Chicago

My brother is in Chicago for Easter. This is what he sent me. Apparently he's been in a museum of some kind. I just hope he wanted to get in touch with me, not that he was thinking of me being ancient.

http://fm1.fieldmuseum.org/postcard/ancientamericas-postcard.php?view=47614&exhibit=ancientamericas&secure=c9e0e1e0652ec13

Water

One thing I was thinking about in these days of global warming (and my tacky attempt to joke the other day about having a long shower) is this: if I save water here in Switzerland, will it help the people in countries with little water? Water is not exported is it? Unless it comes in expensive bottles. Tell me how I save energy by not using water here where I am. I'll do it no problem, but I need to understand why. When I grew up we were told that the children in Biafra (Africa) were starving. I never understood why eating everything on my plate (or not) was gonna help them. Now many many years later I raise the same question. Perhaps I'm a slow learner?

Early

I am not a creature of habit. Well, at least not always. It has happened a couple of times that I go out early (like I will today since I have to get up really early tomorrow). The people at my place sometimes bolt when I walk in when not expected. So much that I last time asked "should I leave and come back later?". Ah well, since I'm the customer (with the money) I'm always welcome... :)

6

Imagine having a child. And then times 6. These kids are now turning 10 years old. Think of the (poor/lucky?) guy with 5 sisters :)

30/30

When I was thin (ok -ish) I bought a pair of jeans that I've never worn. Lewis 501's size 30/30. Whatever that means. Tried them on today and yey, I can get into them. If you ignore the somewhat smaller Michelin above the waist, but at least I can zip them up. Well button them up to be exact. This is indeed progress, and gives me the strength to continue this friggin diet. So tomorrow I can take on the chocolate. No problem. And ignore it. I think :)

New friends

I need to make new friends. Was just talking to a friendgirl far away. She told me that she's invited for a cruise in the summer. In an Onassis-style-ship. I don't have friends like that. Nobody I know can even think of affording a yacht. Yes I know I have a boat, but it's 6 m long and has an 8 ps engine...tuff-tuff-tuff. It's not like a ship with 4 passengers and 6 crew. Gosh, am I jealous. Green in the face. And happy for my friend of course :)

Pics

Was browsing through old pics and ran into this one that I'm not sure I posted before. From my place. I rest my case :)

Delay

I have a confession to make. I have sinned. Had both two slices of pizza AND chocolate yesterday. Figured I had to feast a little over Easter. Funny thing is that I feel thin today. But sense that there is a delay in the fat spread. Tomorrow I'll probably feel those extra hg's put on. It'll be very difficult to stay away from chocolate tomorrow, if that's the thing we're doing in the garden...

Grasping

The ideas for what I write about on this blog usually comes to me when I'm out. Considering that, I should always keep a pen and paper with me, right? But last time I did that this woman browsed my butt so I gave up that idea. Anyway. Had this idea about countries. That I should tell you the countries I've been in (not entirely sure why you'd be interested, but since some of you keeps on coming back - ok, mostly you're my friends and I bully you when you haven't read it :) - I thought at the time it'd be a good idea. Here goes (in no particular order): Switzerland, Ireland, Netherlands, France, Italy, Sweden, England incl Northern Ireland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Spain, Norway, Portugal, Ireland, Hungary, Estonia, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Luxemburg, America, St Martin (ok, so not a country but half of it French, half Dutch), Australia, Cook Islands (part of NZ), New Zealand, the Vatican, Tunisia, Jersey (part of GB or is it UK?), Austria, Finland, San Marino and Greece. So well over 25, closing in on 30. Considering there are about 190 countries (is that right?) in the world I still have a lot to see. But since Zürich once again have been voted the best city in the world I'm kinda happy staying where I am :) PS. Apparently 193, see http://geography.about.com/od/countryinformation/a/capitals.htm

Grüezi

Sometimes ze Swiss are really endearing. Like when you walk and pass somebody on the street they say "Grüezi" for no particular reason than being nice. I like this very much. I come from a society where NOBODY would do that. It would be regarded as peculiar and they'd probably think you were a potential rapist/murderer/mental pick-your-choice. It happened to me today when I was walking to Coop. And it was particularly nice since it was a cop in full uniform. Naked or in plain clothes this guy would not be my type, but in uniform...mmm :) PS. Not sure what a cop would do in my neighbourhood alone, they always come in pair don't they?

Sad news

Have an old friend in Stockholm where I used to live many moons ago. Spoke to her today. We speak about twice a year, update each other on news and every time it feels like yesterday. Today she had bad news. A former neighbour of ours is dead. When I lived there in a 28-apartment-building we used to have barbecues together, go in and out of each others flats and in general knew each other pretty good. We also had a sauna in the basement, and a washing room that was shared. The garden was pretty full in the summer when everybody brought their towels, sunscreen and drinks and settled down to enjoy the weather. Which usually ended up with grilling in the evening, and drinking long into the night. A good life. Well, this particular neighbour had been a little too much on the drink the past 20 years, got fired from his job, his wife divorced him and so forth. And now he has taken his own life. He wasn't even 60. Even though I think it is everybody's right to take their own life, I still find it sad. When he was good, he was really funny. And everybody has something good in them, I'm sure. What is especially sad is that he was alone. It took them a week to find his body. I am not religious so I don't really believe it, but I hope he sits on a cloud, playing cards with his friend and drinking the whisky he loved so much. RIP.

Witch

Even though I have to get up in the wee hours tomorrow, I have decided to go out tonight. Solely because I found my witch. Which is a brooch in the form of a witch, and with the battery switched on the red eyes blink. Tacky and cool at the same time, and totally suitable for me :)

Gathering

Tomorrow I am invited to celebrate Easter with a friendgirl and her family in a garden. I have no idea what to expect, but look forward. As a foreigner in a country it is difficult to know how the locals celebrate their holidays like Easter, Christmas etc. I remember one year when I was eating goat, which apparently is a custom here. And looking at the weather today, I can only hope it'll be as nice tomorrow. Sunshine, blue sky and above 20°C. This can be really good.

Grey

The other evening I was out with a friendgirl. Was strangely pleased to see that she has a few grey hairs. Which reminded me of a conversation I had with my hairdresser. We were discussing different types of hair, and I said "well, at least I don't have any grey hairs". To which my sometimes too honest hairdresser said "yes, you do. A few". Hmmm. Guess it's a good thing I'm blond, so that it doesn't show...

Foreign object

Woke up the other night with a foreign object in my bed. Unfortunately it wasn't a man. Felt something funny at my feet, and realized it was my glasses. Must've put them on the bed when I got home, and forgot all about it. Fortunately they did not break.

Cold

Am meeting up with a friendgirl this evening. The idea was to meet at my place and then go out. Only now she's suggesting that we meet in town, since she wants to enjoy the nice weather. Not entirely sure why, since it's 12°C outside. Nice weather? Hmmm... Perhaps ze Swiss have decided that now since it's April, it's supposed to be nice?

Italian

Watched an Italian movie this evening. In Italian. It was about the pope of all people, and I kinda got stuck. Of course it was romanticized, but it was still kinda interesting. And the guy playing the pope was cute! It's funny how much Italian I actually understood. I impressed myself :)

Cheating

So cheated a little bit today again. Had four of these tiny Toblerones, white chocolate which I don't even like that much but I just couldn't help myself. It is getting really boring eating no potatoes, rice or pasta. Plus the fact that vegetables are more expensive. So perhaps once in a while I'll eat normal. I don't seem to lose that much anyway. But will I gain if I eat properly once in a while?

Zurich still No 1

http://www.mercerhr.com/knowledgecenter/reportsummary.jhtml/dynamic/idContent/1128060;jsessionid=UCLRLOT5FUENUCTGOUGCIIQKMZ0QUJLW

Which witch

Pink

So after talking to ALL my Swiss friends (that was quick!) I ended up with two maybe's regarding my future Ciao vespa. One friend is still thinking about it (yeah my brother sorta knows, but I have to wait until I see him) and the other had a kinda offer. A white vespa. But to a very reasonable price, so I'm thinking that perhaps I can paint it? Also, it'll be good to paint and make it personal. Less risk of theft, right? Which made me think of the time when I lived in Holland. Utrecht to be exact. And I bought a bike from a guy (out of breath...but I didn't realize) at 4 in the morning. For 15 gilders (I negotiated down from 20 :). Anyway, I learned that in order to be in the circle you have to buy one bike. Then everybody assumes that your bike will be stolen, and then it's ok to steal one back. Only, I managed to keep my bike for the almost 2 years I lived there and then gave it to a friend. Who in turn managed to get it stolen within a matter of about 2 weeks. So I was lucky. My dream is still a pink vespa and a pink helmet. Story to be continued...

Hair

So this evening a band was playing. No surprise, but this band I heard before. And it just so happens that one of them have long hair. Which I really do not like. Long hair on men? Nah, it's just not sexy. Anyway, said hello to him and remarked that he had cut his hair. "Any chance you will cut more?" I asked. His reply? "I'm too busy". Yeah ok, I get your drift. Which was probably "none of your fuckin' business" or "why do you care?". Good question. I don't even like the guy. Probably just my way of always intervene. As a person I'm like acne in your ass :)

Flashback

Was out for a bit this evening. Met this guy who works in Sofitel. Ah gosh, did that render a flashback. 5 friggin months in Sofitel Budapest. Probably the worst time in my life. On par with other bad times in my life, so ok, not the worst time in comparison but workwise, absolutely. Guess that didn't make him any more attractive. Goodbye Christian...(and I was kinda certain his name was Helmut:)...

Fritz

The other evening I met a guy called Fritz. I know, Fritz is in line with Helmut when it comes to sounding German. But in this case it's different. My grandfathers name was Fritz. Unfortunately he died when I was 8 years old so I don't have really vivid memories of him, but what I do remember is that he used to hide chocolate in a drawer in the kitchen. I also remember me visiting and walking straight to that particular drawer. Can you blame me? So for me Fritz is good. Helmut is not. Irrational? Of course.

Zurilife

Am pleased to see on google.com that I still get to be number one on the search. Ok, so it's only 8 hits but still. However, when I try "Life in Zürich" I don't even show. Well, maybe I do but I'm not gonna check 3,650,000 hits :)

Learning

Was just on the phone with my ex. Told him that I’ve taken to walk into town instead of taking the bus, in the interest of losing weight. Good, he said. I bolted. “What? So you think I’m fat?”. “No”, he said, “I just want to support you”. Gosh, has he learned?!?

Fast

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/03/wtgv103.xml

I once took the train from Rotterdam to Paris (TGV). It was kinda funny since the train was on normal speed in Holland, and once crossing the border it speeded up. Remarkably. It was really cool.

Frohe Ostern

Realized I didn't know what Happy Easter was in German, so looked it up in the dictionary. It sounds to me a little like Far East. Which does not give me a warm fuzzy feeling I must say. Anyway, Easter is Easter and I'm sure they eat eggs there too. Btw, I'm now buying only Swiss eggs (less transportation) + my friend who I give my empty egg cartons to was giving me shite about buying imported eggs. Only did it because it was cheaper, and this from the guy who runs his dishwasher only at night because of the cost...

Stats

Not sure why, but I seem to have the odd visitor from China. Not sure why they would be interested in my life in Zürich, but every visitor is welcome.

Electricity

Ok, so have gotten as far as switching off tv properly at night. Now I wonder about lights. Normally I keep the lights on in the living room in the evening (obviously when I'm home, duuuh!) and in the kitchen, since I keep on going back there every so often. All other lights are off. Now, is it better to switch off the light in the kitchen between visits or is it better to just keep it on? Something tells me that too much on and off uses more power than keeping it on all the time. Or is it always better to switch off? Look forward to the experts answering... PS. Have another stupid question (ok, not stupid questions, just stupid answers) about my pc. Due to logging on problems with my pc (dear 4-year-old piece of antique) I never switch it off. Just close it to force it into sleeping mode. I could of course unplug the battery from the wall, but is it the same if I just unplug the pc and keep the cable in the wall? Surely it doesn't charge the battery if the battery is not connected to the pc? Or?

Joyride

Thinking of offering boat rides in the summer. For a modest sum. Not sure how many would like to have a ride in a private boat, with the possibility to swim. A glass of wine perhaps. But it shouldn't hurt to try, right? I'm thinking if I'm gonna spend time on the lake anyway, why not earn a little money on it?

Easter

Easter is soon coming up. And all I can think of is if I will allow myself some chocolate treats :)...still have those in the fridge (don't think I ever had chocolate at home that long).

So Happy Easter all!

Boots

Just realized the other day that my boots are in dire need of some mending. These boots are the only ones I invest in mending at all. Pretty cool (and bloody expensive!) Italian leather boots. Tomorrow it's a visit to the shoeman for sure.

Pessimist

The only time I'm a pessimist is when it comes to time. I'm ALWAYS early. I just never learned how to be late. And if I am (for reasons I cannot control) I always let people know. Is there a little control freak creature living inside me? Probably. It's a sad thought. I need to work on being late...

Diet update

Thinking about the pics on previous item. My diet is still going fairly well. I'm saying fairly, since I splashed out a couple of times. Last Tuesday for example (but worth every rappen and every hg). Yesterday I did have that chocolate thingie I brought with me. But all in all, it's not too difficult. The difficulty lies in keep on losing weight. I seem to have stopped. Which makes me think that when I start eating normally again, I'll be back to my slightly bigger self in no time. The pic on previous item though makes me think I really REALLY do not want to end up like an Auschwitz victim. Chances are slim (pun intended!) though, since I don't have those particular genes. Something to be grateful for!

C Love

Not much for reading about so called famous people but these pics threw me. From fat to hmmm...what is the word? Unattractive? Ugly to uglier? I lack words.

Error

Have a friendgirl who has trouble differentiating between Tuesday and Thursday. Which can cause a bit of confusion when we set up a day to meet :) I have the same problem with the words kitchen and chicken. Don't know why, just have. Stuff like "I'm going into the chicken" and "I'm gonna cook a kitchen". What words do you have a problem with? PS. Won't even mention my trouble with German here :)...not enough space on the blog...

Global warming

Lotsa talk about global warming and saving energy these days. Was thinking that I'm not so bad. For example I don't have a car, I use public transportation (and occasionally taxi's). I keep most of the heating off in my flat (except for when it's really really cold). I switch off lights when I'm not in the room (unlike some other people I know). When I pour a glass of tap water, I don't let it run for a minute to get it really cold (also unlike some other people). Next time I buy lamps I will buy energysaving dittos. Have initiated negotiations with landlord about a new (and energysaving) fridge. I know that my savings won't help the world, but if everybody did it...it could make a difference! Other tips to help save energy are welcome.

Flowers

Our aunt has birthday today. 1st of April and all. We sent her some flowers.

Pasta

Did you know that Swiss farmers have gotten a record crop of spaghetti?

PS. April fool joke from BBC 1957, which managed to fool a whole lotta people :)

2 movies

Saw two movies today. One on the French channel and one on the Italian. The afternoon movie was Shackleton. Really good one about a guy who tried to reach Antarctica around 1915, and the adventures of him and his men. Good reminder about how greatful we should be for small things. On the other hand I wouldn't dream of visiting Antarctica, unless there were charter trips there. Besides, they have penguins in the Zürich zoo... The other one was the Pledge. What bugged me with this one was that I'm not completely sure who the murderer was. Missed some parts of it (trips to kitchen etc) and in the end all we got to see was a piece of jewellery or similar that the murderer wore. Anybody knows?

Debug

Gotcha!

Finally

Eventually I managed to hook up with Aussie-girl. Sent her an sms this evening, she responded that she was awake just the minute I got home. So we just spent some time on the phone. She has acquired an Aussie accent. Not that she didn't have one before, but now it's really accentuated. Guess the reason is that she's back down-under :) Told her about the weather here, snow/rain/sun once in a while. Where she is they have water problems. Lack of it. Can only water the lawn twice a week, and then only between certain hours. "If they think I'm gonna get outta bed to water my lawn at 5 am they have to think again" I remember her saying. Tomorrow (read today) I'm gonna enjoy a really long shower :)...

Cunning bastard

Nearly had a heart attack just now. Had managed to forget the scary thing with legs, when I looked over my shoulder.

Couldn't believe how cunning it was. I LOVE that white sofa. Am I going to ruin it for a shitty bug? I don't think so. Guess my love is stronger than my hate. And I'm afraid to try and push it, then it'll fly and that is scarier than anything else...

Pineapple

A friend of mine is going away for the weekend. He stopped by very briefly to borrow a small suitcase. When I picked it out I realized it was very dusty which reminds me of two things. First, I don't travel much these days, and second, I need to have a chat with putz-Peter :) Anyway, while here he stuck me a box of sliced pineapple (fresh) telling me that this is a great fat-burner. Didn't have a chance to ask why. Why is it that pineapple burns fat? Can that really be true? And more importantly, is icecream a fat-burner too :) ??

Ice

Was talking about the lovely service the other evening at that restaurant. Made me think of the service I get in my usual place. You see, there the highlight of the night is the staff trying to throw ice cubes down your cleavage. However that same evening when I popped in on the way home, friendgirl managed to get an ice cube down the waiters pants. And he couldn't shake it out. Had to go to the bathroom. Realizing while I'm writing this, that is doesn't sound very funny. But after a few glasses then it really was :)

War

Look what found its way into my flat!! Bugger. Found an old Heute and tried to kill it immediately but somehow it escaped. Now I don't know where it is. Which means I won't be able to rest comfortably on my sofa until I do. I HATE bugs! Especially when they can fly and disappear. DIE you bastard!

Nivea

Whoever invented Nivea is a genius. Without this cream to apply under my nose I would look like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.

Better

Feeling a tad better. Was lying in bed yesterday thinking where all this snot comes from. Currently it is coming out of my nose continuously, but where does it hide otherwise? I know, really weird thoughts. What does it contain? Do I really wanna know? Slept the whole night without waking up from not being able to breathe. Progress. And I'm so bored being inside all the time, will have to get out in the sun today. At least for some food shopping. Really really want to go out tonight too. I know, it's not recommended but I WANT :)

Ciao

Been sleeping on and off now for 2 days. Mostly I'm really frustrated since summer is on its way, and here I'm stuck. Feel very sorry for myself. A while ago I dozed off again and had the nicest dream though. Saw myself driving a pink Ciao (is it a moped or a vespa?) in a shocking pink helmet. A few years ago I had the idea of actually buying one, but never got around to it. But the dream made me think twice. It would be great for shopping and for going to the boat this summer. It can't hurt having a look at one, can it? Just need to find a shop that sells these things here in Z. PS. Off for a shower now. I'm starting to stink :)

Climate change

In my bedroom I have a changing climate. Sometimes tropical rainforest and other times siberian winter. Think I might have fever...

Punishment

Woke up this morning with the mother of all colds, guess it's my punishment for enjoying yesterdays dinner so much :( Now back to bed, I feel absolutely awful.

The service

Service was excellent. But human. At one point I needed to get my jacket from the wardrobe (am developing a cold and needed my napkins...it would have looked really bad to blow ones nose into the sheet they provided covering as napkin :). The waitress pulled out my jacket amongst many and I was really impressed saying "did you remember?". No, she whispered back, "we have number plates on the jackets that corresponds to the table number". I laughed and said, "you shouldn't have told me". We also had an incident with the only waitress who didn't speak good English. I wanted to make a reservation for this restaurant in August and thought why not do it already. So said in my best German (not very good as it turned out) that "ich planiere um zuruckzukommen in augusti". She looked startled and my so called friend laughed his head off. What I was trying to say was I plan to come back in August. Apparently there is a difference between planiere and planne. Planiere means to desctruct something and planne means plan. Ok, so I don't wanna come back in August with a bulldozer...I wanna come back and eat :)

Extra

So after the dessert they came to ask if we wanted something more like coffee. I opted for an extra glass of dessert wine and my friend had a coffee and a grappa. And you know what? They served a whole tray of chocolate goodies. Not on the menu. Not ordered. I don't mind paying a little extra when you get service like that.

I really regret that I didn't take my camera with me, but what I did take was a piece of chocolate wrapped up. I actually think that is was there for people like me. Who want to bring a piece of the evening with them. This is it!

Dessert

Gotta admit that I started to feel a bit full after the main course. Would like to think that my stomach has shrunk but apparently not enough. So after the main course we had a discussion with the waiter about dessert. They gave us the menu again, but since I couldn't be bothered to read all the German (main menu in English, but dessert menu not), I opted for the "surprise dessert". Besides their English menu had a few "spelling errors" like lamp instead of lamb but ok, I got the idea :) When I had decided that I was going to have dessert, I really REALLY wanted it to be something with chocolate in it so I asked "what does the surprise dessert contain?". HAHA, stupid me. Wouldn't be a surprise if they told me, DDOOOHHH! Anyway, I hinted that schoggi may be a good idea and guess what? The surprise did contain a big piece of chocolate. Along with strings (how do they make this?) of chocolate, apricot mousse and some other stuff. Don't wanna wear out the word yum but what can I say? Since I'll have to starve for several weeks to make up for this splash, I guess I have to dream about it...

Bread

Ah forgot about the bread. With the amuse bouche they served bread. Hot and crispy. And you know for me who hasn't had soft bread in more than a month I wanted to rip the whole tray out of their hands. With it they served salted butter, butter without salt and salt by itself. Butter served on ice. Which is in I know, but have you ever tried to put ice-cold butter on bread? Difficult to say the least. It sorta spreads in lumps. Never mind. So I decided to go for it. After all, you don't go to a top class restaurant and then don't eat. So I had a small piece of white bread with sesame seed. And some salted butter. YUM! That went down like in 2 secs, so asked if I could have another piece. This time tomato bread. YUM again. Decided that enough is enough. Until the waiter came around once more. Seems like I had no character whatsoever this evening and when he presented a bacon-bread I just couldn't resist. Don't want to say YUM once again, but will dream about the taste tonight. Not to mention the small piece of bread with olives that came with one of the courses. No wonder I felt I had to walk home this evening! Have probably spoiled a whole month of dieting tonight...but if was f...ing worth it!

Ah, the food

How can I describe it? The food was absolutely delicious. I cannot think of anything I want to change. Ok, it was a bit of a surprise that they did not even have a proper menu. They had two sides (left and right) with courses. You could choose to do the left one, and surprisingly also the right one. But ok, the choice was four or six courses. And you could mix between the right and left (coming to think of it, something for politicians to think of). You could choose to cut out one of the three starters and the cheese wagon (I know, not a tiny cheese plate, a whole friggin wagon full of it and my friend who chose the 6-course meal only opted for 4 small pieces. Had I gone for the 6-course meal I surely would have demanded a piece of everything!). I chose the four-course meal (after all, I'm on a diet, HAHAHA). After the amuse bouche it was something with salmon and crab. Then a lobster plate with something. Main course was lamb. And I really must recommend this course to people without teeth. You didn't even have to chew. The meat melted in your mouth by itself. And we haven't even gotten to the dessert yet. It deserves its own blog item.

Amuse bouche

Ok, I have to admit that ever since I started that meal I wanted so much to be like Samantha in Sex and the city. Remember the gorgeous Smith who worked in the restaurant? And he came to present the menu and served them the amuse bouche? Samantha smiled and said to the other three girls: "I'd like him to amuse my bouche". Only I wasn't in the restaurant with girls or even an attractive man, so I bit my tongue. Apart from that the waiter didn't look at all like Smith :) http://tv.yahoo.com/episode/11430/recap&vers=long&start=1

Fantastic

If I thought I splashed out on food last Sunday, it was nothing compared to today. Wow is all I can say, and I'm pretty blasé when it comes to restaurants. This was worldclass if you ask me. On top of Züriberg (a mountain) with a view of all of Zürich is a fairly new restaurant. http://www.restaurantrigiblick.ch/ (sorry but they don't have the website in English, but 90% of the staff do speak it fluently). Had a four-course meal but unfortunately the menus aren't on display on their website, and f... if I can remember it all. You know it was one of these places where each course is described with at least three long sentences. But actually it was more than four courses, since they had in-between ones not on the menu. Ok, this is getting too long, will do more on next item.

Last thing first

Have so much to say this evening, but gotta tell you about my walking home first. Due to reasons you will read later I felt a need for exercise (very rare, very uncommon I know) so decided to walk home from town. ALL the way. Anyway, when I was about halfway I saw a car sorta parked halfway on the pavement, halfway on a three-lane street with blinking lights. Not the sort of parking you do if you wanna pass your driving license test. Just when I passed a guy came out from the hotel across the street, walked to the car and I couldn't help myself but said (in English) "nice parking". He looked up, gave me a big smile and said thank you. I continued to walk muttering to myself it was fucking irony moron...

Transportation

The only time I need a car is for heavy shopping. Fortunately I have a good friend with a car who helps me out. So Denner got a visit today, and to my great surprise it was half price on Prosecco. The one I usually buy for 'apero'. Excellent. 4.95 CHF per bottle. I got four boxes :) along with some other stuff. So if you ever are invited to me for dinner, you know what to expect...

Reluctant

You could say that this couple is reluctant to move: http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?no=352242&rel_no=1

Bill

My mobile phone bill makes for interesting reading. I have during one month sms'd Norway, Sweden, Ireland, Italy, Finland, UK, Australia and even sent a few within Switzerland. Guess that's what you get when you got friends all over the place. And good thing it's the same price for international sms's as domestic :)

Belly

I have seen so many young girls showing their bellies. I'm totally cool with that when they have the bodies to back it up. But when they look like me (ok, I prefer to call it life experience...and yeah ok, lotsa good food and drinks) they outta know better and cover it up. It is SO not nice to see Goodyear saying hello between pants and top. But I'm learning. People (read men, and some women for that matter :) do not see a make-over. They see sex. So why I am complaining?

18 cm

Ok, so for all of the men out there reading my blog (there's gotta be at least 2 :) this is the ideal length of a penis. Big enough but not too big. And we're talking erect, not hanging. Apropos one of the many topics discussed tonight... PS. Was looking at my note with stuff to blog about (I do this, so that I won't forget) and after 18 cm friendgirl made three exclamation marks. It is very scary to think that young friendgirl is more experienced than me...

Mobile

Even though I recommend blogs once in a while I know you don't read them. So let me share a funny comment from the http://edition.cnn.com/TRAVEL/blogs/richard.quest/index.html blog. He's talking about being trapped in a shower. One of the comments read: "gosh, richard! don't you take your mobile into the shower like normal people? ;) ". Extremely funny for two reasons. First, I have a friendgirl who wouldn't be foreign to doing just that. Second the gosh thing. Since I was asked if that was an expression I actually use.

Walk

Since I felt bad about the baked potato with the sour cream (and yes, it did appear on my hips this morning) I decided to walk into town this evening. It's about 20 min so no big deal, it's just that I'm usually too lazy. On the way I was going to post the letter saying thank you for inviting me (to the gay party)...and in friggin German...well sorta...since I know they will understand. Anyway, they've taken away the mailbox at the bus station so I thought I'd post it at Central (central place downtown Zürich). Underway I saw a yellow box. Hey I thought, I don't have to carry it all the way. Then I saw the sign for dogs, and realized it was a box for dog poo. Laughed at myself. Continued to walk but turned around again. Yes, it was actually a mailbox. Walked back and posted my letter. Moral of the story? Always trust your instinct, but be aware of dog poo :)

Sexy hexy

Band tonight was playing a tune called "sexy hexy". Think it's supposed to mean a sexy witch. But when band pointed at me, I referred them to friendgirl. After all, friendgirl is dating one of the band members. And I know, they were just playing, but I couldn't deny that I was a tad flattered. Sexy? Yes some men seem to think so. Hexy? Absofuckinglutely :)

Never again

Ok, I now have proof. People like me for my personality, not my looks. Which I suppose is a good thing :) Since I did my hair on Saturday I have met two friendgirls who know me pretty well. The first one didn't even flinch when I mentioned my hairdresser in the conversation, only when I pointed out that I actually changed my hair-do did she agree she saw a difference (gee, thanks) and the other one only commented because she read the blog. Hmmm. Ok, so I didn't cut it short, I didn't do a perm to make me look like a poodle (done that, seen it, didn't buy the t-shirt) but I did do a bit more blondie, cut it and blew it in a nice hair-do. Tell me, why did I bother?

Checkpoint Helmut

Control on the bus going home this evening. I happen to think this is a good thing. Ze Swiss provide an excellent transportation service, and we who use it should pay for it. After all, it's cheap considering how often the buses/trams/trains/boats run. I don't wanna be racist but the only ones who get caught every time are the rastafaris. Apart from that it's usually somebody you'd never guess would be free-riding. Somewhere inside my beancounter body it gives me pleasure. Use a service and pay for it, it's a good motto. Or you get what you pay for is another one. For the youngsters reading this I provide info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Checkpoint_Charlie and hoping you'd get it :)

Modern world

Having talked about snail-mail earlier made me think of the reference letter. I finally did one which was a bit more "reasonable" :) than the one posted here earlier. But as it turned out I couldn't print it out. My printer is out of toner since forever (and I won't replace it anymore, it cost as much as buying a whole new printer and I use it for scanning only). Friends contacted didn't have printers either. It was Sunday and the last day friendgirl was in town. Ok, so the idea is now for her to print it out at home. Send it in a paper envelope to me. I sign it and return it, also in an envelope since she needs the original. Who said the world was digital?

Downside

So I rediscovered the only downside with sunshine. Just went to the balcony to retrieve a bottle of white. Definitely time to fill up the fridge again! Warm white wine...yuk! Good thing I have a contingency plan, ice in the freezer :). I will never be caught with my pants down. So to speak...or at least not when it comes to wine!

Spring feelings

Now that the spring is back in full blast I am getting spring feelings. Which puts me in a very difficult dilemma. Desperate housewives and Dr House versus going out. Oh dear, all these choices :) But if I think like those series will surely rerun on telly, but this evening out will never come back. Yes, that's what I will do...going out. Hurray!

All time high

Read it an weep :) Congratulations! You solved the Sudoku in 4 minutes, 8 seconds! Evil puzzles solved: 314 Your average time: 7:05 Your fastest time: 4:08 Puzzles solved on this computer since 24 May 2006.

Gay party

Hurray. I'm invited to a housewarming at some gay friends. This is why I know it'll be both nice food and nice company in a clean and tidy environment :) Even the invitation was sent in snail-mail. Which means that if I follow protocol I have to send a confirmation that I'll come the same way. Ah well, small nuisance for what I know will be a good party.

Advice

Spoke to a relative the other day. When I told him about my diet and that I never wanted to see myself looking like last summer, guess what he said? Buy a bigger boat. A man's solution to a problem...

Splash

So today I splashed out on food. Apart from that little slip with the Häagen-Dazs I haven't eaten anything "not allowed" in four weeks. Today I had a hamburger (without the bread) and A WHOLE BAKED POTATO. And not only that, I had sour cream on the potato. Mmmm. It was delish. Now I'm just hoping it won't appear on my hips tomorrow :) PS. Have another splash planned already on Tuesday here: http://www.restaurantrigiblick.ch/

New drink

Saw a new drink being made this evening (new to me, I'm sure not new-new). Take one glass, put one tiny bottle of Jägermeister in it. One of these with like 5 ml in it. Unscrew the cork. Then pour Red Bull on top of it. Serve. And I suppose drink. I cannot think of anything worse to force down your throat, but each to his own I guess (and it must be a he since women would never). Was told it is called "Flying deer". Which brought us into a discussion about deer. Deer is Bambi but the bartender was claiming raindeer which for me is Rudolf. In the end we agreed to disagree. I googled it and even dictionaries cannot find the difference, so there you have it. Not that it mattered to the people who were drinking it...

Pearls for swine

Not surprisingly the 8 (EIGHT!) men I met today who know me well did not mention my new hairstyle. It's a very good thing I didn't do it for the men, but for myself... Ok, wrong, the ex who popped in this afternoon told me I looked...different. Being a woman I pushed it asking "good different or bad different?". Of course good different. But still. It would have been nice to hear from at least one person I looked good.

Theory III

This particular theory has nothing to do with me. A friend told me. And it sounds really weird. But here goes:

The men who work picking chilli have trouble holding their penises when they have to go to the toilet. One would assume it is because the chilli is so hot (and if you ever cooked with them you'd know). Therefore they put a string through the skin of the penis, so that they can haul it out when necessary, without using the chilli-powdered fingers.

True? No clue...

PS. Pic taken from Heute, one of the daily free newspapers.

Collection

Every six months we have collection of clothes here in Zürich. Which means that you get a plastic bag (two actually, one for clothes and one for shoes) in your mailbox. On it, it is printed the date for collection. Very neat. Six months ago I was giving away two full plastic sacks. And still my closets were packed. So this time I was more relentless. Out with the shirts from the 80's (the few ones left with shoulderpads...ouch), the sweaters I haven't used in xx years, the skirt I wouldn't be seen dead in and so forth. I am sure there are still stuff in there which I haven't used for ages, but at least I made some space for more shopping. The new and slimmer me :)

Killers

Every day in the newspapers you can read about somebody killing somebody else. And surprisingly often the family or people surrounding the killer says "He wasn't the type to kill a spider". Personally I think that killing spiders is healthy. I do it as soon as I see one. On the other hand I would never kill a person. Food for thought, isn't it?

Nightly sms

When I switched on my mobile this morning I had an sms sent 3.24 last night with the question "Where are you?". Yes, what are the options? Ok, so I could've been out but still. The most likely scenario turned out to be the answer. IN FUCKING BED SLEEPING!

Frustration

For the past three weeks a friendgirl and I have been talking (not literally but emailwise) about me calling her. Reason for not happening yet is 10 friggin hours of time difference (I yet have to figure out whether it'll be 9 or 11 hours tomorrow :). Every time I think about it and have time she's asleep, or I'm sure vice versa. Sent her an sms an hour ago to ask "are you awake?". No answer so I guess she wasn't, alternatively having her mobile switched off (inexcusable :). Why do friends have to move to the other side of the world, what is wrong with Europe? Alternatively the US if you must move at all.

Wikipediholic

A pretty funny word on http://owad.de/ today. This one I think is impossible to not understand.

Fishing

Wrote an email to my brother about our aunt, who has her birthday next week. Suggested we send some flowers with a card saying "to the best aunt we know". Told him that minus 5 kg of his sister will be the most gorgeous sister he knows. That I'm the only one doesn't matter.

Somehow I think hell will have to freeze over before he gets that I'm fishing :)

Cooking

Can someone explain to me why it is that when women cook for let's say 5 people the kitchen is still reasonbly clean (since we put away used pots and stuff while we're cooking) and when a man does the same the kitchen resembles a war zone? I have seen this now so many times, I'm starting to believe it's in the genes. Or is it just that women are so much more practical?

F...ing gorgeous

That's me people. Have been to my very lovely hairdresser, who is extremely thorough and a bit slow. But the result is great. 5 more kg's have to go, some new hot clothes and shoes, and then...then I'm f...ing gorgeous :)

The world's longest tunnel

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6471241.stm?ls Even though it will shorten the time to Milan from Zürich, I bet I will miss the view...

Helmut

I don't know why but this sounds in my ears as THE most German name. Which I don't much like I must admit. Think I'd even go as far as never dating a man named Helmut. Funny that to have a hang-up about a name. What is your idea of the ugliest name ever?

Cows

There are lotsa cows in this country. Very often ze Swiss put cows on display (not necessarily live ones but plastic or similar) like they invented them. One can only assume it's because they make cheese in abundance. Have you seen the movie "Dinner for one"? You know the one where the waiter trips over the head of a polar bear skin. The other day I had a thought. I wonder if you can buy a cow skin including the head? Wouldn't that be the coolest accessory to have in the living room?

Ass

Was out the other evening. Usually when I go out I leave my handbag at home. Easy just to stash some money, bus card and lipgloss in the trouser pockets (yes, it's more difficult in the summer with a skirt for example) but this time I did. Then had to go to the toilet. Coming back a friendgirl says "do you by any chance have a pen in your back pocket?". Yes actually I did. But why the heck was she doing staring at my ass? Well, since she noted I have lost some weight, I suppose I have to forgive her :)...but must say I rather have a man staring at me than a hetero woman...

Sunday

On Sunday it's time to change the clocks again. Forward 1 hour. Considering the weather here in Zürich right now, it feels very strange to think of summer time... http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/europe/switzerland/

Unreliable

I have an unreliable friendgirl. I know, it sounds like an oxymoron that a girl could be unreliable but I put it down to her youth :) Anyway, many times we have agreed to go out when I get an sms like half an hour before we're supposed to meet that she cannot make it. Doesn't want to, too tired, or elsewhere busy. It has happened many times. So since we had a lose agreement to meet up tonight I sent her an email saying something like are we meeting this evening? Yes apparently. She's even booked a table for several people but forgot to tell me. Perhaps she just assumed I'd be there :)?? Gosh, I'm feeling predictable...

Za zwanzk

For all of you out there not familiar with Züri-dütch (meaning basically the whole worlds population, except for the odd Swiss living in Zürich:) this means 2.20. Yes I know, sounds more Polish or Russian than anything else. Was buying Ricola today. The old Ricola (not the new one in the bigger box, but my favourite one, the smaller softer ones). Started to count up coins to pay for it. Had given her around 2.50 and was still finding small change in my wallet when she said, "but this is enough" (but in Swiss German of course). She continued: "za zwanzk", like I was THE most stupid foreigner. Ok for foreigner, but stupid I am not. Turned the box around and showed her where a price tag said 2.80. "Oh", she said, "but that's wrong" and promptly ripped it off. Now I ask you, who's the stupid one here?

Nothing for an acrophobic

http://www.gizmag.com/go/7015/

Ze Germans love Knut

Ze Germans have fallen in love. In Knut. Cute Knut as they call him. Who is Knut? A polar bear. I rest my case. http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,472937,00.html

Feedback

I put my mood swings down to the hormones. Or possibly being a woman:) Most of the time I feel like blogging more when I get feedback (i.e. comments). That spurs me to continue and come up with more stuff to blog about. The more comments the better, meaning sometimes quantity is better than quality. Other times I feel like I wanna prove you wrong. Meaning when I do not get comments (or enough of them) I'm gonna blog more just to show you. A bit like a 3-year-old being obstinate! Which basically means that the blog will continue, no matter what. But I would prefer WITH comments :)

Hormones

Is it only me? I have now successfully managed to get rid of acne on my eyebrow and in my ass. Now I'm developing one in my ear. My hormones must be all over the friggin place. Why can't I be just normal and have acne in common places? I'd like the answer to be because I'm not common, but that would be too easy, right?

Theory II

So yesterday I ate more food than I had in the previous 23 days, including 300 ml of Häagen-Dazs chocolate-chip. And this morning I felt thinner than ever (ok, not ever-ever, but since I started dieting). V weird. Guess the trick now is not to give up, but to keep on eating these friggin veggies and less than normal. My only reason being the boat season really, since nobody ever complained about my body size. I do not ever and I mean EVER want to see that pic of myself in a bikini again! PS. Friendgirl told me of a pic of herself she saw recently. She phoned around to her family and friends to ask them accusingly why they never told her she was fat. Yes, perhaps this is the thing? Maybe I need to hear I'm fat? Naaah, don't want to :)