A friend of mine was visiting today, and I find it quite amazing that whenever we meet we have long conversations that are interesting. There is never a shortage of topics.
And today she brought a steam-cleaner (I just have to get one myself!), so now the balcony floor is immaculate. One can almost eat directly off it.
I was told it can also be used for window-cleaning, which I'm sure my cleaning lady will appreciate.
Going shopping for one soon.
But then my balcony door wouldn't close properly, so went to fetch my neighbour. And sure enough, he fixed it in no time. And over a glass of wine we talked about raising children. A topic both of us are experts in, him with his 4 kids and I who remember what it was like being one.
We both agreed that children need borders and rules, and to learn what is right and wrong. Pretty common sense if you ask me, but both of us have seen the opposite. No wonder so many young ones grow up to become criminals these days, if they have been taught that everything is allowed!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Tzatziki
Went to dinner tonight at the restaurant where the Greek chef now resides. It was a surprise.
So after the starter was served, I asked to see the chef. There was a lot of confusion among the staff, and my date felt sorry for them (wimp!) and said, "just say Annika is here". Fortunately they didn't hear him.
After reminding them that I wanted to see the chef immediately, he came around the corner. Imagine the relief of the staff when they saw us hugging.
The tzatziki was so good I ordered a portion to go. Just too bad oil spilled out of the package on my fab winter jacket. But I bet nobody will notice, and that it's good for another 8 years at least.
So after the starter was served, I asked to see the chef. There was a lot of confusion among the staff, and my date felt sorry for them (wimp!) and said, "just say Annika is here". Fortunately they didn't hear him.
After reminding them that I wanted to see the chef immediately, he came around the corner. Imagine the relief of the staff when they saw us hugging.
The tzatziki was so good I ordered a portion to go. Just too bad oil spilled out of the package on my fab winter jacket. But I bet nobody will notice, and that it's good for another 8 years at least.
Leap day
I have a friend who is really oldfashioned. Apparently on the 29th of February, which only happens every 4th year, a woman can propose to a man, and he asked me if I planned to.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
First of all, I don't see the point of marrying at all. For me who is not religious, I don't understand the concept. To have a piece of paper to show others that you belong with somebody? I think it's really weak if you are not strong enough to stand up for yourself, and care what others think.
Second, most western countries have laws that give children the same rights as when you're not married. Ok, having children is another issue and not one that interests me anyway.
Third, if you want to be part of a relationship it's a good thing. Just as it is if you do not.
And to say that women can only propose if it's leap day, well, that's just oldfashioned and plainly stupid! I wonder if friend would prefer to see me in a burka?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
First of all, I don't see the point of marrying at all. For me who is not religious, I don't understand the concept. To have a piece of paper to show others that you belong with somebody? I think it's really weak if you are not strong enough to stand up for yourself, and care what others think.
Second, most western countries have laws that give children the same rights as when you're not married. Ok, having children is another issue and not one that interests me anyway.
Third, if you want to be part of a relationship it's a good thing. Just as it is if you do not.
And to say that women can only propose if it's leap day, well, that's just oldfashioned and plainly stupid! I wonder if friend would prefer to see me in a burka?
My fifth own home
My fifth own home was really my own. I bought it. At the time I had little savings, but a great career in front of me and a good relationship with the bank. In my job I was responsible for the bank contacts.
So I called my Mum to ask if my parents could help. My Mum was a wise woman, but the breadwinner in the family was my Dad. At this point in time I had quite an infected relationship with him. However, my Mum told me that if I wanted help, I had to talk to my Dad. Ouch.
But I swallowed my pride and called him, and presented him with this opportunity of investing in an apartment, and that I would pay him back with interest. I got the money, which was about 25% of the price. The rest the bank generously provided. Well, generously and generously, on part of the loan I had to pay an interest rate of a whopping 16%. Thanks R for the advice, I have never forgotten!
The apartment was great though. Small with just a tiny hall, a bathroom you had to back into and walk out from, a long but narrow kitchen and a living room where I slept. I did however have a walk-in-closet!
I was on the top floor of a 5 floor building. No lift, no balcony, but a garden I shared with 25 neighbours, and with a washing room in the cellar.
It was a lot of fun in that building, and loadsa parties in the garden in the summer. I ended up being a member of the board, and we renovated all the pipes in the building. Because we did, people didn't have access to showers and toilets for weeks, so we invested in a sauna, two showers and two toilets in the basement, which I think to the day they still appreciate.
I wonder who lives there today, and if they still have the cupboard fronts I had painted into a light purple(!), the floor in the kitchen and how I designed the tiny bathroom at the pipe change.
So I called my Mum to ask if my parents could help. My Mum was a wise woman, but the breadwinner in the family was my Dad. At this point in time I had quite an infected relationship with him. However, my Mum told me that if I wanted help, I had to talk to my Dad. Ouch.
But I swallowed my pride and called him, and presented him with this opportunity of investing in an apartment, and that I would pay him back with interest. I got the money, which was about 25% of the price. The rest the bank generously provided. Well, generously and generously, on part of the loan I had to pay an interest rate of a whopping 16%. Thanks R for the advice, I have never forgotten!
The apartment was great though. Small with just a tiny hall, a bathroom you had to back into and walk out from, a long but narrow kitchen and a living room where I slept. I did however have a walk-in-closet!
I was on the top floor of a 5 floor building. No lift, no balcony, but a garden I shared with 25 neighbours, and with a washing room in the cellar.
It was a lot of fun in that building, and loadsa parties in the garden in the summer. I ended up being a member of the board, and we renovated all the pipes in the building. Because we did, people didn't have access to showers and toilets for weeks, so we invested in a sauna, two showers and two toilets in the basement, which I think to the day they still appreciate.
I wonder who lives there today, and if they still have the cupboard fronts I had painted into a light purple(!), the floor in the kitchen and how I designed the tiny bathroom at the pipe change.
My fourth own home
After about 5 years it was time to move on. I had a brand new education, and not only did I graduate top of my class, I was also the first one to land a job. I was goal-oriented and had chosen two fields that seemed interesting to me. Or at least the best paid (at this point in my life I was tired of being poor). Those were the medical industry and the quite new IT industry.
So the moving truck went up north to the capital. My boyfriend at the time lived in suburbia, but had an assignment in Melbourne so his flat was empty. There I stayed for a couple of months, until he came back and because I'm the typical "can manage on my own"-person, I had seen to that I had found a flat of my own by then.
Another suburb, horrible now when I think back. One of these places it took half an hour with the train from the city to get back to.
It was reasonably big with 2 bedrooms, but grey, plastic and really boring. It was a place where the police came to regularly to pick up the drunk guy next door. I lived on the 5th floor, in a 7 floor building.
Just now thinking back, probably the most horrible place I ever lived in. But hey, I survived, and after 3 years I moved on.
So the moving truck went up north to the capital. My boyfriend at the time lived in suburbia, but had an assignment in Melbourne so his flat was empty. There I stayed for a couple of months, until he came back and because I'm the typical "can manage on my own"-person, I had seen to that I had found a flat of my own by then.
Another suburb, horrible now when I think back. One of these places it took half an hour with the train from the city to get back to.
It was reasonably big with 2 bedrooms, but grey, plastic and really boring. It was a place where the police came to regularly to pick up the drunk guy next door. I lived on the 5th floor, in a 7 floor building.
Just now thinking back, probably the most horrible place I ever lived in. But hey, I survived, and after 3 years I moved on.
Lamp update
So today I went to the post office to send the defect lamp back to Germany, and even though I chose to send the package "economy" it still cost 45 francs. The electrician cost 161 francs plus that I paid Swiss VAT twice, which was about 20 francs each time.
I will expect reimbursement of these costs, I don't care that they will lose money. They took my order and sent me a bad product. Now I just wonder how long this will take...
I will expect reimbursement of these costs, I don't care that they will lose money. They took my order and sent me a bad product. Now I just wonder how long this will take...
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Horror experience
Am very happy about having borrowed a computer from neighbour, but every time I start it up it shows a gigantic pic of a baby on the screen!
The screen is much bigger than I'm used to, and it's scary with this image of a baby in mega-format. But I don't wanna disrupt or add to his files too much, so won't download a cutie pic of my own little furry ones. Too bad, would be a much nicer experience.
The screen is much bigger than I'm used to, and it's scary with this image of a baby in mega-format. But I don't wanna disrupt or add to his files too much, so won't download a cutie pic of my own little furry ones. Too bad, would be a much nicer experience.
Energy vs inner peace
I have a friend who is full of energy, and needs a channel. On the other hand, she feels she lacks inner peace.
I wish we could swap some of that. I have inner peace, but not a lot of energy.
Sometimes I wish I had a project again, like when I bought my apartment. It took a lot of energy and time, but in a positive way. So even though I'm dreadfully happy (strange expression!) in my place, a part of me wish it was still underway. Weird, ain't it?
I wish we could swap some of that. I have inner peace, but not a lot of energy.
Sometimes I wish I had a project again, like when I bought my apartment. It took a lot of energy and time, but in a positive way. So even though I'm dreadfully happy (strange expression!) in my place, a part of me wish it was still underway. Weird, ain't it?
Friday, February 24, 2012
Back online!
What a terrible trauma I had the last few days! My computer just died from one second to the other.
I have no idea what is going on in the world anymore, and I missed all my shows on internet tv.
Good thing I remembered that neighbour works for HP, and might have a spare computer at home! So now I'm on an HP with a huge screen, but with none of my settings, a new keyboard where y and z have changed places and no favorite links. But at least I'm online! Even though the pc sounds like a tractor on diesel.
New computer is ordered (purple Dell of course), and it'll take two weeks to deliver. I really don't understand why it has to take forever, but eventually I will have my purple computer. Can't wait!
I have no idea what is going on in the world anymore, and I missed all my shows on internet tv.
Good thing I remembered that neighbour works for HP, and might have a spare computer at home! So now I'm on an HP with a huge screen, but with none of my settings, a new keyboard where y and z have changed places and no favorite links. But at least I'm online! Even though the pc sounds like a tractor on diesel.
New computer is ordered (purple Dell of course), and it'll take two weeks to deliver. I really don't understand why it has to take forever, but eventually I will have my purple computer. Can't wait!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Yes, partytime!
But hey, some of us were in the mood to party, even though the "belly" was drinking water. Only, I wasn't pleased when one of my cats (scaredy-cats as they are) was showing her whiskers around the corner and pregnant woman went "I cannot be around cats! They have diseases!". Excuse me! My cats hardly go on the balcony, and they are cleaner than I am!
Hmm. Think I'll invite belly back when kid is 14.
Hmm. Think I'll invite belly back when kid is 14.
Monday blues
It's a boring Monday, so I thought I'll just throw a little party. Now busy preparing, will look a whole lot better once food and drinks are in place.
Pancakes
Sometimes I just get a craving for pancakes, and luckily I have a pan that makes them all equal size. Looks quite professional actually.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thick skin
Had a couple of friends over tonight. One planned, and one who just stopped by. With the "friends" I have you don't need enemies.
One of them told me that I am to be taken in small doses, and therefore we can only meet when she feels strong. Personally, I think it says a lot more about her than it does about me, but I'm no Freud. But I have learned to somewhat ignore criticism, unless I feel it's directed at me as a person.
The second one told me that if I had put him in my testament, he would like to decline getting the lamp I just got.
I can assure you none of them needn't worry about my will.
One of them told me that I am to be taken in small doses, and therefore we can only meet when she feels strong. Personally, I think it says a lot more about her than it does about me, but I'm no Freud. But I have learned to somewhat ignore criticism, unless I feel it's directed at me as a person.
The second one told me that if I had put him in my testament, he would like to decline getting the lamp I just got.
I can assure you none of them needn't worry about my will.
Stylish?
Talking about style, at Christmas I got napkins from a friend. Not exactly my colour! Now it's payback time, he's coming for dinner and the table is set.
Style change
Was thinking of my earlier homes (and yes, many more to come!), and how both my interest in interior design, and my style have changed over the years. Quite dramatically to be honest.
When I was younger it was all about old charm, and of course the furniture one could afford. But I don't think it's defendable to have bought a beige sofa with brown flowers. Uggghhhh! I don't know what I was thinking.
And a kitchen table made of pine wood? With matching chairs? There really isn't anything to say, other than that I'm glad I have developed some style. Even if it isn't to everybody's liking. It's to my liking, and that's what counts.
When I was younger it was all about old charm, and of course the furniture one could afford. But I don't think it's defendable to have bought a beige sofa with brown flowers. Uggghhhh! I don't know what I was thinking.
And a kitchen table made of pine wood? With matching chairs? There really isn't anything to say, other than that I'm glad I have developed some style. Even if it isn't to everybody's liking. It's to my liking, and that's what counts.
Bloody lamp
I'm really starting to regret I bought that lamp. Still think it is fab, but all the work that comes with it, makes me think twice about buying something on the net ever again.
Had an electrician over today, who informed me that the cables in the ceiling are fine, but that something within the lamp doesn't work. Had him phone the company I bought the lamp from to explain.
Now the following is going to happen.
1. I have to take the lamp apart again. Good thing it didn't take more than 2 (!!!) hours to put together.
2. They will send me a new lamp.
3. My friend and I will have to put the new lamp together and fasten it in the ceiling. Again.
4. I have to pack up the old lamp and send it back to the company I bought it from.
5. Upon receipt, they will reimburse me for the postage. Generous, ain't it? I requested that they'll reimburse me for the electrician too, and was told they will "think about it".
This lamp better be looking pretty darn good when connected!
Had an electrician over today, who informed me that the cables in the ceiling are fine, but that something within the lamp doesn't work. Had him phone the company I bought the lamp from to explain.
Now the following is going to happen.
1. I have to take the lamp apart again. Good thing it didn't take more than 2 (!!!) hours to put together.
2. They will send me a new lamp.
3. My friend and I will have to put the new lamp together and fasten it in the ceiling. Again.
4. I have to pack up the old lamp and send it back to the company I bought it from.
5. Upon receipt, they will reimburse me for the postage. Generous, ain't it? I requested that they'll reimburse me for the electrician too, and was told they will "think about it".
This lamp better be looking pretty darn good when connected!
My third own home
When we broke up I was lucky enough to find a flat through contacts of the family (only time I got something through contacts!). It was in a city further up the coast, and since I had just started an education there, it was perfect.
It was a 2-room flat with a tiny hallway (but a mirror wall made it look bigger), a small toilet, kitchen, living room and bedroom. I had a fridge but no freezer, so in wintertime I used to freeze my icecream by hanging it out the window in a plastic bag.
I ended up living there for about 5 years, and had a very good time even though the town was pretty small. We danced a lot these days, and my love life was a movable feast. So many young goodlooking men, so little time!
It was a 2-room flat with a tiny hallway (but a mirror wall made it look bigger), a small toilet, kitchen, living room and bedroom. I had a fridge but no freezer, so in wintertime I used to freeze my icecream by hanging it out the window in a plastic bag.
I ended up living there for about 5 years, and had a very good time even though the town was pretty small. We danced a lot these days, and my love life was a movable feast. So many young goodlooking men, so little time!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
My second own home
When I was 19 going on 20 I met this guy. He was 6 years older than me, and we were on the same wavelength. Guess I've always been older in my head than what my passport was showing. Still am, if you ask me.
So I left my hometown. Mind you, not for him, but since I wanted to for many years already. My home town must have been the most boring city ever. Not sure it still is, but back then there was actually nothing to do. And to give an example, the local football team match was the highlight. And I hate football. Not hate it-hate it, but think it's boring as hell kinda hate it.
Moved to another city at the coast. We bought a flat together, think we paid the whopping price of about 1,500 francs. But of course we shared the bill. It was a chain house, and we had a cat. It was like playing family at an early age.
Needless to say it didn't last. We ended up selling the place after just a year. But in hindsight I have good memories of the guy, and it was fun as long as it lasted, even though I probably miss the cat more.
So I left my hometown. Mind you, not for him, but since I wanted to for many years already. My home town must have been the most boring city ever. Not sure it still is, but back then there was actually nothing to do. And to give an example, the local football team match was the highlight. And I hate football. Not hate it-hate it, but think it's boring as hell kinda hate it.
Moved to another city at the coast. We bought a flat together, think we paid the whopping price of about 1,500 francs. But of course we shared the bill. It was a chain house, and we had a cat. It was like playing family at an early age.
Needless to say it didn't last. We ended up selling the place after just a year. But in hindsight I have good memories of the guy, and it was fun as long as it lasted, even though I probably miss the cat more.
Auntie Annika
Think I'd rather be an agony aunt, than just auntie Annika. But there you go, sometimes you don't have a choice.
And everybody who will address me like auntie from now on, will immediately go on my black list!
And everybody who will address me like auntie from now on, will immediately go on my black list!
My first own home
When I was 19 I moved away from my parents, well I think I was 18 just going on 19. And I bought a flat! Imagine that, buying a flat at that early age. Impressive, isn't it. Think I paid all of the equivalent of 450 francs for it!
It was a small 2-room apartment, and my parents had saved a little money for me which I got to pay for furniture. So had a sofa from Ikea (still have one, but not the same, that would be a bit too much), some old chairs inherited from god knows who, a cheapo bed and other necessities. My first own home. It was a good feeling.
Well, at least until I realized that no longer did toothpaste, toilet paper and food come for free. I had to pay it myself. What a shock!
But I recovered, and about a year later I sold it with 100% profit! Which as I recall it, I forgot to tell the tax man. And as far as I know that was the first and only time I did something illegal.
It was a small 2-room apartment, and my parents had saved a little money for me which I got to pay for furniture. So had a sofa from Ikea (still have one, but not the same, that would be a bit too much), some old chairs inherited from god knows who, a cheapo bed and other necessities. My first own home. It was a good feeling.
Well, at least until I realized that no longer did toothpaste, toilet paper and food come for free. I had to pay it myself. What a shock!
But I recovered, and about a year later I sold it with 100% profit! Which as I recall it, I forgot to tell the tax man. And as far as I know that was the first and only time I did something illegal.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
My first home
When I was born my parents lived in a 2 room flat, and for me that was the world. We lived there until I was 7 years old, and I still remember the exact lay-out. It was a long hallway, then the bedroom to the right, a walk-in-closet (wow, must have been one of the first of its kind) to the left, the kitchen straight ahead and the living room to the right after the bedroom. A small balcony.
The washing room was outside the building. Two humungous machines where we cooked sheets (90°) and washed normal clothes. You had to book the time, and washing usually took a whole day.
The supermarket was up the hill. In those days it seemed like it was a long walk, I think it might have taken a good 5 minutes to get there.
I think that the next time I visit my home town I will ring the door and ask to see the place again. I bet it'll feel a whole lot smaller than it did back then.
The washing room was outside the building. Two humungous machines where we cooked sheets (90°) and washed normal clothes. You had to book the time, and washing usually took a whole day.
The supermarket was up the hill. In those days it seemed like it was a long walk, I think it might have taken a good 5 minutes to get there.
I think that the next time I visit my home town I will ring the door and ask to see the place again. I bet it'll feel a whole lot smaller than it did back then.
My home is where my hat is
Had a friend over tonight, who is a bit twisted. She thinks that how you live, in which flat/house, reflects who you are. And unless you have a place that shows "you", you cannot invite people. She's not wrong, well not entirely, but there is a matter of age involved. Unless you are born into a millionaire family. Which most of us aren't.
Personally I like to think that my apartment reflects me. Now. But it took me a long time to get here.
For most people it takes time to get to where you want to be. Nothing is for free. You have to work hard for it. And you cannot compare yourself to others. Well I guess you can, but it won't do you any good. And people who like you won't care anyway.
In every place I lived I always entertained. Whether it was a small and shitty apartment, or the fab place I live in now. Friends are friends, wherever you are and wherever you live. At least I think so.
Personally I like to think that my apartment reflects me. Now. But it took me a long time to get here.
For most people it takes time to get to where you want to be. Nothing is for free. You have to work hard for it. And you cannot compare yourself to others. Well I guess you can, but it won't do you any good. And people who like you won't care anyway.
In every place I lived I always entertained. Whether it was a small and shitty apartment, or the fab place I live in now. Friends are friends, wherever you are and wherever you live. At least I think so.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Light installations
Am experimenting with light installations this week. First I put up the LED lights I used for the Christmas tree, and I cannot decide if it's cool or just outright tacky. Leaning towards tacky for the moment.
Then I got my new and fabulous lamp the other day. First it took ages to assemble, felt like 100's of these purple sticks. They had to be screwed on individually. When that was done, it was a matter of finding somebody to help plug it in. I say plug it in, but it was more difficult than that. Several cables hanging, screws to be well screwed in, thingies to be attached and whatsit.
First we tested if there was electricity with the help of a thingie. It wasn't. Then it was, since the lights in the rest of the flat went out. Just glad that the friend wasn't fried. Anyway, we then managed to put the actual lamp up, him on one ladder screwing and attaching, me on another ladder holding the lamp. And it was heavy!
So now the lamp is in place. Only there is no electricity! Why can't things just be a little bit easier?
Then I got my new and fabulous lamp the other day. First it took ages to assemble, felt like 100's of these purple sticks. They had to be screwed on individually. When that was done, it was a matter of finding somebody to help plug it in. I say plug it in, but it was more difficult than that. Several cables hanging, screws to be well screwed in, thingies to be attached and whatsit.
First we tested if there was electricity with the help of a thingie. It wasn't. Then it was, since the lights in the rest of the flat went out. Just glad that the friend wasn't fried. Anyway, we then managed to put the actual lamp up, him on one ladder screwing and attaching, me on another ladder holding the lamp. And it was heavy!
So now the lamp is in place. Only there is no electricity! Why can't things just be a little bit easier?
Me the prostitute
Guess I haven't told you about the time I was mistaken for a prostitute.
This was the time I was in the midst of my high-flying career. I was flying into Copenhagen for a meeting, and staying in one of the top business hotels with three restaurants. Was going for dinner when I ran into a colleague from the same office I usually worked in. We decided to have dinner together and catch up.
Afterwards we went for a night-cap in the bar, and while sitting there I got a matchbox thrown at my shoulder. It was meant to hit my colleague, thrown by one of his business associates, and I guess to tell him he hit the jackpot that night.
Gosh, were they surprised when they learned. And we later ended up working on the same project.
This was the time I was in the midst of my high-flying career. I was flying into Copenhagen for a meeting, and staying in one of the top business hotels with three restaurants. Was going for dinner when I ran into a colleague from the same office I usually worked in. We decided to have dinner together and catch up.
Afterwards we went for a night-cap in the bar, and while sitting there I got a matchbox thrown at my shoulder. It was meant to hit my colleague, thrown by one of his business associates, and I guess to tell him he hit the jackpot that night.
Gosh, were they surprised when they learned. And we later ended up working on the same project.
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Go-go-girl
When I was young all girls had a book. In this book you were supposed to write all sort of things. One of them was what you wanted to be when you were a grown-up.
A friend of mine wrote go-go-girl, and I wanted to write teacher but fell for the group pressure and also put go-go-girl in the book. Not entirely sure what it meant, but in todays world it would probably be something like a prostitute. A dancer of some sort, half naked.
Funnily enough I ended up being a teacher.
A friend of mine wrote go-go-girl, and I wanted to write teacher but fell for the group pressure and also put go-go-girl in the book. Not entirely sure what it meant, but in todays world it would probably be something like a prostitute. A dancer of some sort, half naked.
Funnily enough I ended up being a teacher.
Double pay
Sometimes my aunt buys films and books for me and send it through the post. I of course reimburse her, and last time I did I got logged out in the end of the transfer on internetbanking without getting a confirmation. So I logged in again and completed the transaction.
My aunt got back to me, saying I paid twice. Not a big issue, she's gonna send stuff to me again and we can just deduct the money, but I was irritated.
Today I logged on to the internetbank again, and saw that I had two transactions with the same reference number! That is the first time in all the years that I used internetbanking that something went wrong.
Decimal man from tonight thought it would be a good idea to claim the money (well one of the transactions) back, but I reckon they would just reverse the transaction and then I would have to pay my aunt once again.
But it's interesting. How can a computer system log the same transaction number twice without anybody reacting?
My aunt got back to me, saying I paid twice. Not a big issue, she's gonna send stuff to me again and we can just deduct the money, but I was irritated.
Today I logged on to the internetbank again, and saw that I had two transactions with the same reference number! That is the first time in all the years that I used internetbanking that something went wrong.
Decimal man from tonight thought it would be a good idea to claim the money (well one of the transactions) back, but I reckon they would just reverse the transaction and then I would have to pay my aunt once again.
But it's interesting. How can a computer system log the same transaction number twice without anybody reacting?
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Pi guy
Had pi guy over for dinner tonight, he has a teenager son with 7 hormones apparently. Not sure how many decimals though.
And he has betrayed us cat people. By getting a dog! Ok, so the dog is cute, black and white, but it ain't a cat. And he spoke more about the dog than the cat tonight. Hmmm.
But Zetti accepted his touch, perhaps because she couldn't get away, but still. He ain't a bad guy. Even though he has turned into an evil dog person.
And he has betrayed us cat people. By getting a dog! Ok, so the dog is cute, black and white, but it ain't a cat. And he spoke more about the dog than the cat tonight. Hmmm.
But Zetti accepted his touch, perhaps because she couldn't get away, but still. He ain't a bad guy. Even though he has turned into an evil dog person.
Monday, February 06, 2012
Old movies
I have a friend who is, how shall I put it?, a bit fascistic in his view on marriage. To him it is holy. To me it's a joke.
Turns out he likes old movies, so I took upon myself to remind him of some of my favourite films.
Gone with the wind, where Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) marries three men, but is only in love with one of them.
Casablanca, where Ilse (isn't that her name? played by Ingrid Bergman) has two men.
And finally Dr Zhivago (Omar Sharif), where he plays around with two women.
Next time I see him I think we'll have a conversation on exactly why he likes these movies.
Turns out he likes old movies, so I took upon myself to remind him of some of my favourite films.
Gone with the wind, where Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) marries three men, but is only in love with one of them.
Casablanca, where Ilse (isn't that her name? played by Ingrid Bergman) has two men.
And finally Dr Zhivago (Omar Sharif), where he plays around with two women.
Next time I see him I think we'll have a conversation on exactly why he likes these movies.
Compact
Previous item got me thinking about work, since some people use that as an excuse for not having time. I think it's more not taking time for what's important.
Anyway, made me think about my first job. I was 15, and got a job in a kiosk at a camping. I worked 8 weeks in the summer from either 8-15 or from 15-22. And for this I got the measly amount of about 2 francs an hour. No extra for working late hours, or that it was the weekend.
I had a moped that I was very proud of. It was a blue Compact, which was a bit trimmed by the previous owner and on a good day got up to 60 km/h. I passed almost all my male friends, who all had blue Push Dakotas. I drove to work with this moped.
Looked like this, and had the added advantage that a friend could ride between your legs (insert joke here).
I ended up working there for three summers, as well as working weekends when in school in a kiosk outside the sports arena. That included serving hot dogs and fries. I didn't walk into a Mc'Donalds until I was 35 years old after that horrifying experience! Can you imagine the smell after making french fries? Not only does your clothes and hair smell, it's like your whole body stinks. Ouch!
Anyway, made me think about my first job. I was 15, and got a job in a kiosk at a camping. I worked 8 weeks in the summer from either 8-15 or from 15-22. And for this I got the measly amount of about 2 francs an hour. No extra for working late hours, or that it was the weekend.
I had a moped that I was very proud of. It was a blue Compact, which was a bit trimmed by the previous owner and on a good day got up to 60 km/h. I passed almost all my male friends, who all had blue Push Dakotas. I drove to work with this moped.
Looked like this, and had the added advantage that a friend could ride between your legs (insert joke here).
I ended up working there for three summers, as well as working weekends when in school in a kiosk outside the sports arena. That included serving hot dogs and fries. I didn't walk into a Mc'Donalds until I was 35 years old after that horrifying experience! Can you imagine the smell after making french fries? Not only does your clothes and hair smell, it's like your whole body stinks. Ouch!
Friend or foe?
I've been thinking about how friendship works, and come to the conclusion that a big portion of it is how it works over time.
I have never had trouble meeting people and be friends with them, but if you want a lasting friendship it needs work from both sides. And if that works over a longer period of time, say 5-10 years, it's no problem in losing touch over years, then come back.
Heard from a friend I haven't talked to in two years the other day. No problem, we know each other quite well since about 15 years, and she has two small kids, so no wonder she hasn't had the time. No hard feelings from my side.
But there are other people who I have invited numerous times, and almost never been invited back to. This is getting to me. And it's not only the no invitation back, it's the not keeping in touch that bothers me. Makes me feel a bit used to be honest.
And it's pretty simple if you ask me. A quick hit on skype, email or sms asking how I am goes a long way. But then again, I'm always been keen on feedback, good or bad. And every morning I log on to my blog, I get a smile on my face when I have a comment. Even though it's mostly opposing my opinion.
I have never had trouble meeting people and be friends with them, but if you want a lasting friendship it needs work from both sides. And if that works over a longer period of time, say 5-10 years, it's no problem in losing touch over years, then come back.
Heard from a friend I haven't talked to in two years the other day. No problem, we know each other quite well since about 15 years, and she has two small kids, so no wonder she hasn't had the time. No hard feelings from my side.
But there are other people who I have invited numerous times, and almost never been invited back to. This is getting to me. And it's not only the no invitation back, it's the not keeping in touch that bothers me. Makes me feel a bit used to be honest.
And it's pretty simple if you ask me. A quick hit on skype, email or sms asking how I am goes a long way. But then again, I'm always been keen on feedback, good or bad. And every morning I log on to my blog, I get a smile on my face when I have a comment. Even though it's mostly opposing my opinion.
Friday, February 03, 2012
Flat
A friend of mine has just bought an apartment. It is slightly bigger than mine, and with a different layout. Of course.
I have seen the planning, and obviously I have thoughts. Most of them good though. Although, entering the master bedroom through the bathroom I find a bit funny.
Ok, so if you live there, it is likely it's only you and perhaps a partner are going to the bedroom, but still. Isn't it a bit weird?
The interior chosen is not my style (except for the bar counter which I somehow seem to have influenced :), but I think it'll look fab when done.
I so look forward to the housewarming!
I have seen the planning, and obviously I have thoughts. Most of them good though. Although, entering the master bedroom through the bathroom I find a bit funny.
Ok, so if you live there, it is likely it's only you and perhaps a partner are going to the bedroom, but still. Isn't it a bit weird?
The interior chosen is not my style (except for the bar counter which I somehow seem to have influenced :), but I think it'll look fab when done.
I so look forward to the housewarming!
West Wing!!!
Omg, I cannot believe it! Friend who visited tonight have never heard of West Wing! I don't how many exclamation marks I can put in here, but it'll never be enough. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a treat she has in front of her. And she's the typical person to appreciate a clever series like this. Smart and savvy. And fluent in English (which is not everybody here in ze Switzerland).
I so look forward to her feedback.
And yes, I'm watching this series for the about the 10th time! One wonders if it makes me 10 times more clever? Probably than most people...
What a treat she has in front of her. And she's the typical person to appreciate a clever series like this. Smart and savvy. And fluent in English (which is not everybody here in ze Switzerland).
I so look forward to her feedback.
And yes, I'm watching this series for the about the 10th time! One wonders if it makes me 10 times more clever? Probably than most people...
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Update
Sorry for not having blogged much lately, but I can see from the visitors stats that you are still checking.
Well, what have I done lately? A bit slower pace than normal due to very cold weather. Ok, so there are worse places in the world, but minus degrees doesn't do it for me. Only go out when I really have to.
But last week I had a nice day with a friend, showing her Zürich, showing off my boat, and letting her experience my bar. I'm sure the latter was the highlight :).
And yesterday I got my lamp! It's gonna be a little while before you see it up, need some help with that, but it's gorgeous. I took a peek in the box. Guess the colour!
Well, what have I done lately? A bit slower pace than normal due to very cold weather. Ok, so there are worse places in the world, but minus degrees doesn't do it for me. Only go out when I really have to.
But last week I had a nice day with a friend, showing her Zürich, showing off my boat, and letting her experience my bar. I'm sure the latter was the highlight :).
And yesterday I got my lamp! It's gonna be a little while before you see it up, need some help with that, but it's gorgeous. I took a peek in the box. Guess the colour!
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