Vultures

Met a guy this evening, that I've come across quite a few times the last coupla years. He says he has a farm in South Africa and wants to invite me there next year when I'm in Cape Town. Hmmm.

Says he feeds vultures, to which I responded that vultures only eat dead animals. "So do you" he said. Good point.

Old friends

Talked a couple of old friends tonight, she's 88 or something and he just turned 90. Me to him: "so have you been up to any mischief lately?". Him: "no, unfortunately not". Her: "I just got myself a scooter". Good with people who don't give up just because the body doesn't always cooperate. They still go out to lunch or dinner on a regular basis, dressing up nicely. They take pleasure in little things. We could learn from that.

Goodbye SBN

But more of this.

No more this.

Progress on flat

Going nowhere

SBN decided that tonight was the night to go out. Perhaps he finally got it, after having lived with me for 2,5 months or it was another reason. Nevertheless, he ended up going out with me to my place. And then we had a discussion whether I should exercise more. I don't exactly know why he brought this particular topic up (and had he known me better, he never would've) but he kept on pushing that I should walk more. Walk? If I don't have a goal, I don't walk. I don't see the point in walking for no reason. The most pathetic thing I can think of is people who pay money to go to a gym to use a stair-machine. I walk in stairs every day for the purpose of going somewhere. I walk to the bus or tram or train for a reason. "If you don't know where you're going, any path will take you there" or "If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know once you’re there? But he was wise enough to shake on "agree to disagree". A clever man knows when to stop digging!

Gizmo

Borrowed a little gizmo over the weekend, a blood pressure measurer thingy. If you'd like I can now tell you my blood pressure at different times this evening. Even got so excited that I did a little excel-sheet for statistical purposes, that shows if I go above the recommended 140/90 it will flash a warning. Hehe. I'm becoming a geek. Seriously, this is good fun. I will measure before and after eating, sleeping, drinking coffee or wine, after exercise (not entirely sure when that'll happen though), before and after everything. I'm sure my doctor will be pleased with my sudden interest in my health.

Man in uniform

Was out for a while tonight. Imagine my joy when a policeman in uniform and all walked into the place. Was a bit distraught when he seemingly started to hand out money. Was looking forward to an authoritative move, but he only wanted to buy a cd from the band. Turned out he'd been there yesterday. Why did I decide to stay home then?

No smoking

No smoking my ass. Was thinking about this tonight since even Zürich (et tu Brute?) will apparently be "smoke-free" some time in the semi-near future. Smoke-free my second ass, since it's smoke-forbidden they mean. Was listing the pros and cons in my head. Cons: They say it's scientifically proven that you die younger. Non-smokers are boring. Even my brother who's a vivid non-smoker has realized that it's a good thing to go out and join the smoking corner at work, that's where you hear the news. The smell is not always nice, but I must say I had few complaints at home. I usually have the windows open (unless it's friggin freezing). I don't like the sound of "forbidden". I really want to brake "ze rules". Pros: If you stop smoking at middle-age after having smoked most of your life, you will die within 5 years. People who smoke are social, they like to be around other people, to chat, to have conversations, to socialize in short. According to science they will die early and never impose on the social security system. Besides, here in Switzerland we have private healthcare, so if we get sick it's not financed by the government. My grandfather was one of nine sieblings. He died early of heart problems. The only one of the nine who reached a decent age was the alcoholic. He also smoked. There is a funny story about this guy. He was sitting on the toilet smoking his pipe, lit it up with a match and threw the match in the toilet. What he didn't know was that his wife had earlier used acetone to remove nailpaint and a piece of cotton was met with his match. Ass on fire! And most of all, I don't like people who tell me what to do! So 5-4 to the smokers. I win. Again.

Halloween V

I always knew that Finland was a bit behind, but I didn't realize it would take a month to deliver the Halloween pics. Here are some samples. Good fun that evening was!

Blurry vision

About 8 years ago I had a laser operation done on both my eyes for nearsightedness. It was extremely painful. The actual operation was not since it took about 60 seconds per eye and I had local anaesthetic, but afterwards. Man! I did one eye in December and the next one in January. Second eye I asked for morphine, which only helped slightly. Up until 14 hours after the operation I was in serious pain. I couldn't see, the eye was rinning, I couldn't face light, I couldn't do much but just sit and wait for the pain to go away. It was awful. Mind you, I looked pretty cool when I the third day was in the pub with sunglasses. So it's safe to say that I'm a little worried now when I realize I start to see a bit blurry again. A couple of years ago I got glasses to use for long-distance like tv and to spot potentially interesting men the other side of the pub. But I was still fine with short-distance. Still ok with short-distance but it's definitely more blurry on distance. Hmmm. No way I'm doing another operation. I was hoping that age would take its tribute, since I've heard that old people get long-sighted. Why can't my eyes understand that I'm getting older?

Credit Suisse sucks

Goodbye Credit Suisse and welcome Zürcher Kantonalbank. If there is one thing that gets me going it's stupid people. I really don't want to deal with money. I want them invested, and I want good advice. When I say I want a safe investment because I need the money next summer, I really do not want to take a risk. Certainly not lose 15% of the investment. Credit Suisse can take their advice and shove it up their greedy ass. I'm moving my business, along with a couple of friends. I shall laugh all the way to the bank when they fold. Mind you, they better wait a couple of weeks so that I have time to move everything. Not that I think that the bank will fold because I move my business (nice thought though) but they are not doing at all well for the moment. Zürcher Kantonalbank is one of the few banks where the government guarantee your assets. Me likey!

I had a dream

The other night I dreamt that I was doing my tax return, but I couldn't sign because my hand didn't cooperate. When I woke up I had been lying on my hand and it was totally numb. How weird is that? I don't even do my own tax return. And what does the dream mean? I would like to think it's not because I want to withhold taxes from the government (although the idea is not bad) but has a deeper meaning. I just don't know what.

Almost there

I had a thought how to turn this blog around tonight, but unfortunately it's too late to elaborate. If you cannot be arsed to wait, I understand. I can only be ready when I'm ready.

Famous boat

My boat is in the newspaper today! So ok, it wasn't exactly a featured article, it was something about a pink poodle on a building (!) but still one could clearly see the back of my boat :).

SBN is a goner

SBN has decided to leave me for a cheap rathole at the other end of the city! And yet again I must decide whether to have another flatmate or not. I think not for a while. At least he gave me 5 days notice.

Good fun tonight

After experiencing the entire "tapestry" of life, I am now going to bed. In case you're interested...

1,300% profit

Met a friend tonight who had good news. He had just made 1,300% profit on a deal and pocketed loads of cash. So happy for him. He said dinner was on him. Which was all nice and dandy until the restaurant rejected his credit card and it turned out he had 10 CHF in cash. Guess who had to pay? But seriously, I'm extremely happy for him and wish him all the success. PS. He did pay me back so no worries.

I did it again

I went out on a Thursday night. Go figure.

Standing or lying

Spent a good hour today with the architect going through whether the tiles in the bathrooms should be standing or lying, and how far up the wall the tiles should go. I guess it's good that they ask these things, since I'm the one who has to live with it, but still. It felt kinda unimportant. Also turned out that the guy who advised me on tiles failed to mention that those I chose are not fit for the shower. So now they have to send me new samples, and once again I have to make a choice. I'm starting to believe this process is never going to be finished!

Out in the bush

Thanks for your comments on previous items, I am still thinking about the approach. In the meantime, when I still feel like it, I will share my little adventures and impressions with you as usual. On the train coming back from the Zürich outback today I sat down in one seat of four available, minding my own business. The train was kinda empty, but guess what. Two "gentlemen" from the "park bench" joined me. Don't think they had showered the last couple of weeks, but I am certain that they had been downing a beer or two since the place reeked. They were both pretty fat, and I was squeezed against the window. Oh joy. And they didn't even offer me a beer!

Blog rethink

On 1st of December I have blogged for three years. And I feel it shows. The last couple of weeks I have felt no desire to blog, and that I have nothing to say. Nothing funny or interesting that is. I once asked if I were to start blogging about different matters whether I should do it on the same blog or start another. If I remember correctly I got two answers. It was to continue on the same blog. Problem I have with this is that I would have to expose myself more. Not sure I'm ready to do that. Let me think about it, and if you're reading, let me know what you think.

Chocolate

Met a guy today and we talked about how boring November is and how tired you are in the mornings (btw, ask SBN, he seems to have serious trouble getting up in the morning! Flashback from previous flatmate anyone?). Anyway, guy said "if only I get my coffee and my chocolate in the mornings I'm fine", to which I asked "you really eat chocolate in the morning?". He looked at me like I was nuts saying "I have no chocolate inhibitions". Point well made.

Art

Was unfortunate enough to pass a piece of an art exhibition the other day. I just wonder what kind of strange sexuality this artist has!

Stupidity in all countries

Conversation overheard: „In my country you become an adult when you’re eighteen, you’re no longer a teenager“. Excuse me? What about eighTEEN. Or nineTEEN?

Identity

Something I find extremely stupid is couples who share a mailbox or a website. SusanandMarkJones, LibbyandPeter dot so-and-so. It’s like these people do not have their own identity, and must show that they belong to somebody else. Bollocks if you ask me. I would never ever share my mailbox with anybody. Or my blog for that matter! I wonder who they try to convince?

And then...

somebody else showed up bringing gifts.

Not sure what to make of it, but I'm told it's chilis from Peru. To me it looks like puke, but I'm inclined to believe the guy this time

Well, it's late and I'm mellow...can you blame me?

Party-time

Just before we were leaving I took a photo. And they both agreed I could post it here.

Pretty girls, wonder what they are doing coming to my place for dinner?

Girls dinner

Having two girls over for dinner tonight. Taking the opportunity when I'm on my own to have some hopefully fresh gossip, a nice dinner and some wine with friends. And yes, we might have a chat about men...

You lose some

Think we might have had a few too many yesterday, at least the Brit. When home last night he hit his toe on the bed, remember saying “ouch”, then promptly falling asleep. When waking up this morning the bed was full of blood and he’d lost his toenail. HAHAHA!

A British Buddha

The Brit didn't have enough of Zürich the other night, so tonight we gave it another go. As I learned to know him I was told the following.

1. He only goes out every 6 weeks because he has other interests.

2. On Mondays he coaches scouts.

3. On Tuesdays he does community service, and since I don't think it's because he's been ordered to so by a court I assume it's voluntary.

4. On Wednesdays he does something to do with Buddhism.

5. When in Zürich he looks happy.

Conclusion anyone?

A secret no more

SBN's sister just called. Turns out it's his birthday today, and he didn't say anything! Happy birthday SBN! And have fun at the North pole.

Aggression is good

Don't know whether it's the weather or what, but I need something or somebody to get really angry with. I'm still furious with the bank, but still cannot be bothered to take it any further at this time (other than changing to another bank of course, goes without saying). I'm quite irritated with Dell, since the new computer makes my modem freeze every so often meaning I cannot go online IMMEDIATELY. Yet I still haven't written to let them know. Come on someone, make me angry! I have a good fight in me, and wouldn't mind yelling at somebody. Like if some woman would ask me to lift her baby carrier including the baby onto the bus in rush hour. That would make my day!

SBN + Facebook girl = true?

Well, I dunno but he's off to see her this time over the weekend. And, Thursday-Monday classifies as a quite long weekend so it's probably serious. Or as easy as not getting any cheapo flights other times. Doubt I will get any updates. He doesn't seem to respond to pressure of any kind. Strange man, to resist my persuasive powers. Anyway, suspect the weekend will be non-stop partying. For both of us :)

Todays take

And if you wonder, it's the camera, not me being blurry :)

As it goes, a certain Brit thought Zürich was the best thing since sliced bread tonight.

Fire

A bit of a debate today whether Fasnacht actually is now. Turned out that in Zürich it starts on 11.11 but the actual Fasnacht thing is in February. Apparently due to different calendars, and who am I to complain that you make one party into two?

And as it turned out it was a bit of a party in Niederdorf tonight. Not the over-the-top kinda partying, but enough for a Tuesday. I had the questionable pleasure of sitting next to a woman wearing half a palm-tree on her head. I didn't know whether to duck or put fire to it with my cigarette.

Spa-weekend

A friend of mine was going to a spa last weekend, so I asked him today how it was. He started to laugh, and this is why. He arrived to this 4-star hotel, said the entrance reminded him of Fawlty Towers having not been renovated since the 70's. When he checked in, they told him he was late for a massage, even though he'd told them he'd arrive around 6pm. He accordingly refused to pay for the massage, which they after involving the duty manager accepted. He got the key to the room, checked in, realized the bed had a duvet filled with feathers which he had told them he couldn't have since he's allergic. Went down to the reception to ask them to change it to a normal blanket or something, but was informed that the duvet had "artificial feathers". He went back to check, and on the duvet it said "100% goose feathers". Reception was told again to change. He then decided to have dinner. They offered three choices, "meat", "fish" or "vegetarian" with no description to what it would be. The "meat" dinner contained really salty meat and overcooked vegetables. Back in the room he realized they hadn't changed the duvet. Another trip to the reception revealed that no substitute for a duvet could be located. This is when he decided to leave. So much for a relaxing luxury spa weekend!

A bitter-sweet story

From somebody I know.

11.11 11.11

I don't know how I could've forgotten, but I had. It's not like the date and time is difficult to remember, but it had not registered this year. Good thing I was reminded. Tomorrow at 11.11 the guggenmusik is crowding the streets of Zürich. Fasnacht is here. Equals party tomorrow. Good thing I started today, nothing like being prepared.

Another continent

Finally we got around to book the trip next spring. I know, finally, but the earlier you book the better the selection and prices. So in March off we go via Dubai to Cape Town. Nice to brake up the trip into two at least on the way there. I really do hate these long-hauls.

We have one day in Dubai, which I thought was enough. Don't wanna pour too much money into a place who doesn't allow women to vote.

Then two hopefully fantastic weeks in Cape Town. I just cannot wait!

Shit

Went to check on the boat today, and even though that tape I secured the cover with was a stroke of genious, it hadn't stopped the birds from shitting all over on the cover. Well, as long as they don't come inside the boat I guess I cannot complain.

Friday evening blues

Whatever that means. Remember last Friday I was so tired, but through stamina had a really good evening at the Halloween party. Tonight, on the contrary, I was rested and on the go. The Oktoberfest thing yesterday got cancelled so slept 7 solid hours without even waking up once last night. Yet, here I am. At home just after midnight, feeling the bed calling me. Yikes. But on the other hand, I'm in spirit not as old as SBN who went to the gym (!) this evening and then straight home. How sad is that for a 27-year-old? Hurray, I'm still in the game!

Zürich calling Chicago

Doesn't exactly sound the same as Apollo calling Houston, besides there is no problem. Anyway, got a comment on the blog from Chicago, and if it is the person I think it is I'm happy. Contact after so many years. C, if that's you, send me an email! This brings back memories. Pizza party in Copenhagen, enchiladas in Copenhagen. In fact, everything happened in Copenhagen in those days. Good times. Happy memories.

Socks missing

And I don't mean Clintons cat. I mean my socks. The stuff you wear on your feet. Since throwing away a bag of clothes the other day (and no, I didn't play baglady when getting home), I've decided to throw away socks and underwear if there are holes in them or too worn. Mind you, I wear them first, then bin. Problem seems to be that every pair of socks I take on have holes. I am about to be sockless.

Half a pill

Starting taking those blood pressure pills the doctor prescribed me some weeks ago. Today I talked to a paramedic I know and she tested the pressure without me having to go to the doctor and be charged half a leg. Good girl. Only turned out I still have too high pressure. Not dangerously high but too high for my own good. And no wonder it is. The pills the doctor gave me are tiny, and I am only to take half each day. Gimme a big pill any day, the bigger the better right? Girl recommended me to talk to the doctor before upping the dose. No way. From tomorrow on I'm on a whole pill!

Broken glasses

A couple of days ago my glasses broke, not the actual glass but part of the frame. It's a tad irritating to watch West Wing with the glasses hanging down on one side, so this morning i went to the shop. Figured with the difficulties I had to buy the glasses in the first place, they would probably want me to buy new ones or tell me that it couldn't be fixed. Imagine my surprise when she told me to come back this evening, and that it would cost only 30 swissies. Great service! And in English too. Service in Switzerland. Who would've thought?

New bank

So possible new bank called me back today, realizing I wasn't "selbstandig". Suggested a meeting tomorrow, but told him that I'm going to Oktoberfest at which he responded "that would be nice but perhaps a bit too loud". I like them already. A bank with a sense of humour? Unheard of. Decided I want to take a meeting with them tomorrow since the bank is located spitting distance from the Oktoberfest (convenient, ain't it?). Don't think they realize how difficult a customer I can be...

Tattoo

For 50 bucks in Spain you get this.

Out with the 80's

Those of you who know me know that clothes interest me very little. Not at all in fact. However, being a tad economic I have trouble throwing away perfectly good clothes, even if they were bought in the 80's. Tomorrow is pick-up-clothes-from-the-street-day, and I haven't gotten started yet. Think I better have a glass of wine, tend to get less sentimental then. Mind you, too much wine may make me unpack it coming home from the bar I'm going to tonight :)

Always the same

Why is it that it's always the same people who are fun and spontaneous? Like when you try to organize a going-out it's always the same ones shouting "YES!" and "of course" and "fun", whereas the others have various degrees of excuses. Acceptable is "I'm on vacation in another country", "I'm already invited out" and possibly "I'm sick". Not acceptable is "I have to wash this evening", "I'm watching tv", "I have to go to the gym" or worst of them all "I have to work". Where is the fun in your lives people?

Obama went

So Barack did it. Good for the US. And good for the world. Let's hope that he now lives up to promises, but I think you have to go back to the days of Kennedy to compare the feelings people have for this guy. Hope he's gonna address the economy, because without it nothing else matters. And my bank account can use a bit of a push right now...

Halloween IV

And yes of course, finally (starting around 10.30pm if memory serves me right...but I wouldn't put a bet on it!) the karaoke started. People who were hesitant at the beginning, were singing their lungs out later in the evening. Think we were all a bit hoarse on Saturday. Even though I'm close to being tone-deaf I just have to have a karaoke-machine. I'm thinking new flat, flat-screen and a karaoke-machine. What else does one need?

Halloween III

Despite several promises of sharing pics I have received absolutely 0 ditto, so you'll have to do with the ones from my telephone camera. But I gotta say, that I've never seen a house decorated like that. It was absolutely fabulous with hand-carved pumpkins with candles, scary stuff all over the place. Mind you, the people might have been the most scary of them all...

Complicated drinks

Something we learned at the Halloween-party. You take a small paper-bag filled with a powder tasting something like raspberry, lemon or mint. You pour the contents into your mouth, mix it with your saliva while going "mmm-mmm-mmm" preferrably loud. Then you take a shot of vodka, clink your glass with everybody elses, pour it into your mouth, shake your head vigorously as to mix the drink, and then actually swallow. An extremely complicated way of drinking a mixed drink. And I can recommend not doing it twice!

Obama go

Finally after about a year of news from America, circling all around the election it is finally time tomorrow. Every poll points towards Obama winning, but considering the ability of the American people choosing presidents I'm not so sure they will choose right. I mean, a people that chose George W not only once, but twice, perhaps doesn't deserve a good leader. The tiny problem is it affects us, the rest of the world too. So let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that the American people will choose "hope" instead of "soon-to-die" together with "fundamentalist christian".

The scream

How can I describe the evening? Being almost 3 in the morning I think I won't even try, but it involved lotsa halloweeny stuff. Here's a whiff, more later.