December chills

London was great! I could so live there but I've heard that a 1 room apartment in the basement is about 3000 euros/month.
We arrived on Thursday and went to the hotel. The room was so small, two people couldn't pass eachother... but the location was good: in Bloomsbury, just a few mins walk from the British Museum.
Had lunch with a friend, whos apartment in Spain we will be spending Xmas in.
Then hit the shopping streets. Picked up a fierce Furla bag, my first green bag ever :)
Had a huge hamburger for lunch (I'm not really taking my detox seriously) so when sis arrived later that night we only stopped by the hotel bar for a drink and then to bed.

Henri arrived sometime in the middle of the night.
Next day we did some shopping on Shaftbury Av, some really cool shoe stores.
Then Mr S and I went to shoe heaven aka Manolo Blahnik store and bought shoes. Met up with sis and Henri for a musical "when in Rome..." We saw "A Christmas Caroll" it was good but I prefer the play as there are all the classic carolls in the play.

Saturday was the big shopping day: all of Oxford street and Regent street where closed for traffic. Bought 3 dresses - one for the comapny annual Xmas party.

Then we had dinner at L'Oranger - absolutely lovely French restaurant. Quite expensive but money well spent. Funny fact: for the ladies they have menues with no prices in them... Sis got a bit upset but what the hell. Again "when in Rome..." so the men payed!

Sunday we went to Tate Modern and saw the exhibition "POP Life" good but strange.

Now I have to get some tea and get back to work

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Morning After - Timbaland

Things that make syou go hmmm...

I am tired! And I only have myself to blame.

Last week end we were out partying... again. This week end we were out partying... again.
I have been out every week end for the last month. I am too old for this so next week end I am going to rest, no alcohol, no parties. Just sleep and healthy food, or at least that is the plan: a week end of detoxing.

Mr S had a friend from Egypt here last week. He came with us for drinks on Friday. And he sure can drink. In spite of being a muslim he knocks back shots with the best of them.
Seems strange to me to actually claim to be religious and still do the things your religion is against.
But he is a nice guy and I think he will enjoy living in Sweden.

Our plans to move haven't really developped in any direction. Mr S is still casting his vote on Koh Samui while I am still in favour of either Italy or the Caribeans.
What I really would like to do is go work for an organisation like the MSF to be able to do something really good.
I am going to look into that.

Now I need some more tea. i have already started my detox by drinking detox tea and lemon water.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Darren Hayes - Good Enough

Sunday Night sessions

It's been a very calm and quiet week end.

Friday me and the Ladies had dinner at Cloud Nine. It was as always nice to see them again. Feels like we haven't seen each other in ages but I suppose sometimes life gets in the way of living...

The food was ok, I'd give it 3/5. I had halibut that wa perfectly cooked but it lacked a bit of spicyness.

For dessert we moved into their "Dessert room". It was actually quite disappointing. They offered 2 3-dessert menus for 300 sek (about 30 euros each) As much as I love sweets I won't spend 300 on it.

True to form we stayed until they closed.

Saturday I got up and had some errands to run. Once back home I logged onto hm.com an d quickly bought a Jimmy Choo for H&M bag. I don't really need it (nor should I buy anything at the moment) but I liked so what the h*ll...

I ahve put myself on a shopping "diet" until I go to London. No spontaneous shopping for things I don't need. All I bought this last couple of days is a varm sweater since my office is so cold.

Today I did my laundry and that is about it. I have been reading my self help book also. I chose "Who will cry when you die" by Robin Sharma.

He became famous as The monk who sold his Ferrari (why?!?!). The book is good, some thing he says are totally obvious and some are just nice.

Now I have to do my nails and start preparing mentally for driving to Arlanda and pick up Mr S. He has been in Scotland playing golf at St Andrews.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day:Drive - R.E.M

Joie de Vivre

These last couple of days I felt my spirit weaken and darkness started to surround me. But today I feel my joie de vivre return.
Work is busy - sometimes it feels like it's too busy - and I have to skip out on doing a lot of things during the week days.
Last week I took a well deserved Friday off. Mr S and me went into town and checked out some stores, if you are in town Norrgavel is well worth a visit. Expensive but I think the quality is worth the money spent.

In my book club we are going to read a self help book. At first I thought I would read a book that would help me be more in the moment and not space out like I usually do. But then I think that I like spaing out and thinking about rather what I am going to do than what I am actually doing. So I am going to choose a book about effiency and how to get things done. I am going to become a "doer" - not really my style. I believe in paying people to get things done.

At the moment I look forward to a week end in London and then we are off to Spain for Christmas, will be back in time for New Year.

Having moments to look forward to is important and also creating those moments worth looking back upon.

Take care
Love/E

Song of the Day: All that I am - Joe

And suddenly

it's November and the snow is falling.

It was vacation then back to work and then.... black hole. I have done a lot: worked (too much), partied with Mr S and friends and so on and so forth.

I am a member of a private cocktail club these days. It's a very old school, feels a bit like the old prohibition days and I love it. Each member is allowed to bring one guest so I tried to bring sis last week end but she had other plans.

Sis has bought an apartment with her new man and they are moving in together in the beginning fo next year. I am totally against it since he is still married to his wife but he claims that he is leaving the wife soon. Action speaks louder than words is all I am saying.

Since they also have a son the actual divorce will take at least one year to become final.

Well, I gave her a piece of my mind and made her cry so now I will keep my mouth shut.

I have her best interest at heart but at a very young age I learnt to know when to shut up.

Like now...

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Misty - Sarah Vaughn

I will love you forever

Was allegedly the last words of Patrick Swayze before he died.
So sad, another childhood idol gone too soon.

Me, I'm not gone yet even if it might seem like it. Mr S seriously suggested that we'd sell everything and go backpacking around the world. Apparently he does not know me at all: I don't back pack. End of story.
I would however consider moving abroad, renting a house somewhere not too warm and not too cold and stay there for a while.
His suggestions:
The Caribean (too hot)
Thailand (maybe)

My suggestions:
Italy (good food and I do speak some italian)
France (he didn't answer so I suppose that is a no)
Scotland (I want to learn archery and run on the moors - Mr S said no)

Well, no matter where we'll end up I will love him forever

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers

Working day and night

I have been too busy with work to have time to live lately.
Feels like all I have done is going to work, coming home from work and sleeping.
I don't even want to think about how many hours the average Joe spends working in one life time comapred to many hours are spent on doing important things such as living, eating good food and buying shoes.

Today I am so tired... but I have myself to blame. Yesterday I was invited to a "Winemaker's Dinner" at an Italian restaurant - 4 course meal and 4 different wines plus champagne. God, I love champagne. If there was a fire at my place what would I save: my champagne bottles or my shoes (Mr S in an adult, perfectly capable of saving himself) it's a toss up...
My all time favourite is Billecart-Salmon cuvée Elisabeth Salmon rose - if you haven't tried it do so. It's expensive but money very well spent.

Met sis' new boyfriend - there is a story I will tell sometime very soon. He seems like a nice enough guy. And they seem very serious, are going to check out an apartment this week end and all. I hope se won't become one of those I hate with a life style - styled home and shiny hair.
Ah yes it seems like I will be going to London in december - yyeehyyyaaa!

Now I must get back to work

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Starting something - Michael Jackson

Getting the shot

It seems like the new flu "Swine flu" or H1N1 will be huge, and not huge in a good way like the latest Gucci bag. The Swedish goverment are planning to offer everyone a flu shot. last year I had a flu shot, for another flu, and once I had the shot I got sick. Of course there is no telling if I had become sick anyway but getting the shot with the intention of staying wee and then getting sick is kind of not cool.
So far only one peron has died in Sweden, a man in his 30-ies, out of the about 400 who are infected - that are known.
A friend of mine had it. She came back from London feeling quite poorly and she went to the doctor and was diagnosed. For her it was like any other flu and after a week or so she was fine.

I can't deide if I am going to get the shot or not. The main issue I believe is that so many people will be sick at the same time. Some say that it will affect the economy (sick people don't shop...).

It will be interesting to follow the development. A my work I don't kow anyone who has it yet but some people are bound to get sick since we are 250 people working here.
At Mr S's job 7 are down with the flu already and they are asked not to com into the office unless they have to.

I wish I didn't have to come into the office unless I wanted to...

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Rule this town - Jay-z feat Rihanna

Paper Doll

I have a room full of clothes but every morning it's the same: I have nothing to wear.
Conclusion: I don't have enough clothes!
Ask Mr S he would tell you that all you need is 6 white shirts and two black suits. According to him a black suit works at all times. I agree to a certain extent.

I love shopping and I love fashion so wearing a black suit at all times is not really an option. I am black all over so I do need some colour on me.

At the moment I am reading this wonderful book A Guide to Elegance - it is a bit old fashioned and adapted to, what I would call, an upper class life style in Paris but still there are some good tips in there.
Do read it, it's lovely!

So now with my new knowledge I am going shopping for some classical clothes that will work at all times.

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: I go shopping - Alcazar

The sounds of silence

My silence is now officially over. My grand mother (a very wise woman) used to say: If you have nothing good to say then be quiet. So since i haven't really had anything good to ssay I have been quiet.

Now I am back at work after a fierce holiday.
On July 6 we took a plane to Munich, stayed there for two days and then drove to Italy.
I have seen Venice (nice place but I doubt that I will go back), Pisa (nice), Modena (home of Ferraris), Florence (2 pairs of Ferragamos), Caorle (small town on the coast north of Venice), Bolzano (hmm...) Reute in Austria (well, to small for my taste), Salzburg (loves it) and back to Munich. We (Mr S, son M and myself) have enjoyed good food, visiting good friends and some really cool scenery and good shopping.
The last couple of days of holiday we spent around the house - getting ready for fall. Summer is still here - it's nice and warm and I ride my bike to work. Good for the booty! I gained some serious weight this summer (good food and good wine) but from now on I will go on a low carb/no sugar diet.

Coming back to work wasn't easy. I am tired, restless and want to try something new. I'd love to find something to do that actually makes a difference for some one other than myself.
I was thinking about going abroad a do some pro bono work maybe in Africa, but we'll see.

No more news from my strange so called "brother" in the US. Maybe he realized how strange it is to write a letter to a complete stranger and ask for money...

Now I have to make a few calls and at least pretend that I am working.

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: If I can't - 50 Cent

Oh no!

I want you back!!

Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

Rest in peace my dearest. You will be missed

Song of the day: Gone Too Soon - Michael Jackson

A Blast from the Past

Ran into a person who used to mean a great deal to me a while back.
It was nice to see that everything was OK but other than that it was nothing. It is strange how people you once really liked and really cared about suddenly seem lie total strangers and you have no desire to get to know them again.
From what I have heard from others this person is the worlds a-hole anyway so I guess the loss is smaller than minor.

A while back I received a letter from a person who claims to be my biological brother (for those that don't know I am adopted from Liberia). This man lives in the US, make sense since my biological father apparently also lives there, and he said that "our" mother wa there visiting him.
After a few weeks I replied. It took me a while to work up the nerve and figure out what to write to him.
I got another letter where he suddenly wanted money - suppse I shoudl have seen that one coming- and he also wanted me to find him a Swedish woman he could marry. I am not only a bank, I am also a pimp... Great!
What shall I answer?? Go to the bank, you freak!
No I'll keep it low and just ignore him, like screening my calls.

On the upside: I have, or we have, decided where to go on holiday: fly to Munich and then hire a car and go through Austria, northen Italy and Croatia.
Mr S' son is coming too and M. Henri will join us in Croatia. I think it'll be great fun.
And I will get to drive on the autobahn - no speed limits. I hope we can rent an Alfa Romeo :)

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Hush Hush - Pussycat Dolls

London again

Was in London with sis over the week end. It was lovely - I really like London.
Eventhough we are very different, she is quite the earlybird and I am not. It went quite well, we walked around a lot. We stayed in Bloomsbury which was great. That is where I am staying next time I'm in town.

At work my week from hell is over, finally. We landed the big celebration project and it was a succes. So today I am tired even if I acted very grown up and went home directly when the party was over. Was home around 1.45 in the morning (please note I called it morning had you asked me when I was in my 20ies 1.45 would be night time).
I think all in all the party was a huge success and everyone had a good time.
Today I am so tired so I am staying in with a movie on the couch and perhaps a galss of champagne.
Simply because I am worth it :)

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Hush Hush - Pyssycat Dolls

One year older

and one year wiser... I hope.

Spent my birthday with friends and family. Had dinner at Pontus by the Sea which was nice.

Sis came back from Vienna with a whole lot of nice things: wine, cheese ans ham. From Mr S I got a really cool bag from designer Kenneth Cole red and very cool - loves it!

Work is busy, I usually come home at around 7 pm daily which I don't like. Work takes way too much time out of life right now.

But on the upside: sis and I are off to London for the week end, doing girls stuff. Shopping, eating good food: I've made reservations at Boxwood Café - one of Gordon Ramseys places that will be interesting :)

Now I must pack

Take care

/Love E

Song of the day: Hush Hush - Pussycat Dolls

Recovery

Had a lovely long week end.
I am at the moment addicted to "Without a Trace" , replaced on addiction - CSI - with another. I bought the first 3 seasons so I spent all Thursday night and almost all day Friday watching TV.
Saturday was dinner with friends night. I cooked: my own version of Duck à l'orange with grilled vegetables followed by cheese.
Had a friend of Mr S', his girlfriend and my girl I for dinner, turned out really great. The girlfriend, am embarrased to say that I don't remember her name, was a bit shy and silent but I think she enjoyed herself anyway.
Mr S true to his style offered our guests some Absinth. I can't stand the stuff but the others enjoyed it.

Went running on Monday night for the first time this season and it went quite well.

At them moment I am following a series of articles on abused women in Aftonbladet. There are some real tragedies but I keep asking myself: why do these women stay with the men.
Yes, I know it's easy for me to sit here with a good job, nice apartment, no financial troubles and a man who really loves me and ask these questions... but still why stay???

I was once in a bad relationship with a man who was very insecure. His insecurity made him put me down in every way he could think off. I was too fat, to skinny, didn't dress right and on and on. Yet I stayed with him for almost 2 years. It ended when he slapped me with a newspaper in the face. I threw him out, he wanted to come back but I gathered all my strenght and resisted him.
Eventually I took all the stuff he left at my apartment, some really nice clothes, and gave it to a charity organisation.
I ran in to him on the street some years ago. I was on my way to the Pride parade, his comment was: "Well, it's good that we are not together anymore so i don't have to be embarrased if anyone sees you in the parade"
The next day I was on the cover of the paper carrying the rainbow flag :) I so hope he saw that picture!

Ladies, remember you all are worth the best and nothing less.
If your man does not respect you, you kick is sorry ass out once and for all.

If you need help: http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/153kvinnordodade/article5004569.ab

Take care of yourself and each other

Love/E

Song of the day: A Woman's Worth - Alicia Keyes

Good life

Spring is back and I'm glad!

Today I am supporting the working class by doing nothing more than drinking wine and watching TV. Seems like a good statement to make.

Mr S and me had brunch at Anglais and then went for a ride.

Tomorrow we are having some people over for dinner and I'm going to crack one my favorites: Elisabeth Salmon 1998 rose champagne

Have said it before and I'm saying it again: I lead a charmed life

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Good Song - Saleem Al Fakir

Things I've seen...

Am back from London and at home in bed. Caught a cold, possibly on the flight back home. There was this woman who was seriously coughing her lungs out all the way from London to Stockholm - not very nice.

But I have seen some lovely things. Am already looking forward to going back with sis in May.

British museum - interesting saw among other things the mumies and the Rosetta Stone

Covent Garden - quite an odd place but I bought a nice dress there

Musical - Priscilla - Queen of the Desert, my favourite movie ever and we got some last minute tickets in one of the shops close to Picadilly Circus. It was LOVELY!

"Life is an adventure - Dress Accordingly"

A pub called "The Old Cock" - I laughed for an entire block :)

Harrod's - ah yes, everything one needs to live

Harvey Nicks - liked it but the Istanbul version was better

Manolo Blahnik store - Now, looking back I can agree on the fact that 995 pounds is a lot for a pair of shoes but I still mourn them. Mr S bought his first pair of Manolos - he is more and more becoming one of us...

Food in a pub - I ordered a hamburger and it tunred ou to be a good way of ruining both my mood and 200 grams of perfeclty good Angus beef. Too bad!

Fish and chips - at Harrod's Sea food bar lovely and with 2 glasses of Chablis and a side of Alexander McQueen bag

Docklands - cool bar but bad service. If I order an anti pasto it mean I want it before my main course. I don't want to hear from the waitress "Oh you actually wanted the anti pasto" while bringing my main course...

Street life - very nice. All sorts of people in all sorts of places. We lived in Kensingon which was nice but if I ever move to London I have decided to live at Old Church road, it's filled with the nicest red brick houses with small gardens.

London Eye - high, too many people. Nice view though

Dali exhibition - Love Dali, very good exhibition

Taxis - big confortable and cheap

Metro - Tried it one day, possibly the worst day since 3 of the lines where closed for upgrading so there was a bit of going back and forth. Most of the time we walked actaully. Never tried the buses but they look cool.

Restaurants - so many restaurants so little time. I prebooked The Boundary a very cool place in up and coming district of Shoreditch. Not too expensive, very high service level and good food.

Bars - Met up with girlfriend I from work and her London buddies and tried some bars in Soho. Cool night life!

Chinese food in China town - so good

Indian food - really nice

I like London so now when I have seen most of the tourist stuff I can spend my next visit just strolling around and getting a feel of the town.

Tke care

Love E

Song of the day: When It was Good - Flipsyde

Summertime

and the living is easy. Last night watches changed +1 hour.

I wish my job was easy too. I really really reall don't like it anymore. If I were to leave I know I would be ok. Fortunately I have a husband who makes a lot of money but I'd have to say good bye to my friends Manolo, Salvatore and Marc and I am not ready to do that just yet. So I'll hang in there and keep trying.

My bitching about my job seems quite petty when I read about wonderful Lotta who is fighting for her life. I wish her all the best and a long and happy life with husband and child.

My husband is next to me on the couch watching his favourite Jason Bourne film.

Theis weekend we haven't really done anything. I have been working a bit and we have been fixing the apartment. Next week end the hallway will get new wall paper and one corner in the living room will become blue. Should be cool.

For easter we are off to London! It is my first visit ever! So I am really looking forward to it. Then sis and I are going to London again in the end of May and we might go to Vienna for my birthday.

It's like I use to say: The world is a playground - let's play!

Now I must do my nails :)

Take care

Love/E

Song of the day: Summertime - Billie Holiday

Spring is in the Air

and it's lovely. So today I am going to leave work early...hopefully and then take my convertible out for a spin :) I wish...
Actually I am going to spend Friday night with manual labour: old wall paper has to go. Wonder if it's ok to drink champagne while working. It's not like I am going to be operating heavy machinery or anything.

Celebrated sis' birthday on Tuesday with dinner at SMAK at Restaurangen. It was nice, good food but service was a bit slow. Their concept is that you order small portions, 1, 3, 5 or 7 with a small glass of wine or beer to match the food. Well worth a visit and not to expensive.
Bought her some stuff for her new bathroom: soap dispenser from VIPP and towels from Gant (nb the name dropping ;)). She liked it but wants different colours so Saturday we are going back to the Mothership to change.

Sunday I am going to bring sis and Mr S to see first an art exhibition at the National gallery and then Watchmen - the movie. There is something for everyone :)

Now, I'm off

Take care
Love/E

Song of the day: Fast Cars - Craig David

Re-inventions

Britney is back and she means business. Just got to love her new song "If U seek Amy" and this. My god, people die in the world and this is your major concern...

And this is a cover of a 70 rock song! I learn something new everyday.

I have my mind set on spending easter in London. Found a lovely hotel The Landmark that I want to stay at and quite cheap tickets flying with British Airways. I have, ashamed to admit it, never been to London. Or well once I had a quick stop at Victoria Station on my way to Scarborough.

And I also spent 5 hours waiting at Stanstead airport with my ex. I was strolling around the shops and he was on the phone the entire time. So, if I get my way we will go to London soon. Actually the more I think about it the better it seems. We will avoid the euro as the exchange rates are crazy right now, 1 euro is almost 12 sek, they have just abolished VAT in the UK and the re is a Manolo Blahnik store there. (Which reminds me: I am going to watch some old episodes of SATC later).

"Why Sir, you find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford"

Samuel Johnson 1777

Take care

Love E

Song of the day: If U Seek Amy - Britney Spears