Fish

Ok, realized I wasn't really fair to todays dinner guest, since he is one of the few never complaining. He's always a pleasure to invite, since he is appreciative of all food. But IF he says something today I will smile :) Menu: 2 filets of halibut. A little salt, parsley (couldn't find dill in Migros...sold out?), thin tomato slices and shrimps. Spread it out on the filet and gently roll the filet (don't crush the topping). Olive oil on a piece of aluminium foil, then put the fish on top and close the foil. Normally I would use butter, but in those days of the Beach-2007 project olive oil is better. Guest can have butter as extra :) To be served with boiled potatoes and broccoli. A lemon on the side. Sounds yum, doesn't it? Had only one piece of Wasa original with ham and tomato for lunch, but was so hungry at 4pm so had to have another one. Early dinner at six. Mmmm...

Another dressing please

Seems like my mind is focused a lot on food these days :), which made me think of ze Swiss. I don't think I have ever hosted a dinner party for ze Swiss without them either telling me how to cook something differently, ask for another dressing, an extra plate, or plainly inform me that they do not like a particular spice or similar. First I took offense, since this is unheard of where I come from. There you always eat what is served, and if you don't like it, you at least do not say something. You just eat less. Ok, exceptions for vegetarians (why anybody would be that is beyond me but fine, or if you're allergic). I cannot decide what I think about it. On one hand I like honest people, and when they do say that they like something I can trust their opinion. On the other hand, sometimes I just feel like I can do nothing right. This evening cooking fish for a friend, will report later on extra demands :)

100% true

I don't think it is but this is nevertheless something to think about: 1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for. 2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way. 3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you. 4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you. 5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep. 6. You mean the world to someone. 7. You are special and unique. 8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you. 9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it. 10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look. 11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks. Always remember....when life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and salt, and call me over! Good friends are like stars........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Soggy

Today is carton day. Meaning you place your empty cartons on the street, and Zürich community comes and pick it up. Only today they are late, so you can see cartons all over the place since it's become really windy and rainy. But I'm happy somebody wants this job. And it's really handy. You just collect cartons and every two weeks you get rid of them. For free (ah well, perhaps it's included in the taxes but at least I don't get a separate bill). I'm thankful for the little things in life :)

Lose relationship

So what do we think of this? For example a man has a girlfriend. Then he meets another woman and starts a relationship with her too. Second woman knows about the first, but not the other way around. Personally I have no problem being the second woman, since I believe it's the guy's responsibility. He's the one being unfaithful. And it might even be so, that they have a so called open relationship, although I doubt it. In case you wonder, it's not me. Not this time :) Comments welcome.

Grumpy old man

Today on the bus. Old man comes on, mutters to himself, walks up and sits just behind the driver. Says "you can drive now". Didn't hear what driver responded, but assume he said something about timetable. Somebody should have told grumpy old man it was not a taxi :) But I like incidents like that, because it gives the rest of the passengers a reason to give each other a smile.

Menu

Why change a winning concept? Todays menu like this: Morning: 2 Wasa original with ham and tomato. 3 cups of coffee with milk. Unusual for me to be hungry in the morning, but considering I had dinner at 18 in the evening yesterday, I actually was. Lunch: left-over meat sauce and cauliflower. This evening I plan to cook the left-over vegetables from the curry like sweet peas, celery and leek. It should taste something if I use some broth right? And perhaps a bit of chili. To this homemade hamburgers from the freezer. Possibly a bit of ketchup. Also, lots of water but no wine. Yet :) Later, a fruit. I have mango...mmm.

Democracy

Freedom of speech. Isn't that great? I recently had cause to think about this. The freedom to express whatever you want to whomever you want. I think I'm very lucky to be born in a country of democracy.

Which one?

It has just been the Oscars yesterday. I am really really bad with movies (as well as music as some of you know). I haven't seen one of them, much less heard of them. So therefore nothing to say on the matter. I feel a bit left out, a bit behind. Aren't these things that one should know about? It may have to do with me only buying movies when they go on sale. Which means they are usually at least a few years old...I feel so un-hip!

Hungry

Ok, so I can feel I need a little something to eat. So get this...what am I eating?

Phenomenon

Was discussing a kitchen phenomenon with friendgirl this evening. Why is it that men can never fill up a dishwasher properly? They either put the plate in the middle of the empty dishwasher, or they don't rinse the plates or cutlery, or they put the knives with the sharp bit up (which means when you empty the washer you always cut your hand). Why, why, why? Is this genetic or just a training thing? To me it's common sense, but then again, I'm a woman :)

Look

From friends and drunks you hear the truth, ain't that the saying? I asked friendgirl when she was arriving whether I looked slimmer. Guess the answer? No. Ok, so maybe I have to give this dieting thing a chance for a bit of a longer period...after all, it's almost 3 months until the boat season...PLENTY of time!

Cold water

One of the comments said to drink lukewarm tap water. Yesterday however I was told to drink cold tap water. Apparently cold water makes your metabolism work harder or use the energy in your body to heat it up (cannot remember which), so that you actually lose weight by drinking cold water. Now, I like fizzy water (that I make myself with the soda machine...basically tap water and bubbles). Besides, when I drink too much cold water I get the hiccups :) The question is now whom to trust? PS. It reminds me of somebody who told me that ice-cream makes you lose weight, just because your body uses so much energy to heat up the cold ice-cream, that you burn more calories than you eat. I like that theory!

Test

Think I wrote about this before, but it's an ongoing discussion whether it is better to freeze the candles before using them. Have never put it to the test until this evening. We lit two tea-lights, on that had been in the freezer and one which hadn't. They are still burning, and it looks like a close call. Will have to get back to you on this one in an hour or two... PS. And I know you're supposed to do the test with at least 100 of them, but it would look a bit ridiculous. Besides it would take me some time to light them all, which means it wouldn't be a fair game anyway.

Evening

So the evening has ended already. This was not due to lack of will from both our sides, but to do with a family crisis. Well, these things happen and is nothing you can plan. It's more important to be with your family in difficult times than to party. That we can do anytime. And some of us do...

Dinner

Friendgirls dinner (ok, I know, leftover from curry evening but that's what she wanted). My dinner with cauliflower and meat sauce. It was good, and I'm not hungry yet. Perhaps the red wine we had with dinner has some influence on hunger feelings (in a good way)...

Singing girl

So this evening I will meet up with singing girl, also known as the bus girl :) (remember the door?). It has a tendency to get real ugly when we meet. But it's only Monday, so better take it easy. Not that that ever stopped us before...

So far so good

Ok, this dieting thing is easy. After 16 hours I have no problem. Ok, so I slept some of them :). This is today's menu: Morning: 2 cups of coffee with milk. Cigs. Lunch: 2 Wasa original with ham and tomato, 1 cup of coffee with milk. Snack just now: a pear. Plan for early dinner: boiled cauliflower and home-made meat sauce. Anything after that has to be fruits or vegetables. Am I doing good or am I doing good?

Lucky

I am indeed lucky having brave and understanding friends. Since most of them now have realized that whatever they say and do will end up here on the blog :)

Phone

True story heard yesterday after dinner: “I heard my boyfriend explain to his friend that he needs to speak to his girlfriend on the phone every day. He asks why. Why do I have to speak to her every day when I don’t have anything to say? Boyfriend responds: because women need to talk. You just have to phone them, you don’t have to say much.” HAHAHAHAHA! How very true…

Heated discussion

In discussions, especially after having had some wine, I am usually the one to come across as a tad aggressive and pushy. Therefore it was especially fun yesterday when one of my guests "attacked" flatmate. Apparently she feels very strongly about how women are treated (or perhaps mistreated) in India, and it came out like flatmate was responsible for it all. It's a good thing that flatmate is mild-mannered and I don't think he took offense. However, I couldn't help smiling. She was really passionate about women in a country she has never visited. And there is nothing wrong with that, just don't think flatmate can do much about it being in Switzerland and all...:)

Curry

Yesterday it was time to test-cook the curry. There were four of us eating, whereof two dislike spicy food so had to do a mild variant. In fact, was so cautious with the spices it turned out almost too mild even for the two. Good to know for next time.

Nevertheless, the guests said they liked it and considering the portions they had I think they were telling the truth.

There was one thing missing though from the dish. I had misinterpreted the recipe, so was using red pepper (the powder version) instead of a red pepper (the vegetable). Next time I will do it right.

The time has come

Oh dear, it's after midnight. Goodbye sweets, goodbye pasta potatoes and rice, goodbye FOOD! Well not all food I suppose, but celery sticks, salad and fruit doesn't hold the same appeal. This may be difficult. Now it's up to me to show that I have a strong will. I guess the remark "you were a stunner" will help...

Super glue

Guess the name super glue should give you a clue. The hanging thingie in the kitchen fell down. You know the thingie you hang things on like scissors and yeah well, scissors. It fell down for some reason. Probably when flatmate almost burned kitchen down. Not sure. It stuck. The glue. I had another type of glue at home. Only as it turned out it was glue fitting to leather (remember the chaplin-story and my shoes?...no probably not, but never mind). So had to buy new one today. It said on the instruction that you had to press 10-80 seconds, so I didn't realize it would stick to my finger in one second. It did. And it took more than 80 sec's to take it off. Aceton? Yes, sometime a girl's best friend...

Extremely jealous

The foreign minister of Sweden has had 160,000 visitors on his blog in 3 weeks. Shucks! I'm not even close... Ok, but then again he may have a few more interesting things to say :)

Muzzle

I have a restriction when it comes to blogging. Flatmate is not entirely happy about me. But I think I have found a way around it. From now on I'm just not gonna ask if it's ok :) Only, something happened today which is hilarious. But it'll have to wait until he moves out. Then all bets are off...

Belly

Was speaking to my aunt this afternoon. Told her I'm going on a diet on Monday. Mainly because I have to breath in in order to close my pants. She couldn't stop laughing. "I've done that for years". Hmmm. Perhaps the solution is to buy bigger pants :) PS. Can you see that I already start to make excuses...?

More questions

If there is one blog item I'm sure to get at least one comment, this is it :)...but I'd be happy if more of you readers would share your views. Tell me about something you love. Men. Most of the time. Tell me about something you hate. Narrow-minded people. Tell me about something you really care about. If somebody my brother, if something my well-being. Tell me about someone you dislike. GW Bush. And Bin Laden. Tell me about a dream you've had. The hammock flying. Tell me about a goal you have. To retire. Tell me about yourself. I’m Annika, that’s all you need to know :) Tell me about your childhood. Happy. Tell me about something you believe in. Myself if somebody, self confidence if something. Tell me about a place you've visited. The great barrier reef. Tell me about an accident you've seen. A woman run over by a car in Italy. I was about 4 years old but still remember. Tell me about a time when you were happy. Such a difficult question, but I laughed 10 minutes ago when I was talking to my aunt on the phone. Tell me about a time when you were sad. No. Tell me about a time when you were excited. When I was flying an air balloon. Tell me about a time when you were frightened. When one of my ex’s was driving. Tell me about your favorite pastime. Going out. Tell me about chocolate. Mmm, prefer not to, am dieting on Monday… Tell me about something with four legs. Miaow. Tell me about the hardest thing you ever had to do. Nope, not ready to talk about that. Tell me about a time you lied. Where should I start? Tell me about something you regret. All the times I hurt people without meaning to. Tell me about a mistake you made. Blog not big enough. Tell me about someone you envy? Nelson Mandela.

Celery

Was shopping for the test curry tomorrow. Ran into flatmate in Migros. So he helped with the shopping. Only when I was asking him to get some celery stalks he came back with parsley. There is something endearing with inexperience :)

Scary business

Flatmate's cooking in the kitchen. It is a tad disturbing when he comes to ask whether I have home insurance, or if I'm the owner of a fire extinguisher. When he hears that I indeed do have insurance, he's saying "ok, good, now I can cook with a peace of mind". What about my peace of mind? Must remember to ask next flatmate to bring own fire extinguisher... PS. On the question whether he can buy an extinguisher and take it off the rent the answer is NO!

Hot dogs

It's funny, as soon as I start writing about a topic it seems that I hear about this all the time. On MTV right now it's a story about a guy who trains to eat as many hot dogs as possible in a kinda competition. How weird is that? Not even when I'm starving would I contemplate eating 35 friggin hot dogs.

Voluptuous

My ex has many flaws, but one thing he was really good at was never complaining about my body (size). In his eyes I was perfect. Ok, so he's not exactly like a stick insect himself, but still. So in case you wonder I am doing this dieting for myself. Not for anybody else (even though I had some rather heavy hints lately;)...

Morning

What am I doing up this early on a Saturday morning?

Restaurant in New York

This if nothing else will put me off food... http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=2898873

Question

And this is for both men and women to answer. What is most sexy? A woman wearing a bra, or a bra-less woman? This when she is dressed. What do you think?

PS. Did you know that the concept of covering or restraining the breasts dates back to 6,500 years ago in Greece?

SF2

Prime time on Friday evening, 20.00. And what does Swiss television show? A cartoon movie. Finding Nemo or something. What were they thinking of?

Before the diet

I have noticed that I already have started to think more about food than ever before. And I haven't even started the diet yet :) Think the best thing before the diet is that you (I in this case) allow yourself to eat just about everything. Especially sweets and stuff left at home, because on Monday there can be no goodies in the house. It's all about avoiding temptation. Wish me luck!

Obese

This woman shoud perhaps have gone on a diet before? 400+ kg...

Dinner

Am planning dinner for a few friends in March. Was planning to do the delicious curry I had last week. Have gotten the recipe and will test it tomorrow or Sunday. All was set.

Only yesterday I found out the following: guest 1 likes hot-hot-hot food, guest 2 likes it mild, guest 3 doesn't like curry. And I myself like it hot. Am I now gonna have to make four different dishes to satisfy everybody?

I'm all for diversity, but slightly less so when I have to cook :)

Diet ongoing

Talked to a friendgirl this evening. She needs to lose weight too. She was very surprised to hear about my diet including alco. But of course it includes alco. How else would I survive? Unfortunately it also includes less eating, much less eating, no pasta, potatoes or rice, no chocolate, not eating late at night (oh, my favourite!), whatever whatever. I have a feeling my diet will include things never seen in a diet before ;)...

Meeting

Had a meeting this afternoon. This is how it started. Him: "where shall we start?". My thoughts were well you invited me moron, so how's about you start?. Me saying "well, why don't you start?". How's that for being polite huh :) ??

One of these meetings where nothing came out of it. Seriously, sometimes ze Swiss drive me friggin bananas...

Cute

Heard a funny story the other day. A woman around 25 comes into a cafe with a baby. An old lady leans forward, looks at the baby and says "what a cute little girl". Woman responds "thanks, but it's a boy". Old lady replies "But why does he have a pink hat?". Woman sighs and says "because he's gay".

Kunststuben - maybe another time

Email: "Unfortunately we cannot confirm your requested reservation for 18th August 2007. Due to our annual holidays the restaurant is closed from 13th to 29thAugust 2007. Sorry for this answer. Best regards Horsst & Iris Petermann." Ok, so the search continues for a really really good restaurant...

Bye-bye Ricola

Without sugar it says on the packet. That's fine, I don't need a sugar-boost, I just like Ricola. Only today being bored on the bus I actually looked at the packet. 237 calories! Oh dear. No sugar, no fat, but lotsa carbohydrates. 96g to be exact. Only it doesn't say whether it's per 100 g, per tablet, per what what what???

Guess with my new regime starting Monday I have to wave goodbye to Ricola. For a while.

No exercise

Excellent news. No need for exercise to lose weight. Just have to eat less. My kinda girl. http://www.bobrivers.com/ontheshow/brsnews.asp?dismode=article&artid=6614

Diet

Despite me not looking in the mirror very often I am starting having trouble getting my pants on. This is not good, considering summer will be here in a few months. And I'd like getting into my bikini this year thank you very much. So Monday is the day to start a diet. Diet will consist of eating normally, except less, avoid sweets and will most definitely include wine when I feel like it. Otherwise will be too boring, and I will not continue. I can be really strong-willed when I want to, but it must be something I really am passionate for. Diet is not one of them. However, since am not in my prime years any more perhaps have to make more of an effort. I have flatmate's comment vividly in mind from yesterday, when he was looking through old photo albums of mine "wow, you were a stunner". I think the trigger here was "were" :)

Questions

1. What time is it? Morning. 2. Name? Annika. 3. What are you most afraid of? Death. 4. What type of car do you own? No car, only boat. 5. Have you ever seen a ghost? Nope. 6. Where were you born? Scandinavia. 7. Ever been to Alaska? No, and no plans either. 8. Favorite day of the week? Saturday. 9. Favorite restaurant? Jules Verne in the Eiffel tower was cool. And very very expensive. 10. Favorite flower? Tulip. 11. Favorite sport to watch? Sport???? 12. Favorite drink(s)? Wine. 13. Favorite ice cream? Häagen-Dazs strawberry. 14. Favorite fast food restaurant? None really, a Whopper at Burger King sometimes. 15. What color is your bedroom carpet? Boring beige. 16. Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail? From a friend of a friend. 17. What do you do most often when you are bored? Surfing the net. 18. Bedtime? Never before midnight. 19. Favorite TV show? Dr House. 20. What are you listening to right now? It’s nice and silent around me. 21. What are your favorite colors? Pink. 22. How many tattoos do you have? None. 23. Do you have any pets? Not anymore. 24. Which came first the chicken or the egg? Chicken. 25. What would you like to accomplish before you die? Happiness and more laughs.

Jealousy

In one day I had three comments about my little boat. First one from flatmate who has told his colleagues about his landlady who has a boat. Apparently they think that I am constantly clad in a fur coat and walk a poodle. Ok, so I do have a fur coat but unless I put a leash on flatmate I do not have a dog. Second, mr witty was giving me shit about owning a boat. Told him that having a car is much more expensive, but also much less cool :) Third, was talking to Bro about going to this expensive restaurant and suggested we go by boat (which I heard is possible to park outside). His answer? Yes, but won't it be dark when we go back? Reading between the lines he's worried I'd be too drunk. Told him that won't be a problem. I am fantastically good in parking the boat. Actually I don't even know if I can do it sober...mental note...must try that next summer :)

Chicago

Spoke to a friend today who lives in Chicago. She told me about a snowstorm last week. And I said well, you live in the Windy city. Which Chicago is known as. Stupid me, thinking it was actually because it's placed next to Lake Michigan, and is quite windy. The expression comes from the politicians. How was I supposed to know?

Kitchen

Ok, I don't normally let you know about flatmates mistakes, but since you know about the "fire" I just have to tell you about this one.

"Fire" was put out just in time, and he cleaned up after. Only today I realized when opening the cupboard door that smoke had gotten in there too (see pic), so I put cleaning liquid and a towel strategically placed just under cupboard door. That didn't help much since he didn't get the hint. So had to tell him. The answer? This shall be done. Ok, good. So left it at that. Only came home this evening to see it wasn't done, so left a post-it with "It shall be done, but when?". Will it help? Only time will tell...

New Zealand

NZ were full of them, approx 12 sheep for each person. One of them I have on my sofa...well, not the entire sheep but the fur...it's very soft.

Sign south NZ

Cool, isn't it?

Coconut picking

Weather forecast

Who needs a meteorologist when you have this?

Conrad the crab

Conrad lived in our garden in Rarotonga. He was kinda shy...here on his way down his hole/home.

Holiday

Previous blog item made me think of holiday. Sandy beaches, umbrella drinks and sun sun sun. A few pics to remember my holiday in Rarotonga Cook Islands a few years ago.

Change

I have bad experiences of travelling with people. They always change their minds, cannot make it, are sick or other awol excuses. Best is to travel on one's own. At least I am realiable :)

So there'll be no Austria holiday for me as planned in March. Ah well, I'm sure I'll find something else to do...

Many many moons ago I was indeed travelling on my own...here's where I was for three weeks. One of my best holidays ever!

Marriage

If I was the marrying type I would definitely marry a gay guy. They are so...organized, clean and fun to be with. It would be the perfect solution. Companionship and fun. Since that first love always disappears after some time anyway (it does for me, I get bored easily :). The sex thing can always be found elsewhere. The ultimate solution for the eternal singel gal...

Mars and Venus

Saturday

So last Saturday included a real going out session. I had lotsa fun. First I ran into a friend of a friend, who was there with her boyfriend and another guy. Another guy turned out to be quite a dancer, so was burning calories big time on the dance floor. Fun, fun, fun. Since I wasn't in the mood to leave with them (going for a kebab they were...who needs kebab when you can dance?) I stayed. To be approached by Indian man. Politely declined going for another drink with him, but chatted for a while and he was ok. Sorta. Then decided to pop into another place before going home, only to run into the three again. But they were just leaving, so thought I'd go home. When the ex turned up unexpectedly. Ah well, was in a good mood so decided to have a beer with him. Which turned into two. And the rest you don't wanna know :)

You get what you pay for

Ain't that the truth? Was able to see 19 minutes of Borat (he really is fantastically funny) before it stopped. And this in my brand new dvd player from today. Only 49 CHF in Inter-discount. A bargain. My last one cost 79 CHF and lasted over 2 years. The 800 CHF dvd surround system from Mediamarkt lasted one (repeat one) year...shit, crap etc. And surround system had one year guarantee, the new one has two. Mediamarkt, go f... yourself!

Curry

Had an excellent curry this evening. Unfortunately I wasn't the one cooking, but I've been promised the recipe. Will share with you later...

Iran

This girl has been condemned to be stoned to death for adultery. Adultery can include any intimate or sexual act between a man and a girl or a woman outside of marriage. The crime of adultery is also used in cases where a girl is deemed to have committed "acts incompatible with chastity," which includes instances of rape. Take a moment to sign the petition, it takes just a few minutes (only name and email address necessary). http://www.petitiononline.com/Malak/

Pirates

I have mixed feelings about pirate copies of movies. Essentially I don't like it, BUT now since somebody I know has tanked down lotsa movies from the net, and bought cd's to burn them on, I'm kinda thinking of turning a blind eye. Especially since rumour has it Borat is amongst the movies...

Change

I am indeed changing. And it's scary. I have started to look forward to Mondays, when I can see Dr House and Lost (Desp housewives has a break). Have I become one of these oldies who has nothing better to do than watch tv? Before I only watched tv if I was home anyway, and there was nothing else going on. NOOOOOOOO, I refuse! But ok, won't stop me from watching telly tonight anyway :)

Architecture

Interesting. A house built of wine bottles...

Thailand

Community service for wearing a revealing dress. And this from a country which has lotsa child prostitution. Shame on you Thailand!

http://www.bangkokpost.net/160207_News/16Feb2007_news14.php

Incident

It is never a good idea to put oil in a pan, switch on the stove and leave the kitchen. As flatmate found out yesterday. I was sitting peacefully in the living room when I suddenly saw flames from the kitchen. V. scary.

Turned out he had left a paper cover (to prevent staining from the pan) on the pan, which caught fire. Yes, paper tends to burn...

I have been assured it won't happen again.

French

Got a question last night if I spoke French. Je ne sais pas is my standard answer to that. He then proceeded to show me a note, but why does one need to speak French to understand numbers? People are sometimes v. weird alternatively v. drunk...

Deserve

Ok, came home with so much to tell, but I got very disappointed that you readers haven't been on the blog, so you don't deserve the news from tonight...;) Tomorrow is another day...right?

An item just for ze Swiss

95

Spoke to my 95-year old friend today. He is still remarkably fit, but has developed a bit of a health problem with his legs so he now walks with a cool stick. Still drives his car though, which I'm not too happy with. "So you put the stick in the back seat when you drive?". He just laughed, and I suppose so he should. It's none of my business. Among other things we talked about property prices. He bought his flat in 1954 for the equivalent of CHF 145. Which was a lot of money for him at that time. He needed two people to sign for the loan. It also means that he has been living in the same apartment for 53 years. Somewhat of a record? Look forward to see him in the summer.

Picky

I have a very picky brother (and yes, we are actually related). Have invited him to Zürich for his birthday. Promised I'd take him out to a nice restaurant. The four top restaurants according to google wasn't enough choice for dear bro. His answer was something like "I'll think about it". So had to ask a friend which one really is the best. Apparently this one: http://www.kunststuben.com/ This won't be cheap...

Sitcoms

I just cannot stand sitcoms when there is laughing all the time in the background. It's like I cannot decide myself when it's funny, so the producers had to tell me. Hello? It's not exactly like it's brain-stuff. Some things we just shouldn't import from America...

The Year of the Ox

It just so happens that I was born in the year of the ox. This is what it says: People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They tend, however, to be eccentric, and bigoted, and they anger easily. They have fierce tempers and although they speak little, when they do they are quite eloquent. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people. HAHAHA! OK, maybe a few things are right. But speak little? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

China

Tomorrow it is the Chinese New Year, the year of the pig. http://www.chinapage.com/newyear.html I remember this day many years ago. I was in London on a course, and one of the participants was Chinese. The whole group spent the evening at a Chinese restaurant. It was great!

Dream

I had such a strange dream last night. I dreamt that if you fly transatlantic out from Europe you have to book several months in advance and be at the airport many hours before the flight, whereas if you fly from the US to Europe you can just go to the airport, buy the ticket and hop on the flight. When I pointed this out to the Americans flying back to Europe I got special treatment and they booked me into seat 1C. Further on, it was very strange on the flight itself, because it had not only seats but lying small beds hanging down from the ceiling. Well, not really beds more like small hammocks. It looked very uncomfortable. What with Ryanair, Flyme and other cheapo airlines, it could be the future of travel...who knows?

An old friend

Got a phone call this evening from an old friend. We met in 1995, together with a third friend. Third friend and I had a fall-out about 5 years ago and haven't spoken since. Old friend now sits in between, and doesn't like it since third friend doesn't like him having contact with me. I on the other hand have no problem with them having contact. Why should I? Old friend wishes that we kiss and make up but I don't really want to. Prefer to keep my good friends, and not be re-acquainted with bad ones. Losing friends is all part of life's rich tapestry...

Résumé

Inventive

My very cheapo dvd player is not being happy. Has started to rattle. But I found a trick, simply tilt it a bit by putting something underneath it, and rattling noise stops. Inventive, am I not?

Stealing

Sometimes I steal blog ideas from other people (mainly because I don't have enough interesting things to write about myself :)...anyway, this one was funny I thought because it included ze Swiss. What is heaven? A British police. A German engineer. An Italian lover. A Swiss politician. A French cook. What is hell? A German police. A French engineer. A Swiss lover. An Italian politician. A British cook. I'm just not so sure a Swiss politician is the dream. And ze Swiss lovers are not THAT bad :)

Birthday

When I took witty guy out tonight we went to the place where I had my birthday dinner last year in October. Didn't realize they remembered. I got blamed for not having come back. Well, what can I say? I tried once in January and it was closed. And I'm a busy woman. Can't always go out, can I? Oh sorry, of course I can, but there are lotsa places requiring my attention :)...

Poem

Was out with witty guy today. Of course I first had to explain witty to him (he's Swiss) but never mind, nobody is perfect. So this is what came out of the evening... Was out with witty what a pity he's a bit shitty good thing I'm not nitty-gritty Told ya. Poetry is not my thing (and not his either apparently). But contrary to above we did have a lot of fun. Only he told me that he likes that I take him to very different places all the time. This puts a lot of pressure on me. What happened to guys taking girls out? But as said, I enjoyed the evening and hope he did too...

Break

A small blog break today. Am very busy. Out this evening with a friend. But be patient...I'll be back :)

Card game

We played cards tonight. It was fun. Especially since I won :)...I'm the type of person who likes to win. And not only likes to win, I absolutely HATE to lose. Unless I have a fair chance, I never even play. When I was little, I was known to change the rules of the game when I was losing. Mind you not cheating, just bending the rules a bit :)...

7-11

Was telling my friend a story that involved 7-11. He asked what it was. I thought he was joking. Turns out when I thought about it, that I have never seen a 7-11 in Switzerland. How is that possible? Americans usually infiltrate everywhere. How did they manage to miss out on CH? Or haven't they? Like said, just realized I haven't seen it here. Anybody?

Chopsticks

So was invited for dinner. Turned out to be homemade sushi. It was absolutely delicious. And with all the paraphernalia you would expect like soy sauce, wasabi, even something called glass noodles.

Went very well with the Prosecco I brought.

Didn't really react to having two sets of chopsticks, thought he was just thoughtful in providing some extras. Until after we finished the meal, when he remarked on how thick and difficult the chopsticks were. Turned out he didn't realize you have to break them up into two :)

More presents

Got two sms's and an email with Happy Valentine's Day wishes. Thank you! This I will bring to my dinner date today: 2 bottles of Prosecco. One ceramic bowl (that I got myself as a present once and that is really ugly) filled with dried flower leaves (bought at IKEA last week). This guy always claimed that the toilet smells like roses when he's been there. For the first time it can.

Presents

In case you haven't got any...I just want to point out that I did. Get a present for V day.

An orchid. Now it's just up to me to keep it alive...but I'm learning. Being born without green fingers, I have learned that orchids are watered from underneath. Never leave water in the pot.

Well, I should know having taken care of my friends flat when he was away. He has 16 of them...

Happy Valentines Day

And let's hope your day doesn't end like this.

Dinner

Had a lovely dinner this evening. Gravlax from IKEA, a sauce I did all by myself, boiled dill potatoes, hardboiled eggs and a salad. It was delish if I may say so myself. On request this is the recipe for the sauce: 3 tablespoons of mustard 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon white peppar 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 dl chopped dill 1 dl olive oil I added some water to make the sauce a bit less stuffy but that's optional.

Never enough

And never at the right time. http://www.mpnnow.com/news/view_story.php?articleId=6231

Hurray

Since flatmate didn't pick up on hint a new ironing board did not materialize on Monday. Possibly a good thing, since today i got a letter from Migros saying "your new ironing board cover is now available" - well, it didn't say that exactly, it was more like "bestellt, geliefert, stuckpreis, buegeltischbezug" (not even ze Swiss has ü on their keyboard...hmmm...interesting :).

And since a good friend of mine visited this evening, it is now all fixed. Instruction in German, so I wanted to make sure I understood it. Turned out Swiss friend was not a manual-reading type of person either, but we got it together. See for yourself.

Now the only tiny remark I have is the pattern...there wasn't exactly a choice...

Spot

Ok, so I admit I have been eating some chocolate again. Which rendered me another acne spot. This time on the eyebrow! Which made me take a look at them. Ok, I look at myself in the mirror on a daily basis, but apparently I don't really see myself. My eyebrows have gotten darker. When did that happen?

Google

Googled zurilife today. I was indeed very proud to see that I was on top! Now the only "problem" is that nobody else googles zurilife :) PS. The other hits include a pic of Bob Marley (me like), some young guy (not so like) and info about wine and restaurants (me very much like). Seems like I'm in good company :)

Defect

Guess I'm gonna have to live with a defective finger (it's only swollen to be 50% more than its normal size). Seems I cannot stop blogging. I get abstinence when I stay away from my beloved computer too long. I cannot decide which would be worst. Stay away from alco, cig or my computer. It is indeed a very good thing I don't have to choose :)

Escribitionist

It struck me today that I have only one friendgirl who blogs. And she is lazy. Blogs only once a month or so. Which is not blogging by definition :) Funny that, since people tend to be attracted to other people with the same view of life, interests and the likes. But I like my friends. Wish they would blog more though :) By googling wikipedia I learned that I am an escribitionist... PS. An escribitionist is a person who keeps a diary or journal via electronic means, and in particular, publishes their entries on the world wide web.

Make love not war

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/oddities/story.html?id=025d078f-fab7-4bf6-80e5-e640edda57c1&k=23790

Uncomfortable

I just don't get the erotics with having sex in a small filthy space like an aeroplane toilet. This is one experience I am happy to miss out on. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/02/12/wfiennes12.xml

The Brits

You gotta love the Brits. Anything outside GB doesn't exist for them. Got an sms this evening from a friend who lives in Northern Ireland and will come and visit some time this spring. How far is it from Geneva to Zürich?

Well, at least he knew it's the same country. And it's about 3 hours with train.

PS. And at least I know where Dübendorf is now :)

Fight

Ok, so I may not have two guys fighting over me, but I still have one. Unfortunately it's the ex. He had a fight with me before Christmas (observe I didn't have a fight with him) and rushed off. Since then it's been a waiting game. Either he apologizes, or we don't meet was my take on it after having seen his outbursts more than once... So we didn't meet. Today I got invited by him to Valentine's Day dinner. Hmmm. Told him I'd be delighted. If he apologized first. And he did to my great surprise. So now it's dinner. And only that. I think :)

Dr House

Against my will I'm getting hooked on this series too. At first I had such trouble looking at whathisname who used to play the moron in Blackadder, and actually finding him kinda sexy. I then discovered the sense of humour. He really is taking sarcasm to new levels. Hat off. Bedside manner? Nah. Listening to authority? Absolutely not. Following his instincts...yes. My kinda guy :)

Guess I'm not a desperate housewife

Two things that happened in Desperate housewives that I would like to happen to me. First, I never had two guys fighting over me. That would be SOOOO nice. Second, I never had the balls (!) to throw out the guys clothes through the window when I was angry. Good thing I'm still young...and hopeful :)

Impossible to please

Perhaps there is something to this joke... A group of girlfriends is on vacation when they see a 5-story hotel with a sign that reads: "For Women Only." Since they are without their boyfriends and husbands, they decide to go in. The bouncer, a very attractive guy, explains to them how it works. "We have 5 floors. Go up floor by floor, and once you find what you are looking for, you can stay there. It's easy to decide since each floor has a sign telling you what's inside." So they start going up and on the first floor the sign reads: "All the men on this floor are short and plain." The friends laugh and without hesitation move on to the next floor. The sign on the second floor reads: "All the men here are short and handsome." Still, this isn't good enough, so the friends continue on up. They reach the third floor and the sign reads: "All the men here are tall and plain." They still want to do better, and so, knowing there are still two floors left, they continued on up. On the fourth floor, the sign is perfect: "All the men here are tall and handsome." The women get all excited and are going in when they realize that there is still one floor left. Wondering what they are missing, they head on up to the fifth floor. There they find a sign that reads: "There are no men here. This floor was built only to prove that there is no way to please a woman."

Sport or whatever

Got a compliment from a friendgirl tonight. Because I had a lighter "ZSC Lions". I was honestly telling her that I am not very sporty. So not into football. That's when she told me that ZSC is ice-hockey...

Fachfrau

This supposedly mean a professional woman. To me it sounds like "fuck-woman". Ok, so professional in the sense could mean lotsa things, but I think it's supposed to mean somebody who is professional in their job, not only working-on-the-street type of woman. Still don't know whether I should be insulted or flattered with this epithet though...

Enough is enough

After the ordeal of ordering a new cover for the ironing board (which is supposedly underway) I am now and hereby giving the fuck up. Nearly destroyed my best shirt, trying to iron it without a cover. Or rather, directly on the undercover which is sticky as soon as you touch it with the iron. Sticky as in sticking on your best shirt.

Monday. Purchase of new ironing board. Goodbye my Rolls-Royce. Sorry you didn't last longer. I loved you.

Ip

Had an email some time ago from a friend misspelling the word up. Ip. I like it. I just don't know in which context I can use it. It's a bit like gungel in Swiss German (and here I would like to insert previous blog item about this particular word, if I could be arsed, which I can't :). I feel a bit ip tonight. Yeah ok, that could work. How's your ip today? Hmmm, not sure. Are we ipping? Yeah, why not. Let's ip. Yeah, lets...

The three witches

Tonight has a possibility of being lethal. For the men. Will meet up with the other two witches (one black, one red and me...blond). Beware men in Zürich :) It's indeed a good thing it's not full moon tonight... http://stardate.org/nightsky/moon/

Madurodam

Ok, so realized that not everybody may know about Madurodam. It's a miniature build of Holland, or rather some famous sites in the Netherlands. Very cute, and a fun place to visit. Located outside the Hague. http://www.madurodam.nl/default.php?language=1&sqlmode=1&fid=479

One word a day

For you who are not native in English (ah yes, most of my friends here in CH :)...this may be a page for you: http://owad.de/ They will give you one English word per day. Usually something you do not use on an every-day basis. Learning all your life, isn't that what it is about? Rather than stuff your head for 20 years ending up like astronaut woman :) ??

My place

There are lots of things said about the place I usually go out to. I claim I like it because it's the world in miniature, a bit like Madurodam in Holland. You can find every type of person there. A friendgirl of mine phrased it differently: "it's because I feel so normal when going there". Yup, that's another reason for liking it... PS. The word normal according to Cambridge: "ordinary or usual; the same as would be expected". BOOOOORING! PS2 or PPS is you prefer. If that really is normal, perhaps it explains why I like my place so much??

Taste

For the first time in many years I bought some music. What does this say about me? Tom Jones Gloria Gaynor (I will survive, the greatest song ever when you feel down) Simply Red Comments please.

Only hetero men

There is one thing that hetero men can do that no woman or gay man would ever do. That is passing a bin-bag that is placed just inside the door, so that you actually have to move the bin before walking out. A woman or a gay man would ALWAYS bring the bin to the deposit station. A hetero man would not even think about doing that without at least two reminders... Challenge, anybody?

Dinner

A dinner for 29K $ per person? Excluding tax and service. I'm sure it was delicious, but I find it un-tasty. Think what that money could have paid for...feed starving people for years, get fresh water for everybody, cleaner air etc etc. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6335419.stm

Party-tram

In Zürich you can rent a whole tram for an evening. A party-tram. I like this idea. Driving around Zürich city in your own private tram, having dinner and drinks, and I suppose choose your own route. Well, I guess within limits. After all, there must be a track and no interference with public transportation. But other than that, it's a really cool idea.

Shopping

Went shopping yesterday. Shopping is not a very sexy activity, but as we walked along the aisles looking at stuff my friend all of a sudden says "oh gee, I've got a hard-on". WAAAYYY too much information. He had to stop and re-arrange his toolbox, while I tried to look like I didn't know him :) Men I tell you. Never cease to surprise me...

Mousefinger

Won't be writing today, since I woke up with a swollen index finger this morning. Difficult to write. Back tomorrow.

Idea

I had so many ideas about what to blog about, but death kinda put a stop to it. Sorry. Only, I would like to raise a question. Sms'd with a German friend this evening. She told me to take it easy, otherwise I would get blue spots. This must surely be a German joke of some kind, because I had no clue what she was talking about...HELP!

Anna Nicole

Shock. She's dead. Not that I was a fan or anything, but anybody who dies at the age of 39 gets my sympathy. It is not right. Far too early. She may not have been all that, but nobody deserves to die at the age of 39. May she RIP. http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/08/obit.smith/

Communication

A recent sms conversation with a friend(man) of mine: Yes madam, your wish is my command!!! At least one man who knows his place :)... A tendency to a hidden domina attitude??? Hidden???

Wanted

Flatmate comes home. Asks if I'm going out. This may possibly have to do with me wearing "real" clothes, not the baggy pants and worn-out sweater I usually walk around in. Guess he didn't spot my fluffies :) But I guess I'm not wanted. So will go out. What an excellent excuse...

50%

Ok, so last post on gorgeous man. Told flatmate about my experience today. His take on it was which part of him was Swiss vs English. Good point. I'd like to think head was English, and lower part Swiss. Considering the one experience I had of an English guy in bed... And somebody with a sense a humor is a real turn-on...if it comes with the body to back it up :)

Denmark

Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who has divorced the prince is now getting married again. To a 15 year younger guy. This means she'll lose the benefit of not having to pay taxes at all. But still cashing in almost 2M DKK per year in allowance. Only the taxes will amount to almost 70%.

This guy better be worth it...

PS. This is something I'd never do!

Astronaut

It doesn't surprise me the least bit what this Nowak woman did. Who is now charged with attempted murder. That is my experience with all really well-educated people. They spend so much time studying and being focused on a particular subject, that they don't really get to experience what we "normal" people come across. Like shopping, like living, like having an evening in just watching telly, like going to dinner with friends, dealing with domestic problems like trying to find an ironing board cover :)...stuff like that. What we refer to as "life". But I feel sad for her. She's now confronted with public opinion. And they aren't showing any mercy. Downhill from here for her I suspect... http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/08/science/08astronaut.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fOrganizations%2fN%2fNational%20Aeronautics%20And%20Space%20Administration%20&oref=slogin

Attraction

Before I let go of gorgeous, I just wanna let you know why he was so attractive. 1. He was only half Swiss. The other half English, so great sense of humour. 2. His voice. Deep and sexy. 3. Tall and big without being fat, blond but greyish at the temples. 4. Disorganized. Which is not always a good thing, but here in Switzerland it's an endearing quality. 5. Taking his time. Letting me feel like I was the only one existing for him. In that meeting I mean :) Ok, now I'm over him...

Teeth

So after the meeting with gorgeous, I had a dry mouth (salivating inwards, not drooling on him ok?). Decided to pop into my place to say hello. Different audience in the afternoon. Not entirely unpleasant, but I would much prefer if they could put their teeth in...

Meeting

So had the meeting today, "in order to be presented in the best possible light". But was early as usual so decided to go check on my boat. There were about 100l of water on the cover, so in the nick of time you might say. But it was dirty business. Had to lean down on my knee and get bird shit on my pants, yuk! Tried to scrape it off as much as possible, but was still visible on my pants. And of course, the guy in the meeting turned out to be THE most good-looking bloke I've seen in years. Was very hard to concentrate. Yum! But have a distinct feeling he's gay! Sometimes life sucks...

Conversation

Overheard at a cafe in town this afternoon. Guest: "Hi, I don't know what it is in German, but I would like a coffee with more milk than coffee". Waitress: "Oh, you mean a latte macchiato". HAHAHA!

IKEA

I really need to go to IKEA soon. This is my shopping list: Candles and tee-lights Napkins Wine-glasses (I have 4 of one type, 5 of another type, 2 of a third type etc). And it needs to be glasses that can go in the dish-washer...I refuse to handwash. But I doubt IKEA has handwashing thingies. Small frying pans + 10 other things that I undoubtly will remember I need when there It's a love/hate relationship with IKEA. It's cheap, and they have good stuff. But it's exhausting going there...

Stairs

1576 steps in 13 minutes. Up! Why?? http://www.stuff.co.nz/northland/3953851a4560.html

Wiener

Met this guy tonight. He drank wine. Well no surprise there but when he told me he works for Heineken, I asked "why?". Told him that Heineken has lotsa chemicals in their beer. He didn't know. Of course not. He was only a sales man for Heineken. Why would he bother about the details? But and I say but, he was kinda interesting. When he got over the "you have beautiful eyes" type of conversation. He really was interesting. And rich. Apparently. At least his family was. And this one didn't have a flat in Paradeplatz but one at the "Gold Coast". I am indeed moving up in the world :) PS. He insisted he was a Wiener. When questioned it turned out he was born and raised in Switzerland... PS 2. Which reminds me of Swiss girl tonight. She insisted to be called an Aussie, although she was born in Switzerland. What's the big deal with nationality? Who cares as long as you are a good person...

Band

So came back to Zürich...feeling immediately at home. And decided to pop into "my" place. I think the band this week had a group discount with the hairdresser. Blond seems to be the name of the game. Good thing I'm a natural...

Suburbia II

So I was leaving. After a lovely raclette dinner in good company. But you know, me being a city girl I felt there were places to see, people to go, that type of thing. Was told the bus to the train station was quarter past. After the kiss-kiss-kiss thing you have to do in Switzerland I was off. Only to find out that the bus was 34 past. 20 min from now. Was told it was 15 past (so much for suburbia people knowing what's going on...) So decided to take the other guest up on her kind offer. Went back. And finally got the lift. To the station. Then train into Zürich. Ouch, living out there. I'm sure it's nice for some people, but it's certainly not for me.

Suburbia I

Was there today. And managed to find my way without too many problems. Only the last piece of instruction was "ring the middle door on the top floor". What is the middle when there are 4 doors on the floor? I guess the only demeaning factor is that she works in HR...and thank somebody not in Finance!

Light

This is extremely funny, but I will have to describe it to you without revealing too much. I am scheduled for a meeting. Before the meeting I will have a "coaching session" so that "he can present you in the best possible light". HAHAHAHA! A dark room would be preferable...

Acne

I'd like to add one question to the "Contribution"-list earlier. How does acne appear? Does it fly around thinking "yeah, there's a body I'd like to invade" or how does it work? I still occasionally get the odd acne-spot despite being "middle-aged" (preferably when I've been eating chocolate...and everybody knows chocolate is pro-acne, but WHY?). I didn't have acne problems when I was a teenager, like many others, but why do I still get it? I can understand if it wants to settle in my face (always been pretty :)...yeah, yeah, space for comments here) but in my ass?

Migros II

Have sent a request to Migros (re the neverending story of ironing board cover). Got an answer today, a week later. Basically saying how happy they were to be able to assist me. And how they hope they can help me. Proceeding to tell me to talk to customer service (well, where was I sending my request to then?), and that they are happy to be of further assistance, should that be required. Hmmm, yes. It would be actually, since they didn't answer any of my questions. Service? Nah, not in Switzerland...

Email

Got an email with contents I wanted to forward to a friend. Only, when I tried to forward the text disappeared. So had to develop a cunning plan. Ever heard of copy-paste :)??

Maintenance

Where would I be without my friends to help me with this confusing Swiss world? Since the last guy couldn't help with the boat, I had to finally contact some professionals. Only, my friend called for me. It's too confusing trying to explain something I hardly understand to a Swiss person, who doesn't speak English. So now I got all the details I have to provide in order for them to give me an offer. Like weight of the boat, what needs to be repaired, how it looks underneath (how I am supposed to know, it's always been in water!), what type of coating is underneath (same here!) etc etc. Had to give previous owner a ring. Fortunately he's a real boatman and had the answers. He was also happy to hear how much I enjoyed the boat last summer. Anyway, email's gone off now. Story for sure to be cont'd. Have a feeling this won't be easy. PS. If there is one reason to get oneself a man, this is it!

Outback

So tonight it's dinner with friends in suburbia. I have to find my wellingtons, remember to bring the extremely complicated route planner to get there and hope for the best. Wonder if there is asphalt? Mountains? Do I have to trek? Well, since I don't have Discovery channel I suppose a bit of nature 'live' shan't hurt...

Favourite

I am still hooked on Lost. It doesn't matter that all they do is staying on an island, having fights, intrigues and interactions.

Flatmate is into Korean girl, whereas Sawyer can ransack my tent anyday, anytime...

Contribution

Thank you for the contribution (you know who you are). This is some food for thought: If ghosts go through walls, why don’t they fall through the floor? Why was it that in all different cultures the men always used to come first and never the women? When you feel down, why do people ask what’s up? In horse racing, why do they award the rider and not the horse? Why do people more commonly skip breakfast than any other meal, considering that this is the time when the stomach is emptiest? How are children supposed to take medicine if it’s meant to be kept out of their reach? Why do people talk about ‘girlie’ things but never ‘boyie’ things? Why do we close doors and windows to reduce noise, considering that sound travels better through solids? Why does your nose run and your feet smell? Why is ‘abbreviation’ such a long word? Why is Friday 13th considered unlucky, considering that the Last Supper was on Thursday? If you think you’re a hypochondriac, then are you one or not? If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done? Feel free to propose answers (please don't let me think up all of them myself :)

Hollywood

A clear identification of the heroine/hero, the bad guys (always eastern-European-looking), a couple of car chases, a few shoot-outs, a shaky hand-camera, a tiny bit of romance. And voilà, there you have it. The ingredients of a Hollywood production. Any Hollywood production really. And of course the good guys win in the end...that's how we want it, right? Too bad it's not reality...

Confrontation

The other reason for not commenting enough on the blog, or being challenging is down to the Swiss nature. Avoid confrontation at all cost, is what I learned is the name of the game here in dear Switzerland. I happen to know the guy who invented that concept, but he is a guy and therefore sorta excused :)...here it seems to apply to all Swiss, including women. What's wrong with you Swiss women? A good shout now and then doesn't hurt...

Rude

I have figured out why I don't get enough challenging comments (or enough comments for that matter) on the blog. I am not rude enough. Need to provoke more. Need to be nasty. But it could of course be a slippery slope. Too rude and people stop reading my blog because of that. Oh dear, what a dilemma...

Migros

Despite feeling pretty crappy today again I went shopping. Had to really. Were out of most things. Ended up having 3 full bags + 1 big toilet paper thingie. V. heavy. Again, sometimes I wish I had a car. Anyway, they have a special offer going on this week in Migros. Depending on how much you buy for you will receive discount. Hurray, me really like. So for my purchases of 68 CHF today I will receive 5% in discount. In CASH! Until I realized how much that really is. Or how little. 3.40 CHF. Ah well, it's a bus fare. One-way...

Women

We women are funny sometimes. We can accept a lot from friends, both male and female, but as soon as it comes to boyfriend material we expect them to be perfect. We don't mind if friends sometimes behave irrationally, say things we know they don't mean, don't communicate or just behave strange. However, when it's boyfriend material we DO mind. A lot. It's like we all of a sudden forget that they are men too. You may wanna check out the following link (if you're a woman :), especially the bullet points: http://www.enotalone.com/article/5096.html

Smoke

Funny tonight when we got home flatmate and I. He stopped in his tracks just inside the door, pausing and smelling the air. Then said "it smells good, did you have an aroma candle?". No, but friendgirl and I had a few cigarettes before we left. I'm tellin' ya. He's getting used to it...and he will miss the smoke once he leaves :)

Art on Ice - part VI

Last one on Art on Ice. It was excellent all in all. I really enjoyed it. First time in Hallenstadion for me. They take 13,000 people according to their website. They have recently renovated and extended. 13K x 4 days makes over 50K people in four days. That's not bad for a city with 375K citizens. http://www.hallenstadion.ch/index_en.php

Art on Ice - part V

It was difficult to take good pics tonight. And yes they asked not for flashes to be on. Which I respected. I only took a few pics in the end of performances (victory rounds) or just when they joked around on the ice. Here is one of them.

Art on Ice - part IV

And then there was Prosecco. Well, his name was Prochenko or something with a lot of z's in it but it's so much easier to have a reference to alco, isn't it? He was brilliant. I think there is something to be said to the eastern European schooling. I mean, they are trained from the age of 6 months, rigorously, have never heard of the words holiday or fun, being strictly on a diet, always practising practising. I think perhaps Gestapo learned from them? He was doing several performances, one where he performed with the greatest of ease and grace, and one dancing. Unlike the Swiss champion who fell twice, fumbled another twice and on the fifth time finally got it right. Reminded me of Cool Runners (the Jamaican bobsleigh team) :)

Art on Ice - part III

There were many performances this evening, but a couple in particular that are to be remembered. One was the Scottish couple who did a very funny show. Humour is cross-border isn't it? For example you expect the man to swoosh the woman around. Here it was the opposite. She lifted him! So cool. Also, they had a move where he was gliding on the ice between her legs. I'm not gonna tell you what that made me think of... Then there were the acrobats. Who used to be just that. Acrobats. But then did a career change and decided to extend their skills to the ice. Excellent. I think they must've come from Cirque du Soleil or similar. Very very VERY good. Not sure I'd like to have one of them in bed though. Who knows where they'd show up! http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/default.htm And of course there was the presenter, who wasn't really a skater. But appeared on the ice clad in what can only be referred to as an unfortunate bird-flu costume. In pink. This one is never coming in the vicinity of my bed for sure :)

Art on Ice - part II

The artists performing this evening were Robin Gibb (famous to all of us born before the 80's) and Gölä, who is famous in all of Switzerland :)...but not bad actually. Think I will buy a cd. Well, it's time anyway since I haven't bought a new cd in what?...maybe 10 years. Anyway, was trying to find a pic from Gölä but he doesn't seem to have a proper website. Well, told you before, ze Swiss are not really online type-of-people. Anyway, picture Bruce Springsteen, only bigger and more biker-looking. HD lover. Beard, HD-jacket, big and not sexy. And there you have it. Only, he sings good. Also reminds me that nothing was in English. The presenters didn't even speak high German, which I pointed out to Countrygirl. Who told me that they don't even speak proper Switze-dütch (whatever that is :) but Wallis-dütch. Ah well. At least the website exists in English (why the website and not the show...beats me...Swiss logic?). http://www.artonice.ch/index.php?en_news

Art on Ice - part I

So tonight was the night for Art on Ice. Was there with Countrygirl and Flatmate. It started already at the entrance, when Countrygirl was the one holding the tickets, gave it to the ticketman and he gave it back to Flatmate, stating "better give it to the boss". I tell you, I will never hear the end of this. Of course ticketman got a very black look from the girls. Swiss men...what can I tell you...equality among the sexes haven't gotten very far here...but I'm working on educating them :)

Children

Read about this airline which has introduced an extra class, meaning if you pay extra you are guaranteed to travel in a child-free area of the plane. Are they insane? Obviously it is the people who travel WITH children who should pay extra. It's not my fault they choose to travel with children, is it? And sitting next to a screaming child for a whole flight is no picnic I tell you. And I miss the smoking section of the plane...those were the days :)

Sheets

Well, time to wash sheets. Must've sweated a couple of liters last night (12 hours of sleep mind you). Think the fever has gone away. Still doesn't feel 100% but much better than yesterday. So look forward to Art-On-Ice this evening!

Flu

Well, I guess it would've been stupid to think that I could go all through the winter without catching anything. Felt it already yesterday, but ignored it and had some wine. Today is really bad. I freeze or am sweating, I slept most of the afternoon, my throat hurts. Poor me. I feel sorry for myself...

Kevin Costner

This evening I also observed friendgirl talking to a Kevin Costner-lookalike. At least if you were drunk, didn't suffer from having a fantasy-mind and/or were a bit generous. Then he opened his mouth. Oh dear. It is SO not sexy to have a girls voice if you're a man. I feel sorry for the guy. If he was gay I wouldn't mind, but a hetero man with a girls voice. It's just not on. Which is probably why friendgirl said thanks but no thanks...

Sushi

Have a friendgirl who knows somebody who makes sushi. So this is what I can look forward to next week.

Yum!

Pipe

The only two countries where I've seen people smoking pipes are Denmark and Switzerland. Apart from the 70's when it was still hip in most countries. In the year 2007 you can only see it in DK and CH. And it looks strange.

Which reminds me of the story of the guy shopping in a 7-11. Paid up, and was ready to go. Then he realized he forgot something, so went to pick it up and went back to the counter to pay. Shop assistant woman says "maybe you think before you shop next time". Young guy answers: "it's not me who's 40+ and work in 7-11 Einstein" :)

Prison break

Was out for a bit tonight. With a friendgirl. A guy with a VERY big moustache (like half his face) asked her to dance. She agreed, although I'm not sure why. Nevertheless, he turned out to be funny. At least so she said. I didn't understand, they were speaking Switze-dütch. She told me that he works as a prison-guard. I wasn't sure whether she meant he really worked there, or was just let out. It was a 50-50 situation. Either way, she came back to tell me he couldn't dance. Me, with my "man experience" could have told her that from the beginning but since she's a tad younger...ah well, we're all still learning aren't we? And unfortunately the guy looked nothing like the guys in "Prison break"...

Hairy Potter

And before you think I'm a pedophile...just wanna share something funny ok?

PS. The author J.K. Rowling claims that two characters will die in the last book "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"...

Pre-party

So felt like a little outing tonight. Just a small one as you do on a Thursday. Tonight I was bought a drink by a guy who I wouldn't go to bed with if I got paid (ok, so that includes many of them but you get the idea). I said no. Only he had bought it already. So we played the game of moving the bill...back, forth, back, forth. Told him that if I accept a drink from him I would have to talk to him, be nice and whatever. He told me that there were no favours asked. Right. WRONG! But ok, he was not bad. And the waiter "recommended" him, saying this guy is ok. Turned out he was rich. Well, maybe he wasn't but his family certainly was. He has a flat in Paradeplatz (downtown Zürich where you literally walk on gold...actually it is said that one of Switzerlands gold reserves is located there)...mind you, only a 130 m2 flat (his words, not mine), and he has a putz-Angela. Anyway, I eventually accepted the drink. Well, it was already there and he was drinking something else, and there really was no other favour asked. So fine for this time. But I will still be looking out for "can I buy you a drink"-type of guys...

Bomb

Well, the Boston police thought it was...turned out to be marketing devices...for a tv-show called ''Aqua Teen Hunger Forceabout" about a talking milkshake, a box of fries and a meatball.

These were the "terrorists". In court.

Marketing/Advertising/etc...

You're a girl and see a handsome guy at a party. You walk up to him and say: "I am fantastic in bed". Direct marketing. You're at a party with lots of friends and you see a good-looking guy. One of your friends talk to him, points to you and say "She's fantastic in bed". Advertising. You see a good-looking guy at a party. You approach him, gets his telephone number. Next day you call him to say "Hey, I'm fantastic in bed". Telemarketing. You see a guy at a party. Walk up to him, pour him a drink. Say "May I?". Lean forward, let your breasts touch his arm, organize his tie and say "Just so that you know, I'm fantastic in bed". That's Public relations. You're at a party, see a good-looking guy. He comes to you saying "I've heard that you are fantastic in bed". Brand Recognition. You're at a party, see a good-looking guy. He likes you but you convince him to go home with your friend instead of you. That is representation. Your friend cannot satisfy the guy, so she calls you. Technical support. A guy comes to a party. He browses the room. Realizes he wants all the girls, so he stands up on the table shouting "I am fantastic in bed". That is spam.

"Sleep"

I've slept with too many women, says George Clooney. Well I guess there is something I cannot compete with. But he said it in the context of not being able to be a politician. And to be honest I can't compete there either. And before you draw any conclusions, it's because of my lack of diplomatic skills :)...

Lesson about men

"Perhaps your partner is stubborn, or not hearing what you are saying. Have you been silently sulking in the hopes they will see the error of their ways? The 'guilty party' probably doesn't think they are guilty." Yup, that's men for you.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/6320091.stm

Zürich - the place to be

"Switzerland's decentralised taxation system is causing irritation among its European Union neighbours."
Oh really, would've never guessed.

"Its overall tax rate of 21% is not the lowest in Europe, but still far lower than Switzerland's immediate neighbours Germany, France, Italy and Austria."
Oh yes, love it! Why do you think I moved here?

"In New York I had a wonderful apartment, but in the morning I'd wake up and look out the window and wave to my neighbour. Here I wake up and look out and I see the Alps."
Ok, so not everything is better...mind you, with the neighbours I have maybe the Alps really are better.

"So far, the Swiss government will not budge; ministers say they view an attack on the tax system as an attack on Swiss sovereignty.
The row is sure to simmer on. Meanwhile the businesses and the celebrities just keep on coming."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6313671.stm

PS. And I'm already here...since 4,5 years. Annika, the trendsetter...

Queen

Ok, so I wanna be the blog queen of you my dear readers, but not of the nasty people. Only it got me thinking. I only get "nice" comments. Nothing revolutionary. No challenges. So I'm a woman and now changed my mind. I want challenges. I want something that makes me think before I reply. Challenge me! Pretty please :)

Bin

Was in the living room, heard a swoosh-sound. Oh dear. What happened? This. Well, obviously bin-bag had fallen over. And just when I had emptied the ground coffee from the machine. All wet and sticky. Oh dear, Putz-Peter won't be at all happy. And when I took out the hoover to clean it up it rattled of the coffee beans, previously deposited in the hoover bag. Also strangely smelling like coffee...

Handy vs sex

According to an English investigation every fourth woman would rather be without sex than her mobile phone for a month. However, it is also pointed out that the two can be combined. 50% of the women and 33% of the men do answer the phone when it rings during sex. Perhaps it says more about the sexlives of the English than anything else? PS. Handy = mobile phone in Swiss German.