Yesterday I had a friend visiting, hadn't seen him for a year so it was good meeting up again. He has been through a very difficult few years, having lost his beautiful wife to cancer far too early, being left with a small kid. However, it seems like he's coping much better than I would have, and despite the tragedy, he is doing well in his life.
Today I got an invite, VIP mind you, to an opening of a new cancer center in Winterthur. Have been a little bit involved, and have visited once before when it was still being built.
Getting to Winterthur (like 30-40 mins with train from Zürich) and be there at 9.30 on a Saturday, is not my type of activity, but since I want to show my support, I will do it anyway. And I like the concept, of having an informal center for people who have cancer, where they can just hang out, or ask questions to professionals, or engage in an activity.
I just wonder sometimes, after all the donations and funding cancer research all over the world had for the last 50 years, are they never gonna find a cure?
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Dirty
When I was little I remember my Dad coming back from (a totally unnecessary if you ask me) military service, having done three weeks in the bush some secret place. Since he knew my aversion to being dirty, he enjoyed to explain quite vividly how they hadn't washed in weeks. In hindsight, I realized he was exaggerating, but back then, I was really appalled. I think with each stint, the stories got worse.
Was thinking about that yesterday, when I had no plans whatsoever, and decided not to wash or shower at all for the whole day. Cannot remember when that happened the last time. Ok, so I wasn't doing any physical exercise (do I ever?), but still. I can honestly say that the shower including washing my hair this morning felt goooood.
So even if I enjoy men in uniform, I certainly don't wanna be one myself!
Was thinking about that yesterday, when I had no plans whatsoever, and decided not to wash or shower at all for the whole day. Cannot remember when that happened the last time. Ok, so I wasn't doing any physical exercise (do I ever?), but still. I can honestly say that the shower including washing my hair this morning felt goooood.
So even if I enjoy men in uniform, I certainly don't wanna be one myself!
Drainage
Since some time I had trouble flushing the water out from the washbasin in my bathroom. It is easy to understand why. My blonde hair is difficult to see against a white background, and the cats like to lie in the washbasin. Also, one time I lost an emery board right down the drain.
In these times of need it's good to have handy friends, who don't mind unscrewing the whole thing and with their hands getting all the muck out. Yikes, I can't even look at it!
So now the water is flowing freely again, only there is the tiny problem of a slight dripping from the pipe. But 1. this problem can be solved and 2. I much rather have a slight dripping than no flowing at all.
And tomorrow the cleaning lady is coming so no need for me to do any cleaning after the pipe work. Unfortunately it's her last day, so I'm sure there will be more to write about cleaning in the future.
In these times of need it's good to have handy friends, who don't mind unscrewing the whole thing and with their hands getting all the muck out. Yikes, I can't even look at it!
So now the water is flowing freely again, only there is the tiny problem of a slight dripping from the pipe. But 1. this problem can be solved and 2. I much rather have a slight dripping than no flowing at all.
And tomorrow the cleaning lady is coming so no need for me to do any cleaning after the pipe work. Unfortunately it's her last day, so I'm sure there will be more to write about cleaning in the future.
Painting tiles
Omg, just spent an hour at the paint shop being instructed how to paint the tiles in the showers. It's "combination paint", meaning after cleaning immaculately, two different sorts of "grounding paint" has to be mixed and because of a chemical reaction starting when mixed, has to be used within some 6 hours. It's 5 parts of one, and 1 of another.
This now will smell and has to dry with an open window, which is not a problem in my bathroom, but in the guest bath. How to keep the cats out?
After a day or so, the floor needs to be scrubbed with a special thingie, then another combo paint mix has to be applied, which is the actual colour, and if too thick, a thinner has to be added.
This is about where my brain logged out, and stopped listening, and I started to regret the whole thing.
Anyway, I now have 5 cans of various very poisonous paint and whatsit, together with a large number of accessories, that the shop told me I need. And it all ended up being about twice as expensive as first quoted. But at least they gave me instructions in writing, including German words I don't even know in English.
Ah well, if this isn't a challenge I don't know what is!
This now will smell and has to dry with an open window, which is not a problem in my bathroom, but in the guest bath. How to keep the cats out?
After a day or so, the floor needs to be scrubbed with a special thingie, then another combo paint mix has to be applied, which is the actual colour, and if too thick, a thinner has to be added.
This is about where my brain logged out, and stopped listening, and I started to regret the whole thing.
Anyway, I now have 5 cans of various very poisonous paint and whatsit, together with a large number of accessories, that the shop told me I need. And it all ended up being about twice as expensive as first quoted. But at least they gave me instructions in writing, including German words I don't even know in English.
Ah well, if this isn't a challenge I don't know what is!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Euphoria
So Sweden won the Eurovision song contest for the 5th time. I was the only one in the group here at home who didn't vote Sweden as first. Too bad, there went my 10 francs. I wanted the Russian babushkas to win.
Ah well, can't win them all. But my price is I "got stuck with" all the yummy leftovers :). Who's laughing now?
And I got surprised over the voting system, only the 8, 10 and 12 points are read out, the others already given, and there is no "La Suede, douze point" anymore, and friend said "but Annika, it's been like that for many years now". Hm. Ok then.
Mental note to self: pay more attention to Eurovision song contests in future. Odds on that?
Ah well, can't win them all. But my price is I "got stuck with" all the yummy leftovers :). Who's laughing now?
And I got surprised over the voting system, only the 8, 10 and 12 points are read out, the others already given, and there is no "La Suede, douze point" anymore, and friend said "but Annika, it's been like that for many years now". Hm. Ok then.
Mental note to self: pay more attention to Eurovision song contests in future. Odds on that?
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Pot luck
Last year I experienced the Eurovision song contest with a group of friends, having a pot luck, i.e. everybody bringing food to be shared with the group.
This year we will watch it at my place, and I will contribute with cheese pie, cinnamon rolls and the white house wine. There are rumours about tzatsiki and a delish salad.
And just in case I just baked a chocolate cake and honey cookies. I cannot have my guests go hungry.
It's not that I'm overly interested in the song contest as such, it's more a reason to have a party. But I do remember being little taking pictures with a camera (no mobiles back then!) of the telly screen when "my" country won. Blushing when I think of it!
This year we will watch it at my place, and I will contribute with cheese pie, cinnamon rolls and the white house wine. There are rumours about tzatsiki and a delish salad.
And just in case I just baked a chocolate cake and honey cookies. I cannot have my guests go hungry.
It's not that I'm overly interested in the song contest as such, it's more a reason to have a party. But I do remember being little taking pictures with a camera (no mobiles back then!) of the telly screen when "my" country won. Blushing when I think of it!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Old times
Had a wee snooze this afternoon, due to the Biggest loser. Found that show on Youtube yesterday, featuring UK 2012 biggest loser, and couldn't stop watching. Was up until the crack of dawn, and thus was a little tired today.
Anyway. Had a dream about a man I once slept with way, way, way back. He was a doctor in the clinic I then worked in, and we had a small fling. It wasn't a romantic dream, it was more about the one and only time I visited him in his home, and got really put off by his slippers. I think that's when the fling dried out and died.
Funny that, how the past comes back and haunt you.
Anyway. Had a dream about a man I once slept with way, way, way back. He was a doctor in the clinic I then worked in, and we had a small fling. It wasn't a romantic dream, it was more about the one and only time I visited him in his home, and got really put off by his slippers. I think that's when the fling dried out and died.
Funny that, how the past comes back and haunt you.
Orange
Not everything has to be purple, white, grey or black all the time in my home. I do appreciate other colours (in small dosis of course) on occasion. Unfortunately I have to put flowers in funny places, to prevent the cats from playing with them.
Nevertheless, looks nice I think (thanks to friend visiting yesterday).
Nevertheless, looks nice I think (thanks to friend visiting yesterday).
Leadership
In my career I have attended a few leadership courses. In one of them we were asked to write a letter to ourselves (!), and the company giving the classes were to send it back to us some six months later. How stupid is that?
As I recall it I wrote something like "I find it really stupid to write a letter to myself".
At least it gave me a good laugh when I received it six months later.
As I recall it I wrote something like "I find it really stupid to write a letter to myself".
At least it gave me a good laugh when I received it six months later.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Paint samples
Oh the choices. Sometimes it was better before when there were less to choose from. Don't mean it of course, but this will be difficult. Choosing the exact right colour for my showers. Will have to consult some friends.
Problem is the sample colours are small and it's a tad difficult to visualize what it'll look like painted. Also, looks different depending on light, daylight or nighttime, strength of dimmer light and so on.
Input anyone?
Problem is the sample colours are small and it's a tad difficult to visualize what it'll look like painted. Also, looks different depending on light, daylight or nighttime, strength of dimmer light and so on.
Input anyone?
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Tile painting
One thing I've been disappointed with ever since I moved in, is my choice of shower tiles. It happened since the store didn't tell me I needed different tiles for the shower when I was there (should've known you cannot have big shiny tiles in a shower...very, very slippery), and then sent me a sample saying it would fit perfectly with my other tiles. Did not.
In hindsight I really should've gone back, and trusted my gut feel rather than trusting the store, but it's a bygone.
Then today I read that you can actually paint the tiles. Fab idea. Will visit my paint shop, who taught me how to paint the fireplace and the walls, and did a good job.
And no, don't think I will choose purple.
In hindsight I really should've gone back, and trusted my gut feel rather than trusting the store, but it's a bygone.
Then today I read that you can actually paint the tiles. Fab idea. Will visit my paint shop, who taught me how to paint the fireplace and the walls, and did a good job.
And no, don't think I will choose purple.
Unfair
I've been thinking about this thing of getting old. Why is it that men usually age better? Ok, so statistically they don't get as old as women, but they die looking better. Or is it because I'm hetero, and have a better eye for men than women?
Am I totally wrong on this subject? I can actually name a few people where the opposite applies, but in general? Could I be right?
Think I'm onto something here.
Am I totally wrong on this subject? I can actually name a few people where the opposite applies, but in general? Could I be right?
Think I'm onto something here.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Weather
Today three different weather sites promised 17°C and rain. When I left my house at around 14.30 it was still 25°C and sunny since the morning. So I went with the facts and left the house clad in a skirt and a top only (ok had shoes and underwear too!). Went to the clinic, and when I got out like 20 mins later it was pouring. CATS AND DOGS POURING! But since I had promised to stop by "my" bar to say hello to a friend, I did.
They kindly provided me with a towel, I had a few drinks, dried out (!) and now the weather is fine again.
You know, if I could choose my career once again, I think I'd be a meteorologist. To be paid to be wrong most of the time must be great.
They kindly provided me with a towel, I had a few drinks, dried out (!) and now the weather is fine again.
You know, if I could choose my career once again, I think I'd be a meteorologist. To be paid to be wrong most of the time must be great.
Epicondylitis
So finally after 3-4 months of constant pain I went to see the doc re my arm. He told me that I had googled right. It is epicondylitis as I thought, so now I have a cortisone shot in my elbow and all will be right. Fingers crossed.
First thing I asked when meeting the doc (new one, since my old one resigned) was if he speaks English. Positive response, but he preferred to speak German as ze German he is. Complimented me on my German, and I fall for it every time, so the whole consultation was in German.
Told me he moved here a year ago, not 'cause of the money (hahahahaha) but of the way the health system works. Have to say I agree. I called there on Friday afternoon and got an appointment today ("would you like morning or afternoon?"). He may have meant something else though.
Anyway, the shot is done, and it can only get better from now on.
First thing I asked when meeting the doc (new one, since my old one resigned) was if he speaks English. Positive response, but he preferred to speak German as ze German he is. Complimented me on my German, and I fall for it every time, so the whole consultation was in German.
Told me he moved here a year ago, not 'cause of the money (hahahahaha) but of the way the health system works. Have to say I agree. I called there on Friday afternoon and got an appointment today ("would you like morning or afternoon?"). He may have meant something else though.
Anyway, the shot is done, and it can only get better from now on.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Bad graffiti
Some vandal had made graffiti on our door to the bike room, not at all nice like on the houses in the hood. First I scrubbed vigorously with powercleaner and water, which got some of it off but not entirely, until I had the brilliant idea. Acetone!
Now you cannot see a trace of the vandal. Good so.
Now you cannot see a trace of the vandal. Good so.
Lucas 2
Something I saw on telly triggered a memory from my childhood. Well two actually. The bad one was where my classmate was asked to sing, and then I. After our performances the teacher said to the principal visiting "well, as you can hear, we have different qualities on the pupils here". I guess that's when I realized I cannot sing. I was seven years old.
The good one was when I was chosen to read a story, standing on a plinth, for an audience of parents, 'cause I was the best reader in the class. Mind you, in hindsight I have realized what it was I was reading. From the bible! Lucas 2 google says. At the time I had no idea. But I did it well, and I was seven years old.
Not entirely sure what I wanted to say with this tale, but maybe that I'm an extremely bad singer, but a good reader.
The good one was when I was chosen to read a story, standing on a plinth, for an audience of parents, 'cause I was the best reader in the class. Mind you, in hindsight I have realized what it was I was reading. From the bible! Lucas 2 google says. At the time I had no idea. But I did it well, and I was seven years old.
Not entirely sure what I wanted to say with this tale, but maybe that I'm an extremely bad singer, but a good reader.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Hail and friends
This afternoon it was an expected hail storm, so for a moment my balcony furniture was covered in snow-like stuff. Weird.
Then a friend popped over, what was planned to be a quick visit, but since I started to make cinnamon rolls, he decided to stay. Something to do with football on telly, and me having a comfy sofa. Almost feels like a marriage. A long one. Him on the sofa watching football, me in the kitchen watching internet tv.
Apart from us not having the tiniest bit of romantic spark, I can appreciate the togetherness. Only the cats find it a wee bit weird, they don't know what to make of him. Occupying their sofa is...unexpected. Now they will have to sniff around it for 20 minutes at least before it's safe to sleep on again.
Then a friend popped over, what was planned to be a quick visit, but since I started to make cinnamon rolls, he decided to stay. Something to do with football on telly, and me having a comfy sofa. Almost feels like a marriage. A long one. Him on the sofa watching football, me in the kitchen watching internet tv.
Apart from us not having the tiniest bit of romantic spark, I can appreciate the togetherness. Only the cats find it a wee bit weird, they don't know what to make of him. Occupying their sofa is...unexpected. Now they will have to sniff around it for 20 minutes at least before it's safe to sleep on again.
Insulation
Tonight's the night to put the insulation in the house to the ultimate test. A new baby was brought into the house today, and its bedroom is right on top of mine.
Keeping my fingers crossed that I won't need to use earplugs.
Keeping my fingers crossed that I won't need to use earplugs.
Lamps
Bought a few lamps yesterday. The one in the guest room had broken down, and I prefer to have the same lamps in my two bedrooms. Turned out to be a bit tricky to put together, so had to call on a neighbour. Good neighbours are worth their weight in gold.
So now I have two new lamps, both with dimmers. And they were on sale!
So now I have two new lamps, both with dimmers. And they were on sale!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Crumbling body
Woke up this morning like six or something, and couldn't stop sneezing. Scared the shit outta the cats, who were still sleeping. All day I have been blowing my nose, combined with nosespray. A whole pack of tissues is a goner.
My immune system is not what it used to be, when I was out and about all the time, travelling, seeing people and being exposed to all sorts of things. Then I was invincible.
Now I'm not. I'm walking around with a bandage around my aching arm. I'm sneezing. I'm more tired than I used to be. It's downhill from here on...
My immune system is not what it used to be, when I was out and about all the time, travelling, seeing people and being exposed to all sorts of things. Then I was invincible.
Now I'm not. I'm walking around with a bandage around my aching arm. I'm sneezing. I'm more tired than I used to be. It's downhill from here on...
Iphones
Iphones bug me. Not only don't I want one myself, 'cause I don't like the fingerprints on the screen, but they seem to go on and off all the time.
I have Skype. Some people log on (or their phones do) 20 times a day, so that I get the message "NN is now online". I have started to delete those people. If they want me, I am also on email or mobile phone. Nothing personal.
I have Skype. Some people log on (or their phones do) 20 times a day, so that I get the message "NN is now online". I have started to delete those people. If they want me, I am also on email or mobile phone. Nothing personal.
Raspberries
The better I seem to do in the kitchen, the worse I seem to be doing with the plants. Bought a raspberry plant, and yes, it bloomed and now it's giving off berries but the whole thing is covered is what looks like spider web. I think it's some sort of bugs or whatsit called.
Not the first time a plant with berries or fruit goes bad with me. Maybe it's time to quit, and keep to what I know.
Not the first time a plant with berries or fruit goes bad with me. Maybe it's time to quit, and keep to what I know.
Cookies
It seems I have gotten into a baking period lately. It is not too difficult to understand why. First I've got a fab kitchen with lots of space, and second I seem to have some time on my hands.
Only I ran into a wee problem. There doesn't seem to be any "sirup" in Switzerland. Not the "sirup" mixed with water that children drink, but a more thick "sirup" used for baking. Hmmm. So had to think, and came up with a substitute. Honey. Same consistency and kinda the same sweetness.
Not bad actually. OMG, am I turning into a housewife? Next thing you know I'll be shopping around for aprons!
Only I ran into a wee problem. There doesn't seem to be any "sirup" in Switzerland. Not the "sirup" mixed with water that children drink, but a more thick "sirup" used for baking. Hmmm. So had to think, and came up with a substitute. Honey. Same consistency and kinda the same sweetness.
Not bad actually. OMG, am I turning into a housewife? Next thing you know I'll be shopping around for aprons!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Cockroach poker
And then there was this waterpipe! I only smoked it once in my life before, but it's kinda cool. And we played cockroach poker. It's not as disgusting as it sounds. It's about cards with various bugs on them, and you have to have a poker face, cheating is part of the game. Of course I won. Well, at least the first round.
An evening somewhere in a village
Switzerland is an old country, at least if you compare to America. And consequently it holds some old buildings, which have been kept and restored. I like the way ze Swiss do it, unlike some other places I've seen where everything is torn down and nothing can stay like it was.
Ok, so maybe not a hangmat (hammock?) is part of an old house, but it fits if you ask me. The bottles certainly do!
Ok, so maybe not a hangmat (hammock?) is part of an old house, but it fits if you ask me. The bottles certainly do!
Cucumber?
Was invited for dinner tonight and the table decoration threw me off a bit. What the f... is that I thought. Turned out to be some sort of seed inside those thingies, sounds a bit like maracas when you shake them. Very odd, if not stylish so at least very...different.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Graffiti
There is graffiti and there is graffiti. Noticed this art on a house in the hood the other day. Cool I think.
Weather
Was cruising on the lake yesterday, when it was 27°C and sunny. Hot as hell. Got some company too, should have taken some bread with me. When I got back to the bridge the police was having a training session, rescuing people in water. Had to stay and watch of course!
Today we're back to 17°C and rain. As luck would have it I'm invited to dinner, so will be a good day anyway I'm sure.
Today we're back to 17°C and rain. As luck would have it I'm invited to dinner, so will be a good day anyway I'm sure.
Friday events
Finally, after having waited a long, long time I got my new balcony window. 
Was up at the crack of dawn getting ready, but alas, no hunks to be seen.
In the evening I was having a friend over, but he cancelled at a late stage. Cheese pie was already done, so invited some neighbours instead. Think they were pleased.
Was up at the crack of dawn getting ready, but alas, no hunks to be seen.
In the evening I was having a friend over, but he cancelled at a late stage. Cheese pie was already done, so invited some neighbours instead. Think they were pleased.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Early riser
Ok, so normally I go to bed quite late and consequently I get up a little later than most people. But tomorrow I have to get out of bed at the crack of dawn. Am having one of my big balcony windows replaced. Once again.
It is still on warranty, and it's been replaced already once. But I have vivid memories of the last time. The guys came earlier than agreed, there were six of them, young and hunky. So yes, better get out of bed, unwrinkle myself, shower and put a kilo make-up on (haha, don't think I even have a kilo of that), and try to look at least awake.
You never know...
It is still on warranty, and it's been replaced already once. But I have vivid memories of the last time. The guys came earlier than agreed, there were six of them, young and hunky. So yes, better get out of bed, unwrinkle myself, shower and put a kilo make-up on (haha, don't think I even have a kilo of that), and try to look at least awake.
You never know...
Pay for usage
I am a real cheapo. Guess it's the upbringing that took me here. Never waste anything, never pay more than you have to.
In Switzerland we pay for trash bags. About 1 francs for a 17-liter-bag and a little more than 2 francs for a 35-liter. This is how it's financed in Switzerland. Not through the taxes but through usage. I like the method.
Reminds me of a flat I had earlier in my life. There you paid a fixed fee for gas usage (the stove). Same fee for a one-room flat as for a three-room flat. Normally in a three-room flat there would be a family, probably using the stove daily and a lot. In my flat it was hardly ever used, since I was working all the time and hardly cooked at all. Called the responsible politician once, who of course never returned my call.
Anyway, on Thursday mornings (long, LONG before I surface from my bed) they pick up the trash, and since I now have more or less grown-up cats (gosh, do they shit a lot! If I had their metabolism I would be very, very skinny!) I like to bin whatever trash I have on Wednesday evening.
Today it's Wednesday evening, and my trash bag was only half full. But clever me went down to the basement, found some old books that nobody would read anymore, and filled the bag up. Problem solved. And I can go to bed with a good conscience, that I didn't waste half a trash bag :).
In Switzerland we pay for trash bags. About 1 francs for a 17-liter-bag and a little more than 2 francs for a 35-liter. This is how it's financed in Switzerland. Not through the taxes but through usage. I like the method.
Reminds me of a flat I had earlier in my life. There you paid a fixed fee for gas usage (the stove). Same fee for a one-room flat as for a three-room flat. Normally in a three-room flat there would be a family, probably using the stove daily and a lot. In my flat it was hardly ever used, since I was working all the time and hardly cooked at all. Called the responsible politician once, who of course never returned my call.
Anyway, on Thursday mornings (long, LONG before I surface from my bed) they pick up the trash, and since I now have more or less grown-up cats (gosh, do they shit a lot! If I had their metabolism I would be very, very skinny!) I like to bin whatever trash I have on Wednesday evening.
Today it's Wednesday evening, and my trash bag was only half full. But clever me went down to the basement, found some old books that nobody would read anymore, and filled the bag up. Problem solved. And I can go to bed with a good conscience, that I didn't waste half a trash bag :).
Grateful and ungrateful
There are neighbours, and then there are neighbours. One couple in the house I have known the longest, and we help each other out now and then on an as-needed-basis. Today the guy in that family has birthday, so went down there with a wee gift. As usual was invited, and we ended up having a nice conversation and time together. And no, I will have no problem taking care of the delivery of a new table for them tomorrow. That's what good neighbours do for each other.
On the way home (one stair up) I rang the door of the other neighbour. Now, he asked a few weeks ago if one of us neighbours could find him a new tenant for the garage he's paying for. I did. Since this was last week, I wanted to know how it was progressing since the presumably new tenant told me he hadn't heard anything. Turns out, neighbour doesn't care since the old tenant must pay another 3 months, and claims "I had no time". No time my ass, he was home doing nothing when I rang the door.
Why, oh why did he ask then? Doesn't he realize I put my own reputation in play here? I really want to say to presumed new tenant to find another garage (which he will without problem), since I don't want to help this guy out anymore. Next time he gets a delivery (he hasn'nt informed me about), and the Post rings my door, I will not answer. Nor will I look after his flat when he's travelling.
Plus the fact that the old tenant probably would be very happy to not having to pay for another 3 months, since she's already moved and is not using the garage. After all, 180 CHF is 180 CHF, and could be used for better things than paying for something you do not use.
No time my ass! In this time of internet, mobile phones and communication available everywhere, it's more a matter of not wanting. But there is me, probably just oldfashioned, wanting to help out.
On the way home (one stair up) I rang the door of the other neighbour. Now, he asked a few weeks ago if one of us neighbours could find him a new tenant for the garage he's paying for. I did. Since this was last week, I wanted to know how it was progressing since the presumably new tenant told me he hadn't heard anything. Turns out, neighbour doesn't care since the old tenant must pay another 3 months, and claims "I had no time". No time my ass, he was home doing nothing when I rang the door.
Why, oh why did he ask then? Doesn't he realize I put my own reputation in play here? I really want to say to presumed new tenant to find another garage (which he will without problem), since I don't want to help this guy out anymore. Next time he gets a delivery (he hasn'nt informed me about), and the Post rings my door, I will not answer. Nor will I look after his flat when he's travelling.
Plus the fact that the old tenant probably would be very happy to not having to pay for another 3 months, since she's already moved and is not using the garage. After all, 180 CHF is 180 CHF, and could be used for better things than paying for something you do not use.
No time my ass! In this time of internet, mobile phones and communication available everywhere, it's more a matter of not wanting. But there is me, probably just oldfashioned, wanting to help out.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Bedtime
Yesterday I made cinnamon rolls, and thought I'd offer some to the people in our little house community. Saw one person online, so asked via Skype if they wanted some. "Yes", he said, "but my wife is already in a pyjama, so if you don't mind I'll come over". It was three minutes to seven in the evening!
I think perhaps between us in this community of 14, there is always somebody awake! At least it will be in a couple of weeks when a new baby will make its entrance. Unfortunately said baby will reside in a bedroom right on top of mine. Hmmm.
I think perhaps between us in this community of 14, there is always somebody awake! At least it will be in a couple of weeks when a new baby will make its entrance. Unfortunately said baby will reside in a bedroom right on top of mine. Hmmm.
Monday, May 07, 2012
Low-cut
I need new pants, since the old ones have been worn out. Ripped and big holes in. Not a pretty sight of somebody, well my age.
But I detest going clothes shopping, and when I finally make myself do it, I never find anything that fits comfortably. Why are all pants these days low-cut? I don't get it. Is it only me who has a belly to tuck in? I refuse walking around in low-cut pants with flabs of flesh hanging out the sides. Very unappetizing!
Currently I wear the same skirt day in and day out, the only thing that's comfortable. Only poses a problem when I have to wash, what will I wear then?
But I detest going clothes shopping, and when I finally make myself do it, I never find anything that fits comfortably. Why are all pants these days low-cut? I don't get it. Is it only me who has a belly to tuck in? I refuse walking around in low-cut pants with flabs of flesh hanging out the sides. Very unappetizing!
Currently I wear the same skirt day in and day out, the only thing that's comfortable. Only poses a problem when I have to wash, what will I wear then?
Bloody
So finally I got around to give blood again. For several reasons I haven't been for nearly a year. It feels good, unlike that time I fainted.
All in all I have donated blood 18 times now. After 10 times I got a cap if I remember correctly. I wonder what the gift is after 20 times? Bet it's a bag or something. Not that I go 'cause of gifts, but it's nice to be appreciated with something.
All in all I have donated blood 18 times now. After 10 times I got a cap if I remember correctly. I wonder what the gift is after 20 times? Bet it's a bag or something. Not that I go 'cause of gifts, but it's nice to be appreciated with something.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Geraniums!
Finally! Geraniums for sale. Decided to go for one colour this year, and am happy with the result.
Introspection
Following up on the last item, I realized it doesn’t hurt with a bit of introspection. And I know, I am very bad in asking for help. Mind you, not when it comes to practical such, there I actually excel. No problem at all asking for help to put a picture up, to get a lift to somewhere, to ask for physiotherapy after my operation, to put an Ikea table together or to get assistance with my plants. No problem whatsoever asking for this type of help.
But never in my life have I asked for emotional help. When I grew up it wasn’t hip to be “crazy”. In those days you ended up in a mental hospital. And I don’t mean I’m going bananas now, but it seems to me that now many people are “emotional”, “insulted” or merely “offended” for little things. I was brought up to fend for myself, if you want something go get it, and feelings were never part of it.
Not that my childhood were loveless, far from it, but we never talked about feelings. They were surely there, but you hid them. So for me to say that I need somebody will never happen. I will never say, please come and spend the evening with me ‘cause I need to talk, or please let me cry on your shoulder. Never.
And it’s good to know my true friends understand that. So I won’t have to ask.
But never in my life have I asked for emotional help. When I grew up it wasn’t hip to be “crazy”. In those days you ended up in a mental hospital. And I don’t mean I’m going bananas now, but it seems to me that now many people are “emotional”, “insulted” or merely “offended” for little things. I was brought up to fend for myself, if you want something go get it, and feelings were never part of it.
Not that my childhood were loveless, far from it, but we never talked about feelings. They were surely there, but you hid them. So for me to say that I need somebody will never happen. I will never say, please come and spend the evening with me ‘cause I need to talk, or please let me cry on your shoulder. Never.
And it’s good to know my true friends understand that. So I won’t have to ask.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Friendship
Lately I have reflected over friendship, and ask myself why I get along with some people and some not. I sometimes also have the instant feeling when I meet somebody I really like, that this is a matter of time before we fall out. And I think I have the answer. Well, several of them actually.
First of all, you have to care about somebody in order to have strong feelings about them. Otherwise, if you don’t like them, you just regard them as idiots and move along.
Second, to be too alike is no good. Ask me, I was very much alike my father and we didn’t get along at all. I always thought he was an asshole. Well, not entirely, but I really disliked him. We always argued. Fortunately things changed and we made up before he died.
Third, there has to be respect involved. You have to accept the weaknesses or faults of the other person, and to make sure you appreciate the positive sides. Always arguing gets you nowhere.
Fourth, communication is key. Ignorance destroys friendship.
Fifth, I have begun to wonder if age plays a role in this. But really I don’t think it does. Maturity does. And you could be young and mature, and old and immature.
And lastly sixth, action means more than words. You can say a lot of things, but if you do not “deliver” and never do anything what you say, it doesn’t mean shite.
I have, and have had, a lot of friends in my life. Some more of an acquaintance type and some people I was close to for a period in my life. Most of the time when you part ways it’s because of natural reasons. You move or they move, or if you worked together and somebody quits, then you lose touch, or you just drift away because you choose different ways in life. It’s natural and no biggie.
It’s worse when you actually “break up” with a friend, but sometimes it’s necessary for the peace of mind. Somebody who takes more energy than gives, somebody who is happy to accept all your invites but hardly ever invite back, somebody who is happy to accept you paying the bill in the restaurant but never returns the favour, somebody who borrows money but “forget” to pay back, somebody who puts you down but never pick you up. And a recent example, somebody gets offended by one item I wrote on the blog, never mind all the thousands of items I wrote before.
There are lots of examples. And I have learned to let go of these people. After all, I am responsible for my life and my well-being. And I don’t want to feel like treading on ice when I meet up with people. I am me, and even though I want to be nice to everybody, I want to feel that when I’m not, unintentionally, I am still liked and welcome.
First of all, you have to care about somebody in order to have strong feelings about them. Otherwise, if you don’t like them, you just regard them as idiots and move along.
Second, to be too alike is no good. Ask me, I was very much alike my father and we didn’t get along at all. I always thought he was an asshole. Well, not entirely, but I really disliked him. We always argued. Fortunately things changed and we made up before he died.
Third, there has to be respect involved. You have to accept the weaknesses or faults of the other person, and to make sure you appreciate the positive sides. Always arguing gets you nowhere.
Fourth, communication is key. Ignorance destroys friendship.
Fifth, I have begun to wonder if age plays a role in this. But really I don’t think it does. Maturity does. And you could be young and mature, and old and immature.
And lastly sixth, action means more than words. You can say a lot of things, but if you do not “deliver” and never do anything what you say, it doesn’t mean shite.
I have, and have had, a lot of friends in my life. Some more of an acquaintance type and some people I was close to for a period in my life. Most of the time when you part ways it’s because of natural reasons. You move or they move, or if you worked together and somebody quits, then you lose touch, or you just drift away because you choose different ways in life. It’s natural and no biggie.
It’s worse when you actually “break up” with a friend, but sometimes it’s necessary for the peace of mind. Somebody who takes more energy than gives, somebody who is happy to accept all your invites but hardly ever invite back, somebody who is happy to accept you paying the bill in the restaurant but never returns the favour, somebody who borrows money but “forget” to pay back, somebody who puts you down but never pick you up. And a recent example, somebody gets offended by one item I wrote on the blog, never mind all the thousands of items I wrote before.
There are lots of examples. And I have learned to let go of these people. After all, I am responsible for my life and my well-being. And I don’t want to feel like treading on ice when I meet up with people. I am me, and even though I want to be nice to everybody, I want to feel that when I’m not, unintentionally, I am still liked and welcome.
Shopping
Not often I put shopping as the title, but today I did. At least a little. Shopping I mean.
But first I went to the bank. Am planning a little sorta practical joke (will tell you later in the odd case the person affected will read this), with the intention of exchanging two used 20-franc bills to new ones. Turns out the bank doesn't have new bills! Interesting, had to ask whether it actually was a bank. And yes, still is. Only at Christmas they get new bills. They suggested the National bank, but since I thought it was overdoing it for a measly 40 francs, I asked her to find the best bills she could. And she did. So now I have two almost unused 20-franc bills. Good so.
Happened to pass H&M, and since I hold a few shares there, thought I pop in. Two colourful tops and a more conservative sweater.
Then I went to the Zürich tourist office, located at the main train station. Funny, having been here almost 10 years I never set foot in the tourist office. Very friendly, very helpful. And fluent in English. I really don't know why I speak English still as a first choice, but I do. Even though I can very well get along in German. Can't teach old dogs new tricks I suppose.
Stopped by the pharmacy to look for an epicondylitis bandage. 58 francs. Decided to think about it. Besides, don't want a skin coloured one. Do they come in purple?
Wednesday, so it was market day in the main station. Passed by my fav cheese stand (with the goodlooking guy) and bought both Alpkäse and a soft brie-type cheese. Yum.
Then on to Jumbo to look for geraniums. Not yet available, only some early sad-looking flowers. But bought a flower pot (guess the colour) and a dust thingie. My cleaning lady has been asking for it for some time now. Too bad she has resigned. Not 'cause of me mind you, but health reasons. Too bad, I like her a lot. Anyway, these last few times here she'll have a brand new dust thingie.
Lastly, I stopped to buy something for the little ones, but couldn't find what I wanted so ended up with only fresh cat grass.
PS. Hurray, had to change the setting, so now I can type new paragraph by using enter again (why the setting changed in the first place? No idea.).
But first I went to the bank. Am planning a little sorta practical joke (will tell you later in the odd case the person affected will read this), with the intention of exchanging two used 20-franc bills to new ones. Turns out the bank doesn't have new bills! Interesting, had to ask whether it actually was a bank. And yes, still is. Only at Christmas they get new bills. They suggested the National bank, but since I thought it was overdoing it for a measly 40 francs, I asked her to find the best bills she could. And she did. So now I have two almost unused 20-franc bills. Good so.
Happened to pass H&M, and since I hold a few shares there, thought I pop in. Two colourful tops and a more conservative sweater.
Then I went to the Zürich tourist office, located at the main train station. Funny, having been here almost 10 years I never set foot in the tourist office. Very friendly, very helpful. And fluent in English. I really don't know why I speak English still as a first choice, but I do. Even though I can very well get along in German. Can't teach old dogs new tricks I suppose.
Stopped by the pharmacy to look for an epicondylitis bandage. 58 francs. Decided to think about it. Besides, don't want a skin coloured one. Do they come in purple?
Wednesday, so it was market day in the main station. Passed by my fav cheese stand (with the goodlooking guy) and bought both Alpkäse and a soft brie-type cheese. Yum.
Then on to Jumbo to look for geraniums. Not yet available, only some early sad-looking flowers. But bought a flower pot (guess the colour) and a dust thingie. My cleaning lady has been asking for it for some time now. Too bad she has resigned. Not 'cause of me mind you, but health reasons. Too bad, I like her a lot. Anyway, these last few times here she'll have a brand new dust thingie.
Lastly, I stopped to buy something for the little ones, but couldn't find what I wanted so ended up with only fresh cat grass.
PS. Hurray, had to change the setting, so now I can type new paragraph by using enter again (why the setting changed in the first place? No idea.).
Laughing matter
Today on the tram there was a group of people in the back, laughing very heartily and very loud. At first everybody around them started to smile, 'cause it's kinda contagious. But when they kept on laughing on and on, it started to irritate me a bit. It was really quite loud.
When I was exiting I was given a card about winning a holiday in Fribourg. Apparently it's a laugh to go there. Hmmm.
Translate
Google blogspot has a new gadget, so should you for any reason prefer to read the blog in another than the English language, there is a dropdown box at the bottom of the page, where you can choose any of some 50 languages.
Just thought I'd let you know.
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