Excursion

Today I was visiting the animal shelter behind Zürich zoo. Had an old cat tree, that I no longer had use for. My little spoiled ones have two bigger trees, and have grown out of the small one.

Took the opportunity to have a look at the cats currently at the shelter. There was a grey cute one that put its paw against the window door, and miaowed to me. Several times. I so wanted to whisk him or her out of there and take home! Poor little thing!

Anyway, after dragging that tree on two different trams I thought it was time for a break. So stopped by an outdoor cafe/restaurant, where I have never been before.

Had a large panino with ham, mozzarella and tomato plus a beer. Was very surprised when I got the bill and it was only 17 francs! Note to self: must do this more often. Panino was so big I "accidentally" slipped half of it into my bag. Oops!

On the wild side

Venturing out of Zürich again today. It's almost like it's becoming a habit!

Friends have a fab garden, which I'm a tiny bit jealous of.

And then there was food, eaten so much I don't think I'll be hungry again in a week or so.

When I was waiting for the train to go back I heard the cow bells from the field above. Talk about taking a walk on the wild side!

Too hot

32°C and sunny, almost 40° on my balcony. Just too hot to do anything, cannot even take the boat out. Before the boat is uncovered and ready to go, I would be melting and fainting. Over 50° in there. Considering taking it out early tomorrow morning and go for a swim, but not sure I'll feel the same in the morning.

Still, went to buy a new vacuum cleaner today. My old cleaning woman is back (hurray!) and the old one didn't tell me the hoover broke down. Not the actual hoovering mind you, but the thingie you're holding...screw loose and not good for your back.

So got a new one, carried it home, very heavy and in this heat. What was I thinking?

Anyway, it's a bagless one, so no need to chase for those bags anymore.

Wanted to get a quiet one (why is it that most hoovers still sound like an earthquake?), but 200 francs more got me off that idea. Cheap, moi?

Tattoo

Let me be clear about my standpoint re tattoos. White trash and nothing else, is how I look at it. If you want to decorate your body, use paint or something that goes away. I find it cheap and ugly with people who want to mutilate their bodies. Period.

For example, one of my aunts has tattooed her kids names on her breasts (!) but she doesn't speak to her daughter anymore. How false is that?

Now, a friend of mine told me recently that he is planning to make a tattoo. Consisting of three letters. One to symbolize his year in the US of A, one to mark the importance of his "coming out" and the last one to illustrate his time in Zürich. To him, three important steps in his life. And fine, I can understand the need to document these things, but not on his body!

It's a nice body, and I don't understand why he wants to carve in it? I would've made a picture, framed it, put on the wall, or similar in order to remind me of important steps in my life. I would never, ever mutilate myself (ok, that thingie cutting out a presumtive pipe from my hand doesn't count, it was self-healing, which worked!). This is equivalent to people who make "beauty-enhancing" operations, ending up with duck lips and breasts that don't lie down when you do.

Pathetic!

Cooling condoms

I was visiting a friend this evening, and promised to bring some chilled wine. Since it was very hot today I wrapped these "cooling condoms" (have no idea what they are called, but they are these thingies you keep in the freezer, and you wrap them around the bottle you want to keep cool) around two wine bottles, so that they would be cold enough to drink on arrival.

Mind you, it's only a 15-min bus ride but still. I'm not taking chances with wine.

On the way back, I put the "condoms" around my arms, since I didn't have a bag. My friend, who was walking me to the bus stop (mind you, not because he cared that much, but 'cause he needed ciggies from the kiosk at the bus stop) was not impressed. He probably thinks I'm a bit of a whack-job, but what the hell. We're still friends after six years. And I have a few stories on him should need be :).

On the bus ride back a woman asked me if I was wearing the "condoms" 'cause of pain. When I explained the situation she and her friend were laughing for two bus stops. Isn't it great to spread a little joy just by being a bit weird?

Offer

Oh and I stopped by my place for a drink on the way back from the boat today. In the hour I was there I 1) met a very nice dog and 2) was offered to sleep with my first Austrian.

The 1) was a nice encounter, and I can actually see the point of having a dog and 2) how did he know it would be my first Austrian?

Btw, the 2) I politely said thank you to, but no thanks. I have no intention to sleep with somebody who has a lip that covers most of his chin. And not after having been acquainted for two minutes. But it was nice of him to ask.

Try to rent a movie sometime!

When I moved into my flat there wasn't one child in sight. Mind you, there was a belly giving a hint about what was coming. And it did. One kid.

No problem really, since our walls are very thick. But then came another, and even though I worried about getting woken up (their bedroom just above mine), I didn't. So in two years, two kids. Hmm.

Now I have been informed that a third kid is on the way. This trend must not continue. Imagine, every year another kid...in 10 years I'll have to move!

Gardening

Oh je, came back from a fab day on the lake to find an email in response to the one I sent yesterday regarding the neighbours garden. It looks like shit.

It was an issue in last years annual report for the building association. We are only four apartments, and we like to keep a neat house. Especially the three of us who owns. The fourth apartment is owned by a couple nobody has ever seen, and is rented out. I have nothing against these people, except for that they ignore their garden. The other neighbour is complaining since weed is spreading to their meticulously tended garden, and for us who have to look at it, well, it's not nice.

Nevertheless, for these people I have lent them a timer (still waiting to get it back) after they had a break-in, I have looked after their apartment when they both were away, I have fixed them up with a new garage tenant without getting more than a measly thank-you-email (garage cost 180 francs per month).

Got an email saying it's a difference between a garden and a few plants in pots like on my balcony. Well, we choose don't we? If I had wanted a garden I would've bought that flat, and not the one I have, wouldn't I?

I don't hate these people, but I do wish they'd move out asap to be honest.

Seriously, if you rent a flat with a huge terrace and a semi-big garden, and don't want to use it, why not move to another flat?

Drama

This afternoon I was on the sofa reading, and Zetti was sleeping peacefully on the new cat tree. Or so I thought. All of a sudden she jumped down, rushed out on the balcony and came back with what was looking like a waxy moustache. A poor little bird, clenched in her jaws.

Fortunately I had the good sense of closing the balcony door, before she got in. "Calmly" I got the rubber gloves, opened the door again, and shooed her off, so that I could get out onto the balcony without her sneaking in.

Zetti got so surprised she opened her mouth and to my delight, and utter surprise, the bird flew away! I saved a life! Mind you, there were a few feathers left behind.

It is really hard to remember that my furry ones are actually predators, especially when they curl up next to me for a cuddle.

View

For the second time I was visiting Prime tower. Fine drinks, a fine friend and fine talks.

Dignity - not

In the course of the evening we talked about death. I know, not a very sexy subject, but since our uncle is getting buried next week, it was inevitable.

And skyping with the other cousin we learned of a story.

His mother-in-law had died, and they were bringing the ashes back to Ireland, where her roots were. Only the airport security stopped them, since the urn was made out of a material that wasn't allowed.

My cousin ended up in the airport toilet pouring the ashes of his mother-in-law from the urn to a paper bag.

Is it only me who thinks the US has gotten a tad too far after 9/11?

Family

In life there are people you really like, but don't get to meet as often as you like. In my case it's my cousin. We didn't grow up together, lived in different cities but always had fun when we met. And we share a history.

But you know, life goes on, we move, in his case it's several wives and four children, in my case it's moving to various countries, and there you go. Career, family and life takes on a life of its own.

But tonight we met. And it feels like it's never enough time. And his wife since many, many years is fabulous. She told me tonight I haven't aged a bit. Love her!

And perhaps, hopefully, they will decide to retire in this fabulous country, after having spent some time in Klosters. Hiking (!). I really don't know why, but don't care, if they move here we'll have many, many more evenings of fun.

It's your own fault!

When I was little I was forced to wear a dress I really didn't like, and ever since everyone of my relatives have embraced my saying at the time "it's your own fault".

I know, didn't have anything really to do with wearing the dress, but when you're like 6 years old it does make sense. I think.

Today it was my own fault. I was preparing dinner for my friends, and 5 seconds into it I cut myself. My own fault, since I sharpened the knife.

So bleeding, quickly running into the bathroom, quick-quick-quick find a band-aid. Realized I had forgotten to buy new ones. Only had two very large ones. So I prepared the food wearing a band-aid the size of well one of the kreises in Zürich.

Good I have neighbours. So one minute before the first guest arrived I had band-aids delivered. Don't think it would've looked good with a large bandage around my thumb, they might not have eaten the chicken then!

Hamlet

Act 1:

Act 2:

Act 3:

Sudden death

Today I was attending a funeral. The funeral of a friends father. It was of course sad, but also a bit different compared to where I come from. To the better I must add.

When a beloved person dies it is not sad for him or her, they are gone, but for all the people left behind. It is then comforting with family and friends, which is why I went to the funeral.

Where I come from only the people who knew the deceased go to a funeral. I think it is better when good friends come as well to show support for the remaining family.

The service was also different. The deceased was already cremated and buried in a ceremony with the immediate family only. After we all went to the church for a memorial where the life story of the person was told. Of course there was the occasional mention of god, but not too much, which was good for an atheist like myself.

At the end there was food and drinks at a restaurant, and a chance to say how sorry I was to the family members. Mind you, not all of them, since they were many, many. The deceased had 11 sieblings, where of 10 still alive!

A funeral can never be good, and it does remind me of sad times, but this one was beautifully executed. And even though I didn't know him very well, I think this is exactly what he would have wanted. May he rest in peace.

My body

I have been thinking about donating my body to science. Mind you, not now, but after I've died. Since about 23 years I carry a donation card in my wallet. That means that they can take my organs and give to somebody who needs it. I really don't mind. When I'm dead, I'm dead, and there is nothing after. I am convinced.

And when I googled it, I realized there actually is an organization that deals with this. Sometime Switzerland surprises me. And even though the top manager is male (what a BIG surprise!), the majority of the staff is female. I like that.

Yes, I think I will register.

Party flat

I saw something on telly that made me remember my youth. I must've been around 18 when 6 of us in the group of people I was hanging with at the time, including my boyfriend, decided to rent a flat together. Just to be able to have parties in.

We kept it for like a year, and met there like every week, 'cause at the time all of us were still living with our parents. Some of us even stayed overnight sometimes.

Those were the days.

And now, x years later I have my own party flat! Some things never change.

Cold-cuts

A catch-up evening with some pick-food. Nice. And I can recycle whatever is left for tomorrow for the next guest. Efficiency people!

Ecxuse the typos

You know what bugs me? People with iphones who send emails and sign off with their names and a provision "sent from my iphone, excuse the typos". I reckon it's a default expression put in by the people who created the iphone, realizing that the screen and keyboard are too small for most people to handle.

But it's no excuse. And I dare you to find an incorrectly spelled word in my blog...haha, this is a challenge for some people I know! Mind you, you may find a lot of grammatically incorrect sentences, but spelling errors? Nah.

Balancing act

My little cat, Zina, is very sweet when she sleeps, but when she plays, omg. She is scaring the shit outta me. Now she has taken to jumping up on the balcony wall. I try not to think about that it's about 3,5 meters to the terrace under my flat!

Flowers

I'm not adverse to taking credit for things I did not do (hello E:), but I guess that my curiosity (NOT the one that killed the cat!) is larger, so the other day when I got an sms saying "Thank you so much" I responded to ask why I was thanked.

Turned out there were flowers sent with a cryptic signature, which involved my initials. But it wasn't me.

I'm your neighbour

When coming back from the boat trip, I was approached by a woman. She was standing next to me waiting for the green light at a crossing. "Hi", she said, "I'm your neighbour". And I was thinking, no you're not. Until I realized we met last weekend at the "real" neighbours party.

So she's a neighbour of an immediate neighbour. Only her guy was saying at the party that he thought the blue light in my apartment was cool. Blue? He must be colour blind. It's purple, and nothing else!

Wat are you sinking about?

For the third time I have to link to the funniest clip I've ever seen, and there is a reason to it.

When opening up my boat today I noticed another boat sinking. So I called the "Wasserschutzpolizei", the lake police. And in my best German I explained that a neighbouring boat was on the way down to the bottom of the lake. "What?" he said. And again in other words I explained what was happening. He finally got it (note to self: must work on German language).

But communication works here in Zürich. I called the police when leaving the bridge, and when I got back a guy was there, looking devastated. I spoke to him, and even though he had checked the boat a couple of days ago, it was beyond salvation. But we agreed that nobody is stupid enough to give up an anchor place like ours, so he was gonna get a new boat. Good for him.

I should get out more

All my life I have been the one initiating things, gatherings, parties, get-togethers, dinners, you name it, I'm your woman.

Lately I have been staying at home a lot. It's by choice, but I have also realized that unless I keep on doing what I've been doing, I'm gonna be pretty lonely. Other people are not as flexible as I am, and few are up to spontaneous activities.

For example, I was thinking the other day to sell my boat, because it's not as fun to go on the lake alone. I really don't understand why I was thinking that! How could I even think about giving up the boat and the anchor place? Am I stupid?

And once I'm on the lake, I don't care that I'm on my own, 'cause it's fantastic out there! I have to get over the hurdle of doing things on my own!

Grill

When I got my new flat, my brother insisted that I'd get a coal grill. A real one. Preferably Weber, which supposedly is the best on the market.

I, on the other hand, decided not to. The balcony is not big enough, and I think I would use it just a few times every year. Not worth it was my take. Told him to get off my back.

Now, when he for the first time in his life, has his own place with two huge balconies I did look forward to a coal grilled steak. Turns out he has decided to go with a gas grill.

Haha, easy to advise others.

Shopping

So finally I picked myself up and went to town, with the aim of shopping. I cannot stress how much I hate it. Wanted to find some shorts that doesn't end at the crotch. Guess what? There aren't any. I figured at my age I shouldn't show off my, albeit nice, legs that much, but turns out I don't have a choice.

Another thing is when looking for clothes most sizes are 34 or 36. Looking around in the shop, very few people have that tiny size, which I assume means bigger sizes are sold out, so even though it looks like there is plenty of clothes, there are very few items that fit me.

In the end I got a pair of pants, crotch-shorts, a dress (!) and a top for 3 francs. Not all for 3 francs, but the top. Figure I could always sleep in it.

Then I went to do something much more fun. Shop for stuff for the apartment. Don't particularly need anything, but always on the lookout for things on sale.

Am proud to say I found two nice hand towels for 6 francs together, and my biggest catch today, a blanket. Blanket (purple, what else?) was set down from 55 to 39 francs, and I was hesitating whether to buy or not. Decided to in the end, and when at the cashier desk was informed it was only 10 francs, not 39! Excellent.

Personalities

Even though my two cats are sisters, they are quite different. Just like people actually.

Zetti likes to hang around me and check what I'm doing. The best thing she knows is when the three of us are alone, and she can lie close to me, keeping an eye on what I'm up to. Then she is completely relaxed. And let me tell you, if I was stressed, which I'm not these days, it would certainly calm me down just watching her.

Zina, on the other hand, is the mischievous one. The other evening I found her balancing on the balcony walls, scared the shit outta me I tell you. Then she likes to go on the balcony when it's dark, even if it's raining, then go onto my bed and dry off before shooting off again.

Social day

Very busy day last Saturday. Was up at the crack of dawn, had to go to Winterthur for the opening of a new cancer center that I'm supporting. A VIP event :).

It was a very hot day, like 34°, so came home for a quick shower. Then onto the gardenparty at the neighbours, a yearly event. Forgot to take pics, sorry. But it was fun with lots of food and interesting people.

In the evening it was a friend performing in a band in town.

Exhausting but fun!