The pole is my friend!

I've been poledancing!
Oh yes, indeed I have.
It started Thursday when O called Mr S and asked if we wanted to have brunch with him and H Saturday. I thought it would be nice so we decided to meet up at Clarion hotel.
Late Friday night, after we chased wedding clothes for Mr S, we tried to get a table for the brunch but it turns out that they don't serve brunch on Saturdays.
O then suggested Mosebacke instead.
Got up quite early on Saturday since we neede to find some fabric to make a vest for Mr S. I had an idea that it would be cool if his vest matched my dress. This won't happen since I have apparently picked a dress in an unusual colour (sort of pink+red+purple...).
Anyway we got to Mosebacke and H showed up. Apparently O had an emergency call from work and would be arriving later.

After about 1,5 hrs suddenly sis walks in looking very guilty. I of course immediately thought she was on a date but no. Next person to show up is my girl Gonza and then M. Merveilleux and Ylva with a videocamera in her hand shows up.
Then I begin to understand what is going on...

We walk for a while in the rain and end up at a quite freaky looking gym. Pictures of men kicking eachother in the head are on display.
It turns out that I am going to learn sme serious poledancing. I had a great time but it was really hard. I now have a newfound and deep respect for strippers.
At the gym some more of my friends turn up even G&V who came in from Brussels.

After 1,5 hrs of sweaty poledancing sis, G, D and myself (shout out to G and D: very few men would put on a skimpy little dress and work a pole like they did!!) show our stuff. There where a lot of pictures taken of this event to Mr S's joy since he wasn't there.

After the pole we went back to H's place for shower and champagne. Now it was just the girls. Mr S picked up sis and drove home to get some clothes for me. After a while I was blindfolded and taken to a car driven by my dad. I wasn't supposed to know but I heard him cough :)
We arrived in the Old Town where D met up with me and took me down a few stairs into a room where all of my fab friends where waiting. Actually almost everyone who are coming to the wedding was there. A few months back I told sis I didn't want a girly bacheloretteparty rather a night out with friends and that was what I got. We had a great time: good food, great champagne and of course a lot of cosmopolitans :)
At around 11 pm Mr S arrived and we stayed until 3 in the morning. After a quick stop at Max for some food - home and off to bed.

Sunday I dragged mysef out of bed at around 1 o'clock and spent the entire day watching dvd's on the couch :)

I had a great time and I truly have some amazing friends!

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Sexy Back - Justin Timberlake

Invisible woman

Was gone for a while but I'm back now. Accidently deleted the entire blog but got it restored thanks to the Blogger team!

Life has been pretty good. My workmates are nice but the job isn't really like I thought it would be... We (that is the English guys I work with and myself) went out for a beer after work last Friday. Mr S joined us and we ended up going bowling which was a blast. Then off to a bar for some drink. Mr S true to himself ordered everone Long Island ice teas. I did stay quite sober since we were getting up quite early the next day to go to Dalhalla and see Carmen with my family. Sis, Mr S and me gave that to mum for her birthday.

Went by NH today and met up with sweetheart J. In some weird way I miss that place but I guess it's like with old boyfriends - you only remember the good things...
Speaking of old boyfriends: ran in to an ex yesterday. We dated years ago - I think it was in 2001 and now he has a son and is getting married next year. When I told him that I was getting married in October his answer was: "Oh f*ck then you will beat me. You weren't supposed to do that"
Wonder what happened to a simple congratulations?!?!?

Wedding update:
30 out of the 57 have answered. The invitation cards are really fierce: red with black writing.
Photographer is definetely booked. He was nice enough to come over to or place so we could discuss the whole thing. I did mention that I have having my picture taken but he said once we are in the middle of it I won't notice him.

Read in one of the creepy wedding magazines (reminder to self: they are just a huge waste of money) that it is up to the bride and her mother to arrange the wedding. So I'm thinking I should get my mother involved. The problem is that once my mum gets involved in things I somehow go back to being a grumpy teenager and completely loose my temper.
Since Mr S and my mum gets along so well I thought I'd suggest that she helps him pick out his outfit.
It's at least worth considering...

Bought a gymcard yesterday. Now I only need to start using it. I did use the last one I had at least for a while... and then I used to stop by the gym to use their toilets when I was out shopping. Paid 50 euros a month to use the bathroom but sometimes it felt like it was money well spent :)

Now laundry time!

Take care
Love E

Song of the day: Good Enough - Darren Hayes

Check!

The new job is really good. Actually I haven't really worked yet, me and 3 others have done a 3-day training with the two top sales executives. One of the, O, who used to also be the office manager is one of those guys that has energy flowing through every vein. Being english he only drinks tea which is a good thing. Too much caffeine in him and he'll be bouncing off the walls.
The other guy, J, is a more laid back english school-boy type. He is as of today my manager. I hope we will get along nicely.
The salary is totaly based on sales. I get 10% comission on each sale I do. So if I get some CEO to buy a 90.000 euro event that'll mean 9.000 euros to me :) Not bad at all actually, not bad at all.
Another good thing about this job it's that I have my weekends and evenings off => more time for Mr S and me. Working at NH was obviously easier for me since I was the one working. It's never fun to spend every evening alone...
They have a seriously business dress code. So today I wore a whirt shirt and a grey skirt. I had to go and buy some new clothes - very non trendy. I will however NOT compromise when it come to shoes, never! I wear high heels simply because I like the view from the top ;)

Last Friday night we had H&O over for dinner, very nice. I made an "african" chicken stew - at least the receipie said so. It had chocolate, chili and cinnamon in it. We had as usual some really inense conversations about work. H and myself are so totally different when it comes to work. She actually enjoys it - I do it because I need money to play... Anyway she has got an offer from Norway so she'll be staying in Oslo as of middle October.

The rest of the weekend I was driving... and driving... and driving. If you ask me I'm good at it. Ask Mr S I drive to fast (this from a guy who easily does 220km/h on the freeway), me, I was doing 130.

Wedding update:
Invitaions printed and sent - check
Photographer booked - check
Make up booked - check
Menu set - check
Second meeting with coordinator - check (she is a bit odd actually but she starts to get the point: Keep It Simple)
Hotel booked for wedding night - check
Bartender - check

But there are still...
no shoes - must find the exact right ones
no clothes for Mr S (am trying to stay out of it but I have explained to him that getting a suit taylor made takes time...)
not enough booze
no DJ or any kind of music
no hairdresser (Miss E is still out of town!!)
no honey moon: Mr S has to go to Lisbon right after the wedding so London - Paris - Rome is put on ice for now.

My dads 65th birthday is coming up in November and he wants to get out of town and the country.
I suggested Dubai or Rome, Dad suggested St Petersburg or Moscow.
We have reached a status quo...
His argument was: "it's my birthday so I should decide."
My argument was: " last time you decided we ended up in the Azores, waited 22 hours at a shit airport and you had a bad clam and ended up in the hospital. Obviously you don't know your own good"
His argument: "I'll be paying for the damn thing."
Me: *leaving the room*
Dad: "I rest my case"
But this is far from over!

Take care
/Love E

Song of the day: Coming Home - John Legend

Anger management

My Ipod suck! The little b*tch doesn't work... or I can use it but when I connect it to my computor it doesn't show up like it used to so I can't download any music.

Only one of many things that annoys me.
The other big thing is that I am completely unable to make descisions. Like about this job... it will be hard work and I'll have to take a lot of crap. Mr S said it'll be like boot camp - sorting out the men from the boys ;)
I always take the easiest way out since I don't really like to work at all. Had I been financially independent I wouldn't work at all ... ever.
I know for sure I could do it and I'll probably be good at it but the question is: do I really want to? Deep down I don't think I want it.
But I'm going there on Monday and check it out. This is not the kind of job where I can chill and wait for the day to end. Oh crap!!

Last week I told Mr S what annoys me about the wedding. I have done all the work so far and we so far behind schedule so I suggested that we postponed the whole thing until next year. He didn't agree with me but when I told him all the thing we needed to do he got a bit stressed out. It's not the actual weddingceremony that is the issue it's the party.
So this last week we have been in "wedding mode" and almost everything is done :)
The invitations are being printed today. And they'll be fierce: black print on red paper, loves it. We have a photographer and the menu is set, we have also booked the hotel. Now all I need is shoes!
I did pick up a pair of fierce ones while shopping with girlfriend M. These but in black. They are on my list of possibles.

Ah, almost forgot: Ran into Dr C just before I left for Greece. Mr S only comment was: "How could he be man enough to get to you?"
Honestly, I don't know...

Now I have to start going through my closet. Have to pick out something to wear that falls into the business smart cathegory for work on Monday.

Take care
Love /E

Song of the day: Scream - Michael Jackson feat Janet Jackson

Quote of the day: "If the shoes fits, buy it in every color"

Free

at last! I'm free... or at least I will be in about 12 hours. The end of NH and never again :)

My sweet J is also leaving, he is off to work at a very posh night club. I think his gay-diva attitude will work wonders there.
I wonder how my black-diva attitude will work at the new place. I'll find out in August and keep you posted...

Take care
/E

Song of the day: I'm Free - Soup Dragons

Some pictures from Greece

Back in business

Have been home for about a week now. Greece was lovely!
We had a few days in Athens for some citylife and shopping. The Acropolis was closed due to strike but I suppose it'll be there next time I go to Athens :)

Big things have happens in Ms E's life:
I have landed a new high end job. Junior Sales Executive. It sounds great but it's hard work for shit money. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to accept it, or well I have accepted it but I haven't decided yet if I'm going to start. it is supposed to start on August 6th so I still have some time to decide.
This is my last weekend at NLH. Thank God! I wasn't actually supposed to work but after meeting my sweetheart J I decided to be a good sport and finish in style. Apparently he has been on his own for a few days as Miss J now is the "shift supervisor" and too good to actually work...
So I guess I'll be running my ass of for a few days. Oh well, my ass has become pretty big so if I loose some of it, it's a good thing :)

Picked up a huge amount of dvds on sale the other days so I have stuff to do. And I also wasted almost 3 hrs of my life watching the horror "Transformers". My god, I have seen a few shit movies in my life but this... People starve in the world and money are being wasted on crap like that!
Yesterday I saw Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix - it was ok. I haven't read a single Harry Potter-books so I guess I've missed out on some of the story.

Wedding update: NONE!
Diva-like friend U is getting hitched on September 1st. She has ordered custom made M&Ms from the US with hers and future husbands Ls initials on them. I didn't even know you could do that... Don't get me wrong: I think it's pretty fierce but itsn't it a bit over the top?!?!
But what the hell if you have the money to send why not spend it.

Says I who paid 90 euros for a clutch bag...

Now, food and shower :)

Take care
/E

Song of the day: Umbrella - Rihanna feat Jay-Z

Greece

Am right now at an internet cafe in Methoni in Peleponess in Greece.
We have had a few really nice days so far. It's not as hot as I thought but it is hot...

I have seen ancient Olympia, Delphi (no oracle...) Parga - small town on the western coast and the island of Lefkada. The coolest thing was the Aceron river and the Fountain of Youth. The water was about +3 and the current was really really strong. We walked up stream for about 1 hour. The amazing thing was that after a while I really couldn't feel my feet due to the cold water. But I got to swim in the Fountain of Youth so now I'll be 27 forever ;)
At the moment I can't wait to get to Athens for some serious shopping and big city-stress :)

Greece is not lika I thought it would be. Most people are very kind and interested in asking questions. Obviously they stare, so far I've seen two other black persons - both tourists. Here in Methoni there are hardly any tourists so we could very easily find a place to stay. It's not a 3 star place but it seems nice.
The car is ok. I actually got to drive for a while even if it is totally illegal. Don't know what would happen if I got pulled over by the police...

I'm working on my 2 of 3 (fierce skin and loosing weight). Trying to get shiny hair is really no point at the moment...High humidity = frizzy hair....

Am going to finish my beer now. Possibly not the best hing since I'm trying to loose weight but what the hell...

Take care
/E

Song of the day: Shut up and Drive - Rihanna

On the road

Tomorrow we're off to Greece!

The roadtrip has already gotten a shaky start. Got a call today from the rent-a-car-place telling asking if we could reconsider the 9 seater and take two small cars instead. Oh well, according to Mr S that i very much like Greece.

I'll try to update a few times during the trip as I take internet for granted :)

For those of you who understands Swedish we have our on line journal at:
www.resedagboken.com and look for traveller HelenaP

Take care
/E

Song of the day: For you I will - Monica

Push the present

Learned a new word today: Push Present. That is a gift probably some serious bling bling that the husband and recent father is supposed to give the wife and recent mother when she has given birth to their child. Aha, so that's why they do it. I've said it before: It's all about the bling bling :)

Speaking of bling: I really want want one of these. I only use my phone for calling and texting but just having one would be amazingly cool. I suppose it can also be use for ccalling since itäs called I-PHONE...

By this time next week I will be in Greece. I've never been there before so I'm really looking forward to it. If you have any tips of dos and don'ts feel free to share. Apparently people have been dying from the heat in both Greece and Turkey. God, I hope it won't be that hot when we get there. The weather has been strange lately, all due to pollution. Read in the paper today that if the temperature in he Baltic sea is raised more than 4 degrees a lot of fish will die, the seas will disappear and be replaced by meat-eating jellyfishes.... Sounds like a creepy movie but it's the truth.

At the moment I'm trying to get the honeymoon plans together. Mr S has left it all up to me, smart man ;) The plan is to go to London (I've never been) and then take the Eurostar train (never tried) to Paris (I love) and then the train (haven't presented the train idea yet) to Rome (haven't been there in ages).
First I wanted to take the Orient Express but since it costs a fortune and they have no showers on board I skipped the idea. Apparently you are supposed to dress up for dinner every night and NO shower. Imagine that...

I was as expected not invited to the M&M wedding. Female M is deeply religious and male M is not at all. They are as far as I know getting married in a church. I wonder what that will be like for him.

I have two more days to work before the holiday and tomorrow I'm handing in my resignation :) Feels really geat to have made that descision. Have got some positive responses to my job applications but no actual offers just yet. So come this time next month I'll be a housewife. Who would have guessed.

Take care
/E

Song of the day: Tears of a Clone - Alcazar

Two is a company

and three is a party and the 3 being Mr S, D and myself.

Things did get a bit out of hand but too much alcohol can make things happen. Not that I have any regrets, it was a cool thing to have done but I don't think I'll do it again with the same players involved.

Friday is the BIG day: Am handing in my resignations from NH on Friday. Then I work Saturday night and then vacation. My work situation has become unbearble right now and I need to get my life back. I've started looking for a new job and if I don't find one Mr S has to suport me. I'll become a "Trophy Wife" shopping and getting facials and my nails done daily.

Me and 4 others are flying to Athens next Wednesday, we will rent a car at the airport and then we will visit places like Delphi, Sparta, Olympia and so on. I think it'll be great. Heard on the news that it's +40 in Athens at the moment...

Today I had my hair done at a new place. It didn't really turn out all that well so I planned an emergency visit to Miss Elizabeth but she was away in vacation so now I've cut it myself and it isn't really that bad. It's not good either but it'll be fine for the summer. My plan is to have long fab hair for the wedding but at the moment I don't see that happening.
My plans for the wedding as far as my looks are concerned: loose weight, start training, fab skin, shiny hair.
As I write I have one out of 4. And I'm working on the others.

Wedding update: the guestlist is final! That just leaves us with all the rest....

Take care
/E

Song of the day: Aerosmith - I don't want miss a thing

Black w/s White

Watched this amazing TV-show the other day (I tend to watch way too much TV) about two families - one black and one white that changed skin colour. Basically what they did was gave them a make over to turn the white family black and the black family white.

The white woman joined the black one at her hairsalon. And obviously she did the big no-no: she walks up to a sista and says: Oh my god look at your hair! and grabs it. That you never ever do. Do not touch a black womans hair! Ever.
I've had that happen to me so many times. You can't even begin to imagine how much time and money we spend on hair. Weaves and curls and relaxers and conditioners and so on and so forth. Ever wondered why there are no black female swimmers? We don't like to get our hair wet.

And then they start talking about music:
White woman: I don't hear any gangsta rap
Black woman: No, I'm not really into that hardcore stuff. But I do like 50.
White woman: Oh yes, I also like music from the 50ies and the 60ies. But I do prefer the 70ies, you know the disco era. (makes creepy discomoves)
Black woman: .....

I laughed until I cried. Mr S tried to explain to me that 50 isn't obviously 50 Cent - who else would it be?!?!

See, the thing about prejudice is how you choose to relate to them. If I walk down the street and the person I'm meeting looks away is it because I'm black or is it because they just looked away? I choose to think the latter. Simply because it makes my life easier and happier. I can't waste my time being angry. It just isn't worth it.

I did however stay out of town yesterday as it was the 6th of June when we are supposed to celebrate Sweden, wave flags and be a bit nationalistic. The flags I saw where carried by white men with short hair and nazi and racist symbols.
That's when I don't choose the latter, that's when I stare them striaght in the eye until they look away. That is when I don't back down.

I have already decided that next year I'll be waving the flags and sing the national anthem. Simply because I can and simply because I have to.

Take care
/E

Song of the day:
Alive - Pearl Jam

Freaky 34

I'll be 34 next week, I wish I was 27. 34 seems so old... like I should be something that I'll never become no matter how hard I try.
I will never be one of those women who can wear white pants an entire day and they stay white or look cool with shiny hair and even on the hottest days of summer. My skin gets shiny when it's hot outside and my hair is frizzy and my jeans are no longer white after 5 mns away from my house...
34 is food shopping once a week at the supermarket - in my fridge you'll find old sallad, booze and eggs.
34 is a healthy dinner with significant other and friends and their significant others while discussing the latest news - I party and find jokes about sex hilarious.
34 is career, a well paid job and financial security - I have a shit job that barely pays my bills and no money left on the 20th each month.

But I like my life. So, yes I've done some bad choices but I've learned and I have really had a lot of fun.
I have no kids, no coffee machine, no garden, I haven't seen the latest plays or read the latest award winning books but I have a loving partner, great friends, and one room in my apartment has gold colored walls :)

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Snake - R Kelly

Cleaning out my closet

I made a few descisions:
¤ I am going to leave my job. I will miss the fierce duo J&J but we will try to stay in touch, but that's all I miss. At the moment I miss having a social life and hanging out with friends during the evenings and weekends. This job sometimes has me hating and despicing the human race. Once people get to start drinking their manners are right down the drain.

¤ I am going to get rid of some "friends" who gives me nothing. I don't mind people coming to me for favours, I really do my best to help out when I can, but then I do expect the favours to be returned. When a person who I haven't heard from in ages suddenly turns up and starts requesting stuff from me like we are best friends...And to make matters even worse in this case this is the girl who tried to get Mr S into bed! I konw it won't happen but just the fact that she tried is annoying the hell out of me.

¤ I am going to get rid of some "friends" who can never be happy for me when I'm doing good. Those who always finds some fault in everything.
Hello, smile a bit then life will be better, I promise!

¤ I am going to get rid of "friends" I don't really really like. Why spend time with people I don't enjoy spending time with? This is a bit tricky since some of these people are the significant other of someone I really like.
One of my friends, J, has a new girlfriend (I think she has even moved in with him) and I really think she is strange. She doesn't drink (in my line of work that is quite odd!), I think she has an eating disorder and is quite unstable in general.
J and I used to hang out quite a lot before he met her. Now we haven't seen eachother in ages. I know that she isn't solely to blame for this, we both have been working a lot. He has a fab house a bit outside of town and we used to go there for casual dinners just a few of us and drink wine, watch movies and just have fun. Haven't been there since last summer.

¤ I am going to get myself back in shape. So today I am going for a run! Or a quick walk I haven't decided yet. I'm going to try to do some physical activity 3 times a week and ride my bike to and from work.

Have been working with Mr S on m CV and it has turned out really well. I have a fierce degree in Criminology that has given me nothing but debts but I had a lot of fun at the university. Now I owe the government some 13.000 euros....

Yesterday Mr S and I celebrated our first year together. I have really never done that before in any realtionship I've been in so it was a new experience. We both had a day of from work so we had a nice breakfast in bed, hen in to town and did some shopping. And then we went to the movies (Spiderman III 2/5) and then dinner. We spent the weekend at Gimo mansion. The place was really nice but the food wasn't all that good. The waitor only turned to Mr S while he presented tho food and the wine. I guess it's a mans world. The last bottle he placed next to me since "I notice that you also seemed interested in wine". Hello, I do what you do 10 times as good!
They had a pool table so we played some. I haven't played since I lived in France but I did quite good. Won a few and lost a few.

Wedding updates:
Mommie dearest obviously told everyone in my family that I'm getting hitched so now they all expect an invitation: my boring cousins and their boring girlfriends and screaming kids. It won't happen! We (or I) decided to keep the wedding child free, no one under the legal drinking age gets invited. I know that this will offend some but that is the way it is.

Take care
/E

Song of the day: Caught Up - Usher

Endings and beginnings

I have decided to leave my job. It's something wrong when I never really feel like going to work. We had a staff meeting yesterday and what was said there really made me decide. i don't want to be at a place where it si ok that your boss can't give a straight answer abut anything, where he can't take responsability for things that he has done and only blames everyone else for his mistakes.
I really don't know where I'll end up but it can't really get any worse... or at least I hope not.

Had a party last Saturday. First dinner at home with Mr S, H and sis and then off to work where we had a tasting of the new drink list. Let's just say that I downed a Long Island Ice tea in about 3 minutes.... and then the rest of the night is a blank. According to friends I seemed to have a great time. Sunday wasn't all that good though. We were supposed to go look for a new kitchen but since I didn't make it out of bed we never went. Instead we stayed in and watched a few movies: Sideways (again), The Holiday (2,5/5) and C.R.A.Z.Y an absolutely lovely canadian movie about a guy growing up in the 60ies and 70ies. I definetely give it 4,5/5.

These last couple of weeks have been all about work, or almost.
Went to a friends birthday party and that was... let's just say interesting. I know Mr S is really good looking (and I'm not just saying it because he is my man) but for some of my girlfriend to seriously try to hook up with him... Comments like: "I would do anything to fulfill all your sexual fantasies" or "Let's go outside and get to know eachother" from some of my women friends is just not ok.
Coming on to a friends partner is in my book a big no-no!

Wedding updates:
Trying to decide on the food. We have narrowed it down to a list of about 25 different dishes for the buffet.
Read in one of the scary wedding magazines that apparently I'm supposed to start a diet and start workng on my skin tone since "all brides wants to look their best". I thought that was why they invented make up ;)
And to make matters even worse I'm supposed to find a "Wedding scent" - a special perfume that I only use for this one occation. Talk about money wasted!

Take care
/E
Song of the day: Sexy Back - Justin Timberlake

10 to 1 of me

Got this from my fierce email pal. She speaks I obey....

10 first:

1. First best friend: Jenny - best friend from age 7 until age 12 when she moved
2. First car: Mercedes CLK (belongs to Mr S but I drive it)
3. First love: Andy, I was 11
4. First pet: Troll the cat
5. First vacation: The Canary Islands with my family, I was 6 and nearly drowned in the pool
6. First job: Summer job at dads office
7. First record ever bought: Animalize by KISS (I think)
8. First real love: First boyfriend L I suppose
9. First piercing: Ears
10. First concert: Prince!!

9 latest:
1. Latest alcohol: A bottle of Billecart Salmon share with Mr S
2. Latest road trip: Round Lake Malaren with Mr S last weekend
3. Latest movie: Music and Lyrics (3,5/5)
4. Latest phone call: Sis (no answer)
5. Latest bubble bath: At Sundyholm with Mr S
6. Latest kiss: Mr S this morning
7. Last time I cried: Almost cried on Sunday night
8. Last meal: Hot lemon and ginger water for breakfast - it tastes better than it sounds
9. Last CD played: My own home made mix in the car last weekend

8 have you ever:
1. Dated one of your best friends: No never
2. Fell in love at first sight: Love no - lust yes
3. Caught your eye in someone cleavage: Uuuhmm yes
4. Had your heart broken: Oh yes
5. Said I love you and didn't mean it: Yes
6. Had a one night stand: Yes
7. Crank called someone: Oh yes!
8. Stolen something: Yes, candy when I was a kid

7 missings:
1. My pink high heeled shoes
2. My black shorts
3. My favourite pair of sunglasses
4. Several pairs of gloves
5. A lot of money I made
6. Friends I miss
7. Books I've lent to people

6 things you've done today:
1. Read " 11 minutes" by Paolo Coehlo
2. Had breakfast
3. Read the paper
4. Watched Rewind 1997 on MTV
5. Checked my email and answered some
6. Watched Miami Vice

5 favourites (not in order)
1. My Ipod
2. Mr S
3. My phone
4. Paris
5. My new black bag

4 people you'd tell anything
Sis, Mr S, girlfriend H and ....

3 choices:
1. Blue or red: Red
2. Summer or Winter: Summer
3. Chocolate or potato chips: None

2 things you want to do before you die:
1. See the world
2. Be happy

1 thing you regret:
1. All the things I never did

So 10 to 1 one you??

Song of the Day: Grace Kelly - Mika

All work

and no play makes E a very unhappy bitch so this weekend I will play :)
Mr S and me are going to a mansion/hotel to drink champagne, eat a 7 course meal and have sex ;)

I have worked way too much lately and so has he so we haven't hardly spent any time together. My job is absolute chaos. One waiter was fired and our head waitress has quit. This leaves me and two other to do what five people used to do. Got to looove it...

Went out with my coworkers for AW. It's just that these days any after work action begins at 2 in the morning. Any way, we went to a place right next to work. As I got home Mr S was half asleep so we only briefly spoke. The next day he came home just as I was leaving for work and he asked if there was something I wanted to tell him. I said no. Apparently one of his ex-girlfriends had seen me the night before and called him in the middle of the night to tell him that I was out with a guy. Oh yes I was out with J, my very gay friend from work. Is this normal behaviour these days? From now on am I supposed to keep looking over my shoulder whenever I got out in case a jealous ex is lurking around ready to report back to Mr S??

Spring has arrived to Mr S took his summer toy out for a spin on Saturday and on Sunday I got to drive it. I got my learners permit and Mr S has decided that I'm going to get my drivers permit by this summer. I doubt it....
As I was parking in the garage yesterday I smacked into a Porsche....It was quite awkward actually, luckily the owner wasn't around. But I wrote down his registration and today I have to call and confess my sins.
I did however look very fierce with the roof top down and and wearing sunglasses.

This weekend when we are going to the mansion/hotel I am going to get to drive :) It's located just outside of Eskilstuna about 1,5 hrs from Stockholm. Am really looking forward to the weekend.

Wedding update: We met with the coordinator and now it's up to us to decide on food and drinks.... So there are no real progress worth mentioning...

Take care
/E

Song of the day: Beautiful Liar - Beyonce & Shakira

Wait a minute

I seriously need a break! Some sun would be nice too. I don't ask for much: a week end in a warm place with some food, some wine and a lot Mr S...
Work is boring. Mr M is getting fired for "having criticised the management". I guess we live in North Chorea now and not a democracy. What he did was he sent a letter to or bosses with some remarks and ideas how to improve our work situation. Next year, in February, a new design hotel will open just around the corner from my job and that means some serious competition. And they are getting Marcus Samuelsson from Aqvavit in New York to start up their dining room.
Sometimes I don't know why I even bother...

This week we are meeting with the wedding coordinator person...I am not looking forward to that. She does not share my opinion about how the bar is the most important factor at a party.
It's just simple math: people drink - people relax - people have fun or drink themselves into oblivion to forget a crappy party! Simple!!

I didn't buy The Dream Bag. Well, at least I haven't bought it yet, instead I got a pair of black high heels and a bag from Zara. I will look fab wearing them :)
My mother called and informed me that she is hosting a family get together in two weeks. Since I never went to the last one not coming isn't an option. All my cousins i.e The Dull Crowd will be there with their kids. And so I expect a lot of questions about wedding and family plans etc etc.

I wonder why it is mostly women who find it so provocative when I say that children are not in my plans... ever. Sometimes I think they look upon me like a freak. Well, I guess I'll be hanging with my lovely child free friends and Mr S and enjoy the live we have chosen for ourselves.

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Wait a minute - PCD

Perfection

In my quest for the perfection I have found the perfect bag! It's not just a bag - it's a small piece of heaven on earth - simply a masterpiece by the master himself Salvatore Ferragamo. When I was in Firenze some years ago I visited him museum and fell in love. And now I have found the object of my almost uncontrollable desire. It will cost me about 1300 euros but it's money well spent and it'll also give me 1300 new point on my Am Ex Gold card. Whenever I shop I use that as an excuse - the more points I have the more upgrades we'll get on our honeymoon :)
Mr S doesn't really agree with my logic, he said something like: typical women...

On good thing about my job is the give aways: invitations to wine tastings and sample bottles of wine. At the moment I'm working on a Pommery After Work-event. So a nice man from the Pommery agent in Stockholm gave me three small bottles in the coolest bag. Now all I have to do is convince our restaurant manager that this is a wonderful idea. His first comment was: "That is a bit to gay for my taste" He just doesn't get it, which I also told him. Sometimes I wish I could keep my mouth shut! But making that kind of comment it never OK. It just isn't.

Sis' birthday is on Saturday. Since I'm working I have forced her to come and have dinner at the restaurant. I have bought her a book about the south of France since she is going there on vacation. She and some of her friends are renting a car and driving from Cannes. Sounds really nice. What we will do this summer I don't know yet. It seems like it'll just be sis, me, Mr S and M. Henri. But maybe the fewer the better.

I have bought a dress. I'm not yet sure if it's The Dress but it's A Dress, long and red. I would never wear white, it's just not my colour. It was not too expensive, about 370 euros. Next week we are meeting with the wedding coordinator. She comes along with the place for the wedding. I don't really feel like we need one but she might have connections we can use.
She wrote an email to me saying that it is about time that we meet. Good god, we are going to say "Yes" and then just party - no big deal. There'll be no floral arrangements, no seating, no speeches. Just a great bar, good friends, great music and party. How hard can it be?!?!

Now, I have to eat!

Take care/E

Song of the day: Red Blooded Woman - Kylie Minogue

Wine

is a good thing :)
I just ordered 60 bottles of Bonny Doon Pacific Rim Riesling, unfortunately not for myself but for work. If you're in town do stop by and see me and have a glass of Riesling.

Have spent the last few evening in the wine cellar counting bottles. It cold and dark but I like it. Our new bar manager has left a sign on the door leading out into the restaurant saying that we have to smile at our guests...
I've seen him smile once and that was when the owner of the entire hotel chain came for a drink.

Today I might be having dinner with girlfriend M, depends on if I have to work or not. I hope not since I am not in the mood to smile a strangers today.

And it's freezing and snowing today.

A final question: If you could relive your life this far, what would you do differently?

Take care/E

Song of the day: Just the way you are - Barry White

The house is warm

Our house warming party was a big hit. I really think everyone had a good time. I had such a good time that I fell asleep at 3 in the morning still in my fab party outfit. I think the last person left at 9 in the morning :) We got a lot of nice gifts and everyone liked the place. Monsieur Henri left us a special gift - Thanks :)

Sis hooked up with a friend of Mr S. And by hooking up I mean really hooking up. Apparently he stayed the night and help her do her laundry the next day. And when I spoke to her yesterday she was going over to his house for dinner...
It seems like she is getting seriously hooked on this guy.
A & M, Mr S' two sons, came and stayed for the week end. I really like them and I think they like me to.

A few days before the party I lost a tooth. A huge part of it just fell out as I was having breakfast. I got a dentist appointment the next morning and now I have a silver coloured replacement while I wait for my new porcelain tooth. I really hate going to the dentist, mine is a fairly nice guy but he still won't give me any Valium.... Wonder if I can buy it online?

Wedding update: We have finally found and booked a place for the party :) We are meeting with the wedding coordinator-woman sometime when our schedules match.
She seems a bit odd.

At work I am now doing inventory in the wine cellars. Counting wine bottles isn't all that fun but I should be ready by the end of this week.

I am also doing a sort of inventory of my personal relationships. Some have proved to be not such great friends as I thought and some turned out to be even better than I thought :) It's hard to "break up" with friends but sometimes you just have to...

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani feat. Akon

Business as usual

Went with Mr S to the Wedding fare at Grand Hotel on Saturday. I never knew the getting hitched is such a huge business. It's all about tha Benjamins...

If you want you can pay people disgusting amounts of money to do the weirdest things for you only because you are getting married. How about having your initials made of ice on the buffet table? Or having confetti with your name and the name of your significant other on?
Have some woman come over and help you get dressed for 200 euros/hour?

Issues like what should you throw at the happy couple after the weeding. Rice is not good for the birds, confetti can stain the clothes and rose petals can cause an allergic reaction...

Afterwards we had a soup and a few glasses of wine at Cadier before meeting up with sis and Hannah for Yakiniku at Sakkura.

The phone woke me on Sunday, David from work called and guess who had to work on a day off. Oh yes, me! I have to be better at saying no.

Other than working I have been shopping, cleaning the apartment, planned a housewarming party on Feb 17th - am really looking forward to that.
I have also been contacted by some very old friends, the kind of old friends that I really don't consider as friends anymore. But they want to make sure that they are invited to the wedding which won't happen. I have decided to surround my self with people who I like and give me positive energy. I am to tired to do anything else!

Now, I must eat!

Take care/E

Song of the day: Fast Train - Solomon Burke

My evil twin

Girlfriend Jezz brought a person calling him or herself Dan Leffler to my attention. He or she has posted comments on my friends bloggs and webpages posing as me.
If anyone gets an email or a comment from Dan Leffler or EJP (email: serenity_73@gmail.com) then is not me!

Take care/E

Song of the day: The Real Me - R Kelly

Let it snow

Last Saturday the winter really came. I was having afternoon tea with some friends. Going into the cafe the weather was OK... as we were leaving the snow was blowing in sideways. Today it is sunny but really cold. And I am watching the European figure skating championships :)

Met with the Ladies from Sallskapet yesterday. We had a lovely dinner at Ingrid's and exchanged some make up stuff. I walked away with some really nice eye shadows and a fierce top.
Met with sis earlier to go to our favorite shop JUS and their annual sale. I bought a jacket and a pair of pants from POUR. The designer is my friend H's sisters boyfriend....

New on the apartment: We bought a really cool table for the living room. I think it'll work great with the big couch. My apartment is slowly starting to come together :)
I do, however, live with a very neat man. Mr S has filed all my papers in a cupboard, it's a good thought but I can't find them... Annoying! But I guess it's a nice thought from his side.

A nice thing happened at work: I am going to be in charge of the wine cellar :) So for the next two weeks I am going to spend looking through all the bottles. Am really looking forward to this project! It also means that I'll be working on my own and I won't be needing to confront our new Bar manager. I feel quite sorry for him since after two days everyone hated him and he hasn't really improved. I think he is really unsure of him self and need to put people "in their place".

Wedding update: Mr S found a place that seems promising for the party. It down town, we can bring our own booze and it's not too strict. We are going to check it out this weekend.

Take care
/Love E

Song of the day: Like it or Not - Madonna

Me on 2006

My best memory:
- Vacation with my friends on the riverboat in France
- Meeting Mr S
- Proposal from Mr S

My worst memory:
- Dad getting his cancer diagnose

This year I stopped:
- caring so much of what other think of me
- spending time with people who drag me down

I'd love to take back:
- the great summer
- some things I've said that has hurt some people

And I won't take back:
- the promise I've made to myself to become a happier and stronger person

This year I've read:
- Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass destruction

Movies I loved:
- Brokeback Mountain
- The Constant Gardener
- Crash

The stage event of the year:
- Cabaret with Peter Joback
- George Michael live

Most played in my Ipod:
- Save Room - John Legend

TV-favourites:
- CSI

Most overestimated:
- A lot of stuff

Most underestimated:
- Every day luxury like sharing a bottle of champagne with friend on a Tuesday

Discovery of the year:
- Digital TV

People who impresses me:
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf first woman president in Africa: you go girl!
- The doctors and nurses who work for the MSF

Chock of the year:
- I'm getting married (still can't believe it...)

Hallelujah moment of the year:
- George Michael singing Father Figure live

OK, I admit:
- I missed every episode of Prison Break and Desperate Housewives

I'm sick of:
- reading about teen idols and their messed up lives

I'm happy about:
- my man, my apartment, my family a whole year to fill with fun, shopping and friends

Most excited about for 2007:
- getting the apartment in order
- creating a live with Mr S

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Relax, Take it Easy -Mika

My name is Bond

James Bond. As one of the last persons on earth I saw the latest James Bond movie this weekend. It's a pre-quel "how James Bond became the man he is" kind of thing.
Daniel Craig did a good job filling Pierce Brosnan's suit. There was a lot of showing of Daniel's well tones body and a lot of poker playing - something for everyone. I did enjoy the body more than the poker games and I mostly enjoyed Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre, he is really really HOT
One thing I like about Mr S is that he really doesn't care if I comment on another man's look.
Like my psycho-ex boyfriend did.
Any way, after the movie we took a stroll around town to find someplace to have a drink. We ended up at Berns where they have an amazing drink list. Had a few drinks while watching the crowd. It's amazing how little clothes some people put on for a night out. Some get away with it but most people don't.
Sunday Mr S and I watched the first season of CSI on DVD. I really love that series.
And then we went out to his office to pick up some stuff. As I entered the door the alarm went off! Eventually a security guy showed up but that was after about 20 mins... Had it been a break in we would have had plenty of time to empty the whole office and leave.

Oh, and one more thing: to the gentlemen who was kind enough to offer me a date. Thanks but no thank. I have found my love and intend to stay with him, married or not :)

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Ain't no other man - Christina Aguilera

New Year

Worked all night on New Years eve at NH. Sis and some friends were there for dinner and celebration. Afterwards we went over to sis' place for a few drinks. Since I was working the nest day too we didn't stay late.

The new bar manager has started and I dislike him already. He seems quite insecure and shows it by trying to put people in their place... Well actually he doesn't really speak to me since I'm a waitress and he is the bar manager, but his attitude annoys the h*ll out of me.
Am quite sick of NH so I'll start looking for a new job.

Mr S is choosing between 2 jobs, the lucky guy. He wants them both.
I am trying to talk him out of getting married and into spending the money on a world wide shopping spree for the two of us. He is not convinced yet and I don't think he ever will be. He wants to get married.

Now, my list of 5 thing I want to happen this year:

1. I'll get a fab job, maybe even run my own wine bar
2. I finally get my drivers license
3. We finish the apartment
4. Mr S and I travel to Paris and Rome
5. I will continue feeling good about myself and become a stronger person.


Best wishes for 2007

Love/E

Song of the day: Stay with you - John Legend

Happily ever after

shall we be, my baby and me :)
Mr S gave the the bling bling phone and a new fierce bag that I have been craving. Actually he started out by giving me a scented candle and flavoured tea... not really my cup of tea so to speak...

Christmas with the family went surprisingly well. Mr S loved it. He hasn't had a "family christmas" since he was a kid and I've always had them. I gues you don't miss the water...
I'd still love to spend one christmas in Italy.

I only had 3 days off, so now I'm back at work. It's safe to say that nothing has changed: still a complete chaos. I haven't decided yet wheather I'm staying or not but since I'm not yet financially independent I have to have a job.
Our nem Maitre d' has brought in some of her old staff. They are nice and all that but she used to work in a rock club where they mostly sold beer and a shot on the side. I know for a fact that NH tries to be a bit more high end than that.

Had an interesting conversation with Mr S last night. Recently I've been feeling very happy lately in a surreal way. I guess I'm not used to it. Anyway, I felt like I use to feel when I'm on vacation, like I'm happy now but it'll soon end and then I realize that this won't end...at least I hope so.
The funny thing is that he has been feeling the same way.

Maybe we are a perfect match after all :)

Take care
Love /E

Song of the day: We could be heroes - BWO

Happy Holidays

From all fo me to all of you:
A Very Merry Xmas

Love /E

Song of the day - God rest ye merry gentlemen (trad)

Asking my Baby

Found this on the blog site of one of my fab friends

Instructions:
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn't make sense.

Will it be ok?
Kiss - Prince (hm, kisses are good thing so I guess the answer is yes)

How are you feeling today?
Separated - Usher (will be working late tonight so won't be able to hang out with friends)

How do your friends see you?
Sunshine in the Rain - Bodies Without Organs :)

Will you get married?
Same Script, Different Cast - Whitney Houston feat Deborah Cox (hm, Mr S has one divorce in the baggage)

What is your best friend's theme song?
Summer Wine - Peter Joback (Hannah, this is for you, girl :))

What is the story of your life?
T. T. P. - Usher (ok, I guess)

What was high school like?
As - George Michael feat MJB

How can you get ahead in life?
I Have Nothing - Whitney Houston

What is the best thing about your friends?
If your girl only knew - Aaliyah

What is tonight going to be like?
I can't let you go - Usher (might be excepting one of those "could you come in a bit earlier"- calls from work then...)

What is in store for the remainder of this weekend?
Larger than Life - Backstreet Boys (it's Xmas and all...)

What song describes you?
Sex Bomb - Tom Jones (why Thanks ;))

Dilemma

Imagine the following scenario:
You have this woman friend, who after a rough divorce with infidelity and the works, is finally dating again. She goes online and finds a man on an on line dating service. They chat on line and talk on the phone and after a while they meet IRL. They really hit it off, no sex on the first date though.
Then he breaks the news: he is married and hopes she doesn't have a problem with that. Your friend is obviously devastated and wants to call the wife and tell her the whole story.

What would you do?
1. Encourage her to call and hold her hand while she did it?

2. Talk her out of calling the wife. She has wasted enough time on this two timing dog and she should get on with her life and leave him in his misery.

3. Call the wife yourself?

I'd go with option no 2. It's not my place to reveal someone infidelity. I do think however that had the wife been a friend of mine I would have reacted differently. I probably would have told her but I would have given her some hints.
On some level I think you'd sense it if your partner is cheating on you. I think that is what they call going through life with your eyes wide shut...


Apartment update:
Almost done!

Wedding plans update:
None

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Not ready to make nice - Dixie Chicks

Got to love it

Leonard Katzman - does the name ring a bell?? It's the man who wrote, directed and produced Dallas, the ultimate soap opera. A new TV channel TV4 Gold is all about old series so today I've watched Kojak, Miami Vice, at the moment Dallas and I'm looking forward to Baywatch and Baretta later tonight. Am at home today trying to cure my stomach flu.

The weekend was nice. Friday Mr S came back from Munich with a new job offer and a lovely bottle of champagne for me :) I was totally beat from the last weeks of too much work so I had some wine and take out thaifood and fell asleep around midnight.

Saturday we did some quick shopping for the apartment. I bought another lovely black vase and then we met up with sis and Jocke for an all French dinner. The food was OK - no more no less. I did expect more since the restaurant got some really great reviews lately.

I have deleted Dr C from my cell phone. I can't really see any reason why I should keep his number, it's not like I'm going to call him again.
When I am in "his" part of town I keep looking over my shoulder in case I would run into him. One part of me hopes to met him and "show off" Mr S just to make him see that I am worth so much more and so much better that what he gave me but on the other hand it's no point because I really don't think he cares.

I have also given some of my friendships a lot of thought lately. I need to surround myself with people who wishes me well. I can't stand the negativity and jealousy some people around me seems to live with.

Later today I'm going to make a CD for sis. She seemed quite down on Saturday so I think some good music will cheer her up a bit.

Seems like this summers holiday will be a road trip to Munich, could be great fun :)

Take care/E

Song of the day: Black Velvet - Alannah Myles

With a little bit of luck...

and some work we'll be done with the apartment this week end :)
Mr S is in Munich on a job interview. I really hope he gets that job since that company has an office in Paris and I would love to live there :)

At work it's the usual chaos. But I believe it hit rock bottom two night ago when a large group came in, ordered the most expensive champagne we have and unpacked 3 bags of take out hamburgers... people never stop amazing me. And just to make matters worse the left without paying the bill. Fortunately they were staying at the hotel so we could find them.
The new Maitre D' seems to be an odd figure, I can't really figure her out yet.

Bought three amazing lamps last week end, probably the most expensive lamps I've ever bought but they were totally worth the money. Ran into Stepbro with wife and 2 kids at the furniture store. The kids are cute and all that but I'm so glad that they are not mine and it's not my life. I'm happy living in an apartment with white walls with Mr S.

At the moment I'm working on finding a kitchen we both like, and a bathroom.

Have the weekend off so tomorrow I'm going shoe shopping ;) Haven't bought new shoes in a while. Actually I think I'm going to buy some shoes and then pick up a glossy magazine and have a late lunch and a cosmopolitan or a glass of champagne. Oh yes, sounds like a lovely plan for Friday!

Now back to the laundry.

Take care
/E

Song of the day: Heaven - John Legend

Ups and Downs

On the upside:
- new winter coat from Zara
- got a nice offer from the hotel manager at work: will get a dinner for two all expenses payed by work. Guess I must be doing something right :)
- Sunday brunch with sis and a bit of shopping
- Walk in closet almost done
- New bed delivered

On the downside:
- Didn't know that renovating would take so long
- Dust everywhere
- Too much work leaves no time to play
- Creepy guests at the restaurant (Finnish guy got drunk and fell asleep at his table...)

Mr S promised me that the renovating will be done by next week but I have my doubts. As I think about it the apartment wasn't that bad...

Take care/E

Song of the day: The Max - Prince

Me from A to Z

A is for age: 33
B is for booze of choice: champagne
C is for career: Uuhhmm, still working on that
D is for your dad's name: Roland
E for essential items to bring to a party: bottle of champagne, fierce shoes and a smile
F is for favourite song at the moment: Rise - Gabrielle
G is for favourite game: Tabu and Jeopardy
H is for home town: Stockholm
I is for instruments you play: None
J is for jam or jelly you like: strawberry
K is for kids: None
L is for living arrangements: 3 room apartment with Mr S
M is for mother's name: Margaretha
N is for name of your crush: Mostly known as Mr S
O is for overnight hospital stays: Had a surgery when I was 12 but nothing since then (knock on wood)
P is for phobias: Used o be spiders but not anymore :)
Q is for quotes you like: The world is a stage and you're the star!
R is for relationship that lasted the longest: 1 year and 9 months with Creepy Jealous Guy
S is for sartorial style: Trendy and quite stylish
T is for time you wake up: around 11.30, depends on how late I've worked the night before.
U is for underwear: Mostly thongs or boxers
V is for vegetables you love: fresh spinach
W is for weekend plans: working, sleeping, shopping
X is for x-rays you've had: knee and left foot
Y is for yummy food you make: Green curry chicken and meatballs stuffed with feta cheese, mushrooms and onion
Z is for zodiac sign: Gemini

A life offline

is no life. If you're not on the Internet you don't exist! I have been offline for almost a week now due to moving into the new place. The actual move went quite well but at the moment I live in a total chaos of dust and paper covered floors.
A friends of Mr S (I call him The Kid since he is only 23) is helping us repaint the apartment.
I got to choose the colours so wed will have one gold coloured wall in the outer hall, the living room will be grey and pearl white with a red stripe right behind the TV. Once it's all done I'll try to post some pictures...

Work is the usual chaos, we are under staffed and fully booked. Lately there has been a lot of events: Future Design Days and the Filmfestival. What is it about "arty" people, can't they just relax and have fun?!?! Their parties seems to be more about checking who else is there and who you should avoid...

Sis has met a new man. We had dinner together a while ago and went to the movies, watched Borat (4,5/5). I haven't laughed that much in ages! It is truly a must.
Anyway, I don't really like the guy, he just gave me a bad vibe.... but I have to give him a chance since it was the first time we met and he was probably nervous.

At the moment I am eagerly waiting for the new beds we bought to arrive. They were supposed to deliver them yesterday along with the rest of the stuff we bought but the beds didn't fit in the van. I called the transport company yesterday and told them they must be here before 2 since I'm working today... we'll see...

Last night I met up with some of the girls fr dinner and drinks at Diplomat, The food was a huge disappointment but the the champagne was great :)

Wedding updates: None - focus has been on moving and getting everything in order. But once that is done I suppose we should try to find a nice place for the party. I do tend to spend more time planning the party than the actual ceremony. Wonder what that says about me?!?! ;)

I got my first real paycheck the other day so I intend to spend some money on myself... simply because I'm worth it :)
Winter hit with a vengeance on November 1st. I couldn't get home for all the snow so some of us got to stay at Nordic Sea hotel :) It's amazing how this happens every year once the snow comes. All the roads get blocked and public transports completely break down. It took my father 2,5 hrs to get home, it's usually a 20 mns buss ride...
I can't believe it since we do live in the northern part pf the world where it does snow!

Better get on with something now

Take care/E

Song of the day: My Love - Justin Timberlake

The Latest Fashion

Saw "The Devil wears Prada" (4/5) last night. Really liked it up until the cheesy ending. I don't really believe a girl would give up a career like she did and don't even get me started on the boyfriend! A more unsupportive person than him I couldn't imagine....
But the clothes... and the shoes... Loved them.

Picked up a pair of shoes and a couch at Livingstore for the new apartment. God, we are moving on Sunday and I haven't packed a single thing yet... Today I intended to get started on packing my clothes but I don't know where to start. Maybe I'll just start with my sheets instead. And then I have to make sure that I get my internet and phone connection in the new apartment too.

Apparently the latest fashion in the wedding industry is the Morning Gift To Him (Morning Gift used to be land or a house so that the newly married woman would have something in case the husband would die). These days the morning gift is erotic or exotic photos of the bride in lingerie. Mr S loves it, I don't. I hate having my picture taken as it is and doing it crawling around on a big bed in my underwear... it won't happen!!
I got all this information from a wedding magazine I picked up yesterday after the movie. In the magazine I also found the most depressing articles and ugly dresses. Told Mr S that I'm not the woman who will wear a meringue dress and smile on a pile of rose petals, which is in my opinion a terrible waste of flowers...

Now I should get on with my packing...

Take care
/E
Song of the day: Slow Dance - John Legend

Remember the 80ies

Saw George Michael yesterday and it was really nice. He truly has an amazing voice and the whole concert was very slick, the stage setup was great and the musicians too.

Had a really nice weekend, finally and entire weekend off work!
Friday I went out and picked up a pair of very cool boots from Bianco. Met up with Mr S for a quick coffee. He was in quite a bad mood due to a job offer he got. He wants the job but feels like the terms weren't as good as he wanted them to be.
Negociations continues...
Saturday it was the Home Design/Digital Home fair. It was well worth a visit since we found a couch we actually both liked :)
The Digital Home part of the fair wasn't really my scene. I'm quite happy with my "old" stereo - I've had it for 3 years now and it is apparently out dated.... The thing to have these days is a small box that you connect to your computer and hidden speakers in every room. Hmm, Mr S is getting one of those for the new apartment...whatever makes him happy...

Sunday it was the Travel fair. Not as big as I expected but it was fun. They had arranged a semi blind winetasting (when you know which wines you're tasting but not the exact order) and I am proud to say that I nailed the result :)

Today it's raining and I'm working until 1.30 am....

Take care
/E

Song of the day: Freedom 90 - George Michael

The painting

I'm currently stuck in this game - you're supposed to find 50 horror movies in this painting.

This and working is all I seem to do these days....

Sunday however girlfriend T, Henri - the fashion police and myself are going to watch 80ies icon George Michael :) Should be fun.

Take care!

Love/E

Song of the day: Trouble - Pink

Just say No

I have what one might call a "saying-no" -issue. I find it hard to say no to things. Mostly to fun things like going out for dinner when I've planned to stay in. I never say no to that last drink. You know the one drink you shouldn't have, the one drink that makes you swear that you are never drinking again the next morning.
Unfortunately I also have a hard time saying no to phonesales people, extra working hours and any other kind of charities.
BUT yesterday I said no to extra hours at Huvudsta and this morning I said no to a fundraiser who called and wanted me to donate 200 sek to the deaf. Now I feel bad about that but I rather choose my own charities (usually MSF).

I'm selling my apartment. It feels kind of sad, since I really love it. I have been very happy here but I guess it's time to move on with Mr S. On November 1st we get the keys to our new place. We discussed the wedding last night but we didn't make any decisions more than that we are going to take an evening and try to make some definitive plans. At least we must find a place to have the party. It's weird whenever we talk about or I think about the wedding it's always the party. We haven't discussed the actual ceremony or the major thing: being married. But I suppose every day life won't be that different.

I found a cool movie sale so I picked up some movies:
Crash
Must Love Dogs - saw the other day 2,5/5
Pusher
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The Cave - saw it last night and it was a total waste of time. I'd give it 0,5/5 and now I'm being nice!

Tomorrow I'm taking a course in "Responsible alcoholmanagement"...

Take care

/love E

Song of the day: Oh Father - Linda Sundblad

Job v/s Life

I used to have a life but now I have a job.... or to be correct 2 jobs. I can't say no to Huvudsta because I like working there and at Nordic I'm still the "new girl" so I need to make an impression. If it was up to me I wouldn't work at all just hang around and do nothing.

So we have put down the 10% down payment on the new apartment and it will be officially ours on November 1st. That'll be nice. A friend of Mr S is going to help us with some redecoration and painting. I hope it won't take too long.... I want to move in as soon as possible.

Our party was great and since then it seems like all I've done is working. The job at Nordic is fine, not that many guests which is too bad since the place has great potential. I have a 6 months trial period and after that I'll evaluate it and see how it feels if I want to stay or not. The upside is obviously the money, that I get to do something I enjoy and that I'm having fun. The downside are the working hours - I hardly ever get to sit down and have dinner at home anymore since I work almost all evenings and weekends, I miss out on a lot of stuff with Mr S and my friends and I'm sleeping most of the day and come home late at night.

Sometimes Mr S annoys me. He has so many plans and says that he is going to fix stuff but nothing ever happens. I left a light build for him to change and it was just lying on the kitchen table for 2 weeks until I changed it myself... MEN!

Wedding updates: none I did however look at dresses again but white is really my thing. I don't really know how I want the wedding to be. Mr S says "all I care about is that we do it" But I intend to get married once and then I want every thing to be great. When the time is right I'll bring it up with him. Right now everything has been so crazy with my job and us moving...

Now of to work!

Song of the day: Not ready to make nice - Dixie Chicks

The writer in me

Had this amazing idea for a book this morning. I had the whole first chapter, or at least parts of it in my head and now it's unfortunately gone... It was a really good story though, about a timetraveller called Lucious, a very beautiful man, who helped people get their lives back in order.

I was seriously considering writing a book a while ago. Comparing to some of the really crappy books I've read it can't be that hard.

My life is for once quite under control: I have a new job starting Monday. I'll be at Nordic Light hotel working in the restaurant and eventually they'll be opening a winebar where I'll be. I think it's a good plan for the future.
And the good news is that Mr S and me are going to sign a contract for a new apartment today. We got it for a very good price 18.000 euros, believe me for Stockholm this is good :) It's a 3-room apartment so I will get my walk in closet. A friend of Mr S who is a carpenter is going to help out renovating.

On Saturday we are throwing a party to empty our booze cupboard before we move out. It should be fun. There'll be about 20 people, mostly my friends. Mr S's friends are quite weird in that way. They all live in Skane and never leave it. For instance: when we all traveled to Vilnius for Gosta's wedding he was surprised since he and his friends would never do anything like that. Hardly any of them will be coming to our wedding since we are doing it here in Stockholm.
Too bad!

Now I must get on with something a bit more productive than surfing the web.

Take care
/E

Song of the day: Save Room - Craig David

Switch

The election results are in and the right wing alliance won. So Sweden is up for a system shift. I do think it's for the better. The socialdemocrats have ruled for 10 years and a change is necessary. I'm looking forward to the next 4 years :)

Last week was all about work. Did my trial day at Nordic Light and it went quite well. You know how sometimes there are people you don't like, just like that and for no real reason. Well, this one girl at Nordic is exactly like that. She didn't like me and I didn't like her... but we worked together all night. I will however be the bigger person and be disgustingly nice and pleasant towards her.
I also worked at Huvudsta which was nice as always.
Friday Mr S and me stayed at home watching the final pre-election debate. Saturday we didn't do much until it was about time to go to Jessica's party. Just as I was about to start getting ready I got a call from Nordic Light and I got the job :) YESSS!!!
We decided to go out for dinner - my treat, before the party.
Jessica's party was nice as always. Got to met some friends I haven't seen in a while and also made some new friends. Met one of my blogger buddies IRL.
Sunday I wish I could have slept in but I had for some reason (I'll never know why) booked laundry at 9 in the morning and then we went apartment hunting all day. Some apartments are really horrible, total style disasters.

Sunday night Henrik had his birthdayparty/ electionevening. Was nice but some people had just a little too much to drink :) (nb it was not me ;))
Last night I took my rings off as I was washing my face. I tend to take it off when I shower and stuff. Anyway, this morning it's gone. I think Mr S has taken it - don't know why though. He was odd when he left this morning, seemed kind of upset but I was half asleep so I didn't really ask him about it. I guess we'll talk when he comes home tonight.
To him the rings are important symbols but to me they are not. I guess we need to come to some sort of understanding about this. I love him regardless any piece of jewelry....

Now I have to clean the apartment...again as a realestate person is coming tomorrow. We have found an apartment we like and are probably buying it.

Take care/E

Song of the day: A Change is gonna come - Sam Cooke

Choices we make

Soon it's election time in Sweden. This means that all the different parties are trying to get votes in any way they can. I have not yet decided how I am going to vote but I'll probably go for the right wing alliance as I usually do. I strongly believe that Sweden needs a change in the political system. The socialdemocrats have been in charge too long and nothing has changed.

Yesterday it was 5 years since the World Trade centers were attacked. Still no sign of Usama and still no end to the so called War on Terror. I wonder how long it'll be until someone can admit that they were wrong.

I personally am trying to choose a nice dress for my wedding, an fierce apartment and a cool job. I think I have seen too many apartments - I wonder if I am getting an overdose on seeing how other people live...
Mr S and me went into this one place last Sunday and they had carpets everywhere and the walls where covered in paintings and silly little decorations. Who can live like that??!?! I have 6 paintings on my walls - that's it!
Last weekend was all about parties :) Friday was Hannah's dissertation thing. We made the silliest presentation about our holidays. Some actually thought we were serious... Everyone seemed to have a good time and I got a lot of compliments about my wine choices. Mr S got seriously drunk and shook his little booty on the dancefloor to everyones enjoyment. I guess his Saturday morning was less enjoyable since he had to get up and help some friends move... I stayed in bed until 11 and then I dragged myself over to the couch and watched a American Next Top Model - marathon.
Saturday night we went over to PLF's birthday celebration. We stayed until 2 but then I was so tired I could have fallen asleep on the spot. Sunday we saw some apartments and then dinner with my parents to celebrate the engagement. We exchanged the rings in bed at 3 in the morning :)
Tomorrow I am working my "test day" at Nordic Light hotel. I hope it'll go well...

Take care
/E

Song of the day: SOS - Rihanna

The Ring

I'm wearing it right now and it is looking very fierce. Gives me quite an adult look :) We are not yet officially engaged but I'm a bride in training one might say. The big day is planned for Sunday since we are partying both Friday and Saturday.

I think I have decided on what job to choose: I'll go for Nordic Light. It seems like the wiser choice after all. Unless I'll change my mind again...

Right now I'm sitting opposite of Mr S in the kitchen. He is working and I am just surfing the web checking up on my blogger buddies :)
Yesterday I was supposed to go training but I misread the schedule and got to the gym about one hour late... Well, I went running instead and it was ok. Might be running with a friend next week. It'll be good for me - I need a bit of a kick in the ass when it comes to training.

Today I made Mr S drive me around town to pick up the booze for Hannah's dissertation party on Friday. First of to Solna to pick up the wine I ordered. The woman clerk could find my order in the computer since the idiot who answered the phone when I called spelled my name wrong. Had he forgotten the h in the end - fine it happens but he wrote Elisadeth instead of Elisabeth...Eventually she found the order and we could get going. Today I've spent 700 euros on alcohol :) Seems like it'll be a great party. Made a very exclusive playlist for her. I think she'll like it.

I have no idea what to wear for Hannah's party. Her mother is coming and she is apparently quite traditional and stiff. I wonder if white shoes and red dress will be ok. I have a tendency to look a bit like a Park Avenue call girl in red but this dress is kind of low key.

God, I'm tired and tomorrow I'm putting in a 12-hour shift at Huvudsta. Sometime I lead a charmed life and sometimes I'm only one step away from hard labor....

Better get into bed now

Take care/E

Song of the day: I don't feel like dancin' - Scissor Sisters

New beginnings

I have currently 3 cool joboffers and need to decide soon. One might say that I am quite indecisive. Sometimes it takes me 10 mns to decide what cheese to get at the supermarket...So how can I decide about work?!?!

The first one is at a restaurant called Paus where I would be an actual sommelier. Their menu is really ambitious but it's still a very nice and not at all posh.
The second one is Nordic Light Hotel. The interview was today and I seriously rocked. If I'm thinking career Nordic Light is the way to go.
The third is Huvudsta where I use to work.

God, how can I decide this?!?!


Wedding update: we are picking up the rings today - they are fierce.
Went into a creepy dress store today and Oh My God! White princess dresses isn't really me...

Take care
/E

Song of the day: Dangerously in Love - Beyoncé

The book-worm in me

Got this list from Swedish blogger Pojkfroken:

1. A book that changed my life: Malcolm X by Alex Haley. Made me aware of "my" history and heritage as a black person. Since I'm adopted I never had a grand mother or grand father telling me stories about slavery, ancestors and Africa.

2. A book I read more than once: The Adrian Mole-series by Sue Townsend

3. A book I'd bring to a deserted island: The Class - Erich Segal

4. A book that makes me laugh: The Adrian Mole series by Sue Townsend. I laugh until I cry

5. A book that makes me cry: The Moccasin trail - can't remember the author but it's lovely. It's about a boy, Jim who was separated from his family as a child and grew up with Indians.

6. A book I wish was written: I suppose I have to say a book with all the answers to all the questions about everything

7. A book I wish hadn't been written: So many but most books by Lisa Jewell - they truly suck!

8. A book I'm reading right now: Adrian Mole and the Weapons of mass Destruction - Sue Townsend

9. A book I intend to read: A classic like Anna Karenina or Crime and Punishment.... any day now :)

Take care

/E

Song of the day: Hips don't lie - Shakira feat Wyclef

Honey, I'm home pt II

Came back from the long weekend in Vilnius yesterday.
Now G&V are legally wed and on their way to Ukraine for their honeymoon.

Vilnius was nice, at lot nicer than I expected. We arrived quite late on Wednesday night and went to our B&B and then took a quick drink before bedtime. Thursday I spent most of the day alone since sis and Henrik had a jobmeeting. I walked around a big shopping mall but could find anything I wanted to buy. The fashion is very 1995, low cut jeans and tops showing a bit to much belly for my taste. I also noticed that there are no foreigners what so ever in Vilnius... Interesting. I saw one other black person and he turned out to be a Canadian tourist :)

Thursday night we met up with The Happy Couple and some other friends for dinner and drinks. Friday was nice and sunny so me, Hannah and Tanja walked around town...or correction we walked from one bar to the next. A glass of wine costs about 1 euro 5 cents in a bar and a beer is about the same. Friday night we all were supposed to go to the place where the wedding reception would take place and help out with the floral decorations but too much food and for some too much vodka put a quick end to those plans. We ended up in a cocktailbar instead...

Saturday morning it was raining like h*ll! We went to the KGB museum which is found the the old KGB headquarters. In the basement they used to keep their prisoners and interrogation rooms. Entering the place I got the same feeling that I got when I visited Dachau, concentration camp outside of Munich, the fear and anxiety is filling the air. Some of the torture cells really makes you sick but it was an important place to visit. The KGB left Vilnius in 1991..... I can't imagine that. I graduated from school in 1992 - it's not that long ago you could get arrested for telling a joke or reading the wrong book.
After the visit we had lunch at McDonald's - from one extreme to the next and then we went back to the B&B to get ready for the wedding.
It was a very nice ceremony, both in English and Lithuanian and they both looked very beautiful and happy.
They had arranged buses to takes us to the reception where we had champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

During the dinner I was placed next to a very nice frenchguy and his wife. We, as in the Swedish friends, performed a song we wrote which I think at least Gosta enjoyed a lot. Then we danced and drank until 3 in the morning. Me and Dan aka Travolta really heated up the dancefloor for a while (note to self: dry clean dress).
At lot of the Lithuanian wedding traditions are focused on having babies. Jokes like "we'll see you in the hospital in 9 months" and comments about grandchildren. Personally I don't think that's very funny but that's just me.... I know that G&V wants kids and I wouldn't be the least surprised if V is pregnant by New Years.

Sunday they had arranged a trip to the nearby village Trakai and huge lunch - at least 7 courses and a tour of the castle. On each table there was 2 bottled of wine, one bottle of vodka and one bottle of brandy. Since have our Viking heritage to live up (or down) to we did our best to finish the vodka but we didn't really measure up to the lithuanians...

For dinner that day all I could down was a cold cucumber soup. The bowl it's served in is made of bread - really cool.
Monday me and Henrik from Malmoe, who I haven't seen in ages, spent the day together walking around town looking at the old Russian architecture.
We left town at around 4 to go to the airport.

All in all I had a great time. Got to meet some friends I haven't seen in a long time: Henrik from Malmoe and K&J who live in Bruxelles.

Now, M&J, who have been engaged for 10 years have decided to get married. Knowing M who suffers from a huge inferiority complex towards most people she couldn't stand the fact that I would get married before she did. She has always felt like she had the upper hand on me when it comes to relationships. When I was single she had J, they moved in together, got engaged and suddenly so am I. So she needs to be the first one walking down the aisle.
Since Mr S and I are doing it in October next year they have planned to do it in May.... It's too bad but they don't really seem happy together. But I think they are both "security junkies" and once she actually said to me "you know what you have but you don't know what you'd get".

Update on wedding: rings are designed and ordered....that's about it. I'm still working on the Las Vegas-idea but Mr S has now teamed up with my mum against me. I think it'll be great. If we'd go for the drive in concept it'll cost $10. The average wedding in Sweden costs between 5 and 10.000 euros. Think of how many shoes I could buy with that money!

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day:

Summer is over

I think it's safe to say that summer is officially over. Today it's been cold, or at least compared to what I've been used to, and rainy. Summer of 2006 was fierce: warm, really warm and sunny.
Must say that this summer has been exceptional :) I've had a great vacation in France, got a fierce river boat tan and spent great times with friends and loved ones i.e Mr S.
Spent Friday at sis' place having dinner and watching athletics. The Swedish women are seriously doing a great job! Saturday night Mr S and myself watched 2 movies Descent 1,5/5 and The Brothers Grimm 3,5/5.

On Wednesday we are of to Latvia and Vilnius for the G&V wedding. If I may say so (and I do since this is my blog) my dress is really nice. Now all I need is shoes to go with it. I hope it won't rain but they say that raindrops on the bride means good luck....

Reading about what has happened in the world this lat couple of weeks makes me loose some of my faith in mankind. What are we doing to each other and ourselves??? So what we have different opinions but killing innocent people who have done absolutely nothing, what is the deal with that? Why can't we just love each other, drink cocktails and have some fun?

Oh yes, we have found rings we both like. So it's off to the jeweler tomorrow and order them. No other wedding-news.
And the hunt for the perfect apartment goes on...
I can now see that Mr S was right. Some rebuilding will be necessary, of course I haven't told him that he was right ;)

Tuesday I have the day off so I'll spend it writing 2 jobapplications. As of September 3rd I am unemployed hence Mr S will support me.

Now, I'm off to the movies: Superman Returns, I'll let you know what I think of it...

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Damelo - Juanes

Old habits

Lately I have been spending a lot of time working ( hate it) and shopping (love it). Mr S' son was in town for the weekend so we met up with him and his friend on Thursday night.

Hannah and I had dinner with champagne at her place on Friday. Celebrating that her thesis is done. Mr S, his son and friend joined us and we went out for drinks. First The Vampire Lounge (think some serious Dracula-stuff), then Sodra Bar and last but not least Gondolen and the rooftop. Since I was working the next day Mr S and I dropped "the kids" (Hannah, Mattias and Sebbe) at Patricia and went home. Apparently they stayed at Patricia until 5 in the morning :)
Saturday I had dinner with girlfriend Mi. It was nice to met her again but one evening is quite enough. Every time we met I get reminded why she annoys me. She is extremely cheap, in a almost dumb way. Went on to met up with Mr S, Mattias and Sebbe for some drinks at newly opened and very trendy hotel Anglais.
Sunday I worked and had a BBQ in the evening.
Today we are checking out an apartment we are interested in. Or Mr S is more interested than me. I want to buy something new and fresh and he wants to renovate.... Discussions are scheduled for tonight.

Read an interesting article about food eating habits. In Sweden the average Joe spends 90 mns on food a day. This means that preparing, eating and planning what to eat, when to eat and with who takes 90 mns. I spend more time than that thinking about food. Food is, it's safe to say, one of my hobbies.
I love to eat. This does not mean I'll eat anything, quite the contrary actually. I am very careful with what I put in my mount. Therefore I would never join a show like "Survivor" or "Fear Factor". Some of the things people do for money....

Wedding update: No rings yet. And no theme for the wedding. (According to the magazine every wedding is supposed to have a theme, I suggested "champagne" or "having fun") No dress, no menu, about half a guestlist. But we have time :)

Take care

Song of the day: Stars are blind - Paris Hilton ( I admit, I like the song)