People who love oldies

Had some colleagues over tonight, and we have in common that we all work as volunteers in the old peoples home. And we all love it. There were lots of talks about what the oldies tell us, and how they react, and what they order. I know, the people who come to visit us in the cafeteria are the ones that are fairly clear in their head and fairly mobile, and there are lots we never see who aren't, but still. It's amazing that a 100-year-old woman, walking without help, being crystal clear in her head, remembering my name, sitting with a 90-year-old woman singing together. It's heartwarming.

However, there were also discussions about Romanians and Syrian refugees, which weren't quite as agreeable. Sometimes I thought I was being the hostess to a rasist, but somehow he pulled it together and managed to agree with me in the end. But it was funny that he was stating "maybe I can't express myself properly in English". I offered to hear him out in German, but then somehow the subject changed.

But since the "rasist" is soon leaving the country I think maybe Switzerland can allow a foreigner to enter. So all is well that ends well.

And there was a doggy visiting tonight for the first time. He doesn't much like cats I heard, but when my shy ones first appeared he was sleeping. It was only when they were leaving he woke up and realized, "hey, there are kitties in the house" and started barking. Hmm, not allowed in my house. But my cats have to learn, and accept, and with the dog being as cute as he is, I think this time it was ok.

Cookie monsters

I really have learned to love to cook and bake, and I do it quite often. Problem is I cannot eat it all by myself, what with the healthy regime I have introduced in my own home. Mind you, I never was a cookie monster, my weakness was more food and chocolate.

But now I've found out where I am appreciated (other than with the neighbours, who already enjoy the sweets I make), in the stables! Jeez, I brought sixteen cookies yesterday and before the lesson started it was only two left. My thoughts were to share with my fellow students and the teacher plus the stable help, but I think the young girls who I didn't know was gonna be there had most of them.

So now I know where to "get rid of" my cookies if need be.

But only four more weeks of riding lessons, starting to miss them already. Especially my new fav, the beautiful not Italian, but Spanish stallion. Well, guess he cannot be called stallion anymore, since his nuts are no longer there, but to me he's the most gentle and delightful horse I've come across.

Out and about

I realized that when you're out and about and really pay attention, you see a lot of interesting things. Like today, when doggie and I took our afternoon walk we (well, I) saw two lizards making more of them. At least I think it's what they did. The male and more colourful one was biting the female on the back, which I figured was the lizzie way of making foreplay. But I tell you what, if a man would've done that to me, I would've bitten his head off.

Frequently I also see groups of very little human beings, being out with their teachers, and I think to myself that it must be the worst job in the world. Being in charge of unruly, screaming, loud and disobedient kids must be a nightmare. Much worse than being a truckdriver, which was my No 1 worst-job-in-the-world before.

So it warms my heart when we meet other doggies. Today we saw an absolutely adorable 12-week old German shepherd puppy with that woolly fur that youngsters have. Totally cute!

I shall miss doggie, who's off on vacation now for two weeks. Not sure the cats will though :).

Early or late

It's really weird this change of day and night with me. I used to be a night person, always cranky in the morning and alive and very awake in the evening/night. Now it's changed. I'm waking up earlier and earlier in the morning, wanting to go running in the forest (or similar strange activities like sporty stuff). I don't get it. Hopefully it's a phase.

This morning was extreme. I woke up at four (ok, went to bed early but still). It was dark and I was snoozing until five. But then of course the cats were up, they have a sixth sense, so whenever I start moving they are too.

So went up, had a coffee and was considering going for a run. Stopped myself, thinking I was out yesterday and am going out tomorrow. Don't be a freak, be normal.

At about seven thirty I was kinda getting tired again, so thought I'd have another hour of sleep. Hah! The cats have two different ways of getting my attention. The wee one jumps up into the bed, sits in front of my face and miaows quite loudly. She's the one who is not afraid to tell me what she wants. However, when I grunt and turn around she usually goes away. At least for the moment.

The other one has a more refined strategy. She starts with walking all over me, literally, and when I don't react she sits next to me, poking me with her paw. When that doesn't work the claws come out and she scratches me, gently mind, no blood, but still very irritating when you try to sleep.

So yes, I think I'll go to bed early tonight.

Happiness

I met an acquaintance the other day, and she looked like she sold the butter and lost the money. At first I thought somebody died, and didn't wanna probe, but later I asked how she was. First I got a "I don't wanna talk about it", but then it poured out of her.

Turns out she just finished her Ph'D, she got called to an interview on the first job she applied for, she doesn't have money problems, only a slight problem with the current co-tenants, which will be solved in the end of the summer when they are moving out. Oh dear.

So the problem was not so much the finished Ph'd, it was "what if I get the job, should I take it?" (YES!) or "it's not likely they'd consider me even if I'm the only applicant" (get your act together and why shouldn't they?). And the flat issue, "what if I don't find other co-tenants?" (do you know how difficult it is to find living quarters in Zürich, of course you will). Besides if need be she could pay for it herself.

It was also a lot of discussion about what if I do that, or this, and that will have an impact on the rest of my life. Of course it will. Everything has.

I really don't get it. How can somebody not be happy, being ready to do a brilliant career, having a good and very reasonbly priced place to live in, being in the best city in the world, and have the world to conquer.

When I confronted her and asked what else she could wish for she responded "maybe I'll never be happy". Oh, I'm so glad I'm not that young anymore. And I can truly say that I'm happy with my life and myself. And my cats. And a dog once a week. And the horses. Even the people in my life ;).

First strawberry this year

Yum!

The black sheep

If you ask me there are far too many holidays in the spring, which means that my riding lessons have been less frequent lately. Only like every two weeks. Not enough to keep up the stuff I learned.

But my new love is so fantastically well trained, that I'm merely to not disturb him. He knows what to do, I don't. At least not always. Fortunately the teacher has a lot of patience and is always prepared to explain what I do wrong. And funnily enough it always works when I do what she tells me to. Most of the time it's common sense, and I get angry with myself that I didn't realize it. Like today. I was galloping and the horse put his head down, which meant I was leaning forward, a natural response, 'cause I like when it's fast, but the horse reacted to me not sitting back properly and moving him forward with my hips. When I did, it worked like it should.

But I'm also proud to say that lately I have, once in a while mind you, not often, received a "that's good Annika". And every time I hear that I want to do even better. I guess I'm partial to positive reinforcement, even though I appreciate the advice. I realize I cannot get better unless I learn from my mistakes.

There is now only five lessons left this season, and after that I'll be going back to private lessons. And even though it'll be good with more intensive training, not having to worry about three other mediocre riders (like me), I think I shall miss it.

Oh, the black sheep we saw on the way back. The wee one in the middle. I immediately identified ;).

Salted bill

Since Orange became Salt I have received one message and one reminder that they offer 100 francs off any phone I want to buy when renewing my contract in May.

Now, I don't need a new phone, my antique one is still working to my satisfaction, but I thought if I find a phone for under a 100 I can get it for free and have as a back-up.

Now listen to this. First I had to change my "price plan", since mine was no longer valid for some reason. But ok, I'm going from paying 20 francs a month to 15 including free phone calls to all Salt subscribers and free sms's. That is good.

However, if I wanted to "buy" a new phone using the 100 francs discount, I would have to continue to pay 20 francs a month, which means the "discount" would be eaten up in a blink. Do they actually believe people are that stupid? Plus the fact that they shouldn't advertise a discount that isn't. I consider writing to the new and "improved" Salt.ch to express my opinion. In a polite manner of course ;).

Googlemaps

Hahahahaha, I'm on googlemaps. When "my" house was being built a pic was taken by googlemaps, and for some five years it's been there as a construction site. Now and then I've been looking it up to see if it's been updated, and today it had. And I was on it! How funny is not that?

There is me with my handbag and my Denner bag, going shopping. Mind you, I didn't like the way it was presented, since I looked fat. So had to move the pic around a bit, and voila, there I was slim and if not beautiful so at least normal looking. And they photoshopped my face, probably just as well :).

Swiss XXI

The story goes on. Becoming a Swissie turns out to be like one of these tv series that never end. Today I was dropping off the form at the authoritity dealing with social security, in order to get a pension evaluation, and I thought that's it. Turns out it wasn't. First, the helpful lady was click-click-clicking on her computer, then handwriting information on a paper form.

After that, she handed me the form to be filled in, telling me I needed to bring tax returns from the last four years, and that they then would do an evaluation and that it would take four weeks. WTF?

No doubt they'll send me a bill as well to pay for all the admin they do. This better be worth it!

Another cat?

A friend of my Mum, who really didn't like cats, "over my dead body"-not like cats, had to take care of one. And once she got it, she didn't stop talking about it. It was kitty did that, and how cozy it was to have a furry companion, and they had breakfast together, and cat brought mice, and woke her up in the morning but she didn't care, and they were "talking" to each other.

And I loved hearing about it. Mum's friend is old, and I know it was good for her. Having somebody to care for, and to take an interest in.

Then I got an email about the cat being run over. Oh dear!

It's always difficult to know what to say to somebody who's grieving. And it's not the same as people, I know, but still. It's a big loss.

But I tried. I sent links to homeless cat homes. I know she got a letter from the vets (the cat was chipped) suggesting she might take on another cat. And so far she's declined. Another cat is not an option.

Until maybe today. She emailed me saying she saw an ad in the paper, about a homeless older cat who needed a new home. Which means she's thinking about it! One step at a time.

Pension

This business of producing all the papers about pension that ze Swiss authorities want for my citizenship made me think. We all have some sort of pension fund (well, we in the western world), whether it's required by law or private, and not generalizing too much, I think they all suck.

If I would've had that money to myself I would be a rich woman by now. With security for not only my old age, but several other people.

We pay for administration and bad investments, and bonuses for fired managers, and none of us object. Because it's the law. And even if the stock market is going through the roof, the increased value of the pension fund is if not negative, so very moderate.

Lately I've been on minus on my bank account, 'cause I knew that the interest rate for the central bank is negative, so I was in my naivity thinking that I paid next to nothing for the overdraft. Not. 3.25% the bank is charging me! Bloodsuckers!

But I guess it's because the state doesn't trust people to do what's good for them in the long run, and they take responsibility for that. If only people would be like me!

Rural setting

Yesterday I was out of town the whole day. Me travelling! I was on the countryside away from asphalt (almost :) a whopping 9 hours.

But it was nice, and I gotta say it crossed my mind for a minute or so, that I could probably live like that. But no, not for more than a day.

However, in the afternoon we went for winetasting. At the neighbours! How neat is not that, to have a vineyard and brewery (or whatever it's called when it's wine they're making) next door! THAT I could definitely live with. Plus the fact that the wine my friend ordered was delivered a snappy five minutes later.

And I like the fact that most of the food served was locally produced. We had an excellent lamb rack for dinner. I think I might buy in on that next time they slaughter one.

Swiss XX

So late on Monday evening I sent the email in response to the letter, requesting more documents, and the day after I got a response. This impressed all my Swiss friends "that was quick!" they all said. I, on the other hand, think that it is to be expected with an answer within 24 hours, whether it's from a company or a governmental body.

Anyway, they accepted my evaluation of the flat, but are still requesting some pension information. So on Monday I have to see to that, and send it in. I wonder what they will come up with next?

It's not like I have anything to hide, but these mixed messages are making me a bit crazy. And I would like to have it over and done with.

Swiss XIX

So when I had the interview the guy let me know that the rest of the process to be a Swissie would just be a formality. Hah! Why did I believe him?

Today I got a letter (three days later than it was dated, thank you Swiss authorities for saving 15 rappen on the stamp)...(here's a thought, send an email next time and save a whopping 85 rappen on each letter!). Ok, back to the issue. The letter stated that they wanted to know how much my apartment would sell for, since I stated the value of it in my first application. As well as how much my pension fund is.

I spoke to my bank and a proper evaluation would cost 2,000 francs, which is according to me totally unnecessary, since I don't plan to sell. So I wrote a letter in response to the request.

Tonight I had some friends (all Swissies) over for a balcony hang. Weather was fab and we were sitting out there until now, enjoying food and drinks and good company. But nobody comes into my place without having to do a chore ;).

So I had all three reviewing the letter and my response, and all of them approved without so much changing a comma. I ignored the comments about "your German is charming" and "it's all you". I know, my German is not perfect but they all agreed I get through what I want to say. So I sent it. Now it's a waiting game.

Cat missing again

Oh dear, here I was sitting peacefully blogging when I realized that my longlegged beautiful cat was no where to be seen. She's usually around me in daytime. Went around and looked at all the usual hiding places, but to no avail.

Looked down at the terrace beneath and couldn't see her anywhere. Mind you, it's pretty wild down there. Another search, and then on to the balcony again and I called her. Now a miserable miaow was heard. Oh dear. My heart started to race and my adreline started pumping.

Of course the neighbours weren't home, so I went around and got in from the other side through the bushes and of course she didn't immediately come to me. She was so frightened the poor thing. I had to force my way through a fence and grab her like her Mum used to do, in the neck.

I didn't see it happen, but my guess is that some flying object passed by and she tried to catch it. I don't think any of them would jump deliberately. If they would, they would do it more often than every second year or so.

Ah well, happy end and she's now vigorously cleaning away all the strange smells from the wildlife out there. And the other one slept through it all.

Early bird

I was out for a walk really early yesterday. I know, it's weird to get out of bed early on a Sunday, but I seem to have lost my rhythm a bit. More often than not, I go to bed early, with the result that I wake up early. This is definitely a new pattern to me.

Anyway, so there I was at 7.30 in the morning walking in the woods (surprisingly enough I wasn't alone) when I spotted a small group of youngsters (well, maybe 20-ish) sitting around at a table, at an open area and I thought to myself that it was a really strange time for a picnic.

Then I looked again, and realized that the table was full of bottles. Aha! Considering some of them were wrapped in blankets and looked like they were sleeping, I figured that had had an all-nighter in the forest. And I had to smile. Not too many years ago I would've been one of them, rather than joining the walking/jogging group at 7.30 on a Sunday morning!

With one big difference though, I would've taken the garbage that didn't fit in the container with me! Filthy people!

30K+ steps

You know what happens when you exercise six days out of seven? You gain weight. At least I have done. It is super irritating. But I won't be defeated.

Today I was dogsitting again, doggie slept overnight and it went fine. Everybody slept in their normal places, and it was peace in our time.

This morning dog and I went vitaparcours'ing for an hour of so (saw two Bambis today!). Then in the beautiful early afternoon we went for a leisurely walk in the sun for another hour. After that the owner were supposed to pick us up, but I decided that we'd walk to his place instead. One more hour walking.

Then of course I had the riding lesson this evening. Got my new fav! The owner was there and had responded to my plead on email ("here's my new fav, would appreciate if I could ride him again", with a pic attached). She smiled when she saw me, and said "you got your fav". Hurray!

And it went fine. I must say that I feel that I'm making progress, even if I'm far from being good. I mean, the teacher sometimes hops on one of our horses to show us how to do certain movements, and it all looks like a breeze, like there is nothing to it, whereas when we try the same thing it is super difficult.

But it was funny today while leg-yielding when she repeated "Annika, look in the corner" and I almost shouted "BUT I AM" and I was, but what she meant was that the whole head had to be directed there, not only my eyes. Why didn't she say so in the first place? Has to do with showing the horse the direction by your own weight and movement I guess.

So according to my pedometer I have walked 30,529 steps today, translating into almost 21 km's and burning of 1,123 calories. I'll be damned if I haven't lost anything tomorrow morning!

The best city in the world!

And this view is only a few minutes walk from where I live. How lucky am I?

Bambi

This jogging business is not my thing. I mean, I am now fit enough to run/jog, but it's boring. I seem to only look down on where to put my feet, rather than looking around seeing the nature and enjoying being out.

I don't care if I don't burn as many calories by powerwalking, 'cause I don't seem to be able to lose those last few kg's anyway. One day I'm two kg's from my goal, the next day three. I don't know why, I watch my diet and I exercise. So to hell with it. From now on I'll be enjoying powerwalking in the nature.

Like today, I was running and passing a guy who was standing still taking pictures. We nodded a quick hello as you do, and the next time I was passing him he stopped me, hushed and pointed into the forest and lo and behold, there was Bambi with a brand new baby! How cute wasn't that!

She was just standing there, maybe ten meters away, looking at us while feeding the wee one. Normally babies don't do it for me, but animal kids are something completely different.

Dogsitting

I am dogsitting today again. We're in training for tomorrow when doggie for the first time will stay with me overnight. I'm pretty certain it will be fine.

Today we were out walking in the sunny afternoon with a fab view of the best city in the world.

I hate insects!

I'm tellin' ya, there is no protection against large beasts, even though I live on the 2nd floor.

Anticlockwise?

One thing I've been thinking about when "running" around in the forest is that ze Swiss seem to prefer anticlockwise, whereas I automatically go clockwise when I can choose. Which is kinda an oxymoron, what with ze Swiss and their clocks.

The little jogging round is six minutes and every time I go clockwise I always meet all the other people going the other way. And no, it's not because I run so fast that nobody can catch me going the same way.

The vitaparcours round is also anticlockwise, even though you can naturally go the other way if you prefer. Both the first and the last station has stretching exercises.

Why is that? I feel that clockwise is much more "natural".

Singing in the rain

It is funny this with sport. I used to like it in my youth, or more like thinking it was part of my life, without realizing it was healthy and good for me.

Nowadays I wake up, looking at the weather, and thinking I wanna get out there, sweat a bit, and feel better afterwards. And not only that, I actually enjoy being out in the forest, breathing fresh air, look at the view of Zürich and move my now healthier body.

But ok, today when I came back from the vitaparcours round, where I skipped a few stations 'cause of pouring rain (I mean, who wants to lay down on a wet wooden beam to do the plank?), I decided to jog the 6-min round before I headed home. It was humbling. I was kinda jogging/powerwalking but when I for the third time saw the same guy running in the opposite direction, I realized I have a long way to go.

Mind you, he was probably half my age and it's not like I'm competing. And no, I wasn't singing.