I have a beef with my bar, the one I'm usually going to. They raised the price of my wine with a whopping 17%. Just like that, in one go.
It's a bottle containing half a liter of white wine, and it used to cost 29 francs. This is an acceptable price for going out, listening to music and have fun for a few hours. 34 francs on the other hand, is steep I think.
I know, in a restaurant you pay more, but at home I pay 4.25 per bottle for my better house wine (well, not really, since I'm always buying when it's on sale, at least 20% discount I get. And it's 75 cl, not 50!).
I much rather go out when I have the feeling of not being ripped off.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Please duck
Friends approved of the duck. Second time I did it, kinda trial for Easter. Nice eve, had the magnum bottle of red (Lemacchiole, Bolgheri rosso 2008) which I got at my birthday from this guy.
Extra plus, I got to speak my mother tongue a whole evening!
PS. My telly looks tiny at this distance. It's not, but friends suggested I put a picture up there instead, considering hos little I watch tv. I beg to differ. I now watch Mad men on dvd, and that is something I really do not want to miss! Gash, he's gorgeous!
Extra plus, I got to speak my mother tongue a whole evening!
PS. My telly looks tiny at this distance. It's not, but friends suggested I put a picture up there instead, considering hos little I watch tv. I beg to differ. I now watch Mad men on dvd, and that is something I really do not want to miss! Gash, he's gorgeous!
Friday, January 27, 2012
AA meeting
Unlike what you think reading the headline, it's a group of women with names both beginning and ending with an A. Well almost. We have tweaked it a li'l bit, but not much.
They are a twisted bunch of "girls" ranging from 30-50 years of age, but all with a dirty sense of humour. Except for me of course.
When I heard "she's always getting in late" they actually were talking about "she's always getting laid", and when they were discussing men in ties I heard men in tights (thinking why do they talk about ballet?).
Next thing I know I'll be needing a hearing aid. Or, on second thought, I'd probably be better off without one!
They are a twisted bunch of "girls" ranging from 30-50 years of age, but all with a dirty sense of humour. Except for me of course.
When I heard "she's always getting in late" they actually were talking about "she's always getting laid", and when they were discussing men in ties I heard men in tights (thinking why do they talk about ballet?).
Next thing I know I'll be needing a hearing aid. Or, on second thought, I'd probably be better off without one!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Scarf jinx
A few months ago I was at a party. I forgot my scarf. Remembered while I was running for the bus. Well running is stretching it, but walking fast. Decided it wasn't important enough to go back.
So when I visited the same friend again, I got my scarf back. Or so I thought.
Wore it on the way back home, but when I was taking it on the next day I realized it was the wrong colour. Dark blue instead of my purple. Same material. Oh dear.
So it turned out I took her scarf (her favourite as it turned out, from the other 49 she has), instead of mine. Now we're meeting in February, so I am really looking forward to get my winterscarf back then.
So when I visited the same friend again, I got my scarf back. Or so I thought.
Wore it on the way back home, but when I was taking it on the next day I realized it was the wrong colour. Dark blue instead of my purple. Same material. Oh dear.
So it turned out I took her scarf (her favourite as it turned out, from the other 49 she has), instead of mine. Now we're meeting in February, so I am really looking forward to get my winterscarf back then.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Mad men
Borrowed series 1-3 of Mad men today. Gosh, that is what a man should look like! The series itself is pretty good too, but even if it wasn't I would watch just to see him.
New flat
Went to visit some people today who just moved into a brand new apartment. Not as fab as mine obviously, but pretty darn good. Albeit a quite different colour scheme, but at least they have one.
Now it just needs some lights, paintings and decoration and it'll be a very nice home.
And this one I've seen before.
Grandma's plants fit in nicely.
Now it just needs some lights, paintings and decoration and it'll be a very nice home.
And this one I've seen before.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Me feeding friends
Two cat owners and a man (sounds like a movie title!). I feel that perhaps he thought we were talking a tad too much about our furry loved ones, but once you start, it's difficult to stop.
And he kept on playing with Zina, so I think he was all right with it.
Raclette dinner and vino, whisky and sherry. Yes, a very nice evening with good friends.
And he kept on playing with Zina, so I think he was all right with it.
Raclette dinner and vino, whisky and sherry. Yes, a very nice evening with good friends.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Friends feeding me
One of my friends doesn't cook, but that doesn't stop him from inviting me. We have dinner together every 3-4 weeks, once at my place, once at his.
And I gotta say he's inventive. He does a nice cheese plate, or something simple to cook. The point is not the food, and we always have a nice chat.
But now he met somebody who cooks. So tonight he was heating up a delish moussaka according to instructions.
And for dessert a sweet baklava. Yeah, I am now convinced my friends like me just as I am.
And I gotta say he's inventive. He does a nice cheese plate, or something simple to cook. The point is not the food, and we always have a nice chat.
But now he met somebody who cooks. So tonight he was heating up a delish moussaka according to instructions.
And for dessert a sweet baklava. Yeah, I am now convinced my friends like me just as I am.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Heineken
That reminds me, when I was working in Holland, I used to be referred to as Heineken. Not entirely sure how they went from Heineken to Annika, but with the throaty language it somehow worked.
And in those days we drank a lot of fleutjes, those tiny beers where they use glasses, dip them in a fluid of some kind including a dishwasher liquid, then turn them around while there is still fluid inside, then pour beer and serve. It's really tiny glasses, so not sure how much beer it actually contained.
It was a good time in Holland!
And in those days we drank a lot of fleutjes, those tiny beers where they use glasses, dip them in a fluid of some kind including a dishwasher liquid, then turn them around while there is still fluid inside, then pour beer and serve. It's really tiny glasses, so not sure how much beer it actually contained.
It was a good time in Holland!
Winterthur
Had to leave Zürich for a while today. 3 whole zones outside! 25 mins on the train, which is not that far, but I had actually never been there before other than passing thru.
Now I've seen not only the Bahnhof, but also an Italian restaurant and the soon to open Turmhaus center. It is still being refurbished, but I really liked the stone. Hope they will keep it.
And the previous tenant, right up my alley!
Now I've seen not only the Bahnhof, but also an Italian restaurant and the soon to open Turmhaus center. It is still being refurbished, but I really liked the stone. Hope they will keep it.
And the previous tenant, right up my alley!
Misunderstanding
When I left my flat this evening I ran into the neighbour. He was dressed in a jogging outfit, and I was dressed for success. Sorry, I meant I was dressed to go out. Typical. Living in a building with child-producing people and sports fanatics. I so wish I owned the building!
Anyway, while leaving the bar tonight my friend was putting on a hat/cap and somebody was saying goodbye ötzi. While I was thinking of ötzi, they actually meant ötzi.
Anyway, while leaving the bar tonight my friend was putting on a hat/cap and somebody was saying goodbye ötzi. While I was thinking of ötzi, they actually meant ötzi.
Some friends
I don't think my friends are helping much, when it comes to accomplish my goal weight. On the other hand, they may think I'm ok as I am.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
When I'm irritated
Was watching telly, and for some reason I got to think of when I was irritated (not like I'm never irritated now, frequent readers of the blog should know that), but this particular time I was only 20 years old.
I had gotten a camera from my father. A brand new one. The only problem was that all the pictures came out grainy. Not matter what I did, the quality sucked. And in those days you had to go to a shop and get them developed. And pay for it! Not like these days, when you load them to your computer, then delete if not fine. At no cost.
So I wrote a letter (you know on paper, with an envelope and stamp and all!) to the company who had produced this camera. After like a week I got a nice letter back, with a voucher of about the equivalent of 30 francs. Like the pictures was gonna be better if I bought more film!
This triggered me to write another letter, saying I thought that the evening press would be mighty interested in the story, and that I wouldn't hesitate to contact them.
A few days later I got another letter, stating that I could go to the nearest shop (they had even researched which one was closest to where I lived, and this was long before google!) and pick out a new camera of my choice. At no cost to me.
See! It pays off to be irrited once in a while.
I had gotten a camera from my father. A brand new one. The only problem was that all the pictures came out grainy. Not matter what I did, the quality sucked. And in those days you had to go to a shop and get them developed. And pay for it! Not like these days, when you load them to your computer, then delete if not fine. At no cost.
So I wrote a letter (you know on paper, with an envelope and stamp and all!) to the company who had produced this camera. After like a week I got a nice letter back, with a voucher of about the equivalent of 30 francs. Like the pictures was gonna be better if I bought more film!
This triggered me to write another letter, saying I thought that the evening press would be mighty interested in the story, and that I wouldn't hesitate to contact them.
A few days later I got another letter, stating that I could go to the nearest shop (they had even researched which one was closest to where I lived, and this was long before google!) and pick out a new camera of my choice. At no cost to me.
See! It pays off to be irrited once in a while.
Hairy
Since my two little ones moved in with me, the amount of hair flying around has around quadrupled, if not more. Since my cleaning lady is only coming every two weeks, I am forced to hoover the week in between. Myself!
The fact that my bed is full of cat hair doesn't bother me at all. On the contrary, it is cozy when one or both of them join me sleeping there.
But recently I realized that also the guest bed was full of cat hair. Very full. So now I had to go and buy a new cover, so that they can get all hairy on that. Then when guests are expected I will make up the bed just before.
Beautiful shiny, black, furry cover. Fits with the colour scheme in the guest room.
The fact that my bed is full of cat hair doesn't bother me at all. On the contrary, it is cozy when one or both of them join me sleeping there.
But recently I realized that also the guest bed was full of cat hair. Very full. So now I had to go and buy a new cover, so that they can get all hairy on that. Then when guests are expected I will make up the bed just before.
Beautiful shiny, black, furry cover. Fits with the colour scheme in the guest room.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Ms House
In 2010 I had a shoulder operation. In 2011 this friend of mine had a hip operation. None of our "conditions" could be explained, no doctor could give a reason why we had these issues.
Nevertheless, we both recovered and when I met up with my friend tonight she was, as usual, walking around in high heels, but with a cane I didn't expect. (Yes, of course we did the joke of Ms House, her limping around with a cane in high heels).
She so reminds me of myself, 10-15 years ago. A mobile phone stuck to my ear, and always dragging a bag on wheels behind. Except for the heels, stopped wearing those in the...well, let's say, long before...when I realized they were hurting my feet...and may I add...my foot fetichist still thinks I have the best...anyway...
You know, when I see these people still in the middle of their career, being "important" and always online, I am almost getting religious. It is soooo fantastic not being a part of it anymore.
One day I'll tell you about my career. And yes, I know, haven't spoken about it before on this blog but now may be the time. Watch out!
Of course, in my days it was an oldfashioned mobile phone, not a blackberry or an iphone. And I never felt the need to keep it in front of me while having dinner with five friends.
Nevertheless, we both recovered and when I met up with my friend tonight she was, as usual, walking around in high heels, but with a cane I didn't expect. (Yes, of course we did the joke of Ms House, her limping around with a cane in high heels).
She so reminds me of myself, 10-15 years ago. A mobile phone stuck to my ear, and always dragging a bag on wheels behind. Except for the heels, stopped wearing those in the...well, let's say, long before...when I realized they were hurting my feet...and may I add...my foot fetichist still thinks I have the best...anyway...
You know, when I see these people still in the middle of their career, being "important" and always online, I am almost getting religious. It is soooo fantastic not being a part of it anymore.
One day I'll tell you about my career. And yes, I know, haven't spoken about it before on this blog but now may be the time. Watch out!
Of course, in my days it was an oldfashioned mobile phone, not a blackberry or an iphone. And I never felt the need to keep it in front of me while having dinner with five friends.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Shove the diet
So tonight I was meeting up with friends. It's a bit weird. We all met thru this woman, who moved back to England some years ago. Every time she's in town, she sets up a dinner date, and we all show up. Same people every time, and although we all live here (in and around Zürich), we never meet other times. I am now about to change that, since these are funny people.
We had dinner in a restaurant, and I took a break from my semi-strict diet. Want to point out that I didn't have all these dishes, the wienerschnitzel was mine. Fries exchanged for coleslaw. It was delish!
And then I had my fav dessert (after Toblerone mousse), an Irish coffee. Not a good diet day, but good fun.
But gotta say I'm a bit disappointed. People going home early, stating "I gotta work tomorrow". So? I remember going directly to the office from a night out. What is wrong with the youngsters of today? No stamina whatsoever.
We had dinner in a restaurant, and I took a break from my semi-strict diet. Want to point out that I didn't have all these dishes, the wienerschnitzel was mine. Fries exchanged for coleslaw. It was delish!
And then I had my fav dessert (after Toblerone mousse), an Irish coffee. Not a good diet day, but good fun.
But gotta say I'm a bit disappointed. People going home early, stating "I gotta work tomorrow". So? I remember going directly to the office from a night out. What is wrong with the youngsters of today? No stamina whatsoever.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Cravings
Meeting up with some friends tomorrow in a restaurant. This is a bit tricky, since I try to adhere to a diet. Well, some sort of it anyway. So far I have avoided carbs as in potatoes, rice or pasta. Only eaten protein as in chicken and meat, as well as salad and soup. And fat like in bacon, eggs and cheese (well maybe not eggs but still).
Had some fruit as well, which is "not allowed", but I figure it's better than sweets and I gotta have something to keep me going.
Anyway, the place we are going to serve a really good wienerschnitzel. Oh gad, am I hungry! A wienerschnitzel with salad on the side. Yes, that's what I'll have.
Had some fruit as well, which is "not allowed", but I figure it's better than sweets and I gotta have something to keep me going.
Anyway, the place we are going to serve a really good wienerschnitzel. Oh gad, am I hungry! A wienerschnitzel with salad on the side. Yes, that's what I'll have.
Shirt
Hahahaha! I have a shelf full of plants, all sprouting from my two main plants, originating from my Grandmother who has been dead since I was 5.
Not hahaha 'cause I never got to know her, but I was cleaning off that table, showering all the plants, and out of a pile of photos I keep underneath that shelf fell out three photos.
It was from when I was in the middle of my career, and posing with 30 other people (mostly suits!) at some conference or other. Might have been London, Lisbon and some other place I cannot remember.
The funny thing was I had that blue/turquoise shirt that I still wear! Nothing like waiting for 20 years until the fashion comes back!
Not hahaha 'cause I never got to know her, but I was cleaning off that table, showering all the plants, and out of a pile of photos I keep underneath that shelf fell out three photos.
It was from when I was in the middle of my career, and posing with 30 other people (mostly suits!) at some conference or other. Might have been London, Lisbon and some other place I cannot remember.
The funny thing was I had that blue/turquoise shirt that I still wear! Nothing like waiting for 20 years until the fashion comes back!
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Fun in Zürich
My place was hopping yesterday. Not my home, mind you, but my fav outgoing place.
Had so much fun I went back today for the afternoon concert, not only to enjoy the band but also laughing at the middle-aged women (no, I was not one of them!) doing a quite violent twist.
And since it's the last day this particular band plays, I am going back tonight!
Had so much fun I went back today for the afternoon concert, not only to enjoy the band but also laughing at the middle-aged women (no, I was not one of them!) doing a quite violent twist.
And since it's the last day this particular band plays, I am going back tonight!
GPS
If there is somebody in this world who needs a GPS, it is me. I have no clue where I am most of the time.
When I go by public transportation I get spit out at a station, and from there I can usually navigate, but the concept of north, east, west, and south is for me alien. Ok, so I know that the sun rises in the east, and sets in the west, but what if the sun is not shining?
These days most of my friends have iphones. Meaning they can get most information by the press of a button, and also inform me when the last tram goes.
Like yesterday. I was told my last tram went before midnight, so decided to stay for a while but get the other tram that goes to my place a bit later. Turns out my tram went after all.
Or I could just do like tonight, looking out the window of my fav bar and see when the tram passes. Then time it to be at the stop about 10 mins later. Like we did before internet existed.
When I go by public transportation I get spit out at a station, and from there I can usually navigate, but the concept of north, east, west, and south is for me alien. Ok, so I know that the sun rises in the east, and sets in the west, but what if the sun is not shining?
These days most of my friends have iphones. Meaning they can get most information by the press of a button, and also inform me when the last tram goes.
Like yesterday. I was told my last tram went before midnight, so decided to stay for a while but get the other tram that goes to my place a bit later. Turns out my tram went after all.
Or I could just do like tonight, looking out the window of my fav bar and see when the tram passes. Then time it to be at the stop about 10 mins later. Like we did before internet existed.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Mum's
I have never in my life had a person that I could trust completely, except for my Mum. My Mum was exceptional, she was social, open to new things, kind and always appreciating what I did. Ok, after I was 15 (had a puberty period between 13 and 15 which wasn't...well, nice).
I miss that. It was fantastic knowing that somebody always got your back. Even if you screwed up. Not that I did, but if I had.
When she passed away, the person who knew me best and for the longest time, she took a piece of me with her.
Still today, after quite a few years, I get mad when people complain about their Mum's. They should feel lucky about still having one I think.
I miss that. It was fantastic knowing that somebody always got your back. Even if you screwed up. Not that I did, but if I had.
When she passed away, the person who knew me best and for the longest time, she took a piece of me with her.
Still today, after quite a few years, I get mad when people complain about their Mum's. They should feel lucky about still having one I think.
Friday, January 06, 2012
Questionnaire
Hurray, I got a questionnaire. It's from the Swiss authorities, and it is compulsory to answer. No worries, I would've anyway. First, because I love giving feedback, and second, because ze Swiss knows everything about me anyway so no new information needed.
And, it's only 3% who are asked. I feel selected :).
And it was all on internet! Which is exclamation mark-warning when being in Switzerland. I was only failing on one question. Misread how many people who lives in my household. Thought it meant except for me, so put in 0 which wasn't accepted. Then I read the question again, said including me. Oh.
But now it's done, and I am not even Swiss! Well, yet...
And, it's only 3% who are asked. I feel selected :).
And it was all on internet! Which is exclamation mark-warning when being in Switzerland. I was only failing on one question. Misread how many people who lives in my household. Thought it meant except for me, so put in 0 which wasn't accepted. Then I read the question again, said including me. Oh.
But now it's done, and I am not even Swiss! Well, yet...
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Monday, January 02, 2012
A great loss
Today the world has lost a good person. And far too early. It's not like he was famous or anything, but he was a genuinly nice person.
It is not fair, life is not fair.
And I'm very sad.
It is not fair, life is not fair.
And I'm very sad.
Alco?
You know, I still haven't had a day without alcohol this year! Oh dear, am I becoming an alcoholic?
Had brunch today with a few friends here at home, and instead of just coffee we started with Prosecco, then went on with something sweet bubbly and when all was said and done, we moved on with the house wine.
And tonight I'm going out.
This is going to be a great year!
Had brunch today with a few friends here at home, and instead of just coffee we started with Prosecco, then went on with something sweet bubbly and when all was said and done, we moved on with the house wine.
And tonight I'm going out.
This is going to be a great year!
Ze reasonable Swiss
Last year my cousin was visiting Zürich. With a rental car he was driving 66 km/h on a 60-road. Got caught. In all kindness the police deducted 3 km's and sent him a ticket of 40 francs for the remaining 3 km's. Of course after tracing him thru the rental car agency.
I just wonder what the cost was for tracing him and producing the ticket? A wild guess is that it was more than 40 francs.
It's a mystery why Switzerland is a rich country.
I just wonder what the cost was for tracing him and producing the ticket? A wild guess is that it was more than 40 francs.
It's a mystery why Switzerland is a rich country.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Cheesy
I thought it would be best to start off the year with a big bang. After all, didn't want cat piss to be the memory of Jan 1, 2012.
So went for a few drinks. And to celebrate I ordered a cheese plate. Just didn't expect to get all the same cheese and nothing else.
So went for a few drinks. And to celebrate I ordered a cheese plate. Just didn't expect to get all the same cheese and nothing else.
Good and bad things
The good thing about the new year is that I have already been abroad, so feel I've done my quota for 2012 (had to pass thru bit of Germany, in order to get back to Switzerland and home).
Bad thing is that friends male cat pissed on my clothes.
The only way is up from here on.
Bad thing is that friends male cat pissed on my clothes.
The only way is up from here on.
Thingamajig
Look at the thingamajig in the foreground of the pic. This is a typical object you buy for somebody who has everything.
It's got a name in German consisting of 38 letters ("Eierschalensollbruchstellenverursacher"!) and I bet you can never guess what the function is.
It cracks eggs! You put the bottom on top of a boiled egg, then lift the round bit up, let it go, and it falls down, creates a bang and cracks the egg.
It cracks me up!
It's got a name in German consisting of 38 letters ("Eierschalensollbruchstellenverursacher"!) and I bet you can never guess what the function is.
It cracks eggs! You put the bottom on top of a boiled egg, then lift the round bit up, let it go, and it falls down, creates a bang and cracks the egg.
It cracks me up!
Donkeys
Some Swiss people are, how shall I put it, a tad introvert and prefer living out in the woods.
One of the guests yesterday lives in a "village" on a mountain top including five people, two donkeys and one pony.
This led to a number of jokes being made including donkeys, which I shan't mention here. Partly 'cause you had to be there, and partly 'cause I cannot remember most of them :), but it had a lot to do with the looks of people and their intelligence.
One of the guests yesterday lives in a "village" on a mountain top including five people, two donkeys and one pony.
This led to a number of jokes being made including donkeys, which I shan't mention here. Partly 'cause you had to be there, and partly 'cause I cannot remember most of them :), but it had a lot to do with the looks of people and their intelligence.
Old
Most of the things in the village I was visiting is very, very old. Here's a wall that is approx 400 years of age, and it's an indoor wall!
Had the privilege of seeing one of these old houses, which was renovated and modern inside, but with the twist of keeping old details like the wall. As well as the whole building structure coming to think of it.
Very charming!
Had the privilege of seeing one of these old houses, which was renovated and modern inside, but with the twist of keeping old details like the wall. As well as the whole building structure coming to think of it.
Very charming!
Fire
My friend had arranged a smoking place outdoors.
And as usual most of the people ended up there.
And as usual most of the people ended up there.
Food, food and more food
Ended last year with a tablegrill with lotsa fab food. It was anything from lamb, pork, chicken, bacon, scallops, shrimps, fish to vegetables and salad. I really stuffed myself, not thinking twice about the diet that will soon start (but not before I finish the chocolate mousse leftover I got to take with me!).
A very nice evening together with good friends!
A very nice evening together with good friends!
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