10 questions: Maria

In order to get to know us better, Anu and I will answer 10 highly important questions for you guys. I am up first, here we go!  

1. What is your most important daily routine?
I would have to say my morning coffee. Preferably alone, in peace and quiet before the kids are up or after I have dropped them off to daycare (at work, that is). I also like a glass of cold white wine in the evening but I guess calling that a routine would make me seem like an alcoholic.

2. The best book you have ever read?
I am a big consumer of scandinavian criminal novels (mostly Swedish) but I can´t really say that they would be life changing or eye opening in any way. A really good book that I still remember from reading in junior high is “Zoo Station: The story of Christiane F” which is about a teenage girl in Berlin in the 70´s who gets driven into the dodgy world of heroin.

3. Where have you always wanted to travel?
I have always been attracted to the Polynesian islands and in my mind I picture them as paradise on earth. Maybe Bora Bora, Tuvalu or Easter Island? My friends Mimmi, Teresa and I had the privilege to visit Mabul Island in Borneo in 2008 and that was as close to paradise on earth I have been so far. I would love to go back there some day (in the same company). Also, I have never visited the States and I would also like to visit British Columbia in Canada some day where mushrooms are the size of me and trees are a thousand years old.

4. Would you like to live abroad?
I am tempted to answer yes considering the racist, political climate in Finland at the time being. However, Finland is a terrific place to live with children, so for now I am happy with Finland. A huge bonus to be able to spend winter here in Southeast Asia though!   

5. What is your favourite flower?
I love orchids, sadly enough I am no good at taking care of them haha! Lily´s and long roses  are beautiful as well.

6. Dream job?
As a child, I wanted to become a veterinarian. I would be very happy with being a marine biologist if I wouldn´t have to worry about financing all the time and if I could just do research with an unlimited amount of money. Unfortunately, it doesn´t work that way for biologists. I have often considered changing my career to become a doctor, maybe I will fulfill that dream some day.    

7. Your most important principle as a mom?
A child´s most important need is love and the feeling of security. Everything else is secondary. I don´t freak out if the child does not eat when dinnertime, go to sleep at an exact time (although it would be nice to have some childfree time in the evenings!!!) and in comparison to many other parents, I probably am too “slacky”. I want to read a goodnight story to my children every night.

8. Are you a bag or a shoe person?
Neither one. I currently own maybe three pairs of shoes and as many bags. I have tried to minimize the amount of clothes and accessories in the past years and don´t feel the need to shop. I do enjoy strolling around on flea markets and buying clothes especially for the kids from time to time though.

9. Your most memorable moment?
A clichée but the births of my children. I don´t think a woman can experience anything more powerful and magical than that. And the second you get to hold your newborn child for the first time. Almost makes me want to have a new baby. Luckily only ALMOST.   

10. What is your favourite thing to do on a summer´s night?    
The easiest question so far! Drinking cold white wine with my friends (or my man) at the sea, eating good (vegetarian) snack food and just chatting the night away. Maybe have a skinny dip while a little bit tipsy :)

p.s. Ontrei and Elias arrived here yesterday so now we are all here. Big yey!