Lamp

I was in Ikea today, and I'm thinking of replacing my lamp in the living room with something new and bigger. Moving the old one into the guest room, and get a new lift to my "library". I say "library" 'cause that's what it was called on the original plan to the flat. However, now it's used for tv watching, or at least meant to be, only I don't. Never mind, a new lamp would bring new aura to the room I think. Thoughts?

White trash

I may be a smoker, but I am not as filthy as some people. Look at this place! They cannot even be bothered to kill the cig and move their probably fat asses 3 meters to the bin.

Cats and old people

I was working again last Saturday at the old peoples home, and they used to have a cat. Unfortunately she has now gone on to greener pastures, hopefully with lots of mice.

They also have a visiting cat, a volunteer, who comes every day, supposedly 'cause he gets fed, have various cat beds to choose from, plus he gets lots of love from the tenants. He is big and black and looks like a panther.

And to my delight there was a new cat there. She (or is it a he?) just came along one day, and even though the home has searched for an owner, they haven't found one. Meant to be?

I reckon she's young, 'cause she was pretty feisty, but the two cats got along well, and she was friendly to everybody. I hope she moves in.

Fig!

Look at this. It's unbelievable! I just got this fig tree, newly planted, and it's already bearing fruit. Nature is truly remarkable.

Outrageous!

The other day I learned that dogs have to pay for a ticket on the buses, trams and trains. I find that ridiculous, since kid trolleys are for free! These strollers are huge and block the space for several people, whereas a dog lies or sits on the floor in a corner away from people.

Fortunately there seems to be an initiative underway to reduce the price for dogs. Unfortunately kids will still be allowed for free. Something ain't right.

Busy day

Busy day. Most of all, it was a relief to have a day with some rain and a bit cooler. In the morning I was jogging with doggie, and in the afternoon we walked all the way to the boat. With just a short stop for swimming. Not for me though.

But as soon as we got to the boat, I was. Dipping i.e. You're not allowed to swim around where the boats are for good reasons.

Then I had a fight with a wasp. It was a really intensive fight with me shouting and trying to kill it with a towel. It was in my face, in my hair and wouldn't leave me alone. And I HATE wasps. All through the rather long fight I could hear people laughing, but at the time I didn't care. When I finally got the bloody thing killed I looked up and saw half of Japan staring at me, all of them with a smartphone in their hand. Guess I'll be a youtube-wonder now.

But it was bliss to get out on the lake and swim. 27°C in the water and a mere 25°C in the air. Fabulous!

Later in the evening I had two men here to fix my tv. Apparently we've gone digital here in Switzerland, and I couldn't care less since all my tv consumption is done through the computer, but I took pity on my visitors and ordered a free device. They were here to install it.

I can't help but thinking some things are gender-related. Put two men together with one device and they'll never give up until it works. But it took some time. Like hours. However, now I seemingly have many more channels than before (none that I would watch though), and yet another remote control, not to mention a very ugly cable hanging down from the telly.

Not all new things are for the better.

Vitruvian man

I love summer. I really do. But I have to admit that I'm pretty tired of this heat now. My first summer here in 2003 was I believe equally hot, but now I'm almost suffering.

Between 35-40°C every friggin day and about 29° in my flat. I sleep like the vitruvian man with an icebag from the freezer on my body.

In order to do sports, which I've come to almost love, I have to get up like 5.30 in the morning and then it's already like 23°.

Enough now! But please do remind me in November :).

Mormon spiders

I really don't like spiders. I don't care if they eat other insects I like even less, I just can't stand them. However, when they are on the outside of my windows I cannot help but being intrigued.

There are grandma and grandpa, the parents, the grown-up kids, the youngsters and the new-borns, all working very hard to weave a if not a world wide so at least a local web. The threads are so thin it almost looks like they are climbing in the air.

They are big, ok so not in comparison to Aussie ones, but for Swiss standards, they are large. And I cannot bring myself to clean the windows because of it.

Or it could be that I'm too lazy in this heat to do anything about it. Your guess is as good as mine.

A kg here and a kg there

I know you're dying for an update on my weightloss "journey" - as they call it on biggest loser - but I like to call it my way to a healthier life.

Last week we had a fab dinner with mozzarella, my very own tomatoes and basil, beef tartar for main, as well as a homemade icecream made of raspberries, cream, lemon and some sugar. Sorry I can't have a buffalo or a cow on my balcony, otherwise most of it would've been self-grown.

And I lost 300 grams! I don't get it. I eat more and lose weight.

The next day was an even bigger surprise. I lost half a kg! Ok, so I was jogging in the morning but didn't eat any less than normal. And I've kept it off since.

But there's gotta be a catch, and I think it's called heat. Sweating a lot during the night and considering our bodies consist of...what 60-70%...water, I think that's the answer. There is no way this is gonna last. But if it does, nobody will be more happy than me.

Dog's playing

Doggie is playing with me. Last week we were jogging, i.e. powerwalking at first since dog is morning lazy. All of a sudden she stopped and I didn't realize until maybe 100 meters away. I called her and she just sat there looking at me. So I got a wee bit irritated, walked back towards her and when I was just about to put her on the leash she ran away. Had to put my nicest voice on, and give her the command to stay. That worked.

Today we were out in the strong sunshine and she wanted to swim. Thing is she doesn't go in if it's too deep, and by the river that's difficult. But we found a spot behind a fence where she could at least dip a little and get a drink. But then she couldn't get out. Tried several times, but didn't come out. So at last I climbed through the fence (which I'm proud to say wasn't a problem now with my new slim self :) to catch her and bring her back. Nope, she just went further on the wall next to the river, and I wasn't about to follow of fear of falling in. But next thing I know she was back on the right side, and I was stuck behind the fence. Hmmm.

Zürich - my city

Was on the lake today. Fabulous to only travel for a few minutes, be on the lake and swimming. I have the absolutely best anchor place in town. But I gotta get a Zürich flag, the Swiss flag I have is because the boat is of Swiss origin, and until now I'm only accepted by Zürich city.

Not Dalai but

I'm with dog today, and she really is a sweety, very easy to handle and friendly to everybody. She only barks if the doorbell rings, or if she sees dogs bigger than herself.

So today on our afternoon round, I was sitting peacefully reading a book while she was roaming around, sniffing interesting things, when she of a sudden barked. But when I saw why, I could kinda understand her.

It's not every day one sees llamas taken for a walk in Zürich.

No Grexit

Some weeks ago I came across a Swiss Greek, who I thought was a nice guy. He told me he had two dogs, which immediately made me think he was a good person. But we didn't keep in touch, until this evening.

So we connected again and he showed up, bringing the doggies. Oh dear. I didn't realize they were that big. My cats disappeared at the speed of light, and I could kinda understand them.

However, doggies were sweet. The black one friendly though big, and the foxy one terrified of everything new, just like one of my cats.

Shitchat

Good news and bad news. This morning I had a wee "accident". I didn't make it in time. It's this bloody powder I'm having to drink in order to make my poo smoother. I didn't have a problem before, but right now the pain of defecating makes me stick to doctors order.

So let's just say that my best white underpants are no longer...available.

But the good news is that I was powerwalking in the forest again for the first time in more than a week. Bliss.

However, it could've been worse. Like a good friend of mine who actually poo'd in her sleep with a new boyfriend. Imagine the horror! But she's lucky, he's a good one and still there.

Ah well, I'm back on medication and almost painfree. It's only gonna get better from here on.

Fresh figs

I got a fig tree! I know it's unlikely I'll get figs in my lifetime, but still. I am delighted.

Drink your food

I was watching a tv reality show about a clinic, where the doctors seem to be focused not only on curing the patients, but also care about their life. I know, it's television but still.

But I had to laugh out loud, when this skinny old man, looking like 90 years old, had his blood pressure taken and it turned out to be far too high. The doctor wanted to change to another medication and asked him if he had eaten. The response was "yes, I had 6 cl of whisky this morning".

There is hope yet.

Looking pretty good

Was seeing dr H again today. He's really very nice and I haven't had any problems with him looking good, 'cause he's short. Tall men are my thing.

So we had a pleasant conversation discussing my rectum and the reactions I had after the op, after which I asked him "so you wanna have a look?" like it was the most natural thing in the world. He smiled and said yes. Apart from a little swelling on one side he said it all looked normal, but I was encouraged to continue with the pills 'cause they not only take away pain but also work against infection. I really don't like pills and had stopped, but I listened and will continue for a few days more.

But the journal on the op was not yet written down (I had asked for a copy) and I got the story about the secretary he had to fire, and what a mess everything was. Oh dear. Good thing I didn't know before the op, maybe they would've removed something else?

Dinner party

I had a dinner party yesterday, and even though it was planned before I became a "Zürcherin", it was good timing for a celebration.

Plus it was very nice to be surrounded by friends again. It's been a bit lonely since the op, having been more or less confined to my apartment. I really miss getting out in the forest, moving around.

It's been ups and downs since the op, one time I had a pain attack so bad I thought I was gonna faint, other times I'm almost fine. Am seeing the doc this afternoon, so let's see what the status really is after that.

Took a pic yesterday without realizing that the conversation all of a sudden had turned serious. I think it was when one friend told the others about when he got robbed on his holiday. Otherwise the evening was full of laughter and fun. A much needed break!

And we had a fabulous desserts! Homemade strawberry icecream and a raspberry cake!

Another shelf please

Yup. As I thought, my friend has to build another one. It's not on for one to sit and explore comfortably, while the other one seemingly sits effortlessly but on 1.5 cm of glass.

I love them equally, and look forward to see them both having an outpost, keeping an eye on the 'hood.

It was only water

To live in a house with only four apartments is sometimes a bit of a balancing act. On one hand, you want to be helpful and have a good relationship, on the other hand, you don't wanna intrude and make them feel like you keep watch on them.

On my balcony I have a pipe. It comes from above and goes down below, and through that runs water. It has never bothered me, until today.

Because it's so hot, even though we were down to 35°C today, I most of the time keep the balcony door closed. The cats don't wanna go out anyway in this heat. But today it was open, and I noticed this sound. The water was running heavily through that pipe. So I figured somebody upstairs was home and was having a bath, or watering plants on the terrace.

But like after an hour I realized something was wrong. Nobody takes that long a shower, or water the plants for that amount of time. So I went upstairs ringing the door. Nobody home.

Here I panicked a bit, thinking omg they left a tap on and now we're gonna have a flood in the whole house. Left a message with the tenant.

Fortunately he called back quickly, explaining that they'd had a problem with the hose connecting to the tap on the terrace, and that it had been "fixed". Seemingly not. But he took care of it and was very thankful that I'd contacted him.

Guess I managed the balance right this time.

Better every day

Today I ventured out for the first time since Friday. I only went up to the nearest store, about five minutes walk, but it went fine. And I felt like I'm on the right track.

Even cut back on the strongest painkillers, now I only have two weaker ones, and hopefully I can cut them out soon too.

This evening I was googling "Aktion", reduced price on pork fillet I want to cook on Wednesday, when I'm expecting five guests. And to my delight I found 40% in one store, last day.

So I took another walk to check it out. Halfway I had a "oh no-moment", but it was fine and I managed to complete the shopping without pooing over anything. Progress!

Only, there was just one fillet left so I changed my mind when I saw "Aktion" on another piece of meat, pork from Ticino. Even better!

I really look fw to see some people here. It's a bit boring to always be indoors when forced to. I was hoping to get back to powerwalking in the forest, but in this heat I'm not so sure. It would also be nice to be painfree.

Swiss XX

Hurray! Zürich city has taken me on! Ok, the text wasn't easy to understand, and had provisions that the canton and the top government also have to agree, but still! I got the bill to prove it.

I think this might be the first time I'm happy to receive an invoice.

Hairy monster explores

A friend of mine has built a shelf as an attachment to the balcony, which I thought was very clever. My idea, his execution.

However, my cats are extremely skeptical to new things in and around the apartment, and it takes one of them forever to adopt novelties. The other one is more curious, and today she took a first look.

What a weekend!

It hasn't exactly been a fantastic weekend. I haven't slept properly for days, I am on heavy pain medication and to top it all off, I have to take laxative which means I'm shitting 4-6 times day. When I feel it's just air wanting to come out, it isn't. And it's been almost 40°C outside. Not that I've been out, didn't dare being away from a bathroom.

But I have a feeling it's going in the right direction. Right now I'm feeling almost ok (wine helps!), and I have cut down a wee bit on the medication.

Doc said I could jog tomorrow, so let's see if he's right. I'll be happy if I can get out at all, just walking.

And even though I had lost 700 grams this morning after gaining 1.6 kg's in a day, I still feel that I have lots of fluid in my body. Not a nice feeling.

What one does for a perfect ass!

Op

I wasn't at all nervous today before the procedure, but it is a strain on the body and brain nevertheless. I had regional anaesthetics, which was good, since I was awake the whole time and recovery was quicker.

However, a lack of patience on my side coupled with curiousity made me try to stand up before my legs and feet were completely awake. Bad choice. I got dizzy, grabbed the table, which unfortunately had wheels on it, and I was just a hair from falling, but managed to get hold of the bed just in time.

Got reprimanded by the nurse (who was a countryman - well countrywoman actually), but in a nice way and I listened. After having a sandwich and a Coke (I was starving!) my legs were fine and I went for a smoke. Two quick ciggies in 35°C. Another bad call.

Got in, and immediately started to sweat profusely and got dizzy again. Had to lie down with my feet up.

Then a friend came and got me and after 4,5 hours I was out again. Not bad.

Now I've been drinking water and Coke (and yes, a little bit of wine) approx 2,5 liters and still haven't been to the bathroom. That's how hot it is.

And it was a good thing I did the op, since doc found something that I didn't even know I had, which he said was very painful. Yes I know! So that piece is now going for pathology, and I really hope it isn't anything to worry about.

So with a strict regiment of painkillers to help me through the next days and weeks, I should be completely fine with a perfect ass!

Nordsee go fuck yourself

I am so irritated. I was out this afternoon with doggie, and due to construction work we were away from water for a longer time than planned in 35°C+. Doggie was panting and walking slower and slower, and I almost panicked.

There I was with a dog that wasn't mine, and who is nine years old, was I about to give her a heart attack?

So I stopped at a shop called Nordsee at the main station here in Zürich to ask nicely if I could have some water for my dog. First, they ignored me, even though it wasn't many customers there, then they gave me a no. A no to give a panting dog water.

It doesn't matter how fond I am of seefood, I will NEVER NEVER NEVER shop there.

I hate automatic downloads

I dunno what's going on with my computer. All of a sudden it decided that Internet explorer was no longer my default browser, and nothing worked.

I reset and reset and set as default, and set as default, and restarted and restarted and I made it work again, but who knows what will happen when I start it again.

And this at a time when I'll be watching more telly than ever. Bad friggin timing!

Analogue

Some months ago I received an information letter about going digital on telly. I put it aside since I never watch telly on the actual tv screen. I'm a computer person.

But today, sorting my papers I found it again and thought I'd try. No luck at all. The tv didn't even go on. So I changed batteries in the remote control. Still no luck. Until I realized that it wasn't plugged in :).

And when it did go on, there was only snow. Reminded me of my youth, when the screen was snowing when no programs were on. Kids, there was a time when there weren't tv 24-7. And coming to think of it, no computers, no pads, no pods, no electronic communication whatsoever. I feel a bit sorry for the young ones who will never understand.

Anyway, I don't think I will win a battle with the authorities not having to pay, so I will ask somebody interesting in fiddling with electronics to set it up to work.

Paralyzed

Partial anaesthetics it is. Spoke a good twenty minutes to the doc today, and she explained the procedure and risks with full narcosis vs partial. 1 in 50,000 get a paralysis that can last, so I'm taking my chances. Even I cannot have that bad luck! And one good thing with partial is that I won't feel the pain up to an hour after the op. After that no guarantees.

Plus I get the opportunity to speak to the doc while he's doing the op. Which he might not appreciate ;).

And I get to go home a couple of hours after the op, not having to wait the five hours the information folder said. Great!