Smelly rider

I was riding again today, and I've come so far that I know instinctively what I'm doing wrong. But to correct it, is another matter. A lot of it has to do with my fitness level, I don't have enough strength and endurance. And before you comment, I know, I need to reduce my smoking. It's something that's been on my mind for a long time, and I will do my best, beginning next year.

Nevertheless, I still enjoy it, riding i.e.. And when it's going ok I feel it. The teachers are almost always on about what to improve, and very seldom saying anything positive, but that's ok. That's their job. And thanks to them I do better.

Another thing, when I go riding in the morning I don't shower before, no point, since I'm sweating a lot, but when I go back home on the bus I feel myself stinking, both from the stables and from body odour, so I try to stay away from people. Maybe it's only me, 'cause nobody ever complained or even looked at me, but I don't wanna annoy people.

And I was thinking, if I reduce smoking which is getting to be more and more expensive, I could invest more money in my riding. I don't think anybody would vote against that!

Divine evening

I was hanging with church people yesterday evening, and one thing that struck me was that they are no better than "normal" people, i.e. antireligious. Of course I knew this, but still, it's easy to think that "Jesus-lovers" are obliging to the bible, always doing the right thing.

But the matter of the fact is they have struggles with relationships, weight, work and what have you, just like most people do. Myself excluded mainly because I don't fit in two of the categories and the third I have taken care of:).

For example one woman with an approx weight of 90 kg's was wearing such a short skirt it hardly covered her buttocks. An unfortunate outfit to say the least. One man was loudly talking about him and his wife going to therapy to make the marriage work (annoying his wife and the three other people around him that heard his monologue). Another guy was on stage telling a story about him losing his work, and (I guess, cannot be sure since it was in Swiss German) how Jesus saved him. Yawn.

Then they were playing "I'm going to see the king", and I remarked that Switzerland is not a monarchy, which I thought was hilarious. And for once my friend got the joke, and slapped me on my arm.

But the food was totally ok, bami goreng and a buffet with desserts. The chocolate mousse was divine :).

Swiss XXII

Hurray, Swiss government has accepted me. So you'd think I could celebrate. NOT! I still have to provide the original document, the acceptance letter, together with copies of payments to the city and to the canton. Neverending bureaucrazy in this country. But I did it, after a quite extensive search for a copy machine. I wanted to keep a copy for my files, and nobody in the vicinity had one. Eventually I found one at a travel agency next to the train station. Weird that the post office didn't have one.

But now it's on the way, could it be possible that everything goes through this year?

Two slices of lime

I changed my bank around maybe six years ago, and since then I had as many "advisors". If it's one thing I learned in my many years living in different countries, it is that none of them have been good for me. I always had to rely on my own instinct, which I might add has given me the privilege of having a good life without exhausting myself.

But today I was visiting the bank, the called me and wanted to review my "risk profile". I obliged, since it's no point in being unfriendly, although I didn't expect any revelations. And right was I. Turned out my new "advisor" is a woman who wasn't even born when I first was on the stock market, she didn't own any shares of her own, but wanted to be able to retire early. And she was supposed to give me advice. I don't think so.

But as I understood during the meeting was that she was covering her back. My "risk profile" was too high, and if I just signed a paper stating that I was aware of the risk, she'd be safe to go on "advising". Fine. Just doing her job.

And when I was shown into the meeting room, declining water or coffee, I was offered a hot napkin, just like in business class on an aeroplane. How weird is that? In a bank? But I dutifully wiped my face and hands, then placed the napkin on the plate provided next to two slices of lime.

Tip-top shape

Today I visited my gynecologist for a yearly check-up. Ok, hadn't been there for maybe five years but better late than never. I am pleased to say that I am in tip-top shape down under.

My doctor is a very loud but small woman, with very strong opinions. I like her a lot, she doesn't beat around the bush (so to speak).

And she was delighted to hear that I lost weight, and immediately went into a rant about how I am not to lose anymore, "'cause with age you lose without trying and" and "it's always good to have a little bit extra if times get tough".

Then I told her that I might consider cutting down on smoking starting next year, and got another infomercial about how not to quit right away but gradually, how to change my habits and on she went. Nothing was new to me, but she's refreshing. Very to the point.

She also checked my breasts, and I am due for another mammography. It was funny when she asked me to strip, and before she was done with writing down whatever in my journal, I was standing half-naked in front of her. "Gosh you're quick". But she didn't find anything alarming, so I think the mammography will just be a formality.

So another doc's appointment done. Next year I plan to stay healthy.

Just cheese everywhere

Had a nice group of friends over for dinner last night. Great to catch up, and be social over plates with raclette.

Talking about cheese, I am about to visit a neighbour who has birthday today and also loves cheese, so I prepared a little present for him.

10 years

Amazing, today I've been blogging for 10 years. I cannot be bothered to count but let's say 1-2 items a day on average, so maybe 6-7,000 times I've been sharing my wisdom with my readers :).

Here's my first blog item: http://afo828.blogspot.ch/2005_11_01_archive.html

Bottom of page, for some reason I cannot link directly to item.

Please keep your shoes on

I find this habit of taking off your shoes in a house or apartment really strange. Ok, I admit when it's wet outside you are to wipe off your shoes carefully before stepping inside, or let's say, you have one guest, and you want him or her to be comfortable, it's ok. But to have a party with 20-30 guests and demand them to take off their shoes? What were they thinking?

That they don't have to clean afterwards? That people feel comfortable without shoes? So to dress up for a big party, and then walk around in socks or tights. I get this white-trash-feeling. And definitely people I don't want to get to know.

Plus, let me tell you, with that many people there'll be all sorts of stuff on the floor. Chips, greasy stuff, spilled wine or whatever. Who cares? A party is fun, and the fact that you have to clean afterwards is maybe not a joy, but a must. Shoes or not.

Domestic elegance

I'm very pleased with my new curtains. Out with the old and dirty, and in with fresh and modern.

Biker friend

Had my new biker friend over for dinner this evening. And this time he had covered his tattoos. Not in the way intended though.

And throughout the evening I realized that if I ever get in trouble somehow, and cannot deal with it myself, I will have a squad of him and his friends "taking care of business" for me. Hmm.

Bag

Was donating blood again the other day, and as it was the 25th time I got a gift. A bag. And I'm happy since my old boat-bag has seen better days, and so it comes in really handy. I know, it may not seem much but still, it's a nice gesture and the bag has the right colours.

Wildlife on a Sunday morning

Was out doing a vitaparcours round this morning (well, morning and morning, but still, most people greeted with a "morgen" so I guess it was). And I saw animals. First an older man on a wagon behind a horse. Why? Have no idea. Aren't you supposed to transport something if you go on an old-fashioned wagon drawn by a horse?

Then I was doing a light jog and saw a man with two leashes, and as I was glancing at the "dogs" my head kinda twitched and I looked again. You know the way it does when you expect something and it turns out to be something else, and it takes a split second to realize what you've actually seen. A man walking two goats on leashes. Wtf? Wish I would've had a camera with me.

After that I saw an ardenner horse, at least that's what I think it was. It could've been a shire, the biggest horse in the world, but I'm pretty sure it was just an ardenner. Big, bulky and with giant hooves walking majestically through the forest with a man on his back.

It made me remember when a friend and I were riding together on an ardenner, belonging to her grandfather. We were maybe 10 or 11 years old, and were riding bareback. No helmets or any safety equipment. Those were the days. But then the horse felt it was tired of two little flies on his back and decided that going back to the stables was the name of the game. So he galloped back, and the two of us, probably weighing about 10% of what he did, together, had no chance.

But we weren't hurt physically, but I guess our pride took a hit.

Riding

Had a riding lesson again today (on Feri, my first love), and my flatmate came to see if it would be something for him. I think not. He's never been on a horse in his life. A challenge I might be able to talk him into. Or not.

We arrived early and were watching a pro riding, doing things that the Spanish riding school in Vienna does, and he asked if I could do that too. Duuuuhhh! I wish, but sadly no. Shows how much he knows about horses.

He was asked to take some pics, and out of 25 these were the best. Not seeing him being a photographer. Ever.

Tintin

I couldn't belive it. For some reason yesterday I made a reference to Tintin. A ficture figure that everybody have heard of. Except the crowd visiting me. How is that possible? Didn't all of them have a childhood? Or parents reading to them? Or have they ever read a book themselves?

A big mystery.

Toothless but happy

I was at the dentists today to check up on the healing of my wound, after removing a tooth. I was sorely disappointed when another dentist showed up. He apologized saying the other one was busy, and would I mind him checking me up. Hard to refuse.

Anyway, he just stated what I already knew. The healing process have gone exactly according to plan, and I have had no problems whatsoever. Another check-up in a couple of weeks and I'm home free. With a big hole in my mouth. Actually I was surprised how big it actually is, considering it's just one tooth.

And then I got a nice surprise. My first and hunky dentist showed up just to see how the healing had gone, and to say hello. Omg, he's a 10 out of 10 of a man! Had a just been 10 (!) years younger I would have dragged him outta there, concession or not.

Tuesday dinner

We had a really nice dinner yesterday, and for once I didn't have to do a thing. Turns out flatmate can cook. A bonus I didn't count on.

So we had spaghetti carbonara and tiramisu for dessert. Yum! And I got flowers! Not from him mind you but from another guest.

But I think not to exhaust the poor guy, 'cause today he fell asleep. And it's fine, I can cook too!

Curtains

Some 4-5 years ago I spent three hours together with a nice neighbour, putting together cheapo paper-like curtains from Ikea for one of my windows in the living room. They are now done. Dirty and not very practical, since they cannot be folded and put out of the way when cleaning windows.

So today I ordered new ones. I love the fabric, and think it's gonna look gorgeous and elegant. At least I hope so.

Sunshine sunshine

This sun has no spots. Just saying.

Cruise

It is unbelievable to be able to cruise the lake in November, enjoying the sun and not freezing anyones butt off. So we were overlooking the Expovina, that row of ships parked in Zürich where you can try all different kinds of wine, while we ourselves were sipping on my new house wine. A chilled Pinot Grigio from Italy.

Had a couple of new acquaintances with me, who in the beginning disappointed me a bit. First, they turned out to be as untechnical as I usually am. They were trying, I give them that, to help me prepare the boat. It would've been quicker if I had done it myself, but still. They tried.

Then we were cruising slowly, the only speed my boat can muster btw, and I was thrilled, looking at the mountains (some still with snow on them), the city behind and all the people everywhere, and I saw the two of them staring at their so called smartphones. Silly name, since I don't think it's smart. I had to shout to inform them that irl is better!

And they listened. Eventually. And after that we had a nice time with some picnic and a refill of wine.

Swing it

Flatmate and I made another round in the forest today, and guess who won doing the plank? Yes, I am proud to say I did. However, there is no way in hell I can do what he did, i.e. swing myself up using just arm strength.

So I guess we'll call it a tie. Or win-win.

Zwa Büsi

Since my new inmate is from Germany, I wanted to impress by showing my talent in speaking Swiss German. Basically using the only sentence I've learned in the past thirteen years. "Isch ha zwa Büsi", which he interpreted to "I have two breasts". Hahaha.

What it means? I have two cats.

Fit as a man

Today I feel really good. Started out in the morning doing a vitaparcours round together with my flatmate. He's around 20 years younger than me, a non-smoker, and I kept up with him! Ok, we didn't exactly exhaust ourselves, but still, we were jogging at a steady pace and did all the stations.

I bet he's gonna feel it tomorrow :).

Broken in two bits

Yup, it's done. No more pain from this little sucker!

Honesty

Somebody sent this to me. He obviously knows me.

X-rays

So I lost the filling in the tooth that was supposed to be repaired, but no way in hell was I going back to the "butcher-in-a-previous-life"-so-called-dentist, so I got recommended a new one. Funnily enough it's just across the street from my old clinic.

Sent an email to the current clinic, asking for my x-rays back. I mean, I paid for them and here in Switzerland you're entitled to keep them at home. Got a phone call back saying I couldn't have them 'cause I hadn't paid the bill. Duuuhhh! Easy answer, I haven't received the bill yet.

Went there today, paid up in cash (having to request a receipt!) and finally got the x-ray pics. It's too bad since my absolute favourite dental hygienist still works there. I know, I could still go back to her, but I now have taken against this clinic.

What surprises me the most is that nobody asked why I wanted the pics back. It's like they don't care about customers. And I've been a patient there since I came to Switzerland (the old clinic, before it was sold). I think it's time for a letter to the owners of the new clinic.