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!

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.

(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.)

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.

It's a girl!

Congratulations, Elise and Henrik! I cannot wait to see little baby B.

(Penguins - great babysitters! - from takeprideinutah.org)