It's finally Advent and everywhere Advent and Christmas lights are up. Finally some light in this madness called November. Myself I had enough already on Thursday night and put up most of my lights. Then I just turned off the other lights and lamps in my flat and watched the Advent lights. Wonderful! I started eating gingerbread cookies on Thursday night as well and as usual I can't stop until the whole box is gone which is the case very soon... According to old Swedish folklore tradition though you will become nice eating gingerbread cookies so maybe it wasn't such bad idea after all to eat a whole box...
Another finally is that November ends tomorrow. My least favourite month of the year is finally over, and I have managed to get by without too many meltdowns due to the lack of daylight, and too much rain and wind. I'm sure December will be the same, but during December we all eat, drink and are merry and the month is over in no time.
November 29, 2009
November 26, 2009
Something fun
Something fun on a rainy and cold November night. Thanks Carolyn!
1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this -- ever.
15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?
16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
18. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?
19. I think the freezer deserves a light as well...
20. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.
1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this -- ever.
15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?
16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
18. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?
19. I think the freezer deserves a light as well...
20. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.
November 24, 2009
Night at the museum
At some point I think we have all thought about how it would be to spend the night at the museum or in a big department store. To look at all those statues in the moon light or jump in the beds. Wouldn't that be fun?! And after seeing the the films Night at the museum you never know what might happen...
After reading RealDelia's post about spending the night at the British Museum I know I'm cured. That was spot on and exactly the reasons why I don't go camping or will spend the night at the museum.
After reading RealDelia's post about spending the night at the British Museum I know I'm cured. That was spot on and exactly the reasons why I don't go camping or will spend the night at the museum.
*relative deprivation from creature comforts (e.g. bed, heating–those statues are cold!, shower, normal food)So nice to know that I'm not alone and at the same time realize that we all enjoy different things. That is what makes us humans so special and unique.
*living in groups and listeningto/participating in other people’s personal rituals (e.g. sleep, eating,teeth-brushing)
*that curious modern creation that is the sleeping bag
November 22, 2009
Rainy Sunday
Or maybe I should say rainy November. Until November 18 Gothenburg had had 3,5 hours of sun in November. Friday was very nice for a couple of hours so maybe we are close to 8 hours of sun for the month now. No wonder people are tired and irritated. The days are short enough now and with all the rain that just keeps coming there is no daylight. Sigh!
So what to do? Last night I went through all my photos from Cote d'Azur this summer and just looking at them made me feel better. I could almost feel the sunshine, the warm winds and of course taste the food and wine. Makes me feel good now too, so here's a photo to keep that good feeling going.
So what to do? Last night I went through all my photos from Cote d'Azur this summer and just looking at them made me feel better. I could almost feel the sunshine, the warm winds and of course taste the food and wine. Makes me feel good now too, so here's a photo to keep that good feeling going.
November 19, 2009
A new companion
My new mobile phone finally arrived earlier this week. I have loved my HTC smart phone and it has been a very faithful companion to me the last 2½ years, but after falling down the stairs at Monto Carlo railway station this summer something happened, it got its own life. Shutting it self down, not sending texts from time to time and going to voice mail immediately even if I hadn't decided so. Time to get a new companion.
Back when I got my HTC I had two models to chose from, this time it was eight. Thinking long and hard I decided to go leave the HTC world and go with Samsung and their new Omnia Lite. And again it was love at first sight. Yes, I'm still trying to figure out all cool settings and widgets, but I like it. The phone is sleek and very easy to use. Just the way I like it and one of the reasons why I left HTC, their phones are so big and chunky and looks more like a small computer than a phone. Now I have a "normal" phone back which still is very powerful. I like. I like very much.
Back when I got my HTC I had two models to chose from, this time it was eight. Thinking long and hard I decided to go leave the HTC world and go with Samsung and their new Omnia Lite. And again it was love at first sight. Yes, I'm still trying to figure out all cool settings and widgets, but I like it. The phone is sleek and very easy to use. Just the way I like it and one of the reasons why I left HTC, their phones are so big and chunky and looks more like a small computer than a phone. Now I have a "normal" phone back which still is very powerful. I like. I like very much.
November 17, 2009
School fire
The school I went to in 7-9th grade got burned down to the ground in the early hours of Saturday. The only remaining building is the sports centre which wasn't attached to the rest of the school. About 400 students do no longer have a school to go to and the same goes for all the teachers. Tragic!
It's been almost 21 years since I left that school, but it will always be "my school" so besides the whole thing being tragic I also feel sad and wonder how anybody would come up with the idea, let's burn down the school.
When I read about the fire on Saturday morning I could more or less immediately remember how the hallways looked like, the orange chairs in the canteen, the paintings on the walls, the lockers and teenage life back in the 80's. I thought about teachers and people I hadn't thought about in years and I could even remember that distinct smell outside the chemistry lab. Amazing, isn't it? What actually is stored in our memory and how one thing can trigger some many vivid things to come back.
It's been almost 21 years since I left that school, but it will always be "my school" so besides the whole thing being tragic I also feel sad and wonder how anybody would come up with the idea, let's burn down the school.
When I read about the fire on Saturday morning I could more or less immediately remember how the hallways looked like, the orange chairs in the canteen, the paintings on the walls, the lockers and teenage life back in the 80's. I thought about teachers and people I hadn't thought about in years and I could even remember that distinct smell outside the chemistry lab. Amazing, isn't it? What actually is stored in our memory and how one thing can trigger some many vivid things to come back.
November 15, 2009
The lost symbol
Finished reading The lost symbol this afternoon and unfortunately I can't say I was very impressed. I've read all the other books by Dan Brown and found The Da Vinci code quite spectacular, but this book was just dull. About halfway through I realised the story followed the exact pattern as the other books featuring Robert Langdon. The usual unexpected twists and turns made me continue to read, but when I was done that was it. Nothing that made me think or wonder. Just another book to put on the shelf.
I think Dan Brown has become a victim of his own success. The Da Vinci code is one of the most read and spread books every and it's not possible to repeat a success like that. Everything else you write will be compared and scrutinised down to the last letter. So I guess one could call this book entrainment for the moment. Just like a blockbuster movie.
I think Dan Brown has become a victim of his own success. The Da Vinci code is one of the most read and spread books every and it's not possible to repeat a success like that. Everything else you write will be compared and scrutinised down to the last letter. So I guess one could call this book entrainment for the moment. Just like a blockbuster movie.
November 12, 2009
London 1927
Continuing with my London theme. A 10 minutes colour clip of London back in 1927. Remarkable footage of a city that already back then was remarkable.
November 10, 2009
London tourist questions
Missing and thinking about London tonight. The withdrawal symptoms are always the worse about a month after the last trip...
Couldn't help but laughing reading in The Times about the strangest and funniest questions asked at the City of London Information Centre. My favourites are number 5 and 14. And sorry all American friends, unfortunately I have a feeling that some of the most silly questions regarding the Eiffel Tower and Time Square comes from you fellow countrymen.
1. How can I have tea with the Queen?
2. Could you recommend a good plastic surgeon?
3. Are there guided tours of M15?
4. When do the clowns come on at Piccadilly Circus?
5. What number in Oxford Street is Oxford University?
6. Where can I buy paraffin for my lamp?
7. What time does “evil song” start at St Paul’s Cathedral?
8. Which side of the river is London Bridge on?
9. Where can I hire a banana boat?
10. Is it a long walk to Times Square?
11. Where abouts is the Eiffel Tower?
12. Which way to the beach?
13. When does Tower Bridge move?
14. Where can I see the buildings destroyed in the Second World War?
15. Where do the Spice Girls live?
Couldn't help but laughing reading in The Times about the strangest and funniest questions asked at the City of London Information Centre. My favourites are number 5 and 14. And sorry all American friends, unfortunately I have a feeling that some of the most silly questions regarding the Eiffel Tower and Time Square comes from you fellow countrymen.
1. How can I have tea with the Queen?
2. Could you recommend a good plastic surgeon?
3. Are there guided tours of M15?
4. When do the clowns come on at Piccadilly Circus?
5. What number in Oxford Street is Oxford University?
6. Where can I buy paraffin for my lamp?
7. What time does “evil song” start at St Paul’s Cathedral?
8. Which side of the river is London Bridge on?
9. Where can I hire a banana boat?
10. Is it a long walk to Times Square?
11. Where abouts is the Eiffel Tower?
12. Which way to the beach?
13. When does Tower Bridge move?
14. Where can I see the buildings destroyed in the Second World War?
15. Where do the Spice Girls live?
November 08, 2009
The good things in life
When I started this blog a long time ago I thought I was only going to write about the good good thing sin life, such as food, wine, travel but that didn't last long. There were so many other things to write about, both good and bad things. James S. Huggins' Refrigerator Door has a great list of the best things in life,which is very much worth repeating. After all there are so many good things in life that we don't even think about.
Falling in love.
Laughing so hard your face hurts.
A hot shower.
No lines at the Super Wal-Mart.
A special glance.
Getting mail.
Taking a drive on a pretty road.
Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
Hot towels out of the dryer.
Finding the sweater you want is on sale for half price.
Chocolate milkshake.
A long distance phone call.
A bubble bath.
Giggling.
A good conversation.
The beach.
Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter.
Laughing at yourself.
Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
Running through sprinklers.
Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
Laughing at an inside joke.
Friends.
Falling in love for the first time.
Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
Your first kiss.
Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
Playing with a new puppy.
Late night talks with your roommate that keep you from sleeping.
Having someone play with your hair.
Sweet dreams.
Hot chocolate.
Road trips with friends.
Swinging on swings.
Watching a good movie cuddled up on a couch with someone you love.
Wrapping presents under the Christmas tree while eating cookies and drinking eggnog.
Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid.
Going to a really good concert.
Getting butterflies in your stomach every time you see that one person.
Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
Winning a really competitive game.
Making chocolate chip cookies!
Having your friends send you homemade cookies!
Spending time with close friends!
Seeing smiles and hearing laughter from your friends.
Holding hands with someone you care about.
Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
Discovering that love is unconditional and stronger than time.
Riding the best roller coasters over and over.
Hugging the person you love.
Watching the expression someone's face as they open a much-desired present from you.
Watching the sunrise.
Getting out of bed every morning and thanking God for another beautiful day.
Having friends you know you can cry on or talk to about your deepest problems
Falling in love.
Laughing so hard your face hurts.
A hot shower.
No lines at the Super Wal-Mart.
A special glance.
Getting mail.
Taking a drive on a pretty road.
Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
Hot towels out of the dryer.
Finding the sweater you want is on sale for half price.
Chocolate milkshake.
A long distance phone call.
A bubble bath.
Giggling.
A good conversation.
The beach.
Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter.
Laughing at yourself.
Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
Running through sprinklers.
Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
Laughing at an inside joke.
Friends.
Falling in love for the first time.
Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
Your first kiss.
Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
Playing with a new puppy.
Late night talks with your roommate that keep you from sleeping.
Having someone play with your hair.
Sweet dreams.
Hot chocolate.
Road trips with friends.
Swinging on swings.
Watching a good movie cuddled up on a couch with someone you love.
Wrapping presents under the Christmas tree while eating cookies and drinking eggnog.
Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid.
Going to a really good concert.
Getting butterflies in your stomach every time you see that one person.
Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
Winning a really competitive game.
Making chocolate chip cookies!
Having your friends send you homemade cookies!
Spending time with close friends!
Seeing smiles and hearing laughter from your friends.
Holding hands with someone you care about.
Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
Discovering that love is unconditional and stronger than time.
Riding the best roller coasters over and over.
Hugging the person you love.
Watching the expression someone's face as they open a much-desired present from you.
Watching the sunrise.
Getting out of bed every morning and thanking God for another beautiful day.
Having friends you know you can cry on or talk to about your deepest problems
November 05, 2009
Quote of the day
It is what you read when you don't have to, that determines what you will be when you can't help it.
~ Oscar Wilde ~
~ Oscar Wilde ~
November 03, 2009
Tartan Noir
I've never become a fan of Ian Rankin and his Inspector Rebus, instead I have loved reading Denise Minas's novels taking place in Glasgow. I read the Garnethill trilogy a long time ago and when I was in Glasgow two years ago and saw a sign saying Garnethill I just had to walk up that street and hill.
The last weeks or so I've been reading the novels about Paddy Meehan. Another one of Denise Mina's likeable female heroes working in a world dominated by men. Set in the 1980's and early 1990 the trilogy is also about the transition Glasgow went through during and after the Thatcher years. I'm too young to remember any if, or really I remember seeing Thatcher on TV but not what was going on. And it's actually only 25 years ago.
Tonight I will start reading the latest book of Denise Mina – Still midnight – which I hope is as good as the other ones. And again it's female hero, this time a police detective doing her best in a man's world. It's never easy...
The last weeks or so I've been reading the novels about Paddy Meehan. Another one of Denise Mina's likeable female heroes working in a world dominated by men. Set in the 1980's and early 1990 the trilogy is also about the transition Glasgow went through during and after the Thatcher years. I'm too young to remember any if, or really I remember seeing Thatcher on TV but not what was going on. And it's actually only 25 years ago.
Tonight I will start reading the latest book of Denise Mina – Still midnight – which I hope is as good as the other ones. And again it's female hero, this time a police detective doing her best in a man's world. It's never easy...
November 01, 2009
It's dark again
Turning back the clock last weekend and November starting today my lest favourite part of the year has started.
It's the same every year. The first couple of days I'm almost afraid of the dark until I realise that nothing has changed besides it getting dark early. Then I just want to stay inside. Find a safe spot on the sofa, curl up under a blanket and eat. Food, cookies and candy. Everything that's not good for you but makes you feel good (at least for a while). Plain comfort eating. I'm also constantly tired no matter how much I sleep. It's like the energy that I have collected over the year is used up and now I'm just making it day by day.
Four more weeks until the Christmas lights come out. As always I'll make it, but I can't help wondering if things would be easier if there was no November. But then I would probably hate October or December...
It's the same every year. The first couple of days I'm almost afraid of the dark until I realise that nothing has changed besides it getting dark early. Then I just want to stay inside. Find a safe spot on the sofa, curl up under a blanket and eat. Food, cookies and candy. Everything that's not good for you but makes you feel good (at least for a while). Plain comfort eating. I'm also constantly tired no matter how much I sleep. It's like the energy that I have collected over the year is used up and now I'm just making it day by day.
Four more weeks until the Christmas lights come out. As always I'll make it, but I can't help wondering if things would be easier if there was no November. But then I would probably hate October or December...
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