For those of you who have not experienced British weather in person and only heard about it from other people and shrugged it off as a "myth" - let me tell you;
1) you are so bloody fortunate!
2) I would never have believed that weather could be schizophrenic but living here for a bit more than a year* have proved me otherwise. God almighty -does it suck or what? Yesterday was lovely, chilly but lovely with a blue sky, some pretty clouds dotted here and there and also a privileged "visit" from the sun. When I woke up this morning, it was grey, miserable and raining. No surprise there. 30 minutes later there are corrugated iron flying everywhere, road signs are almost bent double and I can't tell which way the wind/rain blows as it seems to be coming from 8 different directions (I lost count after 8).
Thinking "No fuggin' way that I'm walking out in that for what I am paid!" I promptly put my bag down and waited it out. "waiting it out" was about 7 minutes and then I had enough visibility to walk the 6 minute walk to work. Mind you, I had trouble breathing due to the strong wind and my hair, and today was a good hair day, no longer looked very nice. I told myself that I'd had enough of this shitty country/weather and I want to go home where storms are storms and then it's over. When it rains in Sweden, it rains - not on-off-on-off - and then we have nice weather.
Or perhaps it's just me who conveniently forgets the "bad" stuff?
I don't care - All I know is that the British weather S.U.C.K.S, no wonder they all emigrate to countries with better weather as soon as they can afford it. Me, I'm stuck here thanks to Mr-I-Have-To-Live-Here. Sometimes I hate the concept "love" - it fucks you over BIG time.
Have to watch some more Vicar of Dibley to cheer me up. At least the Brits have good comedies, they should award French and Saunders with an MBE...
* on my previous week-/month long visits I, like so many before me, simply assumed that the freak weather was just - freak weather...
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
House Hunting
As the title clearly suggests, we've been looking at houses for a while and this past weekend we actually had a couple of viewings. The first house was a 4 bedroom semi-detached in a good area.
verdict: Hellooooo 70's decorating! A lovely avocado green bathroom suite whereof the loo was actually in a tiny room on its own, but you still had to go into the other room to wash your hands... Great? No, not really.
Now you say I'm picky but no, I am not. The people living there spent £60K on renovations 4 years ago but never bothered changing the longhaired shaggy carpets that were beige with poop coloured [on purpose] stripes or the horrendous Braille patterned walls (Am not joking, I'm sure they had all volumes of the most extensive encyclopaedia "written" on those walls) . Too much money for too much work.
2nd house; 2 streets away from Twilight-zone house. 3 bedroom semi-detached - plenty of space. Renovated 2 years ago by normal, connected to this world-people. verdict: absolutely, fantastic, gorgeous, and all other positive comments you can think of. I would have, could have moved in there yesterday. Cheaper than house 1 but owners in need of quick sale due to being re-located at work + they've had an offer (lower than asking price). If we had been a month further on in selling our flat we would have offered the full asking price. we did say we were interested in case the offer falls through (fingers crossed).
3rd house; viewing today. 3 semi-detached in a bit more central location. Ample space. Kitchen was tiny and it didn't look as if could be extended or knock down the wall to make it bigger.
verdict: Only room for a washing machine or a dishwasher and I don't want a smaller kitchen than we have now. Boyfriend would hear me say "fuggin' kitchen" within a week. So - a "no".
verdict: Hellooooo 70's decorating! A lovely avocado green bathroom suite whereof the loo was actually in a tiny room on its own, but you still had to go into the other room to wash your hands... Great? No, not really.
Now you say I'm picky but no, I am not. The people living there spent £60K on renovations 4 years ago but never bothered changing the longhaired shaggy carpets that were beige with poop coloured [on purpose] stripes or the horrendous Braille patterned walls (Am not joking, I'm sure they had all volumes of the most extensive encyclopaedia "written" on those walls) . Too much money for too much work.
2nd house; 2 streets away from Twilight-zone house. 3 bedroom semi-detached - plenty of space. Renovated 2 years ago by normal, connected to this world-people. verdict: absolutely, fantastic, gorgeous, and all other positive comments you can think of. I would have, could have moved in there yesterday. Cheaper than house 1 but owners in need of quick sale due to being re-located at work + they've had an offer (lower than asking price). If we had been a month further on in selling our flat we would have offered the full asking price. we did say we were interested in case the offer falls through (fingers crossed).
3rd house; viewing today. 3 semi-detached in a bit more central location. Ample space. Kitchen was tiny and it didn't look as if could be extended or knock down the wall to make it bigger.
verdict: Only room for a washing machine or a dishwasher and I don't want a smaller kitchen than we have now. Boyfriend would hear me say "fuggin' kitchen" within a week. So - a "no".
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Do You See the Light?! - - "Hell No!"
Have to go to a workshop tomorrow morning. I am deathly worried about things like that since an acquaintance of mine went to a kick-off/workshop and they were "reborn" through an artificial birth canal as part of the exercise*. I know I wouldn't appreciate or want to do a thing like that in a room full of strangers. They'll see what stubborn is, if it is something vaguely similar tomorrow.
I've already been born once, I don't remember minding it at all and I've had a good life so I draw the conclusion that it didn't traumatise me all that much. Mind you, my mom had a caesarian, so maybe that doesn't count?
So, keep your fingers crossed that it'll just be a nice simple, non-humiliating experience tomorrow. As soon as anyone brings out a huge piece of fabric shaped like a tunnel, I'll be out the door and into the nearest pub. I don't care if it leaves me jobless...
* The place they went to had to stop doing that as some other group were less appreciative and more vocal about it than my friend's group was.
I've already been born once, I don't remember minding it at all and I've had a good life so I draw the conclusion that it didn't traumatise me all that much. Mind you, my mom had a caesarian, so maybe that doesn't count?
So, keep your fingers crossed that it'll just be a nice simple, non-humiliating experience tomorrow. As soon as anyone brings out a huge piece of fabric shaped like a tunnel, I'll be out the door and into the nearest pub. I don't care if it leaves me jobless...
* The place they went to had to stop doing that as some other group were less appreciative and more vocal about it than my friend's group was.
Monday, 21 January 2008
There's always a silverlining...
I stepped in dog poo on my way home from work. How much do I hate dog-owners who don't poop-a-scoop after their dogs?!
Let me tell you: L O A D S! Enough to want to force feed them what they leave behind. That's how much I hate them.
Luckily it must have been a little dog and not an elephant or I would have been up to my neck in shit.
Let me tell you: L O A D S! Enough to want to force feed them what they leave behind. That's how much I hate them.
Luckily it must have been a little dog and not an elephant or I would have been up to my neck in shit.
Saturday, 19 January 2008
Practically Deformed?*
I bought a pair of trousers and a top today. The trousers are black and the top is black but it's more of a black vest with a short sleeved black/white patterned blouse underneath. I tried to take a photo of it to show you but couldn't take a"nice" one. My breasts looks really weird in the photos so now I've got to ask Boyfriend if they look as odd in real life or if its the top that makes them look different. I like the top but if it's unflattering over that particular body part then I don't want it.
*The title is taken from Legally Blonde, when Elle declares she has to be like "her" and pointing at her ex-boyfriend's brother's fiancée's picture in a magazine (are you following?) and the old lady sitting next to her replies; "practically deformed?" as the girl isn't exactly a beauty and I think it's such a brilliant line.... (I looove Legally Blonde!)
*The title is taken from Legally Blonde, when Elle declares she has to be like "her" and pointing at her ex-boyfriend's brother's fiancée's picture in a magazine (are you following?) and the old lady sitting next to her replies; "practically deformed?" as the girl isn't exactly a beauty and I think it's such a brilliant line.... (I looove Legally Blonde!)
I think I'll...
...just stick to the flower as
its seeds
get the system going in a very
unpleasant
way.
'Nuff said...
its seeds
get the system going in a very
unpleasant
way.
'Nuff said...
Friday, 18 January 2008
Tattoo and Painful Toes
It's been a while since my last post and that's partly because I had absolutely nothing of value to write about (even less than normally) and I've been totally knackered since being ill last week.
Enough about all that stuff -
I fancy getting another tattoo. I don't know what or where but the "urge" is back and quite strong as well. So now I'd better stay away from tattoo parlours or make sure I know what I want. I've always said I fancy a little daisy so I'll have a look for a nice one.
It's another weekend, YEAY! and I hope, hope, hope we can get tickets for the Nutcracker on Sunday. It'd be nice to something "different".
I'll let you know how it goes.
Enough about all that stuff -
I fancy getting another tattoo. I don't know what or where but the "urge" is back and quite strong as well. So now I'd better stay away from tattoo parlours or make sure I know what I want. I've always said I fancy a little daisy so I'll have a look for a nice one.
It's another weekend, YEAY! and I hope, hope, hope we can get tickets for the Nutcracker on Sunday. It'd be nice to something "different".
I'll let you know how it goes.
Saturday, 12 January 2008
Sore Throat and Invisible Dreams
Oh man, am getting sick of having a sore throat. I thought it'd be fine now that the darn thing's broken. Anyway, am even sicker of staying indoors so I'm gonna wrap up warm and have a little shopping spree (Boyfriend needs a haircut and a few other things).
Had the weirdest dream ever! I was being chased for something and they were going to kill me! But I must have been the world's only hope of survival as I had loads of people helping me out, especially my ex colleagues at Bergs Gymnasium. At one point I had made myself invisible (Oh yeah!) up at a hayloft as some of those chasing me were right on my tail. But as they couldn't see me they decided to leave and the quickest way was to jump down into this massive bunch of paper napkins -still in the plastic wrap. I was then picked up by a few people in a blue sportscar and I was awesome at driving it. I also had to hide in a church where the priest and his wife/housekeeper treated me as if I was God's child. That was a bit weird though. We later met up with the others at a roadside diner where we disguised ourselves by putting black stickers on our faces to alter the way we looked. I think I survived...
Had the weirdest dream ever! I was being chased for something and they were going to kill me! But I must have been the world's only hope of survival as I had loads of people helping me out, especially my ex colleagues at Bergs Gymnasium. At one point I had made myself invisible (Oh yeah!) up at a hayloft as some of those chasing me were right on my tail. But as they couldn't see me they decided to leave and the quickest way was to jump down into this massive bunch of paper napkins -still in the plastic wrap. I was then picked up by a few people in a blue sportscar and I was awesome at driving it. I also had to hide in a church where the priest and his wife/housekeeper treated me as if I was God's child. That was a bit weird though. We later met up with the others at a roadside diner where we disguised ourselves by putting black stickers on our faces to alter the way we looked. I think I survived...
Friday, 11 January 2008
How good isn't this shit?
It's a pretty good song for speeding along the deserted country roads in Sweden on a lovely summer's night.*
For those who didn't know it - I'm severely addicted to speed; horses, cars, mc's, quad bikes and even sleigh riding down the magnificent hill in Asarna. Well, anything that's fast, fast, fast - which is why I had to promise my parents never, ever to get a license for a motorbike. It was a sad day as I had already picked out a super cool pink crash-helmet but a promise is a promise...although we never said anything about one of these. Hmmm, a loophole.
*It should, however, be said that nothing can ever come close to the excellent Foo Fighters...
For those who didn't know it - I'm severely addicted to speed; horses, cars, mc's, quad bikes and even sleigh riding down the magnificent hill in Asarna. Well, anything that's fast, fast, fast - which is why I had to promise my parents never, ever to get a license for a motorbike. It was a sad day as I had already picked out a super cool pink crash-helmet but a promise is a promise...although we never said anything about one of these. Hmmm, a loophole.
*It should, however, be said that nothing can ever come close to the excellent Foo Fighters...
I Only Fake O's...
Had a strange and very un-funny night mixed with temperature falling and rising in a very disturbing manner. Also woke up at about 6-ish and sneezed violently a couple of times whereupon I felt a "tear" in my throat and a horribly tasting liquid ran down my throat.
Yep - must have had an abscess at the back of my throat that burst from the sneezing. I've had one before but then I didn't know what it was (I just knew I felt like dying) and ended up in hospital for 4 days. It's a horrible thing to have but it's good that it burst - I don't want to risk ending up in a hospital here as that would surely kill me.
Anyway, this meant I called in sick, again, and I think I won't bother having a day off sick ever again, I'll just go in and infect everyone else. They make you feel as if you're making it up and the feeling of accusation isn't the best thing when you're already weak from illness, temperature etc. I was about this close (----) to crying and admitting to be as fit as a fiddle and that I'd just made it all up because it sooo much fun having an abscess. It's also great fun feeling too weak to have a shower in fear of fainting and hitting my head and diiiie.
Listen, If I was making it up I would have had a long shower in which I would have taken the time to shave my legs but instead I'm looking like werewolf with dirty hair. I'm actually enjoying work at the moment and I really, really would have preferred not to have tasted the yucky stuff that was in the abscess. So please, please don't make me feel bad for being ill. It's not like I did it on purpose.
Yep - must have had an abscess at the back of my throat that burst from the sneezing. I've had one before but then I didn't know what it was (I just knew I felt like dying) and ended up in hospital for 4 days. It's a horrible thing to have but it's good that it burst - I don't want to risk ending up in a hospital here as that would surely kill me.
Anyway, this meant I called in sick, again, and I think I won't bother having a day off sick ever again, I'll just go in and infect everyone else. They make you feel as if you're making it up and the feeling of accusation isn't the best thing when you're already weak from illness, temperature etc. I was about this close (----) to crying and admitting to be as fit as a fiddle and that I'd just made it all up because it sooo much fun having an abscess. It's also great fun feeling too weak to have a shower in fear of fainting and hitting my head and diiiie.
Listen, If I was making it up I would have had a long shower in which I would have taken the time to shave my legs but instead I'm looking like werewolf with dirty hair. I'm actually enjoying work at the moment and I really, really would have preferred not to have tasted the yucky stuff that was in the abscess. So please, please don't make me feel bad for being ill. It's not like I did it on purpose.
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Not Too Good Right Now
I woke up feeling as if I'd tried to swallow a golf ball and it getting stuck in my throat, which isn't a very pleasant feeling. And adding that to the fact that I spent yesterday afternoon feeling feverish and not really with it - I decided to stay home for today.
It probably would have been easier to just go in, faint and be sent home than phoning in. Phoning to the actual team I work with wasn't difficult (they saw how I was yesterday) but to the sickness-manager... Jeez, it was like the Spanish Inquisition, which I wasn't prepared for (I'd just got out of bed). He probably though I was faking it, which I am not - I need the money and as I've been employed for less than 6 months I don't get any pay whatsoever when I'm ill.
Anyway, am trying to find an entry on perezhilton.com that I read/listened to a while ago. It was a really lovely song... but it's literally a needle in a haystack among all the crap about various celebs' eating-/cheating- and all other disorders known to man.
It probably would have been easier to just go in, faint and be sent home than phoning in. Phoning to the actual team I work with wasn't difficult (they saw how I was yesterday) but to the sickness-manager... Jeez, it was like the Spanish Inquisition, which I wasn't prepared for (I'd just got out of bed). He probably though I was faking it, which I am not - I need the money and as I've been employed for less than 6 months I don't get any pay whatsoever when I'm ill.
Anyway, am trying to find an entry on perezhilton.com that I read/listened to a while ago. It was a really lovely song... but it's literally a needle in a haystack among all the crap about various celebs' eating-/cheating- and all other disorders known to man.
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
Croaky
My throat is really sore today so I have donned a scarf to try and keep it warm. I've also realised that I have no sweaters/tops that go a bit higher in the neck - all are v-necks. Isn't that strange? I have no "modest" tops. I can foresee some shopping happening...
What a great excuse!
What a great excuse!
Monday, 7 January 2008
A little bit of this...
I took calls on my own today and did really well - I only had to ask Buddy for help on a few occasions. But - I also took a call from a lady who just wouldn't stop talking! I found out loads about her and felt like requesting an invite to her wedding before hanging up. Geez lady, I just look up security information on the system. I am not a wedding planner!
On another note;
Sacrebleu is an old French profanity, meant as a cry of surprise or anger. It would be equivalent to gosh, by Jove or stone the crows.
'Stone the crows' - I won't rest until I've come across a situation where I can use that particular phrase. Brilliant albeit useless!
On another note;
Sacrebleu is an old French profanity, meant as a cry of surprise or anger. It would be equivalent to gosh, by Jove or stone the crows.
'Stone the crows' - I won't rest until I've come across a situation where I can use that particular phrase. Brilliant albeit useless!
Friday, 4 January 2008
Hairy Baby? No. Shorthaired Dog? Yes!
I am beginning to worry about Boyfriend. Just the other day he promised me that I'd have either a dog or a baby in June. Well, it's obvious it'll be a dog or he must work pretty quick as I know that I am not pregnant at this point *happy exhale*. But then again, when we met he was adamant that women were pregnant for 6 months... (what do they do in Med.School?)
This morning I kept ranting on about me not being able to go home next Christmas and he said that we could make sure I'd be off -as in maternity leave. As if I'd want to - or be allowed to fly - when heavily pregnant and I started to feel a bit short of breath. I looked at him with a hint of panic in my eyes...
Boyfriend: Well, we should think about starting a family sometime soon. I mean, you'll be 27 + VAT years old next year...
Me: Well, you'd better start thinking about proposing then 'cos I am not bringing anything down the birth-canal before I've got a rock on my finger! No diamond ring - No dilating!
Boyfriend: What? Do you want me to propose here? Right now? In the bathroom? With the toilet seat up?
Me: It could have been a bit more romantic if only you'd remember to put it down when you're done!
Boyfriend: *Quiet* - Well, I'm not going to! I'm leaving now. There's something not right with you!
Me: I knew you wouldn't! You are a pussy Dr Xx! *moment's silence* Bye honey, have a nice day!
And that's when I sat down for a little moment to think and I am still wondering where all this "baby-talk" is coming from. I want one too at some point but right now I think I'd pick a dog if I had to choose. Awww - a little puppy dog!
This morning I kept ranting on about me not being able to go home next Christmas and he said that we could make sure I'd be off -as in maternity leave. As if I'd want to - or be allowed to fly - when heavily pregnant and I started to feel a bit short of breath. I looked at him with a hint of panic in my eyes...
Boyfriend: Well, we should think about starting a family sometime soon. I mean, you'll be 27 + VAT years old next year...
Me: Well, you'd better start thinking about proposing then 'cos I am not bringing anything down the birth-canal before I've got a rock on my finger! No diamond ring - No dilating!
Boyfriend: What? Do you want me to propose here? Right now? In the bathroom? With the toilet seat up?
Me: It could have been a bit more romantic if only you'd remember to put it down when you're done!
Boyfriend: *Quiet* - Well, I'm not going to! I'm leaving now. There's something not right with you!
Me: I knew you wouldn't! You are a pussy Dr Xx! *moment's silence* Bye honey, have a nice day!
And that's when I sat down for a little moment to think and I am still wondering where all this "baby-talk" is coming from. I want one too at some point but right now I think I'd pick a dog if I had to choose. Awww - a little puppy dog!
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Time to Resign?
I was formally employed by the company on the 3rd of December last year. Last week I was asked to let them know about any specific dates I would like for my holiday and I said - Christmas. I was then told that it looked to be ok as not all the holiday-positions for next Christmas had been filled. I though "great". This is not saying that Christmas at Boyfriend was bad in any shape, size or form but it wasn't with my family (and I don't like the plastic x-mas tree at all).
Today I was told that it is unlikely that I will get Christmas off as 1) everyone was asked to fill in their leave-requests in September (way before I was employed) and 2) a person with seniority had requested leave after me which automatically put him/her ahead of me.
"Maybe I could take another week off, perhaps?"
Well, the point was that I want to spend Christmas with my family in Sweden and Christmas is likely to be the only time we all can get together. And I do understand that they have a system based on seniority but it basically means that I'll probably never be able to go home for Christmas if someone more senior to me (and let's face it - almost all of them are getting on a bit) all of a sudden wants to have Christmas off even if it's less than 3 weeks before said holiday. That's just not fair.
And to make matters worse - this was one of the things I specifically asked about at the interview as I explained that I can't go home for a day or two and be expected back at work for the 3rd day. And the lady interviewing me said that they always had consideration for employees who are foreign and when holidays are coming up.
Yeah right! So I guess I'll never spend another Christmas with my family then. Isn't that just fantastic news to get at the beginning of the year especially as the few days before Christmas was mind-numbingly slow. The amount of work we "got in" could have been sorted in less than 2 hours. So I don't buy the argument that only 2 people of the team can be off during Christmas.
Like I said - Christmas with Boyfriend's family was ok but I am NOT doing it 2 years running. I'll pull a sickie of I have to!
Today I was told that it is unlikely that I will get Christmas off as 1) everyone was asked to fill in their leave-requests in September (way before I was employed) and 2) a person with seniority had requested leave after me which automatically put him/her ahead of me.
"Maybe I could take another week off, perhaps?"
Well, the point was that I want to spend Christmas with my family in Sweden and Christmas is likely to be the only time we all can get together. And I do understand that they have a system based on seniority but it basically means that I'll probably never be able to go home for Christmas if someone more senior to me (and let's face it - almost all of them are getting on a bit) all of a sudden wants to have Christmas off even if it's less than 3 weeks before said holiday. That's just not fair.
And to make matters worse - this was one of the things I specifically asked about at the interview as I explained that I can't go home for a day or two and be expected back at work for the 3rd day. And the lady interviewing me said that they always had consideration for employees who are foreign and when holidays are coming up.
Yeah right! So I guess I'll never spend another Christmas with my family then. Isn't that just fantastic news to get at the beginning of the year especially as the few days before Christmas was mind-numbingly slow. The amount of work we "got in" could have been sorted in less than 2 hours. So I don't buy the argument that only 2 people of the team can be off during Christmas.
Like I said - Christmas with Boyfriend's family was ok but I am NOT doing it 2 years running. I'll pull a sickie of I have to!
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
New Year's Eve
Came home from work. Snoozed for 30 minutes. Hopped in the shower. Did the shower-y stuff. Got out. Got dressed in my new clothes. Got a bit of a sweat on while pulling up the ultra-tight "suck-in/lift-up tights. Had to rest for a little while. Sorted out hair and make-up.
Realised that my new top showed off way more than I am comfortable showing. Struggled with "body-tape" aka tit-tape. Swore and stomped when it didn't stick where I wanted it to. Boyfriend hid under the dining table during my temper tantrum. After a while he re-emerged to help me. And whadd'ya know! He sorted it out while proclaiming that he no longer dreamt of coming back as tit-tape in his next life as I had discarded half a packet within 3 minutes.
Got to our friend's house. had "fizzy brown drink" as I felt a bit off and therefore only "drank" 1/2 glass of white wine, which was really horrible. AG drove us to the Green Room where I had to concentrate on not fainting. Not so much fun. Moved on to the Forum. Had water. And another "brown fizzy drink". Met L & S from work - lovely people.
Stupid DJ who played really crap music got us to cheer at the wrong time. Clock struck 12 (properly). We kissed. Lots of people around. I felt sick. Started sulking. AG drove me home. Was back in my bed by 00.36. Boyfriend stumbled in at around 3 cursing the taxi-driver who had taken the long route to make more money. Boyfriend started his well-known, feared and hated beer-snore.
And that, good folks; was how I welcomed the New Year.
Realised that my new top showed off way more than I am comfortable showing. Struggled with "body-tape" aka tit-tape. Swore and stomped when it didn't stick where I wanted it to. Boyfriend hid under the dining table during my temper tantrum. After a while he re-emerged to help me. And whadd'ya know! He sorted it out while proclaiming that he no longer dreamt of coming back as tit-tape in his next life as I had discarded half a packet within 3 minutes.
Got to our friend's house. had "fizzy brown drink" as I felt a bit off and therefore only "drank" 1/2 glass of white wine, which was really horrible. AG drove us to the Green Room where I had to concentrate on not fainting. Not so much fun. Moved on to the Forum. Had water. And another "brown fizzy drink". Met L & S from work - lovely people.
Stupid DJ who played really crap music got us to cheer at the wrong time. Clock struck 12 (properly). We kissed. Lots of people around. I felt sick. Started sulking. AG drove me home. Was back in my bed by 00.36. Boyfriend stumbled in at around 3 cursing the taxi-driver who had taken the long route to make more money. Boyfriend started his well-known, feared and hated beer-snore.
And that, good folks; was how I welcomed the New Year.
Whoopedi-fuggin'-do!!
2008 better get better than that!
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
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