From the western neighbours. Working at a helpdesk has never been easy...
February 26, 2009
February 25, 2009
Losing steam
Last week I was very happy and enthusiastic about being back at the gym, running and eating right. Well, things can change, and that very quickly. Right now I'm losing steam and this week I've forced myself to the gym. As long as I work out I easily handle eating right, but as soon as I start slacking with work outs I so fall off the food wagon.
I still walk back and forth to work though and I haven't gone over the deep end yet, but it's getting close. My trip to London next week has been my motivation, but now I just feel like giving in and and start over when I get back home instead.
I've been here before and I know now it's the time not to give up, but it's freaking hard at the moment.
I still walk back and forth to work though and I haven't gone over the deep end yet, but it's getting close. My trip to London next week has been my motivation, but now I just feel like giving in and and start over when I get back home instead.
I've been here before and I know now it's the time not to give up, but it's freaking hard at the moment.
February 23, 2009
One of those day
Today has been one of those days that just drags on and on and on... It took me forever to wake up regardless of my usual two cups of coffee. At at work I couldn't concentrate on what I was doing. Well, gap analyses are rather boring... Lunch finally came around and after taking a walk in the sunshine I hoped things would feel better. Not a chance.
The afternoon dragged on and I actually managed to finish one of the analyses before giving up and going to the gym. For a while I really contemplated skipping the gym and just go home and just crash on the sofa, but I didn't. There I did 30 minutes on the treadmill doing some sort of fat burning routine. To my surprise I had almost burnt as many calories as running, but not being out of breath.
Now finally home it's time for a long hot shower, before some dinner and then the sofa and mindless TV. Thankfully tomorrow is a new day and with some luck it will move a lot faster than today.
The afternoon dragged on and I actually managed to finish one of the analyses before giving up and going to the gym. For a while I really contemplated skipping the gym and just go home and just crash on the sofa, but I didn't. There I did 30 minutes on the treadmill doing some sort of fat burning routine. To my surprise I had almost burnt as many calories as running, but not being out of breath.
Now finally home it's time for a long hot shower, before some dinner and then the sofa and mindless TV. Thankfully tomorrow is a new day and with some luck it will move a lot faster than today.
February 22, 2009
Twittering
I've succumbed to start using Twitter. Yes, I know...
I signed up for an account early last autumn, but I haven't really done anything. Then on Friday I commented on an old colleagues status on Facebook regarding Twitter and two hours later I had written my first message. Afterwards I just had to laugh. I used to work quite closely with that colleague and he was an expert of making me do things I wasn't planing on doing, and 10 years on he still knows how to do it.
The fact that it's about 10 years since we worked together makes me cringe, but also proud of what I've become and who I am. Long time is not always something bad.
I signed up for an account early last autumn, but I haven't really done anything. Then on Friday I commented on an old colleagues status on Facebook regarding Twitter and two hours later I had written my first message. Afterwards I just had to laugh. I used to work quite closely with that colleague and he was an expert of making me do things I wasn't planing on doing, and 10 years on he still knows how to do it.
The fact that it's about 10 years since we worked together makes me cringe, but also proud of what I've become and who I am. Long time is not always something bad.
February 19, 2009
February 18, 2009
Back to my roots
I really went back to my roots today taking part in day one of a two day course in agile development. Counting back I don't think I've been working with pure IT development for the last five years. I've managed tons of project during that time but only from a business perspective demanding IT to do this or that.
The last two projects I've been involved in have been agile, which is a great method of driving projects, but today it was the first time that I had to think as a developer. And yes I'm very tired now. I've used braincells I haven't used in years, but it was also very good to realise and remember what sort of work the developers actually do. Not that I didn't know that before, because "my" boys are the best, but walking in someone's shoes is always good.
Day two is next Thursday and I actually look forward to it. Going back to my roots so far has been a rather pleasant experience.
The last two projects I've been involved in have been agile, which is a great method of driving projects, but today it was the first time that I had to think as a developer. And yes I'm very tired now. I've used braincells I haven't used in years, but it was also very good to realise and remember what sort of work the developers actually do. Not that I didn't know that before, because "my" boys are the best, but walking in someone's shoes is always good.
Day two is next Thursday and I actually look forward to it. Going back to my roots so far has been a rather pleasant experience.
February 17, 2009
New The Simpsons opening
The Simpsons opening has been given a new look after 20 years. The basic elements remain the same - Homer at the plant, Maggie at the supermarket checkout, Lisa playing saxophone, Bart racing home and a couch gag.
But new scenes now include Bart's skateboard journey being interrupted by Indian shopkeeper Apu, who leaps in front of him with his eight newborn children. Bart's long time enemy also appears and chases after him with a knife, while Grandpa Simpson has been added to the car scene in which Marge beeps her horn. Meanwhile Lisa's school friends are shown playing a Nintendo DS games console and the Simpson family TV has been updated to a flat-screen.
The world has changed a lot the last 20 years, but the yellow family from Springfield is till one of my favourites to watch on TV.
But new scenes now include Bart's skateboard journey being interrupted by Indian shopkeeper Apu, who leaps in front of him with his eight newborn children. Bart's long time enemy also appears and chases after him with a knife, while Grandpa Simpson has been added to the car scene in which Marge beeps her horn. Meanwhile Lisa's school friends are shown playing a Nintendo DS games console and the Simpson family TV has been updated to a flat-screen.
The world has changed a lot the last 20 years, but the yellow family from Springfield is till one of my favourites to watch on TV.
February 16, 2009
Third week
I'm on my third week now going to the gym twice a week, and it feels real good. Still I'm not doing any marathons on the treadmill but for each time I run faster and longer. I also walk back and forth to work most days. The weather has been great for walking, just cold and dry. I do not look forward to the day when it starts snowing or raining again...
Weight wise I'm down 1,6 kg (3,5 lbs) which is all right considering I eat out a lot and still believes chocolate is the cure for everything. But I'm now down to having one regular size chocolate bar every Thursday when I do my weekly shopping. And it helps a lot. Again, it's not forbidden fruit. I just don't need to have it all the time...
The best thing though is that I need to start wearing a belt again. Some time during the autumn I gave up using belts because they just made things even tighter. Then last Thursday-Friday I realised that every time I got up from my desk I had to pull up my trousers. The same thing yesterday when visiting a friends and we were curling up on the sofa drinking tea. I had to pull up my jeans every time I got up.
I'm thinking about trying on a pair of jeans that I haven't used sine the autumn, because the last time I used them I could hardly breath. If they are easier on me now my waistline and belly has definitely shrunk.
I'm off to London in two weeks and that's my mini-goal. To keep on doing what I'm doing and think twice before putting any junk into my mouth. As a reward I might even buy something new and springlike in London. I know I will anyhow, but I might feel better about myself this time...
Weight wise I'm down 1,6 kg (3,5 lbs) which is all right considering I eat out a lot and still believes chocolate is the cure for everything. But I'm now down to having one regular size chocolate bar every Thursday when I do my weekly shopping. And it helps a lot. Again, it's not forbidden fruit. I just don't need to have it all the time...
The best thing though is that I need to start wearing a belt again. Some time during the autumn I gave up using belts because they just made things even tighter. Then last Thursday-Friday I realised that every time I got up from my desk I had to pull up my trousers. The same thing yesterday when visiting a friends and we were curling up on the sofa drinking tea. I had to pull up my jeans every time I got up.
I'm thinking about trying on a pair of jeans that I haven't used sine the autumn, because the last time I used them I could hardly breath. If they are easier on me now my waistline and belly has definitely shrunk.
I'm off to London in two weeks and that's my mini-goal. To keep on doing what I'm doing and think twice before putting any junk into my mouth. As a reward I might even buy something new and springlike in London. I know I will anyhow, but I might feel better about myself this time...
February 15, 2009
Talking to my little darling
I just spoke to my little darling Frida on the phone. 2½ years old now, she likes to speak to Trin and tell me all things she's been doing lately. Playing in the snow, spending the night at Grandma's and getting a big mirror in her room. When her mum, my cousin, said that she wanted to talk to me again, Frida just told her that she wasn't done talking to me. Both my cousin and I thought that was hilarious.
Her mum told me she is almost done with her potty training, but accidents happens sometimes when something else is more exciting than going to the toilet. So on my next trip to London in two weeks I'm on a mission to find big girl panties. Since Frida is so proud and happy to tell everybody who wants to listen that she got this shirt, pants or anything else from Trin, maybe big girl panties coming from me will take her that last bit. If not, a girl can never have too many panties...
Her mum told me she is almost done with her potty training, but accidents happens sometimes when something else is more exciting than going to the toilet. So on my next trip to London in two weeks I'm on a mission to find big girl panties. Since Frida is so proud and happy to tell everybody who wants to listen that she got this shirt, pants or anything else from Trin, maybe big girl panties coming from me will take her that last bit. If not, a girl can never have too many panties...
February 12, 2009
French Riviera
Last weekend I booked a trip to London and this weekend I booked a trip to Nice and the French Rivera. For the third year in a row I'm going away on a holiday by myself. Something that I have started to like immensely and really look forward to plan every year.
I've never been down to the Côte d'Azur before so I'm quite excited. There are easy train connections all along the coast so I'm planing on going to Cannes, Antibes, Monto Carlo and San Marino as well. I'm also planing on eating delicious French food, especially seafood, and try out some of France excellent wines. Mmm!
After spending the last two years' solo holidays in Ireland and Scotland with rain most of the time I for sure know that I will get plenty of sunshine and warm weather this year. It has probably 15 years since I was down by the Med the last time so that too is something that gets me excited.
I have to brush up on on French though. Spending all that time in Paris working made me actually manage to order in a restaurant, say hello, how are you and so on. Now I haven't got a clue to say... I also managed to get a bit of the French women's attitude "I'm the Queen, don't you even think about it..." So it will be very interesting to see if I still got it. Both language skills and attitude...
I've never been down to the Côte d'Azur before so I'm quite excited. There are easy train connections all along the coast so I'm planing on going to Cannes, Antibes, Monto Carlo and San Marino as well. I'm also planing on eating delicious French food, especially seafood, and try out some of France excellent wines. Mmm!
After spending the last two years' solo holidays in Ireland and Scotland with rain most of the time I for sure know that I will get plenty of sunshine and warm weather this year. It has probably 15 years since I was down by the Med the last time so that too is something that gets me excited.
I have to brush up on on French though. Spending all that time in Paris working made me actually manage to order in a restaurant, say hello, how are you and so on. Now I haven't got a clue to say... I also managed to get a bit of the French women's attitude "I'm the Queen, don't you even think about it..." So it will be very interesting to see if I still got it. Both language skills and attitude...
February 10, 2009
What a difference...
Two glasses of wine and chatting with your girlfriends can do.
Yesterday I ended working late after a rather bad or really annoying day at work. Today continued just like yesterday with things that didn't go my boss' or my way. Ugh! What kept me going was that I knew I soon would be chatting with long time friends over some nice wine.
Two glass later along with some pasta and having vented the last couple of days' frustration I suddenly felt great again. So did my friends. Maybe not from hearing me vent, but from doing the same. Venting and talking to long time friends who do not judge you and love you just as you are.
Here's to long time friends!
Yesterday I ended working late after a rather bad or really annoying day at work. Today continued just like yesterday with things that didn't go my boss' or my way. Ugh! What kept me going was that I knew I soon would be chatting with long time friends over some nice wine.
Two glass later along with some pasta and having vented the last couple of days' frustration I suddenly felt great again. So did my friends. Maybe not from hearing me vent, but from doing the same. Venting and talking to long time friends who do not judge you and love you just as you are.
Here's to long time friends!
February 09, 2009
Dear Fatty
On Saturday I finally took the time and finished Dear Fatty by Dawn French. Her memoirs or autobiography written as letters to different people in her life. When reading the book I could definitely hear her voice and I laughed and I cried. Her letters to her dad were quite amazing and the thank you letter to Len made me cry like a baby. And of course the letter to George Clooney saying that things were over... Silly girl!
It was also interesting to read about her growing up as a RAF child, school, boys and other ordinary things in a young woman's life. All with that special sense of humour. At 19 she moved to London to go to college where she met Fatty (Jennifer Saunders) and the rest is history as you say. The Comic Strip, French & Saunders, The Vicar of Dibley...
British comedy at its best and if you're a fan this is a real good read.
It was also interesting to read about her growing up as a RAF child, school, boys and other ordinary things in a young woman's life. All with that special sense of humour. At 19 she moved to London to go to college where she met Fatty (Jennifer Saunders) and the rest is history as you say. The Comic Strip, French & Saunders, The Vicar of Dibley...
British comedy at its best and if you're a fan this is a real good read.
February 08, 2009
Missing Dad
For the last couple of days I've been thinking a lot about Dad. I don't know why, but he keeps coming into my thoughts and last night I realised that I miss him, a lot. I even cried. Something that haven't happened in years. Crying over him that is. Otherwise I'm a big crybaby when watching soppy films and TV series.
At the same time I'm also wondering how I can miss someone who has been gone for 22 years (in August). I've lived most of my life without him, so why now? I just don't know, but I know I miss him terribly at the moment. 22 years or not, he was my dad and right now I want to see him and talk to him so much it literally hurts.
At the same time I'm also wondering how I can miss someone who has been gone for 22 years (in August). I've lived most of my life without him, so why now? I just don't know, but I know I miss him terribly at the moment. 22 years or not, he was my dad and right now I want to see him and talk to him so much it literally hurts.
February 05, 2009
February 04, 2009
Happy birthday Mum!
Just back from dinner and birthday cake at mum's. And as usual the snow is coming down in heaps. It seems like even if we hadn't had any snow before during the year it comes on her birthday, just like today. But then it is early February so why be surprised...
Mum is turning 66 today which makes me feel old. If she's 66 then I'm going to be... Hm, 37 in July. No fun at all. She said she doesn't feel old even though she acts old from time to time, so it is probably what they say – you're not older than what you feel you are. So thinking like that I'm probably just 27, but with a lot of experience... And mum around 50 then...
But even at 27 I'm tired, so off to bed it is very soon. And with all the snow outside it feels rather good to hide under the covers.
Mum is turning 66 today which makes me feel old. If she's 66 then I'm going to be... Hm, 37 in July. No fun at all. She said she doesn't feel old even though she acts old from time to time, so it is probably what they say – you're not older than what you feel you are. So thinking like that I'm probably just 27, but with a lot of experience... And mum around 50 then...
But even at 27 I'm tired, so off to bed it is very soon. And with all the snow outside it feels rather good to hide under the covers.
February 03, 2009
Changeling
A friend and I went to see Changeling at the cinema last week. The storyline is incredible and really made me feel uncomfortable. My God, to have everything you say turn against you and treat you like you're second class people just because you're a woman.
I've never liked Angelina Jolie and I didn't like her now either. Through out the film she looked worn out (who wouldn't if your son disappeared) and at the close up you could tell she was wearing tons of make up. And those bright red lips. Not really my style. But the 1920's set is perfect and so is the clothes. What I really can't understand though is how she (Angelina Jolie) can be nominated for an Oscar for best actress. Then it must be a rather bad year for film industry...
I've never liked Angelina Jolie and I didn't like her now either. Through out the film she looked worn out (who wouldn't if your son disappeared) and at the close up you could tell she was wearing tons of make up. And those bright red lips. Not really my style. But the 1920's set is perfect and so is the clothes. What I really can't understand though is how she (Angelina Jolie) can be nominated for an Oscar for best actress. Then it must be a rather bad year for film industry...
February 02, 2009
I did it!
I finally made it back to the gym. About one month into the new year and one week later than I had planed. I just walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes but it felt good and then I did some sit-ups and push-ups. Not that many though... Way back in the good old days I did 100 without blinking every day. Now, hm about 10 I believe...
Last week I also managed to walk to work two times, and today as well. Or half way to work, the part when I should go on the tram. I used to walk that part in the evenings until they changed the tram last autumn and suddenly it was so much easier to catch the tram than walk. Or at least not as cold... It's still cold, but it has been nice to arrive at work with rosy cheeks and feeling both alert and happy that early in the morning. Also walking the last part through Old Town it's nice to see and feel how the city is waking up. In the evenings the streets are crowded but around 7:45 am it's just me, some people on bicycles and a few other walkers. A real nice way to start the day.
Last week I also managed to walk to work two times, and today as well. Or half way to work, the part when I should go on the tram. I used to walk that part in the evenings until they changed the tram last autumn and suddenly it was so much easier to catch the tram than walk. Or at least not as cold... It's still cold, but it has been nice to arrive at work with rosy cheeks and feeling both alert and happy that early in the morning. Also walking the last part through Old Town it's nice to see and feel how the city is waking up. In the evenings the streets are crowded but around 7:45 am it's just me, some people on bicycles and a few other walkers. A real nice way to start the day.
February 01, 2009
Excited
I just booked a trip to London the first weekend of March and I'm as excited as a kid on Christmas Eve. Why is it like that? What makes me love London so much?
Since I never will be able to use my frequent flyer miles to go to New York, I'm spending some of them on London. I do have the mileage to go to NYC, but I don't have the money for hotel. Hotels there is even more expensive than London. Or maybe it's just that I know where to look and book when it comes to London?
Anyhow, a free flight to London town is never wrong and to make things even better I got a great deal at the hotel I'm always staying at. 15% off as gratitude of being a frequent guest. Yeah! So it will almost be a free weekend. Notice how I said almost... I have a feeling I'll spend way too much money as usual... But I'm very happy and excited, and I have something to look forward to. Only five weeks left.
Since I never will be able to use my frequent flyer miles to go to New York, I'm spending some of them on London. I do have the mileage to go to NYC, but I don't have the money for hotel. Hotels there is even more expensive than London. Or maybe it's just that I know where to look and book when it comes to London?
Anyhow, a free flight to London town is never wrong and to make things even better I got a great deal at the hotel I'm always staying at. 15% off as gratitude of being a frequent guest. Yeah! So it will almost be a free weekend. Notice how I said almost... I have a feeling I'll spend way too much money as usual... But I'm very happy and excited, and I have something to look forward to. Only five weeks left.
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