Dating

Some time ago I again registered at the dating site I was on when I first met my, now very close, dog friend. This time however, I didn't give too many details about myself, and I kinda forgot about it all. I know that in order to get contacted a lot, you have to share more information.

However, last week I got contacted by an older man, and since I have no prejudice against age when it comes to meeting new friends, I suggested we'd meet. I am not much for talking on the phone or sending numerous emails. I prefer an irl meeting, 'cause it usually takes no more than a few minutes to decide whether the person is a candidate or not.

This one was a quite severely overweight man with heart problems. He had trouble walking uphill, and told me he was on four different medications. Besides, he was a tad negative and had a tendency to complain about things, rather than looking on the bright side of life. So after a few hours slow walk with many stops, we parted politely and probably both thought the same. Nice meeting you, but enough.

Today he sent me an email saying he understood that I wasn't looking for anything romantic, but for him sex and erotics were very important. HAHAHAHAHA! I can only imagine going to bed with a 100+ kg's man with a heart condition, thinking he could collapse any minute. Romantic! NOT!

So I wished him good luck in his future endeavours. At least he gave me a good laugh.

Honesty

Somebody sent this to me. He obviously knows me.

New flatmate

As of today I have a new flatmate, so spent the whole day cleaning and preparing. NOT! No, of course I had done that earlier, so everything was in pristine order when he arrived.

And I don't have a feeling he'll be a bother. He's studying and working and will be busy and away a lot.

And no, he doesn't have a problem with me blogging about it. I asked.

Since he arrived a few days earlier than expected I hadn't prepared any food, but we agreed to have a meal together on Friday. I asked if there is something he doesn't eat, and yes there is. Lemongrass and ginger. Haha. Those are ingredients I almost never cook with anyway, so this'll be fine. Lemongrass anyway, what is that? Some Asian stuff?

Newbies

Sometimes I forget that people aren't like me. This evening I went downstairs to welcome the new neighbours with a bottle of wine and some homemade cookies. Awaiting to be welcomed in, and have a chat.

I ended up standing in the hallway, while the wine and cookies were whisked away. We had a brief chat, and I felt like an idiot, just standing there. I just don't understand people who are not welcoming. Even if I'm in the middle of moving in (which I was six years ago) I always invited people in. Who cares if there are boxes everywhere? That's to be expected when you move.

First impression is important, and this time I don't have a good feeling. But considering the time the renters in the house stay, I'm pretty sure they won't be here for long.

99 finito

I was working again today, and we have mostly regulars in the cafeteria. Oldies fit enough to move around (well, sorta) and during the last two years I have learned what most of them order. Mind you, they are not all that predictable, if it's hot like today they move from hot tea to icetea or to icecream.

Anyway, when you walk in through the entrance there is a table where you can write your condolences to the last person who died. Up until now I have never known any of them, 'cause they have never been visiting the cafe. I have never been to the top floors, but I understand that's where all the really sick people are.

Today I passed the table, but didn't recognize the person, so I didn't sign.

Later in the afternoon the ladies at the table, reserved for the regulars, told me that a regular had passed away. The guy who always had his two daughters visiting, along with an entourage, loving rose wine. I took great pleasure in serving them, they were always easy to please (as long as there was enough wine), and I marvelled over that a guy his age still was enjoying his alcohol.

The reason I didn't recognize his picture at the entrance, was that he apparently was vain, he had chosen a picture from when he was quite a bit younger. It made me smile. I mean I didn't smile that he died, but I smiled 'cause I think that when a 99-year-old still is vain, it gives me hope. Hope that one can still live no matter what age.

Ms Know-it-all

I managed to insult somebody the other day. I really didn't mean to, but in hindsight I realize that I did. I wrote an email referring to her as "Ms Know-it-all", meaning it as a compliment, 'cause every time I ask her something she knows the answer. However, after googling I found out that it's not kindly meant, like I meant it to be.

I found out when we met and she was answering in a weird way, and I couldn't understand why so I asked. Yes, turned out she was very unhappy with my email, thus no answer to it.

I explained that I thought I was giving her a compliment, so I think we're all right again. However, I would've preferred an answer to my email, rather than me having to find out.

That's why it's always better to communicate in person, when you can see the expression in the face, the body movement, and being able to explain what you really meant. Emails, texts, and blogs for that matter can always be misinterpreted. Guess I haven't learned much in those almost ten years I've been blogging :).

Weirdos or geniuses?

I love meeting new people, especially those I find a bit weird. Meaning they have a passion for things I never could imagine anybody would be interested in.

Like the other day when I met an apparently clever woman, who just made her PhD in science. When I asked what particular science it was (thinking I'd probably have no clue, but still a bit curious), she responded "I PhD'd in what wood sounds like". And all I could think about when responding was "oh really?". And then of course, being me, I launched into a long speech about how I hate wood, since I grew up with it and how much I prefer stone. But she was gracious, and pretended that she just got into that field by accident. That may be true, or not, but I'm still in awe how somebody could spend many years looking into "what wood sounds like". But I'm proud of myself, since I did refrain from asking what it might be good for.

Then a guy joined, and he turned out to be passionate about German architecture and building structures from the 1950's to 60's. Another area that is blank in my brain. I tell you, it was hard to even pretend to be interested. And even though I got a bit of a lecture I think I managed to forget it all again. Good for me. Still, it's nice to see people being so hot on a subject, that most of the population couldn't give a hoot about.

He did have one interesting hobby though, he was very knowledgeable about chili's. Chili here, chili there, different types of. For me who loves chili, it was eye-opening. I knew of course there are different types, but for me, chili is something you add to a dish and it tastes better. And hotter. But he knew his stuff, and after hearing about his chili plantation in his window, I think I might keep him as a contact.

A stalker?

I just had the weirdest phone call ever. A guy called just now on my landline. Normally it's always somebody who wants to sell me something calling on that line. Except for a few close friends, everybody uses my mobile phone.

So when the phone rings on a Saturday evening at a quarter past ten, I'm thinking immediately it's an emergency of some kind.

Instead it was a guy, calling me Annika, telling me the weirdest story. At first I thought it was the boyfriend of a good friend of mine, the name suggested it, but it wasn't.

Turns out a couple of weeks ago he had seen me outside my house, and thought I was hot. He claimed he didn't find a parking place quick enough to approach me, so he looked up my name on the mailbox. He then needed some weeks to work up the courage to google me and find my phone number. And then call me. I asked him if he was drunk, and he claimed he wasn't. And I believe him, since he didn't sound like it.

But I have a weird feeling. I mean he was nice enough and all, but in the end he did mention something about "I bet we'd have great sex" and that's when I kinda ended the conversation. In my world that is no start of a good relationship. Not anymore I should add :).

He gave me his phone number, three times, to be sure I got it. But I'm gonna have to marinate on this. And I do feel a bit uneasy that he knows where I live. It gives me a bit of relief though that he asked if I have a jealous man in my life, and I didn't tell him I didn't.

However, I cannot help feeling a little bit flattered. An eleven years younger man thinks I'm hot! Good for my self confidence. Ha, like I need it!

Championship in memory

I had no idea there was a world championchip in memory. These guys (and I say guys, since I saw few women around...maybe they are busy with more important stuff?) are amazing. They can remember the order of cards in a deck, and they memorize gazillions of numbers in a row.

It seems to be a small "sport" with no money in it, but if you ask me, these guys should be hugely rewarded, as supposed to the men who kick a ball around and are paid astronomical amounts. Can you tell that football doesn't interest me?

Seriously, these guys are clever and I'm sure every google and facebook company out there, are already offering employment. If not, they should be.

Small talk

I'm not a fan of small talk. You know, questions like where are you from, what are you working with, what do you do in your spare time, that type of thing. However, when you mingle and meet people for the first time, what else is there to talk about?

Some people are geniouses in this art, I am not. But I am good in watching people and seeing who seems to be a bit left alone. Mostly nowadays because I step away from a group of people having a smoke, as to not disturb them (all these friggin healthy-living youngsters!), and that gives me plenty of time to observe.

Today I saw a guy seemingly being on his own, so I went up to him, extended my hand and presented myself. We then had a brief chat, "oh, so you're Swiss", bla-bla-bla, yes "I'm voluntering in an old peoples home", then I said following the protocol, "so what do you do?". He promptly replied "I don't want to talk about my work" and showed me his back. Oh? That was surprising. I felt like I offended him. And to be honest, I wasn't really interested, it was just a way of continuing the conversation. Maybe he was unemployed and ashamed about it? Otherwise he could have just said something not meaningful and moved on.

Well, there were some other people easier to talk to. There was one in particular, who I thought was a homeless who moved in on the food table with a purpose, but weren't shown away. After all, this was an open venue with everybody welcome.

And he turned out not to be only not homeless, but very well travelled and fluent in English. Whaddayaknow?

And I guess it's a good thing that people can still surprise me. It means I'm not THAT old and cynical just yet :).

New neighbours

I wish I had a recorder, in order to document the laughs/noise/shouts that is going on in the neighbourhood. Love it.

And they were clever, the neighbours, they invited everybody around including myself.

Everybody brought something to eat, something to drink, and eventually there were more than enough. Bratwurst, potatoes, salads, sweets and there was no end to it.

It was a great evening, and it's lovely to see the younger generation partying like there was no tomorrow! And I got to see my balcony from a different view. Plus I got to pet Lola, a very cute and very little rabbit.

No longer friends

It's a bit of an emotional time for me. I am about to cut somebody who used to be very close to me out of my life. Don't get me wrong. It's taken me a long time, years in fact, to get to this decision.

Nevertheless, it is a bit heartbreaking.

Last time I did it, was with a very close friend for about 20 years. But when she visited me, spent a whole evening talking about how much she hated her mother and all the wrong-doings she apparently made, while my mother was in the hospital dying, I decided it was time to cut the cord.

I knew her mother, and she was a perfectly good woman, caring about her daughter. Besides, my former friend borrowed money from me and never paid back.

It comes to a point when you had enough. And this is my point.

Still, it's sad but I'll get over it. You know, when you have already gone through the worst thing that can happen in your life, you realize you can live through anything. Not always pleasant, but hopefully you become stronger in the end of it.

After all, who wants to have friends who always put you down and make you feel unwelcome and not good enough? Not me, that's for sure.

Freak magnet

My Mum was a freak magnet. That means that everybody a bit odd was drawn to her. Maybe because she never judged, and was kind to people in general. I don't think I can be accused of that.

However, since yesterday a car is parked almost in front of our house, on the side of a driveway belonging to the neighbouring house. I of course thought they had visitors, even though nobody ever parks there. Only I thought it odd to see the man still sitting there after several hours.

Didn't think more about it, until this morning when the car was still there. And so was the man. Just sitting there in the drivers seat. Once in a while going out and digging in the neighbours garden. Hmmm.

An hour later I looked out again, and saw him sitting there masturbating! WTF so to speak? Not that I saw the wurstli, but I saw the movements and him taking a napkin and drying himself off after.

I hesitate to call the police, since they should be busy with more important things, but on the other hand I'm thinking the man is dement or psychologically ill or something. Living in a car doesn't seem normal to me. Especially not in my hood.

Nah, I'm gonna wait until my neighbours come home and then talk to them about what to do.

Bad taste

I have a couple of neighbours who think it is tasteful to put a ring of dead leaves on their door. A circle of something that I'm sure was once alive and kicking, but now is just a sad ring of deceased greenery.

Why? If it was Christmas, I would guess they wanted to spread a bit of Christmas cheer, but since it's March, I have no idea why.

Otherwise they are nice, so I don't want to confront them, but why oh why?

Oldies but goodies

I really enjoy this volunteering work in the old peoples home. I walk in there, and Herr Müller is sleeping peacefully on the top of a shelf and we have a brief petting session, then I'm preparing the coffee machine (which badly needs a cleaning and why oh why isn't the old coffee machine that isn't working anymore being removed?). Then getting the hot milk and hot water and other drinks from the kitchen.

This is an enigma. When women are working in the kitchen, it is never a problem getting hot milk but when men are working there, hot milk is a problem. "No we don't have it". So why do women provide service, and men don't? You tell me.

But it really is a pleasure, and now I'm learning who wants what. A coffee with double cream? No problem. A tee cup with coffee 'cause his hands are shaking too much to hold a normal mug? No issue. The woman having lost fingers needing help with putting cream in her coffee? I'll do it for you. The old man who always orders a glass of wine, then another one, and gets louder with every deciliter (not that I could understand him being sober since he doesn't have all his teeth in), good for him still enjoying life, and the woman who always smiles but cannot remember if she paid or not, sweetie.

They are all darlings, if only it wasn't so friggin hot in there! They are always asking me if I'm not freezing, wearing a sleeveless top, while I'm sweating. It's like 25°C in there!

Immigration and racism

I have neighbours. Two of them are Romanians. One of them told me a story today with Romanians and Bulgarians now being part of EU or something, and as per this year being eligible to work anywhere they want. Apparently this became a big story in the UK, what with a minister standing at the airport on the 1st of January awaiting hordes of Eastern Europeans. And of course with the press ready with their cameras.

Two came. And both of them had jobs in the UK already. I dunno, them being Romanians I took the story with a grain of salt, but then read the news.

I think the fear of the foreign is more of a threat than actually being a foreigner. Like myself.

Panache and gucki

I have gained respect for people in the gastro business lately. Even if I only work in a cafeteria serving old people drinks and cookies, I have realized that it's not so easy as you think when being a customer.

Today I had four people around a table, two coffees, but one with extra milk and one glass of water without bubbles served lukewarm and one glass of water with, but served cold. Ok I can do that.

Three people at another table wanted one Rivella, one coffee but served in a tea-mug (the man was 98 years old and his hands were shaking too much to hold a normal cup), then with cold milk therein, and one person ordered Panache. My co-worker didn't have a clue what that was either. I had a feeling it was a mix of something, ask me anything about wine and I'll know, but with beer I'm lost. Had to ask and used my youth (!) as an excuse. "Sorry, I'm inexperienced, can you please tell me what a panache is". Haha, only place my youth plays to my advantage.

Anyway, turns out to be a mix between beer and a soft drink called Citro. Yikes! It was only later we discovered that there actually was a bottle with a mix ready-made in the fridge.

Then one person ordered a "gucki", and even after asking three times I didn't understand at all. This switze-dutch is killing me! Turns out she was saying "coki" meaning Coca-Cola. Aha! Why didn't she say that in the first place?

But I'm getting to know the people slowly and what they like, so it can only get better. And I'm really good in parking walkers!

PS. When you google Panache it's something completely different. Only in Switzerland my friends.

The fight goes on

When I was young(er) I picked every fight. Hadn't yet learned to choose my battles. Now, with age, I have mellowed. Not to the point of being stupid and accepting everything (far from!), but I know when to fight and not.

Tonight I met somebody who hasn't given up fighting a losing battle. It probably didn't help that he had a few drinks. But it was funny, listening to him and his arguments, trying hard not to laugh, since I was there when the initial debate took place.

Hurray for democracies, where anybody and everybody can express their opinion! Even if they are laughed at, but rather that than being imprisoned like in some countries!

Plus, the food served was delicious :).

Clean conscience

Had a discussion with an environmentally interested friend the other day, and she claimed that the problems with the climate, the extinction of species and starvation in the world is related to overpopulation.

Well, what can I say? I have taken responsibility. I have a clean conscience.

And I'm now having my heating system under control. Yesterday my guests had to keep their shoes on, 'cause the floor heating is almost off. Ha!

So tonight, for the first time, I lit up a fire for heating. And realized I should do this more often 'cause of the ambiance.

RIP Nelson

Not many statesmen I respect but Nelson was one of them. And it was a mighty feeling to see the cell where he was imprisoned so many years.

RIP.