Fire

My favourite thing on a Sunday.

Goodbye Compaq

Feeling a little nostalgic. Today my very first laptop will go to meet its maker. This computer served me well back in 1991. That's an eternity in this electronic age. Goodbye Compaq.

Banana

It is hard work to find out what is optimal for my new blender. I'm kinda sure that strawberry is the shit but in waiting for the season I am trying hard to find a intermediate solution. Banana. Not bad.

Is this funny?

I think it's hilarious but that's probably because it's my sense of humour. Setting: I'm with the neighbours. Turns out they are waiting for their bible studying group, or whatever religious thing they're doing on Tuesdays. Don't take me wrong, they are the sweetest people but I don't really wanna get involved in anything religious. So I left before they were arriving. On the way I was given some wood for my fireplace in a basket. After: I emptied the basket and put the wood next to my fireplace. Then I placed the basket on the stairs outside my flat so that they can pick it up when passing next time. After that sent them an sms saying "Basket is on the stairs. Amen." Is this as funny as I think?

Timer

Have I mentioned that I lack the technical gene? In my strive to make it difficult for thieves I borrowed a timer (yeah, yeah haven't gotten around to go buy one yet) for my living room lamp. Even got instructions, but being who I am I listened with one ear and it went out the other. So when I got home I was connecting the actual timer into the wall, then the cable from the lamp in the timer. Of course I set the clock in the timer to 5 mins later. Then I waited. And waited some more. Then I realized that how would the timer know what the time is? And when to start? After my (much older) aunt explained to me that the timer is the clock, but you have to tell it when to start I vaguely remembered some thingies you had to push around. So did. Once, then waited. Then again, then waited. And because patience is not a virtue in my family (at least not with me!) I gave up and just lit the friggin lamp. Why can't anything be easy?

Minarets

Shortly Switzerland is voting about whether minarets should be allowed or not. I guess religious freedom is not part of the constitution here. Personally I would be glad if they could forbid these damn church clocks that go off several times a day!

Hannibal

When kitchen guy was here last week he was encouraged to program my other oven (the big one, the one I haven't used yet) and so did. Then he found out that one of the pieces of equipment that came with the oven was the wrong kind. Looked like a cable to me. He explained that it was a meat thermometer where one end of the cable goes into a hole in the oven wall and the other into the meat. Somehow I do not think this will be the most used piece of equipment in my flat. When he heard that he suggested that I can use it alternatively as a weapon for any intruder in my flat, which is not a bad idea. I thought about the headline in 20 Minuten "burglar stabbed by meat thermometer", and when he heard that he added "then cooked during 4 hours low temperature until muscles fell of the bones tenderly...". Yes, not a bad idea. This is a fitting penalty for trying to break in to my flat!

Tiny

Went to visit new Mum today in the hospital, and because the baby looked big on the picture I expected something similar in reality. It was TINY! This little thing cuddling up to her Mum was if not negligible, so very very small. I of course stayed as far away as possible, but the new parents seemed to know instinctively how to go about it. V good as Bridget Jones would have said. Reminded me of yesterday when new Dad came up for a chat in the evening (and we ended up celebrating a little bit too long...for me because any reason for a party is a good one and for him to celebrate the tiny one), and I told him that he has now signed up for 20 years of responsibility. The look in his eyes when it dawned on him was...hmmm...funny. Is there a word for horror and pride combined? Well, the baby was welcome and they are happy, and what can be better than that?

Baby girl

If I had to leave the comfort of Mummys belly I would also be a bit reluctant (indeed I was, and took 24 hours to come out), but even though I'm the house's designated evil person I have to admit there is potential for little baby girl. Welcome to the world!

Negligible

It has taken me a really long time to say this word, and I still find it difficult. I have to think and make sure the tongue is in the right place. Overheard a conversation a Canadian had today on the phone. She elegantly placed the word 'negligible' into the conversation. I told a German that I find it very difficult to pronounce. His response was "negli-what?". I carefully spelled it out to him, and heard him mutter "I'll try that at home". Haha.

Congratulations!

As much as I am not very child-friendly, I am very happy for my neighbours who became parents to a beautiful little girl this morning. This baby have really chosen her parents well, and I look forward to see her. From a distance :) Warm wishes to the new parents from everybody in the house.

Imelda Marcos

While at the neighbours I couldn't help noticing that I live next to Imelda. When I mentioned Imelda to neighbour I realized that neighbour is too young to remember, but Imelda is apart from being known for slaughtering people having thousands and thousands of shoes. I think that perhaps neighbour is a relative?

Spontaneous

Seriously, I didn't have any plans for this Saturday. Then yesterday a friend and I decided to have a quiet dinner together tonight. And all I did was asking the neighbours to borrow some chairs (no, I haven't gotten around to buy those yet) and they ended up joining us for dinner. I just love when things develop into big parties from nothing.

Anyway, after dinner neighbours wanted to show (off) their 'nice' flat to my friend and we went downstairs. That's when we discovered police action outside our house. It's not like it was the first time this week. First we thought it was speeding cars, but it turned out to be a smaller accident.

And I couldn't believe when my friend and the neighbour went downstairs to pick up the policeman. In their socks!

Afterwards they claimed it was because they wanted to pick him up for me, because I like men in uniform. Yeah right! I knew it...all women like men in uniform!

Ventilation

It seems to be a woman thing to ventilate and air when something upsetting occurs in your life. Like a burglary or an attempted such. On Thursday evening the neighbour and I did so for about 6 hours, trying to get our heads around that we had been targets for a lowlife thief. Some of the things we talked about were how disappointed she was that the "CSI" technician was an ugly old fart. That she had come home on Wednesday, gone to the bathroom sitting there doing what was necessary, noticing a lot of clothes on the floor without thinking about why they were there (yes the idiot/s had gone thru their wash-bin!). That he/they had invaded her privacy. That when the police woman came to take my report on Thursday, and the two police advisors arrived shortly after they started to kiss-kiss-kiss like having a mini-reunion. Glad I could be of service! How happy I was that I choose to invest in extra secure doors and glass, so that they couldn't get in. How her boyfriend who opted to go out with friends on Thursday evening could expect the silent treatment from her for a really long time. How one of the neighbours told the police that he'd seen a suspicious car on the street. 8 weeks ago! How angry she is with the owners to the flat she and her boyfriend rents for being cheapo and just installing basic doors and windows. On the ground floor! How good it is to talk to somebody who understands and share the same feelings. And how nice it is to live in a house where people care about each other. This is really an experience I could've lived without, but since that is no longer an option I'm choosing to learn from it. And bask in the feeling that I'm not alone in this. There are people around me who care, and will look out for me and my flat when I'm not around. And the police advisor was really cute!

Lock

When I informed the police advisor about the type of windows I had he proffered his hand and said congrats. Seemingly I had been wise enough to choose the best option securitywise.

However, he said that when burglars want to get in they drill a hole in the glass and thru this they open the door/window from the inside. Which is why I have to have locks. Like keys locking the door/windows from the inside.

Fortunately the guy who fixed something on the balcony happened to have two of those in his car. So two out of the four doors/windows now have keys. And he was happy to help!

It was the foreigners

One thing that was a bit funny in all of this commotion was when one of the neighbours living in the house behind ours told the police that he was sure it was foreigners breaking in. Considering that it is one (1!) Swiss person out of seven people living in our house that is from Switzerland it was a gutsy statement. He then specified it to say that "surely it must've been the eastern Europeans", probably not thinking that two of the neighbours are from there. I think it is was a team of burglars, since according to the police lots of apartments in the area had break-ins yesterday. Organized crime in my hood, this is just not on!

CSI Zürich

At four o'clock this afternoon my place was rockin'. I thought about opening some wine and it would've been just like the housewarming party. It was six neighbours, the police woman who took the report, two police advisors, the construction manager, the guy who was here to fix the glass thing for the open fireplace and a guy to do something on the balcony. I love meeting new people but seriously prefer to do it in other circumstances.

But the damage to the balcony doors (even more than I had discovered this morning!) was thoroughly documented and even taped for "residual values". Meaning if they ever find the tool they tried to break in with they can match it to the stuff they collected.

Crime scene

Shaky

Today it has sunk in what happened. I feel really shaky. I do not want to feel unsafe in my own home, and I do not want to be worried when I’m away. I know that it is most probably a person looking for cash or things that can easily be transferred into cash, but still. I really do hope they can secure some foot- or fingerprints, so that they can catch this bastard. He deserves to be hanged in his balls over an open fire! The police said that we were not the only victims last night. There were others in the same hood. And I always thought that my area is one of the better in Zürich! So this afternoon it’ll be full house at my place. The police advisor as previously planned as well as the fireplace guy to look at the door that is loose. On top of that now another police is coming to make the report on the burglary-try. The construction guy is joining to see if my balcony doors can be repaired or have to be replaced. And all the neighbours are joining to hear what the police advisor has to say. The only positive thing was the professional attitude of my insurance company Zurich. They promptly gave me an incident number and told me that repair or replacement of the balcony doors will be paid by them. I just need to get it fixed and send them the bill. Neat. But I gotta say, this is a happening I really don’t need in my life.

My new best friend - the polizei

Fucketyfuck. This morning when I was looking out over the magnificent vista, enjoying the view of the mountains I noticed some mud on the balcony floor. When I opened the balcony door I noticed break-in marks! Turns out both balcony doors have marks from somebody trying to get in! This ain't good people. So not only will the police advisor come this afternoon, but another police to take the report. I have also been asked to not clean on the balcony (as if I would!). I guess my flat is now also a crime scene! This is so bad. Now I will never be able to leave my flat without having all the blinds down for extra protection. I hope there is a death sentence for burglars in Switzerland!

Police action

Tomorrow we in my new house have booked a police advisory session. The excellent police in Zürich offers free advice to house owners to prevent crimes like break-ins. Tonight I came home from the wine fair about 21.30. About an hour later neighbours came home, finding their home in a mess. Paper on the floor, clothes all over the place like they (he?) had been in a hurry finding things to steal. They lost 250 euros but the laptop was still there, and there were break-in marks on a bedroom window and from the inside when they tried to get out through the balcony, apparently in a hurry. Perhaps it was I coming home scaring them off? It is really unusual that all four flats are empty, but when I came home this evening it was dark everywhere and had been so since 18.30 this evening according to the other neighbours. The police was quickly here and secured the crime scene, just like in CSI. Now they are waiting for the technician to arrive to go dusting for fingerprints or whatever they do. In other circumstances it would've been exciting, but when it's my friends who are the victims and I live really close it is not. The irony of having the session booked for tomorrow...

Vino

Discovered today that the evening we had planned on Friday wouldn't work. The wine boats close tomorrow, and since I'm busy then today was the only chance. Good thing I have friends who are spontaneous and as eager as me to have a drink on a Wednesday.

20 francs entrance fee and then as much wine as you can drink, walking from one of the 12 boats to the other. Only you have to play a bit since they only serve a few drops in each glass, so there was much talk about acid, bouquet and body in order to get the next glass that had an even better whatever (aroma, taste, flavour, pick your choice).

And leaving it looked really nice from a distance.

New friends rock

It is amazing that two people who have absolutely nothing in common, doesn't share a single interest, can get along effortlessly for four hours.

Blender guy was coming around bringing the new and fault-free glass plate for the oven, as well as the new mixer.

Without any problems whatsoever we talked for four hours (yeah I know what you're thinking but I wasn't the only one speaking).

He was interested in music, snowboarding, photographing, mountains and motorbiking.

I want music in the background, do not care for ski activities (ok, after-ski is a maybe), want a camera without extra functionality, enjoy looking at mountains but not climbing them, and go by tram, train or bus most of the time.

On top of this I learned that my two new ovens have a lot of functionality I could never dream of. Much less use to be honest. But if I want I can defrost, steam, grill, crisp and even put on a normal oven function (i.e. if I can find the right button). At least it's now programmed.

But it was a fun evening. And we were not short of things to talk about!

Mango marguerita

Turns out my nearest shops (which also coincidentally is a liquor shop!) doesn't offer any strawberries this time of the year, but mango. So mango it was. After all, had to test my new blender.

Blender guy gently suggested to maybe peel the fruit next time...

Permanent

So yesterday we finally managed to find the time to put the whiteboard up in the entrance of the house. I used to have it in my old flat, but it doesn't really fit in the new one and I thought it was better it came to use somewhere else. Neighbour with drill and me assisting, and it looked perfect. Thought I'd write something so that people noticed it was up. Like "Finally up! Welcome!". So did. Today coming home I thought I'd take it off. No fun with messages that are there more than a day. Hmmm, it didn't come off easily. Permanent marker! Oops. How did I not notice that yesterday? Well, resourceful as I am I went and got acetone and voila, off it went. Soon I will celebrate with appliance guy who is on his way with my new fancy blender. Hurray!

You know you're drunk when...

...you call your mobile phone from the fixed line. Twice. Seriously, I thought the first time I had it and still couldn't find it. Second time, I located it in the pocket of my jacket in the closet. Good so. But then I had two un-answered calls on my mobile, and although the number looked familiar I had to think about who it was. Jeez. Time to go to bed.

Basel candy

But gotta say, bringing candy makes up for a lot. I never before had candy from Basel, and apart from the marmelade it does look delicious.

I am always right

See, they couldn't keep their hands off...

Cooking time

My apron.

Loooove the serial killer way

Amongst all my friends I have two couples who cannot keep their hands off each other in public. Don't take me wrong, I think it's endearing to be in love and to be able to show your affection, but if you live together, seriously, must you do it all the time? Most couples I know act like "normal" people, not having to touch and kiss when with others. And I'm not referring to teenagers, I do remember what it was like. But grownups? Once ok, but like a serial killer they seem to must have to do it repeatedly. I don't find it repulsive, just unnecessary. Reason I bring this up is I'm having one of these couples for dinner tonight. Was contemplating seating them on opposite sides of the table, but I'm sure they would just toe-flirt or something instead. And yes, I like them as people, otherwise I wouldn't have invited them but I'm dreading the lovey-dovey a bit...

Sisters

When out the other evening I was asked whether it was my sister who was with me. She's a couple of decades junior to me. MOOOHHHAAAAAHHAAAAAA! Made my day.

Let your hair down

What was really really fun yesterday, was definitely blurry this morning. In fact, not even sure I was sober. But looking at the pics now, it seems like it was blurry already yesterday!

Germany 20 years ago

“Can you imagine the East Berliners disappointment when they tore down that wall, and on the other side was just more Germany”.

It wasn't my fault!

Bit of a bad luck with new flat lately. Today I was gonna grill some chicken (my favourite in case you didn't know), put the pot into the oven and started the grill. And see what happened! What did I do!?!

Keep the flu to yourself

Met a neighbour yesterday and we kissed-kissed-kissed as you do here. I then said "so how are you?". Him: "I think I might have the swine flu". Jeez! Was kissing really necessary?

Slovenian floor-heating

Was informed today about how floor-heating is no good for older people, apropos talking about me staying in my flat the rest of my days. Apparently the heat goes from the floor into the bones of your body. All this according to a Slovenian study, that hasn't been translated into English. One wonders why. Good thing I ain't old.

Table

Finally got a table! Now just some chairs are missing...

Mishap

Now I have learned my lesson re open fireplace. Had a bit of a mishap yesterday, something with the air shaft not being open or something, resulting in a slight discolouring of the walls. Hmm. And I did it all by myself.

Good thing the construction guy owes me one after not fixing my telephone line. So apart from that I had to endure his laugh on the phone, he's now sending around a painter to fix it. Good guy.

Pedi-something

Had a friend over for dinner tonight and had to excuse myself for wearing extremely unsexy socks. While explaining this to my friend I said "because I did a pedophile earlier, and used some babyoil". Hmm. Perhaps not exactly what I meant. Heard of pedicure?

Barolo

Bro was in Barolo yesterday, sending an sms saying "I'm in Barolo, and I'm ..."drum roll" drinking Barolo". Yes, what else would you do in Barolo?

Cooking

This is what it looks like when I cook in new flat. Loadsa space, cig and cooking wine nearby, slicing veggies, the chili-chicken already marinated and ready to go in the oven.

Notice the new "Kitchen aid" stand with knives to the right. Fancy-schmancy sharp knives from Whirlpool. Wonder who I got that from?

Partytime - again

What can I say? Most people claim to "hate" my fav place in town, but when there it does certainly seem like they enjoy it.

Rock on!

Neighbourhood watch

I am so glad I'm not the only one smoking in the house, but I may have to lend the neighbour an ashtray...