I got a package in the post yesterday. Or rather, our lazy postman couldn't be bothered to ring the doorbell (I was at home!), so he just left me a note telling me to come to the post office to pick it up. (Which, fair enough, isn't too much of a task - the pick up point is literally only two blocks away.)
Getting a package in the mail is very exciting (I live a rather dull life, alright), and I had wondered about what it was. The only thing I could think of was a book I am about to review (for the Medieval Sermon Studies), and I was amazed by how fast the Danish post must be, since it had only been sent 24 hours earlier. But no, apparently the Danes are just as slow as the rest of the European postal workers. It was the latest issue of Tatler, too big for the mail box thanks to an enormous ad campaign by Burberry. Some of you might find it a bit odd that I subscribe to Tatler, and indeed it is not what I consider the best magazine on earth. But, there was an offer I couldn't refuse - 12 issues for the reasonable prize of £25, and two free products from Benefit Cosmetics. Yay! (Ok, I confess, I only wanted the make up - I love Benefit. The magazine was just an extra ... eh ... benefit.) But this means I get Tatler sent home once a month. I haven't really had the time to read the previous issue yet, but something tells me it is not really my kind of mag. I think they aim for a group of people to which I definitely do not belong. Just looking through the ads makes me absolutely convinced: any magazine which includes advertisements (all from Linley) for a keyring in walnut (for £80), a cutting board in walnut (for £250 - it's a cutting board, for God's sake!), or a monopoly set in leather and ebony (for the humble price of £5,395) is certainly not for me. Oh well, I guess I just have to spend the next 11 months looking at the pictures and waiting for the day I become a lotto millionaire.
Rainy day
Today's super plan was to bring my laptop to the nearest Starbuck's (where is that? Victoria? Waterloo?) and sit and feel city cool, and drink one of their new Christmas lattes, and possibly work a bit. But it is pissing down outside. So instead I am at home, drinking a home made Caramel cappuccino - hoping that last year's Christmas Nespresso is still ok (surely it must be - there can't really be a best before date on coffee, can there?). Also looking out the window, hoping that the grey-brownish thing right outside is two snails mating, and not a big cat turd (or fox? When is mating season for snails, anyway?). Admittedly, not as city chic as I had pictured...
Official
Yes, there's no more lying. I confess - I have become old! And here's the ultimate proof:
At the supermarket, I did not pick up a copy of Vouge or Elle, or even Cosmo - I bought the Sainsbury's Magazine - full of recipes and home decoration ideas. I feel absolutely ancient! (Although, admittedly, that is no surprise - I have always known there's a little old lady inside me...) OR, it's just because I'm looking forward to the first Christmas ever at our place, with family coming over - Swedish and English style double Christmas! The spirit is here already!
At the supermarket, I did not pick up a copy of Vouge or Elle, or even Cosmo - I bought the Sainsbury's Magazine - full of recipes and home decoration ideas. I feel absolutely ancient! (Although, admittedly, that is no surprise - I have always known there's a little old lady inside me...) OR, it's just because I'm looking forward to the first Christmas ever at our place, with family coming over - Swedish and English style double Christmas! The spirit is here already!
Swedish Christmas!
The English countryside is not only good for recreation and relaxation, but also for shopping(!). At a garden centre we found this wonderful treasure:
A Swedish Christmas candlestick lamp!!! (Even with the stamp 'Swedish design' on the packaging.) Hooray! Let the holiday season begin.
A Swedish Christmas candlestick lamp!!! (Even with the stamp 'Swedish design' on the packaging.) Hooray! Let the holiday season begin.
(Not so) far and away
We're off for the weekend. Haven't seen Tim's dad for so many months that we can't even remember when. So, thought it was about time. It is of course also a great opportunity to get away from the big city for a while. One of us really needs to relax a bit (and trust me - after two weeks in bed - it's definitely not me!) Also, Somerset, where TB senior lives, is very pretty and nice, and a perfect getaway. In addition, there's absolutely nothing to do but to eat, drink, watch the telly, play with the cat, and - if the whether allows it - occasionally go for a walk. I have also just borrowed a book from Emelie ('The Shadow of the Wind' by Carlos Ruiz Zafón), so I am even looking forward to the coach ride.
A small thing
When one is home alone, in a cold flat, sleeping on the sofa for most of the day, feeling very sorry for oneself, then it's good to have something that makes life just a little bit brighter. Like a pair of fuzzy socks:
They are absolutely hideous, and I would never step outside the house in them - BUT, they are awfully nice and warm, and definitely lights up my day. (Gift from mother-in-law Christmas 2007.)
They are absolutely hideous, and I would never step outside the house in them - BUT, they are awfully nice and warm, and definitely lights up my day. (Gift from mother-in-law Christmas 2007.)
Back
We're finally back in London. These last few days have been a hell of snot and pain and fever and coughs and all the bad stuff. I am actually still amazed I managed to get on the plane (and Tim was very stressed about whether they would let me or not). It feels pretty lousy that all week was slept away in some fevery state, but there was really no option. But I try to see it from the bright side - I must have the fittest stomach muscles ever, from all that coughing. Beach season here I come!
Upgrading a card, downgrading oneself
Was late to the BL today. (Feels like I am constantly late, these days.) Knew I should manage to renew my reader's pass and order the books I so desperately needed just before the last delivery time for books. But of course - got stuck on the tube (what is it with me and the tube?). Ran in to the library. Got my card. Opened up my suuuper slow laptop. Logged in to the library's booking system. Had to re-register, since I had a new card. Looked up the books. Clicked 'order' - and alas! I was 1 minute too late! ONE flipping little minute! So no books today. Grrrr!
The only good thing was, that I now am allowed to hold a 3-year reader's pass, rather than the (for students) standard 1-year. Yay! But of course I couldn't be happy. For, being in such a panic, I forgot to change the details on my new library card. So, I'm still Mrs B, rather than Dr. And now I have to live with that for three years! Gaaaah! It just has not been my day, today.
The only good thing was, that I now am allowed to hold a 3-year reader's pass, rather than the (for students) standard 1-year. Yay! But of course I couldn't be happy. For, being in such a panic, I forgot to change the details on my new library card. So, I'm still Mrs B, rather than Dr. And now I have to live with that for three years! Gaaaah! It just has not been my day, today.
It's a girl!
Congratulations, Elise and Henrik! I cannot wait to see little baby B.
(Penguins - great babysitters! - from takeprideinutah.org)
(Penguins - great babysitters! - from takeprideinutah.org)
Swedish dinner
We were hanging out in a pub in Waterloo, after having paid a visit to the hospital again. Tim asked about the dinner. A Swedish one, tonight, as we had bought loads of meatballs. I was making an attempt to have Tim speak Swedish:
I: So, what are we having for dinner?
T: Köttbullar [meatballs].
I: And?
T: Potatis [potatoes].
T: Potatis [potatoes].
I: And?
T: Gräddsås [creamy sauce].
I: And?
T: Eeeeh, wine?
I: No, I was thinking of a bärprodukt [berry product].
T: Eeeeh, stones?
Ha ha ha! I just had to laugh out load. Where did that come from? But I soon got my explaination, when I worked out that Tim thought I said bergprodukt [mountain product]. It was lingonberry jam I had in mind, but stones were definitely more innovative!
Soft
We have - once again - been cat sitting for a week. Except for the one time throwing up on the middle of our already manky living room carpet (when Tim wasn't home, what else is new?!), Jim the cat has been just adorable. Cuddly, constantly purring, not very demanding, snuggly. So much so that when Tim annoyingly (obviously he doesn't get all the attention any more) suggested we turn him in to a cushion it almost sounded like a good idea. He's so soft and smells nice too (except for when he gets excited and drools, which really stinks) that the thought of him as a constant accessory on the couch was almost tempting for a bit. But no, tomorrow he's going back upstairs, and it'll be incredibly empty down in the dungeons.
More celebrations
Couldn't be more relieved - yesterday my thesis was sent off to the printers. Or, rather it was sent late the night before, but was cleared with the staff yesterday. I feel like I have been hit by a jackhammer, for several reasons; because I have hardly slept the last few days, I am truly mentally exhausted, I went out last night to celebrate with my darling Reynir, who had his viva and passed his doctorate. It was a great night out - Reynir had thrown a small party with loads of wine. Tim and I sneaked off in order to have dinner. Bought ourselves two cop hats on the way back (proper 'bobby' style) - which turned out to be the best spent 4 pounds in a long time. Everyone loved them, and Tim loved walking around, feeling important (nothing new there), saying 'Evening, all' and 'Hello hello hello' to everyon we met. Tried to meet up with sweet Emelie, who I haven't seen in ages, afterwards, but lost her on the way, at the same time as my phone died. Bad combination, but probably wise in the end.
The evening can basically be summarized in this picture:
Tonight we are calming down our nerves by going to see the latest Harry Potter movie (first time visit to the local Brixton cinema).
Tonight we are calming down our nerves by going to see the latest Harry Potter movie (first time visit to the local Brixton cinema).
Brainless
Yeah, that's exactly what I had planned to do with my razors (and the packaging). I'm so happy they warned me in advance... Eh?
What about using your heads, people?!?
What about using your heads, people?!?
Dancing queen
Tonight I had one of the funniest nights in a long time. Sweden is taking over the EU presidency on July 1, and there will be loads of activities in connection to this. One of them is called ‘Sweden on stage’, and will be held in Hampstead Heath on the 4th. So, I’ve been planning to hold a small ‘after-birthday-picnic’ there on the day. One of the performers will be Benny Andersson (of ABBA fame), so it’ll be quite an event. Tonight, he released his latest CD in the UK (and in English), and as a launch party, and as a preparation for the concert (to which Benny apparently want people to dance) there was a dance course held tonight. Folk dance! I had an absolute blast! Not that I think I’ll dance on the day (more than my usual drunken stumbling around), but it was still great fun – and the two-three years of folk dancing I did as a kid are still definitely in me!
Sunday, sweet Sunday
Maybe the picture below needs an explanation. All the ladies in the choir held a big party for the men; three course dinner, drinks, entertainment, the lot (any friend on facebook can see a few pictures there). It also included decorating the gents’ – walls covered in sports, candles everywhere, and a small table with a few cans of beer, and loads of samples of men’s toiletries (perfumes, deodorants, and even a facial crème). There was a Moroccan lamb stew (Jamie Oliver’s recipe, very nice) for mains, and the men were really waited upon. Loads of dancing and drinks afterward. A great night, I got home at around 3, but stayed up and chatted to Helena who stayed the night instead of going all the way out to her western suburb. Still managed to get up at 9 (!), when Tim made us a full English breakfast, while I baked scones. Helena left at 14, and then we went back to Battersea park. Took the bus there (quite a detour, but fun to see new parts of town – I really like both Clapham and Battersea now), and strolled around for an hour or so. Didn’t have time to go to the zoo, so I’m saving the otters for another day. Had party leftovers for dinner, and then watched the last Alien-movie. We started going through the series (which Tim got for his birthday last year) last Sunday, when I wanted to watch an action movie. Watched Alien on Sunday, then number 2 and 3 on the Monday, but haven’t had the time to sit down since. So, it was definitely time for the last one tonight. Tim doesn’t care too much for this one, but I quite liked it. So far, my favourites are Alien vs. Predator (maybe because that was the first one I watched?), Aliens (no. 2) and then Alien Resurrection (no. 4). Now I’m off to bed to dream about scary monsters…
Prepping
So, here's me documenting myself, having just decorated the gents' in the church with pages from the sports' sections. Isn't that what everybody does on a Saturday night?
Observations
Last week was the 65th anniversary of D-day, which for obvious reasons got some attention in this country. Of course, in Sweden, we have nothing like that to remember. I guess the closest thing we get is celebrating the death of Charles XII, who died fighting the Norwegians in 1718 (which happens to be pretty much the only year in Scandinavian history that I for some reason can remember). I am, however, using 'we' here in a very loose sense, since it has mostly been various 'nationalists' who have claimed the day as their own. Enough about that! But it is also interesting to follow the debates that have been in this country, whether the British should remember and commemorate the wars and their heroes more than they do. Personally, I'm not taking a stand in the debate, but I watched the memorial day service on TV last November, and was very moved. War is, luckily, for me such a foreign thing. (And I thought to myself that I can't even imagine living in a country which is in war - and then I suddenly realize that I do!) But I actually do appreciate all the memorial monuments that can be found across town. Take my bus trips into town, for example: If I take the no. 2 bus towards Marylebone I pass the Australian and the New Zealand War Memorials (for soldiers in the two world wars), the Royal Artillery Memorial, the Machine Gun Corps Memorial, the Animals in War Memorial, as well as the Wellington Arch and Marble Arch (for the Napoleonic wars). And if I'm on the no. 88 bus towards Camden I pass the Cenotaph, the Crimean War Memorial, and (my favourite) the Monument to the Women of World War II. It's quite a number, in other words. But I like them - they are part of the city's character and its history, but hopefully no new ones shall be needed.
Offended
Well, I guess I shouldn't be upset, but I still am. After going out with some of Tim's old friends last night (Tim, however, had to go out for a business dinner - after already having had two lunches!) I still needed to get some work done before going to bed. So, in order to stay awake, I decided I needed some sugar, and that the best option was to buy some sweets in one of our corner shops, just by the bus stop. I found myself a bag of winegums and went up to the counter to pay. I was a bit tipsy, but nothing bad, and was my usual cheerful self (?) and asked the old Indian man behind the counter how he was doing. He smiled back, and asked if I was having some munchies. I replied that I had to stay up late, and just needed something sweet. But when I went out of the shop I was secretly annoyed that the man had questioned my eating habits - thinking I was a pig who had a large bag of sweets at 22.20 at night (I might just be, but that's not for him to comment on). I told Tim the story when he got back home an hour later. And that's when Tim explained to me what the munchies actually mean: getting hungry after smoking weed! (Well, obviously my English slang vocabulary isn't good enough - or possibly I'm hanging with 'the wrong people'.) I'm shocked! As if being called a fat pig wasn't bad enough - being taken for a junkie is definitely worse (although, seeing my own tired face in the mirror, I could absolutely see myself being taken for a crack whore). I just want to hide today!
New discovery
We dropped Christina off at the coach terminal (after a rather unsuccessful stroll through St James' park to feed the squirrels - rainy and hardly any squirrels out) and decided to go for a walk, as the weather was clearing up. Walked from Victoria to Battersea bridge, and then across to Battersea Park, which I had wanted to see for some time now. Lovely place! The park was much, much bigger than I expected. We walked around it for a good hour and a half, and I still don't feel like a got to see more than a corner of it. There were running tracks and tennis lawns, forests in the outskirts, a big big lake (with pedaling boats and everything), a children's zoo (which I thought was probably a few bunnies, but after looking at their homepage I'm definitely going back for the lemurs and the otters!), a tropical garden (the country's oldest - however, it was destroyed in the WWII in order for the public to be able to grow crops, but has since been reintroduced) - you name it! This park is an absolute treasure! I cannot wait for the weather to get better, so that we can go back and explore some more...
Shopping
Congratulations, Sweden! (Not that I'm celebrating our national day, but anyway.)
Well, Christina is here, and we're having a great time. Been a little bit cultural (British Museum* and the National Portrait Gallery), eaten a lot of good food (and tonight Tim is making a great roast chicken dinner, so looking forward to that), but mostly looked in shops. And shopped... After having done a great deal last week (3 pairs of shoes for £30) I felt that I shouldn't probably buy anything more for a while. But what can a girl do, when she is dragged in to the stores by her company??? I felt slightly guilty after buying one skirt, two dresses and two facial creams (I'm such a sucker for that kind of stuff - but I was running out of my normal Lanôome creme, and have wanted to try Boot's No 7 for some time**. Whether it'll make me look younger or not, remains to be seen), but then Christina bought loads more, and thus made me feel better about myself. Thank you very much! (And I have an upcoming translation job, so knowing there are money coming in also helps.)
* I had been looking forward to the new Medieval room, which the BM had been preparing for some time, and which was launched a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, I cannot say I was very impressed. One room - that was all! I'm now putting my hopes to the V&A, which are currently redoing their Medieval exhibition.
** No, it was not because I had (yet?) bought the enormous hype around the 'Protect and Perfect serum', but rather because I needed something quite cheap. I was lucky, though, because they had 3 for 2 on everything, and a free gift if you spent more than £28 (which was very easy indeed). Surprise, surprise - the free gift included a sample of the aforesaid serum. Reviews might just follow (although I highly doubt that the tiny sample will be enough for a month - which is the time they claim it'll take for you to see any results - yeah, right!)
Well, Christina is here, and we're having a great time. Been a little bit cultural (British Museum* and the National Portrait Gallery), eaten a lot of good food (and tonight Tim is making a great roast chicken dinner, so looking forward to that), but mostly looked in shops. And shopped... After having done a great deal last week (3 pairs of shoes for £30) I felt that I shouldn't probably buy anything more for a while. But what can a girl do, when she is dragged in to the stores by her company??? I felt slightly guilty after buying one skirt, two dresses and two facial creams (I'm such a sucker for that kind of stuff - but I was running out of my normal Lanôome creme, and have wanted to try Boot's No 7 for some time**. Whether it'll make me look younger or not, remains to be seen), but then Christina bought loads more, and thus made me feel better about myself. Thank you very much! (And I have an upcoming translation job, so knowing there are money coming in also helps.)
* I had been looking forward to the new Medieval room, which the BM had been preparing for some time, and which was launched a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, I cannot say I was very impressed. One room - that was all! I'm now putting my hopes to the V&A, which are currently redoing their Medieval exhibition.
** No, it was not because I had (yet?) bought the enormous hype around the 'Protect and Perfect serum', but rather because I needed something quite cheap. I was lucky, though, because they had 3 for 2 on everything, and a free gift if you spent more than £28 (which was very easy indeed). Surprise, surprise - the free gift included a sample of the aforesaid serum. Reviews might just follow (although I highly doubt that the tiny sample will be enough for a month - which is the time they claim it'll take for you to see any results - yeah, right!)
Hot!
Results after yesterday: Tim is bright red - 'looks like a baboon's bum with a face', as he so nicely put it himself. I have an enormous red spot on my forehead, growing like a big horn. If it was just a bit closer to the middle, people would stare and scream: 'look, there goes the devil's unicorn!' We are such a good looking couple.
Today, Monday, we are expecting 26 degrees...
Today, Monday, we are expecting 26 degrees...
Summer is here
Finally got the chance to celebrate yesterday. Tim was in York all Friday, so I had to toast to myself that night (which I also did!), but Saturday we were invited to dinner by Peter and Elena in Beckton. It was quite a trip there and back (no DLR this weekend), but very nice. Super sunny summer weather, and we had prosecco and an Italian apertivo outside in the setting sun. Roasted aubergine with goat cheese, served with sparkling rosé, home made lasagna (Elena had even made the lasagna sheets herself), with excellent red wine, and finally pavlova were all part of an amazing dinner. We even got leftovers with us - and Tim and I had the pavlova for breakfast this morning (anything is allowed on Sundays).
When we got back we watched the final of Britain's got talent online. I know, it's not the best of shows, but I have followed this season, and really wanted to watch the final episode. I was secretly happy that Susan Boyle didn't win (yes, she has talent, but it would very much be like Paul Potts all over again). My personal favourite was Stavros Flatley (I would have put up the video here, but all embedding seems to have been disabled). But obviously I realize that they are not the most talented people in the country, but they still put up a great show. The winners, Diversity, truly deserved it though.
Today, we have been playing Mario kart (which Tim happily picked up a second hand copy of last week), had lunch (Salmon salad - lovely!) at the Canton arms around the corner, and then walking round all of Clapham common. Incredibly sunny day - I enjoyed myself - Tim, however realized he needs to invest in some summer clothes. Dark jeans and black t-shirts will not do in this heat.
At the moment, I am eating humbugs, waiting for inspiration to hit me - I have two articles that are well overdue - and Tim is polishing on a publication of his. All in all, a very nice weekend.
When we got back we watched the final of Britain's got talent online. I know, it's not the best of shows, but I have followed this season, and really wanted to watch the final episode. I was secretly happy that Susan Boyle didn't win (yes, she has talent, but it would very much be like Paul Potts all over again). My personal favourite was Stavros Flatley (I would have put up the video here, but all embedding seems to have been disabled). But obviously I realize that they are not the most talented people in the country, but they still put up a great show. The winners, Diversity, truly deserved it though.
Today, we have been playing Mario kart (which Tim happily picked up a second hand copy of last week), had lunch (Salmon salad - lovely!) at the Canton arms around the corner, and then walking round all of Clapham common. Incredibly sunny day - I enjoyed myself - Tim, however realized he needs to invest in some summer clothes. Dark jeans and black t-shirts will not do in this heat.
At the moment, I am eating humbugs, waiting for inspiration to hit me - I have two articles that are well overdue - and Tim is polishing on a publication of his. All in all, a very nice weekend.
Summary
Today's top list:
* Worst thing: being woken up by mr Meep at 5.30, and then discovering that he had thrown up all over the kitchen (possibly because I forgot the melon out, and he had eaten the whole thing, but still).
* Best thing: my thesis has been accepted. I'm defending it in August! (Have been laughing and crying half the day.)
Now, all I have to do is to read through the thing and correct all the mistakes (559 pages...) and then lose 10 kg so that I will look great in the pictures in August, ha ha!
* Worst thing: being woken up by mr Meep at 5.30, and then discovering that he had thrown up all over the kitchen (possibly because I forgot the melon out, and he had eaten the whole thing, but still).
* Best thing: my thesis has been accepted. I'm defending it in August! (Have been laughing and crying half the day.)
Now, all I have to do is to read through the thing and correct all the mistakes (559 pages...) and then lose 10 kg so that I will look great in the pictures in August, ha ha!
The life of Jim
We've had Jim to ourselves for a week now. It has been brilliant, having our own baby. We've spoilt him rotten, serving him roast chicken and melon (his absolute favourite!). However, the little man is getting pretty old (17!) and has his own routines... Basically, he has his own sound, a sort of 'meep' sounding thing. It's used for most things. Like: 'meep' come here and serve me food asap. Or: 'meep' get out of bed, you lazy bastards. Or: 'meep' let me out, it's 4.30 and the birds are singing. Or: 'meep' give me some attention, you selfish cows. Or: 'meep' I need a stroke or two, or I'll report you to the RSPCA (also known as 'meep' in cat language). He's a very demanding cat, Jim...
Driving me crazy
I am still panicking a bit. No news from the Faculty yet, but I'm starting to come to terms with that. Slightly more stressful is finishing an online job application. I am supposed to attach CV and other documents as pdf-files, but the page refuses to recognize them! What do I do? I have even tried different pdf-coverters, but with the same result. After several hours, I am starting to despair and think that this was not meant to be. Am I cursed when it comes to these things?
News
I am absolutely terrified at the moment. I really don't know why I'm stressing out so much. I have been waiting for the results for over six months, but now when it is so close it's suddenly freaking me out completely. My stomach hurts, I can't eat, and my head is working on overload, thinking faster than the rest of me is capable of keeping up with (like what I imagine being on speed would be like). I better get the results soon, because I don't know how long I will be able to keep going like this.
But better news out there: Lena just got a healthy little baby boy, and Annlouise is getting married next summer. Congratulations!!!
But better news out there: Lena just got a healthy little baby boy, and Annlouise is getting married next summer. Congratulations!!!
The circle of liiiife
Everything goes in circles. I thought about that today, when I bought some lipgloss in a small jar. It's from M&S and smell of raspberries - it's like eating chemical sweets - I love it! I haven't had one of those since the early 90s. I was 14, and it was a time when every girl walked around with a small jar in their pockets (we hadn't advanced to using handbags yet) and all girls in my class (except me) wore vanilla perfume from the Body Shop. And now it's back (and so is the fashion, I'm afraid) - but I still don't like the smell of vanilla... (And I fear oversized sweatshirts and bleached jeans would look incredibly stupid on me.)
And, while I'm already down the memory lane: my friend L also reminded me the other day, on how we at the time had a girls' night with all the girls in our class, when we discussed boys, kisses, makeup and all other essential things. And how I, when everyone had to describe their facial cleaning routine (yes, very important indeed) and went through which L'Oreal, Nivea and Body Shop products they used, simply said I only used soap and water (which I definitely don't do anymore - hello wrinkles!). I can't believe I was so independent at the time!
And, while I'm already down the memory lane: my friend L also reminded me the other day, on how we at the time had a girls' night with all the girls in our class, when we discussed boys, kisses, makeup and all other essential things. And how I, when everyone had to describe their facial cleaning routine (yes, very important indeed) and went through which L'Oreal, Nivea and Body Shop products they used, simply said I only used soap and water (which I definitely don't do anymore - hello wrinkles!). I can't believe I was so independent at the time!
Thanks
I have the bestest friends. There's nothing better than a great surprise on a day when you really need a pick up. And it's especially good if it's followed by a sweet note. Thank you, Elise, for the CD. It really made my week! Everyone - check out the super cool Norwegian band the Vineyards.
Fear
Today, the committee will have sent in their judgement on my thesis. I'm scared. And nervous. And stressed, since I don't know how long it will take until I get to hear anything. I had ignored everything that has to do with the thesis, but now it's all very present again. Waiting for that letter in the mail, feels like an eternity...
But tonight we're meeting both M and K - the Wakefield gang together again! M's brother is visiting, so we'll be exploring some of the pubs in Soho. Hopefully, that should take my mind off things.
But tonight we're meeting both M and K - the Wakefield gang together again! M's brother is visiting, so we'll be exploring some of the pubs in Soho. Hopefully, that should take my mind off things.
A good read
Borrowed a book from R the other day: "The boy in the striped pyjamas" (or "The boy in the striped pajamas" if you are American), by John Boyne, an Irish writer. A very moving story about a German boy and his life during the second world war, and the friendship he develops with a boy who lives on the other side of a barbed wire fence. Apparently the book has been criticized for not being historically correct (e.g. an eight-year-old boy would not have been allowed to live in Auschwitz), but I actually don't think that matters in this case. The story is incredibly well written (and I especially liked some clever play with words - for instance the young boy calls Hitler 'the Fury', and Auschwitz 'Out with', and I wish I knew how translators have solved it in the different versions), and very, very emotional. I also liked the fact that there is no violence, or any other horrors outspoken in the book. Everything you read into it, you do because you already know what happened and what it is that the writer refers to. Very clever. If you haven't read it - do!
PS. I have since discovered that the movie (which came out in 2008) can be seen online, on google video. I have watched bits of it, but it is not very good. All the subtle things get lost, and there's no room for your own interpretations and the story from the little boy's perspective is also lost. Read the book - it only took me 2,5 hours.
PS. I have since discovered that the movie (which came out in 2008) can be seen online, on google video. I have watched bits of it, but it is not very good. All the subtle things get lost, and there's no room for your own interpretations and the story from the little boy's perspective is also lost. Read the book - it only took me 2,5 hours.
Regarding sweet things
Those of you who are very observant (or happens to visit the blog very frequently) might have seen a very sweet entry a few days ago. It was an excerpt from an email Tim sent me years ago, when we were still dating, and he was in England and I in Norway. However, on Tim's demand I removed it. He thought it was too personal, and I respect that. But he has since then changed his mind (I will not post it again, though, sorry). He explained it: "I was sitting on the loo, thinking of you [cheers, exactly what I wanted to hear!], when I thought it might be good to keep the post up. Then all your girl friends will think I'm nice, and hit on me." So, there you are girls. Feel free to hit!
Aaaah!
Tim and I have just finished dinner (chicken and asparagus soup, served with cheap wine we got for free last time we ordered curry), in front of the TV. Watched a movie called "30 days of night" - incredibly scary vampire story. Tim has promised to never let go of my hand, and I have promised to sleep really close to him in bed. Possibly with the light on. We are such chickens! And now we are going zap and to try to find a film on fluffy fairies in lalaa land, who are trying to teach the baby squirrels to hug...
Retail therapy
Pretty good day, actually. Lunch with some of Tim's colleagues was a bit painful (only work talk and we were both a bit hungover, but the food was great), and then in to Oxford Street to spend my 'name day money' (it was my name day on Tuesday, thank you very much). Super happy with a pair of golden sandals and an irresistible pair of dark pink shoes, which also happen to super match the nail polish I bought yesterday. Perfect! But now it's noodles for the rest of the week. I'm about to do a little bit more work, and then it's movie night with wine gums and m&ms...
Norway won the Eurovision last night, which was well deserved, and not very surprising (it actually reduced some of the excitement when the results came in). I was at a pub in central town with the Icelandic society (!), and had a great time - especially good since Iceland came second (followed by Azerbaijan!) , so the atmosphere was at top! Was very tempted to go clubbing afterward, but luckily (I think) and felt too old and opted for going home with hubby. Today I have work to finish, but would kill for going back to bed...
Eurovision
Yes, it is that time of the year again! Last night was the first semifinal of the Eurovision song contest (a blog post in the New York Times about the phenomenon can be found here - especially entertaining is the discussion), and I spent it with my Icelandic friend Reynir, who also happens to be one of the 'reviewers' of the Eurovision contestants on the show 'Alla leið' on Icelandic TV (check him out here, and click on one of the links to the right if you are curious). It is brilliant to watch the show with someone who is so in to it! We watched, screamed, sang along, drank beer, were horrified, laughed, got goosebumps, the lot! The presenters were awful, but other than that it was a great show.
So, what do I think this year? Well, for the first time ever (!) I actually called in and voted. Obviously I voted for Sweden (one must have some national pride!). The artist - Malena Ernman - is super talented. The song, well, you either love it or hate it. I'm the first category, but don't think it will win. Doesn't matter. She's doing a good job.
The best performance was, however, Iceland (and I'm not just saying that because Reynir is twice my size). The girl who sang it was really good, and the song very pretty. Probably the best ballad this year, and will definitely be among the top songs in the final.
Other than that, my favourite song in this seminfinal was Portugal. I discovered Portugal as a Eurovision nation last year, but they have a pretty poor history in the contest (no wins). This song was both happy and sweet, and I liked the fact that the girl was so moved after her performance.
Among the other semifinalists to make it there were no great surprises. Turkey will end up high (with the obligatory 12 points from Germany - now, that is immigration politics!) but don't deserve it this year. They've performed better earlier years. Israel must have been the jury's vote - that was just too much politics and too little music.
Tomorrow is the second semifinal, but there is no doubt that Norway will make it through to the final. It would not surprise me at all if good old Norway were to win it all (and very well deserved).
I love it!!!
So, what do I think this year? Well, for the first time ever (!) I actually called in and voted. Obviously I voted for Sweden (one must have some national pride!). The artist - Malena Ernman - is super talented. The song, well, you either love it or hate it. I'm the first category, but don't think it will win. Doesn't matter. She's doing a good job.
The best performance was, however, Iceland (and I'm not just saying that because Reynir is twice my size). The girl who sang it was really good, and the song very pretty. Probably the best ballad this year, and will definitely be among the top songs in the final.
Other than that, my favourite song in this seminfinal was Portugal. I discovered Portugal as a Eurovision nation last year, but they have a pretty poor history in the contest (no wins). This song was both happy and sweet, and I liked the fact that the girl was so moved after her performance.
Among the other semifinalists to make it there were no great surprises. Turkey will end up high (with the obligatory 12 points from Germany - now, that is immigration politics!) but don't deserve it this year. They've performed better earlier years. Israel must have been the jury's vote - that was just too much politics and too little music.
Tomorrow is the second semifinal, but there is no doubt that Norway will make it through to the final. It would not surprise me at all if good old Norway were to win it all (and very well deserved).
I love it!!!
Pathetic
I haven't been the only sick note in the family this weekend. But in comparison to mum's problems mine have seemed very minor, and I didn't want to whinge and be pathetic when she (who turns 68 today - happy birthday mum!) was almost dying, or thereabout. But now there's no sick mum in the flat and I can fully complain about my pains. In fact, I have had problems with my right ear on and off for a few months now (whizzing sounds and clicking and stuff), but Friday it suddenly got a lot worse. Saturday I basically completely lost my hearing on the ear, and it was incredibly painful (but then, that cannot really be compared to mum's shingles...). It is now less painful, but the hearing still isn't great, but quite muffled (and if I listen on the other ear, the head sort of works like a sound box and makes everything very loud). So this morning Tim (and actually, also mum) made me go to the doctor's. My local clinic (I have a very lovely GP, whom I don't want to give up so I'm actually going to a clinic which is where we previously lived - I should probably have changed when we moved to a different borough) has an open door policy between 9 and 11, which is absolutely brilliant. Actually, the queue wasn't all that bad, and I was allowed in after only 40 mins. The doctor (who looked a lot younger than me - I felt ancient) had one quick look at my ears, told me it was a bit red, instructed me to take a few painkillers and come back Friday if it's not any better then. Sigh! Yes, of course I should be happy that it wasn't anything serious (I quite like being able to hear), but I felt so stupid for coming there just to hear that (pun not intended)! I was also a bit miffed that the doctor - when she asked what I had been taking - had never heard of Tylenol.* I thought that was a pretty commonly known drug, even here.
*For the Scandinavians: an American painkiller.
*For the Scandinavians: an American painkiller.
Weekend report
So, my parents have now gone back to Sweden. It has been very nice to have them here, but my poor, poor mum has been really ill! She was diagnosed with shingles ('the adult version of chickenpox') in her right eye (!) the day they left the country, but looked quite alright when they turned up late Thursday night. The morning after, however, was a completely different story. The eye had swollen up, and was all of a sudden fighting with her nose for being the center of attention. She could not open the eye at all! Tim was at work (which was probably good, because I would have freaked him out completely!), and there was just no way mum could leave the house. So dad and I had to be touristy on our own, which was fine but unexpected - and of course we also felt incredibly bad for mum, who hardly could get out of bed. Well, dad and I went to the London Movieum by the Royal Festival Hall (which was really, really poor. Don't ever go there!), then lunch at Wagamama (dad and I normally take the opportunity to eat pasta or noodles when mum's not around, since she doesn't eat it) and a walk up the Thames. Tube back from Borough. Dad and I cooked dinner, and forced mum to eat a little.
Saturday morning, and mum was just as bad. Today also with a small swelling under the other eye, as well as lovely red scabs and rashes all over her forehead. She could open her right eye with some serious force, but that was about it. So Tim, dad and I had to go out on our own again. This time the Museum of London in Barbican (very good! Highly recommended!). It was the ideal museum since we are all interested in history. Walked around the exhibitions for a few hours, and then strolled down to St Paul's where we had a very late lunch in a pub, before going back home to entertain mum. I was supposed to have been singing with the choir in its annual spring concert, but decided I rather stayed with mum. Didn't want her to be alone all day. Ordered in food from our local Indians, the wonderful HotStuff.
Sunday and dad's birthday. Tim and I had bought loads of party accessories (see previous post) and an enormous Belgian chocolate cake, and did a Swedish birthday with singing and all. Mum could now open her right eye a bit - and as she didn't want to ruin dad's day/felt slightly stronger/was incredibly bored of our flat, she decided to come with us. We went for the easy option - a cruise on the Thames, from Westminster to Greenwich. It was an amazing trip. I had never done any of the tours before, but thoroughly enjoyed it! The old commentator was also very entertaining (very British humor). Strolled around in Greenwich for a bit (not too easy, since mum had to be supported by one of us at all times - but she had at least brought an enormous pair of sun glasses from the 70's, which covered most of her face) and had a bite to eat. Tim cooked the most amazing birthday dinner: roast pork, English roast potatoes and parsnip, and Yorkshire puddings, asparagus and all the good stuff. I think dad was happy with his birthday, after all.
Today mum had absolutely no energy left, poor thing. Tim, dad and I opted for going to St James's park to feed the squirrels. Ended up in a huge traffic jam - Tamil protesters had occupied Westminster bridge, and no traffic was allowed to pass. So our quick little bus ride turned in to quite an adventure, but was still nice enough since we got to walk along the river from Lambeth bridge up to Westminster. (Still not convinced this will give the Tamils any support though! Most people were very annoyed, and if I had been driving I would have too!) Walked through the park for an hour, and then decided it was wise to take the tube back home.
I have now put my parents on the tube. Mum, who has looked like an advertising board for an anti-violence campaign (we have made so many Mike Tyson jokes - and a few references to Quasimodo and Stevie Wonder as well this weekend), could open her right eye 2/3 now, but was probably pretty happy to get home. I don't blame her! But she has put up a good face all weekend, and I am really proud of her for that. I hope the can come back soon for a better experience...
Saturday morning, and mum was just as bad. Today also with a small swelling under the other eye, as well as lovely red scabs and rashes all over her forehead. She could open her right eye with some serious force, but that was about it. So Tim, dad and I had to go out on our own again. This time the Museum of London in Barbican (very good! Highly recommended!). It was the ideal museum since we are all interested in history. Walked around the exhibitions for a few hours, and then strolled down to St Paul's where we had a very late lunch in a pub, before going back home to entertain mum. I was supposed to have been singing with the choir in its annual spring concert, but decided I rather stayed with mum. Didn't want her to be alone all day. Ordered in food from our local Indians, the wonderful HotStuff.
Sunday and dad's birthday. Tim and I had bought loads of party accessories (see previous post) and an enormous Belgian chocolate cake, and did a Swedish birthday with singing and all. Mum could now open her right eye a bit - and as she didn't want to ruin dad's day/felt slightly stronger/was incredibly bored of our flat, she decided to come with us. We went for the easy option - a cruise on the Thames, from Westminster to Greenwich. It was an amazing trip. I had never done any of the tours before, but thoroughly enjoyed it! The old commentator was also very entertaining (very British humor). Strolled around in Greenwich for a bit (not too easy, since mum had to be supported by one of us at all times - but she had at least brought an enormous pair of sun glasses from the 70's, which covered most of her face) and had a bite to eat. Tim cooked the most amazing birthday dinner: roast pork, English roast potatoes and parsnip, and Yorkshire puddings, asparagus and all the good stuff. I think dad was happy with his birthday, after all.
Today mum had absolutely no energy left, poor thing. Tim, dad and I opted for going to St James's park to feed the squirrels. Ended up in a huge traffic jam - Tamil protesters had occupied Westminster bridge, and no traffic was allowed to pass. So our quick little bus ride turned in to quite an adventure, but was still nice enough since we got to walk along the river from Lambeth bridge up to Westminster. (Still not convinced this will give the Tamils any support though! Most people were very annoyed, and if I had been driving I would have too!) Walked through the park for an hour, and then decided it was wise to take the tube back home.
I have now put my parents on the tube. Mum, who has looked like an advertising board for an anti-violence campaign (we have made so many Mike Tyson jokes - and a few references to Quasimodo and Stevie Wonder as well this weekend), could open her right eye 2/3 now, but was probably pretty happy to get home. I don't blame her! But she has put up a good face all weekend, and I am really proud of her for that. I hope the can come back soon for a better experience...
Happy Birthday!
Today, we sing Happy Birthday to dad. He got coffee and cake (!) in bed, but no gift other than a left over Christmas cracker. Tim and I had, however, decorated the living room with banners and balloons (one of them unfortunately popped, waking up the rest of the house). In a bit we are off on a boat trip to Greenwich.
Shopping
Purchase of the week:
Banana ketchup!
Oh, this is just wrong on so many levels!
(And I am a little bit suspicious, since it says best before 2011... nasty bananans by then, surely!)
Banana ketchup!Oh, this is just wrong on so many levels!
(And I am a little bit suspicious, since it says best before 2011... nasty bananans by then, surely!)
Doubtful...
The weirdest vegetables of the week (a.k.a. the strange stuff you get when you go to a overly posh restaurant, and this is all true):
1) Alexanders (just plain strange - but the Swedish name for it (Skotsk Libbsticka) makes it even funnier)
2) Tonka beans (as in Tilly Tonka? the chocolatier? It really sounds like something Roald Dahl would come up with. It's alternative name - Crabwood - is just as good!)
3) Hogweed (surely, that must be stright from Harry Potter?!)
Maybe Tim and I should become vegetarians again, just because of all the great names!
1) Alexanders (just plain strange - but the Swedish name for it (Skotsk Libbsticka) makes it even funnier)
2) Tonka beans (as in Tilly Tonka? the chocolatier? It really sounds like something Roald Dahl would come up with. It's alternative name - Crabwood - is just as good!)
3) Hogweed (surely, that must be stright from Harry Potter?!)
Maybe Tim and I should become vegetarians again, just because of all the great names!
More dinners
Tim's suggestion: "Went out to dinner at the Goring (NOT Göring, but that is so much more funny!), the queen mother's favourite restaurant, and now I'm too drunk to blog."
Well, almost true. Ah, I take it back: it is true. Went for a very swanky dinner in central town. (Yes, there was even a bust of the queen mother in the foyer.) Paid for by an Middle Eastern sheik and a French billionaire (here, think St Tropez again). I am - once again - incredibly stuffed, but had a great evening.
I would do anything at the moment to go to bed, but my parents will be showing up in the next 30 mins, so I should probably stay awake. (Edit: not away!) Loads of touristy stuff (not yet) planned for the weekend...
Well, almost true. Ah, I take it back: it is true. Went for a very swanky dinner in central town. (Yes, there was even a bust of the queen mother in the foyer.) Paid for by an Middle Eastern sheik and a French billionaire (here, think St Tropez again). I am - once again - incredibly stuffed, but had a great evening.
I would do anything at the moment to go to bed, but my parents will be showing up in the next 30 mins, so I should probably stay awake. (Edit: not away!) Loads of touristy stuff (not yet) planned for the weekend...
Flu again
In reference to my earlier post on the swine flu, I found this in yesterday's the London paper (one of the free local papers) and thought it was pretty accurate:
It also nicely sneers at how dirty the city is and the poor housing (again: see earlier posts). More from this cartoonist can be found here.
It also nicely sneers at how dirty the city is and the poor housing (again: see earlier posts). More from this cartoonist can be found here.
Experimenting
Ok this is a test. I thought the blog was in great need of a visual makeover (not to mention the content of the entries, but that is quite a different and a far greater issue), but I am still experimenting. Have still not managed to get the search tool to work (so much for being an IT genious!), but am quite impressed (and proud of myself) for having inserted the London pictures from my flickr page in the footer (now, scroll down and have a look). What do you people think?
Dirty
Apparently, London has been voted the dirtiest city in Europe (which nicely adds to it also being the most expensive city)! And partly, I agree. You only have to blow your nose and establish that your snot is black, to know that you are in fact in London. These news come at the same time as Tim's company is making cut backs, and we are seriously wondering whether moving here was a wise decision...
Pink
There are two absolutely stunning cherry trees in front of our house. This is what it looked like two weeks ago:
Now all the blossoms have fallen off. But it is still pretty, because whenever we open our front door we are greeted by this amazing pink landscape:
It is just a girl's heaven!
Stuffed
Have just come back home. The morning was spent singing with the choir, and afterward I met up with Tim. We went to lunch with a few of his colleagues. They have had an intern in their department, and he and his parents had invited us for lunch. The food was absolutely amazing (and so was their enormous central London house, filled with antiquities) but there was just so much of it. So, I have just had a five hour Persian lunch! I. Will. Never. Need. To. Eat. Again.
Day in the garden
Spent today in the garden. A little bit less sunny than yesterday, but still a bit windy. Tim had loads of work to do, so he took the opportunity to work from home, and spread out all his papers in the garden (securely fastened under coke cans, glasses, shoes, glue, and sweaters). We are also cat sitting this weekend, so Tim got to have some company when I got cold and went inside. In a bit M is coming over for dinner, and then it's Britain's got talent on TV. Very relaxing day, indeed.
The boys in action
Someone had a really tough day...
Hottie
L went back home today. We've had a great time. Very little touristy stuff (went to the V&A), but loads of shopping (including me being naughty and buying a few t-shirts) and quite a number of pub visits. Discovered that my favourite pub in our neighbourhood has a special on food on Thursdays, which was a nice discovery, but quite a bummer since that is choir night. Today we did some last minute shopping before L had to get on the coach to the airport. Bought some sushi and had a mini picnic in Hyde Park. The wheater was gorgeous, although a bit windy, which made it slightly colder than it could have been. We rented deck chairs in the park, and sat there an chatted for an hour beforing heading to Victoria. And my, did I notice that tonight! I've gotten so burnt it's untrue! My face is all hot and my nose has the colour of a stop sign. Not very attractive. Tomorrow is definitely a day for sunscreen. However, the only one we have at home has SPF 30. I never thought I'd use that in England!
Spice and Flu
Yes, lucky me still have a few hours before L arrives. Plenty of time! So now (instead of being a good girl) I sit here and listen to the Spice girls (very inspired by last Friday's events) on Spotify. How did I ever survive without Spotify? I'm not even bothered with their commercials (yes, I'm cheap and use the free version).
The TV news are all full of stories on the swine flu. Terrible for everyone affected of course, but other than that it doesn't really bother me. Should I be worried? Perhaps? Do I care? Certainly not! Maybe Tim is more sensible, who says that we shouldn't forget the flu in 1918 ('the Spanish flu'), when between 20 and 100 million people died. And to a certain extent I agree, but at the same time - a lot has happened in the medical area since 1918! I just cannot get around the feeling that it is a bit like the bird flu: a big hype by media, but then not actually a real threat (unless you like sucking on live chickens of course). I just can't get around the feeling that people are picturing a world like in 28 days later. Or maybe I'm just naive?
Inefficiency is my middle name
Oh, I feel so guilty today. I just cannot get anything done. One of my oldest friends, L, is coming to visit tomorrow (her poor husband being left behind, in charge of their two daughters, ha ha!), and the flat is in great need of a cleaning session. (Tim has been very busy writing his next catalogue, and I have - with that as an excuse - been out with friends rather than staying in as the good housewife I maybe should be.) Also, two articles are due soon, and I really need to get on top of that (so, not a great combination). My new Office 2007 doesn't help either - it's still quite hard to find the different features. Although I am absolutely excited to have Outlook again - Uni uses Thunderbird, which is fine but it doesn't have a built in calendar, wont accept vCards, and also wont sync with Nokia (oh, the horrors of the 21st century). Well, hopefully I should have a few hours tomorrow morning to at least make the guest bed and hoover up the worst spider hoards.
Another party
Well, aren't I popular, all of a sudden. Went to a "ladies' dinner" with the choir last night. It's an annual thing, where all the men throw a great dinner party for the ladies; so lots of singing, drinks, food and dance. This year's theme was 'folkpark' (thus bangers and mash for dinner...). Didn't really feel up for it (being tired after the previous night's adventure), and was a bit bummed that it began so early (party started at 17.30, but met up with some of the other girls at 15), but had a great time. The boys had made quite an effort, and when I left at 3 the party was still going... Unfortunately, my night bus apparently doesn't run from the same bus stop as the day bus, so I ended up having to take a taxi (Marylebone is not an area I am very familiar with, so it seemed like the better option, rather than stroll around unknown streets in the middle of the night).
It was, however, not very pleasant to get up this morning. We had choir practice at 13 today, and of the normal 30-40 people, only 10 showed up. (And we didn't sound too good.) But still managed to sing for three hours, even though it was super nice and sunny outside. It took me quite some time to get back home, because the marathon was on today, but now I'm back, and I will take a long, hot bath (and hope I don't fall asleep and drown) before I make dinner and go to bed... It has been quite a weekend. I am defintiely too old for this life!
Dressed up!
I ran around like a headless chicken yesterday, in order to try and find an outfit for the fancy dress party. Even texted the people I was going with and asking whether I actually really had to find an outfit. Well, they replied that everyone basically was going to, so I'd better. In the end - in a major fancy dress store/rental place - I decided to go for the cheap option: a Union Jack dress (think Spice girls) for the not too overly priced sum of £15! Also had to run around to find some matching stockings (the dress barely covered my bum), and finally found a pair of bright blue ones (when will I ever wear them again???) in Topshop, where I also got some bright red sparkling nail polish. Perfect!
Ran home (opted for the bus rather than the tube, since there had been problems on the Victoria line all day), but it really took for ever. Had 15 mins, so picked up the things I needed, and then left for Convent garden, where I was supposed to meet my friends. Met them, just to turn around and go straight back the tube (now that was quite a stupid detour! I thought we were having a drink or something to eat) and headed out to Canary Wharf, where they live.
We all changed into our ridiculous outfits: (the boys were knights) and I discover that the other Spice girl had the exact same dress! Oups! I am the first one to admit that she wore it a lot better than I. Also, she had the matching wig, and thus made a perfect Ginger Spice. (I was Wannabee spice - the one who never made it past the auditions...)I had a very quick dinner: one vanilla soy yogurt (yuk!). (Tip from the expert: don't combine that with beer!)
We took the tube in to town (got plenty of stares and a few comments) and to Leicester square. Went in to the club, only to realize that we were the only ones in fancy dresses!!! No one else of all the guests had bothered, and sat there in their normal little party/after work outfits! Oh, the horror! I have seldom felt so out of place! But we still managed to have a good time, and it was great to hang out with my friends from the States. I was, however, very happy to have a very long trench coat when going home...
And in fifteen minutes I am off to a party with the choir...
Updates
Thanks for the suggestions for the fancy dress party. Got another two today: Patsy from Absolutely fabulous or a tourist (which really seems like an easy way out). Will rush in to town tomorrow and see what I can find... Report will follow!
But I am quite proud at the moment - I have finally fixed my (formerly) slow laptop! After some correspondence with the computer guys at Uni, I did even more googling myself. Their responses didn't work, and I just felt that I knew more about the problem than they did. So eventually I got bored of waiting, and decided to just deal with it. Uninstalled Office, made a back up of my bloated folder, removed all files associated with Office, and then installed Office 2007. So, now I have almost 45 Gb more memory on the computer, no slow start up, no programs which want to constantly update, and the latest version of Office! (Even got Outlook again, which works nicely with my gmail. And also Publisher, which I really like. Yay!) Emailed the computer people and told them about my success. They wrote back and said they were very impressed and would add my solution to their 'solution database'. Oh yeah! I could have been an IT-guru!
Masquerade
In desperate need of ideas here. Going to a fancy dress party on Friday (I think it's St George's day), and the theme is 'reminds me of England'. I don't have much time to make a costume, or the money to buy a fancy one, so I could really use a few suggestions. The people I am going with are all American (dressed up as Ginny Weasley from Harry Potter, Ginger Spice and one of the characters from Sweeny Todd), and as I think there will be many Americans, it should probably be someone (something) that is widely known (so no obscure TV profiles). The alternatives so far: the Queen (present one), queen Victoria (now, that will need quite a dress), Vicky Pollard (from Little Britain), one of the other Spice girls, Elton John (!), English policeman ('Bobby') or school girl in uniform (not sure I want to go for that naughty look though). Any other ideas? Come on, please be creative!
Creatures = uncomforts
I am, once again, starting to freak out about all the little creatures I keep finding in the flat. The occasional spider I can live with (except for the big, fat one I found sitting next to me in the bath one morning, just after I'd had a shower - but at least that woke me up!). Also, I know that the fact that we have such a great gap under our front door brings in the occasional critter. But finding a really big woodlouse in the middle of the bathroom floor is not alright. On any level!
And then, a day later, I suspect we have textile eating moths. We have had some moth like things flying around ever since we moved here (nice, I know) but I never thought they were the bad kind, because I haven't had any problems with any of the textiles we have (especially not with the towels, and the seem to prefer hanging out in the bathroom). But last night I discovered that there were loads of little holes on my t-shirt. So, I have now been googling all morning. I'm starting to doubt that they are actually moth holes (which I guess is a good thing, but also bad because it means that it is my fat tummy that has worn it out). But googling creates another problem - I have now seen too much! And I am now awaiting the arrival of cockroaches, bedbugs and lice (but am still confident that the neighbourhood cats will keep any rats away)...
Spring is here
I am almost inclined to say that summer is here. Today, it has been 20 degrees (Celsius, that is) and sunny. I have spent the entire morning reading a good book in the sun, but now in the afternoon I am inside, working, listening to Lily Allen and drinking coffee.
Here are a few pictures from the summery garden. Enjoy!
Oh yeah!
Guess who's going to Saint Tropez this summer. And who doesn't have to pay for it. Oh yeah, sometimes life is sweet! (Or, Tim knows the right people.)
Scared
I still haven't heard from the hi tech computer guys at uni. And I am very worried to screw things up. I know I have everything I need backed up (thank heaven for external hard drives!), but still... Do I dare? We already have two half useless computers - one which has absolutely no battery life left (it doesn't work without a cable), and one in which the wireless doesn't work (don't ask me why, but it happened after we had to install a new hard drive, so it's not hard to assume it's related...) I might give it the weekend, or I might just soon go experimental...
Easter, here I come
Went to Scandinavian Kitchen today, where they sell Scandinavian food and coffee (Gevalia!) as well as an assortment of especially imported Scandinavian groceries. So today I went bananas (considering the amounts of money we spent in IKEA the other day), and bought two bottles of rather overpriced Påskmust (a Swedish seasonal soda - it's a must, ha ha!) - £ 3,25/bottle! But it is only Easter once a year, and tomorrow we're having visitors - my cousin and her boyfriend from Milan, Italy.
Friday and Sunday I will sing with the choir, but the rest of the holidays I will just relax and eat loads of yummy food - we have bought an enormous lamb steak, as well as eggs and salmon and chocolate. Easter - I'm ready!
Breakdown?
The weekend was great in many ways, but not for my poor little laptop. I've had problems with it for about a year now, and it all comes down to some problems with installing updates for Microsoft Office. And since Office is a program which you don't really want to mess around with too much (at least not while writing a phd) I have left it until now... Well, seems every time the laptop starts up these updates (14 of them!) try to install themselves - every time ending in failure. I now assume that these unsuccessful updates are stored on the computer, because the Windows Installer-folder now exceeds 44 Gb! Which, frankly, is quite big. Basically, that's more than all the normal files I have on this computer (program folder excluded). I also ran a virus scan (just in case), which showed that there were more than 7 000 000 files in that folder (and then I gave up the scanning)! No wonder it is amazingly slow, and keeps freezing. So, I have now written to the uni computer guys, asking for advice (and that is part of the problem - the computer being bought through the uni means I don't have the rights - or disks - to do everything), and bought a 1Tb external hard drive. Back up copies, here I come. And if you don't hear from me in a while, then I might just have ruined this laptop by trying to re-install everything myself...
(Pic from Wulffmorgenthaler, who are incredibly non-pc, and very funny.)
Shopping excursion
Today, I finally managed to get Tim to go with me to IKEA.* There are a few in and around London. Unfortunately, the one which is probably the closest to us (in Croydon) is not very easily accessible (as there are no tube lines going in the south, thanks to the swampy land). We have once before been to the store in Tottenham Hale, but decided to try the one in Wembley this time (both in north London). So, after a 30 minute tube ride we got off at Neasden. Well, the map wasn't exactly on our side, because there was quite a walk from the station and to the store (which was why we chose no to go to Tottenham Hale, where you have to take a shuttle bus). But we were there, so we might just as well go for it. We had the obligatory meatball lunch, and then strolled around. Got all the normal items - candles, serviettes, lightbulbs etc. My greatest buy was otherwise a great bit wok pan for the amazing price of £3! And then the food section! And this is normally the best thing about IKEA abroad - it's food heaven for an expat. We were both slightly disappointed this time though, because the food section was a lot smaller than in the other IKEA. Still, I managed to fill up a whole basket with Singoalla biscuites, dill flavoured crisps, elderberry lemonade, Swedish fish (from Malaco!), cheese (that can be sliced with a cheese slicer, yay!), Kopparberg's cider, lingoberry/cowberry jam (we got cloudberry jam last time) and other little bits and pieces. Tomorrow, I'm the one having polar bread and blueberry soup for breakfast!
*IKEA in Oslo was otherwise one of our very cheap weekend entertainments - you'd get out of town, and could buy really cheap Swedish candy and a hot dog for hardly any money. However, IKEA also represents one of the biggest arguments we've ever had. We were going to buy some storage for all the shoes in the all, and couldn't agree on which item to get. Tim famously stated that the one I preferred would make the hall claustrophobic... Anyway, after som arguing, which I of course won, we went off to pick up the storage unit - which we suddenly discovered weighed 30 kilos! So, that was our punishment for arguing in IKEA - in the three years we lived in the Oslo flat, we never had any storage for shoes...
Super Saturday!
Oh, we've had such a nice and relaxing beginning to the weekend
Yesterday, we went out for a few drinks after work with a few of Tim's colleagues. M joined us a bit later, and we went to a Chinese place for some simple (and cheap) food. Went on to a pub, where Tim - who was very tired - left us to talk about flowers and pink things and butterflies and periods and make up and all those other things we girls normally talk about.
Slept in this morning, and then went to Clapham Common (pic from Wikipedia).
Clapham is one of my new discoveries, not far from here - a 20 min walk further south. The common is, well, green and nice. There are some really nice houses around, and loads of trendy restaurants and fancy stores* and (towards Stockwell) the normal chains. We bought ourselves some sweets and drinks, and placed on in the sun in the middle of the Common. Absolutely gorgeous day - 18 degrees and sunny. Tim fell asleep on the grass, and I sat and studied the people around us. Headed back home at around five, and went upstairs, as we had been invited to dinner by our landlords. She had made some really nice slow cooked belly pork with roasted potatoes. Yummy! And then some nice wine on top, and a apple cake to end the meal. Lovely! And now we're about to watch the extended version of Alien vs. Predator...
*Among them one of the best butchers in London. It is very inspirational to look around in the shop (they really have some nice looking meats), but it's not exactly our price class. £30 for a chicken is hardly what I'm willing to spend... And, yes, I'm sure it's all locally produced, and ecological, and the chickens were happy and sang Kumbaya with the farmer - I'm still not paying that for a chicken!
Cool?
I have spent most of today surfing job ads. It is incredibly uninspiring, and quite depressing. Not that there aren't any jobs, but because I don't know what I can apply for. I have been looking more and more into general admin jobs. Today I found one ad from a 'Cool Media Company' (yes, the alarm should have gone off already there). I read on about the tasks, and what would be expected. At the end, they listed what the company wanted from the applicant: 1) Must be personable and well presented (sure, I can do that) 2) Must be confident (well, ok, on a good day) 3) Must be expert on a computer (eh? well, that's a bit vague, but no problem) and finally 4) Must be cool and funky (ah, definitely not for me then!).
Spring in London
Sometimes, life is sweet. I was quite grumpy and slightly bitter this morning - finding it hard to come back from a 'working holiday'. But right now (as I write this) I'm sitting outside in a deck chair in the garden, enjoying a big cup of coffee and the warm sun. It's funny how little things can make such a difference! Yes, there are things I occasionally think are wrong with this country, but its spring (in comparison to the Scandinavian ones - it snowed three days ago in Stockholm) definitely isn't one of them!
Locked up
Tim has forbidden me to go in to town today. In a way, that is a good excuse to walk around in sloppy sweat pants, and say that I cannot do any work because all the books I need are in the library (yeah right!). The reason for this house arrest is not because of me behaving badly (which, of course, I would never do!), but is thanks to the G20 meeting in London. Most of the demonstrations are in the financial district, but parts of the West End are also affected (where they will have protest marches etc). The Firm, Tim told me, sent out emails a few days ago warning their staff from wearing suits to work today (!), and yesterday they put up boards over their windows (and so did most of the neighbouring business)... So yes, London is prepared for a fight. While I think it is rather sweet of Tim to be so concerned about my security, it also annoys me that normal people have to take these security measurements! But based on these pictures:
(taken from www.aftonbladet.se)
and
(taken from www.svd.se)
I guess one has to. But at the same time, I just think this is such a waste of resources. 5 000 police men out today! What gives these protesters the right to take over the streets? Yes, they certainly have the right to demonstrate, but which support do they think they will gain from vandalizing banks?
Traveling and reading
Finally went back to London today. Since mum and dad left for a holiday in 'the Swedish alps' (i.e. Sälen) yesterday, I had to get to the airport (Arlanda) myself. It turned out to be easier than I thought, and it only took me 1 hour and 10 minutes, from door to door with public transport. Flying with SAS, I had to go from the newly built Terminal 5. The building itself is very nice, and I'm sure it will be great when everything is up and running, but at the moment: no! Just loads of empty space as well as construction work going on. I also managed to buy the most overpriced and non well-tasting pasta salad ever in the only cafe I could find, only to afterward discover that there was a lovely Wayne's Coffee tucked away further in. Blah!
Spent the entire trip reading one of the books I bought on the book sale yesterday: 'En sorts kärlek' (English title: 'Love Life', original Dutch title: 'Komt een vrouw bij de dokter') by Ray Kluun (the other one I bought was last year's Nobel prize winner Le Clézio's 'Vandrande stjärna' ('Étoile errante') - very pretentious!). Finished the book on the plane, but really had to bite my lip and put the book down a few times in order for me not to cry. It was a very sad story (google it if you want to know the plot) and very emotional. Obviously, not many people agrees with the actions of the narrator, and I have since understood that there are lots of people who really hate the author (the book is largely autobiographical). But I chose to see it as a love story, and if you ignore the somewhat poor language (might be the translator?) and the too many pop cultural references, it was really good (in a sort of unsettling way). But maybe I am a very simple (or very forgiving) person? At least, I don't think I have the right to set the norms for how other people should be living their lives.
Anyway, it is nice to be back!
Huh?
I bought a pair of trousers the other day (the incredibly stretchy kind, which is amazingly unforgiving and will reveal anything and everything of your legs, but at the same time very comfortable), and was very happy with the purchase. So happy that I decided to go back yesterday and get myself a second pair (but, in my defense, in a different colour, and approved of by Tim, who has to pay). But then, when I got home, what do I discover? The new trousers - same brand, same model, same size - are 10 centimeters longer than my first pair! What?!? I mean, it's not an inch we're talking about here, but a decimeter. So, today I had to get up early and go back to the store. Surprisingly enough, they were not surprised (!) to hear that. 'Oh, it's probably because they're made by different producers.' Well, yeah, sure. But is that really acceptable? I know I'm probably sounding very whinging now, but I don't think it is. In the end I returned the trousers. Well, one less thing to pack, I guess.
Sweet dreams
Honestly now, people. What do you guys sleep in? I have a tendency to sleep in a t-shirt (mostly Tim's old ones). I would love to sleep in a lovely little nightdress, or even a tank top and shorts (and trust me, I have loads of both kinds) but I'm just always cold doing that. The one part of my body that needs covering up while I sleep is my shoulders! So, every now and then when I'm out shopping (like today, poor Tim spent an hour on a bench outside H&M - I was very proud of him!) I look for a nightdress with short sleeves. You'd think that be easy to find, but no! First you find the obvious nightdresses without sleeves (sleeves are apparently seen as very unsexy or incredibly untrendy), then the hangers with tank tops with matching shorts, then a few stacks of pyjamas, and then - finally - stacked away in some remote corner somewhere, the nightdresses with sleeves. But why, oh why, do they have to look like they do? Either they look like the have been designed by Grendel's mother, or they have a nice motif like Betty Boop or Snoopy* on them. And that's just it! I will not go to bed with Betty Boop on my chest! Anyone out there who know where to buy some decent things, or who wants to start designing (and selling) nightdresses with short sleeves? In the meantime, I sleep in t-shirts with beer or pub names on them...
* In this household aka Spoony, after a documentary I once saw on the production of pirate copies of big brands in countries like China. I thought the misspelling of Spoony, I mean Snoopy, was incredibly funny!
Happy 95
Today I say happy 95th birthday, grandma! The rest of the day will be spent drinking coffee and eating cake with her, and then off to the airport to pick up Tim. Not a bad Tuesday!
(She was also celebrated with a big family dinner on Saturday, with too much champagne and wine for all of us - including the birthday girl herself!)
(She was also celebrated with a big family dinner on Saturday, with too much champagne and wine for all of us - including the birthday girl herself!)
(Very late) Christmas gift
For Christmas, I got a gift from Jim. Tim brought it with him when he came to Stockholm. It was a rather small package, red wrapping paper with a textile bow. Tim explained that our landlady had given it to me from Jim, but that it was only for decoration. Well, that was nice of them to think of me, even though we certainly didn't have a Christmas tree to decorate in London. After Christmas, I left the little ornament in the guest room in my parents' house, with the plan to possibly bring it back next time or simply leave it there and hang it in my parents' Christmas tree next year.
Well, coming back today I discovered that mum had opened the little package. Stupid woman, was my first thought. She should leave things were they are! But then I realized that there actually was something inside! Stupid Tim, is my new thought. He didn't realize that the ornament was actually inside the package (more logical, I know). We got a super cute Christmas ornament from George Jensen (fancy, I know) - and didn't even know about it! I'm quite embarrassed about the fact that I never thanked for the gift, but were happy with the thing I got. It is sort of nice to get Christmas presents year round!
For Swedes...
...who like books: a very good blog entry.
Sorry, I do not normally link to other people (I assume that you are all good individuals who reads whatever you like/interests you, but this was rather 'spot on'. Basically, it disapproves of the development of the book stores in recent years: removing anything 'obscure' (e.g. reference works, poetry, history, etc.) and basically only doing product placing of 'popular literature' - and no, there's nothing wrong with pop culture (I'm a big fan!), but there must also be room for more 'narrow literature' as well! (And no, being able to buy it online is not an equal alternative.) So, no more buying from big chains!
And if you happen to live in/visit Stockholm, then I recommend the antiquarian book stores: Rönnell's and Mats Rehnström's (only open on Thursdays), or, in Uppsala: Röda rummet or Redins. They have everything! (But yes, I guess I contradict myself a bit, since all of them also have gone online.)
Super Sunday
M and I went to the Swedish church last night, where they showed Melodifestivalen - the Swedish part of the Eurovision Song Contest. The place was absolutely packed, with a great atmosphere.* Went out afterwards with a big group of other Swedes, first to a bar, and then on to a restaurant. Got home at around 2.30, and, as you could probably guess, slept till lunch time today. But today has been such a beautiful day - sunny and warm. So Tim, M and I went down the street and had brunch at a local cafe. (Greasy food was high on our priority list, but as they were out of burgers I had a tuna baguette instead, but perfect brunch food.)
Tim and I then decided to go for a walk, and went down to Brixton.
(Picture from http://www.londonisfree.com/ongoing-events/markets)
I have been to the area a few times before (as it has the closest Argos), but last time we tried to visit the market it was absolutely pouring down, and we left rather quickly. But today was a perfect day for just strolling around. Of course, the actual market is not open on Sundays, but all the butchers, green grocers and fishmongers were still open. We became really excited, and ended up buying a kilo of really amazing beef for stews for only £3! And then a big bag of assorted veggies for £1.40! We are sooo going back there more often to do more shopping.
So, when we got back home Tim made a super yummy beef bourguignon (yes, I had to look up the spelling on that one). It was such a perfect ending to the weekend!
*Anyone curious can find the winner here.
In the system?
So, I think I'm finally in the system. I decided to be a good girl the other day, and apply for a National Insurance number, which is needed if you want to work in this country. Unlike the Scandinavian countries, you don't seem to need to inform the government about where you live etc (unless you want to vote, but then I'm not eligible for that here anyway) although they seem really picky about having the right people paying council tax and the like. Can't say I really understand the system... Until now, I have been sort of in a limbo: my name and address are on our bank statements and I actually have a NHS number (National Health Service); but no name on a rent contract or any utility bills (for some reason the Brits seem slightly obsessed with utility bills).
Anyway, I called two days ago, and was scheduled in for an interview (!) today. The woman I talked to said everything would be sent in the mail - but it not arrive until 45 mins before I had to be there - in Tooting! (Panic! Where is Tooting???) Had quite an argument with Tim yesterday about the things I needed to bring. Papers they had asked for included proof of address (as I said: don't have any official ones) and our marriage certificate (do we have one? Have we ever seen one? Will the archbishops sign of approval be good enough?). Well, I managed to find my way to the 'jobcentreplus', as it is so nicely called. (A name which in my eyes indicate a complete desperation for work, so it felt a bit awkward.)
I was a few minutes late, but ended up having to wait almost an hour anyway before anyone had the time for my interview. The woman I talked to was super friendly, and bank statement worked fine, and she did not ask for marriage certificate. 15 minutes later it was all over, and I am now waiting for my number to pop down in the mail in two weeks. It probably sounds really harsh, but I think they were probably happy to see such an 'easy case'. There were so many people there with hardly no knowledge of the language* and those who seemed really desperate for benefits (something handled by the same department). It is often easy to forget what an advantage it is to have 'Scandinavian good looks', be fluent in English and have a British surname.
(Something similar also happened to Tim when he applied for a permit to stay and work in Norway. He was taken out of a queue of about 100, and went straight up to the counter, just because of his nationality (and western European looks). Scary, when you think about it!)
*I felt truely sorry for a man who had to explain to his client over and over again that the number he had been given was only a reference number, and not his NI-number!
Crime on the tube
No, don't worry. Nothing bad has happened to me (yet). But a few months ago, they (i.e. Transport for London) started a campaign in order to fight knife crime on the tube, i.e. they randomly put up metal detectors on different tube stations. Today was the second time I've seen one in Stockwell. Apparently, the campaign has been successful, because crime related to knives has gone down (by as much as 30%, one of the papers states). But I'm still a bit doubtful about it all. It's absolutely fine that they just have a few metal detectors, and keep moving them around, but not everybody is searched, which is understandable, especially in rush hour traffic. However they target certain groups, which makes sense, but doesn't really improve relations with these groups of individuals. Also, every detector is watched/supervised by 14 coppers! Yes, fourteen! Ok, if they find something suspicious, it might be better to be more than one, or if a whole gang comes in, it's probably good to be a few people. But still!? Isn't 14 a bit of a waste of resources? Couldn't two of those policemen patrol the streets instead, or do something equally important?!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)