A Quest in Zürich

I was told from a semi-trustworthy source that Richard Quest was walking around in Niederdorf, Zürich, today! If this is true I wish I had known. This is an English journalist working for CNN who is as sharp as the sharpest knife in your drawer. I used to follow his blog, before he took to drugs. Assume he has dried out by now, and am eager to read about what he was doing in Zürich.

Self diagnosis

I have epicondylitis. This without having played tennis since I was, well very very young. First I thought it was my shoulder problem coming back, but after googling I realized it's epicondylitis. It's irritating and hurts, but since google said there is no cure, it's no point in going to the doctor. Since I don't wanna pop pills all the time, I'm thinking of getting an epicondylitis bandage. Will look funny and generate questions, but probably better than having pain just lifting a glass (insert joke here).

Antsy

Yesterday I was showering a plant, and to my utter disgust found an ants nest in the bottom of the pot. Tiny little ants (which I had seen creeping about the table filled with plants, without understanding where they came from), and even more yikey, ants eggs. Little yellow thingies, crawling around in the pot. I flushed them all about, showered the pot, and hopefully there shall be no story to be continued. Mind you, I flushed a long time, having the flash of big creepy-crawly ants coming out at night to haunt me.

My bucket list

Official inauguration of the summer

Zigarettenblümchen/Cuphea

I was googling for flowers, since the weather is now picking up and it's time to plant flowers on the balcony. Imagine my delight when I found this plant on Coop. On sale! A cigarette plant! Mind you, I have a feeling it might not generate ciggies, but still. The colour fits, and the name certainly does.

Everything is relative

The more observant reader of the blog (haha, doubt there is anybody who has read everything I wrote since I started November 2005), has noticed that I do not have a label called "family". There is a reason for it. The reason is that my immediate family is very small. In fact, only one person in addition to myself. To the day 9 years ago my Mum passed away. And I don't think I exaggerate when I say part of me died with her. This is good and bad. No doubt, the bad things I don't even have to go into, one day you'll be there yourself, but the good thing is that you realize that not every little setback or negative thing in life is all that. If for example somebody tells you that they don't really like you, like the other day, it's ok. I can deal with that, especially since it is somebody I don't care about that much. It would be much more troublesome if it was a person really close to me. It is also helpful when it comes to little problems. Ok, so I sometimes get really upset momentarily if I don't feel I get treated correctly, but now I can put it into perspective, which wasn't always the case before. An example: I get a bank statement, saying they have deducted the equivalent of about 45 francs from my account for delivery services. Now, I got my credit card sent to me last year, thus no need for a delivery charge. I wrote a very nice message back, and the reply was that they made a mistake and would pay me back within 2-3 days. That was about 18 days ago. But see, I don't get upset about these little things, I write a nice message (ok, somewhat ironic/sarcastic) back stating the fact that I am still waiting for the reimbursement. I know, you cannot really compare death to bank statements, but it's how you react to various things in life. Some things are important, some are less so.

Shame cushion

Introducing a new word, well two if you are picky, but it basically means when you're sitting on the couch, watching a tv show that makes you squirm and be embarrassed on the peoples behalf, so much that you wanna hide your face behind a cushion. I find that I feel this more and more with the shows nowadays. Good thing I have many cushions!

I am a hate object

As I can remember it happened twice in my earlier life that I was told I wasn't liked. Once was back in my early career, when the girls in the office took a dislike to me, since I thought it was more important to answer the phone in the reception during lunchtime, rather than talking about baking and knitting. Stupid me thought it could be a customer. Second time was later in my career when my boss told me everybody hated me. I think it might have had something to do with me going to his boss, asking for more challenges and given an opportunity to work abroad. Outside the reach of the jealous manager. Third time was yesterday. I was told I put people down, and that I am an unhappy person. I was also informed that my blog is negative about others, and all about people who did me wrong. I went back to read some of the items I wrote (which I very rarely do, since once I've written about it, it's out of my mind), and have to say I don't agree. First of all, it would be very boring to only write about everything that is good and happy, second of all, no life is all fantastic. There are always things to dislike and that upsets you. And why wouldn't I write about it? It's my blog and your prerogative to read it. It made me think of the old days, when people used to live closer together and in crowds. Back then you knew everything about everybody else, their weaknesses and strengths, their most private habits and still, nobody said anything. People were respected for who they were, and forgiven for what they weren't. Nobody losing face, and a life in harmony. That was of course before all the self-help books and therapists... PS. Sorry for the lack of paragraphs, blogspot has updated to a "better" version.

Clean windows

Twice a year I have the windows done, and thanks to the new steam-cleaner they are now spotless. Really good investment. Now I'm just waiting for a tall person to visit, so that I can get help to clean the two windows that do not open from the outside, withing risking falling out.

Hello Grandma

I may make a bit of fun with ze Swiss once in a while, but I do like the oldfashioned way about them. They haven't joined the 21th century, they like to keep on doing things like it was done before I and even you were born. I appreciate that really. Yesterday I got a gift, homemade strawberry jam, presented like Grandma used to do, and today I got a bottle of homemade schnapps, where the bottle used to hold something else I'm sure.

May ze Swiss always stay like they are. I wouldn't want them any other way.

Drinks drinks drinks

I dunno know. People say I drink a lot, and that might be true, but what is a resilient person like myself to do when a table like this is presented?,

As I am brought up to be polite, I do what is expected. I drink. And eat! It was a delish dinner served with my faves, so wasn't exactly a chore. A Saturday evening, just like I like it.

Losing my image

Had a lovely couple over for dinner tonight, but I'm afraid I'm losing my reputation. All night we agreed on everything, being equally indignant over things that aren't right, over youngsters who do not know how to behave, and how some people are just plain stupid. In the end I tried to bring up religion and politics, which are two topics that for sure get people going. Usually. This time it turned out that both of them were atheists like myself, and none of them took the bait on politics. Actually, I think if I would have pushed it, it would've turned out that we share the same beliefs there too. This is a couple who have been together for 35 years and according to them never fought. Not sure I believe that, but after tonight maybe I am. Now I gotta come up with a topic for the next encounter that will get them going. Ideas anyone?

Handcuffs

Since I moved into my new place, I have become a real home lover. I much rather have people over than go out to see them in the city. If I didn't have to go food shopping once in a while, I probably wouldn't go out at all. I know, there is internetshopping, but let's not go there.

I was thinking about punishment in this context. There are certain crimes where you instead of going to prison get like an electronic handcuff, but on the foot (footcuff?) and you are supposed never to leave your home. They keep track of you.

Now I just have to think about an appropriate crime to commit, 'cause to me it wouldn't be a punishment to stay in all the time. It would be a pleasure!

Language combo

It is said that there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers, but I felt a bit ignorant today when I asked a friend about languages. Friend comes from Taiwan, and I realized I don't know if they speak English there.

Not that she doesn't, but her father is visiting, and we will meet while he's here so had to ask. Turns out not only does he speak both English and Chinese, but also Spanish? I got so startled, I forgot to ask why.

Has Taiwan once been a colony to Spain, a class that I missed in school? Nah, don't think so.

Anyway, must remember to ask next time.

Coupling up

Oh, ain't it sweet with a loving couple (sorry, took a break there to vomit), but as a matter of fact, they do fit together. At least on this pic:).

All creatures great and small

For some reason I got to think of "All creatures great and small", and to my delight found many episodes on youtube.

These are based on books I remember reading when I was little.

It is based in the 1930's Yorkshire and the main figure is a vet called Herriot. He works with the choleric Siegfried Farnon and his irresponsible brother Tristan.

It is a real feel-good series with a good insight to how it was in the days before I was born. And of course the love for animals.

Can recommend.

Where is the trust?

I was going from friends in the outskirts of Zürich today to visit another city friend. Friend from first place gave me an alternative route (other than the one I had planned) and showed me exactly how to walk. It shortened the route with about 20 mins so I was up for it.

First friend went thru the route twice, like I didn't get it the first time. But ok he knows me, even though calling me "a goldfish on land" when it comes to sense of direction was a bit much I thought.

Then I arrived to city friends place early, and the first thing after I explained the shortened route was "and you found my place directly?".

Hmm. I might not be the best map-reader in the world, but I have actually lived in Zürich more than 9 years. Gimme a li'l bit of credit please!

The fact that I surprised myself is of no importance here.

Easter lunch

Not all countries celebrate Easter when ze Swiss do, so today I was invited to another Easter lunch. It was really good food.

What I don't understand is when you have invested a good amount (and I mean a really good amount) of money into a fab Italian designer glass table, why cover it with a tablecloth? After all, the people who invited me were not 80 years of age.

Getting older

When I'm watching television I sometimes react to that the people I see have gotten so old. Like known faces. How did that happen I think.

Personally, I look the same as I always did. Except for perhaps in the morning!

First birthday

My little kittens are 1 years old today!

They have started to be a bit picky with the food they like. Zina sometimes walks away from the food just served, 'cause it's the cheapo stuff she doesn't like. But today they get only the expensive, exclusive de-luxe cat food. Just like they deserve, my little sweethearts!

Spring is here

Outside "my" house.

Tip-top boat

Back where it belongs at my anchor place. And yes, there was a mussel colony underneath the boat, enough to feed a smaller nation. They also fixed the ladder in the back, which was a bit unstable.

Not only that, the extremely attractive and helpful guy was the one who I talked to today. He even fixed a few things I hadn't even noticed were broken. Ok, so they ain't cheap, but it certainly helps when they are as nice as him.

Sugar scrub

When my cousin was here over Easter she gave me a tin of something saying 'wild strawberry' on the label. Had to ask whether it was edible. It was not. It was a "sugar scrub".

I had no idea what that meant, so in the late evening after bottles of vino getting prepared for bed, I decided to try it out, thinking it was some kind of hand lotion.

It was not.

Ended up with sugar all over my hands, having to wash it off. Apparently it is meant to scrub your body rid of I-don't-know-what, dead cells or something.

Not sure why a good-smelling "lotion" should be wasted like that. What's wrong with a normal shower?

WTF!

So to speak. Am not happy with new neighbour at all. Not in the house mind you, but a new shop has just opened across the street on the corner. Renting erotic films!

All other shops which opened there have closed within weeks, so hopefully the same will happen to this one. I refuse to see my nice hoods turning into Langstrasse!

Boat tidy-up

First boat ride of this year, and I never tire of the view. Also, managed to pick the day with the best weather this year.

Was taking the boat to the dockyard, where it will rid of about 10,000 mussels I'm sure. Managed to park all by myself (!), but the kind guys at the yachting company were nice enough to tie it up for me. Still haven't learned the knots...

Humpy

Was in town today, and saw more than just people.

Easter dinner

It was a nice evening, but even if I try, I cannot say that they are party people. Ok, so not everybody is alike, at least not alike me ;). Their loss.

The dessert wasn't a hit (never again will I do a dessert that takes 2 hours to make, and people don't like), but the rest went down very well. I should stick to what I know to cook. Lesson learned.

But all in all I think it was a nice evening, and the guests who hadn't been here before oh'd and ah'd over my apartment. Good so.

Easter dinner

Hosting a dinner tonight. Originally we were gonna be six people, but it first grew to seven and now we are eight. I cannot remember when I cooked for eight people the last time, but gotta admit, I love having the whole day to plan and cook.

Ok, so I have bought all the food already of course, but just love polishing the table, setting it, prepare a parade of all the glasses we'll be using. Realized that I do not have eight of the same of all, but don't care.

I so look fw to the evening!

Happy Easter

Prime tower

I dunno why it's taken me so long, but tonight I finally made it.

The Prime tower was built over years just down the road from where I live, and is to date as I understand it the tallest building in Switzerland.

I like it. I think it is a modern addition to the skyline of Zürich, much unlike the ugly Migros building with its really ugly orange sign. Except for the puke-green colour in the elevator, which btw goes so fast your ears get blocked!

Glad wrap - not so glad anymore

When I was a little girl I learned from my Mum that Glad wrap was the only brand worth using. All the others were just crap and didn't unfold as expected.

It was one of those rare occasions when I listened to my Mum, and since I have always used Glad wrap.

Some 4-5 years ago I noticed that the quality got worse (reckon they got a new "product developer"), but since I was used to it I continued to buy it.

Until recently, when all of a sudden Coop didn't have it anymore, so bought another brand. I hate to say it, but it was even worse.

How difficult can it be to produce a plastic wrapping that doesn't tangle and just unfolds like it should?

Leggy

Had some friends over for coffee/wine this afternoon. Were sitting on the balcony. Friend 1 asks "Annika, what are you wearing?". Just had my some 20-year-old shorts on...comfy and loose since I gained some weight. Friend 2 on the other hand "girl, you still got the legs!".

Much more like friend 2.