Firstly, arrrrgh!! I get so pissed off when people steal from my shop. I sell only expensive stuff so I can see why people'd get tempted, but why do it? It's plain mean, and disrespectful! Here I am, all smiles and polite, then suddenly I notice a gap among my cognacs - and I haven't sold any cognacs. #%!~*? and grrr... I don't deserve that, right? Ok, fine, shit happens.
Let's talk exam. To say the least, it went really pooey. Must have been one of the most difficult exams I have ever taken. Opened the first page and went blank. What? Is this supposed to be Swedish? They had thrown in words that I've never heard of before, had no clue what the majority of the test meant, and as the 5 hours were closing to an end, I was exhausted and swimming in my own sweat. It was horrific.
Shouldn't say too much yet though, I mean, miracles have happened before. Last year I got the results by the end of May so let's hope they'll be as quick in correcting this time.
So May has arrived! Crazy! I'll be going home in 10 days, wohoo! Can't wait. However I do wish I had gone running more often. Don't really feel properly prepared, but it isn't too late yet! Oh no it ain't. Last week will be intense, I'm aiming for a daily run, if not a long one then atleast a quickie! Have to buy new shoes aswell, my old ones are a bit dead, poor shoesies.
Tata!
samedi 2 mai 2009
jeudi 23 avril 2009
This is it!
Tomorrow is the Day. When I retake the Exam. To decide what will happen with my Future (note the dramatic effect of capitals, impressive huh?). Last year I wasn't ready apparently, I failed the entrance exam royally and was "forced" to stay in Paris for another year. It was sort of bittersweet, because even though I really wanted to get going with my Masters, this little year "off" has taught me a lot (not only French), especially on a personal level.
This time around I'll be extremely disappointed if I fail though. I won't pretend otherwise. Ignore my measly attempts to be brave, me saying "It's not the end of the world...", because if I don't pull through this year, I'll be really really sad.
Problem is though, how do I prepare for an exam like this one? It'll be divided in three parts; first one consists of general Swedish difficulties, my fave-part actually where I will doubt my beloved mother-tongue 'til the end of days. You're Swedish? You think you knew your language? Well think again my friend! Even more so, in this case there is no room for mistakes either since at the end of the day, if I don't know Swedish, what kind of translator would I make? A poor one! Indeed. Second part consists of two texts in English, to be translated into perfect idiomatic Swedish, followed up by the third parts and two texts in French which are to be translated accordingly. Not a walk in the park, I'll tell you that much.
Despite my attempts to have a nicely planned and laid out backup-plan if option A doesn't work out, I still find myself in the same situation as I was last year. I have, of course since I am me, put all the eggs in one basket, and if I do indeed fail, where shall I go next? I have different suggestions coming in from all kinds of directions; there's Berlin (extremely random but not entirely unthinkable), Amsterdam (which probably seems as the most obvious choice), Sweden (my mother's choice), and the list goes on. England? Spain? I'd love to go to Spain. Stretch out on the beach, learn Spanish, sip margharitas. However, there is that little glitch in the plan with the fact that I wouldn't know what to do with myself over there. Work? Study? Right, maybe that plan needs a little bit more adjustment...
So all of you, please think of me a little bit more than usual tomorrow around noon (the exam is between 12h and 17h) and I'll make sure to pull through for all of you who worry, or who don't worry, either way I'll do my very best.
Pre-exam hugs!
This time around I'll be extremely disappointed if I fail though. I won't pretend otherwise. Ignore my measly attempts to be brave, me saying "It's not the end of the world...", because if I don't pull through this year, I'll be really really sad.
Problem is though, how do I prepare for an exam like this one? It'll be divided in three parts; first one consists of general Swedish difficulties, my fave-part actually where I will doubt my beloved mother-tongue 'til the end of days. You're Swedish? You think you knew your language? Well think again my friend! Even more so, in this case there is no room for mistakes either since at the end of the day, if I don't know Swedish, what kind of translator would I make? A poor one! Indeed. Second part consists of two texts in English, to be translated into perfect idiomatic Swedish, followed up by the third parts and two texts in French which are to be translated accordingly. Not a walk in the park, I'll tell you that much.
Despite my attempts to have a nicely planned and laid out backup-plan if option A doesn't work out, I still find myself in the same situation as I was last year. I have, of course since I am me, put all the eggs in one basket, and if I do indeed fail, where shall I go next? I have different suggestions coming in from all kinds of directions; there's Berlin (extremely random but not entirely unthinkable), Amsterdam (which probably seems as the most obvious choice), Sweden (my mother's choice), and the list goes on. England? Spain? I'd love to go to Spain. Stretch out on the beach, learn Spanish, sip margharitas. However, there is that little glitch in the plan with the fact that I wouldn't know what to do with myself over there. Work? Study? Right, maybe that plan needs a little bit more adjustment...
So all of you, please think of me a little bit more than usual tomorrow around noon (the exam is between 12h and 17h) and I'll make sure to pull through for all of you who worry, or who don't worry, either way I'll do my very best.
Pre-exam hugs!
lundi 23 mars 2009
Long time no blog
Writing a rapid little blog just to prove that yes, I am alive. March has just been busy busy! I love it. Been working a couple of weeks non-stop (subbing at Gymboree, babysits, shop, phew), and it ain't over yet! This week I'm doing an all-weekend-babysit in Louveciennes, my only day off which is Saturday will be dedicated to playing tennis, looking for doudou and Wii. Hey, I don't complain.
The weather is absolutely extraordinary! I've even caught some rays, tanning myself in the shop (no door+afternoon sun=excellent tanning opportunity), lush in its lushlilest.
Exercise is going ok I guess, isn't as hard at it as I had wished but I'm getting there. Race is less than 2 months away! Tickets aren't that expensive either, will buy them next week when I get paid.
Right, gotta get back to "work" now then,
cheers C
The weather is absolutely extraordinary! I've even caught some rays, tanning myself in the shop (no door+afternoon sun=excellent tanning opportunity), lush in its lushlilest.
Exercise is going ok I guess, isn't as hard at it as I had wished but I'm getting there. Race is less than 2 months away! Tickets aren't that expensive either, will buy them next week when I get paid.
Right, gotta get back to "work" now then,
cheers C
samedi 28 février 2009
Along came spring...
...and swept all the troubles away. Or maybe not all troubles, that is not even technically possible. However, miraculously, as soon as the sun is out everything seems so wonderfully simple. 19 degrees, baby! Winter's over!
I woke up today, hung-over but ridiculously hopeful. My flat was covered with cranberry juice and lime, had a bit of a party last night. Nothing fancy, just a couple of friends over for drinks and snacks. It got a bit rowdy, even though there were only 7 of us. Funny how that works. Evening started with everyone promising to go out but in fact in the end it was just me and Iris (a lovely Dutch girl who I've been clubbing a lot with lately) since the rest of the bunch bailed out, quelle surprise. The two party-princesses went to Grands Boulevards and ended up in O'Sullivan's of all places, we actually intended to go elsewhere but something kept us from leaving. Yes, there were some boys there as well...
So, today I've worked a little and inhaled some fresh spring air, aaah. Goodness. Got home and did exactly the opposite to what I always do; I actually cleaned up! Normally, I throw myself on my bed with my computer balancing on the top of my belly (coz my belly area has now become rather round and misshapen from no exercice and too much junk), and me repetitiously tapping into the surfthechannel network until the wee hours of the morning. But oh no, that was not the case. I owed up and did the dishes and scrubbed the floors because does he wash up? No he never washes up, does he clean up? No he never cleans up. The boy does nothing! What boy you might ask. Yes exactly. What boy?
There is no boy, not at this point. I'd love for there to be one though, I've sort of put my ferocious dating on hold for a bit. The february-depression sucked all the energy out of me, leaving me an empty inattractive shell. Grey and sullen as the Paris sky. Now the season's changing and my mood with it. The spark has returned in my eyes, the gait in my steps, my back is straight, my hairs is shiny, my... Ok I'll stop. Know this, I'm not done for. Far from it. I'm back, peoples, and then some. Just been browsing the internet for some job offers and plan to send out applications tomorrow. Only a bit scared though, these are not braindead, any-git-can-pull-it-off jobs, they're really demanding. If I'll claim that I am trilingual then I bloody better prove it too, and really, am I? And the interviews! I've never even been on an interview before. Or I have, the Gymboree one, but does it really count if they already had decided to hire me before even talking to me (there were no other candidates...)? Hmm. No sweat, I'll just keep riding on this wave of new-found energy I knew I always had in me but I just misplaced for a minute, and everything will turn out for the best.
Lots of work this month! Got some extra baby-sitting gigs, both with my old family and this new one in Neuilly (a really fancy part of Paris, anyone smell money? I do!), will go there on Wednesday and work for a couple of hours. Sweet. Also doing some extra Gymbo-sessions since my collegue and wing-woman Aude is lost in the Carribbeans. No I'm not jealous. I just wish it could be me sometimes you know, going away, drinking margharitas on the beach with cabana-boys swarming around me. That's a really nice thought, I'll hold on to that one. I need it to keep warm.
Speaking of keeping warm, exercise regime is going terribly. I sleep until late in the mornings even though that is the only time I have to go to the gym. It is a problem. And problems are there to be solved. So I have a solution, how about I go to bed earlier at night? Now, how's that for a plan, eh? Let's try something new shall we. My mother just told me something really clever, she said that the best exercice is the one that actually happens. No use talking about doing it, it just has to be done, other wise I'll end up fat and alone, a quiet clam on the bottom of the ocean. I might live to be a hundred, but what kind of life is that?
Need to hit the sack now, got Gymboree tomorrow morning as per usual and we're playing in the jungle, Hakuna Matata style. It's awsome, definitely my favourite theme so far. Or maybe Christmas was my favourite theme... No, too much glitter everywhere, was a pain in the crack to clean up afterwards.
Right, off I go, it's already way past my bed-time.
xoxo
I woke up today, hung-over but ridiculously hopeful. My flat was covered with cranberry juice and lime, had a bit of a party last night. Nothing fancy, just a couple of friends over for drinks and snacks. It got a bit rowdy, even though there were only 7 of us. Funny how that works. Evening started with everyone promising to go out but in fact in the end it was just me and Iris (a lovely Dutch girl who I've been clubbing a lot with lately) since the rest of the bunch bailed out, quelle surprise. The two party-princesses went to Grands Boulevards and ended up in O'Sullivan's of all places, we actually intended to go elsewhere but something kept us from leaving. Yes, there were some boys there as well...
So, today I've worked a little and inhaled some fresh spring air, aaah. Goodness. Got home and did exactly the opposite to what I always do; I actually cleaned up! Normally, I throw myself on my bed with my computer balancing on the top of my belly (coz my belly area has now become rather round and misshapen from no exercice and too much junk), and me repetitiously tapping into the surfthechannel network until the wee hours of the morning. But oh no, that was not the case. I owed up and did the dishes and scrubbed the floors because does he wash up? No he never washes up, does he clean up? No he never cleans up. The boy does nothing! What boy you might ask. Yes exactly. What boy?
There is no boy, not at this point. I'd love for there to be one though, I've sort of put my ferocious dating on hold for a bit. The february-depression sucked all the energy out of me, leaving me an empty inattractive shell. Grey and sullen as the Paris sky. Now the season's changing and my mood with it. The spark has returned in my eyes, the gait in my steps, my back is straight, my hairs is shiny, my... Ok I'll stop. Know this, I'm not done for. Far from it. I'm back, peoples, and then some. Just been browsing the internet for some job offers and plan to send out applications tomorrow. Only a bit scared though, these are not braindead, any-git-can-pull-it-off jobs, they're really demanding. If I'll claim that I am trilingual then I bloody better prove it too, and really, am I? And the interviews! I've never even been on an interview before. Or I have, the Gymboree one, but does it really count if they already had decided to hire me before even talking to me (there were no other candidates...)? Hmm. No sweat, I'll just keep riding on this wave of new-found energy I knew I always had in me but I just misplaced for a minute, and everything will turn out for the best.
Lots of work this month! Got some extra baby-sitting gigs, both with my old family and this new one in Neuilly (a really fancy part of Paris, anyone smell money? I do!), will go there on Wednesday and work for a couple of hours. Sweet. Also doing some extra Gymbo-sessions since my collegue and wing-woman Aude is lost in the Carribbeans. No I'm not jealous. I just wish it could be me sometimes you know, going away, drinking margharitas on the beach with cabana-boys swarming around me. That's a really nice thought, I'll hold on to that one. I need it to keep warm.
Speaking of keeping warm, exercise regime is going terribly. I sleep until late in the mornings even though that is the only time I have to go to the gym. It is a problem. And problems are there to be solved. So I have a solution, how about I go to bed earlier at night? Now, how's that for a plan, eh? Let's try something new shall we. My mother just told me something really clever, she said that the best exercice is the one that actually happens. No use talking about doing it, it just has to be done, other wise I'll end up fat and alone, a quiet clam on the bottom of the ocean. I might live to be a hundred, but what kind of life is that?
Need to hit the sack now, got Gymboree tomorrow morning as per usual and we're playing in the jungle, Hakuna Matata style. It's awsome, definitely my favourite theme so far. Or maybe Christmas was my favourite theme... No, too much glitter everywhere, was a pain in the crack to clean up afterwards.
Right, off I go, it's already way past my bed-time.
xoxo
mardi 10 février 2009
In the middle of the night
Yeessss... it is indeed terribly late. Have drunk too much coffee and eaten too many chupa-chups, the sugar and caffeine are coursing through my system. Good thing though seeing how long it has been since I wrote, quite outrageous! Reason for this is not, unfortunately, that I suddenly have lots to do. No. I'm still terribly bored at work. Incidentially, my boss decided to install a video-camera in the shop, overlooking the checkout-point! Sneaky boss-person. Not that he'd sit and watch me all day, I'm sure he's got better things to pass his time with (I sure hope so). But should I really risk it, I mean sod's law has it the minute I go online he'd be there, watching me. Crap. So how do I spend my days now? SU-DO-KU! Yeah man, the greatest invention ever. Got myself a humungus sudoku puzzlebook and there I am, at it, sweating and swearing over those little numbers. Love it. Passes time though. Makes me feel smart. Win win.
Last week I was, hold on to your knickers, free for a whole week! Or atleast, almost an entire week, still had my Gymboree-sessions on Sunday morning, but still! Yay! Downside to it all was that I was mortally ill. Yes I nearly died. Ok no I'm exaggerating, which I really shouldn't do since people around me are indeed seriously ill. No I had the flu, but couldn't move for, like, three days. Stayed in bed, unshowered and feverish for 48h. It was heaven and hell at the same time! Luckily (or unluckily, depending how you look at it), I had one week of holidays. What else would I have done, right? Worked probably, since I am a cyborg from outer space.
After a couple of days in my sickly-bed I felt better though and left my sweaty sheets to go to Amsterdam. Aaaah Amsterdam. Always such bliss. Strangely enough, all my money seem to vanish there though. It's the Dutch vacuum of funniness who sucks it all up and before I know it, I'm broke. Spent a couple of days with my bestest of Elins and it was truly lovely. Fell out with parent-person though, big blow to the happiness. Never seem to be able to do right by him, I'm really despairing as I truly never now how to get it really right. It's a constant downward spiral and I'm obviously swimming the wrong way. Or am I? Who knows.
If I have talked about personal bankruptcy before, it was nothing compared to the state I am in at the moment. Didn't even make rent this month, let alone my bills in Sweden. Really hope I won't get kicked out, but my landlord seems like a decent person. Hopefully I'll be able to score some baby-sitting gigs this month so I can earn some extra dough, this is definitely not good. Damn this underpaid work to hell! Damn low season and financial crisis! Tourists come back! Spend money! I'm losing it here.
Haven't been to the gym in forever, tried the abs and butts session two weeks ago and it still hurts when I laugh. Yes I am out of shape. Did I mention that? With a little over 90 days to go before the big Run, I am stressing out. Will go for a walk tomorrow and see how it feels. Don't rush it too much. Babysteps, that's how you improve, right?
It's 1.45 am and I really should go to bed. Woke up this morning around 4ish by the storm, my shutters were slamming against each other and the wind was slowly tearing the house apart. Reassuring...
Another update within shortish from the other side of richness, if I haven't ended up in the street before then, that is.
Great.
Last week I was, hold on to your knickers, free for a whole week! Or atleast, almost an entire week, still had my Gymboree-sessions on Sunday morning, but still! Yay! Downside to it all was that I was mortally ill. Yes I nearly died. Ok no I'm exaggerating, which I really shouldn't do since people around me are indeed seriously ill. No I had the flu, but couldn't move for, like, three days. Stayed in bed, unshowered and feverish for 48h. It was heaven and hell at the same time! Luckily (or unluckily, depending how you look at it), I had one week of holidays. What else would I have done, right? Worked probably, since I am a cyborg from outer space.
After a couple of days in my sickly-bed I felt better though and left my sweaty sheets to go to Amsterdam. Aaaah Amsterdam. Always such bliss. Strangely enough, all my money seem to vanish there though. It's the Dutch vacuum of funniness who sucks it all up and before I know it, I'm broke. Spent a couple of days with my bestest of Elins and it was truly lovely. Fell out with parent-person though, big blow to the happiness. Never seem to be able to do right by him, I'm really despairing as I truly never now how to get it really right. It's a constant downward spiral and I'm obviously swimming the wrong way. Or am I? Who knows.
If I have talked about personal bankruptcy before, it was nothing compared to the state I am in at the moment. Didn't even make rent this month, let alone my bills in Sweden. Really hope I won't get kicked out, but my landlord seems like a decent person. Hopefully I'll be able to score some baby-sitting gigs this month so I can earn some extra dough, this is definitely not good. Damn this underpaid work to hell! Damn low season and financial crisis! Tourists come back! Spend money! I'm losing it here.
Haven't been to the gym in forever, tried the abs and butts session two weeks ago and it still hurts when I laugh. Yes I am out of shape. Did I mention that? With a little over 90 days to go before the big Run, I am stressing out. Will go for a walk tomorrow and see how it feels. Don't rush it too much. Babysteps, that's how you improve, right?
It's 1.45 am and I really should go to bed. Woke up this morning around 4ish by the storm, my shutters were slamming against each other and the wind was slowly tearing the house apart. Reassuring...
Another update within shortish from the other side of richness, if I haven't ended up in the street before then, that is.
Great.
jeudi 15 janvier 2009
Extremely uninteresting information
Yep yep. It's official. I'm bored. And how to best spend time if not to blog about absolutely nothing? That's what I thought. Noone'll read it anyway, so...
121 days until Göteborgsvarvet!
179 euros for a ticket from Paris-Gothenburg (return) on the 12th of May, not bad...
8 oranges consumed today, will I, yet again, overdose? I was allergic to citruses as a child, yikes!
10.51 the time I woke up today, should've been 8.30 but who's keeping track?
14 minutes until I pack up, check out and go home.
There. Ridiculously unnecessary info.
Tomorrow will look a little bit like this (or it should as long as I don't stay in bed until 12.15):
7.45 wake up
8.15 leave for gym
10.30 go to bank
11.00 get second Hep B shot
12.45 leave for work (aquaboulevard)
16.30 finish work
17.00 get shaped/dolled-up
19.00 start the drinking
04.00 coma
Can't wait 'til tomorrow! Firstly, have a date tonight with a particularly well-articulated boy... Scares the shit out of me, what if I'll stutter my way through the night? Argh, I'll just pull the oh-I'm-so-blond-an-exotic-flash-with-eyelashes-card. As if that ever works... Update later!
xxxx
121 days until Göteborgsvarvet!
179 euros for a ticket from Paris-Gothenburg (return) on the 12th of May, not bad...
8 oranges consumed today, will I, yet again, overdose? I was allergic to citruses as a child, yikes!
10.51 the time I woke up today, should've been 8.30 but who's keeping track?
14 minutes until I pack up, check out and go home.
There. Ridiculously unnecessary info.
Tomorrow will look a little bit like this (or it should as long as I don't stay in bed until 12.15):
7.45 wake up
8.15 leave for gym
10.30 go to bank
11.00 get second Hep B shot
12.45 leave for work (aquaboulevard)
16.30 finish work
17.00 get shaped/dolled-up
19.00 start the drinking
04.00 coma
Can't wait 'til tomorrow! Firstly, have a date tonight with a particularly well-articulated boy... Scares the shit out of me, what if I'll stutter my way through the night? Argh, I'll just pull the oh-I'm-so-blond-an-exotic-flash-with-eyelashes-card. As if that ever works... Update later!
xxxx
mercredi 14 janvier 2009
A pursuit far from trivial
I survived a game of Trivial Pursuit last night. Not to be expected as an ordeal some might think, and I would agree, hadn't it been the French version. Firstly, merely understanding the questions is a quiz on its own. Luckily I chose my team-mate wisely. Damir the Bright joined me, he's so courageous (!), our Swedishness must have brought us together.
Quick note: if I ever went on "Who wants to be a millionaire" (fat chance), and actually ended up in the chair (even slighter chance), Damir would be my-friend-to-call, all categories. Except for sports perhaps, no offence D. Plus, he speaks French like any other Frenchman. You see the advantage.
Back to the game; after almost 2 hours of excruciating shame, me not being able to answer a single question (the ones I actually knew, well, everyone else knew them aswell and were quick enough. Example: Which remake by Peter Jackson with Naomi Watts came out recently etc etc...?), finally my team won! Unbelievable. Not thanks to my extraordinary input though. Far from it. I learned some new things though; the drink Bloody Mary was invented in 1921, the Lewinsky-affaire is called "Monicagate", Saddam Hussein wanted to recreate the Babylonian empire, Gustave Flaubert's home is now a museum. Essential things like that. But we won! That's what's important! Not doing your best. No no. Winning is what matters.
I am going through a bit of an extential crisis. Not as much "who am I, what is the meaning of life", but more what to do with my little self (see recent update). Funnily enough, life has its peculiar way of playing games with me, although this time for the better. Sat in the métro last night and lazily browsed through the ads which flashes by, and suddenly my peepholes fell upon something; "expo-langues" this weekend! They have a whole expo on languages, courses, internship and education! Exactly what I need to get inspired! So there I have it, I'll go Saturday to pick up tips here and there, maybe build some bridges, make some friends, who knows.
Gym tonight! Yay! No I'm not an exercise-freak... I just sort of like it there. Or rather, since I'm ridiculously self-righteous, I like the feeling afterwards, of how I've "achieved" something. How pretentious of me. By the way, have to mention an episode which occured to me Monday morning at the gym. Worth to mention, in Sweden people don't talk to each other at the gym, except if they know each other, or are really forced to interact like, say, "hey dude, you're sitting on my shirt" or such. You come to the gym, you do your business, you leave. Almost unnoticed. In France though, it doesn't go down that way. There I was trodding away like mad on the tread-mill, face all read, covered in sweat. Noticed suddenly how my neighbour starts eyeing me (discreetly though, atleast he tried). Didn't think much of it, kinda happens every now and then, seeing as it is a bit rare with a big blond in those parts of town. After having finished, this dude (grey-haired, way older than me, could have been my grandpa! Or atleast Dad) comes up to me and starts asking me questions such as "how do you like the club, do you come here often etc". And then, suddenly, "you're not French right, you're Swedish right, you work in a shop right", and red lights started flashing like mad in my head. Apparently this guy thinks I'm someone he had coffee with at some point, and when I said no, that's impossible, he didn't give in! If that was a way of trying to pick me up, it must have been the lamest attempt I have ever seen. Anywho, fun anecdote atleast.
Last but not least I want to take this opportunity to give a bit of a shout-out to everyone in Paris with a sweet-tooth; come to my shop and buy something! I'm bored!
xxxx
Quick note: if I ever went on "Who wants to be a millionaire" (fat chance), and actually ended up in the chair (even slighter chance), Damir would be my-friend-to-call, all categories. Except for sports perhaps, no offence D. Plus, he speaks French like any other Frenchman. You see the advantage.
Back to the game; after almost 2 hours of excruciating shame, me not being able to answer a single question (the ones I actually knew, well, everyone else knew them aswell and were quick enough. Example: Which remake by Peter Jackson with Naomi Watts came out recently etc etc...?), finally my team won! Unbelievable. Not thanks to my extraordinary input though. Far from it. I learned some new things though; the drink Bloody Mary was invented in 1921, the Lewinsky-affaire is called "Monicagate", Saddam Hussein wanted to recreate the Babylonian empire, Gustave Flaubert's home is now a museum. Essential things like that. But we won! That's what's important! Not doing your best. No no. Winning is what matters.
I am going through a bit of an extential crisis. Not as much "who am I, what is the meaning of life", but more what to do with my little self (see recent update). Funnily enough, life has its peculiar way of playing games with me, although this time for the better. Sat in the métro last night and lazily browsed through the ads which flashes by, and suddenly my peepholes fell upon something; "expo-langues" this weekend! They have a whole expo on languages, courses, internship and education! Exactly what I need to get inspired! So there I have it, I'll go Saturday to pick up tips here and there, maybe build some bridges, make some friends, who knows.
Gym tonight! Yay! No I'm not an exercise-freak... I just sort of like it there. Or rather, since I'm ridiculously self-righteous, I like the feeling afterwards, of how I've "achieved" something. How pretentious of me. By the way, have to mention an episode which occured to me Monday morning at the gym. Worth to mention, in Sweden people don't talk to each other at the gym, except if they know each other, or are really forced to interact like, say, "hey dude, you're sitting on my shirt" or such. You come to the gym, you do your business, you leave. Almost unnoticed. In France though, it doesn't go down that way. There I was trodding away like mad on the tread-mill, face all read, covered in sweat. Noticed suddenly how my neighbour starts eyeing me (discreetly though, atleast he tried). Didn't think much of it, kinda happens every now and then, seeing as it is a bit rare with a big blond in those parts of town. After having finished, this dude (grey-haired, way older than me, could have been my grandpa! Or atleast Dad) comes up to me and starts asking me questions such as "how do you like the club, do you come here often etc". And then, suddenly, "you're not French right, you're Swedish right, you work in a shop right", and red lights started flashing like mad in my head. Apparently this guy thinks I'm someone he had coffee with at some point, and when I said no, that's impossible, he didn't give in! If that was a way of trying to pick me up, it must have been the lamest attempt I have ever seen. Anywho, fun anecdote atleast.
Last but not least I want to take this opportunity to give a bit of a shout-out to everyone in Paris with a sweet-tooth; come to my shop and buy something! I'm bored!
xxxx
lundi 12 janvier 2009
Breaking out of the box
Even though you're supposedly the one who knows yourself best, better than anyone else does, every now and then you, or atleast I, need another person to tell you what's best for you. Not like ordering you or anything, but just giving you that little extra push to help you think outside of the box. I just had coffees with a friend this morning, and I tell you, this girl has a gift. She doesn't even know it, and it's really subtle, but she's just plain inspiring. My biggest issue these past months has been, as always, "what to do with my little life, what will become of me?" Before I seemed so sure of myself, the path was dead straight and certain, nothing could make me change direction. It'd be one year in France, finish my Bachelor, translation programme in Gothenburg, and finish by the age of 27 when I would be ready to become a fully-fledged and responsible grown-up. But first set-back was of course me failing miserably at the entrance exam in April last year which "forced" me to stay another year in France. First I thought "oh well I'll just give it another go next year". But lately my choice of life, or rather choice of future, has been giving me heaps of doubts. Is this really what I want to do? Choosing an education that will restrain me forever, that will keep me in Sweden with extremely limited options? I have trouble seeing myself like that.
Lauren, my inspiring friend, just gave me some pointers. I've always had trouble evaluating myself, always thinking I'm a little less capable than I (perhaps) really am. But first of all, what's the point in writing myself off before I've even given it a go? Granted, I did try out for the translation thing and didn't make it, but that's fate saying it wasn't for me. So from now on I'll start exploring my options and keep telling myself that I am able, I am qualified and I have the will to do it! Yes I can! (Sorry, just had to...)
As soon as I get a minute over I'll sit down with my pen and paper and start looking up alternatives. Paris, France, Europe, the world... There's no end to the possibilities!
Feeling so wonderfully uplifted and hopeful! Have to hold on to this feeling, mustn't despair. Set-backs happen, they're a part of life and they allow people to grow. They're there to guide and educate, not to ruin and destroy. What would life be without a little drama? A real bore.
With good hope, until next time (surely not too long from now)!
xxxx C
Lauren, my inspiring friend, just gave me some pointers. I've always had trouble evaluating myself, always thinking I'm a little less capable than I (perhaps) really am. But first of all, what's the point in writing myself off before I've even given it a go? Granted, I did try out for the translation thing and didn't make it, but that's fate saying it wasn't for me. So from now on I'll start exploring my options and keep telling myself that I am able, I am qualified and I have the will to do it! Yes I can! (Sorry, just had to...)
As soon as I get a minute over I'll sit down with my pen and paper and start looking up alternatives. Paris, France, Europe, the world... There's no end to the possibilities!
Feeling so wonderfully uplifted and hopeful! Have to hold on to this feeling, mustn't despair. Set-backs happen, they're a part of life and they allow people to grow. They're there to guide and educate, not to ruin and destroy. What would life be without a little drama? A real bore.
With good hope, until next time (surely not too long from now)!
xxxx C
dimanche 11 janvier 2009
Joke du jour
The joke of the day was me thinking I could go for a longer period without drinking. Ha! Forgive me, but did anyone really take that seriously? No, didn't think so either. Well I did make it 7 days (Sunday morning 'til Saturday night), but then since I'm dating ferociously nowadays, going on a "drink-date" without having any drinks doesn't really sit well with me. It would probably go a bit like this:
Me: Nice bar this one, good choice!
Him: Thanks, I come here all the time. The Mojitos are to die for.
Me: Sounds great, but I think I'll have a coke.
Him: Oh... Er... Good for you... Next!
So no, I didn't order a coke last night. In fact I had 2 drinks, and beers. Was completely wooed by my subject of the evening, quite the looker! And so heartbreakingly young aswell (my age minus 2, ouch). But trust me, he made up for what he lacked in experience, or rather, I just didn't give a flying rat's ass. Age's just a number, right? And we're not exactly getting married anytime soon.
Damn this libido! It always gets in the way of me trying to do the right thing. Is there a clinic or a programme I could sign up with to get it out of my system? Or, perhaps, am I in fact a gay man, trapped in a woman's body, with an extreme sex-drive? It is yet to be discovered. Meanwhile, I lead an internal battle between my upper and lower-parts, to be continued in wether there will be a winner or if we'll just have to call it a tie. Jeez. It's tiresome.
The cold weather doesn't want to give in. It has buried its sharp claws into the skin of Paris' back and refuses to let go. When I open my shutters every morning I have to remind myself which country I live in (FRANCE, not Siberia, FRANCE, not...). Should have followed the bear's example and just entered hibernation (is that even a word in English? Well it is now.). You imagine, sleeping four five months under your nice warm duvet... Wake up to blossomly spring all rested and fresh. And thin! Since you haven't eaten for so long.
Speaking of thin, I keep [trying] to go to the gym as often as I can. Which, of course, isn't often enough. This week, one time... Shame on me! But next week it'll be different! I even made up a little plan! Tomorrow I'll go and get my second hep B vaccination and then I'll go running. Oh aren't I being a good girl, I do declare! And then coffees with dearest Lauren, then a bit of work, and last but not least a lush dinner at my dear Jo and P's house, it's been so long, more than a week! Disgrace and scandal, this cannot be! I suffer from serious Jo and P withdrawal, I just realised... Luckily there is a quick-fix to that one. See them. Asap.
What else is wonderful and almost a little too good to be true? Me going to see my bestest galosch (who just turned 23 yesterday) in Amsterdam! I got a week of vacation (lo and behold) in the beginning of February, so I thought let's just do it! So there it is, I leave on the 4th and I cannot W A I T! Haven't seen my baby-girl since June last year... oh my heart hurts... oh.
So! Bright times ahead! Steering my ship towards better and happier times!
Keep swimming you guys, only dead fish follow the stream.
Oh aren't you clever? Yes you are!
xoxo Carro
Me: Nice bar this one, good choice!
Him: Thanks, I come here all the time. The Mojitos are to die for.
Me: Sounds great, but I think I'll have a coke.
Him: Oh... Er... Good for you... Next!
So no, I didn't order a coke last night. In fact I had 2 drinks, and beers. Was completely wooed by my subject of the evening, quite the looker! And so heartbreakingly young aswell (my age minus 2, ouch). But trust me, he made up for what he lacked in experience, or rather, I just didn't give a flying rat's ass. Age's just a number, right? And we're not exactly getting married anytime soon.
Damn this libido! It always gets in the way of me trying to do the right thing. Is there a clinic or a programme I could sign up with to get it out of my system? Or, perhaps, am I in fact a gay man, trapped in a woman's body, with an extreme sex-drive? It is yet to be discovered. Meanwhile, I lead an internal battle between my upper and lower-parts, to be continued in wether there will be a winner or if we'll just have to call it a tie. Jeez. It's tiresome.
The cold weather doesn't want to give in. It has buried its sharp claws into the skin of Paris' back and refuses to let go. When I open my shutters every morning I have to remind myself which country I live in (FRANCE, not Siberia, FRANCE, not...). Should have followed the bear's example and just entered hibernation (is that even a word in English? Well it is now.). You imagine, sleeping four five months under your nice warm duvet... Wake up to blossomly spring all rested and fresh. And thin! Since you haven't eaten for so long.
Speaking of thin, I keep [trying] to go to the gym as often as I can. Which, of course, isn't often enough. This week, one time... Shame on me! But next week it'll be different! I even made up a little plan! Tomorrow I'll go and get my second hep B vaccination and then I'll go running. Oh aren't I being a good girl, I do declare! And then coffees with dearest Lauren, then a bit of work, and last but not least a lush dinner at my dear Jo and P's house, it's been so long, more than a week! Disgrace and scandal, this cannot be! I suffer from serious Jo and P withdrawal, I just realised... Luckily there is a quick-fix to that one. See them. Asap.
What else is wonderful and almost a little too good to be true? Me going to see my bestest galosch (who just turned 23 yesterday) in Amsterdam! I got a week of vacation (lo and behold) in the beginning of February, so I thought let's just do it! So there it is, I leave on the 4th and I cannot W A I T! Haven't seen my baby-girl since June last year... oh my heart hurts... oh.
So! Bright times ahead! Steering my ship towards better and happier times!
Keep swimming you guys, only dead fish follow the stream.
Oh aren't you clever? Yes you are!
xoxo Carro
lundi 5 janvier 2009
White week
In theory there shouldn't be a problem. I could go a week without it, right? In any case, after all the parties and celebrations these past couple of weeks, I do need to, badly. I'm talking about alcohol of course. And me not consuming any for a while. I don't know, maybe it's this stupid book I've just finished reading (Rachel's Holiday) or just the fact that I'm feeling a bit more... dumb lately, the truth of the matter is it cannot hurt just to lay off a bit. So there, here is my word on it, I will not drink for a while, I go cold turkey, dinde froid, like that.
What else is white; snow! It's been snowing all day today, but not beautiful glittery cold snow like frosting on a cake, no, wet mushy parisian sleet which of course refuses to settle. It gathers in heaps with the salt and pebbles and makes it impossible to walk. It's more a dance of two steps ahead and one backwards. Plus I'm not shed for these weather conditions... Spring! I need it! Stat!
And WHAT is going on with my sleeping patterns? Might be linked with the issue I initially mention, alcoholically based. It's impossible to fall asleep before 2am and then, naturally, I sleep until noon. It messes everything up, seeing as I have plans and such for the morning (gym, cleaning, laundry, shopping). I want to be an adult and all organised but I seem to be utterly unable. Now, this will all change of course! New year, new structure. A good and solid one. Less drinking, better sleeping. This way everything will fall into place on its own.
Probably should go back to "work" now then...
Until next time, stay warm! xoxo
What else is white; snow! It's been snowing all day today, but not beautiful glittery cold snow like frosting on a cake, no, wet mushy parisian sleet which of course refuses to settle. It gathers in heaps with the salt and pebbles and makes it impossible to walk. It's more a dance of two steps ahead and one backwards. Plus I'm not shed for these weather conditions... Spring! I need it! Stat!
And WHAT is going on with my sleeping patterns? Might be linked with the issue I initially mention, alcoholically based. It's impossible to fall asleep before 2am and then, naturally, I sleep until noon. It messes everything up, seeing as I have plans and such for the morning (gym, cleaning, laundry, shopping). I want to be an adult and all organised but I seem to be utterly unable. Now, this will all change of course! New year, new structure. A good and solid one. Less drinking, better sleeping. This way everything will fall into place on its own.
Probably should go back to "work" now then...
Until next time, stay warm! xoxo
vendredi 2 janvier 2009
Spending my time
Wohoo 2009!
A new year, same story: me being full of hope and expectations that this one will be an outstanding one. Nothing strange with that! So here I am, planning for what is to come, exactly what it'll be, well, haven't figured that one out yet. As it is I'm taking it bit by bit, staying put and doing what I do. Sort of.
Spent a really great NYE, it was indeed - perfect. I hate new year's normally, the pressure, the must do's. Didn't need to worry though, I attended a party in an intimate setting at a friend's place (view of the Eiffel Tower from window, love it), nothing but good times and joy! Abba and Roxette (hence the nostalgic title of today's blog) were on the playlist, vodka/cranberry filled the glasses, soap bubbles floated in the air. Magic.
January 1st was spent in the same manner, however a tad lazier. Movies, Starbucks, greasy Chinese and giggles, couldn't ask for a better start of 2009! Had to work today though, but no matter, tomorrow's off and no Gymboree on Sunday morning, hooray! Will go to the gym first thing in the morning, haven't been since, well, before Christmas. Yikes!
Short update of the last couple of weeks; went to the Netherlands and celebrated Xmas with my Dad and his wife, supernice with familydinner in an Italian restaurant evening of the 23rd, the 24th we had a lovely lunch in a tea-house which used to be a boat-house, very Dutch. Later that day I went to Amsterdam to spend the Eve with my friends, turned out to be a celebration anything but traditional but none the less extremely fun! Went clubbing after dinner and presents, and oh no, Jesus wouldn't approve.
Had to work on the 25th so off I went with the first morning train to Paris, and spent Christmas day hung-over but happy in the shop. Lots of tourists, but what a long day! Phew.
Have suffered from a slight tooth-ache these past couple of weeks so I mustered up some courage and went to see Mr Dentist. Was scared to death (mostly of how much it would cost, seeing as I haven't been for a check-up in, like, 3 years). But he was a nice dentist, took a good look and said that my teeth were very "healthy" and that there was nothing to worry about. Apparently my cold might have caused the occasional ache, and miraculously, my pain was instantly gone! Yay! And all in all it didn't turn out to be that expensive, 39 euros... Less than in Sweden!
Went to see the movie Australia Tuesday night, cute. I cried constantly throughout, what has happened to me? It wasn't even that sad to begin with. Maybe I'm getting old and soft...
So there, the new year has indeed started off nicely. Stay tuned to for follow up's!
Bonne année!!!
C
A new year, same story: me being full of hope and expectations that this one will be an outstanding one. Nothing strange with that! So here I am, planning for what is to come, exactly what it'll be, well, haven't figured that one out yet. As it is I'm taking it bit by bit, staying put and doing what I do. Sort of.
Spent a really great NYE, it was indeed - perfect. I hate new year's normally, the pressure, the must do's. Didn't need to worry though, I attended a party in an intimate setting at a friend's place (view of the Eiffel Tower from window, love it), nothing but good times and joy! Abba and Roxette (hence the nostalgic title of today's blog) were on the playlist, vodka/cranberry filled the glasses, soap bubbles floated in the air. Magic.
January 1st was spent in the same manner, however a tad lazier. Movies, Starbucks, greasy Chinese and giggles, couldn't ask for a better start of 2009! Had to work today though, but no matter, tomorrow's off and no Gymboree on Sunday morning, hooray! Will go to the gym first thing in the morning, haven't been since, well, before Christmas. Yikes!
Short update of the last couple of weeks; went to the Netherlands and celebrated Xmas with my Dad and his wife, supernice with familydinner in an Italian restaurant evening of the 23rd, the 24th we had a lovely lunch in a tea-house which used to be a boat-house, very Dutch. Later that day I went to Amsterdam to spend the Eve with my friends, turned out to be a celebration anything but traditional but none the less extremely fun! Went clubbing after dinner and presents, and oh no, Jesus wouldn't approve.
Had to work on the 25th so off I went with the first morning train to Paris, and spent Christmas day hung-over but happy in the shop. Lots of tourists, but what a long day! Phew.
Have suffered from a slight tooth-ache these past couple of weeks so I mustered up some courage and went to see Mr Dentist. Was scared to death (mostly of how much it would cost, seeing as I haven't been for a check-up in, like, 3 years). But he was a nice dentist, took a good look and said that my teeth were very "healthy" and that there was nothing to worry about. Apparently my cold might have caused the occasional ache, and miraculously, my pain was instantly gone! Yay! And all in all it didn't turn out to be that expensive, 39 euros... Less than in Sweden!
Went to see the movie Australia Tuesday night, cute. I cried constantly throughout, what has happened to me? It wasn't even that sad to begin with. Maybe I'm getting old and soft...
So there, the new year has indeed started off nicely. Stay tuned to for follow up's!
Bonne année!!!
C
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