Today, happy was lolling in bed. All day long. Woke up with very tired feet. Made coffee and climbed back into bed for the morning ritual: coffee and my iPad. Finished the coffee. Stayed in bed. Eventually got hungry. Made fruit salad, mixed it with yogurt, coconut flakes and cashews. Then ate it...in bed.
Read a book. Played Wordfeud. Read some more. Napped. Watched House via air video (Thank You Nick!) interspersed with more Wordfeud, checking e-mail and Facebook.
And so the day unfolded because today the lazy hazy side of me got to be center stage. She usually gets relegated to the wings in the hubbub of all the shoulds and musts. Not today. Today, I simply stepped aside and let her step up, front and center. Because happy means embracing it all. It's easy to be happy about the things you like in yourself. It's harder to embrace, honor and, yes, even treasure the parts you are less fond of. She's happy. I'm happy. Tomorrow we can go forth together and face the world. Right now, though, it's evening teatime and...you guessed it...back to bed!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Day 21: Sore Feet, Happy Heart
It's late and I'm tired so I'll keep it short. Could not go to sleep, however, before sharing my oh-so-perfect day, framed by glorious weather. Sunny and warm...I even got a slight sunburn.
Add to that spending most of it with my wonderful friends Chedva and Jeff who are cruising their way throughout the world and had a one day stop in Stockholm. We walked and walked and walked. And talked and talked and talked. What a pleasure it was to show off the beautiful city I live in!
After putting my feet up for an hour or two, I rounded off the day with luscious home cooking at the Greismans.
It doesn't get better than this!
And now...to bed!
Add to that spending most of it with my wonderful friends Chedva and Jeff who are cruising their way throughout the world and had a one day stop in Stockholm. We walked and walked and walked. And talked and talked and talked. What a pleasure it was to show off the beautiful city I live in!
When I got home, my tired aching feet were very glad when I remembered that there was still some of the leg gel that Olga gave me many years ago left...and where it was.
After putting my feet up for an hour or two, I rounded off the day with luscious home cooking at the Greismans.
It doesn't get better than this!
And now...to bed!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Day 20: Facelift
When my cousin's granddaughter visited Stockholm a few years ago, I accompanied her to Centralen (Stockholm's central station). Her comment was, "Yup, typical central station in a big city." She was right, of course, which is why I'm happy to report that Centralen is getting a facelift.
The upper level and main concourse are done. They've started on the lower level and are renovating the stretch between the subway and the commuter trains in increments. Sections of that area are cordoned off by brightly colored screens with huge words printed on them. Anticipating people's reactions to the inevitable inconvenience of extended renovations, here's what the signs say:
Pretty clever if you ask me. Takes the wind right out of the complainer's sails. Made me laugh. Good strategy on the whole. And they say the Swedes have no sense of humor! :-)
Here are some photos of the work in progress:
The upper level and main concourse are done. They've started on the lower level and are renovating the stretch between the subway and the commuter trains in increments. Sections of that area are cordoned off by brightly colored screens with huge words printed on them. Anticipating people's reactions to the inevitable inconvenience of extended renovations, here's what the signs say:
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| Nuts |
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| Ungainly |
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| Messy |
Pretty clever if you ask me. Takes the wind right out of the complainer's sails. Made me laugh. Good strategy on the whole. And they say the Swedes have no sense of humor! :-)
Here are some photos of the work in progress:
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Day 19: 100% return on investment
How would you rate 100% return on an investment in less than one year? Given current interest rates and the state of the world's economy, I am more than pleased with that outcome. And unlike many other ventures, you don't have to get in on the ground floor to take advantage of this one. Shall I let you in on the secret? OK, then...invest in a Fotografiska membership.
Fotografiska is the photography museum in Stockholm. I joined as a member last June and have since then been to nine exhibitions there. (Bear in mind that I was traveling for six months over the past year. If I had been in Stockholm for the entire year, the number of visits would no doubt have been greater.) Membership costs 495 kronor a year for unlimited access to the museum. The entrance fee is 110 kronor if you are not a member. So, in the year I've been a member, I have doubled my investment. Or have visited the museum at half-price. Now that's what I call value.
And if that isn't enough reason to join, consider the museum's fantastic location, right on the waterfront with outstanding views from the fine restaurant on the top floor. The museum also happens to be located two kilometers from where I live, the perfect distance for a brisk walk in any type of weather. The museum's directors, Jan och Per Broman, seem to have an endless capacity for finding creative and original ways to use the space. In addition to the exhibits and courses that the museum offers, there are evening activities every day of the week. During June, July and August, the museum opens at 7 AM...brilliant!
You bet I'll be renewing this membership!
The brig Tre Kronor af Stockholm was moored along the quay outside the museum today, which also happens to be Sweden's National Day. The ship was open to the public from 2 to 3 PM and the guides on board talked about the vessel's sailing on the North Sea.
The museum viewed from Klippgatan.
Fotografiska is the photography museum in Stockholm. I joined as a member last June and have since then been to nine exhibitions there. (Bear in mind that I was traveling for six months over the past year. If I had been in Stockholm for the entire year, the number of visits would no doubt have been greater.) Membership costs 495 kronor a year for unlimited access to the museum. The entrance fee is 110 kronor if you are not a member. So, in the year I've been a member, I have doubled my investment. Or have visited the museum at half-price. Now that's what I call value.
And if that isn't enough reason to join, consider the museum's fantastic location, right on the waterfront with outstanding views from the fine restaurant on the top floor. The museum also happens to be located two kilometers from where I live, the perfect distance for a brisk walk in any type of weather. The museum's directors, Jan och Per Broman, seem to have an endless capacity for finding creative and original ways to use the space. In addition to the exhibits and courses that the museum offers, there are evening activities every day of the week. During June, July and August, the museum opens at 7 AM...brilliant!
You bet I'll be renewing this membership!
The brig Tre Kronor af Stockholm was moored along the quay outside the museum today, which also happens to be Sweden's National Day. The ship was open to the public from 2 to 3 PM and the guides on board talked about the vessel's sailing on the North Sea.
The museum viewed from Klippgatan.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Day 18: What's in a word
It's amazing how much energy you can free up when you tar tag i gamla surdegar. I'm afraid Google translate will not help you with this one. It's an idiom in Swedish whose literal translation is something like grabbing old sourdoughs. What it actually means is dealing with something you've put off for a long time.
In my case, this meant finally writing that letter I've been want to send for over a week now. Sometimes, figuring out what is hindering you is not half as important as simply getting down to the task at hand. When I finally got down to this one, I found that by giving the Perfectionist in me a rest and simply accepting good enough, the letter got written and sent in no time at all.
Almost immediately, my step got lighter and my heart beat quicker. I answered some e-mails, cooked food for the next few days and took off for the Language Exchange MeetUp where I participated as a native English speaker.
What a lively discussion we had. It kind of amused me because the people at my table (we met at a cafe in Gamla Stan, the old city) spoke quite good English and I found myself wondering why they needed me. Still, it was fun to focus on the minutiae. Some questions that came up:
On the whole, I think I would be of more use at the Swedish Language Exchange, and I am anxious to give the French one a try. Do I encore savoir parler français?
BTW, I'm sure there's an English equivalent to the sourdough idiom...and if you know it, please advise!
In my case, this meant finally writing that letter I've been want to send for over a week now. Sometimes, figuring out what is hindering you is not half as important as simply getting down to the task at hand. When I finally got down to this one, I found that by giving the Perfectionist in me a rest and simply accepting good enough, the letter got written and sent in no time at all.
Almost immediately, my step got lighter and my heart beat quicker. I answered some e-mails, cooked food for the next few days and took off for the Language Exchange MeetUp where I participated as a native English speaker.
What a lively discussion we had. It kind of amused me because the people at my table (we met at a cafe in Gamla Stan, the old city) spoke quite good English and I found myself wondering why they needed me. Still, it was fun to focus on the minutiae. Some questions that came up:
- "You don't seem to be interested..." vs. "You seem not to be interested"
- Speaking vs. talking
- Farther vs. further
On the whole, I think I would be of more use at the Swedish Language Exchange, and I am anxious to give the French one a try. Do I encore savoir parler français?
BTW, I'm sure there's an English equivalent to the sourdough idiom...and if you know it, please advise!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Day 17: Tears of joy
When we looked up the weather forecast for today last night, we were stumped by icons for sunshine and rain. It's going to be rainy AND sunny? Makes no sense. So here it is today and what's it look like outside? You guessed it...sunshine and showers. Which kind of fits my inner landscape as well because today, so many things have moved me to tears. The good kind...as in, having a good cry.
There is something exceptional about being moved to tears. I'm pretty sentimental so it doesn't take much to set me off. It's only 3 PM and already I've had three bouts of crying today! Silly TV programs, feel-good movies, any type of artistic talent (playing or singing music, painting, photography, dancing) can all start teardrops rolling down my cheeks.
I was checking out some concerts to go to this summer and came across this video of the singing group Perpetuum Jazzile. I only meant to get a taste for what their music is like but they hooked me from the first few seconds. Such joy, and animation and passion. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Then read on...
Then I happen to follow a link Juliana posted and am whisked off to Japan to share the joy of an amazing photo session, this time with Ju herself and her husband Nils as the subjects. Again, so much passion. And love. And life.
Bring on the hankies!
There is something exceptional about being moved to tears. I'm pretty sentimental so it doesn't take much to set me off. It's only 3 PM and already I've had three bouts of crying today! Silly TV programs, feel-good movies, any type of artistic talent (playing or singing music, painting, photography, dancing) can all start teardrops rolling down my cheeks.
I was checking out some concerts to go to this summer and came across this video of the singing group Perpetuum Jazzile. I only meant to get a taste for what their music is like but they hooked me from the first few seconds. Such joy, and animation and passion. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Then read on...
Then I happen to follow a link Juliana posted and am whisked off to Japan to share the joy of an amazing photo session, this time with Ju herself and her husband Nils as the subjects. Again, so much passion. And love. And life.
Bring on the hankies!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Day 16: Reunited
Another soggy day in Stockholm, and another warm and cozy destination to lure me out of the house. This time it was off to Rotebro, delicious home-cooked Indian food at the Malaysians, and a reunion with a very squishable friend. When I moved out after a three week stay at Sharm and Vick's in March, Maizie stayed behind. I was going to be away for five weeks visiting family and I thought Maizie, who'd only been in Sweden for a few weeks at that point, would be happier remaining in an environment with familiar faces. Fortunately, the Malaysians, big and small, agreed to put her up for the duration.
I've been back in Stockholm for some time now and although we've spoken on the phone a couple of times, I had not been out to Rotebro until today. To my utter surprise, what do I find? Maizie has been relegated to one of the kids' rooms! Why? you ask. Get this...because she is white! Let me tell you, a discussion ensued after that explanation?! The situation was diffused when I wrapped Maizie in my cardigan, rendering her whiteness invisible and she was able to join us on the table. (To be fair, she got relegated for her own protection...from spills and such.)
After a lovely visit and a yummy meal, we said our good-byes and set off for the pendeltåg (commuter train) station to make our way home. It was Maizie's first pendeltåg ride (we arrived in Rotebro by taxi) and she was very excited. Not only was she finally coming home, she would also get to meet Lucy and Baboo who were anticipating her arrival with great curiosity on their end.
Irresistible and outgoing, Maizie made new friends even before we boarded the train so we had company for a good part of the ride.
We arrived home safe and sound, much to the delight of Baboo and Lucy.
As I write, Maizie is regaling her new family with tales of her many other squishable friends and the adventures they shared at squishable.com. Better sign off now and see what they're up to.
I've been back in Stockholm for some time now and although we've spoken on the phone a couple of times, I had not been out to Rotebro until today. To my utter surprise, what do I find? Maizie has been relegated to one of the kids' rooms! Why? you ask. Get this...because she is white! Let me tell you, a discussion ensued after that explanation?! The situation was diffused when I wrapped Maizie in my cardigan, rendering her whiteness invisible and she was able to join us on the table. (To be fair, she got relegated for her own protection...from spills and such.)
After a lovely visit and a yummy meal, we said our good-byes and set off for the pendeltåg (commuter train) station to make our way home. It was Maizie's first pendeltåg ride (we arrived in Rotebro by taxi) and she was very excited. Not only was she finally coming home, she would also get to meet Lucy and Baboo who were anticipating her arrival with great curiosity on their end.
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| Maizie on the pendeltåg |
Irresistible and outgoing, Maizie made new friends even before we boarded the train so we had company for a good part of the ride.
 |
| Aleya and Milton pimp Maizie with a hat that matches her coloring and stylish handbag in pink...like her udders |
We arrived home safe and sound, much to the delight of Baboo and Lucy.
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| Lucy gets a piggyback (cowback?) ride from Maizie while Baboo patiently awaits his turn |
As I write, Maizie is regaling her new family with tales of her many other squishable friends and the adventures they shared at squishable.com. Better sign off now and see what they're up to.
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| Some of Maizie's friends |
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