5 things that happened in the past 6 months

It feels like the whole summer has been flying by here in California. It’s almost Christmas! Here is a little recap of what has happened in the past few months.

1. California is on Fire

For over a week now the air quality has been smoky and unhealthy. The nearest wildfire has brought ashes and clouds over Orange County and surrounding areas. One month ago we were hiking in the Golden Trout Wilderness and just a few days after our trip, lighting had struck a tree and caught the whole area on fire (65,000+). What causes wildfires? There are many reasons like Santa Ana winds, scorching temperatures, dryness, climate change, thousands of lightning strikes during thunderstorms and human behavior.

2. Immigration

Moving to the US is a long journey. We have sent our first application over a year ago and still haven’t completed the process. Getting a Visa was only half of it. When I arrived here I was only then able to start applying for permanent residence. We have done the process without an immigration lawyer, and it has been very difficult. With a little motivation and research it seems we’ve been able to figure it out.

3. The Finnish connection

When it comes to bureaucracy, there is a lot to remember when moving abroad. I must inform Finland that I’ve moved here permanently. Finnish Social Insurance Institution must know. I have to tell the Finnish Ministry of Labor when I’m about to start working here. The Finnish consulate in Los Angeles helped me deliver urgent papers to the Finnish Population Register. Many other things can also be taken care of in the same place, such as passport renewal.

4. Personal Trainer study and work

I’m still waiting for a work permit, so I’ve had a lot of time to study. In January, I graduated from the American Council on Exercise as a certified Personal Trainer. I have continued my studies online to earn more continuing education credits. I have done a few online training programs for my friends and I can’t wait to start working here in California!!! Especially meeting clients in-person.

5. Crossfit and surfing

I have followed Crossfit for many years and have always been interested to start it. I was lucky enough to find a great Crossfit gym close to my new home in Southern California. I’ve met like-minded people and some of them are also from Europe! Soon after I started, they had to close the gym because of COVID. I trained for a long time in the carport, lifting water bottles since gym equipment was sold out everywhere. The rules and regulations during COVID have been strict and there’s a lot of damage that affects entrepreneurs. Many gyms came up with new solutions and moved out when training indoors was forbidden. Fortunately, gyms are allowed to open their doors again.

I’ve met a few girls from Finland. They’re both awesome and have been a big support here. When you are in a country where everything is big and new, it’s really nice to have somebody to relate with. Paula likes to surf and she introduced me to Wahine Kai Women’s Surf Club. They organize surf sessions and other fun events. I’m starting to find surfing again and I love it! In California the ocean life is so active. The other day we surfed with dolphins and I’ve always dreamed of that. There were a lot of small stingrays in the water, so you must keep in mind while entering. The tactic is to shuffle your feet in the sand to let them know you’re there. Last weekend I saw a leopard shark who lives in the shallow waters, but nothing to worry about, they are small and harmless to humans.

Next time I will tell you about Marble Canyon and Lee’s Ferry. – Lotta