One of my favourite landmarks in London, Big Ben, is celebrating its 150th anniversary today. Technically Big Ben only refers to the largest bell in the clock tower, but for generations the whole tower has been referred to as Big Ben.
The clockwork is typical Victorian engineering which will last for hundreds and hundreds years. The only maintenance needed is winding three times a week, oiling and making sure the time is accurate. Other than that it runs like clockwork...
Many happy returns Big Ben. May you stand tall for at least another 150 years.
May 31, 2009
May 28, 2009
It's a chicken
In a can. Yes, in a can... Just wondering who would buy a whole chicken stored in a can. Not me... Slightly disgusted to be honest. Food shouldn't look like this. Or shouldn't be stored like this either.
May 26, 2009
Boost to the ego
I got a phone call earlier today from a recruitment agency asking if I was still looking for a job. A bit surprised I said something that I wasn't really looking, but I like to be out there. The job of my dreams might be just around the corner. Sounds great said the lady. Would I mind update my CV because at the moment there is a demand for people like me.
Wow, that what I call an ego boost. I didn't think people like me existed. Someone who one day discusses coding and technical func specs and the next day talks about on-line marketing strategies and how to increase ROI. In between that I also train people how to use web analytics tools, content management tools and SEO. To add the list I also drive several projects both on local markets and globally.
I'm a woman of many talents, but sadly enough I also have that typical women trait – I doubt that I'm good at what I'm doing. So that was quite one ego boost being told that there are more people like me out there and that companies actually want us.
Wow, that what I call an ego boost. I didn't think people like me existed. Someone who one day discusses coding and technical func specs and the next day talks about on-line marketing strategies and how to increase ROI. In between that I also train people how to use web analytics tools, content management tools and SEO. To add the list I also drive several projects both on local markets and globally.
I'm a woman of many talents, but sadly enough I also have that typical women trait – I doubt that I'm good at what I'm doing. So that was quite one ego boost being told that there are more people like me out there and that companies actually want us.
May 25, 2009
Happy birthday Dad
Thinking about you today as you would have turned 75. Hope all is well up there among the clouds and that you keep watching out for me.
Will always love you
Will always love you
May 24, 2009
Old familiar places abandon
Going upp north to visit Frida and her parents on Thursday meant driving the exact same way as driving to the summer/weekend house. Growing up I spent every weekend, holiday and summer there and for about 25-30 years the area was part of my life. Mum and my step dad sold the house about 5 years ago and since then I haven't been there, until Thursday.
The area is very much farm and farming country and things hadn't changed that much until I passed through the different villages. There many of the small shops, B & B:s, petrol stations and other buildings had closed down. Most of them also looked quite abandon and deserted. I didn't see that many people either so I asked Frida's mum later on what had happened.
The recession would be the easy answer, but this all started before the latest economic downturn. No demands on things, no jobs and no future. The young people move away after school and leave the older generation behind. They grow old and no one wants to take over. Result abandon and closed houses and businesses.
Going back the same way later that day I felt a bit sad. Sad that what I had growing up was no more and that children like Frida would never be able to enjoy the charm of small villages. A place where everybody knows your name and life as kid is always sunny and carefree. Or at least that's how I remember it...
The area is very much farm and farming country and things hadn't changed that much until I passed through the different villages. There many of the small shops, B & B:s, petrol stations and other buildings had closed down. Most of them also looked quite abandon and deserted. I didn't see that many people either so I asked Frida's mum later on what had happened.
The recession would be the easy answer, but this all started before the latest economic downturn. No demands on things, no jobs and no future. The young people move away after school and leave the older generation behind. They grow old and no one wants to take over. Result abandon and closed houses and businesses.
Going back the same way later that day I felt a bit sad. Sad that what I had growing up was no more and that children like Frida would never be able to enjoy the charm of small villages. A place where everybody knows your name and life as kid is always sunny and carefree. Or at least that's how I remember it...
May 20, 2009
Silly Survey
Tired of all of those surveys made up by high school kids?! "Have you ever kissed someone? Missed someone? Told someone you loved them? Drank alcohol?"
39 questions for the people who are a little older...
1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
The electricity bill. I can't believe electricity can be that expensive
2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
Hmm, does drinks in a pub count?
3. What do you really want to be doing right now?
Watch a good movie on DVD
4. How many colleges did you attend?
2, Howard College in Texas and Univ of Gothenburg
5. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
It's a new one from London
6. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
Don't have a car, but it's expensive
7. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
Today I only work until noon
8. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
It's going to be so nice with a long weekend
9. Do you miss being a child?
Yes, the thing about having no worries
10. What errand/chore do you despise?
Cleaning and that's why I a cleaning lady
11. Get up early or sleep in?
Sleep in
12. Have you found real love yet?
Still looking
13. Favorite lunch meat?
Smoked ham
14. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?
A York Peppermint Pattie, but since there are no Wal-Marts in Sweden I never get them
15. Beach or lake?
Beach
16. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
Nope
17. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives?
Sopranos
18. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
My father who is famous to me
19. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
No, guess I've been lucky
20. Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
Yes, on some fire drill day
21. Ring tone?
London bridge is falling down
22. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
Deserted beach, when sleeping on a car roof beneath the stars
23. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?
Napa Valley
24. Do you go to church?
Not as much as I probably should
25. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
New relationship. I'm happy with my career at the moment
26. How old are you?
36, soon 37
27. Do you have a go-to person?
Yes, at least at work
28. Are you where you want to be in life?
Most of the time
29. Growing up, what were your favorite cartoons?
Bamse, the world's strongest bear
30. What about you do you think has changed the most?
My weight. Up and down, up and down, up and down
31. Looking back at high school, were they the best years of your life?
Not really. Freshman and Sophomore years were OK, but then I just got so tired of the all the competition that went on. That's what you get going to a small private school
32. Are there times you still feel like a kid?
Unfortunately not
33. Did you ever own troll dolls?
Many
34. Did you have a pager?
No, I'm too young for that
35. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager?
The church youth club
36. Were you the type of kid you would want your children to hang out with?
Yes I would say so
37. Who do you think impacted your life the most?
Different people at different times
38. Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you?
Yes, one of my first bosses
39. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”?
I certainly hope I don't
39 questions for the people who are a little older...
1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
The electricity bill. I can't believe electricity can be that expensive
2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
Hmm, does drinks in a pub count?
3. What do you really want to be doing right now?
Watch a good movie on DVD
4. How many colleges did you attend?
2, Howard College in Texas and Univ of Gothenburg
5. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
It's a new one from London
6. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
Don't have a car, but it's expensive
7. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
Today I only work until noon
8. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
It's going to be so nice with a long weekend
9. Do you miss being a child?
Yes, the thing about having no worries
10. What errand/chore do you despise?
Cleaning and that's why I a cleaning lady
11. Get up early or sleep in?
Sleep in
12. Have you found real love yet?
Still looking
13. Favorite lunch meat?
Smoked ham
14. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?
A York Peppermint Pattie, but since there are no Wal-Marts in Sweden I never get them
15. Beach or lake?
Beach
16. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
Nope
17. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives?
Sopranos
18. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
My father who is famous to me
19. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
No, guess I've been lucky
20. Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
Yes, on some fire drill day
21. Ring tone?
London bridge is falling down
22. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
Deserted beach, when sleeping on a car roof beneath the stars
23. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?
Napa Valley
24. Do you go to church?
Not as much as I probably should
25. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
New relationship. I'm happy with my career at the moment
26. How old are you?
36, soon 37
27. Do you have a go-to person?
Yes, at least at work
28. Are you where you want to be in life?
Most of the time
29. Growing up, what were your favorite cartoons?
Bamse, the world's strongest bear
30. What about you do you think has changed the most?
My weight. Up and down, up and down, up and down
31. Looking back at high school, were they the best years of your life?
Not really. Freshman and Sophomore years were OK, but then I just got so tired of the all the competition that went on. That's what you get going to a small private school
32. Are there times you still feel like a kid?
Unfortunately not
33. Did you ever own troll dolls?
Many
34. Did you have a pager?
No, I'm too young for that
35. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager?
The church youth club
36. Were you the type of kid you would want your children to hang out with?
Yes I would say so
37. Who do you think impacted your life the most?
Different people at different times
38. Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you?
Yes, one of my first bosses
39. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”?
I certainly hope I don't
May 19, 2009
Thursday feeling
With a four day weekend coming up today feel like Thursday, and the best part is that tomorrow I only work until noon. Even better than a normal Friday. The office closes at noon because it's the day before a national holiday.
Going to meet up with my little darling Frida and her parents on Thursday. I just realised I haven't seen her since last summer. When they where here right after Xmas I was ill, but we have talked a lot over phone and I've been sent loads of photos. But nothing will beat getting big hugs and talks about what happens in daycare. I can't wait and I've been told Frida can't wait either to see Trin. Mmm, life is good with kids like Frida.
Going to meet up with my little darling Frida and her parents on Thursday. I just realised I haven't seen her since last summer. When they where here right after Xmas I was ill, but we have talked a lot over phone and I've been sent loads of photos. But nothing will beat getting big hugs and talks about what happens in daycare. I can't wait and I've been told Frida can't wait either to see Trin. Mmm, life is good with kids like Frida.
May 18, 2009
A hidden gem
What I like most about London is to find those places that you as tourist usually don't go to. At least not on your 1st, 2nd or 3rd visit Earlier this year I counted it 30 London trips in the last 3 years and since then it has been two more, so I guess I've done most of the touristy stuff now...
A place I've both heard and read about is Regent's Canal and Little Venice. Being a hidden gem right in the middle of the bustling city. So after my shopping spree on Saturday Michael and I met for some lunch and then went up to Camden Lock which is part of Regent's Canal. Leaving the crowd of Camden market behind us I was truly amazed how quiet and picturesque things became. Big beautiful houses, but most of all a river boats, a water way and nature I didn't think existed in London. No cars or noise from a world metropolis could be heard. Only birds, bees and sometimes the splashes from the canal. A hidden gem indeed.
A place I've both heard and read about is Regent's Canal and Little Venice. Being a hidden gem right in the middle of the bustling city. So after my shopping spree on Saturday Michael and I met for some lunch and then went up to Camden Lock which is part of Regent's Canal. Leaving the crowd of Camden market behind us I was truly amazed how quiet and picturesque things became. Big beautiful houses, but most of all a river boats, a water way and nature I didn't think existed in London. No cars or noise from a world metropolis could be heard. Only birds, bees and sometimes the splashes from the canal. A hidden gem indeed.
May 17, 2009
Max Manus
On Wednesday I was invited by a friend, who has some sort of connection to the Norwegian consulate through her job, to the grand opening of the Norwegian film Max Manus. The biographical story of Max Manus and other brave men who was part of the Norwegian resistance movement during WWII.
Before the film started Gunnar Sønsteby, one of the last resistance men still alive was interviewed. 91 years old but still with a strong voice and crystal clear mind he talked about the resistance and what it meant for Norway. Watching the film it felt a bit strange to know that one of the characters actually was there in real life. He had been part of all of this and the story is true. They fought hard, brave and many of them got killed.
The film is important for both Norwegians and Swedes. In Norway one out of every fourth person has seen the film and I hope the same happens here. My generation really hasn't got a clue what went on during the war years. I have heard amazing stories from both my sets of grandparents but most of their generation are gone now. Both my parents were born during the war, but don't remember much, so it's films like this which tells us what went on and how incredible brave people were.
Before the film started Gunnar Sønsteby, one of the last resistance men still alive was interviewed. 91 years old but still with a strong voice and crystal clear mind he talked about the resistance and what it meant for Norway. Watching the film it felt a bit strange to know that one of the characters actually was there in real life. He had been part of all of this and the story is true. They fought hard, brave and many of them got killed.
The film is important for both Norwegians and Swedes. In Norway one out of every fourth person has seen the film and I hope the same happens here. My generation really hasn't got a clue what went on during the war years. I have heard amazing stories from both my sets of grandparents but most of their generation are gone now. Both my parents were born during the war, but don't remember much, so it's films like this which tells us what went on and how incredible brave people were.
May 14, 2009
Quote of the day
Comes from a dear old friend in Houston who knows her Gone with the wind.
Rhett Butler to Scarlett O'Hara: - Let the dogs bark, but the caravan passes on
Rhett Butler to Scarlett O'Hara: - Let the dogs bark, but the caravan passes on
May 12, 2009
Back at the gym
It was back to the gym today after two weeks of absence and to my surprise it felt rather good. I was sure that I was going to be dead after 10 minutes, but not. Let's see if I say the same thing tomorrow morning...
I was so happy last week in London that I could use my charcoal trousers suit again. And some of my shirts that have been a wee too tight this winter. So I guess the gym is working, even though I don't think about as a tool to lose weight. Just to feel good about myself both physically and mentally, which I am very much at the moment. Life is good.
I was so happy last week in London that I could use my charcoal trousers suit again. And some of my shirts that have been a wee too tight this winter. So I guess the gym is working, even though I don't think about as a tool to lose weight. Just to feel good about myself both physically and mentally, which I am very much at the moment. Life is good.
May 11, 2009
Time to check the eyes
I've been going back and forth to London regularly for the last three years. Doing the same old routines every time. Like visiting the bathroom right before the gate comes up on the board and then go straight to the gate. The gate is usually somewhere between 1, 2 or 3, so yesterday when I checked the board and it said 36 I got a bit surprised but started walking since that takes about 10-15 minutes.
Walking out that pier I could not find any signs that said SAS but I did both hear and see Swedish people so I kept walking. When the air planes started to become jumbo jets and had destinations such as Boston, Toronto and Los Angeles I got a bit suspicious but kept walking. There was probably a reason why SAS had ended up out there... Well, I got to gate 36 and there it said American Airlines to Chicago. For the first time in my life I had walked to the wrong gate. Embarrassing, but at least I was by myself...
Looking at the clock I also realised that I was now in a real hurry. The next plane with SAS to Gothenburg is in the evening and I had no intention to sit at Heathrow all day. There are a lot more fun things do on a Sunday. Finally back at the main terminal I checked the board again and it said 3a, which for me had become 36 in a quick glance. If it had said 3A with a capital letter I would probably have noticed the first time. Rushing down another pier I just got there before they closed and I tried to be very cool about it. Even though I could feel the sweat running dowmn my back. Phew!
So either I need to check my eyes, it has been a while, or I need to watch where I'm going and not go on autopilot just because I've done it some many times before.
Walking out that pier I could not find any signs that said SAS but I did both hear and see Swedish people so I kept walking. When the air planes started to become jumbo jets and had destinations such as Boston, Toronto and Los Angeles I got a bit suspicious but kept walking. There was probably a reason why SAS had ended up out there... Well, I got to gate 36 and there it said American Airlines to Chicago. For the first time in my life I had walked to the wrong gate. Embarrassing, but at least I was by myself...
Looking at the clock I also realised that I was now in a real hurry. The next plane with SAS to Gothenburg is in the evening and I had no intention to sit at Heathrow all day. There are a lot more fun things do on a Sunday. Finally back at the main terminal I checked the board again and it said 3a, which for me had become 36 in a quick glance. If it had said 3A with a capital letter I would probably have noticed the first time. Rushing down another pier I just got there before they closed and I tried to be very cool about it. Even though I could feel the sweat running dowmn my back. Phew!
So either I need to check my eyes, it has been a while, or I need to watch where I'm going and not go on autopilot just because I've done it some many times before.
May 06, 2009
Off to London again
I'm off to London at the crack of down tomorrow. I have to at the airport at 5:45 am. Always a joy! Two days of meetings and then Friday night and Saturday with friends. Not too bad. The weather over there is almost as bad as here, just slightly warmer so I have feeling I will spend a lot of time inside. And of course there are always the shops... So no need to worry about getting wet.
Just realised the other day that I'm off to the French Rivera in 10 weeks so I think it's time to start looking for some cute clothes. Some tops and a pair of shorts that not make me feel conscious about myself. Some sandals maybe too. The list is getting long all ready. I better get shopping...
Just realised the other day that I'm off to the French Rivera in 10 weeks so I think it's time to start looking for some cute clothes. Some tops and a pair of shorts that not make me feel conscious about myself. Some sandals maybe too. The list is getting long all ready. I better get shopping...
May 05, 2009
May 04, 2009
Outbreak
On my face that is, not swineflu or anything... I'm almost 37 years old and my skin still acts up. Maybe I should know by now what triggers an outbreak, but on the other hand shouldn't my skin by now start to mature?!
As a teen and up to my mid 20's I had oily skin and acne. Then somewhere around 30 my skin decided to go dry and the last years it has also become extremely sensitive. Ugh! For the last couple of years I've been using Dr Andrew Weil's Mega-Mushroom for the face and most of the time it works, but not today...
Taking a bath last night I decided to try a face mask from Nivea Visage that came with Red last month. Already there I should I have known better, but since it said good for dry skin... Afterwards my face was radiant and shiny. This morning it had become a bit red and itchy but nothing that my face cream couldn't help. By lunch time I looked in a mirror and noticed that not only was my face red and itchy it was blotchy too. Sigh! Since this happens every now and then I usually don't care, but today I just felt so freaking annoyed. Why can't I have normal skin like everybody else? Hmph!
As a teen and up to my mid 20's I had oily skin and acne. Then somewhere around 30 my skin decided to go dry and the last years it has also become extremely sensitive. Ugh! For the last couple of years I've been using Dr Andrew Weil's Mega-Mushroom for the face and most of the time it works, but not today...
Taking a bath last night I decided to try a face mask from Nivea Visage that came with Red last month. Already there I should I have known better, but since it said good for dry skin... Afterwards my face was radiant and shiny. This morning it had become a bit red and itchy but nothing that my face cream couldn't help. By lunch time I looked in a mirror and noticed that not only was my face red and itchy it was blotchy too. Sigh! Since this happens every now and then I usually don't care, but today I just felt so freaking annoyed. Why can't I have normal skin like everybody else? Hmph!
May 03, 2009
An extra day
With Friday off today have felt like an extra day with no demands and musts. Unfortunately the nice and warm weather disappeared last night, but that meant that I could spend all the day inside reading with without feeling bad.
Right in time for the log weekend Elizabeth George's latest Lynley mystery Careless in red arrived in the mail. 700 pages with Inspector Lynley and Sargent Havers set in Cornwall. Can't get much better than that. Or maybe eating chocolate at the same time or drink some nice wine. Things I've both done this weekend. Life is good.
Right in time for the log weekend Elizabeth George's latest Lynley mystery Careless in red arrived in the mail. 700 pages with Inspector Lynley and Sargent Havers set in Cornwall. Can't get much better than that. Or maybe eating chocolate at the same time or drink some nice wine. Things I've both done this weekend. Life is good.
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