Greetings from Joensuu!

Hei (hello) everyone! 

So today is my last day here in Finland and I thought I would recap my trip a bit while it's still fresh in my memory :o)

First off it has been absolutelyy wonderful getting to spend so much time with Jordan here with him having a week off and short practices the rest of the time.  We don't usually get to "vacation" a lot together because of our work schedules and if we do its usually only for a couple of days.  Being able to spend two weeks here has truly been a blessing!

So now for some details about my trip; Before I left home I kept asking my friends what they thought our "reunion" would be like when we first see each other in the airport after five months.  I asked my friend Grace who is in the Peace Corps and has been in Guatemala for over a year now and what it was like when she first came home after being gone so long.  She said she was literally shaking when she saw her family in the airport. Now our circumstances are a tad different but she got me wondering if that's what I would be like when I saw Jordan.  Well let me tell you...it was nothing like that haha.  After about 24 hrs of traveling with only 4-5 hours of sleep I was EXHAUSTED so the first thing I did when I saw Jordan was walk over to him, drop my luggage, and basically collapse-hug him.  I'm not even sure I said hello.  Yes I know that's kind of a let down and it could have been this huge dramatic thing but if you know me then you know that's not my style in the first place.  Either way I was sooo happy to see him even if I couldn't express it with more than a hug.

This is exactly what I felt like when I saw him lol

We actually ended up going out that night to the bars/club because I got my second wind and we stayed out till 7 am!  I am no mathematician but I think that was about 43 hours with only 5 hours of sleep....I must have looked like a zombie haha.  Anyway we went out to a local pub to start (looked like a run of the mill small southie bar) and we met up with a bunch of guys on his team.  Everyone was super nice and I got the chance to meet one of the other girlfriends (Tiia) who was in town from Helsinki. She's awesome and speaks English really well so it was nice to have another girl there to chat with while the guys we're hanging out.  We went to a "club" after that (I would compare it to Ned Devines) and met up with some more guys on the team and their girlfriends.  Samu, one of Jordan's BFF's here, introduced me to his girlfriend Hilda who was also really nice.  She plays Finnish Baseball (no not softball) which has the same concept of American Baseball but is very different at the same time.  She's JACKED and is very in your face aggressive...but I loved it!  She reminded me of some of my athlete girlfriends from the states who can act aggressive and loud but wear a skirt at the same time haha.  Anyway I spent the whole night dancing and drank waaaaayyyy to many shots and "long drinks".  Long drinks are kind of like Fresca mixed with Gin...but they have different flavors like Grapefruit and Raspberry.  They are delicious but dangerous because they go down like water. And let me tell you the Fins can DRINK.  I was double fisting at one point trying to keep up and the girls were calling me out saying I couldn't keep up! (actually only Hilda was saying this which is why she also reminded me of my American friends haha).  Anyway after about 5 or 6 long drinks and about 4-5 shots throughout the night you would think I would have been done for the next day. Nope! Safe to say I wasn't hungover at all and we got to spend the day actually doing something other than being bums.  Must have been those crazy magical long drinks :o)

After that first night of partying we didn't do much for a few days.  Jordan's coach held a couple of practices during time that Jordan was supposed to get off so we just hung out around the apartment and walked around the town which was pretty relaxing so I didn't mind.
Next was our trip to Tahko ski resort.  If you read my last post you would know I had some reservations about driving there with Jordan but in the end it turned out just fine.  The team car is actually a minivan...hot I know...and we used a guy on his teams' GPS.  We got there in under 2 hrs and luckly with no navigation fights haha.  When we first arrived the resort was DEAD and there was only one other car parked besides ours in the entire lot.  To be honest it was kind of eery because I was expecting it to looks like one of the mountains that I ski back home where it's completely packed.  I did however take into consideration that the sun goes down @ 3:00 here and it was completely dark by the time we arrived so I figured all of the skiers had left for the day.  Anyway we were starving so after we checked in to the hotel we were staying at, (beautiful by the way), we went to eat at a little pizza shop.  Jordan ordered this "kebab" meal (not the kabob your thinking of) and I ordered a "mexican pizza".  Jordan's meal came out and it looked absolutely disgusting...it was like this greasy chopped up meat that I can't even begin to explain. So here is a decent picture...only think GREASIER

 Then my meal came out which wasn't too bad but my "Mexican" pizza only had pepperonis and pineapples on it......needless to say that was not what I was expecting.

After our meals we went back to the hotel...explored for a bit..and I took a Sauna.  It felt great but I think all of the Sauna hype comes from large room sauna's where multiple people can fit....this was just a tiny little thing.

Jordan said it's fun with his teammates because all of them are in there chatting, drinking and relaxing together.  I asked Tiia if that's what girls do too and if they go in naked together (how do I know what sauna protocol is?) She said they usually go in naked or with just a towel and it's completely normal.  I have to say I think if the Finnish girls invited me to go to the Sauna I would feel a little awkward sitting there naked and sweating my ass off with complete strangers. Hell, I would probably feel awkward doing that with my friends back home haha BUT to each is own.  I'm sure if I had been brought up using Sauna's I would feel different.  So anyway after my Sauna I hit the hay and geared up for skiing the next day.

IT WAS SOOOO COLD on the mountain!! THANK GOD Kathy bought me some long john gear to wear under my stuff we because my Under Armour apparell was not going to cut it alone.  Other then the cold we had a really great time.  Jordan remembered how to ski and did really well for his first time in 13 years!  The trails were decent and the conditions were pretty good but they only had 2 T-bar lifts open because no one was really at the mountain besides a couple of us.  Still, it was  a lot of fun gitting the slopes and getting some exercise in.  I do have to say that getting on the T-bar was an experience all its own though.  The first time I tried to get on I missed the bar literally four times haha.  This sounds pathetic but those things are WHIPPING at you.  It was not like any other tow I had ever used.....the thing was wild haha.  I eventually got the hang of it though and we skied for a solid 3-4 hours before the sun went down and  became too cold to stay outside.

Damn T-bar haha

The next day was basically the same but after we skied in the morning and afternoon we geared up for Xmas Eve.  We decorated a small tree and put all of our presents under it and then we went down to Christmas Eve dinner in the hotel.  Everyone was dressed up and the place was PACKED.  There wasn't an empty table in the entire place.  At first it was kind of awkward because they sat us with another couple (us facing them) but we got over it made our way to the buffet.  The Finnish Christmas spread is a tad different then the American spread.  They had all of these weird sauces and salads mixed together?  I couldn't even describe to you what it really was or how it actually looked but all I know is that I was happy I didn't try it.  Call me unadventurous but Jordan tried it and wanted to vomit (actually that's exactly what it looked like).  Luckily after the weird stuff at the beginning came semi normal food.  They had a huuuge salmon plate and ham plate served cold, but was really delicious!  They also had this carrot-type side dish, some mashed potatoes,  and for their main entree they had glazed chicken.  All in all the food was pretty good but I just couldn't stomach eating much after I saw the first course.

A traditional Finnish meal

After our dinner we went back to our room, got in our Christmas pajamas, skyped with everyone, and had WAAAAAYYYYY to many drinks.  I literally wanted to DIE on Christmas because I was so hungover...who says that?!  Anyway we decided it was best if we packed up and left on Christmas day because we were getting stir crazy in the hotel.  I have to say it really didn't feel like Christmas for us here and we were seriously missing our families.  Christmas day was the moment I realized how hard this lifestyle can be when you are so far away from family and friends and can't share special moments with everyone.  Sure we had each other but it wasn't the same. I will NEVER take for granted getting to spend the holidays back in the states and with family again.  Sounds like a sad Christmas but I was still grateful to be spending the day with Jordan AND the ability to see family through Skype.

Not much has happened since Christmas here...just basically hanging around the apartment, watching movies, shopping, and cooking A LOT!  I actually made my first REAL dinner while I was here.  Yeah sure I cook for me and Jordan all the time when we are together but I've never cooked a meal for more than the two of us.  I didn't have much to work with but the dinner turned out great and Jordan, his roommate and I ate every last bit of it!  I wanted to make Jordan's roommate a traditional American meal (since he is from Latvia) and decided to make pork tenderloin, corn and mashed potatoes.  Sounds kind of boring but I definitely spiced it up.  I also made a desert with the little I had to work with.  I made sauteed bananas with honey, vanilla yogurt, and crushed gingerbread cookies.  It was delicious!

All in all it has been a great trip so far and I am thankful to have spent time here in Finland with Jordan.  Tonight I'm not sure what we're doing for NYE...Jordan said they don't celebrate it here like they do in the states.  I guess they don't go to the bars or anything but instead just stay in at people's houses which is completely fine but not what I was expecting (especially after the first night here we went out).  So I don't think it will be quite as wild as NYE parties in Southie or Rehoboth but at least I'll get to bring in the New Year Finnish style with the one I love.

REEAALLY long post but I thought I should share while the trip is fresh.  In my next post I'll tell you what actually goes down on NYE here and post some pics from the trip. HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE EVERYONE!!

Continued...

My computer was acting funny with that video attached in the last post so this is just a continuation.

Anyway I cannot believe my trip is finally here! It has been a long 5 months but at the same time it feels like it's flown by. THANK GOD for friends and family to keep me occupied.  Work weeks aren't that bad because I keep busy.  I usually don't get home till 7:30-8:00 because of my commute/gym, then I come home, shower, watch my shows and then hit the hay.  I find it's the weekends that have made it so hard.  Sundays are always a killer because that is our day to just relax and be bums and cuddle.  Doing that with anyone else just isn't the same.  So needless to say I am definitely looking forward to doing that in the 16 days I will be in Finland.

I am also looking forward to the mini vacation we have planned.  We are going to Tahko ski resort for a few days which should be a lot of fun!  I guess it's 2 hours away from Joensuu and Jordan has reserved the team car for us to to travel there with.  This car ride should be interesting because first off I'm not positive that Jordan knows how to drive a standard...and I certainly don't lol.....and second, I hear Finland is tough to drive through in general.  Jordan said a guy on his team has a GPS we can borrow so hopefully we'll be able to get there without any navigation fights...still questionable though haha.

Our plan of action is to drive up there on Sunday, hang out and explore the place, then go out to a nice dinner and relax a bit.  Monday we are hitting the slopes all day!  Well actually I'm not sure if we'll be skiing all day because it's supposedly a very small mountain. Either way it will be fun to watch Jordan ski because he hasn't done it since he was like 12.  Buuuut I have actually learned my lesson with that....He told me the same thing about water skiiing (that he hadn't done it since he was really young) so I thought he was going to be really bad and that I would look like an all-star compared to him........nope........he litterally blew me out of the water.  That was the last time I"ll ever underestimate him when it comes to physical activity haha.  But still....I think I got this one in the bag hehe ;o)

The next couple of day's we're either going to ski some more, snowboard, or go ski-doo'n.  It will be a lot of fun with lots of activites.  I have made sure to bring my extra warm ski stuff because I'm SURE it will be the coldest conditions I have ever ski/snowboarded in.  We'll have to pick up a couple of bottles of wine and maybe cook some hot toddy's for us to warm up with after spenging the day in the freezing cold!

Anyway after our mini-vaca we'll come back to Joensuu and have Christmas together.  It will be our first Christmas away from family which is kind of sad but at the same time it will be nice to spend it together and start our own tradition.  Hopefully we can work out a time to skype everyone in St. Louis and Boston so we can see what's going on and get all of the great Xmas gossip!

After Chistmas Jordan will go back to practice and to his regular schedule and I'll actually get a taste for how things will be next year when I move to Europe with him .  This should be a nice little prep for someone who has never lived outside the states OR as a "live-in" hockey wife.  Let the games begin haha.

The last really exciting thing I am looking forward to in my time there will be New Years Eve.  Last year was the first NYE in 5 years that we hadn't spent together and we said we would NEVER do that again.  I actually don't know what we'll be doing ( I'm assuming we'll just be going to a bar) but it will be a really cool to experience NYE in Finland.  I don't think many Americans can say they have had the opportunity to spend NYE abroad, let alone Finland so i'm sure it will be one I'll remeber forever!

Anyway I'm sure I'll find time to write a blog or two during my trip (but no promises haha).  I will have my iFlip and digital camera on me wherever I go so I will be sure to upload pics/videos when I get back to share with you all.  Hope everyone has a wonderful, safe,  HAPPY HOLIDAY and remember to be thankful of your loved ones, friends and family!!

Queue the music!!

This has been the only song in my head for the past 2 days!!

Ok so now I am REALLY close to finally going to Finland.  I leave Boston tomorow around 2:00, fly to NY then from NY I have a direct flight to Helsinki.  From Helsinki I have to wait 7 hours to catch a 45 minute flight to Joensuu which REALLY sucks but I'm not too bothered by it.  I'm Just extemely happy to be going in the first place!

Travel Karma and Kathy's pics from Finland

Hope everyone is having a great Friday...weekend is almost here wohoo!  Anway I thought I would share some of my travel karma with you.  Each and every flight I have ever been on to go visit Jordan through the years something has gone wrong.  Whether it be luggage lost, serious delays, ticket not atually booked, or flight canceled SOMETHING always goes wrong.  Usually if I just see that I am delayed I am RELEIVED.  Sad I know.  Anyway my flight to Finland seems to be no different.  Jordan informed me yesterday that Finnair is on strike and that they have canceled flights the past two days.  Really....REALLY?!? Ofcourse they just happen to go on strike when I am going to visit Jordan who I have not seen for five months. Awesome.  To be honest I am not surprised and therefore can't get upset about it.  Atleast when you have bad travel karma your expecting something bad to happen so when it does it's not really a shock.  HOPEFULLY they will figure something out by next friday or else angry Hillary will come out...and she's scary haha. 

Anyway I thought I'd share some pics from Finland that Kathy (Jordan's mom) took on her visit.  I am praying that my flight will be good to go by Friday so I get to experience this place!

GRRRRRRR Finnair :o(

SOOOOOO close I can taste it!

IT'S ALMOST TIME!! I only have 2 1/2 weeks to go till my trip to Finland! I am BEYOND excited!!!  Jordan's mom and Grandmother just spent two weeks there...I haven't gotten a chance to talk to them about their trip really but I did skype with Kathy (Jordan's mom) for a couple of minutes and she said she liked Finland and thought Jordan's apartment was beautiful with all of the natural light shining in :o).  She also mentioned that it is FREEZING there.  I have to say I am not really looking forward to that but it gives me an excuse for some new sweater shopping! Here are a couple of pics from their trip, I'm sure there will be many more to come:

                                    Kathy and Jordan anjoying some wine and a nice dinner

                                  Nan and Kathy....look at all of that snow already AHH!!

              Nan and Jordy out to dinner....looks like they're not into tanning in Finland Jordy...lol j/kkkkkkkkk

                          Kathy and Jordan's roomie "Yeki" at the lighting of a christmas tree in town

Well it looks like they had a good trip.  I think Kathy said there are a lot of great shops within walking distance from Jordan's apartment so I think I'll have to make a trip or two....or three :o)  Kathy also said she left me a TON of stuff there (hair products, body wash, etc.) so I wouldn't have to worry about bringing them in my carry on or buying things when I get there. She is the best! Well thats it for now I'll be blogging in my next post with either more pictures from their trip or talking about what we have planned to do while I am there. Talk to you then!

Oh p.s., Jordan's suspension is over from that tough guy hit and fight I told you about a couple of posts ago.  He's back on track and has scored a goal in the past two games he has played in. Great job Jord, 13 pts in 18 games...looking good!

I miss my fiance/best friend/personal comedian/motivator/hottie of a man

I miss Jordan today :o( Obviously I miss him EVERYDAY but I've had a crappy week and it would be nice if he were here to cheer me up.  It's days like today that make being in a long distance relationship extremely hard.  I have noticed that may tolerance level for time in between seeing eachother has grown since we first started doing long distance but it doesn't make it any easier. It's difficult going from seeing that certain someone everyday for six months during the summer to not seeing him at all for 5 months straight.  Oh well I just gotta push on through and keep my eye on the prize...our wedding 7/3/2011:o)  This date will officially mark the END of our 5 year long distance relationship wohoo!!  Until then I will start the count down to my first European trip.  Finland here I come, see you on the 18th!!

We've got a TOUGH GUY on our hands!

The last game Jordan played he decided to rough things up and get the team going.  This turned into him throwing a HUGE hit and then fighting another guy after.  In his words, "I killed the guy.  He was out for like three minutes on the ice" and "I pretty much cracked the helmet of the guy who was trying to fight me". Now followers please take Jordan's words with a grain of salt; no he did not kill a guy and no he did not ACTUALLY crack a helmet...I appreciate the enthusiasm though haha.  Here is the video of the hit and the end of his fight. (scroll to 21 second mark)




This really must have made an impact on the team because they were losing by 2 before the hit but then came back to win it in overtime!  Jordan said the team and coach appreciated his efforts but unfortunatley the ref/league did not.  He is suspended for 3 games EEK! In the states he would have just gotten a major pentalty but I guess they are not into this type of physical play in Europe.

Hockey News

Looks like Jordan is turning things around!  A couple of weeks ago I asked him why he hadn't been scoring many goals this season and he repsonded with "i'm just not a goal scorer".  WELL EAT YOUR WORDS BUDDY because you have scored a goal in the past three games! Great Job 26, keep the streak up!  Below are some pictures of Jordan playing with Jokipojat this season.

And for you real enthusiets take a peak at the highlight video below.  The third goal is scored by Jordan.  Yes, he is the one on a breakaway who misses then sneakily puts the puck in the net when the goalie is confused haha.  Way to follow up Jordan Fox!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

Happy Halloween!!

Hi everyone, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! As some of you know this is my FAVORITE holiday and this year it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun!  Tonight I will be decorating my friend's house for her party tomorow and then we're going to see the Rocky Horror picture show.  Tomorow a bunch of my friends are getting together and we are all celebrating the night at my friend Ryan/Meg's house. Eeveryone is going to be dressed to the max which is alaways fun!


I was talking to Jordan earlier in the week and he wasn't sure if people in Finland celebrated Halloween but come to find out they are celebrating it tonight.  I asked him if he was going to go out and dress up and  he gave me some snide remark because he has a game tomorow. That stinks. I know how he feels because I only REALLY got to go out one year in College because our play-offs ALAWAYS landed on Halloween weekend. Oh well, maybe next year Jordy.  Until then I am providing you all with come spooktastic pictures of us. Enjoy!!

A little clarification

So my sister and brother in law were over the house yesterday to watch the Patriots game and we were catching up and got talking about the blog and what was new with Jordan etc..  John (my brother in law) started laughing at me about some of my posts that have interviews with Jordan in them because of the broken English.  For instance:


Did you get a number of deals in Europe?- I got offers from a few different countries and different leagues. Some of the contracts were rahakkaampia than others. The most important thing was that I get to play in an exclusive series and I get a lot of responsibility. My agent recommended River Boys, and after talking on the phone with Jukka I was convinced my desire to become a river boy.



He was like what the heck is "rahakkaampia"? and whats with the last sentance "I was convinced my desire to become a river boy"? It makes no sense.  Haha he is absolutely right and I'm sure most of you have been thinking the same thing.   I mean thank god for google-translate but JEESH! I can barely read it when it is in English nevermind Finnish! 

I just thought I would clear things up and let you know that NO, I am not translating this myself and YES, I completely understand if you don't get what's going on in half of these posts haha. 

Also, this conversation sparked my curiosity about the Finnish language in general and LET ME TELLYOU it is the CRAZIEST thing I have ever heard!  I usually brush off comments Jordan makes about the language because I thought he was just being lazy or wasn't interested in learning Finnish...For instance I asked him the other day to teach me some words that he knew but he told me he had only learned two words fo far: "Moro" (which I think means goodbye or thank you), and a swear word (not suitable to reference on this blog) that he uses on the ice.  I really couldn't believe that he had LITERALLY only learned two words and only one of them truly being legitimate haha. He has been in Finland for almost 3 months, you can't blame me for being skeptical haha.  Anyway, I have totally changed my opinion on the matter because after watching some video interviews of people on his team I have decided that I will be LUCKY to learn/understand even one word while I am in there visiting.  Just so you can all understand where I am coming from I am posting this YouTube link that has the Finnish interviews of the players I have been watching. 

Good luck to those dare to who watch because I certainly could not make heads or tails of it!

Lots of catching up!

OK OK I KNOWWW I haven't blogged in over a month but this girl has been busy!  Hopefully I have some loyal "Everything Fin" fans out there still :o)

Alright where to start;  Jordan's team is ranked 3rd  right now in the Mestis league and has 35 games left to play.

Jordan and his team have been playing much better from the beginning of the season. They have made changes in the lines and are starting to get some team chemistry.  Jordan is on 3rd line right now playing RIGHT WING!! Thats right, a new position for him.  I talked to him about it and he said that it's working out really well.  He said the ice is just so much bigger in Finland that he can play that position but act as if he was still playing center.  Check out the HUGE rink/ice!

 
Jordan also has a new line mate, (Samu Pitkanen), who works really well with his style of play. 
Currently Jordan has 1 goal and 7 assists for a total of 8 points in 11 games (per elite prospects website).  He also had his best game of the season so far the other night and got second star of the game!

Jordan said that the coach made a speech after the game to all of the guys in the locker room and singled him out saying that Jordan has contributed so much to the team the past four games and everyone else should step it up to play at his level!  Great Job 2-6 we are all proud of you back here in North America!

Hmm other than hockey Jordan said he has been having a good time with the guys when they go out.  Nothing new to report there really...I guess the normal thing after a big win is to drink beer in the locker room, drink beer the in sauna, go to one of the guys apartments to play some games and then go out to the bar.  Usually I'll get a phone call after that...say 4:00 am his time/9 pm my time with an update of his activities throughout the night.  The last phone call I got was him telling me that he was really happy that hockey is going so well but that he missed everyone back home.  So for all of you that don't get to talk to him that often I am relaying the message to you that he misses you!!  He also let me know that his roommate reminds him alot of me because he trips, hits his had, and has absolutley no coordination when it comes to anything else beyond sports haha.  Thanks honey, glad to know that special part of me is with you in Finland haha.

Speaking of people/things from home, he has received a bunch of packages from people so far and has really appreciated each and every one of them.  People alaways ask what to send him so I thought I would make a list here for you all to reference:

Chew-In no way do I condone this
French Dressing
Subway giftcard
Wheat thins
Wheat Pasta
Macaroni and Cheese
iTunes giftcard
Winter Hats
Pictures
Ketchup Chips
American Express Giftcard

And thats all I can think of so far.  Completely random things but you know Jordan...he doesn't really tell me too many specifics.  A little fair warning before you send him a package...it is REALLY expensive.  It cost my parents $50 to send him a 10lb box but if any of you want to send him a package and need his address just message me on facebook/send me an email.

Alright thats all I got for today.  Please understand that getting information from Jordan is like pulling teeth....literally...but I promise I will be more on the ball with the blog since there are so many Jordan Fox fans out there :o)  I will leave you all with a new player picture they posted of him.....definitely the best one I have seen of him yet!!

                

Jokipojat River Boys WIN home opener!! Jordan Fox with an assist in the second period

2010-2011 Jokipojat Media Guide

You can access the team media guide by clicking this link

Hockey aside, I think Jordan may have a future in Modeling.  Below we see Jordan modeling a white Jokipojat player's Jersey paired with blue jeans, an interesting hair-do, and a handsome smile.  I see some serious potential but I think I may need to teach him how to "work it".  I would need to teach him in person so until I visit Finland  I think our friend in red at the bottom of the page could be a solid fill in for me.  He has obviously done this before ;o)

Jordan Fox page in Jokipojat 2010-11 Media Guide

Please tell us a little about yourself?- My name is Jordan Fox, I was born in Canada, the family moved to the U.S. when I was 8 years old. I'm engaged to be married, and the wedding is next summer. I have played hockey from an early age, one might say that hockey is my life.

Did you get a number of deals in Europe?- I got offers from a few different countries and different leagues. Some of the contracts were rahakkaampia than others. The most important thing was that I get to play in an exclusive series and I get a lot of responsibility. My agent recommended River Boys, and after talking on the phone with Jukka I was convinced my desire to become a river boy.

Why did you come to Europe this season?- I am not able to stabilize my seat AHL team, so I needed new challenges uralleni. Many North Americansplayers have received a boost when entering careers in Europe. My goal is to become a better hockey player, and able to play in European top series.

Have you enjoyed your time in Joensuu, Finland?- I really enjoyed my time here. Joensuu is a beautiful city, people here are friendly and they have treated mewell.

During your career you've been playing mostly in a small rink, what Mehtimäen "airport" feel?- It's been really weird when you have so much time and space. It requires some getting used to, but I believe that by the beginning of the season I will have learned the tricks the big rink.

How do you think the big rink needs your style of play?- I am a Playmaker-style player, so I like the fact that there is more time.

What are your strengths hockey player?- I am a hard worker, and I play always with a big heart, I will never give up. While we were at a loss 7-0, I will not stop gambling, but I press the loud end of the match. I also like to play physical hockey, taklaan much and, where appropriate, the defending team friends glory.

What are your goals for the forthcoming season?- I do not want to set any personal goals, but I hope to develop as a person and hockey player, I would simply like to become a better player. A team, we can not have any other ambition than the championship.

What would you say to the fans?- I want to meet many fans as possible and hope that they will arrive in droves hall to encourage the teams.

 

You can view the entire 2010-2011 Jokijopot Media Guide here

On a side note, I think Jordan has decided to take up a new career as a model.  Below we have Jordan modeling a white player's Jersey with jeans, a loveley hair-do, and handsome smile.  I do, however, think I may need to teach him how to "work it", (similar to his friend in red at the bottom of the page), if he ever plans to make it big in the industry.

Week in Review

Not much to report from Finland this week.  I haven't been able to talk to Jordy to much this week because he has had a couple of games and his internet hasn't been running well.  When I did talk to him he said Jokipojat hasn't had a very good week game wise...they lost 5-3 in their exhibition game in the beginning of the week and  they are currently losing right now 4-1 (I am streaming the game live from their website).  Luckily they are only exhibtion games and don't count towards their season.  Jordy said he didn't have the best game the other night but if you know Jordan than you know that he is a lot harder on himself than the rest of us.  He said he was determined to have a much better game today and hopefully he is playing well and his hard work with training is paying off.  He said that next week will be has last week of 4-a-day practices which he is extremely happy about.  The training in Finland has certainly been tough on him when he is only used to one practice a day and maybe a list after in the States.  Hopefully the hard work he puts in now will be rewarded later in the season when he is in top shape.  I personally can't imagine having 4-a-day practices....I remember having double sessions, (never mind quadruple sessions), in college for soccer and I literally thought my legs were going to fall off.  He has reported back to me that his legs are still in tact so that's a positive :o)
Beyond hockey Jordan is still liking Finland.  He said the weather has been beautiful and he likes the city of Joensuu.  He is in walking distance to the town center which is nice because he can get anything he needs there.  He said that there are nice retaurants, Bars, and clubs right around the center which are usually busy because the University is located down the street.  He went out with a couple of the guys on the team this past weekend to a local bar and he said he had alot fun.  Apparetnly he was invited over to one of the guy's apartment complex's to have a "sauna" before they went to the bar.  I guess thats what they do in Finland.  Go to the sauna, have a beer, then go out to the bar.  Strange but interesting.  I couldn't help but think that they must look fabulous when they go out because they are sweating out all of the bad toxins in their body and dropping dome serious water weight.  Maybe i'll bring this tradition to the states and me and my friends can test it out :o)


As for what I've been up to, I've moved back home and have gotten back into the routine of things.  I now have an hour and a half commute (with traffic) to work as opposed to my 15 minute drive down the road from our apartment in Natick.  I'm not loving the commute but what I am excited about is getting back into the gym.  I had been going 4/5 days a week before Jordan came to live in MA with me.  Let me tell you it is EASY to get out of shape.  Cardio-wise I am fine because I had been running all summer but lifting was a different story.  I could only lift like 30 lbs on the machines I was working out on, opposed to 60 lbs I used to lift back 6 months ago.  No worries though, I'll get there again because Bridal bod 2010-2011 has commenced and there is no way i'm going to be flabby on the big day!!


Other than my transition back home I've been busy planning my birthday and labor day weekend.  I was kind of bummed earlier in the week because it would be ANOTHER birthday I wouldn't be spending with Jordan.  In  6 years I have only got to spend 1 birthday with him which is hard for me because I alaways see my friends and their significant others going out for romantic birthday dinners and getting awesome birthday surprises.  I was also led to belive a birthday present wasn't in the budget this year so I felt like I had nothing to look forward too. LUCKILY I HAVE THE BEST FIANCE IN THE WORLD and he surprised me with some GORGEOUS flowers he sent to my work.  He was being sneaky but the surprise was definitely worth it! So heres to not bumming about my birthday and to the guy who makes me smile thousands of miles away!!  Love you and see you NEXT birthday ;o)

Thank You Jordan they are beautiful!

Jordy interview 8/29/2010

http://jatkoaika.com/mestis.php?sivu=kolumnit&id=10352

(English Translation)

Fox's championship in sight renewal


Mestis championships defensive Jokipojat season leaves quite a new situation. The continuity of the well-known joensuulaisseuran pelaajistosta majority has changed, and the composition of the new names the largest number for many season. According to accommodate the Yankee spirit striker Jordan Fox. Overtime met a man on the team, rarely free.

-Team Friends have done everything possible to help me. Language has been a challenge, but they have helped in many everyday situations. The city is very beautiful. I went with the coach eating the river and the landscape was incredible, says Jordan's new team at Fox and his hometown.

How AHL experience licensed jacket man then went to Joensuu?

- My agent suggested such a possibility. He knows the River Boys' goalkeeper coach, Timo Järvinen. I know, they discussed the preliminary goalkeepers, but when it became clear that the club is also looking for sentteriä, our way as if the nineteenth century.
- I think I have pretty all-around sentteri but more pelintekijä type. Strengths are a good shot and the supply of know-how. I also like taklaamisesta. Greatest weakness, especially now comes the big troughs are skating, which I would like to develop, analyze sentteri.
Fox's statistics are also plenty of penalty minutes and a man not afraid to use his fists.

- I really do not merely a fighter. If joukkuekavereitani mistreated, such as the back or taklataan huidotaan, then the fights if necessary.

The first time in the troughs

26-year-old Fox is originally Canadian, but grew up near St. Louis Kirkwood a small town. Hockey man found in a small boy.

- September can be found in my family. Isoukkini, my grandfather and uncle both played hockey. I was not really a choice (laughs). Another sedistäni even played in the NHL. Naturally, he was the biggest idol as a little boy, but also had great role models for Doug Gilmour and Brendan Shanahan, "recalls Fox.

Sentteri kolunnut are many series in America. Experience can also find the top farmisarjasta AHL through, the lower ECHL through, and several other sub-series and the series of university.

Jordan Foxilla belt is also ECHL's all-stars match.

- AHL was an amazing experience. There speed and skill level are at a very high level and not very far from the NHL through. ECHL is again one level lower than the AHL. America clearly the levels go in steps.

- In the first AHL game playing in the same chain with Brandon Nolan. The next day he was called up to the Carolina Hurricanes in rows. It was very exciting when your own guy chain went - in a bit älysi how close the NHL was. If I had done some things differently, do not know although I would have reached, frets Fox.

Last season's ECHL Wheeling Nailers team did not progress, even until the playoffs.

- Season had a weak team and myself. I do not really ever found a chemistry with joukkuekavereideni. I wish I could help my team more, which, however, frets Fox tahkosi season through the nearly point-per game pace.

The future of Finland?

River Boys one of the worst opponents, and at the same time a master candidate, KooKoo, signed a try-out agreement Fox, last season's team-mate Yaworskin with Blair. Also last season, Jokerit SM-Liiga defended Alex Brooks is a man familiar.

- Blair then put the text that this possibility should exist. Only yesterday I was talking with him. Blair has had difficulties with the time difference and he is a bit ill, but otherwise has reportedly gone well.
Only two weeks the team had sentteri knew, however, tell you who gets to enjoy performances joensuulaisyleisö next season.

- Kämppikseni Roberts' Jeki "Jekimovs is a very promising young man. In addition, Henri ketjukaverillani Kiviojalla is a great future ahead of him. "Stone" is a very intelligent player and he has a great shot. I believe that we have in front of a great season together.

Nothing sighted goals Foxilla Numerically not paint in the volume and the active surfaces of the case.

- The primary goal for this season is to win a championship. Within a few years tähtään SM-league. Alex (Brooks) is a much praised series. Of course, also to become a better player and a Finnish hockey learning is important, if sometimes head of SM-League, says Fox interview at the end.

1 Week Down 32 To Go

Well it has been a week and a half since Jordan's departure from Massachusetts and we have started to get into a groove of things. Phone calls are still a little unpredictable because he is still in preseason and getting everything else situated in Finland. I usually get to hear from him once a day while I am work and sometimes late at night, (early in the morning for him), we get to video chat. I'm slowly but surely starting to get back into my old routine when Jordan is away and I stay here in MA. I am moving out of our summer apartment this weekend which will be bitter sweet because we had a great summer living there. It will be sad letting a piece of our lives together go BUT it will be nice to be able to start saving some money for the wedding.


As for Hockey, things seem to be going really well for Jordan. I believe he has 1 goal and two assists in two exhibition games so far. He says the style of play in Finland is much different than the U.S... He says they rely heavily on skill and little on hitting. He told me in these words exactly "I've just been running over guys" and laughed at himself because he knows he usually isn't the "tough guy" on the team. He told me that this has been the best team hockey wise he has played for because the guys on the team just love to to play. It is hockey at it's purest. He said the locker room is awesome because there is absolutely no politics involved. There are no guys complaining about which line they are playing on ,or if they have been called up or sent down, or fighting over who actually got the point. The guys on the team are just happy to be playing hockey and that is how it should be. For the love of the game. Jordan also told me that his coach, (Jukka Really) is great and that he had never met/played for a coach that was so passionate about hockey. He is only 30 so he can still relate to the guys and he apparently spends ALL DAY at the rink because he is so committed to the team. Jordy said he could have a 3 hour conversation about hockey with the guy everyday and it would never get old. I could not have wished for Jordan to be in a better situation for hockey because it seems like such a positive environment for him and relieves a lot of pressure he felt playing in the U.S..


In other Finland news I got to see Jordan's apartment over video chat and the place looks pretty nice. It is definitely a nicer apartment than the place he was living in Wheeling last year BUT doesn't quite compare to Gwinnett; I don't think many places can. His bedroom is tiny and he doesn't have a TV. in it but Jordy said the only time he is really in there is to sleep so I don't think that matters too much to him. The kitchen looked clean and in good condition and the living room looked to be a good size for Jordan and his roommate. They do have a flat screen TV. so they have been able to play their video games as if they were in the states. Jordan said one day a guy on his team spent the entire day over at his apartment because he had never played video games before and he became hooked. Jordan said he likes the flat screen and the apartment in general but his FAVORITE part is the panther statue they have in their living room lol. I saw the statue and personally I think it's kind of creepy and really random but to each is own. To give you followers a reference please see below to an almost exact replica of the statue living in Jordans apartment.


P.S. imagine this statue with red eyes and standing 4 ft tall.

 

Well that’s all I got for you folks on Jordan's first week in Finland. Please send your love and prayers for him that his body will recover after the 4-a-day training sessions he has had to endure while practicing with 19 yr olds!!! He may have the face of someone in their teens but at 26 Jordy is no longer a young pup ;o)

GOOOAAAAALLLLL!!!

Congrats Jordan on your first goal in Finland!!! W7-2

http://www.mehtimakelainen.net/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1282233389&archive=&start_from=&ucat=2&
Jokipojat-SaPKo 7-2 (2-1, 2-0, 3-1)

River Boys also performed mightily in the second week of the training match. Now got banged Savonlinna Pallokerho, who fell in Outokumpu crushed Reading 7-2. Jordan Fox (1 +1), opened the taps to score ten o'clock minutes in the game, and not let Jokipojat SaPKoa never properly be included in the game. Replied to the hardest-power Tatu Miettinen (2 +1) and Sami Puruskainen (1 +2). Emil Sivonen played a good match with paint rejecting double standards 35 times

First (Exhibtion) Game in Finland!

Looks like Jordy had an assist and in his first game playing for Jokipojat! W5-1

http://www.mehtimakelainen.net/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1282067037&archive=&start_from=&ucat=2&

English Translation: River Boys, Spike 5-1 (0-0, 3-1, 2-0)

Only just over a week period to practice on the ice to reach River Boys on Wednesday Outokumpu strong evidence to date skills. Spike was kind of Joensuu feet as much as 5-1. River Boys all kentälliset succeeded in making paint. Most effective as a man suddenly hääri Tatu Miettinen 2 0. Yankee Sentteri Jordan Fox has not yet stood out in bigger population, but the snapper's debut match one entry point. Antti paint Härmä played strongly and rejected as without all 38 shots for the opponent.

Jordy and Coach Interview 8/17/2010

http://www.karjalainen.fi/Karjalainen/Urheilu/jordan_fox_saapui_kaupunkiin_6433202.html
 
*Note* If you want to watch the video attached to this link you need to click the "1" above Jordan's picture.

Translation (Broken English):
 
River Boys' Canadian-American League Fox arrived in Jordan on Monday evening, Joensuu. 26-year-old Fox River Boys playing shirt for tomorrow, Wednesday, Outokumpu training match against Hokkia Kajaani.


Fox expects excited about the start of games Pojissa River.
I am now for the first time in Europe. River Pojissa goal is to guide the team Mestis champion, Fox says.
Fox is originally from Canada, but he also has U.S. citizenship. Joensuu, he arrived in the United States from his home in St. Louis.
179-centimeter Fox played in the last two seasons, the league ECHL and AHL-league team in five different ranks.
The attached video is Jordan Fox River Boys, and head coach Jukka Really comments.

The Big Goodbye

Well it is that time of year again...Hockey season.  Jordy has decided to play in the Finland pro-league for Jokipojat.  Not quite sure how to pronounce that team name yet but it's all a work in progress.  This will be a major change for Jordan, me, and everyone in his life but hopefully it is a positive one.  There is a 7 hour time difference between Finland and the states/Canada which is definitely challenging so far.  Jordan called me this morning as I was headed to work and I said "what are you doing up so early" and he had to remind me that it was 3:00 pm his time and that he had already been to a morning skate, had lunch with the coach, took a tour of Joensuu, and was headed to his afternoon skate. This blew my mind since I am NOT a morning person and couldn't comprehend all the things he had done so far when I had just woken up and not had my coffee. 


Getting used to the time difference will be a struggle but luckily he has skype set up and and he can call me in between skates/practices while I am work.  I'm also going to start bringing my lap top to work so I can actually see him when he calls and I am on my break.  It will definitely take me some time to get used to saying  goodnight to him when it will only be 3 pm here.


Other than the time difference things are pretty much the same as they have been for the past years when Jordy goes to a new team and plays.  Very busy and tired during pre-season but in good spirits.  He told me that all of the guys on the team seem very nice and that is roommate speaks English pretty well so it should be a somewhat smooth transition.  He also told me that the coach assured him that he is living in a nice apartment and that everything will be set up when he gets there.  He also said that he is going to a press conference today which he is excited about and that there were a bunch of fans at the rink to watch him play yesterday.


All in all it sounds like Jordan is doing well over there so far and hopefully he will be even better when hockey starts.  I am still a little sad that he is gone after spending a great summer together but I'm going to keep busy with the wedding and this blog which should keep my mind off of it.  I decided that a blog would be a good way for us all to stay connected with Jordy while he is over there.  I have put links on here which will get you to Jordy's team website, his stats, a Finnish to English translator, a time converter and other helpful tips and information.  Please check back often for this one stop shop blog for everything Finland and Jordy & Hill!