Tuesday, 16 February 2016.
After Work / Day 58
Anna has her next date on her way home from work.
Tinder Date #12 / Tinder Clown #2 – not wasting any more of my time on writing about you.
© 2017 rf
Obs. Day 58, end soon!
Tag: Tinder
Chapter 53 – Five And Counting
Tuesday, 16 February 2016.
Day 58
After Kristiina’s late call yesterday, Anna remebered it was payday and she still had to pay all her bills on Nordea’s netbank, so she’s pretty exhausted…
So little sleep! Eurgh…
Christian’s good morning cheers Anna up.
10:46 Morning! 😊 5 and counting. Just getting up.
11:07 Lucky you. I need a power nap. 😊
Haha. Do it. ☺️ Get under your desk. And put your feet up.
11:15 Under the desk already. 15 good min. – then I can work again with joy and creativity.
11:16 Still lost? Haha. Sorry for the confusion. Our dates are written in granite. 😊 I’m feeling ill today. Finally my cold is coming out. Will work from bed today. Hope you have a good morning!
Sorry for your cold. Take care, stay warm!! Hope you get well soon. And if you don’t, I completely understand if you can’t make it on Sunday, Monday, etc… Although it would be a pity. Did you buy that Berocca? And if you have a cough, Vick Vapourub under your feet and warm socks before you go to bed. Shouldn’t cough at all at night. 😊
12:11 Thanks. Got the Berrocca and feeling a bit better. Vicks on my feet?? Never tried that before! 😊 Thanks for the tips. I’ll certainly be well by Sunday.
12:31 I got this mug from my best friends this month. Happy you’re planning on getting better til Sunday!
13:03 Ahh. That’s nice. Did one of your students bring you an apple? I thought that only happened in the movies. 😊
13:11 Yeah, unfortunately only in the movies, but then again, poisoned apples only happen in Snow White. So, all’s good!
13:30 Haha. Safer to buy your own then. Send me some selfie inspiration please?
Anna sends him two.
.
.
Nice pictures!! I have to admit, I’m not looking my best today. But I’ll send you my smile selfie a little later. Promise.
14:25 Good!
Talking of promises, remember my pupils’ tasks? Their own list of “My Favorite Things”?
Here are the results:
Ah… I just love inspiring the pupils to find their best work within themselves. So proud of them! Here are three of my favorites:
14:27 Amazing, isn’t it?
14:29 Awe-inspiring. This girl is just genious!
So romantic! Oh, so very relatable.
© 2017 rf
Obs. Artwork published with the pupils’ permission (and no names)!
All names have been changed, and chat messages were published with the match’s kind permission.
Obs. Day 58 and five to go?
Chapter 52 – Kristiina’s Phone Call
Monday, 15 February 2016.
Still Day 57
Just as Anna is entering her building – less annoyed after the fresh air and the jog – her phone rings.
It’s her daughter, beloved Kristiina.
“Hi, sweetheart, how are things over there at dad’s?”
“Oh, mom. I’m so stressed out!” — she sobs.
Poor darling dear!
“What’s up? Good that you called me.”
“I’m just exhausted. Feeling stressed out and a little down.
“There’s way too much school work! Essays. Normal homework. Exams.
“The school days are soooo long. I come home tired, rest for ten minutes and then study until 1 a.m. I can’t take it anymore.” — she laments.
“Not enough sleep, not enough time for hobbies or exercise. Not enough time for my friends… And now the divorce and two homes. I’m feeling upset. Help?”
Eurgh! We stupid adults can’t be happy together and our teens have to suffer the consequences.
Eurgh.
But we tried everything!
“Kristiina, my dear, so sorry you’re feeling that way. I understand. I do! Please, always call me and talk it out. Any time.
“OK, mom.”
“What can I say? Is your father there? Can he help you?
“Kris, you know he and I tried everything, right? At least you know we stayed together for as long as we could? For your sake.”
“Oh, mom! I wish you hadn’t. It was horrible to see some of the fights and have so many family holidays ruined. No. It’s better this way. You deserve better. You both deserve more love in your every day.”
“Oh…” — I feel the same way.
“Yes, I really wish you had divorced earlier…
“It’s just a little overwhelming right now. I’m exhausted.”
“Kris, I’m glad you called me. Do you want to come over tomorrow? We can have a snack together any time, you know that.” — they’ll always be my priority. I’m still raising our teens.
Kristiina promises to come over if she feels the need to.
“Just wanted to talk… It’s good that you and dad accepted my suggestion.”
Recently, she suggested they live two whole weeks at one place before moving to the other parent’s. That way, there’s less packing and moving here and there all the time.
“The new system feels better? You’ve always been wise – we do listen to what you have to say.” — Anna smiles.
“I miss you, you know! But it’s nice you send me pictures and messages on WhatsApp every day. And your prom dance is in four days. Wow. You’re going to look so beautiful! I can’t wait to see you.
“Why don’t we look into you studying a bit slower? In Finland you can go through high school in four years. Please consider it. You’d have more time to sleep and meet friends…”
With Kristiina it’s always like that. We have to tell her: study less, sleep more, go party, live a little, have fun. Sweet girl! So responsible.
Now where were we?
Back to Christian – the Englishman, of course. The other one’s out for good. Gosh.
20:07 Basically it’s free time Sunday and Monday. 😊
21:15 Hi! Good to hear from you. Was just on the phone with my daughter. Maybe I’ll tell you later. Excited to meet you on Sunday. But getting confused with the dates. I guess your work plans keep changing? ☺️ If you want, you can reserve only Sunday and Monday initially. And if we feel we still want to see each other again during that week, then you’ll let me know if any extra time comes up.
21:24 Good evening. 😊 I’m coming to see you Sunday, and free all day Monday and Tuesday morning. If you want to see me… Hope that all makes sense. Sorry for the confusion!!
Still lost.
© 2017 rf
Obs. All names have been changed, and chat messages were published with the match’s kind permission.
Obs. Day 57 was a long, long day.
Chapter 49 – Christian 1/ Tinder Date #11
Sunday, 14 February 2016.
Day 56
Anna is getting used to sending messages to Christian, Englishman #2, first thing every morning.
8:45 Morning! Slept 10 hours. Gosh, couldn’t take it anymore. My body even started to hurt from the discomfort! Going to work out soon.
For how many days are you staying next week?
Just a rough idea, because I’d like to organize my holiday week. The thing is, the teens will be with their dad. And since I’ll be on holiday and they’ll be on holiday, I know they’ll ask me to do something nice with them. It’s a pleasure for me. But, if I have an idea of the days when you’re available, I can plan special things for my teens, too.
In case we do want to hang out a lot! But having said, let’s feel free not to meet me again after the first time (though I’d love to at least make a friend). Happy Friends’ Day again! It’s today. ☺️
10:44 Good morning and Happy Friends’ day to you too!
10 hours? You really do like sleeping! Beautiful hook! 😊
I’m going to let you know my movements a little later. Still figuring out a few details. Don’t want to take time away from your kids.
10:51 Of course not. Just let me know about your movements this week because then I can plan. My kids care a lot about my needs, and they know I need my own time. As long as I’m also there for them during the week, no problem.
Just yesterday my son was so loving. We were hanging out alone at home and he was leaving and then he stopped everything and said: “Mom, I love you so much! You’re so wonderful. You totally deserve an awesome boyfriend and you will get one in the right moment.”
They know I’ve been on Tinder dates. At first they thought it was hilarious/ embarrassing, but then they started to get it. They support me even in this. Great teens! 😊
11:27 Wow. Special kids. That’s really amazing. 😊
13:36 Off the top of my head, I am free evening 21st, then all day Tue and Wed. Poss free Wed pm, then business trip 24/25th. Helsinki again, so free morning of 26th.
Back to Germany from 3rd-8th, then back to Helsinki for a week or so. China prob April now.
Hope you’re having a nice day.
15:59 Good to know! I’ll try to make plans around that. ☺️
Just finished watching The Revenant with son. So bloody. But well made.
How’s your day coming along?
16:10 Don’t you feel like you could use an extra warm hearty hug today? I’m kind of more emotional. Valentine’s mode.
But strong girl here, though.
Looking forward to finally meeting you in person on Sunday. 😊
16:28 One more week. I will give you that hearty hug. If you let me. 😊
If you don’t, I may just grab you by force. ☺️ Beware.
17:02 Please do. ☺️ I’m coming on 21st with no plans to work. I’m coming to meet you. 😊 Work starts late Wednesday.
Great.
Need to get to bottom of the tattoo mystery. Among other things. 😉
Any ski lifts nearby? I’d love to see that.
18:09 I mean you on/off one. 😉 Remember you told me how you can’t get off? How you slide backwards and fall?
Hahaha. We could make a day trip. Would be fun!
But are you sure you want to risk me dying before solving the tattoo mystery?
18:10 I’ll solve that one quickly. Then we’ll move on. 😊
Good one! I have to go out now. Speak later?
18:12 Enjoy! Talk soon.
Good to have company on Friend’s day! Especially being a bit emotional today…
What are friends for? Exactly.
I would totally hug you today. You wouldn’t have a choice.
Oh. That would be nice.
Women and their cycles. 😊
18:14 Choice or no choice. 😊 I’m coming at the wrong time then. Anyway, enjoy your day!
Anna goes out with another Tinder date – one of those she had booked days ago. Another Christian (but American, this one). Says he’s an ex-police officer, now a counter-terrorist agent lending services to the Finnish government.
He’s strong, good looking.
They go to the Nepalese restaurant in her neighborhood, the same where she’s been with Riku, her blind date.
She has a small soup and he a full-course meal. It’s nice to have company. He gives her a nice French kiss at the end and promises to invite her out for dinner tomorrow. She says she’ll think about it.
In the meanwhile, Christian sends Anna a montage and a recording, finally:
19: 43 🇩🇪🇬🇧 + 🇺🇾🇫🇮 = 😊😊☃️❄️🍴🍴🍾🍕🍰⛷️🍷🎲🎲💋
“Hello, only me. Just want to wish you a Happy Friends’ Day. Hope you’re having a nice day with your loved ones. And, can’t wait to see you seven days from now. Ah, it’s crazy. One week from now. Yeah, really can’t wait. So, have a nice night and get lots of sleep. See you soon!”
19:58 Almost forgot:
20:07 🔥🔥🔥 and 🎆🎆🎼🎹🎬💤💤
21:34 My montage was not as creative as yours.
His messages feel more interesting than her date.
21:42 Yes it was! 😍
Earlier today, I went running with James Bond, my son’s dog (6 km).
22:15 Loved the montages, especially the double everything.
Great to hear your voice. Really lovely! Tell me more about your German side.
Love and miss this little friendly, playful dog! Look at this picture – how cute!
23:36 Ahhh. He’s cute.
Wonderful. I never had a pet as a child. Apart from goldfish. It killed itself. Love James Bond – what a fun name! You had a good active day, I can see. I walk a lot. More in Helsinki.
23:36 Hopefully you can show me more.
Here’s a tiger I drew with color pencils:
And some more of my art:
Had a box of leather leftover pieces. Created this bag with glue and scissors and sewing, and gave it to mom.
23:39 Wow. I am impressed. Love it. You should be a designer. Our designer!!
So cool. I can see your future.
P.S. I love hugs too.
😊 Wonderful. This one’s not mine, but I love it:
That’s quite funny. I like it.
It’s very creative, isn’t it?
Yep. Do you know who did it?
It says Terry Border was the artist.
23:44 May I flood your phone with pics like this? You can delete them soon. Otherwise I’ll eat up your memory space.
Please. Flood me. 😊
This is my daughter’s kind of art!
23:49 A proper baker. 😊 Getting hungry. You are killing me!
She should totally bake wedding cakes.
I wouldn’t resist that.
I love taking pictures, as well. And I love Finland!!
Beautiful!
I have a nice camera, but have no idea how to use it.
Nowadays I just use my phone.
Yep. Like me. New iPhone takes great pics.
My favorite place in Majorca:
Looks familiar. V Spanish.
Favorite game (it’s called Ingenious):
I want to play. I’ll probably win. 😊 Maybe we can play? You have to teach me. Is that in your flat?
No, not my flat. A game night I hold at church, sometimes.
I hope you win! I like to play against smart, competitive people.
Otherwise it’s no fun!
00:01 I always play to win.
After midnight, so 6 days to go. 😊
And the art of selfies. Here you go.
Anna sends him a couple of good ones.
00:03 Beautiful. 😊
Teach me. I need to learn how to take good selfies. Night night. Thanks for all the pics. 😊 Sweet dreams.
00:05 I’ll teach you. Ah! Where is that smile selfie I asked for? (Sorry for the flood).
I loved the flood.
Had a kind of nostalgic day today.
Keep flooding! 😊
Looking at the kids as small babies, etc.
Lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Ah, yes. Here is chubby me as a baby!
00:07 OMG!
Me. Then my son.
HOW CUTE!!!
Haha.
I told you he looks just like you!!
Definitely mine. 😊
I love all your pictures.
And I guess you have an older sister?
Send me as many pics you want as well. Love them.
Sleep tight! X
00:12 Night night x
© 2017 rf
Obs. All names have been changed, and chat messages were published with the match’s kind permission.
Obs. Day 56 since moving out… And 6 days to go!
Chapter 46 – Those Little Butterflies
Thursday, 11 February 2016.
Day 53
9:47 Good morning! Hope you slept well and completed your project. Don’t forget, I need to check your work. 😊
Struggling to get up today. It’s cold here.
Anna looks forward to receiving Christian’s messages every the morning – the Englishman with the upgraded Hugh Grant’s voice.
Somehow, he always makes her feel good. That is, since they matched on Day 36.
Very good. In comparison to all hundreds of other chatters.
Now that I think of it, I think he’s the person I’ve been chatting with the most, so far. Almost twenty days!
So much for my own rules. Typical!
Christian’s so interactive with his messages. Always comments and always asks. Shows undying interest.
Learn Finns. Learn!!!
Ahhh – I can’t believe we are really going to meet soon.
But will I like him?? What if he turns out to be a weirdo in person??? Another nutjob.
I’ll just have to find out.
In that case, he’ll just be an extra story to tell my friends. I can live with that.
Smelly? Hmm. Too slim? Badly dressed. Annoying? All his teeth missing. I’d better ask for a smile selfie! Yes. That’s what I’ll do.
He says he doesn’t smoke…
1,82m. What does a long-armed embrace feel like, I wonder…?
Is he a good kisser, you think? His lips are awfully thin. Even for a man. But he looks soooo friendly and cute in his South African pic. Dreamy.
11 days.
He’s my exception — she smiles at the thought — and I’m growing really fond of our chats.
10:11 Morning. 😊 Today I waited to hear from you first – but I knew you’d write. I’m not sure if a pic of my work would make any sense. I think you have to see it in person to understand. 😉
Cold there? Brrrr.
The heating system is very good in Finland – not like you suffering over there. My flat was so warm yesterday night that I had to shed more and more of my clothes. When I realized it, I’d been sewing in my underwear for an hour. Haha!
10:12 Hahaha! And that’s why you didn’t take a picture! In case I’d catch you in your undies! 😊 That’s funny.
Still cold here so staying under duvet for a little longer. Now I have a nice mental picture to warm me up. 😊
Yep. Count on me to be unsystematic. Unorthodox, hard-working, out-of-the-box. Clumsy! Yet efficient. 😊
Cute and hot, too. Or so I’ve been told. Haha.
10:13 Send some of that heat over here please, your clumsy-yet-efficientness. Hope you were careful with the needle!! 😊
He’s a darling. At least virtually…!
I’m curious about this guy.
Hmm. We shall see.
Carinhoso – that will be your new nickname! 😊
What does it mean again? I think google didn’t explain it to me well enough.
Happy you get to stay in bed. I wish. Feeling tired here and there’s a long day ahead. Have to find time for a power nap today.
Oh! It means affectionate one (a caring loving person/someone who likes caressing and touching). It makes more sense in Portuguese, as it has a wider meaning.
(I spent some years near the border between Brazil and Uruguay, so I speak both Spanish and Portuguese……. And many other languages! 😊)
You language computer!! 😊😊 For me, only English and German. And a little bit of Spanish. Studied French, but can’t remember it that well.
Not bad! Hats off.
Ah yeah: friends, relatives, workmates and especially lovers can be referred to as carinhoso – if they are, of course. 😊
I have a feeling that you are…
Ops. Gotta go teach some more now.
In case we don’t chat anymore today, have a wonderful day!
10:32 You too! Thanks for the nickname. 😊 I hear the snow is back. Well… a little.
A little later, Anna sends him a picture of the lovely wintry countryside view from her classroom window.
11:38 Looks lovely! Must be very peaceful. Are you under the teacher’s desk taking those coffee power naps you like so much?? 😊
13:47 Oh, had no time for that today. 😦 🙂
So, lots of work there?
Looking forward to the 21st and to enjoying our cool friendship in person…
So nice to be on my way home already. Shorter day today.
14:02 Hey there. On my way to Berlin for a work meeting at the moment. And then the doctor’s.
Looking forward to seeing you very soon. 😊 Glad you have a short day at work.
Cool friendship? I like that. 😊
14.29 Maybe more…… It takes two to tango, right?
Who knows if we’ll like each other in person? 😊
At least this cool friendship.
He asks if he can call. She says yes. The phone rings and the chat is warm and… ahhh, wonderful.
What a nice man.
I wonder if…
And those little butterflies in Anna’s stomach have slowly but surely started to flap their tiny wings. Should she be careful? Protect her heart? Be smart…
Yes.
Eurgh. But I’m dying for some carinho here.
From a guy who earns it first.
14.59 Always so fun to talk to you, sweet guy! Take care. Loving your voice. Maybe you could send a recording for me to listen to before falling asleep every night. 💤🔥 Please?
15:01 Hahaha. You sure?
15:02 Yes. I’ll be happy if you do.
I can’t promise. But I’ll see what I can do.
15:03 I’m being tortured here.
In a good way?
Not so good. But… 🎶 🇺🇾 + 🇬🇧 = 🇫🇮 💓.
😊 What’s that first one? Music?
And in eleven days: 🇩🇪 🛫 🇫🇮 🛬 🍝 🍽️🍷 🍽️.
Haha Love it.
Maybe after that 🏠 🔑 🎬 ☕ 🍓 💏 🎶🔥 ?
Someday 🛫 🇪🇸 🏖️? We shall see…!
OK. Not bad. Wow. I have some ideas.
15:12 Good to have ideas. Send me your own charade charming man?
That made my phone crash!! Must have over-heated.
Overheating is good, right? For a fire guy!
15.14 Absolutely!! Need more fire in my life.
Who doesn’t. 😞😕
15:30 You should be power napping.
I’m in the doctor’s waiting room now. But I’m good with needles. As are you! Tattoos and sewing. Piercings?
Hahaha. Let’s keep some of the mystery.
Anna wakes up feeling extra excited. She’s going out now with her daughter Kristiina to pick up the prom dress and have a chick-chat-snack.
21:20 How’s your evening going?
21:40 I got home a little earlier. Berlin is tiring. I love it, anyways. Lived there for 10 years but won’t live there again. Great to visit.
How are you all doing there?
But for tourism with no hurry, must be lovely, surely?
Good to know oneself. What you want and don’t want. It makes decision-making easier.
We’re fine here. Kris and Joey entertained and happy.
21:44 Because you are entertaining! I bet they love being back with you.
Yes, about knowing ourselves… Comes with age I guess.
Not that I’m old!!!
21:45 Thanks. They like the home I was able to make for them. Home is where the heart is…
You’re not old! Perhaps even a little young for me. 😊
Pedro is two years older than me, but always looked ten years younger than his own age. More fit. Made me feel that maybe I’d earn his love if I lost 10kg. Just maybe!
For the first ten years of marriage, he’d look irritably at Anna whenever she had a small piece of cake at parties. From the first honeymoon breakfast onwards.
Eurgh. Now I want someone as different as possible. In every way. And I don’t really trust Brazilian Don Juans right now. They may be exciting, but… Always gaping at any moving lady targets.
Talking about knowing yourself, I was reading a newsletter article about ‘Dating Again’, and it kind of had three tips.
21:48 Beware the Englishman?? 😊 Half-English. 😊
(1) Not loving yourself… (the need to forget the past, blah blah)
Actually, it was about the three mistakes people make when going back to the dating world.
What’s the second? And third.
Hahaha! I may not want to beware of him 😊. But, let’s see if he’ll deserve me.
Just teasing you.
I’m actually counting the days to meet this potentially wonderful man.
Numbers 2 and 3 you can read for yourself – it drew my attention because of all the (respectable) Tinder dates I’ve been having.
21:52 I agree. Very true.
Yeah… Good advice.
Just wanted to let you know that at least online you seem to have many very agreeable traits that I like. I’m already grateful to be exploring this. So thank you from my heart! 😊
And Happy Valentine’s Day – which in Finland is called Friend’s Day!
Hyvää ystävän päivää.
21:57 That’s very kind. And thank you! Happy Friends’ Day to you too! 😊 X
It is going to be my first Valentine as a single woman – since the age of 17.
I’m going out with my son and I’m sure it’s going to be fun!
What are your plans?
22:00 Wow. Did you usually celebrate? I normally do. Had a girlfriend once who said she couldn’t be bothered but I always made an effort as I didn’t believe her. Thought it was a test. It wasn’t until years later I realized she really meant it!
No plans.
My ex wasn’t romantic.
90% of the dates we ever had in the last 15 years or so I had to plan and execute myself. That’s how it felt and how I remember it, any way.
Very unmotivating.
I love love.
22:03 I love any reason to hug, kiss, fire up, express appreciation, chat, look eye in the eye, laugh and just be very, very happy.
What about you?
I love sex too.
Which I think was clear front the fire up. 😊
Did you use to make the effort just for her or do you enjoy those things as well?
22:17 I think it’s fun and just a nice thing to do. Probably different for a guy. We have different emotions. But I like your description of romantic. 😊
22.19 👍
Didn’t make an effort because it was expected. I enjoy those things too.
All of them.
Perfect. 😊
© 2017 rf
Obs. All names have been changed, and chat messages were published with the match’s kind permission.
Obs. Day 53 of little flapping wings.
Chapter 45 – The Acronyms
Wednesday, 10 February 2016.
Day 52
10:01 Morning!! 😊 Just reading your messages. I see some selfies up there! 😊 Very frosty here. Hope you slept well. Any dreams?
It’s a nice tattoo on your neck. Discreet. And sexy.
10:11 Hi Christian…
Oh, the back-and-forth interaction. The imagined person. The unveiling of a mystery. The gradual getting-to-know. The peek into the other’s soul, into their hopes and dreams. The warmth and the flirting — that’s the main thing for now. No hurry.
Anna’s at recess at school, daydreaming for just a moment.
10:12 Hello, Annita! Was listening to your music. Just having breakfast. Have a good morning. Hope you don’t get hit by any flying objects!!
She told him yesterday about a 9th grader who threw a really hard snow ball in the back of her head on Monday. From afar. She got furious and told the pupil that next time she’ll have to call the police. Eurgh. Driving home feeling dizzy had been so hard.
11:12 Haha. Thanks!
11:15 I was halfway through when you popped up. Will keep chatting. 😊
Please do. Make me smile – like always! I was just chatting to a pupil who’s really nice. He lent me his spare phone when I broke my mobile last week. Remember I’ve lost all your previous messages? Wish I could retrieve them. They were so sweet!
I’m in need of new ones now.
11:16 I bet you have lots of good kids there. I’m not a fan of the one who chucked the ice ball at your head though!! I was hit when I was at school and it almost knocked me out! You’ve just made me remember that. 😊
And you keep breaking your phones. You must be quite strong. All those hours at the gym. 😊
11:20 Right. Talk to you later. Have a lovely day.
Btw, I booked my flights finally. Will arrive in Helsinki on Sunday the 21st at 1830. So are you free on Monday?
Anna looks at the spare phone again — OMG, OMG! He really is coming to Finland. As promised.
11:25 Sorry. Finished my lesson now. I was showing some pupils your website.
Seriously??? You are? So cool!!
Happy your ticket has been booked. Maybe I’ll even have dinner with you on Sunday?
That would be nice. 😊
Great. You run now and I’ll catch you later. If I write, just read when you can.
So, about being strong – yes, a little. I like lifting weights. 250 abs per time. But there’s a long way to go. Ah, and talking about sports, I miss jogging when it’s been raining non-stop.
Lunch now. Fish and salad.
11:27 Bon apetit! Impressive gym work there!
13.38 Hello! How was your morning? I popped out for a river walk. A few work calls and almost lunchtime here. Played your music along the way. Loved it. 😊 Very sunny today. But also frosty. My favourite weather – I should have taken a pic.
14:30 😊 Yes, you should have. I love sunshine, especially in cold days. Happy you liked the music.
I’m going to the hairdresser’s. You have an hour to give me your opinion. Either keeping this medium-dark blond. Or some light brown with vivid colors. Have had many hair colors. Even black.
Anna sends him three pictures of her with three different hair colors. She chooses good photos – of course. Gotta make an impression…
14:35 Hmmm. Tricky. All look good!! Are you natural blonde?
Thanks! I was as a child. Light brown now. But no preference?
Hmmm. I think your hair looks great already! You and your daughter could be sisters! I like your colour as it is. 😊
That Sofia Vergara daughter of mine and me? Sisters! Hahahaha. I wish.
16:09 Oh, my daughter is much much more beautiful! And on the inside, as well. Heart of gold, that girl. And very sharp brain!
Thanks for the opinion. My son loves the brown and my daughter the blond. So I vary. Keeping the dark blond for now. ☺️
16.19 Good decision. It’s a nice colour.
I dyed my hair once in my life. Jet black. I looked like Dracula so tried to dye it back. Then it turned into a copper colour!! So I had to shave it off. Never again. Well….there’s no point now anyway. 😊
16.23 Your story is funny!! And the way you felt each time. I’ve had similar hair experiences. Hahaha.
I was going to ask where you would like to go for dinner. If you are free of course.
16.26 Tonight? 😊
Not sure where I am staying yet but will be central.
Haha. Sunday. Next Sunday that is. 😊
16.29 Thought you were suddenly here to surprise me tonight.
That would be fun.
Yes. Sure it’s too late?
I would love to have dinner with you on the 21st.
Vapiano closes at 11 p.m.
Vapiano sounds great. You are not working the next day, is that right? Just concerned if you have to get up at 0550!
16.47 No, not working the next day. Yay!
But you’ll be tired from the trip.
It’s not a long journey. Plus, the next morning I will sleep in.
Hey, today I’ve been working on a new AI engine that should definitely be called A.N.N.A….R.I.T.V.A.
A=Articulate, N=Natty, N=Nightly, A=Alluring 😊
R=Rapid (brain), I=Impassioned, T=Talented, V=Valiant, A=Amazing
My God. How sweet is that!! S2
16:52 Was going to put a T=Tattoo. But you don’t have enough T’s in your name. Are you sure it’s not RITTVA?
17.06 Awww.
My turn.
C arinhoso
H andsome
R apt
I ngenious
S urprisingly sweet
T ea for two?
I maginable
A musing
N aked in the sauna?
Maybe that’s you!
17:07 Hahaha!! That made me laugh! 😊
I knew it! But it’s unfair. My two names together have more letters than yours!
Still, I wanted to express how I appreciate your personality and good manners. Did try making you laugh, too.
17:10 You covered all the bases. 😊
Looking forward to seeing you very soon. I must have walked past that restaurant a million times. Not sure I’ve been in.
It’s simple and good. 9 p.m?
17.13 Perfect.
Loved the acrostic you made of my name. ☺️
17:15 Yours was better.
Anna’s just leaving the hairdresser’s.
Christian is always so nice!
On the other hand…………
…if there’s one thing I’ve learned already…
…it is that if I like my Tinder match’s voice, there’s a bigger chance of liking them in person. The opposite is also true………😬
17.19 Would you like to give me a call? In a few minutes?
17:20 Standby.
The phone rings. Christian’s calling her on WhatsApp. She answers.
Fingers crossed.
“Hello, how are you doing there?” he says with a voice and a native accent that sounds like a mixture of Hugh Grant’s and Simon Cowell’s.
Oh My God!!! Beautiful.
She gets goosebumps all over her body as the sides of her lips turn up and she blushes a little.
They discuss Anna’s English – he says it’s perfect. Much better than he expected.
These Englishmen!
Oh, stop it – you’re making me blush!
They chat about his job in Finland, his years in South Africa.
About why Tinder. “It gets lonely,” is his answer.
Finally meeting… “You really are coming to Finland. As promised!”
“I always do what I promise.”
It’s a very, very pleasant call, and Anna just adores his voice. And his way of interacting with her. Why does it always feels so nice with him?
He feels so present in the here and now.
17.42 Sorry. My son called. Always nice to talk to him, of course, but not nice to have our first phone call interrupted.
17:46 No problem. I thought it was all my work messages coming through. Will talk again soon. Nice to hear your beautiful voice.
Thank you. I feel the same way.
17:47 You haven’t sent me you new hairdo.
I will try a selfie at home. 😊 Have to walk there now.
I’m going to go for the African Karoo desert look for my hair.
Phew! That’s great. When Christian sent Anna a pic of him in South Africa, she thought he looked very handsome. Tall, in shape – thankfully not overly fit – and with a beautiful friendly smile. Almost bald, hair trimmed short. Casual and elegant.
Later, he sent he a pic which was taken in a recent business meeting in Finland. He had longer bald hair, and that didn’t look very nice, tbh. That day, she hadn’t wasted any time, but told him the African haircut suited him much, much better. “It gives you a younger, more modern look.”
17:49 Cool. I liked it!! Modern.
But no sun tan. 😑
Well, not yet.
I had a nice tan for over 20 years. But I guess bad for skin.
17.50 If I could travel, we could both get a tan in Spain in ten days. 😊
Well….that can be arranged v easily.
In Finland, we just freeze the skin so it won’t get old. Ever. Haha – I wish. Hey, who knows? Maybe we’ll just go crazy and hop on a plane to Spain.
It’s not far. Where I live(d) was 22 degrees today.
Or then a cottage and the hole in the ice. Warm and nice. 😊
17:22 I love that!!!! Both extremes. Fireplace. Sunshine.
Me too.
You have no idea how much I love fires. 😊 🔥
17.56 I love a dark cottage with the glow and noise and smell from the fireplace. The silent forest outside. The privacy.
If you are trying to make me move to Finland….. it’s working!!
And I love hooks, too!!! You’re addicted to fires and my teens say I am addicted to hooks. More about that later.
17:57 Hooks?
Yes, I’m crazy about hooks.
For clothes? Or fishing??
For mostly everything. Got one as a surprise gift from my daughter last Xmas. I got so happy and emotional that I cried. She started laughing and filmed me smiling and crying – holding the hook. Hilarious.
17.59 Hahaha. A hook!?
I’ll send you a pic soon.
Interested about your hooks.
18:00 Basic stuff. Not hooking myself up in spears and ceilings and such, like some lunatics. So, you have nothing to fear.
18:01 Haha. Very good. Phew.
I’m walking past Bulevardi and send him a pic of the icy church yard.
18:02 Are you close to cathedral?
Near Esplanadi. So not that far from the cathedral.
It looks familiar. I have walked a lot across Helsinki. Hope it snows soon.
Hope for a nice fire, at least.
Where can we light a fire?
We’ll have to google that because outside is no fun in the rain right now.
Back home, Anna sends him the requested selfie of her new hair.
18:24 Very nice! Looks great.
18:45 Thanks! 😘
21.20 Hello. 😘 Just a quick one. Hope you’re finding the time to relax over there and enjoying your new hairdo. What do your kids think? I’m sure they love it. Going for my Karoo cut next week.
21.24 Sounds great! I’m going to sew something with my sewing machine now.
What are you up to over there?
21.37 What are you creating tonight?
Just a practical sheet system for the sofa bed.
Oh. Very good. I’d like to see that. Did you take classes for that? Or are you just a natural??
Only in elementary school. I’m no good. Just improvise.
I think you are very modest.
No. In Finland people are really good at these things. I just learn the basics of everything and like to do a bit when needed.
21:41 That’s still impressive. Just about to eat so speak to you soon. Don’t forget to send the finished product! Please. 😊
Haha. Talk to you soon. Good night. ☺️
You never know, but who knows, who knows?
© 2017 rf
Obs. All names have been changed, and chat messages were published with the match’s kind permission.
Obs. Day 52 of life can actually be good.
Chapter 44 – For the Love of Writing
Wednesday, 10 February 2016.
Day 52
Anna loves chatting – and writing in general. When she was a teenager, she used to have over two hundred pen pals. It was so exciting to go to her mailbox after school to retrieve up to ten-twelve letters a day from all over the world.
Such joy and excitement. Emotions.
Every single day.
Her boyfriend at the time was a long-distance relationship, and they too sent each other fun, romantic letters for three long years. Drawings, gifts, books. Paper kisses and longing.
Anna’s father, Marcos, is the one responsible for teaching her the love of reading and writing.
You see, in her childhood her family used to move almost every year – from city to city and country to country. Dad, always the affectionate artistic type, didn’t want his kids to become estranged from their relatives and best friends, and so he taught them all the joys of letter writing when Anna was about 9 years old, and her sister Sarah, 10.
She recalls the day when dad came into their room, holding the beautiful letter paper their mom Riitta had bought. They were living in New Jersey at the time.
“First, write the city and the date on the upper right-hand corner, you see? Like this.
“Good. Well done, my darlings.
“Then you start with ‘Dear Y, how are you?’ Always tell them how you are doing, as well.
“Sarah, watch your handwriting! You’ll want people to understand what you’re saying. There, that’s better.
“Now, you can proceed to share nice things about your life, your pastimes, school and trips. Tell your pen pal how you felt during certain events, not just about the things you’ve been doing. It makes the reading experience more intense and interesting.
“It’s also very important never to forget to ask them about their life. Be curious and show interest. That’s how you make friends and, above all, keep your old ones.
And with a little kiss on their heads — “I’ll proofread your letters when you’re ready and then you’ll go with your mom to the post office.
“Ask me if you need any help, sweethearts.”
Day 17. Grownup Anna has just been on Tinder for a couple of days when she matches with a guy named Tino. Remember? Their chats are so intense and Anna’s feeling very excited to meet him… Unfortunately, he cancels the day before their coffee date, becoming her Tinder disappointment #1.
That is when she reads some advice online, and decides to stop chatting for days and days before meeting up with her dates.
Day 36, and along comes Christian.
Remember him? One of the Englishman? The one Anna matched with after she decided to change her criteria about who to swipe yes to on Tinder.
Yes, that CEO of a new start-up in Finland who promised to come from Germany soon to meet her in person.
The one with the long, manly nose. — She smiles at the thought.
Not knowing if she’ll really ever meet him or not, she decides to make an exception and keep in touch with this guy. They’ve been chatting on a daily basis for over two weeks now.
And every day the chats grow warmer and more fun.
They’re intriguing.
Christian has become the exception to her rule.
10:01 Morning!! 😊 Just reading your messages. I see some selfies up there! 😊
Very frosty here. Hope you slept well. Any dreams?
It’s a nice tattoo. Discreet. 😉 Feminine and sexy.
10:11 Hi Christian…
© 2017 rf
Obs. All names have been changed, and chat messages were published with the match’s kind permission.
Obs. Day 52 since moving out of Mr. Ex’s home, their last home together.
Chapter 43 – Assorted Chats
Tuesday, 9 February 2016.
Day 51
Anna is lying in bed, reading Tinder messages and thinking to herself.
Gosh, there are all kinds of chats on Tinder. I’ve had hundreds so far…
I think there’s something called chat chemistry, too.
There are the guys who make no effort whatsoever. They just send a hi and that’s it. The chat dies a natural – welcomed – death.
Then there are those who try a little harder, but there’s just no chemistry. No chat chemistry! The topics seem really off – these guys give the vibe of being quite superficial or immature. Or simple-minded.
Lazy. Not interested enough?
Definitely NOT interesting! Humft.
Maybe they’re simply really, really bad with social skills? Or with writing. Hard to imagine anything going forward like that. Hard to see how they’d get anyone’s attention like that.
They’re plain boring. Poor devils!
Not to mention the disrespectful guys. They don’t lift a finger, just say something nasty and want the lady to fall onto their lap?? I don’t waste my time with them.
Unmatch – what a great little button.
Ah… There’s the Italian university graduate doing some research around here. Really cute and friendly. He insists on chatting a lot – he’s new in Finland. But only 33 years old.
He’s been trying to convince me to meet him for days and days. Always sending romantic things, rose emojis, hearts, compliments.
It’s sweet really…
Out of nowhere he sends a message like:
Dear Anna, good morning!
I would go to the ends of the Earth for you. I would swim the raging seas and cross the scariest jungles. I’d fight a lion for you, survive all perils and mine that cave. Just to get you the perfect diamond and bring it to you with an immaculate red rose. I’ll sing you a serenade under your window, just for the chance of you blowing me a kiss.
Let me take you on a date this weekend? Please beauty.
That’s funny.
Italians!
Wow. They really are romantic.
Areia demais pro meu caminhão – as the saying goes in Portuguese – too much sand for my little truck! Or I for his?
Anyway… champagne taste, beer wage. He should take it down a notch……
Mmmm, Anna, Anna – it could be fun!
He’s endearing.
No. He’s a student. And just too young!!
I’ll just wish him all the best and unmatch him. Kindly. Don’t want to stab his romantic little heart. I hope he never changes…
And then, there are chats like Frederick’s and Christian’s. 🎯
No comments. Let them speak for themselves.
© 2017 rf
Obs. Day 51 since moving out.
Chapter 42 – Under the Sun
Tuesday, 9 February 2016.
Day 51
Anna is spending the week with her teens. Always so lovely!
Her daughter Kristiina is 17 now and these are exciting times. She’s in the second year of upper secondary school, and her Vanhojentanssit is coming up.
Vanhojentanssit, that is, the Ball of The New Seniors, is a beautiful formal prom held in Finnish high schools to celebrate the passage of becoming the lukio seniors, the day after the third-year students stop attending to start studying for their matriculation exams in February.
They’re going to be fetching Kristiina’s long dress on Thursday. That’s something really nice to look forward to. Anna and Kris are going to have coffee somewhere and chat from the joy of their hearts and their amazing friendship.
Aww. Her little girl is all grown up now.
Oh, how the years fly!
Yes, this week Anna is spending quality time with her teens, but they’re teenagers. They don’t need her or even want to spend all their free time with her. An hour or two per evening seems to be more than enough for them these days.
There really is a time for everything under the sun…
Not going out on dates this week, but there’s a lot of time for chatting online. And dates set up for next week. Yay!
Thank God for hobbies and friends.
And for Tinder.
© 2017 rf
Obs. Day 51 of yay – life is good after all.
The Chronicles of a Happy Divorcée 