*sniff sniff
Have just recuperated from a touch of cold, and therefore decided this morning to go to the gym! Lo and behold! It was just as wonderful as I thought it would be, shiny machines and glistening bodies as far as the eye could see... Downside to it all was that I'm completely out of shape. To think that I, not too long ago (May), managed to run as far as 21kms without stopping, it's ridiculous. And truly heart-breaking. Made it half an hour on the tread-mill (do they put glue on the floor?), had to stop before entering into a state of cardiac seizure. But it felt good, or it does now atleast.
Hanging out at work, yes that is how I spend my days. Chat with neighbours and the occasional client, other than that there's not that much to do. So I blog away my afternoons! And eat oranges, I've heard they're supposed to be efficient in boosting the immune system (surely 7 should suffice to cover the daily need?). Suits me just fine.
This week'll be mighty hectic though. Work today and tomorrow, with a soirée pyjama at Gymboree tomorrow night; 20 kids high on sugar to amuse and animate for an hour! I love my work, I love my work, I love it, love it... Oh well, I'll be able to imagine what it would be like to be Father Christmas for an evening, to see all those sparkling expecting eyes gazing hopefully up on you. Or it might turn me into the grinch. Those who'll live shall see. Furthermore I work Wednesday and all day Friday, Saturday, Sunday... No holidays for me! Oh that's not true! Mustn't forget the "almost-two-days-in-a-row" next week when I'm going to Holland! Yay!
New Year's Eve. Ah the pressure, the anxiety. Must find party. Must dress up nicely. Must find attractive man to kiss at midnight. To hell with that. I'm working the 31st until 19h so I'll be able to make it to some kind of soirée, but I refuse to make it a big deal. Nono. Dress? Haven't worn one since Jesus wore sandals and boxers. And dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Must get smashing body first before I'll consider wearing a dress. When could I go to the gym again? As soon as possible would be the wish but reality's harsher than that. Wednesday morning perhaps. Anyways, NYE will be spent in Paris, anyone who feels like joining me are of course more than merrily welcome!
There, I killed a couple of minutes on that, goodness! Who knows, I might blog again before checking out...
Cheers, C
lundi 15 décembre 2008
mardi 2 décembre 2008
Joy to the world, the plans are changed!
Every now and then one is struck by a terrific idea. A notion that, however hopeless a situation might seem, there is always a way out. After having feltcompletely drained and utterly disgusted by the fact that I would have to spend Christmas eve all on my own-some, I was suddeny hit by it! No! I shall not! Since I'm going to Lille (in the north of France) on the 23rd for a meeting that will take most of the day, why not just continue going north, to Holland? Yes, that is what I must do. So there you have it, the 23rd will be spent in Maasland at my Dad's and then I'll pursue my ultimate destination and hit Amsterdam on the 24th, joining Damir and Anika, my dearly parisian friends. Not too shabby indeed. Anika promised there'd be a tree and everything! Oh holy blissfulness of jolly companionship! I love my friends, I really really do. And what a relief not having to spend Christmas in Paris, what would I do? What would I eat? Probably McDonald's. And that is so not ok.
All I wanted to add this time, in case someone was feeling sorry for me...
Until next time! xxx
All I wanted to add this time, in case someone was feeling sorry for me...
Until next time! xxx
mardi 25 novembre 2008
Jingle all the way to hell
November's coming to and end, unbelievable! Today in one week we're well and good into December, and I have absolutely no X-mas longing whatsoever. That surely comes from the fact that I refuse to celebrate Christmas this year, since I won't be able to go home. Yeah, really sad, I know. The reasons for this are A: didn't get time off from work, and B: tickets cost more than half a month's rent, and I just cannot do it. But I have decided to screw all that X-mas nonsense (yes I am indeed quite bitter about it...), and just give myself a lot of treats. Starting by signing up for a gym next to where I live! Went there last week for a trial-session and oh, it was all I'd ever ask for. They even had Les Mills programs there... I was in heaven for about an hour and a half (and yes I am easy to please). Treat number two; got myself a new mobile phone with a camera. Finally I might be able to post some more pictures on my blog!
Work's work, nothing exiting on that front. I upped my hours in the little candyshop from 30 to 35 hours a week, which might not sound like a that big of a deal, but in fact it makes quite a difference. Longer days, even though just an hour, however fatter pay! Yay! Hopefully I will soon be able to kick back a bit and just enjoy life instead of always living on the edge of finances...
What else is new? Well I freed myself from my other half, who became more than that and completely invaded my life. So I realised one day, no in fact this will not work out for me, it's either him or me! And of course I chose me. Otherwise I would be standing here dead. Ok I'm exaggerating, just a wee bit.
No idea when I'll be able to go back to la Suède again, but this one's certain; I am now 100 percent sure that I'll run in Göteborgsvarvet 2009! This one I'll try doing in 2hrs, which means a 6 min improvement. Yikes! But I will do it! It's on the 16th of May. Be there and cheer!
Bisous, C
Work's work, nothing exiting on that front. I upped my hours in the little candyshop from 30 to 35 hours a week, which might not sound like a that big of a deal, but in fact it makes quite a difference. Longer days, even though just an hour, however fatter pay! Yay! Hopefully I will soon be able to kick back a bit and just enjoy life instead of always living on the edge of finances...
What else is new? Well I freed myself from my other half, who became more than that and completely invaded my life. So I realised one day, no in fact this will not work out for me, it's either him or me! And of course I chose me. Otherwise I would be standing here dead. Ok I'm exaggerating, just a wee bit.
No idea when I'll be able to go back to la Suède again, but this one's certain; I am now 100 percent sure that I'll run in Göteborgsvarvet 2009! This one I'll try doing in 2hrs, which means a 6 min improvement. Yikes! But I will do it! It's on the 16th of May. Be there and cheer!
Bisous, C
lundi 13 octobre 2008
All shapened up
It's been more than 3 months and I'm starting to get really settled in. Last weekend me and my friends painted the walls in my flat, they're all nice and white now. Finally I have to say, was a bit worried it might never happen. But it certainly did and it turned out really well. After a (rather pricey) trip to IKEA last week, I drove (!) btw, yay, the place is now tiptop. Hooray! It's a pure pleasure to come home now, I have to say.
Had a bit of a run-in with the neighbours, they're not that crazy about me apparently, merde. I happened to have put some woodenboards in the recycling-bin and that apparently is a big nono: I risk getting fined and everything! I hope my landlord won't get word of this, what if he gets all angry and throws me out! Wouldn't that be a real shame, especially now after all the fixing-up.
Also, I seem to be constantly sleep-deprived still. I just cannot catch up, it isn't happening. Too much work, too little time. But hey, it's life.
Good news, Sweden trip on the 29th!! Cannot wait to go, staying one whole week so I have lots of time to play and rest and do absolutely nothing at all. Good sweet times.
Am totally hooked on surfthechannel.com aswell, might be that's killing my sleephabits. Nah, who cares, I can rest when I'm dead. Oh. How very morbid of me. Probably shouldn't jinx it like that. Right. Back to Desperate Housewives!!
quote Lynette Scavo "Oh... crap on things..."
Had a bit of a run-in with the neighbours, they're not that crazy about me apparently, merde. I happened to have put some woodenboards in the recycling-bin and that apparently is a big nono: I risk getting fined and everything! I hope my landlord won't get word of this, what if he gets all angry and throws me out! Wouldn't that be a real shame, especially now after all the fixing-up.
Also, I seem to be constantly sleep-deprived still. I just cannot catch up, it isn't happening. Too much work, too little time. But hey, it's life.
Good news, Sweden trip on the 29th!! Cannot wait to go, staying one whole week so I have lots of time to play and rest and do absolutely nothing at all. Good sweet times.
Am totally hooked on surfthechannel.com aswell, might be that's killing my sleephabits. Nah, who cares, I can rest when I'm dead. Oh. How very morbid of me. Probably shouldn't jinx it like that. Right. Back to Desperate Housewives!!
quote Lynette Scavo "Oh... crap on things..."
mercredi 24 septembre 2008
Sweet surprises
Who could have known that after having spent almost 5 months in utter financial misery, one would actually get a brake? I don't really know what to call it, divine intervention perhaps, but I know who to thank; the Erasmusoffice. This wonderful organisation just granted me an extra endorsment, an extra little donation for no apparent reason! Thus no need to sweat over all my Swedish bills for the next four months or so, which came as a total surprise, not to mention a major relief! Unfortunately, me being me and therefore not trustworthy with money, I've already started to spend it all in my head (and IRL)... There's just so much I've denied myself these past months, so Monday I had a bit of a pampering day, got myself an haircut (finally!) and bought myself a coat and a bag. I had to. No seriously, I really needed it since I took all my relatively warm clothes back to Sweden in May, seeing as I was sort of planning to move back home... so all I was left with were some measly pathetic excuses for jackets, not enough to keep me warm. And it has gotten a bit cooler, so there, not just irradically shopping like a paria!
Gymboree is now fully on and running like mad, every Sunday morning there I am singing and dancing like nobody's business. Have even done sessions all on my own, which of course freaked me out but finally worked out quite nicely in the end. Surely I do black out every now and then, forget the lyrics or the choreography (yes we do have choreography, you know, up and down, side to side), but all in all it runs smoothly. Except last week when I'd only slept for a couple of hours (for reasons of which I will speak later), and the kids just wouldn't stop screaming and yeah I did forget to sing a couple of songs, but hey, it'll be better! I will do better! It's only my third week for crying out loud.
So, the reason for me being terribly sleep-deprived as of late is, naturally, a boy. I've dated this French guy for a couple of weeks, four and a half to be exact, and it's advancing rather nicely. Or, should I say, seeing as he his French, a bit too fast at times perhaps. But to be fair, I have been single for so long, it's just this whole "exclusive" thing that throws me, or I don't know. Having to share myself with someone else, how does that work exactly? It used to be just me myself and I, doing whatever I wanted whenever. Now I have to consider someone else aswell? Hm. We'll see where this leads. He is a struggling actor, which apparently is really tough in a city like Paris. But dear friends, I will keep you in the loop of things. What would life be without a bit of drama, say?
What else, well my other job's also running really smoothly. I'd even go as far to say that it's become my little haven of peace. No stress whatsoever, if I don't have any costumers I can just chill out, with a book or without, chat with the neighbours and drink some coffee (I have a Columbus Cafe right next door). If there by chance is someone who does want to buy something, they're usually really polite and well-behaved and treats me nicely. So I really can't complain at all! The pay's totally ok aswell, compared to the amount of work I do, plus the benefits are great. Alas, I do tend to eat a lot of candy... very naughty. Haven't done ANY sports since the 14th of July, except last Saturday when I was in Louveciennes, I actually managed to go out for some 45 mins jogging in the woods. Other than that, I should be ashamed of myself. But I'm constantly looking for a gym, there is one at Aquaboulevard where I do Gymboree but it's ridiculously expensive. The quest continues...
Yes, I was in Louveciennes this weekend and saw my kids again, haven't seen them for 6 weeks! It was truly delightful to hug them all again, it scares me how quickly they grow up. Little Valentine speaks like no tomorrow, it's amazing. Felt good to be out of the city a bit, to breath some fresh air and see some nature. Haven't had any real summerish feelings this year, do indeed miss all that. But oh well, that's the price one has to pay for living in Paris, poor poor little estranged Parisian girl.
Totally planning on going home in the end of October to visit!! Hopefully I'll be able to take some days off since Gymboree'll be closed, but that is to be announced. Won't get my hopes up too much though, but just in case, you should encircle the dates 26/10-2/11 in your agendas...
Until next time,
love always
C
Gymboree is now fully on and running like mad, every Sunday morning there I am singing and dancing like nobody's business. Have even done sessions all on my own, which of course freaked me out but finally worked out quite nicely in the end. Surely I do black out every now and then, forget the lyrics or the choreography (yes we do have choreography, you know, up and down, side to side), but all in all it runs smoothly. Except last week when I'd only slept for a couple of hours (for reasons of which I will speak later), and the kids just wouldn't stop screaming and yeah I did forget to sing a couple of songs, but hey, it'll be better! I will do better! It's only my third week for crying out loud.
So, the reason for me being terribly sleep-deprived as of late is, naturally, a boy. I've dated this French guy for a couple of weeks, four and a half to be exact, and it's advancing rather nicely. Or, should I say, seeing as he his French, a bit too fast at times perhaps. But to be fair, I have been single for so long, it's just this whole "exclusive" thing that throws me, or I don't know. Having to share myself with someone else, how does that work exactly? It used to be just me myself and I, doing whatever I wanted whenever. Now I have to consider someone else aswell? Hm. We'll see where this leads. He is a struggling actor, which apparently is really tough in a city like Paris. But dear friends, I will keep you in the loop of things. What would life be without a bit of drama, say?
What else, well my other job's also running really smoothly. I'd even go as far to say that it's become my little haven of peace. No stress whatsoever, if I don't have any costumers I can just chill out, with a book or without, chat with the neighbours and drink some coffee (I have a Columbus Cafe right next door). If there by chance is someone who does want to buy something, they're usually really polite and well-behaved and treats me nicely. So I really can't complain at all! The pay's totally ok aswell, compared to the amount of work I do, plus the benefits are great. Alas, I do tend to eat a lot of candy... very naughty. Haven't done ANY sports since the 14th of July, except last Saturday when I was in Louveciennes, I actually managed to go out for some 45 mins jogging in the woods. Other than that, I should be ashamed of myself. But I'm constantly looking for a gym, there is one at Aquaboulevard where I do Gymboree but it's ridiculously expensive. The quest continues...
Yes, I was in Louveciennes this weekend and saw my kids again, haven't seen them for 6 weeks! It was truly delightful to hug them all again, it scares me how quickly they grow up. Little Valentine speaks like no tomorrow, it's amazing. Felt good to be out of the city a bit, to breath some fresh air and see some nature. Haven't had any real summerish feelings this year, do indeed miss all that. But oh well, that's the price one has to pay for living in Paris, poor poor little estranged Parisian girl.
Totally planning on going home in the end of October to visit!! Hopefully I'll be able to take some days off since Gymboree'll be closed, but that is to be announced. Won't get my hopes up too much though, but just in case, you should encircle the dates 26/10-2/11 in your agendas...
Until next time,
love always
C
samedi 6 septembre 2008
A quarter of a century
25 years old. Half way to 50. Older but none the wiser. No that's not fair, I reckon I have gotten a bit wiser. Maybe not since yesterday, but looking back at last year, I have indeed matured. 25 is supposed to be a milestone in a person's life, one is supposed to be accomplished to a certain level, achieved goals, gone places. Have I? Yes and no.
To some extent I'm a bit disappointed I haven't moved further in life, haven't reached my goals as of yet. 5 years ago I was so sure I would have been there by now, education done with and grown-up life well and started. Safe to say it has all been put a little on hold. Not that I'm in a rush or anything, I'll try again next year, but opportunities are running short and I'm definitely not getting any younger.
On the other hand, where am I at this point? In Paris, in my own flat, doing my best to stay afloat and actually doing not too shabby. I mean, surely, at times I struggle and it's not always a walk in the park, but mostly I'm truly happy and content with my situation.
I was in Holland again, Wednesday. Only for 24 hours, because my grandma had passed away Sunday morning. It was all really sad but beautiful in a way, I've never felt so connected to my Dutch family before. Peaceful and nice. I know I will miss my Oma a lot, even if we weren't that close, she was a truly remarkable lady. Hats off for her... and for my Dad, lots of love.
Today will be a tranquil B-day though, coz tomorrow the real stuff is starting, Gymboree session number one. The premiere! I'm scared shitless, but I'm sure it'll be fine once I'm there and in the mood. Right know I'm mostly freaking out, what the hell have I put myself into?
Ok, I will now leave my little nest, do some shopping and bits and bobs. More updates to come I promise!!
Bisous xxx
To some extent I'm a bit disappointed I haven't moved further in life, haven't reached my goals as of yet. 5 years ago I was so sure I would have been there by now, education done with and grown-up life well and started. Safe to say it has all been put a little on hold. Not that I'm in a rush or anything, I'll try again next year, but opportunities are running short and I'm definitely not getting any younger.
On the other hand, where am I at this point? In Paris, in my own flat, doing my best to stay afloat and actually doing not too shabby. I mean, surely, at times I struggle and it's not always a walk in the park, but mostly I'm truly happy and content with my situation.
I was in Holland again, Wednesday. Only for 24 hours, because my grandma had passed away Sunday morning. It was all really sad but beautiful in a way, I've never felt so connected to my Dutch family before. Peaceful and nice. I know I will miss my Oma a lot, even if we weren't that close, she was a truly remarkable lady. Hats off for her... and for my Dad, lots of love.
Today will be a tranquil B-day though, coz tomorrow the real stuff is starting, Gymboree session number one. The premiere! I'm scared shitless, but I'm sure it'll be fine once I'm there and in the mood. Right know I'm mostly freaking out, what the hell have I put myself into?
Ok, I will now leave my little nest, do some shopping and bits and bobs. More updates to come I promise!!
Bisous xxx
jeudi 21 août 2008
One year later...
The 21st of August, 2007, an innocent Swede embarks the unknown land, totally unawares of what to come. Yes, today it has been a year since I arrived at Roissy Charles de Gaulle. Even though time indeed has passed with tremendous speed, events have been numerous and significant aswell. Every now and then I've asked myself "will it ever stop, will I ever get a brake"? Wether it was a next of kin getting seriously ill, an unexpected bill dropping in my lap or all my possessions stolen and lost, it all was a bit overwhelming. Luckily, I've had tons of support to help me get through the rough patches, from near and far, so I'd like to think I've risen from this a stronger person.
Naturally, not only bad things has happened to me this year. It's been quite a ride, I've met some extraordinary people and learnt tons of French. Mission complete! Paris still blows my mind, I find new things every day to explore and to be amazed by. Would love to expand my horizons even more and travel the country, me and some friends are talking about a road trip to Val de Loire, going castle-hunting (I mean, they're there... we wouldn't have to chase them or anything).
My flat's still a bit run down, haven't had the means to give it a go yet, decorating-wise. But I will, as soon as. Have other priorities first, like food, tooth-paste, boring stuff. As I said before, keep getting unexpected bills thrown at me. The adorable CSN has finally decided to put me under the radar, first bill's been sent and is due at the end of the month, 1000kr already. Yikes! So I dread next week, bill week. Rent week. Sigh and cry.
Work's going really well though, I like it a lot! Lots of spacey people around, never a dull moment, and I keep getting asked out every other day by random men. Hmm... I don't know. Boosts the ego though, so where's the harm, as long as they're kept at an arm's length. Today I had a funny moment with some Hare Krishna monks, they chanted up and down the street outside of the shop, wanted to drop their suitcase behind my counter (as if I looked like a safe-keep), and I was scared to death they'd blow the place up. But they turned out to be rather harmless, just wanted to sing and hand out books about meditation. Oh well. Tomorrow I'll work at Gymboree, do some chanting of my own. Me and my grand voice, try to keep your knickers on!! Speaking of knickers, me and Josefin will take on Showcase tomorrow night, and I'll try to hang on to my belongings...
What else is new? I went to Holland to see my grandma last week, was really really nice. I miss Holland so much, it felt so good to be back there, however short the stay. See everyone again... did me good. Maybe I'll get some visitors from England in two weeks (which also happens to be my B-day, oh dear....)! Yay!
Ok, since I now have an internet connection (which actually works) AND a landline (if you ask me nicely you might get the number even), I promise I'll keep my blog more updated.
Lots of love, C
Naturally, not only bad things has happened to me this year. It's been quite a ride, I've met some extraordinary people and learnt tons of French. Mission complete! Paris still blows my mind, I find new things every day to explore and to be amazed by. Would love to expand my horizons even more and travel the country, me and some friends are talking about a road trip to Val de Loire, going castle-hunting (I mean, they're there... we wouldn't have to chase them or anything).
My flat's still a bit run down, haven't had the means to give it a go yet, decorating-wise. But I will, as soon as. Have other priorities first, like food, tooth-paste, boring stuff. As I said before, keep getting unexpected bills thrown at me. The adorable CSN has finally decided to put me under the radar, first bill's been sent and is due at the end of the month, 1000kr already. Yikes! So I dread next week, bill week. Rent week. Sigh and cry.
Work's going really well though, I like it a lot! Lots of spacey people around, never a dull moment, and I keep getting asked out every other day by random men. Hmm... I don't know. Boosts the ego though, so where's the harm, as long as they're kept at an arm's length. Today I had a funny moment with some Hare Krishna monks, they chanted up and down the street outside of the shop, wanted to drop their suitcase behind my counter (as if I looked like a safe-keep), and I was scared to death they'd blow the place up. But they turned out to be rather harmless, just wanted to sing and hand out books about meditation. Oh well. Tomorrow I'll work at Gymboree, do some chanting of my own. Me and my grand voice, try to keep your knickers on!! Speaking of knickers, me and Josefin will take on Showcase tomorrow night, and I'll try to hang on to my belongings...
What else is new? I went to Holland to see my grandma last week, was really really nice. I miss Holland so much, it felt so good to be back there, however short the stay. See everyone again... did me good. Maybe I'll get some visitors from England in two weeks (which also happens to be my B-day, oh dear....)! Yay!
Ok, since I now have an internet connection (which actually works) AND a landline (if you ask me nicely you might get the number even), I promise I'll keep my blog more updated.
Lots of love, C
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