351092006-10-16T23:29:00.000+04:002006-10-16T23:36:13.053+04:00

MooKortit 022 Originally uploaded by gema fova. My Moo cards. I think my eagerness about them led me to order way too many questionable photos.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1161013002763092392006-10-16T19:30:00.000+04:002006-10-16T19:36:42.773+04:00

Hullut Päivät Originally uploaded by gema fova. I am conflicted. I can either look at these things as if they are getting in the spirit of Halloween and so dressing their mannequins as ghosts, albeit bright yellow ones. Or, I can think of these as some hideously bizarre freakish idea. I mean, they also bring to mind Pac Man, that would be ghosts. Then again, it is just weird that they put

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1161012577957199822006-10-16T19:22:00.000+04:002006-10-16T19:29:38.733+04:00

Photo-0051 Originally uploaded by gema fova. Now, I don't know about you but where I come from nobody lets their children play this late at night. Ok. So, I don't remember what time this was but it was late like after 8pm or so. Anyway, it is bloody dark as you can see. Here are these little children riding their bikes around the neighborhood without a care in the world. I mean, when I

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1160587742300821992006-10-11T21:22:00.000+04:002006-10-16T19:38:35.353+04:00

GefiliusOriginally uploaded by gema fova. I love this stuff. Well, it depends on the flavour but it is really good albeit a bit pricey. Those cartons were funny looking, especially the way they were pouring it out. They had to tilt foward for some reason.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1160587658585556432006-10-11T21:21:00.000+04:002006-10-11T21:27:38.593+04:00

10OCT 081 Originally uploaded by gema fova. Hell yeah! I finaly conquered the ink monster which I have been thinking was a suklamies all this time. Anyway, I got passed chapter 12 in Pac-Pix. So, now I have started book 2. After chapter 12, the game credits played. This was a super good investment. I bought on sale at Antilla a few weeks ago for 9€.

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229277.post-1160247136052498412006-10-07T22:45:00.000+04:002006-10-11T21:11:39.750+04:00

MormonTemple 048Originally uploaded by gema fova. It was cold, gray, and I had to pee the whole time. It took 3 hours from the time we arrived by shuttle from the parking lot to the toilets after the tour. We got there and waited in the line which led into the visitor center where we watched a movie about Mormons and how they ended up in Finland. Then we went out in a group to wait in another

gema...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15536788675952866298noreply@blogger.com2