Birne

It is very confusing with a language like German when it has two different meanings of the same word. I have always been told that German has so many variations of words (like English) so why would they have the same word meaning two completely different things? Birne could mean a light bulb or a pear. Ok, so the shape is somewhat similar but still. I know ze Germans would explain it by stating that you will understand by the context, but on a shopping list made by me, given to a friend, how would he/she know what to buy?

A cloud with a silver lining

The ONLY advantage of this cold weather (today 2°C) is that the white wine stays cold on the balcony and doesn't have to take up space in the fridge. I HATE cold weather. I'm a summer girl (ok then woman if you insist). I wouldn't mind having summer all year around. If I didn't like Switzerland so much I would move, like I always said I would. But then I think of my boat, the summer on Zürichsee, the picnics, the going out with friends, the dinners, the social activities and I am quite happy again. Last week I was walking around barefoot in my flat, nice and warm, summer sandals out. And then WHAM! Snow, cold and unpleasant. If I thought it would help with praying, I friggin would get religious. But I guess it's just a waiting game...

Italian temperament

I have relatively new neighbours living under me. The couple from hell moved out, and in moved an Italian woman with a kid. Now, you know my attitude towards kids, but I gotta say with this family the kid is nothing compared to her Mum. More often than hearing the kid scream the Mum does. On top of her lungs in Italian. I would assume to her kid, since they are the only ones living there. Unless she screams to herself, but what would be the point?

Tax

Got the papers back from the auditor with my tax return info. I thought we had agreed that I would go back there, look it over together with her and sign everything. Nope, she sent it in the post. I saw some minor errors, phoned up and the next day I had a new version in the mail. Only, there were not as many papers to sign as in the first version. I seriously tried to go through it but ending up having no clue what to send and not to send. And where to sign. Am going back there to sort it all out. Why is it that she thinks that I'm the expert on Swiss tax returns (gazillions of papers)? After all, that's why I hired her in the first place...

Theory

One of my friends had a theory to why I seem to have stopped losing weight, despite following it rigidly. It goes like the body gets so used to surviving on less food, that you have to eat less and less in order to keep on losing. Therefore once in a while you should eat normally, so that the body gets the aha-experience and when you resume the diet you start losing again. Am seriously thinking of trying that theory today. The Häagen-Dazs (chocolate chip) in my freezer is lonely :)

I will survive

Indeed! All my friends know my limited selection of cd's. They also know my extensive selection of dvd's, but that's another item. This evening, friendgirl requested Tom Jones. Her boyfriend looked disgusted. But he complied. In a sorta "yes-this-is-what-I-have-to-put-up-with-if-I-want-to-keep-her" kinda way. More and more, I am approving of her choice... PS. It was me who introduced them, so have gone from yes to no to yes. Maybe. Thing is, that I will always survive. And am beginning to think friendgirl will too. Whatever happens...

Flowers

Funny tonight. Friendgirl was giving an insight to family life. "On my Mum's 50'th birthday my friend gave her flowers". At the same time she was looking at boyfriend. He squirmed a bit. And so he should. Only somehow I have a feeling he's on a crash course. To learn how to be a good boyfriend. And I don't think he minds :)...

Lady and her Tramp

My planned dinner for one today hastily has turned into dinner for 5. Excellent! Love it when friends are flexible and do not have to be booked 5 weeks in advance, but rather 5 hours. On the menu? Favourite dish of Lady and her Tramp :)

Reference letter

I have been asked to write a reference letter. Was thinking of writing something along the lines of: XX has worked as my assistant for 5 years. After 2 years she was able to take over the whole department so that I could leave for greener pastures and pursue my own career. Or as our boss phrased it. She was the one doing all the work while you did all the partying. She has slight control-freak qualities, and left alone she will bury herself in work, sometimes forgetting there is a life to be led. But somehow I don't this this'll fly :)...Will have to rephrase it slightly...

What the...

f?? Got up this morning and it was white outside. Snow on March 20! This is just not on. Only a week ago I was cruising the lake, two weeks ago I was sitting outside having lunch. This better go away fast! I have even put away my winter boots and gotten my extremely comfortable (ok, slightly ugly) summer sandals out.

This is so not on.

Dr House strikes again

Comment from todays episode: "We can cure you of the disease, but we cannot cure you from being a bitch!". Soooo funny.

Candles

Finally got around to do a test on candles. Placed three of them in the freezer, and one not. Turned out that the one that had not been in the freezer burned out about half an hour before the other ones. Got friendgirl the opportunity to say "I told you so" (seemed to give her great pleasure :) However. Yesterday I was burning four new candles down and realized that two of them burned down way before the other two. And all four of those had been in the freezer. So much for science :)...yeah, ok, two tests may not make a full study. But it made me doubt this freezing candles theory!

Quality

I wonder if you get a hangover from cheap, bad wine only? We had quite a few glasses yesterday and I have felt fine the whole day. Could it be that quality pays off?

Oslo girl

Oslo girl has really changed. From being an introvert, closed Nordic woman she has become an open friendly and pleasant person. Who just left. Left me to think whether I had something to do with the change. Or did she just grow up? Oh dear, 3.30 in the morning I am getting too profound...;)...g'night...will be back tomorrow with something to say.

3 friggin weeks

Just realized I have been on the diet for three weeks. In 21 days I haven't eaten potatoes, rice, pasta or white bread. No chocolate or sweets, no icecream. No cheese. Just a heck of a lot of vegetables, meat, fish, fruit etc. I would've thought I'd lose more but I guess the body gets used to less food. Well, I don't know how much I lost but can feel it must be a few kilos, maybe 3-4. Not about to give up yet, even though I really crave something sweet! I now eat my own words, persistance :)...so at least I get to eat something!

Tall

So after cruising town this evening, I ended up in my usual place. Surprise (and those of you who are surprised now, raise a hand...thought so, nobody :). Anyway, was speaking to what I thought was a couple who ended up not to be. He was 6 days from being 40 (amazing what people tell you when you don't ask!) and she was 20. It's not like I had anything against the age difference, but they really were not a couple. She was spending most of the evening sms-ing her boyfriend. Anyway, it was funny because for once I felt tall. She looked to me to be something like 1,55 but in a proud voice she told me she was 1,60. Really? Well, I'm 1,65 and usually feel short but this evening I looked down on somebody. Only her "friend" was 1,90 so tomorrow I think I will have neck-pain...

Irish

Yes I did go out this evening. Started with the Irish pub, which was so crowded it was impossible to even get in there. Green hats, green beer, probably also green people but I didn't stay long enough to explore. Took a round in town. Popped into a pub and guess what? Ran into the ex. Yes I know that one of my readers think I mix too much with him. This is how it went this evening: Me: "Hi, are we speaking?". Him: "Yes". Me: "I wanna tell you about my chili". So did. Him: "Ok." Me: "So you're not ready to apologize?" Him: "No". And that's about where the conversation ended. But I'd like to point out that he left before I did. Persistence people, that's my middle name :)

Optimist or pessimist?

Are you the type of person who is always an optimist, one who says that the glass is always half-full as supposed to half-empty? Or are you always expecting the worst, being negative and a pessimist? I would like to think that I am an optimist. At least my glass never gets empty...

Saturday dilemma

Here goes again. Go out or not to go out, that is the question. Not entirely sure that was exactly how Shakespeare phrased his question, but similar enough :) Wonder if he ever had this thought? Or perhaps it was always a party some 500 years ago...

Jeez!

Shiny

Remember the silver cake knife? Well, yesterday I sent it home with "ze Hausfrau" and today I got it back. Look at it now. Shiny, as good as new. And it's good with friends who are domestic :)

Oslo

Oslo girl is coming into town. Not only will it be nice to meet up tomorrow, but she always brings something from duty-free. This time it'll be cigs and mascara. There is some advantage living in a non-EU country. And coming to think of it, shouldn't she be able to bring double ration since Norway is also outside EU?

Acquaintances

So went out this evening. Quite late actually, since French tv had three consecutive episodes of Desperate housewives (yes, they are after ze Swiss but since I haven't seen all of them I "had" to watch). Once out I ran into the South African guy (the one with a farm who isn't quite trustworthy) and ze Swiss guy (well, one of them :)...but this particular one never gives up. He always flirts and wants to sleep with me. Or not me in particular, but any woman really. He's sweet but kinda desperate. My answer? "In your dreams baby". Nevertheless, it was fun. And before I left I popped into an Irish pub (had some friends there too) since today is St Patricks Day to see if there was any action. It wasn't so I left. Bet in Ireland it is, since the Irish had Friday off. I guess just to prepare for Saturday which is the celebration of their saint. Also bet most Irish don't know why (I don't but then again I'm not Irish) but everybody welcomes a day off...

Chili

I am so disappointed. Here was I growing five chili plants, nurturing them like friggin babies. Picking them eventually, almost talking to them. Drying them. Having a friend with a device that makes them into little pieces. And then what? I friggin found mould in the glass container today. Had to throw all of it out.

Again, DISAPPOINTED!

Hiccups

This is somebody who has it worse than I did. I haven't hiccuped since the marriage proposal :) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17183796/

Hausfrau

My visitor today included a real hausfrau. He's much better than I ever will be in the domestic department. Have a silver cake knife that was in much need of cleaning, and today I learned a new method. Put aluminium foil in the bottom of a bowl, place the silver item in need of cleaning on it, add salt and boiling water and voila you have a chemical process that will clean your item. Only mine had not been cleaned in the last 25 years or so, so it'll need some extra polishing. But I saw the result clearly. Wow!

Temptation

Temptation is everywhere. In my freezer there are icecream and cakes hiding. Today I had some unexpected visitors who brought me chocolate, that I have been trying to hide in the fridge. Hide it so that I won't see it every time I open the door.

All in all, the diet has been going well so far but sure I have moments where I want to eat an elephant raw. So to speak.

Yellow

These flowers I got yesterday. Then they were just buds, but look at them today. Beautiful!

Good one

A skinny little white guy goes into an elevator, looks up and sees this HUGE black guy standing next to him. The big guy sees the little guy staring at him, looks down and says: "7 feet tall, 350 pounds, 20 inch private, 3 pound left testicle, 3 pound right testicle, Turner Brown." The white man faints and falls to the floor. The big guy kneels down and brings him to, shaking him. The big guy says, "What's wrong with you?" In a weak voice the little guy says, "What EXACTLY did you say to me?" The big dude says, "I saw your curious look and figured I'd just give you the answers to the questions everyone always asks me. I'm 7 feet tall, I weigh 350 pounds, I have a 20 inch private, my left testicle weighs 3 pounds, my right testicle weighs 3 pounds, and my name is Turner Brown." The small guy says, "Turner Brown?!...Sweet Jesus, I thought you said......."Turn around".

Another sms

Yet another sms from a travelling friend. This time from Lissabon. Even though it sounds nice being away on holiday, I am quite happy staying here in Zürich. Especially when the weather is like today with blue sky and sunshine, approx 16°C. And it's Friday...

HCMC

Got an sms today from Saigon...or Ho Chi Minh City. Abbreviated to HCMC, which made me immediately think of YMCA. Why? I don't know...four letters maybe? And since it's singing girl who's in Saigon I kinda got the feeling it was a good thing she's far away :)

Finnish

I guess this was the finish of the evening...that same guy couldn't take it anymore :)

Dessert

One of my guests brought dessert. It's just very bad that I couldn't eat it. So got the leftovers for the freezer. The day I feel like I'm done with the diet, this is what I'm gonna feast on.

Evening

Was very nice. And the guests seemed to enjoy my cooking. One dish was VERY hot and the other one was not. Well, one of the guests was this guy. Later in the evening we got to talk about diet, since I didn't eat the jasmin rice with the curry dish. He laughed and said "well, you're drinking wine". Yes, true. But the fact is that I actually lost weight which he noticed ("I just didn't say anything" - yeah, gee thanks). Why is it that men his age still haven't learned how to please a woman???

Quest

Check out Quest's blog. He responded to ME!!! http://edition.cnn.com/TRAVEL/blogs/richard.quest/index.html Item: Five times a day.

Curry

So today is the day for curry. Except for I have to make one dish without curry. Having learned from last time, I have now also bought red peppers. Look forward to cook for my friends. Am sure it'll be a nice evening...and if guests permit there'll be pics later.

Lemur

Ok, so I'm cheating. This pic I didn't take today since the lemurs were playing elsewhere. But I posted this on my old blog, and just in case there are any new readers I wanna share again.

PS. This particular lemur scared the shit outta me when I was sitting on the bench having a rest. BUMP! Didn't expect sharing with you exactly...but yes, you do have a nice tail...

Humping :)

And for those of you who are not native English speakers, this is a word joke :)

PS. Gosh, when I have to explain a joke it's not funny...

OK, so you're big...but so what??

Silverback

Another male who thinks he's in charge...

Seals

Another strange creature. In the US they have soldiers who are trained to be killers called seals. Which is funny, since seals are extremely gracious in water, but look like a grandpa with rheumatism on land. Nevertheless, they are funny to watch.

Ze king?

My ex has an interest in rhinos. Haven't figured out yet whether this is healthy or not, but his Mum has revealed that ever since he was a child he's been if not obsessed so very interested in these creatures. I don't understand it, since they do nothing but stand around or (so I heard) chase and kill people, but each to their own I guess...

Scheisse

Surprisingly enough ze Swiss can sometimes have a sense of humour...check out the sign!

Galapagos

Which is where these guys would spend their days in a normal habitat...bet they still wonder how they ended up in Zürich? If they could be bothered i.e., they don't exactly seem like they move with the wind...

Zürich zoo

Had a day off, and so did two of my friends. We chose to spend it at Zürich zoo. Excellent idea, since it was 15°C and an extremely blue sky and blazing sunshine. So about 4 hours was spent watching the animals (one of the friends had to see EVERYTHING, preferrably twice), and approx 2 hours we sat (gesessen...hahaha!, sorry internal joke) in the sun having lunch. And yes, it did include some wine :)

Anyway, this was what we first saw. Flamingos. What's this with standing on one leg thingie? Looks SO uncomfortable...

Sleeping arrangement II

So there he was, pumping away. After about 45 min we gave up (and we as in meaning I tried too). Think my fantastic Migros purchase have given up, well it was half price but still I expected it to last more than a couple of times. So this is what it looked like when I came home at three in the morning. I think it was very sweet of him to prepare the bed for me (and please note the pink pillowcases...it's because the matching ones have gone missing...and the white fur is my very beloved sheep imported from NZ and if you insist to know, yes the sheets are from IKEA:).

Mind you I slept very good (nothing to do with the hmmmpf glasses of wine I had I'm sure) and bro slept on the sofa the next night so not a bad deal huh?

Sleeping arrangement I

Over the weekend I had to arrange for three people to sleep in my apartment. Obviously paying guests go first so guest room was taken. And first night I was going out so that was kinda given as well. Me sleeping on the air mattress.

Here's bro pumping away...

New York

This site is sometimes funny, not always but worth a go: http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/

Essential

Remember I asked for input to my blog? Well, I got some. One was on the topic of how much time we spend on doing what we really want. Thinking back on my life I have certainly spent much more time doing what I didn't really want, but then things like studying and working cannot be regarded as that I suppose. Especially since my working life has been fun. Ok, not ALL the time but mostly I have actually enjoyed it. Must also say since I'm not married or have kids, that I have spent a lot of time doing things I enjoy. Out with friends, travelling, lately cooking occasionally (and enjoying it!), keeping in touch with people, blogging of course, learning (although this German thing is sometimes nicht so lustig :). But all in all I am certain this friend has a point. We are most probably spending more time on "should's" rather than "would's" or "want-to's". Unfortunately my "want-to's" are out of reach right now. Like that house in Spain. On the other hand I probably don't want it so much that I'm willing to do anything...

Construction

Ze Swiss are either having too much money, and/or a love for construction work. Probably both thinking about it. Ever since I moved here there has been one dug up street after the other. Cranes everywhere. Blocked off roads. The last one is the river Limmat, which I noticed taking a stroll there with bro. They have more or less drained an arm of the river (ah gosh, does it stink!!) so that we now can enjoy the rusty bicycles, Migros trolleys and trash in general while walking along. Water is probably around 3 dm, and you can clearly see the bottom. But it was indeed a bit funny to see the stairs that normally lead into the water at the swim place hanging in the air. About 3 meters above the water. Wouldn't suggest diving in now! The good thing is they have built pillars in the water, creating a cafe/bar on a platform on the river itself. This is gonna be great in summer! And it's only about 10 min walk from my place. Cannot wait!

Lotto

Wish I could say that I won 6 million, but I did win 6 CHF. Enough for pay for another round of lotto next week. I guess you should be happy for small things, but I'd actually prefer a minimum of at least 100 CHF. 6 francs is so little it will only buy a coffee at Starbucks or a crappy glass of wine. DISAPPOINTED! To quote the funny guy in "A fish called Wanda".

Downside

There seems to be one downside with dieting. Wasn't allowed to give blood. Haemoglobin was too low. Limit is 125 and mine was at 123. They said that the diet may have had an impact. Ah well, nothing to do. Will go back in a month or so to test again.

And main thing, I feel healthy! But gosh, do I miss my Häagen-Dazs and my chocolate!!

Lovely

It was great on the lake yesterday. Boat performed fine, and it was only a little bird-shit this time. Cruising on the lake with blue sky and sunshine is not bad, although it was a tad chilly in the wind I must admit. But it's beginning March so can only get better. Forecast this week says 15°C and sun. YESSSS! Spring is definitely here. Also took a long walk yesterday. Which cannot hurt right? And must say slept very good last night. All that fresh air was exhausting :)

Work

Tomorrow is boat day. Haven't been checking on it for several weeks. And now when I have bro here it seems to be the time. Want to uncover it, check the possible bird invasion and actually take it for a small ride. All in the name of checking battery, engine and general condition.

According to the weather forecast (I know, these people should not be paid since it never seems to work out the way they predict) it'll be 13°C and sunshine. It better be, since I won't be seen sitting freezing in the boat.

And any bird in the vicinity of my boat will be shot. Must remember to bring my water pistol :)

12 to 1 ratio

Gosh, have I missed out. Bro is back and told me about the ratio of men to women in ze Alps. 12 men on one woman. What the f... am I doing in Zürich :) ??

Ring signal

Think I may have told you before, but I am still getting amused by my mobile phone signal. It's like a party kinda Oktober-fest signal. I have to smile every time my phone rings. Sometimes it doesn't take much :)

Challenge II

Ok, time for three more revelations. Look forward to yours! 4. I will never move back to my home country (I must be the worst patriot of all times :) I don't even like my country). 5. I am lazy. Have discovered this lately. I don't mind having nothing to do all day, in fact I enjoy it. 6. I have trust issues. Difficulty in trusting other people, because most of them seem to be not trustworthy when push comes to shove. Now over to you people...

Relationships

Was looking through my items on lose relationships and your comments. The conclusion seems to be that those who have tried it do not necessarily think it's bad, it just hasn't worked out in the long run. Other comments say that this is clearly not a good idea. Only it doesn't say if these people have tried it. The one currently in such a relationship is all for it (not exactly surprising) and advocates an opinion that new types of relationships are acceptable and belongs in our time. In the end I don't think we can control what we feel in our hearts. Logically it tells me that sharing a man will create jealousy, but I am certainly not the type to judge others. And those who are lucky enough to find love...all I can say is ENJOY! And appreciate while it lasts, because in my opinion it never does...

Bro is coming back

So, bro is on his way here again. Managed to ski a whole week without breaking any bones. At our age you cannot be careful enough, so happy that he's in one piece. Dinner shall be served already at six o'clock. Family recipe, pork fillet. Yum! I may leave bro alone later with my library of movies (which I'm sure he wouldn't mind!) and take a trip into town...

Slimmer

Met up with a friendgirl a few days ago, and she immediately remarked on me looking slimmer! Love my lovely friends :) This is much nicer to hear than "how's it going with your diet?" which I heard from somebody who saw me. What can I answer? If it doesn't show, not so good huh? Who needs enemies with "friends" like that?

Signatures

Got a suggestion from a friendgirl, who think it'd be nice if all who comment would sign their comments. Naturally this is not mandatory :) but a signature so that others would recognize who is commenting. After all, most of you are my friends. So, just a suggestion. In either case, I always look forward to comments.

Enjoy Hanoi

Another sms from Saigon today. Friends on their way to Hanoi. The answer was given :)

Sms

And this sms I got this morning: "I dreamt that you were being chased by a man and I was being shot in the thigh". It is very hard to know what to answer to a message like that. I could have said "Oh, I'm sorry" but since I didn't really think it was my fault :)...I opted for "Did it hurt?".

Email

This email I received today. They were common already in the 80's. Did they think that people never learn? FROM MR HAMED KABORE, DEAR FRIEND. THIS MESSAGE MIGHT MEET YOU IN UTMOST SURPRISE. HOWEVER, IT'S JUST MY URGENT NEED FOR FOREIGN PARTNER THAT MADE ME TO CONTACT YOU FOR THIS TRANSACTION. I AM A BANKER BY PROFESSION FROM BURKINA FASO IN WEST AFRICA AND CURRENTLY HOLDING THE POST OF FOREIGN REMMITTANCE DIRECTOR IN OUR BANK. I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF TRANSFERING THE LEFT OVER FUNDS ($10.5 MILLION) OF ONE OF MY BANK CUSTOMER WHO DIED ALONG WITH HIS ENTIRE FAMILY IN PLANE CRASH. YOU CAN CONFIRM THE GENUINESS OF THE DECEASED DEATH FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THIS SITE BELLOW http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/859479.stm HENCE, I AM INVITING YOU FOR A BUSINESS DEAL BY TRANSFERING THIS MONEY INTO YOUR ACCOUNT WHERE THIS MONEY CAN BE SHARED BETWEEN US IN THE RATIO OF 50%/40% AND 10% FOR EXPENSES IF YOU AGREE TO MY BUSINESS PROPOSAL. FURTHER DETAILS OF THE TRANSACTION WILL BE FORWARDED TO YOU AS SOON AS I RECEIVE YOUR MAIL. I WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO READ FROM YOU.SOON. PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH THIS E- MAIL ADRESSE

Got it

Friend came through. Here are the roses I received on International Women's Day.

PS. I'm sure it had nothing to do with my email reminding him :)

Mumbai

Just got an sms from Mumbai. Not entirely sure where that is, but think India. Have a feeling more sms's from "strange" countries will drop in during the next few weeks. Have friendgirl who's off to Asia today as a matter of fact, and she is under strict instruction to sms me from places I've never heard from. So that I get something to blog about :)

Internet

Read the other day that internet is about to run out of space. Imagine the horror! But I don't believe it for a second. There is always gonna be somebody who wants to finance the best communication tool in the world. But I guess the press have to fight to survive these days, and make non-news into big news. Like they always have by the way. But I guess as long as somebody is buying it...

Diet continued

Just wanted to share another diet dinner with you. And stop complaining about choice of dressing (I just don't like Italian ok?) and corn. A girl's gotta have something good.

Plant

While we're at it, might as well tell you about my plants. I have two plants climbing the living room wall. Originally those came from my Grandmum, via my Mum, to me. It was actually only one plant at the time. I planted a second one from the first. Both were tiny.

I then left the country and my ex-neighbour was asked to look after them. 7 years later she was moving (and so was I incidentally) and I got them back. But this time about 20 times bigger. They survived the trip in the back of a truck for a week or so, and ended up decorating my wall here in Zürich. Replanted in two big pots.

And they are still alive, but haven't been blooming yet. They are called porcelain flowers and have quite big and light pink flowers that are really smelly. When they bloom, which they haven't yet as said.

Anyway, I was worried so I took a leaf and put it in water. Waited about 2 months, at which time I could see tiny little roots growing. Planted it a couple of months ago, and voila, look now.

PS. Did look at my fingers, but they don't look green :)

Surviving against all odds

I am amazed. Rosemary seems to have the survival instincts of a cockroach. I left it all winter on the balcony, didn't water it or do anything and see how it looks...impressive is the word.

Expensive

Went shopping. Normally I shop food about 1-2 times a week, and usually it costs around 50 CHF. This week however I have already been shopping twice. Partly because I'm expecting guests, and partly because I eat so much veggies and fruit these days that I ran out. And today it cost over 100 CHF!! Ok, so I did stock up on chops (on sale) and bought some pork fillets (ordered by little bro, and to be prepared in accordance with family recipe on Saturday). Also some fish, since dinner this evening is by choice (only haven't gotten an answer yet, whether I'd have to cook fish or meat) and a little present for a friendgirl. But still. No more shopping this week for me. After all, must have some funding for nights out in town :)...all about priorities!

International Women's Day

Is today. http://www.internationalwomensday.com/

A flower for all women. I usually get a rose from a certain man every 8th March, lately since we live in separate countries electronically. But today...nothing. Yet.

The tradition started many years ago when we used to work together with a man from Romania. There apparently women are treated like queens. At least for one day a year :)

Hiccups

Was out with the ex yesterday. It's good to be with people who know you, so when I got the hiccups from drinking a very cold beer I managed to say "scare me!". His answer? Marry me... HAHAHA! Haven't had the hiccups since :)

More money

A stingy old lawyer who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness was determined to prove wrong the saying, "You can't take it with you."After much thought and consideration, the old ambulance-chaser finally figured out how to take at least some of his money with him when he died. He instructed his wife to go to the bank and withdraw enough money to fill two pillow cases. He then directed her to take the bags of money to the attic and leave them directly above his bed. His plan: When he passed away, he would reach out and grab the bags on his way to heaven. Several weeks after the funeral, the deceased lawyer's wife, up in the attic cleaning, came upon the two forgotten pillow cases stuffed with cash. "Oh, that darned old fool," she exclaimed. "I knew he should have had me put the money in the basement."

Money

There was a man who had worked all of his life, had saved all of his money, and was a real miser when it came to his money. Just before he died, he said to his wife, "When I die, I want you to take all my money and put it in the casket with me. I want to take my money to the afterlife with me."And so he got his wife to promise him with all of her heart that when he died, she would put all of the money in the casket with him. Well, he died. He was stretched out in the casket, his wife was sitting there in black, and her friend was sitting next to her. When they finished the ceremony, just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, the wife said, "Wait just a minute!"She had a box with her, she came over with the box and put it in the casket. Then the undertakers locked the casket down, and they rolled it away. Her friend said, " I know you weren't fool enough to put all that money in there with your husband. "The loyal wife replied "Listen, I'm a Christian, I can't go back on my word. I promised him that I was going to put that money in that casket with him. "You mean to tell me you put that money in the casket with him!!!!? "I sure did" said the wife. "I got it all together, put it into my account and wrote him a cheque. If he can cash it, he can spend it."

Email chain

This is something that irritates the hell out of me. As soon as you answer an email, or get on somebody's email list, you receive chain emails for lack of a better word. You know the ones where you get a few wisdom words, and then a request to send it to 10 of your friends. Otherwise you'll be fried in hell, won't have any luck ever in your life, or die soon. I hate these emails. And delete them promptly. Just because I don't like being threatened. And seriously, does anybody believe in this crap?

F...ing finally

When I closed my pants today I didn't have to breathe in!!! This is indeed good news. And about friggin time. All these veggies...yesterday I bought broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, beans, corn, asparagus, lettuce, radishes, tomato, cucumber, you name it, I bought it. When you're on a diet, you have to be really creative with cooking!

Landlord

Landlord called this evening. Remember the blind that was going to be replaced? That was going to take 10 days, and later when I asked 5 weeks? Anyway, tomorrow it's 6 weeks and I thought it'd be a good idea to ask again. Landlord is as appalled as I am, and told me he'd be changing supplier. Last time he told me that those blinds are made in Germany, and they have to import them. So I dared to joke with him, saying "well, they are Germans after all". To which he replied "yes, maybe they'll deliver by bike". Ok, so we don't have the same type of humour but still. Not bad for an almost 80 year-old!

Challenge

Ok, time for a challenge for you readers. I'm here gonna tell you 3 weird/strange/funny things about myself. I expect you to share the same with me. Here goes: 1. I don't know how many men I slept with. 2. I have lived in 9 cities. 3. I am unfortunately a fatalist. Look forward to you sharing...

Difficulty

I have just realized an equal difficulty. You know when you say something like this is as difficult as that. Let me tell you. Making big, juicy and round meatballs is as difficult as having a man taking the trash out. Equally. Different reasons though. Big and juicy is no problem. The round is the problem. They (and I'm talking about the meatballs here) tend to splash out and become like tiny hamburgers. You really have be there all the time, turn them around, care for them, talk to them. And then maybe, you're lucky. Well, I guess not so much different from having a man taking the bin out after all. You have to be there, talk to them, probably even beg them. And then maybe, you're lucky. Men and meatballs...what's the difference again?

Story

Ok, so it's been quiet on the blog for a day or so. But when I look at the stats in the morning and I see that only 4 readers have been on and no comments, I don't exactly try hard. But now I have a story for you. Picture this: a woman lives with her Mum until she meets boyfriend. Moves in together with boyfriend. AND his parents. Ok, so it's a big house but still. And she has studies to finance. Today it is 10 years later. 10 YEARS LATER! And they still live with boyfriends parents. In the same house. When I came to Switzerland I learned that it is common to use the formal Sie-adressing until you know people. This woman still have to do so with the boyfriends parents. After living 10 YEARS IN THE SAME HOUSE! Now, I don't know about you, but isn't this taking it to the extreme? And if she's not gonna be home for dinner, which apparently is served 18.30 sharp every day, she has to tell them 1,5 hours in advance. Is this a life? Well, I guess not everybody is the same but I feel sorry for her. She's otherwise an intelligent woman. What do you think?

Rabbit

My ears are growing and I'm about to develop a little fluffy tail. Not joking. The amount of veggies I've eaten the last week is gonna turn me into a friggin rabbit. The only difference I notice is that I have to pee a lot. All the time actually. If I don't wake up in the middle of the night I pee about 3 liters in the morning. "That's normal", my dieting friendgirl was telling me. NO! It's not friggin normal. It's abnormal. I didn't used to do this. Ergo not normal. In one week I haven't eaten potatoes, rice, pasta, soft bread or anything fattening. Only friggin veggies and meat or fish. Fruit. Ham instead of cheese. Cucumber instead of chocolate. Carrots instead of sweets. And I see no f...ing difference! Why on earth am I doing this?

Telephone

Another thing today that was interesting was a phone some friends had. I haven't seen this since I was in a museum I think. Isn't it cool? Guess it would be even cooler if it worked...

Some start early

So the little boy got out of the car and ran away. We were shouting to him to come back, but of course he chose not to hear. Until we said ok, let's leave. Let's go home. So we started to walk away from him, which is when he got anxious and decided it'd be a good idea to follow. My thoughts were: gosh, don't they start early? He is only 3, and thinks like a man already. Whenever you want to leave a man, they come after you. If you are after them first, they remain aloof and distant. It must be in the genes...

Short

Met some interesting people today. They were very short. Ok, one of them has a good excuse. He is only 3 years old. But his Mum was equally short. Not equally as in short as the boy, but short. I felt tall the whole day. Tall like in giant.

It's funny when you're 1.65 m above water level like I am, and have to look down on people all day. It becomes kinda difficult to talk. Ok, so we didn't speak the same language, which may have something to do with it, but still. I can now say hola, corazon and frio for example. Not to mention cerveza, but of course I already knew that :)

But have to say, the boy was delightful. No crying the whole day. When he fell he just stood up, smiled and went on with his business. Quiet in the car. Friendly and open. I tell you, told the people that in 20 years I will flirt with him. Until I realized how old I'd be by then :)

Why does it always have to be a downside...

Sunset

Ok, enough of that little principality. We left and took a ride to a village nearby, had a drink and dropped some people off. And when we came out to get into the car to go back to Zürich, this is what it looked like.

Unfortunately it doesn't show how beautiful it was on the pic. But trust me, it was.

Almost better than watching nature on Discovery channel :)

Skiing

Pics for those of you who like snow. As you may have guessed I'd rather watch, safely on distance with a glass of wine in my hand :)

Bank

This is the bank on top of the mountain in you guessed it, Liechtenstein.

Population

Still in Liechtenstein, we discussed how many people who lived there. I said perhaps around 100,000? I just couldn't grasp the fact of living in a place where there are less people. Turns out there are 33,987 July 2006 estimate (give or take I suppose). I wonder what it would be like to live in place where everybody knows each other? But I guess with 1.3% unemployment rate, inflation of 1% and a GDP of gazillions, even I could be persuaded. Only I wouldn't be welcome, unless I marry a liechtensteiner. Which is not on my agenda :) Ah well, money isn't everything. Or is it?

Liechtenstein

Was abroad today. Well, it's stretching it a bit, but is actually correct. Liechtenstein is a country. And not a pub that somebody suggested...

https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ls.html

Was there in the late 80's last time. But think I confused it with San Marino, which is another little tiny so called country embedded in Italy.

Nevertheless it was great. Sitting on the top of a mountain, having lunch, drinking wine, watching the skiers do whatever they do (skiing?). And sitting outside...it was warm enough. Brilliant.

However, mostly Liechtenstein is known for their...hmm, shall we say... inviting attitude to foreign business. Lotsa companies are registered here. See photo.

Outing

On my way on a little outing to the mountains today, so will be quiet here on the blog during the day. Will bring my camera, so may be a few pics later on. Btw, sun is shining and it's 12°C. Spring is in the air...

Feelings

Bro was telling me about this guy who received a long letter from a woman. Full with feelings and stuff. Guy didn't know what to do, so he replied "ok". Isn't that typical? Women pour their hearts out, and what do they get in return? An ok. Men, I tell you. Such a joy at times, and such bastards at others...and they will never change. Because they don't think they have to....

Fat

Two comments on this issue: one is that the best thing to feel good about yourself is to stand next to a really fat person. Saw several this evening. Feel good. Second is I spoke to my cousin. When I told him I was on a diet he proceeded to tell me about obese people in the US. I tried to cut in, saying "I'm not obese, just a little overweight" (or like Garfield so eloquently put it "I'm not overweight, just undertall"). But cousin is a man, so he didn't really get it. Which is when I thought "from cousins and drunks you hear the truth"...

E gate

When my brother arrived today he was unfortunate enough to land at an e-gate in Zürich airport. A couple of years ago they renovated (but with ze Swiss attention to detail they are still busy doing it). Anyway, when you land at an e-gate you have to take an automatic train to the terminal which takes about 3 minutes. I was unlucky enough to do this too many times. Only today, apparently, ze Swiss have realized the importance of marketing. So they have put a screen with Heidi in the train, as well as cow-clocks on the speakers. Brilliant! And it only took them about three years...there is hope yet :)

Fidelity - in or out?

Got a few comments on the "lose relationship" item. Is fidelity in or out? That is the question. And again, what are your thoughts on the issue. Please comment more and I will make a new item of the answers.

Out of ideas

HELP! I need assistance what to blog about. Feel like I'm running out of ideas for a change. Please email me anything, any topic you would like me to write about. ANYTHING :)

Little bro

This afternoon little bro comes visiting. Haven't seen him since my party in October, so will be nice. I've stocked up on food (for him obviously...I'm still dieting), all the things he likes. Short visit though, since he's off tomorrow for a skiing holiday. Then he comes back for a couple of days next weekend. Excellent timing also, since flatmate is off today for a skiing weekend. Unlike friend who has 7 siblings I just have the one, so look forward to spoil him a bit.

Gorgeous

Mr Gorgeous called me! Well, it was to follow-up on our meeting a couple of weeks ago, but still. His voice is SOOOOO sexy. It made my day I tell you :)

Haxen

I bought some meat called "Schweins haxen". It's pig, but I had no idea how to make it. So googled up a recipe including beer, celery and onion. Apparently you cook this meat. It'll be very interesting to see how todays dinner will turn out...

Freedom of choice

Was asked by friend today to come on an outing on Sunday. "Let's drive to my hometown and see my brother". Yes, sounded like a brilliant idea. If it's not too early. It wasn't. Friend knows me :) But I said, before we agree don't you wanna call your brother to ask if it's all right if we come on Sunday. Friend says "no worries, if he can't make it I have alternatives". I guess it's all right if you have 7 siblings :)