Wild West Vistas and Happy New Year 2015!

Road Trippin' USA

Over the holidays, our family took on a road trip to see one of the seven natural wonders of the earth. We buckled up to see Grand Canyon despite our stuffed noses and heads. It was quite a wild ride through multiple climbs through the mountains, deserts and high prairies. I've always loved going on trips. Nothing makes me happier than packing my beloved ones into the car and heading out for an adventure!

My better half and I had so much fun reading the passing signs of Bloody Basin, Horsethief Basin and Dunaway State Prison. What a wild west the area between San Diego and Flagstaff, Arizona must have been in the good old days! It didn't take much to imagine gun fights and robberies that might have happened amongst the big cactus plants in the rugged desert landscape. 

I've always loved Flagstaff, Arizona. It's small town feel and the pine trees remind me of home, Finland. It is a perfect place to land before heading out to Grand Canyon. The air was crisp, cold and dry, but unfortunately there was not much snow in the area. But the large mixed pine and aspen tree forests and views of snow capped mountains make up for it! Swimming in the Flagstaff Aquaplex and visiting the cute Old Town and Historic Down Town area were our favorite things to do in Flagstaff.

Grand Canyon itself is just grand! The views of the canyon are breath taking and it is hard to phantom it's enormous size. It is so neat to be able to see so many layers of rock and soil at once. It is such a wonderful geological gem that it demands our protection. 

We drove from one view point to another and at times my son refused to get out of the car. The wind was breezy and cold and even our pictures capture the bright high desert weather beautifully. It is no place to be without sun protection even in the middle of the coldest time of year.We went with the flow and took turns peeking at the canyon. There are no words to really describe the beauty of it all. It is just so grand! 

We left the canyon around 3:30 pm and could not believe the long line of cars which were only then getting ready to enter the national park. The line was many miles long. The best time to view the canyon is either first thing in the morning or during sunset, but to avoid the lines, I would still rather get there first thing in the morning than late in the afternoon.

Our short and sweet trip was great also on our way back, as there are always many interesting things to see in the desert. Here are just a few wonderfully strange and interesting sights along the way:

A Massive Experimental Solar Power Plant in the middle of the desert. 

Surveillance tunnel? We are not sure what it really is, but it was located close to border patrol near the US-Mexican border.

Double Decker trains. A couple of my friends work for BNSF Railway, and now I see trains everywhere, even in the desert. 

Farming in the desert. I am not sure how it can be profitable, but nevertheless, there are huge fields full of crops of all kinds in the desert.

Dateland, California offers the best date shakes in the world.

Imperial Sand Dunes in the desert and doombuggies. There are lots of people who love driving in the desert sands. 

Actual rain clouds in El Centro, California.

Wind Power towers in the desert.

I hope that you have enjoyed peeking into our little road trip. Have you visited the Grand Canyon? What is your favorite memory from a road trip?

I hope that your New Year 2015 is filled with joy and happiness and above all - adventures of all kinds!

May Your Holiday Season Be Bright!

Sending Much Love

Today I feel humbled. Humbled by all the wonderful people who have opened their hearts and doors to my family and I during this year. We are so blessed to have wonderful friends and neighbors who lift our spirits and create a sense of belonging. Our families are far away, but our friends help us feel at home here in California. 

Over this weekend I was brought right back into my college years. My international student college counselor and his wife invited our family to their annual Christmas Sing Along event. It felt like a college reunion of the international club. My counselor is a wonderful pianist and he inspired us all to really get into singing. We took turns singing a verse of Silent Night in our native tongues. It lifted my spirits and warmed my heart to hear the beautiful song sung in Japanese, French, Hungarian, Spanish, Finnish and English. During the party, I realized that this environment and these people were all part of my international life and my identity. Many countries were represented in the party, and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoy the cheery holiday atmosphere together. I am very thankful for the friendships that connect us to many countries and I am thankful for our wonderful hosts and their generosity!

During my college years a wonderful Finnish couple took me under their wings and ever since then I have been invited into their very special annual Pikkujoulu = Little Christmas Party at their house every year. My friends have been organizing these parties for forty years. This year, I was brought to tears as I watched my friends announce that the time had come when organizing these parties has become too difficult to do and that this was going to be their last party. Everyone was crying and friends who've known each other for a life time were hugging each other. The generosity of this wonderful couple has been enormous. And the friendships within this group of Finnish people runs so strong that they are there to help each other through both good and difficult times. My family and I feel honored to have been blessed with the friendship of our gracious hosts. It might be the end of these parties, but surely not the every day chats over a hot cup of coffee! After all there are children and grandchildren who now need to develop friendships of their own within our fabulous Finnish-American community.

After a very emotional weekend, I think that strong friendships make life worth living. There are seasons in life when we are capable, energetic and able to conquer anything in life. And there are seasons when we need to take on a slower pace. These seasons come and go multiple times with in our life times. The seasons change, but our friends understand this and accept us just the way we are. With the example of our wonderful hosts, I resolve to pay special attention to young people who are exploring the world at this time, work harder on my friendships and to be a nicer and more caring person next year.

It is time to turn off the computer and go and make sure my kids learn something about new and old traditions during this season. After all, more than anything the kids need a real human connection.

Rauhallista ja Kiireetöntä Joulua ja Onnellista Uutta Vuotta!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Happy Holidays! May Your Season Be Bright!

Sending much love all across our beautiful earth.

Terhi xoxoxoxo

On Being More Mindful During the Holidays

Let's Be Less Busy and More Present in the Moment During the Holidays

Tomorrow I will be taking my family to three separate holiday events. I felt guilty, but I did decline one invitation. In reality I should have declined at least one more. But how could I when all of them are lovely events that tie us to our friends? Three separate events still seems a bit much especially to my 4-year-old. It is definitely a really fun time of year, but at times I wonder whether all of this merriment is just too much to handle.

I crave for a more simple and less busy life. I always longingly think of how things actually slow down at Christmas time in Finland. Christmas is celebrated already on the 24th of December and almost everyone gets a week or two off work. Here in the States we work and shop until we drop on the 24th and the shops are open on the 25th as well. Christmas parties go on until right before the 25th. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th and most people have the 26th off, but then it's over and done with before it even started. 

But as usual, I am going to rebel. I am going to slow down. After this weekend it is my time to be with my family, create memories and enjoy the simple things in life! It takes serious will power to slow down, but I think that we all need it more than ever at this time. I kicked off this blog with mindfulness in mind and here are some Terhific suggestions on how you can slow down as well.

1. Turn off all electronics, especially your online presence and your cell phone. I know that it is hard not to check your friends status updates on Facebook and Twitter, but you can do it. You can live without knowing what your friends just ate for dinner for a few days.

2. Pay attention to your kids. Sit down. Listen and have fun. Let the kids be in charge for a change!

3. A little humor goes a long way. Laugh and be silly. The kids love it when the parents drop their authority and join in on the fun.

4. Create a peaceful environment that fosters togetherness. Candles and quiet music do the trick for me. The space does not need to be perfect. In actual fact, the less perfect it is, the homier it looks. Check out my ripped couch here... (And no, I am not going to replace it until the kids are a little bit older.) Let's be real, not perfect, and let's not be embarrassed if our houses are not in tip top order when friends come over. What do you think friends? 

5. Try really hard to not to get something done and to not to accomplish anything and just be. You can do it! The kids know how to pull you into the moment if you let them!

Those of you who know me, know that I am a busy bee at all times. Something is cooking up in this household all the time. One promise to myself for next year is that I join my better half in the every day fun with the kids. The dishes and laundry can wait. Right?

Last Minute Terhific Gift Idea - Experiences

Consider giving experiences instead of material Gifts

My house is drowning in stuff. My kids rooms are filled with toys. My house is about to burst. This is a topic that is often covered during my discussions with friends who have children. We all share the notion of not wanting any more plastic toys for our children. And we all think that experiences would be much nicer gifts especially from Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and other relatives.

Here are 5 Terhific Experience Gifting Ideas that would work in many countries:

1. Consider sponsoring a hobby and/or an after school activity. Think about what you like to do. Do you and the child share an interest such as a type of sport or love for fine arts and crafts or music?  The choices are endless. Make sure to check with the parents whether your plans sound good to them as well before purchasing the classes. If you live close by, then you could also volunteer to take the child back and forth to the activity. That would be a wonderful way for you to build a strong bond with the child. Here are some ideas:
1. Piano lessons (or any other instrument)
2. Swimming lessons
3. Singing in a choir
4. Fine art lessons
5. Sports Clubs: for example soccer, volley ball, gymnastics, etc...
2. Consider giving the child and his or her family a chance to see a live show. Think of child friendly concerts, dance performances and plays.
3. Consider buying museum memberships for the child and his or her family. Think of museums that offer activities such as story telling and crafts for children, or special exhibits made especially for children. Science, Air and Space, Natural History, Art Museums and Children's museums, just to name a few, are wonderful places for children.
4. Consider helping the child learn about your heritage through enrollment into language schools. 
5. Consider helping the child stay healthy through access to a sports facility. Here in the States, YMCA offers sports, classes and events through YMCA child or family membership.

Here is also a list of Terhific local San Diego Experiences:

1.  Balboa Park Explorer Tickets which would allow the child and his or her family to access 17 museums at Balboa Park for the whole year! This is my absolute favorite!
   
2. San Diego Maritime Museum Membership which would enable the child and family to climb on board 5 different ships along downtown water front. This museum also organizes lovely family days filled with ship worthy activities.
3. Tickets to Nut Cracker or any other dance performance. Many Dance Companies have Nutcracker performances throughout the San Diego County.
4. Tickets to go and see Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! play at the Old Globe Theater
5. USS Midway Museum Membership would be a lovely gift for a family with ties to the US Navy and others as well. I am always amazed by the sheer size of this ship. The Midway Museum has also recently started to organize wonderful Family days which entertain both the parents and kids.
   
6. San Diego Zoo Membership. There is always something going on at the zoo. My little entomologist loves the insects at the Children's zoo. The best part of the membership is that it allows full access to both the Zoo and the Safari Park.
7. Tickets to San Diego Symphony's Family Festival Concerts. These concerts are designed with families in mind. The kids get to try playing instruments before the concerts. The performances are exciting and entertaining.
8. Tickets to try something new: Go Ice Skating at the Kroc Center.
9. Museum visit or membership to Birch Aquarium
10. Enrollment into a language and culture school that ties you and the child into your heritage. Finnish communities organize Finnish schools (Suomi-Koulu) so that the children can learn about Finnish culture, customs and language. Greek communities also organize Greek Schools for their children. I am also aware of Japanese schools and German speaking preschools here in San Diego. These are just a few examples.
11. Outdoorsy families would love Annual National Parks Passes or a camping trips to County Parks or State Parks!

Parents also appreciate financial gifts towards college funds. Getting a little help with preschool tuition might be a wonderful way to help out young families.

Hope these lists give you some new ideas. Have you ever received an experience as a gift? What was it and how did you like it?

Beating the Holiday Blues at Balboa Park

Balboa Park Glimmers During the Holiday Season

It's the most festive season of the year, but some how the holiday blues find me right when I am supposed to be very productive and excited. There are so many expectations of people being surrounded by their families and children getting special attention from their grandparents during the holidays. There will only be the four of us around our Christmas table again this year. At times, the distance between our immediate family and relatives seems too great to bear. I always feel guilty that my children do not get to experience togetherness with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. After the guilt comes sadness. Being lonesome is my least favorite state of mind.

Those feelings of sadness come go as waves throughout the holiday season. I acknowledge my feelings, let a few tears drop, and then I pick myself up again. After all,  I am a strong Finnish woman who is not supposed to get overwhelmed by emotions and I can only blame myself for having moved so far from our loved ones.

One of the best things that our pediatrician has told me is to smile at my children. He also said that parents are the first people our children see regularly. If mom looks sad, then the children's world view will be melancholy, but if mom looks happy then they will feel happy and excited as well. With the help of that memory, I pull my frown up side down and start smiling. After all, this is the season to make memories and my children will only get to experience holiday traditions if my husband and I create them.

After one particularly blue morning, I decided that a change of surroundings would help. Thus we decided to take advantage of our Balboa Park Explorer tickets and head over to find Holiday Treasures of the park.

You can spend a lovely day at Balboa Park and get into Holiday mood by visiting these six Terhific sights. They are not listed in any particular order.

1. One-of-a-kind Christmas Tree and Fabulous Ornaments at Timken Museum

Timken museum surprised us with holiday splendor. A beautiful Christmas tree full of handmade ornaments by San Diego native artists and splendid large size nutcrackers greet visitors in the foyer. My son loved looking at the nutcrackers and my daughter delighted in the details of the beaded ornaments.

2. Wintry Holiday Scene at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum

We had such a lovely time at the Model Railroad Museum. Winter has set in one of the rooms and the trains get to ride in the middle of a lovely miniature holiday village. We spent more time than usual while paying attention to the tiny details of the winter wonderland.

3. Dr. Seuss Inspired Christmas Tree at the Old Globe Theater

This Christmas Tree is as whimsical as it gets. You cannot but giggle when looking at the this tree. My kids wanted to join the Who's and started Christmas caroling on the top of their lungs. As Ken Kramer of All About San Diego Program would say: This Seussical Tree is one thing unique about San Diego!

4. Nativity at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion

We delight in studying the Christmas story through the scenes of the Nativity set in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. My daughter and I take turns reading the story.

5. Santa Claus and his Reindeer at the Central Plaza

We love waiving at Santa as he gets ready to take off and fly in the sky. He sits on his sleigh and greets the people at the Central Plaza near Spreckels Organ Pavilion. My kids love pointing out Rudolph's red nose!

6. Glorious Poinsettia Display at the Botanical Building

The Botanical Building is filled with Poinsettias and it looks gorgeous! My kids wanted to take pictures of the beautiful plants and I especially loved seeing the Red Glitter poinsettias with white specks. My kids also love the Touch and Smell garden in which they can play with unusual variety of plants.

The Spanish Village Art Center is also filled with holiday decor, but I always worry about all the easily breakable pieces of art when my 4-year-old is with me.  Some of the cottages in the International Cottages Village by the House of Pacific Relations also decorate for the holidays. The cottages are open on Sundays from 12 noon till 4:00 pm.  Don't forget to visit House of Finland!

If you are feeling the holiday blues, I send you warm thoughts and my best wishes. Feelings come and go, and you can help lifting the mood by visiting a cheery place such as Balboa Park.

Let me know if I inspired you to go and enjoy Balboa Park, one of my favorite places in San Diego!

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Terhific Recommendation on where to find snow in San Diego 

Can you believe it, but local folks here in Southern California might just get a chance to play in the snow this coming weekend? We are so lucky to live within easy drive to the local mountains with high elevations! I take advantage of this situation and head over to Cuyamaca and Laguna Mountains as soon as I hear about the possibility of snow!

I might have to ditch all the holiday party plans and start packing our winter gear into the car! There is a winter storm warning that promises two to five inches of snow accumulation from 3,000 to 5,000 feet and up to a foot of snow is expected above 5,000 feet. This means that both Cuyamaca and Laguna Mountains will provide wonderful winter fun for families.

Each year, our local mountains have a chance of getting a snow blanket a few times between November and March. The snow never stays on the ground for many days, so you should pay attention to the weather forecasts. When I plan our trips, I always check Laguna Mountain Lodge's Facebook pages and Mt.Laguna Webcam and Local Weather Info for Mt. Laguna before we leave. That way I know for sure whether there is snow in the ground. I only go as far into the mountains as I can without chains. I usually drive through the Cuyamacas. If there is not enough snow there, then I head over to the higher elevations at Laguna Mountains.

Here are our favorite spots for snow play in our local moutains:

1. Green Valley Falls Area Campground at Cuyamaca Mountains Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The day use fee is $8 per vehicle. It is a great place for a snowball fight!
   
2. Paso Picacho Campground at Cuyamaca Mountains Paso Picacho Campground sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The day use fee is $8 per vehicle. We like to play both in the fields and in the hills. Bring your toboggans and snowshoes and have fun!
   
3. Laguna Mountain Lodge Area at Laguna Mountains Stop by the Laguna Mountain Lodge to get tips where to park and play in the snow in Laguna Mountains. You will need an Adventure Pass if you plan on playing in the fields along Sunrise Highway. The Adventure Passes are available in the Lodge.

Make sure you bring a change of clothes for everyone as the kids get cold after getting wet in the snow. The close by mountain town of Julian also looks great with a blanket of snow! Palomar Mountain is yet another place that receives snow in San Diego.

Enjoy and make sure you take pictures of your snowmen! I'd love to hear if I inspired anyone to go and play in the snow!