Hot in hell?

Had a very interesting discussion with an old friend of mine recently. None of us is religious, but we both believe in doing and being good. Much more important than just talking.

Reminds me of an article I read. A 19-year old woman joined a monastery, promising silence, no sex and a life of prayer. Tell me, how exactly is that gonna help anybody?

Now you ask, what is Annika doing to help? This is what I am asking myself often. I try to help by listening, giving advice, buying Surprise (the homeless paper) and in general open my house for friends. Not enough one might think, and they are probably right. Haven't even gotten around to start up that cookie bank I was thinking about (micro loans).

But my friend and I agreed that life (or death) in hell sounds a helluvalotmorefun (pun intended!) than the alternative upstairs, so we agreed to meet there one day.

PS. Gotten the temp down from a summery 27°C to 23.4°C in the bedroom. Is it hotter in hell?

Promotion

I have been promoted. Now I'm not only a guest to the weddingoftheyear 2011, but I'm part of the organizational team. Even created a new category cleverly called "Wedding", since I think there will be loadsa items to write about. I'm in charge of communications. Who is coming? When are they flying in? Where are they staying? Do they need transport from the airport? And back? It's my job to inform all these people (100+!), and somehow I think it's only a honorary position. Like working for no pay. Hmmm. Nevertheless, think Bro knew what he did when he asked me. Have already created the template spreadsheet...me, the nerd!

No desk - yet

Good news and bad news re desk. Bro actually went to Ikea, only they didn't have my desk in storage so now I am promised to have it delivered for no extra charge but in 3 weeks. In the meantime guests moved armchair and chest of drawers around. They: "we always have to work when we come here". Me: "Yes". The things people do for free drinks...

Spasiba

Am happy for Bro having met the love of his life, but it doesn't mean I'm gonna make her life easy. On the contrary. She told me what "cheers" is in Bulgarian (mazdrave) which I chose to immediately forget. Now every time we clink glasses it's "SPASIBA", which I'm pretty sure means cheers in Russian. Haha, sehr lustig.

Partytime

How to prepare an apero*

Make sure you have done all the shopping at least a day in advance. You don't wanna wake up having the stress of going shopping. Morning: put all the bottles of soda, fizzy water and white wine in the fridge, so that it'll be cold in the evening. Marinate meat if you plan that, like chicken wings that I usually have. Midday: relax, shower, take a walk if you're so inclined. If you know the people don't worry, if it's people new to you, think of topics to discuss and interesting things to tell them. People don't do well without entertainment. They are expecting you to take the lead. Afternoon: prepare everything in advance. I have just done a ham/salami-plate, coupla cheese plates decorated with grapes, tomato/mozzarella, chicken wings in oven (bread will have to wait a little), carrot- and cucumber sticks with dip (chili of course). Don't forget to change clothes and comb hair. It doesn't look nice to open the door clad in if not rags so shorts and a top that has been washed about 2,000 times, which btw is usually what I wear at home. Evening: when door rings open and smile widely, because you are happy to see the people you invited (why else would you have?). Stick immediately a glass with something alcoholic in their hand, and the rest will take care of itself. Easy-peasy, and ever so much fun! *apero in Switzerland is usually a bit more than just a little finger-food.

Move around

Am re-furnishing flat in my head, since I got half a promise from Bro to buy that desk for me. Half a promise makes me go into overdrive. Might have to deal with disappointment when they arrive, but until then... So sofa corner table will go in the kitchen, so that I can use it for storing drinks and other stuff, which will leave kitchen counter more clean. Sofa will be moved closer to the corner. Big bulky black leather armchair, currently residing in the guest room, will go next to the sofa and the wine stand will be moved elsewhere, dunno where yet. The chest of drawers in the guest room will be moved to the other wall, next to the cd stands. The new and shiny desk will go in front of the windows in the guest room...1.80m long so will easily accommodate two people. Old stools will fit underneath. Yes!! This'll be good.

Soon 1 year!

On September 1st it is one year since I moved into my fabulous (!) flat. To celebrate I have invited the neighbours tomorrow. Am planning an apero.

But already today one of the neighbours is having a party, and I was helping her to prepare. Like a training session for tomorrow.

Duck on the menu

Went to my fav butcher shop to buy chicken wings and ham, but came home with a wee bit more including a whole duck!

This is gonna be interesting to grill. I love duck, but have never prepared it myself. Watch this space.

Zürich tourist guide

I like that my city is innovative. No rent, more guides when it's nice weather like today. Flexible and mobile.

Zürich simply rocks!

Cats

In some years I plan to get a cat. I grew up with them, and adore them. I have even planned to have a small cat stair built from my balcony down to the ground, although it seems that some cats prefer to stay next to the house at which time my balcony will be big enough. Get the urge to get one now when I'm browsing the sites: http://www.zuerchertierschutz.ch/ and the homeless. They are just tooooo cuuuute!

Scheissen

Was taking a stroll today with the nanny and the baby, which was very nice during the walk when the baby was sleeping. Less nice when we stopped at a cafe having a drink, and it started to stink like hell. Is there no way of housetraining a baby?

MRI

Yesterday I got my third shot of cortisone. Hell, that was even more painful than the other two times. Straight into the inflamed bone! It was hurting even more after the shot than before. Now I will wait 5-6 days before it takes effect. If the pain comes back I will be sent for an MRI. The best I can say about this is that it will be a new experience. So do not look fw to being stuck in a tube! Good thing I'm not claustrophobic. This they will do to check that there is nothing else than the calcium they have already diagnosed. Plan C is an operation. Keeping my fingers crossed it won't come to that!

Correction

My soon to be 80-year-old friend prefers that I refer to him as 79.5 years old. Sorry, but it's only 4 months left of this year, so it's gotta be 79 2/3's, at least :)

STD

Am watching the trilogy written by Stieg Larsson once more, and just realized that in the end of the second movie there is a car with a registration number STD and then three numbers. My guess is that this won't be a part of the Hollywood version!

No MMS

Haha, I have to laugh. Got a phone call from an 80-year old, discussing a renovation. He said he'd send me a pic on the mobile, at which time I had to reluctantly tell him that my phone is not set up to receive pics. Makes me feel old-fashioned! Darn!

Blogspot

Blogspots search engine leaves a wee bit to be desired. Was searching on my own blog for a key-word and it came up with nothing. Even though I wrote about it. Mind you, I do write 2.7 items per day on average, at least since Jan-2007. Probably just as much since Nov-2005 when I first started to blog. Time flies when you're having fun!

Monday in Zürich

I loooove my city!

Mad cow

Got a coupla choices when it comes to the movement sensor. Any preference? Mad cow 1 Mad cow 2 Mad cow 3 Might have to tape my own mooooh!

Plants

Wow has my plants grown since I moved in almost a year ago! Not only the greens love my place!

September last year to now on the pic.

MOOOOOH!

Got a very unexpected sms this evening asking me if I were home, because my friend had a lead on a cowskin including the head! This is what I've been wanting ever since I moved in!

So they came over and we had a discussion about what type of skin, how big a head, whether the horns should be included (of course!) and the colour. Black and white, what else? Do I want a tail (yes, but only a flat one). And I asked the "hunterman" not to tell me the name of the cow.

So this is the guy who will get me a cow!

The skin will go under the sofa table, with head facing the balcony.

So when the next potential thief will climb up to my balcony he will be faced with a big (actually we agreed on medium big) cow face, with a movement sensor screeming "MOOOOH!" at him.

Orange really rocks

"Dear Mrs and then my name, Thank you for your reply. As you are a longtime customer of Orange I am glad to confirm, that I made a credit of CHF 50.00 on your next bill as a gesture of goodwill. Have a nice weekend." And this only because I questioned a charge of 19 francs! I will so stay with Orange!

A selection of pics from my fab day at Zürichsee

Full gas

This may not be so fast with a car, but with a boat. Whoa!

Speeding on Zürichsee

Fantastic day on the lake, and I got to drive!

A drink mate?

Almost forgot, this is the friend who was introduced to ze Swiss culture tonight.

Muzzle and muscle

This evening I got accused of not being able to speak English properly. Apparently I cannot distinguish between muzzle and muscle. Well I know some people who can only speak one language...most of them are called ENGLISH!

Apfelkammer

The place where we had dinner tonight is a place where I have been maybe eight times in my life. I was checking back on the (old) blog, and if you care to go back there it was in October 2006 when I threw a big party there. As said I have been back but only like twice a year, and every time I walk in there they remember me. They remember what I ate last time and how I like my beef tatar made (very spicy!) and which wine I prefer (a very nice Chianti). This is a place which has been handed down generation after generation after generation. There is a reason it has survived.

Hanging from the rafters

Literally this was happening this evening. After a long discussion with an English (well, Welsh actually, perhaps that's why) about what "hanging from the rafters" mean.

My interpretation apart from the obvious literally meaning is that you laugh your ass off, but his take on it was that you're pissed. But what does he know, being Welsh and all!

Anyway, he got to see a piece of Swiss culture tonight. And the place is about 700 years old!

Dear friend

Yesterday I got home a bit after midnight, and had trouble sleeping. I should've learned by now never ever to drink coffee after dinner. So I finally went to sleep after 3 in the morning, waking up just before noon. After I switched my mobile on, the phone rang. You know, people who know me would never ring me before the afternoon, but this was a biz call.

So I was stuck talking about investments for like 20 mins. And I hadn't even showered!

Anyway, at two in the afternoon I had invited a dear "old" friend for lunch. And of course she showed up with a bottle of vino in her hand. Before I even had breakfast.

But I'm flexible. And we had a really good time catching up, talking about everything and nothing for like 5 hours. Then I had to leave for my next date.

Inspiration

Everywhere I go these days I draw inspiration about interior design. Tonight I saw lights that I like. Thanks B for inviting me for a fab dinner!

I was also impressed by the napkins, and I am now learning to fold. Makes me think about the elephant towel in South Africa. Who would have thought that I would take an interest in folding napkins? If this isn't a sign of getting old, I dunno know what is!

Lochness lookalike

Was in town today and got on the tram to go home, and as you do you don't look around. Had a buzz in my pocket, indicating an sms and was concentrating on that. Went into the back of the tram (one of the new ones which has a few steps up in the back, having a view and making you feel like you are back in school, in the back with the cool people), sat down and went "oh fuck".

Owner said "oh, he doesn't do anything". Yeah, I guess that's why she put a muzzle on him.

Found it!

This is gonna be my new desk in the guest room. When I first saw it irl I thought it was too long, but now I have rearranged the furniture, so that it will fit. Ikea, here I come!

The worlds most read publication

It's here!

OMG

The small intimate wedding that Bro's girlfriend told me about, has now grown to something like 100-120 people! Guess small in Eastern Europe is different to here. And I gotta make a speech! In three languages, whereof I don't speak one. There is a lot to be said about a quick one in Vegas! Suppose it's not a good idea to include my sarcasm, dry wit or any sort of jokes that I find hilariously funny. Darn! How can I write a speech including love, hope and eternal bliss, and then stand up and speak with a straight face? I'm gonna end up like Smithy in Gavin&Stacey (1.10 into the clip), except it won't be because I'm moved!

Free drinks

Today I had a date with a friend to pick up my new, shiny, black and fabulous (awesome, super, gorgeous - you pick) shelf. But he didn't show up. There was I, waiting with shorts and a top and wearing flip-flops. Cold and rainy. Which reminds me of when my father used to tell me the tale of how he walked barefoot in snow to school for many kilometers when he was little. Until my grandmother heard, and said "No, you didn't. We lived next to the school. And you had shoes." Nothing like having a witness. Anyway. I phoned my friend and eventually he showed up, helping me carry the thing. This has now rendered me a number of free drinks. And I promised him to stop referring to this failure in about 3 months. I am the generous kind!

Miscommunication

Bro's birthday today. Usually he is vague in communicating what he wants as a present. Guess I spoiled him some years ago when I gave him a trip to Madrid. All expenses paid. Mind you, I went with him so perhaps not so spoiled. Today I got a phone call from the Eastern European (mental note: call her fiancée!) asking me if I got him a present. Yes. She then said "did you get him a wallet?". Yes. That was the only alternative he gave me. Turns out he told us both the same thing. So now I'm stuck with a wallet, a mans wallet. But got an idea. Can swap it (still have the receipt) for a purple wallet that I want. Still haven't bought a new one after puking into my current one last year. This turns out to be good. It's his birthday, and I get a present!

Meals on wheels

Coupla days ago neighbour offered to bring me some lasagne. I was over the moon, since this is one of my faves. Only when she referred to my age when dropping it off, I kinda bolted. Not enough to turn the offer down though :) For the people not in the loop "meals on wheels" is a service for elderly people. Bringing food to people not being able to shop or cook for themselves. One day in the future I'm gonna need this service. In the meantime, I take what I can get in terms of free food!

Shelf!

And don't worry, the thingie to the left is hidden by an armchair. Happy!

Flip or flop, hot or not

Despite raining cats and dogs tonight I ventured into town, only to lose one of my sexy flip-flop-sandals in a pool of water. Took two steps with my speedy stride before I could stop. Almost like a train coming to a halt. There's a lot to be read into that! Then I realized that I'm more of a noisy duck in a small pond, than a fish in an ocean. I really do not appreciate being squashed and apprehended by idiots. Also realized that neighbour promised me lasagne tomorrow, and that I was really hungry. Went and bought a kebab, which happens roughly once a year and asked them to do it really, really, really hot! Jeez, my skin was curling! Maybe next year I'll ask them to make it only really, really hot. But all in all, I'm happy I went. After all, the streetparade is only once a year! And where else do you get to observe a bunny?

Ze Swiss rules

It's very nice when foreigners are contributing to the Swiss welfare. We bow and say thank you! Even my cousin when visiting here got caught speeding, but being him he asked for proof. Which he got. In form of a perfect pic of himself at the wheel. He is however reluctant to send it to me (I suggested he frame it!), since he thinks it would end up on the blog. Hell yeah!

Old friends

Have been thinking about it ever since I joked about a friend being old vs a friend I had a for a long time. What constitutes an old friend really? I.e. a friend you had for a long time. I have quite a lot of friends. Probably because I'm a tad older than 20 plus that I have been around the world, travelled, worked and in general been open to new contacts. However, there is a difference. Some people you have known for a long time, but you don't know them well. Other people you have picked up more recently, but have had a more intensive relationship with, and thus know better. I kinda think that when you start to know the relatives of the friend, and in general know more about their life, then they start to classify as old friends. Then of course there is everything in between, and it's nothing bad or good. And in my opinion you need all kinds of friends. Not necessarily quantity before quality, but since you tend to drift in and out of peoples lives, there is nothing bad with a back-up. Just some thoughts on a Saturday afternoon. Soon the party starts!

Catch up time

Some of my friends are getting a tad tired of showing up often on my blog, but I think when it's a photo showing us having a good time, what's the issue?

Street parade 2010

Another party in Zürich.

Disappointment!

Made up my mind, engaged a friend to help carrying and went to Pfister to buy that shelf. Turned out that you have to pre-order and they have to get it delivered from Germany. Now I won't get it until Monday! I hate waiting for things once I've made up my mind. Instant gratification is my middle name.

Just a Wednesday

Had an old friend over for dinner tonight. I'll leave it to you to interprete whether the friend is old, or whether we've been friends a long time. Anyhow, it was nice to catch up after not seeing each other for quite some time.

And I couldn't resist. Sent an sms to his wife saying that I didn't know that her husband would appreciate my bar (the one in town), and that I enjoyed seeing him standing on a bench clapping his hands. Haha.

Best in class

Ran into a former class-mate from ze German course this eve. She told me I was the best in the class. Didn't think much of her before, in fact couldn't remember her name until she gave me her email, but changed my mind. I think she is great. And a bit stupid.

Yyyyyl!

Have a friend from Finland, and in Finland they speak an unrecognizable language. Well, I guess unrecognizable only to anybody who doesn't live there. I know one sentence "mikä ma, mikä valutta"...probably misspelled but means "which country, which currency?" Learned this from my Finnish friend when we were both travelling a lot. You know that feeling when you land at an airport and you have to take a few seconds to realize where you are. Anyway, "yyyyyl" is what she will scream when she gets here next time. Private joke, but ever so funny!

All phones are busy now

This is weird. Just got a phone call on my fixed line, and when I picked up an American voice said "All phones are busy now, please try again later". This better not be a charged call!

Shelf

Was also looking at a shelf to have under the telly to store dvd-player, wires and the telephone. What do you reckon? Only thing is the price, isn't 400 francs a tad expensive? But I like that it's on wheels and that it's open both ends. Means that you can stick all the cabling in from the back.