Control freak

Have a friend coming to visit me for a few days. He is due to arrive this evening. Earlier he phoned to inquire about my apartment number. Haha, apartment number in a house with four flats? Plus he's been here before.

I had forgotten what a control freak he is. This'll be interesting the next few days, since I'm not a planner and take the days as they come.

Stuff

Was visiting a couple with a kid today. When they were new parents they said that their kid wouldn't be spoiled, and not have too many things. HA!

50 shades of blonde

The last couple of times I washed my hair I noticed a different shade of blonde on my right side. I think it might have to do with me having a slightly different hairdo with less hair on the right.

It better not be friggin gray!

The perfect handbag

Friend suggested I might wanna get a new handbag, and he might be right. I think this one is just perfect for me.

Spring is coming, I'm sure

A week ago I felt spring in the air, then the snow came back, but I am still hopeful. You wanna know why? My left elbow has dry skin, so dry it's cracking, but only in winter. It doesn't matter how much creme or oil I put on it, it's dry.

But now my elbow is soft as a baby's bottom, and that without any ointment. Yes, spring is coming, I can feel it.

Plus my legs are shaved and my feet tended to. I am so ready for a spring and summer on the lake!

Mañana

Had a good time today meeting my friends who moved to Spain. Only they called like 10 minutes before they were to arrive, way to give me some notice, but fortunately I had some cinnamon rolls in the freezer.

But it wasn't about food, it was about catching up and understanding why they like it so much in Spain. They love the climate, spend most days on the beach when not working, learning Spanish and becoming a part of the little community where they set down the poles.

Getting to know new friends, eating out a lot 'cause it's too cheap not to, and enjoying the leisurely lifestyle. Even appreciating the lack of order we have here in Switzerland, and coming to terms with the mañana-way of doing things.

Good for them I say. I wouldn't trade Switzerland for anything, but it just goes to show, we're different. And they still have their house here, just in case they change their mind.

Cooperation

You know, it's very easy to dismiss people you do not like, and only hang with people that you do like. But life isn't like that, and sometimes it pays off to go the extra mile and extend a hand.

I cannot believe I'm saying this, but it feels good doing so. Especially when I know it's gonna be good for me in the end :). I have something to gain, and I didn't get an enemy.

Yes, pat on back. And it didn't even feel like prostitution!

Downhill

Got a call today. My aunt broke her foot. Not by doing sports or anything, but by walking outside her house getting the newspaper. This is not a good sign, considering she's 82 years old.

She cannot even walk on crutches, but is currently in a wheelchair.

There are few times I wish I would be in my home country, close to those I care about, being able to help, and this is one of them. But fortunately she has kids, grandkids and great grandkids (great grandkids, is that even proper English?) to help her, so all I can do is being supportive from a distance.

And considering she has a really sharp tongue, just like me, I'm not sure it'd be a good idea for us to share living quarters for more than a night or so.

Nevertheless, she's been more or less around for my whole life, so I wish her a speedy recovery!

I am always right

Me wrong? Not often if you ask me :). I have friends, a couple, who moved to Spain some time ago. I gave them six months over there, then I was certain they were moving back. They proved me wrong.

But today they called me. Back in Switzerland, but only for two weeks. We're gonna meet up soon, and I so wanna ask them why they want to stay in Spain, and not come back here. I wanna know why I was, I don't wanna say wrong, but perhaps slightly incorrect in my judgment.

Ok, the Spanish food is better than ze Swiss, but otherwise, what can possibly be better than Switzerland?

Party bladder

Had a friend over today, and we were cooking as you saw on the previous item. We had drinks. Many of them. First the strawberry with bacardi razz and crushed ice, then a bottle of red, then we went out and had plenty of more white wine. And he never went to the toilet!

During this time I had been probably three times, and as we all know, once you start, you have to keep on going. He never went.

In the end of this evening I was worried, felt uncomfortable on his behalf (how stupid is that?), so that when just before we were leaving he rose and disappeared downstairs to the bathroom I felt relieved. Finally he was going.

I know, I shouldn't worry about these things, but there you go. I'm thinking of getting a hobby.

The making of a lasagna

And then "my" chocolate souffle, not the best, not the worst, but a first.

Spring feelings

Spring is in the air!

I won!

Had forgotten to check the euromillion ticket I purchased for 6 francs last week, so was pleasantly surprised when I went to the kiosk today and they told me I'd won! The whole sum of 29.80! Cause for celebration for sure, and a start for my farm.

Then I was in the post office today, and they asked if I was interested in Swisslotto, which apparently can give 10 mill, I felt a winning streak and invested 5 francs.

Watch out farmers, you may be in for some competition!

Nostalgia

I seem to be into this nostalgia lately, where I see something on telly or hear something and it makes me remember my youth. Oh dear, does that mean I'm getting old? Yes, but never mind.

Anyway, this time I remembered a party. I must've been around 15 and we were invited to a friends place, her parents were gone for the weekend. Not a good thing when you're in your teens, since the place ended up in shambles. People who were not invited came around, and it got out of hands.

I don't think I added to it, but it was crushed windowsills, vomit, and towels used as toilet paper. Not a pretty sight at all.

I remember coming back the next day helping to clean up, and spent an hour just trying to get the guest toilet clean. But as I remember my friend didn't get reprimanded, either that, or she had really nice and forgiving parents.

I shall remember this when my niece gets into her teens. Borrowing my apartment? No way unless you have a death wish. Inviting me to participate in the party? Oh yes!

Stand up toilet

I was watching this program about people trying to change their lives by spending a summer on the countryside. Which is all fine and dandy, and spending time with goats, or running a b&b is all commendable, if it wasn't for the complaints about lack of luxury.

It made me remember the charter trips in my youth, where in Italy and Spain they had toilets which were basically a hole in the ground. And the toilet paper was kinda oily, and didn't absorb any liquid whatsoever.

I was told it was very hygienic when complaining (by men), but I wonder how hygienic it was when your urine splashed up on your feet and legs.

Guess it's new times now. People complain about different things, like when the iphone doesn't work or when the shop doesn't provide all the exotic ingredients you were planning for your dish.

Myself, I am looking forward to the movie about Kon-Tiki. There's a real adventurer for you. I bet he didn't care about toilets or any sort of luxury.

Push to tomorrow what you can do today

When I got my back pain I cursed myself for pushing things to do forward. Important things, like cleaning off the balcony and shaving my legs.

Yes, I know, you're laughing but having a clean balcony that is welcoming to tread onto is important to me. I want a nice cozy feeling when out there. And yes, I had already cleaned off the moss and cat hair, but it needs to be hoovered and scrubbed properly. But as it turned out, it was probably good I didn't do it, since it snowed a couple of days ago. Again.

With regards to my legs, I recently started to wear shorts again. Which I do most of the time at home, when it's not freezing outside. And looking like an Italian on the lower legs is not a sexy feeling. Fortunately I do not have dark hairs, but still. Not a good feeling, should a hunk happen to ring my door.

I think tomorrow is a leg day.

Fit as a fiddle

Today I woke up and felt almost back to normal again. Have used 8 painkillers out of the box I got last Sunday, 2 left. But just in case I got another 10 from the pharmacy today, so now I am prepared should it happen again.

It's a great feeling to be able to move around without having constant pain. Not saying I'm not feeling it anymore, but it's far from the stab of pains I had by just getting out of bed.

And it makes you really tired being in pain all the time. I slept as soon as I could find a semi-comfortable position.

But nevermind that now, it's bygones. Now I am back in force!

Just goes to prove, who needs doctors? They charge you an arm and a leg, send you for more expensive tests and you end up getting healed without their help. Guess I'm a bit disillusioned from having worked with them for four years.

Masterchef

I have been watching three seasons of US Masterchef, love the show, but since the fourth season isn't out yet I came across the first season of Australian Masterchef. And it struck me how different they are.

In the US every contestant says "I'm gonna win this" even though they are crap at cooking, in Australia they are more modest and more down to earth.

I think that if I had to leave Switzerland, Australia would be my next choice. I like the modesty, the less aggressive attitude to life, and in the show, more coaching than dissing approach.

I have been visiting both the US and Australia, and for living, down under would definitely be my choice. Warm welcoming people, and ok, it does help that they have a great climate and a charming accent, but still. I prefer the accepting, positive thinking to the more American fake openness.

Still, Switzerland wins so I'm staying.

Asphalt is the shit

Was talking to a friend today, who gently suggested taking walks in the forest, avoiding the asphalt, what with my back and all. I'm sure she wasn't serious, knowing me.

However, I am currently snowed in on "All creatures great and small", and am watching it every day on youtube, where some kind person uploaded it.

I'm seeing myself having this big farm with animals like cats, dogs, donkeys, horses, cows, chicken, goats and what-have-you. A big staff taking care of it all of course, a cook, a driver, a foreman/woman, people to work on the fields, a vet, cleaning help, a lawyer to deal with the legal admin, and me in the middle, bossing people around. Ha!

A dream? Yes of course, but not when I've won the euromillion.

And naturally it has to be located close to the city and the lake. Plus that I can throw some business in the direction of my real friends, and my ass to those who aren't.

What a great dream!

Toilet deluxe

I am always generous to myself, and my close ones, and the closest ones are furry. Today I went shopping for a new toilet. The deluxe variant as they said in the shop.

It has been sniffed on and approved of by both cats.

Plus it's black and grey and fits very nicely with the rest of the design.

Hollywood boulevard

Friend of mine came across this guy today on Hollywood boulevard.

Oh, am I glad I live in the real world.

Plants and food

While I'm standing up watching tv I am enjoying a plant I got from a friend a week ago.

And a raspberry spunge cake I baked.

Annika 95

Fucketyfuck. Woke up at three this morning with excruciating pain in my lower back. Could hardly get out of bed, but finally rolled out and tried to walk around. It gets better when moving.

45 minutes later it was a bit better but not good, so searched my drawer and found one pill left in a box, a pain killer, best before 2010. Goes to show how often I use drugs.

3,5 hours later I could finally go back to sleep, mostly because of exhaustion. The cats however were delighted to be able to go on the balcony and play in the middle of the night.

So todays walk wasn't up the hill, it was into town to a pharmacy that's open on Sundays. So now I have stocked up on pills, in case it gets bad at night again.

I have also checked on youtube which exercises to do, and one of the reasons for this condition is apparently sitting too much, so today I have been walking or standing all day, moving my hips around and looking funny I'm sure. Good thing I have strong legs. And that I live alone.

Packing up

Omg, was standing in the bathroom today, not moving around when a sharp pain hit my lower back. Like being stabbed with a knife, not that I know what that's like. The acute pain subsided after a few seconds, but I am still sore. Horrible feeling that, when the body starts packing up.

First I thought it was my kidneys saying thank you and goodbye, but turns out they reside higher up in the body. Plus they should be well exercised by now!

Ah well, after consulting with my friend google, I know what to do. Exercise. Tomorrow there shall be a long walk up the mountain. Where they happen to have a restaurant with a great cheese plate. I always believed in combining work and pleasure.

Trust your nose

Yesterday I had some food, that had stayed a bit too long in the fridge, but since I don't like wasting, I heated it up anyway. Halfway through though I thought it tasted a bit funny, and threw the rest away.

Today, more than 24 hours later, after having eaten normally in the day, I vomited my heart out. So conclusion is, I should've trusted my nose after smelling the food before eating it.

I shall have to stop being so cheap, or perhaps starting to plan my eating better.

Gas

Despite my smoking, I do have an excellent sense of smell and tonight I smelled gas. Since we run on electricity in this building I was alarmed. Went out on the balcony, and realized that the "new" neighbours downstairs were grilling. At least that's what I figured. Lights were on, and there was a faint aroma of grilled meat.

Which is all fine and dandy, I like the feeling of having people around me who enjoy life. If it wasn't for the gas smell. Well, I guess you cannot have it all.

I think next week I start playing the euromillion, and when I win, I will buy the whole building and choose who gets to live here. Ha!

Hells angels

Later the same evening a fairly new friend surprised me. First of all, she turned out to be a bit of a party animal, which was totally unexpected. Second, she disappeared in the middle of the evening out.

I, always worrying about my friends, went to look for her, only to find her chatting vividly with what I thought was a Hells angels member. Always quick to judge me. Turned out he was an accountant, and a measly 19 years younger than her. Well done girl!

I always said that if you want to feel slim, go out with a fat person. Equally goes for beauty, if you want to feel fab do not go out with a beautiful woman. You'll be put in second place. And what is even more irritating, I don't think she was even that interested.

I can only stand back and admire her, and I don't say that often. And maybe, just maybe, I'll put in some more effort next time out. Mind you, not for HA wannabe, but because I should perhaps try harder. And be thankful for that we do not have the same taste in men :).

R.I.P

Last Saturday we had a wee party, starting off with a cheese pie and salad (one friend is a vegetarian and thus difficult to cook for), and of course some fine bottles of wine.

But the friend in charge of the salad, decided to do some toasted bread crusts to put on top of the greens. Fine idea, but questionable execution. I got my vintage toaster out of the cupboard (notice the orange manually operated buttons!), plugged it in and went back to the table. Guess what he did? He cut the untoasted bread first, then put it in the toaster! This can only be called male logic. It was a miracle we managed to get at least some of the crusts out. R.I.P my toaster.

Disappointed

Perhaps I'm overly sensitive, but I don't like it when people say one thing, then don't deliver. When they prioritize away something they said mean a lot to them. Sorry, can't be more specific at this point in time.

But what I like even less, is people who I thought I could trust. I told this person about a personal disappointment, and how badly that affected me, and then he promptly does the same to me. Shame on you! There shan't be anymore invitations to my place for you.

Spain in the old days

Continuing on this consumer business, the program went on to talk about education, training and courses. And how nowadays people are cheated, paying loads of money and getting nothing in return.

Made me remember a course in Arguineguin many moons ago. Fantastic course. In those days it was cheaper to send employees abroad than to go to a course locally. A whole week in the sun. Classes in the morning, well morning and morning, 9-12 if I remember. Then lunch and a leisurely afternoon in the sun, following more classes from 17-20.

Then dinner and partying all night long. I seem to remember ties tied around foreheads, people looking pink from all the sun and dancing until dawn.

But don't get me wrong, I think I learned a lot there, formed relationships (ah ok, that guy was maybe a mistake, he kept on sending me letters), but most importantly, I learned I was good. This was in the early days of my career, and I wasn't sure of my abilities. This trip taught me I knew more than I realized.

Never had a lack of confidence since.